References Pastoral Letters H to L

H

HOLY

　

HOLY GOD

When Holy is a name, it can refer only to God, and it commands absolute reverence and adoration.

HOLY ORDER

Nothing can get between us and the Lord God if we keep in His "holy and heavenly order."

Jesus Christ, the Orderer of all things, is the door into the holy Way for his holy people to walk in. For we should walk as becomes the glorious Order of the Holy Gospel.



Gospel Order equals the Power of God; it is heavenly, holy and everlasting.

DREAD AND TERROR OF THE LORD

Holy may also refer to the awesome, frightening nature, the dread and terror of the Lord God. Power keeps us over the world in the dread and majesty of Truth.

HOLY, A SYNONYM FOR PURE

Holy is a synonym for pure. If something is pure, it's not contaminated in any way. More than just everyday goodness, purity is all that is virtuous. It is innocence, untouched by evil and free from guilt. Chaste is a synonym for pure. It means purity in conduct and intention.

HOLY LIFE, CHASTE LIFE

We should mind the holy life, the chaste life.

HOLY PLACES

God keeps and preserves all of us by His holy Power, on His holy Mountain.

The faithful abide in the tabernacle of God, dwell in the holy hill.

CHRIST THE HOLY ONE, THE BRIDEGROOM

Fox uses marriage in a symbolic way and writes that Friends should keep marriage with Christ who is the Holy one. For He makes an end to all unholiness.

Christ is the Holy Head of His holy Church. When we suffer, this will establish us on Christ, the Holy Rock of Life.

Christ is a holy, pure and a safe sitting; He is the holy, heavenly Rock and Foundation.

All things in heaven and in earth must bow at the holy Name because this brings reconciliation.

Live in the Holy Seed that will wear out all Transgression. (If you have ever taught an unruly, uncooperative seventh grade class, you can really appreciate the Holy Seed out waiting, out lasting, wearing out sinners.)

HOLY: SET APART TO THE SERVICE OF GOD

We are holy in the sense that we are set apart to the service of God. The Lord requires us to live a godly, righteous, holy life.

HOLY PATH, HOLY WAY, HOLY LIFE

May your meekness and gentleness prevail over the rough and may you be preserved in boldness in the unalterable holy Way. (Fox often leaves Friends at their liberty, to make decisions for themselves. But if they wish to be preserved in the "unalterable holy way," there seems to be only one right way.)

Even though Fox is in prison, he cares enough for Friends to admonish them to live a holy life. 228

HOLY GHOST, HOLY SPIRIT

Friends are to live in the Kingdom of God which stands, not in everyday things like food and drink, but in holiness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Rom. 14:17

Friends should wait in the Light for Power to witness the Kingdom of God and joy in the Holy Spirit which has no end.

The Light shining in Friends is not a small Light, He is God, the Holy Spirit, Christ.

HOLY TRUTH

The truth is holy, above error and falsehood; the holy, peaceable Truth never changes and is over all evil. We are to walk in the Truth and by it come into a holy life.

He writes to "all my dear Friends everywhere, live in the noble Seed, Christ Jesus.

Mind the Holy Truth, which will let nothing that is unholy in you live. For nothing that is unholy can enter into the Kingdom of God."

HOLY FELLOWSHIP

Gospel Fellowship is a perfect, pure and holy Fellowship.

HOLY SCRIPTURES

The Light inspired the Scriptures and now helps us to understand them. He distinguishes the true prophet's word from the false, the words of holy men from the words of unholy ones.



Friends are to live as pure and holy a life as possible. We are to know the scriptures and keep in the faith that works by love and purifies us. To be holy we must follow the path of the just, always looking at the shining Light.

　

　

　

　

　

REFERENCES TO HOLY

ABIDE IN THE HOLY

abide in the holy to the Glory of God 335

The faithful abide in the tabernacle of God, dwell in the holy hill. 352

Brought about holy things. 319

CHILDREN

Children not unholy but clean. 240

DREAD AND TERROR OF THE LORD

dread and terror of the Lord God. 49, 81

God keeps and preserves us all by His holy Power on His holy Mountain. 412

Power keeps us over the world in the dread and majesty of Truth.104

Power and Dread of the Lamb 81

HOLY A SYNONYM FOR PURITY

Clean is a name that Fox gives to God.

HOLY CHRIST

holy one 37

all things in heaven and things in earth must bow at the holy Name 222

righteous holy One. 245

Holy Head of His holy Church. 245, 291, 293

Jesus Christ the holy Way for his holy people to walk in. 301

Holy Rock of Life 345

holy, heavenly Rock and Foundation 401

a holy, pure and a safe sitting 416

CHRIST THE BRIDEGROOM, THE HOLY ONE

marriage with Him who is our first love, the Holy one, the Just One, the Light, the Truth and Power of God, who makes an end to all unholiness.

HOLY EXAMPLES

holy and virtuous examples 418

Holy FAITH

most holy Faith. 133

HOLY EXAMPLES

holy and virtuous examples 418

holy prophets 350

HOLY FELLOWSHIP

Gospel Fellowship is a holy Fellowship. 262



HOLY GHOST 49, 158 217, 230, 240, 245, 249, 275, 286, 343, 353, 379

HOLY GOD

God’s Power is pure and holy. 281

worship the holy God, not the devil and our own will. 353

God is holy, pure, spiritual and eternal. 31

Holy heavenly fruits 335

Holy individual 265

HOLY LIFE 222

Even though Fox is in prison, he cares enough for Friends to admonish them to live a holy life. 228

The Lord requires us to live a godly, righteous, holy life. 351

Holy life and conversation (behavior.) 412

mind the holy Life, the chaste Life. 154

HOLY MEN AND WOMEN

holy men 230, 265

the words of holy men may be distinguished from unholy 265

holy men and women trust in God 321

HOLY PATH, HOLY WAY

in the Holy Way we are to know happiness and peace.

holy path. 267

unalterable holy Way 215, 220

holy way 293

Holy people 293

HOLY PLACES

Holy City comes from God out of heaven 232

dwell in the holy hill. 352

holy camp 387

His holy Power, on His holy Mountain. 412

Holy prophets 350

HOLY SEED

holy Seed Christ 274, 369, 370, 371, 390

Holy things 320

HOLY TRUTH

holy Truth 244, 258, 358

walk in the Truth and by it come into a holy life 412

Friends the Holy Truth mind, which will let nothing that is unholy in you live. 244

walk in the Truth and by it come into a holy life 412

HOLY: SET APART TO THE SERVICE OF GOD

the Lord requires us to live a godly, righteous, holy life. 351

We are the royal priesthood who offers daily to the Lord the spiritual sacrifice, the holy generation and the peculiar people, zealous of good works.

HOLY SPIRIT 4, 31, 35, 148, 229, 230, 344, 365, 393

ORDER IS HOLY

For we should walk as becomes the glorious Order of the Holy Gospel. 293

Gospel Order equals the Power of God; it is heavenly, holy and everlasting.313

holy and heavenly order 349

RIGHTEOUS

God is righteous, pure, holy, just. 8

made like God pure, holy, perfect and righteous 32

Christ, the righteous holy One, is our Teacher and Example.

Service to holy things. 319, 320



Witness the seal of the Covenant and be kept spotless and clean, holy and righteous. 63

HOLY GOD

When Holy is a name, it can refer only to God, and it commands absolute reverence and adoration.

HOLY ORDER

Nothing can get between us and the Lord God if we keep in His "holy and heavenly order."

Jesus Christ, the Orderer of all things, is the door into the holy Way for his holy people to walk in. For we should walk as becomes the glorious Order of the Holy Gospel.



Gospel Order equals the Power of God; it is heavenly, holy and everlasting.

DREAD AND TERROR OF THE LORD

Holy may also refer to the awesome, frightening nature, the dread and terror of the Lord God. Power keeps us over the world in the dread and majesty of Truth.

HOLY, A SYNONYM FOR PURE

Holy is a synonym for pure. If something is pure, it's not contaminated in any way. More than just everyday goodness, purity is all that is virtuous. It is innocence, untouched by evil and free from guilt. Chaste is a synonym for pure. It means purity in conduct and intention.

HOLY LIFE, CHASTE LIFE

We should mind the holy life, the chaste life.

HOLY PLACES

God keeps and preserves all of us by His holy Power, on His holy Mountain.

The faithful abide in the tabernacle of God, dwell in the holy hill.

CHRIST THE HOLY ONE, THE BRIDEGROOM

Fox uses marriage in a symbolic way and writes that Friends should keep marriage with Christ who is the Holy one. For He makes an end to all unholiness.

Christ is the Holy Head of His holy Church. When we suffer, this will establish us on Christ, the Holy Rock of Life.

Christ is a holy, pure and a safe sitting; He is the holy, heavenly Rock and Foundation.

All things in heaven and in earth must bow at the holy Name because this brings reconciliation.

Live in the Holy Seed that will wear out all Transgression. (If you have ever taught an unruly, uncooperative seventh grade class, you can really appreciate the Holy Seed out waiting, out lasting, wearing out sinners.)

HOLY: SET APART TO THE SERVICE OF GOD

We are holy in the sense that we are set apart to the service of God. The Lord requires us to live a godly, righteous, holy life.

HOLY PATH, HOLY WAY, HOLY LIFE

May your meekness and gentleness prevail over the rough and may you be preserved in boldness in the unalterable holy Way. (Fox often leaves Friends at their liberty, to make decisions for themselves. But if they wish to be preserved in the "unalterable holy way," there seems to be only one right way.)

Even though Fox is in prison, he cares enough for Friends to admonish them to live a holy life. 228

HOLY GHOST, HOLY SPIRIT

Friends are to live in the Kingdom of God which stands, not in everyday things like food and drink, but in holiness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Rom. 14:17

Friends should wait in the Light for Power to witness the Kingdom of God and joy in the Holy Spirit which has no end.

The Light shining in Friends is not a small Light, He is God, the Holy Spirit, Christ.

HOLY TRUTH

The truth is holy, above error and falsehood; the holy, peaceable Truth never changes and is over all evil. We are to walk in the Truth and by it come into a holy life.

He writes to "all my dear Friends everywhere, live in the noble Seed, Christ Jesus.

Mind the Holy Truth, which will let nothing that is unholy in you live. For nothing that is unholy can enter into the Kingdom of God."

HOLY FELLOWSHIP

Gospel Fellowship is a perfect, pure and holy Fellowship.

HOLY SCRIPTURES

The Light inspired the Scriptures and now helps us to understand them. He distinguishes the true prophet's word from the false, the words of holy men from the words of unholy ones.



Friends are to live as pure and holy a life as possible. We are to know the scriptures and keep in the faith that works by love and purifies us. To be holy we must follow the path of the just, always looking at the shining Light.





