The Revivalists John Bunyan and George Fox have greatly inspired me. Their boldness for the truth of God’s Word, courage even while in prison, as well as zeal and love for the Lord, is comparable to that of the Lord’s Apostles. We need firebrands for the Lord like these men today.
John Bunyan (1628-1688), was an English Christian writer and preacher. He is the author of the Pilgrim’s Progress, probably the most famous published Christian allegory. In addition to The Pilgrim’s Progress, Bunyan wrote nearly sixty titles, many of them expanded sermons. Bunyan was labeled as both a Puritan, as well as a Baptist, but he preferred to be described simply as a Christian.
Bunyan’s persecution began following the restoration of the monarchy when Charles II of England was crowned King. Meeting-houses were quickly closed and all citizens were required to attend their Anglican parish church. It became punishable by law to “conduct divine service except in accordance with the ritual of the church, or for one not in Episcopal orders to address a congregation.” Thus, John Bunyan no longer had the freedom to preach in whatever way he felt led, something he had enjoyed under the Puritan Commonwealth. Only clergy within the Church of England were allowed to be ordained. Bunyan was given the choice to obey the King’s edict and never preach again or remain in prison, he chose twelve years in prison. Bunyan feared God more than men because the love of the world was not in him. Bunyan is a shining example of true selflessness and is an inspiration to me.
The Puritans were both nonconformists, as well as separatists, they desired to please God rather than the King. They should serve as an example to us today. The modern church has lost it’s way because they will not endure sound doctrine, they want to be men pleasers in order to bring in the tithes. There is truly a famine for the truth of God’s Word today. God had been turned into a commodity in order to make money. 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
The Puritans, as well as the Quakers correctly taught their people in regard to the need to pursue sanctification (being set apart from the world or purified). They understood that without holiness no man will see the Father. 2 Cor 6:17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” 1 Peter 1:14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” They proclaimed these scriptures without fear of the established religious order. Christians today should also proclaim the truth of God’s Word without fear of the lukewarm churches of today (Rev 3). We will now discuss George Fox and the Quakers.
George Fox (1624-1691) was the founder of the Society of Friends also known as the Quakers. Like Bunyan, Fox was repeatedly imprisoned for speaking out against the corrupt government and religious establishment. Fox contended that ministers did not need theological schools to learn God’s Word but should rely on the Holy Spirit within to teach them. Fox believed that God speaks to his children who are willing to listen. Fox experienced visions, as well as words from the Lord. Fox correctly spoke out against the tithes that the established church demanded from it’s victims. Churches today are still incorrectly teaching Christians that the old testament tithe applies to them. The old testament tithe was sometimes given to the poor but the churches today fail to mention this.
Fox challenged the clergy of his day on many issues by the unction of the Holy Spirit. Like the Puritans, the Quakers were separatists who followed after God rather than man’s religion. Although I disagree with Quaker theology on a few issues, I find that I agree with them on most issues. I also admire the holiness preaching that the Quakers of old preached. However, the modern day Quakers do not resemble the founders of their faith, for their theology is quite liberal compared to them. In conclusion, we need Christians today who are not afraid to speak out against the corruption within the church system like Bunyan and Fox did in their day.
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