Neither all nor nothing
But of all the means of grace there is scarcely any concerning which men have run into greater extremes than that of which our Lord speaks in the above-mentioned words, I mean religious fasting. How have some exalted this beyond all Scripture and reason? And others utterly disregarded it, as it were revenging themselves by undervaluing as much as the former had overvalued it. Those have spoken of it as if it were all in all, if not the end itself, yet infallibly connected with it. These, as if it were just nothing, as if it were a fruitless labor, which had no relation at all to it. Whereas it is certain the truth lies between them both. It is not all, nor yet is it nothing. It is not the end, but it is a precious means to it, a means which God himself has ordained, and in which therefore, when it is duly used, he will surely give us his blessing.
1771 text
4. But of all the means of grace there is scarce any, concerning which men have run into greater extremes, than that of which our Lord speaks in the above-mentioned words, I mean religious fasting. How have some exalted this beyond all scripture and reason? And others utterly disregarded it? As it were, revenging themselves, by undervaluing, as much as the former had overvalued it. Those have spoken of it, as if it were all in all; if not the end itself, yet infallibly connected with it: These, as if it were just nothing, as if it were a fruitless labour, which had no relation at all thereto. Whereas it is certain the truth lies between them both. It is not all; nor yet is it nothing. It is not the end, but it is a precious means thereto; a means which God himself has ordained; and in which therefore, when it is duly used, he will surely give us his blessing.
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 27 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 6:16-18.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.