IMMORTAL

　

Fox admonishes Friends to grow up in that which is "precious and immortal". 11

In several places in the letters, Fox encapsulates all of Christianity in a paragraph or two. He writes of the glorious Resurrected Christ, the Light, the immortal Christ who brings forth life out of death. Friends have hope of pardon for Christ has paid our debt; we are purchased by His blood. Christ came into the prison house and the redeemed Christian sings in hope of eternal freedom.



You may all come to see and receive your own crowns that were immortal. 63

God is Pure immortal power. 244

Our souls are immortal which come by the immortal Power of the immortal God. 262

One of the names of Christ is Immortal Seed.

Blessing: May God, who is almighty, omnipotent, immortal, everlasting, eternal, and glorious, , the inexpressible God bless you. Amen. 333

　







JESUS (SEE C for CHRIST)



JOY

A generous, good person, George Fox was filled with joy. Joy just seems to bubble up in him. He loved God, but he also loved people. Genuinely good, generous people capable of loving others are rare. He piles up words that show this goodness: peace, comfort, consolation, assurance, confidence and satisfaction, prosperity, praise, delight. He often uses the word tender: tender plants, tender Seed, tender sympathy.

Although he suffered many hardships, he is remarkably upbeat about life and often uses happy words like joy in his letters

Heavenly joy fill your hearts.

You are my joy and crown in the Lord.

Joy gladness and plenty.

Joy be still.

He also writes that we should enjoy God who upholds all things with his Word and Power.

Shine is another happy word.

For the Righteousness shall shine forever

The glorious Light is shining.
The Light shines in the heart, in the face of Jesus Christ, and so see him in all your troubles and afflictions.
Generation of the righteous will shine.

Often stern with Friends, he may holler at them, complain about them, call them every kind of sinner ever known; but he does like them. For he writes to them:

.

Dear and tender Friends

Dear Ones

Dear Hearts and Babes of Christ

My Dearest Hearts

Dear Friends everywhere

Dearly Beloved Friends

All my dear brethren, babes of God, who are in the arms of the Almighty.



He ends some of his letters with the phrase, "so no more but my love to you all."

He blesses Friends:

So the God of Life be with thee!

God Almighty bless you and prosper his work.

May you live in light, love, and life.

JOY 349, 359, 405

immediate 10

walk in 21

heart leaping 27

joy and crown 35

and peace 47, 49

in the holy ghost 49, 158, 217, 239, 240, 244, 245, 286, 343

b e still 203

Christ 203, 206, 245

peace, comfort, satisfaction 206

everlasting 206

share 217

crown and joy 259

over lost sheep 266

Order of Gospel 301

gladness 312

beholding one anothers spiritual order 363

comfort 373

　

　

　

Heavenly joy 416



KING (SEE CHRIST AND QUAKER GOD)

　

　

KINGDOM OF GOD

　

　

God’s Kingdom is not a human kingdom but spiritual and eternal. We live in it now and will live in it forever. It is "come" and "coming." It is "come;" present within each person who consciously tries to do what God wants them to do with their lives, and who give Christ first place in their lives and loyalties. The Kingdom is also "come" with Christ reigning over the world. The Kingdom "coming." is the final stage of humanity. The petition:"Thy kingdom come" from the Lord’s prayer indicates that Christ thought of the Kingdom in terms of the future. This Kingdom will never to be destroyed. God’s goodness becomes the everyday standard for the universe.

This Kingdom will never be destroyed. God’s goodness will become the everyday standard for the universe. This Kingdom is not a human kingdom but spiritual and eternal.



We are to seek the glorious Kingdom of God, which stands in Righteousness and Holiness. The Kingdom is present right now so we needn’t be concerned about necessities like food, drink and clothes because they will follow. (Fox wants everyone to prosper in the world; the Kingdom of God helps us to do this.)

Light

　

WHO IS THIS LIGHT IN WHOM WE MUST BELIEVE?

Everyone must believe in the Light. This belief brings peace and gives victory. None comes to be children of the Light but such as believe in the Light. Fox describes the Light as a heavenly Light, a divine Light, a saving Light, a Heavenly Treasure within and the Light of the Glory of God. In the Light we receive the love of God. We should be content in the Light for the He is comfort, wisdom, love and mercy. The Light is pure, sufficient. The Light is spiritual but He gives material support as well. He will clothe us if we love and obey Him.

There are not individual Lights; the Light is one. The Light is consistent, doesn't differ in different persons, male or female, young or old. He doesn't differ throughout time. The Light understands the world. The Light is given to all, even to unbelievers, but we don't own Him.

DWELL IN THE LIGHT WITHIN

The Light is within us. He is with us everywhere no matter where we are or whom we are with. We should love the Light within. When writing of our relationship with the Light, Fox uses phrases like turn to the Light, wait in the Light, walk in the Light, stand still in the Light, dwell in the Light.We walk in the Light and have fellowship with the Son and the Father and fellowship with one another. We stand still in the Light, who comes from the Word. We wait in the Light who turns us to holiness For if we dwell in the Light, we will receive eternal Life. All we have to do is love the Light and wait. God does the rest.

Fox believes that the Light is in the Meeting for worship. The mystical nature of the Meeting, the sacred nature of the Meeting, the importance of the Meeting are all due to the presence of the Light, Christ.

THE LIGHT CALLS US TO REPENTANCE

The Light calls us to repentance. He shows us what is right and what is wrong, distinguishes the precious from the vile. He will show us our lives, how we have acted, whom we have hurt. If there is strife among Friends the Light will judge and condemn it. So we should heed the Light for He will show us what is contrary. .

The Light sets a watch over all our thoughts, words, and actions. He also helps us so that we can change, and will give us the strength, the courage to give up whatever we are doing wrong. Secretly, the Light will lead us out of darkness. (For Fox light and the day are good while darkness and night are evil.) If we speak, think, or act in any way that is against God, the Light will reprove us. But especially, He will lead us from loving and worshiping ourselves and caring only for bodily comforts, to the worship of God.

The unjust person, who can neither see nor abide the Light, calls Him natural, created, made or conscience. But the Light is not our conscience; He is in our conscience. (Fox is not entirely consistent in this but he does write, "Mind the light of God in your consciences which will show you all deceit.")

Belief in the Light within means that all people are valuable, so there should be equality for all.

The Light is not some indulgent grandfather. The Light condemns, shows sin, evil and lust; the Light keeps us chaste. But it is possible to lose the Light. The Light is the Kingdom of heaven and enables us to see this Kingdom. If we go from the Light, we go from the Kingdom, Power, Life, Glory. In the Light we see our unrighteousness, for the Light is the eye. But if the eye comes to be closed, then the testimony of Christ is not received and the Light is gone. The Light of the wicked is put out.

The anti-christ is blind to the Light, denies the Light, is against the Light, goes from the Light which enlightens him, does not confess Christ the Light.

It is possible to lose the Light. For the Light condemns and the Light of the wicked is put out. But He also saves us from this sin; He breaks our bonds of iniquity. ("Breaking our bonds" is a phrase that Fox uses often based on his experience of courts and prison.) Those that are out of the Light are unable to pray; those that vex the Spirit and quench it cannot pray to God.

Drunks are out of the Light, out of the fear of God. "They devour the Creation upon their lusts."

WARS AND QUARRELS

The Light leads us out of the occasion of wars and out of wars themselves. He casts out quarrelsome spirits and leads into true peace. The Light is also Power. This power will shake the earth and remove it out of its place.

THE LIGHT INSPIRED THE BIBLE

George Fox knows the Bible, or, as he calls it, the Scriptures, very well and he was deeply influenced by it. His writings are filled with direct quotes and allusions to it. The Light inspired the scriptures and now helps us understand them. It distinguishes the true prophet's word from the false, the words of holy men from the words of unholy ones. But the Bible is only a declaration of the fountain, not the fountain itself. Fox will give a long and elaborate biblical argument for a certain premise. Then he will say something to the effect that Christ is sufficient.

UNITY PURITY AND TRUTH

Unity, purity and truth are words that George Fox uses often to describe the Light. If we come to conclusions based on human reasoning, and if we try to dominate others, this is wrong. We should express only what the Light reveals to us. Then we will say what is right and there will be no dissension, just true unity.

The Light is God, Creator, glorified; He is Christ, Truth, purity. Universal; everywhere, within all persons, throughout time and before time. He fills all space, has no beginning and will have no end. But He is also intimate, personal, direct, positive, and above all immediate. The Light can be addressed and responded to; it is possible to experience the Light first hand, without an intermediary.

A person of great faith, Fox has a deep commitment and holds himself accountable for his actions. In his letters which span many years, we see the fruits of his long experience in the faith. It is a rare person who can express their faith as well as he does. The Light is Christ, the Light is God, the Light is everywhere, everyone possesses Him and the Light is in our conscience showing us what to do. There is no question but that Fox experiences the Light. The great pleasure of reading his letters is to share the wonderful, immediate, personal, loving Light whom he knows. He has a confidence, a sureness about God so that reading his pastoral letters gives the reader confidence, too.

But Fox has certain givens that do not necessarily characterize Friends today. He takes it for granted that we will be devout, believing, orthodox Christians and that this is the better part of our religious experience. He also assumes that we know the Bible intimately and accept that it – through our experience and the Holy Spirit – has a special kind of authority.

　

LIGHT 6, 16, 17, 35, 37, 41, 42, 46, 51,55, 56, 64, 464

all are in unity in the Light. 48

all wait in the Light of God which will bring you to see where wisdom’s gate is 44

allows us to see our sin, who we are. 85

be guided by the Light 17

be guided, ordered by It. 33

be preserved by It. 33

be moved by It. 33

Binder up of the broken 9

blots out sin and transgression. Luke 1. 12; Tim 2.5; Eph. 2. 16, 17

blots out sin and transgression. Luke 1. 12; Tim 2.5; Eph. 2. 16, 17

blotteth out sin and transgression. Luke 1. 12; Tim 2.5; Eph. 2. 16, 17 10

breaks the bonds of iniquity 10

bring every tongue and every knee to bow at the name of Jesus, the Light. 42

but one 64

checks you when you speak an evil word. 17

Christ 56

Christ Jesus 79

Christ’s Resurrection and Life 9

come to you 63

comes from Christ 25, 42

comes from the Word. 25

comes from Christ the Savior of thy soul 105

comes from Jesus. 85

cometh from Him by whom the world was made. 20

comprehends the world 54

condemn all that is contrary to it, carnal wisdom and knowledge 90

condemnation of all them that walk contrary to it. 6

condemns all who hate It 54

condemns presumptuous and proud boasters. 34

discover the emptiness, nakedness, barrenness, unfruitfulness, hardness of hearts 24

discovers all sandy bottoms of Friends knowledge of God and shows and protects them. 24 discovers all things and makes them manifest, ways, words, actions, deed thoughts 105

