Association of ideas
Further, how many wanderings of thought may arise from those various associations of our ideas, which are made entirely without our knowledge and independently of our choice? How these connections are formed we cannot tell, but they are formed in a thousand different manners. Nor is it in the power of the wisest or holiest of men to break those associations, or to prevent what is the necessary consequence of them and matter of daily observation. Let the fire but touch one end of the train, and it immediately runs on to the other.
1771 text
6. *Farther, How many wanderings of thought may arise, from those various associations of our ideas, which are made entirely without our knowledge, and independently on our choice? How these connexions are formed we cannot tell: but they are formed in a thousand different manners. Nor is it in the power of the wisest or holiest of men, to break those associations, or to prevent what is the necessary consequence of them, and matter of daily observation. Let the fire but touch one end of the train, and it immediately runs on to the other.
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 41 in the 1771 Works. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.