Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF
BEXJAMIX FRAXKLIX
THE JOURXAL OF
JOHX^ WOOLMAX^
FRUITS OF SOLITUDE
WILLIAM PEXX^
WITH IXTRODCCTIOXS AND NOTES
VOLLME 1
HC I
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2010
http://www.archive.org/details/harvardclassicsv1elio
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
Benjamin Franklin ix^as bom in Milk Street, Boston, on
January 6, 1706. His father, Josiah Franklin, was a tallow
chandler who married twice, and of his seventeen children Ben-
jamin was the youngest son. His schooling ended at ten, and at
twelve he was bound apprentice to his brother James, a printer,
who published the "New England Courant." To this journal he
became a contributor, and later was for a time its nominal editor.
But the brothers quarreled, and Benjamin ran away, going first
to New York, and thence to Philadelphia, where he arrived in
October, 172s. He soon obtained work as a printer, but after a
few months he was induced by Governor Keith to go to London,
where, finding Keith's promises empty, he again worked as a
compositor till he was brought back to Philadelphia by a mer-
chant named Denman, who gave him a position in his business.
On Denman's death he returned to his former trade, and shortly
set tip a printing house of his own from which he published " The
Pennsylvania Gasette," to which he contributed many essays, and
which he made a medium for agitating a variety of local reforms.
In 1732 he began to issue his famous "Poor Richard's Almanac "
for the enrichment of which he borrowed or composed those pithy
utterances of worldly wisdom which are the basis of a larga
part of his popular reputation. In 1758, the year in which he ceased
writing for the Almanac, he printed in it "Father Abraham's
Sermon," now regarded as the most famous piece of literature
produced in Colonial America.
Meantime Franklin was concerning himself more and more
with public affairs. He set forth a scheme for an Academy,
which zvas taken up later and finally developed into the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania ; and he founded an "American Philo-
sophical Society " for the purpose of enabling scientific men to
communicate their di'scoveries to one another. He himself had
already begun his electrical researches, which, with other scien-
tific he carried on in the intervals of money-making
inquiries,
and end of his life. In 1748 he sold his bu>siness
politics to the
in order to get leisure for study, having now acquired compara-
tive wealth; and in a few years he had made discoveries that
gave him a reputation with the learned throughout Europe. In
9
4 INTRODUCTORY NOTE
politics he proved very able both as an administrator and as a
controversialist ; but his record as an office-holder is stained by
the use he viade of his position to advance his relatives. His
most notable service in home politics was
reform of the
his
postal system; but his fame a-s a statesman rests chiefly on his
services in connection with the relations of the Colonies with
Great Britain, and later with France. In 17S7 he was sent to
England to protest against the influence of the Peitns in the
government of the colony, and for five years he remained there,
striving to enlighten the people and the ministry of England as
to Colonial conditions. On his return to America he played an
honorable part in the Pa.rton affair, through which he lost his
seat in the Assembly; but in 1764 he was again despatched to
England as agent for the colony, this time to petition the King to
resume the government from the hands of the proprietors. In
London he actively opposed the proposed Stamp Act, but lost the
credit for this and much of his popularity through his securing
for a friend the office of -stamp agent in America. Even his effect-
ive work in helping to obtain the repeal of the act left him still
'
6 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
besides correcting the faults, change some sinister accidents
and events of it for others more favorable. But though
this were denied, I should till accept the offer. Since such a
repetition is not to be expected^ the next thing most like
living one's life over again seems to be a recollection of that
life, and to make that recollection as durable as possible by
* Here follow in the margin the words, in brackets, "here insert it," but
the poetry is not given. Mr. Sparks informs us (Life of Franklin, p. 6^
that these volumes had been preserved, and were in possession of Mm.
Smmojis, of Boston, great-granddaughter of their author.
HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY 9
est child but two, and was born in Boston, New Eng-
land. My mother, the second wife, was Abiah Folger,
daughter of Peter Folger, one of the first settlers of New
England, of whom honorable mention is made by Cotton
Mather, in his church history of that country, entitled
Magnalia Christi Americana, as "a godly, learned English-
man, " if I remember the words rightly. I have heard
that he wrote sundry small occasional pieces, but only
one of them was printed, which I saw now many years since.
It was written in 1675, in the home-spun verse of that time
and people, and addressed to those then concerned in the
government there. It was in favor of liberty of conscience, and
in behalf of the Baptists, Quakers, and other sectaries that
had been under persecution, ascribing the Indian wars, and
other distresses that had befallen the country, to that perse-
cution, as so many judgments of God to punish so heinous
an offense, and exhorting a repeal of those uncharitable laws.
;
10 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
The whole appeared to me as written with a good deal of
decent plainness and manly freedom. The six concluding
lines I remember, though I have forgotten the two first of
the stanza but the purport of them was, that his censures
;
was not bred to, but had assumed on his arrival in New
England, and on finding his dying trade would not main-
tain his family, being in little request. Accordingly, I was
employed in cutting wick for the candles, filling the dipping
mold and the molds for cast candles, attending the shop,
going of errands, etc.
I and had a strong inclination for the
disliked the trade,
sea, but my father declared againstit; however, living near
the water, I was much in and about it, learnt early to swim
well, and to manage boats; and when in a boat or canoe
with other boys, I was commonly allowed to govern,
especially in any case of difficulty; and upon other occasions
I was generally a leader among the boys, and sometimes
led them into scrapes, of which I will mention one instance,
as it shows an early projecting public spirit, tho' not then
justly conducted.
There was a salt-marsh that bounded part of the mill-pond,
on the edge of which, at high water, we used to stand to
fish for minnows. By much trampling, we had made it a
mere quagmire. My proposal was to build a wharff there
fit for us to stand upon, and I showed my comrades a large
HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY 13
JOSIAH FrANKLIK,
and
Abiah his wife,
here interred.
lie
They lived lovingly together in wedlock
fifty-five years.
Without an estate, or any gainful employmeat,
By constant labor and industry,
with God's blessing.
They maintained a large family
comfortably,
and brought up thirteen children
and seven grandchildren
reputably.
From this instance, reader,
Be encouraged to diligence in thy calling,
And distrust not Providence.
He was a pious and prudent man
She, a discreet and virtuous woman.
Their youngest son,
In regard to their memory.
filial
Places this stone.
J. F. born 1655, died 1744, ^tat 89.
A. F. born 1667, died 1752, 85.
business for two years, that is, till I was twelve years old;
and mybrother John, who was bred to that business, having
left my father, married, and set up for himself at Rhode
Island, there was all appearance tliat I was destined to supply
his place, and become a tallow-chandler. But my dislike to
the trade continuing, my father was under apprehensions
that if he did not find one for me more
agreeable, I should
break away and get to sea, as his son Josiah had done, to
his great vexation. He therefore sometimes took me to
walk with him, and see joiners, bricklayers, turners, braziers,
etc., at their work, that he might observe my inclination,
And he might have coupled with this line that which he has
coupled with another, I think, less properly,
" For want of modesty is want of sense."
If you ask, Why less properly? I must repeat the lines,
" Immodest words admit of no defense,
For want of modesty is want of sense."
Now, is not want of sense (where a man is so unfortunate
as to want some apology for his want of modestyt and
it)
28 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
me a few questions, put a composing stick in my hand tc
see how I work'd, and then said he would employ me soon,
though he had just then nothing for me to do; and, taking
old Bradford, whom he had never seen before, to be one
of the town's people that had a good will for him, enter'd
into a conversation on his present undertaking and prospects
while Bradford, not discovering that he was the other
printer's father, on Keimer's saying he expected soon to get
the greatest part of the business into his own hands, drew
him on by artful questions, and starting little doubts, to
explain all his views, what interests he reli'd on, and in what
manner he intended to proceed. I, who stood by and heard
all, saw immediately that one of them was a crafty old
the matter, he would help me out with the rest. This was
all I could obtain, except some small gifts as tokens of his
and my mother's love, when I embark'd again for New
York, now with their approbation and their blessing.
The sloop putting in at Newport, Rhode Island, I visited
my brother John, who had been married and settled there
some years. He received me very affectionately, for he
always lov'd me. A friend of his, one Vernon, having some
money due to him in Pensilvania, about thirty-five pounds
currency, desired I would receive it for him, and keep it
till I had his directions what to remit it in. Accordingly, he
gave me an order. This afterwards occasion'd me a good
deal of uneasiness.
At Newport we took in a number of passengers for New
1 aci
I
HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY 33
actions; and if thee art not upon thy guard, they will draw
thee into some danger; they are strangers to thee, and I
advise thee, in a friendly concern for thy welfare, to have
no acquaintance with them." As I seem'd at first not to
think so ill of them as she did, she mentioned some things
she had observ'd and heard that had escap'd my notice, but
now convinc'd me she was right. I thank'd her for her
kind advice, and promis'd to follow it. When we arriv'd at
New York, they told me where they liv'd, and invited me
to come andsee them; but I avoided it, and it was well I
did; for the next day the captain miss'd a silver spoon and
some other things, that had been taken out of his cabbin,
and, knowing that these were a couple of strumpets, he got
a warrant to search their lodgings, found the stolen goods,
and had the thieves punish'd. So, tho' we had escap'd a
sunken rock, which we scrap'd upon in the passage, I
thought this escape of rather more importance to me.
At New York I found my friend Collins, who had arriv'd
there some time before me. We had been intimate from
children, and had read the same books together but he had
;
fowl, and the whim suited me the better at this time from
the cheapness of it, not costing us above eighteenpence
sterling each per week. I have since kept several Lents
most strictly, leaving the common diet for that, and that
for the common, abruptly, without the least inconvenience,
so that I think there is little in the advice of making those
changes by easy gradations. I went on pleasantly, but poor
Keimer suffered grievously, tired of the project, long'd for
the flesh-pots of Egypt, and order'd a roast pig. He invited
me and two women friends to dine with him but, it being ;
brought too soon upon table, he could not resist the tempta-
tion,and ate the whole before we came.
I had made some courtship during this time to Miss Read.
I had a great respect and affection for her, and had some
reason to believe she had the same for me; but, as I was
about to take a long voyage, and we were both very young,
S8 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
only a little above eighteen, it was thought most prudent
by her mother to prevent our going too far at present, as
a marriage, if it was to take place, would be more con-
venient after my return, when I should be, as I expected,
set up in my business. Perhaps, too, she thought my ex-
pectations not so well founded as I imagined them to be.
My chief acquaintances at this time were Charles Osborne,
Joseph Watson, and James Ralph, all lovers of reading.
The two first were clerks to an eminent scrivener or con-
veyancer in the town, Charles Brogden; the other was
clerk to a merchant. Watson was a pious, sensible young
man, of great integrity; the others rather more lax in their
principles of religion, particularly Ralph, w'ho, as well as
Collins, had been unsettled by me, for which they both made
me suffer. Osborne was sensible, candid, frank; sincere
and affectionate to his friends; but, in literary matters,
too fond of criticising. Ralph was ingenious, genteel in
his manners, and extremely eloquent; I think I never knew
a prettier talker. Both of them great admirers of poetry,
and began to try their hands in little pieces. Many pleasant
walks we four had together on Sundays into the woods, near
Schuylkill, where we read to one another, and conferr'd on
what we read.
Ralph was inclin'd to pursue the study of poetry, not
doubting but he might become eminent in it, and make his
fortune by it, alleging that the best poets must, when they
first began to write, make as many faults as he did. Osborne
dissuaded him, assur'd him he had no genius for poetry, and
advis'd him to think of nothing beyond the business he
was bred to; that, in the mercantile way, tho' he had no
stock, he might, by his diligence and punctuality, recom-
mend himself to employment as a factor, and in time
acquire wherewith to trade on his own account. I approv'd
the amusing one's self with poetry now and then, so far
as to improve one's language, but no farther.
On this it was propos'd that we should each of us, at
our next meeting, produce a piece of our own composing,
in order to improve by our mutual observations, criticisms.
and corrections. As language and expression were what
we had in view, we excluded all considerations of invention
;
HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY 99
42 BENJAMIN FRAXKI>IN
person," says He but, opening the letter, "
; ! this O
is from
Riddlesden. I have lately found him to be a compleat rascal,
and I will have nothing to do with him, nor receive any
letters from him." So. putting the letter into my hand, he
turn'd on his heel and left me to serve some customer.
I was surprized to find these were not the governor's letters
and, after recollecting and comparing circumstances, I began
to doubt his sincerity. I found my friend Denham, and
opened the whole affair to him. He let me into Keith's
character; told me there was not the least probability that
he had written any letters for me; that no one, who knew
him, had the smallest dependence on him; and he laught at
the notion of the governor's giving me a letter of credit,
having, as he said, no credit to give. On my expressing
some concern about what I should do, he advised me to
endeavor getting some employment in the way of my busi-
ness. " Among the printers here," said he, " you will improve
yourself, and when you return to America, you will set up
to greater advantage."
Weboth of us happen'd to know, as well as the stationer,
that Riddlesden, the attorney, was a very knave. He had
half ruin'd Miss Read's father by persuading him to be
bound for him. By this letter it appear'd there was a secret
scheme on foot to the prejudice of Hamilton (suppos'd to
be then coming over with us) and that Keith was con-
;
a strong light the folly of pursuing the Muses with any hope
of advancement by them. All was in vain ; sheets of the
poem continued to come by every post. In the mean time,
Mrs. T , having on his account lost her friends and
business, was often in distresses, and us'd to send for me,
and borrow what I could spare to help her out of them. I
grew fond of her company, and, being at that time under no
religious restraint, and presuming upon my importance to
her, I attempted familiarities (another erratum) which she
repuls'd with a proper resentment, and acquainted him with
my behaviour. This made a breach between us; and, when
he returned again to London, he let me know he thought I
had cancell'd all the obligations he had been under to me.
So I found I was never to expect his repaying me what I
lent to him, or advanc'd for him. This, however, was not
then of much consequence, as he was totally unable and in ;
46 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
printing-house. Here I continued all the rest of my stay
in London.
At my admission into this printing-house I took to
first
working imagining I felt a want of the bodily
at press,
exercise I had been us'd to in America, where presswork
is mix'd with composing. I drank only water; the other
workmen, near fifty in number, were great guzzlers of beer.
On occasion, I carried up and down stairs a large form of
types in each hand, when others carried but one in both
hands. They wondered to see, from this and several in-
stances, that the Water- American, as they called me, was
stronger than themselves, who drank strong beer had
! We
an alehouse boy who attended always in the house to supply
the workmen. My companion at the press drank every day
a pint before breakfast, a pint at breakfast with his bread
and cheese, a pint between breakfast and dinner, a pint at
dinner, a pint in the afternoon about six o'clock, and
another when he had done his day's work. I thought it a
detestable custom; but it was necessary, he suppos'd, to
drink strong beer, that he might be strong to labor. I
endeavored to convince him that the bodily strength afforded
by beer could only be in proportion to the grain or flour of
the barley dissolved in the water of which it was made;
that there was more flour in a pennyworth of bread; and
therefore, if he would eat that with a pint of water, it would
give him more strength than a quart of beer. He drank on,
however, and had four or five shillings to pay out of his
wages every Saturday night for that muddling liquor; an
expense I was free from. And thus these poor devils keep
themselves always under.
