A flat positive command
Thirdly, seek not to increase in goods. Lay not up for yourself treasures upon earth. This is a flat positive command, full as clear as you shall not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14). How then is it possible for a rich man to grow richer without denying the Lord who bought him? Yes, how can any man who has already the necessaries of life gain or aim at more and be guiltless? Lay not up, says our Lord, treasures upon earth. If in spite of this you do and will lay up money or goods which moth or rust may corrupt, or thieves break through and steal, if you will add house to house or field to field (Isaiah 5:8), why do you call yourself a Christian? You do not obey Jesus Christ. You do not design it. Why do you name yourself by his name? Why call you me Lord, Lord, says he himself, and do not the things which I say (Luke 6:46)?
1771 text
22. Thirdly, seek not to increase in goods. Lay not up for thyself treasures upon earth. This is a flat positive command, full as clear, as thou shalt not commit adultery. How then is it possible for a rich man to grow richer, without denying the Lord that bought him? Yea, how can any man, who has already the necessaries of life, gain or aim at more, and be guiltless? Lay not up, saith our Lord, treasures upon earth. If in spite of this, you do and will lay up, money or goods, which moth or rust may corrupt, or thieves break through and steal: if you will add house to house, or field to field, why do you call yourself a Christian? You do not obey Jesus Christ. You do not design it. Why do you name yourself by his name? Why call ye me Lord, Lord, saith he himself, and do not the things which I say?
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.