dwell in. 42, 46

dwell in Love. 48

enlightens 79

eternal 54

eye Prov. 20.27

feel 33

from Christ

gave us the Bible 54

gave forth the Scriptures 25

God 37

grow up in the Light for we are new creatures. 42

has Power 4, 37, 130, 159, 205

hearken to the Light 17

heed a feigned humility, a feigned love in the Light. 48

heed the Light of Christ, the Savior of our souls 85

heed and harken to the Light 56

in your conscience 54

in the Light we may see Christ, our Savior 42

informs your minds toward the Kingdom of God 49

is Christ 25

is God, the Holy Spirit, Christ. 4

is gone 60

Jesus Christ enlightens us with the Light 85

justifies you 62

Justifies to God 10

keep in 33

keep us from all extremes 90

keep us in peace and order. 90

keep in the Lord’s Light. 355

kept clean and pure 48

Kingdom of heaven 27

know the Lord in the Light. (Jer. 31:34) 8

lead nature into its true course 90

leads to the Door of Mercy 90

leads up to the Word. 25

leads the mind up to Christ 54

learn of Christ 46

Life 11, 25, 63

Life 25

Life 63

Light, Power and Seed overcome. 206

lighteth you withal 79

love the Light 42, 48

makes an end to all unholiness 35

may see deceivers 42

may see our Savior in the Light 42

never changes 90

no self can stand in the Light 48

not of the world 20

not owning 35

nothing may rule but the Light of God among you. 63

of the World 62

of the world 62, 79

of Christ 99

of God 15

One 4, 25, 64

only way to go to the Father 79

peace. 24

preached and manifested 9

receive the Light of Life 42

reconciles to God 9

renews every one’s mind 56

reproves those who’s deeds are evil 42

restorer and seeker of the lost 9

sealed in the everlasting. 48

see the Son of God 55

see the Light 42

see thyself 84

Seed 56

sees Christ 84

shining T

show s Friends their daily Cross. 19

show s addiction 10

show s temptation 10

shows you sin and evil 17

teach to forsake transgressions 35

tell thee when thou dost speak evil words 35

tells you not to be proud 17

transgressing the Light 35

True light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 9

Truth 42

turns us into the right course of nature 28

turns them inward to find God 56

understands and condemns wickedness and deviltry 54

understands the anti-Christ and condemns him 42

unworthiness16

use the Light 33

uttering perverse things. I Tim. 6.5. 35

walk in the Light of Christ 42, 62

way which is the wisdom which comes from above 25

way truth and life 79

way to the Father of Light. John 8. 12 & 14.6 John 1.

way which is the wisdom which comes from above 25

will lead you to purity and up to the Lord 17

will not suffer you to conform to evil ways 17

within 19

within everyone 56

　

　

　

Life



　

We must dwell in purity and wait upon God to receive everlasting Life. 5

　

LIFE 46, 52,204

life of Christ 52

Life and dominion 57, 104

Life and Power of God 61

Life eternal that remains for ever and ever 61

Life, Living 64, 222,354

heed nothing, but the Life and power of the Lord God. 70

Life and wisdom of God. 71

Life in whom we will have riches that never fade away 71

Life and Power are unchangeable. 76

life and mortification. 79

life of suffering 79

cleanness and newness of life 104

the Life that stands in God. 104, 226

life free from sin is possible 123

God Almighty be among you, to do his will in his Love. 197

brings to Life 204

beginning, which is life 204

Power brings to Life 204

Life and immortality are brought to Light in you 222, section 3

Life, Habitation and dwelling 228

live and reign in the righteous Life and Power of God 229

Father of Life lives, reigns, and rules amongst his gardens. 231

Life that stands in God. 104, 226

Life and immortality are brought to Light in you 222, section 3

Life, habitation and dwelling 228

Life and Peace 354

give them Life eternal 393

Benediction: God Almighty keep you in the Seed, which is your Sanctuary and in whom you have Life and Wisdom in this day of Christ. Amen 413

　

Reference Fox Letters D to G

D

DAUGHTERS OF LIGHT: Katharine Evans and Sarah Cheevers

Katharine Evans and Sarah Cheevers, two English Daughters of Light, believed that they had a call from God to travel to Alexandria to preach to the heathen. He wanted them, they believed, to serve Him in this way, use the special gifts that He had poured out upon them. Sarah wanted to obey this "pure call," to preach the everlasting Gospel that would put an end to sin and Satan and bring immortality. Instead they found themselves imprisoned by the Inquisition on the Island of Malta.

While journeying towards Alexandria, where they planned to preach to the Gospel of the inner Light, the vessel on which these "daughters of Abraham" sailed made a short stop at Malta. Katherine and Sarah knew that the Inquisition was there and of the possible danger to themselves. In spite of this, they decided to go ashore. They talked to people and distributed books and pamphlets that they had brought with them. Sarah and Katherine went on shore in obedience and because they "dared not fly the cross."

The Governor of Malta had a sister who was a nun at a nearby convent. He asked Sarah and Katherine to visit her. At the convent, a priest took them into the church and wanted them to bow to the high altar. This they could not do. So the Inquisitors sent for them and asked them for their names and those of their husband and children and parents. Then they asked them if they

were catholic. To which Sarah replied that she was a true Christian and worshiped God in spirit and truth. They offered her the Crucifix and wanted her to swear that she would speak the truth. She answered that she could not swear but that she would speak the truth.



The Inquisitors asked many questions.

Whether we did believe the creed.

Sarah and Katherine replied that they did believe in God, and in Jesus Christ, which was born of the Virgin Mary, and suffered at Jerusalem under Pilate, and arose again from the dead the third day, and ascended to his Father, and shall come to judgement, to judge the quick and the dead.

They questioned them about the difference between Catholic sacraments and Quaker ones.

Katherine replies that the flesh and blood of Christ is spiritual and we do feed upon it daily.

Many questions were specifically Roman Catholic.

Do you believe in the Saints and pray to them.

We did believe the communion of saints but we did not pray to them but to God only in the name of Jesus Christ.

While they were in prison, a friar would ask them what day it was? ( The name of the Saint’s day.)

We did not know, neither did we observe days nor times, months nor years.

(In other words they did not follow the liturgical calendar for Quakers everyday is holy. Because times and seasons are in God’s hands. Letter 235 1664

THE WORD DID NOT APPEAR IN SCRIPTURE

Whether we did believe in the Catholic Church?

We did believe in the true church of Christ; but the word Catholic we have not read in Scripture.

If we believed a Purgatory?

No, but a heaven and a Hell. (The word purgatory is not in the Bible.)

If we believed their holy sacrament?

We never read the word sacrament in scripture.

The friars tell them that the Pope is the successor of Saint Peter and he could do "what he would." Katherine denied this and said, "We never read any such thing in scripture."



The women’s answers that the word does not appear in the Bible might not appear to be a compelling argument today. However in the middle of the seventeenth century the Bible, as interpreted by the Catholic Church, had great authority. The Pope, Purgatory, the Catholic Church, as opposed to Christ’s Church, were not only specifically Roman Catholic but Counter Reformation interpretations of Scripture.

The Inquisitors also said that Katherine and Sarah were "fools and asses" because they didn’t know Latin; their Bibles, books and pamphlets written in English. It may have been difficult for workers in the field to defend this position. One friar, who often questioned them, "fell down of his knees and did howle, and with bitter wishes upon himself if he had not the true faith; but we denied him." The doctor, who was sent to tend to their medical needs, also raged at Sarah because she could not bow to him, but to God only.

When asked which was the true faith Catholic or Quaker, they answered that everyone had the true Faith that did believe in God, and in Jesus whom He had sent. But those that say they do believe, and do not keep his commandments, are liars, and the truth is not in them. (Obviously a dig at their interrogators.)

The friars told Sarah and Katherine that if they would go to mass and receive the sacrament, they might be free. Otherwise the Inquisitors would "use us as they pleased." The Pope would not leave us for "millions of gold" and we should lose "our souls and our bodies to." Sarah and Katherine replied that the Lord had provided for their souls and bodies which were freely given up to serve Him. He had not committed the charge of their souls to the Pope, nor to the Inquisitors. So a man with a black Rod, and a Keeper, took them and put them into an inner Room in the Inquisition. (The Inquisition is also the name for the building where the offices of the Lord Inquisitor and the prison were located.) The prison room had only two little holes in it for light and air but "the glory of the Lord did shine round about us."

TREATMENT TO BREAK THEIR RESOLVE

Paul was also ship wrecked on Malta.(An account of this adventure may be read in the book of Acts.) The daughters of Light compared their treatment as captives to the treatment that Paul received. The "barbarous" people with whom he dealt treated him well; those who called themselves Christians treated Sarah and Katherine in a terrible way and were not "in the love of God."

The room – their prison – was so hot and close that they would lie down on the floor at the door to try and get a bit of air. They thought that if they didn’t have some air, they would die. Several times they mention how hot the room was. They wrote to the Inquisitor and told him that if he wanted to kill them he could do it some other way as well as to smother them. He took away their writing materials; he had already taken their Bibles claiming that they were false.

Their hair fell out.

Their lives were wretchedly unhappy. When it was night they wished for the day; when it was day they wished that it was night. All they wanted to do was to die. Even so, Katherine wrote to her husband, "In our deepest affliction, when I looked for every breath to be the last, I could not wish I had not come over seas."

RIGHT OF CONSCIENCE

The Inquisition absolutely denied the right to private judgement and the right to one’s own conscience. They did not allow individuals to turn to the Light of the Lord Jesus in their conscience to interpret their faith. They also denied the value of the life experience of every individual.

Sarah and Katherine, who believed that they were captives for the Lord’s Truth, thought that the Inquisitors were not interested in the Truth but only in trying to entangle them in their talk.

THE TERRORS OF DEATH WERE STRONGLY UPON ME.

The Inquisition wanted to separate them because Katherine was so weak and needed to go into a cooler room. Sarah would stay behind in the hot dark hole. Katherine told the inquisitors that she would rather die in the prison room with Sarah than to be parted from her. They waited five weeks to came back to separate them, but Katherine was ill, broken out from head to toe. The doctor came and said that both would die if they didn’t have some air. So their door was opened for six hours a day. Ten weeks later their captors separated them claiming that they corrupted each other. Now Katherine and Sarah would bow to them. However, the more they were persecuted, the more resolute Katherine and Sarah grew.

Various members of the inquisition threatened them with" irons and halters" for preaching the Light so boldly. They threatened that they would be "burnt that night in Malta" with faggots and fire. (But they would not let Katherine have a fire or a candle for more than two hours a day after they separated her and Sarah.) They would be "whipt and quartered." Katherine told them that she wasn’t afraid because the Lord was on her side. She also told the friar that "thou art out of the Apostles Doctrine for they were no strikers." The friar tries to defend himself by saying that, in charity, he brought her a doctor

Once after her torturers leave her, Katherine has a vision and sees the Lord, who tells her that the last enemy to be destroyed is death. This comforts her – the Lord also sends His Holy angels to comfort her – for if she dies under the hand of the Inquisition, she will die innocent and go to heaven. (The Biblical underpinning for this vision is I Corinthians 15.)

