This podcast focuses on the 1698 publication, “Gospel Truths” (by William Penn and three other early Friends) which is found as an appendix to this edition of William Penn’s Primitive Christianity Revived.
Section 5
“Christ is the great Light of the world that lighteth every man that cometh into the world . . . and by His light and grace He inwardly appears to man and teaches such as will be taught by Him, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts they should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world.”
Many translators translate John 1:9 wrongly, saying that God only illuminates Christians. Correctly translated it should read that God is the true light that enlightens every person who comes into the world.
Section 6
The light of Christ within will show us our sins, reprove us of them and lead us out of them. “They that turn not at the reproofs thereof and will not repent and live and walk according to it, shall die in their sins.”
Section 7
“Will-worship” (Greek: ethelothrēskia (Col 2:23)): . . . that is to say “do what you want religious practices”.
Section 8
True worship is inward (within) and must be done “. . . in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).
Free gospel ministry: Those whom He calls to minister must do so without charging for it. Ministry is to be performed by one who is truly repentant, humble and exhibits holiness.
Section 9
Friends are called to “deny [reject] all the vain [empty] customs and fashions of the world.”
Section 10
There is only one true Baptism: being immersed spiritually into the basic nature of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The “Lord's Supper”: Following true repentance, Jesus knocks at the door of one’s heart, asking to come in and spiritually dine with Him. (Rev 3:19-20).
True “Baptism” and the “Lord’s Supper” were understood by Quakers solely as spiritual experiences. Physical expressions of these were unneeded.
Section 11
“Government is an ordinance of God . . . we ought in all things to submit” - unless the Lord commands us otherwise.
References
The quote from George Fox’s Journal in our introduction can be found on page 90 of the Marcus Gould version published in 1831.
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