In 1828, Elias Hicks was the best-known Quaker in the United States. He was a deep and original religious thinker, a commanding and compelling preacher, and though eighty years old, still a faithful traveling minister. Whenever God said, "Go " he went. If he is remembered at all today, it is for his role in the most traumatic events in the history of the Religious Society of Friends - a series of separations that split American Quakers into two hostile camps - one of which came to be called Hicksite. Over the years, his memory has been lost to stories told by his friends and his opponents. Much of what people believe about him is false. The truth is, Elias Hicks was a minister, a mystic, a farmer, an environmentalist, an abolitionist, a father and a husband. This book aims to reveal the real Elias Hicks and his understanding of what it means to be a Quaker. Elias Hicks has much to say to Friends today. Paul Buckley is a Quaker historian and theologian, well-known among Friends of all stripes for his workshops, short courses, and retreats. He has written books on William Penn and Elias Hicks, and the Lord's Prayer; and co-edited The Quaker Bible Reader.

"A major contribution to our understanding of the American South and the history of American religion and reform."--Dee E. Andrews, author of "The Methodists and Revolutionary America, 1760-1800" "A model study of an antislavery, reformist minority trying to find its place in the Antebellum South."--Thomas D. Hamm, author of "The Transformation of American Quakerism: Orthodox Friends, 1800-1907" This examination of a Quaker community in northern Virginia, between its first settlement in 1730 and the end of the Civil War, explores how an antislavery, pacifist, and equalitarian religious minority maintained its ideals and campaigned for social justice in a society that violated those values on a daily basis. By tracing the evolution of white Virginians' attitudes toward the Quaker community, Glenn Crothers exposes the increasing hostility Quakers faced as the sectional crisis deepened, revealing how a border region like northern Virginia looked increasingly to the Deep South for its cultural values and social and economic ties. Although this is an examination of a small community over time, the work deals with larger historical issues, such as how religious values are formed and evolve among a group and how these beliefs shape behavior even in the face of increasing hostility and isolation. As one of the most thorough studies of a pre-Civil War southern religious community of any kind, "Quakers Living in the Lion's Mouth" provides a fresh understanding of the diversity of southern culture as well as the diversity of viewpoints among anti-slavery activists. A. Glenn Crothers, associate professor of history at the University of Louisville, is director of research at The Filson Historical Society and coeditor of "Ohio Valley History."

A Quaker prayer life arises from a life of continuing daily attentiveness. The first generation of Quakers followed a covenant with God, based on assidious obedience to the promptings of the Inward Light. This process did not require the established churches, priests or liturgies. Quaker prayer then became a practice of patient waiting in silence. Prayer is a conscious choice to seek God, in whatever form that Divine Presence speaks to each of us, moment to moment. The difficulties we experience in inward prayer are preparation for our outward lives. Each time we return to the centre in prayer we are modelling how to live our lives; each time we dismiss the internal intrusions we are strengthening that of God within us and denying the role of the Self; every time we turn to prayer and to God we are seeking an increase in the measure of Light in our lives. David Johnson is a Member of Queensland Regional Meeting of the Australia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. David is a geologist with both industry and academic experience, and wrote The Geology of Australia, specifically for the general public. He has a long commitment to nonviolence and opposing war and the arms trade, and has worked with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. David delivered the 2005 Backhouse Lecture to Australia Yearly Meeting on Peace is a Struggle. He was part of the work to establish the Silver Wattle Quaker Centre in Australia in 2010, and is Co-Director of the Centre for 2013-14.

The Quaker religion, properly called the Society of Friends, began in Westmoreland in northwest England in the mid-1600s, when George Fox and several others including William Dewsbury, James Nayler, Francis Howgill and Edward Burrough traced their inspiration and their constructive ideas to direct divine "openings" through which they believed they were being led by God. Because this book covers only up to the end of 1660, it is a very detailed study of the early history of Quakerism. The book explains background influences which led to the formation of the new religion, then shows us the beginning of its growth, in which its members were persecuted and jailed, in England, Europe and America, with some followers paying with their lives. Quakerism did not exclude women, some of whom felt called to the ministry. Some followers showed dramatic fits of trembling (hence the term Quaker) while others manifested their convictions in other ways. William Simpson of Lancaster "went three years naked and in sackcloth in the days of Oliver and his Parliament, as a sign to them and to the priests showing how God would strip them of their power..." Many of the followers called themselves "seekers" or "publishers of the truth." The book also includes four excellent maps of parts of Britain which cradled this religion. While we have all heard about the Quaker religion, there are few people whose understanding would not be greatly broadened by this informative work.

With the same biblical lens employed by the founders of the Quaker movement, Paul Anderson explores what it looks like to be the body of Christ. He describes in practical terms a journey that is Christian rather than denominational. And he lovingly, humbly invites you to follow Jesus.

On February 2, 2006, two intrepid women set off from Portland, Oregon via Greyhound bus for Limon, Colon, Honduras. There they would establish a new thing, a small monastery and medical mission using sustainable living, voluntary poverty, and religious practice as nuns following Methodist and Quaker traditions of worship and governance. Soon La Doctora, Pediatrician Beth Blodgett, and La muchacha, her assistant, Prairie Naoma Cutting, would be deeply involved helping in nearby clinics. Reading like a frontier women's story, this adventure (still continuing in 2010) has fire, hurricanes, and a robbery as well as other exciting accounts. These gringas become, by the close of the collection of letters home, true hermanas, religious sisters to the neighbors in their rural community. Now professed nuns, they invite other courageous women to join them in a life of service.

