The Light in Their Consciences
Early Quakers in Britain, 1646–1666
Rosemary Moore
Hailed upon its publication as “history at its finest” by H. Larry Ingle and called “the essential foundation to explore early Quaker history” by Sixteenth Century Journal, Rosemary Moore’s The Light in Their Consciences is the most comprehensive, readable history of the first decades of the life and thought of The Society of Friends. This twentieth anniversary edition of Moore’s pathbreaking work reintroduces the book to a new generation of readers.
- Description
- Bio
- Table of Contents
- Subjects
Drawing on an innovative computer-based analysis of primary sources and Quaker and anti-Quaker literature, Moore provides compelling portraits of George Fox, James Nayler, Margaret Fell, and other leading figures; relates how the early Friends lived and worshipped; and traces the path this radical group followed as it began its development into a denomination. In doing so, she makes clear the origins and evolution of Quaker faith, details how they overcame differences in doctrinal interpretation and religious practice, and delves deeply into clashes between and among leaders and lay practitioners.
Thoroughly researched, felicitously written, and featuring a new introduction, updated sources, and an enlightening outline of Moore’s research methodology, this edition of The Light in Their Consciences belongs in the collection of everyone interested in or studying Quaker history and the era in which the movement originated.
An active member of The Society of Friends since 1954, Rosemary Moore is an honorary staff member with the Centre for Research in Quaker Studies at Woodbrooke. She is coauthor of The Quakers, 1656–1723: The Evolution of an Alternative Community, also published by Penn State University Press.
List of Illustrations
Preface and Acknowledgments from the First Edition of 2000
Introduction to the Twentieth Anniversary Edition
Part 1: Quaker Beginnings, 1646–1658
1. Genesis
2. The Quaker Explosion
3. The Consequences of James Nayler
Part 2: Shaping the Quaker Faith
4. The Biblical Framework
5. The Kingdom of the Lord
6. Putting Experience into Words
7. Heated Controversy
8. Serious Theology
Part 3: Quakers in Practice
9. Walking in the Light
10. Foundations of the Gospel Order
11. Quakers Meeting
12. “Sufferings” Before the Restoration
Part 4: Turmoil and Transition, 1659–1666
13. The Defeat of the Radicals
14. Survival
15. The Consequences of John Perrot
16. Poetry, Testimonies, and Pastoral Epistles
17. Metamorphosis
Appendix 1: Sources of Information for Early Quakerism
Appendix 2: Research Methods
Appendix 3: Table of Publications
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index
Also of Interest
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