Penn’s Sword

Now I’m going to tell you a story, a myth perhaps, about George Fox and William Penn’s sword. I can’t prove that it did happen, but it illustrates an important point nonetheless. I think about it every time I ponder making any changes in my own life or decisions I have to make. 

“When William Penn was convinced of the principles of Friends, and became a frequent attendant at their meetings, he did not immediately relinquish his gay apparel; it is even said that he wore a sword, as was then customary among men of rank and fashion. Being one day in company with George Fox, he asked his advice concerning it, saying that he might, perhaps, appear singular among Friends, but his sword had once been the means of saving his life without injuring his antagonist, and moreover, that Christ has said, “He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.” George Fox answered, “I advise thee to wear it as long as thou canst.” Not long after this they met again, when William had no sword, and George said to him, “William, where is thy sword?” “Oh!” said he, “I have taken thy advice; I wore it as long as I could.”

Friends Journal<https://www.friendsjournal.org/2003142/>23.2.2020.

Change doesn’t necessarily happen quickly, but The Holy Spirit may lead us in the right direction in time. The Holy Spirit guided William Penn to stop carrying his sword, but not immediately: It took some time for him to give up carrying the sword. Everybody doesn’t change in the same pace and everybody isn’t struggling with the same issues. We have to be patient with shortcomings, mistakes and disagreements that occur in our Quaker community. I suppose we all have a sword we are carrying.