Preventing grace
If we take this in its utmost extent, it will include all that is wrought in the soul by what is frequently termed natural conscience, but more properly, preventing grace: all the drawings of the Father (John 6:44), the desires after God, which, if we yield to them, increase more and more; all that light with which the Son of God enlightens everyone who comes into the world (John 1:9), showing every man to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with his God (Micah 6:8); all the convictions which his Spirit, from time to time, works in every child of man (John 16:8). Although, it is true, most men stifle them as soon as possible, and after a while forget, or at least deny, that they ever had them at all.
1771 text
2. If we take this in its utmost extent, it will include all that is wrought in the soul, by what is frequently termed, natural conscience, but more properly, preventing grace: all the drawings of the Father: the desires after God, which, if we yield to them, increase more and more: all that light, wherewith the Son of God inlighteneth every one that cometh into the world, shewing every man, to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with his God: all the convictions which his Spirit, from time to time, works in every child of man. Although, it is true, the generality of men stifle them as soon as possible; and after awhile forget, or at least deny, that ever they had them at all.
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 43 in the 1771 Works. Ephesians 2:8.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.