Epistle 296
Maintain spiritual power, preserve testimony, and be valiant for the truth, avoiding idleness and service.
George Fox emphasizes the importance of keeping meetings in the power of the Lord God, encouraging believers not to quench the spirit or despise prophesying. He urges them to maintain their testimony in both public and private settings, allowing even the youngest or seemingly insignificant individuals to speak out for the truth. Fox warns against idleness and neglect of duty, highlighting the tendency for idle individuals to gossip and judge others within the community.
Text
Friends,--All keep your meetings in the power of the Lord God, that hath gathered you; and none to quench the spirit, nor despise prophesying [1 Th 5:19f]; and so keep up your testimony in public and private. Let not the mouths of babes and sucklings [Psa 8:2] be stopped, nor the seed in males or females; but all be valiant for the truth upon the earth [Jer 9:3]. . . .
And so that none may stand out of the vineyard idle [Mat 20:3,6], and out of service, and out of their duty; for such will talk and tattle, and judge with evil thoughts of what they in the vineyard say and do. . . . <46> . . .
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- Maintaining Spiritual Power
- Preserving Testimony
- Valiant for the Truth
- Avoiding Idleness and Service
- None may stand out of the vineyard idle
- None may be out of service, and out of their duty
Key Quotes
“Let not the mouths of babes and sucklings be stopped, nor the seed in males or females; but all be valiant for the truth upon the earth” — George Fox
“And so that none may stand out of the vineyard idle, and out of service, and out of their duty” — George Fox
Application Points
- Make sure to conduct your meetings with the guidance and empowerment of God.
- Allow all people to speak and share their thoughts and experiences without being silenced or hindered.
- Be courageous and steadfast in proclaiming and defending the truth, even in the face of opposition or adversity.