Mystics, Quakers, and the rest
With these we may rank those, even in the Reformed churches, who are usually termed mystics. One of the chief of these in the present century, at least in England, was Mr. Law. It is well known that he absolutely and zealously denied the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, as zealously as Robert Barclay, who does not scruple to say, "Imputed righteousness, imputed nonsense." The body of the people known by the name of Quakers espouse the same sentiment. Indeed, the generality of those who profess themselves members of the Church of England are either totally ignorant of the matter, and know nothing about imputed righteousness, or deny this and justification by faith together, as destructive of good works. To these we may add a considerable number of the people commonly styled Anabaptists, together with thousands of Presbyterians and Independents lately enlightened by the writings of Dr. Taylor. On the last I am not called to pass any sentence. I leave them to him who made them. But will anyone dare to affirm that all mystics, such as Mr. Law was in particular, all Quakers, all Presbyterians or Independents, and all members of the Church of England who are not clear in their opinions or expressions, are void of all Christian experience. That consequently they are all in a state of damnation, without hope, without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12). However confused their ideas may be, however improper their language, may there not be many of them whose heart is right toward God, and who effectually know the Lord our righteousness.
1771 text
16. With these we may rank those, even in the reformed churches, who are usually termed Mystics. One of the chief of these in the present century (at least in England) was Mr. Law. It is well known that he absolutely and zealously denied, the imputation of the righteousness of Christ: as zealously as Robert Barclay, who scruples not to say, “Imputed righteousness, imputed nonsense!” The body of the people known by the name of Quakers, espouse the same sentiment. Nay, the generality of those who profess themselves members of the church of England, are either totally ignorant of the matter, and know nothing about imputed righteousness, or deny this and justification by faith together, as destructive of good works. To these we may add a considerable number of the people vulgarly stiled Anabaptists, together with thousands of Presbyterians and Independents, lately enlightened by the writings of Dr. Taylor. On the last I am not called to pass any sentence: I leave them to him that made them. But will any one dare to affirm, That all Mystics (such as was Mr. Law in particular) all Quakers, all Presbyterians or Independents, and all members of the church of England, who are not clear in their opinions or expressions, are void of all Christian experience? That consequently they are all in a state of damnation, without hope, without God in the world? However confused their ideas may be, however improper their language, may there not be many of them whose heart is right toward God, and who effectually know the Lord our righteousness?
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 20 in the 1771 Works. Jeremiah 23:6.
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