A generation of vipers
O who shall warn this generation of vipers to flee from the wrath to come (Matthew 3:7)? Not those who lie at their gate or cringe at their feet, desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fall from their tables (Luke 16:21). Not those who court their favor or fear their frown, none of those who mind earthly things (Philippians 3:19). But if there is a Christian upon earth, if there is a man who has overcome the world, who desires nothing but God and fears none but him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell (Matthew 10:28): you, O man of God, speak and spare not, lift up your voice like a trumpet (Isaiah 58:1). Cry aloud and show these honorable sinners the desperate condition in which they stand. It may be, 1 in 1,000 may have ears to hear, may arise and shake himself from the dust, may break loose from these chains that bind him to the earth, and at length lay up treasures in heaven.
1771 text
16. O who shall warn this generation of vipers, to flee from the wrath to come! Not those who lie at their gate, or cringe at their feet, desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fall from their tables. Not those who court their favour, or fear their frown; none of those who mind earthly things. But if there be a Christian upon earth, if there be a man who hath overcome the world, who desires nothing but God, and fears none but him that is able to destroy both body and soul in hell: thou, O man of God, speak and spare not; lift up thy voice like a trumpet. Cry aloud and shew these honourable sinners the desperate condition wherein they stand. It may be, one in a thousand may have ears to hear, may arise and shake himself from the dust; may break loose from these chains that bind him to the earth, and at length lay up treasures in heaven.
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 28 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 6:19-23.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.