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.
– John Woolman, 1746
...or sistren ;)
ReplyDeleteIndeed. I *think* - dimly remembering from something I read years ago - it's 'sustren'. I'll check . . . wait . . . yes - here: http://en.academic.ru/dic.nsf/cide/172704/Sustren
ReplyDeleteHello Pen,
ReplyDeleteFirstly I must tell you that I finished The Clear Light of Day last night. I enjoy reading for a little while before I turn out the light each night. This book was so very interesting and I really enjoyed it. There was something about each of the characters that I see or in fact wish to see in myself. It was such a comforting book, sort of like an old friend that I was able to sit with these last few nights. Having said that, it also was a little disturbing because I want that peace that was available in that little cottage. I have perfect pictures in my imaginations of the characters, the cottages, the lovely lanes and the bike rides to each destination. I very rarely read books twice, however The Clear light of the Day I absolutely need to read again. My soul is constantly desiring that simple peace. Your book reminded me that God keeps repeating "Be still and know that I am God". I read your book on my Kindle but now I will buy a paper copy to always have amongst the book I love. Have you completed The Light Returning yet? Your first book will be a hard act to follow.
Blessings Gail
Hello again Pen,
ReplyDeleteI meant to ask if it would be possible to write a few words on your thoughts of these words by John Woolman? Especially 'the heart stands in perfect sincerity" I enjoy reading your slant on these things. But of course you may just want the words to speak for themselves. Have a lovely weekend.
Blessings Gail.
:0) Hiya. The sales for The Clear Light of Day were poor, so we never proceeded with The Light Returning. But I'm so glad you enjoyed it and it spoke to you.
ReplyDeleteJohn Woolman - gosh. I think he's speaking about what Quakers call 'going beyond'. Or, how Rumi put it:
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
there is a field. I will meet you there.
When the soul lies down in that grass,
the world is too full to talk about
language, ideas, even the phrase each other
doesn't make any sense." x
Pen-just found this chap online, whilst searching out for a way to make my own sandals or soft shoes without using leather. Quite off-topic for where I'm commenting, but this is the quickest way to get the link to you and I know you're nicely hooked up to not print things that don't apply on the blog. Give him a look!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Leslie
http://handcraftedtravellers.com/my-first-natural-footwear-rope-sole-canvas-shoes-made-by-me/
Briliant - and what a nice man! Check it out, friends. xx
ReplyDelete