He knows his men
Yet, if we may credit historians, there are countries even now where he works as openly as before. But why in savage and barbarous countries only? Why not in Italy, France, or England? For a very plain reason: he knows his men, and he knows what he has to do with each. To Laplanders he appears barefaced, because he is to fix them in superstition and gross idolatry. But with you he is pursuing a different point. He is to make you idolize yourselves, to make you wiser in your own eyes than God himself, than all the oracles of God. Now in order to this, he must not appear in his own shape; that would frustrate his design. No: he uses all his art to make you deny his being, till he has you safe in his own place.
1771 text
4. Yet, if we may credit Historians, there are countries even now, where he works as openly as aforetime. “But why in savage and barbarous countries only? Why not in Italy, France or England?” For a very plain reason: he knows his men. And he knows what he hath to do with each. To Laplanders, he appears barefaced: because he is to fix them in superstition and gross idolatry. But with you he is pursuing a different point. He is to make you idolize yourselves: to make you wiser in your own eyes than God himself, than all the oracles of God. Now in order to this, he must not appear in his own shape: that would frustrate his design. No: he uses all his art, to make you deny his being, till he has you safe in his own place.
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.