All Friends Everywhere, Who Are Dead to Carnal Weapons
George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in peace and overcoming the desire for violence in order to claim our liberty.
George Fox preaches to all Friends who have renounced carnal weapons, urging them to stand in the power that eliminates the need for wars and violence, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace for the sake of truth. He advises believers to pay tribute to rulers for the sake of peace but highlights the inability of those living in peace to engage in warfare. Fox encourages Friends to continue paying tribute for the sake of peace and to claim their liberty through peaceful means.
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All Friends Everywhere, Who Are Dead To Carnal Weapons (1659)
All Friends everywhere, who are dead to all carnal weapons, and have beaten them to pieces, stand in that which takes away the occasion of wars, in the power which saves men's lives, and destroys none, nor would have others. And as for the rulers, that are to keep peace, for peace's sake, and the advantage of truth, give them their tribute. But to bear and carry carnal weapons to fight with, the men of peace, (which live in that which takes away the occasion of wars,) they cannot act in such things under the several powers; but have paid tribute. Which they may do still for peace sake, and not hold back the earth, but go over it; and in so doing, Friends may better claim their liberty.
G.F.
Sermon Outline
- The Power of Peace
- The power that saves lives and destroys none
- The power that takes away the occasion of wars
Key Quotes
“stand in that which takes away the occasion of wars, in the power which saves men's lives, and destroys none, nor would have others.” — George Fox
Application Points
- We should strive to live in a state of peace and overcome the desire for violence.
- We can claim our liberty by paying tribute for peace's sake and not holding back the earth.
- Rulers have a responsibility to maintain peace and give tribute to those who live in peace.