John Banks was born in the county of Cumberland in England in the year 1638. Early in his life he was convinced of the Truth as held by Friends. Soon after his convincement he entered into the ministry and continued to minister in the Society of Friends until his death in 1710. He was a man of many gifts and for the testimony he bore he suffered much, spending many years in prison. In 1704 he wrote the following short declaration of faith which has been reprinted many times and held in high esteem by Friends. From the very beginning Friends have maintained the unity of the Light of Christ shining into the heart and the Jesus of history who was crucified outside the gates of Jerusalem. This testimony is again offered, with the hope that it will not encourage a faith based on creeds and creedalism, but in the hope that it will comfort and strengthen all those who are seeking for that faith which has a sure foundation and fades not away. Language and modes of expression can and do change with the centuries, but the Love of God and his Truth are eternal.
Published by the
TRACT ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS
1515 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102-1479 1999