No matter how much the Inquisitors threatened, tried to intimidate, offered tempting things, Sarah and Katherine did not relent. They were in a terrible position but not totally hopeless. The first English consul, during their imprisonment, was of no help, may even have been an instigator or a collaborator in their imprisonment, but the second consul was more helpful. Like the consuls, the Magistrates were both helpful and harmful. The Magistrates "were kept moderate towards us," Katherine wrote. They ordered that their writing supplies should be restored so that they could write to England. Katherine believed that the Magistrate would have set them free if it had not been for the friars. On another occasion though, a Magistrate threatened to take Sarah’s bed, trunk and money. She asked him if he were a minister of Christ or a Magistrate. If he were a Magistrate, he might take her money but she would not give it to him.

Even members of the Inquisition said that they were women of virtue, had no malice. The sisters at the convent prayed for them as did the women in the town. When an English ship stopped at Malta, the captain might ask about them and intercede for them, despite the fact that it was at some risk to himself.

Though miserable – hot, tired, dirty, sick, hungry – they acted with courage, dignity and goodness and used non-aggressive means of defending themselves. They fasted. until Katherine could only lie in bed all day and all night. She sweated until her bed was wet. Smart and articulate Katherine and Sarah knew what they believed and could hold their own during the questioning. They also confronted their persecutors. When accused of being heretics, they turned the tables and said that the interrogators were the heretics because they lived in sin and wickedness.

The members of the Inquisition were cruel and terrible men, but also unbelievably petty, mean spirited, and small. One of the friars, an Englishman, seems to always be extremely angry. He showed them the crucifix and asks them to look at it, a common ploy. Sarah told him, " Thou shalt not make to thyself the likeness of anything that is in the heaven above or in the earth beneath." The friar went ballistic! He called for irons and chains because – in Katherine’s estimation – Sarah spoke so boldly. He blew hot and cold for he turns around and tells them that he would do them any good that he could. On another occasion he tells them that he keeps them away from the Lord Inquisitor to protect them; he is really doing them a service keeping them in prison because the Lord Inquisitor would kill them. It may have also been this English friar who told them that he "would lose one of his fingers" if they would become Catholics.

One of the most amazing encounters with a friar is when one asks Katherine to look at a picture of Mary and the baby Jesus. Maybe she had been asked one time too many to kiss the crucifix or look at some representation of Mary and the Christ Child. "I stampt with my foot and said, Cursed be all Images and Image-makers, and all that fall down to worship them, Christ Jesus is the express Image of his Father’s brightness, which is Light and Life." (She and George Fox had the same thought and the same words.)

POWER

Katherine calls God Power. (Power is the name that Fox calls God most often.) God keeps her and Sarah by His own Power and Holiness. She believed that God would give her power to undergo whatever she had to for His truth. The Lord gave them Power and Words to "stop the mouths of gainsayers of his Truth." Both stand up to their interrogator– calls him a liar and a deceiver – deny him in the Name of the Lord, the living God "for he has no power over me." One of the friars held up his hand often to strike them, but never had the power. He would be quickly "cut down." When a friar accuses her of being possessed, Katherine answers him with one of Fox’s most beautiful and hopeful phrases: "the power of and endless life." The hope of a life that will never end, puts their suffering in a different perspective. Katherine and Sarah were kept above all the day to day terribleness of their lives by the "mighty Power of God."

Katherine has a glorious manifestation of God; His Beauty is joy and comfort to her soul. She tells Sarah about this experience, how her Beloved helps her to be less afraid. She has a vision and while "waiting upon the Lord," sees their safe return to England. There she talks to G.F. to her great refreshment. God also refreshes her with his continual Living Presence. By calling God the continual Living Presence, she brings a vividness and urgency to this experience.

When threatened, Katherine believes that the Lord is sufficient to deliver her. She uses a phrase that sounds much like Fox: "a living Fountain." Then she adds a nice twist of her own –"to drink at a broken Cistern." Using Quakerly language she calls Christ, Light and Life, pure Life, the express image of His Father’s glory. The Springs of Life refresh the Seed.

REUNITED

Katherine believes that the Lord works to bring them together again after so long a time. Five locked doors separated them. The Keeper had not the power to make them fast, for Sarah could undo them. Then they could see one another but could not speak. Their jailers watched them night and day. Yet Sarah came to Katherine’s door by night. The jailers discovered her and locked her up again. Apparently they gave their jailers no peace until they opened the doors again. "Then we did sit in the sight of each other to wait upon the Lord so that our voices were heard far."

Then one of the friars told them that they had suffered long enough and that they should have their freedom in a few days. An order from the Pope would free them. They could go home on an English ship. Whatever motivated this friar to tell them this, he did not have any authority to do so from his superiors. The Inquisitor came and "lookt down upon us as if he would have eaten us." They did "try us for our lives again and did shut up our doors many weeks." When the Inquisitor came again, Sarah asked him to open the door and let them wash their clothes. So he commanded that the door to be opened once a week. In a little while it was opened every day.



OUR TRIALS WERE UNSPEAKABLE

Katherine has great affection for Sarah and calls her "faithful friend", "poor lamb" and "my dear and faithful yoke-fellow." The "Enemy" tell Katherine that Sarah will go to Rome and that she will remain in Malta. She wonders why God would leave her behind.

She cries and cries.

Then someone comes and tells her that both she and Sarah are to be sent to Rome. This renews her strength. The inquisitors obviously try to play them off against each other. So Katherine has a vision in which she sees the Pope and the friars standing in ranks and bowing down before her and Sarah!! Even if she and Sarah had to defeat their opponents in a vision, they were never victims.

Katherine and Sarah left England toward the end of 1658. They remained in prison for three and a half years. Between the end of 1661 and the beginning of the following year, the Quaker, Daniel Baker, went to Malta to plead for them. He arranged for the publication of an account of their arrest and imprisonment based on documents and reports they furnished. Finally, they were set free in 1663. Possibly through the intervention of the Jansenist d’Aubigny, the almoner of Queen Henrietta Maria.

　

　

　

OMESTIC VIRTURE

　

Elizabeth Lea

　

Quakerly domestic virtues: hospitality, generosity, kindness,

friendship, cooperation, wholesomeness, common sense.



　

　

　

　

　

　

DOMESTIC COOKERY

Elizabeth Lea, the author of Domestic Cookery, was born into a liberal Quaker family at Ellicott City, Maryland in 1793. (The University of Pennsylvania Press reprinted her 1853 edition of Domestic Cookery, Useful Receipts and Hints To Young Housekeepers with an introduction by William Woys Weaver in 1982.) The social reforms of the day, racial minorities, ending slavery and temperance, concerned her family. Elizabeth married Thomas Lea but was widowed young and left with the responsibility of caring for nine children and managing a 200-acre farm, at Walnut Hills near Sandy Springs, Maryland.

Domestic Cookery includes a selection of recipes, a section on household hints, and an extensive section of medicinal remedies, as well as a short section on making dye.

The recipes in Domestic Cookery are for plain cooking. In her introduction to the cookbook Elizabeth wrote that it was possible to get cookbooks with elaborate recipes, but the ordinary and more useful ones were less easy to find." This plain cooking often sound very today: raspberry vinegar, green fried tomatoes, dried red tomatoes, pickled nasturtium flowers. Elizabeth called these "nasturtions." Pulverized chocolate, rice flour and arrow root make a mix to add to hot milk for chocolate. Fourteen recipes for rice show the importance of grains.

She knew the importance of substitutions. A drink made of dried cherries, water and sweetening "make a very agreeable drink when you cannot get lemonade."

Her cookbook includes general household hints, too. Straw placed under a carpet will make it wear better and will keep down the dust. Vinegar can be used to clean both brass and soiled eggs.

VEGETABLES AND HERBS

In a time when vegetables were treated with great suspicion, she encouraged her readers to have a vegetable and an herb garden. She recommended planting early vegetables. Spade the garden in the winter and it will be ready to plant much earlier in the spring. There are many vegetables that will stand the spring frosts without injury and, if planted early, will be ready to grow when the fine weather comes. By planting several varieties and covering them in the cold weather, she had lettuce most of the year. Tomato seeds started in boxes were ready to transplant when the danger of frost was over. She saved seeds from the finest plants in her garden for the next year's crop. Seeds stored in a box with a tight lid protected them from mice.

Today many people grow several tomato plants even if they have no other garden. Elizabeth includes recipes for tomatoes baked with bread crumbs and butter, broiled for breakfast and made into an omelet. One of the few recipes for salads was a tomato and onion one.

Something that interested me was that recipes and the names of foods have such a a long life. Elizabeth has a recipe for slaw, which she calls cold slaw like my family did when I was growing up in Northern Kentucky and Southern Ohio in the 1930s and forties. She called green peppers mangoes like we did, too.

Elizabeth advised her readers to raise herbs for cooking and for use in sickness. Parsley, thyme, sage and sweet marjoram occupied little room in a garden and were indispensable in the kitchen. If you did not have a garden, you could purchase herbs at the market and always keep them in the house. Add herbs to soup one-quarter hour before it was done. If they are put in too soon flavor will "fly off and be lost."

Spread herbs out on a cloth to dry and turn them every day. When dry they should be stored in a closed paper bag. Store sage, thyme and sweet marjoram, when thoroughly dry, in bottles.



Although she gives a recipe for Graham's bread, Elizabeth was not a vegetarian and includes a number of recipes for meat dishes.

NATIVE AMERICAN INFLUENCE

Some of her recipes, especially those for corn, a New World vegetable, show a Native American influence. She gives various names to dried ground corn meal: Indian meal, Indian cornmeal, corn meal and meal. Foods made from cornmeal are also given the adjective Indian: Little Indian cakes, Indian bread, Indian pound cake.

Her corn dumplings are prepared in a similar manner to Hopi corn dumplings. She has a recipe for green corn pudding. Green corn was and is part of Southwestern Indians' traditional cookery. In season, Mexican Restaurants in the Southwest used to serve green corn tamales as a special treat. Although she does not tell her readers how to make hominy, she includes directions for boiling and frying it. The Native American technique of drying cut up pumpkin in the sun was also described.

WILD GREENS AND FRUITS

In addition to vegetables from the garden, Elizabeth gives recipes for preparing wild greens - mustard, lambs quarter and poke - that could be found in the country in the spring. She advised care in gathering mushrooms to make sure that one has the right kinds. In the fall she gathered wild grapes to make jelly. My mother did the same thing and it was my dad's favorite.

There was an apple orchard at Walnut Hill. Apples are sometimes called the Quaker fruit. Actually apples are most probably everybody's fruit. There's a better chance of getting a crop of apples than with most other fruits. There are fourteen recipes in the cookbook using apples including butter, pudding, pie, custard, dumplings, float, fritters and two recipes for cider. Cider was a mealtime drink for many Quaker families.

