,,the ,,works ,,of ,,john ,,bunyan ,,with ,,an ,,introduction ,,to ,,each ,,treatise1 ,,notes1 ,,and ,a ,,sketch ,,of ,,his ,,life1 ,,times1 ,,and ,,contemporaries4 ,,volume ,,third4 ,,allegorical1 ,,figurative1 ,,and ,,symbolical4 ,,edited ,,by ,,george ,,offor1 ,,esq4 ,,the ,,pilgrim',s ,,progress2 ,,in ,,the ,,similitude ,,of ,a ,,dream4 ,,part ,i4 ,as ,i walked through the wilderness of this world1 ,i lighted on a certain place1 where was a den2#a and ,i laid me down in that place to sleep3 and as ,i slept1 ,i dreamed a dream4 ,i dreamed1 and1 behold1 ,i saw a man clothed with rags1 standing in a certain place1 with his face from his own house1 a book in his hand1 and a great burden upon his back1 7,isa4 #fd3f2 ,luke #ad3cc2 ,psa4 #ch3d2 ,hab4 #b3b2 ,acts #af3ca74 ,i looked1 and saw him open the book1#b and read therein2 and as he read1 he wept and trembled2 and not being able longer to contain1 he brake out with a lamentable cry1 saying1 ,what shall ,i do8 7,acts #b3cg74c ,in this plight1 therefore1 he went home1 and refrained himself as long as he could1 that his wife and children should not perceive his distress2 but he could not be silent long1 because that his trouble increased4 ,wherefore at length he brake his mind to his wife and children2 and thus he began to talk to them3 ,o my dear wife1 said he1 and you1 the children of my bowels1 ,i1 your dear friend1 am in myself undone1 by reason of a burden that lieth hard upon me2 moreover1 ,i am for certain informed that this our city will be burned with fire from ,heaven2 in which fearful overthrow1 both myself1 with thee1 my wife1 and you1 my sweet babes1 shall miserably come to ruin1 except 7the which yet ,i see not7 some way of escape can be found1 whereby we may be delivered4 ,at this1 his relations were sore amazed2 not for that they believed that what he had said to them was true1 but because they thought that some frenzy distemper had got into his head2#d therefore1 it drawing towards night1 and they hoping that sleep might settle his brains1 with all haste they got him to bed4 ,but the night was as troublesome to him as the day2 wherefore1 instead of sleeping1 he spent it in sighs and tears4 ,so when the morning was come1 they would know how he did2 he told them1 worse and worse2 he also set to talking to them again1 but they began to be hardened4 ,they also thought to drive away his distemper by harsh and surly carriages to him4 ,sometimes they would deride1 sometimes they would chide1 and sometimes they would quite neglect him4 ,wherefore he began to retire himself to his chamber to pray for1 and pity them1 and also to condole his own misery4 ,he would also walk solitarily in the fields1 sometimes reading1 and sometimes praying2 and thus for some days he spent his time4#e ,now ,i saw upon a time1 when he was walking in the fields1 that he was1 as he was wont1 reading in his book1 and greatly distressed in his mind2 and as he read1 he burst out1 as he had done before1 crying1 ,what shall ,i do to be saved8 7,acts #af3cj1 #ca74 ,i saw also that he looked this way and that way1 as if he would run2 yet he stood still1 because1 as ,i perceived1 he could not tell which way to go4#f ,i looked then1 and saw a man named ,evangelist coming to him1 who asked1 ,where fore dost thou cry8 ,he answered1 ,sir1 ,i perceive1 by the book in my hand1 that ,i am condemned to die1 and after that to come to judgment1 7,heb4 #i3bg72 and ,i find that ,i am not willing 7,job #af3ba1 #bb7 to do the first1 nor able 7,eze4 #bb3ad7 to do the second4 ,then said ,evangelist1 ,why not willing to die1 since this life is attended with so many evils8 ,the man answered1 ,because ,i fear that this burden that is upon my back will sink me lower than the grave2 and ,i shall fall into ,tophet 7,isa4 #cj3cc74 ,and1 ,sir1 if ,i be not fit to go to prison1 ,i am not fit1 ,i am sure1 to go to judgment1 and from thence to execution2 and the thoughts of these things make me cry4 ,then said ,evangelist1 ,if this be thy condition1 why standest thou still8 ,he answered1 ,because ,i know not whither to go4 ,then he gave him a parchment roll1 and there was written within1 ,fly from the wrath to come 7,matt4 #c3g74 ,the man therefore1 read it1 and looking upon ,evangelist very carefully1 said1 ,whither must ,i fly8 ,then said ,evangelist1 pointing with his finger over a very wide field1 ,do you see yonder wicket gate8 7,matt4 #g3ac74 ,the man said1 ,no4 ,then said the other1 ,do you see yonder shining light8 7,psa4 #aai3aje2 #b ,peter #a3ai74 ,he said1 ,i think ,i do4 ,then said ,evangelist1 ,keep that light in your eye1 and go up directly thereto1 so shalt thou see the gate2 at which1 when thou knockest1 it shall be told thee what thou shalt do4#g ,so ,i saw in my dream that the man began to run4 ,now1 he had not ran far from his own door1 but his wife and children perceiving it1 began to cry after him to return 7,luke #ad3bf72 but the man put his fingers in his ears1 and ran on1 crying1 ,life6 life6 ,eternal life6 ,so he looked not behind him 7,gen4 #ai3ag71 but fled towards the middle of the plain4#h ,the neighbours also came out to see him run1 and as he ran1 some mocked1 others threatened1 and some cried after him to return2 and among those that did so1 there were two that were resolved to fetch him back by force 7,jer4 #bj3aj74 ,the name of the one was ,obstinate1 and the name of the other ,pliable4#i ,now by this time1 the man was got a good distance from them2 but1 however1 they were resolved to pursue him2 which they did1 and in a little time they overtook him4 ,then said the man1 ,neighbours1 wherefore are ye come8 ,they said1 ,to persuade you to go back with us4 ,but he said1 ,that can by no means be4 ,you dwell1 said he1 in the ,city of ,destruction1 the place also where ,i was born2 ,i see it to be so2 and dying there1 sooner or later1 you will sink lower than the grave1 into a place that burns with fire and brimstone4 ,be content1 good neighbours1 and go along with me4 ,what1 said ,obstinate1 and leave our friends and our comforts behind us8#aj ,yes1 said ,christian1 for that was his name1 because that all which you shall forsake 7#b ,cor4 #d3ah71 is not worthy to be compared with a little of that which ,i am seeking to enjoy2 and if you will go along with me1 and hold it1 you shall fare as ,i myself1 for there1 where ,i go1 is enough and to spare 7,luke #ae3ag74 ,come away1 and prove my words4 ,,obst4 ,what are the things you seek1 since you leave all the world to find them8 ,,chr4 ,i seek an inheritance incorruptible1 undefiled1 and that fadeth not away 7#a ,peter #a3d71 and it is laid up in ,heaven 7,heb4 #aa3af71 and safe there1 to be bestowed1 at the time appointed1 on them that diligently seek it4 ,read it so1 if you will1 in my book4 ,,obst4 ,tush1 said ,obstinate1 away with your book2 will you go back with us1 or no8 ,,chr4 ,no1 not ,i1 saith the other2 because ,i have laid my hand to the plough 7,luke #i3fb74 ,,obst4 ,come1 then1 neighbour ,pliable1 let us turn again1 and go home without him2 there is a company of these crazed-headed coxcombs1 that when they take a fancy by the end1 are wiser in their own eyes than seven men that can render a reason 7,prov4 #bf3af74 ,,pli4 ,then said ,pliable1 ,do not revile2 if what the good ,christian says is true1 the things he looks after are better than ours2 my heart inclines to go with my neighbour4 ,,obst4 ,what6 more fools still8 ,be ruled by me1 and go back2 who knows whither such a brain-sick fellow will lead you8 ,go back1 go back1 and be wise4 ,,chr4 ,nay1 but do thou come with thy neighbour ,pliable3 there are such things to be had which ,i spoke of1 and many more glories besides2 if you believe not me1 read here in this book1 and for the truth of what is expressed therein1 behold1 all is confirmed by the blood of ,him that made it 7,heb4 #ac3bj1 #ba2 #i3ag-ba74 ,,pli4 ,well1 neighbour ,obstinate1 saith ,pliable1 ,i begin to come to a point2 ,i intend to go along with this good man1 and to cast in my lot with him4 ,but1 my good companion1 do you know the way to this desired place8 ,,chr4 ,i am directed by a man whose name is ,evangelist1 to speed me to a little gate that is before us1 where we shall receive instructions about the way4 ,,pli4 ,come then1 good neighbour1 let us be going4 ,then they went both together4 ,,obst4 ,and ,i will go back to my place1 said ,obstinate2 ,i will be no companion of such misled fantastical fellows4 ,now ,i saw in my dream1 that when ,obstinate was gone back1 ,christian and ,pliable went talking over the plain2 and thus they began their discourse4 ,,chr4 ,come1 neighbour ,pliable1 how do you do8 ,i am glad you are persuaded to go along with me2 had even ,obstinate himself but felt what ,i have felt1 of the powers and terrors of what is yet unseen1 he would not thus lightly have given us the back4 ,,pli4 ,come1 neighbour ,christian1 since there is none but us two here1 tell me now further1 what the things are1 and how to be enjoyed1 whither we are going4 ,,chr4 ,i can better conceive of them with my mind1 than speak of them with my tongue2 but yet since you are desirous to know1 ,i will read of them in my book4 ,,pli4 ,and do you think that the words of your book are certainly true8 ,,chr4 ,yes1 verily1 for it was made by ,him that cannot lie 7,titus #a3b74 ,,pli4 ,well said4 ,what things are they8 ,,chr4 ,there is an endless kingdom to be inhabited1 and everlasting life to be given us1 that we may inhabit that kingdom forever 7,isa4 #de3ag2 ,john #aj3bg-bi74 ,,pli4 ,well said4 ,and what else8 ,,chr4 ,there are crowns of glory to be given us1 and garments that will make us shine like the sun in the firmament of ,heaven6 7#b ,tim4 #d3h2 ,rev4 #c3d2 ,matt4 #ac3dc74 ,,pli4 ,this is very pleasant4 ,and what else8 ,,chr4 ,there shall be no more crying1 nor sorrow2 for ,he that is owner of the place will wipe all tears from our eyes 7,isa4 #be3h2 ,rev4 #g3ag1 #ag2 #ba3d74 ,,pli4 ,and what company shall we have there8 ,,chr4 ,there we shall be with seraphims1 and ,cherubims1 creatures that will dazzle your eyes to look on them4 ,there1 also1 you shall meet with thousands and ten thousands that have gone before us to that ,place2 none of them are hurtful1 but loving and holy1 everyone walking in the sight of ,god1 and standing in ,his presence with acceptance forever2 in a word1 there we shall see the elders with their golden crowns2 there we shall see the holy virgins with their golden harps2 there we shall see men1 that by the world were cut in pieces1 burnt in flames1 eaten of beasts1 drowned in the seas1 for the love that they bare to the ,lord of the ,place2 all well1 and clothed with immortality as with a garment#aa 7,isa4 #f3b2 #a ,thess4 #d3af1 #ag2 ,rev4 #g3ag2 #d3d2 #ad3a-e2 ,john #ab3be2 #b ,cor4 #e3b-e74 ,,pli4 ,the hearing of this is enough to ravish one's heart2 but are these things to be enjoyed8 ,how shall we get to be sharers thereof8 ,,chr4 ,the ,lord1 the ,governor of the country1 hath recorded1 that in this book1 the substance of which is1 if we be truly willing to have it1 ,he will bestow it upon us freely 7,isa4 #ee3a1 #b1 #ab2 ,john #g3cg2 #f3cg2 ,psa4 #ba3f2 #bb3ag74 ,,pli4 ,well1 my good companion1 glad am ,i to hear of these things2 come on1 let us mend our pace4#ab ,,chr4 ,i cannot go so fast as ,i would1 by reason of this burden that is on my back4 ,now ,i saw in my dream1 that1 just as they had ended this talk1 they drew near to a very miry slough that was in the midst of the plain2 and they1 being heedless1 did both fall suddenly into the bog4 ,the name of the slough was ,despond4#ac ,here1 therefore1 they wallowed for a time1 being grievously bedaubed with the dirt2 and ,christian1 because of the burden that was on his back1 began to sink in the mire4 ,,pli4 ,then said ,pliable1 ,ah6 neighbour ,christian1 where are you now8 ,,chr4 ,truly1 said ,christian1 ,i do not know4 ,,pli4 ,at that ,pliable began to be offended1 and angrily said to his fellow1 ,is this the happiness you have told me all this while of8 ,if we have such ill speed at our first setting out1 what may we expect betwixt this and our journey's end8 ,may ,i get out again with my life1 you shall possess the brave country alone for me4 ,and with that he gave a desperate struggle or two1 and got out of the mire on that side of the slough which was next to his own house3 so away he went1 and ,christian saw him no more4 ,wherefore ,christian was left to tumble in the ,slough of ,despond alone2 but still he endeavoured to struggle to that side of the slough that was still further from his own house1 and next to the wicket-gate2 the which he did1 but could not get out1 because of the burden that was upon his back4#ad ,but ,i beheld in my dream1 that a man came to him1 whose name was ,help1 and asked him what he did there8 ,,chr4 ,sir1 said ,christian1 ,i was bid go this way by a man called ,evangelist1 who directed me also to yonder gate1 that ,i might escape the wrath to come4 ,and as ,i was going thither1 ,i fell in here4 ,,help4 ,but why did not you look for the steps8 ,,chr4 ,fear followed me so hard1 that ,i fled the next way1 and fell in4#ae ,,help4 ,then said he1 ,give me thy hand2 so he gave him his hand1 and he drew him out1 and set him upon sound ground1 and bid him go on his way 7,psa4 #dj3b74 ,then ,i stepped to him that plucked him out1 and said1 ,sir1 wherefore 7since over this place is the way from the ,city of ,destruction1 to yonder gate7 is it that this plat is not mended1 that poor travelers might go thither with more security8 ,and he said unto me1 ,this miry slough is such a place as cannot be mended4 ,it is the descent whither the scum and filth that attends conviction for sin1 doth continually run1 and therefore it is called the ,slough of ,despond3 for still1 as the sinner is awakened about his lost condition1 there ariseth in his soul many fears1 and doubts1 and discouraging apprehensions1 which all of them get together1 and settle in this place4 ,and this is the reason of the badness of this ground4 ,it is not the pleasure of the ,king that this place should remain so bad 7,isa4 #ce3c1 #d72 his labourers1 also1 have1 by the directions of his ,majesty's surveyors1 been1 for above these #a1fjj years1 employed about this patch of ground1 if1 perhaps1 it might have been mended2 yea1 and to my knowledge1 said he1 here have been swallowed up at least #bj1jjj cart-loads2 yea1 millions of wholesome instructions1 that have1 at all seasons1 been brought from all places of the ,king's dominions1 and they that can tell1 say1 they are the best materials to make good ground of the place1 if so be it might have been mended2 but it is the ,slough of ,despond still2 and so will be when they have done what they can4#af ,true1 there are1 by the direction of the ,lawgiver1 certain good and substantial steps1 placed even through the very midst of this slough2 but at such time as this place doth much spew out its filth1 as it doth against change of weather1 these steps are hardly seen2 or if they be1 men1 through the dizziness of their heads1 step besides1 and then they are bemired to purpose1 notwithstanding the steps be there2 but the ground is good1 when they are once got in at the gate#ag 7#a ,sam4 #ab3bc74 ,now ,i saw in my dream1 that1 by this time1 ,pliable was got home to his house again2 so that his neighbours came to visit him2 and some of them called him wise man for coming back1 and some called him fool for hazarding himself with ,christian2 others1 again1 did mock at his cowardliness1 saying1 ,surely1 since you began to venture1 ,i would not have been so base to have given out for a few difficulties4 ,so ,pliable sat sneaking among them4 ,but1 at last1 he got more confidence1 and then they all turned their tales1 and began to deride poor ,christian behind his back4 ,and thus much concerning ,pliable4 ,now as ,christian was walking solitarily by himself1#ah he espied one afar off come crossing over the field to meet him2 and their hap was to meet just as they were crossing the way of each other4 ,the gentleman's name that met him was ,mr4 ,worldly-wiseman2 he dwelt in the town of ,carnal ,policy1 a very great town1 and also hard by from whence ,christian came4 ,this man1 then1 meeting with ,christian1 and having some inkling#ai of him1 for ,christian's setting forth from the ,city of ,destruction was much noised abroad1 not only in the town where he dwelt1 but1 also1 it began to be the town-talk in some other places4 ,master ,worldly-wiseman1 therefore1 having some guess of him1 by beholding his laborious going1 by observing his sighs and groans1 and the like1 began thus to enter into some talk with ,christian4 ,,world4 ,how now1 good fellow1 whither away after this burdened manner8 ,,chr4 ,a burdened manner1 indeed1 as ever1 ,i think1 poor creature had6 ,and whereas you ask me1 ,whither away8 ,i tell you1 ,sir1 ,i am going to yonder wicket-gate before me2 for there1 as ,i am informed1 ,i shall be put into a way to be rid of my heavy burden4 ,,world4 ,hast thou a wife and children8 ,,chr4 ,yes2 but ,i am so laden with this burden1 that ,i cannot take that pleasure in them as formerly2 methinks ,i am as if ,i had none 7#a ,cor4 #g3bi74 ,,world4 ,wilt thou hearken unto me if ,i give thee counsel8 ,,chr4 ,if it be good1 ,i will2 for ,i stand in need of good counsel4 ,,world4 ,i would advise thee1 then1 that thou with all speed get thyself rid of thy burden3 for thou wilt never be settled in thy mind till then2 nor canst thou enjoy the benefits of the blessing which ,god hath bestowed upon thee till then4 ,,chr4 ,that is that which ,i seek for1 even to be rid of this heavy burden2 but get it off myself1 ,i cannot2 nor is there any man in our country that can take it off my shoulders2 therefore am ,i going this way1 as ,i told you1 that ,i may be rid of my burden4 ,,world4 ,who bid you go this way to be rid of thy burden8 ,,chr4 ,a man that appeared to me to be a very great and honourable person2 his name1 as ,i remember1 is ,evangelist4 ,,world4 ,i beshrew him for his counsel6 there is not a more dangerous and trouble some way in the world than is that unto which he hath directed thee2 and that thou shalt find1 if thou wilt be ruled by his counsel4 ,thou hast