Epistle 237
The Lord is with us in all our sufferings, and we can be comforted knowing that Christ is suffering with us.
George Fox encourages believers to find comfort in the presence of the Lord during their trials and afflictions, reminding them that their sufferings are shared with Christ. He emphasizes that Christ experiences their pain and persecution, assuring them that they will not be tested beyond their strength. Fox calls for courage and faithfulness in standing for the truth, as Christ reigns and will ultimately overcome all adversities. He reassures the faithful that they are not alone in their struggles, as the Lord is always with them.
Text
My dear Friends and brethren,--The Lord is with you all every where, who suffer for his name and truth's sake, in all your bonds and afflictions [Acts 20:23] be of good comfort, for the Lord is with you; neither be dismayed at your sufferings, for if you suffer, Christ suffereth; and if you be persecuted, it is Christ that is persecuted; and if you be not visited, it is Christ that is not visited; and if you be oppressed, it is he that is oppressed [Mat 25:42-45]. And he will lay no more upon you than you are able to <259> bear [1 Cor 10:13].
And the angel of his presence [Isa 63:9] suffered with the outward Jew, and Christ suffereth with the inward Jew in the spirit: and so hath a fellow-feeling with you all, in all your bonds and afflictions; and Christ who suffereth, will overcome all his enemies. He reigns, and they must be his footstool [Heb 10:13] to stand upon. And so, be of good faith, and be valiant for the truth upon the earth [Jer 9:3].
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- The Lord's Presence in Suffering
- The Angel of His Presence
- The Triumph of Christ
- Christ will overcome all his enemies
- Christ reigns and they must be his footstool
- The Lord will not lay more upon you than you are able to bear
Key Quotes
“The Lord is with you all every where, who suffer for his name and truth's sake, in all your bonds and afflictions.” — George Fox
“Christ suffereth with the inward Jew in the spirit: and so hath a fellow-feeling with you all, in all your bonds and afflictions;” — George Fox
“He reigns, and they must be his footstool [Heb 10:13] to stand upon.” — George Fox
Application Points
- We can trust in God's presence and power to sustain us in our sufferings.
- We should stand firm in our faith and be valiant for the truth upon the earth.
- We are not alone in our struggles, and Christ is suffering with us.