To the judge
And first, how beautiful are the feet of those who are sent, by the wise and gracious providence of God, to execute justice on earth, to defend the injured and punish the wrongdoer. Are they not the ministers of God to us for good, the grand supporters of the public tranquility, the patrons of innocence and virtue, the great security of all our temporal blessings? And does not every one of these represent not only an earthly prince, but the Judge of the earth? Him whose name is written upon his thigh, King of kings and Lord of lords.
O that all these sons of the right hand of the Most High may be as holy as he is holy. Wise with the wisdom that sits by his throne, like him who is the eternal Wisdom of the Father. No respecters of persons, as he is none, but rendering to every man according to his works. Like him, inflexibly, inexorably just, though full of pity and of tender mercy. So shall they be terrible indeed to those who do evil, as not bearing the sword in vain. So shall the laws of our land have their full use and due honor, and the throne of our King be still established in righteousness.
1771 text
1. And, first, how beautiful are the feet of those who are sent by the wise and gracious providence of God, to execute justice on earth, to defend the injured, and punish the wrong-doer! Are they not the ministers of God to us for good, the grand supporters of the public tranquility, the patrons of innocence and virtue, the great security of all our temporal blessings? And does not every one of these represent not only an earthly prince, but the Judge of the earth? Him whose name is written upon his thigh, King of kings and Lord of lords! O that all these sons of the right hand of the Most High, may be holy as he is holy! Wise with the wisdom that sitteth by his throne, like him who is the eternal Wisdom of the Father! No respecters of persons, as he is none; but rendering to every man according to his works: like him inflexibly, inexorably just, though pitiful and of tender mercy: so shall they be terrible indeed to them that do evil, as not bearing the sword in vain. So shall the laws of our land have their full use and due honour, and the throne of our King be still established in righteousness.
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 15 in the 1771 Works. Romans 14:10. Bedford, 10 March 1758.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.