Upon Our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount Discourse V · §30 · John Wesley

The murderer of his congregation

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These are of several sorts. Of the first sort are those who live in some willful, habitual sin. Now if an ordinary sinner teaches by his example, how much more a sinful minister. Even if he does not attempt to defend, excuse, or lessen his sin. If he does, he is a murderer indeed, yes, the murderer-general of his congregation. He peoples the regions of death. He is the choicest instrument of the prince of darkness. When he goes from here, Hell from beneath is moved to meet him at his coming (Isaiah 14:9). Nor can he sink into the bottomless pit (Revelation 9:1) without dragging a multitude after him.

1771 text

5. These are of several sorts. Of the first sort are they, who live in some wilful, habitual sin. Now if an ordinary sinner teaches by his example, how much more a sinful minister? Even if he does not attempt to defend, excuse or extenuate his sin. If he does, he is a murderer indeed, yea, the murderer-general of his congregation. He peoples the regions of death. He is the choicest instrument of the prince of darkness. When he goes hence, Hell from beneath is moved to meet him at his coming. Nor can he sink into the bottomless pit, without dragging a multitude after him.