The Journal of George Fox

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Summary: A classic edition of a classic Quaker journal
Review: George Fox, 1624-91, is sometimes called the "founder" of the Religious Society of Friends, a group that established itself in the 1650s. Early on, they called themselves Children of the Light and Friends of the Truth. As the group spread from the North of England into the south, they became known as Quakers, a name which stuck and is still used today. In the early years, Fox was one of several strong personalities most closely identified with the movement. Later, facing severe persecution and with the death of other early leaders, the Friends accepted Fox's institutional guidance, and he helped the movement to consolidate and survive through to an era of somewhat greater tolerance toward the end of his century.

Certainly Fox never set out to start another "religion." He hoped simply to open the hearts of everyone to the leading of the divine Spirit, without allowing the existing distinction of clergy and laity. His journal, composed years after most of the events covered, retains Fox's direct, down-to-earth form of ministry. The language is not flowery, yet it brings up deep and powerful spiritual ideas, with strong imagery that still sparkles in Quaker language.

"Now the Lord God opened to me by His invisible power that every man was enlightened by the divine Light of Christ, and I saw it shine through all; and that they that believed in it came out of condemnation to the Light of life, and became the children of it; but they that hated it, and did not believe in it, were condemned by it, though they made a profession of Christ. This I saw in the pure openings of the Light without the help of any man; neither did I then know where to find it in the Scriptures; though afterwards, searching the Scriptures, I found it."

This edition of Fox's Journal was abridged and edited by Rufus Jones in the early part of the last century, thus making it more accessible to a wider audience. However, some who dwell on the theological nuances and regard Fox as authoritative find this edition disappointing. (The John L. Nickalls edition of Fox's Journal is regarded as definitive.) Rufus Jones provides a helpful introduction, presenting briefly his own idea that Fox raised to a new level an already widespread movement of grassroots mysticism.

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Summary: THIS...ROCKS!
Review: This book is incredible! From the first page onwards I was hooked! I would reccomend this for anyone who is interested in the life and times of good ol' George Fox. This book will grip you and suck you in and you will not be able to stop reading until the very VERY end! A fine choice for Fox fans both new and old. To sum it up in one word: magnificent! This Journal will forever remain my ALL TIME favourite book. Get it today, before you miss out!