I dare not forbid him
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 it is still insisted I ought to do it. You who insist upon it, answer those reasons. I do not know that any have done this yet, or even made an attempt at doing it. Only some have spoken of them as very weak and trifling. And this was prudent enough, for it is 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 (Acts 5:39).
1771 text
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.
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 38 in the 1771 Works. Mark 9:38-39.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.