Dorcas Dole facts for kids

Dorcas Dole was a Quaker writer who lived in Bristol, England, in the late 1600s. Quakers are also known as the Religious Society of Friends. Dorcas Dole wrote many religious pamphlets, which were like small books or flyers. We don't know much about her early life or family. She might have been married to John Dole, a silk weaver from Bristol.

Quaker Beliefs and Writings

In the 1600s, Quakers often spoke out about their beliefs. They sometimes even criticized the government. After the King returned to power in 1660, Quakers became more careful. They were less likely to publicly defend women who had caused disruptions, for example, in church services.

Why Dorcas Dole Was Imprisoned

Dorcas Dole was treated very harshly for praying and preaching while in prison. We don't know the exact reasons she was put in jail. She was held in Bristol's Bridewell Prison.

A Special Message for Children

While in prison, Dorcas Dole wrote an important pamphlet called Salutation and Seasonable Exhortation to Children. This was in 1682. She wrote it for the Quaker children in Bristol. These children were bravely continuing their meetings even when the adults were in prison. The pamphlet was published in 1683 and again in 1700. It mainly talked about Quaker children needing to be obedient. She reminded them that life is short, saying, "For though you are Young and Tender in Years, you know not how soon the Messenger of Death may come to call you."

More Writings from Prison

In 1683, Dorcas Dole published another pamphlet from Newgate Prison in Bristol. It was called Once more a Warning to Thee, O England, but more particularly to the inhabitants of the city of Bristol. In this writing, she described the difficult conditions of her imprisonment. Even so, she also wrote about the importance of being loyal to the King.

In 1683, Dole also helped write a pamphlet with another Quaker, Elizabeth Stirredge. It was called A Salutation of my Endeared Love. Then, in 1684, Dorcas Dole published her own work with the same title. This pamphlet was printed again two years later.

Where to Find Her Writings

You can find copies of Dorcas Dole's pamphlets in the British Library.