The Light Within
George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with God by focusing on the Light Within and crucifying the Carnal Mind.
George Fox preaches about the importance of staying true to the Truth of God, praying for others to be kept in the simplicity of the Truth in Christ Jesus. He emphasizes the need for hearts to be united in love and one spirit to God, seeking eternal guidance to move away from worldly distractions. Fox highlights the daily struggle against the carnal mind and the necessity of crucifying it through the inner light that convicts and guides. He urges listeners to avoid unnecessary words and distractions, reminding them that the measure, light, and word of God are within them as temples of God.
Text
(To Friends in Truth)
MY LOVE is to you all in the Truth of God; and my Prayers and Soul's Desire is to God, that ye may be kept in the Simplicity of the Truth in Christ Jesus . . . that all your Hearts may be knit together in Love and in one Spirit to God. . . . See, if ye do find something in your Understandings made manifest, which is Eternal, to guide your Minds out of all External things, which wither away, and fade. For the Cross is to the Carnal Mind . . . where Lightness, Rashness, Crossness, Bitterness and Presumption is. . . . But the Light Within, which doth convince thee, it will shew thee, when the Mind goeth forth; and shew thee the daily Cross which is to crucifie that Carnal Mind. . . .
Therefore give not way to your Wills, nor busie your selves nor Minds with needless or careless Words, or such things, for they will vail you, and draw your Minds from God: But keep within. . . . For the Measure is within, and the Light of God is within, and the Pearl is within you, which is hid; and the Word of God is within you, and ye are the Temples of God, and God hath said, he will dwell in you and walk in you.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Simplicity in Truth
- The Dangers of External Things
- The Light Within
- Living in Harmony with God
- Giving way to the Will of God
- Keeping within and not busying the Mind
Key Quotes
“See, if ye do find something in your Understandings made manifest, which is Eternal, to guide your Minds out of all External things, which wither away, and fade.” — George Fox
“For the Measure is within, and the Light of God is within, and the Pearl is within you, which is hid; and the Word of God is within you, and ye are the Temples of God, and God hath said, he will dwell in you and walk in you.” — George Fox
Application Points
- Give way to the Will of God and keep within to avoid distractions and stay focused on Him.
- Recognize the Measure within you, which includes the Light of God, the Pearl, and the Word of God, and let it guide your thoughts and actions.
- Remember that you are the Temple of God, and God dwells and walks among you, so live accordingly.