A Caution Against Bigotry · §41 · John Wesley

Wide of the point

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Numberless times has this text been quoted on the occasion, as containing the very strength of the cause. But surely never was so unhappy a quotation. For first, Aaron was not called to preach at all. He was called to offer gifts and sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 5:1). That was his peculiar employment. Second, these men do not offer sacrifice at all, but only preach, which Aaron did not. Therefore it is not possible to find one text in all the Bible which is more wide of the point than this.

1771 text

Numberless times has this text been quoted on the occasion, as containing the very strength of the cause. But surely never was so unhappy a quotation. For, first, Aaron was not called to preach at all. He was called to offer gifts and sacrifice for sin. That was his peculiar employment. Secondly, These men do not offer sacrifice at all; but only preach, which Aaron did not. Therefore it is not possible to find one text in all the Bible, which is more wide of the point than this.

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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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