Chapter 3

About this Time, believing it good for me to settle, and thinking seriously about a Companion, my Heart was turned to the Lord with Desires that he would give me Wisdom to proceed therein agreeable to his Will; and he was pleased to give me a well-inclined Damsel, Sarah Ellis; to whom I was married the eighteenth Day of the eighth Month, in the Year 1749.

Around this time, I believed it was good for me to settle down and thought seriously about finding a wife. I turned to the Lord, asking him for wisdom to act according to his will. He was pleased to give me a good-hearted young woman, Sarah Ellis. I married her on the eighteenth day of the eighth month, in 1749.

In the fall of the Year 1750 died my Father, Samuel Woolman, with a Fever, aged about sixty Years.

In the fall of 1750, my father, Samuel Woolman, died of a fever at about sixty years old.

In his Life-time he manifested much Care for us his Children, that in our Youth we might learn to fear the Lord; often endeavouring to imprint in our Minds the true Principles of Virtue, and particularly to cherish in us a Spirit of Tenderness, not only towards poor People, but also towards all Creatures of which we had the Command.

During his life, he took great care to teach us, his children, to fear the Lord from an early age. He often tried to instill in us the true principles of virtue. In particular, he encouraged us to be tender not only toward poor people, but also toward all creatures under our care.

After my Return from Carolina, in the Year 1746, I made some Observations on keeping Slaves, which some Time before his Decease I shewed him; and he perused the Manuscript, proposed a few Alterations, and appeared well satisfied that I found a Concern on that Account: And in his last Sickness, as I was watching with him one Night, he being so far spent that there was no Expectation of his Recovery, but having the perfect Use of his Understanding, he asked me concerning the Manuscript, whether I expected soon to proceed to take the Advice of Friends in publishing it? And, after some Conversation thereon, said, I have all along been deeply affected with the Oppression of the poor Negroes; and now, at last, my Concern for them is as great as ever.

After I returned from Carolina in 1746, I wrote down some observations on keeping slaves. I showed them to him some time before his death. He read the manuscript and suggested a few changes. He seemed pleased that I felt concerned about the matter. During his final illness, I was watching over him one night. He was so weak that there was no hope of his recovery, but his mind was clear. He asked whether I expected soon to seek the advice of Friends about publishing the manuscript. After we talked about it, he said: I have always been deeply affected by the oppression of the poor Negroes. Now, at the end of my life, my concern for them is as great as ever.

By his Direction I had wrote his Will in a Time of Health, and that Night he desired me to read it to him, which I did; and he said it was agreeable to his Mind. He then made mention of his End, which he believed was near; and signified, that, though he was sensible of many Imperfections in the Course of his Life, yet his Experience of the Power of Truth, and of the Love and Goodness of God from Time to Time, even till now, was such, that he had no Doubt but that, in leaving this Life, he should enter into one more happy.

At his direction, I had written his will while he was in good health. That night he asked me to read it to him. I did, and he said it reflected his wishes. He then spoke of his death, which he believed was near. He said he was aware of many imperfections in his life. Yet he had experienced the power of Truth and the love and goodness of God from time to time, even until now. So he had no doubt that, on leaving this life, he would enter a happier one.

The next Day his Sister Elizabeth came to see him, and told him of the Decease of their Sister Ann, who died a few Days before: He then said, I reckon Sister Ann was free to leave this World: Elizabeth said, she was. He then said, I also am free to leave it; and, being in great Weakness of Body, said, I hope I shall shortly go to Rest. He continued in a weighty Frame of Mind, and was sensible till near the last.

The next day, his sister Elizabeth came to see him. She told him that their sister Ann had died a few days earlier. He said, I suppose Sister Ann was ready to leave this world. Elizabeth said she was. He then said, I too am ready to leave this world. He was very weak and said, I hope I will soon be at rest. He remained serious and thoughtful, and was conscious until near the end.

On the second Day of the ninth Month, in the Year 1751, feeling Drawings in my Mind to visit Friends at the Great-Meadows, in the upper Part of West-Jersey, with the Unity of our Monthly-meeting, I went there; and had some searching laborious Exercise amongst Friends in those Parts, and found inward Peace therein.

On September 2, 1751, I felt drawn to visit Friends at Great-Meadows, in upper West-Jersey. With the approval of our monthly meeting, I went there. Among Friends in those parts, I experienced some searching, difficult spiritual labor, and found inward peace in it.

