Page 4 - 1a. Master Informed Choices Guide 2017 American English version. edited_Neat

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The point of study or debate:

1. Prophet Matthias called himself the spirit of truth. Could it be possible or even probable
that Isabella Baumfree changed her name to SOJOURNERTRUTH due in part to the
influence and time that she spent with Prophet Matthias?
2. According to evidence from Isabella while she was talking with Mrs. Whiting at Cannel
Street, New York, the name which Isabella called herself at the time of leaving New York
was SOJOURNER. Could it be possible or even probable that the full name of
SOJOURNERTRUTH was and is a progressive name which developed over a period of a
time from 1844 to 1850?

Topic Two:
Sojournertruth's profound Christian love and compassion.

Within chapter five we read:
After staying for almost a week at the townhouse, Ann set off in their private carriage returning
to Mount Zion. As Ann, the sole occupant of this carriage approaches Mount Zion, the children,
Isabella Van Wagener and the servants assemble themselves in the main hall to welcome her.
Usually, Ann would embrace the children in the hallway, give them each a kiss and tell them
that she loved and missed them. On this occasion, she removed herself from the carriage, rushed
across the pathway and up the steps into the hall where her children and servants had been lined
up to welcome her back home. To the great surprise and disappointment of the Folger children,
Ann rushed passed them and ran into the arms of Matthias who was standing removed from
the welcoming reception in the north wing doorway. Together they entered the room, locked
the door behind them, and enjoyed each other's company for almost an hour. (Ref H; 70)

The following Saturday Ann instructs Isabella Van Wagener (Sojournertruth) to ‘set the house
in order’ along with preparing the West Room to her specific requirements. The West room
was the Folger master bedroom, and Isabella was instructed to put new fancy bed clothes into
the West Bedroom. Ann seemed jubilant as she informed Isabella that she had something that
she wanted to tell her. After very disturbing developments involving the Folger and Pierson
families, Sojournertruth once again shows her Christian concerns. Towards the end of Chapter
five, we read: It's hard to imagine what Benjamin is thinking; however he seems to be acting
upon emotion and impulse rather than logic and common sense! Feeling rejected and desperate
Benjamin reaches out for Ann in what appears to be a last-ditch attempt to show his love and
continued adoration towards her. Unfortunately, his attempt to hold Ann once again in his arms
is rebutted with active force as Ann pushes Benjamin away from her. He is a defeated and
rejected man, as he sinks into the chair within his hallway. Sitting Benjamin became the focus
of attention for Isabella Van Wagener. According to Isabella's recollection of events, she was
full of ‘pity, surprise, and sympathy’ towards Benjamin and his situation. Isabella was
annoyed at the sternness with which Ann treated and spoke to Benjamin, and she records her
thoughts. ‘My God when I saw the manner he (Benjamin) was treated, my anger rose, and
when I saw him laying on the chair, I thought he looked like a dog with his tail singed, or
one drawn through a gutter; and I could not help but pity him’ (Ref; N;72)

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