Thoughts that leave God out
What kind of wandering thoughts are sinful, and what not, is the third thing to be inquired into. And first, all those thoughts which wander from God, which leave him no room in our minds, are undoubtedly sinful. For all these imply practical atheism, and by these we are without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12). And so much more are all those which are contrary to God, which imply opposition or enmity to him. Such are all murmuring, discontented thoughts, which say in effect: We will not have you to rule over us (Luke 19:14); all unbelieving thoughts, whether with regard to his being, his attributes, or his providence. I mean his particular providence over all things as well as all persons in the universe: that without which not a sparrow falls to the ground (Matthew 10:29), by which the hairs of our head are all numbered (Matthew 10:30). For as to a general providence (vulgarly so called), contradistinguished from a particular, it is only a decent, well-sounding word, which means just nothing.
1771 text
III. 1. What kind of wandering thoughts are sinful, and what not, is the third thing to be inquired into. And first, all those thoughts which wander from God, which leave him no room in our minds, are undoubtedly sinful. For all these imply practical atheism, and by these we are without God in the world. And so much more are all those which are contrary to God, which imply opposition or enmity to him. Such are all murmuring, discontented thoughts, which say in effect, We will not have thee to rule over us: all unbelieving thoughts, whether with regard to his being, his attributes, or his providence. I mean his particular providence over all things as well as all persons in the universe: that without which not a sparrow falls to the ground, by which the hairs of our head are all numbered. For as to a general providence (vulgarly so called) contradistinguished from a particular, it is only a decent, well-sounding word, which means just nothing.
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.