In seven letters to a fictional correspondent, Steve Chase describes his spiritual journey among Quakers. The writer introduces the Quaker way to a newcomer in language that is personal and gentle, while offering powerful inspiration through stories.

Quaker Process for Friends on the Benches is the most thorough survey to date of the nuances of Quaker process and practice. This book provides historical context to how Quaker process has evolved, shares common practices and variations used by contemporary Friends, and gives real-life examples of model Quaker process in action.Readers will find answers to such questions as "What does it mean to serve on a committee?" and "How should new technologies be used in our Quaker business?" Readers will learn best practices from a range of perspectives on topics like discernment, leadings, and the mechanics of interrelated Quaker bodies. Both accessible and comprehensive, this richly researched handbook deserves a place in the library of every Friends meeting and every Quaker member or attender who seeks to find joy in the spiritual practice of Quaker process. A glossary, index, and annotated bibliography will give readers years of practical service and well-lit paths into a deeper study of the Quaker faith. "Mathilda Navias has written a remarkable book that is tender toward all varieties of Friends. Every page reflects not just wide study, but also deep experience and clear wisdom." -Tom Hamm, historian and author of The Quakers in America

This collection shows how war tax resistance developed in the Society of Friends in America and how Quaker war tax resistance has been seen by other Americans. These highlight the search for truth within the Society of Friends as well as the interest, concern, and occasional aggravation of those outside of the Society who found themselves trying to understand or navigate the Quaker point of view.

A guide to interfaith peacemaking from a Quaker perspective, edited by Anthony Manousos.This handbook consists of writings by Quakers who have played significant roles in the interfaith movement and have helpful advice and insights to offer. While this book is mainly intended for Quakers, we hope it will be useful for all who are concerned about interfaith peacemaking and dialogue. Contributors include Alexander Kern, Gene Hoffman, Kay Lindahl, Michael Birkel, Stephanie Crumley-Effinger, Rhoda Gilman, Michael Sells, Sallie King, Rachel Stacy, Jim Cason, Richard Bellin, Pablo Stanfield, Max Carter, David Rush, and Tim Sallinger. "With its numerous advices, spiritual queries, and clear examples, this book is a wonderful, engaging guide to the challenging yet essential work of interreligious dialogue for those of us living in a world all too frequently disrupted by religious violence. It is filled with an eminently practical wisdom that can stimulate Friends and others to consider how we, too, may become involved in working toward interreligious understanding and harmony. Highly recommended reading for aspiring peacemakers in the 21st century " -Stephen W. Angell, Leatherock Professor of Quaker Studies at the Earlham School of Religion. "The 18C Quaker sage, John Woolman, spoke about 'the language of the pure Spirit, which inwardly moves upon the heart.' In the 21 C, Anthony Manousos and others in this marvellous volume have wisely discerned that the Spirit is leading us to interfaith dialogue and understanding. The distinctive way of being religious in our time is to be interreligious. I am grateful that the contributors to this volume are leading the way in that urgently needed and transformative endeavor."-Joseph Prabhu, Professor of Philosophy, Cal State Los Angeles. Ex-president, Society of Asian and Comparative Philosophy. Member, Executive Committee, Parliament of the World's Religions.

BOOK SUMMARY: Upstate New York farmer and philosopher Jim Atwell has been living the dream life in Fly Creek since his retirement in 1993. His award-winning weekly newspaper columns about rural life and his past as a teaching monk, professor, and college administrator led to his successful first book, "From Fly Creek: Celebrating Life in Leatherstocking Country" (North Country Books, 2005). But his life took a dramatic turn in 2007 when he was forced to deal with a neurological disease diagnosed first as Parkinson's, then as Parkinson's Plus, and most recently as Parkinson's: unknown. He has been told by his doctor that a positive diagnosis of this odd family of diseases is best done by autopsy -- a strategy that Jim stoutly rejects. This second collection of columns, "Wobbling Home," is a deeply insightful meditation on his illness, his Christian faith, and his journey's end. Raised a Roman Catholic, Jim has been a Quaker for forty years. Viewing his life as a "Parkie" through the lens of Quakerism, he sees the disease as emanating from the same loving Source that gives him life -- a Source which also manipulates his body and brain at random times and in mysterious ways. He shares not only his own thoughts and reactions, but also those of his loving wife Anne and other Parkies and their spouses as well. Interspersed with tales of daily life and ritual in one of New York's most bucolic small towns, Jim's writings are shot through with the warm humor that is a mark of his personality and his masterful style. AUTHOR BIO: A Maryland native, Jim Atwell spent thirteen years as a Catholic teaching monk in the Christian Brothers religious order. In 1969, he returned to life as a layman and took a faculty position at Anne Arundel Community College near his hometown of Annapolis. In his twenty-three years at the College, he served as assistant, associate, and full professor, and as chairman, dean, and Vice President for Academic Affairs. In retirement, he is an emeritus member of the Anne Arundel faculty. His personal spiritual development now marks him as being a practicing Quaker for forty years. Jim owes his deep love of Upstate New York to his late first wife Gwen, who grew up near Cooperstown. After her death in 1989, he moved north to start life again in the 18th-century farmhouse they had bought for a retirement home. In 1997 Jim remarried; he and Anne Geddes-Atwell still make their home in Fly Creek, raising sheep and chickens, and pursuing writing and graphic design, respectively.

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

Walter R. Williams presents a picture of the courage, faith, devotion, and sacrifice that have been displayed throughout the history of Quakerism. Biographical sketches of Quaker leaders challenge the reader to Christian integrity and selfless service.

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.