THE FAITHFUL HELPMATE. years, to welcome his happy release from the old prison on Bedford bridge. On the 15th of March, 1672, the King-Charles the Second-issued a declaration in favour of liberty of conscience, whereby the execution of all penal laws against Nonconformists was suspended, and permission granted to them to meet for public worship in a certain number of licensed places. At this period, no fewer than four hundred Quakers were incarcerated for not attending the services of the Established Church, frequenting " seditious con- venticles," and for other reasons. George White- head, a leading minister among the Friends, exerted himself strenuously in their behalf, and obtained the King's pardon for all of them, which was published in June, 1672. The friends of other Dissenters then imprisoned, learning his success, sought his aid, petitioned the monarch, and procured the insertion of additional names in the pardon. John Bunyan was included among these, and at length he was in reality free to come and go as he listed. Henceforth, the lives of the excellent couple passed smoothly enough. Shortly after John Bunyan's release, sufficient money was raised by subscription to purchase land near Bedford, and to build a meeting-house thereon for him; and his popularity was so much increased, that he preached to large congregations. He was now called, in allusion to his wide-spread influence, " Bishop Bunyan." He preached at various places in addition ; a favourite spot of his was a place 35
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