Marks plain enough to read
As to the latter, the testimony of our own spirit, its foundation is laid in those many texts of Scripture which describe the marks of the children of God, and that so plainly that the one who runs may read them. These are also collected together, and placed in the strongest light, by many writers both ancient and modern. If anyone needs further light, he may receive it by attending on the ministry of God's word, by meditating on it before God in secret, and by conversing with those who know his ways.
And he may receive it by the reason or understanding that God has given him. Religion was designed not to extinguish that reason, but to perfect it. So the apostle says, Brothers, do not be children in understanding. In malice, or wickedness, be children. But in understanding be men. 1 Corinthians 14:20.
Every man, applying those scriptural marks to himself, may know whether he is a child of God. Thus, if he knows, first, that as many as are led by the Spirit of God into all holy tempers and actions, they are the sons of God, for which he has the infallible assurance of holy writ, and, second, I am thus led by the Spirit of God, he will easily conclude, Therefore I am a son of God.
1771 text
2. With regard to the latter, the foundation thereof is laid in those numerous texts of scripture, which describe the marks of the children of God, and that so plain, that he which runneth may read them. These are also collected together, and placed in the strongest light, by many both antient and modern writers. If any need farther light, he may receive it by attending on the ministry of God’s word; by meditating thereon before God in secret, and by conversing with those who have the knowledge of his ways. And by the reason or understanding that God has given him (which religion was designed not to extinguish, but to perfect: according to that of the apostle, brethren, be not children in understanding; in malice (or wickedness) be ye children; but in understanding be ye men, 1 Cor. xiv. 20.) Every man applying those scriptural marks to himself, may know, whether he is a child of God. Thus if he know, first, as many as are led by the Spirit of God, into all holy tempers and actions, they are the sons of God, (for which he has the infallible assurance of holy writ;) secondly, I am thus led by the Spirit of God: he will easily conclude, therefore I am a son of God.
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.