Concerning Marriages
The sermon emphasizes the importance of marrying with the light, which is a true joining with God, and a union that is honourable and undefiled.
George Fox emphasizes the significance of aligning marriages with the light of Christ, warning against unions formed in opposition to this divine guidance. He asserts that those who act contrary to this light are aware of their wrongdoings and face condemnation. True marriages, according to Fox, are those joined by God through His light, which should not be separated by man. He highlights that such unions are honorable and blessed, reflecting God's command and power. Ultimately, Fox calls for a commitment to the divine light in all relationships.
Text
Friends,--All they who act contrary to the light which comes from Christ Jesus, and hate it, whose deeds are evil [John 3:19f], and live in strife about words, and their minds are in earthly things [Phil 3:19], defrauding and wronging one another, they know when they do so, with the light which comes from Christ Jesus. So this light, which lets them see and know, when they act contrary to it, with this light are they condemned. And all that do act contrary to the light, and do join together in marriage contrary to the light, and are joined with that which is contrary to the light, this is their condemnation, the light, which leads to God. But who are joined together with the light, are joined together in God; and let no man put them asunder [Mat 19:6].
Here is the true joining; and there will be a clear testimony unto them, that God did move and command, and join them with his light, among all the children of light; and this marriage is honourable, and the bed not defiled [Heb 13:4]. And whom God doth move, and command, and join together, it was and is by his power.
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- The Condemnation of Acting Contrary to the Light
- The Importance of Marrying with the Light
- The Power of God in Marriages
- God moves and commands the joining of couples
- It is a union by God's power
Key Quotes
“So this light, which lets them see and know, when they act contrary to it, with this light are they condemned.” — George Fox
“But who are joined together with the light, are joined together in God; and let no man put them asunder [Mat 19:6].” — George Fox
“And whom God doth move, and command, and join together, it was and is by his power.” — George Fox
Application Points
- Reflect on your own actions and intentions, and compare them to the light of God's word to ensure you are acting in accordance with God's will.
- Seek to marry with the light, and let God guide you to a union that is pleasing to him.
- Remember that a marriage with the light is a true joining with God, and a union that is honourable and undefiled.