George Fox has a traditional, orthodox Christian position – based on scripture – on suffering. There is a genuineness based on his own suffering. He believes that Christ suffered so we should be glad to suffer, too. Christ is our example on how to suffer; He prays for and forgives His enemies; we must, too. He is our sanctuary and our help. Suffering is a gift and we should rejoice in it.
CHRIST SUFFERED SO FRIENDS
MUST SUFFER, TOO
Fox tells Friends often that Christ suffered, 45 so they must suffer, too. Christ loved and prayed for His enemies, so Friends must do the same thing. 30
Fox admonishes Friends to have fellowship with Christ in His sufferings. 19
If we suffer with Christ; we will reign with Him. 48
The godly suffer by the ungodly, unrighteous, unclean, unjust, and filthy. 8
If Christ suffered, Friends should not be surprised that they must also suffer. Fox comes back to this idea again and again in the pastoral letters. 8
Bear and suffer all things. 66
Friends endured many bad times but 1657 was the "time of the greatest troubles." But the Lord’s ears were opened to the cries of Friends who were in pain. Fox uses words like poor, afflicted, distressed, oppressed, persecuted to describe Friends. However in our afflictions Christ is afflicted; in all our oppression he is oppressed; in all our sufferings He suffers. 148
Fox writes often of how Christ suffers when we suffer. This letter is an eloquent statement of this. There is an emphasis on prayer as a way of getting help. 148
We are not to be dismayed at our sufferings, for if we suffer, Christ suffers. 237
Christ suffered on the Cross, so Friends should not be dismayed that they must suffer, too. Christ suffers with us each day in our persecutions; He will not lay more on us than we are able to bear. 237
Christ was persecuted and suffered. If we are to be faithful witnesses, then we must be persecuted and suffer. 279
Christ Jesus the Captain of your Salvation who was ;made perfect through suffering and is able to succor all his followers in their temptations and sufferings. 401
Those that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution by the ungodly. 349
Christ 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?" GOB
CHRIST OUR SANCTUARY 401
Keep in our sanctuary Christ Jesus for He is safety. 377
Keep faithful to Christ their sanctuary. 385
Since God’s people suffer troubles, afflictions, imprisonments, spoiling of goods, and many perils, it is good for them to keep in Christ their Sanctuary, in whom they have eternal Rest and Peace. 401
POWER OF THE LORD
Power of the Lord will help us be faithful in our sufferings. 92
For the Power of the Lord will not tolerate Anglican clergy and their tithes, swearing allegiance to the king, temples made with hands for we are God’s temples. None of these are in the Bible. 92
For the Power of the Lord will not tolerate Anglican clergy and their tithes, swearing allegiance to the king, temples made with hands for we are God’s temples. None of these are in the Bible. 92
Offer up yourselves in the Power of God, joining to the Seed of God, the suffering Seed. 101
". . . that which was before that was that makes to suffer . . ." This could be Satan, the English government or law enforcement, or just persecutors in general. 101
Friends must suffer for Christ’s name which is Power. 307
Prize God’s Mercies and Power that is over all and let not liberty lift you up, nor suffering cast you down. (It seems impossible to please Fox. For we are not to let liberty lift us up, nor suffering cast us down.) 413
APOSTLES AND TRUE CHRISTIANS
The Apostles and true early Christians suffered for denying the Jewish Temple, tithes and oaths, so do we will suffer for denying the present day apostatized – turned aside – Christians who are "got up" since the Apostles days. 92
Friends will suffer for crying against them, not swearing allegiance to the king, not giving the world its honor by not tipping our hats, and reproving sin. 92
FRIENDS SHOULD HAVE A SENSE OF ONE ANOTHER’S SUFFERINGS 93
We should be willing to lay down our lives for one another, our Friends. But the love of Christ goes much farther, for He laid down His life for His enemies. Dear Friends, who are captives at Algiers, whom the Lord has enlightened and visited with His tender love. 388
The God of unlimited love who helps us to look above all outward suffering enables us to bear all things whatever wicked men do to us, or what God may try us with. 4
SUFFERING FRIENDS OF DANZIG
Friends in Danzig – a free German port– have been imprisoned. The magistrates offer to free them if they leave the city, give up their large "common" Meeting and divide into several small Meetings. Fox writes that this is not the first time that Friends have had this kind of offer and that they have always refused. They should turn their sufferings which have been long, hard and cruel, over to Christ. 396
SUFFERING LAMB
Friends’ persecutors, Fox believes, could find no occasion against them except that they worship God in spirit and obey the commands of Christ Jesus.
