The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 03 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 03 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
2. If we see this man casting out devils――But ’tis well, if in such a
case, we would believe even what we saw with our eyes, if we did not
give the lie to our own senses. He must be little acquainted with human
nature, who does not immediately perceive, how extremely unready we
should be, to believe that any man does cast out devils, who _followeth
not us_, in all, or most of the senses above-recited. I had almost said,
In any of them: seeing we may easily learn even from what passes in our
own breasts, How unwilling men are, to allow any thing good in those,
who do not in all things agree with themselves.
3. “But what is a sufficient, reasonable proof that a man does (in the
sense above) cast out devils?” The answer is easy. Is there full proof,
1. That a person before us was a gross, open sinner? Secondly, That he
is not so now; that he has broke off his sins, and lives a Christian
life? And, thirdly, That his change was wrought by his hearing this man
preach? If these three points be plain and undeniable, then you have
sufficient, reasonable proof, such as you cannot resist without wilful
sin, That this man casts out devils.
4. *Then _forbid him not_. Beware how you attempt to hinder him, either
by your authority, or arguments, or persuasions. Do not in any wise
strive to prevent his using all the power which God has given him. If
you have _authority_ with him, do not use that authority, to stop the
work of God. Do not furnish him with _reasons_, why he ought not any
more to speak in the name of Jesus. Satan will not fail to supply him
with these, if you do not second him therein. _Persuade_ him not, to
depart from the work. If he should give place to the devil and you,
many souls might perish in their iniquity, but their blood would God
require at _your_ hands.
5. “But what if he be only a _Layman_ who casts out devils? Ought I not
to forbid him then?”
Is the fact allowed? Is there reasonable proof, That this man has or
does _cast out devils_? If there is, forbid him not: no, not at the
peril of your soul. Shall not God work by whom he will work? _No man
can do these works unless God is with him_, unless God hath sent him
for this very thing. But if God hath sent him, will you call him back?
Will you forbid him to go?
6. “But I do not know, That he is sent of God.” _Now herein is a
marvellous thing_ (may any of the seals of his mission say, any whom he
hath brought from Satan to God) _that ye know not whence this man is,
and behold he hath opened mine eyes! If this man were not of God, he
could do nothing._ If you doubt the fact, send for the parents of the
man: send for his brethren, friends, acquaintance. But if you cannot
doubt this, if you must needs acknowledge, _That a notable miracle
hath been wrought_, then with what conscience, with what face can you
_charge_ him whom God hath sent, _not to speak any more in his name_?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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