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

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Mission with Prophetic Power: The Journal of John Woolman

they may be likely to be exampled and instructed in the pure fear of the Lord. Being much among the seamen I have, from a motion* of love, taken sundry opportunities with one of them at a time, and have in free conversation labored to turn their minds toward the fear of the Lord. This day we had a meeting in the cabin, where my heart was contrite under a feeling of divine love. I believe a communication with different parts of the world by sea is at times consistent with the will of our heavenly Father, and to educate some youth in the practice of sailing, I believe, may be right; but how lamentable is the present corruption of the world! How impure are the channels through which trade is conducted! How great is the danger to which poor lads are exposed when placed on shipboard to learn the art of sailing! Five lads training up for the seas were on board this ship. Two of them were brought up in our Society,* and the other, by name James Naylor, is a member, to whose father James Naylor, mentioned in Sewel’s history, appears to have been uncle. I often feel a tenderness of heart toward these poor lads, and at times look at them as though they were my children according to the flesh. Oh that all may take heed and beware of covetousness! Oh that all may learn of Christ, who was meek and lowly* of heart. Then, in faithfully following Him, He will teach us to be content with food and raiment without respect to the customs or honors of this world ( 1 Tim 6:8 ). Men thus redeemed will feel a tender concern* for their fellow creatures, and a desire that those in the lowest stations may be assisted and encouraged, and where