Then he makes it very personal because Christ is our Friend, and He has a "fellow feeling" with us. When Friends are suspected of making war, it is without any evidence. But Friends shouldn’t be surprised or overwhelmed by this. The Lamb suffered. So the Godly must also suffer. We show our love for Christ by sharing His sufferings. Saints, i.e., Friends, will see the end of all wars but they must suffer first.
Suffering Lamb must have the victory. 400
Even though they are under great sufferings and persecutions, Fox desires that Friends
may, be valiant for the Truth.
come to the Spirit of God,
live in Peace and Love and according to the glorious Gospel.
answer the Truth in all people.
consider the Lord’s mercy and kindness toward them. 407
SEED OF GOD
The Seed stands and remains when he that makes us suffer is gone. 174
FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST; PRAY FOR AND FORGIVE YOUR ENEMIESLetter 208 is addressed to Friends who are in prison for the Lord’s Truth. They are to follow the example of Christ and forgive their persecutors. For when He was beaten and spat upon, He asked His Father to forgive them.
Friends should make a list of their sufferings and "gently" send them to those who make you suffer. Gently. Not in an aggressive way but in a pacifist’s way. For it was not in Christ’s mind that Friends, who are innocent, should be imprisoned.
We are not only created in the Image of God but we also "bear" the image of the Just, Christ who suffered by the unjust. It would seem to follow that we can be just, too. This letter starts out sadly with Friends in prison. Then in the middle of it, there is this wonderful phrase "bear the image of the Just." When we are hurt, like Christ, we must say, "Father forgive them."
Fox gives specific instructions on how to confront our persecutors. Make a list of our sufferings and send it to those who made you suffer, whether it be sheriffs, deputy-lieutenants or justices. Let them see that it was not in Christ’s mind to imprison any. In this way we may show our innocence and be cleared. This obviously has value today or any day as the best way to stand up to bullies and torturers.
Fox quotes 2 Timothy 2:12: they that suffer with Christ will reign with Him. 289
Friends should willingly suffer for Christ. 311
Friends are in prison, suffering terribly.
But they have a Priest and Shepherd from heaven who will feed them "that which is heavenly." The Lord’s eternal Power is present with them. A sparrow will not fall to the ground "without the will of the Father." Friends are of much more value than many sparrows. Quoting Matthew 5:11: Blessed are they who suffer persecution for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 370
Fox tells Friends often that Christ suffered, so they must suffer, too. 8, 30 Christ loved and prayed for His enemies, so Friends must do the same thing. 30 We should bear ands suffer all things. 66
Friends should have a Sense of One Another’s Sufferings; 93 we should be willing to lay down our lives for one another. But Christ’s love goes much farther, for He laid down His life for His enemies. 93 Speaking to the God in every person takes on new meaning when it is finding the good in the Patroon, the Muslim master, who was holding Friends for ransom. (Canby Jones glossary P. 484) Friends were slaves and under great "suffering and abuses." 391
SUFFERING IS A GIFTSuffering is a gift. Christ Jesus is true liberty. He supports and supplies us with His "eternal Hand and Power," with what we need in our sufferings. 394
SUFFERING IS FOR GOOD Suffering will be for good and establishing us on Christ, the Holy Rock of Life who is the Rock of all sufferers. 345
Fox admonishes Friends, who are to suffer, to keep on the Rock, for there is safety, though a storm be in the sea. They should not think about the winter and cold weather, nor the long night, for lilies grow and gardens give a good smell, the sun shines and the Light is clear. 235
Dwell in God who is above all outward suffering; dwell in the Love of God and in the Unity of the Spirit, one with another. 235
DO WHAT IS GOOD AND DON’T WORRY IF YOU SUFFER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS Friends should follow the which is good and not worry if they suffer for Righteousness sake. 401
It is better to suffer for doing what is right than to suffer for doing what is evil. Because Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow in his steps. (1Pet. 2:21) None of you should suffer as a murderer, thief or a busybody. 401
Friends should follow the which is good and not worry if they suffer for Righteousness sake. 401
It is better to suffer for doing what is right than to suffer for doing what is evil. Because Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow in his steps. (1Pet. 2:21) However none of you should suffer as a murderer, thief or a busybody. 401
SUFFER JOYFULLY 346Fox wants Friends to suffer joyfully even though their persecutors are "tearers, strikers, pluckers, devourers." 346
Christ Jesus the Captain of your Salvation who was made perfect through suffering and is able to succor all his followers in their temptations and sufferings. 401
Abel suffered from his false brother Cain. 401
God has an extraordinary affection for Friends and puts Himself out for them. In letter 221 the Power of the Lord God convinces Friends; in this letter He has a "fellow feeling" with them in their suffering. 238
REJOICE IN SUFFERING 226Rejoice in tribulations and persecutions which are for the trial of your faith. 226
Friends are to rejoice in tribulation and persecutions which are for the trial of our faith. Christ and all the Prophets, Apostles and martyrs were tried for their testimony to the precious pearl. 226 So why should we be surprised if we must suffer.
