The Record of a Quaker Conscience, Cyrus Pringle's Diary With an Introduction by Rufus M. Jones

"The Record of a Quaker Conscience, Cyrus Pringle's Diary" by Cyrus G. Pringle is a diary that follows a Quaker man's journey during the Civil War, where he grapples with being drafted into the army and his deep-seated religious beliefs against war. The story highlights the Quaker commitment to peace and the heavy moral challenges they faced when societal expectations clashed with their pacifist beliefs. Pringle shows his journey as he enters the Union Army in 1863; he details the tough choices he had to make because he was so dedicated to his faith. Refusing to pay a fee to avoid service because it felt wrong, he faces difficult situations where he interacts with military leaders and is confined. Despite the pressure, he stays true to what he believes is right. It's a powerful story about standing up for your beliefs, the cost of war, and the difficult choice between country and conscience, showing the strength of Quaker values in a time of conflict.