The rule of right and wrong
But what is the rule by which people are to judge of right and wrong? By what is their conscience to be directed? The rule of the heathens, as the apostle teaches elsewhere, is the law written in their hearts (Romans 2:15). These, he says, not having the outward law, are a law to themselves. They show the work of the law, that which the outward law prescribes, written in their heart by the finger of God. Their conscience also bears witness whether they walk by this rule or not, and their thoughts meanwhile accuse them, or else excuse them, acquit them, and defend them. Romans 2:14-15.
But the Christian rule of right and wrong is the word of God, the writings of the Old and New Testament. It is all that the prophets and holy men of old wrote as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, and all that scripture which was given by inspiration of God. And it is indeed profitable for doctrine, or teaching the whole will of God; for reproof of what is contrary to it; for correction of error; and for instruction, or training us up, in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16.
This is a lantern to a Christian's feet, and a light in all his paths. This alone he receives as his rule of right or wrong, of whatever is really good or evil. He counts nothing good but what is commanded here, either directly or by plain consequence. He counts nothing evil but what is forbidden here, either in express terms or by an undeniable inference. Whatever the scripture neither forbids nor commands, either directly or by plain consequence, he believes to be of an indifferent nature, in itself neither good nor evil. This is the whole and sole outward rule by which his conscience is to be directed in all things.
1771 text
6. But what is the rule whereby men are to judge of right and wrong? Whereby their conscience is to be directed? The rule of Heathens, (as the apostle teaches elsewhere) is the law written in their hearts. These, saith he, not having the (outward) law, are a law unto themselves: who shew the work of the law (that which the outward law prescribes) written in their heart, by the finger of God; their conscience also bearing witness, whether they walk by this rule, or not; and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing, or even excusing, acquitting, defending them, (ἤ καὶ ἀπολογουμένων) Rom. ii. 14, 15. But the Christian rule of right and wrong is the word of God, the writings of the Old and New Testament: all that the prophets and holy men of old wrote, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost: all that scripture which was given by inspiration of God, and which is indeed profitable for doctrine, or teaching the whole will of God; for reproof of what is contrary thereto; for correction of error, and for instruction (or training us up) in righteousness, 2 Tim. iii. 16.
This is a lantern unto a Christian’s feet, and a light in all his paths. This alone he receives as his rule of right or wrong, of whatever is really good or evil. He esteems nothing good, but what is here enjoined, either directly or by plain consequence. He accounts nothing evil but what is here forbidden, either in terms, or by undeniable inference. Whatever the scripture neither forbids nor enjoins, (either directly, or by plain consequence) he believes to be of an indifferent nature, to be in itself neither good nor evil: this being the whole and sole outward rule, whereby his conscience is to be directed in all things.
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 12 in the 1771 Works. Second Corinthians 1:12.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.