Epistle 135
George Fox encourages believers to put on the armour of God, be led and guided by the Spirit, and sow sparingly in order to grow spiritually and bring glory to God.
George Fox encourages believers to don the armor of light and the shield of truth to stand firm against spiritual adversaries. He emphasizes the importance of being led by the Spirit and producing works that reflect God's image, urging the faithful to sow generously and remain vigilant in their spiritual journey. Fox calls for understanding and wisdom from God to navigate the challenges of the world, reminding his listeners of their role in manifesting God's glory through their actions.
Text
Dear friends and lambs, put on the armour of light [Rom 13:12], and the shield of truth [Psa 91:4], and the breast-plate of righteousness [Eph 6:14], that ye may stand in battle against all the Philistines, and the enemies of God, being led and guided with the spirit up to God, the Father of spirits [Heb 12:9]; that what ye do beget may be to him and into his image, and that which ye do present, it may be perfect [Col 1:28?]. And so mind this. Sow not sparingly [2 Cor 9:6], for the <132> Lord hath a seed that-aways. So the Lord God Almighty preserve you! And stir abroad whilst the door is open, and the light shineth; and so go on in that which letteth you see the world, to comprehend it, and to see what is imprisoned by it and suffereth by it. So the Lord give you an understanding in all things, and his arm go along with you, that ye may be to his glory. And the blessing of the Lord be with you!
Dear Francis and Edward, in the life of God wait, that ye may be with it led and kept to receive wisdom from God, that ye may order all things [Wis 8:1] there with it, and be manifest to the witness of God in all [1 Jn 5:9f] that ye may beget to God; that as good ploughmen, and good threshermen [1 Cor 9:10] ye may be, to bring out the wheat. So the Lord God Almighty keep and preserve you.
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- I. Putting on the Armour of God
- A. The armour of light
- B. The shield of truth
- C. The breast-plate of righteousness
- II. Being Led and Guided by the Spirit
- A. Led to God, the Father of spirits
- B. Guided to do good works
- III. Sowing and Reaping
- A. Sowing sparingly
- B. The Lord's seed that-aways
- IV. Understanding and Comprehension
- A. Seeing the world in a new light
- B. Understanding what is imprisoned by the world
Key Quotes
“Sow not sparingly, for the Lord hath a seed that-aways.” — George Fox
“So the Lord give you an understanding in all things, and his arm go along with you, that ye may be to his glory.” — George Fox
“And the blessing of the Lord be with you!” — George Fox
Application Points
- Put on the armour of God daily to protect yourself from the enemy and to stand strong in your faith.
- Seek God's guidance and wisdom in all things, and He will give you understanding and comprehension.
- Sow sparingly and trust in the Lord's seed that-aways to produce fruit in your life.