Meekness
There is no disposition, for instance, which is more essential to Christianity than meekness. Now although this, as it implies resignation to God, or patience in pain and sickness, may exist in a desert, in a hermit's cell, in total solitude, yet as it implies, which it no less necessarily does, mildness, gentleness, and long-suffering, it cannot possibly have a being. It has no place under heaven without an intercourse with other people. So that to attempt turning this into a solitary virtue is to destroy it from the face of the earth.
1771 text
3. There is no disposition (for instance) which is more essential to Christianity than meekness. Now altho’ this, as it implies resignation to God, or patience in pain and sickness, may subsist in a desert, in a hermit’s cell, in total solitude; yet as it implies (which it no less necessarily does) mildness, gentleness, and long-suffering, it cannot possibly have a being, it has no place under heaven, without an intercourse with other men. So that to attempt turning this into a solitary virtue, is to destroy it from the face of the earth.
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 24 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:13-16.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.