George Fox, Founder of the Society of Friends
13 January -- Commemoration
If celebrated as a Lesser Festival,
Common of any Saint, page 513
George Fox was born at Fenny Drayton in Leicestershire in
1624, the son of a weaver, and was himself apprenticed to a
shoe-maker. He became something of a wayfarer from 1643 for
about three years, loosening all ties with his family and
friends. The 'Inner Light of the Living Christ' became his
watchword in 1646 and he began to preach that the truth
could only be found through the Inner Voice speaking
directly to each soul. His society of 'The Friends of
Truth' was formed at about this time, clearly a protest
against the authoritarianism of the Presbyterian system, and
many believers joined. Because of welcoming God into the
soul often whilst in a state of trance, which caused much
body movement, Gervase Bennet nicknamed them the Quakers in
1650; although meant as a term of abuse, it quickly became a
name they themselves adopted. Fox spent several spells in
gaol because of his determination to preach where he would
and what he willed; he also made many missionary journeys
around England, on the continent and to North America and
the West Indies. He had a charismatic personality combined
with excellent organisational abilities, which proved a
solid foundation for ensuring the continuance of his beliefs
and practices. He died on this day in 1691.