There seemed to be many side churches and cults created by religious dissension in the 18th and 19th centuries, like what the Friend did, but the only real survivors from this era now are the Mormons.
The Friend died in 1819, just as Joseph Smith's first visionary experiences began around 1820. Did The PUF inspire Smith? There are some unique similarities between both heroes' origin stories and their houses were only 33 miles away.
Welcome back, Allison! I hope you had a good break, and all the best to you for 2026! I really enjoy your writing and all the work you do, digging into the best dirtbaggery out there, and I was not disappointed with The Public Universal Friend! What a wild ride! Thanks so much!
As what is known in Quakerlandia as a Birthright Friend, who really should have been disowned, publicly and loudly, multiple times (but maybe wasn't because I didn't punch that one guy who said his name was Oneness and asked if I'd ever tried meditation in response to my offering ministry in which I questioned my pacifism), I would just like to say THANK YOU. For this fantastic piece and for almost making me snort-laugh my drink right out of my nose and onto my desk.
There seemed to be many side churches and cults created by religious dissension in the 18th and 19th centuries, like what the Friend did, but the only real survivors from this era now are the Mormons.
The Friend died in 1819, just as Joseph Smith's first visionary experiences began around 1820. Did The PUF inspire Smith? There are some unique similarities between both heroes' origin stories and their houses were only 33 miles away.
https://www.cesnur.org/2005/pa_miller.htm
Maybe the caught the same virus….
Then Smith would have likely have been brought into their orbit somehow. Although he doesn't mention them in the Mormon origin story...
I love starting my day with a laugh - thank you!
So many incredibly jokes here, but my favourite is "Historically Very Good Friend-of-a-Friend Sarah Friend"
The respite has clearly done you good. You are on fire with your sub-headings today! I laughed all the way through this.
Laughing at weird history and having a sense of humor is my trauma response too!
Love the humor in this historical account!
Welcome back, Allison! I hope you had a good break, and all the best to you for 2026! I really enjoy your writing and all the work you do, digging into the best dirtbaggery out there, and I was not disappointed with The Public Universal Friend! What a wild ride! Thanks so much!
As what is known in Quakerlandia as a Birthright Friend, who really should have been disowned, publicly and loudly, multiple times (but maybe wasn't because I didn't punch that one guy who said his name was Oneness and asked if I'd ever tried meditation in response to my offering ministry in which I questioned my pacifism), I would just like to say THANK YOU. For this fantastic piece and for almost making me snort-laugh my drink right out of my nose and onto my desk.
This was a riot to read.
THIS is what I come here for. I'd heard of The PUF, but not deets about the Friend of the PUF, and sending the mob back naked.