Watts, after some weeks, desiring to have me in the com-
posing-room, I left the pressmen; a new bien venu or sum
for drink, being five shillings, was demanded of me by the
compositors. I thought it an imposition, as I had paid below
the master thought so too, and forbad my paying it. I stood
out two or three weeks, was accordingly considered as an
excommunicate, and had so many little pieces of private
mischief done me, by mixing my sorts, transposing my pages,
breaking my matter, etc., etc., if I were ever so little out of
the room, and all ascribed to the chappel ghost, which they
HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY 47
gruel only, and using no fire but to boil it. She had lived
many years in that garret, being permitted to remain there
gratis by successive Catholic tenants of the house below, as
they deemed it a blessing to have her there. A priest visited
her to confess her every day. " I have ask'd her," says my
landlady, "how she, as she liv'd, could possibly find so much
employment for a confessor?" "Oh," said she, "it is impos-
sible to avoid vain thoughts." I was permitted once to visit
HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY 49
''^.^'^ "Journal " was printed by Sparks, from a copy made at Reading
HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY SS
more for their publicity, all the neighbors who were looking
out on the same occasion being witnesses how I was treated.
He came up immediately into the printing-house, continu'd
the quarrel, high words pass'd on both sides, he gave me
the quarter's warning we had stipulated, expressing a wish
that he had not been oblig'd to so long a warning. I told
him his wish was unnecessary, for I would leave him that
instant; and so, taking my hat, walk'd out of doors, desir-
ing Meredith, whom I saw below, to take care of some
things I left, and bring them to my lodgings.
Meredith came accordingly in the evening, when we talked
my affair over. He had conceiv'd a great regard for me,
and was very unwilling that I should leave the house while
he remain'd in it. He dissuaded me from returning to mj
native country, which I began to think of; he reminded m<
that Keimer was in debt for all he possess'd; that his
creditors began to be uneasy; that he kept his shop miserably,
sold often without profit for ready money, and often trusted
without keeping accounts that he must therefore fail, which
;
HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY SI
he, " I foresee that you will soon work this man out of
business, and make a fortune in it at Philadelphia." He
had not then the least intimation of my intention to set up
there or anywhere. These friends were afterwards of great
use to me, as I occasionally was to some of them. They
all continued their regard for me as long as they lived.
may be well to let you know the then state of my mind with
regard to my principles and morals, that you may see how far
those influenc'd the future events of my life. parents My
had early g^ven me religious impressions, and brought me
through my childhood piously in the Dissenting way. But
I was scarce fifteen, when, after doubting by turns of several
points, as I found them disputed in the different books I
read, I began to doubt of Revelation itself. Some books
against Deism fell into my hands; they were said to be the
substance of sermons preached at Boyle's Lectures. It hap-
pened that they wrought an effect on me quite contrary to
what was intended by them for the arguments of the Deists,
;
82 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
'
George Webb, who had found a female friend that lent
him wherewith to purchase his time of Keimer, now came
to offer himself as a journeyman to us. We could not then
employ him; but I foolishly let him know as a secret that
I soon intended to begin a newspaper, and might then have
work for him. My hopes of success, as I told him, were
founded on this, that the then only newspaper, printed by
Bradford, was a paltry thing, wretchedly manag'd, no way
entertaining, and yet was profitable to him; I therefore
thought a good paper would scarcely fail of good encourage-
ment. I requested Webb not to mention it; but he told it
to Keimer, who immediately, to be beforehand with me,
published proposals for printing one himself, on which Webb
was to be employ'd. I resented this; and, to counteract
them, as I could not yet begin our paper, I wrote several
pieces of entertainment for Bradford's paper, under the
title of the Busy Body, which Breintnal continu'd some
House, and they voted us their printers for the year ensuing.
Among my friends in the House I must not forget Mr.
Hamilton, before mentioned, who was then returned from
England, and had a seat in it. He interested himself for
me strongly in that instance, as he did in many others after-
ward, continuing his patronage till his death.*
Mr. Vernon, about this time, put me in mind of the debt
I ow'd him, but did not press me. I wrote him an ingenuous
letter of acknowledgment, crav'd his forbe^ ranee a little
longer, which he allow'd me, and as soon as I was able, I
paid the principal with interest, and many thanks; so that
erratum was in some degree corrected.
But now another difficulty came upon me which I had
never the least reason to expect. Mr. Meredith's father,
who was to have paid for our printing-house, according to
the expectations given me, was able to advance only one
hundred pounds currency, which had been paid; and a
hundred more was due to the merchant, who grew impatient,
and su'd us all. We gave bail, but saw that, if the money
could not be rais'd in time, the suit must soon come to a
judgment and execution, and our hopeful prospects must,
with us, be ruined, as the press and letters must be sold for
payment, perhaps at half price.
In this distress two true friends, whose kindness I have
never forgotten, nor ever shall forget while I can remember
any thing, came to me separately, unknown to each other,
and, without any application from me, offering each of them
to advance me all the money that should be necessary to
enable me to take the whole business upon myself, if that
should be practicable; but they did not like my continuing
*I got bis son once 500. [Marg, noU.l
64 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
the partnership with Meredith, who, as they said, was often
seen drunk in the streets, and playing at low games in
alehouses, much to our discredit. These two friends were
William Coleman and Robert Grace. I told them I could
not propose a separation while any prospect remain'd of the
Merediths' fulfilling their part of our agreement, because
I thought myself under great obligations to them for what
and half of the other; paid off the company's debts, and went
on with the business in my own name, advertising that the
partnership was dissolved. I think this was in or about the
year 1729.
About this time there was a cry among the people for
more paper money, only fifteen thousand pounds being extant
in the province, and that soon to be sunk. The wealthy
inhabitants oppos'd any addition, being against all paper
currency, from an apprehension that it would depreciate,
as it had done in New
England, to the prejudice of all
creditors. We had discuss'd this point in our Junto, where
I was on the side of an addition, being persuaded that the
first small sum struck in 1723 had done much good by
HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY 0?
68 BENJAMIN FRANKIJN
hundred pounds. She brought me word they had no such
sum to spare; I mortgage their house in
said they might
the loan-office. The answer to this, after some days, was,
that they did not approve the match; that, on inquiry of
Bradford, they had been inform'd the printing business was
not a profitable one; the types would soon be worn out,
and more wanted; that S. Keimer and D. Harry had failed
one after the other, and I should probably soon follow them
and, therefore, I was forbidden the house, and the daughter
shut up.
Whether this was a real change of sentiment or only
artifice,on a supposition of our being too far engaged in
affection to retract, and therefore that we should steal a
marriage, which would leave them at liberty to give or
withhold what they pleas'd, I know not; but I suspected
the latter, resented it, and went no more. Mrs. Godfrey
brought me afterward some more favorable accounts of
their disposition, and would have drawn me on again; but
I declared absolutely my resolution to have nothing more
to do with that family. This was resented by the Godfreys
we differ'd, and they removed, leaving me the whole house,
and I resolved to take no more inmates.
But this affair having turned my thoughts to marriage,
I lock'd round me and made overtures of acquaintance in
other places; but soon found that, the business of a printer
being generally thought a poor one, I was not to expect
money with a wife, unless with such a one as I should not
otherwise think agreeable. In the mean time, that hard-to-
be-governed passion of youth hurried me frequently into
intrigues with low women that fell in my way, which were
attended with some expense and great inconvenience, be-
sides a continual risque to my health by a distemper which
of all things I dreaded, though by great good luck I escaped
it. A friendly correspondence as neighbors and old ac-
quaintances had continued between me and Mrs. Read's
family, who all had a regard for me from the time of my
firstlodging in their house. I was often invited there and
consulted in their affairs, wherein I sometimes was of serv-
ice. I piti'd poor Miss Read's unfortunate situation, who
yf&s generally dejected, seldom cheerful, and avoided com-
;
HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY 60
(received in Paris).
I. Temperaxce.
2, Silence.
3. Order.
Let all your things have their places; let each part of
your business have its time.
4. Resolution.
5. Frugality.
6. Industry.
7. Sincerity.
8. Justice.
9. Moderation.
10. Cleanliness.
II. Tranquillity.
My
intention being to acquire the habitude of all these
it would be well not to distract my attention
virtues, I judg'd
by attempting the whole at once, but to fix it on one of
them at a time; and, when I should be master of that, then
to proceed to another, and so on, till I should have gone
thro' the thirteen; and, as the previous acquisition of some
might facilitate the acquisition of certain others, I arrang'd
them with that view, as they stand above. Temperance
first, astends to procure that coolness and clearness of
it
HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY 85
TEMPERANCE.
EAT NOT TO DULNESS
DRINK NOT TO ELEVATION.
S. M. T. W. T. F. S.
T.
S. * * * *
O. * * * * *
R. * *
F. *
I. *
S.
J.
M.
C.
T.
C.
H.
flS BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
I determined to give a week's strict attention to each' of
the virtues successively. Thus, in the first week, my great
guard was to avoid every the least offence against Temper-
ance, leaving the other virtues to their ordinary chance,
only marking every evening the faults of the day. Thus, if
in the first week I could keep my first line, marked T, clear
of spots, I suppos'd the habit of that virtue so much
strengthen'd, and its opposite weaken'd, that I might venture
extending my attention to include the next, and for the
following week keep both lines clear of spots. Proceeding
thus to the last, I could go thro* a course compleat in thir-
teen weeks, and four courses in a year. And like him who,
having a garden to weed, does not attempt to eradicate all
the bad herbs at once, which would exceed his reach and
his strength, but works on one of the beds at a time, and,
having accomplish'd the first, proceeds to a second, so I
should have, I hoped, the encouraging pleasure of seeing on
my pages the progress I made in virtue, by clearing suc-
cessively my lines of their spots, till in the end, by a num-
ber of courses, I should be happy in viewing a clean book,
after a thirteen weeks' daily examination.
This my little book had for its motto these lines from
Addison's Cato:
" Here will I hold. If there's a power above us
(Andthat there is, all nature cries aloud
Thro' all her works), He must delight in virtue;
And that which he delights in must be happy."
Another from Cicero,
" O vitse Philosophia dux O virtutum indagatrix expultrixque
!
HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY 87
9 Work.
lo
II
lO
II
12
Night, Sletp.
ij
88 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
I enter'dupon the execution of this plan for self-examina-
tion, and continu'd it with occasional intermissions for some
time. was surpris'd to find myself so much fuller of faults
I
than had imagined; but I had the satisfaction of seeing
I
them diminish. To avoid the trouble of renewing now and
then my little book, which, by scraping out the marks on
the paper of old faults to make room for new ones in a
new course, became full of holes, I transferr'd my tables
and precepts to the ivory leaves of a memorandum book,
on which the were drawn with red ink, that made a
lines
durable stain, and on those lines I mark'd my faults with
a black-lead pencil, which marks I could easily wipe out
with a wet sponge. After a while I went thro' one course
only in a year, and afterward only one in several years, till
at length I omitted them entirely, being employ'd in voyages
and business abroad, with a multiplicity of affairs that inter-
fered; but I always carried my little book with me.
My scheme of Order gave me the most trouble; and I
found that, tho' it might be practicable where a man's busi-
ness was such as to leave him the disposition of his time,
that of a journeyman printer, for instance, it was not pos-
sible to be exactly observed by a master, who must mix
with the world, and often receive people of business at their
own hours. Order, too, with regard to places for things,
papers, found extreamly difficult to acquire. I had
etc., I
not been early accustomed to it, and, having an exceeding
good memory, I was not so sensible of the inconvenience
attending want of method. This article, therefore, cost me
so much painful attention, and my faults in it vexed me so
much, and I made so little progress in amendment, and had
such frequent relapses, that I was almost ready to give up
the attempt, and content myself with a faulty character in
that respect, like the man who, in buying an ax of a smith,
my neighbour, desired to have the whole of its surface as
bright as the edge. The smith consented to grind it bright
for him if he would turn the wheel; he turn'd, while the
smith press'd the broad face of the ax hard and heavily on
the stone, which made the turning of it very fatiguing.
The man came every now and then from the wheel to see
how the work went on, and at length would take his ax as
HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY 89
90 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
of his country, and the honorable employs it conferred upon
him; and to the joint influence of the whole mass of the
virtues, even in the imperfect state he was able to acquire
them, all that evenness of temper, and that cheerfulness in
conversation, which makes his company still sought for, and
agreeable even to his younger acquaintance. I hope, there-
fore, that some of my descendants may follow the example
and reap the benefit.
It will be remark 'd that, tho' my scheme was not wholly
without religion, there was in it no mark of any of the
distinguishing tenets of any particular sect. I had purposely
avoided them; for, being fully persuaded of the utility and
excellency of my method, and that it might be serviceable
to people in all religions, and intending some time or other
to publish it, I would not have any thing in it that should
prejudice any one, of any sect, against it. I purposed
writing a little comment on each virtue, in which I would
have shown the advantages of possessing it, and the mis-
chiefs attending its opposite vice; and I should have called
my book The Art of Virtue,^ because it would have shown
the means and manner of obtaining virtue, which would
have distinguished it from the mere exhortation to be good,
that does not instruct and indicate the means, but is like
the apostle's man of verbal charity, who only without show-
ing to the naked and hungry how or where they might get
clothes or victuals, exhorted them to be fed and clothed.
James ii. 15, 16.
But it so happened that my intention of writing and
publishing this comment was never fulfilled. I did, indeed,
from time to time, put down short hints of the sentiments,
reasonings, etc., to be made use of in it, some of which I
have still by me but the necessary close attention to private
;
show itself; you will see it, perhaps, often in this history;
for, even if I could conceive that I had compleatly overcome
it, I should probably be proud of my humility.
HAVING
which
mentioned a great and extensive project
had conceiv'd, it seems proper that some
I
account should be here given of that project and its
object. Its first rise in my mind appears in the following
little paper, accidentally preserv'd, viz.
Observations on my reading history, in Library, May
19th, 1731.
" That the great affairs of the world, the wars, revolutions,
etc.,are carried on and affected by parties.
"That the view of these parties is their present general
interest, or what they take to be such.
"That the different views of these different parties occa-
sion all confusion.
" That while a party is carrying on a general design, each
man has his particular private interest in view.
" That as soon as a party has gain'd its general point,
each member becomes intent upon his particular interest;
which, thwarting others, breaks that party into divisions,
and occasions more confusion.
" That few in public affairs act from a meer view of the
good of their country, whatever they may pretend; and,
tho' their actings bring real good to their country, yet men
primarily considered that their own and their country's
interest was united, and did not act from a principle of
benevolence.
" That fewer still, in public affairs, act with a view to
the good of mankind.
8 This is a marginalmemorandum. B.
98
:
9* BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
" There seems to me at present to be great occasion for
raising a United Party for Virtue, by forming the vir-
tuous and good men of all nations into a regular body, to
be govern'd by suitable good and wise rules, which good and
wise men may probably be more unanimous in their obedience
to, than common people are to common laws.
