The Journal and Major Essays of John Woolman

by Phillips P. Moulton

The secret of Woolman's purity of style is that his eye is single, and that conscience dictated his words. This Quaker preacher and tailor was a man of wisdom and true philosophy. These pages are filled with insight and messages for our time. A major classic of American spirituality.

Genres: Religion, Theology, Biography, Nonfiction, Christian, Spirituality, Philosophy

356 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

Reviews

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you ever wondered who the first recognized animal rights activist was, look no further.

Who WALKED the up and down the eastern seaboard convincing all the other Quakers that they must oppose slavery so that the Quakers as a group became the first major force in abolition? Him again.

What other missionary goes to the Indians during a war and asks them what THEY think so he can learn from them? Him again.

He was an incredibly dedicated person, dropping a profitable career, diving into reflections on how to be a better person, how to make the world better and DOING it with all his might. I can find no better example of a person living their ideals.

You might want a basic definition of what Quakers are first to get an idea of his framework. Or a companion book of the history/language if you're not familiar with Colonial America.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a Renovare bookclub and it was a fascinating peek into John Woolman's life, a man I did not know previously. He was a Quaker living in the 1700's and was staunchly against slavery and lived accordingly. It wasn't the easiest book to read though!

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though Woolman's wording and phrasing may seem archaic to modern readers you cannot miss the passion with which he writes. This is a man who influenced many against slavery (including southern Quakers who owned slaves as hard as that is to believe), toward a responsible and simple and "plain" life of devotion to God and to their fellow human beings.

[Tracy Chiara · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked best about this book was the heart of John Woolman. He was genuinely kind and caring. He was an abolitionist & animal rights believer in the 1700 - truly a man before his time. His sweet spirit, the way he truly cared for people, even people caught up in doing wrong things like owning slaves, is an inspiration to me. He believed & was deeply committed to doing the right thing without being smug or self righteous. Why I only gave it 3 stars is because it is a hard read. I read it for the Renovare book club. Renovare had interviews with a professor who’s an expert on John Woolman and those interviews helped me a lot in understanding the book.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tough read, but well worth it. I recently re-read "A Plea for the Poor" and it still applies today as much as in the 1700's. One example from Chapter 6: "Were there more men usefully employed and fewer who eat bread as a reward for doing that which is not useful, then food or raiment would, on a reasonable estimate, be more in proportion to labour than it is at present."

[Bill Bathurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read John Woolman's journal as part of a personal challenge within the Harvard Classics. Woolman was a remarkable figure—an early advocate for free trade, anti-slavery, and ethical living—centuries ahead of modern social movements. His unwavering commitment to justice and simplicity led him to make radical choices, like wearing undyed clothing to reveal imperfections and refusing to travel on the ship’s upper decks, protesting the poor treatment of lower deck passengers. He also opposed mailing letters in part because of the harsh conditions faced by postal workers.

Woolman’s influence on the abolitionist movement is profound; he traveled the eastern seaboard persuading Quakers and others to oppose slavery, often confronting social norms of his time. Known as one of the first animal rights advocates, he sought to live out his principles in all aspects of life, advocating not just for abolition but for a life of purpose rooted in faith and integrity. Despite the archaic language, his passionate writings resonate deeply today, inspiring reflection on societal values and economic practices that often come at a human cost.

Reading about Woolman’s life highlights the importance of living according to one's ideals and the power of individual conviction. His dedication to trying to influence others through compassion and reason is truly inspiring, especially in a time of great societal change. While the original Quaker community has since split and evolved, Woolman’s example reminds us of the profound impact one person can have when guided by a sincere love for God and humanity. His journal is a moving testament to a life committed to justice, humility, and spiritual devotion.

[Neil Saltmarsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting biography of a man who was very sensitive to the leadings of God. Some of the ways that John Woolman engaged with people would be hard to replicate today. At times, it is a little hard to decipher what is being said due to the archaic language but altogether inspiring and leads you to question the big things in our society where we gain an economic benefit at the expense of those providing the good or service. I can think of 3 or 4 things at the top of my head. I like the thoughts as to whether they would pay tax to support the military because it was antithetical to the Quakers at the time. What we euphemistically call defence basically is being used to rob lives both of the attacker and the victim. The government would persecute you if you refused to pay portions of tax.

