The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-04-08

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use her influence with him. But she could not
rebuke the pure Christian sentiments that
seemed breathed from his Utmost heart, al
though clothed in new aspect She did not,
therefore. attempt to persuade him to reln-
quish his adopted religion.
His determination was fixed and the next
morning, when summoned to his fathers study
to give his final decision, he replied to all en-
treaties with characteristic frmness. yet with
the meekness of an honest Quaker, that abe
had turned his thoughts to the light within ;
and that while he felt with exceeding affection
how much he owed to his earthly father, he
owed still more to his heavenly, and therefore
could not offend Him by SHINING against the
light, and endangering his own SOUL
"Well, then, you will not 90 back to the es-
tablished church replied the Admiral.
"While my present convictions remain, can
never leave the Quakers'
well, then, SIR rejoined the Admiral, in
| stormy wrath, "you must leave me-" and or
dered him to quit the house instantly
He obeyed without words, and went immc-
diately to his grandmothers, according to his
mothers advice; for she well knew the result
But William remained but short time at the
elegant mansion of his excellent and pious rel
atiye; for his father had not enjoyed mo-
ments peace since his harshness towards his
idofzed son. He had paced the floor for hours
and angered, and wept even, in the bitterness
of hls disappointment; and still with faint
hope of influencing him, he recalled him to
the great joy Of the whole household. Hear
ing that a number of young men Of rank were
about making trip to Paris, he proposed that
William should accompany them, and remain
long enough to acquire the French language
but with a secret hope, that mingling with that
gay and fascinating people would wear off his
exceeding gravity, as well as conquer his a IA
naticism." William acquiesced, and was soon
generously fitted out with the richest mater-
ais though as he insisted, of "plain fashion
And with an abundance of money and letters
to distinguished men, he set out with his. CAV
companions for Paris
Being naturally of warm-hearted, affec-
tionate disposition, and always exerting himself
to give others happiness, he received with keen
pleasure. the kindness and little attentions
which the French know so well how TO bestow.
Their powers Of pleasing, so skilfully exercised,
delighted him. and he soon participated in the
festivities of the capital with as much zest as
the Admiral could desire 8" He learned their
language with the facility of mocking-bird ;
he caught their manners by instinct; his limbs
forgot their proud British stiffness, and his
muscles theirs cold, unlovely rigdity; and
whether he stood or moved, whether he bowed
or smiled-in standing, moving, bowling or
smiling, shone forth the elegant and oil ac-
complshed Frenchman."
A year passed thus, in round Of fashion
able dissipation, to the great delight of his
father for now he felt there would be no OBJ
stacles to his sons advancement Joyful prepa-
rations were therefore made for his return to
Pennwood; and distinguished and mirthtul
guests were invited to the Hail. to participate
in the continued festivities which were to fol-
low his arrival He came at last. Never, in
the moments of his proudest victories, did the
Admiral feel such emotions of pleasure, as when
he greeted his long absent son, and beheld him
transformed to an elegant accomplished young
man. The noble and intellectual expression of
his countenance was relieved from severity by
| a smile of ineffable tenderness and benevolence
| which, added to n brilliant mind and graceful
manner, finished by Quaker sweetness, made
him the cynosure Of all eyes
Mrs PENIS ambition for the worldly success
of her son was more than gratfed, and she
had long felt deep anxiety lest the promising
piety of his youth had faded with his boyhood
The Admiral saw it. but took good care t.
keep William constantly occupied with hi
friends: and at the earliest moment hastenet
to introduce him at Court and to his most H.
lustrious friends, with proud triumph
Not long after his return from France, he
was admitted to Lincoln's Inn, with view OF
studying law where he remained till his TWEEN.
ty-second year. During this time his society
was courted, and most ilattering attentions
were paid him, but In no wise detracted from
the simplicity of bis character, nor caused him
to swerve from the pure principles which had
grown with his growth But the Admiral was
continually fearful lest he should fall into his
| old gloomy ways again; and therefore, upon
inheriting large estate near Dublin, immedi-
ately determined to commit its management to
William, which, to his great chagrin, finally
proved the occasion of his adhering to the de-
spised cause Of the Quakers.
| He soon set out for Dublin, and to insure
him full round Of dissipation, had been abund-
antly provided with letters from the Admirafs
Court friends, introducing him in most hatter-
ing terms to the Lord Lieutenant of Dublin,
and others of rank. Accordingly he received
uncommon attentions from distinguished lami-
lies both on account Of his talents and his
rank He paid strict attention to the improve
mcnt of the estate consigned to his care, and
spent his leisure with the Lord Lieutenant and
his friends, till one evening, while perusing
Dublin paper, his attention was caught by q
notice that " one Of the people called Quakers
was to preach in the market-house the next
day" He determined upon attending the
meeting; for his Partially for the sect had
never decreased though he had for some time
CONFIRMED to the established church.
What was his surprise to behold in the
speaker the kind and placid countenance of his
old friend, Thomas I've and when the text was
announced, There is faith which overcon-
eth the world, and there is a faith overcome by
the world, he felt that it was directed to him,
and his old convictions rushed upon his mind
with redoubled strength. The preacher soon
perceived his familiar face, but with alarm no.
ticed his fashionable dress. At the close of the
meeting on interview tosk place, the result Of
which was his continued attendance upon the
meetings he conformed to their doctrines with
frmness Of purpose which was never again
shaken. lie ceased all intercourse with the
Irish nobility, and completely altered his life.
The Quakers were strongly prosecuted at
this time and on one occasion, Penn, with
number of others, was arrested at meeting in
Cork, and carried before the Mayor, who COM
United them all to prison. BY the influence OF
MS lrisn iriehus Iehh was soOn rele'theu'
News Of his return to the Quakers and his
imprisonment, quickly reached his father. lie
was instantly remanded home by the enraged
Admiral. He promptly obeyed the summons,
but with heavy heart; for he well knew the
storm Of opposition that awaited him. As he
journeyed homeward, he silently communed
with the spirit within" and gained strength to
endure the trials before him. He knew, in
following the promptings of his conscience, he
would be banished from his fathers house, and
must 90 forth 10 the world, poor, neglected,
scorned, prosecuted. But he remembered for
what he gave up all and holy zeal burned
in his heart, that beamed in his countenance
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