But as I had forsaken the priests, so I left the separate preachers also, and those esteemed the most experienced people; for I saw there was none among them all that could speak to my condition. And when all my hopes in them and in all men were gone, so that I had nothing outwardly to help me, nor could tell what to do, then, oh, then, I heard a voice which said, 'There is one, even Christ Jesus, that can speak to thy condition'; and when I heard it my heart did leap for joy. Then the Lord let me see why there was none upon the earth that could speak to my condition, namely, that I might give Him all the glory; for all are concluded under sin, and shut up in unbelief as I had been, that Jesus Christ might have the pre-eminence who enlightens, and gives grace, and faith, and power. Thus when God doth work, who shall let [hinder] it? and this I knew experimentally [through experience].
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Fox describes a spiritual crisis where he felt abandoned by people before experiencing a direct revelation of Christ.
- In plain terms
- I was lonely and hopeless until I felt Christ speak directly to me and give me joy.
- What can you take from it?
- Seek a personal, direct experience of the divine rather than relying on religious leaders.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Have you felt alone in your search for truth?
- What gives your faith personal meaning?
Another view
Direct spiritual experiences are subjective and hard to verify.
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