Fox, George (1624-1691)
Place of Birth: Born at Drayton, Leicestershire, England
Description: Preacher, writer, founder of Society of Friends (Quakers)
Influences: Both Puritan training at home and association with Anabaptists markedly influenced his life
Notable Beliefs: Felt a lack in traditional religion; sought contact with the Spirit of God and direct intimate communion with God within his own spirit, which was also the secret to spiritual guidance; believed external formal ordinances were unnecessary and hypocritical; against slavery, oaths, and military service
Notable Teachings: Personal teaching of Holy Spirit (inner light), every member a priest of God, professional ministers rejected, baptism and Eucharist are inner, spiritual realities
Christian Work: An itinerant preacher and writer for 40 years (from 1647); traveled in England, Scotland, Holland, and America; he and his followers were persecuted and imprisoned; rapid increase of followers, who spread to London, Bristol, Norwich
Notable Acquaintance: William Penn preached and defended Quaker faith
Writings: Main writing was his Journal
