George Fox

Date of Birth: July 1624

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: January 13, 1691

Biography

George Fox was an English Dissenter and a founder of the Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as the Quakers or Friends. Born in July 1624 in Drayton-in-the-Clay, Leicestershire, England, Fox was raised in a fervent Puritan household. He experienced a profound spiritual awakening in his early twenties, leading him to reject the formalities and hierarchies of the established Church of England. Instead, he advocated for a direct, personal experience of Christ, emphasizing the “Inner Light” or the presence of God within every individual. Fox began his ministry in 1647, traveling extensively across England, preaching and converting many to his beliefs. His teachings often led to confrontations with religious and civil authorities, resulting in frequent imprisonments. Despite this, his influence grew, and the Quaker movement spread rapidly throughout Britain and to the American colonies. Fox’s writings, including his epistles and journal, have been influential in shaping Quaker doctrine and practice. He married Margaret Fell, a prominent Quaker widow, in 1669. Fox continued his evangelical work until his death in 1691. His legacy endures in the global Quaker community, which continues to emphasize simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship.

5 Interesting Facts about George Fox

1. George Fox’s spiritual journey began after a period of deep personal questioning and dissatisfaction with the religious practices of his time.

2. He was imprisoned multiple times for his nonconformist beliefs and refusal to swear oaths or pay tithes.

3. Fox’s marriage to Margaret Fell significantly bolstered the Quaker movement, as she was a wealthy and influential widow.

4. He traveled extensively, including a visit to the American colonies in the 1670s, to spread Quaker beliefs.

5. Fox’s journal, published posthumously, remains a key text for understanding early Quaker theology and history.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Fox

1. “Be patterns, be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations wherever you come; that your carriage and life may preach among all sorts of people, and to them: then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in every one.”

2. “The Lord showed me, so that I did see clearly, that he did not dwell in these temples which men had commanded and set up, but in people’s hearts.”

3. “I saw that there was an ocean of darkness and death; but an infinite ocean of light and love, which flowed over the ocean of darkness. In that also I saw the infinite love of God.”

4. “Walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone.”

5. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, and anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a religious leader in the 17th century, the concept of a “net worth” in terms of modern financial metrics does not apply to George Fox. He lived a life of simplicity and often faced financial hardships due to his frequent imprisonments and fines.

Children

George Fox did not have any biological children. However, through his marriage to Margaret Fell, he became a stepfather to her eight children from her previous marriage.