THE LAST EPISTLE & OTHER WRITINGS
OF JOHN WOOLMAN
THE INTRODUCTION
My Mind
hath often been affected with Sorrow, on Account of the prevailing of that
Spirit, which leads from an humble waiting on the inward Teaching of Christ, to
pursue Ways of Living, attended with unnecessary Labour, and which draws forth
the Minds of many People to seek after outward Power, and to strive for Riches,
which frequently introduce Oppression, and bring forth Wars and grievous
Calamities.
It is
with Reverence that I acknowledge the Mercies of our Heavenly Father, who, in
Infinite Love, did visit me in my Youth, and wrought a Belief in me, that
through true Obedience a State of inward Purity may be known in this Life, in
which we may love Mankind in the same Love with which our Redeemer loveth us,
and therein learn Resignation to endure Hardships, for the real Good of others.
While the
Eye is single, the whole Body is full of Light, Mat. vi. 22.
but for want of this, selfish Desires, and an imaginary Superiority, darken the
Mind; hence Injustice frequently proceeds; and where this is the Case, to
convince the Judgment, is the most effectual Remedy.
Where
violent Measures are pursued in opposing Injustice, the Passions, and
Resentments, of the Injured, frequently operate in the Prosecution of their
Designs; and after Conflicts productive of very great Calamities, the Minds of
contending Parties often remain as little acquainted with the pure Principle of
Divine Love, as they were before; but where People walk in that pure Light in
which all their Works are wrought in God, John iii. 21. and under
Oppression persevere in the meek Spirit, and abide firm in the Cause of Truth,
without actively complying with oppressive Demands, through those the Lord hath
often manifested his Power, in opening[Pg 162] the
Understandings of others, to the promoting Righteousness in the Earth.
A Time, I
believe, is coming, wherein this Divine Work will so spread and prevail, that Nation
shall not lift up Sword against Nation, nor learn War any more, Isaiah ii.
4. And as we, through the tender Mercies of God, do feel that this precious
Work is begun, I am concerned to encourage my Brethren and Sisters in a Holy
Care and Diligence, that each of us may so live, under the sanctifying Power of
Truth, as to be redeemed from all unnecessary Cares; that our Eye being single
to him, no Customs, however prevalent, which are contrary to the Wisdom from
above, may hinder us from faithfully following his Holy Leadings, in whatsoever
he may graciously appoint for us.
CONSIDERATIONS ON PURE WISDOM AND HUMAN
POLICY
To have
our Trust settled in the Lord, and not to seek after, nor desire outward
Treasures, any further than his Holy Spirit leads us therein, is a happy State,
as saith the Prophet, Blessed is the Man that trusteth in the Lord, and
whose Hope the Lord is.
Pure
Wisdom leads People into Lowliness of Mind, in which they learn Resignation to
the Divine Will, and Contentment in suffering for his Cause, when they cannot
keep a clear Conscience without suffering.
In this
pure Wisdom the Mind is attentive to the Root, and original Spring of Motions
and Desires; and as we know the Lord to be our Refuge, and find no
Safety but in humbly walking before him, we feel an Holy Engagement, that every
Desire which leads therefrom may be brought to Judgment.
While we
proceed in this precious Way, and find ardent Longings for a full Deliverance
from every thing which defiles, all Prospects of Gain, that are not consistent
with the Wisdom from above, are considered as Snares, and an inward Concern is
felt, that we may live under the Cross, and faithfully attend to that Holy
Spirit, which is sufficient to preserve out of them.
When I
have considered that Saying of Christ, Mat. vi. 19, Lay not up for
yourselves Treasures upon Earth, his Omnipotence hath often occurred to my
Mind.
While we
believe that he is every where present with his People, and that perfect Goodness,
Wisdom and[Pg 164] Power
are united in him, how comfortable is the Consideration.
Our Wants
may be great, but his Power is greater. We may be oppressed and despised, but
he is able to turn our patient Sufferings into Profit to ourselves, and to the
Advancement of his Work on Earth. His People, who feel the Power of his Cross,
to crucify all that is selfish in them, who are engaged in outward Concerns,
from a Convincement that it is their Duty, and resign themselves, and their Treasures,
to him; these feel that it is dangerous to give way to that in us, which craves
Riches and Greatness in this World.
