Note 58 — Chapter XI

Frequent mention being made by George Fox of his being engaged with his pen on behalf of the truth, it may be well to apprize the reader that these volumes contain only a very small portion of his writings. Many others of his works were collected and printed in 1706, forming a large volume, entitled, Gospel Truth Demonstrated, in a collection of Doctrinal Books, given forth by that faithful minister of Jesus Christ, George Fox, &c. This collection consists of above 1000 folio pages, comprising about 160 pieces, the dates from 1653-1689.

In addition to treatises in explanation or defence of the principles and doctrines taught by George Fox, this volume contains many others of a more extended character. There are three addressed to the Jews; and papers in behalf of the doctrine of the gospel, and against persecution, to be delivered to the following rulers:—The Great Turk, the magistrates of Malta, the Emperor of Austria, the Kings of France and Spain, the Pope, and the Emperor of China. And in 1688, Sultan Mahomet IV. having sent a defiance to the Emperor Leopold in his Christian character, threatening to ruin him, and pursue his crucified God, George Fox wrote a Reply to this public document; warning the Turk to fear the great God that made him and all things, and showing him out of their Koran, that the founder of their religion wrote more respectfully of Christ: whom he then proceeds to set forth to the notice of the Sultan by citations from the Scriptures.

In the books and treatises forming the above collection, the doctrine of our blessed Lord, and those matters essential to salvation and true Christianity, are plainly asserted and fully demonstrated according to the Scriptures. For although he gave preference to the Holy Spirit (as all true spiritual Christians do), yet his true love to, and sincere esteem of, the Holy Scriptures (as being given by Divine inspiration), is clearly manifest; 1st, In his frequent advice to Friends to keep to Scripture language, terms, words, and doctrines, as taught by the Holy Ghost, in matters of faith, religion, controversy, and conversation; and not to be imposed upon and drawn into unscriptural terms, invented by men in their human wisdom. 2nd, In his great industry in searching the Scriptures, and frequently quoting, reciting, aptly applying and opening the same in his writings, as appears in the above-named work. He truly testified, both in his ministry and writings, of Christ Jesus, his power, and coming, in the flesh and in the spirit. He was both for the sacred history and mystery of Christ revealed according to the Scripture testimonies of him, respecting his sufferings without, the work of his power within, and his kingdom and glory; and, under his guidance, he faithfully warred against the spirit of Antichrist and persecution—against the false church—the corruptions of the world, its deceit and hypocrisy, under all professions.