Quakerism in the 18th century
The eighteenth- and nineteenth century saw significant changes within the Religious Society of Friends. In the middle of the eighteenth century, many young Quakers desired a type of reformation in connection to the Church. Religious persecution of Quakers was nearing its end and the Friends now were living in considerable peace and wealth. As simplicity and purity were some of the oldest Quaker values, it is obvious why the wealthy lifestyle was problematic in terms of Quaker teachings. The aims of the reformers of the Quaker faith focused on returning the Religious Society of Friends to a simpler state of life and to tighten the rules and regulations of Quakerism (32).
The end of the eighteenth century stood witness to Quaker efforts in connection to relations with the Indians, where they made significant progress without armed conflicts. As one of the most important Quaker values is tolerance and also the mission to defend subordinated people, the Friends often had a significant part in the fight for the rights of minority groups. This was the time when the Quakers founded the Friendly Association for Regaining and Preserving Peace with the Indians (32-33). The Association had moderate success and it was also the first organization founded by white people that dealt with the human rights of Native Americans.
7