vercoming evil with good,
beautiful and sublime. But had he not the morning before given way to a
natural impulse, when he seized a club, firmly resolved to oppose force
with force? The recollection of that incident had led him into a
singular train of reasoning.

"I know," he said, "that it is still the highest doctrine. But am I
equal to it? Can I, under all circumstances, live up to it? I have seen
something of the power and recklessness of the faction that would
destroy my country. Would I wish to see my country submit? Never! Such
submission would be the most unchristian thing it could do. It would be
the abandonment of the cause of liberty; it would be to deliver up the
whole land to the blighting despotism of slavery; it would postpone the
millennium I hope for thousands of years. I see no other way than that
the nation must resist; and what I would have the nation do I should be
prepared, if called upon, to do myself. If this government were a
Christian government I would have it use only Christian weapons, and no
doubt those would be effectual for its preservation. But there never was
a Christian government yet, and probably there will not be for an age or
two. Governments are all founded on human policy, selfishness, and
force. Or if _I_ was entirely a Christian, then _I_ would have no
temptation, and no right, to use any but spiritual weapons. But until I
attain to these, may I not use such weapons as I have?"

These thoughts revolved slowly and somewhat confusedly in the young
man's mind, when an incident occurred to bring form, sharply and
suddenly, out of that chaos.

He had reached the bridge. He looked up and down the road, and saw no
human being. It was hardly time to expect the farmer yet; so he climbed
down upon some dry stones in the bed of the stream, where he could watch
for his coming, and be at the same time hidden from view and sheltered
from the sun.

He had not been long in that situation when he heard the sounds of
hoofs. It was not his white-haired farmer whom he saw approaching, but
two men on horseback. They were coming from the same direction in which
he was looking for the old man. As they drew near, he discovered that
one was a negro. The face of the other he recognized shortly afterwards.
It was that of Mr. Augustus Bythewood, who was evidently taking
advantage of the fine weather to make a little journey, accompanied by a
black servant.

Penn's heart contracted within him as he