We cannot drive them out
This is so plain a truth that nearly all the children of God scattered abroad, however they differ on other points, generally agree in this. By the Spirit we may put to death the deeds of the body. We may resist and conquer both outward and inward sin. We may weaken our enemies day by day. Yet we cannot drive them out. By all the grace which is given at justification, we cannot root them out. Though we watch and pray ever so much, we cannot wholly cleanse either our hearts or our hands.
We most surely cannot, until it pleases our Lord to speak to our hearts again, to speak the second time, Be clean. Then only is the leprosy cleansed. Then only is the evil root, the carnal mind, destroyed, and inbred sin exists no more. But if there is no such second change, if there is no instantaneous deliverance after justification, if there is nothing but a gradual work of God, and nobody denies that there is a gradual work, then we must be content, as well as we can, to remain full of sin until death. And if so, we must remain guilty until death, continually deserving punishment. For it is impossible that the guilt, or the desert of punishment, should be taken away from us as long as all this sin remains in our heart and cleaves to our words and actions. In strict justice, all we think, and speak, and do, continually increases it.
1771 text
20. Indeed this is so evident a truth, that well nigh all the children of God scattered abroad, however they differ in other points, yet generally agree in this, that although we may by the Spirit mortify the deeds of the body, resist and conquer both outward and inward sin, although we may weaken our enemies day by day, yet we cannot drive them out. By all the grace which is given at justification, we cannot extirpate them. Though we watch and pray ever so much, we cannot wholly cleanse either our hearts or hands. Most sure we cannot, till it shall please our Lord, to speak to our hearts again, to “Speak the second time be clean.” And then only the leprosy is cleansed. Then only the evil root, the carnal mind is destroyed, and inbred sin subsists no more. But if there be no such second change, if there be no instantaneous deliverance after justification, if there be none but a gradual work of God, (that there is a gradual work none denies) then we must be content, as well as we can, to remain full of sin till death. And if so, we must remain guilty till death, continually deserving punishment. For it is impossible, the guilt or desert of punishment should be removed from us, as long as all this sin remains in our heart, and cleaves to our words and actions. Nay, in rigorous justice, all we think, and speak, and act, continually increases 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 14 in the 1771 Works. Mark 1:15. Dated at Londonderry, 24 April 1767.
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