In the ninth Month of the Year 1753, in Company with my well-esteemed Friend John Sykes, and with the Unity of Friends, we travelled about two Weeks, visiting Friends in Bucks-County. We laboured in the Love of the Gospel, according to the Measure received; and, through the Mercies of him, who is Strength to the Poor who trust in him, we found Satisfaction in our Visit: And, in the next Winter, Way opening to visit Friends Families within the Compass of our Monthly-meeting, partly by the Labours of two Friends from Pennsylvania, I joined in some Part of the Work; having had a Desire some Time that it might go forward amongst us.

In the ninth month of 1753, I traveled with my dear friend John Sykes, with the unity of Friends. For about two weeks, we visited Friends in Bucks-County. We worked in the love of the Gospel, according to the measure we had received. Through the mercy of him who gives strength to the poor who trust in him, we found satisfaction in our visit. The next winter, a way opened to visit Friends' families within our monthly meeting, partly through the efforts of two Friends from Pennsylvania. I joined in some of this work, having long wished for it to go forward among us.

About this Time, a Person at some Distance lying sick, his Brother came to me to write his Will: I knew he had Slaves; and, asking his Brother, was told he intended to leave them as Slaves to his Children. As Writing is a profitable Employ, and as offending sober People was disagreeable to my Inclination, I was straitened in my Mind; but, as I looked to the Lord, he inclined my Heart to his Testimony: And I told the Man, that I believed the Practice of continuing Slavery to this People was not right; and had a Scruple in my Mind against doing Writings of that Kind; that, though many in our Society kept them as Slaves, still I was not easy to be concerned in it; and desired to be excused from going to write the Will. I spake to him in the Fear of the Lord; and he made no Reply to what I said, but went away: He, also, had some Concerns in the Practice; and I thought he was displeased with me. In this Case I had a fresh Confirmation, that acting contrary to present outward Interest, from a Motive of divine Love, and in Regard to Truth and Righteousness, opens the Way to a Treasure better than Silver, and to a Friendship exceeding the Friendship of Men.

About this time, a person some distance away was sick, and his brother came to ask me to write his will. I knew the sick man had slaves. When I asked his brother, he told me that the man intended to leave them as slaves to his children. Writing was profitable work, and I disliked offending respectable people, so I felt troubled. But as I looked to the Lord, he inclined my heart to bear witness to his truth. I told the brother that I believed it was wrong to keep these people as slaves. I had misgivings about writing documents of that kind. Though many in our Society kept them as slaves, I was not comfortable taking part in it. I asked to be excused from going to write the will. I spoke to him in the fear of the Lord. He made no reply to what I said, but went away. He too was involved in the practice, and I thought he was displeased with me. In this experience, I received fresh confirmation of a truth. When we act against our immediate worldly interests, out of divine love and respect for truth and righteousness, a way opens to a treasure better than silver and a friendship greater than the friendship of men.

The Manuscript before-mentioned having lain by me several Years, the Publication of it rested weightily upon me; and this Year I offered it to the Revisal of Friends, who, having examined and made some small Alterations in it, directed a Number of Copies thereof to be published, and dispersed amongst Friends.

The manuscript mentioned earlier had been in my possession for several years, and I felt a heavy responsibility to publish it. That year, I submitted it to Friends for review. After examining it and making a few small changes, they directed that copies be published and distributed among Friends.

In the Year 1754, I found my Mind drawn to join in a Visit to Friends Families belonging to Chesterfield Monthly-meeting; and having the Approbation of our own, I went to their Monthly-meeting in order to confer with Friends, and see if Way opened for it: I had Conference with some of their Members, the Proposal having been opened before in their Meeting, and one Friend agreed to join with me as a Companion for a Beginning; but, when Meeting was ended, I felt great Distress of Mind, and doubted what Way to take, or whether to go Home and wait for greater Clearness: I kept my Distress secret; and, going with a Friend to his House, my Desires were to the great Shepherd for his heavenly Instruction; and in the Morning I felt easy to proceed on the Visit, being very low in my Mind: And as mine Eye was turned to the Lord, waiting in Families in deep Reverence before him, he was pleased graciously to afford Help; so that we had many comfortable Opportunities, and it appeared as a fresh Visitation to some young People. I spent several Weeks this Winter in the Service, Part of which Time was employed near Home. And again, in the following Winter, I was several Weeks in the same Service; some Part of the Time at Shrewsbury, in Company with my beloved Friend, John Sykes; and have Cause humbly to acknowledge, that, through the Goodness of the Lord, our Hearts were, at Times, enlarged in his Love; and Strength was given to go through the Trials which, in the Course of our Visit, attended us.

