Meriting nothing
But if we desire this reward, let us beware, secondly, of fancying we merit anything of God by our fasting. We cannot be too often warned of this, inasmuch as a desire to establish our own righteousness, to procure salvation of debt and not of grace, is so deeply rooted in all our hearts. Fasting is only a way which God has ordained wherein we wait for his unmerited mercy, and wherein, without any desert of ours, he has promised freely to give us his blessing.
1771 text
2. But if we desire this reward, let us beware, secondly, of fancying we merit any thing of God by our fasting. We cannot be too often warned of this; in as much as a desire to establish our own righteousness, to procure salvation of debt, and not of grace, is so deeply rooted in all our hearts:――Fasting is only a way which God hath ordained, wherein we wait for his unmerited mercy; and wherein, without any desert of ours, he hath promised, freely to give us his blessing.
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 27 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 6:16-18.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.