Sow your seed
It is very possible this fact also may be true, that you have tried to do good and have not succeeded, yes, that those who seemed reformed relapsed into sin, and their last state was worse than the first (Matthew 12:45). And what wonder? Is the servant above his Master (John 13:16)? But how often did he strive to save sinners, and they would not hear, or when they had followed him a while, they turned back as a dog to his vomit (2 Peter 2:22). But he did not therefore stop striving to do good. No more should you, whatever your success is. It is your part to do as you are commanded. The event is in the hand of God. You are not accountable for this. Leave it to him who orders all things well. In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand, for you do not know which shall prosper. Ecclesiastes 11:6.
1771 text
It is very possible this fact also may be true: That you have tried to do good and have not succeeded; yea, that those who seemed reformed, relapsed into sin, and their last state was worse than the first. And what marvel? Is the servant above his Master? But how often did he strive to save sinners; and they would not hear: or when they had followed him a while, they turned back as a dog to his vomit. But he did not therefore desist from striving to do good: no more should you, whatever your success be. It is your part, to do as you are commanded: the event is in the hand of God. You are not accountable for this: leave it to him, who orders all things well. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening with-hold not thy hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, Eccles. xi. 6.
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.