Men of learning
But this ignorance never glares so strongly as in those who are called men of learning. If a natural man is one of these, he can talk at large of his rational faculties, of the freedom of his will, and of the absolute necessity of such freedom in order to constitute man a moral agent. He reads, and argues, and proves to a demonstration, that every man may do as he will, and may dispose his own heart to evil or good, as it seems best in his own eyes. Thus the God of this world spreads a double veil of blindness over his heart, lest by any means the light of the glorious gospel of Christ should shine upon it.
1771 text
4. But this ignorance never so strongly glares, as in those who are term’d, men of learning. If a natural man be one of these, he can talk at large of his rational faculties: of the freedom of his will, and the absolute necessity of such freedom, in order to constitute man a moral agent. He reads and argues, and proves to a demonstration, that every man may do as he will; may dispose his own heart to evil or good, as it seems best in his own eyes. Thus the God of this world spreads a double veil of blindness over his heart, lest by any means the light of the glorious gospel of Christ should shine upon it.
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 9 in the 1771 Works. Romans 8:15.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.