Contests about religion
How dreadful, and how many, are the contests that have arisen about religion. And not only among the children of this world, among those who did not know what true religion was, but even among the children of God, those who had experienced the kingdom of God within them, who had tasted of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17). How many of these, in all ages, instead of joining together against the common enemy, have turned their weapons against each other, and so not only wasted their precious time, but hurt one another's spirits, weakened one another's hands, and so hindered the great work of their common Master. How many of the weak have been offended by this. How many of the lame have been turned out of the way. How many sinners have been confirmed in their disregard of all religion, and in their contempt of those who profess it. And how many of the excellent ones upon earth (Psalm 16:3) have been constrained to weep in secret places (Jeremiah 13:17).
1771 text
1. HOW dreadful, and how innumerable are the contests, which have arisen about religion? And not only among the children of this world, among those who knew not what true religion was: but even among the children of God, those who had experienced the kingdom of God within them, who had tasted of righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost? How many of these in all ages, instead of joining together against the common enemy, have turned their weapons against each other, and so not only wasted their precious time, but hurt one anothers spirits, weakened each others hands, and so hindered the great work of their common Master! How many of the weak have hereby been offended? How many of the lame turned out of the way? How many sinners confirmed in their disregard of all religion, and their contempt of those that profess it? And how many of the excellent ones upon earth have been constrained to weep in secret places?
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 20 in the 1771 Works. Jeremiah 23:6.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.