" I at present think that whoever attempts this aright,
and is well qualified, can not fail of pleasing God, and of
meeting with success. B. F."
Revolving this project in my mind, as to be undertaken
hereafter, when my circumstances should afford me the
necessary leisure, I put down from time to time, on pieces
of paper, such thoughts as occurr'd to me respecting it.
Most of these are lost but I find one purporting to be the
;
fore filled all the little spaces that occurr'd between the
remarkable days in the calendar with proverbial sentences,
chiefly such as inculcated industry and frugality, as the
96 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
means of procuring wealth, and thereby securing virtue; it
being more difficult for a man in want, to act always hon-
estly, as, to use here one of those proverbs, it is hard for an
empty sack to stand upright.
These proverbs, which contained the wisdom of many
ages and nations, I assembled and form'd into a connected
discourse prefix'd to the Almanack of 1757, as the harangue
of a wise old man to the people attending an auction. The
bringing all these scatter'd counsels thus into a focus enabled
them to make greater impression. The piece, being univer-
sally approved, was copied in all the newspapers of the Con-
tinent; reprinted in Britain on a broad side, to be stuck up in
houses; two translations were made of it in French, and
great numbers bought by the clergy and gentry, to distribute
gratis among their poor parishioners and tenants. In Penn-
sylvania, as it discouraged useless expense in foreign super-
fluities, some thought it had its share of influence in pro-
ducing that growing plenty of money which was observable
for several years after its publication.
I considered my newspaper, also, as another means of
communicating instruction, and in that view frequently
reprinted in it extracts from the Spectator, and other moral
writers; and sometimes publish'd little pieces of my own,
which had been first compos'd for reading in our Junto. Of
these are a Socratic dialogue, tending to prove that, what-
ever might be his parts and abilities, a vicious man could
not properly be called a man of sense; and a discourse on
self-denial, showing that virtue was not secure till its prac-
tice became a habitude, and was free from the opposition of
contrary inclinations. These may be found in the papers
about the beginning of 1735.
In the conduct of my newspaper, I carefully excluded all
libelling and personal abuse, which is of late years become
so disgraceful to our country. Whenever I was solicited
to insert anything of that kind, and the writers pleaded, as
they generally did, the liberty of the press, and that a news-
paper was like a stage-coach, in which any one who would
pay had a right to a place, my answer was, that I would
print the piece separately if desired, and the author might
have as many copies as he pleased to distribute himself.
;
HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY 97
but they wip'd off his coloring as fast as he laid it on, and
plac'd it, in return, thick upon his own face so that, finding
;
" Advertisement.
and the owner ;and in case of the loss of any waggon, team,
or other horse in the service, the price according to such
valuation is to be allowed and paid. 4. Seven days' pay is
to be advanced and paid in hand by me to the owner of each
waggon and team, or horse, at the time of contracting, if
required, and the remainder to be paid by General Brad-
dock, or by the paymaster of the army, at the time of their
discharge, or from time to time, as it shall be demanded.
5. No drivers of waggons, or persons taking care of the
hired horses, are on any account to be called upon to do the
duty of soldiers, or be otherwise employed than in conduct-
ing or taking care of their carriages or horses. 6. All oats,
Indian corn, or other forage that waggons or horses bring to
the camp, more than is necessary for the subsistence of the
horses, is to be taken for the use of the army, and a reason-
able price paid for the same.
" Note. My son, William Franklin, is empowered to enter
into like contracts with any person in Cumberland county.
"B. Franklin."
HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY 137
Sir John St. Clair, the hussar, with a body of soldiers, will
immediately enter the province for the purpose, which I
shall be sorry to hear, because I am very sincerely and truly
your friend and well-wisher, B. Franklin."
surely don't suppose that the fort will not be taken ? " "I
don't know that it will not be taken, but I know that the events
of war are subject to great uncertainty." I gave them the
reasons of my doubting; the subscription was dropt, and
the projectors thereby missed the mortification they would
have undergone if the firework had been prepared. Dr.
Bond, on some other occasion afterward, said that he did
not like Franklin's forebodings.
Governor Morris, who had continually worried the As-
sembly with message after message before the defeat of
Braddock, to beat them into the making of acts to raise
money for the defense of the province, without taxing,
among others, the proprietary estates, and had rejected all
their bills for not having such an exempting clause, now
redoubled his attacks with more hope of success, the danger
and necessity being greater. The Assembly, however, con-
tinu'd firm, believing they had justice on their side, and that
it would be giving up an essential right if they suffered
** This dialogue and the militia act are in the " Gentleman's Magazine "
for February and March, 1756. [Marg. note.}
146 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
too, kept watch, and reliev'd as methodically as in any gar-
rison town. In conversation with the bishop, Spangenberg,
I mention'd this my surprise; for, knowing they had ob-
tained an act of ParHament exempting them from military
duties in the colonies, I had suppos'd they were conscien-
tiously scrupulous of bearing arms. He answer'd me that
it was not one of their established principles, but that, at
disciple.
What gave my book the more sudden and general celebrity,
was the success of one of its proposed experiments, made by
Messrs. Dalibard and De Lor at Marly, for drawing light-
ning from the clouds. This engag'd the public attention
every where. M. de Lor, who had an apparatus for experi-
mental philosophy, and lectur'd in that branch of science,
undertook to repeat what he called the Philadelphia Experi-
ments; and, after they were performed before the king and
court, all the curious of Paris flocked to see them. I will
not swell this narrative with an account of that capital
experiment, nor of the infinite pleasure I receiv'd in the
success of a similar one I made soon after with a kite at
Philadelphia, as both are to be found in the histories of
electricity.
Dr. Wright, an English physician, when at Paris, wrote
to a friend, who was of the Royal Society, an account of the
high esteem my experiments were in among the learned
abroad, and of their wonder that my writings had been so
little noticed in England. The society, on this, resum'd the
consideration of the letters that had been read to them and ;
once given the king could not repeal or alter them. And as
the Assemblies could not make permanent laws without
his assent, so neither could he make a law for them without
theirs. He assur'd me I was totally mistaken. I did not
think so, however, and his lordship's conversation having
a little alarm'd me as to what might be the sentiments of
the court concerning us, I wrote it down as soon as I
return'd to my lodgings. I recollected that about 20 years
before, a clause in a bill brought into Parliament by the
ministry had propos'd to make the king's instructions laws
in the colonies, but the clause was thrown out by the Com-
mons, for which we adored them as our friends and friends
of liberty, till by their conduct towards us in 1765 it seem'd
that they had refus'd that point of sovereignty to the king
only that they might reserve it for themselves.
After some days, Dr. Fothergill having spoken to the
proprietaries, they agreed to a meeting with me at Mr. T.
Penn's house in Spring Garden. The conversation at first
consisted of mutual declarations of disposition to reasonable
accommodations, but I suppose each party had its own ideas
of what should be meant by reasonable. We then went into
consideration of our several points of complaint, which I
enumerated. The proprietaries justify'd their conduct as
well as they could, and I the Assembly's. We now appeared
very wide, and so far from each other in our opinions as to
discourage all hope of agreement. However, it was con-
cluded that I should give them the heads of our complaints
in writing, and they promis'd then to consider them. I did
so soon after, but they put the paper into the hands of their
solicitor, Ferdinand John Paris, who managed for them all
their law business in their great suit with the neighbouring
proprietary of Maryland, Lord Baltimore, which had subsisted
70 years, and wrote for them all their papers and messages
in their dispute with the Assembly. He was a proud, angry
man, and as I had occasionally in the answers of the As-
lUnfinished},
CHIEF EVENTS IN FRANKLITTS LIFE
175S Awarded the Copley medal for this discovery, and elected
a member of the Royal Society; receives the degree of
M.A. from Yale and Harvard. Appointed joint Post'
master-General.
1763 Makes a five months' tour of the northern colonies for the
purpose of inspecting the post-offices.
CHAPTER I
1720- 1742
His
Birth and Parentage Some Account of the Operations of
Divine Grace on his Mind in his Youth His first Appearance
in the Ministry
And his Considerations, while Young, on the
Keeping of Slaves.
From what I had read and heard, I believed there had been,
in past ages, people who walked in uprightness before God
in a degree exceeding any that I knew or heard of now
living: and the apprehension of there being less steadiness
and firmness amongst people in the present age often
troubled me
while I was a child.
I mayhere mention a remarkable circumstance that
occurred in my childhood. On going to a neighbor's house,
I saw on the way a robin sitting on her nest, and as I came
near she went off; but having young ones, she flew about,
and with many cries expressed her concern for them. I
stood and threw stones at her, and one striking her she fell
down dead. At first I was pleased with the exploit, but
after a few minutes was seized with horror, at having, in a
sportive way, killed an innocent creature while she was
careful for her young. I beheld her lying dead, and thought
those young ones, for which she was so careful, must now
perish for want of their dam to nourish them. After some
painful considerations on the subject, I climbed up the tree,
took all the young birds, and killed them, supposing that
better than to leave them to pine away and die miserably.
In this case I believed that Scripture proverb was fulfilled,
" The tender mercies of the wicked are cruel." I then went
on my errand, and for some hours could think of little else
but the cruelties I had committed, and was much troubled.
Thus He whose tender mercies are over all his works hath
placed a principle in the human mind, which incites to exer-
cise goodness towards every living creature; and this being
singly attended to, people become tender-hearted and sym-
pathizing; but when frequently and totally rejected, the
mind becomes shut up in a contrary disposition.
About the twelfth year of my age, my father being abroad,
my mother reproved me for some misconduct, to which I
THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN 179
been better for me never to have had being, than to see the
day which I now saw. I was filled with confusion, and in
great affliction, both of mind and body, I lay and bewailed
180 THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN
myself. I had not confidence to lift up my cries to God,
whom had thus offended; but in a deep sense of my great
I
folly I was humbled before him. At length that word which
is as a fire and a hammer broke and dissolved my rebellious
do not fully show forth that inward life to those who have
not felt it; this white stone and new name is only known
rightly by such as receive it.
Now, though I had been thus strengthened to bear the
cross, I still found myself in great danger, having many
weaknesses attending me, and strong temptations to wrestle
with ; in the feeling whereof I frequently withdrew into
private places, and often with tears besought the Lord to
help me, and his gracious ear was open to my cry.
All this time I lived with my parents, and wrought on the
plantation; and having had schooling pretty well for a
planter, I used to improve myself in winter evenings, and
other leisure times. Being now in the twenty-first year pf
my age, with my father's consent I engaged with a man. in
much business as a shop-keeper and baker, to tend shop and
keep books. At home I had lived retired and now having
;
their hearts, first purifying them, and thus giving them a just
sense of the conditions of others. This truth was early fixed
in my mind, and I was taught to watch the pure opening,
and to take heed lest, while I was standing to speak, my own
will should get uppermost, and cause me to utter words from
worldly wisdom, and depart from the channel of the true
gospel ministry.
In the management of my outward affairs, I may say
with thankfulness, I found truth to be my support; and I
was respected in my master's family, who came to live in
Mount Holly within two years after my going there.
In a few months after I came here, my master bought
several Scotchmen servants, from on board a vessel, and
brought them to Mount Holly to sell, one of whom was
taken sick and died. In the latter part of his sickness, being
delirious, he used to curse and swear most sorrowfully; and
the next night after his burial I was left to sleep alone in
THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN 185
me. Nature was feeble; but every trial was a fresh incite-
ment to give myself up wholly to the service of God, for I
found no helper like him in times of trouble.
About the twenty-third year of my age, I had many fresh
and heavenly openings, in respect to the care and provi-
dence of the Almighty over his creatures in general, and
over man as the most noble amongst those which
are visible. And being clearly convinced in my judgment
that to place my whole trust in God was best for me, I
felt renewed engagements that in all things I might act on
an inward principle of virtue, and pursue worldly business
no further than as truth opened my way.
About the time called Christmas I observed many people,
both in town and from the country, resorting to public-
houses, and spending their time in drinking and vain sports,
tending to corrupt one another; on which account I was
much troubled. At one house in particular there was much
disorder; and I believed it was a duty incumbent on me
to speak to the master of that house. I considered I was
young, and that several elderly friends in town had oppor-
tunity to see these things; but though I would gladly have
been excused, yet I could not feel my mind clear.
The exercise was heavy ; and as I was reading what
the Almighty said to Ezekiel, respecting his duty as a
watchman, the matter was set home more clearly. With
prayers and tears I besought the Lord for his assistance,
and He, in loving-kindness, gave me a resigned heart. At
a suitable opportunity I went to the public-house
; and seeing
the man amongst much company, I called him aside, and in
the fear and dread of the Almighty expressed to him what
rested on my mind. He took it kindly, and afterwards
showed more regard to me than before. In a few years after-
wards he died, middle-aged; and I often thought that had I
neglected my duty in that case it would have given me
great trouble; and I was humbly thankful to my gracious
Father, who had supported me herein.
186 THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN
My employer, having a negro woman,* sold her, and de
sired meto write a bill of sale, the man being waiting wh
bought her. The thing was sudden; and though I fel
uneasy at the thoughts of writing an instrument of slaver
for one of my fellow-creatures, yet I remembered that
was hired by the year, that it was my master who directe
me to do it, and that it was an elderly man, a member of ou
Society, who bought her; so through weakness I gave wa^
and wrote it; but at the executing of it I was so afflicte
in my mind, that I said before my master and the Frien
that I believed slave-keeping to be a practice inconsister
with the Christian religion. This, in some degree, abate
my uneasiness yet as often as I reflected seriously upo
;
tor even as late as 1800 there were over 12,000 of Hum. The newly imported Aft
cans were deposited at Perth Amboy. hi 1734 there were enough of them to ma
a formidable though unsuccessful insurrection.
CHAPTER II
1743- 1748
CHAPTER III
1749-1756
His Marriage
The Death of his Father His Journeys into the
upper part of New Jersey, and afterwards into Pennsylvania
Considerations on keeping Slaves, and Visits to the Families of
Friends at several times and places An Epistle from the Gen-
eral Meeting
His journey to Long Island Considerations on
Trading and on the Use of Spirituous Liquors and Costly Apparel
Letter to a Friend.
Visit to the Families of Friends at Burlington Journey to Penn-
sylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina Considera-
tions on the State of Friends there, and the Exercise he was
under in Travelling among those so generally concerned in keep-
ing Slaves, with some Observations on this Subject Epistle to
Friends at New Garden and Crane Creek Thoughts on the
' Neglect of a Religious Care in the Education of the Negroes.
not thy face from me." On the nth, we crossed the rivers
Patowmack and Rapahannock, and lodged at Port Royal. On
the way we had the company of a colonel of the militia, who
appeared to be a thoughtful man. I took occasion to remark
on the difference in general betwixt a people used to labor
moderately for their living, training up their children in
frugality and business, and those who live on the labor of
slaves ; the former, in my view, being the most happy life.
He concurred in the remark, and mentioned the trouble
arising from the untoward, slothful disposition of the ne-
groes, adding that one of our laborers would do as much in
u day as two of their slaves. I replied, that free men, whose
jninds were properly on their business, found a satisfaction
in improving, cultivating, and providing for their families;
but negroes, laboring to support others who claim them as
their property, and expecting nothing but slavery during life,
had not the like inducement to be industrious.
