Epistle 258
George Fox's Epistle 258 calls for adherence to the unchanging truth of God and warns against the dangers of false preaching and worldly attachments.
George Fox preaches about the importance of staying true to the everlasting gospel and living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ. He addresses the need for those who preach the gospel to also walk in accordance with it, warning against falling into uncleanness or prioritizing worldly matters over spiritual ones. Fox emphasizes the significance of upholding righteousness and truth, rooting out false reports and ungodly behaviors, so that all may return to the sanctified life they once had and be prepared for the judgment of the Ancient of days.
Text
Dear friends,--In the truth of God that changeth not, is my love to you, in that which is unfeigned and everlasting, in the same power, and the same seed of life as ever was, and was at the first going forth among you. And so friends, the Lord in his everlasting and mighty power hath moved some to go over in those parts to declare his word of life [1 Jn 1:1] and everlasting gospel [Rev 14:6].
And some have not walked afterwards as becometh the gospel [Phil 1:27], both them that have declared it, and them who have received it; whereby there hath been a stop to the progress of the truth and power of God, that it hath not had its full course; and by that, burdens have been brought upon the just and innocent, and the mouths of the world, instead of stopping them, they have opened them to speak evil of the truth and way of God [2 Pet 2:2]. . . . And all such likewise, who are gone into uncleanness, and such who pretend to preach the gospel, and are sat down in the earth, like Demas, and have forsaken the gift of God, and sit down in the earth, and esteem the earth before it [2 Tim 4:10]; and so set up their own business, and slight the Lord's.
And such who are gotten into the rotten principles of the Ranters, who wear their hats when Friends pray; who, out of the wisdom of God, would manifest to the world a separation, and to show that they are not of the spirit, power, and mind, as Friends were in at the first. As also, all such that raise false reports, which are forbidden by the Lord [Exo 23:1] among his people. These things are to be searched out to the bottom, that righteousness and truth may flow, and have its passage through all hearts, and all may come to the habitation which they had at the first [Jude 1:6]; and all that is contrary <310> may come to judgment and condemnation.
For the house must be swept and cleansed of all the things above mentioned that have gotten into any, that all may come up into the sanctified life; for the Ancient of days is come, and the judgment is set [Dan 7:22], and they that have kept their habitations witness this. . . .
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The unchanging truth of God - The everlasting love of God - The power of the gospel
- II points: - The importance of walking in the gospel - Consequences of failing to do so - The impact on the innocent
- III points: - Warnings against false preaching - The dangers of worldly attachment - The need for spiritual integrity
- IV points: - The call to righteousness - The necessity of cleansing the house - The arrival of judgment
Key Quotes
“In the truth of God that changeth not, is my love to you.” — George Fox
“The Lord in his everlasting and mighty power hath moved some to go over in those parts to declare his word of life.” — George Fox
“The Ancient of days is come, and the judgment is set.” — George Fox
Application Points
- Reflect on your own walk in the gospel and ensure it aligns with God's truth.
- Be vigilant against false teachings and maintain spiritual integrity.
- Engage in self-examination to prepare for the judgment that is to come.