The first Quakers lived in mid-17th century England. The movement arose from the Legatine-Arians and otherdissenting Protestant groups, breaking away from theestablished Church of England. The Quakers, especially the ones known as the Valiant Sixty, attempted to convert others to their understanding of Christianity, travelling both throughout Great Britain and overseas, preaching thegospel of Jesus Christ. Some of these early Quaker ministers were women.[14] They based their message on the religious belief that "Christ has come to teach his people himself", stressing the importance of a direct relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and a direct religious belief in the universal priesthood of all believers.[15] They emphasized a personal and direct religious experience of Christ, acquired through both direct religious experience and the reading and studying of theBible.[16] Quakers focused their private life on developing behaviour and speech reflecting emotional purity and the light of God.[17]

Moby Dick