It was safer to hide them outside the chamber, as, if discovered, their presence would not incriminate any one—­so Dalaber believed.  Even Fitzjames, though sharing his lodging and some of his views, did not know where he kept his store of books.  They formed such a dangerous possession that Dalaber spoke of them only to those who were heart and soul in the movement.  And he decided not to remove them with his other belongings to Gloucester College, as he had no safe repository there to hold them, and it seemed to him that for the present the time had gone by for any work of distribution.  It would he needful for the present to keep very quiet, until the suspicions which had evidently been aroused in the minds of the authorities should be laid to rest.

It was with a certain sense of relief that Dalaber definitely decided to quit the study of theology and divinity, and to throw himself into that of the law.  Religious controversy had become suddenly distasteful to him.  The Questions and other books of the theological faculty appeared to him futile and unsatisfactory.  He had definitely resolved upon the secular life for himself; and although that did not mean that his convictions were shaken, or that his faith was in any way less precious to him, it gave to him a certain sense of elasticity and freedom of thought and spirit.

He could take Dr. Langton as his standard of what a man should be.  He did not mix himself up with the burning and controverted questions of the day.  He followed his studies in medicine and Greek.  His house was a resort of learned men of all schools of thought.  Free discussion was carried on there on all sorts of subjects.  He favoured the liberality of mind which the church opposed; yet he did not embroil himself with the authorities, and led his own quiet scholarly life, respected and revered of all.

“That is the life for me,” spoke Dalaber, as he looked round his new lodging, and admired the fashion in which his belongings had been set up there.  “I will follow the secular calling, keeping my soul and spirit free to follow the promptings of the Spirit.  Whenever I see the opportunity to strike a blow in the cause of freedom, may God give me strength to strike boldly and fearlessly; but I will not thrust myself forward into needless peril.  Obedience has its place in the church as well as other virtues.  I will not be untrue to my conscience or my convictions, but without good cause I will not embroil myself in these hot controversies and perilous matters.  I have no quarrel with Holy Church, as Master Clarke expounds her, I would only see her cleansed and purged of her iniquity, shedding light—­the light of God—­upon the paths of her children.  Perchance, as he says, if we prayed more for her—­if we pleaded more with her in secret, interceding before God for her corruptions and unholiness—­He Himself would cleanse and purge her, and fit her for her high and holy calling.  Love is stronger than hate, for love is of God.  I would seek more of that spirit of love which shines and abides so firm in Him.  I have been in peril—­I am sure of it—­and the Lord has saved me from the mouth of the lion.  Let me show my gratitude to Him not by falling away from the narrow path which leads to life everlasting, but by treading it in meekness and humility, in His strength rather than mine own.”