Epistle 156
Maintaining a good reputation and walking in the light are essential for living a life that glorifies God and leads to unity with others.
George Fox emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and unity among believers, likening them to salt and light in the world as instructed in Matthew 5:13-16. He urges them to let the light of Christ guide their actions so that others may see their good works and glorify God. Fox encourages serving one another in love, avoiding strife and presumption, and seeking unity through God's guidance as outlined in Galatians 5:13.
Text
All Friends,--I do warn and charge you in the presence of the living God, in his wisdom and life keep, that no ill savour be nor get up amongst you. For ye are the salt of the earth, to season and to make savoury to God; but if the salt have lost its savour, it is henceforth good for nothing [Mat 5:13]. Therefore I do warn you all, mind that which doth keep your peace; whereby ye all may grow in love, and know Christ in you all, in whom is peace. Ye are the light of the world [Mat 5:14] to answer the light in every one, that with the light they may see your good works, and by seeing them, they may glorify your Father which is in heaven [Mat 5:16]; for all deceit is judged and condemned by it. And every one keep in the measure of the life of God, and see that there be no strife nor presumption among you; but all serve one another in love [Gal 5:13], and let that of God guide every one of you, in which ye may have unity one with another and with God. And in his life wait to receive power to bind and chain all down which is contrary to truth. And so, in the life and power of God, the Lord God Almighty preserve you to his glory. Amen.
The light is precious to him that believes in it, and walks according <149> to its leading. So, while ye have the light, walk in the light [John 12:35f], and live in the light, Christ the truth: that ye may, through obedience to it, be the children of the light and of the day [1 Th 5:5]. For the light and the truth were before darkness and deceit were.
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Importance of Maintaining a Good Reputation
- A. As the salt of the earth, we must keep our savour
- B. Losing our savour makes us good for nothing
- II. The Role of the Light in the World
- A. We are the light to answer the light in others
- B. Our good works should glorify our Father in heaven
- III. Walking in the Light
- A. We must walk in the light while we have it
- B. Living in the light leads to obedience and being children of the light
Key Quotes
“For ye are the salt of the earth, to season and to make savoury to God; but if the salt have lost its savour, it is henceforth good for nothing [Mat 5:13].” — George Fox
“So, while ye have the light, walk in the light [John 12:35f], and live in the light, Christ the truth:” — George Fox
“For the light and the truth were before darkness and deceit were.” — George Fox
Application Points
- We must strive to maintain our savour and keep our peace to remain useful to God and others.
- Walking in the light leads to obedience and being children of the light, which is essential for living a life that glorifies God.
- We must serve one another in love and let God's life guide us to achieve unity with others and with God.