Blind leaders of the blind
Woe to you, you blind leaders of the blind (Matthew 15:14)! For you shut the kingdom of heaven against men. You neither go in yourselves, neither do you allow those who are entering to go in (Matthew 23:13). Those who would strive to enter in at the strait gate, you call back into the broad way. Those who have scarcely gone one step in the ways of God, you devilishly caution against going too far. Those who just begin to hunger and thirst after righteousness, you warn not to be righteous overmuch. Thus you cause them to stumble at the very threshold; yes, to fall and rise no more. O why do you do this? What profit is there in their blood when they go down to the pit (Psalm 30:9)? Miserable profit to you. They shall perish in their iniquity: but their blood will God require at your hands (Ezekiel 3:18)!
1771 text
11. *Wo unto you, ye blind leaders of the blind! For ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men. Ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Them that would strive to enter in at the strait gate, ye call back into the broad way. Them that have scarce gone one step in the ways of God, you devilishly caution against going too far. Them that just begin to hunger and thirst after righteousness, you warn, not to be righteous overmuch. Thus you cause them to stumble at the very threshold; yea, to fall and rise no more. O wherefore do ye this? What profit is there in their blood, when they go down to the pit? Miserable profit to you. They shall perish in their iniquity: but their blood will God require at your hands!
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 32 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 7:15-20.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.