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Penn, William, 1644-1718

"A Brief Account of the Rise and Progress of the People Called Quakers"


So that nothing has been affirmed by this people, of the power and virtue
of this heavenly principle, that such as have turned to it have not found
true, and more; and that one half had not been told to them of what they
have seen of the power, purity, wisdom, and goodness of God therein.
VI. The accomplishments, with which this principle fitted even some of
the meanest of this people for their work and service, furnishing some of
them with an extraordinary understanding in divine things, and an
admirable, fluency, and taking-way of expression, gave occasion to some
to wonder, saying of them, as of their Master, "Is not this such a
mechanic's son, how came he by this learning?" As from thence others
took occasion to suspect and insinuate they were Jesuits in disguise, who
had the reputation of learned men for an age past; though there was not
the least ground of truth for any such reflection; in that their
ministers are known, the places of their abode, their kindred and
education.
VII. That they came forth low, and despised, and hated, as the primitive
Christians did; and not by the help of worldly wisdom or power, as former
reformations in part have done: but in all things it may be said, this
people were brought forth in the cross; in a contradiction to the ways,
worships, fashions, and customs of this world; yea, against wind and
tide, that so no flesh might glory before God.


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