Epistle 161
George Fox's Epistle 161 emphasizes the importance of spiritual freedom and commitment to God amidst worldly distractions and sufferings.
George Fox urges believers to avoid the distractions and temptations of worldly desires and cares, emphasizing the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and not succumbing to the pressures of society. He encourages the faithful to dwell under God's protection and to be free from the entanglements of material wealth, advocating for a deep commitment to the Lord. Fox highlights the historical suffering of the righteous who resisted joining in with the corrupt practices of the world, instead choosing to remain devoted to God and His truth, which brings peace and righteousness.
Text
O friends! do not die from the good through the wantonness of fleshly lusts [2 Pet 2:18], neither be choked with the cares of this life [Mat 13:22], nor fear the shearers [Isa 53:7], neither let the heat scorch your green blade [Mat 13:6]; but dwell under the shadow of the Almighty [Psa 91:1], who will shade you from the heat and cold. Neither be cumbered nor surfeited with the riches of this world [Rom 11:12], nor bound, nor straitened with them, nor married to them; but be free and loose from them, and be married to the Lord [Rom 7:4].
The sufferings in all ages, of the righteous and just, were, because they could not join to the nations' vain worships [Mat 15:9], evil customs, rudiments, traditions [Col 2:8], and carnal inventions, but joined to the Lord [Jer 50:5, 1 Cor 6:17, etc], and not to them; and therefore they suffered, and kept single to the Lord God [Mat 6:22,24] in following him and his truth, and living in it, the amen, [Rev 3:14] the crown, life, virtue, and righteousness [Rev 2:10/2 Tim 4:8], that floweth over all [Amos 5:24], in which the righteous have peace.
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Warning against fleshly lusts - Avoiding worldly cares - Trusting in God's protection
- II points: - The dangers of materialism - The importance of spiritual freedom - Being married to the Lord
- III points: - The suffering of the righteous - Rejection of vain worships - Living in truth and righteousness
- IV points: - The promise of peace for the righteous - The call to follow God's truth - The reward of eternal life
Key Quotes
“do not die from the good through the wantonness of fleshly lusts” — George Fox
“dwell under the shadow of the Almighty” — George Fox
“the sufferings in all ages, of the righteous and just, were, because they could not join to the nations' vain worships” — George Fox
Application Points
- Seek refuge in God's presence to find peace amidst life's challenges.
- Prioritize your relationship with God over material possessions.
- Stand firm in your faith and reject worldly customs that conflict with your beliefs.