Abjure the fabrication of weapons which can only be useful to abridge human life, already too short for repentance, or to encourage with a feeling of safety those whom fear might otherwise prevent from risking themselves in peril.

The art of forming arms, whether offensive or defensive, is alike sinful in one to whose violent and ever vehement disposition the very working upon them proves a sin and a snare.

Resign utterly the manufacture of weapons of every description, and deserve the forgiveness of Heaven, by renouncing all that can lead to the sin which most easily besets you." "And what," murmured the armourer, "am I to do for my livelihood, when I have given over the art of forging arms for which Henry of Perth is known from the Tay to the Thames ?" "Your art itself," said Catharine, "has innocent and laudable resources.
If you renounce the forging of swords and bucklers, there remains to you the task of forming the harmless spade, and the honourable as well as useful ploughshare--of those implements which contribute to the support of life, or to its comforts.

Thou canst frame locks and bars to defend the property of the weak against the stouthrief and oppression of the strong.

Men will still resort to thee, and repay thy honest industry--" But here Catharine was interrupted.