As the
Heart truly contrite, earnestly desires to know Christ, and the Fellowship
of his Sufferings, Phil. iii. 10. so far as the Lord for gracious Ends may
lead into them; as such feel that it is their Interest to put their Trust in
God, and to seek no Gain but that which he, by his Holy Spirit, leads into; so,
on the contrary, they who do not reverently wait for this Divine Teacher, and
are not humbly concerned, according to their Measure, to fill up that which
is behind of the Afflictions of Christ, Col. i. 24. in patiently suffering
for the promoting Righteousness in the Earth; but have an Eye toward the Power
of Men, and the outward Advantage of Wealth, these are often attentive to those
Employments which appear profitable, even though the Gains arise from such
Trade and Business which proceeds from the Workings of that Spirit, which is
estranged from the self-denying Life of an humble contrite Christian.
While I
write on this Subject, I feel my Mind tenderly affected toward those honestly
disposed People, who have been brought up in Employments attended with those
Difficulties.
To such I
may say, in the feeling of our Heavenly Father's Love, and number myself with
you, O that our Eyes may be single to the Lord! May we reverently wait on him
for Strength, to lay aside all unnecessary Expence of every Kind, and learn
Contentment, in a plain simple Life.
May we,
in Lowliness, submit to the Leadings of his[Pg 165] Spirit,
and enter upon any outward Employ which he graciously points out to us, and
then whatever Difficulties arise, in Consequence of our Faithfulness, I trust
they will work for our Good.
Small
Treasure to a resigned Mind is sufficient. How happy is it to be content with a
little, to live in Humility, and feel that in us, which breathes out this
Language, Abba! Father.
If that,
called the Wisdom of this World, had no Resemblance of true Wisdom, the Name of
Wisdom, I suppose, had not been given to it.
As
wasting outward Substance, to gratify vain Desires, on one hand; so
Slothfulness and Neglect, on the other, do often involve Men and their Families
in Trouble, and reduce them to Want and Distress; to shun both these opposite Vices,
is good in itself, and hath a Resemblance of Wisdom; but while People thus
provident, have it principally in View to get Riches, and Power, and the
Friendship of this World, and do not humbly wait for the Spirit of Truth to
lead them into Purity; these, through an anxious Care to obtain the End
desired, reach forth for Gain in worldly Wisdom, and, in regard to their inward
State, fall into divers Temptations and Snares. And though such may think of
applying Wealth to good Purposes, and to use their Power to prevent Oppression,
yet Wealth and Power is often applied otherwise; nor can we depart from the
Leadings of our Holy Shepherd, without going into Confusion.
Great
Wealth is frequently attended with Power, which nothing but Divine Love can
qualify the Mind to use rightly; and as to the Humility, and Uprightness of our
Children after us, how great is the Uncertainty! If, in acquiring Wealth, we
take hold on the Wisdom which is from beneath, and depart from the Leadings of
Truth, and Example our Children herein, we have great Cause to apprehend, that
Wealth may be a Snare to them; and prove an Injury to others, over whom their
Wealth may give them Power.
To be
redeemed from that Wisdom which is from beneath, and walk in the Light of the
Lord, is a precious[Pg 166]
Situation; thus his People are brought to put their Trust in him; and in this
humble Confidence in his Wisdom, Goodness and Power, the Righteous find a
Refuge in Adversities, superior to the greatest outward Helps, and a Comfort
more certain than any worldly Advantages can afford.
ON LABOUR
Having
from my Childhood been used to Bodily Labour for a Living, I may express my
Experience therein.
Right
Exercise affords an innocent Pleasure in the Time of it, and prepares us to
enjoy the Sweetness of Rest; but from the Extremes each Way, arise
Inconveniences.
Moderate
Exercise opens the Pores, gives the Blood a lively Circulation, and the better
enables us to judge rightly respecting that Portion of Labour which is the true
Medium.
