Mission with Prophetic Power: The Journal of John Woolman (SRSC 12)

Chapter 5: Looking Further (1760–1763)

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This chapter begins with Woolman’s reflections on some of the dangers that accompany superficially close friendships for one who is

about to offer caring confrontation. This is a sensitive issue. We all like to be liked. And yet, how do we navigate friendships in the midst of a ministry of prophetic power? How do we feel about not being liked? About “singularity”?*

Woolman characteristically followed God’s leading with action. Even when he faced danger (visiting natives) or misunderstanding (wearing

undyed hats), he actively obeyed what he felt was God’s heart. What has God been pressing on you lately? What kind of actions might you need to do in order to obey?

Woolman spends a bit of time here talking about his decision to wear undyed clothing. The subject comes up again near the end

of his own writings in the final chapter. It is difficult to determine the exact issue at hand. Perhaps, like with sugar, the problem is that the dye industry depends on slave labor. Perhaps other harm is done. In the final chapter other issues are mentioned. Nonetheless, Woolman ultimately found himself unable to wear dyed hats in good conscience. And his choice to wear undyed hats caused him difficulties in his ministry. What do you think of his choice of changing this small habit here? Was Woolman overly scrupulous? How do we navigate the fine line between moral integrity and legalism?