A cordial or a poison
As wit and fine parts cannot be only trifled away but will expose those who have them to greater follies, so money cannot be only trifled away. But if it is not used according to reason and religion, it will make people live a more silly and extravagant life than they would have done without it. If therefore you do not spend your money in doing good to others, you must spend it to the hurt of yourself. You act like one who refuses the cordial to his sick friend, which he cannot drink himself without inflaming his blood. For this is the case of superfluous money. If you give it to those who want it, it is a cordial. If you spend it upon yourself in something that you do not want, it only inflames and disorders your mind.
1771 text
“As wit and fine parts cannot be only trifled away, but will expose those that have them to greater follies: so money cannot be only trifled away, but if it is not used according to reason and religion, will make people live a more silly and extravagant life, than they would have done without it: if therefore you do not spend your money in doing good to others, you must spend it to the hurt of yourself. You act like one that refuses the cordial to his sick friend, which he cannot drink himself without inflaming his blood. For this is the case of superfluous money; if you give it to those who want it, it is a cordial. If you spend it upon yourself in something that you do not want, it only inflames and disorders your mind.”
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.