The Fowls
of the Air sow not, nor gather into Barns, yet our Heavenly Father feedeth them, Mat.
vi. 26. nor do I believe that Infinite Goodness and Power would have allotted
Labour to us, had he not seen that Labour was proper for us in this Life.
The
original Design, and true Medium of Labour, is a Subject that, to me, appears
worthy of our serious Consideration.
Idle Men
are often a Burden to themselves, neglect the Duty they owe to their Families,
and become burdensome to others also.
As
outward Labour, directed by the Wisdom from above, tends to our Health, and
adds to our Happiness in this Life; so, on the contrary, entering upon it in a
selfish Spirit, and pursuing it too long, or too hard, hath a contrary Effect.
I have
observed, that too much Labour not only makes the Understanding dull, but so
intrudes upon the Harmony of the Body, that after ceasing from our Toil, we
have another to pass through, before we can be so composed as to enjoy the
Sweetness of Rest.
From too
much Labour in the Heat, frequently proceeds immoderate Sweats, which do often,
I believe, open the Way for Disorders, and impair our Constitutions.
When we
go beyond the true Medium, and feel Weariness[Pg 168]
approaching, but think Business may suffer if we cease, at such a Time
spirituous Liquors are frequently taken, with a View to support Nature under
these Fatigues.
I have
found that too much Labour in the Summer heats the Blood, that taking strong
Drink to support the Body under such Labour, increaseth that Heat, and though a
Person may be so far temperate as not to manifest the least Disorder, yet the
Mind, in such a Circumstance, doth not retain that Calmness and Serenity which
we should endeavour to live in.
Thus
toiling in the Heat, and drinking strong Liquor, makes Men more resolute, and
less considerate, and tends very much to disqualify from successfully following
him who is meek and low of Heart.
As laying
out Business, more than is consistent with pure Wisdom, is an Evil, so this
Evil frequently leads into more. Too much Business leads to Hurry. In the Hurry
and Toil too much strong Drink is often used, and hereby many proceed to Noise
and Wantonness, and some, though more considerate, do often suffer Loss, as to
a true Composedness of Mind.
I feel
sincere Desires in my Heart that no Rent, nor Interest, might be laid so high
as to be a Snare to Tenants. That no Desires of Gain may draw any too far in
Business. That no Cares to support Customs, which have not their Foundation in
pure Wisdom, may have Place in our Minds, but that we may build on the sure
Foundation, and feel our Holy Shepherd to lead us, who alone is able to
preserve us, and bring forth from every Thing which defiles.
Having
several Times, in my Travels, had Opportunity to observe the Labour and Manner
of Life of great Numbers of Slaves, it appears to me that the true Medium is
lamentably neglected by many, who assign them their Portion of Labour.
Without
saying much at this Time, concerning buying and selling Men for Term of Life,
who have as just a Right to Liberty as we have; nor about the great Miseries,
and Effusion of Blood, consequent to promoting the[Pg 169]
Slave-trade, and to speak as favourably as may be, with regard to continuing
those in Bondage who are amongst us, we cannot say there is no Partiality in
it; for whatever Tenderness may be manifested by Individuals in their Life-time
towards them, yet for People to be transmitted from a Man to his Posterity, in
the helpless Condition of Slaves, appears inconsistent with the Nature of the
Gospel Spirit. From such Proceedings it often follows, that Persons in the
Decline of Life, are deprived of Monies equitably due to them, and committed to
the Care, and subjected to the absolute Power of young unexperienced Men, who
know but little about the Weakness of old Age, nor understand the Language of
declining Life.
Where
Parents give their Estates to their Children, and then depend on them for a
Maintainance, they sometimes meet with great Inconveniences; but if the Power
of Possession, thus obtained, doth often reverse the Obligations of Gratitude
and filial Duty, and makes manifest, that Youth are often ignorant of the
Language of old Age, how hard is the Case of ancient Negroes, who, deprived of
the Wages equitably due to them, are left to young People, who have been used
to look upon them as their Inferiors.
