The camel and the needle
O how hardly shall those who have riches enter into the kingdom of God (Mark 10:23). When our Lord's disciples were astonished at his speaking thus, he was so far from retracting it that he repeated the same important truth in stronger terms than before. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God (Mark 10:25). How hard is it for those whose every word is applauded not to be wise in their own eyes (Proverbs 26:12). How hard for them not to think themselves better than the poor, base, uneducated herd of men. How hard not to seek happiness in their riches or in things dependent upon them, in gratifying the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eye, or the pride of life (1 John 2:16). O you rich, how can you escape the damnation of hell (Matthew 23:33)? Only with God all things are possible (Mark 10:27).
1771 text
14. O how hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! When our Lord’s disciples were astonished at his speaking thus, he was so far from retracting it, that he repeated the same important truth, in stronger terms than before. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. *How hard is it for them whose every word is applauded, not to be wise in their own eyes! How hard, for them not to think themselves better than the poor, base, uneducated herd of men! How hard, not to seek happiness in their riches, or in things dependent upon them; in gratifying the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eye, or the pride of life! O ye rich, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?――Only with God all things are possible.
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 28 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 6:19-23.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.