Preaching the Inward Light

"This careful rhetorical study of Quaker preaching provides insights into both Quaker theology and practice. By situating the Quaker movement within the intellectual context of early seventeenthcentury Europe, Graves explores the great Quaker preachers and lesser known figures-all of whom turn out to be able rhetoricians. Through extant sermons he demonstrates that the early Quakers could be a vocal, even "revivalistic," sect that sought to put into effect worldwide the moral, spiritual, and practical virtues of what they called "primitive Christianity." Graves thus challenges the stereotypes of the early movement and shows the denomination to be theologically innovative and socially important. Thoroughly researched and lucidly written, Preaching the Inward Light is a timely look backward to these spirited people." --Book Jacket.