For Men
to behold the Fruits of their Labour withheld from them, and possessed by
others, and in old Age find themselves destitute of those comfortable
Accommodations, and that tender Regard which their Time of Life requires:
When they
feel Pains and Stiffness in their Joints and Limbs, Weakness of Appetite, and
that a little Labour is wearisome, and still behold themselves in the neglected
uncomfortable Condition of a Slave, and oftentimes to a young unsympathising
Man:
For Men
to be thus treated from one Generation to another, who, besides their own
Distresses, think on the Slavery entailed on their Posterity, and are grieved:
What disagreeable Thoughts must they have of the professed Followers of Jesus!
And how must their Groans ascend to that Almighty Being, who will be a
Refuge for the Oppressed, Psalm ix. 9.
ON SCHOOLS
Suffer
the little Children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the
Kingdom of God, Mark x. 14.
To
encourage Children to do Things with a View to get Praise of Men, to me appears
an Obstruction to their being inwardly acquainted with the Spirit of Truth. For
it is the Work of the Holy Spirit to direct the Mind of God, that in all our
Proceedings we may have a single Eye to him. To give Alms in secret, to fast in
secret, and labour to keep clear of that Disposition reproved by our Saviour, All
their Works which they do is for to be seen of Men, Mat. xxiii. 5.
That
Divine Light which enlightens all Men, I believe, does often shine in the Minds
of Children very early, and to humbly wait for Wisdom, that our Conduct toward
them may tend to forward their Acquaintance with it, and strengthen them in
Obedience thereto, appears to me to be a Duty on all of us.
By
cherishing the Spirit of Pride, and the Love of Praise in them, I believe they
may sometimes improve faster in Learning, than otherwise they would; but to
take Measures to forward Children in Learning, which naturally tend to divert
their Minds from true Humility, appears to me to savour of the Wisdom of this
World.
If Tutors
are not acquainted with Sanctification of Spirit, nor experienced in an humble
waiting for the Leadings of Truth, but follow the Maxims of the Wisdom of this
World, such Children who are under their Tuition, appear to me to be in Danger
of imbibing Thoughts, and Apprehensions, reverse to that Meekness, and
Lowliness of Heart, which is necessary for all the true Followers of Christ.
Children
at an Age fit for Schools, are in a Time of Life which requires the patient
Attention of pious People,[Pg 171] and if
we commit them to the Tuition of such, whose Minds we believe are not rightly
prepared to train them up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord, we
are in Danger of not acting the Part of faithful Parents toward them; for our
Heavenly Father doth not require us to do Evil, that Good may come of it; and
it is needful that we deeply examine ourselves, lest we get entangled in the
Wisdom of this World, and, through wrong Apprehensions, take such Methods in
Education, as may prove a great Injury to the Minds of our Children.
It is a
lovely Sight to behold innocent Children; and when they are sent to such
Schools where their tender Minds are in imminent Danger of being led astray by Tutors,
who do not live a self-denying Life, or by the Conversation of such Children
who do not live in Innocence, it is a Case much to be lamented.
While a
pious Tutor hath the Charge of no more Children than he can take due Care of,
and keeps his Authority in the Truth, the good Spirit in which he leads and
governs, works on the Minds of such who are not hardened, and his Labours not
only tend to bring them forward in outward Learning, but to open their
Understandings with respect to the true Christian Life; but where a
Person hath Charge of too many, and his Thoughts and Time are so much employed
in the outward Affairs of his School, that he does not so weightily attend to
the Spirit and Conduct of each Individual, as to be enabled to administer
rightly to all in due Season; through such Omission he not only suffers, as to
the State of his own Mind, but the Minds of the Children are in Danger of
suffering also.
To watch
the Spirit of Children, to nurture them in Gospel Love, and labour to help them
against that which would mar the Beauty of their Minds, is a Debt we owe them;
and a faithful Performance of our Duty, not only tends to their lasting
Benefit, and our own Peace, but also to render their Company agreeable to us.
