Natural, legal, and under grace
One who is in the first state of mind, without fear or love, is in Scripture called a natural man. One who is under the spirit of bondage and fear is sometimes said to be under the law, although that expression more frequently means one who is under the Jewish dispensation, or who thinks himself obliged to observe all the rites and ceremonies of the Jewish law. But one who has exchanged the spirit of fear for the Spirit of love is properly said to be under grace.
Now because it matters greatly to us to know what spirit we are of, I shall endeavor to point out distinctly, first, the state of a natural man, secondly, the state of one who is under the law, and thirdly, the state of one who is under grace.
1771 text
5. One who is in the first state of mind, without fear or love, is in scripture term’d a natural man. One who is under the spirit of bondage and fear is sometimes said to be under the law: (altho’ that expression more frequently signifies one, who is under the Jewish dispensation, or who thinks himself obliged to observe all the rites and ceremonies of the Jewish law.) But one who has exchanged the spirit of fear for the Spirit of love, is properly said, to be under grace.
Now because it highly imports us, to know what spirit we are of, I shall endeavour to point out distinctly, first, The state of a natural man, secondly, That of one who is under the law, and thirdly, of one who is under 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.
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