Why load it with doing
If religion, then, were carried no further than this, they could have no doubt about it. They would have no objection to pursuing it with the whole ardor of their souls. But why, they say, is it clogged with other things? What need is there of loading it with doing and suffering? These are what damp the vigor of the soul and sink it down to earth again. Is it not enough to follow after love? To soar on the wings of love? Will it not be enough to worship God, who is a Spirit, with the spirit of our minds, without burdening ourselves with outward things, or even thinking of them at all? Is it not better that the whole reach of our thoughts should be taken up with high and heavenly contemplation, and that, instead of busying ourselves at all about outward things, we should only commune with God in our hearts?
1771 text
3. If religion therefore were carried no farther than this, they could have no doubt concerning it: they should have no objection against pursuing it with the whole ardor of their souls. But why, say they, is it cloged with other things? What need of loading it with doing and suffering? These are what damps the vigour of the soul and sinks it down to earth again. Is it not enough to follow after charity? To soar upon the wings of love? Will it not suffice, to worship God who is a Spirit, with the spirit of our minds, without incumbring ourselves with outward things, or even thinking of them at all? Is it not better, that the whole extent of our thoughts should be taken up with high and heavenly contemplation? And that instead of busying ourselves at all about externals, we should only commune with God in our hearts?
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.