In 1754, I felt drawn to join in visiting Friends’ families belonging to Chesterfield Monthly Meeting. With the approval of our own meeting, I went to theirs to consult with Friends and see whether the way opened for a visit. The proposal had already been presented at their meeting. I spoke with some of their members, and one Friend agreed to accompany me at the start. But when the meeting ended, I felt deeply distressed. I did not know what to do or whether to go home and wait until I felt more certain. I kept my distress to myself and went home with a Friend. There I prayed to the great Shepherd for his heavenly guidance. In the morning, though I felt very low in spirit, I felt at ease about proceeding with the visit. As I looked to the Lord and waited in deep reverence before him in the families’ homes, he graciously gave me help. We had many comforting visits, and the service seemed to bring a fresh visitation to some young people. I spent several weeks that winter in this service, including some time near home. The following winter, I again spent several weeks in the same service. Part of that time was spent at Shrewsbury, with my beloved Friend, John Sykes. I have reason to acknowledge humbly that, through the Lord’s goodness, our hearts were at times opened wider in his love. We were also given strength to endure the trials we encountered during our visit.

From a Disagreement between the Powers of England and France, it was now a Time of Trouble on this Continent; and an Epistle to Friends went forth from our General Spring-meeting, which I thought good to give a Place in this Journal.

Because of a disagreement between the powers of England and France, this was a troubled time on this continent. Our General Spring Meeting sent a letter to Friends, and I thought it right to include it in this journal.

Scrupling to do Writings, relative to keeping Slaves, having been a Means of sundry small Trials to me, in which I have so evidently felt my own Will set aside, I think it good to mention a few of them.—Tradesmen and Retailers of Goods, who depend on their Business for a Living, are naturally inclined to keep the Good-will of their Customers; nor is it a pleasant Thing for young Men to be under any Necessity to question the Judgment or Honesty of elderly Men, and more especially of such as have a fair Reputation. Deep-rooted Customs, though wrong, are not easily altered; but it is the Duty of every one to be firm in that which they certainly know is right for them. A charitable benevolent Man, well acquainted with a Negro, may, I believe, under some Circumstances, keep him in his Family as a Servant, from no other Motives than the Negro's Good; but Man, as Man, knows not what shall be after him, nor hath Assurance that his Children will attain to that Perfection in Wisdom and Goodness necessary rightly to exercise such Power: It is clear to me, that I ought not to be the Scribe where Wills are drawn, in which some Children are made absolute Masters over others during Life.

My scruples about writing documents concerning the keeping of slaves have brought me several small trials. In them, I have clearly felt my own will set aside, so I think it good to mention a few. Tradesmen and retailers who depend on their business for a living naturally want to keep their customers’ goodwill. Nor is it pleasant for young men to have to question the judgment or honesty of older men. This is especially true when those men have good reputations. Deep-rooted customs are not easily changed, even when they are wrong. But everyone has a duty to stand firm in what they know is right for them. I believe that, in some circumstances, a charitable and benevolent man who knows a Negro well may keep him in his family as a servant solely for the Negro’s good. But no man can know what will happen after his death. Nor can he be sure that his children will attain the wisdom and goodness needed to exercise such power rightly. It is clear to me that I should not write wills that make some children absolute masters over others for life.

About this Time, an ancient Man, of good Esteem in the Neighbourhood, came to my House to get his Will written; he had young Negroes; and I asked him privately, how he purposed to dispose of them? He told me: I then said, I cannot write thy Will without breaking my own Peace; and respectfully gave him my Reasons for it: He signified that he had a Choice that I should have written it; but as I could not, consistent with my Conscience, he did not desire it: And so he got it written by some other Person. And, a few Years after, there being great Alterations in his Family, he came again to get me to write his Will: His Negroes were yet young; and his Son, to whom he intended to give them, was, since he first spoke to me, from a Libertine, become a sober young Man; and he supposed, that I would have been free, on that Account, to write it. We had much friendly Talk on the Subject, and then deferred it: A few Days after, he came again, and directed their Freedom; and then I wrote his Will.

