FOX (George), the founder of the sect of English Quakers, was a shoemaker in Nottingham. The accounts of those times tell us, that as he wrought at his trade, he used to meditate much on the scriptures: which, with his solitary course of life, improving his natural melancholy, he began at length to fancy himself inspired; and in consequence thereof set up for a preacher.
He proposed but few articles of faith; insisting chiefly on moral virtue, mutual charity, the love of God, and a deep attention to the inward motions and secret operations of the spirit: he required a plain simple worship, and a religion without ceremonies, making it a principal point to wait in profound silence the directions of the Holy Spirit. Fox met with much rough treatment for his zeal, was often imprisoned, and several times in danger of being knocked on the head. But all discouragements notwithstanding, his sect prevailed much, and many considerable men were drawn over to them; among whom were BARCLAY and PENN. He died in 1681. His followers were called Quakers, in derision of some unusual shakings and convulsions with which they were seized at their first meetings. See the article QUAKERS.
Fox-Glove, in botany. See DIGITALIS.