,,from ,,babylon ,,to ,,bethel999999 ,a ,,short ,,history ,,of ,a ,,long ,,travel ,,from ,,babylon ,,to ,,bethel by ,,stephen ,,crisp ,illustration ,,introduction ,writings of the first ,quakers1 even minor writings1 often kindle in us today an ardor to seek what they sought and to find what they found4 ,the excellent book by ,luella ,m4 ,wright entitled ,the ,literary ,life of the ,early ,friends1 #afej-agbe is a pleasant and convenient introduction to these numerous and often lengthy productions of which #bfjj have been listed for the first #ge years4 ,among them all1 ,luella ,wright singles out one allegory2 the only one1 and it remained unpublished fully two decades after its composition4 ,why was this8 ,was it because1 though the author was as sound a thinker and as persuasive an author as any among the followers of ,george ,fox1 an imaginary pilgrimage was inherently suspect1 while the record of actual experiences in the form of a journal was not8 ,be this as it may1 the slight loosening of standards with the opening of the eighteenth century allowed the ,second ,day's ,morning ,meeting1 which then censored ,quaker manuscripts1 to approve for printing ,a ,short ,history of a ,long ,travel from ,babylon to ,bethel4 ,it was put out in #agaa4 ,how entertaining it would be to know the number of copies that were printed in that first edition4 ,stephen ,crisp was a famous preacher4 ,he had a gift of utterance beyond many said his brethren in ,colchester at the time of his decease4 ,he was listened to by many outside the ,society of ,friends and his sermons1 together with the prayer at the end of every one of them1 were exactly taken in character1 that is in shorthand as they were delivered 444 in the meeting houses of the people called ,quakers4 ,though ,stephen ,crisp's letters1 sermons1 and journal promptly appeared in print and were widely circulated1 the ,short ,history remained after his death in the bundle of his papers in ,colchester4 ,john ,bunyan's famous book ,the ,pilgrim's ,progress had appeared with its primitive woodcuts in #afgh4 ,it received immediate recognition and in due time was acclaimed the greatest religious book produced in ,england4 ,stephen ,crisp's allegory is minimal besides it 7some #cj pages as against #bjg71 but the ,long ,travel retains significance because of its more modern point of view4 ,this tiny tract usually printed in pocket size 7#b x #c7 sometimes with a passage from the author's journal included1 was reprinted more than twenty times4 ,i happened upon it in the ,friends ,historical ,library at ,swarthmore ,college twenty years ago4 ,they then had four copies4 ,today they have more than a dozen4 ,how does ,stephen ,crisp's theology differ from that of ,bunyan's8 ,in the first place1 while ,crisp's pilgrim starts off with a pack on his back of luggage for his journey1 ,bunyan's pilgrim had as his pack the burden of guilt which is original sin4 ,second1 ,crisp's pilgrim soon gives up confidence in human leadership having discovered a measure of the ,light4 ,third1 he crosses the river early on his journey1 whereas for ,bunyan's pilgrim the river is at the end1 the river of death4 ,fourth1 ,crisp's pilgrim reaches the ,house of ,god in this life4 ,he finds a satisfied multitude in the outer court4 ,they invite him to stay with them in easy circumstances but catching sight of his guide1 the ,light1 as it passes through a narrow door 7compare ,bunyan's wicket gate7 he presses on1 divests himself of his travel-worn garments and enters the ,house of ,god4 ,here1 like the ,friends with whom ,stephen ,crisp had found ,peace after his own period of seeking1 he first rests from struggle1 then finds his calling which is to supply the needs of the young1 and finally aspires to bring his good tidings to the ,babylon from which he had set out4 ,the ,pilgrim's ,progress is incomparably more exciting with raging beasts1 ,giant ,despair1 and ,apollyon with all his hosts4 ,the people ,bunyan's pilgrim meets are more vivid1 portrayed with cruel detail and lusty humor4 ,theologically the ,quaker tract is of a different age1 not less exacting1 but less pictorial4 ,the medieval detail is gone but intense inwardness1 devotion1 and obedience are still required of the seeker to enable him to become a finder4 ,in his ,varieties of ,religious ,experience1 which ,i heard ,william ,james deliver as a series of lectures at ,stanford ,university when ,i was a ,freshman over sixty years ago1 he said of the religion of the ,quakers3 ,in a day of shams it was a religion of veracity rooted in spiritual inwardness and a return to something more like the original gospel truth than men had ever known in ,england4 ,he continued1 so far as our ,christian sects are evolving into liberality1 they are simply reverting in essence to the position which ,fox and the early ,quakers so long ago assumed4 ,with this conclusion ,i heartily commend to sympathetic seekers today the brief allegory by ,stephen ,crisp3 ,a ,short ,history of a ,long ,travel from ,babylon to ,bethel4 ,anna ,cox ,brinton ,a ,,short ,,history ,in the days of my youth1 when ,i lived at home in my father's