When the means miss their end
But we allow that the whole value of the means depends on their actually serving the end of religion. Consequently, all these means, when separate from the end, are less than nothing and vanity. If they do not actually lead to the knowledge and love of God, they are not acceptable in his sight. Rather, they are an abomination before him, a stink in his nostrils. He is weary of bearing them.
Above all, this is so if they are used as a kind of commutation, an exchange, for the religion they were designed to serve. It is not easy to find words for the enormous folly and wickedness of thus turning God's arms against himself, of keeping Christianity out of the heart by those very means which were ordained for the bringing of it in.
1771 text
2. But we allow, that the whole value of the means depends on their actual subservience to the end of religion; that consequently all these means, when separate from the end, are less than nothing and vanity; that if they do not actually conduce to the knowledge and love of God, they are not acceptable in his sight; yea, rather, they are an abomination before him; a stink in his nostrils; he is weary to bear them: above all, if they are used as a kind of commutation for the religion they were designed to subserve. It is not easy to find words for the enormous folly and wickedness, of thus turning God’s arms against himself; of keeping Christianity out of the heart by those very means, which were ordained for the bringing it in.
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 16 in the 1771 Works. Malachi 3:7.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.