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
10. *“But what if a man has these? And has brought sinners to
repentance? And yet the bishop will not ordain him?” Then the bishop
does _forbid him to cast out devils_. But I dare not forbid him. I have
published my reasons to all the world. Yet ’tis still insisted, I ought
to do it. You who insist upon it, answer those reasons. I know not that
any have done this yet, or even made an attempt of doing it. Only some
have spoken of them as very weak and trifling. And this was prudent
enough. For ’tis far easier to despise, at least, seem to despise an
argument than to answer it. Yet till this is done I must say, when
I have reasonable proof that any man does cast out devils, Whatever
others do, I dare not forbid him, lest I be found even to fight against
God.
11. And whosoever thou art that fearest God, _forbid him not_,
either directly or indirectly. There are many ways of doing this. You
indirectly forbid him, if you either wholly deny, or despise and make
little account of the work which God has wrought by his hands. You
indirectly forbid him, when you discourage him in his work, by drawing
him into disputes concerning it, by raising objections against it, or
frighting him with consequences, which very possibly will never be. You
forbid him, when you shew any unkindness toward him, either in language
or behaviour: and much more, when you speak of him to others, either in
an unkind or a contemptuous manner: when you endeavour to represent him
to any, either in an odious or a despicable light. You are forbidding
him all the time you are speaking evil of him, or making no account of
his labours. O forbid him not in any of these ways: nor by forbidding
others to hear him, by discouraging sinners from hearing that word,
which is able to save their souls.
12. Yea, if you would observe our Lord’s direction in its full meaning
and extent, then remember his word, _He that is not for us, is against
us; and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth_. He that gathereth
not men into the kingdom of God, assuredly scatters them from it. For
there can be no neuter in this war. Every one is either on God’s side
or on Satan’s. Are you on God’s side? Then you will not only not forbid
any man that _casts out devils_, but you will labour to the uttermost
of your power, to forward him in the work. You will readily acknowledge
the work of God, and confess the greatness of it. You will remove all
difficulties and objections, as far as may be, out of his way. You will
strengthen his hands by speaking honourably of him before all men, and
avowing the things which you have seen and heard. You will encourage
others to attend upon his word, to hear him whom God hath sent. And
you will omit no actual proof of tender love, which God gives you an
opportunity of shewing him.
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