met with something1 as ,i perceive already2 for ,i see the dirt of the ,slough of ,despond is upon thee2 but that slough is the beginning of the sorrows that do attend those that go on in that way4 ,hear me1 ,i am older than thou2 thou art like to meet with1 on the way which thou goest1 wearisomeness1 painfulness1 hunger1 perils1 nakedness1 sword1 lions1 dragons1 darkness1 and1 in a word1 death1 and what not6 ,these things are certainly true1 having been confirmed by many testimonies4 ,and why should a man so carelessly cast away himself1 by giving heed to a stranger8 ,,chr4 ,why1 ,sir1 this burden upon my back is more terrible to me than are all these things which you have mentioned2 nay1 methinks ,i care not what ,i meet with in the way1 if so be ,i can also meet with deliverance from my burden4 ,,world4 ,how camest thou by the burden at first8 ,,chr4 ,by reading this book in my hand4 ,,world4 ,i thought so2 and it is happened unto thee as to other weak men1 who1 meddling with things too high for them1 do suddenly fall into thy distractions2 which distractions do not only unman men1 as thine1 ,i perceive1 has done thee1 but they run them upon desperate ventures1 to obtain they know not what4 ,,chr4 ,i know what ,i would obtain2 it is ease for my heavy burden4 ,,world4 ,but why wilt thou seek for ease this way1 seeing so many dangers attend it8 especially since1 hadst thou but patience to hear me1 ,i could direct thee to the obtaining of what thou desirest1 without the dangers that thou in this way wilt run thyself into2 yea1 and the remedy is at hand4 ,besides1 ,i will add1 that1 instead of those dangers1 thou shalt meet with much safety1 friendship1 and content4 #bj ,,chr4 ,pray1 ,sir1 open this secret to me4 ,,world4 ,why1 in yonder village-the village is named ,morality-there dwells a gentleman whose name is ,legality1 a very judicious man1 and a man of a very good name1 that has skill to help men off with such burdens as thine are from their shoulders3 yea1 to my knowledge1 he hath done a great deal of good this way2 aye1 and besides1 he hath skill to cure those that are somewhat crazed in their wits with their burdens4#ba ,to him1 as ,i said1 thou mayest go1 and be helped presently4 ,his house is not quite a mile from this place1 and if he should not be at home himself1 be hath a pretty young man to his son1 whose name is ,civility1 that can do it 7to speak on7 as well as the old gentleman himself2 there1 ,i say1 thou mayest be eased of thy burden2 and if thou art not minded to go back to thy former habitation1 as1 indeed1 ,i would not wish thee1 thou mayest send for thy wife and children to thee to this village1 where there are houses now stand empty1 one of which thou mayest have at reasonable rates2 provision is there also cheap and good2 and that which will make thy life the more happy is1 to be sure1 there thou shalt live by honest neighbours1 in credit and good fashion4 ,now was ,christian somewhat at a stand2 but presently he concluded1 if this be true1 which this gentleman hath said1 my wisest course is to take his advice2 and with that he thus further spoke4 ,,chr4 ,sir1 which is my way to this honest man's house8 ,,world4 ,do you see yonder hill8 ,,chr4 ,yes1 very well4 ,,world4 ,by that hill you must go1 and the first house you come at is his4 ,so ,christian turned out of his way1 to go to ,mr4 ,legality's house for help2 but1 behold1 when he was got now hard by the hill1 it seemed so high1 and also that side of it that was next the wayside1 did hang so much over1 that ,christian was afraid to venture further1 lest the hill should fall on his head2 wherefore there he stood still1 and wotted#bb not what to do4 ,also his burden now seemed heavier to him1 than while he was in his way4 ,there came also flashes of fire out of the hill1 that made ,christian afraid that he should be burned 7,exo4 #ai3af1 #ah74 ,here1 therefore1 he sweat and did quake for fear 7,heb4 #ab3ba74 ,and now he began to be sorry that he had taken ,mr4 ,worldly-wiseman's counsel4 ,and with that he saw ,evangelist coming to meet him2 at the sight also of whom he began to blush for shame4 ,so ,evangelist drew nearer and nearer2 and coming up to him1 he looked upon him with a severe and dreadful countenance1 and thus began to reason with ,christian4 ,,evan4 ,what dost thou here1 ,christian8 said he3 at which words ,christian knew not what to answer2 wherefore at present he stood speechless before him4 ,then said ,evangelist further1 ,art not thou the man that ,i found crying without the walls of the ,city of ,destruction8 ,,chr4 ,yes1 dear ,sir1 ,i am the man4 ,,evan4 ,did not ,i direct thee the way to the little wicket-gate8 ,,chr4 ,yes1 dear ,sir1 said ,christian4 ,,evan4 ,how is it1 then1 that thou art so quickly turned aside8 for thou art now out of the way4 ,,chr4 ,i met with a gentleman so soon as ,i had got over the ,slough of ,despond1 who persuaded me that ,i might1 in the village before me1 find a man that could take off my burden4 ,,evan4 ,what was he8 ,,chr4 ,he looked like a gentleman1#bc and talked much to me1 and got me at last to yield2 so ,i came hither3 but when ,i beheld this hill1 and how it hangs over the way1 ,i suddenly made a stand1 lest it should fall on my head4 ,,evan4 ,what said that gentleman to you8 ,,chr4 ,why1 he asked me whither ,i was going8 ,and ,i told him4 ,,evan4 ,and what said he then8 ,,chr4 ,he asked me if ,i had a family8 ,and ,i told him4 ,but1 said ,i1 ,i am so loaden with the burden that is on my back1 that ,i cannot take pleasure in them as formerly4 ,,evan4 ,and what said he then8 ,,chr4 ,he bid me with speed get rid of my burden2 and ,i told him it was ease that ,i sought4 ,and1 said ,i1 ,i am therefore going to yonder gate1 to receive further direction how ,i may get to the place of deliverance4 ,so he said that he would show me a better way1 and short1 not so attended with difficulties as the way1 ,sir1 that you set me in2 which way1 said he1 will direct you to a gentleman's house that hath skill to take off these burdens3 so ,i believed him1#bd and turned out of that way into this1 if haply ,i might be soon eased of my burden4 ,but when ,i came to this place1 and beheld things as they are1 ,i stopped for fear 7as ,i said7 of danger3 but ,i now know not what to do4 ,,evan4 ,then1 said ,evangelist1 stand still a little1 that ,i may show thee the words of ,god4 ,so he stood trembling4 ,then said ,evangelist1 ,see that ye refuse not ,him that speaketh4 ,for if they escaped not who refused ,him that spake on earth1 much more shall not we escape1 if we turn away from ,him that speaketh from ,heaven 7,heb4 #ab3be74 ,he said1 moreover1 ,now the just shall live by faith3 but if any man draw back1 ,my soul shall have no pleasure in him 7,heb4 #aj3ch74 ,he also did thus apply them3 ,thou art the man that art running into this misery2 thou hast begun to reject the counsel of the ,most ,high1 and to draw back thy foot from the way of peace1 even almost to the hazarding of thy perdition6 ,then ,christian fell down at his foot as dead1 crying1 ,woe is me1 for ,i am undone6 ,at the sight of which1 ,evangelist caught him by the right hand1 saying1 ,all manner of sin and blasphemies shall be forgiven unto men 7,matt4 #ab3ca2 ,mark #c3bh72 ,be not faithless1 but believing 7,john #bj3bg74 ,then did ,christian again a little revive1 and stood up trembling1 as at first1 before ,evangelist4#be ,then ,evangelist proceeded1 saying1 ,give more earnest heed to the things that ,i shall tell thee of4 ,i will now show thee who it was that deluded thee1 and who it was also to whom he sent thee4-,the man that met thee is one ,worldly-wiseman1 and rightly is he so called2 partly1 because he savoureth only the doctrine of this world 7#a ,john #d3e71 7therefore he always goes to the town of ,morality to church72 and partly because he loveth that doctrine best1 for it saveth him best from the cross 7,gal4 #f3ab74 ,and because he is of this carnal temper1 therefore he seeketh to prevent my ways1 though right4 ,now there are three things in this man's counsel1 that thou must utterly abhor4 #a4 ,his turning thee out of the way4 #b4 ,his labouring to render the cross odious to thee4 ,and1 #c4 ,his setting thy feet in that way that leadeth unto the administration of death4 ,first1 ,thou must abhor his turning thee out of the way2 yea1 and thine own consenting thereto3 because this is to reject the counsel of ,god for the sake of the counsel of a ,worldly-wiseman4 ,the ,lord says1 ,strive to enter in at the strait gate 7,luke #ac3bd71 the gate to which ,i send thee2 for strait is the gate which leadeth unto life1 and few there be that find it 7,matt4 #g3ad74 ,from this little wicket-gate1 and from the way thereto1 hath this wicked man turned thee1 to the bringing of thee almost to destruction2 hate1 therefore1 his turning thee out of the way1 and abhor thyself for hearkening to him4 ,secondly1 ,thou must abhor his labouring to render the cross odious unto thee2 for thou art to prefer it before the treasures in ,egypt 7,heb4 #aa3be1 #bf74 ,besides1 the ,king of glory hath told thee1 that he that will save his life shall lose it 7,mark #h3ce2 ,john #ab3be2 ,matt4 #aj3ci74 ,and1 ,he that comes after ,him1 and hate not his father1 and mother1 and wife1 and children1 and brethren1 and sisters1 yea1 and his own life also1 he cannot be ,my disciple 7,luke #ad3bf74 ,i say1 therefore1 for man to labour to persuade thee1 that that shall be thy death1 without which1 ,,the ,,truth hath said1 thou canst not have eternal life2 this doctrine thou must abhor4 ,thirdly1 ,thou must hate his setting of thy feet in the way that leadeth to the ministration of death4 ,and for this thou must consider to whom he sent thee1 and also how unable that person was to deliver thee from thy burden4 ,he to whom thou wast sent for ease1 being by name ,legality1 is the son of the bond woman which now is1 and is in bondage with her children 7,gal4 #d3ba-bg72 and is1 in a mystery1 this mount ,sinai1 which thou hast feared will fall on thy head4 ,now1 if she1 with her children1 are in bondage1 how canst thou expect by them to be made free8 ,this ,legality1 therefore1 is not able to set thee free from thy burden4 ,no man was as yet ever rid of his burden by him2 no1 nor ever is like to be3 ye cannot be justified by the works of the law2 for by the deeds of the law no man living can be rid of his burden3 therefore1 ,mr4 ,worldly-wiseman is an alien1 and ,mr4 ,legality is a cheat2 and for his son ,civility1 notwithstanding his simpering looks1 he is but a hypocrite1 and cannot help thee4 ,believe me1 there is nothing in all this noise1 that thou hast heard of these sottish men1 but a design to beguile thee of thy salvation1 by turning thee from the way in which ,i had set thee4 ,after this1 ,evangelist called aloud to the heavens for confirmation of what he had said3 and with that there came words and fire out of the mountain under which poor ,christian stood1 that made the hair of his flesh stand up4 ,the words were thus pronounced3 ,as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse2 for it is written1 ,cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them#bf 7,gal4 #c3aj74 ,now ,christian looked for nothing but death1 and began to cry out lamentably2 even cursing the time in which he met with ,mr4 ,worldly-wiseman2 still calling himself a thousand fools for hearkening to his counsel3 he also was greatly ashamed to think that this gentleman's arguments1 flowing only from the flesh1 should have the prevalency with him as to cause him to forsake the right way4 ,this done1 he applied himself again to ,evangelist1 in words and sense as follows3- ,,chr4 ,sir1 what think you8 ,is there hope8 ,may ,i now go back1 and go up to the wicket-gate8 ,shall ,i not be abandoned for this1 and sent back from thence ashamed8 ,i am sorry ,i have hearkened to this man's counsel4 ,but may my sin be forgiven8 ,,evan4 ,then said ,evangelist to him1 ,thy sin is very great1 for by it thou hast committed two evils2 thou hast forsaken the way that is good1 to tread in forbidden paths2 yet will the man at the gate receive thee1 for he has good-will for men2 only1 said he1 take heed that thou turn not aside again1 lest thou perish from the way1 when ,his wrath is kindled but a little 7,psa4 #b3ab74 ,then did ,christian address himself to go back2 and ,evangelist1 after he had kissed him1 gave him one smile1 and bid him ,god-speed4 ,so he went on with haste1 neither spake he to any man by the way2 nor1 if any asked him1 would he vouchsafe them an answer4 ,he went like one that was all the while treading on forbidden ground1 and could by no means think himself safe1 till again he was got into the way which he left1 to follow ,mr4 ,worldly-wiseman's counsel4 ,so1 in process of time1 ,christian got up to the gate4 ,now1 over the gate there was written1 ,knock1 and it shall be opened unto you 7,matt4 #g3h74 ,he knocked1 therefore1 more than once or twice1 saying--,may ,i now enter here8 ,will ,he within ,open to sorry me1 though ,i have been ,an undeserving rebel8 ,then shall ,i ,not fail to sing ,his lasting praise on high4 ,at last there came a grave person to the gate1 named ,good-will1 who asked who was there8 and whence he came8 and what he would have8#bg ,,chr4 ,here is a poor burdened sinner4 ,i come from the ,city of ,destruction1 but am going to ,mount ,zion1 that ,i may be delivered from the wrath to come4 ,i would1 therefore1 ,sir1 since ,i am informed that by this gate is the way thither1 know if you are willing to let me in6 ,,good-,,will4 ,i am willing with all my heart1 said he2 and with that he opened the gate4#bh ,so when ,christian was stepping in1 the other gave him a pull4 ,then said ,christian1 ,what means that8 ,the other told him4 ,a little distance from this gate1 there is erected a strong castle1 of which ,beelzebub is the captain2 from thence1 both he and them that are with him shoot arrows at those that come up to this gate1 if haply they may die before they can enter in4#bi ,then said ,christian1 ,i rejoice and tremble4 ,so when he was got in1 the man of the gate asked him who directed him thither8 ,,chr4 ,evangelist bid me come hither1 and knock 7as ,i did72 and he said that you1 ,sir1 would tell me what ,i must do4 ,,good-,,will4 ,an open door is set before thee1 and no man can shut it4 ,,chr4 ,now ,i begin to reap the benefits of my hazards4 ,,good-,,will4 ,but how is it that you came alone8 ,,chr4 ,because none of my neighbours saw their danger1 as ,i saw mine4 ,,good-,,will4 ,did any of them know of your coming8 ,,chr4 ,yes2 my wife and children saw me at the first1 and called after me to turn again2 also1 some of my neighbours stood crying and calling after me to return2 but ,i put my fingers in my ears1 and so came on my way4 ,,good-,,will4 ,but did none of them follow you1 to persuade you to go back8 ,,chr4 ,yes1 both ,obstinate and ,pliable2 but when they saw that they could not prevail1 ,obstinate went railing back1 but ,pliable came with me a little way4 ,,good-,,will4 ,but why did he not come through8 ,,chr4 ,we1 indeed1 came both together1 until we came at the ,slough of ,despond1 into the which we also suddenly fell4 ,and then was my neighbour1 ,pliable1 discouraged1 and would not adventure further4 ,wherefore getting out again on that side next to his own house1 he told me ,i should possess the brave country alone for him2 so he went his way1 and ,i came mine-he after ,obstinate1 and ,i to this gate4 ,,good-,,will4 ,then said ,good-will1 ,alas1 poor man6 is the celestial glory of so small esteem with him1 that he counteth it not worth running the hazards of a few difficulties to obtain it8 ,,chr4 ,truly1 said ,christian1 ,i have said the truth of ,pliable1 and if ,i should also say all the truth of myself1 it will appear there is no betterment#cj betwixt him and myself4 ,it is true1 he went back to his own house1 but ,i also turned aside to go in the way of death1 being persuaded thereto by the carnal arguments#ca of one ,mr4 ,worldly-wiseman4 ,,good-,,will4 ,oh6 did he light upon you8 ,what6 he would have had you a sought for ease at the hands of ,mr4 ,legality4 ,they are1 both of them1 a very cheat4 ,but did you take his counsel8 ,,chr4 ,yes1 as far as ,i durst2 ,i went to find out ,mr4 ,legality1 until ,i thought that the mountain that stands by his house would have fallen upon my head2 wherefore1 there ,i was forced to stop4 ,,good-,,will4 ,that mountain has been the death of many1 and will be the death of many more2 it is well you escaped being by it dashed in pieces4 ,,chr4 ,why1 truly1 ,i do not know what had become of me there1 had not ,evangelist happily met me again1 as ,i was musing in the midst of my dumps2 but it was ,god's mercy that he came to me again1 for else ,i had never come hither4 ,but now ,i am come1 such a one as ,i am1 more fit1 indeed1 for death1 by that mountain1 than thus to stand talking with my ,lord2 but1 ,o6 what a favour is this to me1 that yet ,i am admitted entrance here6 ,,good-,,will4 ,we make no objections against any1 notwithstanding all that they have done before they come hither4 ,they are in no wise cast out 7,john #f3cg72 and therefore1 good ,christian1 come a little way with me1 and ,i will teach thee about the way thou must go4 ,look before thee2 dost thou see this narrow way8 ,,that is the way thou must go2 it was cast up by the patriarchs1 prophets1 ,christ1 and ,his ,apostles2 and it is as straight as a rule can make it4 ,this is the way thou must go4#cb ,,chr4 ,but1 said ,christian1 are there no turnings nor windings1 by which a stranger may lose his way8 ,,good-,,will4 ,yes1 there are many ways butt down upon this1 and they are crooked and wide4 ,but thus thou mayest distinguish the right from the wrong1 the right only being straight and narrow 7,matt4 #g3ad74 ,then ,i saw in my dream1 that ,christian asked him further if he could not help him off with his burden that was upon his back2 for as yet he had not got rid thereof1 nor could he by any means get it off without help4 ,he told him1 as to thy burden1 be content to bear it1 until thou comest to the place of deliverance2 for there it will fall from thy back of itself4 ,then ,christian began