The Library

The Modernization Pipeline

We are systematically modernizing the major writings of 60 early Quaker authors, from the founding generation through the eighteenth-century flowering. Below is the complete pipeline, ordered from the most foundational voices down to the wider circle of Friends whose writings complete the early Quaker library.

Tier 1

Foundational

The pillars of early Quaker thought. These authors' writings form the essential core of the canon.

George Fox

1624–1691

Published

• The Journal of George Fox 1694 BuyFree Original
• The Great Mystery of the Great Whore Unfolded 1659 Free Original
• Gospel Truth Demonstrated 1706 Free Original
• The Epistles of George Fox 1698 Free Original
• A Battle-Door for Teachers and Professors to Learn Singular and Plural 1660 Free Original
• The Works of George Fox (8 volumes) 1831 Free Original
• The Journal of George Fox, Vol. 2 of 2 1694 Free Original
• George Fox: An Autobiography (ed. Rufus M. Jones) 1919 Free Original

Robert Barclay

1648–1690

Planned

• An Apology for the True Christian Divinity 1678 Free Original
• Theses Theologicae 1675 Free Original
• A Catechism and Confession of Faith 1673 Free Original
• The Anarchy of the Ranters 1676 Free Original
• Truth Cleared of Calumnies 1670 Free Original
• Universal Love 1677 Free Original

Isaac Penington

1616–1679

In Progress

• The Works of Isaac Penington, Volume I 1681 BuyFree Original
• The Works of Isaac Penington, Volume II 1681 BuyFree Original
• The Works of Isaac Penington, Volume III 1681 BuyFree Original
• The Works of Isaac Penington, Volume IV 1681 BuyFree Original
• The Works of Isaac Penington (Collected Writings) 1681 Free Original
• The Way of Life and Peace 1658 Free Original
• An Examination of the Grounds or Causes Which Are Said to Induce the Court of Boston to Make That Order of Banishment upon Pain of Death Against the Quakers 1660 Free Original
• Some Queries Concerning the Order and Government of the Church of Christ 1660 Free Original
• The Fundamental Right, Safety and Liberty of the People 1651 Free Original
• A Touchstone or Trial of Faith 1648 Free Original

William Penn

1644–1718

Planned

• No Cross, No Crown 1669 BuyFree Original
• Some Fruits of Solitude 1693 Free Original
• Primitive Christianity Revived 1696 Free Original
• A Brief Account of the Rise and Progress of the People Called Quakers 1694 Free Original
• The Sandy Foundation Shaken 1668 Free Original
• The Great Case of Liberty of Conscience 1670 Free Original
• An Essay Towards the Present and Future Peace of Europe 1693 Free Original
• Truth Exalted 1668 Free Original
• The Tryal of William Penn & William Mead 1670 Free Original

John Woolman

1720–1772

Planned

• The Journal of John Woolman 1774 BuyFree Original
• Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes (Part I) 1754 Free Original
• Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes (Part II) 1762 Free Original
• A Plea for the Poor 1793 Free Original
• Considerations on the True Harmony of Mankind 1770 Free Original
• A Word of Remembrance and Caution to the Rich 1793 Free Original

Job Scott

1751–1793

Planned

• Journal of the Life, Travels, and Gospel Labours of Job Scott 1797 Free Original
• Essays on Salvation by Christ 1824 Free Original
• Letters of Job Scott 1831 Free Original

Tier 2

Major Voices

Essential figures whose work shaped the movement's theology, history, and pastoral life.

