A Caution Against Bigotry · §15 · John Wesley

The virtuous Romans

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But how easily may we know the cause from its effects? These are sometimes gross and palpable. So they were in the most refined of the heathen nations. Go no farther than the admired, the virtuous Romans, and you will find these, when at the height of their learning and glory, filled with all unrighteousness: fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, spiteful, proud boasters, disobedient to parents; covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful (Romans 1:29-31).

1771 text

7. But how easily may we know the cause from its effects? These are sometimes gross and palpable. So they were in the most refined of the Heathen nations. Go no farther than the admired, the virtuous Romans. And you will find these, when at the height of their learning and glory, filled with all unrighteousness; fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity: whisperers, backbiters, despiteful, proud boasters, disobedient to parents: covenant-breakers, without natural affection; implacable, unmerciful.

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About this text

On Mark 9:38-39: do not forbid someone who casts out devils in Christ's name just because he does not follow with us.

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 38 in the 1771 Works. Mark 9:38-39.

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