to gird up his loins1 and to address himself to his journey4 ,so the other told him1 ,that by that he was gone some distance from the gate1 he would come at the house of the ,interpreter2 at whose door he should knock1 and he would show him excellent things4 ,then ,christian took his leave of his friend1 and he again bid him ,god-speed4 ,then he went on till he came at the house of the ,interpreter1#cc where he knocked over and over2 at last one came to the door1 and asked who was there4 ,,chr4 ,sir1 here is a traveler1 who was bid by an acquaintance of the good man of this house to call here for my profit2 ,i would therefore speak with the master of the house4 ,so he called for the master of the house1 who1 after a little time1 came to ,christian1 and asked him what he would have4 ,,chr4 ,sir1 said ,christian1 ,i am a man that am come from the ,city of ,destruction1 and am going to the ,mount ,zion2 and ,i was told by the man that stands at the gate1 at the head of this way1 that if ,i called here1 you would show me excellent things1 such as would be a help to me in my journey4#cd ,,inter4 ,then said the ,interpreter1 ,come in2 ,i will show thee that which will be profitable to thee4 ,so ,he commanded ,his man to light the candle1#ce and bid ,christian follow ,him3 so ,he had him into a private room1 and bid ,his man open a door2 the which when he had done1 ,christian saw the picture of a very grave person hang up against the wall2 and this was the fashion of it4 ,it had eyes lifted up to ,heaven1 the best of books in his hand1 the law of truth was written upon his lips1 the world was behind his back4 ,it stood as if it pleaded with men1 and a crown of gold did hang over its head4#cf ,,chr4 ,then said ,christian1 ,what meaneth this8 ,,inter4 ,the man whose picture this is1 is one of a thousand2 he can beget children 7#a ,cor4 #d3ae71 travail in birth with children 7,gal4 #d2ai71 and nurse them himself when they are born4 ,and whereas thou seest him with his eyes lift up to ,heaven1 the best of books in his hand1 and the law of truth writ on his lips1 it is to show thee1 that his work is to know and unfold dark things to sinners2 even as also thou seest him stand as if he pleaded with men2 and whereas thou seest the world as cast behind him1 and that a crown hangs over his head1 that is to show thee that slighting and despising the things that are present1 for the love that he hath to his ,master's service1 he is sure in the world that comes next to have glory for his reward4 ,now1 said the ,interpreter1 ,i have showed thee this picture first1 because the man whose picture this is1 is the only man whom the ,lord of the place whither thou art going1 hath authorized to be thy guide in all difficult places thou mayest meet with in the way2 wherefore1 take good heed to what ,i have showed thee1 and bear well in thy mind what thou hast seen1 lest in thy journey thou meet with some that pretend to lead thee right1 but their way goes down to death4 ,then ,he took him by the hand1 and led him into a very large parlour that was full of dust1 because never swept2 the which1 after ,he had reviewed a little while1 the ,interpreter called for a man to sweep4 ,now1 when he began to sweep1 the dust began so abundantly to fly about1 that ,christian had almost therewith been choked4 ,then said the ,interpreter to a damsel that stood by1 ,bring hither the water1 and sprinkle the room2 the which1 when she had done1 it was swept and cleansed with pleasure4 ,,chr4 ,then said ,christian1 ,what means this8 ,,inter4 ,the ,interpreter answered1 ,this parlour is the heart of a man that was never sanctified by the sweet grace of the ,gospel2 the dust is his original sin and inward corruptions1 that have defiled the whole man4 ,he that began to sweep at first1 is the ,law2 but she that brought water1 and did sprinkle it1 is the ,gospel4 ,now1 whereas thou sawest1 that so soon as the first began to sweep1 the dust did so fly about that the room by him could not be cleansed1 but that thou wast almost choked therewith2 this is to show thee1 that the law1 instead of cleansing the heart 7by its working7 from sin1 doth revive1 put strength into1 and increase it in the soul1 even as it doth discover and forbid it1 for it doth not give power to subdue#cg 7,rom4 #g3f2 #a ,cor4 #ae3ef2 ,rom4 #e3bj74 ,again1 as thou sawest the damsel sprinkle the room with water1 upon which it was cleansed with pleasure2 this is to show thee1 that when the ,gospel comes in the sweet and precious influences thereof to the heart1 then1 ,i say1 even as thou sawest the damsel lay the dust by sprinkling the floor with water1 so is sin vanquished and subdued1 and the soul made clean1 through the faith of it1 and consequently fit for the ,king of glory to inhabit 7,john #ae3c2 ,eph4 #e3bf2 ,acts #ae3i2 ,rom4 #af3be1 #bf2 ,john #ae3ac74 ,i saw1 moreover1 in my dream1 that the ,interpreter took him by the hand1 and had him into a little room1 where sat two little children1 each one in his chair4 ,the name of the elder was ,passion1 and the name of the other ,patience4 ,passion seemed to be much discontented2 but ,patience was very quiet4 ,then ,christian asked1 ,what is the reason of the discontent of ,passion8 ,the ,interpreter answered1 ,the ,governor of them would have him stay for his best things till the beginning of the next year2 but he will have all now2 but patience is willing to wait4 ,then ,i saw that one came to ,passion1 and brought him a bag of treasure1 and poured it down at his feet1 the which he took up and rejoiced therein1 and withal laughed ,patience to scorn4 ,but ,i beheld but a while1 and he had lavished all away1 and had nothing left him but rags4 ,,chr4 ,then said ,christian to the ,interpreter1 ,expound this matter more fully to me4 ,,inter4 ,so ,he said1 ,these two lads are figures3 ,passion1 of the men of this world2 and ,patience1 of the men of that which is to come2 for1 as here thou seest1 ,passion will have all now this year1 that is to say1 in this world2 so are the men of this world3 they must have all their good things now1 they cannot stay till next year1 that is1 until the next world1 for their portion of good4 ,that proverb1 ,a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush1 is of more authority with them than are all the ,divine testimonies of the good of the world to come4 ,but as thou sawest that he had quickly lavished all away1 and had presently left him nothing but rags2 so will it be with all such men at the end of this world4#ch ,,chr4 ,then said ,christian1 ,now ,i see that ,patience has the best wisdom1 and that upon many accounts4 ,first1 ,because he stays for the best things4 ,second1 ,and also because he will have the glory of his1 when the other has nothing but rags4 ,,inter4 ,nay1 you may add another1 to wit1 the glory of the next world will never wear out2 but these are suddenly gone4 ,therefore ,passion had not so much reason to laugh at ,patience1 because he had his good things first1 as ,patience will have to laugh at ,passion1 because he had his best things last2 for first must give place to last1 because last must have his time to come2 but last gives place to nothing2 for there is not another to succeed4 ,he1 therefore1 that hath his portion first1 must needs have a time to spend it2 but he that hath his portion last1 must have it lastingly2 therefore it is said of ,dives1 ,thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things1 and likewise ,lazarus evil things2 but now he is comforted1 and thou art tormented 7,luke #af3be74 ,,chr4 ,then ,i perceive it is not best to covet things that are now1 but to wait for things to come4 ,,inter4 ,you say the truth3 ,for the things which are seen are temporal2 but the things which are not seen are eternal 7#b ,cor4 #d3ah74 ,but though this be so1 yet since things present1 and our fleshly appetite1 are such near neighbours one to another2 and again1 because things to come1 and carnal sense1 are such strangers one to another2 therefore it is that the first of these so suddenly fall into amity1 and that distance is so continued between the second4 ,then ,i saw in my dream that the ,interpreter took ,christian by the hand1 and led him into a place where was a fire burning against a wall1 and one standing by it1 always casting much water upon it1 to quench it2 yet did the fire burn higher and hotter4 ,then said ,christian1 ,what means this8 ,the ,interpreter answered1 ,this fire is the work of grace that is wrought in the heart2 he that casts water upon it1 to extinguish and put it out1 is the ,devil2 but in that thou seest the fire notwithstanding burn higher and hotter1 thou shalt also see the reason of that4 ,so he had him about to the backside of the wall1 where be saw a man with a vessel of oil in his hand1 of the which ,he did also continually cast1 but secretly1 into the fire4#ci ,then said ,christian1 ,what means this8 ,the ,interpreter answered1 ,this is ,christ1 who continually1 with the oil of his grace1 maintains the work already begun in the heart3 by the means of which1 notwithstanding what the devil can do1 the souls of ,his people prove gracious still 7#b ,cor4 #ab3i74 ,and in that thou sawest that the man stood behind the wall to maintain the fire1 that is to teach thee that it is hard for the tempted to see how this work of grace is maintained in the soul4 ,i saw also1 that the ,interpreter took him again by the hand1 and led him into a pleasant place1 where was builded a stately palace1 beautiful to behold2 at the sight of which ,christian was greatly delighted2 he saw also1 upon the top thereof1 certain persons walking1 who were clothed all in gold4 ,then said ,christian1 ,may we go in thither8 ,then the ,interpreter took him1 and led him up towards the door of the palace2 and behold1 at the door stood a great company of men1 as desirous to go in1 but durst not4 ,there also sat a man at a little distance from the door1 at a table-side1 with a book and his inkhorn before him1 to take the name of him that should enter therein2 he saw also1 that in the doorway stood many men in armour to keep it1 being resolved to do the men that would enter what hurt and mischief they could4 ,now was ,christian somewhat in amaze4 ,at last1 when every man started back for fear of the armed men1 ,christian saw a man of a very stout countenance come up to the man that sat there to write1 saying1 ,set down my name1 ,sir3#dj the which when he had done1 he saw the man draw his sword1 and put an helmet upon his head1 and rush toward the door upon the armed men1 who laid upon him with deadly force3 but the man1 not at all discouraged1 fell to cutting and hacking most fiercely4 ,so after he had received and given many wounds to those that attempted to keep him out1 he cut his way through them all 7,acts #ad3bb71 and pressed forward into the palace1 at which there was a pleasant voice heard from those that were within1 even of those that walked upon the top of the palace1 saying--,come in1 come in2 ,eternal glory thou shalt win4 ,so he went in1 and was clothed with such garments as they4 ,then ,christian smiled and said1 ,i think verily ,i know the meaning of this4#da ,now1 said ,christian1 let me go hence4 ,nay1 stay1 said the ,interpreter1 till ,i have showed thee a little more1 and after that thou shalt go on thy way4 ,so ,he took him by the hand again1 and led him into a very dark room1 where there sat a man in an iron cage4 ,now the man1 to look on1 seemed very sad2 he sat with his eyes looking down to the ground1 his hands folded together1 and he sighed as if he would break his heart4 ,then said ,christian1 ,what means this8 ,at which the ,interpreter bid him talk with the man4 ,then ,said ,christian to the man1 ,what art thou8 ,the man answered1 ,i am what ,i was not once4 ,,chr4 ,what wast thou once8 ,,man4 ,the man said1 ,i was once a fair and flourishing professor1 both in mine own eyes1 and also in the eyes of others2 ,i once was1 as ,i thought1 fair for the ,celestial ,city1 and had then even joy at the thoughts that ,i should get thither 7,luke #h3ac74 ,,chr4 ,well1 but what art thou now8 ,,man4 ,i am now a man of despair1 and am shut up in it1 as in this iron cage4 ,i cannot get out4 ,o now ,i cannot6 ,,chr4 ,but how camest thou in this condition8 ,,man4 ,i left off to watch and be sober2 ,i laid the reins upon the neck of my lusts2 ,i sinned against the light of the ,word1 and the goodness of ,god2 ,i have grieved the ,spirit1 and ,he is gone2 ,i tempted the devil1 and he is come to me2 ,i have provoked ,god to anger1 and ,he has left me2 ,i have so hardened my heart1 that ,i cannot repent4 ,then said ,christian to the ,interpreter1 ,but is there no hope for such a man as this8 ,ask him1 said the ,interpreter4 ,nay1 said ,christian1 pray ,sir1 do you4 ,,inter4 ,then said the ,interpreter1 ,is there no hope1 but you must be kept in the iron cage of despair8 ,,man4 ,no1 none at all4 ,,inter4 ,why1 the ,son of the ,blessed is very pitiful4 ,,man4 ,i have crucified ,him to myself afresh 7,heb4 #d3f72 ,i have despised ,his person 7,luke #ai3ad72 ,i have despised ,his righteousness2 ,i have counted ,his blood an unholy thing2 ,i have done despite to the ,spirit of grace 7,heb4 #aj3bh1 #bi74 ,therefore ,i have shut myself out of all the promises1 and there now remains to me nothing but threatenings1 dreadful threatenings1 fearful threatenings of certain judgment and fiery indignation1 which shall devour me as an adversary4#db ,,inter4 ,for what did you bring yourself into this condition8 ,,man4 ,for the lusts1 pleasures1 and profits of this world2 in the enjoyment of which ,i did then promise myself much delight2 but now every one of those things also bite me1 and gnaw me like a burning worm4 ,,inter4 ,but canst thou not now repent and turn8 ,,man4 ,god hath denied me repentance4 ,his ,word gives me no encouragement to believe2 yea1 ,himself hath shut me up in this iron cage2 nor can all the men in the world let me out4 ,o eternity6 eternity6 how shall ,i grapple with the misery that ,i must meet with in eternity6 ,,inter4 ,then said the ,interpreter to ,christian1 ,let this man's misery be remembered by thee1 and be an everlasting caution to thee4#dc ,,chr4 ,well1 said ,christian1 this is fearful6 ,god help me to watch and be sober1 and to pray that ,i may shun the cause of this man's misery6#dd ,sir1 is it not time for me to go on my way now8#de ,,inter4 ,tarry till ,i shall show thee one thing more1 and then thou shalt go on thy way4 ,so ,he took ,christian by the hand again1 and led him into a chamber1 where there was one rising out of bed2 and as he put on his raiment1 he shook and trembled4 ,then said ,christian1 ,why doth this man thus tremble8 ,the ,interpreter then bid him tell to ,christian the reason of his so doing4 ,so he began and said1 ,this night1 as ,i was in my sleep1 ,i dreamed1 and behold the heavens grew exceeding black2 also it thundered and lightened in most fearful wise1 that it put me into an agony2 so ,i looked up in my dream1 and saw the clouds rack#df at an unusual rate1 upon which ,i heard a great sound of a trumpet1 and saw also a man sit upon a cloud1 attended with the thousands of ,heaven2 they were all in flaming fire3 also the heavens were in a burning flame4 ,i heard then a voice saying1 ,arise1 ye dead1 and come to judgment2 and with that the rocks rent1 the graves opened1 and the dead that were therein came forth4 ,some of them were exceeding glad1 and looked upward2 and some sought to hide themselves under the mountains 7#a ,cor4 #ae3eb2 #a ,thess4 #d3af2 ,jude #ad2 ,john #e3bh1 #bi2 #b ,thess4 #a3g1 #h2 ,rev4 #bj3aa-ad2 ,isa4 #bf3ba2 ,micah #g3af1 #ag2 ,psa4 #ie3a-c2 ,dan4 #g3aj74 ,then ,i saw the man that sat upon the cloud open the book1 and bid the world draw near4 ,yet there was1 by reason of a fierce flame which issued out and came from before him1 a convenient distance betwixt him and them1 as betwixt the judge and the prisoners at the bar 7,mal4 #c3b1 #c2 ,dan4 #g3i1 #aj74 ,i heard it also proclaimed to them that attended on the man that sat on the cloud1 ,gather together the tares1 the chaff1 and stubble1 and cast them into the burning lake 7,matt4 #c3ab2 #ac3cj2 ,mal4 #d3a74 ,and with that1 the bottomless pit opened1 just whereabouts ,i stood2 out of the mouth of which there came1 in an abundant manner1 smoke and coals of fire1 with hideous noises4 ,it was also said to the same persons1 ,gather ,my wheat into the garner 7,luke #c3ag74 ,and with that ,i saw many catched up and carried away into the clouds1 but ,i was left behind 7#a ,thess4 #d3af1 #ag74 ,i also sought to hide myself1 but ,i could not1 for the man that sat upon the cloud still kept his eye upon me3 my sins also came into my mind2 and my conscience did accuse me on every side 7,rom4 #b3ad1 #ae74 ,upon this ,i awaked from my sleep4 ,,chr4 ,but what was it that made you so afraid of this sight8 ,,man4 ,why1 ,i thought that the day of judgment was come1 and that ,i was not ready for it3 but this frighted me most1 that the angels gathered up several1 and left me behind2 also the pit of hell opened her mouth just where ,i stood4 ,my conscience1 too1 afflicted me2 and1 as ,i thought1 the ,judge had always his eye upon me1 showing indignation in his countenance4#dg ,then said the ,interpreter to ,christian1 ,hast thou considered all these things8 ,,chr4 ,yes1 and they put me in hope and fear4#dh ,,inter4 ,well1 keep all things so in thy mind that they may be as a goad in thy sides1 to prick thee forward in the way thou must go4 ,then ,christian began to gird up his loins1 and to address himself to his journey4 ,then said the ,interpreter1 ,the ,comforter be always with thee1 good ,christian1 to guide thee in the way that leads to the ,city4 ,so ,christian went on his way1 saying--,here ,i have seen things rare and profitable2 ,things pleasant1 dreadful1 things to make me stable ,in what ,i have begun to take in hand2 ,then let me think on them1 and understand ,wherefore they showed me were1 and let me be ,thankful1 ,o good ,interpreter1 to thee4 ,now ,i saw in my dream1 that the highway up which ,christian was to go1 was fenced on either side with a wall1 and that wall was called ,salvation 7,isa4 #bf3a74 ,up this