James Nayler

1618–1660

Planned

• The Lamb's War 1657 Free Original
• Love to the Lost 1656 Free Original
• How Sin is Strengthened, and How It is Overcome 1657 Free Original
• Milk for Babes and Meat for Strong Men 1661 Free Original
• A Collection of Sundry Books, Epistles and Papers Written by James Nayler 1716 Free Original
• A Discovery of the Man of Sin 1655 Free Original
• Saul's Errand to Damascus 1653 Free Original

Margaret Fell

1614–1702

Planned

• Women's Speaking Justified 1666 Free Original
• A Call to the Universal Seed of God 1665 Free Original
• A Touch-Stone: or, A Perfect Trial by the Scriptures 1667 Free Original
• A Declaration and an Information from Us the People Called Quakers 1660 Free Original
• False Prophets, Antichrists, Deceivers 1655 Free Original
• A Brief Collection of Remarkable Passages and Occurrences 1710 Free Original

Edward Burrough

1634–1663

Published

• The Memorable Works of a Son of Thunder and Consolation 1672 BuyFree Original
• The True Faith of the Gospel of Peace 1656 Free Original
• A Declaration of the Sad and Great Persecution and Martyrdom of the People of God Called Quakers in New England 1660 Free Original
• A Message for Instruction to All the Rulers, Judges, and Magistrates 1658 Free Original
• Truth (the Strongest of All) Witnessed Forth 1657 Free Original

Francis Howgill

1618–1669

Planned

• The Dawnings of the Gospel-Day, and Its Light and Glory Discovered 1676 Free Original
• The Inheritance of Jacob Discovered 1656 Free Original
• The Glory of the True Church Discovered 1661 Free Original
• Some of the Mysteries of God's Kingdom Declared 1658 Free Original
• The Heart of New-England Hardened Through Wickedness 1659 Free Original

William Sewel

1653–1720

Planned

• The History of the Rise, Increase, and Progress of the Christian People Called Quakers 1722 Free Original
• A Large Dictionary English and Dutch 1691 Free Original

Thomas Ellwood

1639–1713

In Progress

• The History of the Life of Thomas Ellwood, Written by Himself 1714 BuyFree Original
• Davideis: The Life of David, King of Israel (a poem) 1712 Free Original
• Sacred History of the Old Testament 1705 Free Original
• Sacred History of the New Testament 1709 Free Original
• Forgery No Christianity 1674 Free Original
• The Foundation of Tithes Shaken 1678 Free Original

William Dewsbury

1621–1688

Planned

• The Faithful Testimony of That Ancient Servant of the Lord 1689 Free Original
• The Discovery of Man's Return to His First Estate 1654 Free Original
• A True Prophecy of the Mighty Day of the Lord 1655 Free Original

Stephen Crisp

1628–1692

Planned

• The Complete Works of Stephen Crisp 1694 Free Original
• A Short History of a Long Travel from Babylon to Bethel 1691 Free Original
• Scripture Truths Demonstrated 1707 Free Original
• A Journal of the Life of Stephen Crisp 1694 Free Original

Samuel Fisher

1605–1665

Planned

• Rusticus ad Academicos (The Rustick's Alarm to the Rabbies) 1660 Free Original
• The Testimony of Truth Exalted 1679 Free Original
• One Antidote More Against That Provoking Sin of Swearing 1661 Free Original
• Baby-Baptism Mere Babism 1653 Free Original

Richard Hubberthorne

c. 1628–1662

Published

Tier 3

Important Contributors

Significant writers who enriched Quaker literature with journals, histories, and theological works.

Thomas Story

1662–1742

Planned

• A Journal of the Life of Thomas Story 1747 Free Original

Samuel Bownas

1676–1753

Planned

• An Account of the Life, Travels, and Christian Experiences in the Work of the Ministry of Samuel Bownas 1756 Free Original
• A Description of the Qualifications Necessary to a Gospel Minister 1750 Free Original

Joseph Besse

1683–1757

Planned

• A Collection of the Sufferings of the People Called Quakers 1753 Free Original

Thomas Chalkley

1675–1741

Planned

• A Collection of the Works of Thomas Chalkley 1749 Free Original
• The Journal of Thomas Chalkley 1747 Free Original

John Churchman

1705–1775

Planned

• An Account of the Gospel Labours and Christian Experiences of John Churchman 1779 Free Original

Anthony Benezet

1713–1784

Planned

• Some Historical Account of Guinea 1771 Free Original
• A Short Account of That Part of Africa Inhabited by the Negroes 1762 Free Original
• A Caution and Warning to Great Britain and Her Colonies 1766 Free Original
• Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes 1754 Free Original
• Observations on the Enslaving, Importing, and Purchasing of Negroes 1760 Free Original

