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

Chapter 7: Discerning the Way Forward (1769–1770)

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Indies generally dwell in pure righteousness, I believe a small trade between us might be right. Under these considerations, when the thoughts of wholly declining the use of trading vessels and of trying to hire a vessel to go under ballast have arisen in my mind, I have believed that the labors in gospel love so far bestowed in the cause of universal righteousness have not reached that height. If the trade to the West Indies were no more than was consistent with pure wisdom, I believe the passage money would, for good reasons, be higher than it is now; and therefore, under deep exercise* of mind, I have believed that I should not take advantage of this great trade and small passage money, but, as a testimony in favor of less trading, should pay more than is common for others to pay if I go at this time. The first-mentioned owner, having read the paper, went with me to the other owner, who also read over the paper, and we had some solid conversation, under which I felt myself bowed in reverence before the Most High. At length one of them asked me if I would go and see the vessel. But not having clearness in my mind to go, I went to my lodging and retired in private under great exercise* of mind; and my tears were poured out before the Lord with inward cries that He would graciously help me under these trials. I believe my mind was resigned, but I did not feel clearness to proceed; and my own weakness and the necessity of divine instruction were impressed upon me. I was for a time as one who knew not what to do, and was tossed as in a tempest; under which affliction the doctrine of Christ, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow” (Matt 6:34), arose livingly before me, and I was favored to get into a good degree of stillness. Having been near two days in town, I believed my obedience to my heavenly Father consisted