way1 therefore1 did burdened ,christian run1 but not without great difficulty1 because of the load on his back4#di ,he ran thus till be came at a place somewhat ascending1 and upon that place stood a cross1 and a little below1 in the bottom1 a sepulchre4 ,so ,i saw in my dream1 that just as ,christian came up with the cross1 his burden loosed from off his shoulders1 and fell from off his back1 and began to tumble1 and so continued to do1 till it came to the mouth of the sepulchre1 where it fell in1 and ,i saw it no more4 ,then was ,christian glad and lightsome1 and said1 with a merry heart1 ,he hath given me rest by ,his sorrow1 and life by ,his death4 ,then he stood still awhile to look and wonder2 for it was very surprising to him1 that the sight of the cross should thus ease him of his burden4 ,he looked1 therefore1 and looked again1 even till the springs that were in his head sent the waters down his checks 7,zech4 #ab3aj74ej ,now1 as he stood looking and weeping1 behold three ,shining ,ones came to him and saluted him with ,peace be to thee4 ,so the first said to him1 ,thy sins be forgiven thee 7,mark #b3ae73 the second stripped him of his rags1 and clothed him with change of raiment 7,zech4 #c3d72 the third also set a mark in his forehead1 and gave him a roll with a seal upon it1 which he bade him look on as he ran1 and that he should give it in at the ,celestial ,gate 7,eph4 #a3ac74ea ,so they went their way4 ,then ,christian gave three leaps for joy1 and went on singing--,thus far ,i did come laden with my sin2 ,nor could aught ease the grief that ,i was in ,till ,i came hither3 ,what a place is this6 ,must here be the beginning of my bliss8 ,must here the burden fall from off my back ,must here the strings that bound it to me crack8 ,blest cross6 blest sepulchre6 blest rather be ,the man that there was put to shame for me6#eb ,i saw then in my dream1 that he went on thus1 even until he came at a bottom1 where he saw1 a little out of the way1 three men fast asleep1 with fetters upon their heels4 ,the name of the one was ,simple1 another ,sloth1 and the third ,presumption4 ,christian then seeing them lie in this case1 went to them1 if peradventure he might awake them1 and cried1 ,you are like them that sleep on the top of a mast1 for the ,dead ,sea is under you-a gulf that hath no bottom 7,prov4 #bc3cd74 ,awake1 therefore1 and come away2 be willing also1 and ,i will help you off with your irons4 ,he also told them1 ,if he that goeth about like a roaring lion comes by1 you will certainly become a prey to his teeth 7#a ,peter #e3h74 ,with that they looked upon him1 and began to reply in this sort3 ,simple said1 ,i see no danger2 ,sloth said1 ,yet a little more sleep2 and ,presumption said1 ,every fat#ec must stand upon its own bottom2 what is the answer else that ,i should give thee8 ,and so they lay down to sleep again1 and ,christian went on his way4 ,yet was he troubled to think that men in that danger should so little esteem the kindness of him that so freely offered to help them1 both by awakening of them1 counseling of them1 and proffering to help them off with their irons4#ed ,and as he was troubled thereabout1 he espied two men come tumbling over the wall1 on the left hand of the narrow way2 and they made up apace to him4 ,the name of the one was ,formalist1 and the name of the other ,hypocrisy4 ,so1 as ,i said1 they drew up unto him1 who thus entered with them into discourse4 ,,chr4 ,gentlemen1 whence came you1 and whither go you8 ,,form4 and ,,hyp4 ,we were born in the land of ,vain-glory1 and are going for praise to ,mount ,sion4 ,,chr4 ,why came you not in at the gate1 which standeth at the beginning of the way8 ,know you not that it is written1 that he that cometh not in by the door1 but climbeth up some other way1 the same is a thief and a robber8 7,john #aj3a74 ,,form4 and ,,hyp4 ,they said1 ,that to go to the gate for entrance was1 by all their countrymen1 counted too far about2 and that1 therefore1 their usual way was to make a short cut of it1 and to climb over the wall1 as they had done4 ,,chr4 ,but will it not be counted a trespass against the ,lord of the city whither we are bound1 thus to violate ,his revealed will8 ,,form4 and ,,hyp4 ,they told him1 that1 as for that1 he needed not to trouble his head thereabout2 for what they did1 they had custom for2 and could produce1 if need were1 testimony that would witness it for more than a thousand years4 ,,chr4 ,but1 said ,christian1 will your practice stand a trial at law8 ,,form4 and ,,hyp4 ,they told him1 ,that custom1 it being of so long a standing as above a thousand years1 would1 doubtless1 now be admitted as a thing legal by any impartial judge2 and beside1 said they1 if we get into the way1 what's matter which way we get in8 if we are in1 we are in2 thou art but in the way1 who1 as we perceive1 came in at the gate2 and we1 are also in the way1 that came tumbling over the wall2 wherein1 now1 is thy condition better than ours8 ,,chr4 ,i walk by the rule of my ,master2 you walk by the rude working of your fancies4 ,you are counted thieves already1 by the ,lord of the way2 therefore1 ,i doubt you will not be found true men at the end of the way4 ,you come in by yourselves1 without ,his direction2 and shall go out by yourselves1 without ,his mercy4#ee ,to this they made him but little answer2 only they bid him look to himself4 ,then ,i saw that they went on every man in his way1 without much conference one with another2 save that these two men told ,christian1 that as to laws and ordinances1 they doubted not but they should as conscientiously do them as he2 therefore1 said they1 we see not wherein thou differest from us1 but by the coat that is on thy back1 which was1 as we trow#ef given thee by some of thy neighbours1 to hide the shame of thy nakedness4 ,,chr4 ,by laws and ordinances you will not be saved1 since you came not in by the door 7,gal4 #a3af74 ,and as for this coat that is on my back1 it was given me by the ,lord of the place whither ,i go2 and that1 as you say1 to cover my nakedness with4 ,and ,i take it as a token of ,his kindness to me2 for ,i had nothing but rags before4 ,and1 besides1 thus ,i comfort myself as ,i go3 ,surely1 think ,i1 when ,i come to the gate of the city1 the ,lord thereof will know me for good1 since ,i have ,his coat on my back-a coat that ,he gave me in the day that ,he stripped me of my rags4 ,i have1 moreover1 a mark in my forehead1 of which1 perhaps1 you have taken no notice1 which one of my ,lord's most intimate associates fixed there in the day that my burden fell off my shoulders4 ,i will tell you1 moreover1 that ,i had then given me a roll1 sealed1 to comfort me by reading1 as ,i go on the way2 ,i was also bid to give it in at the ,celestial ,gate1 in token of my certain going in after it2 all which things1 ,i doubt1 you want1 and want them because you came not in at the gate4 ,to these things they gave him no answer2 only they looked upon each other1 and laughed4#eg ,then ,i saw that they went on all1 save that ,christian kept before1 who had no more talk but with himself1 and that sometimes sighingly and sometimes comfortably2#eh also he would be often reading in the roll that one of the ,shining ,ones gave him1 by which he was refreshed4 ,i beheld1 then1 that they all went on till they came to the foot of the ,hill ,difficulty2 at the bottom of which was a spring4 ,there were also in the same place two other ways besides that which came straight from the gate2 one turned to the left hand1 and the other to the right1 at the bottom of the hill2 but the narrow way lay right up the hill1 and the name of the going up the side of the hill is called ,difficulty4 ,christian now went to the spring1 and drank thereof1 to refresh himself 7,isa4 #di3aj71 and then began to go up the hill1 saying- ,the hill1 though high1 ,i covet to ascend1 ,the difficulty will not me offend2 ,for ,i perceive the way to life lies here4 ,come1 pluck up heart1 let's neither faint nor fear2 ,better1 though difficult1 the right way to go1 ,than wrong1 though easy1 where the end is ,woe4 ,the other two also came to the foot of the hill2 but when they saw that the hill was steep and high1 and that there were two other ways to go2 and supposing also that these two ways might meet again1 with that up which ,christian went1 on the other side of the hill2 therefore they were resolved to go in those ways4 ,now the name of one of those ways was ,danger1 and the name of the other ,destruction4 ,so the one took the way which is called ,danger1 which led him into a great wood1 and the other took directly up the way to ,destruction1 which led him into a wide field1 full of dark mountains1 where he stumbled and fell1 and rose no more4#ei ,i looked1 then1 after ,christian1 to see him go up the hill1 where ,i perceived he fell from running to going1 and from going to clambering upon his hands and his knees1 because of the steepness of the place4 ,now1 about the midway to the top of the hill was a pleasant arbour1 made by the ,lord of the hill for the refreshing of weary travelers2 thither1 therefore1 ,christian got1 where also he sat down to rest him4 ,then he pulled his roll out of his bosom1 and read therein to his comfort2 he also now began afresh to take a review of the coat or garment that was given him as he stood by the cross4 ,thus pleasing himself awhile1 he at last fell into a slumber1 and thence into a fast sleep1#fj which detained him in that place until it was almost night2 and in his sleep his roll fell out of his hand4#fa ,now1 as he was sleeping1 there came one to him1 and awaked him1 saying1 ,go to the ant1 thou sluggard2 consider her ways1 and be wise 7,prov4 #f3f74 ,and with that ,christian suddenly started up1 and sped him on his way1 and went apace1 till be came to the top of the hill4 ,now1 when he was got up to the top of the hill1 there came two men running to meet him amain2 the name of the one was ,timorous1 and of the other ,mistrust2 to whom ,christian said1 ,sirs1 what's the matter8 ,you run the wrong way4 ,timorous answered1 that they were going to the ,city of ,zion1 and had got up that difficult place2 but1 said he1 the further we go1 the more danger we meet with2 wherefore we turned1 and are going back again4#fb ,yes1 said ,mistrust1 for just before us lie a couple of lions in the way1 whether sleeping or waking we know not1 and we could not think1 if we came within reach1 but they would presently pull us in pieces4 ,,chr4 ,then said ,christian1 ,you make me afraid1 but whither shall ,i fly to be safe8 ,if ,i go back to mine own country1 that is prepared for fire and brimstone1 and ,i shall certainly perish there4 ,if ,i can get to the ,celestial ,city1 ,i am sure to be in safety there4 ,i must venture4 ,to go back is nothing but death2 to go forward is fear of death1 and life everlasting beyond it4 ,i will yet go forward4#fc ,so ,mistrust and ,timorous ran down the hill1 and ,christian went on his way4 ,but1 thinking again of what he heard from the men1 be felt in his bosom for his roll1 that he might read therein1 and be comforted2 but he felt1 and found it not4 ,then was ,christian in great distress1 and knew not what to do2 for he wanted that which used to relieve him1 and that which should have been his pass into the ,celestial ,city4 ,here1 therefore1 he began to be much perplexed1 and knew not what to do4#fd ,at last1 he bethought himself1 that he had slept in the arbour that is on the side of the hill2 and1 falling down upon his knees1 he asked ,god's forgiveness for that his foolish act1 and then went back to look for his roll4 ,but all the way he went back1 who can sufficiently set forth the sorrow of ,christian's heart6 ,sometimes he sighed1 sometimes he wept1 and oftentimes he chid himself for being so foolish to fall asleep in that place1 which was erected only for a little refreshment for his weariness4 ,thus therefore he went back1 carefully looking on this side1 and on that1 all the way as he went1 if happily he might find his roll1 that had been his comfort so many times in his journey4 ,he went thus1 till he came again within sight of the arbour where he sat and slept2 but that sight renewed his sorrow the more1 by bringing again1 even afresh1 his evil of sleeping into his mind 7,rev4 #b3e2 #a ,thess4 #e3g1 #h74 ,thus1 therefore1 he now went on bewailing his sinful sleep1 saying1 ,o wretched man that ,i am6 that ,i should sleep in the day time6 that ,i should sleep in the midst of difficulty6 that ,i should so indulge the flesh1 as to use that rest for ease to my flesh1 which the ,lord of the hill hath erected only for the relief of the spirits of pilgrims6#fe ,how many steps have ,i took in vain6 ,thus it happened to ,israel1 for their sin2 they were sent back again by the way of the ,red ,sea2 and ,i am made to tread those steps with sorrow1 which ,i might have trod with delight1 had it not been for this sinful sleep4 ,how far might ,i have been on my way by this time6 ,i am made to tread those steps thrice over1 which ,i needed not to have trod but once2 yea1 now also ,i am like to be benighted1 for the day is almost spent4 ,o that ,i had not slept6 ,now by this time be was come to the arbour again1 where for a while he sat down and wept2 but at last1 as ,christian would have it1 looking sorrowfully down under the settle1 there he espied his roll2 the which he1 with trembling and haste1 catched up1 and put it into his bosom4 ,but who can tell how joyful this man was when he had gotten his roll again6 for this roll was the assurance of his life and acceptance at the desired haven4 ,therefore he laid it up in his bosom1 gave thanks to ,god for directing his eye to the place where it lay1 and with joy and tears betook himself again to his journey4 ,but ,o how nimbly now did he go up the rest of the hill6 ,yet1 before be got up1 the sun went down upon ,christian2 and this made him again recall the vanity of his sleeping to his remembrance2 and thus he again began to condole with himself4 ,o thou sinful sleep6 how1 for thy sake am ,i like to be benighted in my journey6 ,i must walk without the sun2 darkness must cover the path of my feet2 and ,i must hear the noise of the doleful creatures1 because of my sinful sleep 7#a ,thess4 #e3f1 #g74 ,now also he remembered the story that ,mistrust and ,timorous told him of1 how they were frighted with the sight of the lions4 ,then said ,christian to himself again1 ,these beasts range in the night for their prey2 and if they should meet with me in the dark1 how should ,i shift them8 ,how should ,i escape being by them torn in pieces8 ,thus he went on his way4 ,but while he was thus bewailing his unhappy miscarriage1 he lift up his eyes1 and behold there was a very stately palace before him1 the name of which was ,beautiful2 and it stood just by the highway side4#ff ,so ,i saw in my dream1 that he made haste and went forward1 that if possible he might get lodging there4 ,now before he had gone far1 be entered into a very narrow passage1 which was about a furlong off of the porter's lodge2 and looking very narrowly before him as he went1 he espied two lions in the way4#fg ,now1 thought he1 ,i see the dangers that ,mistrust and ,timorous were driven back by4 7,the lions were chained1 but he saw not the chains74 ,then he was afraid1 and thought also himself to go back after them1 for he thought nothing but death was before him4 ,but the porter at the lodge1 whose name is ,watchful1 perceiving that ,christian made a halt as if he would go back1 cried unto him1 saying1 ,is thy strength so small8 7,mark #ac3cd-cg74 ,fear not the lions1 for they are chained1 and are placed there for trial of faith where it is1 and for discovery of those that have none4 ,keep in the midst of the path1 and no hurt shall come unto thee4 ,then ,i saw that he went on1 trembling for fear of the lions1 but taking good heed to the directions of the porter2 he heard them roar1 but they did him no harm4 ,then he clapped his hands1 and went on till he came and stood before the gate1 where the porter was4 ,then said ,christian to the porter1 ,sir1 what house is this8 and may ,i lodge here tonight8 ,the porter answered1 ,this house was built by the ,lord of the hill1 and ,he built it for the relief and security of pilgrims4 ,the porter also asked whence he was1 and whither he was going4 ,,chr4 ,i am come from the ,city of ,destruction1 and am going to ,mount ,zion2 but because the sun is now set1 ,i desire1 if ,i may1 to lodge here tonight4 ,,por4 ,what is your name8 ,,chr4 ,my name is now ,christian1 but my name at the first was ,graceless2 ,i came of the race of ,japheth1 whom ,god will persuade to dwell in the tents of ,shem 7,gen4 #i3bg74 ,,por4 ,but how doth it happen that you come so late8 ,the sun is set4 ,,chr4 ,i had been here sooner1 but that1 wretched man that ,i am6 ,i slept in the arbour that stands on the hill side2 nay1 ,i had1 notwithstanding that1 been here much sooner1 but that1 in my sleep1 ,i lost my evidence1 and came without it to the brow of the hill2 and then feeling for it1 and finding it not1 ,i was forced1 with sorrow of heart1 to go back to the place where ,i slept my sleep1 where ,i found it1 and now ,i am come4 ,,por4 ,well1 ,i will call out one of the virgins of this place1 who will1 if she likes your talk1 bring you in to the rest of the family1 according to the rules of the house4 ,so ,watchful1 the porter1 rang a bell1 at the sound of which came out at the door of the house1 a grave and beautiful damsel1 named ,discretion1 and asked why she was called4 ,the porter answered1 ,this man is in a journey from the ,city of ,destruction to ,mount ,zion1 but being weary and benighted1 he asked me if he might lodge here tonight2 so ,i told him ,i would call for thee1 who1 after discourse had with him1 mayest do as seemeth thee good1 even according to the law of the house4 ,then she asked him whence he was1 and whither he was going2 and he told her4 ,she asked him also how he got into the way2 and he told her4 ,then she asked him what he had seen and met with in the way2 and he told her4 ,and last she asked his name2 so he said1 ,it is ,christian1 and ,i have so much the more a desire to lodge here tonight1 because1 by