Different opinions
That expression may mean, third, he differs from us in our religious opinions. There was a time when all Christians were of one mind as well as of one heart (Acts 4:32). So great grace was upon them all when they were first filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). But how short a space did this blessing continue? How soon was that unanimity lost, and difference of opinion sprang up again, even in the church of Christ? And that not in nominal but in real Christians — indeed, in the very chief of them, the apostles themselves? Nor does it appear that the difference which then began was ever entirely removed. We do not find that even those pillars in the temple of God (Revelation 3:12), so long as they remained upon earth, were ever brought to think alike, to be of one mind, particularly with regard to the ceremonial law. It is therefore no way surprising that infinite varieties of opinion should now be found in the Christian church. A very probable consequence of this is that whenever we see any casting out devils, he will be one that, in this sense, does not follow us — that is not of our opinion. It is scarcely to be imagined he will be of our mind in all points, even of religion. He may very probably think in a different manner from us even on several subjects of importance, such as the nature and use of the moral law, the eternal decrees of God, the sufficiency and efficacy of his grace, and the perseverance of his children.
1771 text
3. That expression may mean, thirdly, he differs from us, in our religious opinions. There was a time, when all Christians were of one mind, as well as of one heart. So great grace was upon them all, when they were first filled with the Holy Ghost. But how short a space did this blessing continue? How soon was that unanimity lost, and difference of opinion sprang up again, even in the church of Christ? And that not in nominal, but in real Christians: nay in the very chief of them, the apostles themselves? Nor does it appear, that the difference which then began, was ever entirely removed. We do not find, that even those pillars in the temple of God, so long as they remained upon earth, were ever brought to think alike, to be of one mind, particularly with regard to the ceremonial law. ’Tis therefore no way surprizing, that infinite varieties of opinion should now be found in the Christian church. A very probable consequence of this is, that whenever we see any casting out devils, he will be one that, in this sense, followeth not us: that is not of our opinion. ’Tis scarce to be imagined he will be of our mind, in all points, even of religion. He may very probably think in a different manner from us, even on several subjects of importance: such as, the nature and use of the moral law, the eternal decrees of God, the sufficiency and efficacy of his grace, and the perseverance of his children.
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.