Fighting against God
But many times we are not only without God in the world, but also fighting against him: as there is in every man by nature a carnal mind which is enmity against God (Romans 8:7). No wonder therefore that men abound with unbelieving thoughts: either saying in their hearts there is no God (Psalm 14:1), or questioning, if not denying his power or wisdom, his mercy or justice or holiness. No wonder that they so often doubt of his providence, at least of its extending to all events; or that even though they allow it, they still entertain murmuring or repining thoughts. Nearly related to these, and frequently connected with them, are proud and vain imaginations. Again, sometimes they are taken up with angry, malicious, or revengeful thoughts; at other times with airy scenes of pleasure, whether of sense or imagination, whereby the earthly sensual mind (James 3:15) becomes more earthy and sensual still. Now by all these they make flat war with God; these are wandering thoughts of the highest kind.
1771 text
3. But many times we are not only without God in the world, but also fighting against him: as there is in every man by nature a carnal mind which is enmity against God: no wonder therefore that men abound with unbelieving thoughts: either saying in their hearts there is no God, or questioning, if not denying his power or wisdom, his mercy, or justice, or holiness. No wonder, that they so often doubt of his providence, at least, of its extending to all events: or that even tho’ they allow it, they still entertain murmuring or repining thoughts. Nearly related to these and frequently connected with them, are proud and vain imaginations. Again: sometimes they are taken up with angry, malicious or revengeful thoughts: at other times, with airy scenes of pleasure, whether of sense or imagination: whereby the earthy sensual mind, becomes more earthy and sensual still. Now by all these, they make flat war with God; these are wandering thoughts of the highest kind.
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.