Sins of infirmity
They are not condemned, fifthly, for sins of infirmity, as they are usually called. Perhaps it would be advisable rather to call them infirmities, so that we may not seem to give any approval to sin, or to lessen it in any degree, by thus coupling it with infirmity. But if we must keep so ambiguous and dangerous an expression, by sins of infirmity I mean such involuntary failings as saying a thing we believe true, though in fact it proves false, or hurting our neighbor without knowing or intending it, perhaps when we meant to do him good.
Though these are deviations from the holy, and acceptable, and perfect will of God, yet they are not properly sins. Nor do they bring any guilt on the conscience of those who are in Christ Jesus. They do not separate between God and them, neither do they intercept the light of his countenance, as being in no way inconsistent with their general character of walking, not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
1771 text
9. They are not condemned, fifthly, for sins of infirmity, as they are usually called. (Perhaps it were adviseable rather to call them infirmities, that we may not seem to give any countenance to sin, or to extenuate it in any degree, by thus coupling it with infirmity. But if we must retain so ambiguous and dangerous an expression) by sins of infirmity I would mean, such involuntary failings, as the saying a thing we believe true, tho’ in fact it prove to be false; or the hurting our neighbour, without knowing or designing it; perhaps when we design’d to do him good. Tho’ these are deviations from the holy and acceptable and perfect will of God, yet they are not properly sins, nor do they bring any guilt on the conscience of them which are in Christ Jesus. They separate not between God and them, neither intercept the light of his countenance; as being no ways inconsistent with their general character, of walking not after the flesh but after the Spirit.
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 8 in the 1771 Works. Romans 8:1.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.