Most of Ethan’s neighbors were members of the Society of Friends, whom many people called Quakers. Having begun to move down from Pennsylvania and New Jersey more than ten years earlier, many of the Friends had settled near the Eno and Haw rivers, in the north-central part of the state. Although independent in spirit and small in number, the group stayed together and were mutually supportive. Their faith was strange to some, but their general beliefs seemed admirable. They dressed simply, abhorred violence of any kind, spoke simply in what seemed to be both German and ancient English, and met at least once a month to worship.

Their history was well known to people who lived in Philadelphia, and therefore to the Pratts. They believed that something of God existed in every person, and that no officials, even church ministers, were needed to guide one to discover the truth or define what was righteous conduct. Refusing to pay tithes, take oaths, or remove their hats even in the presence of the king, the Friends were severely persecuted by officials of the government, the Church of England, and, in America, by the Puritans and members of other religious faiths. Some of the Friends had found refuge in Rhode Island, where Roger Williams had established a colony based on absolute religious freedom, but their prime opportunity had come in Pennsylvania, where the charter obtained by William Penn had given them full protection and equal treatment under the law.

Not having any deep religious commitment of his own, Ethan had agreed reluctantly to accompany Epsey to a Quaker meeting when they first moved into the community. He was somewhat startled when everyone sat stiffly in one of the farmers’ homes, in total silence, apparently waiting until some kind of “inner light” moved one of the members to tremble, perhaps then to speak. Sometimes the entire service was spent in silent meditation. At other times a general discussion would follow the statement of a worshipper, usually about the application of Christ’s teachings in the community life, the criminality of slavery, a concern about how children behaved or were treated, the use of alcohol, or some abusive action of the government. Since anyone was welcome at the meetings, the leaders realized that some visitors were sure to report any critical comments concerning royal government officials.