house1 ,i heard many people talk of the house of ,god2 and that whosoever did attain to get into it did enjoy all manner of happiness1 both in this world and that which is to come4 ,and a great desire kindled in me1 if it were possible1 to get into the house2 yet ,i know not where it was1 neither did they who talked of it2 but they had heard the report1 and they reported what they had heard4 ,there were also some books1 that had been written by men who had been in that house2 which books did declare much of the joy and felicity they had in the house4 ,these books ,i got1 and read them over and over2 which did much strengthen my belief in the truth of the reports3 yet by no means could ,i tell which was my way4 ,but so ardent were my desires1 that ,i thought myself willing to forsake my father's house1 my country1 and all1 and travel anywhere1 wherever my legs would carry me1 so that ,i might find this house4 ,and upon a time1 as ,i was breaking my mind to a friend of mine upon this subject1 he readily told me1 there were men appointed in every place to guide those who were willing to go thither1 and it was their business1 and they had nothing else to do4 ,when ,i heard this ,i was comforted1 and desired him1 if he loved me1 to make me acquainted with one of those men4 ,he told me he would2 which he did4 ,when ,i came to treat with the man1 ,i let him know the fervent desire ,i had to get to the house of ,god1 of which ,i had heard such excellent things2 and that ,i understood he was one appointed to guide any thither1 who were willing to go1 and to persuade people to go1 who were not willing4 ,he very readily answered1 and told me1 it was his business to guide any thither who were willing to go2 and if ,i would comply with his terms1 and follow him1 he would lead me thither4 ,i asked him what his terms were4 ,he said the way was long1 and would lead him from home1 and ,i must bear his charges1 and something over1 to all of which ,i agreed4 ,so we set forward on our journey1 early in the morning2 but before we had gone one whole day's journey1 ,i saw my guide sometimes stand still1 and look about him1 and sometimes he would pull a little book out of his pocket1 and read a little to himself2 which made me begin to mistrust that he knew the way no better than ,i4 ,however1 ,i said nothing2 but went on following him several days journey after this manner2 and the farther we went1 the more my guide was at a loss4 ,sometimes he went a little on1 and then would look about him1 and turn another way1 and sometimes right back again for a while1 and then turn again4 ,so my suspicions grew very strong1 and ,i began to be in great anxiety of spirit1 but said little to him about it4 ,illustration3 ,these books ,i got1 and read them over and over2 which did much strengthen my belief in the truth of the reports3 yet by no means could ,i tell which was my way4 ,but one day1 as we were travelling along1 we met with a man that took notice of my sad countenance and tired condition4 ,and he spake very kindly to me2 ,young man1 said he1 whither art thou bound8 ,and when ,i began to tell him something of my travel1 he desired me to sit down upon the grass1 in a shady place1 and discourse a little about my journey3 and so we did1 and ,i told him how things had gone with me to that very hour4 ,whilst ,i was telling him my story1 my guide fell asleep2 at which ,i was not sorry1 for thereby ,i had the more freedom to discourse with the man2 and when ,i had told him all1 he pitied me2 and withal1 told me1 to his certain knowledge1 this guide of mine had never been at the house1 neither did he know the way to it1 but as he had got some marks of the way1 which he had received1 as ,i or any other may do2 and1 if ,i followed him all my days1 ,i should be never the nearer to it1 and should find at last1 ,i had spent my time1 money and labour to no purpose4 ,this discourse did so astonish me1 that ,i was at my wits end1 and did not know what course to take4 ,the man seeing what an agony ,i was in1 began to comfort me1 and told me that the house ,i sought was much nearer than ,i was aware of2 and if ,i would forsake that guide1 and follow him1 he would soon bring me in sight of the house4 ,and1 quoth he1 ,i am one that belongs to that house1 and have done so several years4 ,and whereas1 said he1 thou art to bear his charges1 and give him money besides1 ,i will assure thee1 it is not the manner of the guides that belong to this house of ,god1 to take money for guiding people thither4 ,i myself have been guide to many a one in my time1 but never took one penny of them for it4 ,illustration3 ,i saw my guide sometimes stand still1 and look about him1 and sometimes he would pull a little book out of his pocket1 and read a little to himself4 ,by this time1 you must think within yourselves1 how my drooping spirits were comforted2 a new hope sprang up1 and a resolution to forsake my wandering guide1 and to follow this new one4 ,upon which ,i awaked my guide1 and told him my mind1 and paid him what ,i had agreed for1 and advised him never to serve any poor soul as he had done me3 for ,i see1 said ,i1 thou