The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-06-18

with suspicion by both parties, ant
threatened and insulted upon all sides
they yet had the courage publicly tc
destroy every weapon among them
and firmly adhered to their resolution
to do good to both parties, and harm
to neither. 1t is remarkable circum.
stance that throughout that fierce and
bloody struggle, these peacemakers
were generally uninjured. However
wild and reckless may have been the
fury of either party when victorious,
their cry was, "Spare the Quakers
they have done good to all, and harm
to none" Their peace principles af-
forded them all equal protection in
their intercourse with the savage tribes
of North America. 1t is a well-knoWn
and significant fact. that during the
early settlement of this country, they
were generally exempted from the hos
tile attacks of the Indians. Of this
the history of the colony of Pennsy[
vania affords striking example.
1t is related Of Robert Barclay, that
he was once attacked by highway
man, q pistol levelled at him, and a
demand made for his purse. Calm and
self-possessed, he looked the robber in
the face, and mildly assured him that
he was his and every mans friend,
and willing to relieve his wants; hut
being free from the fear of death, he
was not to he intimidated by deadly
weapon. He then appealed to him
whether he could have the heart to
shed the blood of one who had no 9TH
er feeling or purpose but to do him
good. "The rObber was confounded {;
his eye suffused with tears his brawny
arm trembled; his pistol fell TO his
side; and lie fled, abashed, from the
presence of the hero who had dared to
resist not evil"
During violent persecution Of
Christians in France, in the early part
Of the last century, NJ. de ST. Claude,
man of eminent plety, was imprisoned
in the Bastile. At the same time
man was confined there who was such
a monster of ferocity that no one dared
to approach him. He seldom spoke
without the most horrid blasphemies,
and violently struck all who came near
him. After eXhausting every eNpedi-
ent to overcome this brutal disposition,
the governor of the prison persuaded
Claude to undertake the task. He was
shut up with the inhuman wretch,
who at first abated none OF his vio-
lence, but constantly assailed him with
angry revilings and savage blows.
The humble Christian responded to-
them with mild, fOrgiving words, and
patient endurance, and prayers. Such
a warfare could not long be sustained.
The monster was conquered. Looking
in the face of his companion, he cast
at his feet, and embracing
them, burst into flood of tears. He
implored Clau1e's forgiveness, and en-
treated him to teach him that religion
which had influenced him to such no
bic conduct. He became from that
time Il meek, peaceable, and pious
man; and even when restored to liber- !
ty, it was with difficulty that he was
persuaded tC leave his Christian friend.
We do not affirm that such would be
The invariable result of obeying the
gospel preccpts. 1t is, however, the
general tendency of that obedience. |
Instances have occurred in which for
bearance has been attended with con-
sequences precisely opposite. The
lives of the Christian martyrs, and es-
pecially that of the divinely forgiving,
and yet crucified Jesus, show that love
will not always disarm all enemy.
But that such will be its ordinary ef-
feet seems reasonable, and is confirmed
BY human experience. At all events,
those who make use of this objection
should try the experiment of the pre-
'cribed course of conduct, before posi-