1779 RELIEF OF SUFFERING QUAKERS. The American Revolution God's Judgment against Wealthy Quakers?

A very scarce transatlantic encouragement and exhortation from the Irish Friends of Dublin, adopted and circulated by Philadelphia Friends during the American Revolution.

A fascinating document to issue in the midst of the intensifying persecution of the Philadelphia Friends. It warns the Friends against luxury, excessive trade, ostentatious dress, fine houses, and "gaudy apparel." It essentially argues that Quaker worldliness and materialism were eroding the Society's spiritual foundations.

By why this sermonic letter during wartime? By mid-war, Philadelphia Quakers were under enormous pressure. They had been economically sidelined, politically marginalized, and socially embattled. Many of the Philadelphia Quakers had amassed great wealth prior to the War, and now lost it for conscience’ sake. The Irish Friends' message, i.e. that the community needed to return to a commitment to simplicity and frugality rather than [again pursuing] worldly ambition and gain was a pointed pastoral intervention at a moment of genuine internal crisis. It suggested the possibility that their present state was a divine judgment against the growing ostentation among the American Quakers during the 18^th century.

Offered at auction but twice since, and including, 1918. 

Gough, John.  At a Meeting for Sufferings held in Philadelphia, the Fifteenth of the Fourth Month, 1779. 4pp.

A good + example with early folds and some light ripping, minor occasional fading and some dustiness at upper left quadrant of cover. A few minor non-textual spots through on the first sheet.