Many still abuse the means
Yet once more. We allow, though it is a melancholy truth, that a large proportion of those who are called Christians do to this day abuse the means of grace, to the destruction of their souls. This is doubtless the case with all those who rest content in the form of godliness without the power.
Either they foolishly presume they are Christians already, because they do this and that, although Christ was never yet revealed in their hearts, nor the love of God shed abroad in them. Or else they suppose they shall certainly be so, merely because they use these means. They idly dream, though perhaps hardly conscious of it, either that there is some kind of power in the means, by which, sooner or later, they know not when, they shall certainly be made holy, or that there is a sort of merit in using them, which will surely move God to give them holiness, or to accept them without it.
1771 text
5. Yet once more. We allow (though it is a melancholy truth) that a large proportion of those who are called Christians, do to this day abuse the means of grace, to the destruction of their souls. This is doubtless the case with all those who rest content, in the form of godliness without the power. Either they fondly presume, they are Christians already, because they do thus and thus; although Christ was never yet revealed in their hearts, nor the love of God shed abroad therein: or else they suppose, they shall infallibly be so, barely because they use these means: idly dreaming (though perhaps hardly conscious thereof) either that there is some kind of power therein, whereby sooner or later (they know not when) they shall certainly be made holy: or that there is a sort of merit in using them, which will surely move God to give them holiness, or accept them without it.
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 16 in the 1771 Works. Malachi 3:7.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.