We don’t need to be afraid in our sufferings for the Lord God Almighty Power preserves us and His everlasting arms and hands protect us. 226
We should rejoice in tribulation, persecution and suffering. We should put no confidence in man for we live in a dark world instead we should rely on God 226
Suffering 226
rod of the wicked on your back. 226
trial of your faith. 226
rejoice in tribulation and persecution.
dark world. 226
GOD LOVES US BUT TRIES US.
God loves us with an unlimited love. This love is pure and peaceable and enables us to bear all things whatever wicked men do to us, or what God Himself may try us with. For His Love casts out false fear and unites His people together in heavenly joy. 4
God preserves us by his eternal arm, carries us in his hand and opens his ears to the cries of those who suffer. 4
It’s not that the Godly may suffer; the Godly must suffer 8 The godly suffer by the ungodly, unrighteous, unclean, unjust, and filthy. 8
He comforts them by giving them a picture of a wonderfully loving, yet incredibly powerful God who is concerned about them. God’s ears are open day and night to hear the groans and cries of the oppressed and afflicted. His eyes are open and He sees all the actions of men. Times and seasons are in His hands who is King of kings, Lord of Lords, All-sufficient, Omnipotent God. 235 ? 411
FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST IN HIS SUFFERINGSFox admonishes Friends to have fellowship with Christ in His sufferings. 19
If we suffer with Christ; we will reign with Him. 48
Fox writes to "all friends and brethren everywhere" who are imprisoned for the Truth. (Fox is a true Universalist.) The Power of the Lord will help them be faithful in their sufferings. 92
Friends will suffer for not swearing allegiance to the king and for not giving the world its honor by not tipping their hats. 92
THE SUFFERING SEED WHO WAS BEFORE THAT WHICH MAKES TO SUFFERThe Seed of God, the suffering Seed 101
". . . that which was before that was that makes to suffer . . ." This could be Satan, the English government or law enforcement, or just persecutors in general.
Dear Friends and brethren in the everlasting Seed of God, be ready to offer up yourselves in the Power of God, joining to the suffering Seed. 101
TRUTHTo Friends, to take care of such, who suffer for owning the Truth 121
If any servant is turned out of his place because he become a Quaker, give him help. 121
If any soldier is turned out of the army for Truth’s sake, he should be cherished and nourished. 121
If believing wives are turned from their unbelieving husbands, they should be admonished to turn and walk toward them again. 121
If any Friends is oppressed in any way, others should help him. 121
For we are a family and we help each other. 121
The only Friend who is on her own is the wife with an unbelieving husband. Others are cherished, nourished and helped but she is admonished to return to her husband. 121
FRIENDS SUFFERED FORFox believes that Friends suffered for
not paying a tithe to the Church of England. 140
not swearing allegiance to the King. 140
not giving money for the repair of Anglican churches. 140
going to Meeting. 140
not taking off their hats to "social superiors." 140
REJOICE IN SUFFERING 226Rejoice in tribulations and persecutions which are for the trial of your faith. 226
Friends are to rejoice in tribulation and persecutions which are for the trial of our faith. Christ and all the Prophets, Apostles and martyrs were tried for their testimony to the precious pearl. 226 So why should we be surprised if we must suffer.