John Woolman's scruples about the slave labor involved in making sugar don't seem to bother Elizabeth. For she uses several different sugars: Havana sugar, Havana white sugar, loaf sugar, brown sugar and light brown sugar. Pounded rock candy sweetened grape brandy. She perceived of sugar as a healthy food. If you had no milk, sweetened water was an acceptable drink for a child.

Recipes for cakes, fruit pies, cookies, puddings and candy are much in evidence. Deserts are baked and boiled. Elizabeth preferred current jelly for her cakes but quince or peach marmalade "will answer." Rose water made from damask rose leaves was a nice seasoning for cake or pudding.

DYE

There is a small section on making dye. Brazilwood will dye wool red and cotton pink. Washing in soap suds will change the color to purple. Elizabeth used bloodroot and madder to produce scarlet.

A strong tea made of sage would give you olive. If you wanted a darker olive use maple bark. Peach leaves when they are turning yellow in the fall give the color yellow. For brown use either whole young walnuts or some walnut leaves and bark.

MEDICINAL RECIPES AND TECHNIQUES

Herbs in addition to being used in cooking were important in sickness. Every family, Elizabeth advised, should have a bunch of wormwood to make into a tonic. Hoarhound was useful in consumptive complaints either as a syrup or made into candy.

Quinine (Peruvian Bark) as a home remedy was mixed with honey. This was thought to be good for cleaning teeth. A little Peruvian bark put in the teeth just before going to bed and washed out in the morning was an excellent preservative. It could also be used occasionally by those who have offensive breath.

　

The medicinal recipes are her own, based on her own experience. She has seen them work. If she hasn't tried a particular recipe, she tells the reader, "I've heard that it is good, but I don't know about it from my own experience." One recipe came highly recommended but she writes, "I have never seen it tried."

In a time when purges, bleedings, sweating, drugs and harsh chemicals were employed to treat the sick, Elizabeth shows a lot of common sense and a kinder, gentler approach to their care. She gives some general guidelines for sick persons, advising fresh air for the individual. Place a sick baby on a pillow and hold an umbrella over him or her for protection from the sun. When a child falls, he or she should be examined carefully. Elizabeth knows of instances of persons being crippled for life from receiving a hurt that was not discovered at the time.

Exercise and frequent shower baths were also considered beneficial. Exercise should be done in moderation and not to fatigue. A family, even if their circumstances were moderate, could have a shower bath. One bucketful of cold water was sufficient for a bath. Bathing would result in improved health and strength. One should never take a bath just after a meal but should exercise after the bath to prevent getting a cold. Individuals subject to colds, sore throat, rheumatism, sick headaches, nervous disease or general debility benefitted greatly from taking a shower bath every day. Infants need a bath every morning.

A sick individual should be kept warm and dry. If the patient were confined to the house, a hobby of some sort would be a good thing. For men Elizabeth suggests woodwork. Anyone dealing with a sick person should be pleasant and cheerful.

Light and nourishing food was a must. Domestic Cookery contains recipes for a number of dishes for the sick, from oatmeal gruel to mulled wine. Rye mush was nourishing and a light diet for the sick; individuals will sleep better for eating it. Whoever did the cooking could prepare porridge, custards, gruels with arrowroot, sago, tapioca, and barley. Irish moss, a purplish brown seaweed, was used for blancmange.

A cup of hot chocolate was a good food for the sick. As was black tea which was more suitable than green for the nerves of the patient.

You might recognize some of Elizabeth's recipes, may have used them yourself. Horehound, sweetened with either sugar or honey, helps coughs and colds, also, the old standby, lemon and honey. She writes that it was possible to grow a lemon tree in a warm inside room so you're sure to have lemons.

She recommends grated potatoes for burns. My sister uses this treatment for the sometime serious burns her husband and son, who are welders, get. My nephew started a new job and welded for twelve hours without using the proper safety equipment. In consequence he burned his face and eyes very badly. I assumed that his parents would rush him to the doctor. However his father had been burned himself very badly on several occasions. So my sister grated up a potato and put it on the burn. The young man said that the potato greatly lessened the pain.

Elizabeth includes a recipe for Red Mixture which she calls,"the most effectual medicine that I have known for summer disease (diarrhea)." This mixture includes powdered rhubarb, soda, chalk, oil of spearmint and water. It doesn't seem to contain any ingredients with special healing properties. Possibly the significant thing was the red color. Once when I visited the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, a Navajo father woke up the trader in the wee hours of the morning. The trader said that it had better be an emergency getting him up at that hour. The Navajo man said that it was. He needed a bottle of red soda pop as medicine for his sick baby.

Using an herbal remedy was much better than "strong medicine" according to Elizabeth. A hop ointment was much better for young mothers to use than camphor which was injurious. (Today some insecticide makers use camphor as an ingredient.) Another strong medicine, calomel, was widely used during the nineteenth century. It contained chloride of mercury which breaks down in the intestines into its poisonous, and even, lethal components.

The use of opium concerned Elizabeth. She believed that it should be used in small quantities and as a last resort. Two drops of laudanum, a tincture of opium, had been known to kill an infant and just one drop to kill a new born. She advises against the use of laudanum for a cough at night. The cough may be quieted for the time being but it will return with more violence the next day. However, she does add paregoric, a camphorated tincture of opium, to the licorice and gum Arabic in her recipe for Brown Mixture. She also adds two drops of laudanum to every other dose of her Red Mixture, if there was much pain. When it was very painful, she prescribes laudanum for a bee sting.

Elizabeth does not suggest wine or spirits to be drunk at meals, although she does give recipes for cider and beer. She uses the wines, cordial and brandies that she makes, medicinally. She gives recipes for peach, quince, cherry and blackberry cordial, lemon and rose brandy and gooseberry, blackberry, currant, elderberry, raspberry and ginger wine. At the same time as Elizabeth was writing her cookbook, the Baltimore Yearly Meeting admonished its members to abstain from the unnecessary use of intoxicating liquors of every description.

Homeopathy influenced Elizabeth. In this healing system, which is still used today, it is thought that a disease can be cured by remedies which produce in a healthy person the symptoms found in those who were ill. Remedies are administered in minute doses.

Elizabeth Lea exemplifies Quaker domestic virtues: wholesomeness, hospitality, generosity, kindness, common sense, sharing, reliability. She was interested in feeding and caring for her family and she gives good advice to young brides who have little experience. More importantly, she shares her experience of caring for the sick. In a time when infant mortality was extremely high, she shares her experience of caring for sick babies. She brings a sensible, kind, common sense approach, a Quakerly approach to their care, and to her life.

REFERENCE



A Quaker Woman's Cookbook, The Domestic Cookery of Elizabeth Ellicott Lea. Edited, with an Introduction, by William Woys Weaver. University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia, 1982.

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

E

lect

The ELECT are the body of persons to whom God has revealed His truth in its fullness, whom He has under His special care here on earth, and whom He has chosen for eternal life. They may very well suffer here on earth, but this is to try them; God gives them the strength to bear suffering, and trust that it is for their ultimate good. Strictly speaking the word "elect" implies that some are not elect. From the quotes below Fox believes this for Friends. Everyone believes this about the members of their religious faith but Fox is a Universalist who believes that God cherishes everyone. (See articles on Remarkable George Fox, God of the Quakers, God’s Names, and under vocabulary "cherish" in this volume.)

Friends, who are the elect, should rejoice and praise the Wise God. 18

Friends, brethren, the elect, who dwell in the Light and love Him; Friends, the elect, who have power and strength from God. Spiritual weapons, too. 41

Friends are the elect, chosen, faithful, royal Seed of God, living stones, precious, knit and built together, the family and household of God. 169

Friends are the elect, the chosen. But Fox does not say that everyone else is going to hell. He believes that the Light lives in everyone. 203

Faith of God’s elect. 206

In this faith we - God’s elect – please Him. 233

Fox makes Friends – the chosen and the elect – socially superior to the English king who was one of their worst persecutors. For we are of the royal Seed. 239

Fox calls both Christ and Friends "elect and precious." 245

The whole Church of Christ is made up of believers in the Light, living stones, i.e. Quakers. Christ is the Head and Friends are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people, the elect. 313

Friends, elect and precious, in America. 314

Friends are the Elect and Chosen of God in Christ Jesus who was before the Foundation of the World. 317

My dear Friends, amongst whom the Stone that the builders rejected is elect and precious; in Him Christ, you are elect. 333

God’s elect. 342

　

EQUALITY

All Men And Women Exercise Their Talents

One of Fox’s new ideas is that there should be genuine equality for both men and women. He lives in a time when rigid class structure exists with no real equality for men, let alone for women. In our own time – where there is most probably the closest approach to equality for women in the United States that there has ever been – it is not the genuine equality Fox envisioned. He believes that men and women have equal access to God and equal responsibilities and obligations in marriage. Both men and women may use the gifts that God has given them, making the idea of women preachers a reality.

Genuine equality for both men and women has always been a Quaker ideal. But the grubby, everyday reality is that there is very little equality between men and women, between the races. This is why the Quaker idea of equality and value for all people, because God lives within them and has created them in His image, is so important. In a world in which people behave as if created in God's image, there would be genuine equality for all. Everyone would be free to do God's will in their lives; they would be creative and live up to the image of God within them.



In Letter 360 written in 1679 Fox gives a concise, clear statement of the Quaker position on equality of men and women. He also gives the biblical underpinning for this belief.

No Barriers to God

There are no gender barriers to getting to know and love God. "God pours forth his spirit upon all flesh." We are all sons and daughters of God. There may be great ethnic diversity and religious experience but there are no arbitrary intermediaries to cut women off from God, nor men either.

Men are Men; Women are Women

Equality does not mean some sort of unisex to Fox. Men are men; women are women. Men are to be as Abraham, "the father of the faithful," women as Sarah, "a mother of Israel." Women and men, wife and husband, are like Eve and Adam before they fell. Help- meet in righteousness, made in the Image and likeness of God.

Help-meets is an expression used in the King James version of the Bible. A modern translation of the Hebrew might be colleague or co-worker. This is not a relationship of a superior and an inferior being but help-meets, husband and wife, sharing, helping each other. At a beautiful Quaker wedding one of the vows was to be allies, friends working together, not enemies.

Faithful men and women are to be like Aquila and Priscilla, Mr. and Mrs., friends of Paul. They were fellow helpers to the apostles. A congregation, which they began, met in their house, setting a pattern for many Friends to follow.

Faithful Women

When I think about equality, I tend to think of equality for women. The unstated premise is that men have equality so I need only be concerned about equality for women. This is, of course, not so. But Fox seems to be thinking along similar lines when he writes about faithful women and prophetesses such as Dorcas, Huldah and Deborah.



Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary, the mother of James, would seem to be first among equals. For it was they who first preached Christ's Resurrection to the apostles. These women were the first to believe and afterwards the apostles came to believe, too. Since God chose women for this special role, Fox seems to be saying, it follows that honorable women may preach and teach.

The apostles encouraged aged, honorable and faithful women to prophesy and be teachers of good things. Aged, honorable and faithful seem a courteous way to describe older women. Fox also writes of excellent old women. He calls women, women and female, does not use degrading labels for them. He also puts up a spirited defense against women being left at home to do the dishes while men are out doing more interesting things.

Both the Old and New Testaments – the Law, Christ and the apostles – support the belief in equal responsibility and opportunity for women. Both encouraged women to prophesy and teach.

Every Man and Woman

Women certainly can have careers. In Fox's opinion the most important of careers – disciples, prophetesses and ministers. Every man and woman is to teach and order their own children. So that God may be glorified in all their families. Every man and woman should also train their children in the fear of God.

Both men and women have the opportunity to use the talent that God has given them. As husbands or wives, as parents, they both have equal responsibilities. Fox mentions the careers that he knew and thought were important..

All persons do not have the same abilities. Some have a greater understanding and are better able to teach and stir up others into righteousness. Nonetheless, God makes a way open for everyone and only expects us to live up to the measure within us. For in this measure, which is given to everyone, we may see what is contrary to God. Our job is to improve this measure, so that we can see, hears and understand God’s will for our lives. So we are to wait in our measure of the Spirit to learn of Him; keep in the measure of Life and come to feel our strength renewed. Fox emphasizes over and over again that God takes care of us. We just have to stand still in that Power which brings peace.

In Letter 320, 1676 section 5: some women are of a more large capacity and understanding and are able to stir up others into Righteousness in the Power of God. Fox is just complementing these particular women, not saying that women in general are better than men or that these particular women are better than men. Equality – which is for everyone – is access to God, similar responsibilities in marriage and the right to use one’s gifts. It is not that everyone has the same abilities.

What Does Equality of Men and Women Mean to Friends?

First and most important is equal access to God. The Lord's people are made up of both men and women. Both men and women have the same sorts of responsibilities. They also have similar opportunities to use the gifts that God has given them.

In marriage husband and wife are colleagues and co-workers. Again they share similar opportunities and responsibilities.



Because God lives within us as the Light, and we are created in His image. We are members of His family, we are equal. Men and women of every religion, skin color and ethnicity participate in this equality. 　

REFERENCES

Letter 320 contains the sentence stating the underpinning for the idea of Quaker equality. "And surely all the Lord’s people are made up of both men and women." Surely is a very nice touch. 320



Fox believes in equality for all persons but this brings great responsibility. For each Friend must accept his or her share of the danger connected with this responsibility. 420

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

F

AITH

Friends are to live as pure and holy a life as possible. We are to know the scriptures and keep in the faith that works by love and purifies us. To be holy we must follow the path of the just, always looking at the shining Light. 10

Faith is not in words but in the Power. 46

Dear Friends, receive faith and love from the Lord. 49

Let your faith stand in that which throws out the earthly nature and the loftiness of man. 50

The Living Faith Purifies the heart; love edifies the most holy Faith. Faith is the gift of God which gives victory over the world. There is a living Faith and a dead Faith. 133

We should dwell in God from whom eternal Love – which does not change – flows. Then we are able to witness the faith which works by Love. 149

Christ rules and reigns in our hearts by faith. 189

Spiritual Weapons; shield of Faith, by which Faith you have the victory. 206

Faith 206

Shield of Faith, by which you have the victory.

Faith is a mystery by which you have access to God.

Faith is joyful.

Faith of God’s elect.

The just live by Faith.

"I have examined myself, proved myself and have found Christ Jesus in me. He rules in my heart by faith. I am in Him and He is in me." 301

　

　

　

　

　

　

G

EORGE FOX’S ATTITUDE TOWARD WAR

The Lamb’s War

In his book, George Fox’s Attitude Toward War, Canby Jones shows that, in fighting the Lamb’s War, a heavenly war, an inner spiritual war, George Fox demanded great allegiance and implicit obedience from Friends. The Lamb's war, an idea unique to Fox and the early Friends, means the sovereign rule of Christ the king over all nations, all people, and throughout all history. It is also a program of social and religious revolution in the name and through the power of Jesus Christ.

George Fox opposes participation by Friends in any earthly war for any cause, whether for the kingdom of Christ or for the kingdoms of this world. But Friends must fight in the great cosmic war of the Lamb until every evil is exterminated and He reigns forever and ever! The Lamb is an active conquering God, a universal king mounted on a white horse, with eyes like flames of fire. He is come to conquer and reign and will be victorious.

Canby Jones shows real insight into the inward dimension of this conflict. Early Quakers refused to take off their hats, bow, or say "you" to individual persons regardless of their social station. Nor, in turn, did a Friend seek deference. In order to be inwardly pure a Friend could not want to be honored by others. When the Lamb had won this inward victory, then the Quaker was ready to witness against the shallow niceties of courtly courtesy. "Hat honour," and insisting on "thee and thou" to all men were relatively minor outgrowths of a total change of the inner life and allegiance of Quakers.


The conflict of the Lamb's war had other social aspects. Since Christ forbade it, Friends refused to swear oaths. More Friends went to prison for refusal to swear that they were not Roman Catholic agents, or for refusing the oath of allegiance to the crown, than for any other cause. After the penal laws of 1661, when Friends held meeting for worship, soldiers barred the doors against them. In the economic sphere, Friends invented the fair price for articles on sale as a testimony against the cheating involved in much common haggling over prices. Fair treatment for the insane, just treatment of Indians and Negroes, as also men for whom Christ died, were other aspects of the Lamb's war. Fox confidently expected that the Lamb's war would overthrow social and ecclesiastical evil. Quakers were the spiritual revolutionaries speeding it along.

The Lamb’s War is an inner war in which Fox patiently accept suffering and expects Friends to do likewise. However as soon as Friends are beaten, accused, arrested, have their property confiscated, Fox tells them how to collect the papers that they will need to go to court, advising them to be sure and get witnesses. He is concerned about day-to-day life and how Friends are to survive. He seems especially concerned about the seizure of Friend’s property necessary for their livelihood. Fox certainly is confrontational, and he advises Friends to confront their persecutors.

His orderly world view is composed of two elements. He is concerned about both the inner spiritual life and life in the world. He gives meaning and significance to both. The simple act of tipping or not tipping one’s hat has inner spiritual meaning as well as a message for the world.

COVENANT OF PEACE

Fox believed that both he and his followers lived in a covenant of peace whose only weapons were spiritual ones - persuasion, propaganda and non-resistance - for carnal weapons were illegitimate. Individuals who use these throw away the spiritual ones. The weapons of the Spirit are what you might expect: kindness, love, truth, persuasion and non-resistance. Then two more that you ight not: rebuke of sin in high places and fearless preaching.

Friends should be meek, not high, bless and not curse, love and not hate, do good and not evil, live in the will of God, and mind the religion of Christ. But Fox also expected them to tell princes and kings what they thought of their behavior. They should try to remedy injustices by going directly, and in person, to the leaders of governments to confront them as he did. They should also prepare documents for their court appearances, send letters and written public statements of their beliefs. On several occasions, Fox and some early Friends refused to leave prison, even when invited to, until the judge who had committed them under a false charge had publicly admitted his error.

Spiritual weapons had their source in a higher power to which all men owe obedience. They protected Friends: the armor of light, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, by which we have victory over all that which separates from God. Our sword is the word of God and our baptism of the spirit. We beat our swords into ploughshares and war with the devil and his works.

The Royal Law, the commandment of Christ, which teaches men to love all their enemies, accept suffering as God's gift and bless and pray for those who persecute, is part of the covenant of peace. One of the important signs that Friends have obeyed the royal law is their willingness to accept suffering and persecution, loving the oppressor, praying for him.

Fox told Friends to be patient and confident, for God will permit persecution and suffering only as long as is needed for truth's sake. He condemned those who break the royal law by persecuting men about religious beliefs. He frequently protested the use of carnal weapons to promote or protect the cause of religion. If a conflict occurs between obedience to the commands of men and the higher law of God, Friends must obey the command of God.

Fox wrote frequently to Friends in prison reminding them that Christ suffered with them and that God would not lay on them burdens heavier than they could bear. Their time in prison would seem short in the light of Christ's eternal rule. Christ is the strong tower in whom those who suffer may find refuge. Fox assured Friends that Christ would save them. Imprisoned Friends must stand fast because none can pluck them out of the Lord's hands.

Fox told all Friends everywhere that those who pretend to fight with carnal weapons for Christ are deceived; his kingdom is not of this world. So his servants do not fight when they are attacked; instead they love their enemies.

ORIGIN OF WAR



Fox maintained that the origins of outward war are the lust, covetousness and disobedience of men, their treason to Jesus Christ, and the design of the devil. The devil is a major cause of war and strife because he incites men to the desire for power, status and wealth to which war gives expression. Christ destroys the devil but this conquest must begin in the hearts of Friends. The great act of betrayal which led to war and every other evil occurred, said Fox, "When man went from that of God in himself."

GEORGE FOX’S PERSONAL CONDUCT

Fox’s claim that he lived in the life and power that takes away the occasion of all wars was central to his attitude toward war. Friends were to stand in the fear of the Lord God, his power, life, light, seed, and wisdom. For these are more than conquerors, and will see the end of all wars, and of that which causes wars.

When threatened, Fox never resisted personal attacks or even threats of violent death. When assaulted, he always allowed the attackers to do their worst. Many times he was beaten mercilessly but he never resisted or struck back. He had great physical strength and courage and although he was often bloody, sore and bruised, by the power of the Lord he made quick recoveries. Canby Jones quotes Fox’s statement, "I stood stiff and still and let him strike" to characterize his personal conduct.

When asked to join the army, Fox said, "I told them I was brought off from outward wars. They came down again to give me press-money ( to serve in the military) but I would take none. After a while at night the constables fetched me up again and brought me before the Commissioners, and they said I should go for a soldier, but I told them I was dead to it. They said I was alive. They offered me money twice, but I would not take it. Then they were wroth and I was committed close prisoner without bail."

Fox said that he did not fight with carnal weapons, did not fight with flesh and blood, for his weapons were spiritual. He sought the peace of all men.

MAGISTRATES

Fox told all Friends everywhere that they must never under any circumstances serve in the armed forces or in occupations to which violence was necessary. Magistrates, on the other hand, could use the police power of their office as long as they used it to keep the peace. Magistrates should be good men, not wicked or high minded. (Fox had very high standards for officials.) Instead they should be awake to righteousness, heed the measure of God in themselves and in others, and answer that of God in every man. Their sword should be a terror to evil doers but a praise to those that do well. For the law was not made for the righteous, but for transgressors.