After some further conversation I said, that men having
power too often misapplied it; that though we made slaves
of the negroes, and the Turks made slaves of the Christians,
I believed that liberty was the natural right of all men
equally. This he did not deny, but said the lives of the
negroes were so wretched in their own country that many
212 THB JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN
of them lived better here than there, I replied, " There is
great odds in regard to us on what principle we act " ; and
so the conversation on that subject ended. I may here add
that another person, some time afterwards, mentioned the
wretchedness of the negroes, occasioned by their intestine
wars, as an argument in favor of our fetching them away
for slaves. To which I replied, if compassion for the Afri-
cans, on account of their domestic troubles, was the real
motive of our purchasing them, that spirit of tenderness being
attended to, would incite us to use them kindly that, as
strangers brought out of affliction, their lives might be happy
among us. And as they are human creatures, whose souls
are as precious as ours, and who may receive the same help
and comfort from the Holy Scriptures as we do, we could
not omit suitable endeavors to instruct them therein but;
I said, but the query was admitted as they had ahered it.
As some of their members have heretofore traded in
negroes, as in other merchandise, this query being admitted
will be one step further than they have hitherto gone, and I
did not see it my duty to press for an alteration, but felt
easy to leave it all to Him who alone is able to turn the
hearts of the mighty, and make way for the spreading of
truth on the earth, by means agreeable to his infinite wisdom.
In regard to those they already had, I felt my mind engaged
to labor with them, and said that as we believe the Scriptures
were given forth by holy men, as they were moved by the
Holy Ghost, and many of us know by experience that they
are often and comfortable, and believe ourselves
helpful
bound our children to read them I believed
in duty to teach ;
be the praise.
Here my brother joined with some Friends from New
Garden who were going homeward; and I went next to
Simons Creek Monthly Meeting, where I was silent during
the meeting for worship. When business came on, my mind
was exercised concerning the poor slaves, but I did not feel
my way clear to speak. In this condition I was bowed in
spirit before the Lord, and with tears and inward supplica-
tion besought him so to open ray understanding that I might
know his will concerning me; and, at length, my mind was
;
two hundred and fifty miles from home, and came back alone
that in this solitary journey this exercise, in regard to the
education of their negroes, was from time to time renewed
in his mind. A Friend of some note in Virginia, who hath
slaves, told me that he being far from home on a lonesome
journey had many serious thoughts about them; and his
mind was so impressed therewith that he believed he saw a
time coming when Divine Providence would alter the circum-
stance of these people, respecting their condition as slaves.
From hence I went to a meeting at Newbegun Creek,
and sat a considerable time in much weakness; then I felt
truth open the way to speak a little in much plainness and
Hcr
226 THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN
thing contrary to my
conscience appeared yet more dreadfuL
When this exercise I knew of none under
cams upon me,
the hke difficulty; and in my distress I besought the Lord
to enable me to give up all that so I might follow him
wheresoever he was pleased to lead me. Under this exer-
cise I went to our Yearly Meeting at Philadelphia in the
year 1755; at which a committee was appointed of some
from each Quarterly Meeting, to correspond with the meet-
ing for sufferers in London and another to visit our
;
who were first drafted, after some days' march, had orders
to return home, and those on the second draft were no more
called upon on that occasion.
Fourth of fourth month, 1758. Orders came to some offi-
cers in Mount Holly to prepare quarters for a short time for
230 THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN
about one hundred soldiers. An officer and two other men, all
inhabitants of our town came to my house. The officer told
me that he came to desire me to provide lodging and enter-
tainment for two soldiers, and that six shillings a week per
man would be allowed as pay for it. The case being new and
unexpected I made no answer suddenly, but sat a time silent,
my mind being inward. I was fully convinced that the pro-
ceedings in wars are inconsistent with the purity of the
Christian religion; and to be hired to entertain men, who
were then under pay as soldiers, was a difficulty with me.
I expected they had legal authority for what they did and ;
after a short time I said to the officer, if the men are sent
here for entertainment I believe I shall not refuse to admit
them into my house, but the nature of the case is such that
I expect I cannot keep them on hire; one of the men in-
timated that he thought I might do it consistently with my
religious principles. To which I made no reply, believing
silence at that time best for me. Though they spake of two,
there came only one, who tarried at my house about two
weeks, and behaved himself civilly. When the officer came
to pay me, I told him I could not take pay, having admitted
him into my house in a passive obedience to authority. I
was on horseback when he spake to me, and as I turned from
him, he said he was obliged to me; to which I said nothing;
but, thinking on the expression, I grew uneasy; and after-
wards, being near where he lived, I went and told him on
what grounds I refused taking pay for keeping the soldier.
I have been informed that Thomas a Kempis lived and
died in the profession of the Roman Catholic religion and, ;
and desire of you all, even for his sake who is the God of
us all, that I be not compelled to the thing which my con-
science doth repugn or strive against." And again, in his
answer to the Emperor " I refuse nothing, most noble Em-
:
to labor for their good, whose belief in all points doth not
agree with ours, is a happy state.
Near the beginning of the year 1758, I went one evening,
in company with a friend, to visit a sick person and before ;
1758, 1759
Visit to
the Quarterly Meetings in Chester County Joins Daniel
Stanton and John Scarborough in a Visit to such as kept Slaves
there Some Observations on the Conduct which those should
maintain who speak in Meetings for Discipline More Visits to
such as kept Slaves, and to Friends near Salem Account of the
Yearly Meeting in the Year 1759, and of the increasing Con-
cern in Divers Provinces to Labor against Buying and Keeping
Slaves The Yearly Meeting Epistle Thoughts on the Small-
pox spreading, and on Inoculation.
clearly see and consider that the dealings of God with man-
kind, in a national capacity, as recorded in Holy Writ, do
sufficiently evidence the truth of that saying, 'It is right-
eousness which exalteth a nation " ; and though he doth not
at all times suddenly execute his judgments on a sinful
people in this life, yet we see in many instances that when
" men follow lying vanities they forsake their own mercies "
and as a proud, selfish spirit prevails and spreads among a
people, so partial judgment, oppression, discord, envy, and
THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN 241
Twenty-eighth eleventh month. This day I attended the
Quarterly Meeting in Bucks County. In the meeting of
ministers and elders my heart was enlarged in the love of
Jesus Christ, and the favor of the Most High was extended
to us in that and the ensuing meeting.
I had conversation at my lodging with my beloved friend
1760
the sense thereof hath abased me, and my cries have been to
the Lord, so I have been humbled and made content to appear
weak, or as a fool for his sake; and thus a door hath been
opened to enter upon it. To attempt to do the Lord's work
in our own way, and to speak of that which is the burden
of the Word, in a way easy to the natural part, doth not
reach the bottom of the disorder. To see the failings of
our friends, and think hard of them, without opening that
which we ought to open, and still carry a face of friendship,
tends to undermine the foundation of true unity. The office
of a minister of Christ is weighty. And they who now go
forth as watchmen have need to be steadily on their guard
against the snares of prosperity and an outside friendship.
After the Yearly Meeting we were at meetings at New-
town, Cushnet, Long Plain, Rochester, and Dartmouth.
From thence we sailed for Nantucket, in company with Ann
Gaunt, Mercy Redman, and several other Friends, The
wind being slack we only reached Tarpawling Cove the first
day; where, going on shore, we found room in a public-
house, and beds for a few of us, the rest slept on the floor.
We went on board again about break of day, and though
the wind was small, we were favored to come within about
four miles of Nantucket; and then about ten of us got into
256 THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN
our boat and rowed to the harbor before dark a large boat
;
1761, 1762
HAVING
meetings
felt my mind drawn
in Pennsylvania, I
towards a visit to a few
was very desirous to
be rightly instructed as to the time of setting off. On
the loth of the fifth month, 1761, being the first day of the
week, I went to Haddonfield Meeting, concluding to seek for
heavenly instruction, and come home, or go on as I might
then believe best for me, and there through the springing
up of pure love I felt encouragement, and so crossed the
river. In this visit I was at two quarterly and three monthly
meetings, and in the love of truth I felt my way open to
labor with some noted Friends who kept negroes. As I was
favored to keep to the root, and endeavor to discharge what
I believed was required of me, I found inward peace therein,
from time to time, and thankfulness of heart to the Lord,
who was graciously pleased to be a guide to me.
Eighth month, 1761. Having felt drawings in my mind
to visit Friends in and about Shrewsbury, I went there, and
was at their Monthly Meeting, and their first-day meeting;
I had also a meeting at Squan, and another at Squanquam,
and, as way opened, had conversation with some noted
Friends concerning their slaves. I returned home in a
thankful sense of the goodness of the Lord.
From the concern I felt growing in me for some years,
I wrote part the second of a work entitled " Considerations
When the overseers of the press had done with it, they
offered to get a number printed, to be paid for out of the
Yearly Meeting's stock, to be given away; but I being most
easy to publish it at my own expense, and offering my
reasons, they appeared satisfied.
This stock is the contribution of the members of our re-
ligious society in general, among whom are some who keep
negroes, and, being inclined to continue them in slavery, are
not likely to be satisfied with such books being spread among
a people, especially at their own expense, many of whose
slaves are taught to read, and such, receiving them as a
gift, often conceal them. But as they who make a purchase
generally buy that which they have a mind for, I be-
lieved it best to sell them, expecting by that means they
would more generally be read with attention. Adver-
tisements were signed by order of the overseers of the
press, and directed to be read in the Monthly Meetings of
business within our own Yearly Meeting, informing where
the books were, and that the price was no more than the
cost of printing and binding them. Many were taken off
in our parts; some I sent to Virginia, some to New York,
some to my acquaintance at Newport, and some I kept, in-
tending to give part of them away, where there appeared a
prospect of service.
In my youth I was used to hard labor, and though I was
middling healthy, yet my nature was not fitted to endure
so much as many others. Being often weary, I was pre-
pared to sympathize with those whose circumstances in life,
as free men, required constant labor to answer the demands
of their creditors, as well as with others under oppression.
In the uneasiness of body which I have many times felt by
too much labor, not as a forced but a voluntary oppression,
I have often been excited to think on the original cause of
I was for a time most easy to omit it, believing the present
dispensationwas profitable, and trusting that if I kept my
place the Lord in his own time would open the hearts of
Friends towards me. I have since had cause to admire his
goodness and loving-kindness in leading about and instruct-
ing me, and in opening and enlarging my heart in some of
our meetings.
In the eleventh month this year, feeling an engagement of
mind some families in Mansfield, I joined my beloved
to visit
friend Benjamin Jones, and we spent a few days together in
that service. In the second month, 1763, I joined, in com-
pany with Elizabeth Smith and Mary Noble, in a visit to
the families of Friends at Ancocas. In both these visits,
through the baptizing power of truth, the sincere laborers
were often comforted, and the hearts of Friends opened to
receive us. In the fourth month following, I accompanied
some Friends in a visit to the families of Friends in Mount
Holly; during this visit my mind was often drawn into an
inward awfulness, wherein strong desires were raised for
the everlasting welfare of my fellow-creatares, and through
the kindness of our Heavenly Father our hearts were at
times enlarged, and Friends were invited, in the flowings
of Divine love, to attend to that which would settle them on
the sure foundation.
Having for many felt love in my heart towards the
years
natives of this land who
dwell far back in the wilderness,
whose ancestors were formerly the owners and possessors
of the land where we dwell, and who for a small considera-
tion assigned their inheritance to us, and being at Phila-
delphia in the 8th month, 1761, on a visit to some Friends
who had slaves. I fell in company with some of those natives
who lived on the east branch of the river Susquehanna, at
an Indian town called Wehaloosing, two hundred miles from
Philadelphia. In conversation with them by an interpreter,
as also by observations on their countenances and conduct,
I believed some of them were measurably acquainted with
266 THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOI.MAN
that Divine power which subjects the rough and froward will
of the creature. At times I felt inward drawings towards
a visit to that place, which I mentioned to none except my
dear wife until it came to some ripeness. In the winter of
1762 I laid my prospects before my friends at our Monthly
and Quarterly, and afterwards at our General Spring Meet-
ing; and having the unity of Friends, and being thoughtful
about an Indian pilot, there came a man and three women
from a little beyond that town to Philadelphia on business.
Being informed thereof by letter, I met them in town in the
5th month, 1763 and after some conversation, finding they
;
thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou
shouldest keep them from the evil." And in attending to the
pure openings of truth, I had to mention what he elsewhere
said to his Father : " I know that thou hearest me at all
times " ; so, as some of his followers kept their places, and
as his prayer was granted, it followed necessarily that they
were kept from evil; and as some of those met with great
hardships and afflictions in this world, and at last suffered
death by cruel men, so it appears that whatsoever befalls
men while they live in pure obedience to God certainly works
for their good, and may not be considered an evil as it re-
lates to them. As I spake on this subject my heart was
much tendered, and great awfulness came over me. On the
THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN 267
felt fresh and well. About eight o'clock we set forward and
crossed a high mountain supposed to be upward of four miles
over, the north side being the steepest. About noon we were
overtaken by one of the Moravian brethren going to Weha-
loosing, and an Indian man with him who could talk English
and we being together while our horses ate grass had some
friendly conversation; but they, travelling faster than we,
soon left us. This Moravian, I understood, has this spring
spent some time at Wehaloosing, and was invited by some
of the Indians to come again.
Twelfth of sixth month being the first of the week and a
rainy day, we continued in our tent, and I was led to think
on the nature of the exercise which hath attended me. Love
was the first motion, and thence a concern arose to spend
THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN 271
some time with the Indians, that I might feel and understand
their life and the spirit they live in, if haply I might receive
some instruction from them, or they might be in any degree
helped forward by my following the leadings of truth among
them and as it pleased the Lord to make way for my going
;
along the coast, and have tasted the love and goodness of
God, might arise in the strength thereof, and like faithful
messengers labor to check the growth of these seeds, that
they may not ripen to the ruin of our posterity.
On reaching the Indian settlement at Wyoming, we were
THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN 273
I had on my mind for their good, and told them that true
love had made me willing thus to leave my family to come
and see the Indians and speak with them in their houses.
Some of them appeared kind and friendly. After taking
leave of them, we went up the river Susquehanna about three
miles, to the house of an Indian called Jacob January. He
had killed his hog, and the women were making store of
bread and preparing to move up the river. Here our pilots
had left their canoe when they came down in the spring,
and lying dry it had become leaky. This detained us some
hours, so that we had a good deal of friendly conversation
with the family; and, eating dinner with them, we made
them some small presents. Then putting our baggage into
the canoe, some of them pushed slowly up the stream, and
the rest of us rode our horses. We
swam them over a creek
called Lahawahamunk, and pitched our tent above it in the
evening. In a sense of God's goodness in helping me in my
distress, sustaining me under trials, and inclining my heart
to trust in him, I lay down in an humble, bowed frame of
mind, and had a comfortable night's lodging.
