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George Fox
George Fox (1624 - 1691). English Dissenter, founder of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), born in Drayton-in-the-Clay, Leicestershire. Apprenticed as a shoemaker, he left home at 19, seeking spiritual truth amid Puritan and Anglican tensions. In 1647, after visions and direct experiences of God, he began preaching an “inner light” accessible to all, rejecting clergy and formal worship. By 1652, he gathered followers in northern England, forming the Quakers, known for pacifism and simplicity. Fox traveled across England, Ireland, the Netherlands, and America, enduring eight imprisonments for his beliefs, including at Lancaster Castle. He wrote Journal (1694) and numerous letters, shaping Quaker theology with calls for equality and justice. Married to Margaret Fell in 1669, a key Quaker leader, they had no children, but she had eight from her prior marriage. His 1660 Declaration rejected violence, influencing conscientious objection. Fox’s emphasis on personal revelation transformed Protestantism, and his writings remain central to Quaker thought.
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George Fox encourages believers to stand still in the face of troubles and temptations, emphasizing the importance of submitting to the Light of the Lord for strength and peace. He warns that the Tempter exploits our weaknesses, but by remaining still and focused on God's presence, we can overcome our addictions and fears. Fox illustrates that true strength comes from recognizing our struggles and surrendering to God's power, leading to inner peace and contentment. He reminds us that earthly reasoning can distract us, but by staying grounded in the Spirit, we can read the Scriptures correctly and find true peace. Ultimately, standing still in the Light allows us to grow in faith and resilience against life's challenges.
Stand Still in the Light
TO FRIENDS, to stand still in Trouble, and see the Strength of the Lord. Whatever ye are addicted to, the Tempter will come in that thing; and when he can trouble you, then he gets Advantage over you, then he gets Advantage over you, and then ye are yourselves; and then Mercy comes in. After thou seest thy Thoughts and the Temptations, do not think, but submit; and then the Power comes. Stand still in that which shews and discovers; and there doth Strength immediately come: And stand still in the Light and submit to it, and the other will be hush'd and gone; and then Content comes. And when Temptations and Troubles appear, sink down in that which is pure, and all will be hush'd and fly away. Your Strength is to stand still, after ye see your selves. Whatsoever ye see your selves addicted to, Tempations, Corruptions, Uncleanness &c. then ye think, ye shall never Overcome. and Earthly reason will tell you, what ye shall lose; hearken not to that but stand still in the Light, that shews them to you, and then Strength comes from the Lord, and Help, contrary to your Expectation: Then ye grow up in Peace, and no Trouble shall you move. David fretted himself when he look'd out; but when he was still, no Trouble could him move: When your Thoughts are out, abroad, then Troubles move you: But come to stay your Minds upon the Spirit which was before the Letter; here ye learn to read the the Scriptures aright. If ye do anything in your own Wills, then ye tempt God; but stand still in that Power, which brings Peace. G.F.
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George Fox (1624 - 1691). English Dissenter, founder of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), born in Drayton-in-the-Clay, Leicestershire. Apprenticed as a shoemaker, he left home at 19, seeking spiritual truth amid Puritan and Anglican tensions. In 1647, after visions and direct experiences of God, he began preaching an “inner light” accessible to all, rejecting clergy and formal worship. By 1652, he gathered followers in northern England, forming the Quakers, known for pacifism and simplicity. Fox traveled across England, Ireland, the Netherlands, and America, enduring eight imprisonments for his beliefs, including at Lancaster Castle. He wrote Journal (1694) and numerous letters, shaping Quaker theology with calls for equality and justice. Married to Margaret Fell in 1669, a key Quaker leader, they had no children, but she had eight from her prior marriage. His 1660 Declaration rejected violence, influencing conscientious objection. Fox’s emphasis on personal revelation transformed Protestantism, and his writings remain central to Quaker thought.