knowest not the way1 but as thou hast learned about it in some book4 ,if book-learning would have served my turn1 to find this famous house1 ,i needed not thee1 nor any body else to guide me to it2 for there are very few who have written experimentally of it1 but ,i have read them diligently3 but now ,i have met a man that ,i judge has more experience of the way than thou hast1 and ,i am resolved to go with him2 and if thou wilt honestly confess thy ignorance1 and go along with us1 come and welcome2 one guide will serve two travellers1 as well as one in the way4 ,but ,i could not persuade him2 so ,i left him to take his own way as he pleased4 ,illustration3 ,and he spake very kindly to me2 ,young man1 said he1 whither art thou bound8 ,i now set forward with my new guide pretty cheerfully2 and he entertained me with a good deal of discourse by the way4 ,as he went on in pretty smooth paths1 and without stopping1 he told me1 in a short time we should come in sight of the house2 which made my travel easier4 ,he also told me something of the rules and orders of the house1 at which ,i was not at all discouraged2 for ,i considered ,god was a ,god of order1 and ,i doubted not but there were good orders in his house1 to which ,i was willing to submit4 ,and as we were thus travelling along1 he of a sudden spake to me1 saying1 ,yonder is the house4 ,at which ,i was exceeding glad2 for now ,i thought ,i had not spent my labour in vain4 ,the nearer we drew to it1 the more my joy increased2 and when ,i came in view of it1 ,i pleased myself extremely with looking at it1 and viewing the towers and turrets that were upon it1 and the excellent carvings and paintings1 with which it was adorned2 and there was as much art in setting it forth as could be imagined4 ,oh6 thought ,i1 if there be so much glory without1 surely there is more within1 which ,i shall shortly be a partaker of4 ,as ,i was thus contemplating my happiness1 and was come within as it were a bow-shot of the house1 we were to go down into a valley2 which we did3 and in the bottom of the valley1 glided along a small river1 and ,i looked about to see a bridge to go over it1 but could see none2 at which ,i wondered2 but on we went till we came to the river side2 then ,i asked my guide where the bridge was4 ,truly1 he told me1 there was none1 but we must go through it1 and so must all that go into that house4 ,illustration3 ,upon which ,i awaked my guide1 and told him my mind1 and paid him what ,i had agreed for1 and advised him never to serve any poor soul as he had done me4 ,i was a little troubled within myself2 but he told me he had been through it1 and there was no danger at all4 ,with that ,i began to think within myself1 have ,i taken all these pains1 and shall ,i give over for so small a matter as this8 ,what would ,i have gone through1 when in my father's house1 to attain to the knowledge of the house of ,god1 and a possession therein8 ,not water1 nor verily fire would have stopped me then1 if ,i had so fair a prospect of it as ,i now have4 ,i told my guide if he pleased to go before1 ,i would follow him3 so in he went1 and ,i after him2 but when ,i came at the middle1 there it was so deep that the water went over my head1 but ,i made shift to keep my feet to the ground1 and got well on the other side2 and my guide and ,i went up together very pleasantly4 ,when we came to the top of the hill1 there was a wide plain1 and in the middle thereof the house stood4 ,so we went apace and drew near to it2 and there ,i saw a very stately porch at the west end of the house1 and at the door stood a strong tall porter1 to whom my guide spake1 and said to him on this wise3--,this young man hath long had a desire to be entertained in the house of ,god2 thereupon ,i have conducted him hither4 ,the porter asked him which way ,i came thither2 he said1 through the river3 and ,i do not remember he asked me any more questions1 but bid me welcome1 and led me into the house1 my guide going in with me1 through many turnings and windings into a great hall4 ,mine eyes went to and fro as ,i went about the house2 and in the great hall1 there ,i saw many people1 who bade me welcome1 but none knew the anguish of my soul2 for ,i began to question whether ,i was not again beguiled3 for ,i found the house foul and dirty1 in almost every part1 and so belined with spiders and cobwebs1 that ,i thought in myself it had never been swept clean since it was built4 ,and some things ,i met withal that displeased me yet worse1 as ye shall hear2 howbeit1 a good bed was provided for me to rest upon if ,i could2 and ,i having little stomach1 after ,i saw how it was made ready1 went to bed1 and disposed myself to sleep as ,i could4 ,but1 alas6 sleep departed from me1 and my spirits were grievously vexed1 and my cogitations were many and grievous4 ,sometimes ,i thought of the paintings without1 and how that suited not with the dirtiness that was within2 and1 if ,i was deceived1 what course ,i should take4 ,illustration3 ,the nearer we drew to it1 the more my joy increased2 and when ,i came in view of it1 ,i pleased myself extremely with looking at it1 and viewing