what ,i perceive1 this place was built by the ,lord of the hill1 for the relief and security of pilgrims4 ,so she smiled1 but the water stood in her eyes2 and after a little pause1 she said1 ,i will call forth two or three more of the family4 ,so she ran to the door1 and called out ,prudence1 ,piety1 and ,charity1 who1 after a little more discourse with him1 had him into the family2 and many of them meeting him at the threshold of the house1 said1 ,come in1 thou blessed of the ,lord2 this house was built by the ,lord of the hill1 on purpose to entertain such pilgrims in4#fh ,then he bowed his head1 and followed them into the house4 ,so when he was come in and sat down1 they gave him something to drink1 and consented together1 that until supper was ready1 some of them should have some particular discourse with ,christian1 for the best improvement of time2 and they appointed ,piety1 and ,prudence1 and ,charity to discourse with him2 and thus they began3 ,,piety4 ,come1 good ,christian1 since we have been so loving to you1 to receive you into our house this night1 let us1 if perhaps we may better ourselves thereby1 talk with you of all things that have happened to you in your pilgrimage4 ,,chr4 ,with a very good will1 and ,i am glad that you are so well disposed4 ,,piety4 ,what moved you at first to betake yourself to a pilgrim's life8 ,,chr4 ,i was driven out of my native country1 by a dreadful sound that was in mine ears2 to wit1 that unavoidable destruction did attend me1 if ,i abode in that country place where ,i was4 ,,piety4 ,but how did it happen that you came out of your country this way8 ,,chr4 ,it was as ,god would have it2 for when ,i was under the fears of destruction1 ,i did not know whither to go2 but by chance there came a man1 even to me1 as ,i was trembling and weeping1 whose name is ,evangelist1 and he directed me to the wicket-gate1 which else ,i should never have found1 and so set me into the way that hath led me directly to this house4 ,,piety4 ,but did you not come by the house of the ,interpreter8 ,,chr4 ,yes1 and did see such things there1 the remembrance of which will stick by me as long as ,i live2 especially three things1 to wit1 how ,christ1 in despite of ,satan1 maintains ,his work of grace in the heart2 how the man had sinned himself quite out of hopes of ,god's mercy2 and also the dream of him that thought in his sleep the day of judgment was come4 ,,piety4 ,why1 did you hear him tell his dream8 ,,chr4 ,yes1 and a dreadful one it was4 ,i thought it made my heart ache as he was telling of it2 but yet ,i am glad ,i heard it4 ,,piety4 ,was that all that you saw at the house of the ,interpreter8 ,,chr4 ,no2 he took me and had me where he showed me a stately palace1 and how the people were clad in gold that were in it2 and how there came a venturous man and cut his way through the armed men that stood in the door to keep him out2 and how he was bid to come in1 and win eternal glory4 ,methought those things did ravish my heart6 ,i would have staid at that good man's house a twelvemonth1 but that ,i knew ,i had further to go4 ,,piety4 ,and what saw you else in the way8 ,,chr4 ,saw6 why1 ,i went but a little further1 and ,i saw one1 as ,i thought in my mind1 hang bleeding upon the tree2 and the very sight of ,him made my burden fall off my back 7for ,i groaned under a very heavy burden71 but then it fell down from off me4 ,it was a strange thing to me1 for ,i never saw such a thing before2 yea1 and while ,i stood looking up1 for then ,i could not forbear looking1 three ,shining ,ones came to me4 ,one of them testified that my sins were forgiven me2 another stripped me of my rags1 and gave me this broidered coat which you see2 and the third set the mark which you see in my forehead1 and gave me this sealed roll4 7,and with that he plucked it out of his bosom74 ,,piety4 ,but you saw more than this1 did you not8 ,,chr4 ,the things that ,i have told you were the best1 yet some other matters ,i saw1 as1 namely1 ,i saw three men1 ,simple1 ,sloth1 and ,presumption1 lie asleep a little out of the way1 as ,i came1 with irons upon their heels2 but do you think ,i could awake them8 ,i also saw ,formality and ,hypocrisy come tumbling over the wall1 to go1 as they pretended1 to ,zion1 but they were quickly lost1 even as ,i myself did tell them2 but they would not believe4 ,but above all1 ,i found it hard work to get up this hill1 and as hard to come by the lions' mouths2 and truly if it had not been for the good man1 the porter that stands at the gate1 ,i do not know but that after all ,i might have gone back again2 but now1 ,i thank ,god ,i am here1 and ,i thank you for receiving of me4 ,then ,prudence thought good to ask him a few questions1 and desired his answer to them4 ,,prud4 ,do you not think sometimes of the country from whence you came8 ,,chr4 ,yes1 but with much shame and detestation3 truly if ,i had been mindful of that country from whence ,i came out1 ,i might have had opportunity to have returned2 but now ,i desire a better country1 that is1 an heavenly 7,heb4 #aa3ae1 #af74 ,,prud4 ,do you not yet bear away with you some of the things that then you were conversant withal8 ,,chr4 ,yes1 but greatly against my will2 especially my inward and carnal cogitations1 with which all my countrymen1 as well as myself1 were delighted2 but now all those things are my grief2 and might ,i but choose mine own things1 ,i would choose never to think of those things more2 but when ,i would be doing of that which is best1 that which is worst is with me 7,rom4 #g74 ,,prud4 ,do you not find sometimes1 as if those things were vanquished1 which at other times are your perplexity8 ,,chr4 ,yes1 but that is but seldom2 but they are to me golden hours1 in which such things happen to me4#fi ,,prud4 ,can you remember by what means you find your annoyances1 at times1 as if they were vanquished8 ,,chr4 ,yes2 when ,i think what ,i saw at the cross1 that will do it2 and when ,i look upon my broidered coat1 that will do it2 also when ,i look into the roll that ,i carry in my bosom1 that will do it2 and when my thoughts wax warm about whither ,i am going1 that will do it4#gj ,,prud4 ,and what is it that makes you so desirous to go to ,mount ,zion8 ,,chr4 ,why1 there ,i hope to see ,him alive that did hang dead on the cross2 and there ,i hope to be rid of all those things that to this day are in me an annoyance to me2 there1 they say1 there is no death2 and there ,i shall dwell with such company as ,i like best 7,isa4 #be3h2 ,rev4 #ba3d74 ,for1 to tell you truth1 ,i love ,him1 because ,i was by ,him eased of my burden2 and ,i am weary of my inward sickness4 ,i would fain be where ,i shall die no more1 and with the company that shall continually cry1 ,holy1 holy1 holy4 ,then said ,charity to ,christian1 ,have you a family8 ,are you a married man8 ,,chr4 ,i have a wife and four small children4#ga ,,char4 ,and why did you not bring them along with you8 ,,chr4 ,then ,christian wept1 and said1 ,o how willingly would ,i have done it6 but they were all of them utterly averse to my going on pilgrimage4 ,,char4 ,but you should have talked to them1 and have endeavoured to have shown them the danger of being behind4 ,,chr4 ,so ,i did2 and told them also what ,god had shown to me of the destruction of our city2 but ,i seemed to them as one that mocked1 and they believed me not 7,gen4 #ai3ad74 ,,char4 ,and did you pray to ,god that ,he would bless your counsel to them8 ,,chr4 ,yes1 and that with much affection2 for you must think that my wife and poor children were very dear unto me4 ,,char4 ,but did you tell them of your own sorrow1 and fear of destruction8 for ,i suppose that destruction was visible enough to you4 ,,chr4 ,yes1 over1 and over1 and over4 ,they might also see my fears in my countenance1 in my tears1 and also in my trembling under the apprehension of the judgment that did hang over our heads2 but all was not sufficient to prevail with them to come with me4 ,,char4 ,but what could they say for themselves1 why they came not8 ,,chr4 ,why1 my wife was afraid of losing this world1 and my children were given to the foolish delights of youth2 so what by one thing1 and what by another1 they left me to wander in this manner alone4 ,,char4 ,but did you not1 with your vain life1 damp all that you by words used by way of persuasion to bring them away with you8#gb ,,chr4 ,indeed1 ,i cannot commend my life2 for ,i am conscious to myself of many failings therein2 ,i know also1 that a man by his conversation may soon overthrow1 what by argument or persuasion he doth labour to fasten upon others for their good4 ,yet this ,i can say1 ,i was very wary of giving them occasion1 by any unseemly action1 to make them averse to going on pilgrimage4#gc ,yea1 for this very thing1 they would tell me ,i was too precise1 and that ,i denied myself of things1 for their sakes1 in which they saw no evil4 ,nay1 ,i think ,i may say1 that if what they saw in me did hinder them1 it was my great tenderness in sinning against ,god1 or of doing any wrong to my neighbour4 ,,char4 ,indeed ,cain hated his brother1 because his own works were evil1 and his brother's righteous 7#a ,john #c3ab72 and if thy wife and children have been offended with thee for this1 they thereby show themselves to be implacable to good1 and thou hast delivered thy soul from their blood 7,ezek4 #c3ai74 ,now ,i saw in my dream1 that thus they sat talking together until supper was ready4#gd ,so when they had made ready1 they sat down to meat4 ,now the table was furnished with fat things1 and with wine that was well refined3 and all their talk at the table was about the ,lord of the hill2 as1 namely1 about what ,he had done1 and wherefore ,he did what ,he did1 and why ,he had builded that house4 ,and by what they said1 ,i perceived that ,he had been a great warrior1 and had fought with and slain him that had the power of death1 but not without great danger to ,himself1 which made me love ,him the more#ge 7,heb4 #b3ad1 #ae74 ,for1 as they said1 and as ,i believe 7said ,christian71 ,he did it with the loss of much blood2 but that which put glory of grace into all ,he did1 was1 that ,he did it out of pure love to ,his country4 ,and besides1 there were some of them of the household that said they had been and spoke with ,him since ,he did die on the cross2 and they have attested that they had it from ,his own lips1 that ,he is such a lover of poor pilgrims1 that the like is not to be found from the east to the west4 ,they1 moreover1 gave an instance of what they affirmed1 and that was1 ,he had stripped ,himself of ,his glory1 that ,he might do this for the poor2 and that they heard ,him say and affirm1 that ,he would not dwell in the mountain of ,zion alone4 ,they said1 moreover1 that ,he had made many pilgrims princes1 though by nature they were beggars born1 and their original had been the dunghill 7#a ,sam4 #b3h2 ,psa4 #aac3g74 ,thus they discoursed together till late at night2 and after they had committed themselves to their ,lord for protection1 they betook themselves to rest3 the ,pilgrim they laid in a large upper chamber1 whose window opened toward the sun-rising2 the name of the chamber was ,peace2#gf where he slept till break of day1 and then he awoke and sang#gg- ,where am ,i now8 ,is this the love and care ,of ,jesus for the men that pilgrims are8 ,thus to provide6 that ,i should be forgiven6 ,and dwell already the next door to ,heaven6 ,so1 in the morning1 they all got up2 and after some more discourse1 they told him that he should not depart till they had shown him the rarities of that place4 ,and first1 they had him into the study1 where they showed him records of the greatest antiquity2 in which1 as ,i remember my dream1 they showed him first the pedigree of the ,lord of the hill1 that ,he was the ,son of the ,ancient of ,days1 and came by that eternal generation4 ,here also was more fully recorded the acts that ,he had done1 and the names of many hundreds that ,he had taken into ,his service2 and how ,he had placed them in such habitations1 that could neither by length of days1 nor decays of nature1 be dissolved4 ,then they read to him some of the worthy acts that some of ,his servants had done3 as1 how they had subdued kingdoms1 wrought righteousness1 obtained promises1 stopped the mouths of lions1 quenched the violence of fire1 escaped the edge of the sword1 out of weakness were made strong1 waxed valiant in fight1 and turned to flight the armies of the aliens 7,heb4 #aa3cc1 #cd74 ,they then read again in another part of the records of the house1 where it was showed how willing their ,lord was to receive into ,his favour any1 even any1 though they in time past had offered great affronts to ,his person and proceedings4 ,here also were several other histories of many other famous things1 of all which ,christian had a view2 as of things both ancient and modern2 together with prophecies and predictions of things that have their certain accomplishment1 both to the dread and amazement of enemies1 and the comfort and solace of pilgrims4 ,the next day they took him and had him into the armoury1 where they showed him all manner of furniture1 which their ,lord had provided for pilgrims1 as sword1 shield1 helmet1 breastplate1 all-prayer1 and shoes that would not wear out4#gh ,and there was here enough of this to harness out as many men1 for the service of their ,lord1 as there be stars in the ,heaven for multitude4#gi ,they also showed him some of the engines with which some of his servants had done wonderful things4 ,they showed him ,moses' rod2 the hammer and nail with which ,jael slew ,sisera2 the pitchers1 trumpets1 and lamps too1 with which ,gibeon put to flight the armies of ,midian4 ,then they showed him the ox's goad wherewith ,shamgar slew #fjj men4 ,they showed him1 also1 the jaw-bone with which ,samson did such mighty feats4 ,they showed him1 moreover1 the sling and stone with which ,david slew ,goliath of ,gath2 and the sword1 also1 with which their ,lord will kill the ,man of ,sin1 in the day that he shall rise up to the prey4 ,they showed him1 besides1 many excellent things1 with which ,christian was much delighted4 ,this done1 they went to their rest again4#hj ,then ,i saw in my dream1 that1 on the morrow1 he got up to go forward2 but they desired him to stay till the next day also2 and then1 said they1 we will1 if the day be clear1 show you the ,delectable ,mountains1#ha which1 they said1 would yet further add to his comfort1 because they were nearer the desired haven than the place where at present he was2 so he consented and staid4 ,when the morning was up1 they had him to the top of the house1 and bid him look south2 so he did2 and1 behold1 at a great distance1 he saw a most pleasant mountainous country1 beautified with woods1 vineyards1 fruits of all sorts1 flowers also1 with springs and fountains1 very delectable to behold 7,isa4 #cc3af1 #ag74 ,then he asked the name of the country4 ,they said it was ,immanuel's ,land2 and it is as common1 said they1 as this hill is1 to and for all the pilgrims4 ,and when thou comest there1 from thence1 said they1 thou mayest see to the gate of the ,celestial ,city1 as the shepherds that live there will make appear4 ,now1 he bethought himself of setting forward1 and they were willing he should1 ,but first1 said they1 let us go again into the armoury4 ,so they did2 and when they came there1 they harnessed him from head to foot with what was of proof1 lest1 perhaps1 he should meet with assaults in the way4 ,he being1 therefore1 thus accoutred1 walketh out with his friends to the gate1 and there he asked the porter if he saw any pilgrims pass by4 ,then the porter answered1 ,yes4 ,,chr4 ,pray1 did you know him8 said he4 ,,por4 ,i asked his name1 and he told me it was ,faithful4 ,,chr4 ,o1 said ,christian1 ,i know him2 he is my townsman1 my near neighbour2 he comes from the place where ,i was born4 ,how far do you think he may be before8 ,,por4 ,he is got by this time below the hill4 ,,chr4 ,well1 said ,christian1 good ,porter1 the ,lord be with thee1 and add to all thy blessings much increase1 for the kindness that thou hast showed to me4 ,then he began to go forward2 but ,discretion1 ,piety1 ,charity1 and ,prudence1 would accompany him down to the foot of the hill4 ,so they went on together1 reiterating their former discourses1 till they came to go down the hill4 ,then1 said ,christian1 as it was difficult coming up1 so1 so far as ,i can see1 it is dangerous going down4 ,yes1 said ,prudence1 so it is1 for it is a hard matter for a man to go down into the ,valley of ,humiliation1 as thou art now1 and to catch no slip by the way2 therefore1 said they1 are we come out to accompany thee down the hill4 ,so he began to go down1 but very warily2 yet he caught a slip or two4#hb ,then ,i saw in my dream that these good companions1 when ,christian was gone to the bottom of the hill1 gave him a loaf of bread1 a bottle of wine1 and a cluster of raisins2 and then he went on his way4 ,but now1 in this ,valley of ,humiliation1 poor ,christian was hard put to it2 for he had gone but a little way1 before he espied a foul fiend coming over the field to meet him2 his name is ,apollyon4 ,then did ,christian begin to be afraid1 and to cast in his mind whether to go back or to stand his ground4 ,but he considered again that he had no armour for his back2 and1 therefore1 thought that to turn the back to him might give him the greater advantage1 with ease to pierce him with his darts4#hc ,therefore he resolved to venture and stand his ground2 for1 thought he1 had ,i no more in mine eye than the saving of my life1 it would be the best way to stand4 ,so he went on1 and ,apollyon met him4 ,now the monster was hideous to behold2 he was clothed with scales1 like a fish 7and they are his pride71 he had wings like a dragon1 feet like a bear1 and out of his belly came fire and smoke1 and his mouth was as the mouth of a lion4#hd ,when he was come up to ,christian1 he beheld him with a disdainful countenance1 and thus began to question with him4 ,,apol4 ,whence come you8 and whither are you bound8 ,,chr4 ,i am come from the ,city of ,destruction1 which is the place of all evil1 and am going to the ,city of ,zion4 ,,apol4 ,by this ,i