Ann Docwra: Spiritual Community, vindicated amongst people of different perswasions in some things

"All those that place the Bond of their community in the Universal Light, . . . ,which is an inward principle of the Divine Life, whereby all good people governs their Actions; they have a witness in every mans Conscience, that witness for God that their hearts are right towards him; . . . This Divine Principle is sufficient to preserve a Nation, or People in Peace, if men would regard it: this is an Infallible guide, all things have failed and will fail, the several forms and orders of Religious people breaks not the community of a Nation or People in publick concerns; if they be governed by this Divine Principle, not placing their Bond of their Community in such Forms and Ceremonies as are the prescriptions of men, to the damage of others by imposing them; all outward Impositions of Divine Worship towards God, were under the first Covenant (to the Jews only) and made not the comers thereunto perfect as pertaining to Conscience."

Source: "The Light Within", a collection of writings by Quaker women, courtesy of Tina Helfrich of the Society of Friends

1682 - Anne Docwra: A Looking-Glass for the Recorder and Justices of the Peace, and Grand Juries for the Town and County of Cambridge
(18th, 3rd Month, 1682)

". . .To be plain; there is no Law to compel People to Conform, if they can shew a lawful or reasonable excuse; Religion being an Obligation; man bound to God, and not to mens Opinions; the Scriptures are clear in this point, that say, That the Law was not made for the Innocent, but for Wicked men; And do not the Statures say the same thing in effect, when it allows both a lawful and reasonable excuse; there is nothing can gain-say this, but Make-bate Opinion, falsly called Religion, which is the gound of Quarrels in matters of Religion; for when men do undertake either to Inform or Correct others in matters of Religion, it ought to be done in Truth and Righteousness, from that inward Principle of the divine Life, whereby good men govern their Actions, and where that Principle rules,. . .

. . . It is likely the high-flown Churchmen that make a Trade of religion will not like this discourse; but I cannot help that, it is the Widdows Mite cast into the Treasurey: I am sure I have no Enmity in my Heart against any of them, but do desire well for them: Gods love is Universal to Mankind; For God is Love, and they that dwell in God, dwell in Love: I heartily wish that they would understand and practise this, it would soon put an end to Differences in Religion. It is a Duty incumbent with every true Christian, to shew those that they love, their Mistakes; it were Uncharitable to let People alone until their own Folly corrects them:. . ."

Source: "The Light Within", a collection of writings by Quaker women, courtesy of Tina Helfrich of the Society of Friends

1682 - Postscript to A Looking-Glass for the Recorder - by Anne Docwra

The Mystery of Profession great,
And Lifeless Forms I here repeat,
That all may see, that want of Light
Makes men like Bats and Birds of Night,

Profession was a lovely Tree,
And very green appeared to bee,
With Blossoms fair as Eye can see;
And when the times with it did suit,
It seem'd as it would bear some fruit.

Great Storms of Persecution blew,
That nipt the bud, and chang'd the hew,
and so, away the Blossoms flew.
What Fruit can then expected be,
From a seared and blasted Tree?

The Husband-man did his good Will;
No fault is found, nor want of Skill:
What's done in love can think no Ill.
And when that he expected Fruits,
It brought forth nothing but Disputes.

This Tree stands still upon the Ground,
Small hopes of Life, it being Unfound.
Who know how Mercy may abound?
None can pluck up, but only he
That plants and plucks to Eternitie.

Profession thus grown out of Date,
Through change of times and change of State,
In steps the Monster of Debate.
I'll shew her in her Colours true,
And set her forth to publick view.

Make-bate Opinion, she appears,
With swarms of jealousies and fears,
Sets men together by the Ears;
And courts the times what soe'er they be,
And makes that pass for Loyaltie.

The Sun hath shin'd so long upon her,
Her brood grows great, and comes to Honor,
and strives to be as big as BONNER.
These Vipers in the Sun do play,
Makes all the year a Holyday.

But Storms will come to make them Creep
Into their Holes, in hopes of Sleep;
Instead of Rest, with Sorrow Weep.
This is the Portion that will be
Due to so great Hypocrisie.

Source: "The Light Within", a collection of writings by Quaker women, courtesy of Tina Helfrich of the Society of Friends