When the Spirit inhabits our...
When the Spirit inhabits our hearts, our lives change. William Penn had such an experience. He had the practice of wearing a sword, to indicate his family's martial tradition. But in time he came under the influence of the Pennsylvania Quakers, who espoused nonviolence. In time, he came to wonder whether wearing a sword, even ceremoniously, was appropriate.
Penn sought out George Fox, the founder of the Quakers, and asked his advice. Fox said, "Wear thy sword as long as thou canst." A few weeks later when Fox met Penn, he asked him with a smile, "Where is thy sword?"