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  EPISTLE 283
  by George Fox
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Summary: George Fox encourages Friends to stand firm in their faith,
maintain public testimony, and stir up faithfulness in others, even in
times of trial.

Topics: "Faithfulness", "Encouragement"
Scripture References: Matthew 6:20, Ephesians 6:11, Ephesians 6:13, 1 Thessalonians 1:4, 2 Timothy 1:6, Hebrews 2:7, 1 Peter 1:4, 2 Peter 3:1

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DESCRIPTION
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George Fox emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith and
wearing the whole armor of God to withstand trials and tribulations. He
encourages believers to maintain their public testimonies and support
one another, especially during difficult times, reminding them to keep
their focus on heavenly treasures rather than earthly concerns. Fox
expresses his desire for all to remain steadfast and faithful to the
truth, despite personal struggles and weaknesses. He urges Friends to
visit and encourage each other, ensuring that no one falters in their
faith. His heartfelt message is a call to unity and perseverance in the
face of adversity.

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CONTENT
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Dear friends, now is the time for you to stand; therefore put on the
whole armour of God [Eph 6:11,13], from the crown of the head unto the
soles of your feet, that you may stand in the possession of life: and
you that have been public men, and formerly did travel abroad, mind to
keep up your testimony, both in the city and in the countries, that you
may encourage Friends to keep up their meetings as usual thereaway; so
that none faint in the time of trial; but that all may be encouraged,
both small and great, to stand faithful to the Lord God, and his power,
and truth; that their heads may not sink in the storms, but may be kept
up above the waves.

So, go into your meeting places, as at other times: and keep up your
public testimony, and visit Friends thereabouts, now in this time of
storm; for there is your crown, in the universal power and spirit of
God. So let your minds, and souls, and hearts, be kept above all outward
and visible things. Few travel now the countries: it may be well to
visit them, lest any should faint. Stir up one another in that which is
good [2 Tim 1:6, 2 Pet 3:1], and to faithfulness in the truth, this day.

And let your minds be kept above all visible things; for God took care
for man in the beginning, and set him above the works of his hands [Heb
2:7]: and therefore mind the heavenly treasure [Mat 6:20], that will
never fade away [1 Pet 1:4]; and dwell in the seed, in which you may
know your election [1Th 1:4]. It is hard for me to give forth in writing
what is before me, because of my bodily weakness; but I was desirous in
some measure to ease my mind, desiring that you may stand fast, and
faithful to truth. Of my travels and weakness it is like you have heard,
and of my affliction, both by  them that are without, and also by them
that are within, which are hard to be uttered and spoken. My love is to
all faithful Friends.

G. F.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/george-fox/epistle-283/
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