George Fox English founder of the Society of Friends Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of George Fox
2. Discovering the "Inner Light"
3. The Rise of the "Friends"
4. Historical Events Witnessed
5. Missionary Work

Biography of George Fox

George Fox, the English founder of the Society of Friends (Quakers), was born to a weaver in Leicester, England. He did not receive a formal education and left home at the age of eighteen to trade wool. Fox faced many hardships in his life.

Discovering the "Inner Light"

In 1646 or 1647, Fox declared that he had found support in the "inner light of the living Christ." He began preaching his doctrine of the inner light, emphasizing that the truth should be sought not in the Holy Scriptures or Creeds, but in the voice of God directed to the soul of each individual. Fox proclaimed the universal priesthood of believers, calling for the rejection of visible sacraments, paid clergy, and church attendance.

The Rise of the "Friends"

In 1652, a group of Fox's followers emerged, referring to themselves as "Friends of Truth." It was during this time that the name "Quakers" came into use. Initially, this term was derogatory, coined by the authorities to mock them as "shakers." During Fox's trial for blasphemy in Derby around 1650, Judge Bennett remarked, "Why should not you quake at the Word of the Lord?" Fox was imprisoned eight times throughout his life.

Historical Events Witnessed

Throughout his life, George Fox witnessed significant historical events, including the ratification of the "Petition of Right," the harsh measures taken by Archbishop Laud against nonconformists, the emigration of Puritans to America, the execution of Charles I, the English Republic under Cromwell, the Restoration of the Stuarts, the reign of James II, and the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688. Fox's contemporaries included Locke, Hobbes, Milton, and Newton.

Missionary Work

Fox traveled to preach in Ireland, Holland, Germany, and North America (in 1672-1673), mainly visiting Maryland and Rhode Island and establishing new Quaker groups. Under Fox's dictation, his "Journal" was recorded, which serves as an autobiographical account of the founder of the Society of Friends. This work is considered a classic of Christian spiritual literature.