W. Undoubtedly, my engagements were honorably fulfilled, as they were honorably made. I would not wrong a mind, and then require that mind to forbear. I would have all do right; and when mind does right, it need fear no evil. Resistance to the injury of another, is not right, and what is not right, would’st thou recommend?
T. No: but when savages invade, or tyrants oppress, I would resist their misrule.
W. Thou hast well said; but how couldst thou resist more effectually, than by acts of generosity and friendship? Resistance with force against force, is encouragement to wrong. It provokes others to do wrong. “Overcome evil with good,” is not resisting evil with evil. There is only one way, Thomas, to do good, and make enemies friends. Minds, wishing peace, will find it with less sacrifice in well doing, than in evil doing. All strife has cost even the victor more than he ever obtained. All wisdom, in this sphere, will show thee, what is not appreciated in the rudimental. I see wherein thou hast erred. I will change thy wisdom, that thou mayest sit down in a circle where mercy flows like a cooling stream to refresh the plants of heaven. Come thou with me, and I will do thee good.
He led me where I saw a light exceeding the brightness of a thousand suns. I saw a door opening a magnificent temple, arched as it were, with stones of the most beautiful workmanship, and clear as crystal. When we reached the arch-way, he said:
“Friend: Art thou prepared to do the work required of thee by the Master of this building?”
T. And what is that work I am required to do?
W. Enter upon thy apprenticeship, and obey thy Master.
T. That I will do, in all reasonable commands.
W. But thy reason is not required, till thou art instructed by the Master to reason with wisdom to guide thee.
When we had passed the first arch, I was reflecting on my pilgrimage, which was so strange and new, that I felt my soul overcome with the mercy of heaven. But my guide aided me onward. On entering the second arch-door, I was hailed by a workman, who said: