Confirmed by experience
And this account of the present state of man is confirmed by daily experience. It is true the natural man discerns it not (1 Corinthians 2:14), and this is not to be wondered at. So long as a man born blind continues so, he is scarcely sensible of his lack. Much less, could we suppose a place where all were born without sight, would they be sensible of the lack of it. In like manner, so long as men remain in their natural blindness of understanding, they are not sensible of their spiritual wants, and of this in particular. But as soon as God opens the eyes of their understanding (Ephesians 1:18), they see the state they were in before. They are then deeply convinced that every man living, themselves especially, are by nature altogether vanity (Psalm 39:5), that is, folly and ignorance, sin and wickedness.
1771 text
2. And this account of the present state of man, is confirmed by daily experience. It is true, the natural man discerns it not: and this is not to be wondered at. So long as a man born blind, continues so, he is scarce sensible of his want. Much less, could we suppose a place where all were born without sight, would they be sensible of the want of it. In like manner, so long as men remain, in their natural blindness of understanding, they are not sensible of their spiritual wants, and of this in particular. But as soon as God opens the eyes of their understanding, they see the state they were in before; they are then deeply convinced, that every man living, themselves especially, are by nature altogether vanity, that is, folly and ignorance, sin and wickedness.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 44 in the 1771 Works. Genesis 6:5.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.