Their founder George Fox (1624-91) called them scornfully Friends because Christ said to his disciples, "I have called you friends." But because Founder Fox preached that the time had come for men to quake and tremble before the Lord, the irreverent called his following Quakers. The word has long since ceased to be a term of reproach.
Quakers abhor intensity of word or deed, believe merely that "the presence of God is an illumination to the soul." When they gather for worship they keep silent, knowing that this "Inner Light" will move them to say what is fitting when it...
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