Fox, a strong advocate of the separation of church and state, protests that the state, in the person of its magistrates, has no right to persecute anyone about matters of religious faith. Religious protesters should not be punished and beaten, knocked down and tumbled up, and struck with cudgels and fists. Although they do not lift up a hand against their persecutors, these protesters are imprisoned as peace breakers. Magistrates should not concern themselves about religion. Fox accused the state of usurping functions that rightly belong to God. "Where does God have His due," he asks, "when Caesar will have all?


Fox appeals to magistrates to set prisoners free and in the future to use only spiritual weapons. All the jails should be opened and the prisoners brought out of the nasty holes and dungeons. For the Lord has overturned the power that imprisons. Friends should not pay taxes to the magistrates, nor worship as they dictate and certainly not bear arms for them. However, they should pray for their welfare

CHRIST SOVEREIGN LORD OF THE UNIVERSE

For Fox, Jesus Christ is sovereign Lord of the universe. He has authority, jurisdiction and power over all men, and so all of them owe Him allegiance. Fox’s belief in the universal kingship of Christ is the keystone of his faith and also of his attitude toward war. Christ begins his rule in the hearts of his saints, ie, Friends, and through them he will reign over all the world. Christ, as King, will judge all nations, send the wicked to eternal torment, bring immediate joy and deliverance to the righteous in his kingdom.

On the other hand His kingdom has already come and is coming to those who give him first place in their lives and loyalties. Christ, the conquering King of judgement to the evil doer, becomes Christ the conquering Lamb who will conquer all evil whether individual, social or cosmic, and will bring into existence a new heaven, a new earth and a kingdom of eternal peace among men.

Vengeance belongs solely to God but Fox believed that He will repay those who had harmed Friends. Fox promises that persecutors will be "ground to powder."


Christ is the answer for Fox and he tells all dear friends and brethren in the world that they should be of good cheer, for Christ has overcome the world. In Him all overcome the devil and his works, and without Him nothing can be done.

Canby Jones summarizes George Fox’s attitude toward war.

1) He believed that the origin of war is sin, lust, disobedience and the devil.

2) He lived in the Life and Power that Takes Away the Occasion of all Wars. This Life and Power is the Lamb, Christ the Royal Seed, and the Gospel.
3) He lived under a Covenant of Peace or the Royal Law to love enemies, accept suffering and bless persecutors. He never struck back.
4) He relied on spiritual weapons and the Armor of Light, not on carnal weapons.

5) He believed that magistrates had a legitimate right to use force but that they were not to persecute individuals for practicing their religion.
6) For Fox the Lamb, Christ the King, ruler of the universe, is the answer to all human ills. The Lamb will be victorious.

SOURCE

Jones, Canby, George Fox’s Attitude Toward War. Academic Fellowship, Annapolis, Maryland, 1972

　

　

LORY

GLORY: THE RADIANT BEAUTY AND RESPLENDENT ASPECT OF GOD

Glory and praise be to His Name forever.

　

A Blessing: To God be all honor, glory, praise, and thanksgiving both now and forevermore.

　

GOD

All are to live to the praise and glory of God; all must keep holy and righteous to the Glory of God; all are to bring forth fresh green fruit to the praise and Glory of God. Eternal glorious God of heaven and earth.



Keep our glorious, heavenly, comfortable Fellowship in this glorious Gospel of Peace.

ORDER



The living eternal God of Truth is Order. By the Wisdom of God are all things made; by the wisdom of God must all things be ordered again to His Glory.

Fox writes to us: The Lord God of Power, the God Almighty, be with us all, my dear hearts, so that we may all be ordered to his glory.

LORD

Lord of peace, Lord of joy! Lord of glory, Lord of mercy, Lord of strength, Lord of Life with power over death, and Lord of Lords, and King of kings!

We may see the Lord’s Glory shine in and about our tabernacles and feel His presence among us to teach and order us.

O the Glory the Glory of the Lord forever to the Highest. Praise honor glory and thanks.

CHRIST

Christ is the Hope of Glory, the hope of resurrection and heaven.

In Christ’s Kingdom we live each day– eating and drinking– all to the Glory of God.

All come alive in the Second Adam, the Glory who was with the Father, before the World began.

In the day of the Lamb’s Power the church in her glory is appearing.

Even though he is quoting Second Corinthians 3:18 in Letter 410: "with open face, behold as in a glass, the Glory of the Lord, and be changed into the same Image, from Glory to Glory, even by the Spirit of the Lord," Fox seems to be describing a particularly vivid and wonderful personal experience.

LIGHT

The Light is the glory of God. He gives us knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ. If we go from the Light, we go from the Kingdom, Power, Life, and Glory of God.



A Benediction. Powerful Father and eternal God to thee alone be all glory, honor, and thanks forever.

　





GLORY

Praise and Glory of God

Stand for His Glory

Ordered to his glory

Church in her glory appears.

See God in His Glory.

Glory of God

in the Face of Jesus Christ.

Kingdom, Power, Life, Glory.

To God be all honor, glory

Glory, honor and thanks forever

Glory of the Lord,

From Glory to Glory

　

　

　

　

GLORY

Here are some of the letters that I read to be able to write this section.

4, 33, 88, 144, 155,222, 239, 334, 410

　

OD IS RADICALLY DIFFERENT FROM US

"God who is invisible, by his invisible power and spirit, brings down the carnal mind in you, so the invisible and immortal things in you are brought to light."

Invisible Lord, Invisible Power. Invisible means that God is spirit and can't be seen with the human eye. Fox knows that God is radically different from himself; the word invisible sums this up. (Other words, that show how radically different God is from us, are holy, numinous, other). Glorious and wondrous show the resplendent and awe inspiring nature of God.

Immortal means that God had no beginning and will have no end; God will never die. For God, eternal and everlasting mean always, forever, evermore, perpetual, time without measure, enduring through all time. For us, eternity is to be with God forever.

This getting to know God must be done in fear, reverence and awe. But Fox makes it sound easy. He turns his mind within and waits until an entrance is made into his soul. Fox believes that it is possible to know the things of God, the Life that stands in God, know Him by whom the world was made. This is not only possible, it is everyone’s job in life.

　

OD’S NAME

Almighty, All-Sufficient, Beginning, Beatitude, Beautiful, Bountiful, Beloved, Creator, Dread, Divine, Delight, Eternal, Father, Friend, Faithful, Forgiving, Good, Glorious, Generous, Governor, Hallowed, Heavenly, Holy, Immortal, Invisible, I Am, Just, Judge, Kind, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Living, Light, Love, Life, Mercy, Near, One, Omnipotent, Order, Peace, Power, Quickener, Rest, Righteous, Ruler of the Universe, Safety, Shepherd, Truth, Trust, Universal, Unity, Unchangeable, Very, Wisdom, Wondrous, EXalted, EXcellent, Yahweh, Yes, Zest.

Lord God ALMIGHTY

BEAUTIFUL CREATOR.

EVERLASTING

Praise the everlasting God, who reigns over all from everlasting to everlasting.

The Powerful FATHER of Life is everlasting.

GRACIOUS, GOOD

God of HEAVEN and earth

IMMORTAL

Immortal means that God had no beginning and will have no end; He will never die. For God eternal and everlasting means always, forever, evermore, perpetual, time without measure, enduring through all time.

INVISIBLE

Invisible Lord, Invisible Power. Invisible means that God is spirit and cannot be seen with the human eye. The word invisible shows how radically different God is from us. It means that God is spirit and can't be seen with the human eye. He who is invisible, by his invisible power and spirit, brings down the carnal mind in us, so that the invisible and immortal things in us are brought to light. Other words that show how radically different God is from us are holy, hallowed. Glorious and wondrous show the resplendent and awe-inspiring nature of God.

JUDGE of all.

KING of KINGS, LORD of LORDS

During George Fox’s lifetime, the king was a man with supreme political power and authority. But God is not just a King. He is the King of kings, His power and authority are greater than any power on earth. Many years ago when an atomic bomb was exploded in New Mexico as a test, every clergyman worth his salt preached, the next Sunday, on how God was more powerful than any atomic bomb. Fox is doing a similar thing here, for a king was the most powerful individual he knew

MYSTERY

NEAR

ORDER

The living eternal God of Truth is Order; walk in it and it have joy, peace and comfort. All God’s children should live in His Light and Spirit for He gives them the gifts of Grace and Faith. By the Wisdom of God were all things made; by the wisdom of God must all things be ordered again to His Glory.

ONLY WISE

Only wise would seem to mean that only God has perfect knowledge and wisdom, and that all other knowledge and wisdom are less than this.

QUICKENER who preserves all His people everywhere.

God is absolutely RELIABLE, never varies, alters, nor changes.

God of TRUTH lives.

WISDOM

My Dear Friends, dwell in the life and love and power and wisdom of God, in unity one with another and with God; and the peace and wisdom of God fill our hearts, that nothing may rule in us but the life, which stands in the Lord God.

YES

God is Yes, affirmation. Fox has a positive, upbeat vision of God and even though he knows that he is a sinner, he doesn't wallow in sin. He believes that God's love heals and makes him whole.

Blessing: May we bring forth fruit to the glory of His name. Letter 55, 1653

Power, almighty, omnipotent

only wise

immortal, everlasting

invisible

a living God, creator of all things, both in heaven and earth

preserver of all that he hath made

God over all

God of heaven

POWER

Power is the name that George Fox uses most often for God. He has incredible power but still cares for all people. The Bible gave Fox much of his language about God and his experience showed him what to do with this language. His perception of the thundering Power of God comes from both the Geneva and the King James Bibles. He takes this information and gives it new content and energy. He uses the word power both as a name for God and as a divine attribute. Christ has all power; Friends also have power. God confers inner strength and purity on His saints, His elect. Power protects us from those in the world who would harm us and defends us from the power of darkness.

Power is one of God’s names.

Know and feel the Power.

Partake of the Power.

There is safety in the Power.

Although he preached to him, sent him petitions, told him what he was doing wrong, Fox knew that the King of England was the most powerful man on earth. God, however, is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He has all power but is concerned with our day to day lives. We should be loyal to this King of kings who conquered the devil, death and hell.

Almighty is also God’s name. This Lord God Almighty protects us by His Power.

God is also mighty. In Letter 217, 1662 Fox writes: All are turned unto the mighty God of heaven and earth and live in His mighty Power which goes over the unrighteous world.

God the Father is Power. Christ, who knew no sin, was crucified for us in the flesh, buried, rose again the third day by the power of His Father. This powerful Father is due all glory, honor and thanks forever.

Fox – often bruised, bloodied and sore – admonishes Friends to keep their minds in the strength of the Almighty, not in weakness, nor infirmities. Power brings all those evil persons who persecute Friends to rags and poverty.



This Power – of law and order and of the Gospel – keeps down that which is hasty or disobedient. (Hasty is the opposite of order.) Everyone can count on the God of Order to help bring order to their lives.