Instruction,
thus administered, reaches the pure Witness in the Minds of such Children who
are not hardened, and begets Love in them toward those who thus lead them on;[Pg 172] but where too great a Number are committed to a Tutor,
and he, through much Cumber, omits a careful Attention to the Minds of
Children, there is Danger of Disorders gradually increasing amongst them, till
the Effects thereof appear in their Conduct, too strong to be easily remedied.
A Care
hath lived on my Mind, that more Time might be employed by Parents at Home, and
by Tutors at School, in weightily attending to the Spirit and Inclinations of
Children, and that we may so lead, instruct, and govern them, in this tender
Part of Life, that nothing may be omitted in our Power, to help them on their
Way to become the Children of our Father, who is in Heaven.
Meditating
on the Situation of Schools in our Provinces, my Mind hath, at Times, been
affected with Sorrow, and under these Exercises it hath appeared to me, that if
those who have large Estates, were faithful Stewards, and laid no Rent, nor
Interest, nor other Demands, higher than is consistent with universal Love; and
those in lower Circumstances would, under a moderate Employ, shun unnecessary
Expence, even to the smallest Article; and all unite in humbly seeking to the
Lord, he would graciously instruct us, and strengthen us, to relieve the Youth
from various Snares, in which many of them are entangled.
ON THE RIGHT USE OF THE LORD'S OUTWARD
GIFTS
As our
Understandings are opened by the pure Light, we experience that, through an
inward approaching to God, the Mind is strengthened in Obedience; and that by
gratifying those Desires which are not of his begetting, those Approaches to
him are obstructed, and the deceivable Spirit gains Strength.
These
Truths, being as it were engraven upon our Hearts, and our everlasting Interest
in Christ evidently concerned herein, we become fervently engaged, that nothing
may be nourished which tends to feed Pride or Self-love in us. Thus in pure
Obedience, we are not only instructed in our Duty to God, but also in the
Affairs which necessarily relate to this Life, and the Spirit of Truth which
guides into all Truth, leavens the Mind with a pious Concern, that whatsoever
we do in Word or Deed, may be done in his Name, Col. iii. 17.
Hence
such Buildings, Furniture, Food, and Raiment, as best answer our Necessities,
and are the least likely to feed that selfish Spirit which is our Enemy, are
the most acceptable to us.
In this
State the Mind is tender, and inwardly watchful, that the Love of Gain draw us
not into any Business, which may weaken our Love to our Heavenly Father, or
bring unnecessary Trouble to any of his Creatures.
Thus the
Way gradually opens to cease from that Spirit which craves Riches and Things
fetched far, which so mixeth with the Customs of this World, and so intrudes
upon the true Harmony of Life, that the right Medium of Labour is very much
departed from. And as the Minds of People are settled in a steady Concern, not
to hold nor possess any Thing but what may be held consistent with the Wisdom
from above, they consider what[Pg 174] they
possess as the Gift of God, and are inwardly exercised, that in all Parts of
their Conduct they may act agreeable to the Nature of the peaceable Government
of Christ.
A little
supports such a Life; and in a State truly resigned to the Lord, the Eye is
single, to see what outward Employ he leads into, as a Means of our
Subsistence, and a lively Care is maintained to hold to that without launching
further.
There is
a Harmony in the several Parts of this Divine Work in the Hearts of People; he
who leads them to cease from those gainful Employments, carried on in that
Wisdom which is from beneath, delivers also from the Desire after worldly
Greatness, and reconciles the Mind to a Life so plain, that a little doth
suffice.
Here the
real Comforts of Life are not lessened. Moderate Exercise, in the Way of true
Wisdom, is pleasant both to Mind and Body.
Food and
Raiment sufficient, though in the greatest Simplicity, is accepted with Content
and Gratitude.
The
mutual Love, subsisting between the faithful Followers of Christ, is more pure
than that Friendship which is not seasoned with Humility, how specious soever
the Appearance.
Where
People depart from pure Wisdom in one Case, it is often an Introduction to
depart from it in many more; and thus a Spirit which seeks for outward
Greatness, and leads into worldly Wisdom to attain it, and support it, gets
Possession of the Mind.
