What Canst We Say?

What Canst We Say?: The Evolution of the Quaker Book of Discipline - Philadelphia Yearly Meeting 1715-1755

The earliest American Quaker Books of Discipline were created as essays on the principles of Quaker faith and practice. While the first of these Books of Discipline, written in 1704, seems to be a philosophical statement of what should be included in such a document, the texts produced from 1719 through 1755 were more focused on the lived experiences of the Quaker communities of the time. They were not written as all-inclusive descriptions of Quaker beliefs, but rather as statements of those practices, issues, and positions on which the Yearly Meetings had deep unity, with the expectation that while these statements were to be treated as authoritative until changed, they were also understood to be subject to continuing discernment as understanding within the community changed. There were many issues that were not addressed significantly within the text of the Discipline, such as the role of women and slavery. While they were not featured in the Book of Discipline, they were driving the development of the Quaker community and provided a significant framework for the continued evolution of the Quaker identity in colonial America. The role of women, the evolution of the Yearly Meeting on the issue of slavery, and marriage partner rules are discussed in context in the Appendices.

Author: David Haines

Publisher: Pleasant Green Books, 2023

ISBN: 9780997984842

Paperback, 182 pages