Robert Barclay (1) (1648–1690)

Eleanore Price Mather excerpted and cut Barclay's Apology, published in 1676, to render this classic early exposition of Quaker belief and practice more accessible to today's readers. She also wrote a useful Introduction, and Howard Brinton a useful Preface, explaining who Barclay was, why his Apology was valued and widely read by Quakers for two hundred years, and why it is worth reading today.
The Apology is not the first text on Quaker faith for the enquirer to pursue, but it will serve show more the serious Quaker well. Barclay's text is full of illuminating and eloquent expressions of the Quaker faith, radical then and still today, on belief, worship, and the testimonies. Barclay's 17th century language is vivid and comprehensible, though the sentences are long and the constructions complex, in the old style. While it takes some work, the reader gains a vivid understanding and feel for the early Quaker lucidity and certainty in their experiential faith. This abbreviated version is an excellent way to get an essence of Barclay. show less

An excellent short introduction to the most respected systematic articulation of early Quaker beliefs. Mather has done a very good job of shortening the work while maintaining the original language. Well worth reading by any Friend. Originally published in 1942

An excellent short introduction to the most respected systematic articulation of early Quaker beliefs. Mather has done a very good job of shortening the work while maintaining the original language. Well worth reading by any Friend. Originally published in 1942

Heavy, studied reading, but an essential text of the earliest justifications for Quakerism.