weeks in composing it. Thomas Story transcribed it for him. It elucidated more and more the principles embraced by those of his own religious profession.

In about six weeks after the publication of this, William Penn went to London, and from thence to Deptford, to take leave of several Friends who were going out as adventurers on board the Providence, of London, Captain Cant, for Pennsylvania, Among these was Thomas Story himself, The latter had for some time felt a growing desire of being useful there, He was a man of an uncommonly clear understanding, and of considerable knowledge, as it related to the English law. On this latter account William Penn, who had besides a great regard for him as a man and for his talents as a minister, had in some measure encouraged the inclination he had manifested for the voyage, It appears that, before sailing, they held a religious meeting in the great cabin, where William Penn broke out into prayer "for the good and preservation of all, and especially of those who were going to leave their native country; with thanksgiving also for the favours of God, and for that holy and

precious

precious opportunity of their then spiritual enjoyment, as an addition to his many former blessings."

On his return to Bristol he wrote "The Truth of God as held by the People called Quakers, being a short Vindication of them from the Abuses and Misrepresentations put upon them by envious Apostates and mercenary Adversaries." This work he was induced to undertake in consequence of the mistakes which even yet prevailed respecting the tenets of the Society. It was in fact a yet further elucidation to the elucidation just before given to the public in his Answer to the Bishop of Cork. It treated further concerning God-Jesus Christ-the Holy Scriptures-Baptism-the breaking of Bread

-the Light of Christ-the Father, Word, and Spirit Works-Christ as our ExampleFreedom from Sin-Worship to God-God and Christ as in Man-Christ coming both in Flesh and Spirit-the Resurrection-Separation-Magistracy.

With respect to Pennsylvania, things are said to have gone on well for this year. We find, however, a Proclamation by the Deputy Governor, Markham, against illegal

trade,

trade, the harbouring of pirates, and the growth of vice. It appears, however, to have been issued, not because these or other wicked practices in particular prevailed, but because they had been spoken of in England as prevailing there; and therefore it was thought proper to let the inhabitants both of the Province and Territories know what had been reported against them, that they might be particularly on their guard in these respects in future. As to illegal trade, or the harbouring of pirates, no legal regulation was thought necessary in consequence of the Proclamation, because neither of the evils was said to exist; but as to vice, which prevails more or less in all societies, it was proper to do something: and therefore, in conformity with the said Proclamation, the Magistrates were instructed by the Deputy Governor, by way of preventive, to curtail the number of ordinary- or inn-keepers, and to license those only upon whose good conduct they thought they could depend.

CHAP

CHAPTER XII.

A. 1699-religious dispute at West Dereham between the Quakers and the Norfolk clergy-writes a paper against "A brief Discovery," the production of the latteralso "A just Censure of Francis Bugg's Address"—prepares for a voyage to America-draws up "Advice to his Children for their civil and religious Conduct". also, on embarking, "A Letter to the People of God called Quakers, wherever scattered or gathered"-arrives in the Delaware-incidents there-yellow fever -proceeds to Philadelphia-visits in the country— anecdote related of him while at Merion-meets the Assembly-passes Bills against piracy and illicit trade -extreme severity of the weather.

In the beginning of the present year a public dispute was held at West Dereham in Norfolk, between some clergymen of the Established Church and a like number of Quakers, relative to certain doctrines in religion. The former, it appears, did not carry their point, at least with the auditors; the consequence of which was, that many of the clergy of the county made a common cause of it, and that some of the most able of them produced a pamphlet, called "A brief Discovery," in which they laid open what they supposed to be the mischievous errors of the Quakers, both as they related to their principles

principles and practice. In no book had the Quakers been more misrepresented or calumniated than in this, and in no one was a worse intention manifested towards them; for its tendency was to set aside the indulgence which the Toleration-Act had given to them among others; and in order that it might make an impression to this end, it was presented formally to the King and Parliament.

William Penn did not think it necessary to make an especial reply to this pamphlet, having in the course of his works answered the contents of it over and over again; but to counteract its effects he circulated a small paper among the Lords and Commons, in the name of the Society, of which the following is a copy :

"It does not surprise us to be evilly intreated, and especially by those who have an interest in doing it: but if conscience prevailed more than contention, and charity over-ruled prejudice, we might hope for fairer quarter from our adversaries.

"But such is our unhappiness, that nothing less will satisfy them than breaking in upon the indulgence which we enjoy, if

they