Seeking the Seekers

The Seekers, a supposed sect which flourished in late 1640s England, have generally been neglected by historians, with the exception of Quaker historiography, Seekers play pivotal but supporting role. This article argues that Seeker phenomenon is worth attending to its own right. Perhaps deriving from spiritualist, radical and Dutch Collegiant roots, it also represents logical outcome English Baptists other radicals trying failing find ecclesiological certainty, being driven conclusion no true church exists or (for some Seekers) can exist. concludes examining how life was lived, whether as austere, apophatic withdrawal; veering into libertinism; forming provisional communities, communities did, cases, serve gateway Quakerism.