We don’t need to be afraid in our sufferings for the Lord God Almighty Power preserves us and His everlasting arms and hands protect us. 226
We should rejoice in tribulation, persecution and suffering. We should put no confidence in man for we live in a dark world instead we should rely on God 226
Suffering 226
rod of the wicked on your back. 226
trial of your faith. 226
rejoice in tribulation and persecution.
dark world. 226
FEEL AND SEE CHRIST IN OUR SUFFERINGS 368Friends suffer for their testimony. So they should feel and see Christ "exercising his prophetical, kingly and priestly offices" and ruling in their hearts. 368
The God of Peace and Power supports us throughout all our trials and sufferings. May He be glorified in us all. 368
SUFFERERS IN PRISON 377, 385Fox writes to sufferers in prison. 377 To suffering Friends who are prisoners in York 377 and 385, and at Bristol. 385
KEEP LOWFox tells Friends to keep low several times in the letters. (62, 76, 93, 110, 122, 146, 158, 200, 208, 212, 226, 371, 377) He uses it in letter 93 after he has told Friends to be willing to die for one another. Does he mean that while being willing to die, we should be inconspicuous unless it is necessary to be otherwise? 93
Fox writes that dear Friends should "keep low for there is no danger." The Lamb is our protector so even if things look bad, we are all right. 226
Mind the Lord in all sufferings and keep low. 377
TRUTHFriends preserve the truth from suffering by the world; suffer by the will of the world. 14
SUFFERING AND PERSECUTION OF FRIENDS IN ENGLAND Suffering and persecution of Friends in England. 386
For not swearing allegiance to the king. 386
Informers cause Friends to lose their property, up to two-thirds of their estates. 386
Fined for not going to Anglican churches on First day; they are beaten and abused, not allowed to attend Meeting. 386
Many – both men, women, young and old – are fined and cast into prison as rioters. 386
Fox writes "therefore prize the Liberty, both natural and spiritual, that you enjoy." Individuals in prison still have spiritual Liberty; those not in prison have both spiritual and physical Liberty 386
HOW TO PRESENT YOUR CASE IN COURTFox advises early Friends on how to deal most effectively with their persecutors in local county courts and at a national level in London with the final appeal to the King. They should write down the events that took place, name the perpetrators. and give this document to the county judge.
All Friends that Suffer for not paying a tithes to the Church of England and are served with writs must take copies of it to show them in court. All Friends who are fined or imprisoned should make a list of persecutors and evil doers who caused them to suffer. 140
If anyone is beaten or wounded while going to Meeting or in Meeting, "a plain and true" statement of the events should be sent to London to the King. 140
TTruth is not just the opposite of a lie; truth is all perfection of Love and Life and Light. It is purity. It is about real things, something that is actually experienced or seen not an illusion. We should walk in the truth w from James on how to live a life of purity and truth by helping those in need. He is concerned that apprentices, orphans and all poor widows – those persons who are most vulnerable – should be looked after carefully. Friends should come out of the world’s feasting and reveling which dishonor the Lord God. Instead Fox advised us to make a feast for the poor, the lame, the maimed; and we would be blessed. We are not to invite our rich neighbor or our friends and relatives, anyone who invites us back. Instead we should cover the naked, bring the homeless into our own homes. Purity and truth are not abstract terms but practical ways Friends behave.
Truth makes free from the hypocrite’s hope, which perishes and free from Nebuchadnezzar’s fury. It makes free from the wild heifer’s nature, from the dog, swine, horse, viper, cockatrice and serpent’s nature, from the spider and his web, and from oak and cedar, the bramble and briar, bear and lion. The Truth makes free from all these and brings man and woman into the Image of God. And so, if the Truth makes us free, then we are free indeed.
Friends must always deal with the Truth, be guided by it, be servants to it. Walk, stand up in the Truth. In doing this we see good and shun evil, hold fast to that which is good and trample all that which is contrary to God. For we prize this time while we have it and spend it to the to the honor and glory of God.
The truth is holy, above error and falsehood; the Truth does flourish as the rose among the thorns. None are made free except by it. We should dwell in the truth, keep it and a pure conscience so to triumph in glory. For the Truth leads into a life of modesty, decency and beauty. The devil seeks to destroy the Truth but if we are faithful to it, we have dominance over him.
In letter 12: Fox writes to: Dear Friends, I am glad to hear that the Truth’s concerns are so well with you. hich is pure communication, pure conversation.. Fox seems to have taken inspiration again
NITY
NIVERSALISM
RUTH
SPEAK TO THE GOD IN YOUR PERSECUTORFeel the Seed of God who is over all who make us suffer. 174
GOD’S TENDER AND UNLIMITED LOVE
