historical criticism. Although Quakers can cite chapter and verse in support of pacifism, they do not proclaim the absolute authority of the Bible. “With their belief in the continuing revelation of the Holy Spirit—the same Holy Spirit that inspired the Scriptures—Friends have appealed for the experience as well as for the knowledge of the Scriptures.”54 The Bible, as record of faith and witness to truth, calls for ethical response. When asked why he devoted so much effort to the work of the American
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