1777 PACIFISM & AMERICAN REVOLUTION. American Revolution & the Quaker Crisis of Pacifist Conscience.

The 1777 London Yearly Meeting Epistle was issued at one of the most critical moments of the American Revolution, the same year as the Battles of Saratoga and the British occupation of Philadelphia, the spiritual and community home of the American Quakers.

Throughout the entirety of the War, the London Yearly Meeting had been sending epistles to American Friends expressing deep sympathy and urging them to "keep near the principle of Truth" as the conflict escalated. This 1777 epistle continued that tradition of guiding American Quakers through an extraordinary period of military and religious danger.

By 1777, American Quakers faced intense suspicion from both sides of the conflagration. Pennsylvania Quakers, alarmed at the proceedings of the Colonies in opposition to the authority of Parliament, had declared their disapprobation of revolutionary measures as inconsistent with their religious principles. This put them in direct conflict with the Continental Congress. The epistles argued that the Society of Friends could and should "stand fast in their liberty" to refuse to abide by laws forcing them to compromise their religious beliefs, warning Friends:

"Let not the fear of suffering, either in person or property, prevail on any to join with any work or preparation [for war]."

[Lloyd-Sampson]. The Epistle from the Yearly Meeting in London, Held by Adjournments from the 19th of the Fifth Month, 1777; to the 24th of the same, inclusive. [London, 1777]. 4pp.

Very good condition with some light dustiness as shown, a bit soft at folds, Very clean and nicely preserved.