Projecting distant schemes
There is another way of taking thought for tomorrow which is equally forbidden in these words. It is possible to take thought in a wrong manner even with regard to spiritual things, to be so careful about what may be by and by as to neglect what is now required at our hands. How insensibly do we slide into this if we are not continually watching unto prayer? How easily are we carried away in a kind of waking dream, projecting distant schemes and drawing fine scenes in our own imagination? We think what good we will do when we are in such a place, or when such a time is come. How useful we will be, how plenteous in good works, when we are easier in our circumstances. How earnestly we will serve God when once such a hindrance is out of the way.
1771 text
26. There is another way of taking thought for the morrow, which is equally forbidden in these words. It is possible to take thought in a wrong manner, even with regard to spiritual things; to be so careful about what may be by and by, as to neglect what is now required at our hands. How insensibly do we slide into this, if we are not continually watching unto prayer? How easily are we carried away, in a kind of waking dream, projecting distant schemes, and drawing fine scenes in our own imagination! We think, what good we will do, when we are in such a place, or when such a time is come! How useful we will be, how plenteous in good works, when we are easier in our circumstances! How earnestly we will serve God, when once such an hindrance is out of the way.
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 29 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 6:24-34.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.