the towers and turrets that were upon it1 and the excellent carvings and paintings1 with which it was adorned2 and there was as much art in setting it forth as could be imagined4 ,after long and tedious thinking1 ,i pleased myself with this3 it may be better to-morrow4 ,so ,i fell into a slumber a pretty while2 but in the morning before ,i arose1 ,i heard two or three contending about some accounts1 in which one laid fraud to the other's charge2 the other instead of vindicating himself1 fell to twitting him in the teeth1 with something of the like kind3 they grew so hot in words1 that one threatened to turn the other out of doors1 and drive him back through the river1 and never suffer him to come into the house any more4 ,illustration3 ,i was not again beguiled3 for ,i found the house foul and dirty1 in almost every part1 and so belined with spiders and cobwebs1 that ,i thought in myself it had never been swept clean since it was built4 ,my heart was ready to burst with sorrow2 and in the anguish of my spirit ,i arose and went to them1 and told them1 ,i little thought to have found such doings1 or heard such language1 in the house of ,god4 ,i fear1 said ,i1 ,i am deceived2 and brought in amongst you by a fair show1 but see not the glory1 peace and tranquillity which ,i expected4 ,so ,i walked away to another part of the house2 where ,i heard a great noise and hard words2 as ,i drew near1 ,i understood it was about choosing an officer2 and two were striving for it1 and each of them had got a party1 and each party grew hot against the other4 ,as soon as ,i could be heard1 ,i spake to them1 and told them1 such kind of doings as this1 did more resemble a place in the world called ,billingsgate1 than the house of ,god4 ,i went a little farther2 and there ,i heard some women scolding about taking the upper hand1 and about fashions in their clothes2 and others about getting their children's play-things from each other4 ,all this1 and much more than ,i shall mention1 increased my sorrow4 ,illustration3 ,so ,i walked away to another part of the house2 where ,i heard a great noise and hard words2 as ,i drew near1 ,i understood it was about choosing an officer2 and two were striving for it1 and each of them had got a party1 and each party grew hot against the other4 ,i now began to long to speak with my guide that brought me thither2 and with diligent search at last ,i found him1 and began with him in this manner3 ,whither hast thou brought me8 and where are the rules and orders thou toldest me were in the house of ,god8 ,i have often read of the beauty1 order1 peace and purity of the house of ,god1 but here ,i find nothing but the contrary4 ,i fear thou hast brought me to a wrong house1 and hast beguiled me4 ,so ,i rehearsed to him what ,i had met withal2 to which he replied2 ,i must expect men to have their human frailties1 and that men were but men3 and he would have persuaded me to be satisfied1 and make further trial4 ,and as for the orders he spake of1 they were mostly about meats and drinks1 and about rules for electing of officers to rule the house of ,god2 as ,i would see in time1 if ,i stayed3 and as to the dirtiness of the house1 he confessed1 that those to whom the care was committed to keep the house clean1 had not been so diligent as they ought to have been2 but he hoped1 upon admonition1 they would be more careful4 ,to which ,i returned this answer3 ,what6 dost thou talk of human frailties in the house of ,god8 ,that complaint is at large in the world1 but doth not become the house of ,god2 into which ,i have heard none can come1 but such as are redeemed from the earth1 and are washed from their pollutions2 for ,god saith1 all the vessels in my house shall be holy2 and they that dwell in the house of ,god must have pure hearts and clean hands4 ,and much more ,i told him of what ,i had heard and read concerning the house of ,god4 ,i also told him plainly1 ,i had let in such a belief of the peace1 purity1 glory and comeliness of the house of ,god1 that ,i was persuaded that was none of it2 and where to find it1 ,i knew not2 but if ,i never found it whilst ,i lived1 ,i would never give over seeking1 for my desires were after it1 and ,i thought nothing would satisfy me short of the enjoyment of it4 ,but as for your house here1 said ,i1 ,i have no satisfaction in it2 it is not the place ,i seek for1 so ,i must leave you4 ,his answer to me was1 he was sorry ,i could not be satisfied there as well as he2 but if ,i could not1 he would lay no restraint upon me3 for his part1 he had directed me as far as he knew1 and he could do no more for me4 ,illustration3 ,several in the house threw things after me1 in a spiteful manner1 but none hurt me4 ,after our discourse was ended1 ,i got up1 and went out1 but knew not where to go4 ,several in the house threw things after me1 in a spiteful manner1 but none hurt me4 ,so ,i wandered sometimes north1 and sometimes south2 and every way that came in my mind4 ,but whithersoever ,i went1 the anguish of my soul went along with me2 which was more than tongue can utter1 or pen can declare1 or any one can believe1 except this relation