Epistle 400
George Fox emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the love of God, living in heavenly wisdom, and being valiant for God's truth in order to experience freedom and peace.
George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in God's love, patience, and truth, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's Word and the need to abide in it. He encourages living in heavenly wisdom, maintaining a gentle and lamb-like nature, and valiantly upholding God's truth without compromise. Fox reminds believers that the truth sets them free and leads to a peaceable habitation, ultimately bringing glory to God in all aspects of their lives.
Text
Dear friends, to you is my love in the seed of life, that bruises the head of enmity [Gen 3:15]; and in this seed you all have life and peace that is everlasting. And my desires are, that you may all dwell in the love [1 Jn 4:16] that can bear all things [1 Cor 13:7]. And keep the word of patience [Rev 3:10], which will never be worn out; for the word liveth, and abideth, and endureth for ever [1 Pet 1:23], and over all trials keeps; for the word was in the beginning [John 1:1], and all things are upheld by the word of his power [Heb 1:3]; in it abide.
And so live and walk in the wisdom that is from above, that is heavenly, pure, peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated [Jas 3:17]. And keep in the lamb-like nature; for the suffering lamb must have the victory [Rev 17:14]. And so the man of God must not strive, but be gentle [2 Tim 2:24], and yet valiant for God's truth [Jer 9:3], and not to sell it [Prov 23:23]; for they that do, go into bondage and captivity; for the truth maketh all God's people free [John 8:32], and the peaceable <278> truth is a peaceable habitation [Isa 32:18]. And so in it God Almighty preserve you, and all the Lord's people every where, that they may glorify the Lord God of all their comforts, lives, and mercies. Amen.
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- The Seed of Life
- Living in Heavenly Wisdom
- The Victory of the Lamb
- Gentleness and Humility
- Freedom in the Truth
- Peaceable Habitation
Key Quotes
“And my desires are, that you may all dwell in the love that can bear all things [1 Cor 13:7].” — George Fox
“The word liveth, and abideth, and endureth for ever [1 Pet 1:23], and over all trials keeps;” — George Fox
“For the truth maketh all God's people free [John 8:32], and the peaceable truth is a peaceable habitation [Isa 32:18].” — George Fox
Application Points
- We must dwell in the love of God in order to experience peace and freedom.
- Heavenly wisdom is essential for living a life that is pure, peaceable, and gentle.
- We must be valiant for God's truth in order to set ourselves and others free.