These forms were based on a trust in the Holy Spirit and faith that ordinary lay people were able to receive the Spirit. In 1681, a Quaker, William Penn, received a charter from the king of England to establish the colony of Pennsylvania. Penn hoped to make the colony a haven for the continually persecuted English Quakers who wished to emigrate to the New World. Penn gave the colony a constitution that was a model for safeguarding the religious liberties of its citizens. While the Quakers governed the colony from 1682 to 1756, Pennsylvania maintained no militia and only a modest police force.
Quakers regard all life as sacramental and observe no special sacraments.
Business and worship are conducted in monthly, quarterly, and yearly meetings. Originally, Quakers worshiped by gathering for periods of group silence. Anyone who felt he or she had been given a message during the silence could speak at the meeting. Quaker business meetings are guided by a clerk. After a period of silent waiting, the clerk states a particular problem and listens to the members' suggestions.