Religion is in the heart
To answer these was the third thing which I proposed. And first, it has often been objected that religion does not lie in outward things, but in the heart, the inmost soul, that it is the union of the soul with God, the life of God in the soul of man, that outside religion is nothing worth, seeing God does not delight in burnt offerings (Psalm 51:16), in outward services, but a pure and holy heart is the sacrifice he will not despise (Psalm 51:17).
1771 text
III. 1. To answer these was the third thing which I proposed. And, first, it has been often objected, that religion does not lie in outward things, but in the heart, the inmost soul: that it is the union of the soul with God, the life of God in the soul of man: that outside religion is nothing worth; seeing God delighteth not in burnt offerings, in outward services, but a pure and holy heart is the sacrifice he will not despise.
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 24 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:13-16.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.