No darling lust
Whoever breaks one of these least commandments, especially if it is done willfully or presumptuously. One. For he who keeps the whole law and yet offends in one point is guilty of all (James 2:10). The wrath of God abides on him (John 3:36) as surely as if he had broken every one. So that no allowance is made for one darling lust, no reserve for one idol, no excuse for refraining from all besides and only giving way to one bosom sin. What God demands is an entire obedience. We are to have an eye to all his commandments. Otherwise we lose all the labor we take in keeping some, and our poor souls forever and ever.
1771 text
Whosoever shall break one of these least commandments――especially if it be done wilfully or presumptuously: one:――for he that keepeth the whole law and thus offends in one point, is guilty of all: the wrath of God abideth on him, as surely as if he had broken every one. So that no allowance is made for one darling lust; no reserve for one idol: no excuse for refraining from all besides, and only giving way to one bosom sin. What God demands is, an entire obedience: we are to have an eye to all his commandments: otherwise we lose all the labour we take in keeping some, and our poor souls for ever and ever.
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 25 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:17-20.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.