:fTTT%n^Wi^TT^ ^iSr^s^^^-'^'^'^Oii £:fc» 53 03 5:^. «£i=^ 03.'^2- Of THK AT PRINCETON, ^. J- SAMUEL AG NEW, OF P H 1 1- A I) E l.P H I A , PA I Vaif^e, Civ .... ^ .^ >iit mi g»5!A'/^w*A«^ •»i>^/*^ 0^1*^- r^ ^ CHRISTIAN MEMOIRS; O R, A REVIEW OF THE PRESENT STATE o p RELIGION IN ENGLAND; IV THE FORM OP A NEW PILGRIMAGE TO T H H HEAVENLY JERUSALEM: CONTAINING, BY WAY OF ALLEGORICAL NARRATIVE, A GREAT VARIETY OF DIALOGUES ON THE MOST INTERESTING SUBJECTS, A N D ADVENTURES OF EMINENTI-Y RELIGIOUS PERSONS. By W. SHRUBSOIE, J'J'h::h Th'mgs are an Allegory. — Gal. iv. 24. ROCHESTER: Printed and Sold by T. FISHER; Sold alfo by J. Mat THEWS, in the Strand; Simmons and Vallance, Cheaj^lids J and W". Harkf s, St. Paul's Church yard, London. MOCCJLXXVl. TO THOSE PROTESTANTS OF EVERY DENOMINATION, WHO, IN THEIR FAITH AND PRACTICE, RECEIVE AND ADORN THE DOCTRINAL ARTICLES OF THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH OF ENGLAND; AND, ESPECIALLY, TO THOSE AMONG THEM, WHO HAVE HONOURED THE AUTHOR, BY SUBSCRIBING TO THIS PUBLICATION; THE FOLLOWING MEMOIRS ARE MOST RESPECTi^ULLY DEDICATED, BY THEIR VERY SINCERE FRIEND, AND MUCH OBLIGED SERVANT, IN THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, WILLIAM SHRUBSOIE. To the READER. THE following narrative ^vas firll taken in hand to divert my mind from melancholy reflections which nr^.fc. from a too great attention to what might be the fatal confccjuences of an accident, that' befel mc in Otloher 1773- And it had the defired eiFecl ■ for my thoughts were fo engaged by the va- rieiy of incidents which occured to me ; that, after fomc time, I was again favoured with my ufual peace and chearfulnefs. At my beginning to write, I had no defign of forming fuch a work; but as I ad- vanced, the fcene fo gradually and pleafandy opened to me ; that I not only rejoiced to find my mind relieved from the former difhelTing ideas ; but be- came fo infenfibly attached to the fhory, that I deter- mined to profec ;J-e the fubje^t, until I had brouo^ht the Pilgrims to \h..}- defiied refl. It is obfervable, that the hiftories of nations, and lives of eminent perfons, contain a perpetual fund of entertainm^int, notvvithlfanding human nature has been the fame in all nations and ages. So in th- di- vine life ; altho* true religion, or the way to the Heavenly JcnJalem, hath continued invariably the fame, among all men to whom it has been revealed ; yet the different complexions and circumftances of the perfons v/ho walk in this path, and the trials with which the (rreat God fees it expedient to exercife them, are fo various, that they will ever furnifh an inter- eRing and engaging feries of incidents, to fuch as feek for real improvement in wanting or reading reli- gious memoirs. For this reafon, in the following work, I have kept nearly in the good old path, trod by the Pil- grims of the laft century, and fo eminently difplayed in Mr, Bunyans Progrefs. But the late great revival of religion among us, and the many difliiiguifhed charaders ( vi ) chara<^crs engaged in that c;IorIous work; togctlicr w'lih. the prclcnt abounding of error, immoral ity and infidcHtv, afFoid memoirs fo very intcrefling ; that I hope the reader, throughout the narrative, will find his attention io agreeably fixed on the dialogues, de- fcriptions, and adventures ^vhich fucceifively follow each other, as to prevent its being tedious ordifguRiuL It has been my endeavour to a\'oid the imputation of too great feverity, even towards fuch profvjfibrs as I was obliged to cenfure: and, in all thefe cales, it will appear, that the reproofs are not given on ac- count of any particular mode in their religious w^or- fhip ; but, for their deferting and oppofing thofc grand do^lrines, which fo peculiarly diilinguifh the Chrif- tian religion from all others. For, throughout this narrati\'e, I have been folicitous to enforce the fun- damental principles of the Gofpel, to difcountenance "bigotrv to any forms of worfliip, or non-eiTcptial points cf d(j6trine, and warmly to recommend love, candour, and communion to thofe of every party, who hold the dodrincs of grace, and poffefs the life and power of chridianitv. 1: is, undoubtedly, with great concern, that every friend to religion and his country muH; take notice, of the prevailing palfion among us for novels, ro- mances and fentimental folly and obfcenity ; Avhich lias ahuofl generally feduced the youth of both fexes into fuch a giddy and triffling beh:iviour, as is unworthy of rational beings. Nor are thofe which are called the bed novels wholly to be excepted from this cenfure: for even ihey not only prefent fuch de- lufive and inflammatory fcenes to the mind, as tend to dived young ladies of that modedy and fenfibility which are both their honour and fafety ; but they alfo furnifh our wealthy and tilled Jelons, thofe mur- derers of beauty, honour, innocence and peace, with manv execrable mctlxods of feduclion, which might never Vll never have occured to tbeir minds ; and have proved a terrible rcuibution on the ladies, for tha paffionate and criminal fondnefs with \vhich they inceffantly read thofe enfnaring compofitions. Far lefs pernicious was ancient Gothic romance, which was remarkable for ftridly keeping within the bounds of decency, and every hero was an enthu- fiafl in defence of the honour of the fair fex. Their Genii, Fairies, Talifmans, and Enchanted Cajllcs, tho' chiefly the works of imagination; were yet more fuiiably adapted to the elevated expe61ations and powers of the foul ; and much better calculated to ferve the intereRs of morality ; than are the vicious, groveling;, fccptical and foppifh fcenes, of the greater part of the entertaining books of this dav. In the following pages, the public will be prefented with a work entirely free from fuch poifon, vet I hope both inflruding and entertaining; and not lefs fo, for appearing hi a religious character. Without putting on the forbidding appearance of a fyftematic diviiiC, or a grave raoralift; 1 have en- dea\oured to forward the work of both, by recom- mending, in a free focial manner, the bleffcd Re- deemer of men, as the Alpha, and Omega, the Firjl and die La/t of religion, both as to faith and prac- tice. And flKiU think myfclf honoured if I am made at all ufcful in difplaying the glory of his di- vine perfon, the compleatnefs of his excellent work, and the riches of his free grace; fo as to hiduce any perfon to efleem him the more by reading thefe me- moirs. Should I be thought to have gone too far in this path; I mufl profefs I think it not poffible, while due care is taken to guard the facred Palladium of Gofpel Holinefs. For this rcafon, 1 have intro- duced the Town of Illumination, inhabited by Anti^ T.'unuans ; and in that initanc?, as well as in many others ( Vm ) others, hope I have fufhciently flicvvn my dctefla- tion of any licentious principles or practices. But fliould the characters of fiich backflidcrs as Mcdrs. Sen'Giii, Goodman, and Truman be objec^Eed againft me in this refpc^l : let it be confidered, whether they are drawn more flrongly than thole of David and Peter in holy writ. However tJiat may be, they are copied horn matters of facl, ^vith which I am fo well acquainted that 1 can never forget them. And how terrible foever the inllance oi Mr. Serious, in particu- lar, may appear; yet, it is certain that, both the fall and repentance of that unhappy Pilgrim, were attended with circumflances far more affe6ling, than could be dcfcribcd by the mofl maflerly writer. It may be thought by fome, that there is too much feverity manifelled towards Arius, Socinus, and DciJU at leafl to the two former. But I can make no diflinc^don between thofe who abfolutely dcnv divine revelation, and thofe, who, by corrupt- in o- a part of if, iub\ert the whole. I regard both parties as fatally criminal, in rejecting and perverting a revelation, in which Gods only begotien [on is fct forth, as labovuing and dying for fnincrs of the hu- man race; confirming his miflion by many alfonifli- ing miracles; and uttering prophecies which have been fulfilled in all the following ages, and are hill compleating widi wonderful exa6incls. Sucli a blaze of evidence as hath flione fiom the earliefl age ot Chriilianity, and fuch glorious gofpel light as at prcfcnt iihnT.inates Great Britain, will not be op- pofed, llandered, and ridiculed by the lovers of daiknels and (enfuality, wheihcr infidels or profeffcd C hrlhians, without tlie fevereft rebukes from the Al- ruiy^h.iy Nor will the boahed moral a6lions of fuch criminals, which, in general, -originate from caprice, con^.plexion, pride, and a thoufand other felfifh mo- tives. ( xi" ) NAMES OF THE SUBSCRIBERS. THE Rev. John Andrews, Mardcn, Kent. The Rev. Mr. Andrew, Roch- ford^ EJfex. Mr. Abdy, London. Mr. Abington, London. Mr. Thomas Adamfon, Kew- Crofs. Mr. Henry Alexander, Maid- fi/VW^/^.^. Mr. Stephen GoodTon, Ra?nf- gate. Mr. Jofeph Goflett, Maldejt, Effex, Hr. Henry Gofling, Sheertiefs. Mr. John Grifiith?, Nezv-Crojs. Mr. Jofeph GrigPoy, Sheer^iejs. Mr. Grindlev, London. Mr. William Grinltead, Sheer- nefs. H The Rt. Hon. Countefs Dow- ager oC- Huntingdon, i 2 books. The Rev. John Harris, Hull. Mr. ]ohn Hales, jun. Grave fend. Mils Halt head, Chatham. Mp. 1 homas Harper, AVw- roady London. Mr. Samuel Harris, Greenwieh. Mr. Francis Harrilcn, C/;'/7//\'7/« Mr. Thomas Haycraft, Dept^ ford. Mr. Havlay, Deptford. Mr. Matthew Hervey, Maiden, EJex. Mr. Hexter, School- mailer at Ealing. Mr William Hill, Deptford. Mr. William Hills, Sandwich. Mr. John Hodges, Brampton. Mr. Hodgkinfon, London. Mr. Thomas Hodgfon, Sheer' nefs. Mr. Hog, Leeds. Mr. Bernard WoVo'OoV^ London. Mr. Robert Hoi brook, Sheernefs, Mr. Holden, Stapkhurjl, Mrs. Catharine Hooper, Ramf- Mr. William Hopkins, Green- zvichy 7 books. Mr, James Hovcy, Sheernefs, Mr Morris Hughes, Inner- Temple, London, 6 books. Mr, Robert Hugill, Sheernefs. Mr. Henry Hunt, ien. U'ells^ firect, Oxford-road, Mr Henry Htint, Jan. ditto, Mrs. M.^ry Hunt, ditto. Mils Elizabeth Hunt, ditto. Mr. John Hunt, Sheernefs, 2 books. Mr. Hunter, London. Mrs. Mary Huril:, Broadfairs» Mr. William Hurwood, Sheer- nef. Mr. William Hurwood, St, Anns, Soho. Mr. John Hurwood, Rother- hi the. C 2 Mr. ( xvi Mr. James Hurwood, minjler. Mr. Jacklon, Dartford. Mr. Tliomas Jacobs, Skeernefs, Mr. James J agger. Maiden j EJfex. Mr. Jarvis. Mr. William Jefferies, Sheernefs Mr. Jolm Jeffery, Sheernefs. Mrs. Elizabeth Jeffs, Sheernefs. Mcffrs. Jenkins, Rochefler. Mr. Johns, Dozer. Mrs. J oh niton, IVefminfler. Mr. John Jones, Lotidon. Mr. William Jones, Portfmouth. Mr. Jones, London. Mrs. Jordate, -Deptford. K The Rev. Andrew Kinfman, Plymouth^ 1 4 books. Robert Keen, Efq ; Minories, 50 books. Mr.EdwardKeign'in,C/^/?//^/7?77. Mr. Ambrofe Kidwell, Sheer- nefs. Mrs. Mary Knight, Chatham. Mr Mr ames Knott, Dover, John Knott, Chatham. L. The Rev. Francis Lciceller, 2 books. T. Lacey, Efq; 6 books. Mr. L , 2 books. A young Lady at Greeuzvieh. Mr. John Lambeth, Sheernef. Mr. Jolm Lar.gman, Sheernefs. Mrs. Eliz. Lar.gman, Sheernefs, Mr. Langlton, London. Mr. Thomas Leech, Greenzvieh. Mrs. Leggatt, Wapping- Old-(iairs. Mr. Samuel Lepine, Canter- bury. Mr. Thomas Li nd fey, -A Vc^v/Vi;. Mr. Bartholomew Lindfey, Norwich. Mr. Edward Love, Sheernefs, Mifs Caroline Lowe, tendon, Mr. Jofeph Lucas Portfmouth. Mrs. Elizabeth Luke, Sheernefs. Mr. Lunchen, Woolwich, M liady Robert Manners. The Rev. Henry Mead, London The Rev. Samuel Medley, Liverpool. Mr. William M'Cullock, Gravefend. Mr. William Maddock, Sheer^ nefs. Mr. Daniel Mannock, Egerton, Mr. John Martyr, Totding, Mr, James Martyr, Otford. Mr. William Mafon, Rother- hithe. Mr. Samuel Mafon, Greenwich., Mr. Lewis Mafquirier, Coven- try -fire et, Wefirninfier. Mr. : Matiavers, FcrC' fireet , Clare- f/iarket . M'r. J. Matthews, Strand, 25 books Mr. Richard Maxfield, london. Mr. John May, Maiden, Efjex. Mr. Mayor, 2 bo(;ks. Mr. William Meredith, Ro- chefier. Mr. John Meyer, 2 books. Mr. [ohn Mitchell, Sheernefs. Mr. William Mitchell, C/'^//^'?^^ Mr. Jofeph Moore, Maldfonf^ 2 books Mr. John Moore, Maidfrone, Mr. Ralph Morris, London. Mr. Morris, London. Mr. Jofhua Morton, Sheernefs. Mr. John Moulden, Chatham, Mr. JohnMunn, Maidfhne. Mr. Munn, Egerton, Mr. William Myhill, Norwich, N Mr. William Ne wcomb, London Mr. Thomas Newiand, Dept^ ford. Mr. JofephNorwood, Ramfgate The ( xvii ) Th: Rev. John Olding, Dept- fora. Mr. WilliamOats, "Maidjione. Mr. Olney, 2 books Mr. Jacob Outrim, Skeerficfs. P The Rev. Edward Peronett, Canter bun. Mrs. Elizabeth Paddon, Green- wich. Mr. Parker, K'mg's Mews. Mr. Parker, London. Mr. Thomas Parker, Sheernefs. Mr. Henry Parkin, Sheernefs. Mrs. Anna Parkins, Ratcliffe- highzviiy. Mr. John Par] by, P or tf mouth. Mr. Robert Pattilbn, Maiden, EJjex. Mr. Henry Pattifon, ditto. Mr. George Pearce, Chatham. Mrs. Jane Pearlon, Sheernefs. Mr. John Perdue, Greenivich. Mr. John Peterlbn, Sheernefs. Mr. Thomas Phillips, Norfolk- ftreet, Southzvarky Mr. Robert Pieicy, Bedzvorth, near Coventry. Mr. J. W. Piercy, Printer, Coventry. Mr. William Pitman, Sheernefs. Mr. William Porcer, Sheernefs Mr John Prat, Deptforu. Mr. William Prats, Portf- moutb. Mr. Prelbn, Dartford. Mr. William Prouting, Dept- ford. Mr. Eliai Pullen. Gravefcnd. R Mr. r Ramfdale. George Rainier, E(q; Ramfgate. Mr. lames Rawbone, Maiden, Ejjex. Mr. Adam Reed, V/oolwicb. Mr. James Richards, Green- wch. Mr. Thomas Richardfon, 'Nor- wich. Mr. Rickand, Egerton. Mr. William Rickards, fen. IVcodnefborough Mrs. Ridout Mr. Richard Roper Mr. James Rule, Portfmouth iMrs. Mary Rumble, Gravefend Mr. John Rumley, Portfmouth Mr. Thomas RulFell, Woolwich Mr.JohnRuffe:!, Dover, 4book» Mr. Richard Puflell, ditto P^rs. Sarah RufTell, diito Mr. Ruflell, London Mr. Anthony Rymold, London S Mr. John Sadd, Maiden, EJfex Mr. Jacob Sadler, Greenwich ,, Mr. Sanders, London Mr, Charles Sandys, Greenwich Mr,SamuelSavage,jun./)^/)//2'rJ Mr. James Saxton, Greenzuich Mr. John Scurries, Park-flreet, London Mr. William Searles, Deptford William Shepherd, Efq; Ply- mouth, 6 books Mr. James Shepherd, Sheernefs Mrs. Mary Shepherd, Pochefter Mr. K)chard Shirley, Milton Mr. George Shirley, ditto Mr, — — ' Shoolbred, London xMr Wjlliam Shrublal, Minpr, Skeppy, 3 books Mr. Samuel Silver, Sandwich Mr. VViiliam Simcock, Ro- chefler Mr. Thomas Simms, Portf* month. Mr. Henry Sifley, Sheernefs: Mr. William Sloman, Green' zvlch. Mr. Smart, Attorney, at Maiden, Effex Mr. William Smith, Guildhall, Wefiminfier Mr. George Smith, fen. Sheernefi Mr. ( xviii ) Mr, Charles Smith, Woolwich. Mr. George Smith, WeJiminJIer Mr. Robert Smith, Sheernefs, 2 books Mr. William Smith, Sheernefs Mr. Thomas Smith, Cornhi/ly London Mrs. Agnes Smith, Greenwich Mr. Luke Smithett, Dover Mr. Thomas Souard, Rother- hit he Mr. John Sovverby, Liverpool. Mr Aullin Spearpoint, Dover Mr. Mark Spicer, Greenwich Mr. Daniel Spring, Hernmonger- lane, Southwark Mr. Robert Staples, Sheernefs. Mr. Alexander Steill, Portf mouth Mr, Andrew Sterne, Sheernefs Mr. Thomas Stiles, Rocheftcr Mr. John Stone, Sanawich Mr. Thomas Storey, Liverpcol Mr. John Stunt, Sheernefs Mr, Walter Stunt, Maidflone Mr. John Stunt, 'Norwich Mrs. Sutherland, Sheer- Tiefs Mr. fames Sutton, Maldeny Mr. John Sutton, Liverpcol. T The Rev. Thomas Tuppen, Pcrtfnouth Mr. Nowell Taylor, Woolwich, 3 books Mr. William Taylor, Portf month Mr. William Taylor, Wool- wich Mrs. Margaret Taylor, Sheer- nefs Mr. Henry Temple, Sandwich Mr. William Temple, Sheer- nefs Mr. Jofeph Thomas, Dover Mr. John Thompfon, Rcther- hithe Mr. William Thomfon, Portf^ mouth Mr. William Threflier, laU garth -College., Wales Mr. Thomas Tong, Sheernefs Mr. John Tovery, Deptford. Mr. Nicholas Tucker, Sheer- nefs V & U. Mr. George Viney, Harriet- jham Mr. Umpage, Gravefcnd. Mr. Underwood, London Unknown, Deptford. W. The Rev. John Weft, Mar- garet-fireet. Saint Mary-le- BonCy 6 books The Rev. Mr. Wilmlhurft, Maiden y EJJex The Rev. Richard Wood- gate, and the Church in Jc2i)in -fireety London y 50 books Daniel Weft, Efq; Ifiington, 50 books Mr. Richard Walker, Maid- flcnfy 2 boo's Mr. Edward Walk, Sheernefs Mr. Jofeph Walley, Liverpool Mr. Daniel Walter, Bear- lane y Chrifi- church Mr. Henry Watkins, Uolborn- bridge, 3 books Mr. Abel Watfon, Chatham Mr. James Whifcard, Green- wich Mrs. — Whitehead Mr. Thomas White wood, Portj- mouth Mr. Francis WJckenden, Sheer- nefs. Mr. Thomas Wjg?.^!!, Green- wich, Mr. ( xix ) Mr. ■ Wild, London Mr. Thomas Williams, Nor- wich R Willon, Efq; 6 books Mr. Alexander Willon, Green- wich Mr. Jofeph Withers Mr. Richard Wood, Snozu's- fields, Southwark Mr. Jofeph Wood, ^een- borough. Mr Wood, London Mr. Wooldilon, ditto. Mr. Godfrey Wragg, St. Ann*s, Soho Mr. Thomas Wright, Union' jlreet^ London Mr. Robert Wynne, Deptford, . # * * ERRATA. ERRATA. Page 38, line 18, (or deary rad dearly, ' 40, line 3 from the bottom, dele nof. • 43, — I, — corratioriy — corporation, 57, — 12, —dlfgracedf ^ dif^race. — — 63, —- 9, — perceive^ — perceived. — — 175, at the beginning of line 10, read Simple, ——198, line I, for peireef TCid pcireet/b. ——218, — '27, — rt.r, — a. ■219, — 17, — iiiowf — kf:o^.us. 239, — 32, — the l\orm. i-— 277, — 6, -^h, — are. ( i^ ) tivrs, be able to defend them from the juR vengeance of LJie llipjucd and defpifed Redeemer. Should there be any true Chrifllans whofe own cold feeHngs, like Father Shnon's will not fufler them to approve of thofe rapturous joys, and extatic plea- fures, which fome pilgrims are in this work faid to expe- rience ; yet, I hope, there are none, or at leaft very few, who do not defire to enjoy fuch divine favours and prefs after them as their privileges. That Chriflian, has but a verv flender acquaintance with Immaniiel, who dcfcs not long to know more of his glory, and enjoy more of his love. There are hundreds of re- h'gious perfons in Great Britain, whofe condu61: in all fecular afRiirs evinces them to be poffeffed of found underftanding ; yet, with refpec^ to religious things, folemnly declare, that, at times, they have fuch views of their interefl; in the favour of God, as to lejoice therein with joy unfpeakable and full of glory ; and that they frequently have mod raviQiing com- munion with the Father, and with his fon Chrijl Jejus. And why fhould fuch perfons be cenfured. by their brethren as Enttiufiajls^ It>;norant and irre- ligious people v.ill, no doubt, fo defcribe them, and affirm that they are righteous over-much ; but far be It from profefTors to adopt fuch fentiments. On the contrary, let fuch cool Rcligionijls be rather animat- ed by thefe inftances of holy fervor, to feek for the fame pleafures; and with them to pray, that they may be filled with all the fulnefs of Qod. Such things as hap^^ened in the Wildernefs of Fear. Crojss Dungeon, Valley of the Shadow oj Death, and Cqjlle of Scepticifm, with the Voices from Heaven, he, may, nowithfianding the allegorical nature of the work, be confidered by fome readers as the reveries of Fanaticifm\ or, at leafi, as fiights oi' Fancy : but I be- lieve this narrative will be perufed by many, who will allow the propriety of fuch reprefentations, as b defcriptive ( X > cje.rciiptivc of what happens to fome of the befl chrif- tians, in every period of the church. And as to o- ther readers, I fhall not be much concerned at their cenfures; but am very ready to make allowances for prejudice and inexperience : for I have long obferved, that every thing of this fort, is deemed tanatical, by fome perfons, if it is not within the line of their own opinions and experience. The chara6ler o^Fervidus, both on this and the other fide the River of Death, may be thought too much fbained and exalted. But, as an apology for this, and other parts of the work, I beg that the fcrlptures referred to, may be well confidered; and then, I truft, it will appear that however unworthy the moft zealous minifler of Chriji is, of any reward from his mafler; yet our Lord has plainly declared, that there are great honours in referve, in a future liate, for even the kaji of his fervants ; and, doubt- lefs, there are much greater for fuch an eminent and faithful ambafTador of the CeleJIial King, as is de- fc) ibed in the charader of that indefadgable fervant of Ckrijt, George Fervidus. If, in entering on the work, the reader fhould think, there is too near a refemblance to Mr. Bunyaiis Pilgrim, to afford him any new entertainment; he is defned, not to be difcouraged, but to proceed; and he v. ill loon find the fcenes vary confiderably ; new chara^lers will appear, new circumflances and incidents Vv^ill occur; which it is hoped will afford him the entertainment and fatisfa61ion he feeks for. I muft alfo entreat the ferious reader to remember, that It is an allegorical work, and fhould have a a Iccond reading, with candid and clofe attention, before any part of it is cenfured. And, after fuch a perufal I hope the reader will acknowledge, at leafl in general, that he has not foent his time in vain. I ( xi ) J have now only to profefs my obligations to the many friendly fubfcribcrs to thefe Memoirs; and principally to my Rex>erend Friends among them. I am confcioiis of the honour done me, and the con- fidence rcpofed in my jud;2;ment and candour (for a great part of which, I consider myfcif much indebted to my worthy correfpondent below) and I hope none of mv friends will have caufe to repent of the en- couragement given to this work; but further oblige me, bv remembering the writer and his work, when they are neareft to the bleffed author of our mod holy reHgion. The writer of the following letter is well known in the Rdii^ious World, as \\\t Author of the Chrlflians Spiritual Treafurj, and feveral other ufeful pieces. He has fo far honoured and obliged me, as to examine mv Review, correcl: it for the prefs, and pub- licly tellify his approbation as follows. To Mr. William Shrulsole. * Dear Sir^ Having been favoured with the perufal of your manufcript, I return it with my hearty thanks for it. Permit me to affure you, I have read it with great pleafure, and hope much profit. In this ivork, you have been blejfed with the happy art of fo blending tlie utile et dulce, that, I doubt not, hut it will prove both entertaining and edifying to your readers. I congratu- late the Chrillian World, on the pleafing hopes of fee- ing foon publijhed, Chrillian Memoirs, or a Review of the prefent State of Religion, in the form of a New Pilgrimage to the Heavenly Jerufalem. You have my fincere wifhcs for a blejfiug and fiiccefs to it. In this. ( xii ) iJii's, ail d every ivork of faitJi, and labour of love, fr our dear Lord's glory, and his peoples good; may you be kept humble before him, and owned and accepted by Him; in whom I am. Very dear Sir, Rotherhithe, Your mojl affedlion ate friend, Sept.24,1775. andfinccre fervant, W. Mason/ NAMES [ I ] REVIEW OF T H PRESENT STATE 6 F RELIGION, &c, CHAP. I. Probus fets out on Pilgrimage. He is followed by his friend Refolute. They overtake Friendly. The manner of their faffing the Slough of Defpond. *^(^^^*& N the vafl empire of this world there is a large ^A^?k :^j^ kingdom, which, on account of the mental blind- 's _ ■*■ Jg^ nels of its inhabitants, and the fable complexion 1^S_ _^^^ of a ufurper who governs it, is called the king. "*'''*' *"*' '*' **' dom of Darkland. The people of this territory- are all born in daiknefs, and are all rebels^; for they have with- drawn their obedience and homage from their gracious king of l\it Celejfial country, who once reigned over thsm ; and have fubmitted unto the Black ■Tyrant'^, who is an evil genius, and his mortal enemy : yet notwithllanding this bafe treatment o\. their * Ephef. V. S. Pfalm Ixvili. i8. Rom. v. lO. ^ Revel, ix. ii. Ephef. vi. 12. B rightful I ^ ] rightful fovereigh, lie is continually feuding ambafiadors unto them, and entreating them to return to their duty. In the faid kingdom oiDurhLnd is an extenfivc province called VeJIru^lioH, whrch contains Icvcral large and populous cities, fuch as the city oiDcjirudion itfelf, the metropolis; alfo the ci- ties of Stupiaity, Contradidioji, RcftjlancCy and others. Some time ago there came into the city of Stupidity a celebrated am- baffador from the Cckfual King, named Eva-ngelijl^ and (landing on an eminence in the market-place, he began to fmg a hymn, which drew a great number of peifojis. about him ; he then epe:»*4^book, and read therein as follows, " Now then we are ambaffadors for ImmMuel^ as tho'his father, your rightful fove* reign, did beleech you by us, we pray you in JmmanueP-JIcadj be yc reconciled to your Lord the king ^" He then proceeded to fhew the greatnefs and goodnefs of the king, and the wondcjful love and exploits of his fon the prince Imrnanuel. He alfo warned thof| around him of the danger of reraainipg in their flate of re- bellion, and earneilly befought them to be reconciled to the king, and flee for refuge iviio Inm^nueP s land^ by way of the Strait gate^, Mr. Evangeliji vi2is very convincing in his difcourfe, infomuch that a certain young man of that city, was greatly affeded thereby, wept bitterly, and fighed ajS if his very heart would break. When the preacher had concluded, this young man en- deavoured to get near him. Evangelifl had with pleafure ob- fervcd the concern he was under, and was dcfirous to have fome iconverfation with the youth : wherefore they met, walked to- gether out of the city, and difcourfed as follows, Evang. Pray, young man, what is your name ? Froh. Probus, Sir, I am a citizen of this place. Evang. And what made you weep, while I was preaching ? Prob. I can fcarce tell you, Sir. I found I wanted fome- thing to make me happy, but I knew not what it was i for I have been brought up in great ignorance of true religion. I never made any enquiry about the falvation of my foul : never bowed my knees in prayer, with any defirc to be reconciled to the Cdejli&lKing', never regarded the ^nt^CQ Imrnanuel ; nor ever before heard him preached in the manner you did. When you * zCor. V. 20. ^ Luke xiii. 24. fct [ 3 ] fet forth the glory of the king, and the amazing love of Tmman- ucl to fuch rebels as we are; I was fo llruck with the view of hiin, that metliought I loved him for doing fuch wonders for us men. But, when you came to enquire, whether we were really reconciled to him in our hearts by faith, and were adu- ally acquainted with the things you had preached? I was truly convinced, that it mufl be a great honour and happinefs, to know the love of fo great and excellent a prince. Bur, as I knew nothing of this for myfelf, I wept on account of mv ig- norance, and fighed and wifhed to know him to be my friend and my faviour, in the manner defcribed by you. Ez'ang. May the king be gracious to you, my fon. I am rejoiced to find your mind fo difpofed towards our Immaniiel, You may be certain that your high thoughts of him, and your earnell defires to be acquainted with him in your heart, pro- ceed from his favour towards you, and fhall not be fruitlefs. But, in order to find peace, it is neceffary that you fhould leave this city, and llrive to enter in at the gate, which you may fee on an eminence at the farther fide of yonder plain : and unto which I diredl all thofe, who are willing to flee from thewrath to come. Preb. But, Sir, muft I go to that gate alone? Evang. Perhaps you may; yet, if you follow my inftrudions there is no fear of your fucceeding. — Let what will happen unto you, be fure to follow on, and do not dare to return hi- ther again ; nay, do not look back, if you do, you are not fit to be a Pilgrim ^ — You will foon arrive at the Slough ofDeJpQtid, over which there are good fleps *, an account of thefe you may find in this hook which I will give you — Turn not afide to the right-hand, or to the left — If you find any good compan- ions, join them — Carefully perufe this volume, and pray to the king for iniirudion therein. And may he dire(5l you in the way of truth and righteoufnefs. Prob Dear Sir, I thank you for your good advice, gracious prefent, and kind prayers for my welfare, and hope I fhali be enabled to profit by them. So Prohus parted from Evaiigelifi, and fetting his face towards the gate, he began to go forward with fpeed. He had not gone J Luke ix. 62. "^zYtXaxu^ B 2 ^ far C 4 ] far before he was overtaken by a young man named Refolute, an old companion of his in folly, who came running after hlra. Probus looking at Refolute^ perceived that his countenance was full of fear, and that his whole body trembled: on which he thus addrefled him. Prob. How now, friend Rejolute ! Whither run you this way? And what is the reafon that you, who are naturally fo bold and daring, thus tremble and quake ? ReJ. Ah, Probus ! All my fortitude is but empty vapour, when oppofed by fuch things as [ have lately feen, heard, and felt. Prob. Pray, my friend, explain yourfelf. But let us keep on our way, for I am determined to ftop for no one. Ref. My dear Probus, I defire to be with you. I chearfully follow you : and earnellly long to tell you my cafe, foraf- inuch as I expedl inilrudion how to proceed, from your friendly counfcL Prob. You may command me in what little help I can afford you, if it may be done in the way we go. Wherefore, fay on. Ref. You have heard of the frequent earthquakes that have lately lliook our city and country. You have feen the fiery ca- nopy, which the other night hung over our rebellious heads. Thefe things portend that we and our country arc under the difpleafure of the Almighty. And, as to myfelf, I am convinced that I deferve his wrath. This very day I was informed, that an ambaffador from the Cekjlial King had given out, that the world would Hand but a fliort time longer. On this news, all my fins ftared me in the face, and I dreaded to appear before the judge: but feeing you haftcn away from our city, Iran after you, with a refolution to accompany you wherever you go. DtdiX Probus, will you permit me to join you ? Probus embracing his friend, replied. Thrice welcome, dear Refolute, I wanted a companion, and Providence has fent mc one to my wifli. Know then, my brother, that I am direded by Evangeli/i, who lately preached in our city, to proceed to vender gate, where I fliall hear farther what I am to do. And if you will accompany me, you fhall fare as I do. Know alfo, that whether the world comes to an end foon or not, yet by the awful I s 1 awful confideration of that cert.nn and dreadfLiI event, and other things you mentioned, t'ce king feems to have awakened you to ieek him while he is to be found '. Wherefore, my friend, be not afraid, let us flee from the worft, hope for the beft, and fet out on Pilgrimage together. On this Refoiute became more compofed, and faid, Rt'f. I thank you, kind ProbuSy for your good advice, and great readinefs to receive me for a companion. I chearfuUy forfake my former evil pra6lices, to follow you in the way to the Cc/cjliiil city. The two friends went on thus difcourfing in the way, and frequently reading in the book which Evangehjl gave Probus^ until they drew near to another young man, who was very fe- dately walking in the fame path. This perfon they had fome knowledge of. His name was Friendly. So they called, Ho, Friendly, whither are you bound fo ferioufly ? Ac this he turned, feemed furprized to fee them, and anfwered, Frien. I am going. Sirs, to yonder gate. But how is it that you, whofe backs were fo lately turned upon this way, feem now fo eager to walk therein ? At this queftion, Prohus and Refoiute looked at each other, with tears in rheir eyes. At length faid Prohus, Prob. Friendly y your rebuke is very juft. It cuts us to the quick. We acknowledge that our praftice has been vile, and if the king had been Ilricfl to mark what we had done amifs*, we fhould have perifhed with our city: but he has roufed us from our fatal fecurity, and directed us to yonder gate, that we may further know his mind concerning fuch loll, wretched, and rebellious creatures as we are, Frien. Bleffed be the king, for working fuch a concern in your minds towards himfelf ! It indicates that you will meet with a kind reception at the gate. I wifh I had as good hope of being well accepted there. Prcb. Why, my good Sir, what has inclined you to enter this road, and proceed thus far, if you fear you fhall be rejcdcd ? Permit us to travel with you, and let us hear your ftory. I Ifaiah Iv. 6. * Pfaltn c>wx. 3. B 3 Frien. [ 6 ] Frlen I am very glad of your company, and will relate my cafe to you, in a few words. I never was addi6led to thofc vices that appear fo notorious in others. I have always been re- markably ferious, and a lover of good books. I alfo loved to hear the ambafladors of the CeleJiialKing deliver their mefiage. And tho' I am originally from FUntjhire, and came young to your city, yet, by infenfible degrees I was inclined to go on Pil- grimage. But, as I have not had fuch ftrong convidions on me, as you and others have felt, therefore, think 1 have not fo good a tcllimony, that the king has called me imto himfelf. Prob. Dear Friefidly, I pity you. I am but young in thefe things. But, if I may Vpe to (peak a word of comfort, it fhould be from our finding you in the dired road to the gate, and alk- ino you one plain queltion. Frien, Dear Sir, what is that ? Prob. Are you at all inclined to return to yonder city ? Frien. Embracing his companion, fai'd, No! no! By thiS help of the king I will proceed. I know there is nothing but fm and death behind us; but I will now hope tnat ther6 is life in this way, even tor me. Wherefore, let us all join hand and heart prefling on to yonder gate. Thefe three friends went on talking of the Celejilal King, and reading in Pri}bu*s book, until they were fuddenly flopped by the Slough of Defpcnd^ which threw them all into perplexity. At the fame time a thick mill arofe fi-om the Sloughy that darken- ed the bright profpe6t they before had of the (,ther fide, injured their eyes, and damped laeir fpirits. Friendly was moft afFed- ed by thefe things ; after he had looked on each fide, and per- ceived that the Slough llretched itielf far off and wide, fo that to feek its boundaries would be a fruitlefs talk; he cried, " Alas, what an unworthy wretch am I! gladly would I go on in the pilgrim's road, and enter in at the gate ; J genuine Sig?i of but my heart-fins flare me in the face, my a gracious Heart. exceeding vilenefs has caufed this infurmount- able difficulty, not only to me, but to you ttlfo.** My dear friends, what fliall we do now ? Pef. O, Friendly i be not fo difpirited. Surely the king has not called us out of the land of deilrudion, to fuffer us to perifh by [ 7 ] by this Slo.ugb, which be only can brirg us over, and which I am perluaded he will do ? What fay yf>u, friend Prohmf Frob. I remember that Mr. Efangel (I cautioned me on my coming hither, to be careful in h:>okmg tor the iieps over this S/of^gh, which are dclcribed in this oooli ; but my eyes are ^o hurt by this fog, that 1 fear it will be very diaicult to difcover them. While they were trembling on the brink of the Slovgh, and poring on their book, they peiceived a perfon with a fweet afped, on their right hand, coming towards them, whole name they afterwards found was Mr, Revtiation. When he came near, he thus addrelled them. Revelation. Young men, wherefore do you tremble and look io fad r Probi Sir, we are very dcfirous of going to the Strait-gate, but are Hopped by this filihy bog, and know not how to get over it. Revel. I perceive you have a book in which the fteps are defcribed, why dont you confult it? Prob, So we have heard ; but, our eyes are fo injured by this pernicious mill, that we are unable to benefit by our book. Revel. It is my bufinefs and delight to aflJiV in fuch cafes*. Then Mr. Revelation took the book, and turning to a certain place, he read with a peculiar accent, " This is a faithful fay- ing, and worthy of all acceptation, that Immanucl cziTiZ into the world to fave the chief of rebels ^— All manner of fin and blaf- phemy fhall be forgiven unto men 3." While Mr. Revelation was reading thefe and other parts of the book, the fog was fuddenly difperfed, and the fun inltantly Ifione out, fo that Probus and Re- {olute clearly faw the fteps over the Slough ; and with very great thankfulnefs to Mr. Re-'cht]on'^, addreffed themfelves to pafs over. But Friendly (liH hefitated. On which, Mr. Revelation^ v/ith great energy, faid, ReveU Why do you not follow your brethren ? Are you not willing to enter in at the Strait-gate ^? »Matt. xi. 25. » iTim. i. 15. 3 Matt. xii. 31. 4 Mat., xvi. 17. 5 John V. 6. B 4 frien. r 8 ] Frien. Willing ! O yes, Sir, I am willing with all my foul. Then faid Mr. Revelation^ with flill greater energy. Revel. Whofocver will, let him come freely ^ Thefe words fo animated Friendly, that he entered the Slough, found firm footing, and went on exclaiming, Frien. Bleffed king! Blefied book! Bleffed Mr. ;?^r'^^//^;;/ BlciTed companions ! ' I am willing to co ne, I rejoice to come, and triumph that there is hope, even for me ! Mr. Revelation having feen them all fafe over, returned the book, took his leave of them, and they went on Tinging, How fad our Hate by nature is ! Our fia how deep it ilains ! And Satan binds our captive minds. Fall in his flavifl-i chains. But there's a voice of fov'reign grace Sounds from the facred word -, Ho I ye defpairing finners, come And trull upon the Lord. Our fouls obey the heav'nly call, And run to this relief. We would believe thy promifc Lord, Oh, help our unbelief! Stretch out thine arm, victorious king, Our reigning fins fubduc. Drive the old dragon from his feat, With all his hellifli crew. Poor, guilty, weak and hclplefs worms, On thy kind arms we fall: Be thou our ftrength and righteoufnefs. Our Jefus, and our all. Watts. ^ Rev. xxji. 17, CHAP. [ 9 ] CHAP. II. The Pilgrims fnfs by Mount Sinai. 7 key dhfcourfe with Mr^ Fledily Wifdom. Rtfolute attacked by a fend. 1 hey enter in nt the Strait Gate. THE Pilgrims went on apace, until they came over againfl Mount Siniii, which is a burning mountain * a little to the left of the road. It was at that time in a Hate of eruption. The fire and thick fmoke afcended, and the flaming lava came rolling down its fide to\N ards our travellers. The earth quaked, and the Pilgrims hearts trembled. One Mr. Legnlity^% houfe, which itood on the declivity of the hill, was deflroyed in their fight*: and lo ! at the fame tim^e, a voice thundered from the moun:ain, in the following dillin6l words. " As many as are of the works of the law, are under the curfe'." This exceed- ingly tei-rified the Pilgrim.s, and caufed them to hailen towards the gate 4-. Trien. This is Mount Sinai. I have read much about it, but could never have imagined it to be fo terrible as I now fee it. Many^ha've reforted to this mountain for a blefTihg, but you hear that onlv cuffes ifTue from' it. It is placed near this road on purpofe to convince us, that there i^ no help for us in any thing but Immanuelt unto whom we are going, by yonder gate. Let us haften from this terrifying noife and dreadful danger. The Pilgrims being advanced a confiderab'e diflance from Mou?it Sinai, perceived a well-looking man coming towards them, in a path on the left of the road. This perfon they found to be Mr. Flefiiy Wijdon-J, When he came to them he faid, Fkjhly Wif. Your fervant, Sirs. I am glad to fee you on this rout: and as your countenances appear quite ferious and well-difpofed, I fhoi -d be glad to enjoy your good company. ^ Exodus XX. 1$. ^Rom. vil. ii. 3 Gal. iii. lo. ^ Gal. iii. z\. 5 2Cor. i. 12. ?roh. r 10 ] Proh, Wc are going, Sir, to yonder gate: if that alfo is your way, you are welcome to our company. Fkph Wif. Religion is an excellent employment. My defire is ever to be engaged therein. But, there arc many opi- nions in the world about the ways of religion. ^ Prob Yet there is but one true way, I prefume ; and that 16 by the gate unto which we are going ? mhly WiJ. Some few divines infift on what you fay, but by far the mojl are very different in their fentiments ; and a^Tert that rhere is no neceffity to be fo attached to the way you are' m ; and that Mr. Legality can do as well for pilgrims as the man at the gate. But I have maturely weighed the arguments brought on either fide, and have reconciled them both, I think in a jull and rational manner. * P/-.^ Pray, Sir, what do you mean? We juft now faw the houfe of Mr. Legality deftroyed by an eruption of Mount ^inai ; and if he could not fave himfelf from that calamity, how can he be of any benefit to pilgrims ?. Fkf^IyWij. As to Mr. Legality, I think he is not able to do lo much as his admirers pretend that he can : and. as ro the man at the gate, he «;/7/not do what thofe on his fide fay he vvill : therefore, J dired all whom I am acquainted with to the houfe of Mr. Reformation, juft by us, on the right fide of the road. This gentleman wafiies, new clothes, and inflruds pil- grims gratis, and thus prepares them to fpeak with the //?/^r/r^- ter. And indeed, it is unreafonabie and indecent to appear be- fore fo honourable a perfon in fuch filthy rags, and fo ignorant as many pilgrims really are. Prob, What fay you, my brethren? I think this gentleman talks very reafonably. Flefhly Wif I will engage for your kind reception at that houfe, where you may abide fome time, and when you are pro- perly qualified and difpofed, you may go from thence by a private path into the highway, on the other fide of the Strait Gate, ntzrxhtlnterpreterhhoMki and thus avoid the hurt you may otherwife receive from the captain of yonder callJe, who xs an implacable enemy to pilgrims. ^ef. As to that caftle, friend, I hopi we are Aot af»-aid of the" garrifon therein; or him who governs them ; wherefore, to avoid it, will be no inducement for mc to follow your aavice; efpecially as our brother's book fays, that we mull expert trou- bles in our way *. Frien. Pray, Sir, what ma> be your name ? Fh/JAymj. lam called in contempt f/t, who keeps a nume- ro^sgarrifon therein, to prevent or moleft thofe who knock for tntranee at the StrmtGaU. As the Pilgrims approached, they .JohaKvUsj. ^.Cor.ii.,4. 'Rom---^- ^.h^ai-T- 'Iuiahhi.ro. [ t2 ] ft w ,„ ugly fiend iffue from the caftle, and make towards them ?1 : J/l" '°r^' "•' ^'"' ■"" ^'^^'"^ ^""S hindmoft was attacked by the monfter, who, coming up to him, with a dreadtul voice, told him to go back, or he would inlUntly pu- niln him as a delerter. ^C/:^ It is true, I am a deferter from your infernal army, m which I have ferved too many years, and too faith- fuJy : but, fince a better prince than yours has condefcended to beat up for volunteers in our country, I am refolved to offer myfelf to him, and be his fervant, if he will but ac ceptme; to know which, land my friends are making this journey : neither will I go back again let the confequence be as It wiil. This bold anfwer exceedingly enraged the fiend, fo that he ^ew at him like a lion. But Re/o/uie, altho' unarmed, yet being naturally bold, and inwardly Ilrengthened by a good caufe, made the enemy fenfible of his power, by many fhrewd Wows: but at length Re/o/ute received a dreadful fall, and the fiend improving his advantage, fell on him with an intent to tear him in pieces '. • Inthemeant,meP«fe.andi>«»^/^ranha(lilyto the »ate and being eager to fave their friend, they knocked veheme^ntly for entrance. They were fpeedily heard, and GW«,///t opened the gate, with a„ heavenly fmile on his countenance. The Ptlgrtms bowed low at his feet, begged to be admitted, and prayed that he would give affifiance to their dear brother i?. Jo/ute. GoodzvilL Enter, my children, the good of this houfe is be fore you. Then GW«,;^ calling his eyes forw^d, a„d feeing the wretched phght poor RefoluU was in, he inflantJy fpake with amazing authority, *^ G,M Oh thou enemy of all righteoufners', wilt thou BOtceafe to trouble thofe who would come in hither? Get ^ Luke ix. 4j. z D„,. ,,,;;;. ,5. 3 ^^^ ^..._ _^_ thee [ '3 ] thee hence, to thy prifon. " Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire'?" On this the fiend arofe from Refolute^ and inwardly chafed, returned to his callle. Then Goodzvill ran towards the fallen Pilgrim*, and taking him by the hand, lifted him up, faying. Peace be unto thee, my fon. As foon as Goodwill had touched Refolutey his wounds were healed, and he walked joyfully into the houfe. Goodzvill. You are all welcome here, I refufe none who knock at this gate. You fee in -me all the readinefs of your king, to receive thofe who come unto him at his invitation. For he fays, " Come unto me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you reft?. He who cometh unto me, I will in no wife caft out^-." Then they all cried out. What are we that any favour Ihould be fhewn by our king to us ! Goodwill. Not for your righteoufnefs are you at all accepted, nor fhall your fins prevent farther grace being manifefted to you. The king himfelf inclined you to come to this gate, he drew your hearts out towards Imvuiiiuel ?. He now /hews you his Goodzvill towards poor finners, and you will foon fee greater things than thefe. Frob. I thank you, Sir, for your inexpreflible kindnefs to us; but we were almolt perverted from the way to this gate, by Mr. Tlejhl^ Wifdom. Goodwill. That bufy one will be mcdling to his hurt, and to the damage of all thofe who follow his counfel. His endea- vours in the end, will have the fame pernicious effeds on the foul, as thofe of the Black Tyrant in the adjacent caftle, altho* he thinks far otherwife. For, it will at laft be found, that Flejljly Wifdom and Zatan^ however contrary at times they may appear to each other, yet are united in one caufe, namely, to prevent pilgnms from freely entering this gate oi Immanuel. ' Zacli. ill. 2. 2 Luke xv. zo. 3 Matt. xi. z8. * John vi. 37, 'f John vi. ^, C H ] Tief, Since my eonilia with the enemy I think I am better ihan ever I was in my life ! QoodwtlL You will ever find it fo. my Ton. No man ever was nor ever will be a lofer, by his oppofition to the Black Vfurper He who fighteth the battles of the Celejlial King, hath good wages, and is fure of vidory. « Be thou faithful unto death, 2X\di Immanuel will give you a crown of life «." Frien, Sir, we would proceed on our journey by your leave, and fhould be glad of any direftion from you. Got)dwUl With all my heart. You have heard of the houfe cf the Interpreter, Keep on in this flrait path, and you cannot mifs it. There, it will be told you what you mull doi and I wiili you all, great peace, and abounding confolation. The Pilgrims then took their leave, and went on fmging. Why were we made to bear thy voice. And enter while there's room : When thoufands make a wretched choice. And rather die than come ? 'Twas thine own grace that made us fear. That fweetly forc'd us in: Elfe w^e bad never enter'd here. But perilh'd in our fin. Pity the nations, O our God ! Conflrain the earth to come ; Send thy viftorious word abroad, And bring the ftrangers home. We long to fee thy churches full. That all the chofcn race May with one voice, and heart and foul. Sing thy redeeming grace. Watts* \ Rev. II. 10, CHAP, £ ^5 ] CHAP. III. T^he Pilgrims arrive at the houfe of the Interpreter. An account of what they Jaw there, AFTER the Pilgrims had finifhed their fong, thev went on difcourfing with great fatisfaftion of the dangers they had efcaped, the favours they had already received, and the reafon they had to hope, that they fliould experience every bleffing and comfort flowing from the blood of prince Immanuel, even the forgivenefs of all their fins, according to the riches of his grace ^ They were in warm expeflation of what they fhould fee and hear at the houfe of the hiterpreter, when it ap- peared in fight. Being arrived at the door, they knocked^ the porter opened to them, and afked who they were, and •what they would have ? Prob. We arc poor loft finners, and are defirous of know- ing more fully how we are to be faved; being recommended hither by Mr. GoodwilL Porter. Whofoever will, let him come in freely *. So he opened the door, and conduced them to his mafter^ j who ordered food and drink to be fet before them ; and when they had refreflied themfelves, he enquired what had induced tiiem to go on pilgrimage, and what they had feen in the way ? To which they anfwered as above. Then he fhewed them all the rarities of the houfe, at the fame time telling them that it \iras his office to inllruft their nainds in thofe important truths v/hich moll deeply concerned them ; that they might knov/ ho\y to behave in their future progrefs. Now befides the many curiofities of this houfe, which others have mentioned, there v/as a fpacious gallery of pictures, that 3 Ei)h. i, 7, 4 Rev. xxii, 17. 5 Job xxxiii. 23. afForded r i6 ]■ afforded great plcafure and inllriK^ion to thefe young men. The firft piece prefented a woman whole countenance was fmiling ; pleafure fparkled in her eyes, while flie feemed to fpenk witK earneilnefo unto two reverend perfons who Hood near her. Frien. What may this pi^ trefa t >7 ] ftrefs was fallen down before them, and feemed to fpeak in tht moft earnell concern unto them. Rcf. This appears to be a fcene of great trouble. Pray, Sir, oblige us with an explanation of it. Interpret. This is the prifon o^ Philippic into thp inner part of which thofe two perfons, ambafladors of the Cdeftial Kingj were thrufl by that man on the ground, who feems to tremble in every limb. He had alfo forcly whipped them, made them faft in a moft uneafy pofture, and exercifed great barbarity to- wards them. But, at midnight, while they fang praiies to their king (who would not fufFer fuch precious birds to be fo vile- ly confined) ; he fhook the prifon, burft the doors, and broke their chains; at the fame time, he pierced the harder heart of the jailor, whom you perceive all aftoniihment, and inquiring for falvation of the very men, w^hom he had jufl be- fore mortally hated and cruelly punifhed. Thus does our king deal with perfecuting fmners, fuch as ManaJJah^, Saul, and this jailor : and all this is to humble their proud hearts, that they may be faved by grace alone. Our king wounds in order to heal. Ref. Dear Sir, you may inform others who fee this piflure, that this jailor is a figure of Will Ref olute -, I defpifed good men, I loved bad men and wicked praftices, but the king has terrified me with apprehenfions of death, judgment, and hell, fo as to make me tremble like this linner, and cry out. What mult I do to be faved ? Interpret, And like thefe minifters of our king, I fay unto you. Believe in the prince Immanuely and you Hiall be faved, and fhall foon have it manifefted unto you. Ref. Lord, I believe ! Help thou my unbelief^! Interpret. The next is a truly evangelical piece. It is the Pro- digal's return to his father 5. It was drawn by the inimitable hand of our prince ImmanueU and glows with the warmth of divine love, and the genuine effeds of the king's grace on the f iChron. xxxiil. lo to 13.— Afts Ix. 4. 2 Mark Ix. 24. l Luke xv. C hearr [ 'S ] heart of a rebel. Mark the (peaking features of the fon, look- ing at his injured father with the utmoft affedion and confufion ! Behold the amazing tenderncfs of the father ! How lie hangs on his i^eck, and killes the ragged foundling ! This reception works fo powerfully on the penitent, that he can hardly fup- port himfelf -under it. So, fome finners are more affeded with ImmanueT^ love in dying for his enemies, than with any fears of the vengeance of our king. This is a good evidence of a gracious work on the foul. Prob. Ah, Sir, you have fpoke my very heart, which has been ready to break in viewing a crucified Saviour; when, re- flexions on the torments of Hell have made no impreflion on me. Interpret. All thefe things workcth that one and the felf-fame Spirit, dividing graces as well as gifts to every man feverally as it ^ pleafeth him; and in them all, he glorifies Immanucl^ and him only. Ref. This next fcene feems to be a martial one. Here are two armies in battle array, and the fpace between them is filled with two principal figures, which appear very different from each other in feveral refpefts. Pray, Sir, who do they reprc- fent ? Interpret. That is a reprefentation of the 17th chapter of the iirft book of Samuel. The enormous figure between the ar- mies, is the impious Goliath -, and that ruddy boy is the pious Daz'idy who, in height, was little more than half the flature of his enemy, and who could hardly have carried his fpear. Here you lee this young Ifraelite in the fpirit o'i that verfe, which fays, thatZ>/?i7^ ran to meet the Philijline. Neither the monftrous ilature, brazen armour, ponderous fliield, nor terrible mena- ces of the giant, made any impreflion of fear on Dai'ldh mind. The reafon of this was, his Iledfall: faith in the God oi IjraeL Tho', but a youth in ftature and years, he was a giant, z.Methu- y^/^Z? in faith. Read his manner of reafoning, admire it, and bear it ever on your minds. " The /^i^^ who delivered me ^ I Cor. xii. ir. out , , [ '9 ] out of the paw of the Hon, and out of the paw of the bear, will alfo deliver me out of the hand of this Philillinc ; for who is this uncircumcifed Phililline, that he fhould dc^y the armies of the living GodF''^ David faw Goliath marked as an enemy unto God, therefore defpifed all his parade, pride and power. So, my children, let your pra6lice be. In no wife fear your ene- mies, however llrong and crafty they may be; for they are the enemies of your Z,(7n/. Like /),^&/V, fet your faces as a flint. Like this zealous youth, run forward to oppofe the foe. And» like him, defplfe all human fchemes of defence, all untried and doubtful methods of attack; but, go to battle in ihc name of that Gd?^ who has often delivered you, and has promifed ever to be with you, and to make you more than conquerors^ — Prohus^ I perceive that your attention is drawn towards a fofter fubjedl. Froh. I believe I can guefs the hiftory of this pi(fture, in which is a fair but difordered female, fitting on a couch, and a young man fleeing from her with the utmoft precipitaticn. Interpret. That excellent piece was drawn by Mofes the Great from a matter of fa6l^, that forms a part of one of the moll: in- flrufting and affeding flories that ever was written. You fee the beauty of that woman : Hie is the worthlefs wife oiFotiphar, Let not your eyes dwell on her charms; but, like that young fu- gitive, look thro' her fair form, to the bafe and deformed foul that animated it. You fee Jofeph looks not on the dano-erous flame of her eyes, but averts his face. You obferve, he will not endure the pernicious magic of her arms, but breaks awav and is fleeing from the unequal conflid, where, but to tarrv, is to fall. The reafon of this ccndud, is alfo founded on his faith. Jcfeph faw in this room, however retired, not only his beau- teous miflrcfs, but his awful and glorious God, in whofe fight the aftion unto which he was folicited was an attrocious crime- therefore he exclaimed, with aftonifliment at her infidelity " How can I do this great wicked nefs, and fin agiir.lt GodT My dear fons, go, and do likewife. You admired the prou^fs of Daz'id, in the lail pifture; but, Jofeph flxewed far greater courage. It is better far, to engage an arm.ed GsHath, than to be ^ Rom. viil, 37. - Gen. xxxix. C 2 expo fed t ^o ] expofcd to the fnarcs of a fair wanton. In this cafe, to flee, i*^ to conquer, FJee youthful Iufts^ Turn, away your eyes from beholding vanity*. Suffer not your minds to dwell on any impure objedts. Set the Lorii always before you ^^ and tho' for the prefent you may fuffer by your virtuous conduct, as did Jofeph\ yet, God will be wi:h you in trouble, as iie was with that amiable youth; and as he was raifcd to be next unto Pbaror.h, fo fhall every virtuous conqueror fit down with JtJ'as on his throne*-. Frien. Sir, your leflure is mofl: feafonable unto us young men, and demands our warmell thanks. If I am not millaken, this next picture will point us, to the means by which we may be fumifned for this warfare, and for every good work. Interpret. You are right indeed. Friendly. That amiable young man is Viw'^Jofiahy in the 26th year of his age^. He is reading the book of the law^, which the high-prieil: found in the temple. Obferve, how fjlcmn is his afpe6l. How the tears pour from his eyes. And how his whole frame feems to tremble under a fenfe of his own and his people^s fms. You fee alfo the eye of Heaven from above, fixed upon the royal penitent : all this is expreflivc of that foiemn declaration of God, *' To this man will I look, who is poor and of a contrite fpirit, and who trem- bles at my word.^" Here, my fons, is a pattern for you to follow thro' all your pilgrimage. Pray that yoar hearts may be tender, as was that of this pious king. Lay GqIs v/ord before you ; by that only can young men I>e ftrong, and overcome the evil one7. Read the law of ourAV//^ with a deep fenfe of your own and others fms; and cry to him, by faith mJnimanuel, for mercy for yourfelf and them : in doing this, you may ever be aiTured of the attention of your heavenly father. — One only fcene re- mains now for you to fee. Prob, Surely this gracious perfon, whofe countenance is {o full of benevolence, is intended to fignify the Lord of pilgrims ? ^iTim. ii.t2. -PfalmcA'X. 37. 3 Pfalm xvi. 8. 4Rev.Jii.2ro ? ; Kings xj;ii. 1,3. & xxiil. 3. ^ liaiahlxv?. 2. 7 rjohn ii. 14. Interpret. t *» ] Interpret. It is fo. And in it, you may lee fomethlng of thofe words of the evangelift, viz. And JeJ'us behddlng him, loved him i. You lee, he is looicing with divine pity and tendernefs after that youth, who ha*; turned his back on him and heaven, and is re- tiring in great confufion and forrow. Millaken youth, how little did he know of his own heart I What a wretch is he, who in fuch a choice hefitates at all! But how unfpeakably defpicable are his fentiments, who loveth this perifhing world more than Immanucl! Take heed, therefore, and beware of co- vetoufnefs. Let tlie words of y^y//^ ever ring in your ears. "It is^eafier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of Heaven." Every one is grafping after thofe things, as if riches were eafy to manage: but, God knows that they are not, and therefore has moft wifely ordered, that very few of thofe he loves fhall be tried that way. ** Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world; if any man love the world, the love of the father is not in him?." In the morning the Pilgrims being defirous to depart, the In» t,£rpreter difmified them, at the fame time exhorting them, to think frequently on what he had fhewn them : ana promifed that they fhould very foon, fee greater things than thefe. So they departed w^ith thankfulnefs to the Interpreter^ joyfuJIy fmging. Let all the heathen writers join. To form one perfeft book; Great God^ if once compar'd with thine, How mean their writings look ! Thy word is evcrlafling truth. How pure is every page ! That holy book fhall guide our youth. And well fupport our age. Watts. * Mark x, ii. » Mark x. ^5. 3 i John li. 15. C H A Pi L 22 ] HAP. IV. T^he Pilgrims arrive at the Crofs. Deill, Arlus, Socinus, and Lord Search, appear. Difcourfe between them. Prince Paraclete ap- pears to the Pilgrims. They depart ; overt ake^ and difcourje with father Simon and his wife. SOON after the Pilgrims had left the Interpreter'' ^ houfc, they entered the narrow way that was fenced on each fide with the walls of falvation. Prob. I cannot but admire the materials and workmanfhip of tliefe excellent walls on each fide of us. The foundations feem to be laid with the moil durable and beautiful flones, and the contexture is inimitably fine. Surely the nature and wifdom of the contrivance mull be divine ! Frien. Dear ProbuSy The whole is the labour ol Heaven. The defign was formed in the counfels of our king from cverlaiting, and the materials and conllrudlion are the work of the great Immanuel, as anointed by Prince Paraclete the eternal Spirit. O how pcrfeftly fafe are thofe men, to whom falvation is appoint- ed for walls and Bulwarks^ ! Ref. Safe indeed ! And why may not zee hope to be thus fe- curcd ? I am by far the greateit finner amongft us, but here is an infcription on this wall which teitifies, that it was built to fave the chief of fmners*; and you may perceive certain me- morandums here and there, of pcrfons, of the moll vile character, who have received the benefit you fpeak of. Wherefore let us hope the beft, and humbl\ wait for that confolation, which our friends have given us reafon to c,Tpe:vi. i. ~ iTim. i. ij. who [ n ] \^\\o hath himfelf, by his coiinfel and oath, ratified it; that thole who flee for refuge to Immanuel^ iliall have llrong confola- tiou'. Are not we fuch refugees ? Jull as Rc'/olutc faid thcfe words, they beheld at a diftancc be- fore ihcrn an highcrofs, and hi?n who was nailed on it. The diiUnt fight o'l him gave them all frcfii fpirits, and greater ex- peclacions: fo they hallened towards it. When they arrived at the foot of the croi's, they itopped, and looked awhile on him whom they had pierced^. Then they fat down under his flia- dow, with their faces towaids the. illullrious fuiFcrer, and each mourned apart with the moil unfeigned forrow. R^f. O ImuhViucl! who am I, or what is my father's houfe, that thou fliouldcft bring me hitherto^! Lord, I am not worthy of the Icall of thy mercies; and much lefs of one drop of thy precious blood, which thou didfl pour out for met Is this bloody fcene tranfaded for me, a brand of hell ! Doll thou thus. Oh, dear Redeemer, doll thou thus bear m^ fins in thy body on the trec+? Then, " Furnifh me. Lord, with heav'nly arms, *' From grace's magazine; " And I'll proclaim eternal war, " With every darling fin." ^ Watts. Trlen. Thou hail overcome me, Oh Immanuel I My doubts and fears are diiTipated. I marvel, that thou didfl fo long bear with my perverfenefs! And hall now crowned thy love lo me, by this glorious manifcildtion ! Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes fountains of tears^', that they might diflblve in love and tendernefs to thee, my bleeding Saviour, Like the once darkened fun, ** So let me hide //7y llujhtngfucey *' Wi ile thy dear crofs appears, ** Dii7olve my heart in thankfulnefs; ♦* And melt mine eyes to tears !'* VVatts. Vr'^h. Was ever any forrov/ like unto thy forrow. Oh thou wonderful fuffcrer ! War. ever any fins like my fins, who am VHeb-vi. j8. 2 Zech.xiJ. 10, &c. :J sSam. vli. i8. AjPet.ii.24. ^ jerciii. I\, r, C 4 the [ 24 1 the vileft of men! I fee, I fee], O Immanuel, that thou doft fullv and freely forgive me; but, I cannot forgive myfelf. Oh, Lamb of God, break my heart, while I meditate on thy love in 4ying for me ! « See from his head, his hands and feet, ** Sorrow and love flow mingled down ! '* Did e*er fuch love and forrovv meet, ** Or thorns compofe fo rich a crown! <' Were the whole realm of nature mine, *< That were a prefent far too fmall, " Love fo amazing, fo divine ; " Demands my foul, my life, my all !" Watts. Then a loud voice came from the crofs, faying, " Look unto me, and be ye faved ^; For I, even I only, am Jehovah, and befides me there is no Saviour*." This opened afrelh the fprings of grief, fo that they were all fvvallowed up in " Godly forrovv, which worketh repentance unto falvation.5" While the Pilgrims were thus exercifed, they were difturbed by the found of feet and voices, coming from the way oppofitc to that in which they came : and looking thither, they faw three men drawing near the crofs, whofe names they afterwards underftood to be Deiji^ Ariusy and Socinus, When thefe perfons perceived the llate of mind that the Pilgrims were in, and heard their lamentations; they fet up a loud laugh, and declared, that they were befide themfelves. Then looking up to the crofs^ j^ius faid, Arius, This fufferer was an excellent perfon ! Jufl: as he uttered thefe words, up came a refpe^lable perfon- age from the left-hand crofs- way, whofe name vi2iS Lord Search, a noble Berean ^; he, looking up with a ferene countenance, turned to Arius, and faid. Search. An excellent perfon indeed ! There is not in the univerfc a perfon more wonderful, for this is the incarnate God Jehovdh. I ifaiah xly. 22. * Ifaiah xliij. z, ? zCor.vii, 10. * Ails xvil. n. Arm, t 2; ] Arius. I cannot fa/ fo : nor is there any neceflity aiifing from fcripture, for giving him fuch a divine tide- It is fufiicient, that we aclnowledgc him to be a God^ and fuperior to angels. But it is irrational to confidcr a fuftering perfon as the fuprcme Being. Search. You appear, Sir, to be in a very dangerous error. The fcriptures plainly afcribe divine names and perfections unto him. Befides, the circumllances we are in, require, that our Saviour fhould be Almighty : but, if he was not God equal with the Father, he could not make an atonement for our fms. Soc'inus. Atonement ! I hope no man of fenfe, as you. Sir, appear to be, will infift on that abfurd opinion, and thus unite with fuch cnthufiafts as fet there; who are quite mad with ihat wild notion. Search. As to my underftanding, it is none of the bell : but, the fcriptures fully eftablifh this blefTed truth. What you deem abfurd, I fee to be quite confident, and pcrfctflly orthodox. Socinus. Orthodox! For fhame, Sir, drop fuch antiquated words and tenets. This perfon was a wife teacher of mo ality, a bright example of piety, and a glorious martyr for the truth of his doflrine. This was the whole defign of his milfion, and is quite fufficient to fave us, if we are not wanting to our- felves. Search. If this is all, I cannot fee why Socratrs may not favc Us as well as Immanuel. In lliort. Sir, I find old words and ways are bell. I can by no means like your uqfcriptural no- tions in religion, nor approve of that dogmatical pride afTumed by your party ; by which you lay an exclufive claim to reafon, and brand with opprobrious names fuch as diffent from you. The agony o^ Irnmanuelm the garden, will for ever Hand in op- pofinon to your opinions. For, fuppofe it not to be caufed by the fins of men, then laid upon him% the fjlFcrer will appear very far from being an example of intrepidity. Nor were things much better on the crofs; for, many of his difciples have endur- ed as cruel deaths, with apparently greater courage and heroifm. I Ifaiah. hii. 6. Your [ 26 ] Your notion, therefore, of hnmanuelh death being only as a witnefs unio the truth, or an example unto his followers; isde- llroyed by plain matters of fad. — But if it be confidered as a facritice for our fms, as it really was ; then all ihe ofterings, and bloody rites of the Old Tcilament appear proper and figniiicant : and the horror and agonies of hnmaiiud in the garden are well accounted for j as are alfo, his dolorous cries on the crofs. Did you, Sir, know what a hell the guilt of fm creates in the con- Icience, you would eagerly feek for fome one to remove it, and gladly embrace the glad tidings of the gofpel, which afieris, " that this perfon gave his life a ranfom for many', and his foul a facrifice for fm-." 'Dciji. I fin 1 you will not agree in your opinions. And in- deed this notion of Chnjl had better never been known in the world, for it has been the fource of infinite mifchiefs. If fuch a perfon did ever exifl in the wrld, he never pretended to fay, nor ever did, what is related of him. If I had tw^ will, I would overthrow this crofs, and leave this high road unencumbered with all fuch fuperllitions. Search. I do not take upon me. Sir, to defend the Tallies of fanatical minds; however, I look upon your party to be blinded by the groffcil prejudices. That there really was fuch a perfon in the world, cannot reafonably be denied; and that he taught and did as is written of him, is equally certain ; as hath been abundantly proved againll you : but I have not time atprefent to enter further into the argument with you. So faying, Lord Search \At^z(\ him, who hung on the crofs, and departed in the road to the right of the highway. After- wards the other three went off in the road to the left of the crofs, difputing \^xy warmly on the above lubjcd. While the aforeiaid perfons were in difpute, the Pilgrims fat contemplating the great Kedeemer in his labour of love for them: and when they heard him thus treated by the difputants, they were amazed, and heartily bleffcd the king, for giving them fuch powerful internal arguments, in their own hearts, I Matt. XX. 28. = Ifalah liii. jo. of [ ^7 ] of the truth and fufTiciency of the Chrlilian religion. To con- firm them yet more therein, behold a voice the fecond time came from the crofs, faying, "Suns, your fins are forgiven you, go in peace'." With this, came a po'.vcr which they had not lelt before, which overthrew every doubt that remained in their minds; anfwercd all their objedions, *' and filled them with all joy and peace in believing^." Then fuddcnly a light fhone round them, and Prince Paraclete, from the ccleltial court, appeared, who commanded them to flrip thcmfclves, and clothed thciii with change of raiment ; faying, Prhjce. Oh, men greatly beloved ! Behold, I bring you the garments of falvation, and robes of righteoufnefs>, which arc the manufadlory of the CeleftuiICity. Your glorious Saviour wrought them by his life and death. No othev beings, how- ever excellent, are permitted to wear them; put them on there- tore, and angels may envy you fuch honour. Then he fealed them in their foreheads-^, gave each of them a white ilone, with a new name in it^, and vaniflied away. The Pilgrims were now in an extacy o'i pleafurc. E^ch ap- peared to the other as better than himfelf; and all were happy- Then, after bowing down at the foot of the crofs, they depart- ed, Tinging, ** Oh the fvveet wonders of that crofs, *" Where God the Saviour lov'd and dy'd ! »' Her nobleft life my fpirit draws, *' FroHi his dear wounds and bleeding fide." Watts. Fricn. My brethren, I never thought that fuch pleafures were in referve for fuch a wretch as I am : But now I feel fuch love to hnmunuel^ and delight in his ways, that I am ready to fay with the fpoufe, '* Yea, he is altogether lovely ! And he Id my bLiovcd, i.\\6. my friend^!'* Ref. I wonder not now at the faith and courage of the ble/Ted martyrs, which I have read fo much of: methinks I could em- ^ Lukcvii.48, !;o. ^ Rom. XV. 13. 3 IfaJah Ixi. 10. ^ Eph. i. 13. p Rev. ii.17. *Caut. V. 16. brace [ 28 J brace a (lake, for blefTed hnmamul; fing on the dreadful wheel, or triumph on the tormenting rack, hnmanuel is dearer unto me than life, and more precious to me than all the moft de fir able things! Proh. I am glad to find your fouls thus happy. I rejoice with you, and find every thought, brought fweetly into captivity to the obedience of ///;//?tf;;// Sincere, t have been fo deceived by company, that I am afraid of every man I meet. Prob. There is great reafon for circumfpedion, no doubt, in the choice of our company: but, praifed be our king, his true pilgrims are not now fo fcarce, that a man fhould walk alone : ccnie, make trial of us. ' Jtrcrn.xxxvi. 32. ^Aasxiii. 4r. 3 Reycl. il. 14. 4Rev.xxi. 6, D Sincere, [ 3 n Sincere. There is another reafon for my declining your ofFcr, and that is, you fee that I am in no condition co keep yoa com- pany. Prol). Bat where do you think to make yourfcif better ? Is rot that done by uniting with pilgrims, and making ule ot" the means of grace ? Now, here are three who invite you ; and, here is a fpring ot water to wafli and refrcfli you. Once more, I entreat you to come among us. On this he came, and Rejolute with Friendly took him to the fpring, where he began to wafh himfelf, and having drank of it : behold, every fpot foon difappeared from his robe ! which fo revived him, that his afpeift became gay and fejcne ; and lie exclaimed, Sincere. My brethren, I blefs Immanuel that I met with you. Oh the virtues of this fpring! What a happy change is effected on me, a vile fmner, who deferved for ever to have been de- prived of luch pleafures ! Prob You fee that all men are not deceivers. I knew the virtue of this water of life by fweet experience; therefore was defirous of prevailing on you to join us. This fpring, my friend, arifes fiom x.\\q Riz'cr of Lifc'^ ^ which I hope we friall fee by and by. The fpring retains all the precious qualities of that river, when it is clear, as you now fee it. Sinctre. I am fure that its ilreams make my heart glad, and my garments to fliine : fo that I who jull now was ready to faint, am difpofed to fing. A'Si'^ me therefore, my friends, to praife the Lord for this great fa\our. *' Jefm^ my God^ thy blood alone, ** Hath power fuflicient to atone : ** Thy blood can make me white as fnow, *' No Jcwiihi types can cleanfe me fo." Watt9. After the fong, they all fet forward like giants to afccnd the liillj but, r.otwith.flanding their youth and inward vigour, the llecpncfs oi the afcent foon retarded their pace, and made them pauL fur bieath: at length they reached the arbour that was builc ": Pfalm xlvi. 4. for [ 35 ] for the refrefhment of Pilgrims, and being now weary, they fat down to reil themielves, and difcourfc a little. Prob. I congratulate you on our arrival thus far. I hope this difHculty, inltead of weakening, has rather confirmed your re- fo'lutions in favour of a pilgrim's life. Our mailer has told u?, that we mult have tribulation in our way; but withal, he bids us to be of good chear^, becaufe he has travelled this road him- klf, has removed the greater part of theobllacles, and has ere6l- ed feveral arboars and houfes of entertainment, for all who ftiould come after him : one of which, we at this time enjoy the benefit of. Ref. 1 believe that I may fpeak for my brethren, and fay, that we are fully refolved, by our king's help, to go up the re- maining part of this hill, enduring unto the end: and we de- fire to ado:c our Lord hnmanuel^ for thus providing for our re- frefhment, and leaving us fuch an example that we fhould fol- low iiis ileps-. Prob. I congratulate you all on this pious refolution ; and join with yoA in praifing our Kingy who has thus far helped us; but, that we may avoid the error \\i2xChriflian fell into, in this place ; let us converfe on our experience, to keep us awake: and if our brother, who has lately joined us, will give us an account of our king's dealings with him, I imagine that he would greatly oblige us. Sincere. That I am bound to do on various accounts, and therefore Ihall chearfully comply with your requeil. ^ John xvi. 23. ^ I Pet. ii, zr. Jy t CHAP, [ 36 I CHAP. VI. ■ Sincere reUtes his Jlcryy which includes the fearful examples of twQ falfe Pilgrims^ one tiamed Soft, the other Tamper. The Pil- grims arrive at the City of Eltablinimcnt. Sijiccre. 