Fifteenth of sixth month. We proceeded forward till the
afternoon, when, a storm appearing, we met our canoe at
an appointed place and stayed all night, the rain continuing
so heavy that it beat through our tent and wet both us and
our baggage. The next day we found abundance of trees
blown down by the storm yesterday, and had occasion
reverently to consider the kind dealings of the Lord who
provided a safe place for us in a valley while this storm
continued. We were much hindered by the trees which had
THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAX 27S
CHAPTER IX
1763-1769
THE to
latter part of the summer, 1763. there
Alount Holly who had previously published a
came a man
off from the desire of wealth and to bring them into such an
humble, lowly way of living that they may see their way
clearly to repair to the standard of true righteousness, and
may not only break the yoke of oppression, but may know
him to be their strengfh and support in times of outward
affliction.
We crossed Chester River, had a meeting there, and also
at Cecil and Sassafras. My
bodily weakness, joined with a
heavy exercise of mind, was to me an humbling dispensa-
tion, and I had a very lively feeling of the state of the op-
pressed; yet I often thought that what I suffered was little
compared with the sufferings of the blessed Jesus and many
of his faithful followers; and I may say with thankfulness
that I was made content. From Sassafras we went pretty
directly home, where we found our families well. For sev-
eral weeks after our return I had often to look over our
journey; and though to me it appeared as a small service,
and that some faithful messengers will yet have more bitter
cups to drink in those southern provinces for Christ's sake
than we have had, yet I found peace in that I had been
helped to walk in sincerity according to the understanding
and strength given to me.
Thirteenth of eleventh month. With the unity of Friends
at our monthly meeting, and in company with my beloved
friend Benjamin Jones, I set out on a visit to Friends in the
upper part of this province, having had drawings of love in
my heart that way for a considerable time. We travelled
as far as Hardwick, and I had inward peace in tny labors
lO HCI
290 THE JOURNAL OP JOHN WOOLMAN
of love among them. Through the humbling dispensations of
Pivine Providence my mind hath been further brought into
a feeling of the difficulties of Friends and their servants
southwestward and being often engaged in spirit on their
;
that promise of the Most High was now revived, " I will
gather all nations and tongues, and they shall come and see
my glory." Here the sufferings of Christ and his tasting
death for every man, and the travels, sufferings, and martyr-
dom of the Apostles and primitive Christians in laboring for
the conversion of the Gentiles, were livingly revived in me,
and according to the measure of strength afforded I labored
in some tenderness of spirit, being deeply affected among
them. The difference between the present treatment which
these gentiles, the negroes, receive at our hands, and the
labors of the primitive Christians for the conversion of the
Gentiles, were pressed home, and the power of truth came
over us, under a feeling of which my mind was united to
a tender-hearted people in these parts. The meeting con-
cluded in a sense of God's goodness towards his humble,
dependent children.
The next day was a general meeting for worship, much
crowded, in which I was deeply engaged in inward cries to
the Lord for help, that I might stand wholly resigned, and
move only as he might be pleased to lead me. I was merci-
fully helped to labor honestly and fervently among them, in
which I found inward peace, and the sincere were com-
forted. From this place I turned towards Pipe Creek and
the Red Lands, and had several meetings among Friends in
those parts. My heart was often tenderly affected under a
sense of the Lord's goodness in sanctifying my troubles and
exercises, turning them to my comfort, and I believe to the
benefit of many others, for I may say with thankfulness that
in this visit it appeared like a tendering visitation in most
places.
292 THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN
passed on to the Western Quarterly Meeting in Penn-
I
sylvania. During the several days of this meeting I was
mercifully preserved in an inward feeling after the mind of
truth, and my public labors tended to my humiliation, with
which I was content. After the Quarterly Meeting for wor-
ship ended, I felt drawings to go to the women's meeting for
business, which was very full; here the humility of Jesus
Christ as a pattern for us to walk by was livingly opened
before me, and in treating on it my heart was enlarged, and
it was a baptizing time. I was afterwards at meetings at
Concord, Middletown, Providence, and Haddonfield, whence
I returned home and found my family well. A sense of the
Lord's merciful preservation in this my journey excites
reverent thankfulness to him.
Second of ninth month, 1767. With the unity of Friends,
I set off on a visit to Friends in the upper part of Berks
and Philadelphia counties; was at eleven meetings in about
two weeks, and have renewed cause to bow in reverence
before the Lord, who, by the powerful extendings of his
humbling goodness, opened my way among Friends, and I
trust made the meetings profitable to us. The following
winter I joined some Friends in a family visit to some part
of our meeting, in which exercise the pure influence of
Divine love made our visits reviving.
Fifth of fifth month, 1768. I left home under the hum-
bling hand of the Lord, with a certificate to visit some meet-
ings in Maryland, and to proceed without a horse seemed
clearest to me. I was at the Quarterly Meetings at Phila-
delphia and Concord, whence I proceeded to Chester River,
and, crossing the bay, was at the Yearly IMeeting at West
River; I then returned to Chester River, and, taking a few
meetings in my way, proceeded home. It was a journey of
much inward waiting, and as my eye was to the Lord, way
was several times opened to my humbling admiration when
things appeared very difficult. On my return I felt a very
comfortable relief of mind, having through Divine help
labored in much plainness, both with Friends selected and in
the more public meetings, so that I trust the pure witness
in many minds was reached.
Eleventh of sixth month, 1769. ^There have been sundry
.
CHAPTER X
1769, 1770
Bodily Indisposition Exercise of his Mind for the Good of the
People in the West Indies Communicates to Friends his Con-
cern to visit some of those Islands Preparations to embark
Considerations on the Trade to the West Indies Release from
his Concern and return Home Religious Engagements Sick-
ness, and Exercise of his Mind therein,
TWELFTH of third
month, 1769. Having for some
years past dieted myself on account of illness and
weakness of body, and not having ability to travel
by land as heretofore, I was at times favored to look with
awfulness towards the Lord, before whom are all my ways,
who alone hath the power of life and death, and to feel
thankfulness raised in me for this fatherly chastisement, be-
lieving that if I was truly humbled under it all would work
for good. While under this bodily weakness, my mind was
at times exercised for my fellow-creatures in the West In-
dies, and I grew jealous over myself lest the disagreeableness
of the prospect should hinder me from obediently attending
thereto; for, though I knew not that the Lord required me
to go there, yet I believed that resignation was now called
for in that respect. Feeling a danger of not being wholly
devoted to him, I was frequently engaged to watch unto
prayer that I might be preserved; and upwards of a year
having passed, as I one day walked in a solitary wood, my
mind being covered with awfulness, cries were raised in me
to my merciful Father, that he would graciously keep me in
faithfulness; and it then settled on my mind, as a duty, to
open my condition to Friends at our Monthly Meeting, which
I did soon after, as follows:
"An exercise hath attended me for some time past, and
295
CHAPTER XI
1772
HAVING
prepare
been some time under a
crossing
for the seas,
religious concern to
in order to visit
Friends in the northern parts of England, and more
particularly in Yorkshire, after consideration I thought it
expedient to inform Friends of it at our Monthly Meeting
at Burlington, who, having unity with me therein, gave me
a certificate. I afterwards communicated the same to our
Quarterly Meeting, and they likewise certified their con-
currence. Some time after, at the General Spring Meeting
of ministers and elders, I thought it my duty to acquaint
them with the religious exercise which attended my mind;
and they likewise signified their unity therewith by a cer-
tificate, dated the 24th of third month, 1772, directed to
Friends in Great Britain.
In the fourth month following I thought the time was
come for me to make some inquiry for a suitable conveyance
and as my concern was principally towards the northern
parts of England, it seemed most proper to go in a vessel
bound to Liverpool or Whitehaven. While I was at Phila-
delphia deliberating on this subject I was informed that
my beloved friend Samuel Emlen, junior, intended to
go to London, and had taken a passage for himself in
the cabin of the ship called the Mary and Elizabeth, of
which James Sparks was master, and John Head, of the
city of Philadelphia, one of the owners; and feeling a
draught in my mind towards the steerage of the same
803
THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN 303
" That on the outside of that part of the ship where the
cabin was I observed sundry sorts of carved work and
imagery; that in the cabin I observed some superfluity of
workmanship of several sorts and that according to the
;
Sixteenth of sixth* month. Wind for several days past
often high, what the sailors call squally, with a rough sea
and frequent rains. This last night has been a very trying
one to the poor seamen, the water the most part of the
night running over the main-deck, and sometimes breaking
,waves came on the quarter-deck. The latter part of the
night, as I lay in bed, my mind was humbled under the
power of Divine love; and resignedness to the great Crea-
tor of the earth and the seas was renewedly wrought in me,
and his fatherly care over his children felt precious to my
soul. I was now desirous to embrace every opportunity of
being inwardly acquainted with the hardships and difficulties
of my fellow-creatures, and to labor in his love for the
spreading of pure righteousness on the earth. Opportunities
were frequent of hearing conversation among the sailors
respecting the voyages to Africa and the manner of bringing
the deeply oppressed slaves into our islands. They are fre-
quently brought on board the vessels in chains and fetters,
with hearts loaded with grief under the apprehension of
miserable slavery; so that my mind was frequently engaged
to meditate on these things.
Seventeenth of fifth month and first of the week. We had
a meeting in the cabin, to which the seamen generally came.
My spirit was contrite before the Lord, whose love at this
time affected my hear<:. In the afternoon I felt a tender
sympathy of soul with my poor wife and family left behind,
in which state my heart was enlarged in desires that they
may walk in that humble obedience wherein the everlasting
Father may be their guide and support through all their
difficulties in this world; and a sense of that gracious assist-
ance, through which my mind hath been strengthened to
^^ke up the cross and leave them to travel in the love of
*,lFtftAf-E(L]
310 THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAM
truth, hath begotten thankfulness in my heart to our great
Helper.
Twenty-fourth of fifth month. A clear, pleasant morning.
As I sat on deck I felt a reviving in my nature, which had
been weakened through much rainy weather and high winds
and being shut up in a close, unhealthy air. Several nights
of late I have felt my breathing difficult; and a little after
the rising of the second watch, which is about midnight, I
have got up and stood near an hour with my face near the
hatchway, to get the fresh air at the small vacancy under
the hatch door, which is commonly shut down, partly to
keep out rain and sometimes to keep the breaking waves
from dashing into the steerage. I may with thankfulness to
the Father of Mercies acknowledge that in my present weak
state my mind hath been supported to bear this affliction with
patience; and I have looked at the present dispensation as
a kindness from the great Father of mankind, who, in this
my floating pilgrimage, is in some degree bringing me to
feel what many thousands of my fellow-creatures often suffer
in a greater degree.
My appetite failing, the trial hath been the heavier; and
I have tender breathings in my soul after God, the
felt
fountain of comfort, whose inward help hath supplied at
times the want of outward convenience; and strong desires
have attended me that his family, who are acquainted with
the movings of his Holy Spirit, may be so redeemed from
the love of money and from that spirit in which men seek
honor one of another, that in all business, by sea or land,
they may constantly keep in view the coming of his king-
dom on earth as it is in Heaven, and, by faithfully follow-
ing this safe guide, may show forth examples tending to
lead out of that under which the creation groans. This day
we had a meeting in the cabin, in which I was favored in
some degree to experience the fulfilling of that saying of
the prophet. " The Lord hath been a strength to the poor, a
strength to the needy in their distress " for which my heart
;
1772
Attends the Yearly Meeting in London Then proceeds tewardft
Yorkshire Visits Quarterly and other Meetings in the Counties
of Hertford, Warwick, Oxford, Nottingham, York, and West-
moreland Returns to Yorkshire Instructive Observations and
Letters
Hears of the Decease of William Hunt Some Account
of him The Author's Last Illness and Death at York.
ON and
the 8th of sixth month, 1772, we landed at London,
I went straightway to the Yearly Meeting of
ministers and elders, which had been gathered, I
^
suppose, about half an hour.
In this meeting my mind was humbly contrite. In the
afternoon the meeting for business was opened, which by
adjournments held near a week. In these meetings I often
felt a living concern for the establishment of Friends in
the pure life of truth. My heart was enlarged in the meet-
ings of ministers, that for business, and in several meetings
for public worship, and I felt my mind united in true love
to the faithful laborers now
gathered at this Yearly Meeting.
On the 15th I went to a Quarterly Meeting at Hertford.
^ There is a story told of his first appearance in England which I have
from my friend, William J. Allinson, editor of the Friends' Review, and
which he assures me is well authenticated. The vessel reached London on
the morning of the fifth day of the week, and John Woolman, knowing that
the meeting was then in session, lost no time in reaching it. Coming in
late and unannounced, his peculiar dress and manner excited attention and
apprehension that he was an itinerant enthusiast. He presented his cer-
_
tificate from Friends in America, but the dissatisfaction still remained, and
some one remarked that perhaps the stranger Friend might feel that his
dedication of himself to this apprehended service was accepted, without
further labor, and that he might now feel free to return to his home. John
Woolman sat silent for a space, seeking the unerring counsel of Divine
_
First of seventh month. I have been at Quarterly Meet-
ings at Sherrington, Northampton, Banbury, and Shipton,
and have had sundry meetings between. My mind hath been
bowed under a sense of Divine goodness manifested among
us; my
heart hath been often enlarged in true love, both
among ministers and
elders and in public meetings, and
through the Lord's goodness I believe it hath been a fresh
visitation to many, in particular to the youth.
Seventeenth. I was this day at Birmingham; I have
been at meetings at Coventry, Warwick, in Oxfordshire, and
sundry other places, and have felt the humbling hand of
the Lord upon me; but through his tender mercies I find
peace in the labors I have gone through.
Twenty-sixth. I have continued travelling northward,
visiting meetings. Was this day at Nottingham; the fore-
noon meeting was especially, through Divine love, a heart-
tendering season. Next day I had a meeting in a Friend's
family, which, through the strengthening arm of the Lord,
was a time to be thankfully remembered.
Second of eighth month and first of the week. I was
this day at Sheffield, a large inland town. I was at sundry
meetings last week, and feel inward thankfulness for that
Divine support which hath been graciously extended to me.
On the 9th I was at Rushworth. I have lately passed through
some painful labor, but have been comforted under a sense
easy to be of any cost to them. He could not go back as had been sug-
gested; but he was acquainted with a mechanical trade, and while the im-
pediment to his services continued he hoped Friends would be kindly willing
to employ him in such business as he was capable of, that he might not be
chargeable to any.
A deep silence prevailed over the assembly, many of whom were touched
by the wise simplicity of the stranger's words and manner. After a season
of waiting, John Woolman felt that words were given him to utter as a
minister of Christ. The spirit of his Master bore witness to them in the
hearts of his hearers. When he closed, the Friend who had advised against
his further service rose up and humbly confessed his eror, and avowed his
full unity with the stranger. All doubt was removed; there was a general
expression of unity and sympathy, and John Woolman, owned by his breth-
ren, passed on to his work. , , ,. v
There is no portrait of John Woolman; and had photography been
known in his day it is not at all probable that the sun-artist would have
been permitted to delineate his features. That, while eschewing all super-
fluity and expensive luxury, he was scrupulously neat in his dress and person
may be inferred from his general character and from the fact tiat one or
his serious objections to dyed clothinR was that it served to conceal unclean-
neiJs, and was, therefore, detrimental to real purity. It is, however, quite
probable that his outer man, on the occasion referred to. was suggestive oi
a hasty toilet in the crowded steerage. Note from the edttwn pubhsnea by
Messrs. Houghton, MiMin &
Co.
