Rufus Matthew Jones

Rufus Matthew Jones
Rufus Matthew Jones (1863–1948) was an American Quaker historian, philosopher, and theologian known for his work on mysticism and the history of the Society of Friends (Quakers). He was a prominent figure in the early 20th-century Quaker movement and emphasized the importance of inner spiritual experience. Among his most notable works are "The Inner Life" and "Studies in Mystical Religion," which explored the role of mysticism in religious traditions. Jones also played a key role in founding the American Friends Service Committee, an organization dedicated to social justice and humanitarian work.

Author's Books:


INTRODUCTION The body of this little book consists of the personal diary of a young Quaker named Cyrus Guernsey Pringle of Charlotte, Vermont. He was drafted for service in the Union Army, July 13th, 1863. Under the existing draft law a person who had religious scruples against engaging in war was given the privilege of paying a commutation fine of three hundred dollars. This commutation money... more...

There is no magic in words, though, it must be confessed, they often exercise a psychological influence so profound and far-reaching that they seem to possess a miracle-working efficacy. Some persons live all their lives under the suggestive spell of certain words, and it sometimes happens that an entire epoch is more or less dominated by the mysterious fascination of a sacred word, which needs only to... more...