If the soul does not answer
And hence we may, third, infer the absolute necessity of this reaction of the soul, whatever it is called, in order to the continuance of the divine life in it. For it plainly appears that God does not continue to act upon the soul unless the soul reacts upon God. He goes before us, indeed, with the blessings of his goodness (Psalm 21:3). He first loves us, and manifests himself to us. While we are yet far off (Luke 15:20), he calls us to himself and shines upon our hearts. But if we do not then love him who first loved us (1 John 4:19), if we will not listen to his voice, if we turn our eye away from him and will not attend to the light which he pours upon us, his Spirit will not always strive (Genesis 6:3). He will gradually withdraw, and leave us to the darkness of our own hearts. He will not continue to breathe into our soul unless our soul breathes toward him again, unless our love, and prayer, and thanksgiving return to him, a sacrifice with which he is well pleased.
1771 text
3. And hence we may, thirdly, infer, the absolute necessity of this re-action of the soul (whatsoever it be called) in order to the continuance of the divine life therein. For it plainly appears, God does not continue to act upon the soul, unless the soul re-acts upon God. He prevents us indeed with the blessings of his goodness. He first loves us, and manifests himself unto us. While we are yet afar, he calls us to himself, and shines upon our hearts. But if we do not then love him who first loved us, if we will not hearken to his voice; if we turn our eye away from him, and will not attend to the light which he pours upon us: his Spirit will not always strive; he will gradually withdraw, and leave us to the darkness of our own hearts. He will not continue to breathe into our soul, unless our soul breathes toward him again; unless our love, and prayer, and thanksgiving return to him, a sacrifice wherewith he is well pleased.
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 19 in the 1771 Works. First John 3:9.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.