Faith is still the root
This is pure and genuine morality. This do, and you shall live (Luke 10:28). As many as walk by this rule, peace be to them and mercy: for they are the Israel of God (Galatians 6:16). But then be it observed, none can walk by this rule (nor ever did from the beginning of the world), none can love his neighbor as himself, unless he first loves God. And none can love God unless he believes in Christ, unless he has redemption through his blood, and the Spirit of God bearing witness with his spirit that he is a child of God. Faith therefore is still the root of all, of present as well as future salvation. Still we must say to every sinner, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31). You shall be saved now, and you may be saved forever: saved on earth, that you may be saved in heaven. Believe in him, and your faith will work by love (Galatians 5:6). You will love the Lord your God, because he has loved you: you will love your neighbor as yourself. And then it will be your glory and joy to exert and increase this love, not merely by abstaining from what is contrary to it, from every unkind thought, word, and action, but by showing all that kindness to every man which you would have him show to you.
1771 text
27. This is pure and genuine morality. This do and thou shalt live. As many as walk by this rule, peace be to them and mercy: for they are the Israel of God. But then be it observed, none can walk by this rule, (nor ever did from the beginning of the world) none can love his neighbour as himself, unless he first love God. And none can love God, unless he believe in Christ, unless he have redemption thro’ his blood, and the Spirit of God bearing witness with his spirit, that he is a child of God. Faith therefore is still the root of all, of present as well as future salvation. Still we must say to every sinner, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. Thou shalt be saved now, thou mayst be saved for ever; saved on earth, that thou mayst be saved in heaven. Believe in him and thy faith will work by love. Thou wilt love the Lord thy God, because he hath loved thee: thou wilt love thy neighbour as thyself. And then it will be thy glory and joy, to exert and increase this love, not barely by abstaining from what is contrary thereto, from every unkind thought, word and action, but by shewing all that kindness to every man, which thou wouldst he should shew unto thee.
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 30 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 7:1-12.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.