Friends' Intelligencer ("Hicksite"), "The Friend," Philadelphia, (Conservative), and "The Friend," London, (the representative of English Friends). For the changes and additions in the present edition the writer of this Preface is wholly responsible, though he has had the benefit of a few notes made from time to time by his brother. It is impossible to estimate the loss which this edition. has sustained from being deprived of the late Dr. Thomas's wide knowledge of existing conditions in the Society of Friends, a knowledge which was probably unsurpassed, combined as it was with an almost passionate devotion to the Society and its doctrines. The difficulty of securing definite and accurate accounts of the events of the past few years has been great, and indulgence is asked for unavoidable errors and omissions. To the many friends who have kindly aided the writer in his work he extends grateful thanks. HAVERFORD, PENNSYLVANIA, Ninth month, 25, 1905. ALLEN C. THOMAS. NOTE. It has been with continued feelings of regret that it has seemed to be unavoidable to use the titles employed by the United States Census of 1890 to distinguish the different branches of those calling themselves Friends. To adopt the words of the fair-minded critic in "Friends' Intelligencer," this has been submitted to, "reluctantly, . . for the reason that some distinguishing names are evidently necessary, especially outside the Society, and that so far nothing better has been proposed." Strictly speaking, the names are unfair and inaccurate. PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION. THE following sketch of the history and doctrines of the Society of Friends in America is based on an independent examination of original records, documents, contemporary histories, journals, and other materials. To compress the history of two hundred and fifty years into less than one hundred and fifty pages has been no easy task;' and while great care has been taken to omit nothing of supreme importance, it is altogether likely that omissions will be found more or less serious. It is believed, however, that the account fairly represents the main lines of a remarkably eventful history. In describing the various divisions which have occurred in the Society the aim has been to be impartial and, so far as practicable, let each side speak for itself. If any feel themselves not fully represented, indulgence is craved for unintentional shortcoming. To those who have so kindly rendered aid in furnishing information and materials for use in the preparation of this sketch a grateful acknowledgment is due. HAVERFORD, PA., Fourth month, 1894. NOTE I. This History first appeared as part of volume XII., American Church History Series, Christian Literature Co., New York, 1894. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION: ORGANIZATION.-Yearly Meetings. CHAPTER I.-BEGINNINGS IN ENGLAND.-George Fox.-Early Missionaries.-Margaret Fell,-Doc- trines." The Inner Light," etc.-Women as CHAPTER II.-DISCIPLINE AND DOCTRINE.-John Perrot.-Meetings for Discipline.-Declaration of Faith, 1693.-The Holy Scriptures.-Sufferings of CHAPTER III.-EARLY YEARS IN AMERICA.-First Appearance in America.-Persecution in Massa- chusetts.-The Friends in Rhode Island.-Dispute with Roger Williams.-The Friends in New Neth- erland.-George Fox on Long Island.-The Friends in Virginia.-George Fox in Virginia and Mary- land. The Friends in Maryland. The Friends in New Jersey.-William Penn and New Jersey. -Founding of Burlington.-The Friends in the Carolinas.-William Penn.-The Founding of Pennsylvania.-The Keith Schism. CHAPTER IV. THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.- Loss of Political Power in Pennsylvania.--Growth in Numbers.-Enforcement of Discipline.-" Mid- dle Ages of Quakerism."-The Friends and Indians. -Friends and Slavery.-Emancipation of Slaves.- PAGE II CENTURY.-Hannah Barnard.-Elias Hicks.-Or- thodox Party.-Elias Hicks and the Elders. - Phila- delphia Yearly Meeting of 1827.—The Separation of 1827. The Separations of 1828.-Joseph John Gurney. - John Wilbur.-" Wilburite " Separations. CHAPTER VI.-PERIOD OF REORGANIZATION,- FURTHER PROGRESS.-The "Hicksites."-Lucretia Mott.-Educational Institutions.-Doctrine.-The Orthodox.-Declaration of Faith.-Bible Society.- Travelling Ministers.-Slavery.-Anti-Slavery Sep- aration in Indiana.—Whittier.-The Civil War.- Sufferings in North Carolina.-" Peace Association of Friends in America."-President Grant and his Indian Policy. Philanthropic Efforts.-Education CHAPTER VII.-LATER YEARS OF THE NINETEENTH CHAPTER VIII. LATEST YEARS. -"American Friends Peace Conference.' "Primitive Friends." -"Wilburites."—" Hicksites."-General Confer- ences.-"Isolated Members."-Review.-Orthodox. - |