7\ /T ^ name is Sincere. I was even from a child inclined J. tX to go on pilgrimage ; tho' my parents dwelt in the City of Dcjlruaion^ and were nearly related to that Obfiinate who endeavoured to Hop Chrijlian when he left our city. I was very fond of the bible, which I found in an obfcure part of the lioufe, as I was hunting for books ; and as foon as I was capable of travelling, I fet out for the gate at the head of this way, and pafied the Slough of Defpond wilhWiiXt trouble, by the acquain- tance which I had formed with my bible. As I paiTed by Mount Sinai, which at that time flamed greatly, I was joined by a young man from a road on the mountain fide of the way, who wept bitteily : when I aflced him the caufe of his forrow, he faid, "My name is'^Soft. I am a native of the town of Stupidity. I had indulged myfelf in all the vices to which youth are inclined; but a man named Ferz'idus has lately vifited the town, and preached in the Markct-phce, denouncing the curie o^ Jehovah on all who lived as I had done. This alarmed me, I made the bell of my way from fuch a wicked place, and I befeech you to let me go with you." This youth was very fond of prayer, and would entreat me to pray with him; at which feafons he would weep very plentifully, and feem extremely penitent. By and by we were met by IVIr. Flejl?ly Wifiom ; but, 1 was enabled to difcover his evil defign, and to efcape him. However, I found afterwards, that his dodrines had made an jmpreihon on my companion ; for he wept lefs, and wa^ often Liiking in favour of Mr. Reformation ^ and his fafe way of letting i Mala. ii. 13. pilgrims [ 37 ] pilgrims into the roid. I fet before him the danger of quitting the King's highway ; yet he grew I'o confident of his own opin- ion, that at length he gave me tlie flip, and went his own way. I kept on, entered the gate, and arrived at the houle of the Ifitcrpretcr -y where I continued a long time, and was like one of llie family. At length I fet out again, and proceeded to the vil- lage named Cnrclcfs. As I palled by, looking into an houfe, I fiw my former companion fail afleep, with many others in the fame condition. On this I went in, and endeavoured to roufe him; but he only yawned a little, gave me a few idle and in- coherent anfwers, and then fell fail afleep again ; fo I left him. In another houfe, I faw fcveral at cards ; and when I reproved tJiem, one of the company left off, and joined in the propriety of what Ifaid, told me he thought of going on pilgrimage him- felf, and diicouricd lb warmly and fluently of the do6lrines of pilgrims, that I was much taken wath him. When I urged him to fet out, he laid, that his affairs obliged him to tarry two or three days, after which he would let out v\ich me, if I would wait {q long for him. I complied, under the fpecious hope of winning one foul ; but, by various pretejaces, he detained me at the village above a fortnight : and, by his frnooth tongue, I was led into certain compliances among them, inilead of reproving them, as was my duty to have done. However, Mr. Tamper'^ ^ (which I afterwards found was his name) at laft fet out with me, we arrived at the foot of this hill. When he faw the fleepnefs of the afcent, he began to furvey the roads that turn to the right and left, and propofed to turn to the right, with fo many plau- fible arguments, drawn from his own knowledge of the country, the pleafantnefs of the rtght-hand way, when compared with the diredl road, and his certain afl'urance of its meeting again with the road on the other fide of the hill ; that I began to confult my own eafe, and incline to him. I told him that road had a bad name among pilgrims, Ke replied, *' This path is truly bad to lome weak men : but, I hope you know better, than to b^ frightened at fuch vulgar bugbears. We know, that we have knowledge*, and if v/e are hnmaTmet\ fheep, fuppofe we do wander a little, he will certainly bring us back again 3 Rom. iii. 8. * i Cor. viii. i, I> 3 t5 [ 38 ] to his fold; wherefore, let us cake the fair and eafy path.** While I rtood hefitaiing, he gave me a pull, and I followed him into the path called Danger. There we went on pleafantly (of fome time; at length we found ourfelvcs far advanced into a wildernefs, the day declined on us, the heavens lowered, and threatened us with a dreadful ftorm. I now repented my turn- ing afide, and trembled for the confequences. The night came on exceeding dark, the wildernefs was fliakcn with a ternpeft, it thundered and lightened fo, as 1 had never known before: and, to make my cafe more alarming, a voice was heard in a dreadful cadence, faying, ^'^ Tamper^ receive the jujl rcvjard of thy prefumption" and inftantly my wretched companion was ftruck dead by my fi^e. Then, every fla(h was fucceeded by a flroke of guilt in my confcicnce ; and every clap of thunder was re-echoed with the fevereft reproaches on my condu6l. A tor- rent of rain fell, the road became deep and flippery, and there, had I fallen for ever, had not the Lord in mercy prevented me. Proh, Alas, poor man, how dear you payed for your wan- dering ! Sincere. Not half fo feverely as I had merited, for finning againll fuch rich grace, fuch repeated tokens of Immunuei^s favour. Frien. But ^vhat did you, in this flraight, and how was you delivered ? Sincere. I was made to fee that my turning afide did now reprove me*, that my own folly had brought me into this trouble ; and alfo to receive fome comfort from my being made fcnfible of it. Ref. Comfort ! from whence could you derive comfort in fuch circumftances ? Sincere. It was a comfort arifing from hope In the word of our King, and from experience of his favour. I remembered the WQj-d which fays, " He brings his erring people into a wil- dernefs, that he may fpeak comfortably unto thenv." J found myfelf in a wildernefs, was heartily afhamcd of my folly, and ' Rom. iii. 8. ^ Jerem. ii. 19. ^ Hofea, ii. 14. therefore [ 39 ] therefore concluded, that the A'v/^ '.vas about to reftorc my foul* This was confirmed to mc, by having experienced his favour in being prefcrvcd when the wretched Tarfiper was cut off" Ac- cr>rdingl\, I kneeled down in that uaric, miry, and dilmai fitua- tion ; confefTed, with much conrrition of heart, my great back- flidings, wreftled for forgivenefs, and earncltly fought diredlion iioni 0'.\v Kug, that T might recover the true padi. Frien. In what manner was you anfwered, and rcflorcd ? Sincere. The ftorm foon blew over ; the day dawned upon me; and lo ! A hand reached a Gnall phial, and a foft voice laid, " Take, and ufe this Backf,ider\ Cordial^ and turn again by the way in which thou camcft hither^:'* I opened the phial and took a little, which enlightened my eyes, and ftrengihened my heart wonderfully; fo, that I diflinguifhed the path, and with villing feet hailened towards the foot of the hill, where ) ou f*iw mc arrive as you fat by the fpring. Prob. Brother, I thank you for this inftrufting narrative ; and hope we fhall all Icain thereby, both the devices of the Black Tyrunty and the mercies of our Ki?ig. But what do you think of young Softs* There feemed the figns of a work of grace in his heart. Sincere. I have frequently reflected on his cale, and compared it with my own heart, and the experience of oiaers. The rc- fultof my inquiries is, that Softy and others like him, are con- vinced only of rhe.perverftncfs of /MV/r^^5;V^, but do not fee the depravity o\' their nature. For where the corruption of na- ture is difcovered, there ever feems to be a real work of grace, and no where elfc. I well vemembc-r, that in all the tears and complaints of young Soft, ho exprefled only aforrow for the evil confcquencc of his tranfgref/ions, the fenfe of which wore off, as he made ufe of religious exercifes. Prob. He is a dreadful example, of the fatal cffefts which fol- low, on liilening to the fchemes of Fiefhiy Wifdom in fuch jTiaiters. ^ Jerem. xxv. 5. I) 4 Trim* [ 4° ] Frien. And fo is the fate of Tamper, whicli manifeds the vengeance of Heaven againil Uich as abufc the precious doftrines of grace. Sincere. I Hiall never forget him. May our King preferve us from fuch crimes. The Pilgrims being fufnciently refrefhed, arofe, and fet for- ward up the remaining part of the hill, which they afcended with great cafe, after their agreeable difcourfe in tne arbour. Prob. My brethren, I mufl take notice, that this hill, now we are on its fummit, does not appear fo fteep as it did when we drew near its foot; nor is the afcent fo difiicult as fome re- prefent it to be. $i;fcere. Ey nature our eyes are carnal, and ma'. e falfe repre- fentations of heavenly things, much to their difau vantage : be- iides, the Black Tyrant is ever ready to afiifl the deception, tha:: he may pervert us from the good ways oi o\ir King. Rcf. I find it bell to fufpedt all the ideas that are any way conne6led with my own eafe, honour, or intereil. I think 5"/. Paul put flefli and blood quite out of his council ^ ; and did not fufFerthem to have any vote in his determinations. They are certainly very corrupt counfellors; and, by lmman:iel\ grace, I am refolvcd to treat them as did that excellent apoftle : But fee, my friend, yonder glittering building on a diltant-hill be- fore us ; pray what is it ? Sincere. That is the famous houfe Beautiful^ which is pleafant for fituation : It is an exadl model of the City o/Gody which is built on Mount Zion-; and which I hope we fliall one day fee. That houfe you fee, is fet on a hill ; fo that it neither can, nor i^ould be hid. Friendly. On this fide of the houfe in a vale I perceive a large city, and our road feems to run through it. Sincere. It does fo ; and, that is the City of EJiahlifhment^ with its large iuburbs ; where we will rell ourfeives a little. I have ^leard tliat there is good entertainment for pilgrims, in that city, \ Gal i. i6, t Jleb. x:-. iz. [ 4' ] In a fhort time they arrived at the city, which was very po- pulous ; but the Pilgrims paflcd the llreets quietly, liiey being only a little gazed at. When they came towards the middle of the city, they law an elderly man at the door of a corner houfe, who kept his eyes on them until they came up to him; when faluting them very kindly, he defired them to come into his houfe and refrefli themfelves. The Pilgrims thanked him, and went in : he defired them to be feated, and ordered his fcrvants to bring in fuitable refrefhments. CHAP. VII. ^he Vilgrlms entertained by Mr. Candid us. He relates hisjio-y^ snd his reafons for receiving them. An account of the people of the city^ and of the celebrated Mr. George Fervid us. THE Pilgrims were delighted with the agreeable manner of their hoft, and with every thing they faw in his houfe. When they had refrelhed themfelves, Probusfdid, Prob, Kind holl, will you permit me to alk you a ^uellion or two ? Candidus. With all my heart, fir. Prob. Be fo kind then to inform us, to whom it is that we are obliged for this kindnefs, and your reafons for giving us fuch a reception. Cand. My name is Candidus^, I am the fon oi Moderation^ by bis wife Experience. I am now as yoa fee, in years, and have fpent all my days in this city, where 1 have fecn various changes. From a child I have been blefTed with the knowledge of the fcriptures^, and was never defirous of joining in the di- I'erfions unto which youth are inclined ; but fpent my leifure $ime in religious exercifes, and in acquiring ufeful learning. J Z C«r. TLiVu 7. * ft Tim. iii. 15. M/ [ +2 ] My dear mother wss very fond of me, and would come to mv bedfidc, when fhe thought I was aflecp, and kifs my face and breaft, blei's the King for giving her a pious child, and earnelHy pray for my future welfare. When I grew up, I united myfelf wilh religious perfons, and took great delight in focial religion. The Lor J hlefled me in bufinefs in the worl :. I was in flou- rifiiing circrmllances when my parents died ; and they departed full of heavenly peace, joy, and gratitude to Immmiiel; whoh^d -given them the picafure of feeing me treading in the path, that would certainly bring us together again, in a ilate of eter- nal felicity. After many years, my circumllances being cafy, and the v/orld growing troublcfome to me, 1 le't my bufinefs to mv children ; and now fpend my time entirely, in ufing hofpita- lity towards thofe who love my dear Lord, of whatever denomi- nation they miay be : bcfidcs them., I have a few dear old friends in this llreet, who vifit me; among whom is Mafter Metaphor^ an old and lively difciple, and vdiomitis likely you may fee prefentl) . Thefe meet here, and we fometimes enter fo deeply into difcourfe on hnmanuely and the joys above ; that if the King ofT errors was to enter the room, we fhould ftruggle among ourfelves who fhould firil receive his mortal ftroke. SiKcrre. I have heard much of you on the road, and gucflbd that you was the perfon, by^ the manner of your receiving me and my friends. Cam/. What fame fays of a perfon is but of little account, unlefs he has a friend within him, bearing a teilimony, that what he does for pilgrims, flows from a love to their mailer. Frien. True, fir : and even then, you are fenfible it will be of no avail in certain cafes. Cand. My mother taught mc, that I can do nothing to render my perfon accepted before our King; for I am to look to my Lord Immanucl for that: after which, all my works of faith, and labours of love are remembered as the fruits of his grace. In this faith I entertain Pilgrims, not to merit the cclejfial e^'w//^ thereby, but to obtain in the pleafures of their conver- fation, a foretafte of its joys. C 43 ] Preb. Ah, friend CandiduSy I perceive that you are a cove- tous man, and very artful in your way. If I underlland your intention, you have opened your doors to us with a view of ob- taining a vifit from our mailer, or of Jiaving fome converfation in the celefiial world. Oivd. That indeed is my defign ; and I have had fach fre- quent blclTings in fo doing, that I am now almoil certain of fuc- ccfs. Fricn. You have our i?^. He keeps us in this wretched Hate, until the Prince Paraclete enables us to coiiquer him, and take him prifoner in our turn; that is, Immanutl delivers us from its povyer as a covenant of works. Then the Ibul brings Adonibezek to Jerujalem (which means, the fenfe of gofpel peace) as did the Children of Ijrael oi old i and there he dies ; for, I fuppoie, you alfo, now find that dead by which you W6.i> lield+. Prob. Sir, I find what you fay to be true, tho' you deliver yourfentiments in luch a manner, as is not cahly to be under- llood by young men. Metaph. I have, my friends, made our I^n/'s word my lludy, and compared my own heart therewith. I am delivered from the Egyptian bondage. 1 have pafied X.\\QRed Sea. I have beeo at Mount Sinai, and wandered long in the wildernel^s. I have paired "Jordan, entered into Immanuel as my true reft, and now dv/ell on Jcrda;i\ banks as the River of Death ; and trull I Ihall go over dry-Hiod into my everlafling Canaan above. Candidas fat filent, enjoying this convcrfation between his old friend and his gueils. It now being late, father Meta- phor took his leave, and Candidas rung a bell ; on which all his family entered the room : he then read a few verfes from his bible, very fenfibly explained them, and exhorted all prcient to the moll fincere and fervent fervice of a covenant Gi?^/, After ' Rom. vlii. 37. 2 Judges i.6. 3 Jud^e. i. 7. '"' Rom. vii. 6. this [ 48 ] this they all kneeled do'>vn, and Candidus poured out a mofc carneft prayer to \\itKing, for a bleffing on himfelf, his family, and gucUs. He blefTcd the Lord for all the favours of the day, and commended himfelf and houfe to the divine protedlion for the enfuing night After this, they all retired to reft. In the mcrning, Candidus having ngain blelTed the Khig tor the mercies of the night, and befoughc his prefence and help for the prefent day , they fat down to breakfail, and the following difcouife enfued. P7'ob. There is a certain beauty, as well as pleafure, in holi- nefs. How amiable does the family of our hoil appear, thus walking in the paths of true godllnefs ! Cmd. What you have feen in my houfe is only a faint imi- tation of what was formerly the glory of this city. But alas f our gold is become dim ; family religion is fhamefully ncg- lefted by moft perfons; and in the few houfes where it is ftill kept up, it is evidently carried on in fuch a formal way, and incumbered with fo many cares and diverfions, that its beauty is deftroyed. Ref. What, arc there any in this famous city who live as I once did? For twenty years, I never bowed my knees to our Kingy but I went to bed and rofe up again like a brute beaft. Cand. I have too much reafon to believe, that there are hun- dreds of fuch families: and what is worfe, they will laugh at thofe who keep up thefe duties of our religion; a]:ho' the bible fays plainly, " ^I will pour out my fury upon the Heathen who know me not, and upon the families that call not on m) name." Ref. How then arc fuch perfons -better than thofe of the City of Dejiruaion ? Cand. They arc much worfe than them : for it will be more tolerable for thofe of Stupdity and Deftruftion^ in the day of judgment^, than for thefe members of this highly favoured cor- poration. i Jer. X. 25. * Matt. xi. 22. Fr'wu [ 49 ] Trien. But the inhabitants of your city are very tenacious of praying by a book ; yet, I perceive that you make no ufe of fuch a diredory. Cand. 0\i\- Ki/ig has bleiled me, with a fcnfe of my wants, and ihe gift of cxpiefllng them by words, both for myfelf and ocher?. Every one hath not the latter, who is favoured with the former blefling. I believe many good Chrillians cannot ufe free piaycr in their families ; and feme, not in their clofets. I would have every one Itrive to acquire that gift; and I know, that ufe and exercife, by 'Jehovah^ blefTing, will do wonders this way. Every man is to pray in fuch a method as will beil fuit his capacity ; always endeavouring to improve himfelf therein. But as to the ignorant and vain world, it is of no mo- ment to me or to them how they pray : as I laid before, it avails nothing what they think or do in religious matters — Gifts are not grace. They are given to fomc, for general good. Where much is given, of fuch is the more required^ Were this rule well attended to, it would quench that fiery zeal ufed for the attainment of gifts, prevent the envy of fuch as do not polTefs them, and humble the pride of thofe who have them : for, who is there among Immanuers lervants, that can or dare fay, " He has improved his talents as he ought or might have done." SiTicere. Ah, Candidus^ you have indeed given me a breakfaf!. From confid:;ring what you have faid, I muft mingle my drink with weeping at the remembrance of my ingratitude to my dear Lordy and my unprofitablenefs in his fervice. Sincere then related to Candidus his memoirs, as above. Cand. I commend your tears, and blefs the King forgiving you a heart to remember your ways, and be afliamed of them. But ccme, firs, let us rejoice that we are brought fafe hiiher;Op Here we fix our Eienezer, Hither by thine help we're come. And we truft by thy good pleafure. Safely to arrive at home : J JUuke ;cii. 48. [ 50 1 Jefus fought us out when Grangers, Wandring from the fold oi God, And to refcue us from danger, Interpos'd his precious blood." Whitefield's Hymn. C II A P. IX. Candidus Jhezvs the Pilgrims the city and fuhurbs. A view of Prefbyterian, Independent, Quaker, and Baptifl Streets , mid Arminian Row. An account of Dr. Voluminous, and Mr. John Duplex. BREAKFAST being over, Candidus took his guefts out to fee the city. He fliewed them Fervidush two places of vvorfhip, which they admired. He fnewed them the walls and gates of the city, which were negledled and out of repair. On this occafion faid, Cand. Many of the clergy of this city are for taking down thefe well-conftru6led, ancient walls and gales, and laying the city open. Thefe reformers are now allcmbled at the City ofVanity^ where you will hear more of them, and their fcheme. —We are now in the High-Jlreet of the city, which, like moil of the reft, is in a dirty condition. It was formerly named Orthodox -ftreet, and therein is the great temple -, but it is now called Arminian -Jireet, and is the refidence of the principal offi- cers of the city. Before its name was changed, it was remark- ably clean, airy, and healthy ; but, fmce the high-piieit Laud prefided here, it has fuffered much in ihcfe refpeds, as well as changed its name. For tho' the inhabitants talk much of clean- linefs, yet you fee how little reafon they have to boaft. Take notice alfo how the llreet is darkened, and the circulation of the .ill obllrudled, by the number of figns and fign-pofts therein ; almoil [ 5- ] almoll every houfe having one, on which is pompoufly fet forth the abilities and good deeds of the inhabitant, each one think- ing himfelf better than his neighbour^ Behold what a ma- jc'llic temple is this [ But there is too much reafon to fay of this, and other fuch llruLiures, '* The glory is departed from them^;" bccaiife there is not that attention given to the ftmda- mental conftitmion of oar city, zs there was, when our Rulers made the temples rcfjund, with the glad tidings of lalvation, thro' the crucified ImmanKcl. Whereas now, many are too in- dolent to compofe their difcourfes, and too careful of thcmfelves, toraife their voices, fo as to be heard by the people. This great and honourable work is cliiefly done by a few defpifcd Lcdurcrs and Curates. Prob. That's a pity, for I fuppofe the revenues are large. Cdnd. They are noble, Sir, yet very little is done for them. Some few of our prelates and beneficed clergy, have ilepped forth againft the growing power of the G?/zz?^* hijjdelity (of whom you will know more by and bv) and have acquitted thcmfelves with great honour; and this is all that can be faid in their fa- vour : but I fliould be much wanting in refpeft to our city, if I mentioned not fome of thufe fhining lights? which at prefent illu- minate her horizon. Among them is the reverend D:/?i/?a;!, who eminently lives and walks by faith ; with his Fc/j7er fon, a levite of great abilities. Mr. LocJi:, and his Portrait Painter, are very fuc'cefsful in the city. Here is alfo a fmgular Wen, which, the more it grows, the more it adorns and fupports the health of this body corp6rate. Yonder high houfe, in that obfcure place, is the habitation of the keen, orthodox, and formidable ^/^^y/^/j He?nburyi who chufes to live in Pepper- Alley, but we hope he will foon remove to St. James^-jlreet*'. Here is alfo the t\oQ^entAndrcvjMarden. To whom, I will only add at pre- fent, the venerable Everton of ChrijTs Church, who, the other day, met an old hag, difguifed for fome vile purpofes, and with apoftolic zeal, boldly tore off her mafkj then, with keen and juft fatyr, expofed the forcerefs to the contempt of every confi- derate by-llander. '■ Lukeicviii. ir, iz. ^ i Sarr.. iv. zi. 3 Matt. v. 14. * Jam. iil. 17. E 2 ProL [ 5^ ] Prok. We are now out of the city gate. Pray, Sir, what large llreet is this ? OiriJ. Tills \%?rejbper'uw-jlre£t^ and a member of a large, po- pulous, and relpedlable city, called Prfjbyterian city^ which is iltuated in the north, and maintains its excellent laws and dif- fipline much better than doth our city. The fundamental conllitutions of this ilrcet are the fame as thole of our city. They differ only in tilings refpecting government and ceremo- nies : for the inhabitants of this ftrect ufe no prayer-books in their woifliip — You fee the buildings are high and grand, bur, like ourc, the llreet is not very clean. Many great and excellent men in the pilgrim-world have lived in this llreet, which has ever been confidered as a friend to civil and religious liberty. The inhabitants have fufFeredmuch from the hands of opprelTors, cfpecially on Bartholomew- day 1 662, and for twenty-fix years af- ter, when our city rulers revoked the free charters of this and the iieighbouring ftreets, and diilrefTed the people many ways: of thefe evils this ilreet experienced the greateft fliare. Many eminent men, who are firm friends to lmmtinucl''s caufe, and formidable enemies of the Giant hif.ddlty^ Hill flourifh in this ilreet ; but |po many of the houles are blacked and deiiied, both within and without, by the fmoke of t.vo foundenes, which have been lately conflru^led, out of two large meetings, in the principal parr of the ilreet — One of them is fuperintended by Dr. Tinkle'^ i mailer of the art of preaching, and is called the j^rian Founkry, The other is the Socirrian Foundery^ where Dr. Knowair- prcfides He firfl abfurdly gave our, <« chat our hn^ inanuel\s-x% only a man, and that his fufferings were of no a- toning ufe to any." He has lately declared, that we have no fouls. It is expedled, he will next aiTert, that there is no God -, and remove from this llreet to the caiUe of Scepticijm^ to be deputy-governor there, under tiic Giant Infidelity. In thele forges images are conftantly made to vend in the Ilrc:et, and in our city, where they are eagerly caught up. The black fmoke ever rifmg from thefe founderies, is a nuifance to the whole neighbourhood, and is complained of by fome, but would not f iCor. xlli. r- 7 iCor. viii. i, a, have [ 53 ] Tiave been cnJured by any In former day?, when fiich foun- ders would Jiave been call out of the Ibeet. By tliis trade alfo, they forfeit the proteftion of our city laws, yet times are fo changed for the worfe, that our rulers ra^licr favour than frown on them : and in fliort, from the behaviour of thofe founders and their patron?, it Tn?.y be faid of them. ** They have loved idols, and after them they will go^" Pn/f. I fliould think, that the horrible dcftriKTJon of the Eajlern Empire, by the Turhs, and the nrefcnt wretched ftate of the Greel churches, all which evils came upon them on account of their love for Jrii'Ji images ; would deter any other people from fuch idolatry. But Hcrefy, as well as every fin of every fort, is \Qry llupi Tying. Cand. This next is hi^ependint-Jlreet. It was begun In the days of the Ccmmon-ivealth, You fee ir now makes a good figure. It is faid to be built on the heft plan in the world, even froni the original pattern didated by Immanuel. I wifli the inhabitants ^vould abound in love, towards thofe who differ in opinion from them ; for they are a very refpedable body, and fend out many on pilgrimage. The ftreet is in excellent order, altho' there arc fcarccly two houfes in it alike. It is well paved, veiy clean, open and airy. There is a Brezver lives in yor*- der high houfc, who makes as good cle as any in this coun* try. It is very found, and falutary for pilgrims. I have a Kiiif" man who dwells at the farther end of the llreet, who is very ufeful in our father's houfe, and for fome time was a compa- nion of Tervidus. At the hither end is the houfe of Mr Deptford, the venerable Usurer en Mr. Bunyn7j's Progrefs, and warm patron of ejaculatory prayer. I heard him once tell a fweet ilory, on Ijaiahy.\v. 8. Frien. The next fcrect appears very different from the laft. It is pretty commodioir, but very plain and unornamented. Every houfe is of one height, aud all the doors, windows, &c. arc in one uniform fafliioni but I think the fafnes are very fmall. » Jer. ii. 25. Cand. [ 54 ] C^nd. This is ^aJ:cr*s-f,reety began by George Fax in the lall century. Thefe people are peculiarly fond of candle-light, and very little concerned about their windows. Nay, at noon day, in their allemblics, they will neither preach or pray fimply by day-light, but will return without doing either, if they are not indulged with a candle lighted up in their meetings. The voice of finging, or the found of any inftrument of mufic, is not hciard among them. Swearing, in all its forms, is an abomina- tion unto them. They make no ufe of water, wine, or bread in their aflemblies, but refoive all outward ceremonies into in- ward light and myilery ; and yet with refpeft to their difcouvfe and drefs, no perfons are more rigidly plain. They are exceU lent occonomifts, fmcere and juft in their dealings, very care- ful of their poor, war and ftrife they abhor, nor can a lawyer live in this ilreet. Frien. Are there any pilgrims among them ? Cand. They evidently live in the neglefl of the pofitive com- mands of our Lcrd; but you know, " He will have mercy and not facrifice^" Yet it becomes all his fubjefts to be fully per- fuaded in their own minds^, about the legality of their proceed- ings. I have known feveral excellent pilgrims who lived in this llreet ; but thefe pilgrims did not approve of many things in principles and pradice, that were adopted by the vulgar and bi- gotted. In general, there is much wood, hay, and Hubble among them^ ; but many of them love our mailer, and make him their alone foundation. 'Ref. The next ftreet is very oddly conilrufted, for I can fee no way of accefi to it but by croffing the water, for here is a large pond quite acrofs the flreet. Is there no other way to it ? Oind. That is Baptljl-ftreet^ the original of which is very doubiful, both as to the time and perfons. There is another fuch pond at the farther-end of it. The flreet and ponds are in better condition, now than ever they were: for Dr, Voluminous y a late very eminent man of this ilreet, cleanfed and put them into that order you now fee them. The flreet is * Matt. Ix. 13. 2 Rom. xiv. 5. 3 iCor. ii-. 12. rather [ 55 ] rather contradled, and the houfes confined. Many of them alio have lach large laflies, and Imall ftoves, that, for want of more fire, the rooms arc cold and agulHi : bat others are more warm, and I have vifited therein with great pleafure. About the middle of the ftrect is a fct of people, who diitinguilh themfelves, by keeping two days of rcil from fecular affairs, every week. And at the farther end there is another clafs of inhabi- tants, called L^/?/^^/yi///?j, who are remarkable for being fhort- iighted. Thcfe have no veneration for the difcoveries of Dr, Voluminous. T'Z'/// part of the ftreet has a communication with Arminian-Rov)^ which yoa will fee prefently. Dr. Voluminoui cut the ponds clofe to the houfes on each fide the Hreet, and di- reeled, that every inhabitant, on his pr her firft coming, fhould wade thro* the pond to their new dwelling. But there is a private avenue for yifitors. Ref. I think the DoBor was an odd man, or he would not have been fo fingular in his inftitution. Cand. He had much to fay in fupport of thefe things. He affirmed, that the primitive Chriilian corporations, had each of them fuch a laver before its gates, that none but adult perfons were ac^mitted into the number of their members, and that all other bodies who ufe a bafon only, and admit infants among them, have departed from the original pattern. Ref. Tho' I love zeal in religious matters, yet I would curb it, efpecially about circumltantials ; for I cannot bear to quarrel with thofe whom I fee to be followers ol Immanuel. We fhall fit down together in the Celejlial city, however we treat each other here. Ca7!d. There is a back way to fome afTemblies, by which candid men have, and do receive to conwnunion with them, any other pious perfons, who care not to wade thro' the water ; but this is not approved of by many among them.. Good Mr. Bun- yarty to whom pilgrims are fo much obliged for his works, lived in this ftreet, and was one of the moderate men; but he wa§ cenfured by his neighbours, for his candour, E 4 Frien, r 5« ] Friot, I love the ftreet and people for Mr.Bunyan'i fake; but, by no means can like their unkind behaviour to other real pil. grims. C^mi. There are feveral curiofities in this ftreet. There is a moll commodious Bootb, which is much reforted unto. And a Miirtin that abides, and fings excellently of redeeming love, all the year. I heard him once fing moft charmingly about the water of life, 7?^£/. xxii. 17. Here is alfo ImmanuePs Fine- Apple ^ which is a Ms did ; for you m.ay per- ceive that many of ihe old buildings are fuiFered to remain, which difgraced this quarter of the ftreet. Nay, the old name is fo far adopted by ihefe people, that they have ordered Av' minian-Rozo to be engraved in the corner of the ftreet, and the old houfes are chiefly fupported by props, cut down from Br.xter\-htath, which you will fee by and by r in fnort, Du' pkx*s reformation is not worthy the name. He has often been toldofthefe improprieties, and fomctimes he fcems inclined to pull all the old hoafes down; but, he is too wavering to cfFe6l fo good a work. I hope he will do it before he dies; for he is in many refpeds a ufefui man, and has been the means offend- ing many on pilgrimage. j C H A P. X. ! J Jf range mr,tter of fa3. The Pilgrims depart, Prcbus and Friendly are decoy d by Mr. Fear into Nicodcmus's-lane. Sin- cere and Rcfolute arrive at the houfe Beautiful. THE Pilgrims being arrived at their quarters, were enter- tained feveral days by Candidus. On the evening before their departure, they defircd to know what they were indebted to him. Canh [ 5S J CiVid. I am commanded not to be unmindTul to entertain flrangers*. The Lord has blelled me with ability to do it, there- fore you are all welcome to what yoii have had ; for I never, in thefe cafes forget that excellent faying of our dear Lord^ " It is more bleffed to give, than to receive^." I only beg that I may have your prayers. Sincere. Your great gcnerofity, Sir, reminds me of what I heard concerning you, while I lived at the houfe of the hter- f refer \ which I am glad I thought on before we w^ent away ; becaufe the fa 75. Thus [ 6' ] Thus were the Pilgrims leparated from each other ; and Refo'> lute and Sincere went up the eminence towards the houfe Beau- tiful. When they came to the copfe, old Prejudice appeared with his dogs. He was a hideous Hgure, and trembled with malice at the Pilgrims. Refoluie and Sincere walked cloic on the other iide of the road. The old man endeavoured to fet on his dogs, but they Teemed quite full and idle, and paid no regard either to the Pilgrims or their mailer j who, when he faw they had cfcaped his power, was almoll frantic with rage, and ready to kill his dogs j but they fliewed themfelves furly towards him, fo that he did not dare to challife them. Then fang the Pilgrims, ** A thoufand favage beafts of prey, " Around this foicfl: roam, *' But Judah\ lion guards the way, *' And guides the tiavellers home.** They went on fmging until they came to the h.on(c Beautifal, when the porter, who was ftanding at the door, thus addrefied them. Watchful. Gentlemen, whither are you bound in this chear- ful mood ? Ref. We are bound to Mount Zlon^ and fing, becaufe our Lord has thus far made our journey profperoas. Pray, have you any room in your houfe for us? I perceive that you have much company, and if we fliail encumber you, we will go farther, as it is yet high day. Watchful. Go farther ! No, no; we want fuch joyousfouls as you fccm to be: my miftreiTes will kindly receive VQU. Come in therefore, yc blefTed of the Lcrd^ and partake of all thishculc can afford. So the two pilgrims entered, and vvcre gracioufly received by Prudence^ Riety, and Charity , who Hill keep [])c houfe, and, it i:^ imagined, will never die. Thcfe quellioned the Pilgrims, before the company, concerning their journey, and the views they had in making it i to all which having given fatisfail:ory anfvvers ; d;cy v/ere jo/f'uily welcomed by ail prcfont, wlio de- fircd [ 62 2 fired them to fit and aflill in Tinging a hymn on their ar- rival. " Who can dcfcribe the joys that rife, <' Thro' all the courts o{ Paradijey " To fee a Prodigal return, *' To fee an heir of glory born ? With joy the Father doth approve, ' ** The fruit of His eternal love: •* The Son with joy looks down and fees, " The purchafe of his agonies. " The Spirit takes delight to view, " The holy foul he form'd anew ; " And faints and angels join to fing, " The growing empire of their king. Watt5» Sincere and Refilutc v/ere much pleafed with the company, and the kind reception they met with ; for they were as friendly to each other, as if they had been many years acquainted. But the Pilgrims greatly dcfired to know, hovv it happened that (o many perfons were allembled together at this houfe. An op- portunity foon offered, for informing themfelves in thefe parti- culars; but the evening coming on, it was propofed to fing, and prepare to part. So they fung, " Who on earth can conceive, how happy we live, " In the city of Gi^^j'our great King? «' What a concert of praife, when OMTjcfus^ grace ** The whole heavenly company fing ? White FIELD. After this they all kneeled down, and one of them \qty warmly recommended the whole company to the grace of the Kifigy in Imman'uel. Pie prayed for all pilgrims, for the proft^e- rity and fpiritual peace of the CZ/j; ofEftabViptnent^ and its fu- burbs : for all who laboured to win fouls, of all denominations ; and foi the greater abounding of candour and charity among all Chrillians. They then arofe, gave our Pilgrims the right-hand of Felloiv- JJ/ip, and departed towards \\\Q.Ci(y of EJlnhliJ^.vnent. CHAP. [ 63 ] C HA P. XI. The utility of candour and communion among religious people of different denominations. T.'he manner hozu Probas and Friendly were rejiored, WHEN the company was gone, Refohite looked eagerly after them, to obferve how the dogs would behave to- wards them ; and was furprifcd to fee that they regarded not the beafls, nor the bealls ihem. Old Prejudice indeed gnafhed his teeth at them as they paffed, and wiilied the houfe on fire, and all its inhabitants burning therein. The matrons of the houfc feeing the Pilgrims attention drawn towards the departed com- pany, thus addrefled them. Prudence. I perceive you were very attentive to thofe people while here, and to their behaviour on the road.^ Ref We were, and would gladly be informed whence they came, and who they are ? Prud. They are inhabitants of the city and fuburbs which you palTcd by. Ref. What ! Do thofe different feds unite together in fuch matters ? Piety. Some of them do.. Oh, Sirs, thefe are golden days to what we have feen. This houfe is now become the refort of warm-hearted unprejudiced fouls, both of the City of EJJii- blijhmenty and its fuburbs. Here :hey often alfemble, as you have feen, and laying afide their peculiarities, unite in fweet difcourfe on the beauties oi Immanuel, the riches of his grace, the glory of his falvation, and the experience of it on their own hearts. It would do your fouls good to be here, when Fermdus and other miniilers of the city and different ftreets, meet here, and [ 64 ] and unite in devotion. They come here alfo to fee thff armory, and the many curionties of our houfe and garden -, for tho'each of thcfe fe£ls has ht curiofitics, yet they arc neither fo rich, or ufeful as ours ; which is an accurate model of all that is to be fcen, in the Cityc/GoJ, whither you will arrive in gcoJumc, Nor can any perfon of the city or ftreets know what may be feen of ihefe things, unlcfs they will vifit this houfe. Sincere. There are then, certain in thofe places who do not vifit you ? Piety. Ye?, too many, and fuch as we muft believe to be pilgrims too, who not only refufe to enter thefc doors; but, are very fevercagainil fuch as do. They urge, that it is a break- ing dowi> all nccefftiry d'ltindions, and laying things in com- mon which ought to be kept feparate : that it is an unfcriptural candour, and fucli a relaxed difcipline as fliould not be tolerated. Sincere. I fear, that fuch perfons have too much of the bigoted pride of the ruler of the fynagogue, who rebuked the man with the withered hand', and others, for coming to be haaled on the fabbath-day. Such perfons may have great gifts, but are little acquainted with St. ?auV^ more excellent way-. It feems plain to me, that our holy religion, with refpeft to rites ceremonies, artd church -government, is a law of great li- berty ; and leaves Chriilians at large in fuch thing?, to follow the diftates of reafon, governed by the word of our King. For if there had been a defign to bring all Chriilians into one uni- form method of divine worfhip ; thefe things would have been as accurately defcribcd in the New Teilament, and guarded with proper fan(rtions, as were the rituals of the Mofaic fervice. Bat it is evident they arc not fo ; and it is plain that our King haih and does blefs perfons of different pradices in thefe mat- ters; which confiderations (hould inculcate in all, that precious grace of Love, which is the bond of Perfe£lnefs^ Charity. Our King is love; and it becomes all his children to walk in love towards each other; and it is moH for their happi- nefs fo to do. It rejoices me greatly to fee this fpirit prevail a- ^ Lukexiii. 14. ^jCorxli, 31. 3 Coll.ili. 14. mong [ 65 ] mong good people. This houfe was never fo pleafant to me as it now is. I think myfelf in the CeleJIial cityy when I behold perfonsof the adjacent city and its fubyrbs, of different denomi- nations, unite here to fing, pray, hear, and difcourfe together about the bell things, without one word of contention. O, may this temper moregenerally prevail, zndlmmaniicrs minifters lee eye to eye ' > while he makes his Zion the praife of the whole earth ! Ref. To this I give my hearty amen. But I would fain be informed, why vv^s it that thly ^ Oal.vi. I. [ 67 ] fay, <* Ah, woe to u?, poor Pilgrims ! We are now made fully: fenfible that the fear of man bringeth a fnare^ Had we liftened to the advice of our dear friends, we had now been happy with them at the houfe Beautiful^ and not thus enfnared by our ene^ my, thrown into a dreudfal pit, and left to perifli in our own divifings." Hrf. Oh, my friends ! that is the voice of my dear brother Probus: let us harten to deliver them from their mifery. So they made fpeed to the place from whence the voipe pro- ceeded ; and found it to be a deep pit, in which X-^y Prohus and Friendly breaft high in filthy water, in a very uneafy pollure, and utterly unable to help themfelves. When the two prifoneis faw their friends and the company above, they were ready to fmk under the water with fhame and remorfe. Prob, Gh, my beloved friends, the fight of you gives me both pleafure and pain. You fee what a fituation we have procured fpr ourfelvcs, and how dreadfully we are overtaken in a fauk*. They both burll into tears. Spiritual Man. Brethren, be not fwallowed up with overmuch forrow. We are fent by our Shepherd to feek you, and to reilore you to liberty and joy. Take thefe ftrong cords of love^, and place them under your arms : they have drawn many a pil- grim out of far worfe cirpum|kr|pcs than thole you are in. Then Probus and Friendly had a tender ftrife, about which of them Ihould be firll drawn out; for Probus infilled that he would be the lail out, as he was firll in fault. The cords therefore being fixed to Friendly ; Meeknefs and Conjtderfelf m\\\ great care drew him up, and afterwards Probus alfo; and gave them a fa- lute of congratulation, as did all who were prefent. Juft a: this time, Mr. Fear appeared at a diilance, and cried out, Fear. Hold ! hold ! what mean you to take my prey from me, and thus deliver my lawful captives ? But Re/olute took the llafF out of the hand of Spiritual Man^ and ran towards him ; the villaii^ feeing that weapon in the ^ Prov.xxlx. 25, 2 Gal.vi. I 3 UpC^eixl./^, F 2 hand [ ^s ] hind o{ R.y'jlut^, made his efcape with great precipitation j and Rrjolute returned fmiling at rl;e hallc with which he retreated. Ra. Iwifli he had waited for me, I would have avenged on him the injury he lias done to my dear brethren. He tlicn cmbratcJ iheni, with a pearly drop fhining in each eye. Spirit u,d Man. Ah, Rt-f'-'utfy that enemy of pilgrims is a coward, and never will lland any contell with one v;ho has tiiis (lafT o{ ?crfcii love in his hand. Ref. I marvelled greatly at his hally flight ; but knew not the caufc. Seeing this ilaiFhas fuch admirable virtues, 1 fliould be very glad to have that, or one like it. Spiritual Man. This you cannot have, becaufe it is a badge of my office in the houfe, and was purchaled at a greu price. Ref. Pray, what may fuch a weapon be worth ? Spiritual Man. That is a hard qucftion indeed .' I never knew any one who could anfvver it. This I have heard, that ir the richell man in the world were to offer all his uibilancc for one of them, he"^nd his wealth would be defpifcd ^ Ref. Where do they grow ? and how are they to be ob- tained ? Spiritual Man. That you will hear more about by and bv ; for the prefent let us haften home with our friends, whodouLi:- ieis want both food andrcll. Ref. I afk pardon for purfuing this fubjeft (o unfcafona'^ly ; but the virtues of that weapon fo charmed me, chat ! lorgoc my duty to my dear brethren. Come, vc\y Probus, han or iiv. as you walk. I wifh I could carry you both. I thank our King, I had lafl nigh: a good i jpper, and a refrefhing night's reit, therefore am ilrong, willing to bear your infirmities, and not to pleafe my ov/n flefh ^. Prob. Thank you, thank you, kind Refolute. I know^ your friendly heart will bear any burden of mine, but I hope I lliall ^ Cant. viii. 7, "- Rem. j:v, i, do [ 6g ) 60 with yonr arm only. Come, FriertJlyy make the fame ufc of brother Sincere. — So they proceeded leaning on each other*. Sincere. My brethren, I have a cordial in my pocket, which is a folution of ff/rr's pills, and is called Backfuier'i, cordinl: ic was given mc juft before I joined you. I found it raifed my fpirits, and enabled me to run fafterinto the path of duty. Then he gave each of the Pilgrims a little, which fo flrengchened them, that they walked apace towards the houfe Tinging, ** O may the righteous when I ftray, *' Smite and reprove my wandering way ! . *' Their gentle words, like ointment fhed, *' Shall never bruife, but cheer my head. " When I behold them prefs'd with grief, *' I'll cry to Heaven for their relief; " And by my waim petitions prove " How much I prize their faithful love. Watts, CHAP. XII. ' HctvVrohus /7;!d Friendly ef^r^ received at the hufe Beautiful. J walk in the garden, Mr, Spiritual Man kgixs a remarkabk Story. CHAR ITT was eagerly expe^ing the return of her party. She ordered the porter to look out for them, had provid- ed a repall fuitable to the circumilanccs of the faniily, and was herfelf with the porter when they came in fight. As they ap- proached, fheran and welcomed them back, and, with a fmile ©(great delight, congratulated the two Pilgrims on ihcir deli- ^ Gal. vl.z, F 3 ^ verance; r 7° 1 vcrancc; while they inwardly groaned, under a fehfe of their utter unworthinefs of fuch a gracious reception. Being all come in, Piety folemnly blefl'cd the provifion, and tliey all fat down to eat. Each had his portion, but Charity had provided a peculiarly precious mefs for Prolus and Friendly. It was compofed of thofe exceeding great and precious delicacies, which St. Peter fpeaks fo rapturoufly about'; and which render tliofc who feed on them both chearful, ilrong, and free from grofs humours. The Pilgrims foon felt the happy effefls of this diet; for they began to look very tenderly towards each othei", and faidi, Prob. I am amazed, that fuch a wretch as I am iliould find a place within thefe holy walls ! Why was I not left to expire with famine ! Why did hot the pit fhut her mouth upon me ! O, t am loft in wonder ai^^d praife ! Friend. Why is it that fuch a vile mifcreant, was not left io lahguifli under the power of Fear^ all my days ! And then to have my portion with the fearful and ^ unbelieving, in cverlalling mifery ! O my brethren, and ye virgins of this Iioufe, I am not fit to lit with you ; I am afhamed and con- founded at m-y own moil: detellable ingratituda! O hov/ doQ$ grace reign ! Piety. I am glad to find that our folicitude for your recovery has fo happily fucceeded, and that our provifion is fo weil- digclted by you. Pray be comforted. We are all debtors to the fame rich grsce of our Lcrri. All pilgrims are moie or lefs Ru.'iazvays from him. The eleven apoftles of our dear hord were typical of their fucceflbrs in the pilgrim life, for they all forfook him and fled : but he recalled them by liis grace, and received them again in love. So let us receive each other, and unite in celebrating the h'igh praifes of him, whofe love i^ like himfclf, unchangeable and everlafting. *' O Lord, how great*s the favour ] ** That we, fuch finners poor, " Should, thro' thy blood's J'vveet favour, *' Approach thy mercy's door ; * £pct.i.4t ^ R^v. xxl. 8. r 7. ] *' And find an open paflage ** Unto the throne of grace, , " And hear the welcome melTage, ** That bids u? go in peace. White fie Lb. Ar;ci- this refreihmcnt, Probu' and Friendly defired a little rr-ft, a? they had none the proceeding night. Charity conduc- ed tiiem into the Chatriher of Invitatibu ; over tlie door of which v.-;is wrote in golden letters " Come unto me all ye that labour, and arc heavy laden, and I will give you reft '." Jt was a fpa- cious roo.'ii, and had every convenience in It for thofe who were invited. At the upper-end was a iiriking pidure o'i Imjnonuely fo contrived, that it feemed to fpcak and aft from life. The walls were adorned with rich tapeftry, in which were wrought many wonderful cures effefted on perfons who had flept in that chamber; fuch 2.% David, Hcman^ and Hezekiah, wich many others; who were reprefented as finding inftant relief in this place. The pilgrims repofed themfelves on the downy bed of Promife, which was made purpofcly for them by lm?nanuers own hands ^; and foon fell afleep. Where we will leave them awhile, and return to the other company. They were now walking in the garden; which is one of the wonders of the world: For here grows the Balm cfGilcad'^; the vine, of which Jehovah is the huihand-man^-; the fig-tree, whofc Fruit cured Hrzekiab^. Htxt zMo h tht Tree of Life , and the hmous yuppie Tree^ whofe ihadow and fruit is fo c^^lcbrated by Solomon^. Here is the Rofe ■of SharoTiy and the Lilly of the Vallies"^ . Here grow alfo the Myrrh and Spikenard, Camphirc and Pomegranates, with all the fpiccs of the merchants^; and a thoufand other rarities, whjch engrofled the attention of Refolute and Sincere, who were ready to fwoon away in this wildernbefs of fweets, Sitjcere. Happy are ye, O inhabitants of this houfc ! Ho-vV Igoodiy yoi3,r tents, O Prudence and P/V/y, and thy garden, O Charity! Who is like unto you, ye true Ifraelites-, a people 1'aved and bleiled by the Lord! Who enjoy the privilege of -walking daily in this garden, and conllantly tafting thefe fruits. I Matt.^rf. 28. -2 Heb. vi. 13. 3 Je.'. vHJ. 22. -^ Ifaiah v. 7. - iraiah ^xxvin.at. * Cant. W. y, 7 Cant, li, i. « C^rr- iv. 13, 14. F 4 :Spirittod r 1^ ] Spiritunl}^iiin. When wc confider our unworthy felves, \\t hiay well be amazed at this profufion of blefiings : but when we refledlon the price that was paid for this fpot, and tJie dig- nity of Him who laboured to cultivate it; our wonder then ceafes: for it was bought with the precious blood of our -^';/^*s only foti ; and every thing in it was planted by his heavenly father. It is alfo watered every moment, and watched night and day, by the gracious Prl/ue P^rac/ete'' . Ref. Here is a fingular tree, which has feats round it, me- thinks I would fit down under its fpreading fliadow, as the fun advances to his meridian. Piety. This is the ^apple-tree, fo famous among pilgrims in all ages, for hundreds of years pail, it being fpoken of by King Solomon, Come, let us all partake of the offered beneiit. So they fat down under the tree, whofe fpreading branches, laden with precious fruit, bent down and courted their accep- tance. They plucked and found them fweet unto their tafte. Alfo the very feat communicated eafe; and at the fame time a refrefliing breeze, having fwept over the beds of fpices, brought a moil: delicious fragrancy to their fcnfes, fo that the whole company was overcome with the odour. Sificere and Refolute not being accuftomed to fuch delights, fwooned, fell back a- gainft the tree, and there lay in a mod pleafing trance. Piety. What a fatisfa6lion it is to fee young men thus de- lighted with the beft things ! We have here a double pleafure, for we enjoy the fame happinefs as thofe pilgrims, and alio the delight of feeing the grace of /;/;7?;4A?;/£'/ operate on their tender minds. Let them enjoy this rapture while they may ; I forefee that much trouble will attend their future progrefs; and our King is thus preparing them for future trying ftenes. The virgins arofe, and retired into the houfe, leaving the Pilgrims afleep under the apple-tree. When dinner was ready, it was thought neceffary to call them; for they were all fo fweetly repofed, that otherwife they would have flept all day. So Prudence rung for Proh'us and Friendly^ who foon roufed and came down : Ihc then ran into the garden to * Ifeiah xxvli. 3. - Cant.ii. 3. the r 73 1 the other tvVo, whofe plcafant countenances as they lay, mani- felted the tranquility of their minds. They ilarted at her voice, arofe immediately, and followed her. The dinner was made up chiefly of fat things full of marrow, and of wines on the lees well refined^ The Pilgrims eat and drank abundantly, and were again tranfported at their rich en- tertainment. Bef. Well, brethren, of all the houfes I have been in, I never faw the like of this ; and I fear we fhall never find fuch another. Spiritual Man. This houfe, indeed, well deferves the name it bears: but do not think you have feen all that our Imma?md has to fhew you, for you will fee greater things than thefe. Prob. Now you arc fpeaking of fights, I have heard that there are many curiofities in this houfe. We fliould be very glad to fee them. ^piritualMan. There are, and after dinner you faall fee them. Ref. Before we fee your curiofities, pray, Sir, fatisfy my in- quiry, in refpeft to your llalF, which was fo terrifying to Mr. Tear: for, I long to hear your ilory, and to know how you ob- tained that excellent weapon. I would encounter fome trou- ble to obtain fuch a favour. % ft ritual Man, If I miilake not, my young friend, your refo- lution will be fliarply tried ; but truft in the Lord for ever, he will never leave you, nor forfake you. But I fear my Ilory will appear rather tedious. Frob. Dear Sir, pray make no abridgments, nor any farther apology. ^plritud Man. My original name was Alien. I was born in the City 'of Rejiftance, the capital of FlintJhirSj many leagues north of the City of Dejrufiion -, and there abode till I was grown up to manhood. I was frequently troubled in the night with an apparition, that called itfelf iV^m/y ; which ufed io tell me, our city would be deflroycd for ever, and a final ^ Ifaiah xxv. 6, end r 74 I ch3 put to all the affairs in which I was employed. This tnucH" fright.entd mc, and caufed me to flirink in my bed, and wifh for tlie morning ; that I might go to work, and lofc thefc re- lledions : but the apparition would return at night, and read its difniiying lefture to me. TJiis was done To often, thai I began to be Icrioiis, to refle^l on my future Hate, and inquire about the falvation of my foul. About that time, our city was vifited by certain preachers in connexion with FtvcvV///, who confirmed all that the apparition had faid, warned me to feek for a refuge from the approaching llorm, defcribcd the way to the Strait Gate, and told me the certainty of a welcome reception there. '"J'hey alfo difperfed many books in the town, which contained dircdions for fuch as would £0 on pilgrimage. One of thefe books I obtained, and, being naturally referved, kept all that 1 felt tomyfelf j but was determined to fet out in fearch of the great things, that 1 had heard and read concerning the City of God, Accordingly, I left our city, and our fhire, and came on a- pace, incefuntly reading in my book; until I came to the Sloi/gh ofDej'pond, which I got well over, by the help of my guide. When I had advanced a little way from the Slvifgh; I was accolled by two perfons, whom I afterwards found to be MciTrs. Svfiicio?! and Folly. Thefe gave me joy on my cafy paiTage over the S/ougb; but hinted withal, that thofe pilgrims wlio were moil bemired in that place, or were much terrified at fylount Sinai, generally were the mofl fteady, happy, and highly favoured in their future progrefs. " IBut you," faid Sujpicion, *' who have fared fo well at the Sloughy and palled this mountain while it is quiet and pleafant, mull not expe6l fuch tellimonies of our Lord'o favour as others." In fiiort, they made out that J ought to queilion whether I was a pilgrim. I began to liften to them, and to be of their opinion. Mr. Felly oblervingt this, adviled me, as it was a fine day, and no fign of an erup- tion ; that I would vifitAf(?2i!/// 6"i//^/, and make Ibme difcove- ries on its fummit. I fooliflily turned afide, went with t^hem qiiite to the lop of the mountain, and looked int© the horrid crater, of dreadful [ 75 ] dreadful furnace of flaming fulpluir. Wlille I, wiih my fooVAi counfellors, Hood looking, Lo, the mountain fuddcnly trem- bled, which was fucceeded by the moll terrible thunders; and a fhower of Hones and cinders was thrown from the volcano, which fell thick around us. Fo//y was flain by my fide. Suf- piciofj Hed away like lightening. Immediately I perceived rifing from the flaming Tophet, a terrible perfon, who, with a flaming Avord in his hand, made towards me ; at the fame inftant a voice cried, " Efcape for thy life; ilrive to enter in at the Strait G.ite'' y On this I turned towards the Gntc^ and ran fvviftly down the hill* ; the hideous form following me. I made towards the road, and foon got into it : then a man named Flcjbly WiJ'dom endeavoured to detain me ; but I threw him down in my hurry, and ran over him, while he cried aloud after me, " An enthufisll ! a madman !" I prefled On to the Gate, expelling every moment to feel the flaming fword in my heart, and ready to faint with fear and fatigue. When I drew near the Gate^ the enemy fired thick at me from the caftle, and one of the arrows flicking in my path, i tripped againfl: it, and being too weak to recover myfelf, I fell with my whole weight againfl: the G^/^>, which flying open, i fell proflrate on the threfliold of the Gate, and fainted away. Ref. That was a hard pufh indeed, you m.ay be faid to take the kingdom by violence"^. Pray, how was you received by the man? " SpirhualMan. When I recovered, I found myfelf in the arms of Mr. Goodwill, who, as foon as I opened my eyes, bid me be of good cheer. 1 began to look about for the perfon with the dreadful fword, and to apologize for my rudenefs in burfl;ing open the Gate. But he gracioufly fmiled, and faid, " He knew I was at hand, and had let the G^/^ a jar, that I might the more eafily enter." Then turning to the avenger who had purfued me, he told him, " that he might return from whence he came, and inform thofe whofenthim, that //^ would be ^/^/r/y/ir/^^r." ^ Gen. xlx. 17.'— Lulce xlil, 24. "- Hcb.vi. iS. 3 Luke xviii. 39. *■ Matr. xi, 12. 5 Gal. lii. 13. On [ 76 J (^ H A P. XIII. Mr. Sj'iiitual Man fnipes his Karrriiwe. The Pilgrims tiezv the curi'.jliics of the houje^ and depart. Spiritual Man. \^ T 7 H E N I came to the Crofs, I had a glorious V V difcovcry of what Mr. Gcodzvill hinted at, namely. That he would be furety for me. For I faw clearly how my fins were laid on the Crucified one ^ and how the curie was removed, by his being made a curfe for me. From thence I came on to thcC/Vy of EJl ahhjhment ^ wht^re I was decoyed into the houfe of Mr. Shatne^ who lives in Sneaker's- Alley. There I abode a long time, and was fo bewitched by that enemy of pil- grims, that I would not be feen where pilgrims reforted, un- lefs by night; and then avoided all converfe with them : but altjio* my ccnfcience daily reproached my conduift ; yet I ilridly attonded fefrpk fervice in Arminiafi-freety againit my better knowledge. Here I lived very low, for Vir. Shame kept a wretched ta- ble I grew lean, hagged, and low-lpirited. One evening as we fat by the fire, we were alarmed ^\ ith a furprizing loud rap at the door ; on. which I arofe, and went to know the occa- fion. When I had opened the door, I faw a glorious form be- fore mc, which immediately turned, and walked away, faying, with a fo!emn accent, " Whofoever is afhamed of me, before this wicked generation, of him will I be afhamcd, when I come in the glory ol' n\y father, and his holy angels'." At this I gave a * Luke is. i6* fliriek. On v hich the avenger fmoothcd his frowning afpcf^, put up \ his fword, and, bowing refpeitfuMy, retired. Mr. Goodivtll \ changed my name U'> HcptfuL \ [ 77 1 fhriek, and fwooned away. When I came to myrell, I told Mr. S/^,i;7tc\ that f would Hay no longer with him, but was dc- IfCrniined to depart in the mornip.g. The next day, Mr.Sb^me kindly offered to go a litt'e way with mc, which I had not the courage to rcfulc. We came to- gether as far us N:codemui\-Lm : Mr. Fair was attending there : ShiWic and he being near a kin, were very ibcia! ; and 1 was calily periuaded to vp with Vi.t.Fear. He condutTicd me into the wildcmelb from whence we hir.ily brought^our friends, and led me to his habitation, whicli is a large houfe in a wood, and in continual alarm from thieves and wild bcaib. Here I was put into the cuitody Qi Mrs. torment ^ who is the cruel filler of Mr. Fear, and keeps his houfe'. Now I perceived that I was a priloner at large ; for all my motions were watched ; and akho* I did not like my fituation, yet I had no heart to attempt an ef- cape. M.xs.Tormefit took pleafure at my mifery : for Ihc fncw- ed me a room hung round with various reprefentations of the torments of thePi^ which (lie laid I had merited, and probably would fuffer. She terrified me with horrid views of death ; and at the fame time put a yoke on my neck, which I could net get off all the while I abode in that houfe^. Here I had no reft day or night; 1 could hardly eat or diink, and was worn to a ikeleton. I was fenfible of my miferable fituation, but I had wilfully fubmitted to the power of thefc ene- mies, and therefore was left to their mercy. Now I was de- jected almoft to defpair, and here I had ended my days, had not ih^ Keeper of Ijrael rndL^o. a way for me to efcape. Ref. I long to know by what means you was delivered. SpiritualMan. It was as followr. The perfon who then bore the office in this houfe which I now enjoy, was named Mr. Nezvfnafiy and was preferred by our Lordio a more honourable employ. When the order for his difmiflion came hiiheri it was commanded, <' that Mr. 'Nev^?nan fhould take his marnial\^ ilaff with a poffe, and proceed to the houfe qS, Fc\r in the wil- dernefs; and, in the A^/>/^'s name, demand one Hopeful^ who J' ijohniv. i8. 5 Heb.ii.15. was r 78 ] was detained there, bring him to tl\e hoiife Beautiful^ and appoint him m:^rfhal in the Head of Mr. ticzoman i by the name o^SpiritudManr Accordingly, the marfliai arrived at i^^'/^r's houfe ; and {land- ing at the door, he called aloud, * " Hopeful, the malkr callcth thee !" At this I llarted, and faid, fomebody calls me, and I believe fome good news is at hand. But Mr. Fear laid, the call was not direcflcd unto me. However, Mr. Isezvmnn came in, faying yet louder, " Fear not Hopeful, I am with thee, be not difmayed, for I am thy God"^ . \ am Immanue], who, came to deliver them, who thro* the fear of death are fubjecl to bondage^ And then (hewing his ilaiF, Fenr and his filler fled by a back door; my yokp fell from my neck, and an amazing inexprellible change for the better was inllantly wrought upon me, and in me. Mr. Newman then conduced me to this houfc, and prefented n"je to my good millrelfes. In thcfe bleffed quarters I foon recovered my flefh and ftrength'^-. But when I was informed of my promotion, I was exceedingly confounded, and flrongly remonllrated againll fuch a fecming impropriety, that I, who had been fo fhamefully duped and foiled by the eneiliy, fhould be chofen to an office of fuch trull. But it was anfwered, that " It was their Lord^i plcafure; who very frequently chofe weak things to confound the mighty, and things that are not, to bring to nougljt things that are5." So I was obliged to fubrnit; and am fo happy as to find, that I, v/ho was fo timorous as to think that 1 mull be new created to be otherwife; yet, by Immanue T s gv2iCQ, and the virtue of this Half, I now am Ilrong, and triumph over my for- mer enemies. Frien. Sir, I am particularly thankful for your narrative ; you have in many things laid open my vile nature, and cowardly pradlice. I remember when I was fo fooliflily employed, not only to go out of my way to fcek for terrors, as you did to Mourj Si?iui; but I even prayed the Lord to fend them; and have been anfwered to my great trouble. My folly ^ indeed, is flain, and all my JufpicioTis of that fort, arc now fled away. ' John v.. 28. - luah d'. i -. 3 Hcb. ii. j 5. 4 Pfaim xcii. 14. f iCor.l. 2 7, ii. Th eu [ 70 ] Tl'wy then arofe, and were taken to Cce the curiofities of the houfe, which had in miniature alnioil: every thing that is to be fccn at the C//)/ (^/'G:?^. Firit, tliey went into the cellars, and law the vail Itores of delicious meats, wines and fruits, which were ail like the widow's -banel of meal, and cruifc of oil, which never walled, tho* they had been in u!e fevcral thou- f.ind years. From thence they went to the banqutting-hoiife and galleries, taken notice of by King So/o;r,Q/j\ Next they vi- fited the wardrobe, and faw the garments of wrought golo^. In the treafury were unfcarchable liches^j and at the opening of the doors, the diamonds, pearls, gems, &c. poured on them fuch a blaze of glory that the Pilgrims could not behold : but paffed on to the library ; which confilled only of fixty-fix vo- lumes ; but they were amazing compolitions. They contained a concife hiftory of that houfe, and a narrative of the life and at- ehievements of Immanuel. The things they treat of, are of {(y copious a nature, that the whole world could not contain the books that might be written on them-^. From thence they went to the armory, and faw all that was fhewn to Chnjilan in that place. The chambers of this houfe were noble and exceeding plea- fjnt. Thsit of hrif^tion has been already mentioned; from thence they afcended to \\\tCha7nh£r of Peaces above which is xV-XtoiJoj, Thefe were each of the fame dimcnlions as the Cl\imher of Invitation. That of Joy had noble falhes looking full fouth; fo that the fun fometimes fhines into it with un- fpeakable glory, as it did when S/. Peter was there^. Over this chamber is the famous obfervatory; from whence may bo feen the DeleHabk Mountains y and even the gates of tliC Celefi^iiCity. Up thither they took the Pilgrims i and, the horizon being clear, they had a charming view of thofe things; fo that the Pilgrims cried out in rapture. Surely, to depart, and be with Immanue/y is better than groveling in this wildcrnefs'^! Prudence. Thefe enjoyments arc certainly very definable ; and your paflage unto their full fruition may be very i'fili<^ting j but a gre^t part of your duty and happinefs as pilgrimr, con- » Cant. Ii.4. 2 Pfalm xlv. 13. 3 Efhef. ill. 3. * John xxl. 25. 5 I Pet. i. 8. 6 piiij. i.23. fills [ 8o ] fifts in fabmitting, Vvidiout refcrvc, unto the wlil of our CekJIial King; and to be willing either to Hay in this world, or to de- part, as it pleafeth him. Piety. That, my fons, is the fum of your duty; attend to it, and be happy : for, be you well alTured of the truth of that pre- cious promife, " All things ihall work together for good to you'." They defcended from the obfervatory, and fpent the evening in difcourfing on the wonderful things they had fcen. When the Pilgrims were inclined to lleep, they were lodged in the Chamber of Peace; the walls of which were adorned with pain- tings, that fet forth the amazing deeds of the Prince of Pence. The foftnefs of the bed furpaiTed all underllanding ; for it was the contrivance of the King himielf *. An unufual pleafure was felt when the Pilgrims reclined thereon, which induced them to break forth into this fong of praife. " Lord, how fecure and blell are the}'', " Who feel the joys of pardon'd fin \ " Should llorms of wrath fhake earth and flcy, ♦' Their fouls have heav'n and peace within." Watts, When they ceafed, they were fweetly lulled by the echo of their fong, which reverberated from the roof and fides of the chamber, untill they fell afieep. In the morning they awoke like giants refrefhed with wine. Thus they continued a few days, enjoying all that the houfe could afford, and receiving va- rious leffons of inftrudion. When they defired to depart, they were prefentcd with fome of the bell provifions ; and each was clothed with the garment of i/iv;;?////y 5; which P/V/j; faid, if they took proper care of, would in mod cafes Supply the want of armour; and be much lefs encumbering to them in their jour- ney. Being thus lurniflied, they took their leave with many expreffions of gratitude, for the numerous favours they had received. . . . * Rom. vlli. 28. * Phil. Ir. 7. 3 i Pet. v. 5, C H A Pe [ 81 ] HAP. XIV. The Pilgrims infulteil in going down Immanuer; Path. Refolute /7Zf/^Probus drawn afide. Sincere mid Friendly, at the Bridge of Trial, decoyed by Mr. Trim up Demas's Jiairs^ and fall intx/ Qxq{^ ^ dungeon > FO R fome time the Pilgrims proceeded in a fine, pleafant, open country : at length they came to a large road, which turned oiF to the left; this road feemed much beaten by car- riages and horfes ; but the dired way began from thence to grow narrow, and appeared to be not much frequented. At the turning of the road flood a high poft, with an index point- ing to the left, and an infcriptiqn as follows j The nezo road thro the Fallies. The Pilgrims ftood a little while to refle^fl, but that diredlion occurring to their minds, by which they were advifed, to feek for i\it good old zvay^ -, they kept ilrait forward ; and foon found themfelves on the brow of a ilcep hill, down which was a path into the Valley of Humiliation ^ which is called ImmanuePs Path ' . The Pilgrims were grofsly treated as they went down this defcent, by a great number of the bafer fort, of both kx^s, and of all ages. They were inhabitants of the GVj ^Df/r^c/'/y^, which was a little to the left, and through which the new road lay. The Pilgrims bore with their fcolFs and infults for fome time, with great patience and temper; which made the mob yet more outrageous; fo that, to their cruel mockings, they ad- ded fpitting, and throwing dirt on them. At length the Pil- grims began to be chaffed. Refolute on the right-hand, and Probus on the left, remonllrated againll their unreafor.able abufe * Jer. vi. i6. 2 Phil. il. 2. 3 iPet. iv.^. G and [ 82 ] and ill -treatment, but they only became the more infolent; and one, more audacious than the reft, gave Rcfolute a i'evere blow on the face; which fo irritated him, that he ftcpped afide to chaftife the offender; but he being nimble, efcaped into the ad- jacent wood, and P.cfohte foolifhly purfued the fugitive, leaving iiis brethren to proceed without him. On the other fide, the enemy fell on Frohus with their tongues, and one cfpecially, whoni he kne^v, abufed him in lb giofj a manner, that, defiling his brethren to excufe him a lit- tle, he hailcncd to ihe adjacent town, with a refolution to bring the oflender to jullice. Thus v/ere Sincere and Friendly left to parfuc their journey by thcmfelves. They foon got clear of their enemics,|foi they left Sincere and his brother, in order to obferve the proceedings of Rejolute and Prolus. When thcfe two Pilgrij-ns, Sincere znd.Frie?!jly, had advanced into the FnJley of Humiliation ^ they were amazed at each other; for the fun fhone fo powerfully on them, that every fpot of dirt which had iluck to them, fell off; and in its place appeared a beautiful mark, adorning their garments of humiliry. At the fame time, their hearts were filled with joy and ex- ceeding gladnels; becaufe all manner of evil had been fpoken againlt them falfely, for I/n?nanuePs Jake'^. Therefore they went on finging, *' Blefs'd are the fuft''rers who partake, *• Of pain and fliame, iorjefu^s fake ; *' Their hearts fiiall triumph in the Lordy *' Glory and joy are their reward." Watts. After fmging, they kneeled down and bleffed the Kingy who jiad enabled them to endure cruel mockings for Immanuelh faie : they alfo recommended their dear brethren to his prote6lion; and prayed that 'Jehovah would have mercy on their enemies, perfecutors and llanderers, and turn their hearts. Now, they Iweetly experienced, what St. Pela'" fays, the pilgrims of his time enjoyed. \ ^Mat. V. n. a I Pet. iiJ, 14. Thus r 83 1 Thus they went on with much pleafure, until they had pro- ceeded a fe.v miles in the valley; having high hills on each fide. At length they were overtaken by a fmart young man, vvho came from a road on the left of the highway, whole name was 'fr//^ ^; but the Pilgrims neither knew him, nor inquired his name. Being come near, he faluted them, and afked very kindly whither they were bound .^ Sincere. We are going to MQU7it Zion, the City of the living God. Trim. I am very glad of that, for I am going to the fame place, and fliaP be happy in your company. Sincere. But how is it, that you have not kept in the high- way ? 7rim. I heard of the infolent mob, that obftrufts the road at the dcfcent of the hill j lb I took a fmall compafs to avoid them. Sincere. They were very troublefome to u? ; but, it is dan- gerous turning out of the road, on any fuch pretence. Trim.. I ani perfedly acquainted with all the crofs-roads in this country, having made geography my ftudy from a boy : unlefs a perfon has fuch fkil), I acknowledge it is danger- ous, and fmful to turn afide ; but, to me, and any one thus en- dowed ; all things of this fort are lawful. I know, b\' my fkiJI m this fcience, that we are not far from a moll difagreeabie part of oar journey, which is called St. P.Ws Jrch, becaufe, he mentions his paffing thro* it^. But geography, like other fciences, has been much improved fmce the Apoille's time : and, if my art does not deceive me, I fl-^all Hnd out a way, by which we may eafily overcome that obilacle. Then lifting up his eyes, he pcinLcd, faying, Yonder is the impediment I fpcak of. It was an enormous bridge of hewn ilone, built quite acrofs the valley, and raifcd nearly to the height of the hills on each fide. It is called the Bridge of Trials has a baluilrade on each fide, and ever it is a fpacious * Mat. xvi. 25. & Johnxil. 42, 43. ^ iCo:. iv. 13. G 2 highway [ H ] highway, where carriages may commodioufly pafs each other. This road is called, The IP^iiy of the world; and was made on purpofe to accommodate thofe, who do nor care to go down 'wMoxhzP'dlk'i of HumU:at:cr.. It is a prodigious thoroughfare ; for the turnpike roaJ, from the City of Depravity to that of ZenftuUf^i lays over this bridge. The water and iilth col- lefled on the bridge, are drained oi?, by various channels, into one common fe^ver ; \"hich empties itfelf into the Valley of Hu- milintiov, direftly over a lingie fmall arch that is turned under the bridge, and is the only palTags for pilgrims thro' this valley. The fewer was venting itfelf very plentifully when our Pilgrims came to it ; the arch alfo was low, and mull be palled on the knees — After looking at it for fome time, faid, Sincere . Oh, \--hai a vile projedl was this, to interrupt the A7>/g-'s highway ! Frie??. I can fcarcely bear this intolerable ilench, but muft retire a little, and wait until the fewer has vented itfelf of its filth. Trim. That will exercife your patience indeed \ rather be adviied by me ; put yourfelves under my diredion, and I will engage to condufl you fafe to the other fide. We are not to rufh blindly into trouble, but are commanded to be * wife as ferpents, and to try all things and ways^. As for me, I am not ignorant of the Blaek Tyrant's devices, and hope I fhall find fome method that is provided to elude this vile paifage. So faying, he turned to the left, and the Pilgrims followed him. He led them on by the fide of the bridge, 'till they began to afcend the hill ; at length he difcovered a llair-cafe up the bridge, at which he exclaimed. Trim. All ! my knowledge has not deceived me. I judged it could not be our duty to defile our garments, and Hoop to that mire, in thefe times of univerfal chriftianity; accordingly, behold away of efcape. I have heard of this flight of ileps, they will lead us to the top; and there is another flight on the I Mat. X. 1 6. : iTheir. V. 21. oppofite [ 85 ] oppofitc fide, which will convey us down again. You fee the (Icps are well worn, let us embrace this kind offer. So up he ran, and the Pilgrim^ went after him, until they were near the top: when, behold, a trap door opened under them, and ihey fell into a dungeon ar the bottom of the bridge ! 