The world is very near
The reason he who is not yet born is wholly a stranger to the visible world is not that the world is far off. It is very near. It surrounds him on every side. But partly he has not those senses. They are not yet opened in his soul, and by them alone it is possible to have commerce with the material world. And partly so thick a veil is cast between that he can discern nothing through it.
1771 text
4. The reason why he that is not yet born, is wholly a stranger to the visible world, is, not because it is afar off. It is very nigh. It surrounds him on every side. But partly, because he has not those senses, they are not yet opened in his soul, whereby alone it is possible to hold commerce with the material world; and partly because so thick a veil is cast between, through which he can discern 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 19 in the 1771 Works. First John 3:9.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.