Mary Penington

1623–1682

Planned

• A Testimony of Divine Grace: The Life of Mary Penington 1682 BuyFree Original
• Experiences in the Life of Mary Penington 1821 Free Original
• Some Account of the Circumstances in the Life of Mary Pennyman 1821 Free Original

Elizabeth Bathurst

1655–1685

Planned

• Truth Vindicated by the Faithful Testimony and Writings of Elizabeth Bathurst 1695
• The Sayings of Women 1683
• An Expostulatory Appeal to the Professors of Christianity 1680

William Edmundson

1627–1712

Planned

• A Journal of the Life, Travels, Sufferings, and Labour of Love in the Work of the Ministry of William Edmundson 1715 Free Original

John Crook

1617–1699

Planned

• The Design of Christianity 1701 Free Original
• A Short History of the Life of John Crook 1706 Free Original
• Truth's Principles 1662 Free Original

Thomas Scattergood

1748–1814

Planned

• Journal of the Life and Religious Labours of Thomas Scattergood 1845 Free Original
• Letters of Thomas Scattergood 1845 Free Original

Gilbert Latey

1628–1705

Planned

• The Life of Gilbert Latey 1837 Free Original
• Records of Legal Appeals and Testimonies on Behalf of Friends 1837 Free Original

William Leddra

1620–1661

Planned

• Epistle from Prison (Written Before His Execution) 1661 Free Original
• Memoir of William Leddra 1843 Free Original

Thomas Shillitoe

1754–1835

Planned

• Journal of the Life, Labours, and Travels of Thomas Shillitoe 1839 Free Original

Martha Routh

1750–1817

Planned

• Memoir of Martha Routh — A Minister of the Gospel in the Society of Friends 1848 Free Original
• Letters and Epistles of Martha Routh 1848 Free Original

Oliver Sansom

1636–1717

Planned

• The Life of Oliver Sansom — An Account of His Convincement, Exercises, Services, and Sufferings 1850 Free Original

Ambrose Rigge

1634–1705

Planned

• The Life and Writings of Ambrose Rigge 1848 Free Original
• A Brief and Serious Warning to Such as Are Concerned in Commerce and Trading 1678 Free Original
• Constancy in the Truth Commended 1710 Free Original

Tier 4

Notable Writers

Valued voices that illuminate particular aspects of Quaker faith and practice.

John Griffith

1713–1776

Planned

• A Journal of the Life, Travels, and Labours in the Work of the Ministry of John Griffith 1779 Free Original

Catherine Payton Phillips

1727–1794

Planned

• Memoirs of the Life of Catherine Phillips 1797 Free Original

Samuel Fothergill

1715–1772

Planned

• Discourses Delivered at Several Meeting Houses of the People Called Quakers 1790 Free Original
• Some Discourses, Epistles, and Letters by the Late Samuel Fothergill 1803 Free Original

John Fothergill

1676–1745

Planned

• An Account of the Life and Travels of John Fothergill 1753 Free Original
• An Essay on the Character of the Late John Fothergill, M.D. 1781 Free Original

Joseph Phipps

1708–1787

Planned

• The Original and Present State of Man 1773 Free Original

John Gough

1721–1791

Planned

• A History of the People Called Quakers (4 volumes) 1789 Free Original

Hugh Turford

d. 1713

Planned

• The Grounds of a Holy Life 1702 Free Original
• Walk in the Spirit 1702 Free Original

William Shewen

1631–1695

Planned

• Counsel to the Christian-Traveller: Also Meditations and Experiences 1683 Free Original
• A Brief Testimony Against Tale-Bearers, Whisperers, and Back-Biters 1683 Free Original

James Parnell

1637–1656

Planned

• A Trial of Faith 1654 Free Original
• The Trumpet of the Lord Blown 1655 Free Original
• Goliath's Head Cut Off with His Own Sword 1655 Free Original
• The Fruits of a Fast 1655 Free Original

Elizabeth Ashbridge

1713–1755

Planned

• Some Account of the Fore Part of the Life of Elizabeth Ashbridge 1774 Free Original

Tier 5

The Wider Circle

The broader community of Friends whose writings round out the early Quaker library.

