he hoped that Ned would follow his example.

Ned Burton was no longer only a good-natured, well-meaning lad; he had
now right principles to help him behave well; nor has he in any way
disappointed the hopes of those who have taken an interest in his
welfare.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

THE GOOD CAPTAIN

THE MUTINY AT SPITHEAD--AN EXCEPTION--VALUE OF A CHRISTIAN CAPTAIN--THE
MUTINY BREAKS OUT AT SHEERNESS--ANOTHER LOYAL SHIP--THE MUTINY QUELLED.

In the year 1797 an event occurred connected with the navy of England,
which cannot even now be thought of without sorrow and shame. The crews
of most of the ships of the Channel fleet then anchored at Spithead
deposed their officers, and refused to proceed to sea, unless certain
grievances of which they complained were redressed.

It must be remembered, however, that the seamen of those days were very
uneducated--too often utterly ignorant of religious truth, and thus
easily imposed upon by designing men. Their pay was scanty, the
provisions served out to them often bad, and deficient in quantity,
while no care was taken of their moral or spiritual welfare. Still no
excuse can be offered for mutiny however much we may pity those who are
induced to commit the crime in the hopes of obtaining redress for
wrongs. The Christian must ever look to his Lord and Master, and be
guided by His conduct under wrong and oppression. However, all the
ships' companies did not mutiny, and among those which remained faithful
to their duty was the crew of the _Saint Fiorenzo_ frigate, Captain Sir
Harry Burrard Neale. How came this about? Was discipline less strict
on board the _Saint Fiorenzo_? Were her crew allowed greater licence
than those of other ships? Certainly not. But on board her the law of
kindness, of mercy, and justice prevailed; on board many others it was
too often neglected. However, an account of the behaviour of her crew
on that trying occasion shall be given in the words of one who was then
a midshipman on board her:--

"Our captain was one of the most upright and humane men in the service--
a perfect officer and a perfect gentleman;" and a true, humble
Christian, from whose mouth an oath never proceeded, whose lips never
uttered a falsehood, might have been added. "He was a great favourite
with George the Third, and the _Saint Fiorenzo_ had consequently been
appointed to attend on His Majesty during his summer sojourn at
Weymouth. The King won the affection of both