7. I do not indeed conceive, That the person of whom the apostle speaks in the text (altho’ we have no particular account of him, either in the context, or in any other part of holy writ) went so far as this. We have no ground to suppose, That there was any material difference between him and the apostles; much less that he had any prejudice either against them or their Master. It seems we may gather thus much from our Lord’s own words, which immediately follow the text, _There is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me_. But I purposely put the case in the strongest light, adding all the circumstances which can well be conceived: that being forewarned of the temptation in its full strength, we may in no case yield to it, and fight against God.
III. 1. Suppose then a man have no intercourse with us, suppose he be not of our party, suppose he separate from our church, yea, and widely differ from us, both in judgment, practice, and affection: yet if we see even this man _casting out devils, Jesus saith, Forbid him not_. This important direction of our Lord, I am, in the third place, to explain.
2. If we see this man casting out devils――But ’tis well, if in such a case, we would believe even what we saw with our eyes, if we did not give the lie to our own senses. He must be little acquainted with human nature, who does not immediately perceive, how extremely unready we should be, to believe that any man does cast out devils, who _followeth not us_, in all, or most of the senses above-recited. I had almost said, In any of them: seeing we may easily learn even from what passes in our own breasts, How unwilling men are, to allow any thing good in those, who do not in all things agree with themselves.
3. “But what is a sufficient, reasonable proof that a man does (in the sense above) cast out devils?” The answer is easy. Is there full proof, 1. That a person before us was a gross, open sinner? Secondly, That he is not so now; that he has broke off his sins, and lives a Christian life? And, thirdly, That his change was wrought by his hearing this man preach? If these three points be plain and undeniable, then you have sufficient, reasonable proof, such as you cannot resist without wilful sin, That this man casts out devils.
4. *Then _forbid him not_. Beware how you attempt to hinder him, either by your authority, or arguments, or persuasions. Do not in any wise strive to prevent his using all the power which God has given him. If you have _authority_ with him, do not use that authority, to stop the work of God. Do not furnish him with _reasons_, why he ought not any more to speak in the name of Jesus. Satan will not fail to supply him with these, if you do not second him therein. _Persuade_ him not, to depart from the work. If he should give place to the devil and you, many souls might perish in their iniquity, but their blood would God require at _your_ hands.
5. “But what if he be only a _Layman_ who casts out devils? Ought I not to forbid him then?”
Is the fact allowed? Is there reasonable proof, That this man has or does _cast out devils_? If there is, forbid him not: no, not at the peril of your soul. Shall not God work by whom he will work? _No man can do these works unless God is with him_, unless God hath sent him for this very thing. But if God hath sent him, will you call him back? Will you forbid him to go?
6. “But I do not know, That he is sent of God.” _Now herein is a marvellous thing_ (may any of the seals of his mission say, any whom he hath brought from Satan to God) _that ye know not whence this man is, and behold he hath opened mine eyes! If this man were not of God, he could do nothing._ If you doubt the fact, send for the parents of the man: send for his brethren, friends, acquaintance. But if you cannot doubt this, if you must needs acknowledge, _That a notable miracle hath been wrought_, then with what conscience, with what face can you _charge_ him whom God hath sent, _not to speak any more in his name_?
7. I allow, That it is _highly expedient_, whoever preaches in his name, should have an outward as well as an inward call. But that it is _absolutely necessary_ I deny.
“Nay, is not the scripture express? _No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron?_” Heb. v. 4.
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.