God is a Spirit
But God is a Spirit, and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). And is not this enough? Indeed, ought we not to employ the whole strength of our mind in this? Does not attending to outward things clog the soul, so that it cannot soar aloft in holy contemplation? Does it not damp the vigor of our thought? Has it not a natural tendency to burden and distract the mind? Whereas Saint Paul would have us be without anxiety, and wait upon the Lord without distraction.
1771 text
4. “But God is a Spirit, and they that worship him, must worship him in Spirit and in truth. And is not this enough? Nay, ought we not to employ the whole strength of our mind herein? Does not attending to outward things, clog the soul, that it cannot soar aloft in holy contemplation? Does it not damp the vigour of our thought? Has it not a natural tendency, to incumber and distract the mind? Whereas St. Paul would have us to be without carefulness, and to wait upon the Lord without distraction.”
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.