John Woolman – birth, Oct. 19, 1720

…Wherever there are true ministers of Jesus Christ, it is from the operation of his Spirit upon their hearts, first purifying them, and thus giving them a just sense of the conditions of others.

                – John Woolman, Journal (London: Edward Marsh, 1857), 11.

…We have found it to be our duty to cease from these national contests [referring to “a disagreement between” England and France] which are productive of misery and bloodshed…  

                – John Woolman, Journal (London: Edward Marsh, 1857), 31.

 Things that served chiefly to please the vain mind in people, I was not easy to trade in; seldom did it; and whenever I did, I found it weaken[ed] me as a Christian.

                – John Woolman, Journal (London: Edward Marsh, 1857), 38.

John Woolman was born this date 10/19/1720, Northampton, Burlington Co. NJ.  He was a Quaker preacher and also ran a shop using part of his profits to support abolitionist work.  He produced his Journal (written 1756-72) which influenced 19th century abolitionists.  He died in England where he was presenting his beliefs, 10/7/1772.

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George C Stebbins – birth, Feb. 26, 1846

“Holiness” (tune name)

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

George Coles Stebbins was born this date (2/26/1846) in Carlton, NY.  He is credited with composing some 1500 song tunes among which are such well-known sounds as: “I’ve Found a Friend” “Take Time to Be Holy” (above)  “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” “Jesus is Tenderly Calling Thee Home” “Jesus I Come” and “Saved by Grace” 

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