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

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Mission with Prophetic Power: The Journal of John Woolman

over our journey; and though to me it appeared as a small service, and that some faithful messengers will yet have more bitter cups to drink in those southern provinces for Christ’s sake than we have had, yet I found peace in that I had been helped to walk in sincerity according to the understanding and strength given to me. Further Reflections on the Reform of the Church (1767) and the Government of Christ (1769) Twenty-sixth of Fourth Month.—I crossed the Susquehanna, and coming among people in outward ease and greatness, supported chiefly on the labor of slaves, my heart was much affected, and in wholehearted surrender my mind was gathered inward to the Lord, humbly desiring that in true resignation I might receive instruction from him respecting my duty among this people. Though traveling on foot was wearisome to my body, yet it was agreeable to the state of my mind. Being weak, I was covered with sorrow and heaviness on account of the prevailing spirit of this world by which customs grievous and oppressive are introduced on the one hand, and pride and wantonness on the other. In this lonely walk and state of abasement and humiliation, the condition of the Church in these parts was opened* before me, and I may truly say with the Prophet, “I was bowed down at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it” (Isa 21:3, KJV). Under this exercise* I attended the Quarterly Meeting at Gunpowder, and in bowedness of spirit I had to express with much plainness my feelings respecting Friends living in fullness on the labors of the poor oppressed slaves;* and that promise of the Most High was now revived, “The time is coming to gather all nations and tongues.