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Quakers are traditionally [[pacifist]]s, the Society of Friends being, along with the [[Mennonites]] and the [[Plymouth Brethren]] one of the historic peace churches.  

Quakers are traditionally [[pacifist]]s, the Society of Friends being, along with the [[Mennonites]] and the [[Plymouth Brethren]] one of the historic peace churches.  

Modern Quakers are not identifiable by dress or speech. The plain Quaker dress ("Quaker grey") and "plain speech" (particularly the use of "thee") prevalent at one time were preserved archaisms. Modern Quakers carry on the intent of these practices by not "dressing up" to attend meeting.  

Modern Quakers are not identifiable by dress or speech. Historically, the plain Quaker dress ("Quaker grey") and "plain speech" (particularly the use of "thee" and "thou") were demonstrations of the testimonies of simplicity and equality. Modern Quakers carry on the intent of these practices in such ways as not "dressing up" to attend meeting for worship.  

[[William Penn]], founder of [[Pennsylvania]], was a well-known Quaker, who demonstrated Quaker principles in his dealings with the Indians. In 1693, in his "Fruits of Solitude" he wrote:

[[William Penn]], founder of [[Pennsylvania]], was a well-known Quaker, who demonstrated Quaker principles in his dealings with the Indians. In 1693, in his "Fruits of Solitude" he wrote:

:A good End cannot sanctifie evil Means; nor must we ever do Evil, that Good may come of it. ... It is as great Presumption to send our Passions upon God's Errands, as it is to palliate them with God's Name. ... We are too ready to retaliate, rather than forgive, or gain by Love and Information. And yet we could hurt no Man that we believe loves us. Let us then try what Love will do: For if Men did once see we Love them, we should soon find they would not harm us. Force may subdue, but Love gains: And he that forgives first, wins the Laurel.

:"A good End cannot sanctifie evil Means; nor must we ever do Evil, that Good may come of it. ... It is as great Presumption to send our Passions upon God's Errands, as it is to palliate them with God's Name. ... We are too ready to retaliate, rather than forgive, or gain by Love and Information. And yet we could hurt no Man that we believe loves us. Let us then try what Love will do: For if Men did once see we Love them, we should soon find they would not harm us. Force may subdue, but Love gains: And he that forgives first, wins the Laurel."