The foolishness of folly
Is it not then the very foolishness of folly, for fallen man to seek life by this righteousness? For man, who was shapen in wickedness, and in sin did his mother conceive him? Man, who is by nature all earthly, sensual, devilish, altogether corrupt and abominable, in whom, until he finds grace, no good thing dwells? No, who cannot of himself think one good thought? Who is indeed all sin, a mere lump of ungodliness, and who commits sin in every breath he draws, whose actual transgressions, in word and deed, are more in number than the hairs of his head? What stupidity, what senselessness must it be, for such an unclean, guilty, helpless worm as this, to dream of seeking acceptance by his own righteousness, of living by the righteousness which is of the law?
1771 text
5. Is it not then the very foolishness of folly, for fallen man to seek life by this righteousness? For man, who was shapen in wickedness, and in sin did his mother conceive him: man, who is by nature all earthly, sensual, devilish, altogether corrupt and abominable: in whom till he find grace, dwelleth no good thing; nay, who cannot of himself think one good thought? Who is indeed all sin, a mere lump of ungodliness, and who commits sin in every breath he draws; whose actual transgressions, in word and deed, are more in number than the hairs of his head! What stupidity, what senselesness must it be for such an unclean, guilty, helpless worm as this, to dream of seeking acceptance by his own righteousness, of living by the righteousness which is of the law?
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 6 in the 1771 Works. Romans 10:5-8.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.