Epistle 122
George Fox emphasizes the importance of purity and humility in maintaining unity and avoiding contention among believers.
George Fox emphasizes the importance of purity and unity among believers, urging them to silence fleshly desires and avoid contention. He warns against striving for mastery and exercising lordship over one another, encouraging a humble mindset that focuses on God's will. Fox highlights that departing from purity leads to pride and division, while waiting on the Lord brings nourishment and glorifies God. He calls for believers to gather in humility, listen, and be cautious of contention, which can lead them away from the fear of the Lord.
Text
Friends,--To that which is pure, I speak, in which is unity, where no defiled thing shall enter. Silence all flesh [Zech 2:13], who strive about words, in which is no profit; who would draw you out of your conditions, and others out of their conditions [2 Tim 2:14]. Therefore be low, and mind that which is low, to draw you out of contention. And strive not for mastery [1 Cor 9:25], and do not exercise lordship over one another [Mark 10:42]; but mind that which is pure, which keeps you in the fear of the Lord God.
For if your minds go from that which is pure, which leads to God, your nakedness will appear [Rev 3:18] to the world; and then ye go in your own wills and strength, and there is the seat for mastery and pride, out of the will of God, and that is out of the unity, out of the oneness, out of the way; and instead of building, ye destroy; and instead of edifying, ye draw back into the world. Therefore all be low, and wait upon the Lord [various, e.g. Isa 40:31], and be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath [James 1:19]; be low, and wait upon God, to receive the living food from God, to nourish you in time, with that which was before time; that God in all things may be glorified [1 Pet 4:11].
So the Lord God Almighty direct you and bring down all fleshly wills; that the pure may be raised up. So meet together and wait upon God, if there be not a word, I charge you. Beware of contention, for there ye get above that of God in the conscience, and so go out of the fear of the Lord.
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The importance of purity in unity - Avoiding contention and striving for mastery - The consequences of departing from purity
- II points: - The call to humility and lowliness - Waiting upon the Lord for guidance - Receiving nourishment from God
- III points: - The dangers of fleshly wills - The necessity of communal waiting on God - Glorifying God in all things
Key Quotes
“Silence all flesh, who strive about words, in which is no profit.” — George Fox
“Be low, and mind that which is low, to draw you out of contention.” — George Fox
“Beware of contention, for there ye get above that of God in the conscience.” — George Fox
Application Points
- Practice humility by listening more and speaking less in discussions.
- Commit to waiting on God regularly to receive His guidance and nourishment.
- Be vigilant against pride and contention in your relationships with others.