Madmen and French prophets
But, it is said, madmen, French prophets, and enthusiasts of every kind have imagined they experienced this witness. They have so. And perhaps not a few of them did, although they did not retain it long. But if they did not, this is no proof at all that others have not experienced it. A madman's imagining himself a king does not prove that there are no real kings.
No, many who pleaded strongly for this have utterly decried the Bible. Perhaps so. But this was no necessary consequence. Thousands plead for it who have the highest esteem for the Bible.
Yes, but many have fatally deceived themselves by this, and got above all conviction.
And yet a scriptural doctrine is no worse, though men abuse it to their own destruction.
1771 text
2. “But madmen, French prophets and enthusiasts of every kind have imagined they experienced this witness.” They have so. And perhaps not a few of them did, although they did not retain it long. But if they did not, this is no proof at all, that others have not experienced it: as a madman’s imagining himself a king, does not prove, that there are no real kings.
“Nay many who pleaded strongly for this, have utterly decried the bible.” Perhaps so; but this was no necessary consequence: thousands plead for it, who have the highest esteem for the bible.
“Yea, but many have fatally deceived themselves hereby, and got above all conviction.”
And yet a scriptural doctrine is no worse, tho’ men abuse it to their own destruction.
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 11 in the 1771 Works. Romans 8:16. The second discourse on the witness of the Spirit.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.