The God of Power does not tolerate sin. He purges everything evil out of our hearts and makes room for Himself. But Power can also be counted on to fight temptation, trouble and addiction.

Stand still in that which is pure, after you see yourselves, and Mercy comes in. After you see your thoughts and the temptations, do not think but submit to it, and the other will be hushed and gone. Then contentment comes. When temptations and troubles appear, sink down in that which is pure, and all will be hushed and fly away. Your strength is to stand still. Stand still in that Power which brings peace. Letter 10, 1652

(We see from this quote that Power is also peace and purity.)

CREATOR, THE LIVING GOD, FATHER OF LIFE

God is the creator of all things, both in heaven and earth, and preserver of all that He has made. This creation reveals His incredible power. But Fox just mentions in passing the creation of the world, how God divided the great sea from the land and the light from the darkness. What really interests him is that creation continues each day. God is interested in, and involved in, these day-to-day changes. He causes the snow to melt and the rain to water the plants. This Creator is a Living God – Fox also calls Him the Living Light – who brings spring each year with new plants and grass. He causes the trees and crops to grow and makes the fishes of the sea breathe and live. An especially nice touch is that God created the sun just to warm us when we are cold. This Living God is to be worshiped. This may sound complicated but as always Fox makes it easy. All we have to do is be babes of God and wait for the living food from the living God. This nourishes us up to eternal life.

God and Christ are unchangeable, but Fox knows a world in which change takes place every day. God is involved in these day- to-day changes. The Creator, Living God, Father of Life, is the Lord who lives, reigns, and rules amongst his gardens. We should dwell in God the Creator for He can make the rocks a standing pool and the mountains, streams.

Besides his awesome Names for God, Fox uses homey, comfortable, everyday names – Heavenly Seedsman and the Heavenly Husbandman who lives amongst his gardens, vineyards, and plants, waters us with His blessing – to describe the Creator. This Living God gives us breath, life and strength and nourishes the tender plant in us, that we may bring forth fruits of righteousness unto Him.

Blessed be the Lord forever, who reigns, lives and rules amongst his flocks, assemblies, gardens, plants, vineyards, babes, children, sons, daughters, servants and prophets, watering them with the water of Life, giving the increase of Life to them. Letter 231, 1663

It has never been more beautifully written that God is right here with us constantly. He lives and rules among us, not only giving us Life, but giving us the increase of Life.

　

THE LIGHT

CHRIST IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Although the Light is many things to Fox, primarily He is Christ. Christ enlightens us, gives us understanding. He is the way, life and wisdom from above, the Author of our living Faith. He gives us faith Heb.12.2. and brings us in oneness through one Faith. Col.1.18. He understands all ways, sees before there were many faiths to His one true faith. .

The Light, restorer and seeker of the lost, binder up of the broken, mediates between God and man, reconciles us to God and justifies us to Him. ("Justifies us to God." Fox’s language is precise. If he writes that the Light justifies us to God, that is what he means.) The Light is both the first step to peace and gives us peace. The True Light, spiritual and eternal, is glorified with the Father.

OWN THE LIGHT

We must own the Light that shines in our hearts. (Own means to confess, acknowledge, be aware of the Light.) For He lives in us, helps us, shows us what is right and wrong, gives us the knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ. We are obedient to Him. Some men and women turn away from knowledge and wisdom because they do not own the Light.

The self doesn’t own the Light. Self may mean an individual’s essential being that distinguishes him or her from others. However, Fox uses the word here in the sense of being self-centered, preoccupied with oneself and one’s affairs. Self-absorbed persons don’t follow Christ, don’t own the Light, but instead act as if they possess it, try to tell the Light what to do.

BRAND NEW

There is a New covenant, priesthood, temple, living way; the New covenant of Light is an everlasting one. The Law, the First Covenant and the Old Testament made nothing perfect. But the Light fulfills the Law and the Prophets. Now the Law is the Light, and the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy. All we have to do is to wait in the Light to inherit the promise. But above all the Light of Christ makes everything new. This idea of all things becoming brand new, starting over – our past sins and stupidities forgiven and forgotten – is an appealing one.

GOD OF UNLIMITED LOVE

LOVE OVERCOMES AND NEVER FAILS

The God in whom Fox believes is not just a God of Love but a God of unlimited love. Mind the "pure Refreshings in the unlimited Love of God," he writes. This love is pure and peaceable. Friends should dwell in it in unity of the Spirit for it warms our hearts and knits and unites us together. If we do this, we will be able to look above all outward suffering and dwell in that which is above all and will stand when all other is gone. This Love enables us to bear all things whatever wicked men do to us, or what God may try us with. For His Love casts out false fear, unites the hearts of His people together in heavenly joy, concord and unity.

In Letter 417, Fox defines God’s love. Everyone should walk in love and unity for love unites all the hearts of God’s people together in heavenly joy, concord and unity. It overcomes and charity never fails, but casts out false fear. Fox seems to be remembering I John 4:18 when he writes love, "casts out false fears." This is the fear of the opinion of others, especially those who disapprove of our love of God.

How is it possible to take advantage of God's love and His providence? God's plan is for every person to love Him and to do His will in their lives so that they will spend eternity loving Him. We must start right now, must experience God for ourselves. It is possible to know about God because He has told us about Himself. That's what revelation means?

What has God revealed about Himself? First, there is a God. Second, He made the world and everything in it, creating humans in His Image. He loves us and has a plan for our lives. One way in which we are made in the Image of God is that we can love Him. We need to love God but can't love someone we don't know. For real love to exist there must be some reciprocal action. God loves us; we love God in return.

It is easier to think of God as merciful, not just. It is much more comfortable to dwell on God's kindness, generosity and love than it is to think of his justice. But Fox knows God as a God who loves the righteous but One who also punishes the disobedient. God shows holy love and holy anger; both mercy and justice are characteristics of God. He shows His mercy in kindness and pity; He spares and forgives us when we break His laws. Justice means dealing fairly and equitably with us. We are held accountable and responsible for what we do.

Love is a characteristic of both the Lord God Almighty and of the Power of God. God Almighty is among us to do His will in His Love. so that we may be ordered to His glory. There is safety in the God of Love and Power. He keeps Friends to Himself and hears their cries and prayers. God Almighty be among us, to do his will in his Love and Unity.

Never heed the raging waves of the sea, nor be troubled at his tongue that speaks nothing but tribulation, anguish and bondage, nor be troubled at the cords of the ungodly, for the cords of Love, the Power of God are stronger. Letter 236, 1664

GOD OF PEACE

God, who is love, is the author of Peace, not strife and confusion. Quoting 2 Pe 1:2 in Letter 4, 1651

Blessed are those whose minds are stayed upon the Lord, for they shall be kept in perfect peace ... for it is a whole Peace, which cannot be broken. So here is not only a perfect Peace, but a blessing which comes from the God of all Peace. Letter 249, 1667

Fox never writes anything once when he can write it several times. But it is worth repeating here for peace is whole, perfect and a blessing. Fox believes that we are heirs of the God of Peace so we can walk in Peace with Him and with one another. The God of Peace and endless Love is with us all and clothes us with a garment of everlasting praise. We can stand fast because we have the promise of everlasting peace.

God brings peace to all nations and all people so that all people of the earth may enjoy peace, which flows as a river from the Rock and Foundation of Life. God gave us His Son, the King of Peace, the Prince of Life. Such a Peace the world cannot take away. Christ joins God in bringing peace to everyone. Peace is order; no Peace is chaos. God who is Order fills our hearts with wisdom so that we may be at Peace among ourselves. Peace is sometimes quiet, sometimes jubilant. It restores and reconciles all things; it is safety and sanctuary. Truth is peaceable.

Time and time again Fox writes in the pastoral letters that Friends must get along with each other. There should be peace in Meeting. God’s everlasting Kingdom is above all strife. Quoting Romans 15: 13: The Lord of Hosts said, " In this place I will give Peace."

　

OVERNOR OF BARBADOS

THE LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR OF BARBADOS

Because of the "many scandalous lies and slanders that have been cast upon Friends, saying that we deny Christ Jesus," Fox wrote, in 1671, a letter to the Governor of Barbados defending them. "All of our books and declarations clearly testify to the contrary." When Friends talk about this letter today, they will say that it is the "closest thing that Quakers have to a creed" or that it is "sort of a creed." But the letter is the Nicene and Apostle’s creed in Fox’s own language. The language is scriptural but the creeds influence what he says.

We own and believe in
Jesus the beloved and begotten Son of God, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary, and who is the express image of the invisible God by whom all things were created.
He, who knew no sin, was crucified for us in the flesh, buried, rose again the third day by the power of His Father.
He ascended up into heaven and now sitteth on the right hand of God.

He is our wisdom and righteousness, our prophet.

He is the Quickening Spirit, the second Adam, the Lord from heaven.

He brings the oaths of God, the new covenant of light, life, grace and peace.

He alone is our Redeemer and Savior.

An orthodox Christian, Fox believes that Christ is God’s Son, the way to God, the Second Adam, who never fell, eternal life. He is the Light who has enlightened every man who has come into the world – Turks, Jews, Moors, Christians. He is the Life, the Word, who brings the glad tidings of salvation. Christ is the Mediator who makes peace; the Life that was with the Father before the world began. He is all virtue.

Christ bore the sins and iniquities of all mankind, and was an offering for the sins of the whole world so that everyone may have Life through Him. Christ did not die as he was God, but as he was man. He suffered in the flesh, died and was crucified as he was man, not as he was God. For the Eternal God was not crucified and died. For Christ, the man, said as he hung on the cross,"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"

Fox’s phrase, "as he was man," is entirely orthodox. He means that it was the human nature of Christ, not the divine nature, which was crucified and rose. There is no suggestion that Christ is God at some times, but not at others.

SOURCES

The Letter to the Governor of Barbados can be found in George Fox’s Journal and on the Internet.

　

ROW UP

Friends grow up in the Power, skip and leap in, and, as they are saints, have liberty in the Power.

We are to grow up in the inner man as trees of righteousness which the Lord has planted; we must grow up in the Living Word Christ who brings the glad tidings of salvation.

We are new creatures growing up in the Light, in Power, in the Living Word, growing in wisdom and understanding of the will of God.

We grow up in that which is pure, holy, precious and immortal.

In a letter to his mother and father Fox admonishes them to grow up in that which is pure, and keep the Oneness, then his joy shall be full. .

If moved of the Lord God, we should preach on a street corner. This is a difficult thing to do though. Most Friends would be better not to try and do this but instead stay behind in our own Meeting place. Several grown up Friends – strong, mature, devout – should go out to preach the truth. "Grown up Friends" who are spiritually mature.

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

REFERENCES

grow up in that which is precious and immortal 11

grow up in the power of His Resurrection. 19

grow up as Trees of Righteousness, which the Lord has planted 24

grow up in the Light for we are new creatures. 42

grow up in the living Word. 49

grow up in Light 54

grow up in the Power 69