The mind that was in Christ
It was to give them the mind which was in Christ. None can deny that this is essential to all Christians in all ages. It was to give them those holy fruits of the Spirit which whoever does not have is none of his. It was to fill them with love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, and goodness. It was to endue them with faith, perhaps that word might be rendered fidelity, and with meekness and temperance.
It was to enable them to crucify the flesh, with its affections and lusts, its passions and desires. In consequence of that inward change, it was to fulfill all outward righteousness. It was to walk as Christ also walked, in the work of faith, the patience of hope, and the labor of love.
Without busying ourselves, then, in curious and needless inquiries about those extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, let us take a nearer view of these ordinary fruits of his. We are assured that they will remain through all ages. This is that great work of God among the children of men which we usually express in one word, Christianity. Not Christianity as a set of opinions, a system of doctrines, but as it refers to men's hearts and lives. It may be useful to consider this Christianity under three distinct views.
1771 text
4. It was, to give them (what none can deny to be essential to all Christians in all ages) the mind which was in Christ, those holy fruits of the Spirit, which whosoever hath not, is none of his: to fill them with love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness: to endue them with faith, (perhaps it might be rendered, fidelity) with meekness and temperance: to enable them to crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts, its passions and desires; and, in consequence of that inward change, to fulfil all outward righteousness, to walk as Christ also walked, in the work of faith, the patience of hope, the labour of love.
5. Without busying ourselves then in curious, needless enquiries, touching those extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, let us take a nearer view of these his ordinary fruits; which we are assured will remain throughout all ages: of that great work of God among the children of men, which we are used to express by one word, Christianity: not as it implies a set of opinions, a system of doctrines, but as it refers to mens hearts and lives. And this Christianity it may be useful to consider under three distinct views.
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 4 in the 1771 Works. Saint Mary's, Oxford, 24 August 1744. Acts 4:31.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.