as religion is a
matter solely between God and man, so no government consisting of
fallible men ought to fetter the consciences of those over whom they are
placed."

"No, indeed," exclaimed Christison. "To the latter principle I have
long held; and it seems to me that there is much sense and truth in the
other tenets which you have explained. I, as you know, am a blunt man,
not given to book learning; but, in truth, old friend, I should like to
hear from you again more at large of these matters."

"There seems every probability that thou wilt know where to find me for
some time to come," answered Mead; "and I shall be heartily well-pleased
further to explain to you the principles we hold to be the true ones for
the guidance of men in this mortal life."

"Father," said young Wenlock, as he and the elder Christison were
returning to their lodgings; "I should like to take service with young
Master Penn, should he require a secretary. Your old friend, Captain
Mead, has also taken my fancy; but yet I feel I would go anywhere with
so true-hearted and noble a man as the other."

"You have formed a somewhat hasty judgment, Wenlock," said his father.
"We have been but a couple of hours in his society, during which time he
spoke but little; and though, I grant you, he is a true gentleman, and
would have made a fine soldier, yet his temper and habits may be very
different to what you suppose."

"Oh! no, no, father. I know I could trust him; I watched him all the
time he was writing. He said he was addressing his father, and I saw
his change of countenance; sometimes he was lost in thought, sometimes
he seemed to look up to heaven in prayer; and more than once I saw his
eyes filled with tears, and a firm, determined look came over his
countenance; yet all the time there was nothing stern or forbidding,--
all was mild, loving, and kind. I have never seen one I would more
willingly serve."

"I hope that you may see him frequently, Wenlock," said his father, "and
you may thus have an opportunity of correcting or confirming your
judgment. I purpose visiting my old friend Mead whenever I can."

Captain Christison kept to his word. The result of those frequent
interviews with the worthy Quaker, as far as Wenlock was concerned, will
be shown by-and-by.

The first of September, 1670, the day fixed for the trial of William
Penn and Captain Mead, arrived, and the prisoners were placed in the
dock to answer the charge broug