Around this time, an elderly man who was well respected in the neighborhood came to my house to have his will written. He had young Negroes, and I asked him privately what he intended to do with them. He told me, and I said, “I cannot write your will without disturbing my own peace.” I respectfully gave him my reasons. He said he would have preferred that I write it. But since I could not do so in good conscience, he did not wish me to. So he had someone else write it. A few years later, after great changes in his family, he came again to have me write his will. His Negroes were still young, and he intended to give them to his son. Since the man had first spoken to me, his son had changed from a libertine into a sober young man. The father supposed that, for this reason, I would feel free to write the will. We had a long, friendly talk about it and then put it off. A few days later, he came again and directed that the Negroes be freed. Then I wrote his will.

Near the Time the last-mentioned Friend first spoke to me, a Neighbour received a bad Bruise in his Body, and sent for me to bleed him; which being done, he desired me to write his Will: I took Notes; and, amongst other Things, he told me to which of his Children he gave his young Negro: I considered the Pain and Distress he was in, and knew not how it would end; so I wrote his Will, save only that Part concerning his Slave, and carrying it to his Bed side, read it to him; and then told him, in a friendly Way, that I could not write any Instruments by which my Fellow-creatures were made Slaves, without bringing Trouble on my own Mind: I let him know that I charged nothing for what I had done; and desired to be excused from doing the other Part in the Way he proposed: We then had a serious Conference on the Subject; at length he agreeing to set her free, I finished his Will.

Around the time the Friend I just mentioned first spoke to me, a neighbor suffered a severe bruise. He sent for me to bleed him. After I had done so, he asked me to write his will. I took notes, and among other things, he told me which of his children he wanted to receive his young Negro. I thought about the pain and distress he was in and did not know how his injury would end. So I wrote his will, except for the part concerning his slave. I brought it to his bedside and read it to him. Then I told him in a friendly way that I could not write documents that made my fellow creatures slaves. Doing so would trouble my own mind. I let him know that I charged nothing for what I had done. I also asked to be excused from writing the other part as he proposed. We then had a serious conversation about the matter. At last, he agreed to set her free, and I finished his will.

Having found Drawings in my Mind to visit Friends on Long-Island, after obtaining a Certificate from our Monthly-meeting, I set off on the twelfth Day of the fifth Month, in the Year 1756. When I reached the Island, I lodged the first Night at the House of my dear Friend, Richard Hallet; the next Day, being the first of the Week, I was at the Meeting in New-town; in which we experienced the renewed Manifestations of the Love of Jesus Christ, to the Comfort of the honest-hearted. I went that Night to Flushing; and the next Day, in Company with my beloved Friend, Matthew Franklin, we crossed the Ferry at White-stone; were at three Meetings on the Main, and then returned to the Island; where I spent the Remainder of the Week in visiting Meetings. The Lord, I believe, hath a People in those Parts, who are honestly inclined to serve him; but many, I fear, are too much clogged with the Things of this Life, and do not come forward bearing the Cross in such Faithfulness as he calls for.

Feeling drawn to visit Friends on Long-Island, I obtained a certificate from our Monthly Meeting. I set off on the twelfth day of the fifth month, 1756. When I reached the Island, I spent the first night at the home of my dear friend Richard Hallet. The next day, the first day of the week, I attended the meeting in New-town. There we again experienced the love of Jesus Christ, which comforted those who were honest in heart. That night I went to Flushing. The next day, my beloved friend Matthew Franklin and I crossed the ferry at White-stone. We attended three meetings on the mainland and then returned to the Island. I spent the rest of the week there visiting meetings. I believe the Lord has people in those parts who sincerely want to serve him. But I fear many are too weighed down by the things of this life. They do not go forward bearing the Cross as faithfully as he calls them to.

My Mind was deeply engaged in this Visit, both in publick and private; and, at several Places, observing that they had Slaves, I found myself under a Necessity in a friendly Way, to labour with them on that Subject; expressing, as Way opened, the Inconsistency of that Practice with the Purity of the Christian Religion, and the ill Effects of it manifested amongst us.

My mind was deeply engaged during this visit, both in public and in private. At several places, I noticed that people had slaves. I felt I had to speak with them about slavery in a friendly way. As opportunities arose, I explained how slavery was inconsistent with the purity of the Christian religion. I also spoke of the harmful effects of slavery that were evident among us.

