Do not seek it
It remains only to ask how the children of God are to behave with regard to persecution. And first, they ought not knowingly or on purpose to bring it on themselves. This is contrary both to the example and the advice of our Lord and all his apostles, who teach us not only not to seek it, but to avoid it as far as we can, without injuring our conscience, without giving up any part of that righteousness which we are to prefer before life itself. So our Lord expressly: When they persecute you in this city, flee to another (Matthew 10:23). That is indeed, when it can be taken, the most unobjectionable way of avoiding persecution.
1771 text
9. It remains only to enquire, how are the children of God to behave, with regard to persecution? *And first, they ought not knowingly or designedly, to bring it upon themselves. This is contrary both to the example and advice of our Lord and all his apostles; who teach us not only not to seek, but to avoid it, as far as we can, without injuring our conscience; without giving up any part of that righteousness, which we are to prefer before life itself. So our Lord expresly, When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: which is indeed, when it can be taken, the most unexceptionable way of avoiding persecution.
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.