Epistle 420
The sermon emphasizes the importance of standing in faith and power, answering truth in all circumstances, and serving God in all aspects of life to see salvation and glorify the Father in heaven.
George Fox encourages believers to find life, salvation, and peace in the Lord Jesus Christ, even amidst worldly troubles and captivity. He emphasizes the importance of faith, citing examples from scripture where the faithful were delivered by God's power, and urges his listeners to stand firm in their faith without complaint. Fox calls on them to be a light in the world, demonstrating good works that glorify God, and to fulfill their divine purpose in every situation. He reminds them of God's providence and the need to remain steadfast in the word of power, patience, and wisdom.
Text
Dear friends, with my love to you all in the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom you have life and salvation, and rest and peace with God; and the Lord God Almighty with his eternal arm and power uphold and preserve you in Christ, in whom you have rest and peace, though in the world troubles; and though you be in captivity, from your wives and children, and relations and friends, yet the Lord is present with you by his spirit of grace, light, and truth. And so feel him at all times, and stand in his will; do not murmur nor complain, but stand still in the faith and power of God, that you may see your salvation; for by faith the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt by his power; and by faith Enoch and Noah were preserved, and Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and by faith the prophets were delivered out of many perils; and Daniel out of the lion's mouth. And you may see how the righteous were delivered by faith, in Heb. xi. [Heb 11; Dan 6]. . . .
And my desires are to the Lord, that you in his truth and power may answer the truth in all, both king, and prince, and Turks, and Moors, that you may be a good savour among them all, and in them all; manifesting that you are the salt of the earth, and the light of the world: and a city set on a hill, that cannot be hid: so that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven [Mat 5:13f,16].
And what do you know, but the Lord hath set you there to preach in life, and word, and good conversation? Therefore, while you are there, mind your service for God, who hath all things in his hand, and a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his providence [Mat 10:29]. And Christ is the mountain that filleth the whole earth [Dan 2:35]; and so you will feel him there.
And therefore keep in the word of power [Heb:1:3], and in the word of patience [Rev 3:10], and the word of wisdom [1Cor 12:8], that will give you dominion over all. Amen.
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Lord's Presence and Power
- A. The Lord upholds and preserves believers in Christ
- B. The Lord is present with believers by his spirit of grace, light, and truth
- II. Standing in Faith and Power
- A. Do not murmur or complain, but stand still in the faith and power of God
- B. See salvation through faith in God's power
- III. Answering Truth in All Circumstances
- A. Answer truth in all situations, including interactions with king, prince, Turks, and Moors
- B. Manifest the light of the world and be a good savour among them
- IV. Serving God in All Aspects of Life
- A. Recognize the Lord's providence in all things
- B. Mind service for God while living among unbelievers
Key Quotes
“And so feel him at all times, and stand in his will; do not murmur nor complain, but stand still in the faith and power of God, that you may see your salvation;” — George Fox
“And Christ is the mountain that filleth the whole earth [Dan 2:35]; and so you will feel him there.” — George Fox
“And therefore keep in the word of power [Heb:1:3], and in the word of patience [Rev 3:10], and the word of wisdom [1Cor 12:8], that will give you dominion over all.” — George Fox
Application Points
- Recognize the Lord's presence and power in your life and stand in his will.
- Answer truth in all situations, including interactions with unbelievers, and manifest the light of the world.
- Serve God in all aspects of life, recognizing his providence in all things and minding your service for him.