Epistle 22
The sermon emphasizes the importance of walking in the light, being faithful to the Lord, and pressing forward for the truth in the face of judgment and condemnation.
George Fox emphasizes the importance of staying close to the inner light and the power of God's words, urging believers to avoid distractions from vain thoughts and to focus on the truth that leads to obedience. He warns of the impending judgment on the wicked and encourages the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith, walking in love, wisdom, and purity. Fox calls for mutual support among believers, urging them to stir up purity in one another and to be bold in their witness for the truth, while also maintaining humility and integrity in their conduct.
Text
O Friends! keep close to the light in you, and do not look forth at words that proceed from a vain and light mind; but at the power of words. For the words of God, that proceed from him, are powerful and mighty in operation, to the throwing down of all the strong holds [Mic 5:11, 2 Cor 10:4] of the man of sin [2 Th 2:3]. The Lord is coming in power, to gather his chosen ones to himself, and to judge and condemn the wicked one for evermore. He will plague the beast [Rev 16:10?], and burn the whore [Rev 17:16], and plague and torment the disobedient, and rebellious, and backsliders very sore. Therefore, ye that know the voice of the Lord, hearken to it, and see how ye stand in his fear, and how ye are brought into the obedience of the truth. And take heed of looking forth at man; but keep close to the light in you, and see that your minds be kept close to that, and guided by that; and being guided by that, it will keep you clear and pure to receive the teaching of the Lord. Have salt in yourselves [Mark 9:50], and let your words be few [Eccl 5:2] and seasoned [Col 4:6], that they may be savoury. And watch over one another in love, and walk in wisdom, and sobriety, and gravity, and sincerity, in purity, and cleanness. And keep free from deceit, and have no fellowship with the unfruitful words of darkness, but rather reprove <30> them [Eph 5:11]. And be faithful to the Lord; walk so that the world may be confounded and ashamed, when they speak evil of you, as evil doers [1 Pet 3:16]; walking in humbleness, lowliness, and uprightness before them, it will take away all just occasion of speaking evil against the truth. And be bold and valiant for the truth [Jer 9:3], and press forward, towards the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus [Phil 3:14], and let no man take your crown [Rev 3:11].
Dear Friends, watch over one another in love, and stir up that which is pure in one another, and exhort one another daily [Heb 3:13. And the Lord keep you all in his fear, and in his obedience now and evermore!
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- The Power of God's Words
- The Lord's Coming Judgment
- Walking in the Light
- Faithfulness to the Lord
- Pressing Forward for the Truth
- Be bold and valiant for the truth
- Press forward towards the mark of the prize
Key Quotes
“The words of God, that proceed from him, are powerful and mighty in operation, to the throwing down of all the strong holds of the man of sin.” — George Fox
“Have salt in yourselves, and let your words be few and seasoned, that they may be savoury.” — George Fox
“Be bold and valiant for the truth, and press forward, towards the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” — George Fox
Application Points
- Keep close to the light in you and be guided by it to keep clear and pure.
- Be faithful to the Lord by walking in humbleness and uprightness before others.
- Be bold and valiant for the truth and press forward towards the mark of the prize.