Free only to evil
Now he truly desires to break loose from sin, and begins to struggle with it. But though he strives with all his might, he cannot conquer. Sin is mightier than he. He would gladly escape, but he is so fast in prison that he cannot get forth. He resolves against sin, but yet sins on. He sees the snare, and abhors it, and runs into it. So much does his boasted reason avail. Only to enhance his guilt, and increase his misery. Such is the freedom of his will. Free only to evil. Free to drink in iniquity like water, to wander farther and farther from the living God, and to do more despite to the Spirit of grace.
1771 text
8. Now he truly desires to break loose from sin, and begins to struggle with it. But tho’ he strive with all his might, he cannot conquer; sin is mightier than he. He would fain escape; but he is so fast in prison, that he cannot get forth. He resolves against sin, but yet sins on: he sees the snare, and abhors, and runs into it. So much does his boasted reason avail! Only to inhance his guilt, and increase his misery. Such is the freedom of his will! Free only to evil; free to drink in iniquity like water; to wander farther and farther from the living God, and do more despight to the Spirit of grace!
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 9 in the 1771 Works. Romans 8:15.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.