George Fox
“The Friends” as in “I no longer call you servants but ..” (Jo.15:15) became known as “the Quakers” apparently because of a slur by Justice Bennet,
(as regards the accused trembling in the Presence of the Holy Spirit) or,
as a proclamation from an accused to this Justice ....“you should tremble at the Word of God…”.
George Fox of Leicestershire (1624-91) had a yearning for Gospel truth from an early age.
Unable to find answers within the state church headed by the English Sovereign,
he soon allowed The Spirit to lead and teach him.
George set a a priority of the reality of Christ within the believer (Col.1:21) and His inner Light (Jo.1:1-14). The church is the group of believers not the ornate buildings of the state.
He preached against a salaried and professional ministry.
He proclaimed the equality of all people in Christ (which did not go down well in class conscious England).
1000’s of ‘The Friends” were put in prison, some were put to death.
The Quaker meetings were visited by gifts of healings, miracles, discernments, knowledge, wisdom and spiritual tongues.
The meetings would start off in quiet contemplation but as the Holy Spirit moved His gifts would enliven the meetings.
By 1660 “The Friends" had influenced 40 to 60 thousand people from North America to Turkey.
Fox wrote “Book of Miracles” which included ~150 documented healings and miracles.
Although known for their passivity in natural day to day duties,
the Quakers were very bold in the Spirit which confirmed their greater belief in the unseen realm.
Female input to meetings.further reading in books by Eddie Hyatt and John Crowder.
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