320 THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN
and I have felt in that which doth not receive, that if Friends
who have known the truth keep in that tenderness of heart
where views of outward gain are given up, and their
all
who spake to the other angels the words were, " John
;
was then informed that these heathens were told that those
who oppressed them were the followers of Christ, and they
said among themselves, " If Christ directed them to use us
in this sort, then Christ is a cruel tyrant."
All this time the song of the angel remained a mystery;
and in the morning, my dear wife and some others coming
to my bedside, I asked them if they knew who I was, and
they telling me I was John Woolman, thought I was light-
headed, for I told them not what the angel said, nor was I
disposed to talk much to any one, but was very desirous to
get so deep that I might understand this mystery.
My tongue was often so dry that I could not speak till I
had moved it about and gathered some moisture, and as I
lay still for a time I at length felt a Divine power prepare
my mouth that I could speak, and I then said, " I am cruci-
fied with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ
liveth in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh I
liveby the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave
himself for me." Then the mystery was opened and I per-
ceived there was joy in heaven over a sinner who had re-
pented, and that the language " John Woolman is dead,"
meant no more than the death of my own will.
My natural understanding now returned as before, and I
saw that people setting off their tables with silver vessels
at entertainments was often stained with worldly glory, and
that in the present state of things I should take heed how
I fed myself out of such vessels. our Monthly
Going to
Meeting soon after my recovery, I dined at a Friend's house
where drink was brought in silver vessels, and not in any
other. Wanting something to drink, I told him my case with
weeping, and he ordered some drink for me in another
vessel. I afterwards went through the same exercise in sev-
eral Friends' houses in America, as well as in England,
and I have cause to acknowledge with humble reverence
the loving-kindness of my Heavenly Father, who hath pre-
served me in such a tender frame of mind, that none, I be-
lieve, have ever been offended at what I have said on that
subject.
After this sickness I spake not in public meetings for
worship for nearly one year, but my mind was very often
IX aci
322 THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN
in company with the oppressed slaves as I sat in meetings;
and though under his dispensation I was shut up from
speaking, yet the spring of the gospel ministry was many
times iivingly opened in me, and the Divine gift operated
by abundance of weeping, in feeling the oppression of this
people. It being so long since I passed through this dis-
pensation, and the matter remaining fresh and lively in my
mind, I believe it safest for me to commit it to writing.
Thirtieth of eighth month. This morning I wrote a letter
in substance as follows:
Beloved Friend, My mind is often affected as I pass
along under a sense of the state of many poor people who
sit under that sort of ministry which requires much outward
FAOa
lONORANCE 337
Education 337
Pride 339
Luxury 341
Inconsideration 341
Disappointment and Resignation 342
Murmuring 342
Censoriousness 342
Bounds op Charitv 343
Frugality or Bounty 344
Discipline 344
Industry 344
Temperance 345
Apparel 346
Right Marriage . . . . , 34^
Avarice 347
Friendship 35o
Qualities op a Friend 35o
Caution and Conduct 351
Reparation 35i
Rules op Conversation 352
Eloquence 352
Temper 353
Truth 353
Justice 353
Secrecy 353
Complacency 353
Shifts * 354
Interest 354
Ikquiry 354
332 CONTENTS
TACn
Right-timing 354
Knowledge 355
Wit .
355
Obedience to Parents 355
Bearing 356
Promising 356
Fidelity 357
Master 357
Servant 357
Jealousy 358
Posterity 358
A Country Life 359
Art and Project 360
Industry 360
Temporal Happiness 360
Respect 361
Hazard 362
Detraction 362
Moderation 363
Trick 363
Passion 363
Personal Cautions 364
Ballance 365
Popularity 366
Privacy 366
Government 367
A Private Life 370
A PuBLiCK Life 370
Qualifications 371
Capacity 37i
Clean Hands 37i
Dispatch 37i
Patience 372
Impartiality 373
Indifferency 374
Neutrality 374
A Party 374
Ostentation 375
Compleat Virtue 375
Religion 37^
THE PREFACE
Reader, This Enchiridion, I present thee with, is the Fruit
of Solitude: A School few care to learn in, tho' None instructs
us better. Some Parts of it are the Result of serious Reflection:
Others the Flashings of Lucid Intervals: Writ for private Satis-
faction, and now publish'd for an Help to Human Conduct.
The Author blesseth God for his Retirement, and kisses that
Gentle Hand which led him into it: For though it should prove
Barren to the World, it can never do so to him.
He has now had some Time he could call his own a Property ;
hit and mist the Mark; What might have been done, what
mended, and what avoided in his Human Conduct: Together
with the Omissions and Excesses of others, as well Societies and
Governments, as private Families, and Persons. And he verily
thinks, were he to live over his Life again, he could not only,
with God's Grace, serve Him, but his Neighbor and himself,
better than he hath done, and have Seven Years of his Time to
spare. And yet perhaps he hath not been the Worst or the
Idlest Man in the World nor is he the Oldest. And this is the
;
God, his Neighbor and Himself for it. Will he ne'er have a
Leidger for this ? This, the greatest Wisdom and Work of Life.
To come but once into the World, and Trifle away our true
Enjoyment of it, and of our selves in it, is lamentable indeed.
This one Reflection would yield a thinking Person great Instruo
333
334 THE PREFACE
tion. And since nothing below Man can so Think; Man, in
being Thoughtless, must needs fall below himself. And that,
to be sure, such do, as are unconcern'd in the Use of their most
Precious Time.
This is but too evident, if we will allow our selves to consider,
that there 's hardly any Thing we take by the Right End, or
improve to its just Advantage.
We understand little of the Works of God, either in Nature
or Grace. We pursue False Knowledge, and Mistake Educa-
tion extreamly. We are violent in our Affections, Confused
and Immethodical in our whole Life; making That a Burthen,
which was given for a Blessing; and so of little Comfort to our
selves or others Misapprehending the true Notion of Happiness,
;
IGNORANCE
IS admirable to consider how many Millions of People
IT come into, and go out of the World, Ignorant of them-
selves, and of the World they have lived in.
2. If one went to see Windsor-Castle, or Hampton-Court,
it would be strange not to observe and remember the Situ-
ation, the Building, the Gardens, Fountains, &c. that make
up the Beauty and Pleasure of such a Seat? And yet few
People know themselves; No, not their own Bodies, the
Houses of their Minds, the most curious Structure "of the
World; a living walking Tabernacle: Nor the World of
which it was made, and out of which it is fed which would
;
EDUCATION
4. We are in Pain to make them Scholars, but not Men
To talk, rather than to know, which is true Canting.
33?
338 SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE
5. The first Thing obvious to Children is what is sensible;
and that we make no Part of their ru4iments.
6. We press their Memory too soon, and puzzle, strain, and
PRIDE
18. And yet we are very apt to be full of our selves, in-
stead of Him that made what we so much value and, but for
;
is so very patient with him, than they are to him with whom
he Is so strict and impatient.
* Capricious.
SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE 341
LUXURY
28. Such is now become our Delicacy, that we will not eat
ordinary Meat, nor drink small, pall'd^ Liquor we must have
;
the best, and the best cook'd for our Bodies, while our Souls
feed on empty or corrupted Things.
29. In short, Man is spending all upon a bare House, and
hath little or no Furniture within to recommend it; which
is preferring the Cabinet before the Jewel, a Lease of seven
INCONSIDERATION
30. The want of due Consideration is the Cause of all the
Unhappiness Man brings upon himself. For his second
Thoughts rarely agree with his first, which pass not without
a considerable Retrenchment or Correction. And yet that
sensible Warning is, too frequently, not Precaution enough
for his future Conduct.
31.Well may we say our Infelicity is of our selves; since
there nothing we do that we should not do, but we know
is
World.
MURMURING
38. Is it it ill, that any Body desires of
reasonable to take
us that which is their own? All we have is the Almighty's:
And shall not God have his own when he calls for it ?
39. Discontentedness is not only in such a Case Ingrati-
tude, but Injustice. For we are both unthankful for the time
we had it, and not honest enough to restore it, if we could
keep it.
CENSORIOUSNESS
41. We are apt to be very pert at censuring others, where
we will not endure advice our selves. And nothing shews
our Weakness more than to be so sharp-sighted at spying
other Men's Faults, and so purblind about our own.
SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE 343
the same thing, but that he had not the Courage to venture
so much ready Money out of his own trusty Hands, though it
had been to have brought him back the Indies in return. But
the Proverb is just, Vice should not correct Sin.
46. They have a Right to censure, that have a Heart to
help The rest is Cruelty, not Justice.
:
BOUNDS OF CHARITY
47. Lend not beyond thy Ability, nor refuse to lend out of
thy Ability especially when it will help others more than it
;
insolvent, don't ruin him to get that, which it will not ruin
thee to lose For thou art but a Steward, and another is thy
:
FRUGALITY OR BOUNTY
50. Frugality is good if Liberality be join'd with it The
first is leaving off superfluous Expences; the last bestowing
them to the Benefit of others that need. The first without
the last begins Covetousness the last without the first begins
;
DISCIPLINE
INDUSTRY
57. Love Labor: For thou dost not want it for Food,
if
TEMPERANCE
59. To this a spare Diet contributes much. Eat therefore
to live, and do not live to eat. That's like a Man, but this
below a Beast.
60. Have wholesome, but not costly Food, and be rather
cleanly than dainty in ordering it.
65. Rarely drink but when thou art dry; nor then, be*
tween Meals, if it can be avoided.
66. The smaller* the Drink, the clearer the Head, and the
cooler the Blood; which are great Benefits in Temper and
Business.
6y. Strong Liquors are good at some Times, and in small
Proportions; being better for Physick than Food, for Cor-
dials than common Use.
68. The most common things are the most useful; which
shews both the Wisdom and Goodness of the great Lord of
the Family of the World,
69. What therefore he has made rare, don't thou use too
commonly Lest thou shouldest invert the Use and Order of
:
that is misused.
71. Neither urge another to that thou wouldst be unwilHng
to do thy self, nor do thy self what looks to thee unseemly,
and intemperate in another.
"^2. All Excess is ill But Drunkenness is of the worst
:
APPAREL
are the Rich and Charming Attire of the Soul: And the
plainer the Dress, the more Distinctly, and with greater
Lustre, their Beauty shines.
78. It is great Pity such Beauties are so rare, and those of
Jezebel's Forehead are so common Whose Dresses are In-
:
RIGHT MARRIAGE
79. Never Marry but for Love; but see that thou lov'st
what is lovely.
80. If Love be not thy chiefest Motive, thou wilt soon
grow weary of a Married State, and stray from thy Promise,
to search out thy Pleasures in forbidden Places.
SOMB FRUITS OF SOLITUDE 347
AVARICE
88. Covetousness is the greatest of Monsters, as well as
the Root of all Evil. I have once seen the Man that dyed
to save Charges. What Give Ten Shillings to a Doctor,
!
Shillings. But indeed such a Man could not well set too low
a Price upon himself; who, though he liv'd up to the Chin in
Bags, had rather die than find in his Heart to open one of
them, to help to save his Life.
89. Such a Man is felo de se^ and deserves not Christian
Burial.
90. He is a common Nusance, a Weyer* cross the Streanii
* A suicide. * Dam.
!
to live as other Men do. But the Misery of his Pleasure is,
that he is never satisfied with getting, and always in Fear of
losing what he cannot use.
91. How vilely has he lost himself, that becomes a Slave
to his Servant, and exalts him to the Dignity of his Maker
Gold is the God, the Wife, the Friend of the Money-Monger
of the World.
92. But in Marriage do thou be wise; prefer the Person
before Money; Vertue before Beauty, the Mind before the
Body: Then thou hast a Wife, a Friend, a Companion, a
Second Self; one that bears an equal Share with thee in all
thy Toyls and Troubles.
93. Chuse one that Measures her satisfaction. Safety and
Danger, by thine; and of whom thou art sure, as of thy
secretest Thoughts A Friend as well as a Wife, which in-
:
deed a Wife implies For she is but half a Wife that is not,
:
FRIENDSHIP
io6. Friendship is the next Pleasure we may hope for : And
where we not at home, or have no home to find it in,
find it
QUALITIES OF A FRIEND
111. A true Friend unbosoms freely, advises justly, assists
readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends cour-
ageously, and continues a Friend unchangeably.
112. These being the Qualities of a Friend, we are to find
them before we chuse one.
113. The Covetous, the Angry, the Proud, the Jealous,
the Talkative, cannot but make ill Friends, as well as the
False.
114. In short, chuse a Friend as thou dost a Wife, till
Confederacy,
116. If my Brother or Kinsman will be my Friend, I ought
SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE 151
REPARATION
121. If thou hastdone an Injury to another, rather own It
than defend it. One way thou gainest Forgiveness, the
other, thou doubl'st the Wrong and Reckoning.
122. Some oppose Honor to Submission But it can be no :
Brutish.
124. We should make more Haste to Right our Neighbor,
than we do to wrong him, and instead of being Vindicative,
we should leave him to be Judge of his own Satisfaction.
125. True Honor will pay treble Damages, rather than
justifie one wrong with another.
126. In such Controversies, it is but too common for some
to say, Both are to blame, to excuse their own Unconcerned-
ness, which is a base Neutrality. Others will cry, They are
both alike; thereby involving the Injured with the Guilty,
to mince the Matter for the Faulty, or cover their own In-
justice to the wronged Party.
127. Fear and Gain are great Perverters of Mankind, and
where either prevail, the Judgment is violated.
352 SOME FRUITS OF SOIJTUDE
RULES OF CONVERSATION
Avoid Company where it is not profitable or neces-
128.
sary; and in those Occasions speak Httle, and last.
129. Silence is Wisdom, where Speaking is FoU"; and
always safe.
130. Some
are so Foolish as to interrupt and anticipate
those that speak, instead of hearing and thinking before they
answer; which is uncivil as well as silly.
131. If thou thinkest twice, before thou speakest once,
thou wilt speak twice the better for it.
132. Better say nothing than not to the Purpose. And to
speak pertinently, consider both what is fit, and when it is
fit to speak.
Truth be thy Aim, not Victory, or
133. In all Debates, let
an unjust Interest: And endeavor to gain, rather than to
expose thy Antagonist.
134. Give no Advantage in Argument, nor lose any that is
ofifered. This is a Benefit which arises from Temper.
135. Don't use thy self to dispute against thine own Judg-
ment, to shew Wit, lest it prepare thee to be too indifferent
about what is Right Nor against another Man, to vex him,
:
ELOQUENCE
137. There a Truth and Beauty in Rhetorick; but It
is
TMPES
142. Nothing does Reason more Right, than tbe Cootatesi
of those that offer it For Tmth often snfi^ers more by die
:
TfltUTH
jrSTlCE
SEOtECY
146. It is wise not to seek a Secret, and honest not to
reveal one.
