Souls only, and covertly
It is therefore an unquestionable truth that the god and prince of this world still possesses all who do not know God. Only the manner in which he possesses them now differs from that in which he did it in old time. Then he frequently tormented their bodies as well as souls, and that openly, without any disguise. Now he torments their souls only (unless in some rare cases), and that as covertly as possible. The reason of this difference is plain. It was then his aim to drive mankind into superstition; therefore he worked as openly as he could. But it is his aim to drive us into unbelief; therefore he works as privately as he can, for the more secret he is, the more he prevails.
1771 text
3. It is therefore an unquestionable truth, that the God and prince of this world, still possesses all who know not God. Only the manner wherein he possesses them now, differs from that wherein he did it of old time. Then he frequently tormented their bodies, as well as souls, and that openly, without any disguise. Now he torments their souls only, (unless in some rare cases) and that as covertly as possible. The reason of this difference is plain. It was then his aim to drive mankind into superstition. Therefore he wrought as openly as he could. But ’tis his aim to drive us into infidelity. Therefore he works as privately as he can: for the more secret he is, the more he prevails.
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 38 in the 1771 Works. Mark 9:38-39.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.