Sin appears to be sin
Therefore it is, that the apostle rejects with such abhorrence, that blasphemous supposition, that the law of God is either sin itself, or the cause of sin. God forbid, that we should suppose, it is the cause of sin, because it is the discoverer of it: because it detects the hidden things of darkness, and drags them out into open day. It is true, by this means, (as the apostle observes, Romans 7:13), sin appears to be sin. All its disguises are torn away, and it appears in its native deformity. It is true likewise, that sin by the commandment becomes exceeding sinful. Being now committed against light and knowledge, being stripped even of the poor plea of ignorance, it loses its excuse as well as disguise, and becomes far more odious both to God and man. Yes, and it is true, that sin works death by that which is good, which in itself is pure and holy. When it is dragged out to light, it rages the more: when it is restrained, it bursts out with greater violence. Thus the apostle, (speaking in the person of one, who was convinced of sin, but not yet delivered from it) sin taking occasion by the commandment, detecting and endeavoring to restrain it, disdained the restraint, and so much the more wrought in me all manner of concupiscence, (Romans 7:8). All manner of foolish and hurtful desire, which that commandment sought to restrain. Thus when the commandment came, sin revived, (Romans 7:9). It fretted and raged the more. But this is no stain on the commandment. Though it is abused it cannot be defiled. This only proves, that the heart of man is desperately wicked. But the law of God is holy still.
1771 text
Therefore it is, that the apostle rejects with such abhorrence, that blasphemous supposition, that the law of God is either sin itself, or the cause of sin. God forbid, that we should suppose, it is the cause of sin, because it is the discoverer of it: because it detects the hidden things of darkness, and drags them out into open day. ’Tis true, by this means, (as the apostle observes, ver. 13.) sin appears to be sin. All its disguises are torn away, and it appears in its native deformity. ’Tis true likewise, that sin by the commandment becomes exceeding sinful. Being now committed against light and knowledge, being stript even of the poor plea of ignorance, it loses its excuse as well as disguise, and becomes far more odious both to God and man. Yea, and it is true, that sin worketh death by that which is good, which in itself is pure and holy. When it is dragged out to light, it rages the more: when it is restrained, it bursts out with greater violence. Thus the apostle, (speaking in the person of one, who was convinced of sin, but not yet delivered from it) sin taking occasion by the commandment, detecting and endeavouring to restrain it, disdained the restraint, and so much the more wrought in me all manner of concupiscence, ver. 8. All manner of foolish and hurtful desire, which that commandment sought to restrain. Thus when the commandment came, sin revived, ver. 9. It fretted and raged the more. But this is no stain on the commandment. Though it is abused it cannot be defiled. This only proves, that the heart of man is desperately wicked. But the law of God is holy still.
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 34 in the 1771 Works. Romans 7:12.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.