John Woolman

Excerpts from 'Devotional Classics' edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith John Woolman (1720-1772) Introduction to the Author John Woolman was born in New Jersey to a Quaker family in a time when many suffered the hardship of poverty. Woolman lived a simple, steady life of obedience to God in all things. It would have surprised him that many years later writers would call him 'saint' and 'prophet' for he was only trying to follow Christ, the True Shepherd as closely as possible. Woolman begins his journal 'I have often felt a notion of love to leave some hints in writing of my experience of the goodness of God.' Over the 16 years that the Journal was written, we can see how Wolman becomes increasingly aware of the broad scope of God's love and how his own tenderness grows toward all people and the whole creation. In love he lived a life of rigorous integrity and courageous witness, a life that challenges us still. The following selections only begin to illustrate his wide and thorough integration of God's goodness into his life. Excerpts from 'The Journal of John Woolman' 1. The voice of the True Shepherd I was weaned by God's love from the desire of outward greatness, and I was learning to be content with real conveniences that were not costly, so that a way of life free from much entanglements appeared best to me, though the income was small. I had several offers of business that appeared profitable, but did not see my way to accept them, believing the business proposed would be attended with more outward care and cumber than was required of me to engage in. I saw that a humble man with the blessing of the Lord might live on a little and that where the heart was set on greatness, success in business did not satisfy the craving, but that in common with an increase of wealth the desire of wealth increased. I desired that nothing would hinder my thoughts and steadfast attention to the voice of the True Shepherd. 2. Dwell in humility My dear friends, dwell in humility and take heed that no views of outward gain get too deep hold of you, that so your eyes being single to the Lord , you may be preserved in the way of safety. Where people let loose their minds after the love of outward things and are more engaged in pursuing the profits and seeking the friendships of this world than to be inwardly acquainted with the way of true peace, such walk is a vain shadow while the true comfort of life is wanting. Their examples are often hurtful to others and their treasures do many times prove dangerous snares to their children. But where people are sincerely devoted to follow Christ and dwell under the influence of His Holy Spirit, their stability and firmness through a divine blessing is at times like dew on the tender plants around them, and the weightiness of their spirits secretly works on the minds of others. 3. This precious habitation The place of prayer is a precious habitation, for I now saw that the prayers of the saints were precious incense. I saw this habitation, the place of prayer, to be safe, to be inwardly quiet when there were great stirrings and commotions in the world. Prayer at this day in pure resignation is a precious place. The trumpet is sounded, the call goes forth to the church that she gather to the place of pure inward prayer, and that her habitation is safe. 4. Say neither more or less It was my concern from day to day to say neither more or less than what the Spirit of Truth opened in me, being jealous over myself lest I should say anything to make my testimony look agreeable to that mind in people which is not pure in obedience to the cross of Christ. 5. Break the yoke of oppression I was confirmed in my mind that the Lord is graciously moving in the hearts of people to draw them off from the desire of wealth and to bring them into such a humble, lowly way of life that they repair the standards of true righteousness in their lives and in the world around them as well as to break the yoke of oppression and to know that Jesus is their strength and support in times of outward affliction. 6. John Woolman is dead After some physical recovery to a serious illness.....at length I felt divine power prepare my mouth that I could speak. I said 'I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me and the life I now live in the flesh is by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself got me' Gal. 2:20) Then the mystery was opened, and I perceived there was joy in heaven over a sinner who has repented and that the language 'John Woolman is dead' meant no more than the death of my own will. Read: Psalm 40:4-8 Reflection 1. After early success as a merchant, Woolman decided that to continue to expand his business would divert too much of his energy and attention from God. For this reason he turned to a more quiet life as a tailor. What actions could help you keep a 'steady attention to the voice of the True Shepherds' in the midst of your vocation? 2. In what ways, both obvious and subtle, do you find that the sentiments of others hinder you in following God's way? How can humility become both health and safety for you? 3. What entices you to let loose your mind after the love of outward things? Catalogs and advertisements? Social pressures? Lotteries? Also, how does humility help you keep your eyes 'single to the Lord'? 4. In Woolman's day he was very concerned about the institution of slavery. What cries of oppression do you think God is hearing today? What actions might be required of you? 5. Like Woolman, endeavor to be content with 'real conveniences' that are not costly. When making purchases this week, le this attitude be your guide. 6. Our material treasures can easily become a dangerous snare. Experience the joy of giving things away this week. As you de-accumulate, be sure to give freely to those who are in need. 7. Reflect, like the psalmist, on the wondrous deeds and the attention God has focused on you. Recount specific occasions as you compose your own litany of God's gracious acts.