They spoke to each other simply, and used the words thee and thou instead of you, after the manner of the Bible. They called themselves "Friends," not "Quakers." The word "Quaker" was at first a "nickname," but is what they are now generally called.
It seems strange that a rich young man, brought up as was William Penn, should care to join the Quakers.
He did care, however. He cared so much that he did not change his mind even when he was driven from his college because of what he believed.
His father was very angry when he learned that his loved son had joined with people who were despised by nearly everyone else. How Penn's mother must have wept and pleaded with him!
It made no difference, however. The young man had made up his mind what was right. He could not change his belief, even to please his parents.
When his father saw that words were of no use, he told William to leave England and travel about in Europe. He gave him plenty of money with which he could enjoy himself. Admiral Penn thought his son might forget the Quakers while visiting other cities and having a good time.
It was not so, however. Soon after William Penn came home, he was sent to Ireland on business. While he was there he went to several Quaker meetings. He was arrested and put in prison because he was found in these places. It was against the law for the Friends to hold meetings or to attend them.
When Penn was free once more, his father sent for him to come home. He said:
"I will forgive you everything if you will promise to do three things: Take off your hat to the King, the King's brother, and to myself, your father."
William Penn said he would think about it. He could not promise at once, for the Friends did not think it right to take off one's hat to certain people; all persons should be treated with the same honor.