A dawning, still far off
In the same manner, the evangelical state, or state of love, is frequently mixed with the legal. For few of those who have the spirit of bondage and fear remain always without hope. The wise and gracious God rarely suffers this, for he remembers that we are but dust. And he does not will that the flesh should fail before him, or the spirit which he has made. Therefore, at such times as he sees good, he gives a dawning of light to them who sit in darkness. He causes a part of his goodness to pass before them, and shows he is a God who hears prayer. They see the promise which is by faith in Christ Jesus, though it is yet far off, and hereby they are encouraged to run with patience the race which is set before them.
1771 text
In like manner, the evangelical state, or state of love, is frequently mixt with the legal. For few of those who have the spirit of bondage and fear, remain always without hope. The wise and gracious God rarely suffers this; for he remembreth that we are but dust. And he willeth not that the flesh should fail before him, or the spirit which he hath made. Therefore, at such times as he seeth good, he gives a dawning of light unto them that sit in darkness. He causes a part of his goodness to pass before them, and shews he is a God that heareth the prayer. They see the promise which is by faith in Christ Jesus, tho’ it be yet afar off: and hereby they are encouraged to run with patience the race which is set before them.
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.