USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -This new sect called themselves the Society of Friends, or Quakers, whose faith and practices were so radical that persecution fell upon them. Ultimately, this persecution and their desire for spiritual freedom led them to flee England and establish a religious haven in Pennsylvania.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Society of Friends, also known as Friends Church or Quakers, is a Christian group that arose in mid-17th-century England, dedicated to living under the “Inward Light, ” or direct inward apprehension of God, without creeds, clergy, or other ecclesiastical forms.

Detailed explanation-3: -Pennsylvania was established a Quaker colony and as such, many of the early leaders of government belonged to the Religious Society of Friends.

Detailed explanation-4: -Quakers have been a significant part of the movements for the abolition of slavery, to promote equal rights for women, and peace. They have also promoted education and the humane treatment of prisoners and the mentally ill, through the founding or reforming of various institutions.

Detailed explanation-5: -According to Fox’s journal, Bennet “called us Quakers because we bid them tremble at the word of God.” Indeed, early Friends did tremble and shake at their meetings, and spent many pamphlets defending “quaking” as a biblical phenomenon. Some Friends (including Fox) disliked the name, but it began to stick nonetheless.