'Trim cfcaped the trap, bu: the door clofed on the Pilgrims, and they were left to relied on their folly. CHAP. XV. What paffed in CrofsV Dungeon. Probus tirJ Refolute deliver their brethren, They all pafs St. Paul's Arch, and arrive at the Lamb Inn. AFTER lying aftonifhed a little while, the Pilgrims roufea, and faid. Sincere. Ah, brother, where are we now ? Frien. I was fufpicious of that deceiver ; but his fmooth tongue and the filthy condition of our way, perverted my judgment. Sincere. So they alfo did mine; and we are now juflly pu- niflied for our folly. But let us examine our fituation, and en- deavour to get out of it. They then arofe, and looked about them ; when, by the light of a fmall iron grate window thro' the wall of the bridge; they difcovered near them, a moll hideous form, with a key in its hand. This figure made them tremble; cfpecially when, with a ghalUy fmile, it thus addrelled them. Crofs. Pilgrims, fear not my forbidding afpe£l and appear- Tttice. My name is Crofs. By my father's fide, I am of an an- cient and honourable family. lam a friend to true pilgrims; all of whom I have at times had in my dungeon, or in other places G 3 under [ 8S ] under my dlfcinline^ but I never did them any real wjury. It is often for want of acquaintance vvith nie that many go ailray j as one of ilie moll eminent among you lias * acKnov\ledged. St.Piiul was my friend; nay, he ^ gloried in my company. Look rourtd my grotto; it is not, indeed-^, joyous to rcfide in j yC't here are no damps that will injure the health o^ ynr fcuh -y for the air is much better here, than it is at the top of the bridge ; and will have happy el^efts on you, after your deli- verance. At th"e laft word, Sincere took courage, and faid, Sincere. Deliverance, Sir ! Is there hope of that ? When will it happen ? Who is to bring it about ? Crofs, Be not fo affrighted. You mull: learn to be more fa- miliar with me; you will then find me a fkilful advifer in many cafes incident to pilgrims. Deliverance you certainly \vill have : for this confinement is a fure fign of your being chil- dren o'i OMV Khig. 1 5 never had a baftard in this dungeon. I was ordered to take you into cullody; for what reafon you will know hereafter ; but how long you are to be here, or how you are tO be releafed, I know not. This is the key of the prifon, but no mortal can unlock the door; fo make yourfelves as eafy as pofiible, and pray to the Kino; for help. This place has been famous for praying pilgrims; I have feen and heard fueh tranf- aflions of this fort in my cave; that I have thought our Lord had put his bell birds in this cage, on purpofe that he might hear them mournfully tingf and powerfully pray. Frien. What, does our Lcrd deign to regard us while in this difmal place ? Crofi. I pjppofe you think yo^Jirfelves to be in trouble ; and if (ot your Lord has not only promifed you fiiall have hi;^ no- tice; but alfo that he himfeffwnW be with you^, I had a fine lady once within thefe walls, who was a type of you Pilgrims ; file could by no means be reconciled to hjr fituation, but wept and took on mofl bitterly ; on which our Z^r^'came, and look- ing at her thro' the window, called her his love and his dove. * I Tim. iii. 12. ~ Pfalm cxix. 67. 3 Gal. vi. 14, 4 Htb. .x:i. rr. SHcb. xii.8. <* Pfalni xcL 15. Tho* [ S7 ] Tho* lier eve? were full of tears, her features marred with gi-iti", and her voice tremulous and broken ; yet, I well remem- ber hisTpcalcing to her in the following tender words, namely, •* O mvdovc, that art in the fecret places of the (lairs; let ine hear thy voice, let, me fee thy face; for i'wect is thy voice, and thy counten.-ince comely ^" So after he had confined her for a fmall moment, he ordered her to be rclcafcd, and embraced hex in his arms of everlafting love*. Tliis fpeech of Mr. Cro,'] foothcd the anguifh of their hearts, lie added, Crsfs. Come, be a little chearfal. Have you not brought fomcthing to eat from the \\ov\{t Bciiutiful? My dungeon does not afford much to fatisfy prefent hanger, tho' it generally brings tliofe to an appetite who are confmed here, leads them to rum- r.iage their pockets, and draw forth many a precious morfel, which would otherwife have grown mouldy. Fnen. We have plenty of good viduab about us, which we had forgot. On examining their ilore, they found fome precious fare, and good old wine, on which pilgrims live; and with which they were much refiefhed; nay, Sincere declared, that he had not fed fo heartily, fince he came from the wildernefs at the hUl J)ijiculty. Crojs, I told you that the air of my grotto was healthy. It has done my heart good oftentimes to fee how fome pilgrims have eat in this place : and that not of delicate food neither : no, no, this is a good fituation for getting rid of a fqueamifh appetite. Here, fcraps, crumbs, and fmall things will go down, without being defpilcd, or any repining : fome, indeed, have been fullen for a time, but in the end 1 bring every one to his lubmiffion, Jonah was the moft wayward that I ever Wad to deal with; but I put him into a fifli's belly, and made him glad to obey his mailer's orders 5, Trim. We thank you for your information in thefe particu- Jars. But why is it that you appear with fuch a ruefuJ afpedl ? * Caat. ii. lij, a Ifaiah liv. S. 3 Jonah iii. 3, G 4 Cmfu [ 8S 1 • Crop, i am, indeed, frightful only in appearance; for in real- litv, I am not fo ; but it is impoflible that 1 fhould be agreeable to any obllinate offenders, becaufe, in fuch cafes, I am a miniiler of jullicc. Frien. We had two brethren^ who parted from ns at the de- fcent of the hill into this valley : we hope they are well, and fliould be glad to be again united to them. Crofs. Then pray, pray Sir?. Heaven's eyes and ears are ever open to pilgrims who are under my cuftody*. On this the Pilgrims kneeled down, confefTed their trahfgrefTi- ons with brokennefs of heart, and their fins with many tears 5 they befought the Lord to forgive them ; they thanked him for bringing them into that place ; earnellly prayed for their bre- thren, and that he would bring them together in his holy way once more. Crofs. This will do, my friends. I have an intimation that your deliverance is near. I had the fame when David was under my difciplinc. He prayed againil Ahithophel"^ ^ and his prayer was inrtant deftruflion to that politician. It is a fearful thing for any perfon to have the prayers of pilgrims in my cave againil him. When he had done fpeaking, they heard the voices of per- fons without; on which the Pilgrims cried aloud for help. They were heard by thofe without ; who made up to the grate from whence the found came. But who can defcribe the joy and wonder of the Pilgrims, when, thro' the grate, they faw their dear brethren Prolus and Rejolute. They immediately made themfelves and their fituation known, and begged them to find fome way to efFed their deliverance. Rcf. That, you may be certain, we will endeavour to do. But where did you enter into that horrid place? Sincere. Don't you perceive the flight of fleps that afcends the bridge ? near the top is a trap door, thro' which we fell in hi- ther, ^ Pfalm xxxlv. 17; * 2 Sam. xv. 31. & Xvii. 13. r 89 ] kef. We will go in fearch of the door. Then Rcjolute and his brother went up the Heps; carefully furveying every part, left ihey fhould fliare the fame fate as their brethren. At length they difcovered the door, and en- deavoured to open it, but all in vain. Crofs. My children, you mull pray earneftly to our Kingy or you cannot get forth from this place. On this, the Pilgrims within and without, cried to their King for help. Crofi. Prayer will open Heaven*, and much more my dun- ]geon. Go forth, therefore, ye prifoners of hope, and fin no more, left a worfe thing befal you*. Mr. Crofs was then permitted to unlock the door, and he helped them to get out. The Pilgrims returned thanks, and embraced each other with exceeding great joy. Trien. Bleffed be the King, that we are once more at liberty and in the company of our brethren; but let us hallen from this dangerous place, left we meet with fome further trouble. Prob, What, is this a dangerous place ? Trien. I think our late fituation proves it to be {o, Prob. Why, we were in this place before we faw you? Frien. And probably had fliared our fate, if our good Lord h-\a not opened your ears to hear our cry ; which was a blelTing bo:h to us and you. Then Friendly told them how he and his brother had been de- ceived by Mr. Trim, and fell into the dungeon. Prob. How wonderful are the ways 0^ Jehovah J How un- worthy are we of the bleffings which he every day fhowers down upon us ! Frien. I think our garments appear much foiled and torn, for the ihort time we have worn them. \ Jvim. V. 18. - John v. 14. Prob, [ 90 ] Pfoh. O brother, I find it very dlfiiciilt tft keep the garment of humility clean. I am Turc mine is fo fhamefully foul, that I xjannot endure my lei I. Ref. Ah, fool that I am, mine is not only foul, but torn in many places. Si.'.ccrc. When I fell into the trap, I rent my robe terribJy, and was alnioft deprived of the whole. Thus, they mutually reproached themfclves, until they came again unto the arch, and into the highroad. Sincere. Hither we came with the flatterer, but our proud flo- machs were too high to fufter that indignity which the blefled i*<7///fubmitted to, when he wrote the words which I fee are engraven over the arch : namely, " We are made as the filth of the world, and as the off-fcouring of all things'." Sincere then paufed a little, burfl into tears, and lifting up his ftreaming eyes ioHeaz'e/i, he exclaimed, Sincere. Dear Z(?ri, forgive my pride and vanity, and alliil me to take up thy crofs and follow thee, as thy true difciple; that I may honour thee, and fet an example for the imitation and encouragement of my dear brethren. So faying, he chearfully bowed down topafs the filthy fewer, crying to his brethren. Sincere. Strait is the gate that leadeth to everlailing life. Follow me, good Friendly, I have been a means to lead you wrong, now let us all go forth out of the camp with Immanuel, bearing his reproach^. This example and exhortation animated them all; fo that they followed him into the arch, tho'a number of gay, vain per- fon-} were looking over the balullradc, and fcoffing at them^ But, to encourage the Pilgrims, a voice came from Heaven, fay- ing, " And ye fliall be hated of all men for my name's fake, yet not a hair of your heads lliall perifli4-." »iCor. iv. 13. = Heb. xiil. [3. 3iCojr.iv. o. 4 Luke xxi, 17, 3tS. When t 9' ] When they had pp-flcd this fevcrc trial, they were furprized 3t the llrange cffe6l the filth had on their garments; lor every fpot was vaniOied, and every rent made whole, and they ap- peared niore pure than when they firil put them on. Sincere. Ah, my brethren, now we have learned, that yeho- rub':, ways are far above our ways ; and that before honour is humility^ Our carnal minds were for evading this filthy paf- fsge, as an infuH^erable degradation of our charafler; but \st now find, that there is infinitely more pleafure and real advan* tage, in fubmitting to obloquy and fcorn for Inmanuel^ than thefc is to be found in conforming to the world. Proh. While I am amazed at the luftre of our garments, I am filled with inexprefiible joy in my own foul! This brings to my mind that true faying which is written, *• But, and if ye are perfecutcd for righteoufnefs fake, happy are ye; for the fpirit of glory and of Jehovah relleih on you*.** 7^hereforc let us fing, " Jejusy the defpis'd and mean, " Our mailer let us own, ^* He the faa-ifice for fin, *' The Saviour He alone: '** Let us take and bear his Ciofs, " Defpis'd difciples let us be ; *' Mock'd and flighted as he was " For you, my friends, and me." Ma dan. The day now began to decline, and the Pilgrims were defi- rous to put up for the night, that they might rcfrefh themfelves before they entered the Valley of the Shadozu of De^ith, which was not very far off. Perceiving a houfe at a diilance in the way, they haltened towards it, in hopes of finding a place of entertainment ; and to their great joy, they found it to be the Sign of the Lamb, with an infcription fignifying, that there was good entertainment for true pilgrims, by Gidccn, a Converted Jrj;, or true Ifraeliie. So they went in. I Fjtov. ifv. 33. a J Pct.iv. 14. C H A .P, [ r^ 1 H A P, XVI. the ndventures ef Gideon, a ronvcrhd ]t\w ^ and inaficr of the Lamb Inn. THE Pilgrims being entered the Lamb hm^ were fliswn into a handrome parlour, and denred to fit down. Having inquired for the maileJ' of the inn, he waited upon them. Sincere. Sir, from what We faw on your fign at the door, we have entered your houfe, and before we take any relVefli- mcnt, beg leave to alk you, what you mean by that fign and inlcription ? Gideon. By the Lamb, I mean him whom our fathers crucified at Jerufale?nt whom I believe to be the La?nb of God ^ that taketh away the fin of the world* : and who, I trull, lias taken away fn;^ fms. Sincere. And who do you mean by true pilgrims ? Gideon. I mean all who Idve the lamb. I am, Sirs, a con- verted Jew. I am not converted to any particular fet of no- tions, or any fe6l of Chrillians, but unto i\\t King of Saints h.im- felf. Arid all who love and ferve him, and are travelling to Z/7vV7« ready to pcrifli^in idolatry, when Jehovah called him to become a Pilgrim. As to myleir, I was born in the Cit-^ c/* Contradlflion^ which is in- habited wholly by Je\v5, who are different from all other peo- ple in the world. This city was once called Jehovah Shnmmah becaufe the Z-^r.'/ dwelt in it^. But the inliabitants role in re- bellion, and killed their lawful Prince. On this account, the city is disfranchifed, (he wails difmantled, the palace dcferted, all their former glory is departed, and a frowning black cloud always covers it; fo that no place in the world is fo puniihed; yet the inhabitants are under no concern about it. Prob. And how came you to be of a different difpofitlon ? Gideon. By the free, fovercign, diilinguifhing grace of our Kingy no doubt: for all my countrymen have a vail on their minds, and a ftone in their hearts, which our fathers cruelly imprecated from Heaven on their pofterity: for when they murdered their Prince, they cried, *' Let his blood be on us, and on our children^-." Sincere. That was a dreadful prayer, I tremble at your re- peating it. Gideon, This imprecation lieth heavy on them to this dav. However, there is a Icnfe in which they are Hill faid to be be- loved o^ t\it Lord, that is, for their pious ancellors fakes^. On this account, they are preferved a dillin(fl people; and tho* their city is abfolutely defencelefs^, without a king, prince, temple, facrifice^ or prieft ; yet Providence has, for Seventeen hundred years paft, preferved them from being fvvallowcd up and \o^ a- mong the nations. Ref. And v.'hat do you think will become of them at lafl ? I Deut.xxvi.5. - iTheff. ii. 15. 3 Er.ek. xlviii. 35. * MjU. xxvli, 25. 5 Rom.xi. aS. ^ Hofes iii. 4. Gideon^ r 94 : Gideon. I believe they will have the hoirid cloud removed from their citv; the ' vail and Hone will be taken away; they flull look on the Prince whom their fathers murdered, and repent; that the Ki?:g \\'\\\ then pardon their fins, again vifit them, and honour the city with his prefencc. ReJ, Are there no endeavours ufed by chriilians, to bring a bout chefe things ? Gideon. Manv excellent books have been addreficd to them, and dilperfed in tiie city; and fome perlbns have preached to them; but in general, they have hitherto fliewn an obllinate refufal to acknowledge their crimes. The labours of thcfe pious men, however, were not intirely in vain; for it was by their means, I, among others, was made acq^uainted with my perverfenefs. Piol, Pray, what was it that made the firll impreflion on you ? Gidccn. There is one Ftr-ridus, a notable ambalTador of our Ki/rgy vvhofe zeal for his mailer leads him to vifit almoil every place. This man came into the great fquare of our city, ar:d preached from the following words. '* Turn ye, turn yc, for why will ye die, O houfe of Ijh7e/"P'^ I believe ibai text was never better handled fmce the Prophet wrote it, than it was at that time. He fhewed, how the whole city was deeply con- cerned in it: that we had all revolted from iht King ^ and re- jeded and killed the Prince of Life. For a proof of thi?, he appealed to the ruined walls, temple and palace, and to the dc~ folate llate of the city; which he declared never would have happened, but for fuch atrocious crimes. He added, that Itill the golden fccptre of mercy was extended towards us; that his mailer commanded his fervants, to > begin their preaching in our city, and would gladly receive us again to his favour. In iliort, be wooed, he befought us, he wept over us; then threatened, and warned us to turn unto 'Jckcvah-, and w^as like a tender parent amidil a number of pervcrfe children. I was ftruck at this fermon, and began to confider my ways. 1 fcarched the icriptures on my knees, and Jchoz-ah was plcafcd * Ro.-n. xi. :6. 3: zCov. iii. i5. - E^ek. xx.dii. ii. 3 Luke xxiv. 47. to [ 95 ] to rend the vail, and remove the Hone from my heart. I then fought the company oi Fcrvidus^ who received me with joy, and promiled to go with mc to the Strait G\// " I have fpoken evil, bear witnefs of the evil ; but if not, w^hy fmitelt thou me^?" Here, O Refolutey is your pattern and mine: there- fore, all thro' your Pilgrimage, confider liim who futlered fuch eontradidion of fmners againfl: himfelf, that your mind'^Miay not faint, nor be petulent in tl\e time of trial. While Gideon thus exhorted Rejohitey he reclined his head on the table, and Cghed as if his heart would break. Gideon, I know, my fon, that bringing near unto you fuch an amazing pattern of meeknefs, as hunanue/ h, will uy you ; but, be comforted, he knows whereof we are made, he rcmem- ^ Reni.xii.ig. =^2Pct.i.5. 3 ProY..xvI. jz. -^Aftaxxiiuj, ^ Joha xviii. 23. p Heb. xii. ^. bers [ 99 ] hers that we are but duft'. At the fame time he chaftifes his ening children, he pities them like a tender and indulgent parent. But this only caufed Refolute to weep more. Prob. I would my heart were as foft as is that of my brother Rifolute, for furely, I have equal caufe to reproach myfelf. I was alfo incenfed at the behaviour of the mob ; and one of them, whom I knew, happening to revile me in terms which were adlionable ; I ilepped to the city, and procured a war- rant to carry the offender before a Juilice of the Peace. But the jultice favoured my enemy. I could procure no witnefs oftheabufe; therefore, inftead of obtaining any fatisfaftion, I was obliged to quit the houfe, amidil a torrent of ridicule; fome plucking my garments, others fpitting upon me, and the Juftice threatning me for detaining the criminal. When I was clear of the city, I was foon convinced of my unfcriptural pro- ceedings; for I ought not to have gone* to law before infidels; but rather luffered wrong, even from a brother, and much more an enemy, from whom I could expe6l no other. I got back into the road, hallened to overtake my brethren, and, it was with great pleafure that I perceived Rejolutet at a fmall dif- tance before me. Gideon. Vour cafe is indeed fomewhat fimilar to your friend's, and I truit will prove a warning to ^ou alfo in future; and convince you, how contrary our natural tempers are to OMvLord^s word. You ought to have known, no juftice is to be expeded in the City ofDcpraz'ityy for pcrfons of your charadler. I liave known far greater inltances of opprcffion, in religious matters^ done by thai corrupt officer of juftice; whofe name is Alexander, a genuine fon of the famous ^ copper- fmith ol Ephefus, I am not againft a perfon's ufing the laws of his country in his own de- fence, as a religious man ; but then, his cafe muft be clear, and his evidence ftrong, or he may be certain of a rebuff: for, it is too true, that iniquify has invaded the place of judgment^-. So thai, in general, it is better to put up v/ith aitron(s of this na- ture, than to purfuc the oScndcr by law; and elpecially if it I Pfalnici:i.i4. a iCor.vi. 6,7. 3 zTim.iV. 14. 4 Ecclcf. iii. 16. [ 100 ] flffc(fls-our own pcrfons only, and does not injure the caufe cf religious liberty in general; which iliould be dclended at all hazards. ProL I found this affair fliamefully tarnifiied my garment; und f/jat filled me with great confufion. GiJton. Whatever lullieth this garment, fl-!oidd indeed be jnatter of concern to pilgiinis ; fo«- it was worn by our Lord -y therefore fliould be kept clean by us; nor muit we Lj)ink to be happy, when it is dehlcd. Prob. 1 am truly aft^iamcd and humbled at my fliort com- ings. Efpecially when 1 think on what followed. When Refolute and I came together, we faid little to each otlier, from a copfcioufnefs of guilt ; only exprelTed concern for the iofs of our company. We came on apace, hoping to overtake them, when behold, we were Hopped by the moiiilrous bridge, that is built acrofs the valley. Gideon. That is the Bridge of Trial, but fhou!d never Hop pilgrims, as there is a paffage thro' it in the diredl road, and an intimation thereon, that {o great a man as Si. Paul went un- der it. The prize we Pilgrims prefs towards, is of fuch infinite value, that only to hefitate at any trial in our way thereto, is, in fome meafure criminal. Si. Paul did not permit this Bridge 10 Hop him ; but, on the contrary, tho' the Jrch was then moll iilthy, yet he entered it heroically, and pafied under it meekly, faying, *' I take pleafurein pcri'ecutions and ailiidions, that come unto me for the Gofpel's fake'." At this, Sincere and Friendly beheld each other in much con- fufion. Prob. Such noble examples may judly make me doubt of my being a true Pilgrim; for I not only hefitaied, but caufed my brother Refolute to do the fame. Our late foil did not awaken us, as it fliould have done, to a fenfe of our duty ; but wc be- gan to confidcr, liow it was poflible for us to elude that filthy paffage: and, accordingly, we turned to the left, in fearch of a more agreeable way. • * 2 Cor. xii. JO. Gideon^ GUtoti. Vou confulted with flefli and blood more than wi'h your bibles, and, by fo doing, expofed youilclves to great danger. Sincere. Bat it was well for me, find my brother Friendly, that tlicy thus turned afidc ; for by this, they became inilru- inenral in delivering us, trom our confinement in CroJi\ dun- geon. He then related to the company how they were decoyed by Mr. 7nrn. Gideon. Ah, were ye fo far off your guard, as to be thus de- coyed ! The name of that deceiver is ^rim. The Hairs you fol- Jowedhimup, arccallea D^/z^tfj'ifleps; becaufe that unhappv man, iiaving parted from St. Paul, \\hen the Apoftle went thro' the Arch\ he afccnded that llair-cafe, ^ mixed with the people on the bridge, and was no more fecn in the pilgrim road. Your falling into Mr. Crofs's dungeon, was a blefling to you ; but the efcape of Mr. Trim, was a curfe unto him: for he now conforms to the vain world on the bridge, and looks with contempt on the pil- grims in the valley ; as you would have done, if our King had permirted you to follow him. Mr. Crojs is a grim looking per- fon, but he is a ftanch friend to pilgrims ; f)r he has done them far more good in his way, than I have in miae. Your be\ng delivered by means of your friend's errors, does by no means excufe their folly in turning afide, but only proves, that our great maftcr can fervc the purpofes of his amazing grace towards us, even by the devices of the Tyant, or our own folly. Be humbled, therefore, under a deep fen fe of your tranfgrclS- cns, and rejoice for your deliverance with trembling. While Gideon fpake thus, the Pilgrims covered their faces, and with filent tears, and heaving breads, expreffed great re- xnorfe for their folly; and a lively fenfe of y^^tfc^i^'s goodncfs towards them. Gideon. I fee the Lord has btelTed you, by enabling you to pafs the Arch, which is manifell from the luftre of your gar- ments. I think myfelf honoured and happy in having your * 2 Tim. Iv. lo. H 3 company. [ I02 1 company. My Lord has condefcended to chaHife you, is a tellimony of his love. Let not, therefore, the precious balm of reproof feem grievous unto you% my brethren : for in this, as well as in every other re fpeft, I am only exprelTing my affcilion for you. JlL Thank you, thank you, good Gideon^ may the Lord re- ward you, for this labour of love towards us vile and unworthy Pilgrims. Gideon. Now let my dear friends be comforted. Come, here is a fupper that is prepared for the rebellious-, therefore none of us can pretend he is excluded from thi^ table of the Lord. Eat, therefore, O my friends, and drink abundantly, ye beloved of my mailer. So faying, he arole, blelTed the table, and adored Jehovah for his bounty towards his finful creatures. They then all eat and were filled. Sincere. I think this valley produceth as good food as ever Itafted. Gideon. Much may be afcribed to the appetite with which people come to the table. Yours have been lately whet up by a feries of trials, which operate in favour of my feall : yet, I mult fay, that the provifion is as good here, as you will find in any part of your journey. Mofei was a man of a de- licate tafle in thefe things ; and he would not have btiilt here, if the air and foil had not been peculiarly good. St. Peter z\(o was one, who had his fenfes exercifed to difcern good and cviH; and he teftifies, that this is a fruitful valley, for our King gives more and more grace to all thofe who dvvtU therein*. We Jews^ you know, are remarkable for our lucrative ingenuity; and I declare^ that I never in my life was fo thriving as fince I have kept this Inn. My hand has been fo liberally opened towards pilgrims, that my neiglibours on the adjacent hills, fay, I fliall be ruined; and this they have ftupialy afierted for thefe thirty years. But, from my own experience, I muft declare, that it J Pfdlm cxli. 5. * Pfalmlxviii.18. 3Heb.v. 14. 4 i Pet. v. 5.. feems [ '03 1 feems impofTible for me to become a bnnlcrupt. I can alTori to give out of my abundance, and might lefll-n my principal Itock; this I endeavour to do ; but when I come, at the years end, to fjttl-: my accounts, I have always found my llock incrcafcd. So true is that paradox of the wife man, namely, *' Theie i!> that fcattereth, and yet increafct]l^" By this time it grew late, and the Pilgrims were defirous of going to rcil ; Gideon dirctfted the chamberlain, to fhew them \\no lYiQ Chamber of Security}. It was decorated with infcrip- tions wrote in golden chara'fler?, exprefhng the various folemn obligations, which their Lord had laid himfelf under, to pro- ted kis fervants. One of thefe was peculiarly magnificent, and wrouglit very curiouHy into the hangings of their bed. This attefted, that altho' their King was eternal, and the high and lofty one ; yet he was ever with the humble, to fecure and comfort them* In this bed the pilgrims loft all their fears and cares, awoke in the morning, renewed in Ilrength, and ea- ger to prefs onward in their journey; to which their hoil confentcd, after they had taken a flight rcpaft. As they were at brealcfaft, a well-looking perfon came in; on which, Gideon arofe and faluted him, by the name of Mr.Cro/s, This made the Pilgrims take the more notice of him; but they were much furprized when Gideon thus addreffed them. Gideon. My friends, this is Mr. Cro/s, to whom you, and tnany others of us Pilgrims, are fo much obliged. He is often at my houfe^ and the more I know of him the better I like him. Sincere. Sir, T heartily thank you, In behalf of myfelf and brother, for all the favours you fli^wed us while with you. I now confidcr tht^t Providence as a moft rich mercy to us. But I think your perfon is much altered for the belter. Crofs. I told you, when you were with me, that I could not but be terrible to you in that fituation ; but you now fee me in * Pxov. xi. 24. - Ifaiah Ivil. 15, H 4 another [ «^4 ] another chara£ler, and I hope you will ever look on me as your friend. Prob. Now, good Mr. Gideojiy let us have your bill, and we will depart. Giiico7i. That I by no mean? can do; for all my bills of this fort r fend to my mailer, and he anlwers them at the year's end, as ftold you. I am zjezu in this rcfpetfl alfo, for your cafh would not fatiify me. I expeft more than you can give me ; wherefore put up your money ; I am amply repaid by your good company. Prob. You are very kind indeed, fuch a difpofition does you honour. Gideon. I do aflure you, it is not in my nature to be ge- nerous : much may be imputed to the fituation of my houfe, and more to the grace of our King: wherefore, return him thanks, and pray for me. Crofs. You are foon to enter the Valley of the Shadow of Deaths which is dreadful to feme pilgrims, while to others it is nothing terrifying. There is no faying what will happen to you there. You have the day before you. Take heed to yourfelves. Gideon, yizy^ Jehovah turn the fhadow of death into the morning of light, unto you. So they embraced each other, and the Pilgrims went on finging. " Bleft are the humble fouls that fee, ** Their emptinefs and poverty ; " Treafures of grace to them are given, " And crowns of joy laid up in Heav'n. Watts. ^ Amos V. 8. CHAP. [ ^05 ] CHAP. xviir. The Pilgrims in the Valley of the Shadow of Dca:h. A total £clipfe cf the fnn, arJ a florm. They r,re fcpamtcd. Probus ^f Deiil-Hall. His dialogue zvith'Sc^u'ire Humus. THE Pilgrims went thro' the remaining part of the valley very happily, their tempers became affimilatcd unto it, «nd their fouls found that reft which /7/?;yV^;;7*t'/ gives to them who are meelc and lowly in heart^. The converfation of good Gideon had been very ufeful to them : and, as they drev/ near the FalJey of the Shadozu of Death, they began to encourage each other, with the many promifes which their i^;;-^ had given Pih'rims; that he would never leave them, nor forfakc them: they remembered Jehovahh many and great mercies already experienced, and received comfort and ftrengtli*. The two ranges of hills, one on each fide the Valley of Hu^ miUation, inclined nearer and nearer to each other; that on the fouth-fide, rofe high 2,\A fteep, fo as to intercept the light of the fun, fome part of the day. Thefe hills formed the fides of the Valley of the Shadow of Death, which ran feveral miles between them. It was deep and gloomy, full of dark caverns, pir^ and fnares j the haunt of fiends and fpeftrc^, mod horridly wafte and wild. Thro' the midft of this valley lies the road to Mount Zion. The Pilgrims knew there was no oth-er right way, fo did not attempt to fliunit; but, putting the beii: face on it they were able, they boldly entered the valley, and advanced appce, hoping to get thro' it while the fun ilione. But on a fudden, the heavens grew black as fackcloth, and every thing around 5 Mat.xi. 29. * Pfalm cxix. 52. prefagcd [ >o5 ] prefaged a dreadful ftorm at hand. At (he faniR time liappcn- cd a toial cclipfe of the fun, which, with the black clouds, co- vered the valley with midnight darknefs. Great was the terror of thcfc poor fouls, when they f:)und themfelves thus overtaken. The tempeft came on ; attended with awful thunder and light- ning ; and all nature fccmed to groan with horrible pangs. Now they remembered the cafe of poor Chrijiinn, and trembled with apprehenfions of fome fatal accident. At this time, one of the Pilgrims looking behind him, thought he faw a number of dreadiul forms coming faft after them: and he crying out, they all looked round, and feeing the formi- dable troop, their fouls w^ere at once bereft of all courage. Ima- gining the fiends were jull at their heels, they began to run ; but the darknefs of the valley, and the terror of their minds, fo confounded them, that they took different roads. Friendly and Sincere \\\\i on the right path; but Refohte ran to the left, and ProLus to the right hand : thus were thefe brethren again fepa- rated from each other. Prohus had not ran far, when he perceived a light juft before him ; he made up to it, and found a large houfe, fituatcd on the right, upon the declivity of the hill. There Itood a perfon at the door, who welcomed him to the place, and invited him in. ^oProbusy being in a great fright, went into the houfe. Pi-cb. I,ittle did I think of finding fuch a building, in this forlorn part of the creation. Pray, Sir, what may be your name, and the name of this houfe? Prejudice. Compofe yourfclf a little. Sir, fjr I perceive von have been terrified witii the dreams which pofiefs weak minds, when they frequent thefe parts. My name is Prejudice ]\xmoT. I am the fon of that venerable perfon who keeps the dogs, near the houfe Beautiful', and who is fo Itaunch an enemy to fuperfli- tion. 1 his is Dcijl-Uall', it was firil built by one Uerlcrt^ a- bout an hundred and fifty years ago; but it has fince been re- paired and decorated by fevcral lords and gentlemen, wliomade it their favourite refidence. It is now occupied by ''Squire Humusy a very ingenious gentleman. So that this is not {o def- picable a fituatioR as you imagine j for -the perfons IJiave men- tioiied [ >07 1 tinned, were men of high tafle, and found reafon; and chofc this place before any other. Frohus^ finding where he was, filently prayed Immanuel X.0 affill him, and make a way for his cfcape ; — he then replied, Prch. I have heard fomewhrit of this Hall^ but never could think it was fo miferably fituated. I perceive that its occu- piers love darknefs rather than light; for they not only have \)\\\\\.\\zxt. \w\^\t ^^^nnovj of Death y but alfo the fafhes of their houfe are fo fmall, that at mid -day the rooms mull be dark. Pray, do you fcrve Mr. Hinnus, and is he at home ? Prej. He is now on a vifit to the neighbouring C/Vj ofScnJualifyf on the adjacent hills; and to which there is, from this Hallf a very commodious coach-road. There are two large avenues or gates to this building; one is called ReveJation-Gnte^ of which I am keeper ; the other is called Pngan-Gate^ and is kept by Mr. Credulity. My matter keeps a lady, whole name is Mifre- .prefentnt'ion. This lady he is very fond of, and fhe has the fole management of him and this houfe. His favourite footman's name \s Sceptic. Prob. I would juil look into the houfe, if you pleafc, vvhile this bad weather continues. Prej. Sir, you are very welcome. So he condu(ftcd him into a fpacious hall, that was hung round with a great number of pidures of philofophers, both ancient and modern; but chiefly of the atheiltic and dcillic fort. Among them Probus faw Epicurus^ Lucretins^ Julian^ Spinoza J Hobbs^ Shaftjbury, Collins, Tindal and Bolingbroke, While he was viewing thefe, Mr. Hu?nus arrived, and was pleafed to £nd a young man fo curious in examining the pi-Slures. Humus. Well, MiiRer Door-keeper, who have we got here? Prej. This is a young man, Sir, who calls himfelf a pilgrim : he flod hither from thellorm, but feemed moil frightened by the fear of apparitions, with which, weak minds imagine this valley i« ^taunted. Hurvi/s. Weak minims indeed! The prefent darlcnefs is only an ecHpie of ilic run ; and in truth, Sir, there is not a jnore plcalant Tpot in our country, than this whereon I have fixed my refidence. Prci. Pardon me, Sir, if I think you have a very odd tafte; for, I look on the valley which I have jull paiTed thro", as greatly preferable unto this. II//mus. What, the F^i/Uy of HumilJ/sfion f A moft mean and fordid place indeed ! It fliould be called the Fi?//h- 1?/'//?^///^- ti!>n. It is fit only for low life fouls to walk and dwell in. No man of (pirit will ever own that he has walked thro' it. Pn^L No, Sir I not when Alo/es, David, and Imnhmue'l hira- felf walked thro' it? Hunus. Thefe, Sir, are perfons of no credit with me. I con- fidcr them only as enthufiaits and impollors. Proh. Impoftors ! Where will you then find perfons of truth and ingenuity ? Humus There, Sir, in the excellent pi6lures before you. There are the oracles of reafon. The lights of the world. The noble affertors of the independency of the human mind. Proh. From what acquaintance I have with them, I think they ralher perplex, than inform the mind. They lead their difciplcs from the truth ; nor, can they give a fmcere inquirer any good ground for a future hope. Humus. Hope, Sir! Bv tb/?t word, I fuppofe you are pnrfn- ing that Ignis FtHuu^ called everlalling happinefs. Read Shafis- l/ury, and bluQi at your folly. Prob. If it is folly, it was put into us by the author of our nature: ^nd I believe, th^Ltyou, Sir, found it no fmall difiiculty to conquer it, if it \s yet maftered. Humus. I mull confefs, that thcfe prejudices of my educa- tion hung about me for along time, and Hill vifit me : but rea- fon, and the company I vifit in the neighbouring city, have nearly compleated my vidory over thein. Prob. [ 109 ] Prob, I am furprifcc! that any genilemen fliould chufc to live here ! Humus. I declare that it is a Taradife to me. Here I retire inio the original light of nature, unkillied with the glare and fall'c dny- oi" tradition, or what is termed revelation ; which has inipnfcd on the world for io many hundred years. Here I fit and ligh for the return of tliofe golden days, of paganifm and philofophy, when reafon \\^^fairphj. Prob. And what did reafon do w\l\\ fair play ^ as you term it, but fill the world with fuperllition and idolatry ? Thank Heaven, you cannot now retire into the pure light of nature; vou cannot return to oiiginal heathenifm : for the Chrillian day- hath penetrated that gloom with millions of glorious rays ; fo tliat you ar€ indebted to revelation, even for that light by which vou oppofe it. Hursus I indebted to revelation ! I fcorn the thought : and defire that you will either retradl your wordi>, or depart my houfe. Prob. Your houfe, Sir, is lefs agreeable to me than the tempell, from which I fled hither for refuge. Hu?nus. Ah, tempefts, fiends and appa.ritions, are the goblins which your clafs is ever dreaming of; but we, who dwell here, laugh at all fuch chimeras. Prob. I underiiand that your houfe has a commodious com- munication with the City of Serijiiahty \ it is no wonder, there- fore, that you are unmoleiled by Inch things ; for tW Black Tyrant has no intereft to ferve by difturbing you. Humui. Black Tyrant! That is another of your whims. There is no fuch being. Pr^b. Excufe me, Sir, for I m.ull: look on fich perfons as you to be ftriking inltance-, both of the being and craft of fuch an evil foirit. For when the Ujurper had greater power in the world, he made his votaries to believe and teach, that he was a God : but, fmce he has been conhned by the glorious light of Chfiilianity, he endeavours to perfuadc men, that there is no Devil, nor future punifhment : and ihws does infinite mifchief in the worJd. Humus. We let our thoughts rove freely, not regarding con- fequences. PfoL Ye boaft of liberty, but are notorioufly the flaves of Se/j/uti^ity^ and prejudice. Ye blindly give credit to the moll palpable falfehoods, and will not believe the moil felf-evident truths. Having embraced a fyllem of univcrfai Iccpticifm, ye are given over to a reprobate mind : for who, but fuch as are infatuated, would refide in fuch obfcurity as this ? Surely, ye are thofc who ftumble at noon day as in the night, and are in folitary places as dead men^. Ye rebel againft the light, even while the Gofpel fhines with meiidian lullre, and thou- fands all around you are riling to a refurredlion of heavenly life and glory. Humtis, Young man, depart my houfe, and infeft not thefc rooms Vvith the peiliicntial breath of fanaticifm. Froh. I will not long trouble you: but will obferve, that ye pretend to be friends to toleration, yet are ready to call me out of doors. Whatever you, or your party may pretend, you have TiO right to any indulgence from church or Hate: fmce, your principles tend to loofe the bands of fociety, poifon its cordials, and ruin its polity; without offering any equivalent for fuch an horrible violation of order, fuch an infamous piracy on the fons of men. humus. You grow warm, and are a modern zealot I per- ceive. Prob. It is time to roufc, when a fnatch is made at the downy pillow, both of prcfent repofe, and future happincfs, by a gang of cruel defperadoes; who ufurp the authority of rcafon, and claim the highcil pretenfions to wifdom; for no other pur- pofe than to unhinge the whole fyllem of religion, both natural and revealed. Could I believe you in the right, I fliould fit down and weep out my eyes ; whereas ye can dance and fport on the edge of the dreadful gulph q's AnrAhihtlan. Vain pretenders to » 2 Pel. ;i. 19. a If^iahiix. 10. wha; [ "■ ] vhat is beautiful^ fity and f roper* , when yowr condu5i: and fvltein arc chaotical and piepoltcrous in the utmoft extreme. Hnmui. How can we alter the decrees o( Fate F It is there- fore belt to put a good face on it ; and eat and drink for to- niorrpw we die. P/-jl>. If none but yourfelves were injured by fuch principles, it would be hardly woiih while to diilurb fuch groveling minds, but let you ked on, in the vile trough of fenfuality. Yet, fgr thj Ul:e of your fetvants here, who may not be lofar iiink into tlic depths of the BIii:.i Tyra?it\ permit me to aik you, how men came iiril to entertain any hope oF a fiuure itate ? Humu9. It Vv'as originally a romantic idea, that fprung up in the human mind; and has been induilriouily propagated from generation to generation, until people thought it a reality. Prob. I/id:fJ}r:Q:fJJy propagatedy indeed! Nor can it be root- ed out of our nature. It came fill rrom a divine revelation, and v/ould never have occurred to the mind of man, if it had not been true. Jehovah, the blcjjed one, has no plcafure in the mifery of his cicatures; but, if a future ilate be only a romantic idea^ the molt ingenious tyrant could have invented no fcheme to render man fo perfeflly mifcrable, as that of giving him a power to concek'c of eternal happinefs, and, at the fame time, de- piiving him of any hope of enjoying ic. According to your view of things, every creature in the v/orld is more happy than the rational being. Man is exalted both in reafon and wretched- nefs. Ke is a blot in yehocaFs v/orlc. A real Magormijahib ^ or terror to himfelf ^ : whereas, grant him to be, what he un- doubtedly isj an immortal being, tho' fallen ; he then ftands on a noble preheminence; and akho' fubjccl to a thoufand evils, yet he appears grand in ruins, and magni.^cent even in miftry. Owx King alio, is feen to be v.'ife, and juft, and good in all ; while you and your party appear to be dilturbers of the public peace. Humus. It is impoihble for us to dlfliirb or injure focicty fo jnuch as your religion lias done. ^ Wordi ottcn ufcd hy Lord Shaft:hu,-y aad his aJnnirers, ' J ments urged againll you. But you continue to retail fcraps of infidelity from one to another, with the utmoil credulity and eif.ontry. And, in fhort, you are arrive/^ had ftrenethcned him to cfcape from Dcifi-Hally he went on fmging, ♦* Should all the forms which men devife, " Affault my faith with treacherous art j *♦ V^ call them vanity and I e", ** And bind the gofpel to my heart. Watts, CHAP. XIX. Probus meets th-e Black Tyrant, and defies him. He is joined h^ Refolute. They find their Brethren at the Prodigal Inn» Sincere tf/?^ Refolute relate their furprizing adventures, P'^OBVS had not fung long, before he was met by a perfon, with a very gloomy afped ; who afked him, wh)^ he difturbed the folemnity of that val'cy with fuch a noife ? This was the Prince ofi Darknefs himfclf, but Probus knew him not. Prob. I am in the king*s highway. I love the A7;,^, and aiu finging his worthy praifc. Tyrant. There is a time to mourn, as well as a time to fing*; Prob. This is my time to fing. My heart is- merry, and as St. "> James direds, 1 am finging pfalms. ^ Pfalm c-ii>:. 18. ^ Eccl. ill. 4. 3 Jam. v. 13. I Tsra^t, Tyrant. This valley belongs to me; and I will not be thus diflurbed. Prok If you were a friend of our King, you would help me to prtife him. Tfrnnt. I know of no king here but myfclf ; wherefore, I command you, on your peril, to be filent. Prob. 'tyrant y you have now difcovered yourfelf, and I defy you ! I will go on in the ilrength of the Lord my Kiftg^' The joy of the Lord is my iirength*. You, and your rebellious afTociates refufcd to praife him in the Celejlial Cityy therefore, you are confined in fuch dreary glooms as this; zndiW'Q redeetned men are going to fupply your places in our Ar//?^'s courts. Remember, O tntmy oi Jehovah i^n^ men, that ** Immanuel paficd by the nature of angels, and look on him the feed oiJbraham*.'* Prohui then fang aloud. * " Down headlong from their native ikies, " The rebel-angels fell, ** And thunder-bolts of flaming wrath, ** Purlu'd them deep to HelL *' Down from the top of earthly blifs, ** Rebellious man was hurlM, «* And Jefui ftoop'd beneath the grave, <' To reach a linking world.'* Watts. At this the '73Ttf«^ knit his brows, bit his lips, and feemed ready to attack the Pilgrim; but was curbed by an invifible power ; he therefore pafTed by him, and went on in great fury^; while Probus made the valley ring with fmging of diftinguilhing love. Having fmifhcd his fong, he thought he heard a voice at 2 diflance, calling to him ; he therefore halooed aloud, and was immediately anfwered again. Perceiving the voice to draw nearer to him ; he continued hallooing, 'till he faw his friend Refolute runping into the way, with his countenance aghaft, and i Pfalm Ixxi. 16. ^ Nehcm. viii. 10. 3 Hcb. ii. 16. * Jam. iv. 7. all [ "S ]' ail in great conf'unon. He ran and embraced Probus, blelfing the K!/sg for relloring him to Lis companion. Pro^. I am very glad to lee you, my dear Rr.folute\ but why are you lo tenilicd ? This is truly a dreadful place, yd Irn- zrv-.'.v/is with us. Remember the pi■? ] of" his fctting out on Pilgrimage, and of the principal events that have befallen him in his way. By this means, many falfc pil- grims ha\ e been dctciTted ; and many real ones have been ho- noured and encouraged. Vroh. Sir, I will anfwer for my brethren, that we approve of this regulation, and are ready to comply therewith. So Prcbus began, and related his own ftory. The others followed him, as far a= their fcparation in the P^iUcy of the Shadow of Der.ib^ as has been related. The reft follows. Si/ucrc. We proceeded together until one of us looking back, faw a company of ghaftly forms coming after us. He crying out, induced us all to look, which we had no fooncr done, than we were filled with great fe^r? and thinking them juft at our heels, we all wildly ran forward in the dark, but. Friendly and / foon found we \vcre by ourfelves. We kept on a-- faft as we could, iho' our path was rough and difficult; the darknefs alfo continued, and the tempeft roared in the trees and caverns of the valley. Hearing voices behind us, wc turned, and beheld the fame terrible troop very near us. Our path was no^v fo difficult that we could not go faft, fo were o- bliged to endure their approach. They accordingly came up, and furrounded us ; but never did I before behold fuch terrify- ing objects, fuch fearful afpefts ! for every thing that was hor- rible fecmed to meet in their look and form.. We fliut our eyes, and kept on fiowly; but then our ears weie filled with moil horrid yells and blafphemies; and when we dared to look for- ward, we were fure to fee fome objedl of a terrifying or ob- fcene nature. Sometimes they would ftand juft before us, then v.e endeavoured to avoid them. Sometimes they would form a chain quite acrofs the road; but, on our advancing refolutely* they always broke and gave way; which reminded us of the picture of Daz^df at the hiterpreter^^ houfe. At this time, u-e were filent thro' fear, but inwardly cried to the Lord^ for a way to efcape. At length, obferving that the fiends had no power to ftop us, v*e both cried out together. *' Tho' I Vv'alk thro* 5 I Pet. V. 9. I 3 the the valley and (hadow of deatli, I will fear no evil for thou art with me''* Wiien lo, a voice came from Heaven, faying, ** For this purpofe was the Son of Gnd manifcRed, that he might dertroy the works of theZ)m/^'* On this all the fright- ful fpe^lres made a precipitate retreat from us, howling in a doleful manner, fo that the whole valley feemed to fhake. The weather inftantiy cleared up, wc foon came to the end of the valley, and to this houfe, without further annoyance. Rcf. I find none of you was fo befet as I was : nor is the val« ley worthy of its name from what any of you faw and heard. Som after we began to run from the fiends, I found myfelf a- lonein a by-path, as I judged, to the left of the road. But I feared to go back, left the enemy fhould meet me alone. And as my path feemed to incline forward, I kept on, in hopes of finding an avenue on my right, hy which I might again reco- ver the highway. The tempcft, thunder and lightning, ftili continued. As I went on, I perceived an opening on my left hand, a little before me, from whence feemed to proceed a faint light, and ^variety of flrange noifes. When I came op- pofite unto it, I beheld the moll petrifying fight. It was the flateof the damned, the mouth of the infernal pit 3 into which I faw many dragged, and from which came the moft heart- rending and difmal cries. I turned my eyes from it, ftopped my ears, and was haftening by, when a moft dreadful mon- fter feized me : I ftruggled, and broke from him, bidding him be gone, for I was the Lord's fervant. He told me, that he knew I tuasy but for my many and great fins, Immanuel \i^6. given me to him, as he did Judas the traitor. Thefe words were lil;e a magic wand touching me, for I loft my ftrength inftantiy, and could refift no longer, fo as to difengage myfelf. He then dragged me, ftruggiing and crying for help, towards the horrible pit 5; unto which I drew near very faft, and thought I muft foon unite in the doleful groans that arofe from that Tophet. As I was hurried along, and catching at every thing that might retard my progrcfs j I perceived feveral low trees acrofs the road where lie dragged me, and 1 found that the i Pfalm xxiii. 4. ^ ijohniii.8. 3 Pfalm xl. 2. fiend [ "9 ] fiend endeavoured to convey me, where I could leall reacH them. However, as I drew near, I inwardly fighed out. Lord help me^ . And, making a defperatc ftriiggle, I reached a friendly branch of one of the trees, that feemed to bend itfelf towards me. When the monfter found I had got hold of it, he raged witli hellifli fury, and dragged as if he \vould rear mif arm from my body. But I rwilted the pliant branch round my hand, and was determined to lofe an arm, or break the twig: bur, thanks to our Lord, both held againft all his violence. When the Tyrant had walled his infernal ftrenglh, he let mc alone; fay'ng, go your way. But I kept my hold, and would not venture from the tree. He then threw fomc- thing in my eyes, which fo wrought on my mind, that I con- ceived myfelf to be in the jaws of Tophet, and dropping into the pit, out of the reach of mercy*. How I kept my hold of the tree, our Z^;r^ only knows ; but fo I did, until this terror dir» perfed, and my fpirits recovered fufficient compofure, fo as to refle6l on my fituation, and confider how to extricate myfelf from that horrid place. I looked attentively on the trees, and it occurred to me; that they were certainly planted by a divine hand : but I was much furprized at the toughnefs of their nature ; efpecially, when I obferved, that feveral branches had been flipped off; yet from all fuch I faw young flioots were fpringing: 1 hus ruminating, I was led to hope thefe were trees of life ; from which, if I could obtain a branch, I might eafily efcape from the power of the enemy. Therefore, lifting up my heart to our King, I befought him to hear me fr©m the jaws of perdition^, and grant mc both diredlion and affiilance. I then tried to break off the branch that was round my hand, and found that it flipped very cafily from the flock ; which, when the fiend perceived, he en- deavoured to feize me; but I brandiflied my wand, faying, *' The L vi'nh dilmal yells of triumph. As I paffed by them, I thought I had fccn the prifoners before : but the fiends fixed their eves on my waiii, and took no further notice of me. Juil then I heard P;(?^Afj's voice, and, hallening towards it, I was (o happv qs to find the finger to be my dear friend and fellow Pilgrim ; with whom I foon after arrived at this houfe. H A P. XX. T^e fentimcnts of Mr. Experience, on what had happened to the Pilgrims in the dark valley, A dialogue on the excellency of faith. WHEN the Pilgrims had thus told each their llory, their hoft faid, Ex^er. You are all heartily welcome to my houfe ; for I pcrc'ive you are true pilgrims, and not ilrangers, either to the afflidlions or confolations of Jehoz'afs Ij'raei. You have found the words of my brother Crofs true, namely, that the Valley of thf SbiJow of Death is a place of danger. The enemy raifed that ftorm on purpofe to frighten and feparate you. He lias alfo mide feveial roads there, to bewilder and diilrefs Pil- grims. The fiends you faw, arc ever in the valley, for they haunt it day a«d night to domifchief, but, they only affright: they can do no hurt to real pilgrims, who keep in the way, as Friendly and Sincere found. They have a power to prefent blafphemons, impure, and terrifying ideas to our minds: but, if pilgrims keep on refolutely, cai'ing upon their if///^, as you tiid, he never fails to make a Vv'ay for their efcape. Sincerei^ [ '2' ] Sincere. They were truly horrible ; and their power in ope- Tation and rcprefentation is furprifingly exaft, and very di- ■ilreiring. Exper. In like circumlUnces, I have found my mind io wrought on by hellifh fuggettions, and the BlukTyra/ii fovcry afliduous and powerful; that I have been ready, almoft, tocon- fider him as an almighty and omnifcient being. But our cor- rupt nature is fuch a party in his favour, that he appears to us, to be ilronger and wifer than he really is. However, he cer- tainly was a being of vaft confequence, before his fall ; iince, notwithllanding his dreadful defeat, he ftill retains fuch amazing powers. Si?iccre. I marvel that the Almighty fhould fufFer him to pof- fefs them ! Expcr. Known to Jehovah are all his works from the founda- tion of the world'. He has wife defigns in permitting this fpi- rit thus to oppofe Him^ and dillrefs his fheep. The Tyrant knows he is not always to do thus : he believes that our Kifig is almighty, and will punifh him for his crimes; nay, he trembles at his fate*, and yet continues to aggravate the doom. Sincere. This (hews the dreadful hardening nature of fin, which will always keep him a Devil, and render him incapable of repentance, or of loving our ^/>.'^. The Black Tyrant cannot loz'et which is the quinteffence of his mifery. But what think you of Prol>us being diiDeiJf-Hall ? Exper. Pmbtih cafe is not fmgular, tho* it is not very com- mon among pilgrims. I was in much the fame fituation, many years ago ; and would advife him, to take heed to himfelf ; fori fear he will not always fucceed fo well with thofe enemies, Avhom he may again, probably, meet with in his travels. That f///// is a rendezvous for thefe J^mixaries of the Black Tyrants That is their college, from whence have ifiued all thefe volumes cf blafphemy and flander, againft the author of chriftianity and Li? people, which have difgraccd our country. But, however they f Afts XV. iS» ^ James ii. 19. may t I" ] »av tsWi about virtue, and the law of nature; yet, they hold a criaunal connedlion with the Q'ty ofSenJuality. In fliort, they arc the fcofFers, who are prophefied of, as to come in the latl days, walking after their lulls, and faying, " Where is the pro- jnifc of his coming* ?" Our King has raif:d up many great nien, holh'm iwt City of EJIabliJhment, and its fuburbs, to an- fwer their cavils i fo that the evidence for the truth of our reli- gion, dill fhines with a luilre nearly equal to its primitive glory. Prob. Sir, I thank you for your information, and hope I fhall profit by your fiiendiy warning to me : but 1 am very defirous to hear, what you will fay to our hxoi\\ti Refolute^ Ilrange ad- venture. Exper. Refolutis remark Was juft, " That to him, only, the valley appeared in its moll awful terrors." He came in a path that has been trodden by many of our Father's dear children ; gnd has feen what he can never forget. The wolf fcattered 7ou, but, he was permitted to catch and ufe violence with Him'^: his Z(?rc/ was pleafed, for fome valuable end, to have him fifted as wheat. I have feen the fame dreadful fight, and heard feveral relate nearly the fame flory. Our Lord fuffered himfelf to be diilrefled with a fenfe of the wrath o^\{\s Fat her , and views of the punifhments of the damned. It was when he vifited thofe dreary regions, that he fpillcd fome of his precious blood, acrofs the mouth of the pit; from which fprung up thofe trees of life, which are of the fame qualities with thofe in the Paradife of our King. Thefe trees preferve every true pilgrim who is dragged thither. When falfe pilgrims are carried near them, they catch at them, but having no true faith, the trees elude their at- tempts ; yet they bend towards real pilgrims: nor can all the power of the enemy drag them from their hold. And yet Rejolute found little trouble to feparate the brarxh from the flock. This fhews us, that faith has much more pov/er with Jehovah^ than the enemy can have over a true pilgrim : iox that which is impoflible to the Tyrant y namely, to pull one \ zPet. iii.3,4. f John X. 12. branch t >23 ] branch from thefe tree?, is eafy to be accompliflied by fai:h. All things are poffible to him that bclievcth*. • Ref. Why, I never could have thought I had fo great fairh. Exper. T lay no flrefs on the menfure of your faith; that W3t» but I'mall, as appears fnm your great fears while in the valley. But it is of the nature o{ y-ur faith that I fpeak. One grain of true faith is as fure a pledge of everlailing life, as the greateft me.'fure. Becaufe, ^^/^^''^'^'s promiies are not made to a bejever ^% ftrong, zoije, rich^ ox happy, but, fimply to him as a cholen beli.ver in Immanuel. A little faith, or a weak faith, takes as eiTedual hold oi our Lt^rd, as a great or a ibong faiih. hnjnanvd^ with '-elped to relation^ is the fame to both, tho', in mamfeftatim there may be, and is, a mighty difference. Thus, in its mea- Jure^ faith may be weak, tho' its nature is immortal and divinc- So that you, who was fo flrong that the Tyrant could not tear you from the tree; may, in another trial, fed yourfeif like a bruifed reed*; yet here is no change in the ejjence of your faith, but in its mcafure only. R^f. What! is there nothing due, Sir, to our improving or not improving the grace oi' our King P Exper. Nothing at all, my friend, in the light you feem to intend. Rtf. How is it then, that many of our Lord^s children are commended or reproved for their weaknefs or ilrength of faith ? Exper. Immanuel m.2kti us white, and then calls us fair! If he commends the faith of any perfons, you may be certain it is of thofe who have a mean opinion of thcmfelves. This was the cafe, both with the Centurion, and Woman of Canaan ; in whofe thoroughly humbled fouls the tree of faith produced fuch fruit, that it fcemed to furprife its great author. " O woman,** faid he to the latter, *' great is thy faith, be it unto thee even as thou wiltJ." But, where felf-confidence poffefies themind, there ii but little faith; and that faith has more need ol Immanuel^ \ Matk ix. 13. ^ Pfdlm xxx. 6. 7. 3 Mat. xv. z8. prayersj, [ IH ] rravers, that It fall not', than of his commendation : as was the cafe with St. Peter. Ref. Wherefore is faith of To much account with our Kif!g ? Exper, Bccaufe it is the cfFcft of his exceeding mighty- power, in the foul of a pilgrim*; therefore it is called precious faith ^: and hccanCc Immariue/ is of fo much account to thofe who believe; for to all fuch he is precious*. Imnianuel is fo much all in all to a true pilgrim, that he is content to be Aval- lowed up in him. So fays St. Paul. " I live, yet not I, but 7///;w/7;7//^/ liveth in me 5." RcJ. What iliall I do with this wand that I brought away with me ? Exper. Let me look at it. . Kejolute g ive it him, and he, having carefully examined it, returned ic, faying, Exper. This is a genuine branch of the tree of life. Look here. Sirs. He then fliewed them what was wrote upon it, which they hcid not obfervcd before. They were ihefe words, namely, •' I give unto them eternal life, and they fhall never pcrifhj nei- ther flial) any piuck them out of my hand^." ReJ. Why, Sir, that was the very promife which fuppoited me, in the dreadful confii(^ with my enemy. Exper. So I imagined. Every branch of thofe trees has fome fnch fwcet fentcnr.e on it. I will lliew you mine. Mr. Experience fetched it, having fhevved them the fol- lowing fcntence thereon. ** Becaufe I live, ye fliall live alfo"." Then looking on Rejolute, while he returned his wand, he faid, Exper. Keep this as the apple of your eye. With this in your hand, you may go down into the belly of Hell^ and to the bottoms of the mountains, like Jonah ^. You may walk in a fiery ' Luke::xij. 32. ^Eph. L19. 3;:Pet.i. i. 4 j Per. ii. 7, 5 Ga!. ii. 20. ^ John x. 28. ^ John xiv. 10. * Jonah ii. z. 6. furnace [ '==5 ] furnace, or repofc yourfclf in a lion's den unhurt, as did Dainel and his brethren '. You may go on the lion and the adder; the young lion and dragon you may trample under your feet*. It was this that brought you from the mouth of the pit: this pre- fervcd you from the infernals, who were dragging Deijl^ Arius^ and Soci?:uSy three notorious apollates, to their den : from whom every twig of thofe trees will withdraw its aid, and leave them to perifli in their unbelief. I heard, this morning, that they were apprehended. They have done much mifchief on the road, and will now receive their reward. Ref. I thought I knew the criminals, and now remem- ber they were the fame perfons whom we faw at the crofs. Exper. They were the fam-e. Their end is dreadful. Let ws praife our Lord that we are not in the unhappy number. So they fung. *' Arifc our fouls, our joyful powers, ** And triumph in owrGod^ ** Awake our voice, and loud proclaim " His glorious grace abroad. •* He fnatch'd us from the dreadful pit, " The gates of gaping Hell, ** And fix'd our Handing more fecure, " Than 'twas before wc fell. Watts. Ref. Well, this is beticr than being in the mouth of de- ftru6lion. Exper. My fon, your Lord faw that to be needful for you. He does nothing in vain, but orders all things according to the counfel of his own wilH ; that is, he difpofeth our lives ac- cording to a deep, wife, and gracious dclign. Ref. I believe fo, good holl, and that our King's dcfign was gracious to us, in placing you here, to advife and comfort us. Now, in the name of my brethren, I have tvvo words to {'Ay to you. Firil, wc are much obliged to you, for the k-ind- nefs you have already fhewn us. And fccondly, we beg yq\\ 5 Dan. iii.26.8cYl. 22. a PfalmJt«-I. ij, 3 Eph. i. ji. 10 [ 1^6 ] to favour us with (otne account of your Pilgrimage ; from hear- ing ofwliich, wcproinifcourfeives much plcafure and improve- ment. Exper. Vc are wcVome, my friends, to every thing in which I can fcrve you; and I beg you would look lo Immanuel, for a blef- ilng upon us, while I declare his wonders to my foul. CHAP. xxr. Mr. Experience relates hh ownaffeBv.gJlGr'j. Clericus, a clergy' man of the City of Ellablilhment, arrives at the Inn in a eh&riot. M R. Experience, having thus befpoke their attention, pro- ceeded as follows : Exper. I was born in the City of EJiabliJhment, of religious parents, who early prefented me to our Lord, and dai.'y recom- mended me to him in prayer, before I was of age to know good or evil. As foon as my capacity would admit, I was inftruded \n the holy fcripturcs, and, was conitantly found in all the pub- lic and family duties of religion ; in which I often heard my father wreille w'nh. Jehovah, for his grace to take poileflion of my foul. But as I grew up, my father's religious charader, and exemplary piety, became ofFenfive and irkfome to me ; which he foon perceived ; therefore, hoping that another per- fon would have more authority over me, he put me apprentice to a religious friend of his, in the city. With him I lived fome time ; but, gave up my fell to the finful fafhions and diverfions of the prophane world. My mailer and father often exhorted me to the contrary, to which v/ere added rebulies and Ilripes ; but all in vain ; for, neither the anger of my mailer, nor the tears of my father, moved me. At -length, one day, after I had been chaftifed by my mailer, I left the city, and running from our Kim I C i^z 3 Kin^ and my parents, I leaped over the wall, where Formality and Hspocrij] once entered the road, and made fpecd to the City ofDeJlrudion. There I continued for a feafon ; but could not be io perfcdlly eaiy as I wifhed, and as I perceived the great- elt part of my vifcious companions were : for I never could make game of religious people, ridicule facred things, nor for- get the prayers and tears of my parents. My whole defire was, to have nothing to do v/ith religlan *j and, that religion Ihould have nothing to do with me. Thus I livedj or ratiier breathed, for feme time. At length the famous Mr George Fervidus vifi:ed that city, and raifed fuch an uproar, that the whole town was moved ; he engroiTed the chici- converfation, and his fame would fuffer no perfons quietly to enjoy their diverfions and pleafures : becaufe, he conflantly and vehemently affirmed, that the city would be deitroyed by our K'.Kg'^y and all who were found there, would go into Topbet, At the fame time happened feveral iliocks of an earthquake, which fo correfponded with FermJus*s words, that many believ- ed him to be a man of Gad. You know it was ufual with him to preach in the adjacent Edds, and I, hearirg much of him, was refolved to go and hear what he had to fay. When I came there, I was forry to fee a prieit of the C:fy of Eftablifo- ment fo Scandalize his cloth, as to preach in the ficldsi I'or I had a great regnrd for religious charaders. Fcrz'idus look the follow- ing text. *' I will arife and go to my father, and will fay unto him. Father, I have finned againil heaven, and in thy fight, and am no more worthy to be called thy fon?." Tiiis ftartled mc ; but when he came to fet before us the circumllances of the poor runaway; 1 concluded, that there mult have been a combination between him and my father, to preach fuch a fer- mon, at that very time and place ; tho' I had n(!Ver informed my father vrhere I was. Under this difcourle I was pricked to the heart+; and my difobedience, ingratitude, and impiety ap- peared fo hatetul to me, that I could no more go into wicked comnany, but kept by myfelf. When the time came for his preaching again, I attended ; and heard him from that precious *■ Jobxxi. 14. * I Pet. iii. 7, 3 Luk?jcv. i2, 19. 4 Afls ii. 37. text L 12S ] text in J/yuih, ** He fliall feed his flock like a fhepherd : he (liaU gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bofom, and gently lead thofc that are with young'." This fermon broke my hard heart. Ferzidns fliewed, in a llriking manner, ho\w JekovaFs fheep wander from him, and how the good Ihep- herd, by various means of grace, gathers them to his fold. I began now ferioufly to think of returning, both to my hea- venly and earthly father. I read and prayed incefTantly; and, at this time, I found my religious education to be of great fer- vice: for I had a theory of found docflrine in my mind, which was very ufcfai to me. Accordingly, I fat out for the Strait Gijfr, at the head of the road ; my gracious education helped me at the S/ougb ofDefpond^ againil the wiles of Mr. FlefilyWiJ'dom, and enabled me alfo to be ufeful to others, whom he was endea- vouring to deceive. The Tyrant, indeed, fired dreadfully at me from his callle, while I was knocking at the Gate^ but my dear father's manner of praying, and freq^uent difcourfes of his devices, occurred to me, and made me knock the louder. Mr, Goodzu'ill received me with peculiar pleafure. He blcfTed me, and bid me haften on my way, to wipe the tears from the eyes of my dear parent, and to comfort his heart. The Interpreter fliewed me all his rarities, and quickly difpatched me to return home. At the Crofs I almoll loil my eyes; and quite loil my heart. Never Ihall I forget the fweet wonders which I faw there; and that perfeft allurancc of pardon for all my fms, which I was then favoured with. I went on my way rejoicing, until I came quite to the top of the hillD/^r^('//)', and, with great pleafure, beheld t]:c abode of my father, whom I ardently longed to fee; but thought it proper to make myfelf known firfl to my mafter. He rejoiced to fee me, aud freely forgave all the injury I had done him ; but he could not reft, until he had made my father acquainted with this happy event. He haftened therefore to him, and in a gra- dual manner, let him know how gracious the Zsr^had dealt with me. On which, the dear man exclaimed, ^^Jofcph, my fon, is yet alive; I will run and lee him *!** He forgot his infirmities, and ran to blefs his eyes with a fight of his prodigal fon. I * Jfaiah xl. 11. a Gen. xlv. 28, jievei-i I "9 ] never, never fliall forget the tender look he cafl on me, when he entered the room; and ihall ever feel the ardent embt-ace with which he faluted me : he then threw himfelf into an arm chair, in a fpeechlefs rapture ; and fat fealling his eyes on my perfon, and his ears with the humble confeflion of my faults, and intreaties for abfoliition. When he was able to fpeak, it Wds in the fame affc6ling language which was ufed by the Prodigal's father, namely, " Bring hither the ring, the (hoes, the bell robe, the fatted calf, and let us be merry; for this my fon was de.td, but is alive again, w^as loft, and is found/." Sincere. O my friend, it was, no doubt, the greateft happi- nefs tliat our King could give him in this world ! Exper. It is impoifible for any one, but fuch a father, to knovr what the venerable man felt at this lime. Like Hezekiahy it fecmed as if his fun had gone ten degrees backward^; for he ap- peared many years younger than he was. O that every difobe- dient fon and daughter would confider, what pangs of forrow their behaviour occafions their godly parents ; and what a celellial pleafare their return to our King and their duty, mull afford thofe, to whom, under Jehovahy they are indebted for their being. Sincere. But you did not tarry long with them ? Exper. I continued there long enough to fhew, that the change on me was a real \vork of grace : fo that when Providence called me away, my parents chearfully gave me up, faying, *' Go, dear fon, in the name and v/ork of the Lord. If we fee you no more in this world, we know you will ever be preferved in th€ fear o{ Jehovah, and that we fhall meet you in the ge- neral alfembly and church of the lirft-born, who are written in the C^/^y?;Wa/y 3." Ref. You, doubtlefs, have had a variety of adventures fince ? Exper. I have. Some of which I will mention. When I came into the Valley of the Shadow ^f Death, there arofe a dark thick fog, fo that at the plr.ce where many way- meet, it was very difficult to difcovcr the true path. I happened to take ' Lukexv. i2, 23, 24. » Ifaiah X-Kxvlii. 8. 3 Keb. xii.23. K that [ -30 I that wherein Proluj ran, which brought me to DeiJl-UaU; bu-t I did not efcare lo honourably as he. For, being naturally cu- rious, Mr. linJ.ily who then kept the houfe, took advantage of my difpofition, and engaged me fo long among his curiofuies, fuch as pidlures, Sec. that evening came on unperceivcd by mc; I was then prevailed on to take a fupper with him, and tarry all night. But either the fupper, or flcping in the houfe, or perjiaps both of them, fo wrought on me, that, in the morn- ing, I was very indifi-erent about going on pilgrimage : and chofe rather to accept of an invitation to vific the City of Sen- Juulity. Accordingly, I went to that city, and thei^e tarried a- while, indulging my vicious inclination^ ; and, indeed) I had pcrifhed there, if I had been treated as I deferveu. But t.^;^'s command. This enemy has proceeded fo artfully, and has got his new road fo well recommended to the great men of the City of E/iabiiJknie7it, and its fuburbs; that not many 'wife, not many mighty, or noble among them, will frequent the royal, fafe, ^ndi good old way '^. This new road turns off to the left, paiTes thro' the City ofDe- praz-'ity, and runs along the fide of the hill that is on the left of t\\t Valley of Humiliation, until it reaches the Bridge of Trial', over which it croffes the valley ; and then runs on the fide of the hill to the right of the vallies. It leaves Deif-Hall z little on the left ; and, pafTing thro' the City of Setifuality, enters the highway near VVhimfy-Uill^ about three miles from my houfc. This, Sir, I imagine to be the road you came. Cler. By your defcription, I believe it is the very fame : but I found it in excelknt order-*-, for I had not one jolt in my carriage. Exper. The other road. Sir, is very troublefome for carrla- ges. I believe there never was a chariot feen in cither of the \ iCcr. iv.4. * I Cor. i, 2C. ^ Ifaiah xxxy. 8, 9, 10, 4 ProY. xiv. 12. K 3 vallies. t >34 ] Vallies. Not that no perfons who ufe carriages have been that way i for, to my certain knowledge, there have been feveral ; but they found it very difficult to defcend into the vallies with them, fo quiited them, went thro' on foot, and found it much the f;#feil way. There was one Jehu who came in his chariot to the declivity of the hilP; but finding it very fteep, he would neither defcend in it, nor dil'mount ; but turn- ed off to the left, and was never feen in the highway any more. Cler, You fcem, landlord, not to be a friend to improve- ments. Expcr. Yes, Sir, I am : but I (^o not think that the new road has the Icaft title to that denomination. Ckr. Why ? you confefs that it is a better road than the old one. You live by trade ; and as the new road unites with the highway before it reaches your houfc, you enjoy all the benefit arifing from it. Exper. I do allow, as to prefcnt cafe, the new way is the belt; but I am taught, that, '♦ Not thole things which men approve, are right; but thofc which Jehovah approves 2." I am well allured, that the old way was trodden by Immanuel^ and therefore no other ever will, or can be fafe tor pilgrims. Cler. Landlord, you appear to be quite pofitive, and very conlradled in your opinions: too much, I think, for a man of your profeffion. Exper. Ah, Sir! 1 have loft a great deal fince the new way has been opened. Cler. Loft! why, you own there have been more pilgrims lince ; how do you mean then by faying that you are a lofer ? Exper. There certainly have been more travellers; yet there have not been many more pilgrims than before. Thofe new- road gentry come hither, eat and drink, and when they depart, have no good money to p.iy me: for my mailer, with whom I annually reckon, will take no money brought by fuch as ufe the new road; and this makes me a lofer : however, when a few f aKingsx. 15.31. f Luke .