A good end cannot sanctify evil means; nor must we ever do evil, that good may come of it…. It is as great presumption to send our passion upon God’s errands, as it is to palliate them with God’s name…. We are too ready to retaliate, rather than forgive, or gain by love and information. And yet we could hurt no man that we believe loves us. Let us then try what Love will do: for if men did once see we love them, we should soon find they would not harm us. Force may subdue, but Love gains: and he that forgives first, wins the laurel.
William Penn, 1693, in Quaker Faith & Practice of Britain Yearly Meeting, 24.03
Green Country Friends 