The love of our neighbor
How excellent are the things spoken of the love of our neighbor. It is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:10), the end of the commandment (1 Timothy 1:5). Without this, all we have, all we do, all we suffer, is of no value in the sight of God. But it is that love of our neighbor which springs from the love of God. Otherwise it itself is worth nothing. It is our duty, then, to examine well the foundation on which our love of our neighbor stands. Is it really built on the love of God? Do we love him because he first loved us (1 John 4:19)? Are we pure in heart? For this is the foundation which shall never be moved. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8).
1771 text
I. 1. HOW excellent things are spoken of the love of our neighbour! It is the fulfilling of the law, the end of the commandment. Without this all we have, all we do, all we suffer, is of no value in the sight of God. But it is that love of our neighbour which springs from the love of God: otherwise itself is nothing worth. It behoves us therefore to examine well upon what foundation our love of our neighbour stands: whether it is really built upon the love of God? Whether we do love him, because he first loved us? Whether we are pure in heart? For this is the foundation, which shall never be moved. Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.
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 23 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:8-12.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.