Epistle 53
George Fox's Epistle 53 encourages believers to live in the light and demonstrate good works to win others to faith in God.
George Fox preaches to all individuals, whether they have family members, employees, or are in any social relationship, urging them to walk in the light that enlightens every person, as mentioned in John 1:9. He emphasizes the importance of living a pure and upright life, guided by the light within, to serve as a testimony to those who oppose the light. By demonstrating a chaste lifestyle and good works, one can lead others to acknowledge the truth and glorify God, as stated in Matthew 5:16. Fox encourages believers to receive divine wisdom from above, aligning their lives with God's glory and divine order, as described in James 3:15, Wisdom 8:1, and 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Text
All Friends every where, that have wives, or that have husbands, or that have children, or that have servants; or servants that have masters, or children that have parents, that are not Friends,--this is to you all, that are in the light, 'which lighteth every man that cometh into the world [John 1:9],' that they, that act contrary to the light, and believe not in it, who know not the word, and will not be won with the word, (speaking to them,) that your chaste conversation [1 Pet 3:2] (ye walking in the light which comes from the word) may answer to the light in them, which they hate and walk contrary to; that your chaste conversation may judge them, and ye may win them by your chaste conversation, walking in the light, which answereth the light in them wherewith they are enlightened; which light comes from the word, which casteth down all that is contrary to it.
That they that act contrary to the light, beholding your chaste conversation, and your good works, the light which they act contrary to may make them confess to your good conversation, and glorify your Father which is in heaven [Mat 5:16]; who are born of the light, children of light. That ye may receive the wisdom from above, which is neither earthly, nor sensual, nor devilish [James 3:15], with which ye may be ordered [Wis 8:1] to the glory of God [1 Cor 10:31], and with that order all that ye have to order. And to you this is the word of the Lord.
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The importance of chaste conversation - Walking in the light - Winning others through good works
- II points: - The role of light in judgment - Confession of good conversation - Glorifying God through actions
- III points: - Receiving wisdom from above - Ordering life to God's glory - The call to action for all believers
Key Quotes
“that your chaste conversation may judge them, and ye may win them by your chaste conversation, walking in the light.” — George Fox
“the light which they act contrary to may make them confess to your good conversation, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — George Fox
“ye may receive the wisdom from above, which is neither earthly, nor sensual, nor devilish.” — George Fox
Application Points
- Strive to maintain a chaste conversation in all interactions.
- Seek to walk in the light daily, allowing it to guide your decisions.
- Commit to performing good works that reflect God's glory and influence those around you.