Other foundation can no man lay
Our gospel, as it knows no other foundation of good works than faith, or of faith than Christ, so it clearly informs us that we are not his disciples while we either deny him to be the author, or his Spirit to be the inspirer and perfecter, both of our faith and works. If any man does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his (Romans 8:9). He alone can quicken those who are dead to God, can breathe into them the breath of Christian life, and so go before them, accompany them, and follow them with his grace, as to bring their good desires to good effect. And as many as are thus led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God (Romans 8:14). This is God's short and plain account of true religion and virtue, and other foundation can no man lay (1 Corinthians 3:11).
1771 text
4. Our gospel, as it knows no other foundation of good works than faith, or of faith than Christ, so it clearly informs us, we are not his disciples, while we either deny him to be the author, or his Spirit to be the inspirer and perfecter both of our faith and works. If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. He alone can quicken those who are dead unto God, can breathe into them the breath of Christian life, and so prevent, accompany, and follow them with his grace, as to bring their good desires to good effect. And as many as are thus led, by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. This is God’s short and plain account of true religion and virtue; and other foundation can no man lay.
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 17 in the 1771 Works. Romans 2:29. Saint Mary's, Oxford, 1 January 1733.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.