The Friends movement began in England in the 1640s. It had distinctive Christian understandings that often resulted in persecution. Read here to learn more about early Friends.
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The Inspired Ministry
Thomas Gould (1813-1856) was a Wilburite minister in New England Yearly Meeting. He left no journal, but described two incidents in his writings. One is a story of minister Isaac Lawton and boy who spoke during meeting and, and the other is about James Scribbens, who did not have many natural talents, but yet had…
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The Sealed Epistle of George Fox
This epistle was found in George Fox’s belongings after his death in 1690/91. It was sealed with the instructions “not to be opened before the time.” This final declaration and testimony remind Friends to maintain worship of and unity in Christ. It also encourages Friends to be steadfast and faithful, despite difficulties. From the 1694…
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To Friends in the Ministry
Dwell in the power and dread of the Lord of life, and of heaven and earth, that you may be preserved in the wisdom of God. From George Fox’s Journal in 1656.
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True Spiritual Liberty
Spiritual liberty is the power to live a life not dominated by evil but lived in the freedom of the Spirit.
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A Concise Account of The Religious Society of Friends, Commonly Called Quakers
A distinguishing trait of primitive Friends was the sense they were called by God to a life of holiness. They believed what they read in the Scriptures but also believed that their lives needed to reflect those beliefs and to produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
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A Key
Originally published in 1692, this tract was intended to explain Quakerism to those who did not know the truth about Friends. It is also a good introduction to new Friends and a refresher for old Friends.
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Concerning the order and government of the church of Christ, No. 1 and No. 2
These two tracts describe the proper ordering and functioning of spiritual religious society from extracts of the writings of Isaac Penington.