The widow and the unjust judge
He also spoke another parable, to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint, until through this means they should receive from God whatever petition they asked of him.
There was in a city a judge who did not fear God, and did not regard man. And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, saying, Avenge me of my adversary. And he would not for a while. But afterward he said within himself, Though I do not fear God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. Luke 18:1-4.
Our Lord himself has made the application of this. Hear what the unjust judge says. Because she continues to ask, because she will take no denial, therefore I will avenge her. And shall not God avenge his own elect, who cry day and night to him? I tell you, he will avenge them speedily, if they pray and do not faint.
1771 text
4. He spake also another parable to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint, till through this means they should receive of God, whatsoever petition they asked of him. There was in a city a judge which feared not God, neither regarded man. And there was a widow in that city, and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of my adversary. And he would not for a while; but afterwards he said with himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. Luke xviii. 1–4. The application of this our Lord himself hath made. Hear what the unjust judge saith! Because she continues to ask, because she will take no denial, therefore I will avenge her. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him? I tell you he will avenge them speedily――if they pray and faint not.
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 16 in the 1771 Works. Malachi 3:7.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.