Epistle 198
The sermon emphasizes the importance of walking in the seed of Christ, living in purity and steadfastness, and being faithful to the truth.
George Fox emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace and unity in Christ, urging believers to rise above strife and flattery that can corrupt their spirits. He encourages living in the steadfastness of Christ's seed, which fosters love and truth, and warns against hasty judgments that can lead to instability. Fox calls for faithfulness to the truth, advocating for a community that dwells in the power of Christ to overcome unruly spirits and maintain a quiet, loving fellowship. He reminds the congregation to be valiant for the truth, as it reigns supreme.
Text
Dear friends,--Keep over all that, which tends to strife, in the seed Christ [Gal 3:16], in which is peace and life; for that which tends to strife, and yet is in a feigned flattery, will corrupt you. And, therefore, live in that which is pure and steadfast, and is not changeable; and in that know one another. And lay hands on no man suddenly [1 Tim 5:22]; for that which is fickle and changeable, will bring people into an unsettled state, and bring them out of their own conditions, and bring into a questioning state. And therefore keep in the seed, and light, and power of Christ, in which ye may walk safely [Prov 3:23], and not give away your power; but dwell in it, in love, unity, and peace one with another. And in it keep your meetings, and be quiet; and live, and dwell in the power of truth over all the unruly spirits.
And be faithful, that the seed, Christ Jesus may reign in you, and among you. For the truth is over all, and reigns [1 Esd 4:35, 41]. And so, be valiant for it upon the earth [Jer 9:3].
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Walking in the Seed of Christ
- Avoid strife and live in peace and life
- Live in purity and steadfastness
- Know one another in the seed of Christ
Key Quotes
“Keep over all that, which tends to strife, in the seed Christ [Gal 3:16], in which is peace and life;” — George Fox
“And so, be valiant for it upon the earth [Jer 9:3].” — George Fox
“For the truth is over all, and reigns [1 Esd 4:35, 41].” — George Fox
Application Points
- We should strive to live in purity and steadfastness, avoiding strife and living in peace and love.
- We should be faithful to the seed of Christ, allowing it to reign in us and among us.
- We should be valiant for the truth, standing firm in our convictions and living in accordance with God's will.