The Latter-end of the Week, their Yearly-meeting began; at which were our Friends John Scarborough, Jane Hoskins, and Susanna Brown, from Pennsylvania: The publick Meetings were large, and measurably favoured with divine Goodness.

Near the end of the week, their Yearly Meeting began. Our Friends John Scarborough, Jane Hoskins, and Susanna Brown came from Pennsylvania for the meeting. The public meetings were large and blessed to some extent by divine goodness.

The Exercise of my Mind, at this Meeting, was chiefly on Account of those who were considered as the foremost Rank in the Society; and, in a Meeting of Ministers and Elders, Way opened, that I expressed in some Measure what lay upon me; and, at a Time when Friends were met for transacting the Affairs of the Church, having set a while silent, I felt a Weight on my Mind, and stood up; and, through the gracious Regard of our heavenly Father, Strength was given fully to clear myself of a Burthen, which, for some Days, had been increasing upon me.

At this meeting, I was chiefly troubled about those considered foremost in the Society. At a meeting of ministers and elders, a way opened for me to express some of what was on my mind. Later, Friends met to conduct the affairs of the Church. After sitting silently for a while, I felt a weight on my mind and stood up. Through the gracious care of our heavenly Father, I was given strength to speak fully and free myself of a burden. That burden had been growing on me for several days.

Through the humbling Dispensations of divine Providence, Men are sometimes fitted for his Service. The Messages of the Prophet Jeremiah, were so disagreeable to the People, and so reverse to the Spirit they lived in, that he became the Object of their Reproach; and, in the Weakness of Nature, thought of desisting from his prophetic Office; but, saith he, "His Word was in my Heart as a burning Fire shut up in my Bones; and I was weary with forbearing, and could not stay." I saw at this Time, that if I was honest in declaring that which Truth opened in me, I could not please all Men; and laboured to be content in the Way of my Duty, however disagreeable to my own Inclination. After this I went homeward, taking Woodbridge, and Plainfield in my Way; in both which Meetings, the pure Influence of divine Love was manifested; in an humbling Sense whereof I went Home, having been out about twenty-four Days, and rode about three hundred and sixteen Miles.

Through the humbling acts of divine providence, people are sometimes prepared to serve God. The prophet Jeremiah’s messages displeased the people and went against the spirit in which they lived. As a result, they scorned him. In his human weakness, he thought of giving up his prophetic work. But, he said, "His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones. I grew weary of holding it in, and could not stop speaking." At this time, I saw that I could not please everyone if I honestly declared what Truth revealed in me. I struggled to be content with doing my duty, however much it went against my own wishes. After this, I headed home, stopping at Woodbridge and Plainfield along the way. At both meetings, the pure influence of divine love was made known. Humbled by that experience, I returned home after being away about twenty-four days and riding about three hundred and sixteen miles.

While I was out on this Journey, my Heart was much affected with a Sense of the State of the Churches in our southern Provinces; and, believing the Lord was calling me to some farther Labour amongst them, I was bowed in Reverence before him, with fervent Desires that I might find Strength to resign myself up to his heavenly Will.

During this journey, I was deeply moved by the condition of the churches in our southern provinces. I believed the Lord was calling me to do more work among them. So I bowed before him in reverence, fervently hoping to find the strength to surrender myself to his heavenly will.

Until this Year, 1756, I continued to retail Goods, besides following my Trade as a Taylor; about which Time, I grew uneasy on Account of my Business growing too cumbersome: I had begun with selling Trimmings for Garments, and from thence proceeded to sell Cloths and Linens; and, at length, having got a considerable Shop of Goods, my Trade increased every Year, and the Road to large Business appeared open; but I felt a Stop in my Mind.

Until 1756, I continued to sell goods in addition to working as a tailor. Around that time, I grew uneasy because my business was becoming too burdensome. I had begun by selling garment trimmings, then went on to sell cloth and linen. Eventually, I had a considerable stock of goods in my shop. My trade grew every year, and the way seemed open to a large business. But I felt a resistance within me.

Through the Mercies of the Almighty, I had, in a good degree, learned to be content with a plain Way of Living: I had but a small Family; and, on serious Consideration, I believed Truth did not require me to engage in much cumbering Affairs: It had been my general Practice to buy and sell Things really useful: Things that served chiefly to please the vain Mind in People, I was not easy to trade in; seldom did it; and, whenever I did, I found it weaken me as a Christian.

