No rest but in God
Both destruction and unhappiness are in your ways, for the way of peace have you not known (Romans 3:16-17). There is no peace, no settled, solid peace, for those who know not God. There is no true nor lasting content for any who do not seek him with their whole heart. While you aim at any of the things that perish, all that comes is vanity. Yes, not only vanity but vexation of spirit, and that both in the pursuit and the enjoyment also. You walk indeed in a vain shadow and disquiet yourself in vain (Psalm 39:6). You walk in darkness that may be felt. Sleep on, but you cannot take your rest. The dreams of life can give pain, and that you know, but ease they cannot give. There is no rest, in this world or the world to come, but only in God the center of spirits.
1771 text
8. *Both destruction and unhappiness are in thy ways; for the way of peace hast thou not known. There is no peace, no settled, solid peace, for them that know not God. There is no true, nor lasting content for any, who do not seek him with their whole heart. While thou aimest at any of the things that perish, all that cometh is vanity. Yea, not only vanity, but vexation of spirit, and that both in the pursuit and the enjoyment also. Thou walkest indeed in a vain shadow, and disquietest thyself in vain. Thou walkest in darkness that may be felt. Sleep on; but thou canst not take thy rest. The dreams of life can give pain, and that thou knowest: but ease they cannot give. There is no rest, in this world or the world to come, but only in God the center of spirits.
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 28 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 6:19-23.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.