Letter - to Thomas Ellwood
Isaac Penington's letter emphasizes God's goodness in guiding believers through suffering towards a life of faith and community.
Isaac Penington preaches to Thomas about the Lord's goodness in calling him out of a path of vanity and death, offering him a living name and inheritance of life among His people. Penington encourages Thomas not to take lightly the suffering he endures as it will lead to a weightier crown and fuller inheritance, urging him to stay close to the feeling of life amidst his trials. The message emphasizes the importance of being kept open to the value of spiritual things, remaining fresh in spirit, and allowing sufferings to remove hindrances to experiencing the pure power of God.
Text
DEAR THOMAS,
Great hath been the Lord's goodness to thee, in calling thee out of that path of vanity, and death, wherein thou wast running toward destruction; to give thee a living name, and an inheritance of life, among his people: which certainly will be the end of thy faith in Him, and obedience to Him. And let it not be a light thing in thine eyes that He now accounteth thee worthy to suffer among his choice lambs, that He might make thy crown weightier, and thine inheritance the fuller. O that that eye and heart may be kept open in thee, which knoweth the value of these things! and that thou mayst be kept close to the feeling of the life, that thou mayst be fresh in thy spirit in the midst of thy sufferings, and mayst reap the benefit of them: finding that pared off thereby, which hindereth the bubblings of the everlasting springs, and maketh unfit for the breaking forth and enjoyment of the pure power! This is the brief salutation of my dear love to thee, which desireth thy strength and settlement in the power; and the utter weakening of thee, as to thyself. My love is to thee, with dear Thomas Goodyare, and the rest of the imprisoned Friends.
I remain thine in the Truth, to which the Lord my God preserve me single and faithful.
I. P.
From Aylesbury Jail, 14th of 12th month, 1660
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Recognition of God's goodness
- Call to a new path
- Importance of faith and obedience
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II
- Value of suffering
- Strengthening of character
- Preparation for inheritance
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III
- Maintaining spiritual awareness
- Freshness in spirit during trials
- Enjoyment of divine power
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IV
- Encouragement for fellow believers
- Unity in suffering
- Commitment to truth
Key Quotes
“Great hath been the Lord's goodness to thee, in calling thee out of that path of vanity, and death, wherein thou wast running toward destruction.” — Isaac Penington
“O that that eye and heart may be kept open in thee, which knoweth the value of these things!” — Isaac Penington
“I remain thine in the Truth, to which the Lord my God preserve me single and faithful.” — Isaac Penington
Application Points
- Recognize and appreciate God's guidance in your life.
- Embrace suffering as a means of spiritual growth and preparation.
- Stay connected with fellow believers for support and encouragement during trials.