Neglecting today
But while we are reaching for this, as well as for that glorious liberty which is preparatory to it, we may be in danger of falling into another snare of the devil, in which he labors to entangle the children of God. We may take too much thought for tomorrow (Matthew 6:34), so as to neglect the improvement of today. We may so expect perfect love as not to use that which is already shed abroad in our hearts (Romans 5:5). There have not been lacking instances of those who have greatly suffered by this. They were so taken up with what they were to receive hereafter as utterly to neglect what they had already received. In expectation of having five talents more, they buried their one talent in the earth (Matthew 25:18). At least they did not improve it as they might have done, to the glory of God and the good of their own souls.
1771 text
11. But while we are reaching to this, as well as to that glorious liberty which is preparatory to it, we may be in danger of falling into another snare of the devil, wherein he labours to intangle the children of God. We may take too much thought for to-morrow, so as to neglect the improvement of to-day. We may so expect perfect love, as not to use that, which is already shed abroad in our hearts. There have not been wanting instances of those, who have greatly suffered hereby. They were so taken up with what they were to receive hereafter, as utterly to neglect what they had already received. In expectation of having five talents more, they buried their one talent in the earth. At least they did not improve it as they might have done, to the glory of God and the good of their own souls.
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 42 in the 1771 Works. Second Corinthians 2:11.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.