Fruits of Solitude - William Penn

Some Fruits of Solitude in Reflections and Maxims relating to the conduct of human life - William Penn

“God is better served in resisting a Temptation to Evil, than in many formal Prayers.” — William Penn

William Penn’s Fruits of solitude prove to be a profitable source of witty sayings and quite wise words to internalize. I’ve found them to be worthwhile and have taken to their regular review, many of which sayings I will share.

William Penn was an early convinced Friend in the 17th century most well known for creating the colony of Pennsylvania which was named after his father Admiral Sir William Penn and created to be a “Holy Experiment” with great concern towards religious tolerance. The Holy Experiment eventually fell through to the desire for expansion and unfair treatment of the native population, the Quaker government stepped down.

The content of the book itself contains many sayings that fit into their respective sections concerning lavish excess, apparel, pride, power of religion, proper conversation, virtue &c. Some of the sayings that spoke to me are as follows:

Love is indeed Heaven upon earth; since Heaven above would not be Heaven without it: for where there is not Love; there is Fear: But perfect Love casts out Fear. And yet we naturally fear most to offend what we most Love.
In his Prayers he says, Thy Will be done: But means his own: At least acts so.
Chuse thy Cloaths by thine own Eyes, not anothers. The more plain and simple they are, the better. Neither unshapely, nor fantastical; and for Use and Decency, and not for Pride.
It is wise not to seek a Secret, and honest not to reveal one.
A Sweet and Natural Retreat from Noise and Talk, and allows opportunity for Reflection, and gives the best Subjects for it.
Unless Virtue guide us, our choice must be wrong.

Penn writes as a caring friend offering valuable advice that connects the spiritual parts of ourselves into the wider world, he gives incredibly valuable advice on carrying our faith into the world around us and truly being that lamp we are called to be in the fifth chapter of Matthew.

Matthew 5:15-16 KJV Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.