May we look upon our treasure, the furniture of our houses, and our garments, and try to discover whether the seeds of war have nourishment in these our possessions.
Interpretation
This quote encourages reflection on whether our possessions contribute to conflict and discord.
John Woolman's quote invites us to examine our material belongings and consider if they might be the source of strife or conflict. It suggests that the things we hold dear, such as furniture and clothing, may sometimes foster discord rather than harmony, urging us to be mindful of our possessions and their impact on our lives and society.
In practice
In a discussion on minimalism, one might reference this quote to highlight the relationship between possessions and personal conflict.
There is a principle which is pure, placed in the human mind, which in different places and ages hath had different names. It is, however, pure and proceeds from God. It is deep and inward, confined to no forms of religion nor excluded from any, where the heart stands in perfect sincerity. In whomsoever this takes root and grows, of what nation soever, they become brethren in the best sense of the expression.
To say we love God as unseen and at the same time exercise cruelty toward the least creature moving by His life or by life derived from Him, was a contradiction in itself.
While I meditate on the gulf towards which I travelled, and reflect on my youthful disobedience, for these things I weep, mine eye runneth down with water.
The people that once bestowed commands, consulships, legions, and all else, now concerns itself no more, and longs eagerly for just two things: bread and circuses!
Anyone who can be proved to be a seditious person is an outlaw before God and the emperor; and whoever is the first to put him to death does right and well. Therefore let everyone who can, smite, slay and stab, secretly or openly, remembering that nothing can be more poisonous, hurtful, or devilish than a rebel.
Today we continue a never ending journey to bridge the meaning of those words with the realities of our time.
Some like to believe it's the book that chooses the person.
Those who have compared our life to a dream were right... we were sleeping wake, and waking sleep.
I have never thought, for my part, that man's freedom consists in his being able to do whatever he wills, but that he should not, by any human power, be forced to do what is against his will.
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