May it be done in secret
But although we may not wholly separate ourselves from mankind, although it is granted we ought to season them with the religion which God has worked in our hearts, yet may this not be done without being noticed? May we not pass this on to others in a secret and almost imperceptible manner, so that scarcely anyone shall be able to observe how or when it is done? Even as salt passes its own savor into that which is seasoned by it, without any noise, and without being open to any outward observation. And if so, although we do not go out of the world (1 Corinthians 5:10), yet we may lie hidden in it. We may thus far keep our religion to ourselves, and not offend those whom we cannot help.
1771 text
II. 1. “But although we may not wholly separate ourselves from mankind, although it be granted, we ought to season them, with the religion which God has wrought in our hearts, yet may not this be done insensibly? May we not convey this into others in a secret, and almost imperceptible manner? So that scarce any one shall be able to observe, how or when it is done? Even as salt conveys its own savour, into that which is seasoned thereby, without any noise, and without being liable to any outward observation. And if so, altho’ we do not go out of the world, yet we may lie hid in it. We may thus far keep our religion to ourselves, and not offend those whom we cannot help.”
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 24 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:13-16.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.