should meet with some one that hath experienced the same travel2 which1 if it doth they will understand4 ,but so it was1 ,i had no comfort night nor day1 but still kept going on1 whether right or wrong ,i knew not1 nor durst ,i ask anybody1 for fear of being beguiled as before4 ,thus ,i got into a vast howling wilderness1 where there seemed to be no way1 only now and then ,i found some men and women's footsteps1 which was some comfort to me in my sorrow2 but whether they got out without being devoured by wild beasts1 or whither ,i should go1 ,i knew not4 ,but in this woeful state ,i travelled from day to day1 casting within myself what ,i had best to do2--whether utterly to despair in that condition1 or whether ,i had best to seek some other town or city1 to see if ,i could get some other guide4 ,the first ,i saw to be desperate2 ,i also despaired of the last1 having been so deceived from time to time2 so that all these consultations did but increase the bitterness of my soul4 ,illustration3 ,thus ,i got into a vast howling wilderness1 where there seemed to be no way1 only now and then ,i found some men and women's footsteps1 which was some comfort to me in my sorrow4 ,one day1 as ,i was travelling in the afternoon1 a terrible storm arose1 with hail and thunder1 and great wind1 which lasted till night1 and in the night also4 ,and being weary1 both of body and mind1 ,i laid me down under a great tree1 and after some time fell asleep4 ,when ,i awaked and came to myself1 it was still very dark2 and1 looking about1 ,i saw a small light near me2 and it came into my mind to go to it1 and see what it was2 and as ,i went1 the light went before me4 ,then it came into my mind1 that ,i had heard of false lights1 as ignis fatuus1 and such like1 that would lead people out of their way4 ,then thought ,i again1 how shall ,i be led out of my way1 that know no way of safety8 ,and whilst ,i sat down to let these striving thoughts have their course1 ,i took notice1 and beheld the light as near me as at the first1 as if it had waited for me4 ,at which ,i was strongly affected1 and thought within myself1 maybe some good spirit has come to take pity on me1 and to lead me out of this miserable condition4 ,and so a resolution arose in my mind that ,i would get up and follow it1 concluding in myself1 that ,i could not be brought into a much worse condition1 than ,i was now in4 ,so ,i arose and followed it2 and it went a gentle1 easy pace at first1 and ,i kept my eye straight to it4 ,but afterwards1 ,i found a great part of the luggage and provision ,i had got together1 did but burden me in my journey2 so ,i threw away one thing1 and then another1 that ,i thought ,i could best spare2 but kept a great bundle of clothes still by me1 not knowing whether ,i should need them4 ,illustration3 ,and whilst ,i sat down to let these striving thoughts have their course1 ,i took notice1 and beheld the light as near me as at the first1 as if it had waited for me4 ,as ,i thus went on1 and the light before me1 it led me out of the wilderness1 along a plain country1 without trees or inhabitants2 only it appeared as if some few had gone that way2--and the light kept in that strait path1 without any winding or turning1 till ,i came to the foot of a great mountain2 and1 going up that mountain1 ,i found it very hard getting up1 and began to consider my large bundle of clothes and garments1 and that several of them were of no use for a traveller as ,i was1 that did not know how far ,i should go1 nor whether ,i should want them1 if ever ,i was so happy as to attain what ,i aimed at2 nor whether the fashions would suit the place ,i was going to4 ,so ,i threw away some1 and anon other some1 till none was left but what ,i wore4 ,illustration3 ,going up that mountain1 ,i found it very hard getting up4 ,thus1 following my guide1 ,i at last got up to the top of this mountain1 where ,i saw another yet higher2 ,i also saw a man that asked me whither ,i was going8 ,i told him ,i could not well tell1 but would tell whither ,i desired to go4 ,he asked1 whither8 ,i said1 to the house of ,god4 ,he told me it was the way2 but he thought ,i should never get there4 ,i asked him1 why8 ,why1 quoth he1 there are in yonder mountain so many vipers1 adders1 and serpents1 and such venomous beasts1 that they devour many people that are going that way4 ,for my part1 he said1 ,i also was going1 but was so affrighted with those venomous serpents1 that ,i was forced to turn back1 and so would have you4 ,i answered him1 friend1 ,i have for a pretty while taken yonder light to be my guide1 and it hath directed me along this way1 and ,i see it doth not leave me2 look1 dost thou see it there before me8 ,he answered1 ,yes1 ,i see it4 ,well1 said ,i1 ,i have heard by travellers1 that if a man have fire or light1 the venomous beasts cannot hurt him2 and ,i intend to quicken my pace a little1 and keep as close to the light as ,i can4 ,come1 go along with me and venture it4 ,he said it was true1 he had heard that fire would preserve from them1 but he thought light would not2 however1 for his part he would not venture his sweet life amongst them2 if ,i