Newly presented for the modern reader, this is the book that shaped a nation through the wisdom and power of Cross-Shaped living. William Penn established the English colony of Pennsylvania in 1681 and helped create the United States that we know today. Largely written during his twenties while imprisoned in the infamous Tower of London, No Cross, No Crown carries the spiritual force of a pivotal public figure tested by fire. Rarely seen since it was first published in 1668, this new edition captures The Great Challenge that continues to face the contemporary political and religious world. It stands as an enduring call to a radical life of service and self denial. And it offers a compelling rejection of both false monarchs and a society divorced from God. William Penn (1644–1718) was a dissenting Quaker and early advocate of democracy, religious freedom and treaties with Native Americans.
William Penn had a deep faith in God and read his Bible every day. Leading his followers to the New World, he established a utopian society that he called his “Holy Experiment.” These determined, early settlers forged a successful community that set the stage for the U.S. Constitution. Some of our American founding fathers, including Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, derived many of their seminal ideas from William Penn. He believed that “all men are created equal.” William Penn urged everyone to return to the simplicity of first-century Christianity. Today “the Great Challenge” is for you to pick up the cross of Jesus daily, Luke 9:23, to live faithfully, Revelation 2:10, and to receive your crown in heaven, 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
This book is sponsored by Jeff Whitebread, missionary with Capitol Commission. They are committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ in the Capitol communities of the world as well as following the Biblical mandate of praying for our elected officials nationwide. The modern translation of No Cross, No Crown was made available by the generosity of Ivan and Alma Martin.