\vi. 15. real [ >35 ) rial pilgrims come, they p:iy me fo well for their entertain- ment, and my mailer is fo indulgent to me, that I am glad to continue in the houle. C/er. According to p/^r account, hoU:, you will lofe money by ;//f. Expcr. Yes, Sir; and fo I do by all who travel in carriages ; therefore I do not provide for fuch, and appeared indiff-rent about it when vou called. But, it does not become me to turn away any who chufe to continue. Cler. Pray, what is your name, and what fign do you keep ? Exper. My name is ExperiencCy and I keep the Returned Prodigal. C!er. Ah! the darknefs deceived mc. I took it for the ireathcr-Cocky that is kept by the famous and facetious Mr. Shmidy. Exper, You are egregioufly miftaken, indeed, Sir. That Inn is fome miles from hence, on the lett fide of the road, near the City of Vanity^ to which it belongs. If you had gone thither, he is now io full. of company, that you could hardly have got a bed. Cler. But I fhould have had fome good merry companions, no doubt. Exper. The noifc of mirth is there; but fome of thofe who hive been at the houfe, when they were moil gay and jovial, afterwards owned, their hearts were forrowful ' at that ver/ feafon. Indeed, Sir, that houfe is no credit to thofe who wfe it; and leaft of all, thofe of your profeffion. The mailer is a fcandal to all clergymen, yet he is permitted to hold his preferments in the City of Eftablijhment. He keeps that Inn, which was ever a houfe of ill-fame; but fince his being there, his wit and learning have been proliituted as panders for de- bauchery. The manners of our day are fo depraved, that many perfons of rank and fortune, of both {tyLz^^ are not afhamed to put up there, and keep company with Mr. Shandy -, tho'he has 5 Prov. xlv. 13. K 4 proclaimed [ 136 ] proclaimed his principles by many licentious advertifements of his opinions : and even on his fign-poft, there are liars, dafhes, and certain impure hieroglyphics, which, in a well-regulated city, would have fubjeded the author to fevcre fines, if not to corporal punifliment. Cler. Landlord, you are very bold, thus to cenfure the pre- vailing talte of this enlightened age. Why, Sir, Mr. Shandy^ advertifements contain a luxury of fentiment; and are greedily fwallowed by fafhionable people, both of the clergy and laity. I have heard that one of our prelates alu'ays carried them in liis pockets. And another, in a private letter to the author, en- couraged him in his licentioufnefs. Exper. Such behaviour in prelates, when your city was in Its purity, would have endangered their la^vn fleeves, andjuftly to — I hope I never fhall fear, in a prudent manner, to cenfure public vice. But when the peft appears in the habit of a cler- gyman, with the high claims of tafiej fentiment y fine feelings* ^ and other delufive blandifhments, fo as to deceive many; it is time to efpoufe the caufe of injured virtue and religion, at any hazard Cler. You are one of the precife ones, I find, as your name and fign intimate. I am a clergyman of the City of Efiablifh- ment, but have no good opinion of fuch very lingular people, as are ever finding fault wiih others. Exper. Sir, I believe you are a clergyman j and am forry for what you fay. Ckr. Sorry for what ? That I am a clergyi^an ; or, that I have no opinion o^ you P Exper. Both, Sir. I have a great regard for your citv, would have all its clergy of the beft fort; and I am certain, that there are not better men in the world, than fome of them. C/er. But you feem to have no good opinion of ;r^^. Exper. As a pilgrim, or clergyman, Sir, I cannot fay I have. For, no man ought to defert the Ki?i~*s highway to 'pleafe him- felf, and much lefs fhould a clergyman. ^Words much in ufe by Mr. Shandy^ and his difciples. ^ Rom. xv. i, Cler. [ >37 ] Ckr. I tell you, Undlord, ti.e times are altered. This is an age of improvements. Vou mult not think to palm the puritan- ical opinions and pradice of the iall century, upon the enlight- ened and free-thinking fpiiits of the piefent a^ra Expcr. I am too ienfi^le that the times are altered, but it is for the worfe. Arts and icicnces may be improving, but I fear, that religion is lofmg tlie ground, which it had lately gained a- mong us. Cler. Your very name and fign would drive half my brethren from your h^^ufe; but Hove novelties, fo chole to have a little confabulation vvicliyou. Exper. Had you not loved novel tie?, you would have kept ift the good old way. My name and fign, Sir, are venerabie a- mong true pilgrims, ana to fuch only I endeavour to recom- mend myfel:. C!er, I fuppole, by yo-^r name, that you have much to fay of inward motions, impuJks, and revelations. Yoa, and your brethren, who go thro' the vallies your own way ; dieam of gob- lins, demon?, and voice>, which Iconnder as onl\ «ie workings of your over- heated imaginations. — Come, hoft, Jet me have a pipe, and-a boitle of your beft. I like to talk with }0u, becaufe you a.e cool ; tho' by your own account, I fhail eat and drink for nothing. Exper. Sir, you fhall have any thing my houfe will afford 5 for, if I loie monev by you, here are fou- true pilgrims, arrived this day, who will amply repay me any lofs I may fuftain by you. Cler. O ho ! have I happened upon a knot of you ? Well, I hope you will not look on me as a reprobate; for I declare, that I have no ill will to any of you. — I think, Mr. Experience, you was born in our city ? Exper. Yes, Sir, I am the fon of John Orthodox, a native of that city. Oer. Yes, yes, he has been dead fome time, and his family is gone to decay, Ex^er, [ '38 ] Exper. That is too true. They were once the principal people in the city. CIcr. They were fo. But, I imagine, that the corporation will be better managed by the Arminii ; which is a learned, rifing> and flourifliing family. '^ Exper. Are not you, Sir, ofthathoufe? Clcr. I have that honour, Sir; and my friends and relations fill the principal offices of the city. Exper. There never was a good harmony between our fami- lies. However, I do not fee why we faould auarrel about things which our King only can reconcile. Cler. How do you meali, landlord ? Exper. Why, Sir, it is my opinion, that no man will unite cordially with our family, until Jehoz'ah inclines his heart thereunto. Cler. That, Sir, is faying great things in your own favour. Exper. It^is fpeaking according to the fcriptures". Cler. I think not; and how are we to determine in fuch cafes ? In Ihort, hoft, there is fo much to be faid, pro and con, on thefe things, that I think it bell not to be politive or dogmati- cal in any matter. Exper. If I undcrftand your meaning, it is this. " There are fome differences among religious people: therefore it is beft to be indifferent about religion." But you would not fo aft in worldly matters. You are probably a man of real property; fuppofe the title to your efcate were difputable, would you be eafy and indifferent about it ? Cler. That is a cafe in which we can obtain a clear decifion. Exper. Not more fo than in the affair of leligion. The dif- ference lies not in the obfcurity and uncertainty of religion ; but in our indifpofition to fei about feeking it. Prefenc things ftrike our carnal minds; but future things, of a religious nature, jaiakc little impreffion on them. Ckr, [ ^39 ] Cler. Really, hoft, that is a home thrull ; I find it too true. But you mull acknowledge, that lb many various opinions do hurt the caufc of religion. Exper. They are no other than might have been expefted from the vaft importance of the fubjeft, and the jull right which every man hath, in fuch matters, to think for himfelf. There cannot be a more feriotis inquiry, nor are our intellefls ever more properly employed, than in the bufinefs of religion. C/er. But when truth is fo very difEcult to obtain, it is very difcouraging. Exper. Wifdom's ways, doi^or, are all plain to them who will under Jland^ . A wa) faring man, tho' a fool, fliall not err therein, fays Prince Paraclete'^. Do you underiland me, Sir? Cler. No, indeed, landlord: for who is there that fecks and SA^ould not find ? Exper. All thofe who feck amifs, may be t'=rmed of that fort, *' Ye aflc, and receive not," faith an ApolUe, '* becaufe ye afk amih^.'* Cler. And what do you think is feeking or aflcing amifs ? Ezper. The Apoftle defines it for us. " Ye aOc," fays he, " that ye may confume it on your lulls." From whence it is plain, tliat whofoever feaiches for truth, to gratify hiscuriofity, or nourifli his pride, by obtaining matter for carnal reafoning, and vain difputing; fuch a perfon feeks and afics amifs; and fliail not find the tiuth in the love of it. He is not folicitous to do the will of our Lord, therefore fhall not be rightly informs ed of tlie doclrine that is according to truth^-. Cler. But, after a'l, how can any perfon be certain, whether he is riglitly informed in thefe things ? Exper. We have an unclion from Prince Paraclete, and know all things 5. Cler. A\\\ my good hoO:; you muft, as I faid, come to in- ward feelings, experiences, &;c. But fuch teitimonies will not » Prov. viil. 9. 2 Ifaiah XXXV. 8. 3 Jam. iv. 3. 4johavii. 17. 5 John ii. 20. do [ HO ] do in thefe days. — A dillinguillied ruler in our city, and of our family, hath fhewn the fallacy and weaknefs of fuch preten- fions, in a Ir^ok, entitled, The Rule of Grace. Wherein he afierts, that Prince Paraclete, who wrote the bible^ and of whofe com- pany and alliftance, you pilgrims pretend fo much to; did not larry in this world long, after he had finiflied that book: but went back to the Cclejiial City, and carried away with him, all his cordials, oils, and falves*, together with his commentaries and notes on his own works: fo that we mull not expeft thofe indiilgerces ; which the primitive pilgrims were favoured with. Kay, my learned kinfman attempts to prove, that there is no need of them ; fmce Mr. "Batumi Man^, who was then very blind and impotent, is now fo well recovered, as to do very well for us, with the help o^ Prince Paraclete's w^ritings. Exper. I have heard of that writer. I think his name is Diotrephes'^. He made a pretty fuccefsful expedition againit the Giant Infidelity, under the command of Mofes the Great. But being a ftranger to himfelf, he was puffed up ^^ with his good for'une, and thought himfelf mafter of the w'hole fcience of di- vinitv. Full of luch notions, he removed from the City ofEjia- blifbment, unto the City of Vc?iity, by the way in which you came. I fa\v him roll by in his coach, and exprefs his difgult at us, as he pafTed my houfe. However, he did not fail to call on Mr. Shandy, wdiofe tutor, feme fay, he was. From thence he went and took apartments in Cold-Bath-Fields, in the faid city; and there he wrote the book you mention. In that work he treats the famous M?^j. Duplex and Feri'idtis, and all the inhabitants of Church-Street, in your city, with great feve- rity ; denominating them, the enthufialls of our age. But, 1 think, he has been fuitably anfwcrcd. Cler. There is one Andrew Harden, who immediately replied to my relation; and proved fufficiently, that if thofe prelates, who reformed the City of EJlahliJhment from the grofs innovjticns of Pope Peter, are to be credited by us ; the Prince Paraclete, at that time, had neither left the city, nor carried away any of his drugs or Hotes. From thence he infers, that if the Prince^z ' 2Pet. 1.21. 2 Rev. iii. iS. 3 iCcr. ii. 14. 4 3john 9. 5 iTim. lii. 6. prefence [ >4« 3 prefence and aid, were found abfolutely neceflaiy, and gra- cioufly afforded, fifteen hundred years after the bible was finifhed ; they furely, at prefent, are equally neceflary, and may chearfuiiy be expeded, by all thofe who feek them. He alfo further cllablifhes his point, by lliewing, that Mr. 'Natural Man, inilead of being lefs purblind and impotent, as Diotrc^hes had aflerted, grows worfe and worfe'. Tiieretbrc the Prince's aid is more wanted. Murden confirms his icntiments, by (hew- ing, the divine Prince had propheficd in his writings, that there alwavs would be the greateft need of his prclence and aft- firtance in the city*; and that he never would abfolutely with* draw from it^. In fhort, I mull: confefs that, Mardcn has the better of the argument, tho' I cannot adopt his fentiments. Exper. [ think Mr.MarJeny tho' too much for Diotrephes with his pen, yet, in other thing?, relpeding temporal power, was too weak to iland againll him. Ckr. He was fo. Harden ^ when he wrote again ft Z)/;'/r^^/?', dwelt in that prelate's rents, in the City cf Eftablilhment. But his work was fo Hinging to his landlord, that he never was fa- tisfied, till he had drove him from his diltricft. At length, the friendly Dr. Seek took him under his protedion, and made a comfortable provifion for him, on his own eftate. Exfer. Thu? you fee, Sir, that it is with us, as it was with Immanuel himfelf; who, when treating on this very fubje^l, with a great dodor of i\\t'Jezuiff:> Churchy (aid, *' We fpeak that which we know; and teftif}- that which we have ittw^ and ye receive not our witnefs'^." So we Pilgrims conllantly alTert, that the prefence and aid of the Prince are with us, and we con- firm our affertions with a ferics of ftri(5l piety, in all relations of life; yet ye will not give credit to our teftimony. And are_)w/ ClericuSy a teacher in our Ijracl, and knoweil not thefe things ? Cler. If I were to difcourfe oi fuch things in my pulpit, I (houkl give great offence to my bell parifhioners. * 2 Tim. iii. 13. a John vii. 3S, 35. 5f xv. 5, 3 Ifalah lix.zr. ^ John iii, II. Exper, [ 14^ 1 Exper. That Is, becaufe you have fo long departed from the religion which glows in your prayer-book, and which, I dare fay, has led you to tliink it enthuliaftical in fome parts of it. CJer. That's true, landlord. Imuftown, I have often wifli- cd, that the antiquated terms of J^/^^/z? ^(.y} were changed for modern ones. Such a?, lied and bound zvith the chain of cur Jhis ; avh being one zviih Chrijfy and dzoelling in Chrift, and Chrijl in us, ilfc. Which are terms I could never underftand. But I confider them as an or-ental way of fpeaking, adopted by our reformers. So I hobble over them as well as I can, and hear- tily defire a reformation of the prayer-book. Expcr. Hobble over them indeed ! The good men who compiled our pravers, were truly orientals : they dwelt near the fun, in a warm climate, and a latitude which you cool divines, never were in. 1 would advife you to feek for a reformation of yourJek'eSi and then you will think the prayers want none,, in that refpert. I often pity you clergymen, who know nothing of the power of religion. Some parts of your duty muft certainly be a burden to you. Cler. In truth, landlord, fometimes I had rather go to plough than to preach. Exper. And, unlefs/w/?^^//^/ changes your heart, it had been much better for you to have wrought in the meaneil occupation, than to have thruft yourfelf into the minillry. Such divine of- fices it is moil awful to trifHe with. You mull certainly render, to our Lordi an account of your ftewardfhip ; and what can you fay foryourfeli ? Permit me to afk; Do you think you have been inflrumental in converting one foul } Cler. Converted to what ? All my parifhioners are Chrifl- ians. I believe there is not a Dciil, nor a Jew, among us. Exper. I fear that you need not go out of your parifii in fearch of Infidels. But 1 find you arc an ablolute ftranger to your duty, as a miniller o{' b/imanuel. Cler. I am as diligent in my duty as any man in the city. I perceive we fhall not agree ; my pipe is out, (o I will bid 3?ou a good night. You are welcome to your oddities^ and muil permit me to enjoy mine. Gentlemen, I vvifh you a good night. CHAP. [ H3 J CHAP. XXIII. Clericiis departs. The Pilgrims take their ieave of Mr. Experience. Probus, going in fearch of Clericus, /; taken prifofier by the Giant Infidelity. ^y^FTER Clericus was withdrawn, faid the landlord. Exper. You fee, my friends, what perfons I have fometimes to deal with. However, very few of this fort will call here, for they choofe to pafs by, and put up at the Weather-Cock. This gentleman is a free, good tempered foul, and has more to boail of, than many of his brethren. Prob. I like hi? temper, tho' I deteft his principles. I blefs my LorJi that I did not ride in a chariot, as it might have hin- dered me from going down into the ^\Qciid,r\i Falley of Humi- liaiion. Kef. Ah, Probus^ let us pity and pray for fu^h as this gentle- iTi:?n ; for they cannot open their own eyes, tho' they might, ind ihould, decline entering into fuch facred employments; fmce they can have no liking to any thing in them, but their falarles. liisfehovaFs work to convert finners; and, if this gentleman were converted, he would make an excellent minif- ter oi himiannd. Let us pray for him. It being late, they went to prayer, and did not forget Clericus. The Pilgrims v/ere then conduced into the noble Chamber of Eope, which v»'a3 fitted up by the hand o[ Mr. Experience^, and wi-^ the fame x\\2ii Jeremiah, St. Paul, and other great men, had rcDofed in. Here they fweetly ilcpt, and arofe in the morning much re'rcfhed. They had not been long down Itairs before Clericus appeared, and ordered his carriage to be got ready. ^ Rom, V. ^. Exp^r, [ H4 ] Exper. Good morning to yoii, Sir^ I hope you flept well? C/cr. Thank you, landlord. I find you have a good bed in yourhoufc; but the decorations oF the room are very pecu- liar. My chamber, I perceived, was denominated, Novice Chamber'^, and was hung round with fcripture pieces, chiefly of a melancholy nature. But I confidered it all as the way of the houfe I was in; fo flept very foundly, tho' I was furrounded with rcprefentations of death, judgment, heaven and hell : with many other fuch whimfical Icenes. Exper. We deal much in fcripture, and mal:e all we ^o^ fome way look to affairs of an eternal nature ; becaufe we know that thofe things mull foon be experienced by us. Cler, That is true. Landlord; but they tend to four our dif- pofitions, and caft a gloom over all the enjoyments of life. Exper. I think otherwife, Lir. What fay you to 7ny temper and conduct ? Cler. Why, to be plain with you, hoft, I like your free manner very well. The lines of your face are neither mopifh nor auftere. I find there are exceptions to our general opinion of your party ; and, for your fake, I fhall think more liberally in future. Exper. And, as to pleafure, Sir, whenever our Lord fhall in- cline your heart to feek him in truth, you will be afhamed of your prefcnt falfe talle of happinefs; and acknowledge, that you never enjoyed any real pleafure until then. Cler. It muft be the Lord indeed ; for he only can work fuch a change in me ; fince, at prefent, I find no kind of inclina- tion to your monallic rules. So, landlord, farewell. Exper. The Lord blefs you, Sir, and bring you to another way of thinking. Clericus being gone, Experience and the pilgrims went to breakfafl: : after which he took them up into an elevated obfer- vatorv, diredlly over the Chamber of Hope. In this place, they found themfelves freed from many depreflions, which are inci- ^ iTim. iil. d. dent [ HS 1 Jent to tliofe who dwell below. Their lungs played freely, their Ipirits flowed lively, and they looked round on various objedls with great delight. They now faw the Dek^abk Mountains very plainly; and, tho' ttiQ road to them feemed to have many diflicuhies in it i yet the green and delegable ap- pearance of the mountains fo attr:\i5\ed their fouls, that they were willing to encounter whatever trials might lie in their way ; under a ftrong confidence, that he, who had hitherto help- ed them, would never leave nor forfake t.-em. The Pilgrims now prepared to fct Qutj an,d Mr. Experience faid, Exper. My brethren, the next place you will put up at, is the Pilgrim Inn, in the City of Vanity ^ kept by Mr, Standftift, for the ufe of pilgrims. Remember my love to him. As to you, friend "Rcjoliits, take care of your wand. Remember whence you had it. You may Hill be roughly handled, bur the hord^ who hath fo eminently appeared for your aid, will llill deliver you, Probus, add to your knowledge, temperance-'. And, finally, be ye all faithful unto death^, and your LordWiW give you crowns of glory. He then embraced them, and the Pilgrims thanking him ^ox sU favours, wept qn their way rejoicing. *^ Our journey is a thorny maze, " But wc march upward ftilJ, '* Forget the troubles of the ways, " And reach at Zion's Hill. " Our fouls will tread the defer t thro', " With undiverted feet, " And faith, and flaming zeal.fubdue, " The teiroTs that we meet.'' Watts. The Pilgrims walked great part of the ^^y with pleafure; difcourfing on the wonderful things they had leen and heard on the road. At length they faw at a diftance, a carriage waiting near a llile, which led into a field on the right-fide of the road. When they drew near it, they found a way-poft ercded at I 2 Pet. i. 6. * Rev. \\. 10, h the tlie llilc, on the top of which was an inrcription, fignifying, that the itile led into the ^\fi{ci\\\.F!e/il of Speculntion ; thro' which, lay a beaunful and eafy path to another lliJe, that illued again into the high road, at the farther end of the field. This inlcriptio-n was figned by fevcral, whofe names were famous among pilgrims. When the Pilgrims had obferved the chariot, they knew it be- longed to Clcricus who had flcpt at the Prodigal, the night before. The fervant told them, '* That his mailer, on reading the in- fcriotion, had gone over the ilile, and ordered htm to wait his return ; but, he had been lb long gone, that he was uneafy about him." On this, Probus looked over the ilile, and feeing a plain path, with a great variety of beautiful flowers; was inclined to take that road. Ref. Pray, brother, do not part from us; let us keep the common path, and not endanger ourfelves by venturing into new ways. Prob. This is not a new way. You fee it has been ufed by many great men. It is well trodden, and foon ifl'ues again into the highway. I will take this rout, and if I find Ckricus, I will bring him to the other end of this field. So, Mr. Coachman, I would have you drive to the farther ilile, and wait there till we come. Probus went over the flile, and proceeded by himfcif in the Field of Speculation, leaving his brethren to go on in the highway. He had not walked far before he became fo de- lighted with the fragrancy and beauty of the flowers, that he could not confine himfelf to the path ; but thinking tiiofe flow- ers which were farrhell from him, appeared moll lovely, he went to examine them; and was fo charmed with the new objefls which every ftep prefented to him; and flopped fo often to confider their peculiarities; that the day declined, and night drew her fable mantle over him, before he was aware of it. The evening, however, proved very fine, and the moon arifing, he made no hafl to attain the ilile: but eagerly rambled among thelc beauties, 'till, being quite raviflied with their fweetSj [ >47 ] (vvect?, he laid down, and fpcnt the night in a rapture of ip- telJe<^ual pleafure. Here he lay, hilled with the fwect melody of the birds, 'till the fun had rifen high above the horizon. When lie awaked, Jie began to think of Cicricusy and his brethren ; being re- folved to look well after that good-natured fon of Levi, and get liim into tjie way with him. In this refolution, he firayed farther and farther to the right ; until he perceived the fouthern boundary of the field; which he approached, and found it to be a high, thorny hedge ; but not fo thick as to prevent his eyes from penetrating into the next field. Thro' the thicket Proius attentively looked, and thought he difcovered many flowers far more beautiful than any he had yet feen. He then faid to himfelf. " This is a new difcovery : if I can but find a way into the next field, I fliall bring from thence fome curious produdions of nature, that were never yet feen by the learned." He accordingly explored the hedge very carefully, 'till he reached the eaftern end of it, where he found an avenue, withartile; and over It, written in capitals, the following admonition. Secret things bchng unto God^. The Pilgrim, infatuated with the flowery profpcdl, and the delufivehope of making fome ufeful difcovery, did not fufS- ciently weigh the admonition; but rafhly ventured over the fti!e, and eagerly prefTcd on to gratify his intemperate mind. In this field, the name of which was free-thinkingy he found many things to engage his attention ; but none that fully fatisfied him. He wandered from one thing to another, 'till the fun went down ; but /"rc/i'; was fo abforbed in his inquiries, that neither food nor company were defirable. Thus intoxicated, he again feW afleep, amid ll a flattering variety of exquifite flowers; the glow- ing images of which, fo employed his imagination, and their fra- g-ance fo foothed his fenfes ; that he lay entranced until high day; when, behold, he was roufed by a huge Giant, of a moft fearful afpefti who, with a terrible voice, demanded who he was, and what he did there ? Froh. I am a Pilgrim, in my way to Mount Zitn. * Dcut. xxi.x. 29. i- * Ginnt. [ 143 ] Giant. Yo\i may be a pilgrim, but this is not the way to any I'ucli place as you dream about, and this you Ihall foon be convir.ced of. On this, the Giani commanded Prohus to arife : fo he arofe, and Aood trembling before the monller; who, with a grinning afpeit, told him, that he was his property, as he had found him upon his ground; therefore he malt go with him. He then feized the Pilgrim, threw him on his broad flioulders, and flalked with him over i\\t Field of Free-thinkings towards a caiUc, which was :itua:ed in a thick wood adjacent to the field. CHAP. XXIV. iProbus'j: dreadful adventures in the Caftle of Scepticifm. lie fads. Clericus there. The^ efcapc\ arrive at the City of Vanity, and find the brethren* THE Giant carried Probus into the caflle, the outward court of which, was filled with people of various ages, who were engaged in feveral diverfions, and appeared quite un- concerned with every thing that palled. The Giant conveyed him to a gloomy dungeon, and fetting him down, thus aadreiRd him. Giant. My name is hfJelity. You are now in the llrong Cajlle of Scepticifm^ from whence, you can have no hope o\ ever cfcaping ; wherefore content yourfelf, renounce all the chime- rical hopes you have entertained as a pilgrim, give up yourfclf to mc, and you fhall fare as well, and be as happy, as thofe whom you faw diverting thcJmfclves in the conrt of the callle. Many of whom were once, as full of fanatical expedations of fu- ture happinefs, as you; and had gone farther in the pilgiim road, than you have done, Probus t >49 ] Prohus looked melancholy, but made no reply. The Glanl therefore left him. When he was gone, the unhappy Pilgrim began to refleft on his foolifli condud ; and now the admonition over the llile, into the FieU of Free-thinkings came to his mind, and pierced his very foul. So he threw himfelf on the ground, and with many tears befought the Lord to pardon him, for de- firing to be wife above what He had thought proper to reveal ; and to deliver him from the dreadful place, into which his vain and finful curiofity had brought him, Probus then -arofe, and examined the dungeon in which he Was, bat found no probable way of cfcape. It was gloomy and horrid beyond defcription, and had fuch a pernicious efleft on his fpirits, that he fat down on the ground in the deepefl: dejec- tion of mind. The Giant brought him food from the adjacent field ; but he found that food rather iiicreafed his mifery; he therefore declined to eat any more of it. On which, f?.id the Giant, Giant. Yon may as well eat and drink while you can, for you mull foon die and perifh, and that will be the end of youi; for as to Mount Zion, Heaven^ and eternal happincfs, there are no fuch things in exiilence. Thefe words were more terrible than daggers to the foul of P ret us, who was now bereft of all the itrength and reafon %vhich he exercifed at Deijl-Hnll-, and had neither wnfdom nor power to anf.ver the G/5t ] panics of foldiers drawing towards the caftle, and bringing with them every requifite for an attac'; on the fortrefs. i hey foon cleared the ground, intrenched themre!ve% raifcd their batte- ries, and began to fire upon it moll furiouny. Two of the chief leaders in this enterprize, were known by ihe Pilgrim ; they were Vaptiiins Leland and Doddridge^ who were commanded oy the brave General Revelaiiony whom Prolus rejoiced to fee again ; it being the fame perfon, who had helped him at the Slough of Dcfpond. Their bat-teries fliook the caftle to its foundations. The Gimt was not idle. He had procured feveral from the ad- j-^cetit Cities of Vanity and Serifuality^ to affill him in defending his caflle; and among thefe auxilaries, Probus 6.\(co\trQ55 3 me by one of his dear fervants; and brought me info the com- pany of fuch as fear his hoi; name, and rejoice in his great falvation. St.wJftiJI. The ways of Jtbovah are above, out of our fight. He works, and none can let, or Itay his hand. Probus erred, by wandering beyond the bounds which 'Jehovah has placed to our fpeculative powers; and it is a mercy that he is recovered. The human mind was made, indeed, to enjoy noble difcoveries oi knowledge and happinefs; but iincc the iiW of man, 'hefe profpeds are fled. Imnuiuue!^ however, has recovered for his people, all that was loll in Adam, and a rich acceffion both o^ knowledge, holinefs and joy. But thefe are not to be fully en- joyed in thisworld ; we arc to wait for them, until we areclothed vtith our houfe which is from the Qlckjlial City. Some curious ibuls, even among pilgrim?, are no: content to wait : but are eager to pry into thefe hidden things; and ov^x King has fo far indulged their Dropenfities, as to permit them the enjoyment of the Field of Speculation -^ but has cautioned them from proceeding too far, by the admonition which Probus mentioned. It is too •evident, that all do not take the warning, therefore fall into the hands of the moniler ////?^i//7y, who is of the t^cq oi eiil Genii^ and whofe power extends over the Field of Free-thinking, which furrounds his callle. Thro' that field there is an high- way to the CityofSe?fuality, ind^ Dei/i-H^/l. And another more private way to the Weather -cock. Prob. Wherefore is it that fome are fo prone to err in this f cfpedl ? Standfijl. Our fouls being confined in this dark prifon of the body, eagerly exert their native powers ; which being depraved, are far more dcfirous of making curious inquiries, than they are of obeying the known commands of our King. Many good pil- grims, iiillead of being thankful for, and contented with, the difcoverics which divine wifdom has condefcended to m.akc ; rafhly pafs the bounds of moderation, wander into the laby- rinths of unbridled thought, and iall a prey to the woril enemy of pilgrims, that horrrid moniter Infidelity. You have abund- dant reafon, my friends, to blefs the Ki?}^ for your efcape. It is t >56 ] is not very common for perfons to be thus favoured. You faw how many there were in the court of the callle. They, poof wreichcs, hive given up their hope in a future Hale, for the vile pleafures of this momentary life. Mary brave captains are continualiv attacking this calUe, and the G.w;/ ; yet he fliil re- mains a moft formidable foe to the way, and the fouls, of pil- grims And, what is very aftonifhing, he has the addrcfs to perfuade fomc, even among mankind, to adiil him in his diabo- lical dcf)gns ; and thefe, in general, are perlons of no fmall learning and human abilities. Cler. How is it, good Si •, that fuch mien as moft exert their faculties, are in the greatell danger of falling into this enemy's hands? ^tandf. You mav as well a(k, Sir, why it happens, that per- fons who are in perfefl health, and in afHuent circumllances, arc moll in danger of fenfnal intemperance ? The faculties of our fouls, and the food convenient for them, may be abufed, as well as our corporal appetites and provifions. A fick, or a poor jnan, cannot be fo intemperate, as a healthy and rich man ; be- caufe he has not the means. Nor can a weak or illiterate pcr- fon, abufe the gifts of the mind, like a man of Itrong intel- 3e6ls. Our nature is fallen. Our King has thought proper ta fct bounds to our inquiries, beyond which, he has commanded us not to venture i but in many cafes to take his word impli- citly, and. rather believe, love, and obey, than fpeculate. 7'he proud carnal heart will by no means fubmit to this rule* The plain common pilgrim acquiefces in it, and neither has lei- fure nor inclination to feek further: he believe?, loves, obe\s, «nd is happy. On the contrary, the more refined pilgrim, not being fufficiently humble or thankful for what he knovvs ; per- plexes himfelf with curious inquiries, how fuch and fuch things can be; and thus fubjeds himfelf to the defigns of his enemies* becaufe he will not fubmit to the plain inllrudions of th« Lard'^ moft holy word. Cler. While I was in the caflle, 1 often refieded, thai it was « thoufand pities wc had not more evidence for divine things. C 'ST ] StanJf. Many good pilgrims have indulged fuch wi{}ies to the great hurt of their faith : and many, who were only pro- fefTors of the pilgrim religion, to their eternal ruin. Man, while in a ibtc of innocence, lived by fight, pioie than bv faith. He converfed with his maker, face to lace; and, perhi^ps, wjs fre- quenily villted by celeilial beings- But n^.an, tho* fo highly favoured, proved difobedient ; tlicicfore, although in infinite mercy, o\xr King has redeemed us by his own Ton; yet he has not thought proper to rellore us, in this world, to that vifion of himfelf and eeleltial beings, which, our progenitor enjoyed ; but has determined, that while we abide here, Mve fhall ivallc by faith. We may rell aflured, that, on the whole, this is bell for us. For, our Ki?ig does nothing oi this nature, purely to declare his fovereignty over his fubjecls ; b it wil make even this trial of our obedience conducive t>j our glo y, and fu- ture happinefs. I contels that this dark fituation is not joyous, but oftentir^es very afflifting to Jehovahh ch Idren, to be at fuch a dillance from, and to remain fo ignorant of, their divine father, and celeilial things. And this vehement paffion for dir vine knowledge, has been frequently made ufe of by their enemy, to dillrefsaqd afflld them. But, when we refie6o ] fcriptures which treated of faith in Immanucl^ and he was much delighted with them. Indeed he was quite fwallowed up with the grace of our Lord, and would hear of nothing but hnmanuely and him crucified': he cried out, I do not know how it is with me, for I never in all my life felt fuch a change ! [ have power to love /w/v/?/?/!^^/ vvhom I oppofed, and to believe in him whoin I lb long rejected ! O my hmanuelj how merciful art thou to me. The Divine and Colonel were filled with joy, as partakers of the fame grace oi o\ir Lord, and that inlucha manner, as if they had been acquainted together for many years. Many ofiicers of the army were continually coming to fee the Colonel. To whon^ he talked freely of Immanuel, And wondered, without ceaf- ing, at his having found Immanuel ! The next day the Divine vifitei him, and faid. Divine, Has your view of Immanuel, and his falvation, been at all altered or obfcured finpe yellerday ? Sceptic. I hive no doubt, not even a remote one. It is jul^ the fame with me, as if I had alwsys believed, and never doubt- ed ; fo gracious is the Lord to me a fmner, and a folcier of the monilrous Giant Infidelity I On the fecond day, the Colonel was unv/earied in prayer, an4 towards evening, expired, while the Divine was giving him a word of comfort. We heard, afterwards, that his mother was a good lady, had prayed carneitly eleven years for his con- verfion, and received the news with the greateft joy. This ftory was peculiarly acceptable to Clericus and Probus: efpecially the latter ; who was fo much alFcfted with the narra- tive, as to make him quite inattentive to the pain in his arm. Cler. I now fee that I am a great debtor to the goodnefs of the Lord, and begin to be folicitous to unite mylelf with you ; for I am convinced that you are Hght, and will obtain peace at the laft. Will you, Sirs, admit me into the numoer of pil- grims ? ^ I Cor. ii. 2, Standf, [ i6> ] Stand/. We make no exceptions; whofoever will, may come, and partake of every p'-ivilege freely^. I would only afk you. What arc your fentiments of yourfelf, and of our Lord Im- manuel ? Oer. As to myfelf, I find, that I am a moll vile ofTender, and jullly condemned by the h©ly law of the Ki/!g. And, as to Immanuel^ I believe him to be the Son of Jehovah, and Ton of man, in one mediator; and the only perfon who can fave me. Stand/. You are a wealthy man, and preferred in the City of ZJlabJiJhmcnt't you mull expeft to be perfecuted and llandered by the world, and many of your brethren. Can you fuffer the lofs of reputation and preferment 'iox Immanuel ? Cler. Sir, when I was in the Cajile ofSceptici/m, I did, in Tome meafure, learn the great worth of religion. Since that lime, I have endeavoured to count the eoll of profefling it. And fhall be enabled, I hope, if called to it, to facrifice all that I have in the world, to keep my confcience void of offence. Stand/ Sir, I rejoice to hear your refokuion, and beg that you would begin your Pilgri^-fiage, by being our chaplain this evening. Tlhey all devoutly kneeling, Ckricus wreilled mightily in prayer, and intercellion ; and comforts were poured down upon them by their Kiti^. When he had done, they gave him the ri^ht-hand of Fellowflnp, and all retired to reft. ^ Rev. 3uii. n. - M CHAP. [ i62 ] CHAP. XXVI. Mr. Standfaft'j account ofhimfelf. Fohy of Mr. Lindfey Wool- fey, the Reviewers, and Dr. Flippant. Alderman In- duilry obtains the great churchy from Dr. Fleece, for Clericus to preach uu THE Pilgrims were lodged in the Chamber of Rejolution, In the morning their holt faid, Standf. Good morning to yoa, Sirs. I hope your lodgings were agreeable. All my gueils iile that chamber : and feme of the beil men, in palTing this city, have flept in that, and ano- ther over it, named Patience. An infpired writer once faid, that pilgrims had need to lodge there^" He then lliewed them a book, containing fome of the names and great adlions of men who had flept there. After they had refrelhed thcmfelves, Rcjolute faid to the landlord, Ref, Kind hoil, I like your name, and imagine your beha- viour has correfponded thereunto: therefore I fhould be glad to know fo much of your hiilory, as you may think profitable to relate. Standf. By the grace of our King, I am what I am*. And I blefs his name for fo keeping my feet, that I have never defcrted his holy path. My original name was Fearlefs. My father lived in the Town ofCivilityf which is fituated on the north, or ' Heb. X. 36. ^ J Cor. xv. 10. pleafantell [ '63 1 pleafanteft fide of Mount Sirtni. All the inhabitants of that town are io amazingly deaf, that they never hear the awful rhunders of that volcano. And, as the eruptions never run on that fidr, they are under no terror ; nor will they believe that there is any danger to be expefted from thence. As I was rambling about one evening, I drew near to the mouth of the volcano; when, fuddenly, my ears were opened^ and the moft terrible thunders fliockedme; to which was added, an audible voice, faying, ** As many as are of the works of the law, are under thecurfc^." On this, I ran home, and informed my father what 1 had heard. But he told me, my brains were turned; for he had lived on the mountain from his childhood, and never had heard any fuch things. Yet the words wliich I had heard, (o rang in my ears, that I could get no rell in my mind ; and therefore refolved, as I was near manhood, to leave the town, and feek a better fituation. J fled into the open country, and inclined infenfibly to the road which leads to the Strait Gate^ to which I faw many go, knock, and enter. On' this, I joined fome who were going that way; and inquired why they reforted thither? They told me, to obtain mercy for iheir fouls, and pardon for their fins. This, io fuited my cafe, that I was determined to knock for admittance. Accordingly, I went, and met with a moil gracious reception. When I came to the Crofs^ all my terrors were re- moved, by looking on that glorious fufferer. There, Prince Pciracltte appeared, and gave me a wand, which he called *Sbe?r^iah'y changed my name iQStandfnft\ ^ , . '^!^ and, fuch joy pofielfed my foul, that I came fing- ing^ thro' the Village ofCare/cJs, which let the people in an uproar of contempt and laughter. I abode fome time in the City of EJlabliJhment, where I be- came acquainted with the celebrated Mr Fervidus^ who mightily Itrengthened me in Immafiuel. When he faw my wand, he told me to keep it carefully. That he polleired ore of them, and that I need fear no enemy while I had it, and walked in the \ llalah xxjcv. 5. » Gal. iii. 10. 3 Afts viii. 39. M JJ .rioht [ 1^4 ] I rigiit vvav ; for, faid he, " My wand has been to me every : thing I could want. If I wanted wifdom, power, holinefs, j joy, Sec. The wand would furnilh me with them, by attend- j ing to it." He aifo faid, that, " Daz-iJ had one of them, j of which he made great and fuccefsful ufe ^" When I came down ImmanuelhPathy into the Valley of Hum:- UrAlon, I was forely befet by the mob; but, I girt my garfiient \ of humi'ity clofe round me, looked to my wand for patience, and j went thro' them with great compofure. Yea, I at length begari to rejoice that I was counted worthy to fuffei fliame Un'^Imrna' nue^s lake. The enemies feeing that, were exafperated above meafure : and loaded me with dirt, curfes, and many blows. However, I bore it all with patience; Mil, at length, they, being weary of perfecuting, left me to go on my way peaceably. When they had left me, I fell down on my face to adore and blcfs our ZW, for enabling me thus to endure ; and heartily prayed for my perfecutors 5. Arifmg, I was amazed to fee , before me, a moll glorious perfon, who foon convinced me he was my beloved LorJ, He blelTed mc, bid me fear no- thing, and difappearcd+. Soon after thi-, I was overtaken by a young man, who earneilly defired to wall? with me. He laid, he was one who had perfecuted me as I came down the hill ; but, perceiving my great patience, and mecknefs of behaviour, he was ilruck to the heart; and had no peace in hi^ mind until he determined to fet out after me. He begged my pardon for the treatment given me 5 ; and hoped I would not rejed him. This man proved afterwards an excellent pilgrim; his name was Cotijidcration. I pafTed Sf. Paui*s Arch with a glowing heart, tho* cover- ed over wiih filth. In the Valley of the Shadow of Death, Tophet feemed to be moved at my coming. Every flep I took difcovered new terrors. Here my wand was both wil'dom and fortitude to me» The Prince of Darknefs^ as ufual, raifed a gloom, and in it, haunted me with horrid and iihhy fpcdres, * Pr;iim cxviil. lo, ir, I2. - Ails v. 41.- ^ Mat. v. 44. ♦ John xiv. 21. i Rom. xll. ai. terrible [ 16; ] (ferrible noifcs, and blafphemous fpeechcs : but, all in vain : for my m nd was kept lb calm and Iliong, that when thc'T'y;/?/;/ himfelf" appeared, I defied him. I fliewed him my wand, told him his power was fo limitted that he could not hurt me, a poor man in human flefh. And, that his time to do mifchief was fhort; and, very ibon, I flionld fie as his jddge, Ice him dragged to the bar, condemned, and puniflied, with all his wicked aI^ociates^ At this, he raved with int"ernal madnefs; and the fiends compafTed me about like bees^j but, with tKe wand, I foon made my way thro' them ; nor were they permit- ted to touch me ; fo I came fafe from the valley to the houfc of Mr. Experience. He told me, he had heard an unufual ■commoiion in the valley, and thought fome courageous pilgrims were coming thro' it. When I came hither, I found an order from court, for me to continue here, mafter of this InUi in the ilead oi Mr^LcVcy who was preferred. Juft as Mr. Standfnji had finiflied his flory, they heard a great noife in the ftreet; and looking out to fee what it could be, they faw it was occafioned by a large body of men, dreiFed i-ii black. In the midlt of them were four men in party-coloured clothes, bearing on their fhoulders a chair, in which fat a maii drefTed like a clergyman of the City of Eftahli{{Dment. Around this perfon, the men in black, and a number of the citizens} Ifept huzziing in a \txy lou ' and extravagant manner. When this blacl and tumultuous rabble came before the Pilgrim hn^ they became ilill more frantic ; and, as they paiTed, they all roared out, as with one voice, " Right reafon and liberty iot cfver. Away with the enthufiafts!" Cler. What can all this mean ? for I perceive that moll of thefe men, as v.-cll as the perfon in the chair, are clergymen of the Citj ofEfiabliJhmeni. Stand/, They are, Sir, o^ that honourable order. The name of him in the chair is Lindjey Woolfey. The four men who bear him are called Monthly and Critical R^viezvers. They are the * Ccr. vl. 3. * Pfalm cxviii. 12. M 3 common [ i66 ] tonmon Crier- a^ \h\i Cit) of Vamty and Faljhood ; and arc hirei thus to carrv' about the ilreets, this lingular ecclefiaftic. You, doubiiefs, have heard of him : he fcems to be hcneit, but i! very weak, aiid extremely ignorant of what is his duty as a clergy-man. He has lately given up his benefice in the City cf EJIabhpment, becaufe he judged the conllitution cf the city io corrupt, that he could not in confcience any longer conform thereunto. He has taken a large houfe in this city, n^-ar the 7urk\ Headfaz-ern, in Bigh-Streefy kept by Mr.JpoJfate. Un'o this tavern, all thefe difaffedled fons of Levi ^re now convened, to draw up a petition for certain alterations, which, in their wonderful wifdom, they think neceffar)^- to be made, in the laws and fortifications of the City of EJlahlifhment, On Mr.Lindfey Woollefs leaving his benefice, and retiring hith'jr, his party were mad -. ithjoy, and iilaminated their apartments for three days: what extravagant expreCJons of triumph they v/ill manU fell, if any others of their party fljew themfelves fo far horefy I cannot fay: bat, at prcfent, they appear as fooliftily fond of this their idol, a: were the llupid Egyptians v/hen they had found theii homed Gody Apis. Ckr. I heard there was fome fcheme in agitation, before 1 fet ou: in this journey, and was to have been conluited in it. Standf. N<^thine, Sir, can be more wild than is their plan. Tl-e fum of it is, a re-uc-ft, " That thofe of ^he City ofEJlablifo- ment v. ill, in comrlaifance ro them, pull dov/n their ancient and vcri'-raV.e walls and gate:, and entirely alter the lawr, and plan 0^ their inititution, zs a body corporate.** One vain reafon Mri^^ by them, in fupport of tl^eir ridiculous requeil, is, *' That they v/ill believe nothing aflened by Jehovah or men, unlels ihcy are abh to comprehend it." Another reafon is, "That it is unlawful and unreaf'>inablc for any city in Chnflendom to have walls and gates." Thefe gentlemen are, in general, very fond of Ariamti'^ Rodman Images^ but inveterate enemies to pilgrim:^; therefor'; it was that they made the ou'cry againft enthufiafm, as they paffed my hoafe. In (horr, Iconfidcr them all as united in the intereil of the neighbouring Giant Infidelity. Ckr, [ >67 ] Cler, Ism alhamed for tkem, and ihall think it no £i:gr2cc to be defpired and Candered by fuch a fet or men. Ref. This tumakuous ca;-alcade reminds me cf whit wf fivr, as we came rhro'this cinr. It was a great concoune cf pericn?, chieSy of the genteel lort, round a verv elegant moantebank ftige, Iq a grand fquare. On the ftige was a perfon of noble mien, with a ftar on his breail i ana wi:h him a youth, whora he '.vas addreSng wi:h great volubility of I'pesch. S:::r-/. The perfon you mean, is a quae of the farit magni- race. He is cf the noble faniily o^ S:^.s-sp', but, ver^- lively, his defcendei to figure in the charafler you faw, by rfie name of Dr. Fi:ptJ^.t. His bafinefs on the ftage is, to recommend and difpoi'e of his m-dical carholicon ; to inllruil his naturil fen, the youth you faw with him ; and to vend copies of luch infiruc- tions. Sometime-, the hoary pedig'^gue will ape the filly tricks of a Buffbcx. His catholicon is a noilrum, by which he promifes to deliver any patient from the irkibme, and embamf- fing difordcrs of fincerin?" and a tender confcience : fo that the nllgiat of hi? patient, Ciill fit fo pcrfeftly e^iy on him, that neither the perlbn himfelf, nor thofc aboat him, will be at all affected thereby. Hi? inftruiftions to his fon, prin- cipilly conliil in, (hewing the neateil method of paring his nails ; the genteeleft manner of udng his knife, fork, and handkerchief, ami difpofing of his hands and ^ttii with themcil polite way of being vifcious; and fb managing every mufcle and feature of his alpetl, that no one fliail difcovcr the corraptdif- polition of his mind. In (hort, the whole the-on- and craclice of this illuihious empiric contain a generil alTcmblage, and artful diilillation, from all the gaudy Sowers of wit, politenefs, frolic, gaity, folly, iniincerity and diSpation, which are pro- duced in this great Giy 3fF^-z::y. The fingchrity of this phe- nomenon, like a powerful vortex, attracts unco it, all the light and gay people from ever}- quarcer J who laugh at the doc'tor*3 cricks, and purchaie his nollrums, and volumes of document?, with great avidity, without any apprehenilon of their moil per- ricious effc;fls. M 4 Cfc-. t i^^ 1 Cler. The report of Dr. flippant had reached the Cii^ oftfti- ilijhment, before I left it; and fome of my brethren condemned himj as an enemy to morality; while others extravagantly ap- jjlauded his pradice. One of them has even fet up the dodor's image on a Trujlk, for the ufe of boarding-fchools. J now pity thoie weak and vain people, who do not perceive -the futility and immorality of his inilruftions. Arc there any churches in this place, which are ufed by the citizens of our city ? I fhould like to give them a fermon, while I continue in town, Standf. Yes, Sir, there are feveral : and, I believe we can procure you the pulpit in the largell of them. Tho', I fear, you will not be permitted to preach more than once; for I imagine you will be too plain with them. Cler. Let us leave that to our mafter. Procure the church, and I will preach as often as He fhall permit. Mr. Standfaji had a ftaunch friend in the town, Mr. Alderman h^ujlry, a pcrfcn of fome influence^ to whom he repaired, •nd told hira who he had at hi" houfc, and what was his inten- tion. The alderman readily adopted the fcheme, and faid, he had no doubt of fuccefs ; becauk*, he was on good terms with Dr Fleece^ the reftor. Accordinciiy, Mr. Lidujh)^ uniting wiib himiolf fome other men of confequence, applied to the dottcr; informing him, that a friend of theirs, a clergyman of the GVy of Ejlablijhmenty was arrived in his chariot at Mr, Stand- fajth houfcj and was defirous, if he pleafed, of giving them a fermon in the evening. The reftor did not like the clerg^nnan's being at fuch an Inn j nor did he approve of his zeal in defiring to preach on a week- dav ; thefe things appeared to him irregular and fanatical; but, as he was unwilling to difoblige the gentlemen, he thought proper to grant him the pulpit. It was foon noiftd abroad, that a clergyman, who arrived in his chariot, would preach iij the evening at the great church. Accordingly, the church wascrouded, and C/m<:i!Z/, preached, taking for his text the following words. " Except ye repent, ve u 169 ^ ye rnali all likcvvife penQi^ " I*- wasa thundering fermon, for if tramc vvarm from his own heart, which had recently felt the great danger of perifhing in iin. The audience, both hig^h and la\v, learned and ignorant, were in mach agitation, while Clerictts flaewed the utter infufficency of all (.xiernal religion to appeafe an angry Jehoaah^ or to Uve one flnner from perirtiing. And proved, rhar .i zeal for this an J that fcil, : as no pirt ot true repemance, nor ot -i^rxy aviil tor falvation. He iatronizcd the difaffn'^ed clergy, with refneft 'o Mr . Lindjly fVooZ/iy ; .-inn Droved that pa-'y to oe avow- ed enemies to che goiptl of ine grace cfrf/'^yev?/^. He (hurply re- buked the general pradice of the city, f.verely cenfured the great and gay for their attachment to Dr. Flippajit^ and his noilrums ; and declared; that the whole '\>rporation woald perifli, like tliofc on whom the tower in ^iham fell - ; unlefs they repented. Ht (hewed what w-a^ aio'rp^l repantaoice; anddiundtred out the cu'fes oVyehovaF\ iawagainll the impenitenr. His eyes darted lightning, and his voice ^vas like a two edged fword ; infomuch ih-dtali v%'c re amazed at him. When he cam« to lay before tliem the grace of the gofpel, he recommended lmmmiml\ as the friend •of iinners, and the faviour of the loit, with all tht foft arts of perfuafion. Ar.d he h.ippily law che powerful efFecli of' his words, for the hearts of many were pricked^, the tears ran from their eyes, nor could they conceal the ftrong emotion ol their fouls, CJericus finifhed, and retarncd to the inn: many of the principal citizens branded him for z metho,-!i/}', v/hile others, of various diilinftions, came and inquired of him, what they Ihould do to be faved ? So that Ckricus and his friends had enough to do to difcourfe with them, and dire<^l' thcra in the Tvay of falvation, thro' the grace of the crucif.edonc. Alderman Iu(^njlr-^ wzz in raptures with C^r/V//j, and beftirred himfelf fo well, that he procured the pulpit for him the next -evening; but, when Z)r'. /vt'(?70 ] that the inhabitants would all run mad, and, being advifcd by fome of his brethren of the T ur k\ Head T uvern i he abfolutely refufed Clericus any further ufe of it. And, to gratify fome of the great men of the city, Critrs were fent about the town, to traduce him as a methodijl. Clericus finding this, received the new converts at his lodgings, formed them into a religious fociity, advifed them to meet often, to read the fcriprure, and pray together; and by all means to withdraw themfelves from the dreadful errors, and vain, fmfuldiverfions of the city. CHAP. XXVII. ^he dreadful death of Lord Profligate. The Pilgrims obliged to leave the City of Vanity. The"^ meet with Mr. Simple, who defcribcs the Town of Avarice. They arrive at the Pharifeeinn, ih the City of Formality. THE evening after Clericus had preached, he was waited on by a genikman, who begged him to attend a young man x-^^m^d Profligate y a perfon o( high rank, great fortune, and much eiteemed in the city; but who was then at the point of death. Clericus followed the gentleman. When he came into the room, there were prefent, his phyfician, and an intimate friend of the patient, whom he loved, and had ruined. Asfoon as the dying man faw Clericus^ he faid. Profligate. Sir, you and the phyfician are come too late ; I have neither life nor hope. You both aim at miracles: you would raife the dead. r .;■ ] Cler. He.K'en, Sir, is exceedingly merciful. Profl, Ves, or I could noc ]>ave been thus guilty f What has not the almighty done to blefs and to (-u'c m^ ^ But I have been too flrong lor omnipotence, I have plucked down ruin on my own foul / Cler. Remember, Sir, the great and blefiid Redeemer of loft men. Profl. Hold I hold ! there you wound me. That is tlie rock on which I have fplit. I have denied his name — I have aiiilled the Giijni InfJelity. He lay filent a little while, until the clock ftruck, and ihen, witli veiicmcnce, cried out. Prof. Oh time! r.'me! it is fit that thou Ihould'fl thus llrike thy Hiurcerer to the heart — How art thou flea for ever I A mon .hi Oh i'-yv a fingic vve-ek! I a^c not for years; iho' an age vveie :oo licde tor tne much I have to do. Ckr. 'Jehovah^ indeec, is moll worthy of our hearty and di- ligent iervices, and the CeUJlial H orld will amply repay ail our toils, fot it i; am('ft bkhed place. Prof. So much the worfe for me! 'tis loft! *tisloftl That worid unio mc is the (evereft par: of my torment! Ah, fatal Caftie ofSceptiaJm, CLr. Let us go to prayer. Sir, and feck a bleffing from our Lord. Prof. Pray you that can. I never prayed. I cannot pray — nor, need I, for the Zw^ is aheady on my fide. He clofts with my confcience. His fevereft ftrokes but fecond my own. His friend burft into tears, and Clericus could not re- frain. When the dying man perceived It, he gave his friend a Uioft aiTcc'iionatc look, and faid, Profl, C «7* ] Prof. Keep tho(e tears for thyrdf. I h^ve undone th«— Doll thou weep for fue ? That is cruel. What can pain me more ? His fr'end being too much a'ffedled, would have left him : but he ia:d, '■ Profl. No, Hop. Thou ilill may*fl hope» therefore hear mc. How madly haV' I adled and talked ! How madly hatl thou liltened and beli ed ! But look on my prefent ftate as a full anfwer to ■ nee, nd to myfelf. This body is all weakneG and pain : Lut my ioul, as if ftung up by torment to greater ftrength and fpirit, is full powerful to reafon, full mighty to rufFer : and ihat which thus, triumphs within the jaws of morta- lity, is, dou'tleis, imm rtal— And, as for a deity, nothing lefs than an Almighty Bein[.r could inflidl the pains and terrors which I fee 1. Oh, flee from ^njirelit^ ! Ckricus was about to congratulate this involuntary and fuf. fering confeflbr, on his aflerting the two prime articles of our faith, which were extorted from him by the wreck of nature; when he very brifkly interrupted him. Projl. No, no, let me fpeak onj I have not long to fpeak— My dear, and much injured friend, my foul, like my body, lies in ruins, in the fcattered fragments of broken thought. Re- moile for the pail, thrr>ws my thoughts on the future: worfe dread of the future, Ilrikes them back on the pafl. I turn, and turn, but find no ray of hope. Did'il thou feel half the moun- tain that is on me, thou would*ll Uruggle with the martyr for his (lake, and blefs Heaven for the flames. That is not an ever- lailing flame ! That is not an unquenchable Are ! Ckricusy and thofe with him, were ailoniflied at the force of his reafoning, and the keennefs of his remorfe- He was about to adminifter fome confolation to the fufFerer, when, with an eye of diltradion, and a face of defpair, he cried out, ProJl. My principles have poifoned my friend t My extra- vagance hath begarred my boy! My unkindnefs hath mur- dered [ 173 ] dered my wife! And is there another Hell? Oh, thou blaf- phemed, yet mort \vi^\j\y:xi^ Lord Almighty. Topbet nklt', will be a refuge, if it hides me from thy frown ! Soon after uttering the above words, his underftanding failtd, his terrified imaginaiion caufed him to utter horrors not to be repeated j and before the fun arofe, the gay, voung, noble, ingenious, accomplifhed, but moll wretched Profligate ex- pired*. CIcricus returned to his friends much affeded with the awful fcene; yet thereby greatly confirmed m his belief of rhe 'Bo.ir.^o'i Jehovah, and in the truth of the pilgrim reii^ion. When he related the melancholy ilory unto his brerhren ; ^hey were aH, but cfpecialiy Prohus, llrengthened thereby, in their refolutions of proceeding iLdfaflly in the courfe of their Pilgri- mage. Prohus had again foun ' his arm pain him, but the cafe Q){ LordProJligate was like a preci-^u balm thertunco. After 71>V. Standfajl had well confidered the wound, he Ihook his head, and faid, Ztandf. Brother Prohus^ you mull cry mightily to our King for faith, for I perceive that nothing elfe will cure your arm. Take this for your confolation, your wound is not mortal; but it may be very troubleibme to you; do therefore as I have di- rcfled. And when you arrive at the C//y of Qod, you mull re- pair to 6"/. Thomases Holpital i for, if a cure is to be obtained, you will find it there, from Dr. £vide//ce the phyfician. The next d^y, the City of Vanity began to be in commofion. For, feveral perfons who were the principals for fports, plays, and various diverfions, were among thofe who adhered to Ckricus i and now refufed to a6l in fuch fcenes^ This enraged the gen- try fo much, that they ftlrred up the mob againll Ckricus and his friends; a great multitude united, and came to the Pilgrim Inn, with an intention to pull it down. When Mr. Stafidfaji went out to expoftulate with them, they infilled that Ckricus ^ This is taken from D--. T(i\ng% Cenuiu*-, and was, I am Informed, ihe cafe of one »f oar Jiwbkmcx ^ Adts xix. iS, 19. fliouli [ 174 ] Hioald depart the city, or they would demolifii his hoiifc. Mr. Slanaftijiy perceiving their enmity to be fo violent, and knowing, that il he complained to Mr. Sreer^ the mayor, he fl\ould obtain no redrels; thought it bed to promife, that Cle- ricui fhould depart the next morning. With this, the mob were appealed, and diiperfed themfelves. The next day the Pilgrims prepared to depait; tut Ckrtcu^ found time to give the new converts a few ufeful inliruftions, how to condadl themfelves in their prefent fituation j one oF which was, often to refort to the Pilgrim Inn, and commune with Mr.Standfdfl. Then they all embraced iV/r.^"/^;?^^?/?, and took an affectionate leave of the ferious citizens. Clericus ftepi into his chariot, and took Prohus with him, promifing his brethren to Hop and provide for them at the next town. In the mean wiiile, many of the inhabitants were alfembled to {<:t them de- part ; and when they were going, they could not help faying, <' How loving and affedionate are thefe Pilgrims to one an- other." Sincere, FrienMy, and Refohte went on very comfortably, un- til they were come over-againft the hill Lucre: but there had been a great change in that place, fince Chrijiian paffed by. For the children o'i Gehazi, Judas, Detias, Sec. were fo greatly multiplied, ihat they had built a large town round ihe hill Lucr^, which they claimed as their inheritance. In this hill they fpcnt all their time and ftrength ; for they had digged vaft cavitic? therein on every fide, in fearching for filvcr and gdd. Many had been buried alive by the earth falling iu upon them ; for, being blinded by avarice, they worked foolifl-dy', and neglect- ed to ufe the neceflary precautions to fecure themfelves. As the Pilgrims p^ifTed by this town, they fiw a man coming from thence, in a path that entered the highway a fmall ditlance before them. The man feemed very thoughtful, and being come up to the Pilgrims, they entered into difcourfe with him> concerning the manners of the place he had juft left. ^ I Tim. y\. 9* Sincere, [ '75 3 Sincere. Good morning to you, Sir; I perceive that you came from yonder town. Permit me to afk, if you are an inhabitant of it? Simple. The name of the town is Avarice : but I do not dwell there. My name is Mr. Simple, o^ Reputiition- Street , in the C/ y ofFcrmalityy which is a few miles before us, and thither I am going. Sincere. Pray, Mr.Simpk^ what news is there ftirring in the town you have left ? News, Sir ! Alas ! they have no time to think, and much kfs to inquire about news. The whole t wn is in a coniinual hurry of bufinefs. Sincere, But bufmefs naturally leads to inquiries after intel- ligence. Simple. Every perfon, Sir, in that town hath his eye*: and heart centering in himfelf; no' does any perfon care a rufli what becomes ot his next door neighbour. There is neither friendfhip, charity, nor religion among them. If you enter into difcoujfe with any of them, the^r will be fare to turn it upon the profits of the hill, which is in the middle of the town. And their fpirits will flaftuate, be high or low, jufl accord- ing as they have had good or bad fortune in the mines. The people, in general, have a downvv^ard look, are very fufpi- cious of, and envious againft, each other. Sincere, I can fee no fign of a place of worfliip in the town; have they any religion ? Simple. There is no church, nor any place for public worfliip, in the town, tho' it is large and populous. N r is there any re- gard paid to the /,£?;-/? day ; but the miners work, and trade is carried on then, jull the fame as on other days. The reafons they aifign for fuch c .ndud, are, " That they have no time to be eligious: and that the inllitution of the Sabbath v/as found- ed in idlencfi^" \ Jlaiah V. %. * Er.Qil. v, 17, Sincere, [ '76 ] Sifitere. Do not tliofe perfons die like other people ? Ot.!^ would itriagine they were exempted from death, or they would not li. e fo inc>)nriderately. Sbnple. They leem to be infatuated: and what is remarkable, there arc few ot them who die a natural death. Many are bu- ried alive under the hill. Hundreds of them are taken with a llrnnge dizzmefs, that makes them rufii headlong into a lake, at a fmall diihnce from the town, QdWt^ 'Ctiz Lake of P erditiori^ . Ot'xrs are feizcd v\ith a delirium, in which thev imagine that they and their families fhail come to poverty*; therefore they will not affoid themfelves the common necelTaries of life, but aftually perifli of want, while their houfes are full of every kind of lubfiltance. Sincere. Did you never perceive any traces of religion among them ? Simple. They make no public profeffion of any. But, by what I have obfcrved, they are idolators^; for they pay a kind of religious regard to the hill Lucre. They affirm, that it is the life and fupport of the town''-, and therefore ought to have all their veneration. Sincere. Are you, Sir, a native of that city ? Siiiiple. Yes, I was born there, and lived amongft them many years; but being weary of their irreligious proceedings, I left it, and went with my family and fettled in the OVj of Formality Sincere. Did you ever hear of any attempt made to refoiia the Town of Avarice ? Simple. Yes, Sir, an efrbrt of this fort was made fome years fince, by one Mr. Fcrvidus y-o^ whom you probably have lieard ; I lived there at that time. Sincere. And pray, what fucccfs had that eminent fervant of Jmmanucl? Simple. Hardly any. When hefirilcame, he preached near the \i\\\ Lucre, and told them plainly, that they vvorfliipped that i I Tim. vi. 9. i Ecclef. vi. 2. 3 Ephef. v. 5. -* |ob r.x::i. 24. &; Pfalln lii. 7. hill. [ ^n ] hill, which would certainly prove their eternal ruin, if they did hot repent. He proved what he faid, by the jniferablc fate of many of their forefathers. He denounced many woes againll them, and declared, that it was eaficr for a camel to go thio' the eye o{ a needle, than for any of them to go to thq Cekliial City)^. However, \\^ ii^id^^ .Jehooah was able to fave them: which he proved by the examples of feveral eminently reli'^ious men, who had formerly lived in that to n; but, on their con- verfion, had left it, and fettled elfewhere. In fhort, he wa^ very alarming, and feveral of the people were afFcfted with his fermon. Bur. the imprefTions foon wore off, and the love of the hill Lucre {o captivated them agairi, that'no one but myfelf re- n:ovcd from the town. I was fo fenfible of the truth of what /'tTcvV/^faid, that I could not fleep at peace while I contrnn^d among them: I therefore colleded together .ipy fubllance, and removed from the Jtowu ; but ilill dp fopie bufinefs tlifrc, which often calls me among them. Frien. And how do you like the behaviour of the citizens, a- mong whom you now refide ? Simple. No one can. lay any thing again ft a. people, who arc {q famous for their regularity in all the offices of religion. Fr'un. Are all the inhabitants of your city of one perfua- fion ? Simple. No, Sir, but they are all v.erj friendly to each other. Frisn. What .denominatipn? arc there gmong them ? Simple. The principal part, zkc o'i iV,z City of EJlabliJJjment i but, there arc ^reai numbers of every ftreet in i:s fuburbs. Frien. And you i-xy^ they all agree together v^ry well? Simple. Tliey will on no account Frequent each others places ofworfliip; but they vifit e.ich other, and unite together in going to the public places of diverfion. In rtiort, we are very neighbourly. J never knew a more focial people. R^/. Then you have public places of diversion in your city ? * Mat. xix, Z4. N ' ^impk. I -78 ] Simple, Yss, Sir, there are theatres, afTembly-roomi;, Sec, all very elegant. Rdf. AndyctyQU fay, They are a very religious people? Simple. God forbid. Sir, that recreations Oiould dcftroy re- ligion, or religion ihould put an end to all recreation ! which is lb falutary to human nature. Ref. Are there no perlbns among you, who refufe to join in fuch divcrfiong, and fpeak againft them ? Simple, None rcfident amongft us, I believe. But, as tJ/is road runs thro' the city, there frequently arrive, travellers who diflike Tuch diverfions, and who will neither go to any of them, nor continue long in the city. Ref. Did not Fervidus preach among you ? Simple. Yes, and handled the citizens very roughly, even as plainly as he did the people of zhcTozv/i of Avarice. I thought he was too fevcre. He made it\s converts among them, and thofe who joined him, loon afterwards left the city. Ref, Which is the beft Inn for entertainment in that city ? Simple. It is near my houfe. It is a noble Inn, and is known by the Sign of the Fharifee, in Reputation-Street , kept by Mr, Conceit. Ref, And how do the citizens receive you ? Simple. I have a good chara6ler among them. And, as I re- moved from a wicked place, for confcience fake, J am much carcffed \ and, I thank Gody I am very happy both in body and mind. Ref Do you frequent theatres and afTemblies ? Simple. I am not fond of fuch things, but find it neceiTary to attend them at times, in order to cultivate good fellowlliip, and carry on bufinefs. Ref. And do you not find fuch diverfions to be hindcrances to religion ? Simple. Not at all. Sir. We always take care to prevent that, "o^ keeping our days of recreation at a proper diftancc from our reiigious [ '79 ] religious feafons. For inftance. We never have any of thofe diverfions on a Saturday night, nor in the whole v/cek before Sacrament Sundays ; becaufe they would interrupt our Week^s PreparatLn. We are very pundual in thefe particulars, I alTure you. They now drew near the city, which was large and popu- lous; and principally inhabited by the chWdxtn oi FormrJity and H^pocrijy. Which two families had intermarried. And altho* they were of different fe6ls ; yet were now become one incorporated body, and dwelt together in great cordiality. Tlue highway to 7Jon runs thro' this city. The Pilgrims enter- ed Reputation-Street y and, as they drew near to the Pharijee Inn, they perceived Clericus and Probus in a window of the houfe, which commanded the ftreet. So they thanked Mr. 'Simple for his kindnefs, begged him to call on them in the evening, and went in to their friends; to whom they rela.ed the difcourfe they had vj'iih Sira^ple-, and then called for fupper, which their friends had ordered a^ainit their arrival. CHAP. XXVIII. J dialogue between the Pilgrims an^i MciTrs. Simple, Formal, and hl'cni, fccwing the emptinefs of ell external religion y and the danger of trujiing therein. 7hey depart from the City of For- mality. WHEN the fupper was brought, they found that it was dreffed in the bcft manner ; but tiie quality of the food was very dry ana infipid. Cler. Landlord, are thefe the bell difhes your city affords ? Conceit. Sir, I imagined you were perfons of tafte, and rfierefore have provided for you, fuch things as I knew to be in N 2 grcateft [ '8o ] |reat?ft repute with our gentry. This is Reputation-Street, which is famous for its good mr.nn-.rs and provifion:. Cler. 1 know of nothing againft your majinen ; but if they arc no better than yo\iv fare^ your Itreet and city a ill be of no rc- nu'.ation with us. See, Sir, here is no gravy, and but very poor f .uce. Conceit. Gravy, Sir ! we never fuffer any in our food ; it is an obfol-te call m. And, as to lauce, w^e are very {paring. You have more than would be found at any nobleman's table in the city, and far richer in quality. Cler. You are dry fouls indeed ! Surely you ha\ e no fpirit among you ? Conceit Oar citizens, Sir;, are remarkable for the coolnefs of their difpofiiions. Cler. I believe, my friend"?, that this place will not agree with us. Pray, Mr. Conceit, are there any religious people in this city ? Conceit. Religious people, Sir ! Why, you are now at the head-quarters of religion. This city is devout, thro' all and every llreet thereof. Chr. I am glad to hear that. But do any perfons frequent your houfe, who are remarkable for their piety. Conceit. Yes, Sir, I exppft Mefr's. Formal 2.r\^ Merit in, every minute. They fcldom fail mc — Here they come, I perceive. Thefe were two of the principal chara6lers of the city ; who much frequented \.h.c Pharifee Inn ^ and were very fond of the company of Mr. Conceit ; who knew how to humour them ex- tremely well. Mr. Formal was a fat man, and came in with a folemn confequential ilep. Mr. Merit was lively, and rather .loquacious. They were both in years. Mr, Simple came jui't after them. Cler. Your fervant, gentlemen. Pray, be feated. We are flrangers in this city ; but tarrying the night, wc are defirousof fpending the evening profitably ; therefore are glad of your company. Formal. Fonnal. I am very glad to find you are fo well difpofed, and I hope we fliall difcourfe to our mutual fatisf^dion. Chr. To be moll profitable, I have ihrtcd the fubjcd of re- ligion ; having afked our holi, ir' there are any religious perfons among you r Merit. By that quellion it appears tliat ye are ftrangers here, indeed : fbr we are fo happy in this city, as to be all religious. We all arc born luch. Prob. I niuil beg leave to obje6l to that, as a new opinion. It was a faying among the chriilian fathers, " That men are not oorn Chrillians, but made fuch. ' Merit. That wj^s true when the world was heathen, but will rot hold fo now. Prob. I imagine it is true now ; for I dare fay, you think that no one is a Chriilian 'till he is baptized, and received into the church. Merit. True. That was a flip of my tongue. I meant that wc are all religious from our infancy, which is a great matter you know. Prob. It is a blefTing to be born of chriilian parents; but that does not make us truly religious. Formal. You are to know, Sir, that our city is remarkable for flriftnefs in all the offices of religion. It is common to fee per- fons at their devotion in our flreets^; and to hear them pray very lung in their houfes. On Sundays, our city is like one great temple. Here arc no fliops half open; no cheating, nor evading the laws o^God, and our country ; but every one who is able, conilantly attends fome place of worfhip. Prob. All this is very commendable. I hear there are many fedls among you. Have you any of thofe who are called Pil- grims ? Formal. We have many denominations in the city, but we live in great harmony with each other; and as to thofe named pilgrims, we have none abiding with us, nor do we wifh for ' Mat. vi. 5. N 3 them [ i8z ] them. I took you for fuch, by your deportment, but I hope you are of a different way of thinking. Cler. Wherein do fuch perfous differ from you ? Formal. They affirm, that there is no religion in this city. Which is a notorious falfity. They talk much alfo o^ hnmnniieV% dwelling in their hearts; of communion 'w\\\\ Jehovah % of hear- ing his voice ; taliing his grace ; knowing their fins are for- given ; that their names are written in the Celejiial City, and many other fuch ilrangc things. Cler. I freely own that we are all of their opinion in thcfe matters. Formal. How can thefe things be ? We are eminent for re- ligion, have been fo for many years, and yet know nothing at all about them. Ckr. And fo was I, Sir, and yet I now find them to be fwect realities. But, permit me to afk you, how you became reli- gious at firft ? Formal. It is my natural choice, and what I was ever in- clined to. Cler. Do you not fometimes find it very difficult to be de- vout ? Formal. Never, never. Sir. I thank God^ I go always to church with a good heart. Ref. That is juft fuch a heart as I once had; but I have fincc found it to be a very bad one. Formal, Some perfons have a ilrangc knack of calling them- felves wretched finners, and vile creatures, and thus underva- luing themfelvesj but I could never think them fincerc in fo doing. Frien. I am afraid, Sir, that fuch fufpicions proceed from not knowing yourfelf better, and being unacquainted with the grace of Immanuel. Pray, did you ever ihcd a tear on ac- count of your fins? FsrmaL FormtiL I beg to be cxcufed, Sir, you are not my confefibr. I am not the perfon you may \vi(h me to be. I fear that you are a Papiji. I am a true Proteftnnt, I neither mortify nor whip my body; nor am I any friend to monkifh confeflions, or aulleritics, Frien. Your bulky appearance, Sir, is a fufficient voucher for you in the latter cafe. But if your fins never troubled and dif- treiTed your confcicnce, I cannot think that you have any love In your heart to our faviour: becaufe you do not believe in himi who if fet forth, as the faviour of the lolt, the miferable, and the defpcratc. No one knows the prccioufnefs of a faviour, 'till he fees and feels the exceeding finfulnefs of fm. Prob. I am of my friend's fentiments: for, altho* I love to fee perfons walk blamelcfs, in all divine ordinances; yet I mull infill upon it, that thiy aire but the outfide of religion, and may be found where there is not a grain of true piety. Real reli- gion begins in the foul, by believing with the heart in Immn- nuel unto righteoufnefs^ Merit. O, Sir, I find you are a pilgrim, by your infifting fo much on Immanuely for righteoufnefs. This is trufting for merit on an opbiion only, a thing that exiils only in your brain, and cannot be feen by any man ; whereas, w^keep ftriftly to all ihe forms of godlinefs; and thus polTefs and rejoice in a right- eoufnefs, that is leen and approved of by all men. Which, likcvvife, we thank God for*, and have the greateft reafon to be- lieve he is pleafed with ; but, however that may be, wc depend on a mercifulGod for the event at laft. Proh. Your dependence is a delufion ; for how can you de- pend on the Lord for mercy, while you reje6l the word of his grace, which has plainly revealed the way of his Shewing mercy to the miferable ? Merit, I cannot think there is no virtue in attending the or- dinances of religion. Why, Sir, I have laboured and fweat in thofe duties for thirty years, both on fundays and week days, * Rom. .