“Those who are so redeemed from “Love of the World” as to possess nothing in a selfish spirit, their “Life is hid with Christ in God,” and these he preserves in resignedness, even in times of commotion.
As they possess nothing but what pertains to His family, anxious thoughts about wealth or dominion hath little or nothing in them to work upon, and they learn contentment in being disposed of according to His Will, who being Omnipotent, and always mindful of his Children, causeth all things to work for their good.
But where that spirit works which loves riches; works and in its working gathers wealth, and cleaves to customs which have their root in self pleasing…
A day of outward distress is coming, and Divine Love calls to prepare for it. Hearken then, O ye children who have known the Light, and come forth!
…Think not His pattern too plain or too coarse for you. Think not a small portion in this life too little: but let us live in His Spirit, and walk as He walked, and He will preserve us in the greatest troubles.”
John Woolman (1720-1772) The Journal and Essays of John Woolman (New York: MacMillan, 1922) 418-419.