perceive thou art one of my subjects1 for all that country is mine1 and ,i am the prince and god of it4 ,how is it1 then1 that thou hast run away from thy king8 ,were it not that ,i hope thou mayest do me more service1 ,i would strike thee now1 at one blow1 to the ground4 ,,chr4 ,i was born1 indeed1 in your dominions1 but your service was hard1 and your wages such as a man could not live on1 for the wages of sin is death 7,rom4 #f3bc72 therefore1 when ,i was come to years1 ,i did as other considerate persons do1 look out1 if1 perhaps1 ,i might mend myself4 ,,apol4 ,there is no prince that will thus lightly lose his subjects1#he neither will ,i as yet lose thee2 but since thou complainest of thy service and wages1 be content to go back2 what our country will afford1 ,i do here promise to give thee4 ,,chr4 ,but ,i have let myself to another1 even to the ,king of princes2 and how can ,i1 with fairness1 go back with thee8 ,,apol4 ,thou hast done in this according to the proverb1 ,changed a bad for a worse2 but it is ordinary for those that have professed themselves ,his servants1 after a while to give ,him the slip1 and return again to me4 ,do thou so too1 and all shall be well4 ,,chr4 ,i have given ,him my faith1 and sworn my allegiance to ,him2 how1 then1 can ,i go back from this1 and not be hanged as a traitor8 ,,apol4 ,thou didst the same to me1 and yet ,i am willing to pass by all1 if now thou wilt yet turn again and go back4 ,,chr4 ,what ,i promised thee was in my nonage2#hf and1 besides1 ,i count the ,prince under whose banner now ,i stand is able to absolve me2 yea1 and to pardon also what ,i did as to my compliance with thee2 and besides1 ,o thou destroying ,apollyon6 to speak truth1 ,i like ,his service1 ,his wages1 ,his servants1 ,his government1 ,his company1 and country1 better than thine2 and1 therefore1 leave off to persuade me further2 ,i am ,his servant1 and ,i will follow ,him4 ,,apol4 ,consider again1 when thou art in cool blood1 what thou art like to meet with in the way that thou goest4 ,thou knowest that1 for the most part1 ,his servants come to an ill end1 because they are transgressors against me and my ways4 ,how many of them have been put to shameful deaths6 and1 besides1 thou countest ,his service better than mine1 whereas ,he never came yet from the place where ,he is to deliver any that served ,him out of their hands2 but as for me1 how many times1 as all the world very well knows1 have ,i delivered1 either by power or fraud1 those that have faithfully served me1 from ,him and ,his1 though taken by them2 and so ,i will deliver thee4 ,,chr4 ,his forbearing at present to deliver them is on purpose to try their love1 whether they will cleave to ,him to the end2 and as for the ill end thou sayest they come to1 that is most glorious in their account2 for1 for present deliverance1 they do not much expect it1 for they stay for their glory1 and then they shall have it1 when their ,prince comes in ,his and the glory of the angels4 ,,apol4 ,thou hast already been unfaithful in thy service to ,him2 and how dost thou think to receive wages of ,him8 ,,chr4 ,wherein1 ,o ,apollyon6 have ,i been unfaithful to ,him8 ,,apol4 ,thou didst faint at first setting out1 when thou wast almost choked in the ,gulf of ,despond2 thou didst attempt wrong ways to be rid of thy burden1 whereas against thou shouldest have stayed till thy ,prince had taken it off2 thou didst sinfully sleep1 and lose thy choice thing2 thou wast1 also1 almost persuaded to go back1 at the sight of the lions2 and when thou talkest of thy journey1 and of what thou hast heard and seen1 thou art inwardly desirous of vain-glory in all that thou sayest or doest4#hg ,,chr4 ,all this is true1 and much more which thou has left out2 but the ,prince1 whom ,i serve and honour1 is merciful1 and ready to forgive2 but1 besides1 these infirmities possessed me in thy country1 for there ,i sucked them in2 and ,i have groaned under them1 been sorry for them1 and have obtained pardon of my ,prince4#hh ,,apol4 ,then ,apollyon broke out into a grievous rage1 saying1 ,i am an enemy to this ,prince2 ,i hate ,his person1 ,his laws1 and people2 ,i am come out on purpose to withstand thee4 ,,chr4 ,apollyon1 beware what you do2 for ,i am in the king's highway1 the way of holiness2 therefore take heed to yourself4 ,,apol4 ,then ,apollyon straddled quite over the whole breadth of the way1 and said1 ,i am void of fear in this matter3 prepare thyself to die2 for ,i swear by my infernal den1 that thou shalt go no further2 here will ,i spill thy soul4 ,and with that he threw a flaming dart at his breast2#hi but ,christian had a shield in his hand1 with which he caught it1 and so prevented the danger of that4 ,then did ,christian draw2 for he saw it was time to bestir him3 and ,apollyon as fast made at him1 throwing darts as thick as hail2 by the which1 notwithstanding all that ,christian could do to avoid it1 ,apollyon wounded him in his head1 his hand1 and foot4 ,this made ,christian give a little back2 ,apollyon1 therefore1 followed his work amain1 and ,christian again took courage1 and resisted as manfully as he could4 ,this sore combat lasted for above half a day1 even till ,christian was almost quite spent2 for you must know1 that ,christian1 by reason of his wounds1 must needs grow weaker and weaker4 ,then ,apollyon1 espying his opportunity1 began to gather up close to ,christian1 and wrestling with him1 gave him a dreadful fall2 and with that1 ,christian's sword flew out of his hand4 ,then said ,apollyon1 ,i am sure of thee now4#ij ,and with that he had almost pressed him to death2 so that ,christian began to despair of life3 but as ,god would have it1 while ,apollyon was fetching of his last blow1 thereby to make a full end of this good man1 ,christian nimbly stretched out his hand for his sword1 and caught it1 saying1 ,rejoice not against me1 ,o mine enemy3 when ,i fall1 ,i shall arise 7,micah4 #g3h72 and with that gave him a deadly thrust1 which made him give back1 as one that had received his mortal wound4 ,christian perceiving that1 made at him again1 saying1 ,nay1 in all these things we are more than conquerors1 through ,him that loved us 7,rom4 #h3cg74 ,and with that ,apollyon spread forth his dragon's wings1 and sped him away1 that ,christian for a season#ia saw him no more#ib 7,james #d3g74 ,in this combat no man can imagine1 unless he had seen and heard as ,i did1 what yelling and hideous roaring ,apollyon made all the time of the fight-he spake like a dragon2 and1 on the other side1 what sighs and groans burst from ,christian's heart4 ,i never saw him all the while give so much as one pleasant look1 till he perceived he had wounded ,apollyon with his two-edged sword2 then1 indeed1 he did smile1 and look upward2 but it was the most dreadful sight that ever ,i saw4#ic ,so when the battle was over1 ,christian said1 ,i will here give thanks to ,him that delivered me out of the mouth of the lion1 to ,him that did help me against ,apollyon4 ,and so he did1 saying- ,great ,beelzebub1 the captain of this fiend1 ,design'd my ruin2 therefore to this end ,he sent him harness'd out2 and he with rage1 ,that hellish was1 did fiercely me engage4 ,but blessed ,michael helped me1 and ,i1 ,by dint of sword1 did quickly make him fly4 ,therefore to him let me give lasting praise1 ,and thank and bless his holy name always4 ,then there came to him a hand1 with some of the leaves of the tree of life1 the which ,christian took1 and applied to the wounds that he had received in the battle1 and was healed immediately4#id ,he also sat down in that place to eat bread1 and to drink of the bottle that was given him a little before2 so being refreshed1 he addressed himself to his journey1 with his sword drawn in his hand2 for he said1 ,i know not but some other enemy may be at hand4 ,but he met with no other affront from ,apollyon quite through this valley4 ,now1 at the end of this valley1 was another1 ,the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death4 and ,christian must needs go through it1 because the way to the ,celestial ,city lay through the midst of it4 ,now this valley is a very solitary place4 ,the prophet ,jeremiah thus describes it3 ,a wilderness1 a land of deserts1 and of pits1 a land of drought1 and of the shadow of death1 a land that no man 7but a ,christian7 passed through1 and where no man dwelt 7,jer4 #b3f74 ,now here ,christian was worse put to it than in his fight with ,apollyon2 as by the sequel you shall see4#ie ,i saw then in my dream1 that when ,christian was got to the borders of the ,shadow of ,death1 there met him two men1 children of them that brought up an evil report of the good land 7,num4 #ac71 making haste to go back2 to whom ,christian spake as follows- ,,chr4 ,whither are you going8 ,,men4 ,they said1 ,back6 back6 and we would have you to do so too1 if either life or peace is prized by you4 ,,chr4 ,why8 what's the matter8 said ,christian4 ,,men4 ,matter6 said they2 we were going that way as you are going1 and went as far as we durst2 and indeed we were almost past coming back2 for had we gone a little further1 we had not been here to bring the news to thee4 ,,chr4 ,but what have you met with8 said ,christian4 ,,men4 ,why1 we were almost in the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death2 but that1 by good hap1 we looked before us1 and saw the danger before we came to it 7,psa4 #dd3ai2 #ajg3aj74 ,,chr4 ,but what have you seen8 said ,christian4 ,,men4 ,seen6 ,why1 the valley itself1 which is as dark as pitch2 we also saw there the hobgoblins1 satyrs1 and dragons of the pit2 we heard also in that ,valley a continual howling and yelling1 as of a people under unutterable misery1 who there sat bound in affliction and irons2 and over that ,valley hangs the discouraging clouds of confusion4 ,death also doth always spread his wings over it4 ,in a word1 it is every whit dreadful1 being utterly without order 7,job #c3e2 #aj3bf74 ,,chr4 ,then said ,christian1 ,i perceive not yet1 by what you have said1 but that this is my way to the desired haven#if 7,jer4 #b3f74 ,,men4 ,be it thy way2 we will not choose it for ours4 ,so they parted1 and ,christian went on his way1 but still with his sword drawn in his hand2 for fear lest he should be assaulted4 ,i saw then in my dream so far as this valley reached1 there was on the right hand a very deep ditch3 that ditch is it into which the blind have led the blind in all ages1 and have both there miserably perished#ig 7,psa4 #fi3ad1 #ae74 ,again1 behold1 on the left hand1 there was a very dangerous quag1 into which1 if even a good man falls1 he can find no bottom for his foot to stand on4 ,into that quag king ,david once did fall1 and had no doubt therein been smothered1 had not ,,he that is able plucked him out4 ,the pathway was here also exceeding narrow1 and therefore good ,christian was the more put to it2 for when he sought1 in the dark1 to shun the ditch on the one hand1 he was ready to tip over into the mire on the other2 also when he sought to escape the mire1 without great carefulness he would be ready to fall into the ditch4 ,thus he went on1 and ,i heard him here sigh bitterly2 for besides the dangers mentioned above1 the pathway was here so dark1 that ofttimes1 when he lift up his foot to set forward1 he knew not where1 or upon what he should set it next4 ,about the midst of this valley1 ,i perceived the mouth of hell to be1 and it stood also hard by the way-side4 ,now1 thought ,christian1 what shall ,i do8 ,and ever and anon the flame and smoke would come out in such abundance1 with sparks and hideous noises 7things that cared not for ,christian's sword1 as did ,apollyon before71 that he was forced to put up his sword1 and betake himself to another weapon1 called ,all-prayer 7,eph4 #d3ah74 ,so he cried in my hearing1 ,o ,lord1 ,i beseech ,thee1 deliver my soul6 7,psa4 #aaf3d74 ,thus he went on a great while1 yet still the flames would be reaching towards him4#ih ,also be heard doleful voices1 and rushings to and fro1 so that sometimes he thought he should be torn in pieces1 or trodden down like mire in the streets4 ,this frightful sight was seen1 and these dreadful noises were heard by him for several miles together4 ,and1 coming to a place1 where be thought he heard a company of fiends coming forward to meet him1 he stopped and began to muse what he had best to do4 ,sometimes he had half a thought to go back2 then again he thought he might be half way through the valley2 he remembered also how be had already vanquished many a danger1 and that the danger of going back might be much more than for to go forward2 so he resolved to go on4 ,yet the fiends seemed to come nearer and nearer2 but when they were come even almost at him1 he cried out with a most vehement voice1 ,i will walk in the strength of the ,lord ,god2 so they gave back1 and came no further4 ,one thing ,i would not let slip2 ,i took notice that now poor ,christian was so confounded1 that he did not know his own voice2 and thus ,i perceived it4 ,just when he was come over against the mouth of the burning pit1 one of the wicked ones got behind him1 and stept up softly to him1 and1 whisperingly1 suggested many grievous blasphemies to him1 which he verily thought had proceeded from his own mind4 ,this put ,christian more to it than anything that he met with before2 even to think that he should now blaspheme ,him that he loved so much before2 yet1 if he could have helped it1 he would not have done it2 but he had not the discretion either to stop his ears1 or to know from whence these blasphemies came4#ii ,when ,christian had traveled in this disconsolate condition some considerable time1 he thought he heard the voice of a man1 as going before him1 saying1 ,though ,i walk through the valley of the shadow of death1 ,i will fear no evil2 for ,thou art with me 7,psa4 #bc3d74ajj ,then he was glad1 and that for these reasons3 ,first1 ,because he gathered from thence1 that some who feared ,god1 were in this valley as well as himself4 ,secondly1 ,for that he perceived ,god was with them1 though in that dark and dismal state2 and why not1 thought he1 with me8 though1 by reason of the impediment that attends this place1 ,i cannot perceive it 7,job4 #i3aa74 ,thirdly1 ,for that he hoped1 could he overtake them1 to have company by and by4 ,so he went on1 and called to him that was before2 but he knew not what to answer2 for that he also thought himself to be alone4 ,and by and by the day broke2 then said ,christian1 ,he hath turned the shadow of death into the morning 7,amos #e3h74aja ,now morning being come1 he looked back1 not out of desire to return1 but to see1 by the light of the day1 what hazards he had gone through in the dark4 ,so he saw more perfectly the ditch that was on the one hand1 and the quag that was on the other2 also how narrow the way was which led betwixt them both2 also now he saw the hobgoblins1 and satyrs1 and dragons of the pit1 but all afar off 7for after break of day1 they came not nigh72 yet they were discovered to him1 according to that which is written1 ,he discovereth deep things out of darkness1 and bringeth out to light the shadow of death 7,job #ab3bb74 ,now was ,christian much affected with his deliverance from all the dangers of his solitary way2 which dangers1 though he feared them more before1 yet he saw them more clearly now1 because the light of the day made them conspicuous to him4 ,and about this time the sun was rising1 and this was another mercy to ,christian2 for you must note1 that though the first part of the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death was dangerous1 yet this second part which he was yet to go1 was1 if possible1 far more dangerous3#ajb for from the place where he now stood1 even to the end of the valley1 the way was all along set so full of snares1 traps1 gins1 and nets here1 and so full of pits1 pitfalls1 deep holes1 and shelvings down there1 that had it now been dark1 as it were when he came the first part of the way1 had he had a thousand souls1 they had in reason been cast away2#ajc but1 as ,i said1 just now the sun was rising4 ,then said he1 ,his candle shineth upon my head1 and by ,his light ,i walk through darkness 7,job #bi3c74 ,in this light1 therefore1 he came to the end of the valley4 ,now ,i saw in my dream1 that at the end of this valley lay blood1 bones1 ashes1 and mangled bodies of men1 even of pilgrims that had gone this way formerly2 and while ,i was musing what should be the reason1 ,i espied a little before me a cave1 where two giants1 ,,pope and ,,pagan1 dwelt in old time2 by whose power and tyranny the men whose bones1 blood1 ashes1 c41 lay there1 were cruelly put to death4#ajd ,but by this place ,christian went without much danger1 whereat ,i somewhat wondered2 but ,i have learnt since1 that ,,pagan has been dead many a day2 and as for the other1 though he be yet alive1 he is1 by reason of age1 and also of the many shrewd brushes that he met with in his younger days1 grown so crazy and stiff in his joints1 that he can now do little more than sit in his cave's mouth1 grinning at pilgrims as they go by1 and biting his nails because he cannot come at them4#aje ,so ,i saw that ,christian went on his way2 yet1 at the sight of the ,old ,man that sat in the mouth of the cave1 he could not tell what to think1 especially because he spake to him1 though he could not go after him2 saying1 ,you will never mend1 till more of you be burned4 ,but he held his peace1 and set a good face on it1 and so went by and catched no hurt4#ajf ,then sang ,christian1 ,o world of wonders6 7,i can say no less7 ,that ,i should be preserv'd in that distress ,that ,i have met with here6 ,o blessed be ,that hand that from it hath deliver'd me6 ,dangers in darkness1 devils1 hell1 and sin1 ,did compass me1 while ,i this vale was in3 ,yea1 snares and pits1 and traps1 and nets1 did lie ,my path about1 that worthless1 silly ,i ,might have been catch'd1 entangled1 and cast down2 ,but since ,i live1 let ,,jesus wear the crown4 ,now1 as ,christian went on his way1 he came to a little ascent1 which was cast up on purpose1 that pilgrims might see before them4 ,up there1 therefore1 ,christian went2 and looking forward1 he saw ,faithful before