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
About the twenty-third Year of my Age, I had many fresh and heavenly
Openings, in respect to the Care and Providence of the Almighty over his
Creatures in general, and over Man as the most noble amongst those which
are visible. And being clearly convinced in my Judgment, that to place
my whole Trust in God was best for me, I felt renewed Engagements, that
in all Things I might act on an inward Principle of Virtue, and pursue
worldly Business no farther, than as Truth opened my Way therein.
About the Time called _Christmas_, I observed many People from the
Country, and Dwellers in Town, who, resorting to Public-Houses, spent
their Time in drinking and vain Sports, tending to corrupt one another;
on which Account I was much troubled. At one House, in particular, there
was much Disorder; and I believed it was a Duty incumbent on me to go
and speak to the Master of that House. I considered I was young, and
that several elderly Friends in town had Opportunity to see these
Things; but though I would gladly have been excused, yet I could not
feel my Mind clear.
The Exercise was heavy; and as I was reading what the Almighty said to
_Ezekiel_, respecting his Duty as a Watchman, the Matter was set home
more clearly; and then, with Prayers and Tears, I besought the Lord for
his Assistance, who, in Loving-kindness, gave me a resigned Heart: Then,
at a suitable Opportunity, I went to the Public-house, and, seeing the
Man amongst much Company, I went to him, and told him, I wanted to speak
with him; so we went aside, and there, in the Fear of the Almighty, I
expressed to him what rested on my Mind; which he took kindly, and
afterward shewed more Regard to me than before. In a few Years
afterwards he died, middle-aged; and I often thought that, had I
neglected my Duty in that Case, it would have given me great Trouble;
and I was humbly thankful to my gracious Father, who had supported me
herein.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account