Thursday, October 23, 2025

The Journal of John Woolman: Chapter 1

 The Journal of John Woolman: Chapter 1

Bonus: 

Hopkins is, of course, brilliant. But I've always thought Jodie Foster's performance is underrated.

Summary: BIRD MURDER! And weird capitals. 

Commentary: This is much more "old timey" than Franklin's Autobiography, despite not being that much older. 

A Thing remarkable in my Childhood was, that once, going to a Neighbour's House, I saw, on the Way, a Robin sitting on her Nest, and as I came near she went off, but, having young ones, flew about, and with many Cries expressed her Concern for them; I stood and threw Stones at her, till, one striking her, she fell down dead: At first I was pleased with the Exploit, but after a few Minutes was seized with Horror, as having, in a sportive Way, killed an innocent Creature while she was careful for her Young: I beheld her lying dead, and thought these young ones, for which she was so careful, must now perish for want of their Dam to nourish them; and, after some painful Considerations on the Subject, I climbed up the Tree, took all the young Birds, and killed them; supposing that better than to leave them to pine away and die miserably: And believed, in this Case, that Scripture-proverb was fulfilled, "The tender Mercies of the Wicked are cruel." I then went on my Errand, but, for some Hours, could think of little else but the Cruelties I had committed, and was much troubled. Thus he, whose tender Mercies are over all his Works, hath placed a Principle in the human Mind, which incites to exercise Goodness towards every living Creature; and this being singly attended to, People become tender hearted and sympathising; but being frequently and totally rejected, the Mind becomes shut up in a contrary Disposition.

I include the above a sample, both of the old fashioned writing, and also because THE MAN IS ON THE WAY TO BEING A FUCKING SERIAL KILLER!

Also, the German style capitalizing half the nouns.

 

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