A fifth of all he had
The Pharisee, third, paid tithes and gave alms of all that he possessed. And in how ample a manner, so that he was, as we phrase it, a man who did much good. Do we come up to him here? Which of us is as abundant as he was in good works? Which of us gives a fifth of all his substance to God, both of the principal and of the increase? Who of us, out of, suppose, 100 pounds a year, gives 20 to God and the poor, out of 50, 10, and so in a larger or a smaller proportion? When shall our righteousness, in using all the means of grace, in attending all the ordinances of God, in avoiding evil and doing good, equal at least the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees?
1771 text
9. The Pharisee, thirdly, paid tithes and gave alms of all that he possest. And in how ample a manner? So that he was (as we phrase it) “a man that did much good.” Do we come up to him here? Which of us is so abundant as he was, in good works? Which of us gives a fifth of all his substance to God? Both of the principal, and of the increase? Who of us, out of (suppose) an hundred pounds a year, gives twenty to God and the poor: out of fifty, ten; and so in a larger or a smaller proportion? When shall our righteousness, in using all the means of grace, in attending all the ordinances of God, in avoiding evil and doing good, equal at least the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees?
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 25 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:17-20.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.