Christians, and are not
But the most common of all the enthusiasts of this kind are those who imagine themselves Christians and are not. These abound not only in all parts of our land but in most parts of the habitable earth. That they are not Christians is clear and undeniable, if we believe the oracles of God. For Christians are holy; these are unholy. Christians love God; these love the world. Christians are humble; these are proud. Christians are gentle; these are passionate. Christians have the mind which was in Christ (Philippians 2:5); these are at the utmost distance from it. Consequently they are no more Christians than they are archangels. Yet they imagine themselves so to be, and they can give several reasons for it. For they have been called so ever since they can remember; they were christened many years ago; they embrace the Christian opinions vulgarly termed the Christian or Catholic faith. They use the Christian modes of worship as their fathers did before them. They live what is called a good Christian life, as the rest of their neighbors do. And who shall presume to think or say that these men are not Christians? Though without one grain of true faith in Christ or of real inward holiness, without ever having tasted the love of God or been made partakers of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 6:4).
1771 text
16. *But the most common of all the Enthusiasts of this kind, are those who imagine themselves Christians, and are not. These abound not only in all parts of our land, but in most parts of the habitable earth. That they are not Christians is clear and undeniable, if we believe the oracles of God. For Christians are holy; these are unholy: Christians love God; these love the world. Christians are humble; these are proud: Christians are gentle; these are passionate. Christians have the mind which was in Christ; these are at the utmost distance from it. Consequently, they are no more Christians, than they are archangels. Yet they imagine themselves so to be; and they can give several reasons for it. For they have been called so ever since they can remember: they were christened many years ago: they embrace the Christian opinions, vulgarly termed, The Christian or Catholick faith. They use the Christian modes of worship, as their fathers did before them. They live what is called a good, Christian life, as the rest of their neighbours do. And who shall presume to think or say, that these men are not Christians? Tho’ without one grain of true faith in Christ, or of real, inward holiness! without ever having tasted the love of God, or been made partakers of the Holy Ghost.
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.