would ,i might2 he wished me well1 and so we parted4 ,i then made haste1 and got pretty near the light1 and up ,i went the second mountain2 and when ,i came almost to the top of it1 ,i saw many serpents' dens and vipers' holes1 both on the right hand and on the left2 and the venomous beasts drew near me1 and hissed at me1 and ,i began to be in great fear1 and trembled exceedingly4 ,but many times1 when they were ready to sting me1 the light would step in1 or appear betwixt me and them1 and they were affrighted1 and ran away into their holes and dens4 ,illustration3 ,i saw many serpents' dens and vipers' holes1 both on the right hand and on the left3 and the venomous beasts drew near me1 and hissed at me1 and ,i began to be in great fear1 and trembled exceedingly4 ,oh6 when ,i perceived this1 how did my heart leap for joy within me6 ,my joy abounded1--my fear of the serpents abated1--my love to my kind and tender guide increased1--and my courage and confidence were renewed1--and ,i began to believe ,i was in the right way to attain my desire4 ,so on ,i went1 keeping my eye to the light through them all1 without harm1 till ,i came to the top of the mountain2 and then ,i saw an exceeding large valley1 so that ,i could not see the farther side of it3 it seemed to be all moors1 or places of water1 and bogs and mire all over the valley1 which began again to dishearten me2 but1 thought ,i1 what shall ,i do8 ,all is well hitherto4 ,i was strangely delivered from the serpents2 and whatever comes of it1 if this light leave me not1 ,i will follow it1 if it be through fire and water4 ,illustration3 ,so that sometimes the light shined round about me1 and ,i walked in the shinings of it with great fulness of spirit4 ,so ,i kept on1 and went down the mountain1 a gentle easy pace1 and saw many of those cruel creatures by the way1 who put out their stings at me1 but none hurt me4 ,and ,i took notice the nearer ,i kept to the light1 the more they kept from me4 ,so ,i got down to the bottom of the mountain1 into the large valley1 which was very green and pleasant for a little way2 but by and by1 the light went toward a great moorish ground full of water1 and that ,i thought was very dangerous2 but coming just to the side of the place1 ,i saw a small narrow path through the middle of it1 just broad enough for a man to go upon it2 and into that narrow way the light led me1 and went before me4 ,whilst ,i kept my eye steady to it1 ,i went on safely3 but if at any time ,i began to gaze about1 my feet slipt into the mire and puddles2 and then ,i had much ado to get into my way again4 ,had not the light kindly and tenderly waited for me1 ,i had lost sight of it1 and had perished in the way2 for sometimes it was so far before me1 that ,i could hardly discern it2 and then ,i would quicken my diligence1 and be more careful of my goings1 and keep as close to it as ,i could2 so that sometimes the light shined round about me1 and ,i walked in the shinings of it with great fulness of spirit4 ,after a long time walking in this narrow way1 ,i lifted up my eyes to the farther side of the moorish valley1 and saw beyond1 that there was a very high mountain1 and on the top of it there was a great house3 at the sight of which ,i was greatly comforted1 supposing that might be the house ,i had for a long time sought4 ,illustration3 ,for there were many who ,i perceived had been travelling in that narrow way1 and had fallen into the mire2 some on the right hand and some on the left1 and they lay wallowing full of envy2 some plucking at me1 to pull me in2 others throwing mire and dirt upon me to discourage me4 ,but after this ,i met with another sore exercise3 for there were many who ,i perceived had been travelling in that narrow way1 and had fallen into the mire2 some on the right hand and some on the left1 and they lay wallowing full of envy2 some plucking at me1 to pull me in2 others throwing mire and dirt upon me to discourage me3 others would speak very fair1 on purpose to draw me into discourse with them1 that whilst thus spending my precious time1 ,i might be cast so far behind1 as to lose the sight of my good guide4 ,but ,i saw their evil designs1 and was aware of them4 ,so1 keeping in my narrow way till ,i came to the end of the boggy valley1 ,i then found firm ground under my feet1 to my great comfort4 ,i had gone but a little way1 when my guide1 the light1 went into a narrow lane1 well hedged on both sides2 at which ,i was glad1 thinking ,i could not go wrong1 and need not now take so much care4 ,but alas6 ,i quickly found so many by-lanes1 and ways1 which lay almost as straight forward as that ,i went in1 that if it had not been for the light1 which went a little before me1 ,i might certainly many times have gone wrong2 but by carefully keeping to my good guide1 ,i at last got up the mountain1 and saw the house again4 ,i then discerned a man of that country a pretty way off1 and called to him1 friend1 ho6 friend1 what is the name of yonder great house8 ,he told me the name of it was ,,bethel4 ,then ,i presently remembered that that was the name by which the house of ,god was called in my father's