him1 upon his journey4 ,then said ,christian aloud1 ,ho6 ho6 ,soho6 stay1 and ,i will be your companion4#ajg ,at that1 ,faithful looked behind him2 to whom ,christian cried again1 ,stay1 stay1 till ,i come up to you4 ,but ,faithful answered1 ,no1 ,i am upon my life1 and the avenger of blood is behind me4 ,at this1 ,christian was somewhat moved1 and putting to all his strength1 he quickly takes got up with ,faithful1 and did also overrun him2 so the last was first4 ,then did ,christian vain-gloriously smile1 because he had gotten the start of his brother2#ajh but not taking good heed to his feet1 he suddenly stumbled and fell1 and could not rise again1 until ,faithful came up to help him4 ,then ,i saw in my dream1 they went very lovingly on together1 and had sweet discourse of all things that had happened to them in their pilgrimage2 and thus ,christian began4 ,,chr4 ,my honoured and well-beloved brother1 ,faithful1 ,i am glad that ,i have overtaken you2 and that ,god has so tempered our spirits1 that we can walk as companions in this so pleasant a path4 ,,faith4 ,i had thought1 dear friend1 to have had your company quite from our town2 but you did get the start of me1 wherefore ,i was forced to come thus much of the way alone4 ,,chr4 ,how long did you stay in the ,city of ,destruction1 before you set out after me on your pilgrimage ,,faith4 ,till ,i could stay no longer2 for there was great talk presently after you were gone out1 that our city would1 in short time1 with fire from ,heaven1 be burned down to the ground4 ,,chr4 ,what6 did your neighbours talk so8 ,,faith4 ,yes1 it was for a while in everybody's mouth4 ,,chr4 ,what6 and did no more of them but you come out to escape the danger8 ,,faith4 ,though there were1 as ,i said1 a great talk thereabout1 yet ,i do not think they did firmly believe it4 ,for in the heat of the discourse1 ,i heard some of them deridingly speak of you1 and of your desperate journey 7for so they called this your pilgrimage71 but ,i did believe1 and do still1 that the end of our city will be with fire and brimstone from above2 and therefore ,i have made my escape4 ,,chr4 ,did you hear no talk of neighbour ,pliable8 ,,faith4 ,yes1 ,christian1 ,i heard that he followed you till he came at the ,slough of ,despond1 where1 as some said1 he fell in2 but he would not be known to have so done2 but ,i am sure he was soundly bedabbled with that kind of dirt4 ,,chr4 ,and what said the neighbours to him8 ,,faith4 ,he hath1 since his going back1 been had greatly in derision1 and that among all sorts of people2 some do mock and despise him2 and scarce will any set him on work4 ,he is now seven times worse than if he had never gone out of the ,city4#aji ,,chr4 ,but why should they be so set against him1 since they also despise the way that he forsook8 ,,faith4 ,o6 they say1 ,hang him1 he is a turn-coat2 he was not true to his profession4 ,i think ,god has stirred up even his enemies to hiss at him1 and make him a proverb1 because he hath forsaken the way 7,jer4 #bi3ah1 #ai74 ,,chr4 ,had you no talk with him before you came out8 ,,faith4 ,i met him once in the streets1 but be leered away on the other side1 as one ashamed of what he had done2 so ,i spake not to him4 ,,chr4 ,well1 at my first setting out1 ,i had hopes of that man2 but now ,i fear he will perish in the overthrow of the city2 ,for it is happened to him according to the true proverb1 ,the dog is turned to his own vomit again2 and the sow that was washed1 to her wallowing in the mire 7#b ,peter #b3bb74 ,,faith4 ,these are my fears of him too2 but who can hinder that which will be8 ,,chr4 ,well1 neighbour ,faithful1 said ,christian1 let us leave him1 and talk of things that more immediately concern ourselves4 ,tell me now1 what you have met with in the way as you came2 for ,i know you have met with some things1 or else it may be writ for a wonder4 ,,faith4 ,i escaped the ,slough that ,i perceived you fell into1 and got up to the gate without that danger2 only ,i met with one whose name was ,wanton1 who had like to have done me a mischief4 ,,chr4 ,it was well you escaped her net2 ,joseph was hard put to it by her1 and he escaped her as you did2 but it had like to have cost him his life 7,gen4 #ci3aa-ac74 ,but what did she do to you8 ,,faith4 ,you cannot think1 but that you know something1 what a flattering tongue she had2 she lay at me hard to turn aside with her1 promising me all manner of content4 ,,chr4 ,nay1 she did not promise you the content of a good conscience4 ,,faith4 ,you know what ,i mean2 all carnal and fleshly content4 ,,chr4 ,thank ,god you have escaped her2 the abhorred of the ,lord shall fall into her ditch 7,pro4 #bb3ad74 ,,faith4 ,nay1 ,i know not whether ,i did wholly escape her or no4 ,,chr4 ,why1 ,i trow#aaj you did not consent to her desires8 ,,faith4 ,no1 not to defile myself2 for ,i remembered an old writing that ,i had seen1 which said1 ,her steps take hold on hell 7,prov4 #e3e74 ,so ,i shut mine eyes1 because ,i would not be bewitched with her looks 7,job #ca3a74 ,then she railed on me1 and ,i went my way4#aaa ,,chr4 ,did you meet with no other assault as you came8 ,,faith4 ,when ,i came to the foot of the hill called ,difficulty1 ,i met with a very aged man1 who asked me what ,i was1 and whither bound4 ,i told him that ,i am a pilgrim1 going to the ,celestial ,city4 ,then said the old man1 ,thou lookest like an honest fellow2 wilt thou be content to dwell with me for the wages that ,i shall give thee8 ,then ,i asked him his name1 and where he dwelt4 ,he said his name was ,adam the ,first1 and that he dwelt in the town of ,deceit 7,eph4 #d3bb74 ,i asked him then1 what was his work1 and what the wages that he would give4 ,he told me1 that his work was many delights2 and his wages1 that ,i should be his heir at last4 ,i further asked him1 what house he kept1 and what other servants he had4 ,so he told me1 that his house was maintained with all the dainties in the world2 and that his servants were those of his own begetting4 ,then ,i asked if he had any children4 ,he said that he had but three daughters2 the ,lust of the ,flesh1 the ,lust of the ,eyes1 and the ,pride of ,life1 and that ,i should marry them all#aab if ,i would 7#a ,john #b3af74 ,then ,i asked how long time he would have me live with him8 ,and he told me1 ,as long as he lived himself4 ,,chr4 ,well1 and what conclusion came the old man and you to1 at last8 ,,faith4 ,why1 at first1 ,i found myself somewhat inclinable to go with the man1 for ,i thought he spake very fair2 but looking in his forehead1 as ,i talked with him1 ,i saw there written1 ,put off the old man with his deeds4 ,,chr4 ,and how then8 ,,faith4 ,then it came burning hot into my mind1 whatever he said1 and however he flattered1 when he got me home to his house1 he would sell me for a slave4#aac ,so ,i bid him forbear to talk1 for ,i would not come near the door of his house4 ,then he reviled me1 and told me1 that he would send such a one after me1 that should make my way bitter to my soul4 ,so ,i turned to go away from him2 but just as ,i turned myself to go thence1 ,i felt him take hold of my flesh1 and give me such a deadly twitch back1 that ,i thought he had pulled part of me after himself4 ,this made me cry1 ,o wretched man6 7,rom4 #g3bd74 ,so ,i went on my way up the hill4 ,now when ,i had got about half way up1 ,i looked behind1 and saw one coming after me1 swift as the wind2 so he overtook me just about the place where the settle stands4 ,,chr4 ,just there1 said ,christian1 did ,i sit down to rest me2 but being overcome with sleep1 ,i there lost this roll out of my bosom ,,faith4 ,but1 good brother1 hear me out4 ,so soon as the man overtook me1 he was but a word and a blow1 for down he knocked me1 and laid me for dead4#aad ,but when ,i was a little come to myself again1 ,i asked him wherefore he served me so4 ,he said1 because of my secret inclining to ,adam the ,first3 and with that he struck me another deadly blow on the breast1 and beat me down backward2 so ,i lay at his foot as dead as before4 ,so1 when ,i came to myself again1 ,i cried him mercy2 but he said1 ,i know not how to show mercy2 and with that knocked me down again4#aae ,he had doubtless made an end of me1 but that ,one came by1 and bid him forbear4 ,,chr4 ,who was that that bid him forbear4 ,,faith4 ,i did not know ,him at first1 but as ,he went by1 ,i perceived the holes in ,his hands1 and in ,his side2 then ,i concluded that ,he was our ,lord4 ,so ,i went up the hill4 ,,chr4 ,that man that overtook you was ,moses4 ,he spareth none1 neither knoweth he how to show mercy to those that transgress his law4 ,,faith4 ,i know it very well2 it was not the first time that he has met with me4 ,it was he that came to me when ,i dwelt securely at home1 and that told me he would burn my house over my head1 if ,i stayed there4 ,,chr4 ,but did you not see the house that stood there on the top of the hill1 on the side of which ,moses met you8 ,,faith4 ,yes1 and the lions too1 before ,i came at it2 but for the lions1 ,i think they were asleep2 for it was about noon2 and because ,i had so much of the day before me1 ,i passed by the porter1 and came down the hill4 ,,chr4 ,he told me indeed1 that he saw you go by1 but ,i wish you had called at the house1 for they would have showed you so many rarities1 that you would scarce have forgot them to the day of your death4 ,but pray tell me1 ,did you meet nobody in the ,valley of ,humility8 ,,faith4 ,yes1 ,i met with one ,discontent1 who would willingly have persuaded me to go back again with him2 his reason was1 for that the valley was altogether without honour4 ,he told me1 moreover1 that there to go was the way to disobey all my friends1 as ,pride1 ,arrogancy1 ,self-conceit1 ,worldly-glory1 with others1 who1 he knew1 as he said1 would be very much offended1 if ,i made such a fool of myself as to wade through this valley4 ,,chr4 ,well1 and how did you answer him8 ,,faith4 ,i told him that although all these that he named might claim kindred of me1 and that rightly1 for indeed they were my relations according to the flesh1 yet since ,i became a pilgrim1 they have disowned me1 as ,i also have rejected them2 and therefore they were to me now no more than if they had never been of my lineage4 ,i told him1 moreover1 that as to this valley he had quite misrepresented the thing2 for before honour is humility2 and a haughty spirit before a fall4 ,therefore1 said ,i1 ,i had rather go through this valley to the honour that was so accounted by the wisest1 than choose that which he esteemed most worthy our affections4 ,,chr4 ,met you with nothing else in that valley8 ,,faith4 ,yes1 ,i met with ,shame2 but of all the men that ,i met with in my pilgrimage1 he1 ,i think1 bears the wrong name4 ,the others would be said nay1 after a little argumentation1 and somewhat else2 but this bold-faced ,shame would never have done4#aaf ,,chr4 ,why1 what did he say to you8 ,,faith4 ,what6 why1 he objected against religion itself2 he said it was a pitiful1 low1 sneaking business for a man to mind religion2 he said that a tender conscience was an unmanly thing2 and that for a man to watch over his words and ways1 so as to tie up himself from that hectoring liberty1 that the brave spirits of the times accustom themselves unto1 would make him the ridicule of the times4 ,he objected also1 that but few of the mighty1 rich1 or wise1 were ever of my opinion 7#a ,cor4 #a3bf2 #c3ah2 ,phil4 #c3g1 #h72 nor any of them neither 7,john #g3dh71 before they were persuaded to be fools1 and to be of a voluntary fondness1 to venture the loss of all1 for nobody knows what4 ,he moreover objected the base and low estate and condition of those that were chiefly the pilgrims1 of the times in which they lived2 also their ignorance1 and want of understanding in all natural science4 ,yea1 he did hold me to it at that rate also1 about a great many more things than here ,i relate2 as1 that it was a shame to sit whining and mourning under a sermon1 and a shame to come sighing and groaning home2 that it was a shame to ask my neighbour forgiveness for petty faults1 or to make restitution where ,i have taken from any4 ,he said also1 that religion made a man grow strange to the great1 because of a few vices1 which he called by finer names2 and made him own and respect the base1 because of the same religious fraternity4 ,and is not this1 said he1 a shame8#aag ,,chr4 ,and what did you say to him8 ,,faith4 ,say6 ,i could not tell what to say at the first4 ,yea1 he put me so to it1 that my blood came up in my face2 even this ,shame fetched it up1 and had almost beat me quite off4 ,but1 at last1 ,i began to consider1 that that which is highly esteemed among men1 is had in abomination with ,god 7,luke #af3ae74 ,and ,i thought again1 this ,shame tells me what men are2 but it tells me nothing what ,god1 or the ,word of ,god is4 ,and ,i thought1 moreover1 that at the day of doom1 we shall not be doomed to death or life1 according to the hectoring spirits of the world1 but according to the wisdom and law of the ,highest4 ,therefore1 thought ,i1 what ,god says is best1 indeed is best1 though all the men in the world are against it4 ,seeing1 then1 that ,god prefers ,his religion2 seeing ,god prefers a tender conscience2 seeing they that make themselves fools for the kingdom of ,heaven are wisest2 and that the poor man that loveth ,christ is richer than the greatest man in the world that hates ,him2 ,shame1 depart1 thou art an enemy to my salvation4 ,shall ,i entertain thee against my sovereign ,lord8 ,how then shall ,i look ,him in the face at ,his coming8 ,should ,i now be ashamed of ,his ways and servants1 how can ,i expect the blessing8 7,mark #h3ch74 ,but1 indeed1 this ,shame was a bold villain2 ,i could scarce shake him out of my company2 yea1 he would be haunting of me1 and continually whispering me in the ear1 with some one or other of the infirmities that attend religion2 but at last ,i told him it was but in vain to attempt further in this business2 for those things that he disdained1 in those did ,i see most glory2 and so at last ,i got past this importunate one4 ,and when ,i had shaken him off1 then ,i began to sing- ,the trials that those men do meet withal1 ,that are obedient to the heavenly call1 ,are manifold1 and suited to the flesh1 ,and come1 and come1 and come again afresh2 ,that now1 or sometime else1 we by them may ,be taken1 overcome1 and cast away4 ,o let the pilgrims1 let the pilgrims1 then1 ,be vigilant1 and quit themselves like men4 ,,chr4 ,i am glad1 my brother1 that thou didst withstand this villain so bravely2 for of all1 as thou sayest1 ,i think he has the wrong name2 for he is so bold as to follow us in the streets1 and to attempt to put us to shame before all men2 that is1 to make us ashamed of that which is good2 but if he were not himself audacious1 he would never attempt to do as he does4 ,but let us still resist him2 for notwithstanding all his bravadoes1 he promoteth the fool1 and none else4 ,the wise shall inherit glory1 said ,solomon1 but shame shall be the promotion of fools 7,prov4 #c3ce74 ,,faith4 ,i think we must cry to ,him for help against ,shame1 who would have us to be valiant for the truth upon the earth4 ,,chr4 ,you say true2 but did you meet nobody else in that valley8 ,,faith4 ,no1 not ,i1 for ,i had sunshine all the rest of the way through that1 and also through the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death4#aah ,,chr4 ,it was well for you4 ,i am sure it fared far otherwise with me2 ,i had for a long season1 as soon almost as ,i entered into that valley1 a dreadful combat with that foul fiend ,apollyon2 yea1 ,i thought verily he would have killed me1 especially when he got me down and crushed me under him1 as if he would have crushed me to pieces2 for as he threw me1 my sword flew out of my hand2 nay1 he told me he was sure of me2 but ,i cried to ,god1 and ,he heard me1 and delivered me out of all my troubles4 ,then ,i entered into the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death1 and had no light for almost half the way through it4#aai ,i thought ,i should have been killed there1 over and over2 but at last day broke1 and the sun rose1 and ,i went through that which was behind with far more ease and quiet4 ,moreover1 ,i saw in my dream1 that as they went on1 ,faithful1 as he chanced to look on one side1 saw a man whose name is ,talkative1#abj walking at a distance besides them2 for in this place1 there was room enough for them all to walk4 ,he was a tall man1 and something more comely at a distance than at hand4 ,to this man ,faithful addressed himself in this manner4 ,,faith4 ,friend1 whither away8 ,are you going to the heavenly country8 ,,talk4 ,i am going to the same place4 ,,faith4 ,that is well2 then ,i hope we may have your good company4 ,,talk4 ,with a very good will1 will ,i be your companion4 ,,faith4 ,come on1 then1 and let us go together1 and let us spend our time in discoursing of things that are profitable4 ,,talk4 ,to talk of things that are good1 to me is very acceptable1 with you1 or with any other2 and ,i am glad that ,i have met with those that incline to so good a work2 for1 to speak the truth1 there are but few that care thus to spend their time 7as they are in their travels71 but choose much rather to be speaking of things to no profit2 and this hath been a trouble to me4 ,,faith4 ,that is indeed a thing to be lamented2 for what things so worthy of the use of the tongue and mouth of men on earth1 as are the things of the ,god of ,heaven8 ,,talk4 ,i like you wonderful well1 for your sayings are full of conviction2 and ,i will add1 what thing is so pleasant1 and what so profitable1 as to talk of the things of ,god8 ,what things so pleasant 7that is1 if a man hath any delight in things that are wonderful78 ,for instance1 if a man doth delight to talk of the history or the mystery of things2 or if a man doth love to talk of miracles1 wonders1 or signs1 where shall he find things recorded so delightful1 and so sweetly penned1 as in the ,holy ,scripture8 ,,faith4 ,that is true2 but to be profited by such things in our talk should be that which we design4 ,,talk4 ,that is it that ,i said2 for to talk of such things is most