When the fruit is not yet seen
But, says one, I lay it down as an undoubted truth, the fruit of the Spirit is the witness of the Spirit. Not undoubted. Thousands doubt it. Yes, they flatly deny it. But let that pass.
If this witness is sufficient, there is no need of any other. But it is sufficient, except in one of these cases. The first case is the total absence of the fruit of the Spirit. And this is the case when the direct witness is first given. The second case is the not perceiving it. But to contend for it in this case, it is said, is to contend for being in the favor of God, and not knowing it.
True: not knowing it at that time in any other way than by the testimony which is given for that end. And this we do contend for. We contend that the direct witness may shine clear, even while the indirect one is under a cloud.
1771 text
3. “But I lay it down as an undoubted truth, the fruit of the Spirit is the witness of the Spirit.” Not undoubted; thousands doubt of, yea flatly deny it: but to let that pass. “If this witness be sufficient, there is no need of any other. But it is sufficient, unless in one of these cases, 1. The total absence of the fruit of the Spirit.” And this is the case, when the direct witness is first given: 2. “The not perceiving it. But to contend for it in this case, is to contend for being in the favour of God, and not knowing it.” True, not knowing it at that time any otherwise, than by the testimony which is given for that end. And this we do contend for: we contend, that the direct witness may shine clear, even while the indirect one is under a cloud.
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 11 in the 1771 Works. Romans 8:16. The second 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.