24/04/2026

Sermon Volum 5:1 Party Spirit (Mark 9.38)

Ykraps, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons



Here is an outline of the first sermon in Volume 5 of the sermons. It is 9 pages.

Mark 9:38
And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name, and he follows not us: and we forbade him…


I. ATTEND TO A FEW GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE PASSAGE.

1. On the introduction of a new dispensation the power of working miracles was necessary, in order to establish its Divine authority; and this power consequently attended the first ages of Christianity.

2. Some who profess a sacred regard for the name of Jesus, and the doctrines of the gospel, may nevertheless not follow Him in all things as we do, or as they themselves ought to do. This may arise from ignorance, indolence, and inadvertence.

3. In the conduct of the disciples we may see our own aptness to imagine that those do not follow Christ at all who do not follow Him with us.

II. INQUIRE INTO THE CAUSES OF THAT UNCHARITABLE JUDGMENT, WHICH PROFESSED CHRISTIANS ARE DISPOSED TO PASS UPON ONE ANOTHER.

1. An immoderate degree of self-love.

2. Bigotry and party spirit are another source of uncharitable judgment.

3. An idle and pragmatic temper is another of these causes.

4. A liberty taken to censure and condemn others, is often vindicated by the appearance of a similar disposition on the other side. Let us not judge of men's thoughts and intentions when there is nothing reprehensible in their conduct.

Let those who own the Christian name
Put spite and malice far away
Let not misguided zeal enflame
Nor restless passions bear the sway

Let them restrain a slandering tongue
Nor to detraction lend an ear
Refuse to do their neighbour wrong
Nor to his failings be severe

No bitter thoughts nor angry words
Among the saints should have a place
We should forgive a brother's faults
Nor seek to heighten his disgrace

Gentle and mild was Jesus' life
And love through all his actions ran
Lord free my soul from wrath and strife
And form my temper like thine own.
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