country1 where ,i had heard the reports of it1 and so earnestly set out to find it4 ,illustration3 ,drawing nearer to it4 ,i saw it had a large outward court1 and a pretty large gate to go into it1 so that a man might go in with a large burden on his back4 ,oh6 the joy and consolation that ,i felt in my soul1 no tongue can express1--to think that now after all my travels1 perils and disappointments1 ,i had found what ,i sought for4 ,so on ,i went1 journeying with joy unspeakable2 and as ,i went1 ,i viewed the outside of the house3 it was very large1 and had but one tower2 there was no carved work about it1 no paintings1 nor any kind of device that could be discerned2 but all the stones were curiously joined together from the top to the bottom4 ,i also took notice1 that all the stones of the building were transparent1 some more and some less2 and ,i saw no windows to let in light from without2 and1 drawing nearer to it1 ,i saw it had a large outward court1 and a pretty large gate to go into it1 so that a man might go in with a large burden on his back4 ,so1 coming to it1 in ,i went2 and there ,i saw many people that were very cheerful1 and appeared to live very pleasant lives4 ,some of them told me1 they had lived there many years1 were well contented1 and wanted for nothing2 for there was a mighty tree grew in the midst of the court1 and the fruit thereof was good1 and the leaves also1 and it bore fruit all the year long4 ,and many of them were so kind as to invite me to sit down and eat with them2 but that ,i refused2 and they showed me a great cistern1 which they had hewn out to themselves1 to catch water from the elements2 and they had made themselves convenient lodgings in the sides of the court1 to lodge in4 ,illustration3 ,and when ,i was stripped stark naked as ever ,i was born1 ,i tried to enter1 and found no great difficulty4 ,but all this did not satisfy me2 for ,i saw my beloved guide pass through them all1 and enter in at a little narrow door at the farther side of it4 ,whereupon ,i left them1 and made haste to the door1 where ,i saw my guide had entered2 and ,i attempted to enter in thereat1 but could not1 it was so strait2 which put me in great sorrow of mind1 and what to do ,i knew not2 my thoughts troubled me on every side1 and all ways ,i tried1 but in vain4 ,oh6 thought ,i1 are all my troubles and labours come to this8 ,must ,i be shut out at the last8 ,what shall ,i do8 ,as ,i was thus perplexing myself1 ,i thought ,i heard a voice1 but knew not from whence it came1 which said1 ,young man1 strip thee of thy old garments1 and so thou mayest enter4 ,this occasioned yet more trouble of mind2 for ,i was loth to go naked3 but at last thought it better to go in naked1 than not at all4 ,so ,i at last fell to stripping1 thinking that a few pitiful rags should not hinder me of so great an enjoyment4--,and when ,i was stripped stark naked as ever ,i was born1 ,i tried to enter1 and found no great difficulty2 and so soon as ,i was entered1 one met me1 and cast a garment of pure white linen over me1 which reached to my feet2 and he brought me into a narrow room and said1 ,rest here awhile4 ,then ,i lay me down in so much joy and comfort as is impossible to be expressed2 all things were so pleasant about me1 and my resting place was so delightful1 and my heart was so fully satisfied1 that it overcame me with songs of joy4 ,but ,i found it my business to be still and quiet in my happy condition1 that ,i was come to enjoy4 ,illustration3 ,as ,i was entered1 one met me1 and cast a garment of pure white linen over me1 which reached to my feet2 and he brought me into a narrow room and said1 ,rest here awhile4 ,i had not been long in this room1 before ,i was called out to see the beauty and comeliness of the house4 ,as ,i walked through it1 ,i found every thing so clean and bright1 that ,i was ravished in an admirable manner4 ,i also met with some people that welcomed me to the house of ,god with such kindness as refreshed my heart3 and as ,i came to be acquainted with them1 ,i marked their conversation1 and their discourses were exceedingly comfortable to me2 no quarrelling1 no contention1 no high nor hot words1 but all passed with meekness and reverence1 and due respect one for another4 ,the young men waited for the words of the ancients1 and the virgins carried a reverent respect to the matrons2 and there was an universal concord and unity1 so that ,i wondered greatly4 ,one day as ,i was opening my mind to an ancient1 ,i told him ,i admired much1 and wondered greatly at the universal concord that ,i had taken notice of1 beyond all ,i had met with in my life4 ,he said it must needs be so1 and could not be otherwise1 for that was the guide to lead me hither1 which had been the guide to them all4 ,and further told me1 there could be no contention1 but where two spirits strove for mastery2 but it was not so in this house4 ,his answer was so full and satisfactory to me1 that ,i said no more to him at that time1 but went on viewing1 and beholding the order of every thing ,i saw1 till my soul was filled1 and ,i might say my cup did overflow4 ,so that my former labours