Do not wait to be more contrite
Do not say, But I am not contrite enough. I am not sensible enough of my sins. I know it. Would to God you were more sensible of them, more contrite 1,000 times over than you are. But do not stay for this. It may be God will make you so, not before you believe, but by believing. It may be you will not weep much until you love much, because you have had much forgiven. In the meantime, look to Jesus. Behold how he loves you. What could he have done more for you which he has not done?
O Lamb of God, was ever pain, was ever love like yours!
Look steadily upon him, until he looks on you, and breaks your hard heart. Then your head shall be waters, and your eyes fountains of tears.
1771 text
3. Do not say, “But I am not contrite enough: I am not sensible enough of my sins.” I know it. I would to God, thou wert more sensible of them, more contrite a thousand fold than thou art. But do not stay for this. It may be God will make thee so, not before thou believest, but by believing. It may be, thou wilt not weep much, till thou lovest much, because thou hast had much forgiven. In the mean time, look unto Jesus. Behold how he loveth thee! What could he have done more for thee which he hath not done?
“O Lamb of God, was ever pain, Was ever love like thine!”
Look steddily upon him, till he looks on thee, and breaks thy hard heart. Then shall thy head be waters, and thy eyes fountains of tears.
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.