Imagined grace
The first sort of enthusiasm which I shall mention is that of those who imagine they have the grace which they have not. Thus some imagine, when it is not so, that they have redemption through Christ, even the forgiveness of sin (Ephesians 1:7). These are usually such as have no root in themselves: no deep repentance or thorough conviction. Therefore they receive the word with joy. And because they have no deepness of earth, no deep work in their heart, therefore the seed immediately springs up (Matthew 13:20-21). There is immediately a superficial change, which together with that light joy — striking in with the pride of their unbroken heart and with their inordinate self-love — easily persuades them they have already tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come (Hebrews 6:5).
1771 text
The first sort of Enthusiasm which I shall mention, is that of those who imagine they have the grace which they have not. Thus some imagine when it is not so, that they have redemption thro’ Christ, even the forgiveness of sin. These are usually such as have no root in themselves; no deep repentance, or thorough conviction. Therefore they receive the word with joy. And because they have no deepness of earth, no deep work in their heart, therefore the seed immediately springs up. There is immediately a superficial change, which together with that light joy, striking in with the pride of their unbroken heart, and with their inordinate self-love, easily persuades them, they have already tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come.
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 37 in the 1771 Works. Acts 26:24.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.