In our own hearts
And this naturally brings us to observe, third, the most important way of establishing the law: namely, establishing it in our own hearts and lives. Indeed without this, what would all the rest avail? We might establish it by our doctrine; we might preach it in its whole extent, and explain and enforce every part of it. We might open it in its most spiritual meaning and declare the mysteries of the kingdom; we might preach Christ in all his offices, and faith in Christ as opening all the treasures of his love. And yet all this time, if the law we preached were not established in our hearts, we would be of no more account before God than sounding brass or tinkling cymbals (1 Corinthians 13:1). All our preaching, so far from profiting ourselves, would only increase our damnation.
1771 text
III. 1. And this naturally brings us to observe, thirdly, The most important way of establishing the law: namely, The establishing it in our own hearts and lives. Indeed without this, what would all the rest avail? We might establish it by our doctrine; we might preach it in its whole extent, might explain and inforce every part of it. We might open it in its most spiritual meaning, and declare the mysteries of the kingdom: we might preach Christ in all his offices, and faith in Christ, as opening all the treasures of his love. And yet all this time, if the law we preached, were not established in our hearts, we should be of no more account before God, than sounding brass or tinkling cymbals. All our preaching would be so far from profiting ourselves, that it would only increase our damnation.
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 36 in the 1771 Works. Romans 3:31.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.