needful, but that it is altogether of a spiritual nature. We object altogether to oaths, because our Lord says, ‘Swear not at all.’ We hold war to be an abomination to God, and contrary to that new commandment given us by Christ, ‘That ye love one another, even as I have loved you.’ We hold, too, that a civil magistrate has no right to interfere in religious matters, and that though ‘Friends’ may admonish such members as fall into error, it must be done by the spiritual sword; and 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 

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