A Caution Against Bigotry · §20 · John Wesley

Less openly

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He less openly, but no less effectively works in dissemblers, talebearers, liars, and slanderers; in oppressors and extortioners; in the perjured, the seller of his friend, his honor, his conscience, his country. And yet these may talk of religion or conscience still, of honor, virtue, and public spirit. But they can no more deceive Satan than they can God. He likewise knows those who are his (2 Timothy 2:19), and a great multitude they are out of every nation and people (Revelation 7:9), of whom he has full possession at this day.

1771 text

12. He less openly, but no less effectually works in dissemblers, talebearers, liars, slanderers: in oppressors and extortioners; in the perjured, the seller of his friend, his honour, his conscience, his country. And yet these may talk of religion or conscience still! Of honour, virtue and public spirit. But they can no more deceive Satan than they can God. He likewise knows those that are his: and a great multitude they are out of every nation and people of whom he has full possession at this day.

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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.

We have not yet re-checked this work against its source. We put this English text into updated wording with AI help. No scholar has yet certified it as faithful and complete. Open the 1771 text under any part to compare.

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