The journal, with other writings of John WoolmanWoolman, John
Religion
The journal, with other writings of John Woolman
Woolman, John
Quakers -- Biography; Woolman, John, 1720-1772
He was desirous to have his own, and the Minds of others, redeemed from
the Pleasures and immoderate Profits of this World, and to fix them on
those Joys which fade not away; his principal Care being after a Life of
Purity, endeavouring to avoid not only the grosser Pollutions, but those
also which, appearing in a more refined Dress, are not sufficiently
guarded against by some well-disposed People. In the latter Part of his
Life he was remarkable for the Plainness and Simplicity of his Dress,
and, as much as possible, avoided the Use of Plate, costly Furniture,
and feasting; thereby endeavouring to become an Example of Temperance
and Self-denial, which he believed himself called unto, and was favoured
with Peace therein, although it carried the Appearance of great
Austerity in the View of some. He was very moderate in his Charges in
the Way of Business, and in his Desires after Gain; and, though a Man of
Industry, avoided, and strove much to lead others out of extreme Labour
and Anxiousness after perishable Things; being desirous that the
Strength of our Bodies might not be spent in procuring Things
unprofitable, and that we might use Moderation and Kindness to the brute
Animals under our Care, to prize the Use of them as a great Favour, and
by no Means abuse them; that the Gifts of Providence should be
thankfully received and applied to the Uses they were designed for.
He several Times opened a School at _Mount-Holly_, for the Instruction
of poor Friends Children and others, being concerned for their Help and
Improvement therein: His Love and Care for the rising Youth among us
were truly great, recommending to Parents and those who have the Charge
of them, to chuse conscientious and pious Tutors, saying, "It is a
lovely Sight to behold innocent Children," and that "to labour for their
Help against that which would mar the Beauty of their Minds, is a Debt
we owe them."
His Ministry was sound, very deep and penetrating, sometimes pointing
out the dangerous Situation which Indulgence and Custom lead into;
frequently exhorting others, especially the Youth, not to be discouraged
at the Difficulties which occur, but press after Purity. He often
expressed an earnest Engagement that _pure Wisdom_ should be attended
to, which would lead into Lowliness of Mind and Resignation to the
divine Will, in which State small Possessions here would be sufficient.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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