John Woolman: He Agreed to Set Her Free.
“A neighbour… desired me to write his will: I took notes, and, amongst other things, he told me to which of his children he gave his young negro: I considered the pain and distress he was in, and knew not how it would end, so I wrote his will, save only that part concerning his slave, and carrying it to his bedside, read it to him, and then told him in a friendly way, that I could not write any instruments by which my fellow-creatures were made slaves, without bringing trouble on my own mind. I let him know that I charged nothing for what I had done, and desired to be excused from doing the other part in the way he proposed. Then we had a serious conference on the subject, and at length, he agreeing to set her free, I finished his will.”
— John Woolman, 1756 (source)
Quaker preacher and abolitionist
Today’s Invitation
Have courage to speak about the things that trouble your mind.
This Week’s Query
What role does integrity play in your spirituality?
To what or whom do you feel accountable?
Photo credit: “Stone Sky,” copyright James Turrell
