You know all things
If it is objected to what has been observed under this and the preceding head, that St. John, speaking to his brethren in the faith, says: You have an anointing from the Holy One, and know all things (1 John 2:20), the answer is plain: You know all things that are needful for your soul's health. That the apostle never designed to extend this further, that he could not speak it in an absolute sense, is clear first from this, that otherwise he would describe the disciple as above his master, seeing Christ himself, as man, knew not all things. Of that hour, says he, knows no man, no, not the Son, but the Father only (Mark 13:32). It is clear, secondly, from the apostle's own words that follow: These things I have written to you concerning those who deceive you (1 John 2:26); as well as from his frequently repeated caution, Let no man deceive you (1 John 3:7), which had been altogether needless had not those very persons who had that anointing from the Holy One been liable not to ignorance only but to mistake also.
1771 text
6. If it be objected to what has been observed under this and the preceding head, that St. John speaking to his brethren in the faith, says, Ye have an unction from the holy one, and know all things, 1 John ii. 20. The answer is plain, “Ye know all things that are needful for your soul’s health.” That the apostle never designed to extend this farther, that he could not speak it in an absolute sense, is clear first from hence, that otherwise he would describe the disciple as above his master; seeing Christ himself, as man, knew not all things.――Of that hour, saith he, knoweth no man, no not the Son, but the Father only. It is clear, secondly, from the apostle’s own words that follow, These things have I written unto you concerning them that deceive you: as well as from his frequently repeated caution, Let no man deceive you; which had been altogether needless, had not those very persons, who had that unction from the Holy One been liable not to ignorance only; but to mistake also.
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 40 in the 1771 Works. Philippians 3:12.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.