Lost labor
But this is not all. They affirm, Experience likewise shows that the trying to do good is but lost labor. What does it avail to feed or clothe people's bodies if they are just dropping into everlasting fire? And what good can anyone do to their souls? If these are changed, God does it himself. Besides, all people are either good, at least desirous to be so, or obstinately evil. Now the former have no need of us. Let them ask help of God, and it shall be given them. And the latter will receive no help from us. No, and our Lord forbids us to cast our pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6).
1771 text
7. But this is not all. They affirm, “Experience likewise shews, That the trying to do good is but lost labour: what does it avail to feed or cloath men’s bodies, if they are just dropping into everlasting fire? And what good can any man do to their souls? If these are changed, God doth it himself. Besides, all men are either good, at least desirous so to be, or obstinately evil. Now the former have no need of us. Let them ask help of God, and it shall be given them. And the latter will receive no help from us. Nay, and our Lord forbids, to cast our pearls before swine.”
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.