After having wearied themselves with this tedious examination, the Magistrates committed George Fox and one of those who were with him, to the House of Correction for six months, as blasphemers; with what reason it is difficult to conceive; but, at this time, party spirit was extremely violent, both in religion and politics. The kingly Go-vernment had been lately abolished, by the execution of Charles the First, and the Commonwealth, instead of affording an increase of religious tolera--tion, at least equalled their predecessors in violence and persecution. Though they might be sincere in the professions which they had made, yet their passions had become so inflamed with a spirit of animosity, probably heightened by their success over the opposite party, that they lost all appearance of consistency, and liberty of conscience was restrained as much at least, as it had been in those times of which they complained, In forming an estimate of character at this period, all parties should make considerable allowances for the temper of the times; and although George Fox and his friends were so far from persecution, that they would very rarely take advantage of the law, by prosecuting their enemies for their cruel and illegal conduct, yet perhaps it would be too much to say that their zeal never exceeded its proper bounds.

He continued in the House of Correction at Derby, for six months, after which time

he was nearly six months longer in the County Jail. During this time, several incidents occurred which are worthy of notice. The keeper of the prison was, at first, greatly enraged against him, and spoke wickedly of him; but he soon became much troubled for his conduct, and George overheard him saying to his wife, "I have seen the day of judgment, and I saw George there, and I was afraid of him, because I have done him so much wrong, and have spoken so much against him to the Ministers and Professors, and to the Justices, and in taverns and alehouses." After this, he came into George's chamber, and said to him, “I have been as a lion against you; but now I come like a lamb, and like the gaoler that came to Paul and Silas trembling." He also acknowledged that he and his house had been plagued for George's sake; of which he next day informed the Justices, one of whom said that the plagues were upon them too. A sister also of the gaoler went to visit George. To her he communicated some religious advice, which had a good effect on her mind, and she said respecting him and his friends, that "they were an innocent people, who did none any hurt, but did good to all, even to those that hated them."

These circumstances produced some lenity in the minds of the Justices, who gave leave for him to walk to the distance of a mile; the intent of

which appears to have been, that he might have opportunity to escape, which they supposed he would readily embrace; but in this they were mistaken, his upright principle not permitting him to accept his liberty in this way..

Whilst he was confined in the House of Correc tion, his relations came to visit him, and offered, with others of Derby, to be bound that he should come there no more to declare against the priests; but to this he could not consent, not only because the condition was such as he could not agree to, but because he was innocent of any improper conduct which required a bond for his future behaviour. This greatly enraged Justice Bennett, whose violent. conduct induced George to pray for forgiveness for him. Whilst he was on his knees, Bennett ran violently upon him, and struck him with both his hands, crying, "Away with him, gaoler, take him away, gaoler." He was now brought back to the prison, where he continued the remainder of the six months; but having the liberty of walking a mile, he sometimes went into the market and streets, warning the people to repent of their wickedness; and there being persons of different religious professions in the prison, he occasionally. visited them in their meetings.

When the time fixed for his imprisonment was nearly expired, strong attempts were made, to in

duce him to accept a Captaincy in the army; and the soldiers even said they would have none but him. The Commissioners also offered him that preferment, and even pressed it upon him, but their endeavours were in vain. He told them that he knew whence all wars arose, even from the lusts, according to the doctrine of the Apostle James : and that he lived in the virtue of that life and power, which took away the occasion of war. When they found that their importunities were in vain, they became angry, and ordered the gaoler to take him away, and put him amongst rogues and felons. The prison in which he was confined was a most noisome place, infested with filthy vermin. There were thirty felons in it, and not a single bed to sleep on. Here he was confined nearly half a year more, with liberty occasionally to walk in the garden.

During his confinement, there was in the jail, a woman who was committed for robbing her master. For her George Fox interfered so far, as to write to the Judge and Jury, stating how contrary it was to the law of God, in old time, to put people to death for stealing; and pressing them to show mercy to the poor woman. She was, however, condemned to die, and actually taken to the place of execution. George Fox, not being able to be present, wrote a paper, which he desired to

be read to the people, warning them against covetousness, and those vices, which lead to so disgraceful a termination of life. The woman, though on the ladder, with her face covered, was reprieved, and brought back to prison; and such, it seems, was the effect of George Fox's labours for her good, that she was convinced of the truth of the doctrines which he taught.

The subject of punishment by death, for crimes affecting property only, seems to have closely engaged his attention whilst a prisoner here; and he not only wrote to the Judges on this subject, but also on the long confinement of prisoners before they were brought to trial. His capacious mind seems to have embraced almost every subject connected with the happiness of man; and the justness and liberality of his views were extraordinary. Justice and mercy he often pressed closely on those persons in high stations, who had the administration of them; and when they deviated from their duty, he frequently reproved them, and advised them to a different conduct. Whilst in prison at Derby, he addressed many short but pertinent exhortations and warnings to the priests and magistrates who had been the means of his imprisonment. The wickedness that prevailed in the town of Derby deeply affected his mind, and he warned the inhabitants of the consequences of their conduct. Being now deprived of the