and disappointments1 sorrows and perils1 did signify nothing to me1 having now a full reward1 an hundred fold4 ,illustration3 ,then he that talked with me1 told me it was my work to teach the children so far as ,i knew1 and had learned1 and as far as ,i should from time to time be further instructed4 ,so ,i returned to my rest again1 in a larger room than before1 singing praises to my ,god1 and setting forth the praises of the house1 and of them that dwelt therein4 ,and awhile after1 ,i was called forth from the room where ,i was1 and told ,i was not brought to that place only to take pleasure and delight therein2 but there was work to be done1 and ,i must take my part of it1 and be faithful and diligent in my employment1 to which ,i answered1 it was enough that ,i had attained my desires in being admitted into this heavenly place2 but if there was any business that ,i could do1 ,i was willing to do it1 be it what it would2 for it would be my greatest joy to do anything to the advancement of the honour of the house of ,god1 and them that dwell therein4 ,then he that talked with me1 told me it was my work to teach the children so far as ,i knew1 and had learned1 and as far as ,i should from time to time be further instructed4 ,i was a little amazed thereat1 knowing my inabilities3 but having a little pondered that part of the sentence1 that ,i should be from time to time further instructed1 ,i took courage in my work1 and made some progress in it1 with great fear and reverence2 waiting daily for those instructions ,i was to receive1 and which ,i did receive in an abundant manner2 and the work prospered in my hand1 and the children loved me1 and ,i loved them entirely1 as though they had been my own children3 and many of them grew up to a good understanding1 and observed their places and orders to my great delight4 ,illustration3 ,and let none of them say1 it happened better with me than with many2 for ,i have understood1 since coming into this house1 that the same ,light that appeared to me1 doth appear to any poor distressed soul in the whole world4 ,after ,i had thus continued a while1 he that talked with me came and told me ,i must take the charge of part of the household1 and give them their meat in due season2 and suit every one's meat1 in dividing to every one's state and condition1 and not feed strong men with milk1 and babes with strong meat2 for which purpose he gave me a key that led into the treasury or store-house2 which1 when ,i came to see and behold1 was abundantly filled with all sorts of nourishments1 that never could be exhausted1 or spent1 while the world endured4 ,and ,i observed that whatever ,i and others took out to distribute daily among the household of ,god1 the store-house was still full as at the beginning1 and so continues to this day1 and forever4 ,and now1 having continued a long time in this heavenly habitation1 it comes into my mind to let my countrymen1 and the children of my old father1 whom ,i left in ,babylon1 hear of me2 for ,i suppose they judge me lost or devoured2 but ,i could be glad if any1 yea1 all of them1 were here to behold1 and taste and feel what ,i do4 ,and let none of them say1 it happened better with me than with many2 for ,i have understood1 since coming into this house1 that the same ,light that appeared to me1 doth appear to any poor distressed soul in the whole world2 but the reason that so few come here is1 because they fear the perils and dangers that are in the way1 more than they love the ,light that would lead them through them2 and so turn aside1 and shelter themselves in an old rotten building1 that at one time or other1 will fall on their heads1 and they perish in the ruins4 ,illustration3 ,so ,i went not1 but sought a city whose builder is ,god2 and now ,i have found it2 ,hallelujah in the ,highest2 glory1 honour1 and renown to his worthy ,name and power1 throughout all ages and generations4 ,amen4 ,now if any have a mind to know my name1 let them know ,i had a name in my father's country1 but in this long and tedious journey ,i have lost it4 ,but since ,i came hither ,i have a new name1 but have no characters to signify it by1 that ,i can write1 or they can read4 ,yet if any will come where ,i am1 they shall know my name4 ,but for further satisfaction1 ,i was born in ,egypt1 spiritually called2 and my father went and lived in ,babylon1 about the time the true children of ,israel were in captivity2 there ,i became acquainted with some of the stock of the ,jews1 about the time they were returning to their own land2 and they told me wonderful things of the glory of the house they had at ,jerusalem1 and would have had me go with them4 ,and ,i understood that ,solomon1 with many thousands of carpenters and masons had built it2 upon which ,i considered within myself1 that if ,solomon and the carpenters and masons had built it1 carpenters and masons might at one time or another pull it down again4 ,so ,i went not1 but sought a city whose builder is ,god2 and now ,i have found it2 ,hallelujah in the ,highest2 glory1 honour1 and renown to his worthy ,name and power1 throughout all ages and generations4 ,amen4