George Whitehead

1636–1723

Planned

• The Christian Progress of George Whitehead 1725 Free Original
• The Christian Quaker and His Divine Testimony Stated and Vindicated 1673 Free Original
• An Antidote Against the Venom of the Snake in the Grass 1697 Free Original
• Nature of Christianity in the True Light Asserted 1671 Free Original

Richard Farnworth

d. 1666

Planned

• A Discovery of Truth and Falsehood 1653
• The Ranters' Principles and Deceits Discovered 1655
• Light Risen Out of Darkness 1653
• Witchcraft Cast Out from the Religious Seed 1655

John Burnyeat

1631–1690

Planned

• The Truth Exalted in the Writings of John Burnyeat 1691 Free Original
• The Journal and Letters of John Burnyeat 1691 Free Original

John Banks

1637–1710

Planned

• A Journal of the Life, Labours, Travels, and Sufferings of John Banks 1712 Free Original

Charles Marshall

1637–1698

Planned

• Sion's Travellers Comforted and the Disobedient Warned 1704 Free Original
• The Way of Life Revealed and the Way of Death Discovered 1674 Free Original

John Gratton

1641–1711

Planned

• A Journal of the Life of That Ancient Servant of Christ, John Gratton 1720 Free Original

Richard Davies

1635–1708

Planned

• An Account of the Convincement, Exercises, Services, and Travels of Richard Davies 1710 Free Original

William Caton

1636–1665

Planned

• A Journal of the Life of William Caton 1689 Free Original

Patrick Livingston

1634–1694

Planned

• The Life and Letters of Patrick Livingston 1847 Free Original

Mary Mollineux

1651–1695

Planned

• Fruits of Retirement: or, Miscellaneous Poems, Moral and Divine 1702 Free Original

Alice Hayes

1657–1720

Planned

• A Legacy, or Widow's Mite, Left by Alice Hayes to Her Children and Others 1723 Free Original

Elizabeth Stirredge

1634–1706

Planned

• Strength in Weakness Manifest 1711 Free Original

Anne Camm

1627–1705

Planned

• A True Declaration of the Suffering of the Innocent 1655 Free Original
• The Memory of the Righteous Revived 1689 Free Original

Barbara Blaugdone

1609–1704

Planned

• An Account of the Travels, Sufferings, and Persecutions of Barbara Blaugdone 1691 Free Original

Christopher Story

1648–1720

Planned

• A Brief Account of the Life, Convincement, Sufferings, Labours and Travels of Christopher Story 1726 Free Original

Joseph Pike

1657–1729

Planned

• Some Account of the Life of Joseph Pike 1837 Free Original

John Richardson

1667–1753

Planned

• An Account of the Life of That Ancient Servant of Jesus Christ, John Richardson 1757 Free Original

Thomas Wilson

1654–1725

Planned

• A Brief Journal of the Life, Travels and Labours of Love of Thomas Wilson 1728 Free Original

Daniel Stanton

1708–1770

Planned

• A Journal of the Life, Travels, and Gospel Labours of Daniel Stanton 1772 Free Original

John Pemberton

1727–1795

Planned

• The Life and Travels of John Pemberton, a Minister of the Gospel of Christ 1844 Free Original

Mary Peisley Neale

1717–1757

Planned

• Some Account of the Life and Religious Exercises of Mary Neale, Formerly Mary Peisley 1795 Free Original

Sarah Stephenson

1738–1802

Planned

• Memoirs of the Life and Travels in the Service of the Gospel of Sarah Stephenson 1807 Free Original

Sarah Tuke Grubb

1756–1790

Planned

• Some Account of the Life and Religious Labours of Sarah Grubb 1792 Free Original

William Savery

1750–1804

Planned

• A Journal of the Life, Travels, and Religious Labours of William Savery 1837 Free Original

Mary Fisher

1623–1698

Planned

• A True Relation of the Voyage Undertaken by Mary Fisher to the Emperor of the Turks 1660