The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #030 Advice to New Friends (part 2 of 4)

Chapter 20, Session #30 (Part 2 of 4 parts) pertaining to advice, counsel and exhortation to those who have newly turned from darkness within, to the Light of Christ within themselves. Part 2 of Chapter 20 begins with a review and further discussion of the last paragraphs discussed in Part 1, going on to discuss several more paragraphs.             The evil spirit’s way of deceiving is more secretive when deceiving under the form of Truth, and more likely to influence the simple minded in this way. Therefore, a diligent watch must be kept even more so than when he appears as himself. (Shewen states that he has not only known him to get into the temple of God and sit there, but to be worshipped as God). Now, he was never worshipped there as devil, Satan, or the like, except when, under disguise, clothing himself as an angel of light, a message of illumination, one who desired the good of mankind. In this way, he comes to be obeyed and worshipped, not as he actually is, but rather as he appears to be. This temple mentioned is the heart and mind of unregenerated man. The Light and Spirit of God is that which can and does reveal him. However, this is a work done by degrees, so wait with patience for the appearance of the Lord to reveal him. Be made willing to yield up all your heart, mind, and strength to Him and to serve, love, fear, and obey Him. So, wait on Him until Truth and righteousness sit on the throne in your heart, mind, will and consciousness in place of unrighteousness.             So, in attaining this, hold fast to that which you have. Continue in the walk to where the crown of Life is. Take heed of your own thoughts, imaginings, and that will that does not do the righteousness of God. Your own mental house of thoughts will prove your greatest enemy, if you do not take up the inward cross of Christ that crucifies them and is able to bring every thought and imagining into obedience to Christ. To bring this to pass, abide in patience, bearing the inward cross of Christ which is the power of God. Keep your eye fixed on that. And so, you will overcome and sit down with Christ on His throne and know your enemies made your footstool.  References:The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.  The quote in our introduction was paraphrased from the 32nd Chapter of George Fox's work titled SOME PRINCIPLES OF THE Elect People of God Who in Scorn are called QUAKERS A complete list of our podcasts,  organized into topics, is available on our website.We will be publishing video interviews with Conservative Friends on YouTube.  See our YouTube channel.  The first interview is with Susan Smith. To learn more about Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), please visit  ohioyearlymeeting.org. Those interested in exploring the distinctives of Conservative Friends waiting worship should consider checking out our many Zoom Online Worship opportunities during the week here. All are welcome! We also have several Zoom study groups.  Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.   Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes.   Contact us through our website.