The manner of modern Christians
How nearly does the practice of most modern Christians resemble this of the ancient Heathen? They fear the Lord. They also perform an outward service to him, and hereby show they have some fear of God. But they likewise serve their own gods. There are those who teach them (as there were who taught the Assyrians) the manner of the God of the land (2 Kings 17:27), the God whose name the country bears to this day, and who was once worshiped there with a holy worship. However, they do not serve him alone. They do not fear him enough for this. But every nation makes gods of their own, every nation in the cities wherein they dwell. These nations fear the Lord; they have not laid aside the outward form of worshiping him. But they serve their graven images, silver and gold, the work of men's hands (Psalm 115:4). Money, pleasure, and praise, the gods of this world, more than divide their service with the God of Israel. This is the manner both of their children and their children's children. As did their fathers, so do they to this day.
1771 text
How nearly does the practice of most modern Christians, resemble this of the ancient Heathens? They fear the Lord: they also perform an outward service to him, and hereby shew, they have some fear of God; but they likewise serve their own gods. There are those who teach them (as there were who taught the Assyrians) the manner of the God of the land; the God whose name the country bears to this day, and who was once worshipped there with an holy worship. Howbeit, they do not serve him alone; they do not fear him enough for this. But every nation maketh gods of their own, every nation in the cities wherein they dwell. These nations fear the Lord, they have not laid aside the outward form of worshipping him. But they serve their graven images, silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. Money, pleasure and praise, the gods of this world, more than divide their service with the God of Israel. This is the manner both of their children and their children’s children; as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.
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 29 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 6:24-34.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.