Vain men and the worst enthusiasts
How many vain men, not understanding what they said, nor what they affirmed, have twisted this scripture, to the great loss, if not the destruction, of their souls? How many have mistaken the voice of their own imagination for this witness of the Spirit of God, and from that have idly presumed they were the children of God, while they were doing the works of the devil? These are truly and properly enthusiasts, and indeed in the worst sense of the word.
But with what difficulty are they convinced of it, especially if they have drunk deep of that spirit of error. All endeavors to bring them to the knowledge of themselves they will then count as fighting against God. And that vehemence and rush of spirit, which they call contending earnestly for the faith, sets them so far above all the usual methods of conviction that we may well say, With men it is impossible.
1771 text
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.
1. HOW many vain men, not understanding what they spake, neither whereof they affirmed, have wrested this scripture, to the great loss, if not the destruction, of their souls? How many have mistaken the voice of their own imagination, for this witness of the Spirit of God? And thence idly presumed, they were the children of God, while they were doing the works of the devil? These are truly and properly Enthusiasts; and indeed in the worst sense of the word. But with what difficulty are they convinced thereof? Especially, if they have drank deep into that spirit of error. All endeavours to bring them to the knowledge of themselves, they will then account fighting against God. And that vehemence and impetuosity of spirit, which they call contending earnestly for the faith, sets them so far above all the usual methods of conviction, that we may well say, With men it is impossible.
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 10 in the 1771 Works. Romans 8:16. The first discourse on the witness of the Spirit.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.