147. Only trust thy self, and another shall not betray thee.
148. Openness has the Mischief, though not the Malice of
Treacher)-.
COMPLACESCT
149. Never assent merely to please others. For that is,
besides Flattery, oftentimes Untruth; and discovers a Mind
liable to be servile and base Nor contradict to vex others,
:
la Bci
354 SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE
for that shows an ill Temper, and provokes, but profits no
Body.
SHIFTS
150. Do
not accuse others to excuse thy self; for that is
neither Generous nor Just. But let Sincerity and Ingenuity
be thy Refuge, rather than Craft and Falsehood: for Cun-
ning borders very near upon Knavery.
151. Wisdom never uses nor wants it. Cunning to Wise,
is as an Ape to a Man.
I
INTEREST
INQUIRY
155. Have a
care of Vulgar Errors. Dislike, as well as
Allow Reasonably.
156. Inquiry is Human; Blind Obedience Brutal. Truth
never loses by the one, but often suffers by the other.
157. The usefulest Truths are plainest: And while we
keep to them, our Differences cannot rise high.
158. There may be a Wantonness in Search, as well as a
Stupidity in Trusting, It is great Wisdom equally to avoid
the Extreams.
RIGHT-TIMING
159. Do nothing improperly. Some are Witty, Kind, Cold,
Angry, Easie, Stiff, Jealous, Careless, Cautious, Confident,
Close, Open, but all in the wrong Place.
160. It is all mistaking where the Matter is of Importance
SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE 35S
KNOWLEDGE
162. Knowledge is the Treasure, but Judgment the Treas-
urer of a Wise Man.
163. He that has more Knowledge than Judgment, is made
for another Man's use more than his own.
164. It cannot be a good Constitution, where the Appetite
is great and the Digestion is weak.
WIT
168. Wit is an happy and striking way of expressing a
Thought.
169. 'Tis not often tho' it be lively and mantling, that it
OBEDIENCE TO PARENTS
174. If thou wouldest be obeyed, being a Father; being a
Son, be Obedient.
175. He that begets thee, owes thee; and has a natural
Right over thee.
176. Next to God, thy Parents ; next them, the Magistrate.
:
must let them see, that there is nothing else in our refusal.
For some unjust Commands cannot excuse the general Neg-
lect of our Duty. They will be our Parents and we must
be their Children still: And if we cannot act for them against
God, neither can we act against them for ourselves or any-
thing else.
BEARING
182. A Man in Business must put up many Affronts, if he
loves his own Quiet.
183. We must not pretend to see all that we see, if we
would be easie.
184. It were endless to dispute upon everything that is
disputable.
185. A vindictive Temper is not only uneasie to others,
but to them that have it.
PROMISING
186. Rarely Promise: But, if Lawful, constantly perform.
187. Hasty Resolutions are of the Nature of Vows; and
to be equally avoided.
188. I will never do this, says one, yet does it: I am re-
solved to do this, says another; but flags upon second
Thoughts Or does it, tho' awkwardly, for his Word's sake
:
lay thy self under Resolutions that cannot be well made, and
must be worse performed.
FIDELITY
MASTER
195. Mix Kindness with Authority; and rule more by Dis-
cretion than Rigor.
196. If thy Servant be faulty, strive rather to convince
him of And when he
his Error, than discover thy Passion:
is sensible, forgive him.
SERVANT
202. Indulge not unseemly Things in thy Master's Chil-
dren, nor refuse them what is fitting: For one is the highest
:
JEALOUSY
208. Be not fancifully Jealous For that is Foolish ; as, to
:
POSTERITY
213. We
are too careless of Posterity; not considering
that as they are, so the next Generation will be.
214. If we would amend the World, we should mend Our
selves; and teach our Children to be, not what we are, but
what they should be.
215. We
are too apt to awaken and turn up their Pas-
sions by the Examples of our own ; and to teach them to be
pleased, not with what is best, but with what pleases best.
SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE 359
A COUNTRY LIFE
The Country Life is to be preferr'd for there we see
220. ;
Men: And the one makes a better Subject for our Con-
templation than the other.
221. As Puppets are to Men, and Babies* to Children, so
is Man's Workmanship to God's We
are the Picture, he the
:
Reality.
222. God's Works declare his Power, Wisdom and Good-
ness; but Man's Works, for the most part, his Pride, Folly
and Excess. The one is for use, the other, chiefly, for
Ostentation and Lust.
223. The Country is both the Philosopher's Garden and
his Library, in which he Reads and Contemplates the Power,
Wisdom and Goodness of God.
224. It is his Food as well as Study; and gives him Life,
as well as Learning.
225. A Sweet and Natural Retreat from Noise and Talk,
and allows opportunity for Reflection, and gives the best
Subjects for it.
226. In short, 't is an Original, and the Knowledge and
Improvement of it, Man's oldest Business and Trade, and
the best he can be of.
DoUs.
360 SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE
or hazardous in making.
232. As many Hands make light Work, so several Purses
make cheap Experiments.
INDUSTRY
233. Industry, is certainly very commendable, and supplies
the want of Parts.
234. Patience and Diligence, like Faith, remove Moun-
tains.
235. Never give out while there is Hope; but hope not
beyond Reason, for that shews more Desire than Judgment.
236. It is a profitable Wisdom to know when we have
done enough: Much Time and Pains are spared, in not
flattering our selves against Probabilities.
TEMPORAL HAPPINESS
237. Do Good with what thou hast, or it will do thee
no good.
238. Seek not to be Rich, but Happy. The one lies in
Bags, the other in Content which Wealth can never give.
:
239. We
are apt to call things by wrong Names. will We
have Prosperity to be Happiness, and Adversity to be
Misery; though that is the School of Wisdom, and often-
times the way to Eternal Happiness.
SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE 361
an Unblest Gain.
252. It is oftentimes the Judgment of God upon Greedy
Rich Men, that he suffers them to push on their Desires of
Wealth to the Excess of over-reaching, grinding or op-
pression, which poisons all the rest they have gotten: So
that it commonly runs away as fast, and by as bad ways as
it was heap'd up together.
RESPECT
253. Never esteem any Man, or thy self, the more for
Money nor think the meaner of thy self or another for want
;
362 SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE
of it: Vertue being the just Reason of respecting, and the
want of it. of slighting any one.
HAZARD
261. In all Business it is best to put nothing to hazard:
DETR.\CTION
269. Dislike what deserves it, but never Hate For that is :
MODERATION
270. It were an happy Day if Men could hound and
qualifie their Resentmentswith Charity to the Offender:
For then our Anger would be without Sin, and better
convict and edifie the Guilty; which alone can make it
lawful.
271. Not to be provok'd is best: But if mov'd, never cor-
rect till the Fume is spent; For every Stroke our Fury
strikes, is sure to hit our selves at last.
2^2. If we Reason
did but observe the Allowances our
makes upon Reflection, when our Passion is over, we could
not want a Rule how to behave our selves again in the like
Occasions.
273. We
are more prone to Complain than Redress, and
to Censure than Excuse.
274. It next to unpardonable, that we can so often Blame
is
TRICK
276. Nothing needs a Trick but a Trick ; Sincerity loathes
one.
277. We must take care to do Right Things Rightly: For
a just Sentence may be unjustly executed.
278. Circumstances give great Light to true Judgment, if
well weigh'd.
PASSION
PERSONAL CAUTIONS
295. Reflect without Malice but never without Need.
296. Despise no Body, nor no Condition; lest it come to
be thine own.
297. Never Rail nor Taunt. The one is Rude, the other
Scornful, and both Evil.
298. Be not provoked by Injuries, to commit them.
* To do good and ill to endure is the part of a king.
SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE 365
BALLANCE
309. We
must not be concern'd above the Value of the
thing that engages us; nor raised above Reason, in main-
taining what we think reasonable.
310. It is too common an Error, to invert the Order of
Things; by making an End of that which is a Means, and
a Means of that which is an End.
311. Religion and Government escape not this Mischief:
The first is too often made a Means instead of an End the ;
318. If we are but sure the End is Right, we are too apt
to gallop over all Bounds to compass it; not considering
that lawful Ends may be very unlawfully attained.
319. Let us be careful to take just ways to compass just
Things; that they may last in their Benefits to us.
There is a troublesome Humor some Men have, that
320.
if they may not lead, they will not follow but had rather ;
a thing were never done, than not done their own way, tho'
other ways very desirable.
321. This comes of an over- fulness of our selves; and
shows we are more concern'd for Praise, than the Success
of what we think a good Thing.
POPULARITY
322. Affect not to be seen, and Men will less see thy
Weakness.
323. They that shew more than they are, raise an Ex-
pectation they cannot answer; and so lose their Credit, as
soon as they are found out.
324. Avoid Popularity. It has many Snares, and no real
Benefit to thy self; and Uncertainty to others.
PRIVACY
GOVERNMENT
329. Government has many Shapes But: 't is Sovereignty,
tho' not Freedom, in all of them.
330. Rex & Tyrannus are very different Characters One :
337. Let the People think they Govern and they will be
Govern'd.
338. This cannot fail, if Those they Trust, are Trusted.
A PRIVATE LIFE
370. Private Life is to be preferr'd; the Honor and Gain
of publick Posts, bearing no proportion with the Comfort
of it. The one is free and quiet, the other servile and noisy.
371. It was a great Answer of the Shunamite Woman,
I dwell among my own People.
372. They that live of their own, neither need, nor often
list to wear the Livery of the Publick.
A PUBLICK LIFE
377. Yet the Publick must and will be served; and they
that do it well, deserve publick Marks of Honor and Profit.
*>
SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE 371
QUALIFICATIONS
380. Five Things are requisite to a good Officer; Ability,
Clean Hands, Dispatch, Patience and Impartiality.
CAPACITY
381. He that understands not his Employment, whatever
else he knows, must be unfit for it, and the Publick suffers
by his Inexpertness.
382. They that are able, should be just too; or the Gov-
erment may be the worse for their Capacity.
CLEAN HANDS
383. Covetousness in such Men prompts them to prosti-
tute the Publick for Gain.
384. The taking of a Bribe or Gratuity, should be pun-
ished with as severe Penalties, as the defrauding of the
State.
385. Let Men have sufficient Salaries, and exceed them
at their Peril.
386. It is a Dishonor to Government, that its Officers
should live of Benevolence; as it ought to be Infamous
for Officers to dishonor the Publkk, by being twice paid
for the same Business.
387. But to be paid, and not to do Business, is rani
Oppression.
DISPATCH
388. Dispatcha great and good Quality in an Officer
is
where Duty, not Gain, excites it. But of this, too man;
make their private Market and Over-plus to their Wages
Thus the Salary is for doing, and the Bribe, for dispatching
372 SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE
the Business: As if Business could be done before it were
dispatched: Or what ought to be done, ought not to be dis-
patch'd: Or they were to be paid apart, one by the Gov-
ernment, t'other by the Party.
389. Dispatch is as much the Duty of an Officer, as
doing; and very much the Honor of the Government he
serves.
390. Delays have been more injurious than direct
Injustice.
391.They too often starve those they dare not deny.
392.The very Winner is made a Loser, because he pays
twice for his own; like those that purchase Estates Mort-
gaged before to the full Value.
393. Our Law says well, to delay Justice is Injustice.
394. Not to have a Right, and not to come at it, differs
little.
PATIENCE
396. Patience is a Virtue every where; but it shines with
great Lustre in the Men of Government.
397. Some are so Proud or Testy, they won't hear what
they should redress.
398. Others so weak, they sink or burst under the weight
of their Office, though they can lightly run away with the
Salary of it.
399. Business can never be well done, that is not well
understood: Which cannot be without Patience.
400. It is Cruelty indeed not to give the Unhappy an
Hearing, whom we ought to help But it is the top of
:
IMPARTIALITY
404. Impartiality, though it be the last, is not the least Part
of the Character of a good Magistrate.
405. It is noted as a Fault, in Holy Writ, even to regard
the Poor How much more the Rich in Judgment ?
:
INDIFFERENCY
423. Indifference is good in Judgment, but bad in Relation,
and stark nought in Religion.
424. And even in Judgment, our Indifferency must be to
the Persons, not Causes : For one, to be sure, is right.
NEUTRALITY
425. Neutrality is something else than Indifferency; and
yet of kin to it too.
426. A
Judge ought to be Indifferent, and yet he cannot
be said to be Neutral.
427. The one being to be Even in Judgment, and the other
not to meddle at all.
430. A
wise Neuter joins with neither; but uses both, as
his honest Interest leads him.
431. A Neuter only has room to be a Peace-maker: For
being of neither side, he has the Means of mediating a
Reconciliation of both.
A PARTY
432. And yet, where Right or Religion gives a Call, a
Neuter must be a Coward or an Hypocrite.
SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE 37S
a Duty.
436. We
have a Call to do good, as often as we have the
Power and Occasion.
437. If Heathens could say, We
are not born for our
selves surely Christians should practise it.
;
OSTENTATION
Do what good thou canst unknown; and be not vain
439.
of what ought rather to be felt, than seen.
440. The Humble, in the Parable of the Day of Judg-
ment, forgot their good Works; Lord, when did we do so
and so?
441. He that does Good, for Good's sake, seeks neither
Praise nor Reward; tho' sure of both at last.
COMPLEAT VIRTUE
442. Content not thy self that thou art VirtuoHS in the
general For one Link being wanting, the Chain is defective.
:
it his.
RELIGION
465. The humble and true Teacher meets w^ith more than
he expects.
466. He accounts Content with Godliness great Gain, and
therefore seeks not to make a Gain of Godliness.
467. As the Ministers of Christ are made by him, and are
like him, so they beget People into the same Likeness.
468. To be like Christ then, is to be a Christian. And
Regeneration is the only way to the Kingdom of God, which
we pray for.
469. Let us to Day, therefore, hear his Voice, and not
harden our Hearts; who speaks to us many ways. In the
Scriptures, in our Hearts, by his Servants and his Provi-
dences: And the Sum of all is Holiness and Charity.
470. St. James gives a short Draught of this Matter, but
very full and reaching, Pure Religion and undefiled before
God the Father, is this, to visit the Fatherless and the
Widows in their Affliction, and to keep our selves unspotted
from the World. Which is compriz'd in these Two Words,
Charity and Piety.
471. They that truly make these their Aim, will find them
their Attainment; and with them, the Peace that follows so
excellent a Condition.
472. Amuse not thy self therefore with the numerous
Opinions of the World, nor value thy self upon verbal
Orthodoxy, Philosophy, or thy Skill in Tongues, or Knowl-
edge of the Fathers: (too much the Business and Vanity of
the World). But in this rejoyce, That thou knowest God,
that is the Lord, who exerciseth loving Kindness, and Judg-
ment, and Righteousness in the Earth.
473. Publick Worship is very commendable, if well per-
formed. We owe it to God and good Example. But we
must know, that God is not tyed to Time or Place, who is
378 SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE
every where at the same Time: And this we shall know, as
far as we
are capable, if where ever we are, our Desires are
to be with him.