At times, reading the biography made me a little sad because the Quakers of today have split and would not produce a John Woolman for this time Many have fallen to syncretism and some don't think it necessary to believe in God. Considering that the most enduring writers of Quaker history come from a very Christian base, it is a loss to the Christian world. I'm not into who is right and wrong theologically because that is not the most important thing, but a love, reverence and worship of God to me is essential to being taught by God. This was the original Quaker way of waiting upon God and being taught by Him. John Woolman seems to see the dissolution of Quaker ways even in his time.

[Don Harton · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!

What a good and challenging read:

Woolman uses words in unfamiliar ways. He writes long complex sentences which explain his thinking and give glory to God. He works out every thought and word and act and facet of life within the framework of God’s Word and the revelations of the Holy Spirit.

Woolman pulls no punches, especially in his own life. Oh that I could set aside this working out of Jesus’ teaching in one man’s life! But in my heart I know God loved Woolman and welcomed him home with a sweet embrace.

[Jim Maass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a required reading in one of my college classes. I decided to read it again, but in more of a casual pace. John Woolman was a Quaker preacher during the 1700's in colonial America. This writing contained his personal journal and essays that he wrote against slavery and the poverty of the lower classes, which he thought the upper society had created that problem through greed and not caring for their workers. In many ways, he compared it to slavery. I am glad that I had reread this book, and I would recommend it to those who enjoy history.

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woolman's essays provide inside into how our history and economy of militarism, materialism, and racism has been based on oppression of others and it is a reflection of how we can think about our current choices and actions. These essays are part of our American Literature and the messages from the 1700's are still relevant today.

Read as part of the Renovaré Book Club Season 2021 to 2022.

[Leonard Gladden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first foray into Woolman, or Quaker authors in general. The writing, of course, was older in style, but very accessible. I think I'm more of a Quaker than I realized. It was inspiring to read how convicted he was of the evils of slavery, and willing to face his opposition within the Friends. He doesn't seem to be angry, but he was definitely passionate! The social justice movement has deep roots.

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A difficult book to read because of the archaic language. I skipped most of the scholarly footnotes to read through faster. Found it interesting for it's historic time (pre-revolutionary war) and example of the Quaker lifestyle, also Woolman's development of his Christian faith, his anti-slavery movement and restrictions on a consumerist lifestyle.

[Judi Easton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The editor has done a good job compiling these writings and adding comments. It is a bit of a challenge to read because of the archaic English. I was entriqued by John Woolmans sensitivity to the Spirit and his deep relationship with his Lord.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a reflective reader, this book is for you. Also, I'd love to read some of your thoughts on the life and essays.

[Marlo Schalesky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow going

[Marty Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is difficult to read due to the old English. I had no idea that many Quakers did not like slavery. He did not like that some men’s wealth was due to other mens suffering.

[VeeInNY]

The voice of one crying in the wilderness....

[Dan Gorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Woolman's Journal is a thorough narrative of his intellectual life, missionary work among Native Americans, and campaign against slavery. He is a prophetic figure, focused on condemning slavery instead of proposing concrete steps to end the slave system. With that said, Woolman endorses non-consumption of slave-produced goods. He also refused to pay taxes that supported the Seven Years' War. The specifics of his personal life are omitted to a great degree, but this memoir contains some lovely prose extolling Woolman's devotion to God.

[Larry Lamar Yates]

John Woolman was a religious fanatic by modern standards, a skilled organizer by any standards, and extraordinarily lacking in self-deception. In the sharpest Quaker style, he saw truths that are fundamental to being human.

[John Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an important book but difficult to read. You need to be in a class or discussion group with someone knowledgable about the subject. Otherwise if you want to learn about John Woolman a biography or history of American Quaker thought would be easier to grasp.

[Brittany]

interesting to learn about a quaker's life and views on slavery, war, etc. but it was a bit dry for my taste-skimmed majority of it.
recommended in celebration of discipline (addresses racism, war and peace, faith in God, etc.-the most contemporary of all the recommended journals)

[loafingcactus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A timeless testimony of conscience.

[Vanessa Siemens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to get through but his passion for and love of God shine through every word. Inspired by the way in which he strives to live in complete integrity.