Love constrains us to obey
I answer, it is granted that the love of God and of man, arising from sincere faith, is all in all, the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:10), the end of every commandment of God (1 Timothy 1:5). It is true that without this, whatever we do, whatever we suffer, profits us nothing. But it does not follow that love is all in such a sense as to set aside either faith or good works. It is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:10), not by releasing us from it, but by constraining us to obey it. It is the end of the commandment (1 Timothy 1:5), as every commandment leads to and centers in it. It is allowed that whatever we do or suffer without love profits us nothing. But at the same time, whatever we do or suffer in love, though it were only the suffering of reproach for Christ, or the giving of a cup of cold water in his name (Matthew 10:42), it shall in no way lose its reward.
1771 text
I answer, it is granted, that the love of God and man, arising from faith unfeigned, is all in all, the fulfilling of the law, the end of every commandment of God. It is true, that without this whatever we do, whatever we suffer profits us nothing. But it does not follow, that love is all in such a sense, as to supersede either faith or good works. It is the fulfilling of the law, not by releasing us from, but by constraining us to obey it. It is the end of the commandment, as every commandment leads to and centers in it. It is allowed, that whatever we do or suffer, without love, profits us nothing. But withal whatever we do or suffer in love, though it were only the suffering reproach for Christ, or the giving a cup of cold water in his name, it shall in no wise lose its reward.
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.