orious account of the cruel beatings,
imprisonments, and even martyrdom in which they often ended here, is
not truly to tell them at all. The tragic darkness in the picture is
necessary to enhance its high lights.

My youngest critic observes that 'it does not matter so much what
happens to grown-up people, because I can always skip that bit; but if
anything bad is going to happen to children, you had better leave it
out of your book altogether.' I have therefore obediently omitted the
actual sufferings of children as far as possible, except in one or two
stories where they are an essential part of the narrative.

It must be remembered that this is not a History of the Early Quaker
Movement, but a book of stories of some Early Quaker Saints. I have
based my account on contemporary authorities; but I have not scrupled
to supply unrecorded details or explanatory speeches in order to make
the scene more vivid to my listeners. In two stories of George Fox's
youth, as authentic records are scanty, I have even ventured to look
through the eyes of imaginary spectators at 'The Shepherd of Pendle
Hill' and 'The Angel of Beverley.' But the deeper I have dug down into
the past, the less need there has been to fill in outlines; and the
more possible it has been to keep closely to the actual words of
George Fox's Journal, and other contemporary documents. The historical
notes at the end of the book will indicate where the original
authorities for each story are to be found, and they will show what
liberties have been taken. The quotations that precede the different
chapters are intended mainly for older readers, and to illustrate
either the central thought or the history of the times.

Many stories of other Quaker Saints that should have been included in
this book have had to be omitted for want of room. The records of
William Penn and his companions and friends on both sides of the
Atlantic will, it is hoped, eventually find a place in a later volume.
The stories in the present book have been selected to show how the
Truth of the Inward Light first dawned gradually on one soul, and then
spread rapidly, in ever-widening circles, through a neighbourhood, a
kingdom, and, finally, all over the world.

I have to thank many kind friends who have helped me in this
delightful task. _The Book of Quaker Saints_ owes its existence to my
friend Ernest E. Taylor, who first suggested the title and plan, and
then, gently but inexorably, persu