|
The group known as the Quakers (or The Religious Society of Friends) had its beginning in England in the 1600's. This was during a time of religious upheaval and dissension. There had been a succession of kings and queens who kept changing the spiritual climate of the country. One king would denounce Catholicism and the next would restore it. It went back and forth this way for many years. These years came to be called "the weathercock years" because the priests would follow whichever religion was in fashion at the time.
The King James Bible had been printed during these years and the people finally had the Word of God in their own language. Martin Luther had brought about the truth of salvation by faith alone. Hundreds of independent groups of worshipers were formed at this time.
George Fox was born in 1624. Charles 1 and Queen Henrietta Maria took the throne shortly after his birth. During their reign Catholicism was reinstated and other religious groups were severely persecuted.
George Fox is known as the founder of the Quaker religion. He was born in a small hamlet in England. He was known to be different from other children even at a young age. He was quite religious and observed people constantly. He was known for his honesty and integrity.
George would spend much time shepherding sheep in the Leicestershire hills. It was during these teen-age years that he began to search for direct inner communion with God. He would study his Bible and --in silence--open his heart to God. It was here that the "Quaker silence" was begun.
When George Fox was nineteen he left his family and began traveling the countryside to discover the true religion that a humble, honest person could live by. He watched and listened and thought about each thing. He memorized the Scriptures. He was trying to find spiritual truths but no one that he talked to, whether a religious leader or layman, seemed to have the answers he desired. He was ridiculed and persecuted by many.
Fox came across groups of people that were called "Seekers". They believed that the Word of God was available to all. They began to follow his teachings and tell others about them.
George Fox believed things that were radical for the time in which he lived. He believed that both the Catholics and the Protestants had the Christian truth. He believed that God dwelt in men's hearts, not in ornate buildings. He did not believe that education was what made a man a minister of the gospel. It was when he began to "know" these things within his own heart that the mysticism of the Quaker group began.
George Fox spent years going to men for answers to the questions of his heart. He finally received his answer--spoken within his own heart. This was the real answer to his question--that Christ could and would speak to people within their own heart. He called it the "Inner Light". He came to believe that the Inner Light was in everyone. He believed that if they worshipped God in silence they would feel the Inner Light and God would speak to their hearts. They would understand the Word of God by the Inner Light.
During the coming years George Fox was in and out of prison many times for his faith, as were his followers. He lived in deplorable conditions for years at a time.
On June 28, 1672, George Fox came to America. There were some Quakers who had come to America before this time but they were very unorganized. George Fox came with the intent of putting the various groups in order. The Quakers also had the name "Friends" by this time.
After his return to England George Fox spent more years in prison. He died in 1691, two days after preaching a strong sermon.
William Penn, a follower of George Fox, obtained a land grant to establish a new Quaker colony in America called Pennsylvania--"Penn's Woods".
The Quakers were known to deal fairly and honestly with the Indians and live peaceably with other people. They believe that everyone is equal. They helped southern slaves escape to freedom by being a part of the Underground Railroad. They were also supporters of equal rights for women.
Pacifism is one of the most important beliefs that Quakers have. They never take part in war, but rather care for the injured. Like other religious groups, they have gone to prison at times rather than fight.
Quakers try to live a simple lifestyle. Many Quakers do without the "extras" that most of our society has in abundance. There are differences in styles of dress, ways to pray, and other matters.
Quakers have "meetings" rather than regular church services. They sit in silence and wait for the sense of the Inner Light of God to move them. When they sense this, they are allowed to speak forth what they are feeling. At times the entire meeting is spent in silence.
Today some Quakers gather in meetinghouses that are much like church buildings. They hold more of a "programmed" meeting where people lead in prayer, song, and Bible readings.
Whatever the minor differences in Quakerism, the main beliefs that George Fox set forth are still followed. There are Quakers in many countries of the world today still living in peace and simplicity, following the Inner Light within them.
--Parts of the information on the life of George Fox was taken from the book "FRIEND-The Story of George Fox and the Quakers" by Jane Yolen.
| 
