They apply to our fears
O how can unlearned and ignorant men maintain their cause against such opponents! And yet these are not all with whom they must contend, however unequal to the task. For there are many mighty and noble and powerful men, as well as wise, in the road that leads to destruction. And these have a shorter way of confuting than that of reason and argument. They usually apply, not to the understanding, but to the fears of any who oppose them. A method that seldom fails of success, even where argument profits nothing: as lying level to the capacities of all men. For all can fear, whether they can reason or not. And all who have not a firm trust in God, a sure reliance both on his power and love, cannot but fear to give any offense to those who have the power of the world in their hands. What wonder therefore if the example of these is a law to all who do not know God?
1771 text
7. O how can unlearned and ignorant men, maintain their cause against such opponents! And yet these are not all with whom they must contend, however unequal to the task. For there are many mighty, and noble, and powerful men, as well as wise, in the road that leadeth to destruction. And these have a shorter way of confuting, than that of reason and argument. They usually apply, not to the understanding, but to the fears of any that oppose them. A method that seldom fails of success, even where argument profits nothing: as lying level to the capacities of all men: for all can fear, whether they can reason or no. And all who have not a firm trust in God, a sure reliance both on his power and love, cannot but fear to give any disgust to those, who have the power of the world in their hands. What wonder therefore if the example of these is a law, to all who know not God?
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 31 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 7:13-14.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.