Simultaneously with Baptists in
England and Scotland there appeared a sect by the name of Quakers, originated
by G. Fox. Brought by his religious reflections into a state of
"delight" (allurement), he considered himself called upon from above
to establish true Christianity and in 1647, came forward to preach.
A simple handyman, who was attracted to Bible reading and took into
consideration the variety of interpretations in the Anglican Church with
respect to the faith. By not receiving answers to his questions, he arrived on
his own at the complete rejection of the Holy Tradition, teachers of faith,
theologians, official denominations and a creed of faith. Going further, he
came to the following conclusion: (1) The true interpreter of the Holy
Scripture is the Holy Ghost, Who was absent in all different Christian
denominations, and therefore they all do not have real Christianity. (2) Only
he, G. Fox, had the real revelation from the Holy Ghost. (3) True Christianity
consists not in the dogmas and theological systems, but that the Holy Ghost
directly reveals to men and directs them into perfection. At the same time, Quakers
put personal direct "enlightening" ahead of the Holy Scripture and
Holy Scripture in itself, is interpreted as being a prompter for their personal
"enlightenment". With this type of approach to the Holy Scripture,
misinterpretation and misuse is inevitable.
Consequently, the Quakers rejected hierarchy and have no apostolic
succession; also were rejected the Sacraments including Baptism and Communion.
At their meetings, after reading Holy Scripture, they designate a so called,
"constructive silence," that is, silence and concentration while each
is waiting for the infusion of the Holy Ghost. If anyone feels "enlightened" by the Holy Ghost, regardless
of social standing, — he/she starts to teach and prophesy. The congregation
takes those words as revelation from above which they have to use as a guide in
faith and life.
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