Peacemaking
Another necessary branch of true Christianity is peacemaking, or doing good. That this is equally essential with any of the other parts of the religion of Jesus Christ, there can be no stronger argument to prove, and therefore it would be absurd to bring any other, than that it is here inserted in the original plan he has laid down of the fundamentals of his religion. Therefore to set this aside is the same daring insult to the authority of our great Master as to set aside mercy, purity of heart, or any other branch of his institution. But this is plainly set aside by all who call us to the wilderness, who recommend entire solitude either to the babes, or the young men, or the fathers in Christ. For will anyone affirm that a solitary Christian, so called, though it is little less than a contradiction in terms, can be a merciful person, that is, one who takes every opportunity of doing all good to all people? What can be plainer than that this fundamental branch of the religion of Jesus Christ cannot possibly exist without society, without our living and talking with other people?
1771 text
4. Another necessary branch of true Christianity, is peace-making, or doing of good. That this is equally essential with any of the other parts of the religion of Jesus Christ, there can be no stronger argument to evince (and therefore it would be absurd to alledge any other) than that it is here inserted in the original plan he has laid down, of the fundamentals of his religion. Therefore to set aside this, is the same daring insult on the authority of our great Master, as to set aside mercifulness, purity of heart, or any other branch of his institution. But this is apparently set aside, by all who call us to the wilderness; who recommend entire solitude either to the babes, or the young men, or the fathers in Christ. For will any man affirm, that a solitary Christian (so called, tho’ it is little less than a contradiction in terms) can be a merciful man? That is, one that takes every opportunity of doing all good to all men? What can be more plain than that this fundamental branch of the religion of Jesus Christ, cannot possibly subsist without society, without our living and conversing with other men?
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.