No excuse in another
I need add but one caution. Think not that the bigotry of another is any excuse for your own. It is not impossible that one who casts out devils himself may yet forbid you to do so. You may observe this is the very case mentioned in the text. The apostles forbade another to do what they did themselves. But beware of retorting. It is not your part to return evil for evil (Romans 12:17). Another's not observing the direction of our Lord is no reason why you should neglect it. No, but let him have all the bigotry to himself. If he forbids you, do not you forbid him. Rather labor and watch and pray the more to confirm your love toward him. If he speaks all manner of evil of you (Matthew 5:11), speak all manner of good (that is true) of him. Imitate in this that glorious saying of a great man (O that he had always breathed the same spirit!): Let Luther call me a hundred devils; I will still reverence him as a messenger of God.
1771 text
6. I need add but one caution. Think not, the bigotry of another, is any excuse for your own. ’Tis not impossible, that one who casts out devils himself, may yet forbid you so to do. You may observe, this is the very case mentioned in the text. The apostles forbad another to do what they did themselves. But beware of retorting. It is not your part, to return evil for evil. Another’s not observing the direction of our Lord is no reason why you should neglect it. Nay, but let him have all the bigotry to himself. If he forbids you, do not you forbid him. Rather labour and watch and pray the more, to confirm your love toward him. If he speaks all manner of evil of you, speak all manner of good (that is true) of him. Imitate herein that glorious saying of a great man (O that he had always breathed the same spirit!) “Let Luther call me an hundred devils: I will still reverence him as a messenger of God.”
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.