No outward connexion
The lowest circumstance we can understand by it is: he has no outward connexion with us. We do not labor in conjunction with each other. He is not our fellow-helper in the gospel (3 John 8). And indeed whenever our Lord is pleased to send many laborers into his harvest (Matthew 9:38), they cannot all act in subordination to or connexion with each other. Indeed, they cannot all have personal acquaintance with, nor be so much as known to, one another. Many there will necessarily be in different parts of the harvest, so far from having any mutual intercourse that they will be as absolute strangers to each other as if they had lived in different ages. And concerning any of these whom we do not know, we may doubtless say, He does not follow us.
1771 text
The lowest circumstance we can understand thereby, is, he has no outward connexion with us. We do not labour in conjunction with each other. He is not our fellow-helper in the gospel. And indeed whensoever our Lord is pleased, to send many labourers into his harvest, they cannot all act, in subordination to, or connexion with each other. Nay, they cannot all have personal acquaintance with, nor be so much as known to one another. Many there will necessarily be in different parts of the harvest, so far from having any mutual intercourse, that they will be as absolute strangers to each other, as if they had lived in different ages. And concerning any of these whom we know not, we may doubtless say, He followeth not us.
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.