When the will hardly consents
On the other hand, there may be sudden assaults, either from the world, or the God of this world, and frequently from our own evil hearts, which we did not, and hardly could, foresee. And by these even a believer, while weak in faith, may possibly be borne down, suppose into a degree of anger, or thinking evil of another, with scarce any concurrence of his will.
Now in such a case, the jealous God would undoubtedly show him that he had done foolishly. He would be convinced of having swerved from the perfect law, from the mind which was in Christ, and consequently grieved with a godly sorrow, and lovingly ashamed before God. Yet he need not come into condemnation.
God does not lay folly to his charge, but has compassion upon him, even as a Father pities his own children. And his heart does not condemn him. In the midst of that sorrow and shame he can still say, I will trust and not be afraid. For the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song. He also has become my salvation.
1771 text
14. On the other hand, there may be sudden assaults, either from the world, or the God of this world, and frequently from our own evil hearts, which we did not, and hardly could foresee. And by these even a believer, while weak in faith, may possibly be borne down, suppose into a degree of anger, or thinking evil of another, with scarce any concurrence of his will. Now in such a case, the jealous God would undoubtedly shew him that he had done foolishly. He would be convinced of having swerved from the perfect law, from the mind which was in Christ, and consequently grieved with a godly sorrow, and lovingly ashamed before God. Yet need he not come into condemnation. God layeth not folly to his charge, but hath compassion upon him, even as a Father pitieth his own children. And his heart condemneth him not; in the midst of that sorrow and shame, he can still say, I will trust and not be afraid. For the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he is also become my salvation.
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.