The Quakers in Puritan England

by Hugh Barbour

Genres: History

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1964

Reviews

[Denise Kettering · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book discusses the development of Quakerism in England during the late 1500s and early 1600s. The book predominantly provides historical information, but does also interpret some theological explanation of various aspects of the movement. Although the material is somewhat dated at this point and there are more contemporary treatments, this work provides is good background to the development of the Quaker movement in England. The work is well-researched, moves from one area to the next with ease and traces the movement's development and manifold difficulties with good illustrations from the writings of the time. The book opens by describing the puritan movement in England that Quakerism led by George Fox. The Quakers were a sect, a movement outside the mainstream puritan movement among Presbyterians and Congregationalists. The situation of relative tolerance produced after the civil war created a situation where a variety of religious groups suddenly found themselves with the freedom to express themselves. Among these groups, Quakers had to define themselves as a particular group. Thus, the book then discusses the distinctive Quaker movements, beginning with the Quaker Awakening or "Lamb's War" in which there is a distinction of both the individual spiritual awakening that took place within an individual person as well as the movement gaining strength throughout England, due largely to Fox's itinerant preaching. Next, there is a discussion of the concept of "Light" that was important for understanding the Quaker concept of salvation. This chapter provides the most theological reflection, but at times could be confusing to those who are not familiar with Quaker concepts. The remainder of the book discusses the various conflicts with Puritan pastors, government leaders, and finally tolerant position of acceptance that the Quakers went through. They faced persecution for their beliefs, many were jailed. This book provides a solid, although dated treatment of Quaker history.