"The Journal of John Woolman," and "Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes," by John Woolman, effectively portray his strong convictions and beliefs towards slavery and other controversial issues. His charisma helped open the gates for the civil rights movement. He was very involved in social matters, and wrote in depth about slavery and war because he greatly opposed them. Woolman stressed the idea that everyone is equal. After reading his works, it is clear that religion and his conscience were important influences on his beliefs toward controversial issues.
             John Woolman was born in a Quaker farming community in New Jersey, and he attended the Mount Holly village school. Woolman was employed by his father on the family farm until he reached the age of twenty-one. He then went on to work in a retail store which led to the start of his own business. Quakers believe in living a life of simplicity. Woolman's business became too successful and defied this belief. Woolman then focused all of his attention on tailoring. Woolman was also a surveyor, teacher, farmer, and was educated about law. At age twenty-one, he became a minister for the Society of Friends which involved traveling to the other colonies. He traveled to the other colonies in order to speak about his religious concerns to his fellow Quakers. Woolman spoke against war, poverty, and slavery. He greatly encouraged the Society to free their slaves. Tragically, Woolman traveled to York and died of smallpox (Woolman 610-11).
             Woolman's Journal discusses his parents and his life in the ministry. He mentions the need to reshape society because it lacked morals. Woolman then says that people who are selfish are uncapable of love. He recalls how he struggled to live a religious life. He wanted to be free from social evils so he did not give into temptation. He witnessed members of his community involved in sin. Woo
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