Present in Spirit
George Fox encourages the Friends at Malton to live a pure life guided by the wisdom and righteousness of God.
George Fox addresses his dear friends at Malton, urging them to focus on the purity within them to grow in spiritual power rather than being bound by outward forms. He advises against deceit, discord, and confusion, encouraging them to follow the pure life of God within to lead them away from worldly desires. Fox emphasizes walking in God's wisdom, waiting on the Spirit for righteousness, and not quenching the Spirit but living in the authority and power of the Son of God to overcome worldly temptations.
Text
(To Friends at Malton)
ALL my Dear Friends at Malton, mind that which is Pure in you, that ye may grow up in the Power out of the Form. And take heed of Deceit, and of Jarring one another; take heed of Strife and Confusion in your Minds; But mind the pure Life of God in you, according to your Measures, to guide you up to God out of the Flesh, and all the Ways and Works of it, within and without, which that which is Pure and Holy, calls all unto.
So all walk in the Wisdom of God, which is given into the pure Heart . . . all wait in the Spirit upon God, the Father of Spirits, to be Cloathed with his Righteousness.
So God Almighty keep you and bless you; the Blessing of the Lord be with you and among you! I am with you, Present in Spirit (joying and beholding your Faith toward God, which ye have in Jesus Christ) though Absent in Body.
And all Friends, Quench not the Spirit of God in you, but live in the Authority of the Son of God, and his Power, whereby ye may be kept on Top of the World.
G.F.
Sermon Outline
- Mind the Pure in You
- Grow up in the Power out of the Form
- Avoid Deceit and Jarring
- Strive for the pure Life of God
Key Quotes
“ALL my Dear Friends at Malton, mind that which is Pure in you, that ye may grow up in the Power out of the Form.” — George Fox
“And all Friends, Quench not the Spirit of God in you, but live in the Authority of the Son of God, and his Power,” — George Fox
Application Points
- Be mindful of your thoughts and actions to avoid Deceit and Jarring.
- Strive to live a life guided by the pure Life of God.
- Live in the authority of the Son of God and his power to quench the Spirit of God in you.