The Journal of John Woolman and a Plea for the Poor

The Journal of John Woolman is a book that I have heard about for years without having read. Woolman (1720-1772) was a travelling Quaker writer and preacher who gave up a prosperous life as a clerk/tailor to follow the demands of his conscience. In the Journal Woolman shares the story that led him on his way. Very human, he wrestles with what it meant to follow his conscience when what his conscience demanded placed him at odds with his community. He was specifically concerned with the evils of slavery. While he spoke sympathetically of those who were unable to give up income connected to the slave trade, he tried to be the example the rest could follow. He became a quiet and important influence in the Quaker community, and one of the movers that brought so many Quakers to the abolitionist movement. Interesting, compassionate and wise. And certainly just as relevant today to many of our moral issues. There's a startling image that will remain with me of a dignified man refusing to wear dyed clothes in Meeting, since most cloth was produced using slave labor. Recommended for everyone, but is probably of particular relevance to those with an interest in the Abolitionist movement or Quaker history. (The book is freely available in many online archives. I read the Citadel Press edition of the book, which contained a quite helpful introduction by Frederick B. Tolles.)