is published by (III) Living in the First Day of Creation
III. The remembrance of the first day’s work (Genesis 1:3-5) is very precious, specifically the separation of the light from the darkness within, whereby we came to know each, its name and nature, and to have our minds turned from the darkness within, to the light within (2 Corinthians 4:6); from the power of Satan within, to the Power of God within (Acts 26:18); from the teachers and books without, to the graced, the anointing (1 John 2:20), the true teacher within. The remembrance of this is very precious: and now what remains, but that we walk in this light, that we may be children of it indeed (Ephesians 5:8), and that we be always obedient to this Power, and learn of this anointing, until we are fully educated (1 John 2:27). It is the substance of all; it is the end of all words and writings; indeed, it is the end of all the dispensations of God, since the beginning (Ephesians 1:10).
Bible references added
On pages 22-24 of “Counsel to the Christian-Traveller,” William Shewen presents the six days of creation in Genesis as a type of the Christian’s journey with God. The outward days of creation correspond to the inward reality that Shewen experienced and wants us to experience. The Christian-Traveller is moving toward the restored garden of Paradise to live in the presence of God.
The power of God was first revealed in creation by the separation of light from darkness. In the same way the power of God is revealed in the Christian’s life by an inner separation of light from darkness. Darkness is identified with sin, Satan and disobedience. Light is living in the presence of God.
An important phrase in this passage is “the anointing.” It seems to be a clear reference to 1 John 2:20-27, which concludes with this promise:
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
In the past God has taught through teachers, books, laws and ceremonies, but those “dispensations” are ended. In the words of George Fox, “Christ has come to teach his people himself.”
But isn’t Shewen setting himself up as a teacher? I don’t think so. Notice the use of “remembrance.” Shewen is presenting his “Meditations & Experiences” as a description of the Christian’s walk, not as a prescription. He does not tell us what to do or believe. He simply shares his experience and encourages us to remember our own experience. He respects the experience of his readers and is not trying to impose anything on us.
Friend:
Thank you for your blog. Your scripture citations and commentary are such a blessing in helping to understand this wonderful little book.When I first read it I was struck on the deep emotional joy it brought forth in me as I have re-read the book the importance of it as guide to the understanding of early Friends thoughts on the relationship between God and his creation, especially the faithful becomes clearer to me. Our Thursday night adult religious discussion group is now reading the Meditations. We have statred with the “To the Christian Reader” introduction. We glanced at all the scriptural citations but did not read through them. I’m thinking of going back and asking to read them, Shewen’s thoughts are so centered on the scriptures. Your observation that the outward events that are told of in the scriptures are descriptive of the inward spiritual growth towards reconciliation with God in the individual is key to understanding the Meditations. I look forward to your next posting.
[...] heart is the everlasting Day of God, in which He walks, and in which He works (Genesis 1:3-5, see “Living in the First Day of Creation (III)” ). Blessed are those that walk with Him, and work with Him; they can tell of His mighty acts, and [...]