Epistle 76
The sermon emphasizes the importance of living in the unchangeable life of God, which is characterized by patience, unity, and not abusing God's power.
George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in the unchangeable life and power of God, urging friends to avoid the earthly and changeable spirit of the world. He encourages believers to stand steadfast in God's wisdom and life, which remains constant amidst the chaos of life. Fox warns against abusing God's power and calls for patience and unity among friends, highlighting the need for mutual support and encouragement. He reassures that by living in God's unchanging seed, believers can experience true fellowship and blessing. Ultimately, he calls for a life that glorifies God through wisdom and steadfastness.
Text
O all Friends! in the unchangeable life and power, and seed of God live, and be out of the low, earthly, changeable spirit of the world [1 Cor 2:12], which is given to changing and tossing, and tempest and waves [James1:6], by which dirt is cast up [Isa 57:20]. Oh! therefore, the life and power of God and his seed live in, which never changeth, by which every one may stand in the power of God, and in his life and wisdom, through which ye may all live. And stand steadfast in the unchangeable life and seed of God, which was before changings and alterings were; and which will remain when they all are gone.
So, God Almighty in that preserve you, in which ye may have the blessing among you, and God's wisdom to order you [Wis 8:1], (both men and women,) to his glory; that so in his fear ye may be preserved to the glory of God, in his wisdom and life, in that which doth not change, in which ye may feel the unchangeable fellowship.
And friends, be wise and low, and take heed of abusing the power of God; but live in it, in the still life, patient, to the answering the good in all, to the refreshing one of another, and not to the stumbling. But mind that which keepeth in unity, in the life, though never so little.
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- The Unchangeable Life of God
- The Power of God
- Living in God's Life
- Requires patience and unity
- Is not about abusing God's power
Key Quotes
“Oh! therefore, the life and power of God and his seed live in, which never changeth, by which every one may stand in the power of God, and in his life and wisdom, through which ye may all live.” — George Fox
“And stand steadfast in the unchangeable life and seed of God, which was before changings and alterings were; and which will remain when they all are gone.” — George Fox
“But mind that which keepeth in unity, in the life, though never so little.” — George Fox
Application Points
- We must be patient and maintain unity in order to live in God's life.
- We must not abuse God's power, but rather live in it and be preserved in God's wisdom.
- We must stand steadfast in the unchangeable life and seed of God, which will remain even when all else changes.