Feed the hungry
I answer, first, whether they will finally be lost or saved, you are expressly commanded to feed the hungry and clothe the naked (Matthew 25:35). If you can, and do not, whatever becomes of them, you shall go away into everlasting fire (Matthew 25:41). Second, though it is God only who changes hearts, yet he generally does it by man. It is our part to do all that lies in us, as diligently as if we could change them ourselves, and then to leave the event to him. Third, God, in answer to their prayers, builds up his children by each other in every good gift, nourishing and strengthening the whole body by that which every joint supplies. So that the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you (1 Corinthians 12:21), no, nor even the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Lastly, how are you sure that the persons before you are dogs or swine? Do not judge them until you have tried. How do you know, man, but you may gain your brother? But you may, under God, save his soul from death (James 5:20)? When he spurns your love and blasphemes the good word, then it is time to give him up to God.
1771 text
I answer, 1. Whether they will finally be lost or saved, you are expresly commanded to feed the hungry and cloath the naked. If you can, and do not, whatever becomes of them, you shall go away into everlasting fire. 2. Though it is God only changes hearts, yet he generally doth it by man. It is our part to do all that in us lies, as diligently as if we could change them ourselves, and then to leave the event to him. 3. God in answer to their prayers, builds up his children by each other in every good gift; nourishing and strengthning the whole body, by that which every joint supplieth. So that the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee; no, nor even the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Lastly, how are you assured, that the persons before you are dogs or swine? Judge them not, until you have tried. How knowest thou, O man, but thou mayest gain thy brother? But thou mayest, under God, save his soul from death? When he spurns thy love and blasphemes the good word, then it is time to give him up to 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 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.