Epistle 393
The sermon emphasizes the importance of living in God's glory, following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and not being ashamed of Christ, who is our teacher, prophet, shepherd, and high priest.
George Fox preaches about living a life that glorifies God by bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing righteousness, godliness, meekness, lowliness, and humility, following the example of Christ Jesus who is meek and teaches the humble. He urges the congregation to avoid worldly ways and to stay on the narrow path that leads to eternal life, meeting in the name of Jesus Christ to experience His divine presence, love, and wisdom. Fox encourages them not to be ashamed of Christ as their teacher, prophet, shepherd, high priest, and bishop, emphasizing the importance of faith in Jesus as the author and finisher of their faith, their sanctuary, and source of life, peace, rest, and salvation.
Text
Dear friends in the peaceable truth,--The glory of God all mind, in all your lives and conversations, and that the heavenly fruits of the holy spirit [Gal 5:22f] of God you may all bring forth to his praise, living in righteousness, godliness, and meekness, lowliness, and humility, learning of Christ Jesus your saviour, who is meek [Mat 11:29]. For the humble God doth teach [Psa 25:9], and they grow up in his grace and favour. And therefore all take heed of going back again into the world's ways, spirit, and words but keep to the holy spirit of God, that doth lead you in the narrow way, that is to life eternal [Mat 7:14]. And in the Lord's light, power, and spirit meet together, and keep your meetings in the name of Jesus Christ [Mat 18:20], <251> who hath all power in heaven and earth given to him [Mat 28:18], that you may feel his living and divine presence among you, and in his pure, gentle, and heavenly love and wisdom [Jas 3:17], you may be valiant for the name of Jesus, and his truth upon the earth [Jer 9:3], and not to be ashamed of Christ [Luke 9:26] your teacher and prophet, that God hath raised up in his new covenant and testament, whom you are to hear [Acts 3:22]. Neither be ashamed of Christ your shepherd, who hath laid down his life for his sheep [John 10:15], whose voice you are to hear [John 10:27]; who doth feed his sheep, and give them life eternal, and none is able to pluck his sheep out of his hand [John 10:28], his power. Neither be ashamed of your high priest, who hath offered up himself for you [Heb 7:27], and doth sanctify you, who is a priest made higher than the heavens [Heb 7:26]. Neither be you ashamed of your bishop, and the chief shepherd of your souls, to whom now ye are returned [1 Pet 2:25] by his grace and truth, who doth oversee you with his heavenly eye, that you do not go astray from God. So in him let your faith stand, who is the author and finisher of it [Heb 12:2]. So with my love to you all in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is your sanctuary, in whom you all have life, peace, rest, and salvation, who is the Amen.
'Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus [1 Pet 5:14].' Amen. This charity keeps all God's people in the heavenly love and unity.
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Living in God's Glory
- The Role of the Holy Spirit
- The Power of Christ's Presence
- The Importance of Not Being Ashamed of Christ
- Hearing his voice and following his guidance
- Not going astray from God's will
Key Quotes
“For the humble God doth teach, and they grow up in his grace and favour.” — George Fox
“Neither be ashamed of Christ your shepherd, who hath laid down his life for his sheep, whose voice you are to hear;” — George Fox
“So in him let your faith stand, who is the author and finisher of it.” — George Fox
Application Points
- We should strive to live in righteousness, godliness, and meekness, and learn of Christ Jesus our saviour.
- We should follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and keep to the holy spirit of God to stay on the narrow path to life eternal.
- We should not be ashamed of Christ, but rather hear his voice and follow his guidance.