Do we dare to be singular
First, a Pharisee was not as other men are. In outward things he was singularly good. Are we so? Do we dare to be singular at all? Do we not rather swim with the stream? Do we not many times set religion and reason aside together because we would not look particular? Are we not often more afraid of being out of the fashion than of being out of the way of salvation? Have we courage to stem the tide, to run counter to the world, to obey God rather than man? Otherwise the Pharisee leaves us behind at the very first step. It is well if we overtake him any more.
1771 text
First, a Pharisee was not as other men are. In externals he was singularly good. Are we so? Do we dare to be singular at all? Do we not rather swim with the stream? Do we not many times dispense with religion and reason together, because we would not look particular? Are we not often more afraid of being out of the fashion, than being out of the way of salvation? Have we courage to stem the tide? To run counter to the world? To obey God rather than man? Otherwise the Pharisee leaves us behind at the very first step. ’Tis well if we overtake him any more.
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 25 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:17-20.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.