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.
8. “But what was the practice of the apostolic age?” You may easily see in the Acts of the apostles. In the 8th chapter we read, There was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem: and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles, ver. 1. Therefore they that were scattered abroad, went every-where preaching the word, ver. 4. Now were all these outwardly called to preach? No man in his senses can think so. Here then is an undeniable proof, what was the practice of the apostolic age. Here you see not one, but a multitude of Lay-preachers, men that were only sent of God.