Born in London
Born the son of Alderman Isaac Penington, who would later serve as Lord Mayor of London. The younger Penington inherited intellectual depth and spiritual restlessness.
Isaac Penington
1616–1679 · London, England
Mystic Theologian, Seeker Turned Friend
"Give over thine own willing, give over thine own running, give over thine own desiring to know or be anything, and sink down to the seed which God sows in the heart." — Isaac Penington
Life & Ministry
Years of Seeking
Penington spent over a decade as a spiritual 'Seeker,' reading widely, attending various congregations, and writing on religious themes — but finding no settled peace.
Convinced by Friends
After attending a Quaker meeting, Penington experienced the inward reality he had long sought. He described it as finding 'the thing itself' after years of reading about it.
First Imprisonment at Aylesbury
Penington was imprisoned at Aylesbury for attending a Quaker meeting — the first of multiple imprisonments that would damage his health.
Imprisoned During the Plague Year
Penington was held in the wretched conditions of Aylesbury jail during the Great Plague year, suffering greatly but continuing to write spiritual letters.
Further Imprisonments
Repeatedly imprisoned for meeting with Friends, Penington endured cold, damp conditions that progressively weakened him.
Letters of Spiritual Counsel
During his later years, Penington produced the letters and tracts for which he is most remembered — intimate, tender guidance for the spiritual life that continues to be treasured.
Dies at Goodnestone Court
Isaac Penington died on October 8, 1679, his health broken by years of imprisonment. His writings remain among the most beloved in the Quaker tradition.
Connections & Relationships
George Fox
Spiritual InfluenceFox's ministry was instrumental in Penington's convincement. Though Penington was older and more learned, he recognized in Fox's message the living Truth he had long sought.
Thomas Ellwood
Neighbor & FriendEllwood was Penington's neighbor at Chalfont and was convinced through Penington's influence. The two families shared a deep bond of faith and friendship.
Margaret Fell
CorrespondencePenington and Fell maintained a rich correspondence on spiritual matters — two of the movement's deepest thinkers sharing insights on the inward life.
Available Works
Works of Isaac Penington, Volume 1
The first volume of Penington's collected works, featuring his most treasured tracts and letters on the spiritual life.