Barclay in brief : a condensation of Robert Barclay's Apology for the true Christian divinity, being an explanation and vindication of the principles and doctrines of the people called Quakers. First published in 1676

Eleanore Price Mather excerpted and cut Barclay's Apology, published in 1676, to render this classic early exposition of Quaker belief and practice more accessible to today's readers. She also wrote a useful Introduction, and Howard Brinton a useful Preface, explaining who Barclay was, why his Apology was valued and widely read by Quakers for two hundred years, and why it is worth reading today.
The Apology is not the first text on Quaker faith for the enquirer to pursue, but it will serve the serious Quaker well. Barclay's text is full of illuminating and eloquent expressions of the Quaker faith, radical then and still today, on belief, worship, and the testimonies. Barclay's 17th century language is vivid and comprehensible, though the sentences are long and the constructions complex, in the old style. While it takes some work, the reader gains a vivid understanding and feel for the early Quaker lucidity and certainty in their experiential faith. This abbreviated version is an excellent way to get an essence of Barclay.… (more)