\. JO. * Luke xvlli. ii,. ^ N 4 Conceit f^ t 184 ] tonceit. That I can tear witnefs to. Mr. Merit, gentlemer?, ts refuted to be as rich in good works as any one in this city, FHayc heard it remarked as he pafled the ilreet; " Tiiere goe* ^he iiilrror of modern piety. If there were no clock in the city, you might know the hour of prayer by Father Merit. O that ivcmay be as well off as he, when we die." Merit. Fye, fye, landlord, this is too much—- Tho', I muft confefs, that it is my conlhnt praftice, to render my conduO Bcccptable both to Gc't/ and man. ^. Frob. However decent, and well-proportioned, Sir, the fu- perftrufture of your religious edifice may appear to you, or to .others; give me leave to tell you, there is too much reafon to bcl-ieve, it is built on thefand. Immanuelis not laid for the foundation, therefoie in a day of trial it will fall, and bury you under the ruins^ ...^ . ... Merit. Here you ¥efu*h 'again to your former cant about Immanuel, Immanuel. I tell you, I do believe in him, and hope to be faVed at laft by him, a« much as yoi; do. But wc muft •firft fave ourfelves from this wicked world^. You are all for one fide only, aad dangeroufly rcjeft the other. I put both to- gether, theiefo'-e mult be fafell of the two; becaufe I have all ik\z\'hQ>\\i Immanuel ^XiO. myfelf can do: whereas, you have only your faith in /;OT;«/2/?4'r/ to d'epenJ upotn. Ckr. Amazing ignorance and pride! Excufe my freedom, S-it^, but, really,. Itrembl^ to hear you talk in fuch a manner. Yet, when 1 refieft on my own blind nefs and arrogance in thefe things, fo little -time ago; I ought rather to pity ajid pray fof you, than to be angry. 'Formal. You take greatly upon you, indeed, young gentle. man, thus to cenfure grey hairs, and a perfon who is much ref- pefled by many of your cloth, in this city : who confider him as the (landard of orthodoxy, as to his judgment ; and his prac- tice as a living comment on that excellent book, 7hezvhole Duty cfMan. I Mat. vii. 26,27. » Acts ii. 40, t '% ] Ckr. Sir, I a(k pardon for any thing I have faid, that bvit in- finii tes a contempt ot Mr. Mtrif?, perlbn, or moral charader. It is his ofFenfivc defire to be an affiilant w ith Immanuely in the great bufincfs of falvation, rhat difgulls nie. This exorbitant elleem of his own devotion, mull be changed. Thefe Itrong holdsof human pride, mull be puj'cd do.vn. Thefe towering imagin :i:pn=' of his own lufficivncy, muf^ be levelled ; and thefe rcbelli-)'js thoughts which 'vlll not fubmir to Jmmnnuel\ right- eoufneb, mull be brought inro a liappy captivity to the obe- dience of cur Lord'^\ or, neituer he, you, or any other per- fon, who indulges them, can be favcd. Formnl You arc very uncharitable in your fcntiments; and difcourfe <^xaclly Mke feverai pilgrims whom I have ocQafionally met at this houfe ; ana who were (o unfociai as to condemn the innocent diverfions o^" the inhabitants .:f ;his city. Frien. li tne inhibitur.ts wee truly religiou<;, they would neither have time, nor inclination forhich vanities. For??:aL Surely, religion can be no enemy to harmlefs mirrh ? Frlcn No, Sir, but we diiier vallly in our idea's of harmlefs mirtli. Religion is the alone fource of true mirth; but tlie ut- ter deilrutftion of falfe joy and finful plea(ure. Merit Our citizens have found the happy method of recon- ciling true religion with the innocent diverfions of life; this has made our citv fo verv eminent. It has alfo a moft whole- f jme air to breath in, botii for body and mind. In fhort, it has every convenience and advantage to recommend it. A per- fon who refides here, is neither affeded by the reveries of en- thufiafm, nor by the terrors of a guilty confcience. Sir:csr£. You feem to mean that you have found a way tofcrve ^JehovJj and Mammon; but our Lord tells us, that no man can GO fo*. Fcrrnal. We do not fei-ve the world or plcafure; but we make iBUi bufmefs and diverfions fubmit to religion. ^^ iCor. X. 4, 5, ^ Luke xvl. 13. [ »86 ] Sincere. Vain recreations and the form of religion will eafily unite together: but the power of religion in the heart, would foon fet afide balls, allcmblies, plays, &c. Merit. You are very fcverc, and put religion into fo plain a drcfs, that no body would ever fall in love with it. Ref, Pray, Sir, do you talk of religion in your aHemblies ? Merit. O, Sir, I am furprizcd at your queftion! T>^<7/, would defiroy all good company. Ref. All fuch aflemblies, you fliould have faid : therefore, it is evident, that the power of religion would ruin all your vain aTociations. Formal. There are fome people who would be ever at their devotions : but, " Every thing is beautiful in its feafon'." Hike to be found in my pew on fundays and faint's days very well. Rrf. Are you never uneafy, even when you have difcharged thofc duties ? Formal. No, Sir, then all is well ; my confcience fpeaks peace, and lamfatisfied. Ref. Do you never fend your mind wandering from the Lord %vhile you are at church, and your heart very dead and cold in your devotion ? Formal. No, Sir, not I, truly. I hope my attention is as clofe as any perfon's. I always follow ourminifter in the prayers, and am fure to be heard in the refponfes. Ref. Permit mc to relate a fafl that happened the other day. Two brothers who were real pilgrims, were complaining to each other of the treachery and deceit of their hearts, in refpeft to wandering thoughts in religious duties. They were overheard by a brother workman, who was a weaver. He interrupted them, faying, *' I always fufpefted that ye were two hypocrites, and now I have heard it confeffed by your own mouths. My heart is better than yours, for I never find it fo wandering as yours are." On this, one of the two, put a piece of money into the hand of the accufer, faying, ** Call that money your * Ecclef. iil II. own. [ '87 ]' dwn, if, when you next go to church, you can afterwards ho- ncllly tell me, that you had not a wandering thought at your de- votion." After the pcrfon had been to church, he came and faithfully returned the money, declaring, " that he was no fooner in the church, but he began to confidcr how many Jooms might be fet up therein." — I will leave Vju to make the application. Simple. This may be the cafe with many /(J2i'/>t'i'^'i/^, who have not the piety nor abilities of thefe my worthy citizens : for their minds are fo well farnifhed with divine things, that they have no need to wander for a fubjcifl of meditation. Why, do you know, gentlemen, that MfJJrs. Formal and Merit h ive all the book o^ Week's Preparation in their memories ? So that they arc at all times prepared for the moftfolemn duties of religion. Formal. Ah, neighbour Simple^ it has cofl mc many a vrcary hour to make that acquifition ; but, I thank God, 1 now reap the benefit of it. Merit. And yet you find that our piety is nothing fet by, in thefc gentlemen's account. Altho' we are judged to be as de- vout as any men in the whole world, Cler, Not fuch as commend themfelves are approved ^ but whom the i!^(;r^commendeth; they,fhall never be condemned. In fhort, Sirs, ye mujf be born again, or ye cannot fee the kingdorai o^ Jehovah ; neither its grace here, nor its glory hercalter*. Merit. That text means baptifm without doubt. CLr. It means a great deal more ; even nothing lefs than a new creation of the foul, wrought by the Prince Paraclete; without which neither you nor I can enter into the kingdom ©f our Lord. Merit. You are f^ myftical, dogmatical, and cenforioii.% that \sc O^all never agree together ; fo, gentlemen, a good night to you all. Formal. Sirs, I wifh you a good night, and a great deal more charity. » zCor.x. 1 8, ^ John ill. 3. Simple, [ .88 ] Simple. I cannot ihink that all the trouble I have been at t(5 be religious, amounts to nothing. Gentlemen, a good night to you. Clcr. I wiili you all the power of religion ; and then you will have a good ni^.ht indeed. Coticcit. Dear Sir, what hard thoughts you entertain of the bell of our citizens ! If Mcjfrs. Fsr?nnlj Merit y and Simple are not in a fafe llace, what will become of me ? Ckr. Why, friend, you may read your fate in L^i^ xviii. 14. You fliall be abaled, and your end will be condemnation, unlels you pull down your fign, and fet up that of a pilgrim. Conceit. That would by no means do. This is a reputable Inn ; and if I were to change my fign, I fhould lofe all my cu- ilomers. Belides, I have no heart to do (uch things. Ckr. Thou hail now fpoken the truth from your heart. Come, it is late, fhew us our chamber, and we will retire. Conceit. You fhall have my befl and largeft chamber, where are beds fufiicient for you all. So he fliewed them into the Chamber of Vanity ; which was very large, and gaudily furniflicd. The walls were covered with wretched drawings of perfons, engaged in all the pundi- lios of religious ceremonies, awfully turning their backs on him, who is the way, the truth, and the life. The room was quite cold, and the beds very indiffc.ent ; fo that the Pilgrim? palled a very uncomfortable night therein. They arofe early in the morning, determined to leave the city as loon as they could^ Accordingly, they called for the reckoning, and found they had a very large bill to pay ; the landlord obferving, very arch- ly, that it was the cuilom of their city, not to have any thing, or fell any thing, without 7nonej^ or without price^. The pil- grims paid him, and haltened out of the place. ' zTim. iii. 5. ~ Ifaiah Iv. t. CHAP. t 189 1 n A p. xx'x. The Pilgrims purfued and overtaken by Dr. Lex a 'azvyer, and Captain Militus of the army, brethren of Clericus Diak.gue between them and Clericus. Ihe awful cafe of Mr. Serious, a filgrim. His death and burial. THE morning was fine, and the Pilgrims tvent forward a great pace Probus was with Qericus, who drove on be- fore, in order to provide acc'v^-mmodations for their friends. The other three came forward, difcourfing on the miferable !late of the city they had jufl left. They had rot proceeded many miles, before they were overtaken by two gentlemen on horfe- back; who afked, *' If they knew of a gontleman, named Cle- rtcus, who was travelling on that road in a chariot?" The Pilgrims intormed them, that he was a few miles before. On which, they fet fpiirs to their horfes, and foon came in fight of the carriage. C/£.77.:-.Yi looking out, exclaimed, Ckr. Oh, Probiis, here are my two brothers, Dr. Lex and Capt. M:jtus. Come to invite me back, I fappofe. Pray for me, while I difcourfe with them.— Brethren, how do ye? lam glad to fee you in this road. Lex. I am alfo glad to fee you ; but we have had much trou- ble in finding you. We thought you were only on a fhort vifit 10 i\iz I'Veat her -cock : v/hen, behold, we heard that you had turned pilgrim ! But, I hope, this is only one of your little whims, that you h^ve now finifhed your ramble, and will re- turn home with us to our friends and relations, who long to ice you. ex. [ 190 ] Chr. I miift confefs, that it was my intention, when I fet out, lo vific Mr.Shcndy ; but, milUking the way, I turned into the Field of Speculation y and was taken prifoner by \\\t Giant /;?- fJclityi who, I feared, would have killed me ; hut the Z.^^rrf', in grcai mercy, i'en: me this precious friend, now with me ; who was the happy means of faving my foul, and for which I fhali ever highly relpedl him. Lex. SpecuLition! Gia/it I hlkd and jmed! Why, brother, I fear that your brain is injured, or you would never talk at this rate. That friend, as you term him, has certainly bewiiched •you, as wc were informed he had done : but, come, leave him t6 his vagaries, and return with us. Cler^ You may think of me as you pleafe j but I am very certain, iiiat I never was fo much in my fcnfes as at prefent*. yim I qotWage to chufe formyfelf ? Lex. Yes. But I hope you are not above receiving good counfcl ? Ckr. By no means, but I will hear of no advice, unlefs h be decently offered. Lex. I befeech you to confider your own character, and the happinefs of your family and friends. Cki\ I have already given ihcfe things a very mature confide- ration. Lex. For whom then do you forfake your relations, and yocr rich and learned friends ? For this fanatic with you, and thofc other mean creatures who are behind, and v.ho, I fuppofc, ar^ a part of your company ? Cler. Pray, brother, learn to form your eftimate of men, olhervvife than from outward appearances. A mean coat mav cover a noble foul : a mechanic tool has been found in the hand of a Son of God. Lex. I perceive your inteniiov. ; but you mull not draw thefe ihlngE into your imitation. ' Lu^e x/. 17. [ 'O' ] Cler. Nor vvH! I vvhei^ you can render a fufllcient re^fon to the contrary; which I am certain you will never do— What can you advance in fupport cf your idle notions of dillinftion? What are you better than thole perfons whom you (o much def- ^'St ? The fum of your boallcd prcheminence confifts, in your eating and drinking more collly provifions, living in grander houfes, fleepingin liner apartments, and on fofcer beds than the\ ; ye alio drels in richer apparel, and are more intelligent in the ways of men, and labour Icfs than they. But can you boaft that you have better .appetites, fvvecter fleep, firmer he . u, or ihat you are more fincere and honeft than they ■ By no means : for in all tiiefe things the peafants and mech:»nic5 have much the advantage of you A truly difcerning perfon, therefore, will ridicule your vain pretenfions to an in.portance, which confiib only, in a criminal or pernicious corporal indulgence in drcfs food, and idlenefs; while your minds arc inflated with an in. fincere and fantalUcal politenefs. But, with refped to any fen- timents worthy of rational and immorcal beings, ye are moll inexcufably bale and negligent. While ye continue in fuch fentiments, all you can urge in fupport of your wretched caufe will appear to me in the fame contemptible light, as the fophif- tical declamation fo much in ufe among you gentlemen of the long robe. For, I declare, that I have heard more real vilc^oiii drop from the lips of thcfc plain men, in the fliort time I have been with them, than ever 1 heard from you and all our former friends. Le.x. O Clcncus, how art thou fallen ! K% for thefc men they had much better mind iheir bufinefs; and, for you, pray return to your relations and friends, where Providence \m placed you. Cler. Providence makes not that invidious diflinftion of per- fons, which you do. Militus. Brother, fay not fo; for it never was defigncd that fill men fliould be upon a level. C/er. Do not miflakc me, Miiitus. I do not mean, xh^ijeoo- tuh intrnJeth that all men fhjuld be on a level. I mean, that thcje { 19^ ] there fnould neitlier be envy on one fide, Ror contempt on the other. 1 am very lure, that tlie gentleman has more need of the hufoandman and mechanic, than they hr.ve of the gcnil;;- man. In cruU li'^^, therefore, it is proper to behave wiih regard and g'Od nature, to the :?:ferior chjjci of people, as you love ta term them ; bur, in rcl:g!o:i: atfa rs, all diliinclions arc vain and impertinent. Mihtus. Then I iliall have very little to do with religious tilings. Cier. That will be found a crime in you j and arifes from a falle judgment of things. Far greater men than you, have though, and adcd in a different manner. Militus. How prcpofterous would it be for me to be feen converfmg on fuch ihings, with any of my fubalterns, or com- mon foldiers! Cler. It is far Icfs fo, than for yoy, or others, called Chrift- ians, to be heard to fwcar, or fcen difguifed in liquor, which is fo common among you. But all this notion of the incongru- ity of difcourfing with fuch perfons, proceeds only from an er- ror in your education, and from vifcious cullom Cornelius 2t Roman Q2.\y\7i\\\^ , 2i\^ Colonel Gardiner a 5/-////^ officer, were taught better. Militus. The difcourfe of fuch people csuld never be agree- able or profitable unto me. Cler, You don't know that : however, if you knew more of religion, your diicourfe might be very uleful to your nien, which would be an eternal honour to you. King Dwjid QdiWi (or all who feared Jebovab, (v\ithout exception) to come and hear what the Lord had done for his ibul'-. He did not call for his learned and noble ofiicers of ftate : no, he knew that fuqh in general, (as they now are) were totall> ignorant of fuch tilings. Nor did he piefcribe any rank in civil life, if they did but fear Jehovah, they were welcome io David, whether they were rich or poor; and he profeflcs himfelf to be their companion?. I Aas X. 7. * Pfalm ixvi. l5. 3 Pfalra c:dx. 63. Militus. [ m 3 Mi/ans. lean never think it my duty to follow fuch exam- pier., Cler. Neither ever will you, while you take the vain cuHoms of men for your rule, in oppofition to the word of our Kifig. Our holy religion obferves no deference to the civil circumftan- cesofmen. Cullom, indeed, has introduced fine pevs, and chief places in our churches; but originally it was not fo. There is Aill but one table for the communicants; and, if you will not go to it with a common foldier, you are not a worthy commu- nicant, nor are you fit to attend it at all. MlUtm. I mufl acknowledge, that I feldom have gone to the table, without obferving the want of diilinftion there : and, I think, there fhould be fome method thought on for that purpofe. Cler, No, Brother. This, and the levelling nature of the holy fcriptures, form a noble teftimony for the divinity of our holy religion, and the vaft worth of our immortal fouls; to compare with which, all the diitinrlions of the prefent life are merely trifling and infignificant. Under a lively fenfe of thefe things, 5/. A Av/ thus writes, ** Art thou called being a Jlave? Care not for it; but, if thou can'il be free, choofe it rather*.'* Here is a cafe put, which is the lozoejl condition in life, and vet the Apoflle, from a view of the vanity of the prefent flate, and the fuperiority of foul matters; appears quite indifferent about extricating one's felf from it. — There will come a time. Captain, in which you will be placed among common foldiersj therefore, I would advife you to think ferioufly about it. ]\^ilitus. In the grave, I fuppofe, you mean? Yes, yes, there J we muil all meet. Cler. I do not mean in the grave; becaufe the rich, by fune- ral pomp, and magnificent monuments, have a method of fup- porting thcfe diilindions after they are dead : but I had in viev/ that awful day, in which, 6"/. John informs us, that " kings, mighty men, and great captains, will be herded together, with every flave, and every common freeman*." But, in the account f iC«r, vii. 21. * Rev. vL I5f i6, O he [ m ] he gives us of this motley aflcmbly, fo mortifying to the haugh- tinefs of great men; he does not tell us, that thcfe kings and captains allumed any fupcrcilious airs towards the lozu people. No, the fcenes of a future Hate had entirely difperfed the falfe mediums, which deceived them while on earth ; and the dreadful appearance of their judge, (the promife of whofe com- ing thev had made the fubjedl of fcorn and ridicule*) now fo terriiied thefe fons of pride, that they chofe rather to becrufhed under the mountains, with flaves, than to wait the execution of divine indignation upon them. hex. O, brother, let us leave thofe dreadful fcenes, which will come foon cnoug-hj and let us a6l in our places, and all will be well. Ckr. I am in my place. I am a minifler o{ Immanuel. My mailer has bid mc feed his Iheep*. He admitted both the rich and poor into his company and favour, and wafhed the feet of poor fifhermen. I intend to follow his example to the utmoft of my power. And, I befeech you, brethren, to take the bible, and noc the corrupt maxims of the world, for your direc- tory. What are all the fcicnces when compared to foul mat- ters? What are all the relearches of the royal and antiquarian focieties, to the important objeds which ingrofs the hearts, and cxercifc the tongues, of thofe defpifed men, called Pilgrims? Lex. I fear you are incurable, and that we mull return without you; for what man in his fenfes, would prefer a con- venticle of enthufiails, to the venerable circle of the royal fociet) ! Cler. I do not fay, that the difcoveries of the royal, and other focieties of arts and fcienccs, are ufelefs; or, that thofe learned men who compofe them, as individuals, do totally difregard foul matters. But I do infill on it, that /?^%/(?>^fupporte[h and cxalteth a nation, or an individual >: confequently, thofe perfons who have molt trne religion, are of greatell ufe and honour to a nation; and are the moil worthy and honourable, as indivi- duals. And where will you find any men who have more reli- ] 2 Pet, iii. 3,4. ^ Juhnxxi. 16. 3 Prov. xlv. 34. gion [ '97 ] gion tlun pilgrims ? From hence it follows, that an afTembly ot luch peilons, howcvct illiterate and mean, yet is more wife and honourable in itfelf, and more iifoful to a nation, than any other afiemblv of pcrfons can be. A man may be eminent in arts and learning, and yet be unacquainted with, yea, an ene- my to true religion; therefore, he is in his fins, and may peridi with a!l his knowledge. It is highly probable, that i\\q Fu7!ds cf Darknejs are greater adepts in every art and fcience, than any man will ever be, in the prefent Hate. How abfurd then is it to purfue fuch itudics, and neglecfl religion! Or to edeem learned men, merely as fuch, beyond thofe v/ho are truly religious, but who happen to be poor and unlearned \ Remember the words of the laborioufly learned, but dying GroUus. Refle(5ling on the inutility of a great part of his ftu- dies, he cried out, " I have thrown away life, in doing nothing with a great deal of pains !" LlX. I am forry to fee you thus loft to the world, and to your relations: I mult leavQ you^ but hope you will foon think other wife. Clcr. I prav, that you both may be made fenfible, that ^ friend of the world is an enemy to the Lord^. And that very foon, Jehovah will return, and difcern between the righteous and the wicked ; between thqfe who have fervcd him truly, and thofe who have not^. I heartily appeal to that decifion, and chearfuUy wait the iffue. Farewell. CIericu5*s brothers returned without fuccefs, amazed at hi^ obftinacy, and the ncrverfenefs of his fentiments. Clericusy and his friends, went on their way rejoicing, that the King had fo enabled him, to refill: this temptation of returning again to the vanities of the world. The Pilgrims on foot were now come up, and they went gently on together. When lo ! Thoy per- ceived a man to iffue from a wood, on the left lide of the road ; who appeared in great difcompofure ; and ran with all his might into the highway; into which he came, juft before th;: carriage. But, taking no notice of them, he threw himfelf on the ground, and kiffcd it, while a flood of tears guflied fro.Ti * Jam. Iv. 4. * M4L iji. iS. O 2 Jiis [ .95 ] his eyes; then with a heaving breaft, and flrong emotion, he cried out, Serious. BlefTed, blefled be i\\e Lord, who has permitted me, a vile backflider, once more to recover this road to life! Blefled way ! Bklled pilgrims, who walk therein ! O wretched Seriom \f how ungratefully, how abominably, hall thou tranfgrefled againft x\\y ImmimueJ, and thy brethren! Then lifting his Itreaming eyes to Heaven, he faid, And wilt thou, wilt thou, O offend- ed Lord, yet receive fucli a rebel to favour! Can thy blood, O Saviour, cleanfe fuch deep Ilains as mine ? Will the provoked, grieved Prince Paraclete, ever any more witnefs in this polluted J)reail ? Ah ! how is it, that the ground does not open and fw allow up fo vile a traitor ! Why is it, that the pit of T^ophet does not receive me, and fliut its horrid mouth upon me for ever ! Clcricui and Probus, on feeing the man in fuch agitation, had alighted, and advanced towards him. Sincere. Good Lord, whom do I fee thus miferable ! Whom do I hear fpeaking fuch bitter things againil himfelf ! Is it my friend Serious ? Serious then fixed his eyes eagerly on Sincere, ran to him, throwing his arms round his neck, and laying his head on his bofom, exclaimed. Serious. Forgive me, forgive me, dear Si?icere, can'ft thou forgive me ? And, all ye dear Pilgrims, can ye pardon me, a poor miferable Pilgrim; if I dare ufe that holy name ? (!^an'il thou, friend Sincere, receive fuch an apoilate wretch to thy bo- fom again ? Sincere. Be compofed, dear brother : we know not your crime ; and if it be ever fo heinous, as the Lord hath thus humbled you, foftened your heart, caufed you to deteil it, and turn to him ; furely, he will alfo put away your fin, thou fhalt not die*. Serious. I hope he will, dear Sincere. But how can I look vou, and my holy brethren, in the face ? I, who have brought * Ezek.xvI.S^. - :; Sam. 7a\. 13. fuch t «97 ] fuch a reproach on the pilgrims life ! Oh, I cannot forgive my- felf. Oh, wretched Serious ! Sinct'rc. Be comforted, brother. Come, fit down, and open your heart freely to us, that we may unite to bear your burden '. Serious. Thank you, my dear friends. But how fliall I relate my henious crime ! — You know that I was going on pilgrimage with my dear wife. It pleafed our King to afiiift her with much bodily ficknefs: and when we had advanced thus far, fhe was fo ill, that we were obliged to put up at the adjacent vil- lage; there llie continued ill fome time. In an unguarded hour, I committed folly with a fingle woman who nurfed her; the effcft of which appeared foon after my wife's death ; which threw me into the grcateft perplexity and terror, not knowing how to hide my fhame. In this dilbefs I wandered into yon- der wood ; where a ho;rid gloom came over me, and a voice more terrible than thunder, faid, " Thou fhalt not commit adul- tery^." Immediately a legion of terrors took place in my mind ; and a thoufand horrid fpeftres attended my every ftcp. I cried for help, but could fee no way to efcape. At length I difcovercd a gleam of light at a diflance, I ran towards it, calling -iloud on the Lord for mercy; when, lo, a voice, foft and yei clear; fpake unto me, faying, ''Serious, all manner of lin fhall be forgiven unto mcn^" This made me run faller towards the light; and, blefled be my Lord, I ac length iiTued irnm the wildernefs, and have again recovered the highway. But whither fhall I fly from my own tormenting refle(flionsT How have I fallen'*-! How have I fcandalizcd the good ways of Immanuell I will go down weeping to my grave, my foul re- fufeth comfort ! He then fell to the earth in a deep fwoon — WhtnSerious re- covered, he looked very wild, and exclaimed, Serious. Oh, Religion, Religion, how have I wounded thee! Sincere. My brother, as the Lord has given you a broken heart, and contrite fpirit, he will alfo pardon your fin. •' Gr.l.vi. 2. ^ Exod. XX. 14. 3 Mat. xii. 31. ■♦ 2 Sam. xli. 14, O 3 Serious, [ 198 ] €rri'ji/s. I know it h pardoned ; and the fenfc of that, pieice my heart thro' and thro'^. O precious Saviour! /^h vile, molt vile Serious/ Do not frown on me, dear Sincere ! Do, Imile on me— 'Can you forgive me, my brethren :-^0h, my heart will break f Sincere, I bcfeech you to refleft on the infinite virtue of hn- fnntiuePs blood to pardon all iin, and do notdefpair. " Serious. I do not defpair. — My Saviour has waflicd my foul. 1 abhor myfelf. — I hate my crime. — I cannot furvive the llabsof my own reflexions. — I go hence. — My heart breaks. — My iins are forgiven. — I go to Immanud.' — Brethren, take warning by me. — Oh, Religion, how have I injured thee, by giving fuch occafion of triumph to thine enemies ! So faying, he fell into Sincereh arms, and with a deep groan expired. — ^Thcn all the Pilgrims lifted up their voices, and wept over their departed brother. — After they had vented their grief, they prepared for his funeral, which was at the adjacent village^ and almoil all the people of the place attended at his burial: for he was greatly refped;ed among them, and unblamable in his condufi, before his terrible fall. Ckricus made an oration over him, at the grave, from the following words, /?(?//?. vi. 23. "For the wages of fin is death." From hence he took occafion to fhew^ the malignant natureof fin, and its dreadful confequences; not only with refpe6l to ungodly men, bat alfo to true pilgrims, who wander into bye paths. He declared, that altho' the Z^ri doth pardon the fms of his people; yet he often makes them monuments of his difpleafure againfl fin, in the places vvhere they refide. This he proved from the example of D^i^/V. For altho' the Lord forgave his horrid crimes, yet he fuffcred not the fword of his vengeance to depart from his houfe. So aifo with refpeft to the Corinthian Churchy which had profaned hnmanuelh feafts*. Many of them were puniflied with ficknefs and death; altho' we may reafonably hope that thejr fouls were faved. This, C/^r/V/^/ faid, was the cafe oi Serious, their de- parted brother ; whofe fin, the Lord had pardoned, and feal- cd tlie pardon by the witnefs of Prince Paraclete in his heart ; ,5 Jer. xxxi. 19. ^ iCor. -^i. 30. [ »99 ] )nct, inafmuch as he had given great occafion to the enemies of religion to blafpheme; the Lord waspleafed to punifli him with a corporal death, as a warning to other pilgrims. C/ericNS then addrefled the people of the village, and remarked to them, that if fin was fo hateful lojehoz'nh^ as to be thus punifhed in pi'grims; what mull be the miferable end of fuch, as neither knew nor cared any thing about the falvation of the So?i ofGoi? Kifs this Son, therefore, laid he, Icll he be angry, and yeperilh from the way; if his wrath be kindled but a little. Blefled are all they that put their trufl in hira'. This dilcourfc feemed to fall with great weight on all that heard it, both Pilgrims, and the people of the village. Many tears were flied, and great lamentation was made over the grave of Mr. Smous^ the once upright, and after penitent PiJ^rim. CHAP. XXX. "The Pilgrims p^fs by the Town of Illumination. They arrive at the Houfe of Meditation, near the River of Life. Mr. Me- dication |-/V^i an account uf himfelf. A dialogue coiicerning the To'.vn of Illumination, AFTER the burial of Mr. Serious, the Pilgrims went on their way with fear and trembling; and began to dif- courfe on the myileries of grace and Providence, from the firiking inftance of their departed brother. 5/;/r^r^ obferved, that he had known Mr. and Mrs. Serious many years, while he lived at the Interpreters houfe ; and, that they were reported to \-ralk as clofely with Immanuel, in the pilgrims life, as any cou- ple thereabout. He faid alfo, that Serious was remarkably care- ^' Pfalm il. 12. O 4 ful [ 20O ] ful of giving any offence, and very unblamable in his whole deportment. While Shicsre was thus dircourfing, they came in fight of a large town, fituated on a rifing ground, about a mile to the left of the road. The Pilgrims palled the town, and advanced a few miles farther; when they perceived the road led them to the banks of a river; near which they faw a neat houle, and made np to it. At the door, which faced the river, fat a venera- ble man, with his eyes fixed on the water, and his mind fwal- lowed up in reficflion. As foon as he favv the Pilgrim?, he a- rofe, welcomc^d them to that place, and invited them very ear- nellly to come under his roof. The Pilgrims were very willing to put up for the night, as it was now coming on; fo accepted the invitation. This gave their holt much pleafure. Calling then for his domcftics, he ordered every thing that was proper for the entertainm.cnt of his guefts ; after which, he fat down among them, with a moft fatislied and obliging afpeft. C/er. You feem^ Sir, to have well chofen your ground ; for this is a very deligiicful fituation. Meditation. It is truly excellent ; yet it is nothing when com- pared with the country farther on up this river, a^bout the Deuclable Mountains. Ckr. Pray, Sir, be fo obliging as to inform wi^ whofe houfe we are now in ; and wherefore you have made this your rc- fidence. Medit. My name is Meditation. I was born and educated in Diirklandy in the country adjacent to the City of DcjJritBion, And remember, that I had feveral good impreflions made on me, at times, while I was young ; but they proved ineffeclual to curb my Knts, or flop me in the purfuit of carnal plcafiircf; until 7^^^^''?'^'s time came to break the infernal charm, which held me in bondage to fin. This great work was wrought when I was aoout thirty years of age; and in the following manner. As I was fitting at dinner in the field.?, with my fellow workmen ; behold, I was llruck to the heart by an unfeen hand ! and fuch a lively fsnfc of my great and aggra- vated [ 201 ] vated fins filled my mind ; that my whole frame trembled ex- ceedingly', and I groaned with the mighty burthen thnt op- preficd my guilty roiil. I had heard of pilgrims, and knew fomething of the road to the Strait Gate, therefore I determined to fet out immediately. Accordingly, I proceeded, until the Slough ofDcipo7id llopped me. I explored that bog to the right and left of the path, but cou'd find no way of palfing it with fafety; fo I returned again difconfolate to the road, and fat down on the bank of tlie Sloughy quite dejeded. At the fame time', I faw the mountain, which I afterwards found to be Mount Sinai, all in aflame. I fat rcfiefting on the depth and breadth of the Slough, until I quite defpaired of ever getting over it ; and yet could not think of going back; therefore, was refolved to -put a period to my exiftence, on the fpot. For this purpofe I arevv out ray knife, and was about to execute my rafii purpofe ; when I heard a voice diilindly faying to me. ** O man, work out your own falvation with fear and trembling^.'* This llopped my hand, and led me to hope, that it was poffible even for Me to be faved. Jull afterwards, one Mr. Ignorance, as I have Imcc found his name to be, came up to me, and pro- p:)fed to build a bridge over the Slough; at which I rejoiced : and we fet about it dirc6lly, with what poor m.aterials we could ftnd in that place. In a little time, we had io well efFedlcd this work, that I judged it fufficient to conduft me over, and I eager- ly ventured upon it. But, when I was about the middle, a dreadful clap of thunder from Mount Sinai, Jo fliook me and the Bridges that it fell with me ; but, as Our King would have it, 1 fell on the lleps which v/ere jufc below the furface of the mire ; and not perceived by me. When I found myfelf fupnorted from finking, I took courage, recovered my feet on the Heps, and got over tolerably well. I paffed Mount Sinai trembling, •and was kiiuUy received at the gate. I was very happy at the r;ofs. And when I came to Car:didus\ houfe, at the City of EjIalHjhmentj I was fo delighted with him, and his old friends, e/pccially Father Metaphor, that I fettled many years in that city, and acquired fome of this world's good. But, being fond Ci a retired life, I was diteded by our Lord to proceed to the i Dan. V. 6. 2 pj^ii. ^j, jj. 3 Rom. vii. 10, 11. banks [ 202 ] baliks of this river, and occupy this houfc, for the ufe of pil- grims. I have lived here many ycarsj and muft acknowledge, that my Lord has chofcn for me, better than I could have done fur myfelf. Si/iare. Sir, we are much obliged for your free and inflrud- ing account of yourfelf. Permit me now to afk, whether you know any thing of a large town which we pafled by, on the left fide of the road ? It fcemed extenfive, but was without walls. It is not many miles dillant. Medit. It is the 7owh of Illumination ^ which you mean. Within thefe few years paft, it has had a great increafe of inha- bitants; but I cannot fpeak favourably of them. They are known among pilgrims by the name of Antimmians. This is fo odious a name, that very few of thefe people will own it belongs to them; but their general pradice fhews that they too well dcferve it. They have much light in their underllandings, from whence the town derives its name; but their difcipline and morals are very faulty. In (hort, they have difputed on grace and prcdellination, 'till they have thrown off all refpeft to the holy laws o{ o^xKing. Sincere. But do you imagine, that grace and prcdeilination led them to this ? Medit. No, by no means. The depravity of our nature is fo great, that it will pervert the beil things to the vvorft purpo- fes: fo that tbofe dodrines, which if rightly ufed, are to good men full of Uveet, pleafant, and unfpeakable comfort; are by carnal perfons vilely abufcd, in fupport of that deilrudlive po- fition. Let us do evil that good may come of it'. Sincere. Do you think, Sir, that there are many perfons in that town who adl on fuch a vile principle ? Medit, There are too many who imagine, that our dear Lord by dying for fin, has excufed them from any obligation to the moral law: and, being under gofpel grace, they fay, that no fin, however indulged, can hurt them. » Rom. ill. ?. FtiiK. C 203 ] Tr'icti. What a pity it is that fucli a holy religion, as is ours, fliould be thus grolsly perverted and abuled ? Medit. There mufl be hercfies, that thofe who are approved jiiay be made nianifell^ But fuch an herefy as this, neither raiietli niy admiration, nor greatly affefls me. Rrf. I am furprl-zcd at this, for you appear to love the ways of our King ! Medit. I hope tliat J have Ibine afTeflion to my Lord^ and to Ills intereil in the world ; however unconcerned I may appear about the Aiitinomians. 'Ref. Do, Sir, explain yourfelf; for I cannot conceive the a'ealbn of your indifference refpeding them. Medit. It is thus. I am fo thorouglily fenfibie of the horrid defedion of our nature from "Jehovah and h jlinefs ; that no fchen»e of oppofiiion to religion, praftifed by this fallen nature, hovvever foolifli and prepoilerous it may appear, excites ray adjuiration. And I am fo convinced of the palpable falfehood and immorality of the A?itii:orman fcheme; that I think no truly good man is in danger thereby ; but, that only the abhorred of the Lord (in vvliom Prince Paraclete has ceafed to llrive*) will fall into fuch a filthy pit. Ref. I am anfwered ; and return you many thanks. I blefs OMX Kingy that my own heart bears teftimony with what you fay; for, by what I know of the grace of Jmmanuei, it ever leads me to have refped unto all our King^s commandments, and to hate every falfe way^ Medit. And fo you will experience It thro' every fucceeding Tlage of the pilgrim road. Some of the Anlinomians are fo fottifh. as to affirm, that Irmnanud has done all for them ; not only with Tefpeft to his work of mediator and furety ; but alfo as a head of fancliiication. That he has repented, believed, and prayed for them ; therefore they need not be found in fuch low and legal iduties. * i Cor. xi. 1^. 2 G^n, ^i. ^^ 3 Pfalm cxlx, 104. Sincere., [ 204 J Sincere. Oh, horrible/ Immanuel, they may further fay, is oonc to the CelcJIifllCity for them, therefore there is no ncceflity .tor //5y;/ going thither. Nor, indeed, can I believe, that fuch perfons have any real defire of going to that city. It is not ///?- 7f!,uiuel, or holincfs, or the Neta Jerujakm, that they want; but a liberty to fm on, without punifhment, for ever. They ap- pear to be, what was faid of old; "liardened thro' the deceitful- ncfs of fini." In fhcrt, their fentiments are fuch as we may fuppofe a Devil's would be, if he were permitted to afiume our nature. Thus they itrongly manifeil the exceeding depravity of their inclinations. Medit. What you obferve is juft. Nor can they defend them- felves againll the threatnings of Jehoz'nh\ word. That law which they affeft to oppofe, will, by and by, play off its thun- dering artillery againll their deluded fouls : and they will find themfelvcs as defencelefs as their town appears to be. Sincere. May Jehovah convince them of their impiety and blafphemy. Medit. Amen. I fee very few of them this way, tho' we are fo near the town. And when any of them do flraggle hither; thefe fiuit trees, which are on the bank of the river, will not be plucked by them ; nor will tlie water endure their touch; but both withdraw from their unhallowed endeavours. When I have Icen them make thefe attempts, I told them they were all in vain ; for, while they loved and lived under the power of fin, and pleaded for fin, they would never poflefs any of this fruit or water. But they generally abufe me for my ad- monitions, and depart, calling me an eld dcating Jr minimi ^ or a a por blind Legalijl, CIcr. Have no attempts been made in the town, to convince them of their Shocking and impious hercfies ' Medit. They have churches, and teachers among them; and their minifters will talk and preach, at times, with much appa- rent zeal and orthodoxy; while their pradlice is the very reverfe to all that becomes pilgrims. The famous George Terz'idui has I Heb. lii. 13. ^ ' made [ 205 ] made them feveral viiits, and was peculiarly awtul among them. 1 have heard and feen him in their market-place, Hand- ing and blazing like another Moufit Sifiai; with thunderings and lightnings, and his voice like a dreadful trumpet; fo awful, that I myfelf quaked and trembled'. Some of them were affeded while he preached; as were the Ij'r.ielites at the foot of Sifiaiy and like them they alfo foon forgat it, fet up their idols, eat and drank; and rofe up to play as ufuaia. Nor could that great man do any mighty work among them ; for, he faid, ♦' He would rather preach to an Heathen Felix, than to an J;i- tlnomian DrufiUa 5." Cler. Well, we mull leave them to Jehovah. Let us ever pray him, to keep alive in our hearts, ftrong convidions of the evil of lin, tender confciences to feel it, and hearts ever averfe to it. But now you mention Fervidus, can you tell where he is? Docs he ever call on you? Medit. I have thepleafure of feeing him at times. You mull know that the adjacent river is called the River of Life : Its foarce is in the eternal hillo+, and is inacceflible to all mortals. It runs thro' the country o( Regeneration, where is a noble port, named Adoption. From thence it palles thro' this country, unto the fa- mous City of God ^', fuuated on the Dc/ec^al/e Mountains^ which are about twenty miles from hence. There the river is divided into many llreams, the waters of which are conveyed into every houfe in tiiat city, and its mountains. As to Ferz'idus, there is a vefTel called the Covenant Tranfport, which conftantly plies with pilgrims, from the Port of Adoption to the Port cfAfijrance, in the City of God. Fervidus OxiQt. fails as commander of this vcilel ; and, ic is very probable, he m.ay call here foon. If he comes while you are here, I would advife you to afk a pafTage with them. Cler. Is there not a very fafe way by land ? Medit. There is a way by land, but it is troublefome and u-ir.gerous. Th,e famous Mr. John Duplex always conducls his pilgrims by land. He frequently pafies by us, but will not * Heb, xil. 21. * Ezod. xKxil. S.. ? AtU xxlv. 24. 4 Rev. xxl.t 5 Ffalin xU:, 4. fuffer. [ zo6 ] fufTer his people to call here. He fays, he has no opinion of my garden of herbs (which you may hear more of by and by) " and that I live roo near the Antijiomiar.s^^ Ckr. But what is it that makes the way by land fo danger rous. Medit. The ignorance and various pafhons of mankind. A. true pilgrim will alTuredly arrive at the hills, whether he goes by land or by water. The water is the grand and royal privi- lege way S which all real pilgrims have a ri^i'/unto; but all do not knoWy neithery^t/^ to know and enjoy their precious privi- leges; therefore will not venture by water : but take the foot path, which runs along on the bank of this river. Thus, they cxpofe themfelves to many dangers. For firit. They mull pafs thro' Jrmmian-ivood y which is part of a very thick gloomy foreft, of fome miles extent, called Free-will Forejl -, which i$ infeiled with wild beaib. In this wood are the ruins o'i Doubt- ing Qylle ', and, altho' the grim Gitint Dcfpair is (lain; yet there are feveral enemies to pilgrims who lurk in the ruins of the caf- tle. Such as the monller Merit, the great ancertor of the nume- rous family of the Merits, The ugly fatyr Self-j'uJ/iiiauy, and the haughty fiend 5'/>/r//^/?/Pr/V^, with others, that you may hear of. To this wood fucceeds a fandy defart, called Good- wirJi>'Sa?id -y fo named from one John Goodwin, a pilgrim, who would needs leave the common road, and go over the fand ; but what became of him is not known. This Sand is very danger rous to pilgrims in ilormy weather; for the wind raifes it into clouds, which are very alarming to travellers. When they have cfcaped the Sand, they come to a long, wide, and barren heath, called Baxter^ Heath from a famous pilgrim of that name, who, in his way to the City of God, loll himfelf on that heath; and was decoyed by a fair forcerefs, named Error, to her habitation. There he was fo intimate with her, that fhe had by him a Ilrange brood of children, which he called Jpho- rifms: thefe arc very milchievous to pilgrims, even to this day; for they always infcll the heath, to perplex, rob or decoy away the pilgrims who go by land. As to Mr. Baxter the pilgrim, he ^ PIcb. vili. 8, 9, 10. was [ 207 ] was, it feems, feenat the City of God, afcervvards : but he never abfolutely recovered from his fliamcfiil fall. Prob. Kind hoft, I am for eating, if your (upper is ready ; and would fain have a drink of this fine river with our food. Medit. I have ordered you a fupper in the true talk of G/- r.ann ; which I am fure you will like, as you are true Pilgrims. I will order it to be ferved immediately. CHAP. XXXL Mr. Meditation feajls the Pilgrims, Tzvo Antinomians dijlurb them. Refolute drives them away. A dialogue m the im^er- fefiions of pilgrims. An accou7it of a remarkable garden and jpring. "IB T/?. Meditation rang his bell, and they were foon prefented «y r J. ^^'^^^ ^^'^^ ^^^^ ^2 * llranger intermeddleth not with i ; which was the produce of the river, and its fertile banks. The Pilgrims prefently experienced the virtue of the fruits and be- verage, and began to feel their hearts and tongues to be at great liberty. Ref. Why, my good holl, I find that vou are a man of your word ; for I have not tailed fuch divine fare as this fince I left the Prodlgnl Inn ; my eyes, like Jonathan'^ are enlightened * by this delicious honey, and my whole man is- braced up with Ce- lejiial \\%o\\r. Methinks I could nosv have another Itruggle with my old enemy, in the ShaJozv of Death. Medit. I know that this food is aninjating; bat I would ad- vifc you, not to trull: too much on the vigour it has given ; for * P:oY, .tIv. 10. * iSam. xlv. 27. that [ ^o8 ] thnt may deceive you. It is rot i'o much the fiirey or your r?/- petites, which are to be regarded by you ; as the gracious hariJ from which they both proceed. Therefore, I remember, that when St. Fan! fat at fuch a banquet as this, feeling its virtues, as you now do, he exclaimed, *' ^ Nozv 1 Hzr :^^ but, re- flecting on his abfolute dependence on his Lord ; he immediately correlated himfelf, and added, ''yet not /, but Immanucl Irjcth )n tfii^ It is, therefore, hiunantiel who is now in your food, and flrengihens your hearts. For, at another time, you may have all thefe dainties before you, and dcfire to eat as ye now do, and it may not be given you-. In thefe refpeds, pi'grims do not live by bread only, but by every word which proceedetJi from 'Jehovah'^: that is, on the blejjlng which accompanies it, for the ufc of their fouls. 'Ref. I thank you, Sir, for your feafonable caveat. I ac- knowledge t!\at I am apt to afcribe too much to the food, to the manner of drefiing it, or to my own appetite. But, cer- tainly, the fupper is delicate. What fay you, Si?icere? You feem to be very bufy. What would you have given for a mouthful of this when you were under Denuis'sStturs. Sincere. Truly, brother 7^^////^, I am fo well employed, that I cannot talk much; but I muft confefs, that at the time you mention, I was hungry enough, and defervcd to have periilied for want; but, my gracious ir/;^_^ has not only fpared me, but given me to fit at bistable ; thus richly fpread, and furrounded with fuch good company. Prob. Air. McditrttiGn, I now fee the rcafon of your refiding in this place. Verily, Sir, you have a goodly heritage'^. You alfo look well. And, with fuch food, it would be a miracle if vou did not. Pray, permit mc to aflc you; whether the talle, which fo much delights us, is the genuine flavour of your herbs and fruits; or, whether there is an artificial com- bination of ingreciients therein ? Mcdlt. The fiuits and water are in themfelves excellent; but there is a vvav to make them Hill more grateful to our taite. Which art, tho'it may be krio-.u?i \.oi\\Q fiining otic5^ who cat and * Gal. li. zo. ^ Luke xvii. zz* 3 Mat. iv.4. ^ Pfalm xvi. 6. drink [ 209 ] drkikofthe river and the fruits on its banks; yet, it is proba- ble, they never i'^^ that cxquifice relifti of thcfc things, as we Pilgrims have. Prob. Cannot you favour us with a recipe, that we may com- bine them for ourfelves, in our future progrefs ? Medit. I can inform you of this fecret; but you mull not think to have this river, and thefe rich fruits, always to refrelh you. The river, as I faid, runs no farther than the foot of the Delegable Mountaws. Prob. 1 was in hope that for a long while we fhould have been favoured wich this pleafant river. However, let us praife the King for what we have, and trull him for what is to come. Medit, With all my heart— So they crowned the fcall with a fong, <* This G&d is the God we adore, " Our faithful, unchangeable friend, «♦ Whofe love is as great as his power, ** And neither knows meafurc nor end. «' 'Tis Jifus the firft and the lall, *' Whofe fpirit Ihall guide us fafe home, *' We'll praife him for all that is pall, " And trull him for all that's to come." Hart, While they were Cnging, Mr. MeSiationt looking out of the window, faw two perfons advancing towards the houfe; on which he faid, Medit. Yonder are two men of the Town of Il/uminatisn, com- ing this way. Their names are Love the Wurld^^ and Carnal Security, they are enemies to pilgrims; and their defign is to get into your company, and rob you of the pleafures which you now enjoy : but you are not ignorant in what manner t.;- dval .\ilh them. I I John ii, 15, [ 210 ] Itef. Permit me^ niy brethren, to manage thefe gentlemen by myfelf. So, taking his wand in his hand, behind him ; he arofe, and went out to the door. Loz'C-world. Your lervant, Sir ; you fecm to be very merry u'iihin. I hope you have good chear, and that you will not eac your morfel alone. Ref. Pray, gentlemen, whence came you, and what is your bufinefs here r Love-world. We are of the T'ow;^/ of Illumination^ fo famous for its nice acquaintance with, an4 gifts of, difputing on points of divinity; and are come to fpcnd the evening with the mailer of the houfe, for we hear he has got fome good company. Ref. Pray, were you invited at this time ? Love-world. We like to live neighbourly, therefore have made free to call upon him. Ref. The guefts who are at this houfe, are more for praying, finging, believing, loving and obeying, than for difputing ; fo that your abilities will not be wanting among them. Befides, your townfmen have no good report among pilgrims. Love-world. There are many flanders of us 'go about; but, I hope you are more charitable than to believe them. Ref. I have your chara(5ler from very good hands, and believe that you are no friends to true pilgrims, nor to their mailer's holy ways; fo I advife you to return home again. Carnal-fecurity. You appear to be a very amiable young man : I could not have expefted fo fevcre a frown from your face. Pray, Sir, let us in this evening. Ref. I tell you, that your company is not defired by any one here, therefore, be gone. Carnal-f. You feemtohave been well fed to day, and fhould not be hard-hearted to vifuors, who entreat you to ufe hof- pitality. Let us in, and we will amply repay you. [ 21> ] Ref. What, will you not be denied ? Keep back— I tell yoi?, that you arc known; and ifVou intrude further, I fhail challife vou. On this, he fliook his rod at them. Love-world, Sir, you are not mailer of this houfe; we fear neitlicr your looks nor your flick. They prefTcd on Refolutey to force in; but he llruck each of them a blow with his rod, which fo aficclcd them, that they inllancly gave way, and turned their backs to go off; \i^xx.Refo- lute followed his blows, and drove them from the houfe with precipitation. His brethren rejoiced at his fuccefs ; and Rejolutey having drove them out of fight, returned to his brethren. Medit. Well done, good and faithful fcrvant oi Immanuel. I congratulate you on your viftory. You treated them like a man of courage. Ref. I knew they wanted to rob us. But who could bear to lofe the good things, which we now partake of? He who will not fight to preferve fuch dainties, is not worthy to enjoy them^. Sincere. Our enemies are notorious cowards, when they are properly oppofcd. Medit, That's very true : but pilgrims fight againll them to great difadvantage; becaufe they always have a party within them, which holds a correfpondence with the enemy*, and is ready to forward all his operations, Ref. Oi that I am very fenfible ; but I thank our A'.t^, who, by your excellent fare, had laid all that party by the heels; fo i\\dii Mr. Loz'e the World y and his afTociate, had none to help them. May our Lord dialily refrefh us in iuch a manner. Come, brethren, I will give out a long, and then, if you pleafe^ wc \\ill prepare for bed. I Mac. X. 37. a Gal. v. 17, P 2 " E'er L 2'2 J *' EVr I deep for evVy favour, ' " This day fhcwt!, " By my Gody ^' I will blefs my Saviour. . *• O, my Lord, what fliall I render, " Ta thy name, " Still the fame, ** Gracious, good, and tender. " Vifit me with thy falvaiioD, " Let thy care, " Now be near, '* Round my habitation. " So whene'er in death I flumber, " Let me rife, " With the wife, " Counted in their number." WhitepI'Eli>. Prayer being ended, Mr. Mediiation flicwed them to their chamber, which was called Pleafant, It faced the river, the fweet murmuring of which lulled the Pilgrims to flecpi and there they enjoyed moll refrefhing reft. In the morning iheJr hoft took them out to walk by the river fide, which was pecu- liarly ravilhing. The rifing of the glorious fun; together with the murmuring river, the fpreading trees, the harmonious birds, and the herbs and flowers pouring forth their delicious fra- grance; all confpired to entertain the pilgrims. Clericus was {q raviflied with them, that he could fcarcely contain himfclf, but burft out into rapture. C/tT. Alas, my dear brethren, and. carnal friends ! hov/ greatly did you err, when ye fought to divert mc from puifuing a pilgrim's life ! Oh, that ye all uere here, to fliarc in thcfe pleafures; then would ye fay, *' Wifdom*s ways are pleafant- nefs, and all her paths are peace'!" Here, kind Sir, is a moll delicious arbour, near the river's brink > let us enter and fit aAhi!c. ' Prov. il!. 17. [ J'3 ] MeJit. rjcrlcusy I congratulate you. You are in a right pil- grim rpirit: for they widi that all their acquaintance, but elpe- cially their relations, might know the glory oi hnmnnud \ and then they alij would love and ferve him. This is \\i^ Arbour of Delight, it was built by our dear Lord, and is endued with pe- culiar virtues. Sometimes I h;ive fat thinking in it, 'till the heavens have been opened to me, and I have heard and tailed fomcwhat of cclcllial joys. CIcr. It is a re frefiiing bower indeed. But I mull have a fip of die river. So he \^\ down on a bed of violets, to drink. When Cleric cus arofe, he faid to Mr. Meditation. C.Icr. Sir, I think you mentioned fomewhat lafl night of a combination of ingredients, as an art, by which this Water of Life is made to taile better than it does when drank by itfelf. I find your obfervation true, for, by the draught now taken, I difcern, that the water, tho' exquifitely fweet, yet is not fo fa- voury as the beverage which we drank the lafl evening. Kef, That's right, friend Clericus ! Our hio}^ti Probus afked for the recipe, bur. the two interlopers who endeavoured tofpoil cur peace, diverted me from purfuir.g the fubjedl at that time. I now hope that Mr. Meditation will oblige us, by revealing that fecret; and not think me impertinent in requelling it. Medit. There fhould be no fuch fccrets among us, who have all things in common. We arc diicctcd to be helpers of each others \oy-^ . To be good llewards of the manifold grace of our King^. 0\XT Lord manifells his fecrets to liis fervants^ We re- ceive all freely from him, therefore we ihould communicate freely to one another-*-. My fupper lafl evening was prepared in the following man- ner. The food, in general, v.as colleclcd from the trees and herbs which grow on the banks of this river. But I have a gar- den of my own, adjoining to my houfe, wherein grows a va- riety of herbs J, which of themfelves would be very dangerous ^ ;Cor. i. 24. 2 I Pet. iv. ro. 3 Pfalm xxv. i ^ Mat. .\. 8 5 Roir.. %ii. 18—^3. P 3 tc? [ 2.4 ] ' tt> life ) but I put tliem into a Hill, called R,'pentanc6, which'was conibuii^ed by the lamous artift Mr. Godly Sorrow^ . Thefe herbs are called by various names, iimong botanifts, fuch as Ignorance^ Mijhikey hfrmilyy ImpcrfeBwi, and many others. When dillil- Jed, they produce a liquid, which I qtlW Saline Water. This I mix with my food, and find it has fuch a falutary cfTccfl, that the more I ule it, the better I like it. As to your drink, I have a fmall Tpring, which is ever oozing from the foundation of my houfe, which I carefully preferve, and caufe to pafs thro' my Hill. Thefe I call Drops of De?nerit y a few of which, in a glafs of this water, give it a flavour which none but heaven-born fouls know the relifli of; and this it was that fo plcafed you in my fupper. There mufl, indeed, be pairt end trouble endured in preparing this water, and thefe drops; but, I thini-:, a perfon is amply repaid all his labour, by the rich additional relifh they give to his meat and drink. After St. Paul had been in the CekJIial City^ znd tailed the food and nedar, which the bleffed inhibitants of that region feaft on; he imagined, that he fliould in future be freed from the herbs and fpring, and the trouble of diililling them, ""^^"hen he felt that it was not (oj he begged hard of hi? mailer, to have the herbs and fpring deftroyed-: but his Lord Jet him knowj that it would be moll for his maiter's glory, and his own fafety, to let them remain ; and to make ufe of them as I have told you. After the Apoflile undcrilood this, he never eat or drank without fome of the water and drops; and became fo recon- ciled to them, that it was common v/iih him to fmg hymns over his cups?. He alfo recommended tlie water nnd drop?, as the bell antidote to preferve pilgrims from that fvvelling diforder, the tympr4?!yy or fpiritual pride '^. Prcb. I underiland you, good Sir, and tharJv you for your recipe. I believe that none of us need come to you for herbs and drops; for eacli ha'.h a fiouiiriiing crop of })is ov.-n. How is it, brother Refolule? Have not you a gar J en of thefe licrbs ? Rcfolute, fhaking Iiis head, replied, - zCoc.y'i'.. 10. - :Cor. :::;. S. 3 :: Csr. ;::i. :o. '^ 2 Ccr. xii.7. Re/. [ 215 } . R^f, I once thought they were all dead, and foolifhly drove to pull them up by the roots. As to the fpring, which our friend mentions, I thought I could not find a drop ^: but am now fully fenfible of my ignorance in thcfe refpecls. Sincere, Our hoft fays, It is dangerous to eat thefe herbs, or take thefe drops by themfclves, without the preparation men- tioned; and, I imagine, that it is as dangerous, to fuppofe we have no fuch herbs or fpring. Medit. I never heard of but two mere human tenements* that was built without having fuch a fpring in it, and fuch a garden annexed to it. Many pcrfons, efpecially in the prefent age, have vainly pretended that thefe herbs were entirely eradicated from their gardens, and the ipring totally dried up ; but, in the event, they found themfclves grofsly miftaken; and feveral of them, when returned to their right mind, have readily acknow- Jedgcd their error. Ckr, May there not be too great an increafe of the herbs and fpring ? Mcdit, Undoubtedly there may. The golden rule for pilgrims is, to be fenfible that they have thefe things; to lop the herbs^, preferve the fpring, and ufe them as I mentioned; but, by no means to cultivate the garden ; for the herbs will grow too fall of themfclves. Ckr. Pray, Sir, what effects would a total negle6l, or a fim- ple ufe, of the fpring and heibs have on any perfon ? Medit. A total neglccl would have fatal confequences. The herbs, if not kept under, would grow over the houfe, run in at the doors and windows, and abfolutely cover it within and without'!', £11 it with vermin, and haften its ruin. The fpring would increafe, fap the foundation, and overthrow the houfe, as it has done tlioufand^, and buried the inhabitants under iliem. Cirr, This is dreadful indeed ! And would the fimple ufe of them be dellrudive ? ^ P/alm xxi:. 6,7. 2 Gen. v. 1,2. 3 Rom.viil. 13. 4 Rom. i. 29,&:c. P 4 Uedit, t "6 ] MdV/. The (implc ufe of them, without a ftill ma<3e by the above artift, is very dangerous. Some have taken fuch quan- tities of them, as to bring on a melancholy, which has ende their great hurt. For the nature of them, thus taken, is to re- lax the nerves, and lower the fpirits^; nor fliouJd they ever be ufed without a good quantity of the water of this river, and the fruits on its borders. C/cT. As they may be fo pernicious, I fhould think, that the hf:rbs and fpring had better be eradicated, and dried up, irt pilgrims. MeJii. iSi. P/2uI W3.S once of ihzt opinion; and, as I took no- tice, prayed that things might be as you fay ; but his mailer thought otherwife, C/er. Why, is it pofllble, that iin and imperfeflion can be- come of any good ufe to Jehoi'ah^ or man ? Medit. That is a very difficult queftion to anfwer. Sin and 5 m per fed ion, as oppofed to perfect holinefs, are in themfelves evils, and, as fuch, can never be produdivc of any good : but the Being and Continuance of thefe things in the world, and in pil- grims, may, thro' the wifdom, grace, and power of Jehovah, be iheoccafion of much good. For inllance. It is greatly for the glory of our King, that Jmmanuel has appeared in our nature, and put away fin by the facrifice of hinifclf 5; but he could not ])ave fo done, if fm had not been in the world. And as to fin *ild imperfedlion remaining in his people: it is an evil in itfelf; but theconflant fenfe of its Being in us, and of our utter weak- ncfs and unworthinefs on />&4/ account; or, our pruning theie herbs, putting them into the ftill &c ; will fo operate, as to keep us humble, make hnmrmuefs facrifice ineilimable, his righte- oufncfs precious, and his falvation more and more glorious in our ^'^tZi and to our fouls. \ Mat. xxvji. 5. * Pwim x>:.^ii. 3,4. 3 Heb. ix. 26. GVr, t 2^7 ] t/tr. if I rightly undcrftand you, Sir, you mean, that when the Apoftle declares, *' We know that all things work together for good to thofe who love Jehovah^'* You think that he did not include their fins ? Medit. I believe he did not ; for that would open a wide door to licentioufnefs. Sin, as inch, can never work for good; be- caule its wages and end arc d^ath eternal^, which is the greateft of evils: liiercfoie, it mull, by no means, be included in the intention of the Apoltle, whofe principal defign in that declaration, was, to comfort pilgrims under the various trials which they fuifered from the world, for their adherence to true chrillianity. Sincere. This is a very nice point to determine : for I know from my own experience, that my backflidings, however de- tefted by me now, yet, after my recovery, were produftive of much inftrudion and good to me. And fo it feemed to be with Peter: therefore, our Z,(?r^ did not pray that /'^?/^r might not fin, but that his faith might not faiH. Medit. You fhould neither think nor fay, that your back- illdings were produdive of any good to you ; but rather, with St: Pauly confefs, that it is by the grace o^ Jehovah yovi are what you are-*: for that is the real caufe of whatever good has occur- jed to you. You may as well fay, i\\vLi Lucifer is the author of vour falvation, bccaufc he bruifcd the heel of our Redeemer, by whofe llrjpes wc are healed; as fay, that fin works any good to you. Our ^///^ is able to make even the malice of i}\t Black Tyrant to fubferve his own gracious dcfigns ; as he does alfo the being of fin in his children : and when all his work of that fort is done, Death and Tophet -^ that is, fin and all its patrons, fnall be caft mio \.\\q. Lake of Fire ^ . Where had you been, Sir, at this time, if you had fV)ilowed your own ways? Or, what had become of Pctrry if Imwianuel had not prayed for him ? Both he and you had fallen, and rifcn no more for ever. » Rom. viil. 28. * Rom. vl. 23. 3 Luke x.xli. 31, 32. ♦ I Cor. XV. 10. I Rev. xx. 14, [ 2i8 ] A backflidei, a^ fiich, would no more return to ovkxKivg than did Jdr^m after his fjll. But when the King, by his grace, brings the wanderer back to his duty; he has a more Jively fenfe of his great danger, our Lor J^s rich mercy, and his obli- gations thereunto ; than he could have experienced without fuch a lapfc and recovery. To illuftrate this, by an example. Sup- pofe owx Lord were to dellroy the power and being of fm in one of the infernal fpirits, and bring him back to partake of thejo)S of the Cdejlial City, do you think that the happy afFcftions and fenfations of fuch a rcllored fpirit, could be felt by any of ihe blefled Shining Ones, who had never fmned, or fufFercd ? Sincere. I think not. Yet this way of reafoning feems to verge rather too near that horrible error, Let us do evil that good vtay come of it ! Medit. God forbid ! For there is a wide difference, between z vile finner indulging his lulls, under the delufion of rendering himfelf a more fit monument of grace ; and the great King fnatching abrand from the burning of 7ophet, and magnifying his jnercy by wafhing him in the blood of his Son. The one is an acl of prefumptucus rebellion, in a creature. The other an in- llance of fovcreign grace, in the Creator. Therefore, a true convert, altho' he exalts the grace oi Jehovah, for recovering him from fuch infinite jcapordy ; yet he is very far {rom dcfning to tempt the grace of ///;//V/^'->' PrJace, and lliall make no more ^rJine ivater, or Drops cf Demerit ; yet this docs not imply, that we iliall ufe none of them in that happy flatc. As to the ^aliue watcr^ I believe we fliall carry none of it into that Cit'j with us, yet it does not appear that any of this precious deco6\ion will be iaft. Don't you renKrnbcr wliat Dnvid fays on this fubjcd ? He lets us know what bcccmes of all this water, after it has been made and ufed by us : for he declares, it is put into Jehovah^ bottled And the Lord told Ue- "zchahj that he had takdn particular notice of his tears*. Hence we may conclude, that all this precious fluid is referved in the rahice^ in our King^s bottle; which, like the widow's crufe 5, will never fail, but a fenfe of its rclifli v;ill be retained to all eternity. As to the Drops of Demerit, altho* I trull to be totally delivered from the fpring, whence they proceed ; yet I can never be de- prived of the drops> I have always a great number of botiles by me: and while I am this fame individual perfon, I fhall re- Tain them, whether I am in this world, or any other. By the re- prefentationwhichourLcr^givesus, of thefcntiments of pilgrims, at the day of judgment; I find that they arc all furniilied with thefe drops: ^^Lordl^ fay they, '* When faw we thee an hungry, and {t^ thee, kz^''\ They were thefe drops alfo, which made the rL'dcemcd call their crowns before the lamb, and fay, •* Thou art worthy^iSjc I" -S/. yohn, indeed, informs us, that "Our works fliall follow us" into the Celeftial zcorld^: and another fa)s, ** Our Lord wi]] not forget our work of faith, and labour of love. 7" But ftill I will infUlon it, that, altho' my works are welcome io fa/low me, if our Kij:g plcafeth; yet I will carry the Drops in my Bojom.. My gracious herd may condefcend to remember my labour of ]ove~, but I mi: ft remember my drops. Nor fliall I ever forger, what a vile and Tophct dcferving finncr, Richard Meditation once was. Prob. Dear hoft, I thank you for your anfwer. It is quite ' Pfal. ]vi. 8. " Ifalah, xxxvlii. 5. 3 iKingT, xvii. 14. 4 M^t. xxv. 44. 5 Rev. V. g, 9. « RcT.xiv.Tj. 7 Hcb. vi. 10. fatif. [ 221 ] fatisfa^^ory to me, as I hope it is to us all : and I truft that tlic fentiincius wliich yoa have To ftrongly exprefTcd, will ever live in our hearts, and influence our whole condud. CHAP. xxxir. 'The iirrkuihfihe CovenantTranfport, corr.mcmdcd by Capt. George Fervid us. 'The Pilgrims embark in her. Dijcourfe betzveen Tervidus and the Pilgrims, Stories of Lieutenant Newirun, and Lord Search, AFTFR the prccceJing difcourfe, they all retired from the Arbour of Delight, to brcakfait. While they were ac their repall, the found of mufic was heard from the river ; which grew louder, and was found to be accompanied with the voicci of both men and women ; then faid the hoft. Medit. My friends, ye are very fortunate. Lo here comes FerviduSf with another cargo of precious fouls, which he is con- ducing to the Delegable Mountains. I have feen many fuch freights pafs by, and am never more happy than when he calls here i but now as the wind is fair, and the day young, he will not ilop, unlefs you go and alk a pafiage with him. Cler. O my brethren, let us by no means mifs the opportu- nity that offers, of being fome time with that excellent man, who is an example for every ambafTador of our Kivg to imitate, both in his doctrine and aluduity. So thev ran to the river fide, and faw the vclTel approaching, under a full fail, with thq CelcJlialStandiiTdy (a Golden crojs,) fiving at the mall head. They then befought the captain to Hop alittle, and take them on board; with which he readily conjpiied. Clericus left his chariot at the houfe of Mr. Meditation, the pilgrims all embraced their good hoil, and departed. They vrere mod cordially welcomed on board the tranfport, by ver- I'iuu-ii [ 222 ] vidus, and all the company ; and were Toon as eafy ant! free among them, as if they had been brought up together from their ^nfancv. As for Fcrvidus, he was as happy as a prince : and thus addrelTed the pilgrims, on their coming on board. FlT. So, fo, what more fools ftill ! I fuppofe you have been converfing with that old enthufiaft, Father Miditation^ until he has perfaadcd you to make a trip to yonder hills : and what do you think to fmd tliere ? This addrefs feemed flrange to fome of our Pilgrims; but Sin- cere had fecn and heard much of Fewidus, while he abode at the Interpreter^ houfe; therefore he well knew his free way of talk- ing, and replied. Sincere. How can you, Sir, expcd any other, when you are fo zealous to make fach fools as we are ? We have feen a glimpfe of the Crudjied One's beauty, and aie going to the hills that we may know and enjoy more of him. Fer. Who is that ? What my friend, John Sincere ! I am glad to find you with us. You have been wandering about a long ■while, I thought to have feen you at the hills long ago ! Sincere, Every one cannot keep your vigorous pace. I have made a very poor progrefs indeed ; however, I am thankful that 1 am arrived thus far. Fer. You ought to be grateful to fuch a mailer, who is fo in- dulgent to fuch idle drones of fervants, as we are. Sincere. I am, indeed, a very drone, but you, Sir, make abun- dance of converts. Fer. Yes, yes, / make too many. You may often fee ni^ converts, who were very zealous for a time, reeling drunk thro' the llreets, or hear them roaring in the taverns. O grace grace ! Nothing clfe will do: to be plain with you, friend Si?i- cere, the longer I preach, the lefs I find /can do: and yet, I thank our King, that I am more and more willing to fpend and be fpent for my mailer. I have again been about the towns and fields ot Stupidity, Rcjljlancc, &c. and the Z,(?r^ has given me thcfe hedge birds, which you fee in thisveffcl. They, indeed, are not decked in gay plumage, but ihcy fing well : you fliall [ 223 ] fhall hear them. Come, let us have a fong, to welcome our friends on board. ** Blefled are the fons of God^ *' They are bought with Chrijl'*s own biOod, " They are ranfom'd from the grave, " Life eternal they fliall have. ** They are pilgrims on the earth, ** Strangers quite to this world's mirth; *' Yet they have all inward joy, ** Pleafures that can never cloy. *' They alone arc truly bleft, " Heirs of God, joint heirs with Cbr/jf, *' With them number'd may we be, " Here and in eternity. " Whitefield, Fer. What think you, brethren, of my choriilers ? They have learned the true Jerujakm note. '"here are none in the Celef- /W O/y that fmg better than fuch d.> hil carried thitlier, from the dreary regions whither I have rambled after thcfe. Fervidui then fixed his eyes on Cleric us ^ and faid. Fir. What, have I a brother Levite among you ? Cler. Indeed, Sir, I am a clergyman of the City ofEJlabUlhrneHt, but I am afhamed to own ic : bccaufe I was fo long ignorant of my duty, and unprofitable in executing it. Fer, Why, Brother, it is, indeed, matter of concern, that we do fo little for our divine maker, even when we arc called to woric b'j him: but it is not to be wondered at, that we are un- profitable, when wc thriift ourfehes into his fervice; as too many of our profeinon do, for fecular purpofes^ and therefore are of no ufe, but rather a hurt and fcandal to the city. our Lorfs church is his vineyard': and his real minilters have the infinite honor of being called, workers together zuith hirnr. And will not the Lord himfelf choofe his own coadjutors ? Moll certainly he will, nor fliould any perfon take this honour upon him, unlefs lie is called of Him, as was Aaron'^. CJcr. I mull confefs, with fhamc, that I thrull myfelf into this work. ^ Tfaiah v, 7. 2 - Cor. vi. r, 3 Hcb, v. 4. Fervii, [ "4 2 fervid. Therefore, you ought to have* beer, puniHiecl for youf^ temerity. Bur, behoM the amazing <30odners of our M^/iT f he has not only fparcd you, but has condefcrnded to employ vou. Come then, my brother, take up the crofs, and follavv Immanucl, your mailer^. So faying, he laid his hand on the fhoulder of CLricusy and prciled it fo hard that Clericus winced. Fer. Ah ! you are very tender indeed, an3 not yet broken into the difcipline of our mailer J Feel here, my flioulder h callous like a board. The world has fo honoured me, as to make me another SiTnon of Cyrene^j for it has compelled me to bear a large crofs. However, like the fame S'unon^ I hope I am the father of fome eminent pilgrims^; therefore, am well paid for my work. I alfo find his yoke eafy, and his burden light +; therefore, I know that they are my hordes badges of honour, and not my own whims. Ckr, You give me, Sir, but poor encouragement to proceed \ Fer. Poor, do you call it ! I tell you it is the way foon to^ get an cilate, and retire from bufinefs. Thus was St Paul, that ^x^zxMoJier of Arts^ inftru(fled at />/j firft fetting out. I will Jhew him, faid his mailer, what great things he Ihall Jtiffer for my names fake?. ''Vofuffery in that text, is fynonimous wirh, to obtain -y and fo St. Paul underllood it. For, fpme years after, when he bcga-n to make an eftimate of his gains, he found tliar, tho'hc was a man of figures, yet he was unable to call the migluy fum total. He, therefore, was obliged to fet it down in a round indefinite way, thus, " Our light affliflions, which are but for a ipoment, work out for us, afar more exceeding and eternal weight ofgkrf'. " ^^^ i^ ^^^ >^his good encouragement for preaching oarfelves to death ! O, I hope, that I fhall die in a pulpit. Cler. I afk pardon, Sir; I am convinced that you are right : and I beg you would pray for me, that, as I have put my hand to the plough, I may not look back again?. While the foregoing dialogue happened, Refolute was talking * Heb. xiii^ 13. * Mat. xxvii. 