Illustration for "putting away the sword"
Taken from the 40th entry in "Christian faith and practice in the experience of the Society of Friends," Samuel Fanney, Life of William Penn (1852):
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 the 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 had said, 'he that hath no sword, let him sell his grament and buy one.' George Fox answered, 'I advise thee to wear it as long as thou canst.' Not long afther 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.'
illustration received from former seminary prof. Dale Brown