"The Lord had been very gracious, and spoke peace to me in the time of my distress, and I now most ungratefully turned again to folly; at times I felt sharp reproof, but I did not get low enough to cry for help"

John Woolman's quote encapsulates an extensive individual reflection on spiritual struggle and moral self-questioning. At first glimpse, it exposes a journey from spiritual solace to moral relapse. Woolman, a prominent 18th-century Quaker understood for his abolitionist views and spiritual writings, frequently concentrated on inner spirituality and ethical living.

The opening line, "The Lord had actually been really thoughtful, and spoke peace to me in the time of my distress", conveys a minute of divine intervention and comfort during a duration of personal turmoil. Here, Woolman acknowledges a magnificent presence that offered him with peace when he was afflicted by distress. This suggests that he had, at some point, experienced a spiritual haven or enlightenment, a typical style in spiritual narratives where magnificent grace is bestowed upon individuals in their darkest hours.

However, Woolman's admission that he "now most ungratefully turned again to recklessness" shows a human propensity to wander off from spiritual or moral courses regardless of previous experiences of grace. His use of the word "ungratefully" highlights a recognition of his own failure to appreciate or preserve the path of peace he had actually been shown. By referring to his actions as "folly", Woolman implies a return to behaviors or thoughts that he recognizes as misguided or unwise.

The subsequent reflection, "at times I felt sharp reproof", indicates the existence of conscience or magnificent reprimand, advising him of his stubborn actions. Yet, he admits that he "did not get low adequate to cry for help", recommending an awareness of his failure to totally simple himself or look for divine support to return to the righteous course.

In essence, Woolman's words record the cyclical nature of spiritual journeys, highlighting styles of grace, human fallibility, and the battle between divine peace and personal imperfections. His reflection resonates with anybody who has faced preserving faith or ethical integrity in spite of understanding and experiencing the value of doing so.