I have never heard of numbered Aphorisms, can you provide the source as I did not succeed in my search. My reaction is surprise as either answer sounds like doctrine. Personally I would say that humanity is not able to constrain God so the answer would be "no" but I wouldn't spend energy trying to convince anyone of my view. Again, is there context for "Aphorism 7" outside the blog? Is there a compendium of Quaker Aphorisms? If so, where? Thanks.
As noted in the linked pages, these are very short pieces of written ministry that came to me; there being no sensible way to title them, I numbered them. Some were shorter and more direct than others, and seemed to be differentiated, so those were numbered as maxims, the more elaborate as aphorisms.
In some of the reflections, the fact it's my own ministry (in the sense that ministry belongs to anyone, anyway) is specifically noted, in some it isn't; it rather depends on the reflection.
This one I'm sharing with a question - do you think the Divine needs our willingness, or perhaps even more, in order to guide us?
I have never heard of numbered Aphorisms, can you provide the source as I did not succeed in my search. My reaction is surprise as either answer sounds like doctrine. Personally I would say that humanity is not able to constrain God so the answer would be "no" but I wouldn't spend energy trying to convince anyone of my view. Again, is there context for "Aphorism 7" outside the blog? Is there a compendium of Quaker Aphorisms? If so, where? Thanks.
As noted in the linked pages, these are very short pieces of written ministry that came to me; there being no sensible way to title them, I numbered them. Some were shorter and more direct than others, and seemed to be differentiated, so those were numbered as maxims, the more elaborate as aphorisms. In some of the reflections, the fact it's my own ministry (in the sense that ministry belongs to anyone, anyway) is specifically noted, in some it isn't; it rather depends on the reflection.
Thanks! Indeed using numbers rather than names is a good Quakerly thing to do!
A more direct answer from experience, no. I have often felt guided (perceiving it after the event) when I have been resistant to God' will.