Note 41 — Chapter VII

The above is the last mention of Leonard Fell, whose name has frequently occurred in the progress of this Journal. Very little is known of him but that he was a faithful minister amongst the early Friends.

I feel inclined to insert an anecdote respecting him, as an instance among others that might be adduced, of the carrying out of the non-resistant principle. The conduct of several “Friends” who, having “fallen among thieves,” were, of course, precluded from retaliating violence, even in their own defence, affords an exemplification of this feature in the Christian character.

Leonard Fell, when travelling alone, was attacked by a highwayman, who demanded his money, which he gave him; then he desired to have his horse: Leonard dismounted and let him take it. Then feeling the power of truth rise in his mind, he turned to the robber, and under its authority, solemnly warned him of the evil of his ways; but he flying into a passion, asked the Friend why he preached to him, and threatened to blow out his brains. But Leonard replying to this effect, “Though I would not give my life for my money or my horse, I would give it to save thy soul,” so struck the astonished robber, that he declared, if he was such a man as that, he would take neither his money nor his horse from him; and, returning both to the faithful Friend, went his way, leaving Leonard to the enjoyment of that peace, attending the honest discharge of his conscience, to obtain which he had not counted his life dear.

The courage and presence of mind exhibited by a true soldier of Jesus Christ, when permitted in the course of Divine Providence, to be cast into straits and trying situations, is often conspicuous. He not only knows the strength of that preserving arm, which rules or overrules all circumstances for the good of those that are faithful, he not only is furnished for all occasions, and “out of weakness is made strong,” so as even to “stop the mouths of lions,” and “quench the violence of fire” (Heb. xi.), but is abundantly furnished with resignation to submit unto the Lord in all things; and, with one who was “in perils of robbers,” and “in deaths oft,” he can say, “Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” (Rom. xiv. 8).—W.A.