Through the mercy of the Almighty, I had learned, to a good degree, to be content with a simple way of life. I had a small family. After serious thought, I believed that Truth did not require me to take on many burdensome affairs. I generally bought and sold things that were genuinely useful. I felt uneasy trading in things that mainly appealed to people's vanity. I seldom traded in them, and whenever I did, I found that it weakened me as a Christian.

The Increase of Business became my Burthen; for, though my natural Inclination was toward Merchandize, yet I believed Truth required me to live more free from outward Cumbers: and there was now a Strife in my Mind between the two; and in this Exercise my Prayers were put up to the Lord, who graciously heard me, and gave me a Heart resigned to his holy Will: Then I lessened my outward Business; and, as I had Opportunity, told my Customers of my Intention, that they might consider what Shop to turn to: And, in a while, wholly laid down Merchandize, following my Trade, as a Taylor, myself only, having no Apprentice. I also had a Nursery of Appletrees; in which I employed some of my Time in hoeing, grafting, trimming, and inoculating. In Merchandize it is the Custom, where I lived, to sell chiefly on Credit, and poor People often get in Debt; and when Payment is expected, not having wherewith to pay, their Creditors often sue for it at Law. Having often observed Occurrences of this Kind, I found it good for me to advise poor People to take such Goods as were most useful and not costly.

My growing business became a burden to me. Although I was naturally drawn to trade, I believed Truth required me to live more freely, without so many worldly concerns. The two desires struggled within me. During this struggle, I prayed to the Lord, who graciously heard me and gave me a heart resigned to his holy will. Then I reduced my business. When I had the opportunity, I told my customers of my intention so they could consider which shop to turn to. After a while, I gave up trade altogether and worked alone as a tailor, with no apprentice. I also had a nursery of apple trees, where I spent some of my time hoeing, grafting, trimming, and budding. Where I lived, merchants usually sold goods on credit, and poor people often fell into debt. When payment came due, they had no means to pay, and their creditors often sued them. Having often seen this happen, I found it good to advise poor people to buy goods that were most useful and not costly.

In the Time of Trading, I had an Opportunity of seeing, that the too liberal Use of spirituous Liquors, and the Custom of wearing too costly Apparel, led some People into great Inconveniences; and these two Things appear to be often connected; for, by not attending to that Use of Things which is consistent with universal Righteousness, there is an Increase of Labour which extends beyond what our heavenly Father intends for us: And by great Labour, and often by much Sweating, there is, even among such as are not Drunkards, a craving of some Liquors to revive the Spirits; that, partly by the luxurious Drinking of some, and partly by the Drinking of others (led to it through immoderate Labour), very great Quantities of Rum are every Year expended in our Colonies; the greater Part of which we should have no Need of, did we steadily attend to pure Wisdom.

While trading, I saw that drinking too much alcohol and wearing overly expensive clothes caused some people great hardship. These two habits often seem connected. When we do not use things in a way consistent with justice for all, we create extra work. This work goes beyond what our heavenly Father intends for us. Hard work, often with much sweating, makes people crave a drink to revive their spirits. Even people who are not drunkards feel this craving. Some people drink for pleasure, while others drink because of excessive labor. As a result, our colonies use up very large quantities of rum every year. We would have no need for most of it if we steadily followed pure wisdom.

Where Men take Pleasure in feeling their Minds elevated with Strong-drink, and so indulge their Appetite as to disorder their Understandings, neglect their Duty as Members in a Family or Civil Society, and cast off all Regard to Religion, their Case is much to be pitied; and where such, whose Lives are for the most Part regular, and whose Examples have a strong Influence on the Minds of others, adhere to some Customs which powerfully draw to the Use of more Strong-liquor than pure Wisdom allows; this also, as it hinders the spreading of the Spirit of Meekness, and strengthens the Hands of the more excessive Drinkers, is a Case to be lamented.

Some people take pleasure in the feeling of being lifted up by alcohol. They indulge their appetite until their judgment is impaired, neglect their duties to their families and society, and abandon all concern for religion. Their condition is deeply pitiable. Others lead mostly orderly lives and have a strong influence on others by their example. Yet they follow customs that strongly encourage drinking more alcohol than true wisdom allows. This too is a cause for sorrow, because it hinders the spread of a gentle spirit and encourages those who drink to greater excess.