474. Serving God, People generally confine to the Acts of
Publick and Private Worship: And those, the more zealous
do oftener repeat, in hopes of Acceptance.
475. But if we consider that God is an Infinite Spirit, and,
as such, every where; and that our Saviour has taught us,
That he will be worshipped in Spirit and in Truth we shall ;
Mankind the great Family in it, and God the mighty Lord
ind Master of it.
485.We are all sensible what a stately Seat it is: The
Heavens adorned with so many glorious Luminaries; and
the Earth with Groves, Plains, Valleys, Hills, Fountains,
Ponds, Lakes and Rivers; and Variety of Fruits, and Crea-
tures for Food, Pleasure and Profit. In short, how Noble
an House he keeps, and the Plenty and Variety and Ex-
cellency of his Table; his Orders, Seasons and Suitableness
of every Time and Thing. But we must be as sensible, or
at least ought to be, what Careless and Idle Servants we
are, and how short and disproportionable our Behavior is to
his Bounty and Goodness How long he bears, and often he
:
will take their Religion upon trust, but not trust a Synod
about the Goodness of Half a Crown.
525. They will follow their own Judgment when their
Money is concerned, whatever they do for their Souls.
526. But to be sure, that Religion cannot be right, that a
Man is the worse for having.
527. No
Religion is better than an Unnatural One.
528. Grace perfects, but never sours or spoils Nature.
529. To be Unnatural in Defence of Grace, is a Contra-
diction.
530. Hardly any thing looks worse, than to defend Re-
ligion by ways that shew it has no Credit with us.
531. A Devout Man is one thing, a Stickler is quite
another.
SOME FRUITS Or SOLITUDE 383
shall all be Lovely, and in Love with God and one with
another.
Amen.
END OF PART I
MORE FRUITS OF SOLITUDE
BEING THE SECOND PART
OF
REFLECTIONS AND MAXIMS, RELATING
TO THE CONDUCT OF HUMAN LIFE
13 uc 1
CONTENTS
PART II
PACK
The Right Moralist 391
The World's Able Man . , 392
The Wise Man 395
Op the Government of Thoughts 396
Op Envy 398
Op Man's Life . 399
Of Ambition
Op Praise or Applause
Of Conduct in Speech
... .... 399
400
401
Union of Friends 402
Of Being Easy in Living 403
Of Man's Inconsiderateness and Partiality ., 403.
Op Charity 415
387
THE INTRODUCTION TO THE READER
The Title of this Treatise shows, there was a former of the
same Nature; and the Author hopes he runs no Hazard in
recommending both to his Reader's Perusal. He is well aware
of the low Reckoning the Labors of indifferent Authors are
under, at a Time when hardly any Thing passes for current,
that is not calculated to flatter the Sharpness of contending
Parties. He is also sensible, that Books grow a very Drug, where
they cannot raise and support their Credit, by their own Use-
fulness; and how far this will be able to do it, he knows not;
yet he thinks himself tollerably safe in making it publick, in
three Respects.
First, That the Purchase is small, and the Time but little, that
is requisite to read it.
S8B
MORE FRUITS OF SOLITUDE
BEING THE SECOND PART OF
REFLECTIONS & MAXIMS
THE RIGHT MORALIST
ARIGHT Moralist,
that Reason he
is
is
a Great and Good Man, but
rarely to be found.
for
bids the one at his Peril, and that Virtue is seldom the
Reason of the other.
4. But certainly he that Covets, can no more be a Moral
Man, than he that Steals; since he does so in his Mind.
Nor can he be one that Robs his Neighbor of his Credit, or
that craftily undermines him of his Trade or Office.
5. If a Man pays his Taylor, but Debauches his Wife; Is
he a current Moralist?
6. But what shall we say of the Man that Rebels against
his Father, is Husband, or an Abusive Neighbor one
an 111 ;
that 's Lavish of his Time, of his Health, and of his Estate,
in which his Family is so nearly concerned? Must he go
for a Right Moralist, because he pays his Rent well?
7. I would ask some of those Men of Morals, Whether he
that Robs God and Himself too, tho' he should not defraud
his Neighbor, be the Moral Man?
8. Do I owe my self Nothing? And do I not owe All to
God? And if paying what we owe, makes the Moral Man,
is it not fit we should begin to render our Dues, where we
take the Wrong by the Hand, when t'other won't do, with
as good a Grace as the Right.
29. Nay, he commonly chooses the Worst, because that
brings the best Bribe His Cause being ever Money.
:
30. He Sails with all Winds, and is never out of his Way,
where any Thing is to be had.
31. A Privateer indeed, and everywhere a very Bird of Prey.
32. True to nothing but himself, and false to all Persons
and Parties, to serve his own Turn.
2S- Talk with him as often as you please, he will never
pay you in good Coin for 't is either False or Clipt.
;
37. To hear two Men talk the Reverse of their own Senti-
ments, with all the good Breeding and Appearance of Friend-
ship imaginable, on purpose to Cozen or Pump each other,
is to a Man of Virtue and Honor, one of the Melancholiest,
what all this Art and Disguise are for, it equally heightens
the Wise Man's Wonder and Aversion: Perhaps it is to be-
tray a Father, a Brother, a Master, a Friend, a Neighbor, or
ones own Party.
45. A fine what Noble Grecians and Romans
Conquest !
abhorr'd: As
Government could not subsist without
if
Knavery, and that Knaves were the Usefullest Props to it;
tho' the basest, as well as greatest, Perversion of the Ends
of it.
J2. They that are least divided in their Care, always give
the best Account of their Business.
73. As therefore thou art always to pursue the present
Subject, till thou hast master'd it, so if it fall out that thou
hast more Affairs than one upon thy Hand, be sure to prefer
that which is of most Moment, and will least wait thy
Leisure.
74. He that Judges not well of the Importance of his
Affairs, though he may be always Busy, he must make but
^a small Progress.
398 SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE
75. But make not more Business necessary than is so';
and rather lessen than augment Work for thy self.
76. Nor yet be over-eager in pursuit of any Thing; for
the Mercurial too often happen to leave Judgment behind
them, and sometimes make Work for Repentance.
jy. He that over-runs his Business, leaves it for him that
the Men of lively Parts, that tho' they don't lead, they will
Follow well, and Glean Clean.
79. Upon the whole Matter, Employ thy Thoughts as thy
Business requires, and let that have a Place according to
Merit and Urgency; giving every Thing a Review and due
Digestion, and thou wilt prevent many Errors and Vexations,
as well as save much Time to thy self in the Course of thy;
Life.
OF ENVY
80. It is the Mark ill Nature, to lessen good Actions,
of an
and aggravate Ones.
ill
OF man's life
OF AMBITION
96. They that soar too high, often fall hard; which makes
a low and Dwelling preferrable,
level
97. The tallest Trees are most in the Power of the Winds,
and Ambitious Men of the Blasts of Fortune.
98. They are most seen and observed, and most envyed:
Least Quiet, but most talk'd of, and not often to their
Advantage.
99. Thf^se Buildings had need of a good Foundation, that
lie so much exposed to Weather.
OF PRAISE OR APPLAUSE
103. We are too apt to love Praise, but not to Deserve it.
104. But if we would Deserve it, we must love Virtue
OF CONDUCT IN SPEECH
117. Enquire often, but Judge rarely, and thou wilt not
often be mistaken.
118. It is safer to Learn, than teach; and who conceals
his Opinion, has nothing to Answer for.
Vanity or Resentment often engage us, and 't is two
119.
to one butwe come off Losers; for one shews a Want of
Judgment and Humility, as the other does of Temper and
Discretion.
Not that I admire the Reserved; for they are next
120.
to Unnatural that are not Communicable. But if Reserved-
ness be at any Time a Virtue, 't is in Throngs or ill
Company.
121. Beware also of Affectation in Speech; it often wrongs
Matter, and ever shows a blind Side.
122. Speak properly, and in as few Words as you can,
but always plainly; for the End of Speech is not Ostenta-
be understood.
tion, but to
123. They that affect Words more than Matter, will dry
up that little they have.
124. Sense never fails to give them that have it, Words
nough to make them understood.
125. But it too often happens in some Conversations, as in
\pothecary-Shops, that those Pots that are Empty, or have
Things of Small Value in them, are as gatvJily Dress'd and
Flourish'd, as those that are full of precious Drugs.
126. This Laboring of slignt Matter with flourish'd Turns
402 SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE
of Expression, is fulsome, and worse than the Modern Imita-
tion of Tapestry, and East-India Goods, in Stuffs and
Linnens. In short, 't is but Taudry Talk, and next to very
Trash.
UNION OF FRIENDS
127. They that love beyond the World, cannot be sepa-
rated by it.
132. For they must needs be present, that love and live
in that which is Omnipresent.
133. In this Divine Glass, they see Face to Face; and their
Converse is Free, as well as Pure.
134. This is the Comfort of Friends, that though they may
be said to Die, yet their Friendship and Society are, in the
best Sense, ever present, because Immortal.
OF FORMALITY
Invention,
180. Our Blessed Saviour most rightly and clearly dis-
tinguished and determined this Case, when he told the Jews,
that they were his Mother, his Brethren and Sisters, who
did the Will of his Father.
OF JEALOUSY
190. The Jealous are Troublesome to others, but a Tot-
ment to themselves,
191. Jealousy is a kind of Civil War in the Soul, where
Judgment and Imagination are at perpetual Jars,
This Civil Dissension in the Mind, like that of the
192.
Body commits great Disorders, and lays all waste.
Politick,
193. Nothing stands safe in its Way: Nature, Interest,
Religion, must Yield to its Fury.
194 It violates Contracts, Dissolves Society, Breaks Wed-
lock, Betrays Friends and Neighbors. No Body is Good,
and every one is either doing or designing them a Mischief.
195. It has a Venome that more or less rankles wherever
it bites: And as it reports Fancies for Facts, so it disturbs
OF STATE
198. I love Service, but not State ; One is Useful, the other
is Superfluous.
199. The Trouble of this, as well as Charge, is Real; but
the Advantage only Imaginary.
200. Besides, it helps to set us up above our selves, and
Augments our Temptation to Disorder,
201. The Least Thing out of Joint, or omitted, make us
uneasy: and we are ready to think our selves ill served,
about that which is of no real Service at all: Or so much
better than other Men, as we have the Means of greater
State.
But this is all for want of Wisdom, which carries the
202.
truest and most forceable State along with it.
203. He that makes not himself Cheap by indiscreet Con-
versation, puts Value enough upon himself every where.
204. The other is rather Pageantry than State.
408 SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE
OF A GOOD SERVANT
305. A True, and a Good Servant, are the same Thing.
206. Bttt no Servant is True to his Master, that Defrauds
faim.
207. Now there are many Ways of Defrauding a Master, as, of
Time, Care, Pains,Respect, and Reputation, as well as Money.
208. He that Neglects his Work, Robs his Master, since
he is Fed and Paid as if he did his Best; and he that is not
as Diligent in the Absence, as in the Presence of his Master,
cannot be a true Servant.
209. Nor is he a true Servant, that buys dear to share in
the Profit with the Seller.
210. Nor yet he that tells Tales without Doors; or deals
basely in his Master's Name with other People or Connives
;
229. But some say, It ruins Trade, and will make the Poor
Burthensome to the Publick; But if such Trade in Conse-
quence ruins the Kingdom, is it not Time to ruin that
Trade? Is Moderation no Part of our Duty, and Temper-
ance an Enemy to Government?
230. He is a Judas that will get Money by any Thing.
231. To wink at a Trade that effeminates the People, and
invades the Ancient Discipline of the Kingdom, is a Crime
Capital, and to be severely punish'd instead of being excused
by the Magistrate.
232. Is there no better Employment for the Poor than
Luxury ? Miserable Nation !
233. What did they before they fell into these forbidden
Methods? Is there not Land enough in England to Culti-
vate, and more and better Manufactures to be Made?
234. Have we no Room for them in our Plantations, about
Things that may augment Trade, without Luxury ?
235. In short, let Pride pay, and Excess be well Excised:
And if that will Cure the People, it will help to Keep the
Kingdom.
THE VAIN MAN
236. But a Vain Manis a Nauseous Creature: He is so
no Body else.
245. For tho' they stand on higher Ground, and so sec
farther than their Neighbors, they are yet humbled by their
Prospect, since it shews them something, so much higher and
above their Reach.
246. And truly then it is, that Sense shines with the great-
est Beauty when it is set in Humility.
247. An humble able Man is a Jewel worth a Kingdom:
It is often saved by him, as Solomon's Poor Wise Man did
the City.
248. May we have more of them, or less Need of them.
THE CONFORMIST
249. It isreasonable to concur where Conscience does not
forbid a Compliance; for Conformity is at least a Civil
Virtue.
250. But we should only press it in Necessaries, the rest
may prove a Snare and Temptation to break Society.
251. But above all, it is a Weakness in Religion and Gov-
ernment, where it is carried to Things of an Indifferent
Nature, since besides that it makes Way for Scruples, Lib-
erty is always the Price of it.
252. Such Conformists have little to boast of, and there-
fore the less Reason to Reproach others that have more
Latitude.
253. And yet the Latitudinarian that I love, is one that is
412 SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE
only so in Charity; for the Freedom I recommend is no
Scepticism in Judgment, and much less so in Practice.
act upon other Reasons than what appears, and that there is
no such Thing as a Straightness or Sincerity among Man-
kind: A Trick instead of Truth.
278. Neither, allowing Nature or Religion; but some
Worldly Fetch or Advantage: The true, the hidden Motive
to all Men to act or do.
hard to express its Uncharitableness, as well ae
279. 'T is
OF CHARITY
a6i. Charity has various Senses, but is Excellent in all of
them.
282. It imports ; first, the Commiseration of the Poor, and
Unhappy of Mankind, and extends an Helping-Hand to
mend their Condition.
283. They that feel nothing of this, are at best not above
half of Kin to Human Race since they must have no Bowels,
;
great deal that God has given him, Lays up Poverty in Store
for his own Posterity.
288. I will not say theseWorks are Meritorious, but dare
say they are Acceptable, and go not without their Reward:
Tho' to Humble us in our Fulness and Liberality too, we
only Give but what is given us to Give as well as use; for
if we are not our own, less is that so which God has in-
trusted us with.
289. Next, Charity makes the best Construction of Thing?
and Persons, and is from being an evil Spy, a Back-
so far
biter, or a Detractor, that it excuses Weakness, extenuates
Miscarriages, makes the best of every Thing; forgives every
Body, serves All, and hopes to the End.
290. It moderates Extreams, is always for Expediences,
labors to accommodate Differences, and had rather suffer
than Revenge: And so far from Exacting the utmost
Farthing, that it had rather lose than seek her Own Violently.
416 MORE FRUITS OF SOLITUDE
291. As it acts Freely, so, Zealously too; but 't is always
to do Good, for it hurts no Body.
292. An Universal Remedy against Discord, and an Holy
Cement for Mankind.
293. And lastly, 'T to God and the Brethren,
is Love
which raises the Soul worldly Considerations; and,
above all