Understanding one another
It would be a considerable step toward this glorious end if we could bring good men to understand one another. A great many disputes arise purely from the want of this, from mere misapprehension. Frequently neither of the contending parties understands what his opponent means. From that it follows that each violently attacks the other, while there is no real difference between them. And yet it is not always an easy matter to convince them of this. Particularly when their passions are moved, it is then attended with the utmost difficulty. However, it is not impossible, especially when we attempt it, not trusting in ourselves, but having all our dependence upon him with whom all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). How soon he is able to disperse the cloud, to shine upon their hearts, and to enable them both to understand each other, and the truth as it is in Jesus (Ephesians 4:21).
1771 text
3. It would be a considerable step toward this glorious end, if we could bring good men to understand one another. Abundance of disputes arise purely from the want of this, from mere misapprehension. Frequently neither of the contending parties understands what his opponent means; whence it follows, that each violently attack the other, while there is no real difference between them. And yet it is not always an easy matter, to convince them of this. Particularly when their passions are moved: it is then attended with the utmost difficulty. However it is not impossible: especially when we attempt it, not trusting in ourselves, but having all our dependence upon him, with whom all things are possible. How soon is he able to disperse the cloud, to shine upon their hearts, and to enable them, both to understand each other, and the truth as it is in Jesus!
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 20 in the 1771 Works. Jeremiah 23:6.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.