On 14 October 1656 the colony of Massachusetts put into place its first legislation against the Quakers. The Quakers, or the Religious Society of Friends, were founded by George Fox in the early 1600s. This legislation imposed a heavy fine on any ship bringing Quakers to the colony from England, and stated that the Quakers would be subject to imprisonment or exile. However this punitive legislation only served to further motivate the Quaker zealots, who wished to bring their ministry to a place that seemed so desperately in need of it.

George Fox founded the Quakers on several controversial. First, he believed in Christ, not as someone who existed in the past, but as a present reality giving guidance to all who open their hearts to him. Second, that a Christian was anyone who had their lives transformed by Christ, not just members of the church. Third, the church was not some dominative organization run by the pope or any established hierarchy, but was the community of those who were considered Christians under George Fox’s new definition. Finally, Fox came to believe that ministers were not taught by man but were called upon by God himself to change lives with the teachings of Christ.

The Puritans saw these beliefs as heresy and thus condemned those who followed them. However the Quakers continued to set out for Massachusetts, facing imprisonment, flogging, and heavier threats from the colony before being sent back again. Despite the Colonies efforts, the Quakers made considerable impressions on citizens and so more severe consequences were enacted, including the cutting off of an ear.

In 1658, legislation was put forth to disallow death as a punitive measure for returning banished Quakers. This legislation was turned down until two years later, when four Quakers were executed for returning from banishment and refusing to accept pardon on condition that they never return. Soon after, opposition to the execution of Quakers became so strong that the government could no longer oppose it, returning to the measures of flogging and banishment, until soon after that Charles II also banned the flogging of Quakers.

In a time where religious intolerance ran rampant, the Quakers sacrificed life and limb to bring their beliefs to the new world. Quakers would go on to impact American history by founding the colony of Pennsylvania and becoming instrumental in the efforts of the Underground Railroad.

–John Keeth

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Meet the Author: John Keith

I am 20 years old, and have lived in Livonia my entire life. I am an English major in my last year at Schoolcraft College. I will be transferring to Eastern Michigan University next year to continue my progress toward a bachelor’s degree. Although I do not have a lot of time for them between work and school, my interests include: modern art, psychology, foreign languages, soccer, mixed martial arts, and cooking/baking