“After all, religion is, and ought to be, more a matter of feeling, than of reason, Mark.”

“That is true, in one sense, certainly; but, it should be feeling subject to prudence and discretion.”

“Everything should be subject to those two qualities, though so very few are.  I have all along known that the ministrations of Mr. Hornblower were only tolerated by a good number of our people.  You, as an Episcopalian, have not been so much in the way of observing this; for others have been guarded before you; but, my family is known not to have been of that sect, and I have been treated more frankly.”

“And you have not let me know this important fact, Bridget!” said the governor, a little reproachfully.

“Why should I have added to your other cares, by heaping this on your shoulder, dear Mark?  The thing could not easily be prevented; though I may as well tell you, now, what cannot much longer be kept a secret—­the Henlopen will bring a Methodist and a Presbyterian clergyman in her, this voyage, if any be found willing to emigrate; and I have heard, lately, that Friends expect a preacher.”

“The law against the admission of an immigrant, without the consent of the governor and council, is very clear and precise,” answered the husband, looking grave.

“That may be true, my love, but it would hardly do to tell the people they are not to worship God in the manner that may best satisfy their own consciences.”

“It is extraordinary that, as there is but one God, and one Saviour, there should be more than one mode of worshipping them!”

“Not at all extraordinary, my dear Mark, when you come to consider the great diversity of opinion which exists among men, in other matters.  But, Mr. Hornblower has a fault, which is a very great fault, in one situated as he is, without a competitor in the field.  He lays too much stress on his particular mission; talking too much, and preaching too much of his apostolic authority, as a divine.”

“Men should never blink the truth, Bridget; and least of all, in a matter as grave as religion.”

“Quite right, Mark, when it is necessary to say anything on the subject, at all.  But, after all, the apostolic succession is but a means, and if the end be attainable without dwelling on these means, it seems to me to be better not to conflict with the prejudices of those we wish to influence.  Remember, that there are not fifty real Episcopalians in all this colony, where there is only clergyman, and he of that sect.”

“Very true; but, Mr. Hornblower naturally wishes to make them all churchmen.”

“It really seems to me, that he ought to be content with making them all Christians.”

“Perhaps he thinks the two identical—­necessary to each other,” added the governor, smiling on his charming young wife, who, in her own person, had quietly consented to the priestly control of her husband’s clergyman, though but half converted to the peculiar distinctions of his sect, herself.