In
beholding the customary Departure from the true Medium of Labour, and that
unnecessary Toil which many go through, in supporting outward Greatness, and
procuring Delicacies.
In
beholding how the true Calmness of Life is changed into Hurry, and that many,
by eagerly pursuing outward Treasure, are in great Danger of withering as to
the inward State of the Mind.
In
meditating on the Works of this Spirit, and on the Desolations it makes amongst
the Professors of Christianity, I may thankfully acknowledge, that I
often feel pure Love beget Longings in my Heart, for the[Pg 175] Exaltation of the peaceable Kingdom of Christ, and an
Engagement to labour according to the Gift bestowed on me, for the promoting an
humble, plain, temperate Way of living. A Life where no unnecessary Care, nor
Expences, may incumber our Minds, nor lessen our Ability to do Good; where no
Desires after Riches, or Greatness, may lead into hard Dealing; where no
Connections with worldly-minded Men, may abate our Love to God, nor weaken a
true Zeal for Righteousness. A Life wherein we may diligently labour for
Resignedness to do, and suffer, whatever our Heavenly Father may allot for us,
in reconciling the World to himself.
When the
Prophet Isaiah had uttered his Vision, and declared that a Time was
coming wherein Swords should be beat into Plowshares, and Spears into
pruning Hooks, and that Nation shall not lift up Sword against Nation, nor
learn War any more; he immediately directs the Minds of People to the
Divine Teacher, in this remarkable Language; O House of Jacob! come
ye, and let us walk in the Light of the Lord, Isaiah ii. 5.
To wait
for the Direction of this Light, in all temporal as well as spiritual Concerns,
appears necessary; for if in any Case we enter lightly into temporal Affairs,
without feeling this Spirit of Truth to open our Way therein, and through the
Love of this World proceed on, and seek for Gain by that Business or Traffick,
which is not of the Father, but of the World, 1 John ii. 16 we fail in
our Testimony to the Purity and Peace of his Government, and get into that
which is for Chastisement.
This
Matter hath lain heavy on my Mind, it being evident, that a Life less humble,
less simple and plain, than that which Christ leads his Sheep into, does
necessarily require a Support, which pure Wisdom does not provide for; hence there
is no Probability of our being a peculiar People, so zealous of good Works,
as to have no Fellowship with Works of Darkness, Titus ii. 14. Ephes. v.
11. while we have Wants to supply which have their Foundation in Custom, and do
not come within the Meaning of those Expressions, your Heavenly Father
knoweth that ye have need of all these Things, Mat. vi. 32.[Pg 176]
These
Things which he beholds necessary for his People, he fails not to give them in
his own Way and Time; but as his Ways are above our Ways, and his Thoughts
above our Thoughts, so imaginary Wants are different from these Things which
he knoweth that we have need of.
As my
Meditations have been on these Things, Compassion hath filled my Heart toward
my Fellow Creatures, involved in Customs, grown up in the Wisdom of this
World, which is Foolishness with God, 1 Cor. iii. 19. And O that the Youth
may be so thoroughly experienced in an humble Walking before the Lord, that
they may be his Children, and know him to be their Refuge, their safe unfailing
Refuge, through the various Dangers attending this uncertain State of Being!
If those
whose Minds are redeemed from the Love of Wealth, and who are content with a
plain, simple Way of living, do yet find that to conduct the Affairs of a
Family, without giving Countenance to unrighteous Proceedings, or having
Fellowship with Works of Darkness, the most diligent Care is necessary.
If
Customs, distinguishable from universal Righteousness, and opposite to the true
Self-denying Life, are now prevalent, and so mixed with Trade, and with almost
every Employ, that it is only through humble waiting on the inward Guidance of
Truth, that we may reasonably hope to walk safely, and support an uniform
Testimony to the peaceable Government of Christ:
If this
be the Case, how lamentably do they expose themselves to Temptations, who give
way to the Love of Riches, conform to expensive Living, and reach forth for
Gain, to support Customs, which our Holy Shepherd leads not into.
