Epistle 75
The sermon emphasizes the importance of relying on God's power and wisdom to guide the church and avoid highmindedness.
George Fox preaches about serving one another in love, being ordered by the wisdom of God to bring glory to the Lord, and allowing only life itself to reign among believers. He emphasizes the importance of waiting in the power of the Lord God rather than relying on earthly strategies, to maintain peace and faithfulness. Fox warns against highmindedness and encourages humility, pointing to the reign of the rightful judge that brings peace and goodwill to all.
Text
Dearly beloved friends and brethren, in the power, and life, and seed of God all dwell, serving one another in love [Gal 5:13] and in the wisdom of God, that with it ye may be ordered [Wis 8:1] to the glory of the Lord God; that nothing may reign but life itself, and in it be faithful. Keep all your meetings, and know the power of the Lord God among you all.
Ye must do nothing for the Lord by earthly policy, nor trust to that; but wait in the power of the Lord God, and be ordered by that to his glory. Ye will never be right, till then, and that must keep peace among you.
And take heed of highmindedness [Rom 11:20], for that will puff up that part which should not be exalted; and if that come up to rule which is for judgment, then it will do hurt. But when he comes to reign whose <86> right it is [Ezek 21:27], then peace and good will are unto all men [Luke 2:140; and no hurt in all the holy mountain of the Lord [Isa 11:9] is seen.
G. F
Sermon Outline
- The Power of God
- Order in the Church
- Faithfulness in Meetings
- Avoiding Highmindedness
- Highmindedness puffs up and causes hurt
- Waiting for God's reign brings peace
Key Quotes
“Ye must do nothing for the Lord by earthly policy, nor trust to that; but wait in the power of the Lord God, and be ordered by that to his glory.” — George Fox
“When he comes to reign whose right it is, then peace and good will are unto all men, and no hurt in all the holy mountain of the Lord is seen.” — George Fox
Application Points
- We should rely on God's power and wisdom to guide us in our decisions and actions.
- We should avoid highmindedness and instead wait for God's reign to bring peace and unity.
- We should keep our meetings in the power of God to know His presence and guidance.