32. 3 Mark xv. 21. ■* Mat. xi. 30. ? Acts ,ix. 16. * a Cor. iv 17, ? Luke ix. 62. very [ 225 J A ery eagerly to fome of the pallengers, and Tervidm obferved him. • Fer. Young man, is not your name Peter? Ref. No, Sir, my name isWiUinmRefolute ? . Fer. I believe you are a Peter. Do not you preach ? Rrfolute bluflied, and faid, Ref. Sir, I am apt to talk too fall, indeed. Fer. Well, talk on, but take care to 'wrtlk well. I fee you have one good token with you. That rod is both an ho- nour and defence to you. It was not eafily obtained. Take good care of it, my fon, and boldly ferve him who fo gra- cioufly bellowed it upon ^ou. Ref. I thank you. Sir. It is the eamell defire of my foul fo to do. Fervidus turning to ProhuSy faid, Fer. What is pur name, young man 1 Prob. My name is William Probus, from the City of Dc- JlruBion ? Fer. ProUis^ honell! Pray, who gave you that fine name? Prob. He, who, I trull, has called me from darknefs unto light. Fer. It mull be fo, indeed; for I know that you are of a bad family, who were all thieves^ fome of whom were hanged as fuch — And you brother, (faid he to Friendly) feem to be as little joyous as any perfon in the veifel. Pray, what isjjw/r name r Frien. My name. Sir, is Henry Friendly^ froni FUntJ):irc. I am fo unworthy of any mercy, that I can hardly think myfelf avv'ake, and in fuch good company : it all appears like a dream to me. Fer. Mr. Friendly., you fccm to be a near relation of St. ThiiueiSy who wanted to htfeelingy when all his brethren were I Mai. iii. S, Q^ content [ zzG ] content only with Jee'ing^ their rifen Lord^. — Bat, look yon, friend, if we infill on worth'mefsy we mult all go to the bottom. As for me, I have a profufe fpring, and a plentiful garden of herbs, to my houfe; of which things, no doubt, ye are well in- formed, by Father Meditation: and, if I knew of any merit- monger, or fclf-juflifier, among us, 1 would either put him a- fliore zlArminian Wood^ which is jult by; or quit the vefTcl my- fclf. But, hear what the palTengers will fay on this point. On which, Fervidus cried aloud, Fcr. Silence there, my brethren, I have occasion to make the following inquiry, and beg that you would give me an imme- diate anfwer ; if in the affirmative, hold up your right hands. — .. Is there any one of you, who thinketh that he does not deferve death and the pit for ever ? To this queilion, not a hand moved. Fcr. Are you not faved by grace, thro' faith, and that not ofyourfelves, it is the free gift oi o\xx King^. At this queilion, every hand was held up. Fer, Where then is boalling of our freewill ? Of our fuliilling terms and conditions of falvation ? All, It is all excluded. It is no v/here to be found in this tranfport^. Fer. Brother Friendljf you fee and hear tJiat we are all felf. condemned, and have nothing to plead but /ttv/A/AV/cV. Nothino- to depend on but his free grace, and iiniflied falvation. A.c you of the fame mind, and wil'ing to Ihare our fate ? Frien. O Sir! willing, willing, u illing with all my foul ^ I never defire to be feparated from your company. Fer. Bring hither the Cup of Sahation, So they brought him a large filver cup; in which Fervidus took up fome of the river water, adding thereto a little Saline ^ John XX. 25. 2 Eph. li. 8. 3 Rom, ill. 27. iratcr, [ 227 ] IFiiter^ and a few Drops of Demerit ; he tailed it, and, giving it to Friendly y laid, Fer. This has the true A7r/7^///^ flavour ; beware. Friendly^ of fpoiling your cordials with too many drops Come, take this; and whofocver will, let him take of the Water of Life freel)'\ Frie'/d/y took li, and while he drank, they cried out, y^//. Drink, yea drink abundantly, O our beloved brother *. Frie^i. My foul already feels the chearing virtue of this living water ! Fer. Aye, aye. If I could but perfuade you to drink, I knew your heart would rejoice. Now I like the lines of your face— Well, brother Z^^r/f, if your organ is in tune, I be- lieve we are all mufically inclined ; fo let Jeduthun fet the iirit hymn proper for focietics. " Who can have greater caufe to fing, *' Who greater caufe to blefs, " Than v.-e the children of a Ki7!g^ *' Than we who Chrifl poflefs ? *' We late were 6".7/,?/;'£ captives led, *' And Hell had been our end, *' Had'll thou not for our pardon bled, *' Thou finncrs only friend. " For this we ne'er will hold our tongue, " Nor (hall our praifes ceafe, " But evermore will iing that fong, " The Lord our righteoufncfs.'* Whitefield. This was a mofl: enchanting feafon to our Pilgrims. For the day was fine, the organ with its folemn found, and the fweet voices of the men and women, who were well (killed in thi'^ part of divine worfhip, made a Vn\d o^ ce/efial harmony; unto which the water was no fmall addition. As for Ferzidusj his face flione, and his heart dapced for joy. ^ Rev. vv-j, (i. 2 Cant. V. x. ^^2 While [ 228 1 While they v.cre finging, Clericns took notice of a peiTon who fat near Fervidtis ; and after the hymn was finiflied, thus ad- dreflcd him. Ckr, Sir, permit me toafk, Are you not of the G'/j of EJia- blijJ^ment? and were you not at one of the colleges in that city } Nezvman. I am a native of that eitv, Sir; was at a college, were I well remember to have fccri you . Fcr. This, Sir, is ^Squire Nezuma?!, my worthy lieutenant. He is the eldclt fon of Sir Ruiuhmd Alkhurch, o^xh&CityofEJla' blijhmenty and was educated in one of the great fchools of that city. He became early acquainted with the excellent laws of the corporation, and foon made a vifit to the crofs ; where he imbibed fuch a love to the wonderful fufFerer; that when he returned to the city, he fiiewed himfelf a hearty friend to the people Q){ Church -Street \ and a bold and ftrenuous advocate for* them againft their enemies. At this Mr. Ntzu??ian bluflied, and retired into the great cabin. Fer. I am not forry the lieutenant is gone, as lean now fpeak more freely of his fervices in the caufe of our King. Not many years ago, a huge Gittite, named DoHor Goliath, who had more acquaintance with the rich and great, than with the bible; by undue influence, obtained the high ofiice of uflier of the fchool ; and became fo powerful and overbearing in the college, that he would not permit any of the collegians to be religious. Among the Itrange prafticcs of this va\<^\\'^ Anakitn \ he fat in judgment, and found fome of the Undents, namely, fix, and no more, gidlt';^ of praying and preaching ; for which enormous crimes, thofe fix were expelled from the college. When this proud PhiliJIine thus defied the armies of our Kingy Mr. AllchurcFs fpirit was ftirred up to attack him. Ac- 'jordingly, he mQlGoIiath in the field, and encountered him in a fingular way. Firft, he upbraided him for oppofing the known laws of the city, the college, and the examples of his predecefibrsf [ 229 1 predeccfTors ; and then drew together a vaft cloud of an- cient writings and parchments, of laws, ftatutes, conftitution?, &c. which Goliath had oppoled: and lieapcd them up round his antagoniir, in luch a perplexing manner, that his itrcngth, bulk, and weapons, \vere of no uie to him. Goliath ftormed, and ilruggled to extricate himfelf, but all in vain ; for the facred Genii, both of the city and college, appear- ed againllhim, and fo eiFe6lual!y di'i^i^td.'' Squire Allchurchy that they abfolutely over whelmed the Philijline ; who at laft funk under the prefTare. They then heaped on his dead body a monumental pile, as an evidence of his impiety and cruelty, and gave it \\i^ xi^mt oi Goliath Jlain\ which faid monument remains unto this day. Soon after this vidlory, Mr. AUchurch was appointed marflial o^ i\\t HouJ} Beautifirly by the name of 'Newman \ but he abode not long there ; for he was directed to hailen to the Port of Adoption, and command as lieutenant of this Trajifport; where he has been fome time, and done feveral memorable adlions, of which, it is probable, you may hear more hereafter. After Ferz'iJus had done fpcaking, a pcrfon in the company thus addreffed Probus. Search, I think, Sir, that I have fome remembrance of you, and thofc who came into this veffel. with you. Pray, were you not at the crofs together? And did you not fee feveral perfons there, while you fat u ear it ? Prob. Yes, Sir; and now you mention the circumdance, I rccollecfl:, that p/i; was the perfon who oppofcd the hereticks, at that place. Search. I am the fame, Indeed. But I then fought in the dark, and faw not into the propriety and devotion of your behaviour. However, I found afterwards that your conduft Iiad made an impreflion on me. I rode in the path you faw me take, until I came to the City of Senfibilityy which is not far from the Country of Regeneration^ . There I abode until Mr^ ' Mark xii. 34. Q^ 3 fcrvldusx [ 230 ] Ferz'idm came and preached in the city. Under him I \va^ fully convinced, not only of the truth, but alfo of the inward power of the pilgrim religion. Fermdus advifed me to hailen thro' the CGUfitry of Regeneration, unto the Port of Adoption , and em- bark for the hills. 1 took his advice, and now am fwallowed up in wonder, love and praife of that Being, who is wonderful in counfel, and mighty in workM Fcr. Your declaration, my lord, rejoices my heart. Go on Sir. Religion will flill more cnnobje your blood. This, my friends, is a Real Fbaiiix among our nobility. The romantic flights of the heathen poets appear even T^^ir/ of the truth, when compared with the wonders of our religion. Think, my lord, on that text, ^^ not many Noble are called'^ \'' and it will make your bofom burn with afFeflion to Jehovah, for his diftinguifh- \x\<^ grace towards you. O how will my good Lady Liberality joice to fee you. CHAP. XXXIII. An account of the conJlruSIion, crew, and fervice of the Covenant Tranfport. Fervidus*s defcription of Free-will-Forell, and the City of Self. John Duplex and his Pilgrims on Goodwin's Sand. 4 dialogue betzvecn them and thofe in /.^^ Tranfport, concerning the Covenant of Grace. 7HILE the Covenant l^ranjport \vz.% ^i [ 242 ] faces, the Sand was of no prejudice to us; but I thought that you were all gone to the bottom. Newm. You never heard of this vefTel foundering, nor ever wiJI. Severe. Whether or not Jhe was ever loft, I cannot fay; but perfons who were in her, have, by fome means or other, been loft; by falling, or being thrown, overboard. ^Nezvm. 'B\oi\\tv Severe ^ it is all calumny, and the eftcfl of your prejudice; for no fuch thing has ever happened. Severe. Why, if there is a Covenant Tranjport^ it was pro- vided for all men ; and, I believe, that Cain and Judas were as much in it, as you now are. Neiv?n. O fye, fye, Sir, how wildly you talk ! Here are records belonging to this yeflel, in which is faithfully regifter- cdy^thc name of every perfon who embarks in her', and the time when. I have carefully examined thefe archives; and do not Hnd that their names were ever inferted therein. Severe. You take drunkards, fwearers, murderers, and adul- terers, into your Tranfport, Nezv?n. I acknowledge that thofe who were once fuch finners, and, ifpoflible, much worfe*; have been waftied, and made the voyage in this veffel. Severe. I mean, that perfons while on board have been de- teded in the above crimes, and yet were fufFered to remain in her. O 'Nezvman^ I wonder you will fail in her, Ihe is defiled with the vileft pollutions; and I am inclined to think, that even iiowy there is fome rebellious Jonah among you^, who was the caufe of your late diftrefs. Nezum. T proteft, that in the feveral voyages which I have made in this vefTel, I never knew an inftjnce of fuch abomina- tions as you flander us with. Some perfons, indeed, who had failed in her to the City cfCod^ afterwards ia their pilgrimage over the Enchanted Ground, were guilty of great turpitude ; for * Rev. xxi. 27. 2 I Cor. vi. 11. 3 Jonah i. 12. which [ 243 ] which they deferved to die, altho' our Ki7!g pardoned them : bat you may as wcl! fuppofe, that PetCKy and James^ and John played at cards on the Mount of Transfiguration i as to fuppoTc, t-h it the above enormities were committed in this vefTcl. O Mr. Severe^ your fentiments on this fiibjed are fo contrary to viy feelings, as a pilgrim; that they tempt me to fufpccft, that altho* you have fo long travelled on the banks of this river, yet ycu have not hitherto taftcd of the Water of Life. Severe. Why are you fo uncharitable? Pray, where was David when he tranfgrcfled (o grofsly with Bathjheba ^? Nezvm. David had truly made this pafTage; and his name ftands with great honour in the records of this Tranfport ; but when he committed the above crime, he was going over the Enchanted Ground^ and was decoyed into Mrs. IVantonh^ who then kept a houfc of ill-fame there. Severe. Whatever falvos you and others may provide, to ex- cufe David J I believe that he was then a child of the Black Tp-anty and out of covenant with our King; and \i Repentance had not faved him, he would have gone to Topbet, tho' he had, a? you fuppofe, been in thdLtTranfpart. When Repentance^ who (as has been obferved) was one of the Tranfport's crew, heard Severe mention his name, and in fuch a manner, he replied. Repentance. Mr. Severe^ you bear falfe witnefs againft me : for I am Repentance, and do declare, that I never faved any /inner : never made any child of the Tyrant a child o^ Jehovah : r,cvcr put any one into the covenant of grace : but being a fer- vzx\\.i\{ hnmanuely the furety of the covenant, am fcnt forth^ ac- cording to covenant love and promife, to prepare and attend upon the heirs of glory : but I no more iave them, than you or Avc^w.7;? may be laid to fave chem. I well remember the cafe q{ David, mentioned by you. I was in this Tranfpprt when he made his voyage to the City of God-, and a fvvect feafon we en- joyed, wliile he was with us. What with his harp and voice, and the extacy of divine praife into which he threw the whole * 2 Sam. xi. 27. a A£l3 v. 31, R 3 company, [ =44 ] company, we made the banks of this river echo, as much a? they ever did before or fince. He was indeed the jbiet Singer of JfraeU and a man after oar Kin^% own heart. — Many years afterward?, when I heard of his fall, I was exceedingly grieved ; and when QwxLord dire^led me to feek him, recover him again to his duty, and reftore to him the fenfe of our Lord's love; I flew after the fallen ^^r^/)^, and found him at the Globe hw, on the Enihanlcd GrounJ, kept by Mrs. Wanton. When I touched the royal criminal's heart, he came to himfelf, and 1 never faw a greater penitent before. Rivers of tears ran from his eyes^ the deeped fighs heaved his labouring breall, while his lips ut- tered fuch a fenfe of remorfe, and fuch bitter reproaches againll himfelf; that he diilurbed all that houfe of mirth; and made even Mrs. Wanton fay, with tears in her eyes, " She wifned they had not decoyed him, for fhe feared that his repentance would do more hurt to her houfe, than his fall had done good." I got him from thence as fail as poffible; but, as I and Mr. Godly Sorrozu, were carrying him along, he cried out, " Againll thee, O my injured Lordy againll thee only have I finned, and done this evil in thy fights" Then he fainted, and we thought he was dead: but he opened his flowing eyes, and again ex- claimed, " O Lordy reilore unto me, (thy ungrateful fon) the joys of thy falvation, and eilablifli me with the dear Prince Pnraclete^'^^ and then fwooned again. So that we were obliged to fupport this penitent quite over the Enchanted Ground, until we had brought him to Bephzihah, a city in the Land of Beulah, There wc procured feme cordials, and he in fome meafure revived : but the remembrance of his folly trou- bled him ever, afterward. And, if he knows what a vile ufe, yjit. Sir, make of his fin; it will caufe him to blufli even in \)\zCeleJlial Citj, His A7//j forgave him his fin 5; it does not, therefore, become jj;^// to rake into the filth, and expofe to con- tempt that eminent faint. This relation q{ Davidh recovery drew tears from all, both thofc on fliore and thofe jn the Tranlport; and even Duplex and 5 Pfalm li. 4. a Piaim ]i. 12. 3 2 Sam. xii. 13. Mr, [ Z4S ] Mr. Sezr/r were obfcrved to wipe their eyes. However, M'-, Severe replied, Severe. So, \ perceive, that you are fomeiimes In the Coven.irUy and fomeiimes out: in this we agree with you. Kezvm. This 'Tran/port, Sir, is only as a tender unto Immanudt who is himlelf, " the covenant of the people '•." and we know we are in him who is true-. Ever in him. Beloved in him, Ciiofcn IN HIM 5, jullified in him, fandlified in himj we are blefled with all fpiiitual blelfings in him^-, and, therefore, fliill be glorified together with him. So that we are not one day in the covenant of grace, and another out of it: one day accepted in Immonuely another for v.'hat we are in ourfclves; but we are ever accepted by our King in his beloved fon. For all this y(?^i>c^7/& himfelf affigns a cogent reafon; "even that it may be to the praife of the glory of his grace, or free favour 5.'* Now, Mr. Severey this being the cafe, we are ever in, never out of covenant grace, and everlalling love, tho' at all times v.-c m.ay not enjoy the comforts of this. Hence, this Tranfportt is employed, by the head of the covenant, as a blefling to all the covenanted ones; to convey them, as piJgrims, fome Ihort part of their progrefs to theQ/^w/C//)'; by which they are confirmed in their privilege of, right in, and have a divine tbretailc of, CeleJiial]oy and glory. But in the future part of their journey, thefe fan>e pilgrims may greatly fuiFer by the power of temptations, and their raging corruptions within them: yes 'AC believe, that our King will never blot their names from the book of life*^. But, as in the fore- mentioned cafe oi David, will fend Repentance to humble and reclaim them. Dup. So, Captain, your Pilgrims may fall foully, but not finally. This is a fweet fyren fong, indeed ! ¥cr» You fpeak very lightly about awful things. Syren fong, brother, to whom r Not to a real pilgrim, I am fure. Let us try how it will operate on the company in this vcflel. ' Ifaiah xlix. 8. * I John v. 20. 3 Eph. i. 4. •* Eph. i. 3. 5 Epli. i. 6, * Rev. iii. 5. R 3 Then [ 246 ] Then addreffing himfelf to the Pilgrims in the T^ran/port^ lie faid, Fer. My dear brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling^, what fay you to the following intelligence? Your bleiled Lcrd and mailer having confidered that you are formed of flcfli and blood, which have a flrong propcnfity to fenfual pleafures ; and perceiving that you take much pains to mortify and fubdue them; is now pleafed to inform you: " That he does not in fu- ture defire or expedl, that you will torment yourfelves in that confli6t is you have done; for he gives you liberty to gratify thofe carnal inclinations as much as you pleafe ; and he alTures you, that you can never forfeit his love, by indulging your lulls; for, notwichllanding fiich gratifications, he will molt certainly receive you ihto the CeleJIial City ! What fay you now, will you fin foully, becaufe grace abounds freely ? While Fervidus uttered the above fpeech, no words can de- fcribe the emotions of grief and indignation againft fin, which were felt and exprefled by the paflengers: for, when he had concluded, they all exclaimed, as with one voice. Jll. God forbid*! How lliall we, who are dead unto fin, live any longer therein ? It is not fufficient, for our dear Lord barely to make fuch a declaration of his will : for, if he means to give us up to our own hearts lufts. He mull take away that incor- ruptible feed of His^, which remaineth in us; for we cannot fin, in the manner you propofe, becaufe we are born of j€' hovah^. Fer. Brother 'Johi^ take the declaration of thefe pafTcnger?, as a full anfwerto all your ftrange fentiments. A permiflion to indulge our lufts is not a fyren fong to a gracious heart ; but, even the very thought is a thoufand times more ungrateful to his renewed foul, than the American hdiariii war-whoop to a Bri- tifli ear. A carnal heart may be pleafed with fuch a difpenfaiion, but that can be no reafon for us to rcjeft the truth. Dup. I hive feenmany inftances of the great abufe of your dodrine. ^ Heb. iii. ir. * Kom. vi. 2. 3 jPet. i. 23. 4 ijuhnlij. 9. t 247 ] Fer. But fuch inftances do not prove, that the do<51rine v " {he final perfeverance of //"/?«• pilgrims is falle. I believe vou are often mifled by what happens among yourfclves. Your com- panies are generally like Noah's Jrk, both the clean and the un- clean are with you : or, like the mixed multitude^ who follow- ed the children 0^ Ijrnel from Eg)pt. You are not fufHciently careful in receiving perfons among you. If one has a fudden qualm of confcience, he is inllantly received as a pijgrim ; and thus you fwell your number. But fuch neither knowing their ©wn hearts, nor the evil of fin ; having never felt the terrors of the law, nor taited the grace oi Jehovah ; fall into various fnares and pits by the way; and then you erroneoufly imagine, that they are fallen from true grace, which is a blefiing they never had. I perceive this day, that the ^nnd has reduced your number. Dup. It has, and fo it always did, fine e I have travelled this road, Fer. You are now on Baxter's Heathy a place notorious for robbery and murders; where, probably, you will lofe many more, and yet you will perfift to go on, and refufe to fail with us. Dup. Why, brother George, do not you fufTer lolTes of this kind } Fer. Not in this part of the road. Our King has marvelloufly favoured me in this refpcd. I never loft one perfon, in all the voyages which I have made, from Port Adoption to the City of God. And, if any pilgrim hath died on his paflage; then, what with the prefence o'i Shifiitig Ones, and the triumph of the de- parting faint; our veflel feemed to be in the fuburbs of the Ce- leJlialCity. In (hort, I have a ihoufand evidences which induce me to believe, that this T^raiifpsrt is ot JchovaFs building, and that all who fail in her, are the people of owr King j who fhall never perilh, but have everlafting life. ' Exod. xii. 38. R 4 Netvm, [ *48 ] iKewm. And as to our harbouring of adulterers, &c. among US; it is falfe, as I hope harh fully appeared. There is, if pof- fible, a worfe evil among you, which has entered your camp, in the difguife of an ally. I mean that hitter Spirit of Slander y which Mr^ Severe is fo familiar with, and which has prevailed on him, to calumniate us in a moftabominable manner; by put- ting fuch fentiments into our mouths as our fouls abhor. This he mull needs be fenfible of. Severe, 1 know that many of you hate fin, and love 'Jehovah with all your hearts ; but, in my late publications, I ex- preffed myfelf in juch a manner, on purpofe to fet before your party, the horrid confequences which follow from your principles. Nezvm. Will you talk deceitfully for our ^/>^ .^ We are fully convinced that our principles are agreeable to his word, there- fore we are determined faithfully to preach them; and leave it to our Lor J, either to guard them from prollitution, or to punifh the abufers of them. Dttp. There may be faults on both fides, let us therefore think and let think, as we have hitherto done. This I can fay, from my heart, I wilh you all well. Fer. Brethren, the ZW blefs you. Pray for us. So they parted in good humour. The wind now fwell- ed the fails, and Fervidus rejoiced the hearts of the pafTengers, by faying, " Yonder is our deiired haven, and we Ihall foon be there." C H A P. [ H9 ] CHAP. XXXV. 7b: Pilgrims arrive at the City of God. Tkey are cordially re- ceived by M.v.Y-A\\ixnty ^/^if Golden-crofs Inn. Mr. Valiant relates the extraordinary way^ by zuhich he obtained preferment in hnmanuers army. IN a fhort time the Covenant Trafffport, with a full fail, and mufic playing, entered the Port of Jfurance, belonging to the City of God. Abundance of people wert on the ^lay, to welcome them in, and many falutations were mutually ex- changed. The Pilgrims were conduced to the G olden -crofs Inn ^ in Great JGrace-ftrect^ which was kept by Mr. Valiant. The captain would not fufFer Clericus to go to the Inn, but infifledon his attending him to the great temple, on Mount Zion, in the ¥jpper-part oi the city; faying, Fer. Come with me, Sir. You mull not think to be idle here. I have much work for you in fpeculation — There are no tlumbdogs^ fleeping, nor greedy dogs, in this city. — Nay, do not linger, nor draw back.— If you have any true ambition, I will leavi you to a field, where you may exhaaliall your ardour. I had rather b^ a hewer of wood, or a drawer of water, to tbefe rongregaiions^, than be emperor of the world. I am happy in being a fervant of the fervanis of Jehovah^ and yet ?.m no Pope, He, claims the empty title. /, feel the Iweet employ. Come, therefore, with me. I will introduce you to fuch Tinging, pray- ing, and conveifition; that you will imagine yourfelf very near to the Celjfiiil Cily. Clericus followed him, but with much reludancc^ becaufe he was fearful to appear in a public dia.^actvr, befoic f^ich a jnan as Fervidus. * Ifaiah Ivi. lo, li. ^ Jof}:ua ix. 23. The [ 250 ] The Pilgrims were cordially received by Mr. Vdinnt. This man appeared as if he had been achopping-block for the enemy, to try his Ilrength upon: for his face, head, hands, and every part of him, were marked with honourable fears. He was bleff^-'d with a remarkable flow of fpirits, a great fhare of true pilgrim-courage, and feared nothing. He had been crofs or ftandard -bearer, m ImmanuePszxmy^ and now, being in yearr, was preferred to keep the Golden-croji Inji^ in the C//^ of God \ a place, of which a ShiningOne might envy him the honour. Mr. Valiant was fo fcnfiblc of the favour which his Lord had done him, that he never thought himfelf diligent enough in his office. Mr. Fervidus and Mr. Valiajit were old comrades, and their fouls feemcd to be twins in piety and courage. When the Pil- grims came to the door, he faid, Vdlicmt. Ye are welcome to town, my brethren. Come in, wc heard you were at hand, and have provided good fare for you. — Oh, what a goodly company ! Jehovah blefs and pre- ferve Capt. Fervldus^ that laborious fervant of our King^ for bringing you hither. — What a bufy city has this been, fmce Immanuel izx. him and his comrades to work! Where is your carpenter and caulker, and (hip's company t — Oh, here they come— What, Richdrdy the Gebalile'^\ So, you have brought your old vell'el once more into port ? Ardent. Brother Fa/Ianty I am glad to fee you. We have brought you a company of joyful fouls : I have had a precious time this voyage. Valiant. You fliall all eat, drink, and abide with me, while )ou ilay in town. I will keep open hoiile for you. Do not fear any expence. 1 have been a great traveller, and very cu- rious in my time. I have difcovevcd a treafure of unfearchable liches-, unto which I have free accefs. Wherefore, call for the bell things, and the more precious the wines and dainties are, which you demand, the better you v^ill pleafe me: be- caufe I fhall confider you, as having had a pilgrim's genteel education, * Ezek. xxvii. 9. ^ j:^,ij. \\\^ g^ Sinetre, I i: 2?' ] Sincere. Tliank you, kind Sir : you talk well, and I am glad We have found fuch good quarters. Valiant. I aUvays entertain ihofe whom your captain brings hither, ifthev have no relations or acquaintance in the city. And, I mull fay, that he tranfports hither, fome of the choiceft fouls among us. All this while, Refolnte v/as fwallowed up in admiration at the looks, manner, and difcourfe qS Mr. Valiant % and lo con- tinued , without fpeaking a word, until they had refrcflied themfelves with a comfortable (upper. After v/hich, being all fet for difcourfe, Re/olute, who longed to hear feme of ilfr. Va- liant's exploits, thus addrefied him. Re/. Sir, you appear to have bet- n in the wars ? Valiant. Wars! Yes, I blefs our King ^ I have had fome con. fli6ls wi:h his and our enemies. There is no being a pilgrim without fight)ng^ I believe you all know fomething of //-;«/ truth. Re/. W^ may have h^d /ome /mall cxpQnencc of it, but I can fee no one, who has fuch a disfigured countenance as yours. Valiant. Disfigured, do you term it ! True, it is not {q fmoo'Ji and tair, in the eyes of men, as it was forty years ago; but, Itruft, it is more amiable in the fight of my dear mailer. — Who, would not part v/ith a fair afpeffc in the caufe of him, whofe coun'er.ance was marred more than any man's, for us^? I am only concerned that I have not loft an eje, a leg, or an arm in his fervice. I Ihould then have had fmart- money, and a penfion, on which I fhould live more honourably, for ever. But fuch preferments are all difpofed of at hnmanueFi coart'^ and I am thankful for being thus far provided for. Rr/. I a:n of )o;ir opinion, Sir; for I ever found, that when I wa= moll clofely engaged with t}»e enemy, I had the greatell tellimonlc? of my captain's regard. Valiant. If a pilgrim defires to know his nnller's ellimation of him, let him go into the held, under hi: colours. There is \ 2 Tim. ill. iz, * Ifaiahlii. 14. 3 Piul. j. 25, [ ^5^ ] no fervicc in the world where a foldicr is more noticed, or bet- ter provided for. — When I firfl: entered the army, I came young irom the Land of Cowards ; of the inhabitants of which countr\', Solomonhy^t "They flee when none purl'ueth^ ." I lived in the Town ofTremhlivg ; being of the feed of Caiiiy who thought every one who met him would kill him*; and my name was then Magor-mllJabib'^. At this period, I was fo fearful, that I could fcarcely look at the enemy; but in a fliort time, being encouraged by the fmiles and prefcnce of my Captain, and the bold examples of my comrades; I began to dillinguifh myfeif; and foon was as familiar with the whizzing of the bullets, as was Charles the Xllth. of Sweden. And my gracious Captain ordered me to be inrolled in our books, by the name o^Refolute, At this, Rejolute blufhed, and exclaimed, Hef. Oh, how unworthy am I of that name ! I fkould be glad to hear on what account you obtained' your prefent glo- rious appellation. You mull have feen many great exploits, and fomething fingularly heroic procured you this honour. Valiant. I have, indeed, feen many noble feats, the doing of which would refledl glory on a Shining One. But our King^s thoughts and ways are not as ours4-. For, I declare to you all, that the aftion, which, by the favour of my Caprain, gave rife to my prefent name, reile6\s as little credit on me, as any thing 1 have done, lince my being a foldier. I mentioned to you. J fry tn n v fici c g P m \' But when I beheld the noble feats wliich were done by many of my fellow foldier^, I became afliamed of myfclf, and prayed daily and heartily that I might he like them. My Captain w/^ had that day very giacioully inquired after mc. This intelli- gence brought me to my fenfes, and cheared my fpirits. He then applied to my wounds the Eahi ofGilcad^y which is our camp-medicine; and I was prefcnrly, and perfc(flly recovered. Fervidus alfo proceeded to fhew mc the error of my condufi:. *' My dear P.cJ'^.'utc,'^ faid he, " you cannot do worfe for yourfelf thin to neglcLl our captain's levee. Our Z,cr,y hath declared, that he will be attended unto for all thofe things, which he is detcrmmed to do for his foldiersJ. — Yourilrcngth and mine are like the manna, which our brethren had in the wildernefs; it will not ferve us two days, without a fpccial order from our captain''-. We ar'c only itrong in the grace that is in our dear ^ Mar. xxvl. 33, 51. » J-r. viiu zz. 3 Er-clc. xxxvj. 37. A Ex^d. XV i. 20, -4. Lord [ 254 J Lord\ which implies, that we muil daily go to renew our cou- rage in his prefence. This is a great hoRour done nt ; fince our captain hascondefcended to declare, that it is a plearurt for him to fee us'. Do not, therefore, my brother, count it a wearinefs to him, or a burden to yourfeU"; bur let the fatal ex- perience of this day convince you of the conrraiy." Frien, This, dear Sir, is a leflbn to me. Oh, how foollfliiy and proudly have I behaved io\w^\d^ my Kirig ! I lung to hear how this affair ended. Valiant. The next day, I waited on our royal Captain: but [ cannot defcribe the confufion I felt, from a confcioufnefs ol my pride and folly. I entered the levee, covered with crimfon blufhes, and faluted the courtiers with a fhy air, and a low faul- tering voice. On the contrary, they were free, rejoicing to fee me, and congratulated me on my happy efcape. The King be- held my embarraffment, and called me to him. I went, but fell at his feet; kifTed them, and bathed them with my tears, crying, " Pardon me, Lord, pardon, O my Prince, thy vile fer- vant; and permit me thus to adore ihee, for faving me from my enemies, and calling me to thy prefence, who deierved to be banifhed from thee for ever." — " Thou fhalt not die, Refolute,^* faid the Ktng " It was unkind in thee, to deprive me of the pleafure which I daily had, in feeing and communing with thee. —I have fliewn thee thy fault in thy puniOiment. Dolt thou not perceive it to be a greater honour and pleafure, to come daily, and obtnn Urength from my own hands; than to have a Hock given thee for a month ; or, to have it fent to thee by a fervant ?" While the King fpake thefe word?, Hay on the ground kifling his footftool, diflblved in love to him: and, when he condefcended to appeal to me, I eagerly replied. Yes, Lord^ yes; and I adore and blefs thee for fuch a gracious permilTion to vifit thee. " Arife, then," faid he, " take a renewal, and enlargement, of thy commiflion." I arofe, and Itood before him. T!ic King then wiped the tears from my eye?, killed mc^, ^ Pi-ov. XV. S. * Cant. i. :.. [ =;s ] and, with a fmile which I ihall never forget, commanded an herald to declare his will. The herald obeyed, with a loud voice, as follow?, "Be it known unto all, whom it may con- cern, that our trully and well-beloved Jonathan Rejolute, is ap- pointed ftandardbearer in our armies; and, in confideration of his faithful fervices, it is our plealure, that from henceforth he be enrolled and denominated, among all our faithful fubje<5ls, by the name of E/!jign Valiant i and let hiro be fo rcfpcded ac- cordingly. ThcKifig then put the commiiTion into my hand, fealed with the royal fignet, and again kiifed me. This marvellous grace fo overwhelmel my foul, that I funk down at his feet. He raifed me, and bid me go in peace. 1 bowed, and retired thro' the great ofiicers of rtate, who all faluted me : I filently returned their refpecfl ; but I never in my life was fo abafhed, as, on that memorable day. Ref. This is not the manner of men, indeed ! By what little I have felt of thefe things, I know that you were greatly em- barraifed. Pray, Sir, how did your preferment fit upon you ? Valiant. The Z,' of Self, in Arminian Wood', I defired the pilot to run clofe to the fliore; and I fired feveral fhot at that place, which I af- terwards found did fome execution. This exploit was judged to be mine, and they handed the rcporf of it from thence to the Aphorifms. As I could not wait for the Tranfport^ I returned by landj but was way-laid, and attacked on Baxter z-Ueathy by lh.Q Aph or if ms 'j who commanded me to ftand, and deliver mv coat and money. I had with me a rod of tiie Tree of Life, of the fame fort as that of our friend here, (pointing to Refolute) and I exercifed it pretty brifkly on them ; infomuch that they could not endure the ftrokes, but fled from me, altho' I was by myfelf. Ref Pray, Sir, what is the fentence wrote on jw/r branch ? Valiant. This, *' Surely, fiiall one fay, in the Lord have I righteoufnefs and ftrength'." This rod is a terror to the Apho- rifms. The night being now far advanced, the Pilgrims commend- ed thcmfelves to the proteftion of Heaven, and retired to reft. ^ luiah xlv. 24. In [ =,-9 ] In the morning, Mr.FaJiunt took our four Pilgrims to tlic <^r^at temple on Mount Ziofi ; and found Fcrvidus juil about to preach. He was in his proper element; for he had levcral thoufands to hear him. His text wis, ** But yc are come unto Mount Zion^ the City of the /icing God, the Heavenly Jcriifakm^ '^ This waJ a noble fermon. Ferviduss face (hone, and the hearts of -the Pilgrims glowed, while he difphyed the g'oiics of the places the difficulties which pilgrims encounicr in their way to it; the alfiftance they receive from their Lw^ therein ; and the privileges they enjoy on their arrival at the city. He boldly alTertcd, *' That the pleafures which thofc citizens experience, were the fame in kind as the joys of the CekfrialCiiyj and differed from them only, in degree and permanency." After fermon, Clericus took the Pilgrims to the veflry to Fer- vidiii. Here they faw Lady Liberal, who dwelt in a grand houf^ near the temple. This lady is an honour to her fex and elevat- ed fituation in life. Tho' educated in the City ofFmiityy fhei for many years, has abfolately withdrawn herfelf from the gay, thoughtlefs, circles of her peers; and, like the pious daughter of Phanuely departs not from the temple^; but inccilantly ferves Jehovah, in a feries of good works, both to the bodies and fouls of men : and the inHuence of her benevolence extends it- felf far and near. Sl\e was, at this time, in the decline of life; but Hill flaming with a mod ardent zeal for lm7.'iar.ucl\ glorv. Ferz'idus was her favourite chaplain, and nov/ prefcnted Lord Search to her ladyfhip, faying, Per. My good lady, blefled be Jehovah, I am again arrived with a large company of good pilgrims; among whom I pre- fent you with one of your own exalted rank. Lcrd Scarcby madam, is not afhamed to take up tlie ciofs o'lhnmamcl. Lady. Fervidus, you are moll welcome to the City of God. My Lord Search, I congratulate you on your arrival here ; and hope you already lind, that IfnmnnncFs reproaclies arc no fmall riches^. You are welcome to my houfe, while here. Search. Madam, I am obliged for your gracious reception and invitation. I have heard much of Lady Liberal, and have » Hcb. xii. a:. * Luke ii. 36, 37, 3 IM,. xh 26. S 2 tOQ [ z6c, J 100 oficn joined in ridiculing your fingular tafte for religion ; but Jehovah has convinced me, tl\at great men are not always wile'. I adore him for humbling mc to his \vi 1, and am happy in finding a perlbn of your diilindion, ol" iny fentiments in thcfe things. Laiy. We are now, my lord, come, as Terv'ulin ha'li been fliewing, to Mount Zion. Here all worldly diilin<5lions are fwal- lowed up, in that glorious appellation, Children of GoJ. Behold, what manner of love is bellowed on us- ! Perfons of our rank fcparate themfclves from the lower clafies of people, and pride themfelves in an imaginary importance, and foolifh diilinc- tions; but ule their fancied eminence chiefly in rendering thrm- {t\\'ts more criminal, vain, or ridiculous: for, after all, they fnuJI feel themfelves fa bjed to the pains, misfortunes, and pro- "penfities of the inferior clafles; and, confequenily, are on a mortifying level with the perfons they affeft to defpife. But let :/s follow the great Imvianuel^ who himfelf was a carpenter, and went about doing good > to perfons of all ranks. Lord Search y permit me to repeat to you an apoltolic admonition. " Mind not high things, but condefcend to men of low eftate+." No- thing is more dcllrudlive to the fpirit and practice of the world than this excellent rule. Ssiirch. Madam, I am fully convinced of the propriety of your obfcrvations, I heartily thank you for your advice, and hope Immamiel will enable me to follow his great example. Fcr. I think myfelf happy in feeing two fuch exalted pilgrims. Religion puts a dignity and fplendor on high birth, which is fought in vain in any thing elfe. Suffer me, my lord, todiied your attention to the princely fon o{ Amra^n^ who refufed to be called the fon of P^/?;'/?(7Z7's daughter-, that he might be a par- taker of the afHidlions of Jehoz-aFs people. The ziwrf of Jm- manuel, was more valuable with Mofcs than the kj} things the world could offer. Here appears high birth, noble fenti- ments, and illullrious magnanimity. Hi? great foul was cngroffed by the glorious Recompc?ice of Rczvard-y and his exalted I Jobxxxii. g. 2 ijohn iii. i. 3 A^s x.38. 4 Rom.xii. 16. 5 ll'rb.:a.24, mind [ i6. ] mind endured as feeing Hi^nzvbo is .hrjIJllJc. — Now, madam, by your leave, We will withdraw to refredi ourfelvcs; after which, I will fiii-w our new fiiends th:s glorious city. Break fall being over, Ft/r/./.YJ led them thro' the city, and raid, Fcr. Yon fee how beautifully and commodioufly the plan of this city is laid out. It is the work o{ Jchovdhy and from thence it derives its name. I'his city is at perfc(iit unity in itlelf'. Tho' the inhabitdnts are of v;irious nations, and have different forms of divine worfliip, ye: in faith and love they are quite har- monious with each other. Contention has no place in this ci*y; the people are all of one heart, and of one foul*. Here is nei- ther Greek nor Jezu, learned nor unharned^ bond ox free J. All in- vidious diilinetions are dropped, and Imz/ianuel h all in all. Fcrz'idus then afcended with th.cm on the ramparts, and added, Ferv. Walk about Zion^. Confder her walls, mark well her bulwarks, that ye may inform others of her ftrength and perfect fecurity. — This, my friends, is a maiden city, lor it was never taken. Befieged it has often been, and fo will be again; but there is no caufe to fear the utmoil efforts of the enemy. What the daftardly ^n/f///^/ falfely faid of the Cariamntes Cities y may truly be applied to this ; namely, *' It is llrong, and walled up to Beai'Cn'^'r The ramparts wc are on, arc high and ilrong; but //^/?/ we arc now confidering, is a myllerious wall; which is never feen by the enemy; nor, at all times, by the ci- tizens. In ancient records of the city, this fingular fortifica- lion is called a IVu/I af Fire^. It appeared in all its glory when Elijah was on thelc ramparts, and the enemy laid fiege to the city, to take him'^. In King Hexeh'aF s .ra^n, it was fo very- terrible, that only or.e fpark of this //'W/ of Fire being darted. into an army of enemies, at many miles dillance, deitroyed no lefs than one hundred and eighty- hve thoufand of them in one night ^. There never was a breach made in the ramparts we arc fur- vcying, therefore, they are, with the utmoil propricry called, ^ Ffaimcxxii. 5. ^ Afts iv. 3;. 3 Gal. iii.i^. + Pfaim xlvi'ii. 12. 5 Deut, i. :S. ^ Zccli. li. c. 7 z Kings vi. 17. ^ zKinr;^ xii. ^5. S 3 M'al/i [ 262 ] Walk of Salvation'^: nor has one of ihcfe cannon ever bten dir*- mounted. The plan of the city is an exa^l iquare, for the length and breadth are equal ^., The fide we are nowon, is the- weft, called Revelation Battery ; bccaufe Dcljis and Athcijls at- tack the cicy on this fide. Take notice of this engine. It is named the Jpofiatb\ R2ward. From it, was thrown the ball which {[q\w Julian the Emperor j when he fought sgainfl this city. The machine was contrived, and worked, hy Mr.Jujlice^ who is perpetual engineer of this battery^. We are now on the north-fide, or on Grace Battery ; which is levelled again ft P^/)//?;, PharijceSy and F<;r;;^/7/(/?; ; who come up againll this ci:y, from the oppofite Country of Conceit. The fuburb under the wall is called "Neapolis, and is inhabited by the p'eople of my hxo\\itx John Duple x\ who, tho' they will not dwell in the town, yet, are indebted to this battery for their fafety. This rampart will be for ever remarkable on account of yonder machine, which is the work o'iMr. Diftinguifu^, the ancient en- gineer of this battery. From this he threw a ftone, lb exaflly true, amcngft a company .of perfecutors, who were plotting a- gainft the city; that the wind of it beat Saul, the enraged Pha- rjjee, to the ground, and yet afrcfted no other perfon^. Mr.^ Graze afcerwards went out and brought him into the city, where he became the eminent apoiUe ^t. Paul, This is the eaft fide, and is called ImmanuePs Battery. On this fide, the Arians^ 'Turks^ and Socinians make -their attacks, tliey being all united againitthe divinity o{ owr Lord. This cu- rious fling is called Jlrius's Executioner ; becaufe a fliot there- from, direfted by Mr. ^r:'-th^ the everJiving engineer of this bat- tery^, put an end to the life of that Arch-heretic. — Thus we have gone round the city, and are now on the fouth, or Holy Rampart, becaufe thefe cannon are pointed again ft Antinomians TiwdProf'rgates, who affault the city on this fide; tho', fome- times, they are made ufe of, to deliver poor finners, of that fort who are fenfible of their danger, and cry to Immafiuel for help. This artillery is remarkable fol- doing execution. Take notice .of this bow, it is called the Sinne/s Friend, from the following I Ifjiiah xsvi. I. » Rev. xxi. i6. 3 sThefl". i. 6. 4 Gal. i. 15. S A6la h. 3j4. ^ Pfalm ii, 5, 12. xvell- well-attefrcd fadl. The Lhck Tyrant himrdf was dragging a Th\ei ioTophet, and was juil: at the mou'.h of his infernal den; but the poor finncr cried to our Lcrd, to remember him in mercy'; on which, hy hnm.inncPs ox6cr, Mr. E/c/7ion, the etcr^ nal engineer of the battery-, fliot an arrow from this bow; which fo wounded this cruel ufurper, that he quitted his prey. Mr. Vocation then went forth, and brought him in hither: where, iiaving tarried only a few hours, he was taken to the Cekflial Ci,')\ by a cohort of Shining Ones ; and there he makes the place ring, with hallelujahs \.o itmnanue/, for his wonderful deliverance. C/tT. And well he may, for there is hardly his fellow in that region. Fricn. I believe, Sir, that will be contelled with him, ;// get there. Fer. Brother Friendly y let us have none of your //}; they are great improprieties in the mouth of any perfon, within thefe walls. Who can doubt of his fccurity, when he confiders thefe ramparts, and this amazing train of artillery? Fc/TvV^/j- having fhewed them the ramparts, next took them to the arfenal of the city; where is a magazine of weapons, both olFenfive and defenfive, unto which there is nothing in the uni- verfe to compare ; therefore it is called the Whole Armour of God"^, After their admiration at the firll glance was over, faid Fu\ Behold this fword ! With it, one may chace a thoufand, and tzvQ put ten thoufand to flight^-: nay, I have only brandifh- ed it at the B lack T'<;r ant, and he hath fled from me. The rea- fon of this was, bccaufe this weapon was ufed by our Prince^ when he call him like lightning from the CeleflialCity'^. Lucifer well remembers the dreadbl wounds he then received, which makes the very fight of it terrible to him. Confidcr, alfo, thefe coats of mail. With one of thefe on him, a pilgrim may go thro' fire and water, without any danger. Shadrach and his brethren had each of them one of thefe coats, when they were caft into the fiery furnace^; therefore, they walked in that ^ Luke xxiii. 42. "^ Eph. i.4. 3 Eph.vi. li. ^ Deut. xxxii. 30, 5 Luke X. 18. ^ Dan. iii. 23, 25. S 4 dreadful [ 264 7 dreadful element, with as much eafc, as if tlicy had been on yonder Terrace. Our Priz/ce has promifcd always to attend in perfon', upon whomfoever this armour is put, as he did on the three before-mentioned heroes. In this vail arfenal are alio laid up the terrible thunder-bolts, which are reiervcd againll the laft aflault of this city, by the armies of Gcg and Magogs; which will terminate in the final and eternal deltrudlion of all our enemies. CHAP. XXXVII. Fervidus conduSls the Pilgrims to Mount Prom ifc, the Mountains of Spices, Mount Transfiguration, a?id Mount Pi fgah. Clc- x'ltViS preaches his frjl fermon at //^f Temple. THE Pilgrims having left the arfenal, as they went through the city, Mr. Sincere faid, Sincere. This city mull make a vaft confumption of provi, fions, &:c. Pray, Sir, from whence is it fupplied ? Per. I am about t6 flievv you. We are near one of the hills, from which, this part of your road is called the DeleSiable Mount ai/is .'•^ThiSy my friends, is the Mount of Promife. Here are the fat things full of marrow, and the wine on the lees well- refined, which are prepared for all^^ilgrims, hy owr J?nmanuel^ . Here are the rivers of pleafure-^, the brealb of confolation^^, the hidden manna^, the bread and the water, the meat and drink, of which it is faid, to diftinguifli them from all other dainties, that they are, 7ncat indeed^ dnid. drifik indeed'' . All thfe things, neither fail, nor Vv'aile; for there is a fecret communica- tion between this mountain and the eternal rtores of the Ceh'jUal Cityy from whence they arc conftantly fupplied ; fo that it is as 1 Tfaiah xliii. 2. * Rev. xx. 8, 9, lO. 3 Ifaiah xxv. 6. ^ Pfalm xxxvi. S. ? Ifaiah Uvi. ij. ^ Rev. ii. 17. 7 John vi. S5' impoffiblc IriipofTible for the inhabitants of this city to be ftarved, as it is to die of hunger in the CeleJIial IVorld. Do yen think that any of our citizens can be famifhcd ? Rrf. No, Sir; you may as well funpofe a fifa will be drown- ed in the fea. ^Ftr. Ncverthelefs, I l, and fo let us perifii with hunger!" Fr'ie?i. Ah, Sir, I am the wretch you are defcribing. I am fnrung from one of thofe families you mention : but are you fure that it is only an infirmity in me ? I am ready to fear that it is a mortal diilemper. Fir. Such fears, indeed, flicw you to be a relation of theirs^; but, pray, how came you within thefe walls? Frien. Immanue] brought me hither, or I had never found the way. Fa'. Then you have no mortal diilemper about you ; and all your fufpicions arife from your infirmities; wkich, fhould be well attended to, knov\n, and improved as fuch. But, after feeing the hills, we will call at St. Tho-fnash Uofpital^ and con- fult the phyiician on yourf, and your brother Probus's cafe, of which C/VnV^^/ has told me. — Now let us afcend xh^ Mountains of Spices^, bur, ta.>e care you are not overcome by them. If ' iSam. xxvli. I. 2 Pfalm l.xxvlii. ac. 3 Vdhv. J/.xvij, 8, 9. 4 pfAim ksvii. lo. 5 Cant, viii. 14. your [ 266 ] your fenfes have not been exercifed with thefe odours, I queftion whether you will be able to bear the fragrancy of the gardens — Now we are among them. Where are the poets with their HeJpcriaJi GardenSy Ehjfinn Fields^ and all their Heathenifli trum- pery! Oh, what a wildernefs of fweets is this! Search. Good Lord ! What do I fee and fmell ! Where elfe can fuch fwcetnefs be, as I now experience ! I have read much of Arabia the Spicey, but this is Eden! this is Paradife! See, what rofes, what lovely lillies ! — Thank you, kind Fcrvidus^ for this! It is luxury indeed! Fer. Pray, my lord, thank our Prince. He is the rofe and the liily of this garden^. All thefe fweets and beauties flow from him, and unite to recommend hivi. Upon a time, a beau- tiful lady came into this garden, and was fo delighted with a bundle of myrrh*, that fhe would have it i fo bolaly took and put it in her bofom : nor was flie reproved ; but, on the con- trary, the gardener was pleafed with her freedom. Ref. Brother Sincere, here is an apple-tree like that under which we flept fo fweetly, in the garden of the houfe Beautiful, I fliould like a nap now, for thefe fpices incline me to fleep, Fer. You have too much to fee at prefent; but while you tarry in this city, you may come, when you pleafe, and refrelh yourfelves in this garden. — Let us nowvifit the Mount ofTranf- figuration '^^l on v/hich have been, and Hill are to be feen very v/onderful things. When St. Peter was thereon, he faw excellent glory, and for that reafon he named it, the Holy Mounts. So they all afcended up to its fummit ; and, while Fervidus was expatiating on the pleafure there is in having communion Vii'Ca. Jehovah', Lo, the i/(?<7£'<:'/?j opened, and /w/;^^?///^/ appeared paffmg by, and proclaiming hi? glqrious name^. None but fa- vouriic pilgrims can tell what thefe men felt at this time, hn- manut I {oon difappeared, or they had been all dead men. Fer- vidus alone fupported this vifion; but he was feen all fplendor, ' Cant. ji. I. 2 Cant. i. 13. S Xat. xvii, r. 4 iPet. i. 17, iS. » Exot!, xxxlv. 6, 7, beins C ^^1 ] being overcome, like another M/^j'. Lord Search {kA\ oxi\\\z neck o^Ferz'iJust in a tranfport ; and the Pilgrims, icli to the ground, in holy amazement. At length Fervidus recovered himfelf, and exclaimed, Fer. Oh, he is the chiefcll among ten thoufand, and altoge- ther lovely^! Lord Search, look up ; aiile, ye happy fouls, for your beloved has, in tcnderncfo towards you, withdrawn his glories i and you may optni your eyes with fafety. The Pilgrims then ventured to look about them. Cler. Oh, what a deceiver i? the Bhuk Tymnt, in blinding the minds of men from feeing fuch glories ^' I could not have conceived, that there were fuch things to be feen and felt in religion, as I am no.v fy happily convinced of. Old Infidelity affirmed, that they were all illufions which pilgrims talked of. but he is a liar. Yet, if they were delufions, they are the moft extatic joys that our natures are capable of tailing; and he, who in fuch a cafe, fiiould undeceive me, would be my greateft enemy* Prob. Blefled Loral BlefTed mountain I Dear brethren, and partakers of thcfe ravifhing views oi our Im?nanuel ! 1 congratu- Jate both yoa and myfelf ! I find my arm quite eafy on this mountain, and every infirmity, which I contrafled in the Cafik ofScepticifmy feems to be removed ! Rrf. This is fomcthing r^^// It is good being here*, and I Ihould like to fpend aII my days in this fituation ! Fer. No, Re/olute, do not defire to eat your morfel alone. St. Peter was of your opinion, when he was on this eminence; for he wanted to turn tent-maker and commence hermit. But, had he been humoured, he would have found it a far lefs profi- table employ than his own, which was a fiflier of men. For, had that great man been indulged wnth his defire, he would have gone fneaking alone into the CekfiicilCity, faying, *^ Lord, here is Peter y the hermit of Mount Tabor ;" whereas, we fliall behold him, by and by, come before the throne, with thou- * Exod. xxxiv. 30. f Cant. v. 16, 3 2Corm. iv. 4. * Mat. xvii. 4. fands [ 258 ] i'Airls on iiis fide; and here him fay, ''Lore/, here is Hmple Pftery who once knew not what he faid': thou didll graciouf- Iv contradid me, and now, behoid me, and the many children which thou halt given me." Yes, Sirs, wemurt all defcend, and go thro' many trials; but all will work together for our good j as it happened to Peter, and the other two favourite Apoftlcs. Sincere. Am I in the body, or out of the body ! I cannot de- tcimme^. FricTt. Nor I, brother: where is Tcvvidus, and our bre- thren ? Fer, Here we are ; and you will very foon know that you arc ftill in the body ! Dear St, Paul"^ was obliged to be well goaded, after fach a vifion as you have enjoyed, to keep him fenfible of his weaknefs* andfo muft ^^J// be treated — Blefs i. '> Lord, bre- thien, for thefe manifeftations; and remember, that ihe Cchjlial City, to which you are travelling, will be an eternal enjoyment of far greater glory th^n you have now feen j therefore, be not weary nor faint in your minds'*-. . Our Lord's favoi^ritci mull: both watch and pray, lell they enter into tcmptaiion Tlic eight Diiciples who were left at the entrance of the garden of Gcthjemane, were only di.efted, xo tarry there ^: but the three favourite Apoftles, who were taken nearer to the theatre of his pj^lon, and honoured with a view of the mighty Redeemer, in his bloody conilid; were ordered to '■" auitch ttfidpr/iy. Take heed to youifelves, therefore, my brethren. The Black Tyr^?2t mortally envies the courtiers of our King. The PbiMjriries will furely be upon you. — Now let us clofe our vifit of the hills, with a profpedl Uom'^ Mount Pifgah. It Hands well for obferva- tion. It may cofl you fome labour to afcend it, but you will be well -repaid by what you will fee. Search. Thank the Lord, wc are got to the top. I was al- molc out oi- oreath in afcending hither. What a commanding iirnation, back.vard and fwrwaid, and on every fide! I knc\v not where to look iiril. Come, kind FcrviduSj you have often ' Mark ix. G. - z Cor. xll. z, 3 2 Cor. xii, 7. 4 Hqjj. i-'ii. 3. 5 Mark xiv. 3:. ^ jMark xiv. 3S, " Peut. xxxiv. i. been f 269 3 been here; tell us fomevvhat of the things which lie aroimj U5 ; and how we may bell improve the prorpe(fl. Fer. In the firll place, take a view of the country from whence ye came'; tlicre is no better method to prevent your being giddy- headed. See, yonder dillant land to the well, which is under the perpetual frown of our Kifig'^. There is the rock from whence ye were hewn, and the hole of the pit whence ye were digged-^ Behold next, the way in which the iLi^r^your king has led you thefe many days. Thus did Jeremiah^ when he ilood on this fpot, and cried out4, " Remembering my afHidion, the wormwood and the gall, my foul hath them Hill in remem- brance ; I confider them in my heart, and therefore I have hope." So do ye, my fans : for Jehovah would not have flica'fi you fo great things, if he had not intended to preferve you unto the end^. — A little to your right is Freezvlll Foreft, in which you may perceive the ruins of Doubting-Cnjlle. From thence turn and fee what your K'tig has prepared for you. It is a clear day, and you may plainly fee the gates of the Neio Jerufalem, o^ \m\\\z\s. the city belo v us, is a figure. On this very (pot flood Mojcs, \\'\izv\.Jehcz'/ih lliewed him the goodly land and Lebanon ; and altho' his mailer thought proper not to permit that great man to enter Canaan^ with Ijrael \ yet he was more ho- noured, by vificing it many hundred years aftervvards, in com- pany with the great Redeemer^. Fcf. Oh, how glorious is yonder blefied abode! And fhal! unworthy Will ReJ'i.te dwell there for ever ! Oh, my dear Lord'^ ^ whom have I in that world but thee, and what is it on earth that I defire bcfides thee ! Fer. Ah, friend Refolute, you are a towering genius. You have found the very eminence on which KingD^vid had a fight ot Immanuelh glory. That is a fine air, how docs it agree with J lUiah li. T. a Ephe^. i'. 3. 3 Ifalah li. i. 4 Lam. iii. 19, 1 f . ? Judges xiii. 23. • Dent. Jli. 25, 26. f Mat. xv.'i. \. t 270 ] ^ef. Charmingly well ! I never was fo happy in my life. Frlen. Nor I, brotiier, for I leem in a flrait', having a define to be with Immanuel in the Celejlial City. Per. Friendly^ I am glad you have found that foot. It v/ill xaife your fpirits. St. Paul nevprwas better than when he was in thofe heavenly itraits and difficulties, Probus^ if you advance a little farther, I know what you will fay. Prob. Delegable Mountains y indeed! My foul rejolceth with joy unfpeakable and full of glory^. O Peter, you were much in the right, for I now feel what no tongue can declare ! Sincere. But you have not engrofled it all. Oh, what man- ner of love has ih.^ Father beilowed on me, that Ifhould be cal- led the ^/>/^'s Sons ! Cler. Lord, what am I, or what is my father's houfe, that thou fhould'll bring me hitherto 4.' Fer. Brethren, I give you joy. We feem all to be very happy : let us therefore praife Im?nanuel, in full view of our jour^ iiey*s end. <^ 7here we fhall fee his face, ** And never, never fin; " ^kere from tlie rivers of his grace, *' Drink endlefs pleafures in. «' The men of grace have found, *' Glory begun below ; ** Celeltial fruits on earthly ground, " From faith and hope may grow, ♦' The HillofZion yields, " A thoufand facred fweets, ** Before we reach the heavenly fields, <* Or walk the golden llreets. f- Phil. i. 23. * I Peter i. 8. 3 i John lii. i. 4 a Sam. vii. 18. " Thca [ 2-1 ] ** Then let our fongs abound, ** And every tear be dry, <( We're marching \\\xc> ImmanueV^ ground, " To fairer worlds on high.'* Watts. Sincere. Methinks I fee a very dreary region between us and the Celejfhil City ! Fer. Brother, I perceive, that you are looking too much downward; but I would advil'e you, to feall your eyes and heart with CV/t//^/ things: for, it is by looking on thefe eternal objects, that pilgrims are preferved from fainting in their pro- grefs^. You will foon enough know what the Encha7ited Ground is; for //^/v/ ii the dreary region you mention. Your way lies acrofs it, and there you may be tried: but, beware of fleeping there. Stand fail in the faith, and count not your lives dear unro you, that you may obtain yonder better country^. In^ imitation of your blelTed Lord^ for the joy which is now fet before you, endure the crofss, and defpifc whatever fhame may be thrown upon you. The Pilgrims came down from Mount Pifgahy and went to the temple, where Clericus was to preach in the evening. This was the nrll time of his appearing in that charafter before FerviduSf which gave him much concern: however, he came forth, trailing in the Lord^ and made an excellent fermon from the following words, "There remaineth therefore a reil for the people ofGW+." Fervidus was obfervcd to give frequent figns of approbation. After fermon, the Pilgrims returned with Mr. Valiant to the Inn, well pleafed with the bufmefs o^ the day. * 2 Cor. Iv. i6, 17, 18. * Afts XX. 24. 3 Heh. xii. .:. * Hcb. iv. 9. C r[ A P. [ 272 ] CHAP. XXXVIII. The i7iflru5ling /lory of Captain Intrepid. The Pilgrims viji: St, Thomas's Holpitah An account of the cekbratedY)x, Evi- dence. "1 IfR, Valiant was much delighted to fee our Pilgrims again ij\ji, under his roof. He ordered a fupper, but made an a- pology, that as they had been fo delicioufly feafied that day, his fare might appear courfe ; however, he would do his beil to pleafe them : and fupper being brought, it was found much to the fatisfadion of his gucfls. When the table was withdrawn, Rcfolutc, being very defirous of hearing more of Mr. Valia7n\ martial adventures; faid, Ref. Good hoft, you have well replenifhed us with food ; can- not you now tell usfome inllrudting rtory, of your own, or others adventures, while you was in the army, and in a6lual fervice ? Valiant. I am here, Sirs, on purpofe to ferve you ; and a faft occurs to my mind; which, altho' it be fomewhat fimilar to my own cafe, yet may be both inflruding and entertaining to you. — It is as follows: There was in our army an eminent man, named Captain Intrepid^ who was greatly ellcemed bv our King', for he had particularly promifed him, that, however warmly and dangeroufly he might be engaged, he would never leave him nor forfake him^ This officer was fent, with a chofcn number of troops, on a perilous expedition into the Land of Exe- cration', where he was ordered to give no quarter to any of the enemy. The captain had great fuccefs at firll: at length, a pri- foner was taken, who, being very amiable, was fpared, and brought to the captain. The name of this prifoner was Carnal- 'Rcafon, He was a young man, and appeared fo agreeable in i Hcb. xlli. 5. perfon. [ 273 ] perfJ)!!, and graceful of addrefs, in the eyes of the captain; that he not only fparcd his life ; but, alfo took him into his tent to wait on him. In a fliort time, he fo infinuated himrdf into his mallei's favour, that the captain made him his confident, and confuked him upon all occafions. d^ptaln Intrepid having fent out a fcouting party, they returned, and faid, there was a town at a fmall dillance, which the army might eafily take. On this, young C/rW ^'^rz/r/V)) faid, he knew the place well, that there was no need to u(c much llrength agairJl it, for a few troops would deftroy it. This advice was taken. A detach- ment was fent, but they met with a repulfe, and fevcral were flain by the enemy.— On this defeat, Captain Intrepid fell into fuch fear and perturbation of mind, as difgraced his name, and former heroic condudl. He hailened to court, to lay his cafe before the King. I was in the levee when he arrived : he ap- peared in great diforder; which was a grief to all prefent. The captain advanced towards the throne, and falling prollrate oa his face, thus addrelTed his fovereign. *' O my Prince^ what /hall thy unhappy fervant fay to thee, when I, unto whom thou didft gracioufly promife vidlory, have been fo foully de- feated by thine enemies! Surely, it had been better for me not to have gone on this fervice !" I perceived that the captain's addrefs was not at all plealing to our King\ for he, with a Hern look, replied. ^'■Intrepid, ^vhy art thou fo fearful and impatient^? Indeed I promifed vi'flory unto thee, but I did not fay, that thou fliould'lt receive no foils in obtaining it. Thou mufl: acquire this triumph in the way of obedience to my orders. In vain dolt thou humble thy- fclf before me, while thou foilereilan *enemy inthy houfliold. Thou hail tranfgrcfled againll me, therefore thou can'll not Hand before thine enemies > ; nor v;ill I any more be with thee, unlefs thou putrell the evil from thy dwelling." Tiie laft words of the P;7>/.'^; and exceedingly kind to all the army, both offi- cers and foldiers; for he makes it his buiinefs to ferve them a? acounfellor, and comforter, on all occafions. He is ever near t\it King, and knows more of his mind than any one elfe^. C^/»/^/^? ////r^/>/V repaired immediately to this pcrfon, and told him all that had paffed between him and the King. On which. Prince Paraclete defired the captain, to inform him, very parti- cularly, of his whole proceedings in the late expedition. When the captain had fo done, the Prince told him, that the caufe of his defeat and difgrace was intirely owing to his fparing, and ad- vifing with, young Carnal Reafan. " It is he," faid Prince Pa- raektey " who has made your enemies appear defpicable unto you : not from a laudable confidence in the power of your fo- vereign, but from a vain confcioufnefs of your own wifdom and courage. This is evident from your conduft. For thofe who confide in their King only, make ufe of ail their Itrength againll his enemies; but fuch as trull in themfelves, generally jnake light of their foes, as you did; oppofe them faintly, and meet with an overthrow: thus it has happened to you. My advice therefore is. That you haHen to the camp, and facrifice your young favourite; then take ^// your forces, and go againll the enemy, in humble confidence of the allillance of your King', and you may be afTured of fuccefs." Captain Intrepid ^oodi abadied at his foolifh condu6l>, while Pr/;/^^ P-^r^r/^-/^ thus pointed out his crime and his duly; then {lamping his foot, with indignation at himfelf+, he bowed low, and retired in haile for his camp. As foon as he arrived, he feized the favourite, and put him to death ; then took his whole corps, and made a fierce affault on the city, took it, fub- dued the whole country, and fpeedily returned to court. But, J Johnxiv. 1 6. 1 iCox. ii. ii. 3 Ezek. xvl. 63. ■* 2 Cor. vii. ir. notwithilanding [ ^75 ] notwithftanding his vidlory, he entered the Prefence-Chamhtr Very humbly; and when he made a report of his fuccefs to his Lordy he did it in fuch low terms of felf-abafcment^ as I never had heard him ufe before. The King was much pleafcd with his depor:ment, and condefcended to thank him for his faith- ful ferviccs. This was honour enough for the captain; who departed from the audience, extolling aloud the forbearance, grace and love of his fovereignj declaring all faithful obedience to him, in future; and breathing further, and eternal vengeance againft all his Icrdh enemies. Ref. Sir, I thank you for your edifying flory. I hope we fhall all remember, what hinderance Carnal Reajoyi is to our vic- tories, what an enemy he is to our AT/^'/s glory; and, that we have need of all our wifdom and flrength in oppofing the enemies of our falvation. The Pilgrims then retired to reft. Next morning they wait- ed on Mr. Ferz'idusj who had promifed to attend them to Si, Thornas\ Hofpital. This is a royal and elegant ftrudare in the heart of the City of God. The name of the principal phyfician of this hofpital, is, Dr. Evidence" j a perfon well known in the Pilgrim World, and famous, both on account of his birth, age, and ikill in his profellion. He is known to be of a divine origin, for he is the fon of the celebrated Dr. D emo?!^ ration 'i, who dwells on the other fide the River of Deaths of whom more will be faid in the fequel. This phyfician of St. Thomas^ has eacifted from the creation of the world ; but, inftead of growing w^eak, from his great age, as fome people foolifhly affert; he in- creafss in ftrength, experience, and fuccefs every day : and thofe who are moft familiar with the do£lor, have heard him af- firm, that he never was better in health, fince thofe happy days when Immanuel and his father condefcended to vifit him, than he find shim fel Fat pre fen t. His enemies, indeed, haVe endea- voured to deftroy him, by aflaflination, poifon, and other i^. Evid. Well, my fon, what ails you .'^ Wherefore look you ^o pale and deje(5ted ? ' Ifalah ii. 2. ^ iCor. v. 8. 3 Rev. :a. 4. « Mat. xv. iS. iHeb. iii. iz. T 5 Frics^ [ 278 ] . Trien. Oh, Sir, I have got a bad appetite, and a worfc heart : for altho* I am come fo far, yet I am afraid that I am not a true pilgrim, and fhall never enter into the New Je- rujalem. On this. Dr. Evidence took down a bottle, on which was wrote, Lac Amoris Fraterni'i and gave it to Friendly, faying, Evid. Tafleofthis, and, if you like it, drink as much as you picafe. Friendly tafted the milk, and found it fo fvveet, that he fairly emptied the bottle. At this, the doflor fmiled, and took down another, on which was wrote, EJJeniiaSpiritus Veritatis \ ^nd g^vc it to Friendly, with the fame liberty as before; and he drank it entirely olT, altho* it was very firong. The dodor then taking his arm, laid his finger on his pulfe; and faid, Evid. Fear not, myfon; but know, that when you arrive at the CeleJ^ial City, you will be freed from all temptations to evil, and even from the very Beirfg of fin^. Your work, thro' a long eternity, will be to ferve Jehovah day and night in bis temple*; to converfe with good men, znA Shining Ones, and to be continually growing up in knowledge, holinefs and joy. When the do£lor had difcourfed fome time on this elevating fubjed; and, in the mean while, carefully obferved the pulfe and countenance of his patient ; he further addrefTed him, and all prefent. Evid. There is no occafion for you, my fon, to be difcou- raged at any thing you may find in you, or that can be done to you. Whatever this, your brother, my friends, may think or fay of hinifelf; yet, youfaw that he drank like a fifh from thofe bottles, which none but true pilgrims can relifli or endure. The firfl: was t\\Q Milk of Brotherly Love"^, and the other the EJJence of the Spirit of Truth: both which were ufed by St. John^, as tefls to difcover true pilgrims, in his days. I had this recipe from his hand. I am further confirm- ed in my fentimentsof this patient, by the flowing of his blood, l{ Ifaiahxxxiii.24. »Rev.vii.i5. 3 ijohaiii. 14. ■* xjohn iv. 13. while '^ [ 279 1 while I fct before him the purity and perfevflion of celcllial hap- pinefs. When thus difcourfing \.o falfc pilgrims, I have fecn their countenances fall, and felt their pulfe grow languid ; but here, on the contrary, your brother's eyes fparklcd, his face flione, and his pulfe quickned to a Cckftial Par. All which clearly manifelh, that his heart is fet on the employments and enjoyments of the 'Nezujernjakm. Frier.. Sir, I thank you, and hope I fhall ever remember your faithful and encouraging examination of my cafe. The Da(5lor then, turning to PnbuSy faid, Evld, And yuu, my fon, what is your complaint? In reply, Prohtis told the Do^lor the ftory of his imprifon- ment in the Cnjlle of Scepticijm, and the manner of his efcape: he thtn fliewed him the wound in his arm. On which, faid the Dodor, EvU. I have a medicine, the recipe for which was given me by Immariuely when he was here. He called it, Baljamum bene-- diBum, It was prefcribcd to 5/. Jhomas in his cafe, but he made light of it, and infilled on the help of my father, who was then at the hofpital. Im?nanuel gracioufly confidered the patient's obllinacy as a part of his difeafe, and ordered mv fa- ther to attend him; but left the balfam with me, and his par- ticular bleliing, in future, on every patient who fhould make ufe of it^ Some of this I wdllgivc you, but be fureyou addrefs/ww/?- nueliox the blefling, whenever you ufe it; and tho' it may not ef- fe6l an abfolute cure, yet it will certainly fecure you from any mortal confequences therefrom. The wound may pain you, in dark cloudy weather; but it will not afFeft your life. Moreover, you will be fure to find a perfeft remedy at my father's, on the other fide of the River of Death. And I wifh you all a happy arrival on that Celejiial {hove. Per. Doctor, I thank you for this labour of love. We muft cow attend on the fervice of the temple, fo bid you farewell. ' John xx. 29. T 4 CHAP, C 279 ] CHAP. XXXIX. Piobus ordered to leave his brethren, for a jet) [on, A letter from him. He ret urns ^ and they Jet out on their jourftcy . They ar- rive fit the Globe Inn, on the Enchanted Ground, kept by Mis. Jezebel. Til E Pilgrims continued fome time in the City of God: but. Toon after their arrival, a letter was received by Frobusy which commanded him in the Ki?ig\ name, to lea\e his brethren for a feafon, and fojourn in the Town of Love, in the County of Regeneration. Probus was much trorbled to hear of this J for, tho* it was more honourable for him, to be employ- ed by the King ; yet he was grieved to leave his friends, and they were as much concerned to part with him. Kefolutey par- ticularly, was fo affected that he wept fore; and declared, he knew not how to bear the feparation ^ Probus promifed to re- turn as foon as poffible, and purfue his journey with them. Fervidiis returned with the Tranfport to the Port of Advptioriy and took Clerieus with him; and, as this was the beft way for Probus to go to the place appointed ; he departed with them, and foon arrived at his rcfidence: from whence he fent many letters to his brethren, expreffive of his warm affedionfor them* The following is a copy of one of thofe epilllcs of love. Probus to his Brethren. My very dear brethren, Tozfn ofLoz>e, 14th ofjune, A*-|~AHIS epiflje will be a remarkable inrtance of the change- X able fituation of pilgrims, while here below. For I am i->jvv walking melancholy, in the dark and comfortlels Falley of Vtferiion 'i [ 28' ] Defertion\ furroundcd with gloomy Hiadcs, haunted with lii- deous Ipedres, and intimidated with fearful and difmaying noiies. O, how unlike the place from whence I came ! How unlike the pure and hlifsful Elsfium^ where I lately breathed ambrofial fweets ! Yonder, on the Delegable Mountains^ with the dear Ferindus, and my precious friendF, I walked at large, in full view of the gates of the CcIejUiil Cityy which flione ;vith bright and attratTting radiance. Thus blefTcd, my foul was ready to neftle, and fay, " I fit as a queen, and (hall never fee forrovv^ My mountain is fo llrong it fliall never be moved*." But ah, how great is mymiilake! Oh, what a change has taken place! How is the fon of the morning fallen '! I am hurl'd from my eminence. Mv mountain is removed like the bafelefs fabric of a vilion, and I am deeply plunged into the dif- mal gloom of night ! Behold, I am vile ! My Lord has left mc to my vrretched felf, and I cannot have worfe company! O, jny friends, I coidd not have imagined, that fuch a contrarity to our i^>;^ had a place in me. After fo long acquaintance with Him and myfelf, how little do I know of either I The fev/ lafl days of my experience have lliewn me fuch things as fur- prize me ! Certain rebels^ whom I thought to be dead long ago, have revived, iliewn their hateful heads, and appear to be fome of the curfed Ufui'per's chief captains. I fee alfo, coming againil me, dreadful Anakimsj unto whom I am, indeed, lefs than a grafs- hopper*. Oh, Refoluie, Friefidly, and SificcrCy who are better acquainted than I with the horrid dimenfions of thefe foes, and have often engaged with them ; you can guefs at the fituatioii I am now in. Neverthelefs, I am not utterly forfaken of our Kivg. I have a liaunch loyal party with me, under the com- mand of that divine, courageous, and incorruptible Qiptain Godly FeAfS; vvho Hill holds my heart firm in the intercil of Prifice Immanuely and fills me with hope, that this infurrec- lion will foon terminate, in the total deitru61ion of all the con- fpirators. O that I could hear the found of Immanuelh charioif Makehallc, my beloved Lord I behold thy Uruggling fpoufe is befet by vile ruflians ! Like Dinah^^ I have paid too many car- * Rev. xvlli. 