As every Degree of Luxury hath some Connection with Evil, those who profess to be Disciples of Christ, and are looked upon as Leaders of the People, should have that Mind in them which was also in Christ, and so stand separate from every wrong Way, as a Means of Help to the Weaker. As I have sometimes been much spent in the Heat, and taken Spirits to revive me, I have found, by Experience, that in such Circumstances the Mind is not so calm, nor so fitly disposed for divine Meditation, as when all such Extremes are avoided; and I have felt an increasing Care to attend to that holy Spirit which sets Bounds to our Desires, and leads those, who faithfully follow it, to apply all the Gifts of divine Providence to the Purposes for which they were intended. Did such, as have the Care of great Estates, attend with Singleness of Heart to this heavenly Instructor, which so opens and enlarges the Mind, that Men love their Neighbours as themselves, they would have Wisdom given them to manage, without finding Occasion to employ some People in the Luxuries of Life, or to make it necessary for others to labour too hard; but, for want of steadily regarding this Principle of divine Love, a selfish Spirit takes Place in the Minds of People, which is attended with Darkness and manifold Confusion in the World.

Since every degree of luxury has some connection with evil, those who profess to be disciples of Christ and are regarded as leaders of the people should have the same mind that was in Christ. They should stay apart from every wrong way of life, so that they may help those who are weaker. At times I have been exhausted by the heat and have taken spirits to revive me. I have found from experience that in such circumstances my mind is less calm and less suited to divine meditation than when I avoid such extremes. I have felt an increasing concern to attend to the holy Spirit. It sets bounds to our desires and guides those who faithfully follow it to use all the gifts of divine Providence for their intended purposes. Suppose those who manage great estates attended with a single heart to this heavenly instructor. It opens and enlarges the mind so that people love their neighbors as themselves. They would be given the wisdom to manage their estates without having to employ some people to provide luxuries or make others labor too hard. But when people fail to pay steady attention to this principle of divine love, a selfish spirit takes hold in their minds. This brings darkness and many kinds of confusion into the world.

Though trading in Things useful is an honest Employ; yet, through the great Number of Superfluities which are bought and sold, and through the Corruption of the Times, they, who apply to merchandize for a Living, have great Need to be well experienced in that Precept which the Prophet Jeremiah laid down for his Scribe: "Seekest thou great Things for thyself? seek them not."

Trading in useful things is honest work. But many unnecessary things are bought and sold, and the times are corrupt. So those who make their living as merchants need to understand and practice the instruction the prophet Jeremiah gave his scribe: "Do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them."

In the Winter, this Year, I was engaged with Friends in visiting Families; and, through the Goodness of the Lord, we had oftentimes Experience of his Heart-tendering Presence amongst us.

That winter, I joined other Friends in visiting families. Through the goodness of the Lord, we often felt his presence soften our hearts.

A Copy of a Letter written to a Friend.

A copy of a letter written to a friend.

In this thy late Affliction I have found a deep Fellow-feeling with thee; and had a secret Hope throughout, that it might please the Father of Mercies to raise thee up, and sanctify thy Troubles to thee; that thou, being more fully acquainted with that Way which the World esteems foolish, mayst feel the Clothing of divine Fortitude, and be strengthened to resist that Spirit which leads from the Simplicity of the everlasting Truth.

During your recent suffering, I have felt deep sympathy for you. Throughout it, I quietly hoped that the Father of Mercies might be pleased to restore you and make your troubles a blessing to you. I hoped that, as you came to know more fully the way the world considers foolish, you would feel clothed in divine courage. And I hoped you would be strengthened to resist the spirit that leads people away from the simplicity of everlasting truth.

We may see ourselves crippled and halting, and, from a strong Bias to Things pleasant and easy, find an Impossibility to advance forward; but Things impossible with Men are possible with God; and, our Wills being made subject to his, all Temptations are surmountable.

We may see ourselves as crippled and unable to walk steadily. Our strong preference for what is pleasant and easy may make it impossible for us to move forward. But what is impossible for people is possible for God. When we submit our wills to his, we can overcome all temptations.

