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

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Mission with Prophetic Power: The Journal of John Woolman

oppression of the slaves which I have seen in several journeys southward on this continent, and the report of their treatment in the West Indies, have deeply affected me, and a care to live in the spirit of peace and minister no just cause of offence to my fellow creatures having from time to time livingly revived in my mind, I have for some years past declined to gratify my palate with those sugars. I do not censure my brethren in these things, but I believe the Father of mercies, to whom all humankind by creation are equally related, has heard the groans of this oppressed people, and that He is preparing some to have a tender feeling of their condition. Trading in, or the frequent use of, any produce known to be raised by the labor of those who are under such lamentable oppression, has appeared to be a subject which may require the more serious consideration of the humble followers of Christ, the Prince of Peace. After long and mournful exercise* I am now free to mention how things have opened* in my mind, with desires that, if it may please the Lord further to open* His will to any of His children in this matter, they may faithfully follow Him in such further manifestation. The number of those who decline the use of West India produce, on account of the hard* usage of the slaves who raise it, appears small, even among people seriously devoted to their faith; and the labors in Christian love on that subject of those who do, are not very extensive. Were the trade from this continent to the West Indies to be stopped at once, I believe many there would suffer for lack of bread. Did we on this continent and the inhabitants of the West