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Margaret Fell
Margaret Fell (1614–1702) was an English preacher and a foundational figure in the Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as Quakers, earning her the title "Mother of Quakerism." Born Margaret Askew in 1614 at Marsh Grange, Dalton-in-Furness, Lancashire, she was the daughter of John Askew, a wealthy landowner, and Margaret Pyper. In 1632, at age 17, she married Thomas Fell, a barrister and later a judge and Member of Parliament, becoming mistress of Swarthmoor Hall and bearing nine children, eight of whom survived to adulthood. Her life changed dramatically in 1652 when she encountered George Fox, a charismatic preacher, at her local church in Ulverston. His message of the "Inner Light" and spiritual equality deeply moved her, leading to her convincement and the transformation of Swarthmoor Hall into a hub for the early Quaker movement. Fell’s preaching career was marked by her tireless advocacy for Quaker beliefs, including her defense of women’s ministry, most notably in her 1666 pamphlet Women’s Speaking Justified, which argued scripturally for women’s right to preach. She preached across England, often facing persecution, and was imprisoned multiple times: first in 1664–1668 at Lancaster Castle for hosting Quaker meetings and refusing to take an oath, and again in 1670–1671 for violating the Conventicle Act. After Thomas’s death in 1658, she married George Fox in 1669, solidifying her leadership role. She authored over 16 works, including letters and tracts, and established the Kendal Fund to support imprisoned Quakers. Fell died on April 23, 1702, and was buried in an unmarked grave at Sunbrick Quaker burial ground, leaving a legacy as a preacher who shaped Quaker theology and organization through her courage and conviction.
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Margaret Fell emphasizes the importance of following the Light of Christ as the ultimate guide and teacher, leading to a deep cleansing by the blood of Jesus and a discernment between good and evil. She expresses a zealous passion for God's truth and the salvation of souls, despite facing opposition and doubt from those in darkness. Margaret Fell encourages readers to cling to the unchanging Truth of God's Word and Spirit, promising peace and comfort to those who obediently follow the Light within their hearts.
Preface to Margaret Fox's Epistles, Written by Herself
Preface To Margaret Fell's Epistles Written by Herself Friendly Reader: -- The following epistles were written at the first appearance of truth among us, when we were young in it: the Light of Christ being our first principle, our minds being turned to it, and it having become our teacher, leader, and guider, we saw perfectly that there was no safety, nor preservation out of sin and transgression, but as we obeyed the Light, and following it in our hearts and consciences, it leading out of sin, transgression, and iniquity: so as we waited in it, and dwelt in it, we came to witness a washing and cleansing, by the blood of Jesus. And so we came to discern, between the precious and the vile, and between the holy, and the unclean, and between the chaff, and the wheat; and between those that served God, and those that served Him not. And when we came to this sight, and knowledge, and discerning, then we became very zealous for God, and for His truth, and for the preservation of His people in the truth; and our hearts became tender, and we had a pity for all people's souls that remained in darkness. We were moved of the Lord to write often to Friends, and our testimony was very much to the Light of Christ in the conscience; because we that that this was the way, and there was no other; for Christ Jesus said, I am the Light; He also said, I am the way, the truth, and the life; and there is none that can come to the Father, but by me. And so we received His Testimony, and could set our seals that it was true. And then we saw the great concern that lay upon this, which is the salvation of poor people's souls. And we knowing as Christ said, they that hated the Light it was their condemnation; and also those that obeyed it, it would bring them to Christ their salvation; this made us very importunate with all people, both Friends and others, to direct them to the Light, and obey it. And also there being such a body of darkness, which warred against it; for people having lived in darkness, and out of the knowledge of the Light, it was such a new doctrine to them, and there was a mighty war in people's minds against it; and the priests and professors setting themselves against it; and some said it was a dim Light, and some scoffingly called it a dark lantern, and others said it was not sufficient to condemn: so in their dark imaginations they fought against it. And very much we had to do in the beginning to get people convinced of the Truth, and of the sufficiency of it; and also those that were convinced, to keep them in obedience to it. But the Lord's arm and power carried on His own work, notwithstanding all the opposition of the power of darkness; glory and praises be to His holy name forever. Here are a few epistles preserved, but many more are wanting, the copies being lost, with many other papers and letters that might have been serviceable; but in love to all people, we bring those that we have to open view; that if the Lord give a blessing to them, they may be serviceable hereafter, as they have been to many heretofore. The Truth is one and the same always; and though ages and generations pass away, and one generation goes and another comes, yet the word, and Power, and the Spirit of the living God endures forever, and is the same, and never changes. And so, reader, cleave to the blessed Light and Truth of the living God, that He hath placed in thy heart, and believe in it, and hearken to it, and obey it, and it will lead thee in the path that we have gone, and then thou wilt see, and feel, and understand what we have been through; and thou wilt come to be a witness of the living God and His Truth, which will be peace and comfort to thy soul. The Lord God Almighty open thy heart, and enlighten the eye of thy understanding, that thou mayest come to have unity with all the saints in the Light.
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Margaret Fell (1614–1702) was an English preacher and a foundational figure in the Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as Quakers, earning her the title "Mother of Quakerism." Born Margaret Askew in 1614 at Marsh Grange, Dalton-in-Furness, Lancashire, she was the daughter of John Askew, a wealthy landowner, and Margaret Pyper. In 1632, at age 17, she married Thomas Fell, a barrister and later a judge and Member of Parliament, becoming mistress of Swarthmoor Hall and bearing nine children, eight of whom survived to adulthood. Her life changed dramatically in 1652 when she encountered George Fox, a charismatic preacher, at her local church in Ulverston. His message of the "Inner Light" and spiritual equality deeply moved her, leading to her convincement and the transformation of Swarthmoor Hall into a hub for the early Quaker movement. Fell’s preaching career was marked by her tireless advocacy for Quaker beliefs, including her defense of women’s ministry, most notably in her 1666 pamphlet Women’s Speaking Justified, which argued scripturally for women’s right to preach. She preached across England, often facing persecution, and was imprisoned multiple times: first in 1664–1668 at Lancaster Castle for hosting Quaker meetings and refusing to take an oath, and again in 1670–1671 for violating the Conventicle Act. After Thomas’s death in 1658, she married George Fox in 1669, solidifying her leadership role. She authored over 16 works, including letters and tracts, and established the Kendal Fund to support imprisoned Quakers. Fell died on April 23, 1702, and was buried in an unmarked grave at Sunbrick Quaker burial ground, leaving a legacy as a preacher who shaped Quaker theology and organization through her courage and conviction.