cal rights to be taken from
the cultivators of the soil. Trial by jury virtually set aside. The
Church of England to be alone the true and orthodox, and to be supported
out of the coffers of the State."

"In truth, no," said Sidney. "John Locke has not emancipated himself
from his admiration of the feudal system. Let this be our principle,--
that those whose lives, properties, and liberties are most concerned in
the administration of the laws shall be the people to form them. Let
there be two bodies to be elected by the people,--a council and an
assembly. Let the council consist of seventy-two persons, to be chosen
by universal suffrage, for three years, twenty-four of them retiring
every year, their places to be supplied by new election. Let the
members of the assembly be elected annually, and all votes taken by
ballot. The suffrage to be universal. Let it have the privilege of
making out the list of persons to be named as justices and sheriffs, and
let the governor be bound to select one half of those thus recommended.
Now we must consider numerous provisional laws relating to liberty of
conscience, provision for the poor, choice of civil officers, and so on,
which can be in force until accepted by the council. We shall thus,
dear friend, I trust, have secured freedom of thought, the sacredness of
person and property, popular control over all powers of the state; and
we will leave our new democracy to develop itself in accordance with its
own genius, unencumbered with useless formalities and laws."

"Yes; I trust that the simplicity of our constitution will secure its
permanence," said Sidney. "I will take the papers home with me to
Penshurst, and there maturely consider over all the points."

Left alone, William Penn might have been seen lifting up his hands in
earnest prayer to heaven that his noble scheme might prosper. He was
interrupted by a knock at the door, and a servant announced a visitor.
In another minute a young man entered the room with modest air and in
sober costume.

"Who art thou?" said Penn, looking up.

"Wenlock Christison," answered the visitor. "I came at the desire of
Friend Mead."

"Yea; I wish to see thee, young friend," said Penn; "but when thou
earnest into the room I did not at first recognise thee. Thou art
somewhat changed, I may say, for the better. Sit down, and I will tell
thee what I require. Look at this map of the American continent. See
this magnificent rive