7. ^ Pfalm XXX. 6. 7. 3 Ifaiah xiv. 12. 4 Num. xiii. 33. 5 Jcr, xxxii. 4.0. ^ Gen. xxxiv. !• ral nal vifits to the daughters of this world, and thus endangered my honour: but, O my Lord, fetch me from S/^ecbem'shoiik^ and put to death his whole generation ! This day my heart was full, and my whole man laboured under a deep fenfe of grief, for my feparation from you, and happinefs. I fought a place to weep — In my chamber, wrapped in filence and rciledion, I drew near my father, my almighty Friend. He was pleafed to hold out, to his trembling child, his golden fceptre. He faw that I was abforbcd in grief, fo he gracioufly took me on his knee, and permitted me to pour out my foul into his dear bofom*. I wept aloud. My heart almoll burll with love lo Imtnanuel, and my dear brethien at the City of God, I told my father, that I was unhappy, begged him to forgive my weaknefs, for I could not but cotifider myfelf as a poor hanidicd child; and, with great energy, mentioned unto him the faying of the fweet finger of l/rael. " My Goi, my Kh:gy why fliould I be ♦' So far from all my joys and thee ?'* Watts. I would not for all the world be without thefc tender palBons^ It is my honour, and part of my happinefs, that I am counted worthy of poffeffing a foul, fo much akin to the great B'ljhop of Souls. Oh, ye tender bofoms, to whom I am now writing, how wonderful it is, that any celellial affedions fliould be found in us, whtvcTopbety and all its rebellion and pollution, had its throne^! How ailonifhing, that l?nmi7?i//e/ (hould prefide where ^^/i^// and the ^/^r/fTjir^.v// reigned +! How blefll-d are we in having our flony hearts turned into flcfli ^! — May Jehovah make the fevere providence, which now exercifcth us, to work more and more for his glory and our good. I firmly believe that I Jhall foon be given again unto you, for I cannot enjoy myfelf while abfent from you. In this I may be criminal, but i am always Dear Sirs, Your very affectionate brother, in exile. Probus. ' Gen. xxxiv. 26. ^ Ifaiah kvl, 12, 13. 3 Tit. ill. 3. 4 Eph. il, 2^ 5 Ezek. xxxvi. 26. Many [ 2^3 ] Many other eplilles were received from Vroltn^ hut the above may fiifRce to fhew his fervent love for his brethren, and impa- tient delire of their company. At length, it pleafed the King to order him from that ilation, where he fcemcd fo nnhappv ; and reftore him again to his brethren. Gieat was the joy of thefe Pilgrims when they met together again, and they imme- diately prepared to depart from the C/'/v of God. Mr. J^'aHarit walked a little way with them: and at length took his leave aa follows. Valiant, Farewell, my dear guells. Fear no enemy. Make no parly, nor compohtioji with, and much lefs yield to them: but, in whatever llraitS'.and difficulties you may be brought, do not fubmit, do not turn back, but prefs on vigo- roully ' towards the glorious hill of Zw;/; where I hope foon to embrace you all. After his departure, the Pilgrims went on their way very pleafantly, until they came to a green and cxterfuc plain, cal- led the Plain of Obedience \ which they found to be, as the ways ofwifdom arc defcribed by King^okmon^ namely, " Ways of pleafantnefs and peace*." This plain is hounded on the north- fide, by the very cxtenfive Territory of Conceit ; and on the fouth, by the Land of Melancholy . Thefe two countries run on each fide the Plain of Obedience, and the Enchanted Ground, and then ter- minate in the unknown tracks which extend to x.\\t River cf Death, bounding tv/o fides of xhaLandofBcuJah. In this plain, the Pilgrims comfortably walked a great part of the day. At length they entered on the Enchanted Ground, night fpread her gloomy wings over them, and they began to feel the pernicious eitedls of the air on that ground. However, they roufed each other, and endeavoured to avoid fleeping in fo dangerous a place. As they brifkly walked on, they were furprifed with the found of muficJ, which, as they advanced, they found to be attended with the voices of many perfons finging. The air alfo was il- luminated, and the Pilgrims foon diicovered, that the light and noife proceeded from a large houfe on the left fiJc of the road, which they found to be the Gbbe Inn, kept by ^In. Jczeltl, * Phil. ili. 14. * ProY. lii. 17. 3 Job. \x.. 12. The r ^84 ] The Pilgrims being perceived by the people of the houie, feme of the fervants came out, and addrelfed them in a very polite manner. Walk in, Sirs, laid they, we have much company, and many pilgrims who will depart early in the morning. Prob. Pilgrims are they ! I think the found is not like the fober mirth of pilgrims. Servant. Some are merry, and rather nolfy; but others arc fmoaking a ferious pipe, and difcourfmg in a very rational way. Gentlemen, walk in, you may be fure of good entertainment and civil ufage. Accordingly, as it was dark, and dangerous travelling, the Pilgrims agreed to go in until morning; but determined to keep near each other, and take care to avoid every fnare, Rd'/Zute grafped his rod, and they all entered into the firll room that prefentcd itfelf. CHAP. XL. The Pilgrims dijcourfe with Meflrs. Lucre, Gripe, Rubicus, Bully, ard Haughty. — The Inn in an uproar ^ and the Pilgrims expelled, . THE Pilgrims found the room to be large, and full of company, who were eager in difcourfe, and took very iiirle notice of them. They, therefore, fat down together in a little fide box, where they talked foftly to each other, and re- marked the difcourfe and behaviour of thofe in the room with them. They foon found that the fubjefts of their converfatiouj^ were entirely on matters of trade, ftock-jobbing, and the me- thod of ftriking the moil lucrative bargains. Probus^ calling his eye over the door, perceived, that the name of the room in which they were, was ProHt^ it being wrote ixT large capital?. On t 29; ] this, Prohus was determined to enter into convcrfation with them. Prob. Gentlemen, you all fecm to undcrftantl the myfleries of trade— — Their difcourfe was then fiifpendcd, and tliey all turned their eyes towards the Pilgrims; and, one whole name \s-3,^ Lucre, replied. Lucre. We know a little of matters; bin trade is now fo fluc- tuating, and times are fo bad; that the moll knowing can get but little in the fair way. Proh. As you all feem well-difpofed to adopt any profitable fcheme, I can inform you of an infallible method, by which each of you may make his fortune*. Lucre. Say you fo, Sir. I fear that you are too fanguinc. You leem to be but a young man to us; therefore, 1 fufpeift, that you have taken up with fome airy fcheme ; for we, who are in years, and well acquainted with men and things, find it a \z\y difHculr matter to obtain a plumb. Prob. I am an entire flranger to your abilities, but I am cer- tain that what I have faid, is tiue, and has been found fo by many. Then they all looked eagerly on the Pilgrinr; for fome time, at length a venerable old man, named Gripe, faid. Gripe. I have been ftarving myfelf and family for many .years, and yet have not accumulated a fiim fufHcient to retire from bu- fiaefs: and, can you, who are but a lo;;, lliew any method ot getting money which has not been tried already by o\e, are you in the monopolizing way a- gain ! You cannot leave off your old tricks. The gentleman offered it to us all, therefore keep off your clutches, and be con- tent with your fl:iare. ProI>. I am, willing that you all fhould reap the benefit of my fchemc. ^}/. Pray, let us hear it. ProL Why, in brief, it is this. That you all would fet out on pilgrimage. Upon this, they all fet up a loud laugh. Gripe, I knew there was fome trick in it. Pilgrimage, fay you ! Why, we are all good chrillians already: but being Pil- grims will neither keep us, carry on our bufinefs, or acqiiire riches. Prs^. I dare fay, that not one of you has fairly tried my pro- pofition ; but if you did, you would be convinced, that I fpeak tiie truth. Gr:pt\ Pray, friend, how much are _}w/ worth ? Prok Of filver and gold I have very little, nor hardly any thing el fc. Gripe. You are, therefore, a very improper perfon to recom- mend to us a nv^thod of obtaining riches. Prolf. But we are rich in faith, and heirs of glorious pro- mi fes ^ Gripe. Ah, child, fuch riches will not do for me. I may have them and yet go to the parilli. You are a raw inexpe- rienced youth, indeed ! * Jam. li. 5« [ ^87 ] Prob. But, if you poflefs this wealth. Sir, you cannot "go to 7ophet. Gripe, Pho, I never had the lead fear of going to that place ; for, I tliank Godf I go conftantly to our parifli church. Lucre, Yes, old Hunks, unlefs you hear, that there will be a collcdion at the door. On which, there arofe another loud peil of laughter. Prob, Mr. Grippy were not your anceftors very rich ? Gripe. Yes, Sir, their wealth far furpafTed what I can pre- tend to. Prob, I believe//?'/?/ perfon was related to you, of whom we are told, that he fared fumptuoufly every day', and refufed to relieve a poor beggar. Gripe. Probably he might: for my anceflors lived much better than I can do, and none of us have been accuHomed to encou- rage vagrants. ProL\ Bat the perfon I fpeakof went to 7ophet when he died*, altho' he belonged to the bell eftabliihed church in the world . Gripe. Oh, ^yt, fye, Sir, do not think fo uncharitably of any man. I hope that all will be faved. Prob, Whit, do you think that idolaters will be faved ? Gripe. No, no, I mean us chriftians. Idolators, you know, are heathens. Prob. Then I fear that moft of you are heathens. I have heard nothing talked of among you, but how to get money. Tknt feems to be your idol God, and St, P^///fays, that fuch co- vetous men are idolators >. Gripe, You are a fcripture man, I perceive: but I think you had better mind your bufinefs, and leave ihe fcriptures to the clergy ; who are well paid for reading them. Many a fair pound have they had of me; which, with its interefl, would hasc X Luke xvl. 19, ^ L'-»^ ^-vi 2j. ? E?>i. r. 5, » made [ 28S ] made a round fnm by this time ; but both principal and interefl are gone for ever. Frob. The parfon is not to anfwer for your faults or mine, unto the ^xQ-iiJuJge of all: therefore, it is incumbent upon u^ to read and think for ourfeives. Worldly. Sir, I have tried your way of proceeding, but could not live in it. Trab. Pray, Sir, what havep/z done in this way? Worldly. I came on pilgrimage hither, but could never thrive : fo I united with thefe gentlemen, and loon found the bcneiit ®f it. Proh. Did you Come by the way of the City of God? Worldly. I came from the Tozi-n of Vanity^ and dwelt fome time at the City of Self in Artninian Wood. From that city I came on in the fpacious ro?.d, called Jrmiiiius's Highzvay, which led me far to the left of the D^leci/ible MGiintains, into the plea- lant Country of Conceit^ which borders on this ground. In a town oi that country, named Proft, moil: of us refidc. Prob. You aprcar to be a lover of this world, confcquenily the love (jiJehoi\il\ and of true religion, is no: in you'. Lucre. Gentlemen, you are very fevcre. You have inrcr- rupted us in our bufincfs. We have much to do, ai.d dcfire that you would keep your converfation to yourlelve?, or rtiirc into another room. The Pilgrims, finding that they would hear them no fartiier, were defirous of feeing the company in the next room, ,Vv^ho fcemed very jovous. Among them, therefore, the Pilgrims went, and were gazed at, by all thcfe bacchanalian?, v\:[h great atten- tion. Ac length, one of them faid, *' Hand about tiie bowl to the new comers." But, when the Pilgrims declined to drink, they were rcqueAed to oblige the company with a fong. This Friendly promifed to do, if they would keep filence. On this ofler, one of them who was mailer of the cercmouies, and •^ I John ii. 15. named [ 2S9 ] named Ruhicusy from his red face', commanded filencc. Then Frieruily, who had a clear, llrong voice, began to fing a hymn, on the fuperiority of religious pleafure to carnal mirth. «* When in the light of faith divine, " We look at things below, " Honour and gold, and fcnfual joy, " How vain and dang'rous too ! " The pleafures that allure our fenfe, " Are dang'rous fnares to fouls, " There's but a drop of flattVing fweet^ *' And dafh'd with bitter bowls. '* God is my all-fufficient good, " My portion and my choice, " In Him my vail defires are fill'd, " And all my powers rejoice. ** In vain the world accolts mine ear^ " And tempts my heart anew, *♦ I cannot buy your bills fo dear, *' Nor part with Heav'n for you. Watts. S^\\znFrienMy began to fmg, the company were filled with furprizc and confufion: however, they let him go on to the end; then faid the mailer of the ceremonies. Rubicus. Sir, your fong is too good for this place. We did not expe, as you have, many of their brethren. This was my view in in- troducing them, or they fnould not have entered my doors. JIl. Pho ! they are incurable by all our methods of reduc- tion; and, if permitted to llay here, they will turn every one o^ your rooms into a conventicle. Jezehel. Heaz'efi U^rh\a\ for then I flioula be ruined indeed.'' What, are they your Kolden -forth? Ruble, Aye, that they are: and, I believe, have already done f )me mifchief ; for honeli ToinGoodmnn has been in his religious dumps again, ever fince they came into our room. Jezebel. I am forry for him. — Get ye hence, fellow?, or I will fend for my friend, J iijUce Shallow, and have you laid b/ the hcel.s. \ iTlm. vi. 6. * I Cor. IV. r^. U 3 Zir.are. r 294 ] Sincere. We do not intend to abide here; for we know, Ma- dam, tiiat you, and your children, your houfc, and all who are found in it, will be burnt up': and this dreadful fcene may happen very foon: wherefore tlcTC Sincere was interrupted; for the whole company from the rooms united to fmg a ludicrous fong, made by the drunk- ards, on the Pilgrims, to ridicule them and their mannersz* The Pilgrinris, therefore, departed in hafte, altho' it was very dark. Juft as they had got into the way, a dreadful clap of thun- der broke over the G/ok Inn; which interrupted the fong, and the fingers all ran terrified and fcreaming into the houfe : but the Pilgrims went on finging, a "WTg fencj the joys of earth away, *♦ Away ye tempters of the mind, «< Falfc as the fmooth deceitful fea, " And empty as the whirling wind. ** Lord, w^e adore thy matchlefs grace, " That warn'd us of that daik abyfs, *•' That drew us from thofe treach'rous feas, ** And bid us feek fuperior blifs." Watts, CHAP. XLI. CoJiz'erfation on their treatment at the Globe Inn. The Pilgrims are joified by Mr. Goodman. Mr. Proteus found repairing an old Idol Temple. A dialogue with him. Goodman relates his adventures, TH E fong being finifiied, the Pilgrims entered into the following difcourfe. ?rob. Brother Refolute^ the fcenes at the Globe Inn bring to T.y'j mind thofe days of vanity, which you and I fpent over our i irct. iii. 10. ^ Pfalm Ixix. ii. bowb r 29; ] bowls, in roaring out foolifh and obfcene fongs, or playing at cards, &c. Well might a pilgrim fay, the time pall of our life may fuffice ' for walking in fuch folly. ReJ. I rcflcd on them wiih fliame, to think on the depravity of my foul, at that time; and, with rejoicing, at my prefent deliverance. O how glad fliould I be to recover, if but one foul, from the ruin which 1 am hire they are haltening to ! Prcb. I blefs the Lord that wc were enabled to bear any tef- timony to the evil of their ways: and, with nleafure I perceiv- ed, that one was llruck with what our brother 7^/7>//^/A faid. Frien. Are thofe all the rooms in that Inn? Prob. So faid an experienced judge, who appears to be well informed, 'roth of the hoafe, the mi^refs, and the company*. He alfo declares, that if any man loves to fit wafting his time, in any of thofe rooms, neither Immanucl nor his Father will love him. Sincere. When they all united to turn us out of doors, I thought 0^ Imman-aePs words. •* Marvel not if the world hates you, for you know that it hated me firiU." And of his fervant's obfervation. " Wherein they think it ilrange, that you run not with them to the fame cxcefs of riot ; fpeaking evil of you+." Frien. What pilgrim would keep company with fuch men as hate his Lord. ^ Prob. I thank the Lord, that I find no inclination either to the company, or the diverfions of the pcrfons who frequent fuch houfes. Sincere. To one whofe foul is alive unto Immamiel, thefe things muft be very irkfome. The Pilgrims hearing the found of feet behind them, turned, and perceived a man coming haftily after them : as he drew near, they found him to be the fame perfon who laid his head on the table, when Friendly rebuked the intemperate fons ol Bdcch'.^, His name was Goodman. Being come near the pilgrims, he » J Pet. iv. 3. * ijohnil. 15, 16. 3 John x v. 18. '^ iPct. Iv. 4. U 4 fell [ ^96 ] fell on his knees, and, with a torrent of tears, begged to be re- ceived into their company. Prob. Arife, friend, and tell us your name, and whence you came. Geod?n for their ex- perience and fentiments furprizingly corrcfponded with mine. Thefe people earncllly advifed me to learn to read, and to go on pilgrimage. I fet out with others, and met with a kind re- ception at the G,^fe, and at other places, until I came to the City of EJlabliJhment. There I parted with my company, and grew negligent of good things, by not attending to the ordinan- ces of our King, At length I came on, and was decoyed into the wildernefs of i^f^r ; but got thro' it, in a bye- way, that brought me to the City of Depravity. Fiom thence I came on in the new road over the Bridge of Trials to the City of Sc7ifuiilifi\ and lb acrofs the country to the City ofFanity. Thus I ftrayed from fide to fide, until I became quite regardlefs of the King's liighway. I had, indeed, learned to read and write, and made a little progrefs in feveral ufeful {ludies; but, to my fiiame, I mull confefs, that I neither read the bible, nor pray- ed to Jchoz-ah, for fomc years. From the City of Canity y I wan- dered thro' bye-paths, an J crofs roads, afar to the left even of^/r- viinian Woody and out of fight of the Dckrtuhle Muuntains \ in a way which none know, but fuch horrid backfliders as myfelf (of which I hope there are not many). At length, I wandered near the borders of this ground, and came to the Tozvn of Infer.- fible, in \\\t Country of Conceit, and there I fixed my abode: from [ 300 ] from thence I frequently vifited the G/ole Im:, to fpend an idle hour, and to flifle intruding reflexions. There I wascaroufing, when you came in. I knew by your drefs what you were, and fecretly hoped to lee you intoxicated ; which you certainly had been, if you had drank with us. But when this brother, contrary to cxperlation, began to finga hymn, I was fmote to the heart. All my backflidings appeared before me, which, with the well known hymn, tune. Sec. united to paint me as a mod vile and deteftable deferter, of what I knew to be my greatefl honour and happinefs. And when he defend- ed his conduft to Mr. Rubicusy I fell down flain by his word?, and could no longer hold up my head. After you were retir- ed into the next room, my companions tried to rally me out of mv reverie : but I boldly told them, that I had offended Jebo- 'vnh and my confcience, by forfaking the company of fuch men as you, to unite with them, who, I was fure, were in the broad wav to delbudion. While the rout happened about you at the door, I Hole out, and retired to a private place; where I poured out my burdened foul to the Lord^ and, like Pcter^ wept bit- terly, befceching my offended Lord to pardon my great fms, and enable me, for the future, to unite with his fervants, and continue fledfaft unto the end. 1 then ran after, and foon overtook you, and am heartily thankful for your receiving me into your company. Trob. '^xoi^a.tx Goodman y you are welcome among us; may a deep fenfe of your folly, Jehovahh grace, and Immanuelh love^ ever abide with you; that you may no more foully draw back, and fo grievoufly tranfgrefs. The Pilgrims then gave him the right-hand of fellowfhip, and poor Afr. GW/»«« was encouraged, and began to recover his fpirits. C H A P. [ SOI } CHAP. XLir. Tb^ Pilgrims zcalk in great darkuefs. Their various trials in that Jlate. Thefunjbines. Tbey arrive at the Arbours of Worldly Eafe. Many ajleep there, Mr. Truman, a pilgrim, di/coz'ered, and awakened. AFTER Mr. Goodman had related his ftory, they went oa for a long while difcourfing very comfortably on divine things ; at length, they began to think the night unufually long; {p one of them examined his watch, and found that it Ihould be broad day-light, at that time. This threw them into much perturbation, which was increafed when they found that inlleai oF the day-breaking, it rather grew more dark; and, at length, the clouds and fogs were fo thick, that they formed a darknefs which could be felt. A thoufand ominous apprehenfions, concerning this gloom, filled the minds of the Pilgrims,- and boding fears, of various forts, made their poor hearts tremble. At length, a voice broke through the horrid vail, faying, " Who is among you that fear- eth the Lord, and obeyeth the voice of his fervant, that walketh in darknefs, and hath no light ; let him truil in the name of the Lord, and ftay himfelf on his Qod^y This was very encourag- ing unto them all, but Rcfolute efpecially felt the power of it, and faid, Bef. I was fearful that what we experienced in this place, all true pilgrims we:c quite unacquainted with ; but now I find tha: a man may be a good pilgrim, and yet walk in fuch darknefs*, ' IfaiaK J. 10. * I Cor. x. i^. [ 302 ] I am direifted to trufl in the Lord as m^ God^ and by his grace I will Hay myfclf upon him. However, as the Pilgrims had been fo much ufed to dc-:y- light and fun-lliine, their prefcnt circumllances were the more irkfome to them, and they longed for the day, but no light appeared. Now ihey began to grow cold, and drowfy, and pecvilh with each other; nor were they, as heretofore, defirous of converfing, or being together. So they feparatcd, and walk- ed at fome dillance from each other ; every man ruminating on his own dreary fituation, and breathing out a fenfe of his di- flrcfs, and his earnefl defires for the return of day. Sincere. Lord, I cannot bear this unufual eclipfe of thy dear face.— My heart breaketh for the longing that it hath for thy appearing. — When fhall I come and appear in the prefence of 'Jehovah ^ When wilt thou come to me, O my Lord! I will walk in thy way with a perfsdl heart*. O Immanuel, it grieves me fore to lofe thy foul reviving fmiles ; but thou art holy in thy dealings with me, and mightelt have plunged me into the blacknefs of darknefs for ever?. — Thou art a fovereign, and wilt vifit me in thy own time : but be thy '^^y long or lliort, it is my duty and relblution, by thy grace, to wait for thee*, and keep on in my way Zion ward*. As for Frie?idlyy he was inveloped in melancholy refiedions, and went on weeping bitterly, becaufe the comforter thai fhould comfort his foul was far from him 5. Said he, Frien. Oh, Lord, the thing that I feared is come upon me. Was there ever any pilgrim's forrow like unto my forrow ! I go forward, and cannot nnd my Lord; I look backward, and cannot fee him: I turn on my right and left hand, where he worketh, but cannot behold him^l " Oh, for a glimpfe of him my foul adores!'* ipfamxlii.-. ^Pfalmcl. 2. 3 Jude 13. 4 Habak. ii. 3. 5 Lam. i. 16. ^ Job. xxiii. 8, 9. * This is a genuine fign of a real pilTrim: tho' he walks in darkncfc, yet beholds fall ths iruch, and holds ou llcady in ihc way oi JJjtvak. — W.M. Prob, [ 303 ] Prob. WJiy tarry tlie wheels of thy chariot, fweet hnmanud? When fhall the day break, and thefe gloomy fiiadows flee away'! Come, my beloved, nothing in Heaven^ or on earth, can com- penfate for thy abfcnce. Nothing can indemnify me for the lofs of thy fmiles ! I will have no confolaiion but thee, dear Lord: if thou doll not appear I will go down, weeping for thee, to the grave. Goodn:an. Lord, I richly dcfervc to be call into outer dark- nefs, where there is weeping and gnafhing of teeth for ever. But thefe, thy faithful llieep, what have they done, that thou thus wiihdraweil from them ! Oh, let not thefe, thy fervants, fufFer for fuch a rQ}ot\\\ow% Jonah as [ am. Let me be call into the belly of ^ophet, as 1 deferve; but let thefe, my brethren, rejoice in the beams of thy countenance. As for Refolute, he went on like a lion in the dark. Altho'he felt a lively fenfe of his lofs, and had fomc inward conflids of foul, yet his faith triumphed over them all. Thus he reproved and exhorted himfelf. Rif. Why art thou cafl down, O my foul, why art thou at all difquieted within me^! This is a darknefs oi' y^hraFs fend- ing, and it is much better to walk in His darknefs, than in our CTV/i light J for all who walk in the light of their own fire, fhall lie do.vn in fonow^. But, O my foul, trull thou in Jchoz-ahy for I fh-ill yet praife him, who is the health of my countenance, and my jckovah. As Refolute went on thus llruggling with himfelf, behold a Fiend of an hideous afpeCt met him ! and faid, Fiend. Wherefore are all thefe womanifii complaints ? Why all this childifh whining ? Ref. Who art thou? Surely thou art o{ the infernal pit, or near ahia to thofe Fiends^ vvhofe mifcry it is, to be without yehovahy and not be troubled about it I Be vvlio, or what vou will, know, that I mourn the abfencc of my bell, my deareil, my almighty friend. I Cant. ii. 17. * PfaUn xlli. 5. 5 Ifalalil. ir. Fiend. [ 304 3 Fiend. Vour lofs is chimerical only, for you never enjoyed Huprefence of whom you fpeak. Ref. Sayeft thou fo to my face ! Lying /"/V/;^, begone ! Thou mayeft as foon perfuade me that I never favv the fun, or felt his beams: depart, I fay, or I iliall exercife this rod on thee, for thy prefumption. Fiend. What is that, more than a weak reed, that I Ihould regard it ? Ref. You fhall foon feel, if my King will affill me. Upon this, Refolute ftruck at the Fiend with all his might, and the rod fell fo heavy on him, that it made him howl, and fly away with great precipitation. Immediately, there came a voice from HeaveHy faying, "Refill the 7'jr/?^;/, and he will flee from you^ ."—As foon as Refolute had put his enemy to flight, he heard the voice of Prol>us, crying out in a moft difmal man- ner. This roufed all the Pilgrims, and they forgot their own forrows, to haften to the afliilance of their brother. They found him ftanding aghaft, with his eyes fixed right forward, at fomething that wasinvifible to them. ProL Yonder is a moll tremendous monlter, and it makes towards me ! Ref. ProbuSi what is the matter widi you ? We can fee nothing. Prob. Oh, it is Deaths in a moll horrible form*. He looks- ilernly at me, but takes no notice of aiiv other. Ref You have no reafon to fear, fuppofing it fliould be him. Prcb. I was always weak on that fide : and he now threat- ens me with fome peculiar terrors. — Oh, he is near! Save me, fave me, Lord!- • ■ Then poor Prc/'^^i fell to the ground in tlie utmoft dillrefs; his brethren endeavoured to comfort him, but in vain, until a voice from Henven fpoke to his foul. *' Fear not, Probnsy for I am with thee; be notdifmayed, for 1 am thy God^T Then ^ James iv. 7. ^ If^Iah xli. ro. * This refers to the cafe of the author, as hinted in the prc.^ace.^ he [ 30? ] he arofc, and wirh fome plcafurc cricri out, Prol\ For ever blcficd be tlic Lorci^ my fpirlts revive; but the grim monilcr llill ftalks clofe by mc. FrUu. My dear brodicr, DctUh Ihould not be terrible to a pil^iim. ProL Nor would he be fo to me, I truft, in \\h coirman fliapc ; but this form is peculiarly terrifying. I never heard of a pilgrim being thus vifited ; and for one, who h.as been fo highly diilinguifhed, to go off" in fuch a way, is moft grievous to refleil upon — I was finfully unealy while fcparated from you, and could not fubmit to the will of our King, but ihoughi it vv!is the greatell trial I could endure. The Lord granted my requelt, by reiloring me to you ; but, by this vifuatiim, he fhews me, that he can foon imbitter all my fvvccts.-«-I am but jull given unto you, and muil now be fnitched away, by a moll terrible death. — Oh, his dart is lifted up !' 0;i thi?, Frobus fell down in a fwom. When he revived, the horrid fpeftre Itill ftood before him, ready to (Irikc the fatal blow; which brought fuch a dread upon him, that he trem- bled in every limb. Then, behold, the voire from Hcni'en faid again, ''Prohs^^ thus faith {h.y Lord, itxQ Lord, and thy God, that ple;dcth the caufeof his people; behold, I have taken out of thy hand the cup of trembling, even the cup of the dregs of my fury: thou (halt no more drink it again." Ihis fweet and precious promife, mightily itrcngthcned him. Rcf. My brocher, remember your fo- mcr courage, and what we hu'e feen and felt o^ Jehoz'^Fs care ai:d induUcuce tov.-a;U5 us. Let this encourage you lo look up in faith and hope. Prsh. Ah, Refolute, I once thought that I had fome faith; but, a'as, it fails me now. And I am more rhan ever con- viiiccd, that wiihou: hr.rnayiud, its author and f.nifl-.cr, I can da noihing*. Pny for .me, my dear friends, llut jebcvuh m-d/ incrcafc nay faiih, and fave me. ' mii\i II 22. ^ Jd-M vv. ;;. X Sc [ 3o6 ] So they all kneeled down, and //vVW/y prayed, as did P/-^- huSf until he and ail his brethren wept fore. A voice then broke thro' i he gloom, a third time, faying, " Probus^, thou fhalt not die, but live and declare the works of the Zcr^/."— This revived and fet Probus on his legs, fo that they all went forward ; but the monfler flill lurked about ProbiiSy and was very difmaying unto him; till the clouds parted, and the day poured its enlivening rays on the Pilgrims. Then faid » Prob. ThQ LorJ, in this trial, has given me fuch evident tef- timonies of his peculiar favour, that, dreadful as my cafe was, I cannot even wifli that it had not happened unto me. The fun now fhone with meridian fplendour, and was the more glorious to the Pilgrims, from the fufpenfion of his heamp, which they had lately endured. They, therefore, began to fmg, and exprefs the happy fenfe they felt of Jchovahh love to their fouls. *« Our God^ our life, our love, " Our everlafting all, <* We've none but thee in Hcav'n above, *« Or on this earthly ball. <« The fhinings of thy face, " How amiable they are \ " 'Tis Hcav'n to reft in thine embrace, " And no where elfe but there. : *' Nor earth, nor all the fky, *' Can one delight afford, ** No, not a drop of real joy, " Without thy prefence, Lord, " Thou art the fea of love, " Where all our pleafure rolls. " The circle where our paflions move, " And center of our fouls." Watts. The Pilgrims went on finging, until they came to fome plea- fant arbours, built by the way fide, in which they faw feveral * Pfalm cxviii. 17. perfon.c r 3^7 ] perfons qflecp. A man Ihnding at the entrance of one of the arbours, invited the Pilgrims to come in, and rell themfclvcs; as it was high noon, the weather warm, and they had been travelling all night. Rcf. Pray, Sir, who are you ? And who have you got aflecp in thefe arbours ? I think this is a very bad place to flccp in. E^/e. My name is Edje. I am a near relation to the Lcn: of the manor, who has built thcfe booths for the refrelhmcnt of pil- grims. I have good wines, gentlemen, walk in, and fit down, until thefe pilgrims awake, and then you may all go on to- gether. Ref. Enfe is very dcfirablc to pilgrims, and never more To to us than at prefent; but, I do not like your pedigree. You have no intent to ferve us, nor have you any connection with our Lord ., who has commanded us to hallen olF this manor, be- caufe it is not our reil': wherefore. Sir, we are not for your turn. See you this wand ? Enfe. Yes, and I perceive you are no friend of mine. Then ilfr. £/7^' inftantly withdrew into an adjacent thicket. The Pilgrims went into the arbours, and examined the fieepers, by fhaking them heartily; but they were as dead men. At length, faid Ref. Who can te'l but that fome one, at leafl, of thefe flccpers, may be a true pilgrim? I will try what effcd my wand will have on each of them. So he applied it to the eyes and ears of the Heep^rp, but without any fucccfs, until he came to thelaft; who opened his eves, began to roufe himfelf, and, looking round him, ex- claimed, Sleeper. Good Lord! where am I? Who are ye? I fear all is not right ! He then arofe, and ran out of the arbour in great haflj. Ref. S:op, friend, and take good company with you. * Micah. il. io. X t Slifper, [ 3°3 J Sleeper, I cannot tarry: the Z^r^/ pardon me; what a Wretch have 1 been ! Ref. Why, we are your friends, man, and will accompany you. He then turned to them, and they all went on together. Rcfolute told the fleeper where they found him, and by whr^t means he had been awakened At which he was amazed, and exprefTcd many thanks for their great kindnefs towards him. CHAP. XLIir. Mr.TrumanV ufeful Jlony. ^ Shining One Zm'^.f a fnrjfage to Goodman and Truman. The affeBiyig m-anncr c?/^ God's deal- ing with penitent backjliders. "I hey all enter the Land of Beulah. jj..^ TSkT^^^' S°°^ friend, we fliould be glad to hear X^ from you, how it happened that we found you afleep in that place : and what is your name. Truman. Vly mmt'is Truman'^. I have great reafjn to be thankful for your kindnefs to me j but my itory will neither be honourable to me, nor, I fear, profitable to you. Proh. That is more than you can tell : but do not you think that it will tend to exalt the mercy and gcodnefs o'l o\iv King ? 7ruman. That it undoubtedly will, and I am amazed that I am not in the infernal pit! Sincere, Well then, pray let us hear what Jehovah has done for your foul ; which I hope will make us walk more carcluUy over the remainder of this ground. I Johu i. 47, Truman [ 3^9 ] Truman. I was born in ihe Town of Stupidity^ there mar- ried, and abode many years; hut w.s notorioully immoral in my condud; being a prophane fwtrarer, and groisly propenle to the beaftly fin of driinkennefs. This 1 continued co prajftife in de- fiance to the laws oi Jthozuih and man. Sc-veral preachers, in conne(rtion bo:h with Mr. Ftrvidns and Mr, Duf/cx, vifited our town, and prevailed with many to go on pilgrimage ; yet, I remained llupiJl)' regaidlefs of whatever paflod of this fort. I never attended their preaching, nor was at all felicitous about any thing, unlefs it was how to gratify my brutal, inclinations. At length, it pleafed Jckoz'ab to reclaim me, in a very Angu- lar way, by fending to me a you.ig female preacher. This was my cldefl daughter, about nine years of age. She was wrought on by the grace of our Ki/ig — principally by hearing 7l/r. Maker Livd'i,, a worthy amb:iirador, in connexion with Mr. D//- pJex. This child, who had never feen nor heard any thing of re- ligion before, grew furprizingiy in the knowledge and love o' divine things ; and frequently admonifned me of the danger my foul was in. A few months after this change in her, (lie was taken ill, and faid, that both (he, and her younger fiftcr, fiiould die, and go to the Cclcfiial City^ which accordingly came to pafs* While lying fick, flie was continually employed in devotion, in warning and entreating me, to repent, and go on pilgrim- age. After her death, I was made to hear the voice o^ 'Jehovah in my child; and, a^tcr fame difcourfe with Mr.Lkcly and o- thers, I fet out on pilgrimage, and was gracioufly received at the Gate. Nothing very remarkable happened to me, *lii^ I came to Freezuill Forejly when I was almofl: perfuaded to enter Jrminian Wood, and refide in the City of Self . This inclination. I believe was the caufe of the ilorm which came on me, while I was pafiing by GWgf'/Vs-vW^. I kept clofe down to the rivcr- fide, to avoid being buried in the clouds of fand, which were raifed by the wind. But the wind fhifted round to the north* and left me no way to efcape fufFocation, but by throwin?, my- felf into the river; which I did, after calling earnclUy on the Lord. While 1 was in the water, I found myfelf wonderfully held up; the wind foon abated, and prefcntly appeared the X 3 Ccvenunt [ 3^0 3 CcvenaniTrnvfport', which took me up, and brought me fafe to the Citj of God. Prcb. That was a miraculous and mcft gracious deliverance indeed ! Truman. It was To; and indeed, a pilgrim's life is all mira- cle; we are fed, and clothed, and preferved by miracle. I found afterwards, that it was nothing new to be fupported from fmking in that river, for Dr. Deptford who then com- manded the Tra?ifporti told me, that no man was ever drowned in the River of Life -, but the more a perfon drank of the water, the lighter and llronger he fwam. When I came to the Plain sfOhediencBy I grew weary and whimfical; and nothing would fatisfy my vicious mind, unlcjfs I examined the width oi that Plain. I left the highway, there- fore, inclined far to the left, and perfifted in my fcarch, altho' I found it not fo pleafant and eafy travelling as in the common path. At length, I was accolled by a decent looking man, whofe name I afterwards found was Indifference. He ap- peared glad to fee me. I a{ked him if we were in the Plain of Obedience? He told me, he fliould be very forry if we were not; for he was going on pilgrimage, and had chofen to walk at that dilUnce from the highway, for the benefit of refledion. I was glad to find fuch a companion ; fo v^'e came on in a bye- road together, until we had far advanced on this ground, and were come to the Globe Inn. My partner would enter there ; and prevailed on me to follow him into the Parlour of P leaf ure. The bowl was handed to me, and I drank freely from a vain conceit of my ability in the art of drinking" without being in- toxicated : but that fingle draught was the principal caufe of all my future misfortunes. The noife and obfcenity of the company foon difgulled me, but my companion prefentJy en- tered into their excefi'es, and forgot his journey. On this, I watched an oportunity, and withdrew, running as for my life, until 1 had got at a great dillance from the houfe. ? Ifaiah v- iz. When C 311 ] When I Hopped to take breath, looking back, I faw a young Hian running towards me; he loon drew near, and falutcd me very kindly, faying, that he law me retire from the company, guefled that I was a pilgrim, as he alfo was : therefore, was deLermined to follow on, and be my companion, if it was agreeable to me. I told him that I had no objedion to his company; and afked, if he knew the pc'rfon who entered the Inn with me? He told me, his name was /W/^frr;/r^, and that he was employed, by the miftrcfs of the houfe, to procure cullomers for her. As we advanced, I endeavoured to bring my companion to feme clofe religious convcrfation; but he evaded it with fo much fimplicity and good temper, and found fo many topics of unimportant yet pleafing difcourfe ; that I could neither con- tradifl nor interrupt him ; but grew fond of his company ; tho* there was not an atom of real religion difcoverable in what he faid. My being thus infatuated with his difcourfe, I now con- fider as the natural confequence of my intimacy with Mr. hidif' ference^ and drinking at the Globe Inn. At length, night came on, and I grew drowfy; my com^ panion obferving it, propofed to fing an harmlefs fong to enliven me. I told him, I was not ufed to fing or hear any thing but hymns. Upon this, he enlarged, for fome time, ®n the barmleflnefs of love fongs, chearful fongs, loyal fongs, &c. He acknowledged, that he was no advocate for obfcene and impious fongs; but always oppofed them; he again preffcd me, to hear him fing ; at lall I confented, and he fang fuch a foothing air, that I was more inclined to ileep thaa before. When we came to the arbours, my companion immediately entered that in which you found me, crying, " Blefs me, this is jull what we wanted." Inlimtly, another likely pcrfon ap- peared, who, with much earncllncfs, defired me to come in, and fit down. I told him it was very dangerous fo to do, bc- X 4 , caufe, C 3.'z ] caufe, the people at the Mountains bid mc beware of fitting ti^wn Owx\\^ Ench.wted Ground. *' Very true,' fdid he, "but you are |1QW on the faiiher border of the Enchained Ground^ and n.ay \tt laid to have fairly complied with their iniiraclions. Yoa have endured ijiuch fatigue, and hfive not flept; wherefore, ftep in, ^nd fit down, if it be only for half an hour, that you may en- ter the Land of Bmlah in good fp.irits " To all this, my com- panion united his arguments, and chid me for taking every cau- ^jon in the moil fevere icnfe. He faid, *' that pilgrims very often impofe on themfelves, and were more auilere 8«d ablte- mious than nature, reafon, or religion required of them.'* So, ^^ith much perfuafior, 1 complied i and the young man bro"ght us a boirle ot uine. My companion was foon very merry, and b'gan a fong, which, with the tune, I well remember fcemed calculated tj lull me to ^zf^. Jull as he fniidied, the other p^erfon laid to him, ''vvell done, Cartlcji^ encore, encore." I was nodding, but at thefe words I roufed, and, reileding, on what company I was in, jumped from the feat, faying, 1 am decoyd'y but had not walked iix ftcps before I fell down, went fall afleep, and from that time until you awakened me, I lay quite injU-ndblc to any thing that paiTed. 1 certainly rnuil have Clept a Jong time', and it is an inh-iite mercy that i did not flcep the tlcep of death, as I fear my companion will do. Ke told me, that he came from the C/i'y of Vanity. Prob. Brother, I th.ink you, in the name of my friends, for this edifying itory, which is full of the Lord\ wonders to your ioul, and flriiang admonitions to us. Every pilgrim who wan- ders either to the right or left from the common Path of Obedience, will foon grow i»diiFerent to his Lord, and weary of his holy ways. In conforming to the world he will be enfnared by Oirelf: Or.esi and {lumber in the arbours of Worldly E a fe^ where fj many flcep .their lall. But our Great Shepherd will never fuffer his own fheep to be-thus plucked out of his hands*, nor to dellioy their own fouls. Tho' they m.ay be fare, that our \ Matt, XXV. 5, » Johnx. 28. King r 3>3 1 King \vi!I vifit their trar,rgrc(]ions with his rod, yet his covenant of grace towards thtni he will not break', nor fuffcr his tiuthio fail. Here is caiiie lor watchlulncls, and miit:cr of triumph. While Pr£?/'//i was fpeaking, they perceived a Shhi'ing Oney with a fcroll in his hand, coming tow.'.rds them. This raifed a variety of thoughts in their minds. As he drew near, they knew him to be the divine Prince Pamcktc, and faluted him with the profoundeft refpeft. He aflccd, Prince. Which of you are r\dimt; ] Both. Yet, we mull: b"kl farewell to thofe ravifliing enjoy- ments of his love, which we felt when he fwcctjy fhed it abroad on our hearts. Prince. The thoughts and ways o^ Jehovah are not like yours, but high and godlike as becomes his glorious majcfty ^ He knew that your tranfgreflions would ralfe various fufpicions in your minds, of his grace towards you j on which account, I rejoice to inform you further, that youi King loves you freely, and will treat you in future as if you had never oCended him. The blood oi hnmanutl clcanfeth you from all lii;; therefore, he * will do all ihis and more for you. All, Oh, how great is his gOodnef> ! How great is his beauty ^ ! Prince. Therefore is the Lord exalted that he may fiiew mercy on you: for the L^r^ is a Gi?^ of judgment 4-, blefled are all thofe who wait for him. Goodman and Truman^ be comfort- ed. And ye Prohus, Refo/ute, Frie^uily and Sincere, men greatly beloved, ye (hall foon lee greater things thaiithefe^. You arc near the delightful land o^ Beulah. Yonder, ke hov/ thegoiden gates rePiecl the rays of the declining fan. I will Hy and inform the guard of your approach. Goodjnan and 'Irurnan, be com- forted. Farewell. So faying, he fpread his C^/(/?/9 ] a wild, delblatc and barren wildernefs; fituated between two unknown worlds; for the inhabitants neither knew whence they came, nor whither they were going. The land is four fquare, and not very large. On the wefl- fide it is bounded by the Enchanted Ground, and on the north and fo uth by the fcrr^ Incognita'. It is furrounded on thefe three fides by a very high wall, made of the fame materials as that round the City of God. The grand and common entrance is on the welt, by which gate you came. In the north and fouth fides are only two fmall pollern gates. The north poitern is guarded by Captain Eade Vigilanty from Baptijf-Jfreet; and the fouth by Captain Bradbery Diligtnt, from Independent -Jlreet ; but the weft gate is under the charge of Goz'crnor Promife; who is fuperintendent of this country, under the Prince ImrnanueL That gentleman is much older than the world*, tho' he looks fo well; and he docs not deceive us, for he is to the full as good as he appears to be. Some Ignoramujes indeed, give out, that he is flow and dilatory, in performing his wjrd ^; but I have always found him molt wife and faithful; and, even in his very delays, mod gracious. He has a younger brother, flationed with him at the gite, whofe name is Captain Menace >; and when any falfe pilgrims prefume to approach the gate, he only fhcws his terrible arms, and they flee away immediately. The eart fide of the land is bounded by a broad river, which, from the perfon who prefides over it, is called the River f Death. It arifes in the Land of Execration, and runs into the great Jhfs. This fpot of ground was formed into its prcfent beauty, fruitfulncfs, and fecurity by l>n?na?iuel znA Prince Paraclete: and thefe divine perfons have given us their covenant and oath, fealed with their fignet, and ratified with Jminanucl^ blood that it ihall no more return to its former defoJate llatc+. This covenant is lodged in the archives of this city. The country is a perfeft Paradije. Here the Tree cf Lift grows common; and living Water, in a thoufand meandering i Titus i. a. ^iPcuriii..}. 3 Rom. i, iJ. ♦ Laiah liv. 9. lo. dreams, [ 320 ] ftreams, rePreflies the land and its inhabitants. Here are the brooks of honey ana butter. This is the land of oil, oiive, and honey ; a land of girdcns and vineyards. Here are mountains of fpices, and every valley is an Ejchol^ every me-dow rich with a profufion of beautiful and fragrant flovv'crs. So that the whole land i:: like one gre;u altar of incenfe, which is ever breathing its fweet perfume towards the munificent creator. Here is no war nor tumult, no favage beall, noxious reptile, nor poifonous herb. The inhabitants are all righteous in hn- manuely and are waflied from their fins in his blood. They carry in their bofom iV^Kivgi free pardon, the love of Prince Paraclete rules their hearts, and he influences and alTills them in every good word and work. As to thisclty; the plan, and all thebuildings in it, are the work of our Pri/ue. Its inhabitants, and thofe of the land, were all ^or- phans, defolate, afHicled, tormented, and tofTed with a variety of troubles, before they arrived here. But now, they are, and know themfclves to be, the fons of yehovah\ and each has his name en- rolled in a charter of amazing immunities, refpecling their evcr- lafling holinefs and happinefs. Thefe things, all true pilgrims, wherever they are, have a title to; but all our people have the pleafure of enjoying the knowledge of it ; and, at certain feaions, they are all convened to meet in the Cciirt-hall o'i the city, on Mount Trmfport \ where I, in my place, read their charter to them. Thefe times are ahvays honoured by the prefcnce of Prince Paraclete and his Shining Ones, who join their mufic with ours, and the joy is fo great that we hardly know whether we are in, or out of the body. The city is governed by a mayor and aldermen. Our pre- fent magiitrare is the worthy Mr. Keen, a man of deep pene- tration, and tried worth. Mr. Heavenly?nind is chamberlain of the city, and he is a perfon of more worth than all the riches and treafures in • his cullody. The excellent Dr. IFiUiam Jlpol'os is our bifhop, and the p^ous and charitable Dr. Liberal is our oichdeacon; befides whom, there arc many eminent di- vines among us, who came from the G/j of EJlahliJhjnenty its \ Ifalahllv. II. fuburbs. t 3^' i fuburbs, and various other parts of the Pilgrim JVor'u; who all live in the greatcrt harmony with each other. The city is large, unwalled, and built on fevcral eminences ; on one of which, i:-i\\Q^ Mount Preparation^ y there are lodgings providing for you. On that hill are fevcral delightful terraces, from which there is a commanding profpe^l of the goodly country on the other fide of The river, quite to the gates of the QckJ}ial City -, the mufic of which place is frequently heard by us. In fhorr, there would be no end in fpeaking of the pleafures and honours to which your Lcrd has brought you. Proh. Your dcfcription. Sir, is animated and noble; but is not all this pleafure dafhed, by your near and conliant view of the Ps^k-er cf Deaths and its grifly Kir.g? Krwwfelf. He is, indeed, called an enemy to pilgrims, and the laft enemy*. But the profpc6l which we enjoy of the ce- leftial country, on the other fide of the river, makes us confidcr Hirn as ours; that is, as our fervant^ to introduce us into thofe joys, which we cannot experience until he has excrcifed his power on us. Befides, we know that this grifly King is con- quered by our viftorious prince, and doomed to deftrudlion-*. This decree having been proclaimed in all the llreets of this city, and thro' all the land ; whenever this enemy vifits the citv he is defpifed and infulted, even by the women and children of our country. It now grew late, and Mr. Kncujelfiook his leave of the Pil- grims, with a promife of waiting on them the next day. They then retired, and fpcnt a happy night in a room of the Inn, cal- led the More excelknt Cka?nbtr^y by St. Paul^ when he flept there. On the next day, foon after breakfaft, Dr. Kncxfelfw'i^ncd. the Pilgrims, and informed them, that he was jull going out of town, by order of the ma/or; who had received intelligence from Captain Vigilant y at the northern border, ** That there v/as a flrange people arrived from an unknown region, v^ ho called themielves Perfeciicnifls; faid they were going to the Celejiial ' Matt.xxiv.4|. * iCor. XV.26. 3 jCor. iii. 12. * xCo.'. xv. %^. i iC^r.xii, ?r. Y CA. [ 322 ] Cityy and demanc^ed entrance into iht Ln?fd of Beufah; but Ke had refufed them admittance until he heard further from the city." Upon this news, faid Dr. Knozvfelf, I am ordered to go and examine them. If you chufe to go with me, I fliali be glad of your company. The Pilgrirps being very fond of feeing curiofuies, imme- diately accepted the recorder's offer, and fet out with him for the north pollern. When they arrived, Mr. Vigilant o^twz^ the gate, and found thefe extraordinary perfons, few in number, drefied xtry plain, their countenances remarkably referved, and all employed in Tinging hymns on perfed love. The Re- corder thus addrefTed them. Knszujclf. I am deputed, Sirs, by the chief magillrate of the O/i); of Hephzibahf to inquire, from whence you came, and whither you are going? Then one of them, named Mr. Demure^ replied. Demure. We are perfeft men. We came from the Totvn of Viimty^ thro' a pleafant country, and are going to the CelcjUal City. Knowfelf. By what means were you induced to go on pil- grimage. Demure. By the preaching of that excellent Mi?nfer of the tordy "John Duplex, We continued with his people in our town, until we obtained a teltimony from him, that we had leceived the perfefi gift ; and then we fet out on pilgrimage. Knowfelf. How is it that you came not by the good old way, which is fo well known ? Demure. It was too common and unclean for us. We faw fo many therein who had been guilty of great crimes; and others who complained of fo many corruptions, and of fo much inward impurity; that we could not bear to walk wi^h them. So we left our city, by the w^ay of Fancy lane^ which brought us into the extenfive Country of Conceit ; from thence we palTcd mto a region unknown to any but fuch as we are, calkd the iVildernefs of Imagination ; and fo have come on unto this gate. Kiiowjelf [ 323 ] Kno^felf. Yours is a ftrange and round-about way indeed ! Demure. But it is a pleafant and fafc wayj for we met with no Giijtits in it, pafTed no Shadcivs cf Death, nor neep hnnilhjig Vallies\ we met with no Fiends af-Tophet, nor trod on the En- chanted Ground. Thcfe things, which lb inaiiy pijgvir-ii are tormented with, we have happily eicapcd. Knozcjelf. I do no: like your rout. I never heard of anv true pilgrim taking this courfe. Pray, did ycu fee any ihiiig ot hkunt Sinai P Demur:, No, Sir, we never faw any thing of fuch a moun- tain. Kno^l/e/f. Were you never at the City of TortiuiUtK? Demure. As it is not far from our city, before we fet out on pilgrimage, we went and fojourned fome time at i\\Q Pharifee hn, in that rery religious place; and obtained much comfort, inftruflian and experience there. Knozujelf. And what think you of Immanuely and falvation by him ? Dc7nure. Oh, Sir, we are always talking, thinking, and finging of him. VVe are in no fear of being happy with him for ever. Kncz'jfelf. What reafon have y^u to believe that you are in his favour, that your fins are pardoned, and that you will be re- ceived into the CeleJlirJCity? Demure. We have complied with all the terms and condi- tions of the Gofpel covenant, find our hearts entirely devoted to yebov.^b, and our thoughts ever fixed on heavenly things. We have no lulls ©f the fiefh fo trouble us: no defircs of a criminal or worldly nature to perplex us. KnGttjelf. You feem, indeed, to have waited in an unfre- quented path \ Demure. The generality of thefe who are called pilgrim: ccx- /.■W;;much, but v/e//?^ much ; ihcy/zfrfr much, wc/^-^mJch; nay, we enjoy a perfeft \o\-t to Jehc-Oiih which caiicth out all ftar, We arc ccnfillcnr, and hanour the gofpel, o./ flicv.irig y 2 rh.i. [ 3^4 ] that k gives us a pcrfcft deliverance from all fin, and from all fear. There is no fear in love ; but moll pilgrims, who would be thought to love hnmaiiuel^ are, neverthelefs, full of fears. Kmwjtlf. Altho* there is no fear in love'; yet, you are to know, that there may be fear, and much fear to, even where the love of OMxK'iTig is; and I wilh there were more fears in you, left you deceive your own fouls. Demure, l^o you think that we are telling you an untruth ? Lying and deceiving we hate and deteft. Knowfelf. I believe you fpcak as you feel things, and accor- ding to your knowledge; but I fear that you are unacquainted with your own hearts. Do you find no oppofition in you to the will and ways oi Jehovah? Demure. God forbid we fhould: for we are born of God, therefore cannot fin*. Knowfelf. Then you do acknowledge the final perfevcrance of the faints? Demure. No. Wc only believe that fuch as wey who have received the perfe8 gift, cannot fin, we being loholl^ born of God, Knowfelf. It appears to me, that you know neithet the na- ture of fin, nor true holinefs : that is, you are ftrangers unto yourfelves. Demure. You are very cenforious; and I mufi fay, that altho' you dwell in that pure region, yet you are not made perfedl in love. Knowfelf. St. Paul prays that the love of the Phihppiafn might abound more and more, in all knowledge and in all judgment 5. Love without knowledge, fuch as you pretend to, is Enthafiafrn:, and knowledge without love is Antincmlanifni. Love and know- ledge mull unite to form a perfcft pilgrim. You fay that you are without fin, and yet can give no good account how you got rid of fin, or what fin is. » 1 John Iv. iS. ' I John iii. 9- ^ Phil. i. 9. Demure, [ 3'5 ] Ditnure, Sin is the tranrgrcflion of the law. Knozvfe\f, What do you mean by ihc law ? Demure. I mean the moral law, or ten commandment.';. Knozvfelf. What, as they arc explained by Immanuel in his fermon on the Mount F Demure. Yes. Knozvfelf. And are you without fin in that fenfe? Demure. We love God with all our hearts, our fouls, mind and ftrength, and are entirely dead unto fm, even in thought. Sin, both in the root and fruit is quite deftroyed; it has no being in us. Kfi'Kufelf. Do you make any ufe of the Lord^s prayer; and pray for the forgivenefs of fins.? Detfiure. Yes, wc ufe it as a general prayer. Ktioufelf. So you think that the petition far forgivenefs of trefpaifes is to you only a general, or public, not a private prayer; altho' our Lord recommends it as a private or clofct cuty^ I find that your fancied freedom from fin, confifts principally in your ignorance of the nature of it. To be plain with you, I think fin has deceived you, and lies yet un- dillurbed in your hearts. By your own confelTion, you never were at Mount Sinai^ therefore you know not what fin is; for^ fays StPauly I had not known fin but by the law*. I advife you therefore to make a journey to that mountain, and then in- flead of your prefent notions, you will confefs, that in your flelh dwells no good thing'. Demure. God forbid, that we fhould feci fuch things! 5/. PWdoes not fpeak of himfelf in that chapter. Knozufelf, Then there is no truth in the plaineft words. Demure. If he does, it muft be of himferf before he was con- verted. Knozvfelf. Suppofc it be fo, he even condemns you then : bc- taufe you, at no time, have feen yourfclves in fuch a light, ' Mat. vj. 6. * Rom. vli. 7, } Rom. vli. 1?. Y 3 Dfmure. [ izS ] Demure. All men arc ,not brought to Immanuel in the fame way. Knou'felf. All true pilgrims are, in fome meafure, emptied of themfelves; and the weakeft in grace know more of themfelvcs than you appear to know. Demure. I fuppofe you would have us complain of wandering thoughts, hard and unbelieving hearts, a body of fin, a prone, nefs to evil, &c. Knowjelf. I would ha\!^ you to be fenfible of thefe things, and then lam fare that you will complain of them. Detnure. What f are Jehdvabh people never to have deliver- ance from thel^ things ? Kmwjelf, You do tiot appear ever to have groaned under them, {o that you have nothing to do with deliverance from fuch things as you never felt. Demure. We m^kt Immanuel a whole Saviour from fin, you make Death a greater Saviour from fin than Immamel h'lmidf. Kr.otvjelf. By no means. You may with equal propriety fay, Thac Deaths by flaying Immanuel mz^t an atonemeni for us, as that he faves us from fin when we die. Deaths in the hand of our Redeemer, is only an inllrumcnt to fi^p^ate us from our flelh, in which dwells no good thing. Demure. Some of us think that they Ihall not die at all. Knoivfelf. So faid one of you, in the City of Vanity y a few years ago; but he died a fudden, and moft awful death. So faid alfo another, a remarkable Bellweather, who now is openly profane, and ridicules all profefiions. If you think LJ^.e fame, you had better keep out of this land, for, I afi'ure you, we know of no way to ihtCelefiialCity, but thro' the River of Death. Demure. Cannot Immanuel fave us from all fin, and corporal death too ? Kncwfelf. He ;iot only can favc his people from all fin, but he really does fo. Demure, I [ 3^7 ) jh«?^-.r^. Ayff, you mean in the Aniimmian way of bein» compl eat ;> //;'.'/;; but I mean in ourjchcr. that is, a perfect ly finlefb llatc. Knowfelf. Immnue! can do many things, which he neiilier has promifed, nor ever will do for us in this world. He could fave us from corporal pain and death, but we know he will not. If you are not willing to be complcat //; //;//?», you will obtain real perfet^ion in this world, no other way. Nor can vou af- f jciate with ihe people of this land ; for Immanuel is all in all to us. So I advife you to make a journey to Mou7:t Sinaiy and come hither in the common road, and then 1 fhall be glad to fee and receive you. Demure. We are happy on this fide the wall ; but as we were informed, that there are no Backjliden, Anti7iomiansy Wouldcrs to do good but doers ofevil'^j nor any C^mpldners of n body of Jin and deatby among you ; we are defirous of rejoicing with you, to do more credit to religion. Knozvfclf. You imagine that religion is more indebted to you than you arc to religion. There are no fuch perfons among us. It appears that you can do very well without hnmanuely and his perfeft righteoufnefs imputed to you, wherefore we can dif. penfe with your company. There are none among us but will acknowledge with grief, that they have often backfliden from Jehovah ; and ftill find a law in their members warring a- gainll the law of their mind ; fo that they cannot be fo lively in the fervice of the Z^r^' as they would?. Dcrrure. Is it, indeed, fo with you? Then we have been mifmformed: but we can fhew you greater things than you have hitherto feen ; and it will be ufeful to the fervice of holinefs, if you receive us among you. Knowfelf. Altho' a perfcft freedom from the being of fin is moil defirable, and what we arc preiTing after, yet, as we have no encouragement from Jehovab\ word, or the experience of the befl pilgrims in all ages, to expefl that bleffing, while in this * Coloff. ii. 10. * Rom. vii. 15. 3 Cal. v. 17, y 4 world; world ; we drfirc not to be wifer or better than He has thouglit it nece(Tciry we fhould be here. We give thanks to our King for promiling, that fin (hall not have the Acimimon over tis'^^ and we wait his time for its abfolute deftru(5lion in us. This has been the uniform fenfe of the generation of TVi'^t/^y^'s children, from the foundation of the world; nor uill we condemn them, by attending to ihe enthufiaftic whimfies of a few ignorant pro- feflbrs of this day: who make holinefs to confill in a llridl at> tendance at fome particular places of worfhip, in conftantly Tinging hymns, or, in certain falhions of drefs, peculiar phrafes offpeech, and a gloomy referve in their countenance; all which are fuperficial and merely external things; and may be found wheie there is not a grain of true fandificaiion. To be plain with you, I fear that you are defcendants of a generation which exiiled fo early as in Salomon^s limp, of whom he wrote, ** That they were pure in their own eyes, but were not cleanfed from their inicpities"." Demure. Sir, I wonder you are fo very fevere againft us, fince, I well remember that you firft enlifted under Mr. Duplex in our corpfe, at which time you contended for PerfeBion alfo. Knozvfelf. I own I was once of your company, and under your foul deceiving delufion, and fo I was alfj once an inhabitant of X\\^City of Dejlni^ioni but this is no rcak-n why I fiiould con- tinue either in fm or error. All I can fay is, that Jehovah is gra- cious to poor fmners. He commanded the true light to {hine into my conference, whereby I was led to know myfelf, efcape error^ embrace the truth, and to glory only in, and of, the Lord our Right eoujnefs. It was well for me that this happened; fori could never have been admitted into the City cf Hephzibah while in your {late; for an ancient record of that city declares, that vvhofoever fays he has no fin deceives himfelf, and has no truth in him'', nor can be a member of that corporation. So, Mr. De- mure, you can by no m^eans be admitted. Thefe gates are opened only to the righteous tcj^o keep the truth. May it be your mercy to be convinced of your errors, and taught to know yourfelves better. \ l?-om,Y:. 14, ^ Prov. :ix;i, :i. ? i John I. Sc [ 329 ] So faying. Dr. Know fe If, and the Pilgrims withdrew within the poilern gate ; and havinfj dire61cd Captain Vigilnnt not to fufFcr any of thefc deluded ones to enter the land, they all re- turned to the C/Vvo/'i/r/'^z;/^//^. The mayor highly approved of the Doctor's behaviour, and. informed the gove-nor of the particulars, who gave Dr. Knowfdf a letter of tlwinks for his wife and upright condufl on this occafion. The habitation of the Pilgrims being now firtcd up for them, they removed thither. It was m a very pleafant part of the ^ity, on Mount Preparation^ and ;he windows faced tovvarda the Celejlial City, whither the Pilgrims otten looked, and ar- dently longed for the glorious appearance of Immanuel^ . The mayor, recorder, chamberlain, archdeacon, and bifhop of the city frequently vifiied them. The latter was an eloquent man, mighty in the fcriptures, and a flaming preacher of the Gojpd ef ImmanueL CHAP. XLV. Dr. Apollos, Bifhop of Hephzibah, his reafom why pilgrims mufi pafs the River of Death. His Jentlments en the covenant love of Jehovah. ON a certain fine day, tl>e Pilgrims and their friends were walking on the terraces of the city, and confidering the river whjch rolled between them and the celelli-al country;' when Probiu faid, Prohus. My good Bidiop, wherefore is it that pilgrims are fubjected to the dangerous paffage of this river, at the end of tlieir many trials ? ^ Titos ii. ijo Jpollos* r 330 ] ApoUoi. The grand reafon to be afligned for this, is, That it i& the appointment of our fovereign Lord^ the Kir.g of yonder city', Troh. I hope that it will not be deemed impertinent, if I in- quire, what other reafons you can offer, why we are to pafs the river? And, whether our lmma7iuel\ ditZi'Cti was not fuffi- cient to redeem us therefrom? Jpollos. There can be no doubt of the fufficiency o^ Immn- nueV^ atonement, for any purpofes it had pleafed the father to extend it unto; even for the redemption from death, not only of human fouls but bodies alfo; and not only for the ele6l who are and fhall be faved, but for the whole race of mankind. Probta. You feem, Sir, to reft its efficacy wholly upon the Will cf Jehovah. Apolios. And there it muft rell, and not on a wantoffufli- cienty in our Lordh work, nor on the want of power and grace in Jehovah, Trob. How then can it be faid, that He willeth not the death of a finncr. Jpollos. Such words are written not to militate againft the power or love oijehovahy but to vindicate the rectitude and goodnefs of the divine government in the rational world: and they itrongly imply, That all inrelleftual Beings, even the im- penitent thenifclves, both men and fiends; will acknowledge at the day of judgment, that Jehovah has dealt p/itiently and equi- tably with them ; and had a juft right to cxpe61 from them, as free agents, far other returns than they made to Him ; and that he will be righteous in taking vengeance on their fins^. Prob. But with refpecl to the corporal death of pilgrims, do you think it to be any part of the penal evil of fin ? Jpollos. I do think it is; for the wages of fm is death '. Prob. How is it then that the blood of Imrnanuel appears not to be of fo general good unto the elecH;, as fm is a general evil? 5 Hcb. ix. 27. * Rom. lii. 5. 3 Rom. vi. 23. Jpollos, [ 33» ] ApoUoi. We are too fhort-fighted in our \\c\vs oi Jehevab^B government, to determine whether or not Dfatb is an evil unto good men: that is, Whether the death of pilgrims, altho'it be a part of the curfe due unto fin, may not be continued upon them, to (QrvQ fame wife purpofe, which ihall redound more to the glory of Jehovah, and the good of his people, in the end; than if they; like £/.w/^ and Elijah, had been irandated to the CeleJiinlCity, without feeing Death. 1 am inclined to be- lieve it is; therefore the apoltle has put Death into the inven- tory of a pilgrim's eltate. Death is ;^curs\ i&ysSt.Pau/, that is, fhall work for your advantage. As to the quellion, Whether the efficacy o^ ImmanuePi blood was fuflicient to preferve us from death? There can be no doabt of it: for, if it jullifies our fouls from guilt» it certainly could redeem our bodies from death, from all pain and difeafc of every fort. But, Jehovah having thought fit ro fubjedl his people for a time to thefe trials, we may reil allured, that in the end this difpofal will appear wifcll in him, and bell for us. And in truth, the prefent life is fo fliort and vain, when compared to things of an eternal nature, that if all the poffiblc evils that can happen unto us here, are confidered as operating in the kajl degree for our everlalling good ; they appear not only very light and trlffiing, but may be embraced with chearfui- nefs. This confideration made 5/. Paul glory in tribulation^: and St. James io hy. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations?. This has induced many great pilgrims to embrace the itake, and blefj Jehcvah for the flames. Our bodies are redeemed by Immanuely as well as our fouls j but as the redemption of our fouls, with refped to our con- verfion, does not take effed immediately after our birth; the elecl being left under the power of fin for a longer or fliorter time, as Jehoz'ah pleafeth^; in order to ^tivz the purpofes of his will, fo our bodies are, for a yet longer time, left under the burden of d::pravity and d-eath, and fuifer pain and difcafe^ more or lefs, according to the will o^ Jehcvah, until the glorious 'tCor. iiL22. ^ Rom. v. 3. 3 James i. 2. 4 Gal. i. 15. 16. refurrcftion- [ 35' ] r€rurre£lion-<3ay ; and then His elc£l will be compleatly redeem- ed ; that is, the fcheme of redemption, by the life and death oi Immanue!^ wrll be then confummaled. For this caufe, that memorable event is called The Adoption^ by way of emphafis. *' Waiting for the adoption, that is. The Redemption of our Bodies'." Frob. Sir, I thank you for this explanation. And no longer will think, that our being foibjedl to pain and death enervates the merit of ///?Wtf;!?W*s facrifice. But I will, by tiie grace of yehovahy confider the trials which happen to my body and foul, and even death iifelf, as parts of the redeeming plan, which in- finite love and power is ftill carrying on, by the means of Im- 7nanuel\ death and interceflion: and which, thro' all my pains and temptations, fhall continue to work together for my good ; until the vaft idea of the divine mind iscompleated towards mc, by the happy and eternal re-union of my foul and body at the refurredion. ApDllos. That is the view in which I always endeavour to fee thefe things. Some time afterwards the Pilgrims were honoured with a vifit, from Dr. Apolhs the bifliop, Dr. Liberal the archdeacon, Mr, Keen mayor, Mr. Heavenlymind chamberlain, and Dr. K/;oafe/f recorder of the city; accompanied by Mr. Love of the Angel Inn. After a fuitable entertainment, this refpi^able com- pany entered into difcourfe as follows. Sincere. I remember that thofe deluded ones, called Perfec- tionijlsy talked much of the love o^ Jehovah y and perfedl love; now, dear Paftor, let us know your fentimentson this fubjedl. Apolks, You have propofed a theme that will demand the exertion of all our faculties in purfuing it. I have been long founding this ocean, but find it to be unfathomable*. — The love of Jehovah towards his creatures is divided by fome, and not improperly, into covenanted, and uncovenanted love: the former is the love which Jehovah has to his people in Immanuel\ the latter is the love which He has to his creatures, as they \ Rom. viji. 2:5, ^ Ephef. ili. 19. C 333 ] come pure and holy from his creating hanJi. The former love is inamiflablc and eternal; the latter is fafpendcd on the obe- dience of his creature*. Sincere. You believe then that there is an cverlailing covenant of redemption. Ap^llos, I not only believe that there is fuch a divine compacfl:, but I place all my falvacion* in it, and all my defires are drawn out to meditate on ir, and rejoice therein. Immanuel himrdf, as a Saviour, is the effed of this love. Sincere. You feem to have no idea of ImmanueP^ death caufing 'Jehovah to love U3? Jpollos. By no means. The fcripture view of a mediator is, not that he was appointed to render the Deity propitious to.vards men; but ihc Dei iy, confiderei 'n three perfons, are reprefent- ed as eitablifhing a covenant between themfclves^; and appoint- ing a mediator, by whofe life and death, divine love and mercy might be extended towards finful creatures, without any im- peachment of that jnft and holy order which fahfifts between, the divine attributes. This confideration made St. Paul fay, that in our redemption by Immaimel^ 'Jehoz'ah''^ has abounded unto us in all wifdom and prudence. So that Immanuel is the effe^ and not the caufe of Jehovab\ love ? Sincere. And who. Sir, are the obje(fts of this covenant love? Apolks. Whom Jehovah pleafcs. All Beings, however intel- ligent, are unworthy of fuch an honour, even as innocent crea- tures, and much more Qsjinners. As to myi'clf, I am confound- ed to think of the privilege, with which fuch a vile wretch as I am have reafon to hope my mailer has inveikd me. For I was, the other day, a proud blind prieil in the City of Ejiabl^Jbmcnt, where I was brought up, and was in great repute for learning; but not greater than my vanity thought I deierved.- I preach- ed frequently in the churches, anu temple in ArmirAan-Jlreet^ with great applaufe, and was fufficiently fwell^d with the idea • f my own importance. * zSam, xxiii. 5. " If^iah xlix. v. 6. Sc Zccli. vl. 13. 3 £ph. I. 3. Bat C 3H ] "Bm* Jehovah was fbonger than I, and Toon brought down my pride, when it pleafed him to reveal his fon in me. On the Lcrd\ day, I was expatiating on the fufficiency and power of the human will to improve the means Jehovah has afforded us, and to bring about a true converfion to Him; and was warmed and elated with the imaginary force of my arguments; when |o, a voice like thunder founded in my ears, faying, ♦' Not of works, left any man Ihould boafl ^ ! Upon which I fell down in the pulpit as dead ; from whence I was carried home, and re- mained infenfible three days. In which time I had a clear dif- covery made to me of the wonderful fcheme of redeeming love, and my own interell therein. On my recovery, I inftantly preached the gofpel which 1 had thus learned, and was prefently taken notice of by my brethren ; who foon plucked off my fine plumage, and ftigmatifed me as a raethodift and enthufiaft, and would not fuffer me to preach in their churches. I therefore made a vifit to the Crofs^ retired into the Country of Regeneration y and being appointed to command the Covenant Tran/port^ I foon arrived at the Delegable Mountains \ where I abode, until I was gidvanced to this moil honourable See. Thus you may perceive what reafon /have to believe In this comfortable dodrine of covenant love; which the infernal fiends have no intereft in; ^ox Immanuel^ paffed by their nature. They were beloved oi Jehovah while they kept their firil eRatej but as he had not condefcended to bind himfelf unto them by covenant; when they fell, there was no provifion made for their recovery, and they will never recover of themfelves. 1 he cafe was otherwife with us ; for, altho* man fcU, yet the covenant love of Jehovah to his eleft in hnmanuel had long before provid- ed a remedy; and made a difcovery of it by promife, immedi- ately on the fall of our firil parents ^. By this you may perceive the immenfe privilege of being in Immanuely in oppofition to depending on our own wills, even fuppofing we were fmlefs creatures. Uncovenanted Xo^z being fufpended on the obe- dience of a finlefs being, is forfeited for ever by 4- one fingle tranfgreffion, as is manifeft from the example of the Shining Ones I Eph. ii. 9- * Hcb. ii. i6. 