nal welfare: his father, grieved to see the well accomplished son of his hopes, now ripe for worldly promotion, voluntarily turning his back upon it; he, no less afflicted to think a compliance with his earthly father's pleasures was inconsistent with his obedience to his heavenly one: his father pressing his conformity to the customs and fashions of the times; he, modestly craving leave to refrain from what would hurt his conscience: his father earnestly entreating him, and almost on his knees beseeching him, to yield to his desire; he, of a loving and tender disposition, in an extreme agony of spirit to behold his father's concern and trouble his father threatening to disinherit him; he, humbly submitting to his father's will therein: his father turning his back on him in anger; he, lifting up his heart to God for strength to support him in that time of trial."

The Admiral, after this, gave up all thoughts of altering the general views of his son. He hoped only to be able to prevail upon him to give up certain peculiarities which appeared to have little to do with conscience, and to be used merely as the distinguishing marks of a sect. He therefore told his son that he would trouble him no more on the subject of his conversion, if he would only consent to take his hat off in his own presence, and in that of the king and the Duke of York. William, on receiving the proposition, desired time to consider of it. This agitated his father. He had no conception that the subject of his solicitation required thought. He became immediately suspicious, and told his son that he had only asked for time that he might consult his friends the Quak

ers.

William assured his father that he would do no such

thing; and having pledged his word to this effect, he left him, and retired to his own chamber to pour out his soul in prayer for direction, and strength to follow it.

It will be asked by some, what necessity there could be, in a matter apparently so trivial, to retire either for serious meditation or for Divine help? In his view it was a question of principle, involving, as he believed, his obedience to God, and nothing of this character was too small to be carefully regarded by a mind divinely awakened, as was his. Uncovering the head is the mode by which Friends, in conformity with the practice of the primitive Christians, indicated their reverence to the Supreme Being, when they approached Him in the solemn act of prayer; and as they believed that the pride of man induced him to claim it as a token of respect to himself, they therefore felt themselves conscientiously restrained from giving it.

The custom, moreover, leads to repeated acts of insincerity as an expression of respect which often is not felt or deserved. It is often a sign of flattery which hurts both giver and receiver, and leads to making distinctions on account of social position between those who are equally worthy in the Divine sight.

William Penn loved his father and respected him. He was sensible of the duty he owed him as a parent, but he was equally sensible of a superior duty to God. He was made to feel that his peace of mind and religious growth were dependent upon his faithfulness, and found himself compelled to inform his father that he could not accede to his request. This he did with expressions of the greatest tenderness and affection, as well as of filial submission. The Admiral heard his answer, but could

not bear it. Unable to gain the least concession from his son, and in a point where he judged it impossible that persons bred up as gentlemen could disagree, he gave way to his anger, and in the violence of the blast which followed it, he once more turned him out of doors.

He was now thrown upon the wide world. Having no independent fortune of his own, and having been brought up to no trade or profession, he had not the means of getting his livelihood like other people. This sudden change from affluence to poverty could not but at first have affected him; but the thought of having broken the peace of mind, however innocently, of his father, and of being apparently at variance with him, was that which occasioned him the most pain. He is said to have borne nis situation with great resignation, deriving support from the belief that they who left houses and parents for the kingdom of God's sake, should eventually reap their reward. He began, however, to find that even in his temporal state he was not deserted. His mother kept up a communication with him privately, furnishing him as well as she could from her own purse; and several kind friends administered also to his wants.

II.

ABOUT the year 1668, being then in the twenty-fourth

year of his age, William Penn, having passed through many deep exercises and probations, both inwardly and outwardly; having parted with all that the world holds dear for Christ's sake, and been made a partaker of the powers of the world to come, a gift in the ministry of the gospel of life and salvation was dispensed to him by the head of the Church. Animated with an ardent concern for the everlasting welfare of his fellow-creatures, his heart warmed with divine love, and reaching forth in good will towards all without distinction of name or party, he became a zealous, indefatigable, and effectual laborer in the vineyard of his divine Master.

The following letter, written about this time to a young person of his acquaintance, will serve to show his solicitude for others, and his Christian plainness :

"NAVY OFFICE, 10th of the Fifth month, 1668. "FRIEND :—It was a true word spoken by Jesus Christ to undeceive the careless, wanton Jews, among whom He manifested his glorious Truth, through that body prepared of God for that very end, that the way which leads to everlasting life and rest is straight and narrow. My friend, how much it concerns the welfare of thy immortal soul to reflect upon the course of life and way thou now

art walking in, before an evident stroke from heaven call thee hence, and send thy so much indulged flesh and blood into the grave.

"Well, my friend, this know, and by these shalt thou be judged, and in it I am clear, that as without holiness none can see God, so without subjection to that Spirit, Light, or Grace in the heart, which God in love hath made to appear to all, that teacheth to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; I say, without subjection hereunto, there is no attaining to that holiness which will give thee an entrance into his presence, in which is joy and pleasure forever. Examine thyself, how remote thou art from the guidings and instructions of this Spirit of grace, who canst countenance this age in frequenting their wicked and vain sports, plays, and entertainments, conforming thyself to ridiculous customs, and making one at idle talking, and vain jesting, wheresoever thou comest, not considering thou shalt account to God for every idle word. And let all thy frolicking associates know the day is hastening in which they shall not abide the presence of Him that sits upon the throne. It shall be a time of horror, amazement, and distress. Then shall they know there is a righteous, holy Judge of all.

"Retire from the noise and clatter of tempting visibles, to the beholding Him who is invisible, that He may reign. in thy soul, God over all, exalted and blessed forever. Farewell. I am thy well-wishing, real friend,

WILLIAM PENN."

Almost as soon as he had identified himself with the