Upon Our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount Discourse VIII · §43 · John Wesley

No happiness in riches

And do not trust in them for happiness. For here also they will be found deceitful upon the weights (Psalm 62:9). Indeed this every reasonable man may infer from what has been observed already. For if neither thousands of gold and silver, nor any of the advantages or pleasures purchased by them, can prevent our being miserable, it evidently follows they cannot make us happy. What happiness can they afford to him who in the midst of all is constrained to cry out:

1771 text

20. *And trust not in them for happiness. For here also they will be found deceitful upon the weights. Indeed this every reasonable man may infer, from what has been observed already. For if neither thousands of gold and silver, nor any of the advantages or pleasures purchased thereby, can prevent our being miserable, it evidently follows, they cannot make us happy. What happiness can they afford to him, who in the midst of all is constrained to cry out,

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About this text

The eighth sermon on the Sermon on the Mount, on Matthew 6:19-23: treasures on earth and in heaven, and the single eye of a pure intention.

EditionPrinted in Wesley's 1771 Works, which do not say when he preached it

Wesley's own sermon in updated English wording. The 1771 panel is the text of the Works Wesley himself had printed in 1771. It is public domain.

Reference

Sermon 28 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 6:19-23.

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