Quaker is a popular term for a member of the Christian sect the Society of Friends. The movement was founded in Great Britain by George Fox in 1650, and is noted for its belief in the Inner Light, in pacifist principles, and for its rejection of sacraments, ordained ministry, and set forms of worship. Originally, the Quakers were also distinguished by the plainness of their dress and speech.
In 1656 some Quakers began to leave Great Britain for Massachusetts, where they were imprisoned, banished, and, in four cases in which they returned, hanged. Charles II. put a stop to the persecution. George Fox, visited America between 1671 and 1673.
In America, Quakers settled largely in Rhode Island, and especially in Pennsylvania, which, founded by the Quaker William Penn, was largely a Quaker colony. New Jersey also was largely settled by Quakers. Everywhere they were thrifty and excellent citizens, though their aversion to war hampered Pennsylvania in making a successful defence against the French. They were constantly forward in movements of philanthropy and reform, and had a most important part in the abolition movement. In 1827 occurred a rupture in the United States between the Orthodox Friends and the Hicksites, or followers of Blias Hicks, the dispute being with regard to the atonement. Research Quaker
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