How the angels do it
How is it done by the angels of God in heaven, those who now circle his throne rejoicing? They do it willingly. They love his commandments and gladly listen to his words. It is their meat and drink to do his will. It is their highest glory and joy. They do it continually. There is no interruption in their willing service. They rest not day or night, but employ every hour, speaking after the manner of men, otherwise our measures of duration, days and nights and hours, have no place in eternity, in fulfilling his commands, in executing his designs, in performing the counsel of his will. And they do it perfectly. No sin, no defect, belongs to angelic minds. It is true, the stars are not pure in his sight, even the morning stars that sing together before him. In his sight, that is, in comparison with him, the very angels are not pure. But this does not imply that they are not pure in themselves. Doubtless they are. They are without spot and blameless. They are altogether devoted to his will and perfectly obedient in all things.
1771 text
How is it done by the angels of God in heaven? Those who now circle his throne rejoicing? They do it willingly; they love his commandments, and gladly hearken to his words. It is their meat and drink to do his will; it is their highest glory and joy. They do it continually; there is no interruption in their willing service. They rest not day nor night, but employ every hour (speaking after the manner of men; otherwise our measures of duration, days and nights and hours, have no place in eternity) in fulfilling his commands, in executing his designs, in performing the council of his will. And they do it perfectly. No sin, no defect belongs to angelick minds. It is true, the stars are not pure in his sight, even the morning-stars that sing together before him. In his sight, that is in comparison of him, the very angels are not pure. But this does not imply, that they are not pure in themselves. Doubtless they are; they are without spot and blameless. They are altogether devoted to his will, and perfectly obedient in all things.
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 26 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 6:1-15.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.