3 Gen. iil. 15. ♦ Rom. v. iS. that C 33," 1 that finned*, and from oar firll parents. On the contrary, the gift of righteoufnefs, by covenant love, is not only of m.tny, bur of repeated ofFenccs to juftiHcation oi life*. Jchoz'/ih''^ love not being furoonded on our perfons, but mediately, and as we are confide. ed in his fon ; w hen \^c tranfgrefs agunil him, his fury does not break forth againll us, as otlierv^iie it would do; but on the contrary, his love operates to for )ear and forgive us, to mortil'y, and ac' length will utterly dcib /y the being of fm in all his people. This is termed a bein^ under gra?e; and, to be out of the covenant, i^ termed a being un.le'- ti.e law; all I'uch will bo treated in a way of itritll jaltice in the r own perfons, and agrec- s^ble to their own vain opinions ol their abiiities, and Iree-will: but woe be to every perfon who is found in thofe circumltances. Frifn. By wh^tyou havefaid, S'r, I roRj-.i.ie that you are a friend to the dodtrine of imputed rightcoufncib? Apolhi. t am ind^•^J, but I mull defire my hxQi^mv Archdeacon Liberal to fpcuk t.» us o^i ih^t (uhjen. CHAP. XI VI. Archdeacon lAhtr^Vs fcvtiments ov inputc^. righteoufrefs. He re^ latei his furprifing adventures. An acccunt of Captain H:rvey. Mr. Love's dijcourfe on the lovg of Jehovah in the hearts of Pilgrims, THE Archdeacon being thus called on by the Bijhop, replied, Liberal. I fhould be very glad to add fomewhat to the plca- fure and inllruflion of this company; and if any thing I can fay ofmyfelf, or of my d'vine mailer, may contribute thereto ; I chcarfally inform you, Sirs, that the doflrine of lmmanuel\ ' Judc vi. « RQm. V. i8. righteoufnefs t 336 ] righteoufnefs. Imputed to a finner for his j unification, is my only hope. This robe is my defence, my beauty, and my glory. It is a garment that never wears out, nor can it ever be loft. If it had been poflible for me to have been diverted of *t, I had been undone ior ever. You muft take notice, bre- thren, that I am a clergyman of the City of EJ} nhlifimcnt \ there I was born and educated, and entered into holy orders, before I i:nevv the importance of that office. I obtained my firll prefer- ment in the City of Vanity \ to which place I removed, and preached there feveral years, in a manner that fhewed I was better acquainted with the heathen philofophers than the pilgrim religion ; but, as the knowledge of divinity was not necclTary to my preferment, I procured a rich living in the City of EJlabli fo- ment. Soon after my removal thither, Mr. Fervidm alarmed the city with his preaching; which led me to confider more than ever the laws and government of that city, as originally eflablifh- edj and 5'^/?'(?£'^^ was pleafed to illuminate my mind in fuch a manner, that I determined to alter my conduct and method of preaching. I made a vifit to the crofs, and thus forfeited my reputation among my brethren. But I obtained a mod rich equivalent from my mailer, who prefented me with a glorious robe of his own manufadlory', and ordered me to wear it for his fake, and fet out on pilgrimage to the City of God. Imme- diately I confultcd not with flelh and blood, but left the city, and had a profperous journey until I came upon Baxter' % Heaths On that wild defert I was taken prifoner by the Aphorifms, tha^ infefl the road, and carried to their village j where I was treat- ed fo refpe<5lfully, that I began to like their fcntiments and way of life; and at laft caft in my lot with them, and went out in their parties to rob and plunder. But, remembar, I never could divell myfelf of my pilgrim's coat, which was given mc at the Crofs. The Aphorifms hated to fee it, and would oftea give it a pull ; and even foolifli I myfelf did frequently endea- vour to ftrip it off; but finding thefe attempts vain, I put the vile garments, given me by the thieves, over my pilgrim's robe, which much fullied it, and made me appear in a \,7 0//C-J welcomed him by faying, " Tiiis is the m.in who made all the inferior creation fpealc to the honour of the Redeemer. Welcome, happy foul, come with us, and furvcy ^\iZt\crxcxK\zn\:P(U-dJijeofJehovahy and crown your labours by publifhing Rcfie^ions on Imfnanuel\ Garden, for the ufe of the Ce!ty7iaICity.'" — The next day I preached a fermon on his paf- fage over the river, from 5//7?tWj prayer ^ " Z.ord' now Icttell thou thy fervant depart in peace, according to thy word, for mine eyes have feen thy falvation :" Here we were again rcnefli- ed, in reflecting on the triumphant manner of his departing from us. Frien. Capt. Herz'cy was an afFe£lionate pilgrim, and drank deep into the fpirit oi Immanuel: I fliould be glad, Sir, if you would now give us your thoughts on the love of Jeho-jah as a grace in our hearts. Jpolloi. Our brother Love w-ho is here, will bed reply to that queilion. He has long kept the Angelinn, in Communion -Jlrcet, and is filled with all the fulnefs of the love oi Jehovah^. Love. My dear bifhop is pleafed to fpeak great things of me ; and, altho' I dare not fay, that I am unacquainted with the fub- '^61 propof^d, yet I will affirm, that I have nothing but v\hat I havesceceived from Immanuel: nor ihall I ever forget that my originarhame was Hategoody and that I long lived in the City of Miihce'^y the metropolis of the County of Impenitence^ bordering on the Infernal Lake. There I firft drew breath, altho' you now fee me mailer of the y^^^///?/; in this city. It was the love of Jehovah which brought me from that dreadful region, and condufted m.e hither; therefore I have made it my chief itudy. The refuk of my inquiries is, that we love Jehovah becaufe he loved us fir[l+. Frien. Is it pofhljle for a pilgrin to arrive at a ftate of perfect love ? ' L uke ii. 29, 3c. * F^hsf. iii. 19. 3 Titus iii. 3. ■* ij^ha iv. 19. Z 2 Love, [ 340 ] Love. If you mean by a Hate of perfect love, a freedom from all fearof iofing the favour of our King, he undoubtedly may obtain it. Frien. Then tliere may be perfeflion in this life. Lo'^.'e. In tk,it fcnfe there may — but that is not a finlefs ftate. A perfon may enjoy th;i perfeft love that caileth out every tor- menting fear, and yet carry about him a body of fin and death: for St. John does not fay, that perfedl love caftcth out the BeiTig of fin, but it caftcth OMtfcdr^ . Frien. Can there be fio where there is no fear ? Love. Yes, certainly. Have you at this time any fear that Jehovah will fuffer you to become a prey to the Black Tyrant y and dellroy you for ever ? Frien, Blefled be Jehovah ^ I have not the leall apprehenfion of it. Love. And do not you think that you flill carry a body of fin about you ? Frien, I not only think fo, but I alfo feel it lufling againll the Spirit, Love. Then you know by experience, that the Being of fin may confift with a fearlefs Hate. Fear hath torment: while we are in fufpence whether y^z&os'/?^ will fave us or not, it is plain that our faith is weak; and, our love being ever in proportion to our faith, this fufpence torments the foul. But when faith is increafed to a full alTurance of our falvation, then love caileth out every uneafy apprehenfion, and confiders every difpenfa- tion of providence as the wife direftion of a loving and moil indulgent father. Frien, Do you think that this perfedl love may become im- perfea? Love. I do ; even as, on a trying occafion, a ilrong faith may become weak. Experience proves, that thofe who enjoy great alfurance of Jehovah^ love may become very weak in the exer- ' J John iv. 1 8. cifes [ 34> 1 tifes of grace. Dnvid and P^ter are remarkable inllances of this; and the F^itLer of the Faithful Jiimfclf had his fainting fits^ Frisn. This fccms to bear hard on the do£lrine of the final perfeverance of the faints; for that which may decrcafe and fail in part, may wholly perifh and die. If our faith and love may thus decay, they may be totally loll. Love. Your inference is falfe. Jehovah has no where engaged to preferve his people, while here, in a uniform Hate of great faith and love; but, on the contrary, he has prom^fcd that they fhall not perifh*. He has not faid. That no one Dull endea- vour to pluck us out of his hand; but he has promifed, that no ontfiallbeaUexodo'iO. He has alfo promifed, that all our trials Ihall work together for our good j from whence we may infer, that a Hate of uninterrupted love and joy is not beft fur us at prefent. Prob. From what ycu have faid, it appears that grace in itfclf is perifhable. Love. It is no more perifhable than are our fouls: but, as it dwells in us, it is lubjetft to many weaknefTes. As our immortal fjuls by their union with our bodies are prefied with great di- ftrefs; fo the new man in us, altho' it is begotten of incorrupti- ble feed, andean neither fm nor perifh; yet, by its conne6lion with our depraved nature, it is liable to much languour and im- perfedion : but it being the feed, and of the nature o^ Jehovah^, it is therefore indeilru6lible. Prob. Sir, I am fatisfied in that point; and would afk you further, What you think of the love of Jehovah being flied a- broad in our hearts by his Spirit^? Love. That fcripture phrafe fhews the manner in which the Lord o^\ovc communicates himfelf to his people. You know that we have various ways of leflifying our love to our wives, children and friends; but in them all, be thev ever {o ardent and pure, yet we feel a manifell weaknefs in ouifelves, and often find a fcvere difappointment ; becaufc, with all our efforts, I Cen. xli. 12, 13. * John x. 2S. 3 John x. 29. *♦ zPct. i. 4. 5 Rom. V. 5. Z 3 v\c [ 342 ] we are not able to move the hearts of our relations and friends. Our own bofoms may burn, and our embraces be very eager; but it is impoflible for us to make the objed of olt love meet us with equal, nor even with one fpark of affedion. This proves that our flame is corporeal and weak, and inca- pable of reaching the fprings of love, which are in tl.e fouls of our beloved friends. But the Bcwg who formed us, and blcfled lis with this divine affedionj knous the fecret i\ heels, and has accefs unto the latent movements of our fouls. He that formed the ear, fhall he not hear^? So, He who taught u>- to love, fhall he not love ? Yes ; he is loveeifentiaily, and pofTeffes the godlike prerogative of making his creatures to love him in re- turn. When, therefore, he fheds his love abroad on our hearts by his Spirit, it is his own BleJJsd Self \\'h.o then draws near unto us, and embraces us in a way peculiar to the Deity, who is a ^\irt Spirit I and Aveetly makes our fouls to glow with warm returns of love to Him, who thus firfl manifells his love to us. It is probable that the Shiniiig Ones, and the fouls of the blef- fed, in yonder city, may have a power of exprefiing their love to each other, in a manner fomewhat fimilar to this, by which they give and receive joys molt fpiritual and refined. Do not you feel a wonderful pleafare when your heavenly father thus embraces your foul t Frcb. O, Sir, it brings a joy that paiTcth all underflanding. It is (he elTence of religion, and the highcft exaltation of our nature ! Love. Religion would be a \try infipid thing without love. What an unfpeakable favour it is to be capable of the pleafiire, 3nd blcfied Vv^ith grace to love our heavenly Father! And what a confummate wretch is that man or fpirit Vv'ho cannot love his gracious creator! Troh, I often confider it to be the niiintefience Q,{Lucifcr\ mifery, that he is forever deprived of the pleafure of loving the author of his being. ^ Pfalm xciv, 9. tove. [ 3i-. ) Love. Sin is a dreadful and infinite evil, bccaufe it begets in the foul hard thoughts o'i Jehcvtih, and, in the end, an hatred of Him, which is truly diabolical. But let us dwell in love, then we fhall dwell in Jcbci'ah^ and He in us. Yonder bright region is the empire of love; thire this Deif^ reigns, but bereHc only fojourns for a time. There love fits on the throne, and all His happy fubjedls are continually exprefling their triumph under His government, by repeated hallelujahs. KnozufeJf. Brother Love^ you have fpoken like the affc6\ionate mailer of-che Aiigellnrii indeed. And that I may aflift in culti- vating among us this excellent grace ; let me entreat this whole company to wait on me to-morrow. — For the prefent let us conclude with a fong. " Love divine all love excelling, " joy of Heaven to earth come down ! " Fix in us thy humble dwelling, " All thy faithful mercies crown. " Jej'ui tliou art all compafiion, " Pure, unbounded love iKou art, <* Vifit us with thy falvation, <' Enter ev'ry tremb'ling heart. «' Finifli, Lord^ thy new creation, " Pure, unfpotted may we be, ** Let us fee thy great falvation, ** Perfediy reftor'd by thee ! r fome time. Permit me now to obferve, that I remember you wa"?, fome time fiilcc, challenged by the Vifonarics at the Pojlern Gate, as having been one of them. I tlierefore take the libeity, in the name of my dear friends, to beg the favour of an account of your fetting out on pilgrimage, and what you have met with on the way. The whole company feconding Prohus\ motion, the Do'flor replied, Knoivfelf. My A^vc Frohus^ fince I knew you, I have greatly efteemed you, and can deny nothing requelled by you and this good company. Yet, fuiFer me to obferve, that the demand you make, I fear may be hurtful to me. Many are very fond of relating their own adventures. Sometimes there may be good caufe foriti but too, too oft, I fear ther:: is much of felf in ir, and jnach feif-cxalting fought from it. St. Fciul feem^' moli C 345 ] clearly of this opinion, wiicre he lays, «' It is not expedient for me to g!orv'." Pr*;/'. Thcfe (ufpicions come with peculiar grace from Dr, Knozv}'cif\ but they are a furtJicr rcafon tor our entreating to he obliged: bccaule we arc convinced, that you are fuflicicntly on your guard againfl. all boalling in yourfclT, and well difpoied to afcribe all the honour lohnmamiel^ as was that excellent apof- tJe whofe words you quote. KuGzvfelf. With meekncfs and fear then I wiii give you a rca- fon of the hope that is in me*. But, my dear friends, while I gratiry you, I befeech you to pray to our Immanncl for me; that I may be kept from the leaven of piide wiiich is hid in my fallen nature; and from the fwelling of felf-exaltation, which I ever feel A pronenefs to. Thf;fe, thefe, Sir?, we fhould ever watch againil, for they eclipfe the glory of our Lora; rob Jiim of the honour and praife of his free love, rich grace. unnr.Ti:cd mercv, and iiniflied filvationj and our fouls of holy, humble joy in him. I was born in the OVy cfDef^nifiion, and there continued till I was upwards of tliiity years of age ; but was rellraincd .^rom a profligate life, and hr.d fome fcnfe of my obl't^arion? to religion and morality. From my youth I pradiced both in fome degree ; and, on that account, was fufficienily fenfible of my own good- nels and reditude, therefore had great expedlations from our Ki:i^. At length, the p'eachers rn connexion with Ferz'idus and Dv^/Va* vifited our city, and raifed a general alarm. I went to hear them, and found that they much infilled on the knowledge of forgivenefs of fins, thro' the blood oi Immanuel. Difcourfing wirh one of them on this fubjeft, and obferving that I could not pretend to fach a privilege, tho' I had been from my youth very fober and religious;— ^the preacher tamed f>;ort upon me, and abruptly af]:cd, " Sir, did you ever fee yourlllf hanging over the* mouth o\ Topb'Ji r'^ I was Ita'-iled at the queition, and offended v\ith the propofer; but thought it mult proceed from hii being a itrangcr to my fober, righteous charai'ler; and lliere- ^ zCor. xii. I. * il«l. ii:. 15. fore [ 346 ] fore made no reply. But the quellion ftuck very clofe to me, and gave me great corxern for ibme time. I ufed coiiilantly to hear Mr. Duplex, with thofe in his conncclion, and Ibmetinoes Ferz'idus; and became ib convinced of the dangerous llate 1 was in, that I refolvcd to fet out on pilgrimage. I was fweetly at- •traclcd to leave our city, and foon arrived at the Slough of Defpond', when, fuddetily. the Heavem v/ere overcall, and a ilorm cnfued, the blackeil and moil teailie that ever 1 faw or heard of. Wind, hail, and fire mingled with hail, beat upon me: at the fame time Mount Sin ai\i\ix^ out into an horrible eruption; and, together with rending peals of thunder, difgorged fuch cljuds of fmoke and fhowers of Hones, as filled the air with darknefs and danger, and my po r foul wirh exceeding great terror. This was infin;tely inc reafed by an audible voice, roaring thro' the gloom, faying, ** He 'hat beiievcth not is con- demned already, .ind the wrath oVJehovah abideth en him '." With the vo'.ce came an arrow that pierced my breaft, the fnaft brake <:)^, but the barbed fteel rem.ained, and filled me u'ith the acuteflanguifh*. I now thought of returning, bjt on looking back, our city appeared all in fl-^mes. Thertfore 1 determined to v/ade thvo' the Slough if pofiible, and haften to the Strait Gatey left I fiiould die on the fpot. But when I approached the Bo^y my heart funk, and the filth fo alFeiied me, that I could not immediately venture; being filled with difmaying terrors, and harrafled wiih dreadful fuggeftions, that I neither had, nor fliould ever have, any intereft in hmnnueiy fo that it was bell to finifh my v/retched life where I v/as. However, after lingering fDmetime, my cafe being quite defperate, induced,.me to enter the Sloughy crying to the llrong for mercy to help in that time of need. And, tho' I funk very deep, yet, found my feet had a fupport; this encouraged me to proceed, until I had got a- bove half way over; when, behold! a moil dreadful convul- fion, attended with deai'ning thunder, rent Mount Sinai, and threw a large piece of the rock into the Slo'/gb, fo near me, that the mire flew over and almoflfuffocated me! In this extremity I made a defperate effort, and, by Jehovah's blefling, reached 1 John ill. l8~5(5. - Job. vi. /|. the [ 347 ] the dcOrcd (liore. As foo-i as I was landed, I ran forward lhro» the fmoke and cjfhcs that ilTued from the Mountaitit and preflcd towards the GatFy with thunder in my ears, and the arrow rankling in my brcalt. Mr.Goodzvill ^oodi at the gate, and gra- cioaHy received me in, iho' I was covered with filrh, and faint- ing with pain and fciir. He gave me a cordial wliich he faid was brought from i'wc Cr,pc of Good Hope ^ and bid me hallcn to the Crofsy where £?/;/>', 1 could have a pcrfctfl cure. At the //r- terpreters Hcnfe. I viewed the curiofuics, but the arrow in my breall would not iuffcr me to take any pleafure from them ; fo I departed, and foon came to \\\Q.Crofi. When I beheld the glo- rious lufFerer, I was wonderfully taken with the greatnefs of his love to men, and the fuitablenefs of his plan of falvation for fin- ners; but I thought he frowned on me. I walked round and round the Crofs, and furveyed it on every fide, but in each fituation I could difcover no friendly glance caft towards me. ] faw others received with a fmile, and go away rejoicing ; but / v.'as ncglccled. Now, alfo, the wound in my breall feftered, and the filth on my garments ilank exceedingly, fo that I became a burden to myfelf, and wilhed rather to die than live; for I was convinced there was none could help me but the glo- r'ous One on the crofs; yet I could not fee my name, either oa his breait, or on his crofs. At length came a perfon conncficd with 7l/r. D;//>/cA", who fesing perfons about the Crofs^ placed himfelf on an eminence, and began to difc?urfe of bim who fuffered on it. I drew near, and atrcnied to him. He chofe for his fubje6l the cleanfing of the lepers; and ,(b difcufTed the point, by Ihewing the exceed- ing jinfulnefs of fin, and the abounding virtue of the Redeemer's blood fully to cleanfe it all away; that I found myfelf deeply intereded in the fubjcft. " Suppofmg," faid he, " a perfon cannot Hnd h\s particular name on this Crcfs; yet the gnicral name of every leprous fon of Adam ^ as a ftnncr, is fuOiciently evident; for it is abfurd to imagine that Immanucl died for righteous perfons." This fermon abated my pain, and hope of relief comforted my heart. When the preacher was g'^ne, I went to the foot of the CroU, opened my brcart, torn and throb- bing with anguifui and leaking up, figlied with doubtful hope;" Lord, [ 348 ] " Lonif^i^ thou wilt, tl;ou can'flcleanfe and favc even /v^?''." In- flantly I was favoured with the foul-raviniing view o{ Immntiuel as my great high-priell, bearing the names of his people on his brealti and ah! to my wonder and unfpeakable joy, I favsr my vile and worthlcfs name infcribed among them. Prince Va- r^^/f/^alfo appeared, and took of the Baljam of Immanuely and applying it to my wound, foon extra6\ed the arrow, and healed my breall. He then took away my filthy aitire, and cloathed me with the garment of falvation; and, having marked me as Immanuer^ property, he difappeared. It is not in language to fet forth what fweet furprize and extatic joy overflowed my heart; and what floods of tears ifl'ned from my eyes: at this time, 1 enjoyed fuch celellial p'eafure, as, perhaps, I fliall never experience again, 'till I arrive at yonder CehJlialCU'^. I came on fl;uning with the love of my efpoufals, thro* the Vil- loge cf Ciirelefs^ and was ready to beat them, becaufe they would not fee and do as I did*. When J came to the Clt-j of Ejla- hllJhiTienty I inquired, as directed by the preacher, ^or Arnibiiaji- Rozv. There I hired a houfe on the ufua' tcms of keeping it in repair mylclf. 1 abode there about two years, and was very zealous in favour of my new friends of the RozVy and their opinions; but was induced to leave them in the following nidnner. 0:ie night as I lay reHefling on my bed, I was alarmed by a fudden crack, whicli fliouk the houfe, and made me tremble. I inltantl) 'arofe, ftruck a light, and fought for the caufe of the alarm^ when, to my great furprize, I found that the main beam of my houfe was broken. I diredlj prop'd and fecured it as well as I could, and went to bed, but flept little. Next day I called in Mr. Bungle, my neighbour, the beft carpenter in Arminian-Rozv i who belter fecured the beam, and told me every thing was v^xy fafe. But, on obferving it from time to time, I found the crack grew Vvider and wider; this led me to examine the ilate of my houfe more carefully ; and I perceived a general decay through- out the building. Soon afterward? Mr. />v'/'/Kr paid me a vifit, and Ija.d belore him what had happened. He faid, I had * Mat. viii. i. f Luke ix. 53, 54- negltdled C 349 ] negleded the terms and conditions on which I entered the houfe, by not fecuring it in time: and added, that I mult refolve to repair it, or exped to be troubled by the landlord. I reinon- llr^ced that I was not able to rebuild it, for it was totally de- cayed. *' I am lorry for it," faid he, " dmc terms mult be com- plied with, and conditions mult be fulliiled, or you wiil be miferable." '^o he left me very miferable indeed ! I was prefently after vilited by a friend who lived in Church- Jlrcetf to whom I lliewed the decayed llatc of my houfe, fur it was always on my mind. He faid, I inuit needs live in con- tinual fear; and obferved how very different his fitua-.ion and that of hii neighbours were ; who never we-e embarreifcd with fuch diltreffing terms, and perplexing conditions in hireirg their dwellings; for the landlord freely took the reoaiis entirely oa himfe'.f The next time I was in my friend's houfe, I took oc- cafion to examine it; and found every :hing fo much to my fatisfadion, that I came to as good a compofition as I could with my landlord, and removed into Cbunh-J]reet. There I was fettled to my v\i{h, and fpent a few happy years among them; until I was called to the City of God \ unto which I fet out with Dr. ApoUos my bifliop, who then commanded the Covenant Tranf- pQrt, When we cayie abreafl of the City of Self, in Armini.in-zccodi I was moved with indignation, on feeing the proud turret on the houfe of Mr. Loftyt an eminent ruler of that city, well known to me; and desired my capt?.in's leave to Hre at it. To this he con- fented, and I took fuch good aim, that I overthrew it, and raifed a general outcry in the City of Self-— I entered deep into the fludy of the llatutes, ordinances, and decrees of the City of God; and, after a few years refidence there, by the free favour of our King, I was made do.ilor of laws, and appointed to the high truft of recorder of this city: an office of which I am the lead worthy of all the human race. But by our King's free and fbvercign grace, I am what I am. This grace finks me into humility, and causes me to exult and glory only \n Jehovah, as the Lord oi all grace to the loll and hclplefs ; and fuch I am in myfelf to this dav. Proa. [ 35^ 1 Froh. Sir, I am certain sU ihe company, as well as i-nyfcir, fetu'-n vou thanks for this improving account of yourfclf. But you have not informed us how you came by yourprefent name. Knozvjelf My original name was Ohfcnrc. When I fettled in Church-Jlreety I was ca led Mr. See clear. But when I was pre- ferred to be recorder, I was denominated Knozvjelf. Which name, I find, always goes with the ofiice. Rcf. Sir, I am a little in the dark about your defcriprion of the ruinou? ibte of your hoiife, when you lived in Armiman- Rczu, 1 fnould be glad of an elucidation of that point, and doubt not but it will be pleafing and ufeful to us all. Knozvjelf. Why, Sir. I then thought, like my ne:ghbours, that I was fet up again for myfelf, and had a ftock of what they call grace cut into my hands, which f v^as to improve, fo as to make mvfelf inherently righteous; and that jull as I fucceeded therein, fo my eternal Hate was to be determined. This was the main beam of my houfe; and do you at all wonder at its cracking and alarming me, (o as to caufe me to fly for fafety ? I found what David experienced concerning bis houfe, it was defeclive before Jehoz'ah-, and he had nothing to look to and rejoice in, but the Lord^s fure and everlaiHng covenant for his falvation^. Ref. O, I clearly comprehend your meaning now. At that time, I fuppofe, you had no clear views of the doifirine of tl^e imputed righteoufnefs oi Immanueli as one grand blelTing of the covenant of grace. Kmwfelf, Clear views ! dear Sir, I had fcarce any view at all of it. Mr. Duplex, you know, oppofes the dodrine, fays it does immenfe hurt, and therefore prefers our own inherent iighteouf- nefs before it. But we niu/l fee and know that we (land in as much need o'i Immanuei^^ righteoufnefs to clothe our naked fouls, as of his blood to cleanfc us from the guilt of (in. Proh. No\v, Sir, as you have favoured us with this oppor- tunity, pray inform us what difcoveries have been made to yoa of Jehcvah and your own heart. * i Sam. xxlii. 5. Know/elf^ [ 351 ] KmzuJeJf. I find daily that my nature is worfe and worfe. I ^ee more and more of the worl^ings of the pride o^ Lucifer within me. I cannot give you a more exad defcription of the body of fin and death which \ carry about me, than the eminent St. Pauih-is given, of what was his own experience, in the feventh chapter to the Romans. And, in (hort, thik to any righteoufnefs in ourfches. This is piide in the extreme ! This was the ruin of the Fallen SpiritSy and cur firll parents. That fuggeftion c^ Lucifer, Te fhall be as Gods, poifoned our na- ture, and ferments, like a moll malignant leaven, thro* the whole mafs of mankind, from generation to generation; and nothing but lmtnanuel\ grace can deilroy its fatal ctFcds. Keen. In this view, the whole of lmfnanucr% work may be termed, a bringing us buck to our former Hate of dependence on Jehovah. KjiQiuJelf That is my opinion, Sir ; and it is a work worthy his glorious majclly; and infinite bowels of love, ^y nature we are afar off from Jehovah ; that is, we aft as independent of, and with no kind of refpccl to Him. But what is the ccn- fequence of this revolt from our fovereign, and departure from our only rell ? Cbferve it in its moll horrid extremes among the Inferr.als. What (lefperation, wild uproar, tor- menting remorfe, gnafhing mifery, and eternal anxiety, prey on the tormenting and tormei ted, in the irfcnuil Rcgioml Turn 10 this World of Vami;ji\ and you may fee tiic fame dread- ful ful diforuers already begun among wicked men ; and, by every alarming fvmptom, haliening to that fatal crijh. Behold, the cndjefs, fool fli, and vain purfuit of iiappinefs, where it never can be found ! Sec, the difcontent and penury that torment the wretch whole houfe is full of riches! Mark, the grief and difappoinrment thit wound the heart of the ennobled Child of Fortune^ while his face fmiles, and he is inverted with all the pageantry of honour and applaufe! In fhort, all things are full of rcltlefs labour; man cannot utter it'. And all this wretched- nefs is come upon intelligent creatures, by feeking to be inde- pendent of their great creator. Keen. If this be true, with refpeifl to the Fiemh of the Pity and unregenerate men; it mull alfo have the fame effed among pilgrims, fo far as thisfpirit is indulged : and this has been con- firmed by my own experience. I had the happinefs to live long in hdependent'freety and enjoyed moil excellent means of grace j yet, after my very intimate acquaintance with Mr. Ferfidus, at- tending him in his voyage to the City of Gud^ and enduring va- rious trials, until I arrived to this honourable and blefled fitua- tion; I have found thro' all, that the more dependent I was on Immanuel 2i\\^ his righteoufnefs, the happier I have been. Kmwfelf And thus, Sir, you will ever find it. Every fcheme of doflrine or praflice, that weakens this abfolute de- pendence on Immanuel as our righteoufnefs; mod certainly wounds our true peace and holinefs. There may be an appa- rent peace, and feeming piety, with an independent fpirit, and vain confidence in our own righteoufnefs: but our hearts de- ceive us in fuch cafes; for, by nature, they are in league yvith Lucifer^ againft the fovcreignty of our King, and the one righ- teoufnefs q{ Immanuel, wrought out for our juflification. From hence fpring moft of the trials of true pilgrims, they being in- tended to break this combination, and draw us from this evil propenfity to pride and independence. A pilgrim is well repaid, when, by a moil fcvere chailifement, he is driven from this re- fuge of lies, into the arms of his Celeftial Father, and to a more firm KlhncQ on Immamel as his righteoufnefs and ilrength. ' Ecclef. i. 8. Ref. [ ^-3 ] Rsf. You feem to fpeak feelingly, Dof^or, and have been in that fchool yourfelf, I imagine. Knozvjeff. I have fo, indeed, I blefs the Lord. Tiie idol: of felf, an J relf-righteoufnefs, were dear to me; but, my Lordy jealous of his own honour, and my happincfs; tote them from my arms and heart. At this I was offended, and fullcn for a time; and, like telly 'Jonah^ thought I did well to he angry^. My indulgent Father then put under my declining head the downy pillow of his iovereignty; and into my trembling heart a firm faith in his everlafting rlghteoufnefsj and never before did I enjoy fuch celellial peace, fuch delicious tranquility of mind! Prob. I am happy, Sir, in finding my own feelings fo fimilar to yours. I oppofed Jehozwih^ fovereignty, rightcoufncfs, and wife decrees, as cruel, arbitrary, and unneceifary. I refufcd to let him do as he pleafed with his own creatures; and impi- oufly faid, I would have nothing to do with fuch zpredejlinating Jehoz'ah, I now know this to be the fpirit of a rebel, and the Lmguage of a fool. For, being aflured, that Jehovah is infi- fjitely wife and good ; how perverfe and blind to right reafon, and its greatell intereil:, mull that heart be, which refufes to make an abfolute furrender of itfelf, both as to provi- dence and grace, to the gracious difpofal of fuch an indulgent Father^ who, in Imnuvtuel^ has made moil ample provifion for our perfc6l happinefs I Keen. T\\o^e: o^ .4r mi man Jlreet think it a degradation from their liberty, to makre that fubmiiTionj and an invafion of their free agency; for our King to affume it. They, in effcft, fay, *' We are our own mailers, who is Lord over us^.'* The lan- guage of their pride amounts to this, That they had rather, by having their own will^ go to Tophet; than fubmit to be brought to the CeleJiialCity by the fovereignty o^ Jehovah's purpofcs and decrees, and ihr >' the perfect righteoufnefs of his belofved Son. Kncivjelf. O that n.en were wife, that they would under- fland their true inter. ll! No difpofuion favours fo much of Ludfcr^i as that Mr Mayor has defcribed. A life of ienfual * Jonah iv. 9, * Pfalm xii. 4- A a profligacy [ 354 ] profligacy fliews a man to be of a groveling brutal inclination! but ihe fwcllings of intclkaual pride, in a high conceit of moral power, and a jealoufy of the infiir.gement of the will of a Fell- kn Creature, even by Jehovah himfelf; maniftfls fuch a perfon, hosvever mor:il his charader, to be of a Luciftrian {^\n\\ and, as far from the kingdom of our Lcrd^ as is that arrogant difpo- fnion from the fubmaTion, dependence, and docility of a child. Apollos. Well, my dear friends, let us blcfs the Lvrd for teach- ing us better. I ftel it my greateft happinefs that Jehovah has not fuffered me to have my own will. Who, but a fallen crea- tu:e, would be fo fond ol his own moral agency, as rather to perifh for ever, than have it over-ruled by foverclgn grace? And who, among true pilgrims, would not rejoice Co have his will fo abfolutely under the diredion o^ Innnanuei, a") nor to be al)/e to dellroy himftlf. It is my conftant glory that I am un- der fuch powerful grace, as will net fufTer me to perifh by my own iniquity; nor be plucked out of my fiiephcrd's Land by any enemy. I blefs myfclf in hnmanuel, and glory in him. I gave myfclf to my Lord^ as a proud, wretched, difeafed fmner. He h«s returned me imfelf again, humbled, healed, haopy, and compleat in him ; tho' in my fleih dwells no goad thing. Knozvfelf, If a man delires to enjoy his own exiilcnce, let him come to, and live upon Immanuel. If he feeks this happi- nefs any v/here e!fe, he will furely be difappointed. In the midftofali the fenfual delights of my unconverted Hate, m.y life was at times a burden, and difgiUtful to me: but now I blefs myfelf that ever 1 was born with a capacity to know, fcrve, and love my dear Redeemer. I glory in Immanuel^ who, when I had ruined and loll that capacity by fin, in infinite mercy recovered me thereto, at the expence of his own precious life. He, therefore, is my wifdcm, and righteoufnefs, and fandiikation, and redemption, hr.manuel is Jehovah fny Rigbu- oujncfs. And I fweetly find the truth of that prophecy, con- cerning the one i'[-hteoufnefs our Lord was to work out and bring in: *' The woHi of rightcoufcefs fhajl be peace, and the eii'cCt of righteoufnefs quietnefs and affurance ibr ever^'* Thus \ Ifaiah xxxii. 17. ftanding t 3;; 1 (landing, clotjied in the one perfect righteonfnefs of 7r:^:x?:uc), I believe I amas perfedly righrcous before 7. /'^cv?/' as iliu' I lud never finned ; and as free from condemnation as tho* I were not a finner, nor had one fin about me. This, this, my dear friends, is the faith, tiie joy, the glory, and triumpli of pil- grims on earth, and in yonder Cclcftial IVorU ! What think you of this Imnuinud, my brethren? My foul feels the plcafurc of your comp;4ny ! How is my houfc adorned by having fo m:ny oVj'£kovak\ jewels in it ! How am I honoured by being v-fit- ed by fuch excellent ones! But all our honour and all our ex- cellency are derived from the m?.tchlefs Prince Immnnnel! What fay you, my dear guells, will you have this illullrious Son of David to reign in and Q\^r ycu? All. None but Immanuely dear DoHor KnewJ^lf \ we will have none but Immanuel! We have all faid, in pur folly and pride, to the Bramble of^Tophet, '* Come thou, and reign over U5." But now the gracious Jekozuih has taught us better. Therefore, let oy\T King hnmnnuel live, and reign in and over us, ar.d the Cclcj- til)} IForlciy tor ever and ever, HenvenlyMind. Hark. — do you not hear a fhoutirg f Me- thinks I hear the Cekjlial Arches ring. Kten. Yes, it is plain enough to hear — Some happy pilgrims are now entering thro' the gates into the Celc/linl City\ Or fome vile prodigal is made to repent*. Or, perhaps, fome new diicovery is making, to thofe happy inhabitants, of the wonderful providence and grace of Jehcz-ah'^: which raifcs their fongs, tunes their harps, and pours new joys into their enraptured fouls. — How the mufic f-.^clls, and echoes over the evcrlailing hills! — Come, brethren, let us have our converfation in the Celeftial World, by emulating their fongs. — Yonder arc three Shining Ones winging their way towards this city. Let us fing as they approach. * Rev. xxll. 14. * Luke .w. lo. 3 Rev. x:.^. i, 2, 5. A a 2 *' Ccme, [ 356 ] ** Come, let us join our chearful fongs, " With angels round the throne; * ** Ten thoufand thoufand are their tongues, " But all their joys are one. " Worthy the Lamb that dy'd they cry, " To be exalted thus ; ** Worthy the LtJml>y our lips reply, " For he was flain for us ! " 7if^^ is worthy to receive, ** Honour and power divine ; ** And blefling!^ more than we can give, ** Be, Lordy for ever thine. *' The whole creation join in one, " To blefs the facred name ; *' O^ Him who fits upon the throne, " And to adore the Lambr Wa TTS, CHAP. XLVIII. Sincere, Goodman, and Truman, fum?noncd azvay. The manner of their pajfmg the river. The refnaining Pilgrims vifit Mr. Heavenly Mind. Eis very injlru^ingjlory. Dijcourje about Knowing each other in the Celeilial City. WHILE they were thus finging, the three Shining Ones came flying over their heads, fmiling to hear their mortal Ilrains. When the hymn was finiflied, one of the mef- fengers faid, " Be happy, ye fons o^ Jehovah \ and let our bre- thren, GoodvtaUy Trumany and Sincere^ prepare to join yonder choriilers on fuch a day," — The three Pilgrims bowed in obe- dience [ 357 ] dience to the inciTage, and the Shining O/.vj returned to ilic Ce- kjhal City. j^pollos. My brethren, ye are happy in being iirft called to enter into the joy of our Lord. On the appointed day, the three Pilgrims prepared to obey the fuinmons. Accordingly, they went down to the river, ac- companied by their friends ; whokiflid them, and wiflicd them a h?.ppy paflage over. Jult as they entered the river, the fun was eclipfed, and it grew very dark; this troubled the Pilgrims: but they were far more diflrclTed by the apparitions of World^'i Eijfe, Tampd'y and Fear-, who befet the Pilgrims, upbraided them with their backflidings, and told them, that they were coming to refide for ever with them; at which, the Pilgrims cried out in great diftrefs. Jpolhs. What troubles my dear friends? Speak, and tell your bilhop of all your griefs. ShiCtre. Oh, Sir, Taiipcr^ the wretch who decoyed me into the Path of Danger y now appears, and endeavours to make me fink in thefe waters. Truman. And Mr. Eafe, who lulled me to fleep on the Enchant- ed Ground, would perfuade me, that I fliall never land fafe on the other fliore. Goodman. Dear biiliop afliil: mc. Frar^ my old enemy, now lays his hand on my head, and would prefs mc under the water. JpoIIos. My dear brethren, be comforted. Thefe are only phantoms, raifed by the enemy of your fouls. Your back- flidings have been forgiven by your Lord, and the pardon fealcd on your hearts by his blood. Think on the infinite atonement and glorious righteoufnefs ^i Immrinudy while we call upon him in your behalf. Then the other Pilgrims, and all their friends, kneeled down by the fide of the river, and joined with the good bifliop in prayer to Jckovaht that he v/ould rebuke the enemy, and fliinc A a 3 upon r 359 ] upon their afillfled brethren. As foon as they had finiflied their lupplicaiion, the Pllgiims in the river exclaimed, All. Thank you, dear friends. They flee, they flee ! The Lord hlcU you all. The fun then Ihone out, the fpeflres vaniflipd, and the Pil- grims went over the remaining part of the liver, crviig in triumph, " O death, where is thy lling'l They \vc:c imme- diately anfwcred with the found of trumpets Irom tr.c Ce- leftial City I and the ShinvigOnes, who had fammoncd theni over, now received, and welcomed them to the Cekjlial^'hore, They then clothed them in fhining garments, and conducted them, with the found of moll: nvifliin^ mufic, up to a g'orious palace which Hood near the gate of the CclcJiialCiiy, and i> the refidence of Dr. Dsrr.onfl ration The Do*'lor received thi:m gladlv, and foon ma^ie them fcnfible how really, perfedly and permanently happy they now were, and ever fhould be. From, thence they were conduifled into the CelcfiialCiiy, amidll the joyfuil acclamations of a number which no man can number. They approached the eternal throne, and were joyfully wel- comed by Immanuel, into his kingdom. Where we fliall leave them for a while, and return to their brethren; who departed from the river, rejoicing in the J-ord, for giving them fuch a tef-. timony of his love, by fupportirg their brethren in their lalt confiia. Some time after the departure of their brethren, the Pilgrims made a vifit to Mr. Uea'venlj Mind the chamberlain of the city, who is an opulent man, and of great confequence. His houfe is on the Ko^o^^MountTrnnjport, which is the moil elevated part of the City of hepkzibab. The bifliop, archdeacon, mayor, recorder,' and Mr. Love were with them : after dinner they walked on the top of the houfe, and entered into converfation. Prob. Honoured paftor, I am often thinking on our dear brethren who are gone to yonder CelejTialCity, and am \td to believe, that we fliallfee them again, know them, and difcourfe v^\l\\ them too. 5 J Cor. XV. 55, ApoUas, L 359 ] Apolhs. You have g^od rcafan forfuch expectation, botli from the word of our A7/;j, and tlie nature of th'ngs ; but as I know that our friend, Mr. Henvenly MitiJ, lus employed much ot his lludy on this fa bjcd, I will chearfally unite with you, in dcfir- ing to have his k-ntimcnts on this^ueili on. HeLivcnIy Mind, You mull know, my brethren, that neither my name, nor my iludy on this fubjed, proceed from any want oi the good things of this v/orld. The cafe is faf othei wife, as you fhall learn from a. brief relation of my hiilory. I Iprang Irom the rich and honourable family o'i Dives, which rcfidcs in the Cih ofSenluality, near Deiji-Hall, unto which my lather be- longed. In that city, and in the principles of its inhabitants, I was educated; and, on account o^ my feiious air, was called 7/'i?&'^/?v/;//. Juit as I came of age, my father died, and left me in the poflefhon o: alai-g'^ fortun-e. Sut, neither my wealth, nor the luxuries of that city, could prevent my reflc(5\ing on what I was, and whi- ther I was going. I frequently uled t® walk out by myfelf, and confidcr the wifdom and goodnefs of Jr^^vz't?/? which appeared in the works of creation ; I alfo began clofely to examine the prin- ciples in which I had been educated, and found them by no means fatisfaclory. One day, as I was thus walking and reflecling, 1 was accofted, in a very rcfpediful mantier, by an amiable young ftranger, whofe name I a'terwards found was Grace. He entered into converfation with me, and when he found how I was difpofed, he befought me to go with him to the Sign of the Lamb, in the adjacent Valley of Humiliation. I readily complied, being very defiruus of inllruftion. And wha Ihould be at tliat houfe but Ca^^t. Doddriihc^ a famous officer in Im/nanuePs ^ixmy. This veteran a.nd Mr. Grace, fiondifarmed me of all my prejudices againlt//r^/,v.7/?.vf/; I immediately became a convert, renounced my lormer principles, and was enrolled amongthenumberof pilgrims. I then returned to the city, fettled my affairs, and ci.Tie on pilgrimage. I tarried a confiderablc time ■sn\i\\ Father Meditatioi, and was much profited by difcourfing with that venerable man. At length I embarked in the Co- venantTr an/port . and arrived at the City of God; where I fpent WUcU time in taking views, and making remarks on the temple, A a 4. mountains, [ 36o ] mountains, gardens, palaces, walls, &c. of the city. On this account, the inhabitaius gave me the name of i>/r. Heavenly Mind, becaufe they did not know me fo well as I knew myfelf. At that city I found Cdpt. Hervey^ and grew fo well acquainted with him, that we 'vcre feldom from each other. At length I was informed bv our King^ that 1 mult remove to this city. So I in- flantly fet out, and pafTed fafely over the Enchanted Groundy the air of which had very liitle efFtd on me. As I pafTed by the Globe h:n the company came out, and laughed immoderately at nie, becaufe I walked fo tall by thai hoafe, with my face turn- ed up to Heaven. Alfo when I came to the avbours, Mr. Eafe came, and begin to pra£lice his arts upon me; but I flruck him fo efFectually with this rod, which I always have in my hand, that he thought proper to make off, and leave me to purfue my way to this city, where I foon after arrived. ^ej. Pray, Sir, where did you obtain that rod ? Heavenly Mind ■ I had it oi Dr, Evidence at the City of God ^ he told me it was a branch of the Tree of Life. There is on it,, as you may fee, the following fentence, "The joy of the Lord \s your flrength.'" And I have found it of great fervice to me ever fince I had it. Prob. I a^n much delighted, Sir, with your little narrative; and now wait for your fentiments concerning the knowledge of our friends, when we fhall arrive at the Celejlial City. Heavenly Mind. Peter, Jamesy and John, knew Mofes and Elias on the Holy Mount. The impenitent Jews will fee and know Ahraha?ny Ifaac, and Jacobs and the Prophets, in the Kingdom of Heaven. Good miniilers fhall be known by their converts, and their converts by them, as their glory and crown of rejoice- ing*. Relations and friends will know each other, for, St, Paul comforts the 1 heffalonians with the hope, that thofe rela- tives who flept \\\ Iminanuely fhould be brought back with him^ : fo that as furely as thole mourners expedled to fee and know their dear Lord, fo furely they fliould fee and know their de- ' Neh. viii. lo. ^ Mat. xvii. 3.- Luke xiii. 28.— — iThefT. ii. 19. 'i I Their, iv. 14. >, parted [ 3^1 ] parted believing relatives and friends. St. John alfo in his Kt- velatlonsy repreients the bleiled inhabitants of yonder world, as remembering, not only that they were once in this Ihte j but, alfo, as confcious of what nation they were S what fins they were wafhed from, and what trials and perfccutions they en- dured. This opinion, moreover, is very ancient; as appears by that celebrated part of the Jpochrypha, in which reprobates are reprefented, as feeing and knowing certain righteous perfons at the day of judgment ; to be the very men, whofc manner of living (while in this world) they had counted madnefs, and their end to be without honour*. Prob. I am obliged to you, Sir, for your pertinent remarks: permit me to add, that I conceive it nscefiary, for the identity of our perfons to be preferved, in order that we may be fen- frble of our great obligations to our bleiled Lord; for, if our memories were to loie the imprefllons and ideas which they have acquired in this world, we could not properly be faid to be the very fame perfons; nor could we retain fuch a high fcnfe of the favours we have received from our great Redeemer. Frien. God forbid, th?t we fliould lofe any part of that fenfe: for the grand reafon why I defire to be in the Celcjlial Qty^ is; That, as this very identical Henry Frlcnd'y^ once a mofl: vile and filthy iinncr, but wafhed in I?nma?7uei\ precious blood; I may kifs the feet of my dear divine S?.viour. I have often envied that woman her place, who wept on Immanuel\ feet, and IcifTed them fo heartily. If I had been there, inilead of fnuding up my nofe at her, as did proud Simo'i^ I would have fat down and mingled my kiffes and tears with hers. Knoztf/elf. Well I'poken, brother Friendly, you have given U5i a reafon for your opinion, that is worthy the mind oi every true pil rim. Nor fliall you be difippointed of your hope; the Lord^ who has given you this defire, will fatisfy it. Frieu. Then I Hiall be farirfied : but, while I am this fame Friendly, nothing lefs than paying my homage at hiiXiUincr?. feet, will conttnt me. ^ Rev. v. 9» * Wlfdom v. 4. Fcf, [ 36^ ] Rt-f, Surslv, our Zsr^ does not tantalize his children ! For, how is ir poflible that we fhould ever have defired to fee Hiin, if he had not infpired us with that nope? And he would not give us fuch an alFeflion, only to torment us. ProL Torment us, indeed! A pilgrim is of all men mofl mifcrable, if in this life only he hath hope in Immanuel '. Jpolios. No, no, Prolus, Jehovah is not a tormentor of his creatures. We have abundant hope in our death, and our fweet and joyful expcdation fhall not be cut olf *. I CHAP. XLIX. Ihe Pilgrims fummoncd away. The Giant Infidelity dijlurbs ths houfe of the Pilgrims y the night before their departure, Apollos fra^^s with them. They joyfully pafs the rivers and have an a- bunduHt entrance into the Celeftial City, WHILE they were thus difcourfing on the top of the Chamberhmh Houfe, behold three ShiriingOnes, as bright as the fun, appeared in the Heavens. Jpcllcs. Yonder comes th-ee CeleflialMeJfengers, perhaps to call fome of us away, that we may prefeptly experience the fweet truths of which we have been difcourfing. The Shining Ones drew near, encircled the company three times, and then called Prolus^ Friendly and Pcfolute home to their Father's houfe, at an appointed day; promifing withal, to meet them on the other fide of the river. One of thefe celeftial envoys r.ddrelTirig Probus^ faid, ShlningOne, Probus^ my beloved charge, play the man in thy laft conflia. 5 iCor. XV. 19. '2- Prov. xxiii. iS, The I 363 ] The Pilgrim gave a fign of confent, and the Sc'ffr'bs depirtcd like a fiaili of" lighining; after which the Pilgrims returned home. On the night before the day appointed for the Pilgrims to go over the river, ihcir houfc was terribly alarmed by ProhuSy who IcreamcJ out in \\ dreadful manner; on which, Refohite and Friejidl-^ ran to h^s chamber, and found him fitting in his bed, in tiie utmoll conllernation. Rcf. Dear brother, what is tlie matter with vou ? Froh. Oh, my friends, the monfter hfiLHty is juft retired from my bed- fide. He has been blafphcming my Lord, and labouring to delboy my hope in Immanuel \s\\\\ all the logic of ^opbet. — fend 'lot Jpollos, I pray you. So one ran for the biiTiop, who came immediately. JpoIIos. My dear brother Prohus, why are you afraid of this enemy, over whom you have obtained fo many viflorics ? Proh. I h.ive, indeed, often triamplied over this foe, but he is a many headed monller. I think his influence is fome way congenial with my corrupt nature; fori am prone to lillen to his horrid aiguments, although nothing docs fo much dillrefsmy foul, ani pain my arm. Apo'lhs. Our depraved nature is inclined to every evil. Each of ui haih a befetting fin, and this appears to be yours. But be of good ciiear, ProbuSy for this is your enemy's laft onfet upon you. Take, therefore, the Shield of Faith, and believe in I lie Lord bnnuwucl^. On this, Prokii burll into tears, and cried out, Prob, Lord, I believe, help thoa my unbelief-. Jtho- I'ah knows that my hope and trufl are not in the dcillic Icheme. I have much to lufe, even the feeing, adoring, and enjoying for ever a precious ImmriJiucI \ and that makes rie fear much. He is all the Heaven which my foul longs for. ^. freethinkers Heaz'.r:, a Jeivs Heaven ^ a Mahomet, in s Paradife, I Ei>htf; vi. 1(5. * iM.uk h. :4. [ 364 ] I defire not. It is yonder Cekfilal World which I prefs unto. Oh, xo ho. v^\i\i Immanud n the molt precious of all defirable things I Jpolks. Be comforted, my brother, all trials will foon be happily over with you. Prob. But the monfter threatened to come on the morrow, and drown me in the river. Jpolks, He is a liar. YoMxLord is true and faithful, hn- mnnuel hatli promifed, that he will come again, and receive you to himfelf. Frob. Oh, if he would but come on the morrow, and blefs his trembling child with his dear prefcnce, in this hll trial; how would I fmg his praifes in the Cekjlial City ! JpsIIos. I believe he will, but we Ihould alk this favour of him. So they fpent the remainder of the night in fervent prayer unto Jehovah, for his affiftance on the morrow.— -Wiien the time came, the pilgrims and their friends went down to the river; and after mutual embraces, they addreiTed themfelves to go over. Firft, Refoiute entered the river, like himfelf, boldly brand. fhing his rod of the Tree of Life. The BlackTy- rant fhewed himfelf, but Rejokte, Auking his wand at him, faid, ](lef. Remember, thou enemy of fouls, the vi(flory which my Lfird g3LVQ niQ over thee, when I obtained this rod, at the very mouth of thy den. He is no v about to receive me to that eter- nal life, which he then gracioufly promiled me. Avaunt, therefoie, curfed fiend, I am /i true Pi/grim, a Si7iner fart'ed ! On which he waded over, crying continually, " A finner fared f A finner fared 1 A 7?nracie! A miracle of grace! File If ill Refoiute is going to the Celefial Cit'j I Thus this intrepid Pilgrim pafied the river with joy, exhorting his brethren to follow him, until he landed fafe on the happy fiiore. * John xlv, 3. Prohus [ 3^5 ] Prohs next came trembling to the r'u-cr, dreading the fight of his bitter enemy, the Gi^nt Infidelity, Apollos and Libmii, Keen, Knonflf, and Mr. love, comforted him, and good Mr, Heaz'en/y Mind ivggeiicd to him many pertinent promifcs of af- filtance from Immnnuel, in fiich times of trial. FrienMy was re- markably joyous, at this time: fo down they walked to the ri- ver; and lo, as foon as their feet touched the water, and while they were taking their lall farewell of their friends; the He.r.tnt opened, and a wonderful glory flionc upon the Pilgrims'. At the fame time, a voice came as from the CekflialCily, faying, ♦' I will come again and receive you to myfelf, that where I am, thvie ye may alfo be^" Prohus then clapping his hands toge- ther, exclaimed, Proh. He is come ! He is come ! The faitliful, everlafting, long-fuffering friend of unbelieving, God-provoking Wiilian Probui is come! Prien. Our Lord is faithful, my brother, he cannot deny him- felf. Oh, Apollosy dear paftor, proclaim it from your pulpit, that Jehozuih deals familiarly with pilgrims, for the dear br.tna- 7iuer% fake. Prob. My feet fland fure. I fhall foon praife the Lord for it, in yonder great city, and innumerable aflembly. O my foul; thou haft now trodden down for ever the Ilrcngth of hifi. deVity! Thus mutually praifing the Lord, and exhorting eich other, they walked on th'; \v?.:ers, to the allonifhment of themfclves and all their friends ^ 'or they trod Death and Tcphet under their feet, and wtnt triumphing to the other ihore. 'J'hcre Re- folute, and the zhvQQ Shining Ones, received tiiem ; and having put on their crov^^ns and Hne linen, clean and white, they went on towards ii^^elefitidCily. The Shining Onc< firft took them to the glorious palace of Dr. Dc?nonJl ration, where Probus obtained a perfefl cure of all the pains, diflrelfes, and anxieties, which had fo long, more or \<:{%t every day tormented him. There alfo ihev found their dear \ A(fts vii, 55, 56. ^ John xiv. 3. brethren. [ 366 ] brethren, Sincere^ Goodman^ and Truman^ vvho were come to meet them. This meeting tranfported them beyond the power of language to defcribe; for now they were happy to find, that the purpofes of divine love towards them were joyfully termi- nated. While they were carreHing each other, they heard the found of a trumpet, and a voice rang through the palace, fay- ing, "Come up hither \" This \\\^ ^himtig Ones told them, was an order for them to attend on the King. The Pilgrims therefore came forth from the Palace of De?/?on. Jlraii'on in Ihining robes, and their hearts overflowing with plea- sure: immediately the everlalling gates of the Celejiial City were lifted up, unto the found of mod ecflatic mufic; and the Pil- grims entered amid ft the acclamations of ten thoufand thoufand blefTed beings, who Ihouted " Hallelujah, blelTed are they who do his commandments, that they may have a right to the T^ree efLifey and enter in thro' the gates into the city*." The Pilgrims pafled along the golden ftreets up to the glo- rious throne, on which fat himanuel'm all his glory. He be- held them with a fmile of infinite complacency, and faid, ** Well done good and faithful fervants, ye are welcome unto my palace, enter ye into the joy of your Lord'^'^ Then all the pilgrims caft their crowns at His feet, and worfhJrped Him, faying, "Thou art worthy, O blefled Immanuel, to recei/e glory, and honour, and blefTing; for thou wail flain, and ha of God. This intrepid fervant of Immanuelm hisjoarnev over the Enchanted Ground y threw the Globe Inn into the utmoll con- fufion*. For, as he drew near unto the GlouCy the fcrvanis being ignorant of his character, invited him into the Inn; but he had no fooner entered the houfc than he began to declaim, in his peculiarly zealous wg,y, againll the iniquitous and vain pradices that were carrying on in the feveral rooms. On hearing fuch an uncommon voice, the company ran from each quarter, and foon fjrrounded Fervidus^ who Ibod in the midft: of them like a Son of Thunder^-, and expofed tl»e vanity, unreafonablenefs, and impiety of their manner of living, in fach a convincing and folemn way; and, with fach a tender concern, reprefented unto them the fearful vengeance oVJehnab t 36S ] wliich hung o\'er them ; tliat a general conllernation enrned'. Many iilently withdrew, afhamed ; and many others refoK'ed to go immediately on pilgrimage^; infonnich, that the rooms were left almoil dcfolate, and Mrs Jezebel was quite frantic with rage and vexation. In vain Ihe called upon Rnhicus zyA Bully to afiiil: her in this terrible conjunflure; \ox Ruhicus was half a convert, and Bully was filenced?. Thofe who were of inoft ufe to Mrs. Jezebel, and the leaft affeded by Fervihs\ words were Old Gripe and his aflbciates; who, at this time, ihewed the truth of Immanuelh faying, namely, " It is eafier for a camel to go thro* the eye of a needle, than for covetous men to go on pilgrimage +." But Fervidus lofl almoft all his new converts in paffing over the Enchanted Ground^ and at the Arbours of Worldly Eafe ; into the latter, they would go,, fit down and drink of the intoxicating wine, notwithftanding all his menaces 5. However, Fervidus brought even of them to Beuljh, fcveral backflidcrs, and a few real converts. Thefe were fo tranfportcd with \^ hat they faw, heard and tailed of J7nmanuel\ beauty, grace and love; that they could hardly contain the joy ; but hung about Fervidus and Governor Pro7?iifey with eyes full of tears, hearts burning with love, and their mouths uttering the vvarmeil thanks for the happinefs they en- joyed by their means ^. The weak and feeble-minded a]fo felt the falubrious nature of the air of Beulah, caught fome ce- leilial fire from their new and enraptured companions, and united in their triumphant fongs. To crown all, and make the har- mony complete, Governvur Fromijeh band of mufic led the choir, and the happy inhabitants united in the chorus as they palled, fo that the whole country refounded with the praife. The biiliop and clergy, together with the mayor, recorderj chamberlain, &c. of the City ofFJephzibah, went forth in their formalities to m^eet this refpeflable company, attended by a great conco'jrfe of the citizens. But when Fervidus fiw the manner in which he was received and attended, he iighed inwardly, and faid, 'Aasxxiv. -5. ^Mat. xn;.20. 3 Afts Iv. 14. 4 Mark x. 25. 5 Ifaiahxxvi. 10. ^ Adts ii-i. 8 — lo. Fer. [ ih 1 P.r. Alas ! wherefore do you pour lb much rclpcd on luch a 'vvorthlcfs reptile as I, who am Ids than :hc Icatl of you all »i I will not fulferfuch ado about a poor finncr. My dear fi lends, turn your eyes and aticntion to my glorious maHrr. Jt is by his grace that 1 am what I am. He gives All, and does All ; therefore He fhall hare all the glofy of his own wonderful work. Fcrviih/s was conduced with loud acclamations, notwith- Ihnding his rcmon^Lranccs, to the houfc of Gczcrr.cr Pnri//; which is on the top of AIo.'.'/j! Trmfporty and overlooks the whole city. The governor kept open houfe for all the citizens and people of the land, while /^(frcvV;/; was with him ; and in- vited the bifhop and clergy, the mayor and all the principal officers of the city to his table, in this time of joy. — At this fcllival the gnvernor brought forth fome of his bcft llore«. Whatever the rich hiiid of Beulah could ailord, was plentifully ferved up, and fome do not fcruple to fay, That he had certain difhes knt him even from i\\t CclfJlialCity'^. It is very true, however, that the S}:':n!};g Ones were often feen at the houic, and the whole building was at this time fo illuminated, and iSlled with exquifite harmony, that it iccmed like a luburb oi the Nezv Jeriijakvi. On the Saturday evening after their arrival at Hcphrjbid\ the governor and his company were fitting together, in a pleafanr octagon on the top of his houfe, and difcourfing high on the glory oi Inmnr.ud\ perfon and work; when they fuddcnly heaii a moll rending acclamation from {)^t Cekflia! Cit% and foon af- terwards beheld a bright hoft of 5/':>;/r^ 0;;f/ coming towards ihcm, with the found of exquifitc mufic. As they drew near, ti;cy perceived at the head of the celeili.il baud, a pcricn of fupcrior majelly; on which, laid the governor, Prov!':fc\ Yonder is the moll excellent Prirce Par/ic'ele, my divine Lord, and moll opulent Banker^; wl>o anfwcrs whatever bills I draw upon him, and who is prnTciTcd of unfeaTrh^Mc liches. Something of great confe'^'iencc has b.'-oiigb: h!..-» hiihcr. s Ei her in. 3. * Hcb. vi. 5. JuLr v!. ;;. 3 E/: :■ li b i • r 57° ] Then they all arofe, and as the PrhueAiZwi near, they bowed themfelves towards the ground. Prince. All hail, O men greatly beloved : and thou Fcrvidns^ my faithful fervant ; I am come to inform you, that your labours are nearly finilhed, and you are foon to enter into your eternal rell. Tervidus then bowing low at the Prince s, feet, replied. Fer. Good is the word of my mod g»-acions Lord\ but wherefore fliould the Prince of the Cckfiial World thus regard fuch a vi!e wretch as I am? I rejoice in your grscious appro- bation of my poor fervices, and am willing to continue them ; but as it is my Lordh pleafureto call me hence, if fuch a def- picable worm may choofe, permit me to finifli my labours and trials on the morrow, it being the Lordh day of reft. Prince, FervihiSt your rcqucll is granted. To-morrow thou Ihalt pafs the river, nor flialt thou be deftitute of my afiiil- ance; wherefore be llrong, and play the man againll the laii enemy ^ . Then Ferzidus and the company again bowed low, and the Prince diiedling his band to play, they llruck up fuch a divine tune, as lilled them with a pleafure they never felt before. The Prince perceiving the ftrong emotions of their fouls, leil it Hiould overcome their mortal frames*, fpread his divine plumage, and returned towards the Cekjlial City ; leaving them all in a tranf- port of feraphicjoy. The fuccceding night was fpent in various exprelnons cf love between Fervidus and his friends; who were grieved at his fud- den departure from them ; but he rejoiced at the will of his m after, and laid, Fer. I was immortal *till my work was done. Many attempts have been made to take ^vvsy my life, but all in vain, tor my mafter*s time was not come. But now, as he has lo honourably fignificd his blefTed will to remove me ; I leave his fwcet work * iCor. XV. i6. f I Cor. xt. 50. to r 37' ] io other feri'ants much better than myfelf, wlum my lorJ\\\\\ fend forth into his harvclt. Early on the Lord^i day morning the CA'jJi.il City a.^carcd peculiarly illuminated with glory, the everlalling gates v.crc wide unfoiJcd, and the whole didance from the river to the gates was covered with nn innumerable company of Shinip:g O/tn, The km alio arofe with unufual luUre to make the fc.ne more fplendld. Deaths and Ilim who hath the power of deatli ' forefccing for whofc honour this uncommon apparatus was in- tended; burnt with envy at it, and were permitted to indulge ^hc'ir malice on thisoccafion ; wherefore, the river was fuddenly fwclicd to its utmoll height, and the BlnckTyant himfclf ap- peared, to oppofe and trouble ¥trz-u\us in his pafling the river. The eminent ambaflador of the Celejiial King now prepared to attend the court of his divine fovercign ; and, accordingly, was accompanied to the river by the (/ilicers of the O/y of Hepbzibab, He was fupported by Govenior Promje^ and Mr. lleavenl-j Mindt his old and familiar friends. The inhabitants of the city alfo crowded to the river fide, being dcfirous of feeing the lad of this great man; and were much comforted for the lofs of him, in beholding the honours with which his mailer dignified him. A.S foon as Fervidus cime to the river, the Black Tyrant x^\{^\ an horrible tempell, which blew the waters into a dreadful commotion; but the hero flood undaunted on the brink; and, with his face iledfallly fixed tov;ards the KiZU JerufaUm^ iic cried, faying, Fer, O Frince Fdvncletc, who dldH never fail thy fervants, I befcech thee, remember the word which thou didil ycllerday promife unto thy unworthy creature; and, in confcqucnce of which, I now hope for thy prefence, to afTill me in this lall conflifl with my enemies. No fooner were thefe words uttered by FerviJus^ than a triumphant fhout w ;s heard among the holls of Shifting Ona-, 3.nd Pnncf Parac/ete V/3.S i'ecn, with his magnificent attendants, flying towards Fervictus. When he was come near, he embraced ^ Ilcb. ii. 14. B b 2 t^C E 37^ ] lh.t Man of God i kifTcd him, and then coirimandcd his (land ard- bearer to fpread his colours. Immediate:/ the glorious enlign ol the blood-royal oi Heaven waA-ed in the wind, in vvh'ch was wrought with divine art, the myfterious cypher of 'Redcemns^ Lcz'Ct and the dei'truclion of lyeath and He]l.- As foon as theTe enemies oiFervidus beheld the terrible flandard, they Hed awav xvith great precipitation*, and the river immediately became calm and quiet. The fcandard-bearer then advanced to tlie river, and the Prince taking Mr. Heavenh Miiid\ place, he and Gorcr/wr Pro- mlfc fupported Ferviausy while the waters divided ^before them, and left an eafy pallagc unto the oppofitc fliore. As they went over, there appeared, iffuing from the city, the flaming cha- riot o'i hnmnmiel\ which drove doAvn thro' the fliining rankv:, and rsnQX. Fervid us as he afcended from the river*. //;/;?//7//;//r/ordered a fplendid white robe to be put on Fervidur, then took him up in his chariot, and kiffed iiim. Prince Para- clete, hnmanucl and Ftrvidus fat in the chariot, and Governor Promife vzlMVV.td 'LoHephxibah. While this pafTed, tlie concave was rent with the joyful acclamations of myriads of happy beings. As iox Fervidus, he was all in cx'acy, but could not be perfuad- ed to afcend the chariot, until ///;/;; j/;//// let hini know it was jiis abfolute will, that thus it fliould be do.ie-!- unto all fuch as he delighted to honour. Juftas tlie chariot was moving towards the city, a large body of pilgrims made perrcft^, came near and bef.ught ///;//////?// t'/i that tliey might be permitted to go next his chariot, in the pjo- celTion. Thefe were the fpiricual children of i^^r-rvV^/j-, \yhoni he had been the happy inilrument of bringing to that blihful region "5. They were ail clothed in white robes, and had the enfigns of victory in their hands^. Their petition was imme- diately granted, and they followed the chariot finging the fol- lowing fbng, while all the relt kept a joyful iilence to hear it. Filzrirns. " Salvation to our King, to Prince hntnnr.uely and to Prince Paraclete, who are worthy to receive all .-.fcripLions of ^ Tfjiiah lix. 19. ^ Jofhua iji. 16. 3 \oh\ xiv. 3. 4 Juliii xiii. 6 — ^< '■ Heb. xii. 23. ^ iCor. iv. 15. 7 Rev. vii. 9. glory. [ 375 3 g!ory, honour and majcily, for their wonderful love to usi and blefied be our glorious Jchz'.:h for thus honouring his faiihful lervanc, and our dear t;;ther; who, with indefatigable y.cal, loHowed our loll and wandering fouls into the highways and hedges^ of yonder lower world, and compelled us to come in to thisjoy of our Z.;ri. Welcome, thrice welcome, dear F^rrvV/zr, to this thine everlalling rell!" F£r. Ceafc, ye happy fouls, from thus honouring a poor un- worthy inltrumcnt, whofe fcrvices were far over-balanced by his indrmiiics and iins. Rather behold, and celebrate the praifes of this precious Lamb ofGo^l, by whofc blood and righ- teoufncfs alone both you and I enjoy this amazing honour and iiappinefs; the abundance of which at prcfcnc io overwhelms me, that I am hardly capable of fupporting ir. h:manuc-l. O ye, my precious RcJeemedOfk's, with whom this my fervanr, and your parent, did travel in birth until yo>i be- came my true pilgrims-: I accept with delight the regard you fhcw unto him in this Cekf.lal IVorld , for he is worthy '. Go on, therefore, to love and honour him as your glorified afTcc- tions fiiall incline you. — And you, Fcrvidus, my faithful fer- vant, confider thole fouls as your glory and crown oF re- joicing-^. In tliis manner I honour every one of my am- balTadors, on their arrival here; for I know that both you, and the children which I have given you ^, are fo tho- roughly purged from pride and felf-feeking, that you will never give or receive any honours derogatory to my imperi-?], crown and dignity. Wherefore, eternally live and love each other, and I fhail rejoice in beholding and increafmg your mu- tual affedlion*^ : to which end now, FerviJuSy enter into the j)y of thy Lord"^ . On thi% tiie chariot o^ Iminan:i'l moved onward, and the chil- dren o'i FiTZ'idus followed, giving an ama:-.ing loud Ihout of joy, and the who]: hell uni:ed in the high applaufL*. Thus they enrered th.c pearly'' gales of tliC ^^cwJerufaUm, and proceeded on to the eternal throne, which was furrounded by a moft brilliant \ Lu'rce xiv. 23. * Gal. Iv. J9. 3 Rev. iii. 4. •* iTlu-fl. ii. 19, ic. I Ifaiahviii. 18. ^ Jer. x-xii. 41. '' Mat.xxv. 21. ' R^v. xxi. 21. rainbow. [ 374 ] raiiibow'. Jmmanuel zkended the throne, Ft/m^/// drew near and proftrated himfelf before the throne, with all the ex- preffions of adoring love. He was commanded to rife, and Prince Paraclete led him, all aftonifliment, quite up io hnmanuel, and placed him at his left hand on the throne . Then filence being made, faid, hnmanuel. Be it known unto all the thrones, dominions, princi- palities and powers of our angelic hofts; as alfo to our dear bre- thren of the human race; that this pcrCon whom Prince Par^c/eie, according to our promife by Him made^, has placed as an over- comer on our throne i is, by name, George Ferm Jus '^^ my faithful fsrvant, whofe abundant labours in feveral parts of the earth, have, thro* our grace, been fo fuccefsful in bringing many of you to this city, and who, in a little while, will be joined by many others. It is therefore our will and peafure, that he who has fo greatly improved his talents, fhould receive dillinguiflicd ho- nours ; wherefore, ye our blefled martyrs and confefTors, behold your worthy compeer, and let him have a place in your exalted iituation. The Prince then paufed, and all the celellial company figni- fied their joy in the royal decree with ten thoufand times ten thoufand, and thoufands of thoufands of bleffed voices 4-; and with all the inltrumental mufic of that world of harmony. While this grand concert was playing, Pervious arofe from the throne, with his mind full of fuch fentiments as appear in thofe who cry out, " Lorci, when favv we thee an hungry and fed thee, &c. 5" and again humbly bowed down himfelf before the throne, and then was, by the whole company, welcomed to his eternal home. To compleat his joy, fome of his dear fellow labourers and friends, who had arrived before him, prefented themfelves unto him ; nor was it the lead part of his pleafure to find Probus, Refolute, Friendly and Sincere in the number of his fellow-citi- zens of the New y^r/^/.?/^;^.— While Fervidus and his friends v/ere congratulating each other on their happy arrival, one of the great minifters of Hate made the fignal for filence in Heaven^, Then fpake the glorious Prince, » Rev. Iv. 3. * Rev. iii. 21, zi, 3 Rev. iii. 5. 4 p,ev. v. ir. 5 Mat. XXV. 37. ^ Rev. viii. i. Immanuel, t 375 ] Immanuel. Forafniuch as, on fuch happy occafions, as tlie prefent, we have been accuftomed to make further difcovcrics of the myftery of Gody and of the Father^ and of Immanuel \ and to make known our counfels, unto our dear brethren and fcr- vants; we are, with pleafurc, about to honour the arrival of our beloved friend, and faithful ambaflador, George Fcrvidu\^ in the fame manner. Immediately the refulgence of the Triune Deity (hone with a- mazing glory in the face o^ Immanuel^ ^ which, like a mod pow- erful magnet, fo attraded the furrounding audience, that ihcy all prefled nearer the throne, and were held in the moll blifsful and profound iilence and attention; while the great and illuf- trious Sofi of God proceeded. But this oration was delivered fo much in the elevated Ilile of that glorious world, and the fubftance of it was of fuch a fublime nature, that no mortal could underiland it*. Let it fuffice, therefore, to add, that every one of that vail congregation fully comprehended it; and, at the clofe, returned thanks to Immanuel for his great con- defccnfion, with fuch loud acclamations as fcemed like the found of many waters; which, as the mufic fwclled, became like the voice of mighty thunderings^ : and yet the following rapturous exultation was dillindlly heard." *' Let us be glad, anil rejoice, and give glory to o\iv Jcho-jabj and Prifice Immanuel \ for all this difplay of glory and experience of love." And again they fliouted. Hallelujah^ which filled the vaft concave of the CehJliallVorld^ and refounded over the evcrlalling hills. Silence being again commanded, faid, Immanuel. I fee of the travel of my foul, and am abundantly fatisfied*. I rejoice and glory in thofe fufFerings which have made you thus happy. Ye are my brethren and near kinfmen. Members of my body, of my liefli, and of my bones^ Comi- near unto me, therefore, my dear children, that 1 may blcfs you, and difmils you from the prefent folcmnity. Then arifing from his throne, He llretchcd out, over his numerous said happy famiiy, his blefied hands, adorned with ' Heb. i. 3. - jCor. xij. 14. 3 Rev. xix. 6, 7. -♦ Ifjiah wi. 1 1- 5 Ej>hef. V. 30. the [ 3)6 1 the fears of his wond'jous love; and with a loud voice pro- nounced the following bcnedidlion upon the allembly. Immantid. BlefTed, for ever bleflcd be ye, my beloved bride and faithful friends! Ye are my portion, my glory, and my peculiar treafure ! I rejoice over you with joy. J rell, and am happy in mylove^; and will never ceafe to love you : but will go on eternally to blefs you, and do you good, with m}' whole heart*, which was pierced for you; and my whole foul, which was facrificed to redeem you? Behold thcfe arms which were nailed to the crofs, are now extended to blefs you ; and this my glorious kingdom pours forth all its honours and joys upon you, to make you for ever, and for ever, compleatly blefled ! Imrnanuel then fat down on his throne, with a fmile on his face that inflamed with feraphic love every heart in the audience. The afTembly then broke up, and difperled to relt in their mag' nijicent ?na77fans ^ ; or to walk the Golden-Jlreets of the Celejlial City^y or torepofe on the flowery banks of the river, under tht All-healing Tree ofLife^: and, whether folitary or foci al, to make the glory and love of Imrnanuel the fubjeft of refledion and difcourfe. In this happy flate the once wearied Pilgrims And perfeefl: reft; waiting for the arrival of their brethren, and the GrcaLuidoption^ that is, the Redemption of their Bodies^. ^ ^ Zcpli. iii. 17. * Jercm. xxxli. 41. 2 Johnxiv. 2. 4 Rev. x,.;!. z\, ? Rev. xxii. 2. ^ Rom. viii. 23^ F I N I "I L^l^v^;>^' Mp^N-*' ^£^<€- iimimm/!