This Work of subjecting the Will is compared to the Mineral in the Furnace; "He refines them as Silver is refined.—He shall sit as a Refiner and Purifier of Silver." By these Comparisons we are instructed in the Necessity of the Operation of the Hand of God upon us, to prepare our Hearts truly to adore him, and manifest that Adoration, by inwardly turning away from that Spirit, in all its Workings, which is not of him. To forward this Work, the all-wise God is sometimes pleased, through outward Distress, to bring us near the Gates of Death; that, Life being painful and afflicting, and the Prospect of Eternity open before us, all earthly Bonds may be loosened, and the Mind prepared for that deep and sacred Instruction, which otherwise would not be received. If Parents love their Children and delight in their Happiness, then he, who is perfect Goodness, in sending abroad mortal Contagions, doth assuredly direct their Use: Are the Righteous removed by it? Their Change is happy: Are the Wicked taken away in their Wickedness? The Almighty is clear: Do we pass through with Anguish and great Bitterness, and yet recover, he intends that we should be purged from Dross, and our Ears opened to Discipline.

This work of bringing our will into submission is compared to refining metal in a furnace: "He refines them as silver is refined. He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." These comparisons teach us that God must work upon us to prepare our hearts to truly adore him. We show that adoration by turning away inwardly from every working of the spirit that is not of him. To advance this work, the all-wise God sometimes brings us near the gates of death through outward suffering. Life becomes painful and distressing, and the prospect of eternity lies open before us. In this way, all earthly ties may be loosened. Our minds may then be prepared for deep and sacred instruction that we would not otherwise receive. If parents love their children and delight in their happiness, then surely God, who is perfect goodness, directs the use of deadly diseases when he sends them abroad. Are the righteous taken away by disease? Their change is a happy one. Are the wicked taken away in their wickedness? The Almighty is blameless. Do we suffer anguish and great bitterness, yet recover? He intends that we be purified of impurities and that our ears be opened to discipline.

And now that, on thy Part, after thy sore Affliction and Doubts of Recovery, thou art again restored, forget not him who hath helped thee; but in humble Gratitude hold fast his Instructions, thereby to shun those By-paths which lead from the firm Foundation. I am sensible of that Variety of Company, to which one in thy Business must be exposed: I have painfully felt the Force of Conversation proceeding from Men deeply rooted in an earthly Mind, and can sympathize with others in such Conflicts, in that much Weakness still attends me.

Now that you have recovered from your severe illness, after doubting that you would recover, do not forget him who helped you. Humbly and gratefully hold fast to his instructions. In this way, you can avoid the side paths that lead away from the firm foundation. I know that your work exposes you to many kinds of company. I have painfully felt the influence of conversations with men whose minds are deeply rooted in worldly concerns. I can sympathize with others in such struggles, because I too am still weak in many ways.

I find that to be a Fool as to worldly Wisdom, and commit my Cause to God, not fearing to offend Men, who take Offence at the Simplicity of Truth, is the only Way to remain unmoved at the Sentiments of others.

I find that the only way to remain unmoved by others’ opinions is to be a fool in worldly wisdom and entrust my cause to God. I must not fear offending people who take offense at the simplicity of truth.

The Fear of Man brings a Snare; by halting in our Duty, and giving back in the Time of Trial, our Hands grow weaker, our Spirits get mingled with the People, our Ears grow dull as to hearing the Language of the true Shepherd; that when we look at the Way of the Righteous, it seems as though it was not for us to follow them.

Fear of others is a trap. When we hesitate to do our duty and retreat in times of trial, our hands grow weaker. Our spirits become mixed with those of the people around us. Our ears grow less able to hear the voice of the true Shepherd. As a result, when we look at the way of the righteous, it seems we are not meant to follow them.

There is a Love clothes my Mind, while I write, which is superior to all Expressions; and I find my Heart open to encourage a holy Emulation, to advance forward in Christian Firmness. Deep Humility is a strong Bulwark; and, as we enter into it, we find Safety: The Foolishness of God is wiser than Man, and the Weakness of God is stronger than Man. Being unclothed of our own Wisdom, and knowing the Abasement of the Creature, therein we find that Power to arise, which gives Health and Vigour to us.

As I write, a love fills my mind that is beyond all expression. I feel moved to encourage a holy desire to grow stronger in Christian resolve. Deep humility is a strong defense. As we enter into humility, we find safety. God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. When we let go of our own wisdom and recognize how lowly we are as creatures, a power arises that gives us health and vigor.