profitable2 for by so doing1 a man may get knowledge of many things2 as of the vanity of earthly things1 and the benefit of things above4 ,thus1 in general1 but more particularly1 by this1 a man may learn the necessity of the new birth2 the insufficiency of our works2 the need of ,christ's righteousness1 c4 ,besides1 by this a man may learn1 by talk1 what it is to repent1 to believe1 to pray1 to suffer1 or the like2 by this also a man may learn what are the great promises and consolations of the ,gospel1 to his own comfort4 ,further1 by this a man may learn to refute false opinions1 to vindicate the truth1 and also to instruct the ignorant4#aba ,,faith4 ,all this is true1 and glad am ,i to hear these things from you4 ,,talk4 ,alas6 the want of this is the cause why so few understand the need of faith1 and the necessity of a work of grace in their soul1 in order to eternal life2 but ignorantly live in the works of the law1 by which a man can by no means obtain the kingdom of ,heaven4 ,,faith4 ,but1 by your leave1 heavenly knowledge of these is the gift of ,god2 no man attaineth to them by human industry1 or only by the talk of them4 ,,talk4 ,all this ,i know very well4 ,for a man can receive nothing1 except it be given him from ,heaven2 all is of grace1 not of works4 ,i could give you a hundred scriptures for the confirmation of this4 ,,faith4 ,well1 then1 said ,faithful1 what is that one thing that we shall at this time found our discourse upon8 ,,talk4 ,what you will4 ,i will talk of things heavenly1 or things earthly2 things moral1 or things evangelical2 things sacred1 or things profane2 things past1 or things to come2 things foreign1 or things at home2 things more essential1 or things circumstantial2 provided that all be done to our profit4 ,,faith4 ,now did ,faithful begin to wonder2 and stepping to ,christian 7for he walked all this while by himself71 he said to him 7but softly71 ,what a brave companion have we got6 ,surely this man will make a very excellent pilgrim4 ,,chr4 ,at this ,christian modestly smiled1 and said1 ,this man1 with whom you are so taken1 will beguile1 with that tongue of his1 #bj of them that know him not4 ,,faith4 ,do you know him1 then8 ,,chr4 ,know him6 ,yes1 better than he knows himself4 ,,faith4 ,pray1 what is he8 ,,chr4 ,his name is ,talkative2 he dwelleth in our town2 ,i wonder that you should be a stranger to him1 only ,i consider that our town is large4 ,,faith4 ,whose son is he8 ,and whereabout does he dwell8 ,,chr4 ,he is the son of one ,say-well2 he dwelt in ,prating ,row2 and he is known of all that are acquainted with him1 by the name of ,talkative in ,prating ,row2 and notwithstanding his fine tongue1 he is but a sorry fellow4#abb ,,faith4 ,well1 he seems to be a very pretty man4 ,,chr4 ,that is1 to them who have not thorough acquaintance with him2 for he is best abroad2 near home1 he is ugly enough4 ,your saying that he is a pretty man1 brings to my mind what ,i have observed in the work of the painter1 whose pictures show best at a distance1 but1 very near1 more unpleasing4 ,,faith4 ,but ,i am ready to think you do but jest1 because you smiled4 ,,chr4 ,god forbid that ,i should jest 7although ,i smiled7 in this matter1 or that ,i should accuse any falsely6 ,i will give you a further discovery of him4 ,this man is for any company1 and for any talk2 as he talketh now with you1 so will he talk when he is on the ale-bench2 and the more drink he hath in his crown1 the more of these things he hath in his mouth2 religion hath no place in his heart1 or house1 or conversation2 all he hath1 lieth in his tongue1 and his religion is to make a noise therewith4 ,,faith4 ,say you so6 then am ,i in this man greatly deceived4#abc ,,chr4 ,deceived6 you may be sure of it2 remember the proverb1 ,they say1 and do not 7,matt4 #bc3c74 ,but the kingdom of ,god is not in word1 but in power 7#a ,cor4 #d3bj74 ,he talketh of prayer1 of repentance1 of faith1 and of the new birth2 but he knows but only to talk of them4 ,i have been in his family1 and have observed him both at home and abroad2 and ,i know what ,i say of him is the truth4 ,his house is as empty of religion1 as the white of an egg is of savour4 ,there is there1 neither prayer1 nor sign of repentance for sin2 yea1 the brute in his kind serves ,god far better than he4 ,he is the very stain1 reproach1 and shame of religion1 to all that know him2 it can hardly have a good word in all that end of the town where he dwells1 through him 7,rom4 #b3bd1 #be74 ,thus say the common people that know him1 ,a saint abroad1 and a devil at home4 ,his poor family finds it so1 he is such a churl1 such a railer at1 and so unreasonable with his servants1 that they neither know how to do for1 or speak to him4 ,men that have any dealings with him1 say1 it is better to deal with a ,turk than with him2 for fairer dealing they shall have at their hands4 ,this ,talkative 7if it be possible7 will go beyond them1 defraud1 beguile1 and over-reach them4 ,besides1 he brings up his sons to follow his steps2 and if he findeth in any of them a foolish timorousness 7for so he calls the first appearance of a tender conscience71 he calls them fools1 and blockheads1 and by no means will employ them in much1 or speak to their commendations before others4 ,for my part1 ,i am of opinion1 that he has1 by his wicked life1 caused many to stumble and fall2 and will be1 if ,god prevent not1 the ruin of many more4#abd ,,faith4 ,well1 my brother1 ,i am bound to believe you2 not only because you say you know him1 but also because1 like a ,christian1 you make your reports of men4 ,for ,i cannot think that you speak these things of ill-will1 but because it is even so as you say4 ,,chr4 ,had ,i known him no more than you1 ,i might perhaps have thought of him as1 at the first1 you did2 yea1 had he received this report at their hands only that are enemies to religion1 ,i should have thought it had been a slander-a lot that often falls from bad men's mouths upon good men's names and professions2 but all these things1 yea1 and a great many more as bad1 of my own knowledge1 ,i can prove him guilty of4 ,besides1 good men are ashamed of him2 they can neither call him brother1 nor friend2 the very naming of him among them makes them blush1 if they know him4 ,,faith4 ,well1 ,i see that saying and doing are two things1 and hereafter ,i shall better observe this distinction4 ,,chr4 ,they are two things indeed1 and are as diverse as are the soul and the body2 for as the body without the soul is but a dead carcass1 so saying1 if it be alone1 is but a dead carcass also4 ,the soul of religion is the practical part3 ,pure religion and undefiled1 before ,god and the ,father1 is this1 to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction1 and to keep himself unspotted from the world 7,james #a3bg2 see ver4 #bb-bf74 ,this ,talkative is not aware of2 he thinks that hearing and saying will make a good ,christian1 and thus he deceiveth his own soul4 ,hearing is but as the sowing of the seed2 talking is not sufficient to prove that fruit is indeed in the heart and life2 and let us assure ourselves1 that at the day of doom men shall be judged according to their fruits 7,matt4 #ac3be74 ,it will not be said then1 ,did you believe8 but1 ,were you doers1 or talkers only8 and accordingly shall they be judged4 ,the end of the world is compared to our harvest2 and you know men at harvest regard nothing but fruit4 ,not that anything can be accepted that is not of faith1 but ,i speak this to show you how insignificant the profession of ,talkative will be at that day4 ,,faith4 ,this brings to my mind that of ,moses1 by which he describeth the beast that is clean 7,lev4 #aa2 ,deut4 #ad74 ,he is such a one that parteth the hoof and cheweth the cud2 not that parteth the hoof only1 or that cheweth the cud only4 ,the hare cheweth the cud1 but yet is unclean1 because be parteth not the hoof4 ,and this truly resembleth ,talkative1 he cheweth the cud1 he seeketh knowledge1 he cheweth upon the word2 but he divideth not the hoof1 he parteth not with the way of sinners2 but1 as the hare1 he retaineth the foot of a dog or bear1 and therefore he is unclean4#abe ,,chr4 ,you have spoken1 for aught ,i know1 the true ,gospel sense of those texts4 ,and ,i will add another thing3 ,paul calleth some men1 yea1 and those great talkers too1 sounding brass1 and tinkling cymbals1 that is1 as he expounds them in another place1 things without life1 giving sound 7#a ,cor4 #ac3a-c2 #ad3g74 ,things without life1 that is1 without the true faith and grace of the ,gospel2 and consequently1 things that shall never be placed in the kingdom of ,heaven among those that are the children of life2 though their sound1 by their talk1 be as if it were the tongue or voice of an angel4 ,,faith4 ,well1 ,i was not so fond of his company at first1 but ,i am as sick of it now4 ,what shall we do to be rid of him8 ,,chr4 ,take my advice1 and do as ,i bid you1 and you shall find that he will soon be sick of your company too1 except ,god shall touch his heart1 and turn it4 ,,faith4 ,what would you have me to do8 ,,chr4 ,why1 go to him1 and enter into some serious discourse about the power of religion2 and ask him plainly 7when he has approved of it1 for that he will7 whether this thing be set up in his heart1 house1 or conversation8#abf ,,faith4 ,then ,faithful stepped forward again1 and said to ,talkative1 ,come1 what cheer8 ,how is it now8 ,,talk4 ,thank you1 well4 ,i thought we should have had a great deal of talk by this time4 ,,faith4 ,well1 if you will1 we will fall to it now2 and since you left it with me to state the question1 let it be this3 ,how doth the saving grace of ,god discover itself1 when it is in the heart of man8 ,,talk4 ,i perceive then1 that our talk must be about the power of things4 ,well1 it is a very good question1 and ,i shall be willing to answer you4 ,and take my answer in brief1 thus3 ,first1 ,where the grace of work of ,god is in the heart1 it causeth there a great outcry against sin4 ,secondly- ,,faith4 ,nay1 hold1 let us consider of one at once4 ,i think you should rather say1 ,it shows itself by inclining the soul to abhor its sin4 ,,talk4 ,why1 what difference is there between crying out against1 and abhorring of sin8 ,,faith4 ,o6 a great deal4 ,a man may cry out against sin of policy1 but he cannot abhor it1 but by virtue of a godly antipathy against it4 ,i have heard many cry out against sin in the pulpit1 who yet can abide it well enough in the heart1 house1 and conversation4 ,joseph's mistress cried out with a loud voice1 as if she had been very holy2 but she would willingly1 notwithstanding that1 have committed uncleanness with him 7,gen4 #ci3ae74 ,some cry out against sin1 even as the mother cries out against her child in her lap1 when she calleth it slut and naughty girl1 and then falls to hugging and kissing it4#abg ,,talk4 ,you lie at the catch1 ,i perceive4#abh ,,faith4 ,no1 not ,i2 ,i am only for setting things right4 ,but what is the second thing whereby you would prove a discovery of a work of grace in the heart8 ,,talk4 ,great knowledge of ,gospel mysteries4 ,,faith4 ,this sign should have been first2 but first or last1 it is also false2 for knowledge1 great knowledge1 may be obtained in the mysteries of the ,gospel1 and yet no work of grace in the soul 7#a ,cor4 #ac74 ,yea1 if a man have all knowledge1 he may yet be nothing1 and so consequently be no child of ,god4 ,when ,christ said1 ,do you know all these things8 and the disciples had answered1 ,yes2 ,he addeth1 ,blessed are ye if ye do them4 ,he doth not lay the blessing in the knowing of them1 but in the doing of them4 ,for there is a knowledge that is not attended with doing3 ,he that knoweth his master's will1 and doeth it not4 ,a man may know like an angel1 and yet be no ,christian1 therefore your sign of it is not true4 ,indeed1 to know is a thing that pleaseth talkers and boasters2 but to do is that which pleaseth ,god4 ,not that the heart can be good without knowledge2 for without that the heart is naught4 ,there is1 therefore1 knowledge and knowledge4 ,knowledge that resteth in the bare speculation of things2 and knowledge that is accompanied with the grace of faith and love2 which puts a man upon doing even the will of ,god from the heart3 the first of these will serve the talker2 but without the other the true ,christian is not content4 ,give me understanding1 and ,i shall keep ,thy law2 yea1 ,i shall observe it with my whole heart 7,psa4 #aai3cd74 ,,talk4 ,you lie at the catch again2 this is not for edification4#abi ,,faith4 ,well1 if you please1 propound another sign how this work of grace discovereth itself where it is4 ,,talk4 ,not ,i1 for ,i see we shall not agree4 ,,faith4 ,well1 if you will not1 will you give me leave to do it8 ,,talk4 ,you may use your liberty4 ,,faith4 ,a work of grace in the soul discovereth itself1 either to him that hath it1 or to standers by4 ,to him that hath it thus3 ,it gives him conviction of sin1 especially of the defilement of his nature and the sin of unbelief 7for the sake of which he is sure to be damned1 if he findeth not mercy at ,god's hand1 by faith in ,jesus ,christ7 7,john #af3h2 ,rom4 #g3bd2 ,john #af3i2 ,mark #af3af74 ,this sight and sense of things worketh in him sorrow and shame for sin2 he findeth1 moreover1 revealed in ,him the ,saviour of the world1 and the absolute necessity of closing with ,him for life1 at the which he findeth hungerings and thirstings after ,him2 to which hungerings1 c41 the promise is made 7,psa4 #ch3ah2 ,jer4 #ca3ai2 ,gal4 #b3af2 ,acts #d3ab2 ,matt4 #e3f2 ,rev4 #ba3fj74 ,now1 according to the strength or weakness of his faith in his ,saviour1 so is his joy and peace1 so is his love to holiness1 so are his desires to know ,him more1 and also to serve ,him in this world4 ,but though ,i say it discovereth itself thus unto him1 yet it is but seldom that he is able to conclude that this is a work of grace2 because his corruptions now1 and his abused reason1 make his mind to misjudge in this matter2 therefore1 in him that hath this work1 there is required a very sound judgment before he can1 with steadiness1 conclude that this is a work of grace4 ,to others1 it is thus discovered3 #a4 ,by an experimental confession of his faith in ,christ 7,rom4 #aj3aj2 ,phil4 #a3bg2 ,matt4 #e3ai74 #b4 ,by a life answerable to that confession2 to wit1 a life of holiness2 heart-holiness1 family-holiness 7if he hath a family71 and by conversation-holiness in the world2 which1 in the general1 teacheth him1 inwardly1 to abhor his sin1 and himself for that1 in secret2 to suppress it in his family1 and to promote holiness in the world2 not by talk only1 as a hypocrite or talkative person may do1 but by a practical subjection1 in faith and love1 to the power of the ,word 7,john #ad3ae2 ,psa4 #a3bc2 ,job #db3e1 #f2 ,ezek4 #bj3dc74 ,and now1 ,sir1 as to this brief description of the work of grace1 and also the discovery of it1 if you have aught to object1 object2 if not1 then give me leave to propound to you a second question4 ,,talk4 ,nay1 my part is not now to object1 but to hear2 let me1 therefore1 have your second question4 ,,faith4 ,it is this3 ,do you experience this first part of this description of it8 and doth your life and conversation testify the same8 or standeth your religion in word or in tongue1 and not in deed and truth8 ,pray1 if you incline to answer me in this1 say no more than you know the ,god above will say ,amen to2 and1 also1 nothing but what your conscience can justify you in2 for1 not he that commendeth himself is approved1 but whom the ,lord commendeth4 ,besides1 to say1 ,i am thus1 and thus1 when my conversation1 and all my neighbours1 tell me ,i lie1 is great wickedness4#acj ,,talk4 ,then ,talkative at first began to blush2 but1 recovering himself1 thus he replied3 ,you come now to experience1 to conscience1 and ,god2 and to appeal to ,him for justification of what is spoken4 ,this kind of discourse ,i did not expect2 nor am ,i disposed to give an answer to such questions1 because ,i count not myself bound thereto1 unless you take upon you to be a catechiser1 and1 though you should so do1 yet ,i may refuse to make you my judge4 ,but1 ,i pray1 will you tell me why you ask me such questions8#aca ,,faith4 ,because ,i saw you forward to talk1 and because ,i knew not that you had aught else but notion4 ,besides1 to tell you all the truth1 ,i have heard of you1 that you are a man whose religion lies in talk1 and that your conversation gives this your mouth-profession the lie4 ,they say1 you are a spot among ,christians2 and that religion fareth the worse for your ungodly conversation2 that some already have stumbled at your wicked ways1 and that more are in danger of being destroyed thereby2 your religion1 and an ale-house1 and covetousness1 and uncleanness1 and swearing1 and lying1 and vain company keeping1 c41 will stand together4 ,the proverb is true of you which is said of a whore1 to wit1 that she is a shame to all women2 so are you a shame to all professors4#acb ,,talk4 ,since you are ready to take up reports1 and to judge so rashly as you do1 ,i cannot but conclude you are some peevish or melancholy man1 not fit to be discoursed with2 and so adieu4#acc ,,chr4 ,then came up ,christian1 and said to his brother1 ,i told you how it would happen2 your words and his lusts could not agree2 he had rather leave your company than reform his life4 ,but he is gone1 as ,i said2 let him go1 the loss is no man's but his own2 he has saved us the trouble of going from him2 for he continuing 7as ,i suppose he will do7 as he is1 he would have been but a blot in our company2 besides1 the apostle says1 ,from such withdraw thyself4 ,,faith4 ,but ,i am glad we had this little discourse with him2 it may happen that he will think of it again2 however1 ,i have dealt plainly with him1 and so am clear of his blood1 if he perisheth4 ,,chr4 ,you did well to talk so plainly to him as you did2 there is but little of this faithful dealing with men now-a-days1 and that makes religion to stink so in the nostrils of many1 as it doth2 for they are these talkative fools whose religion is only in word1 and are debauched and vain in their conversation1 that 7being so much admitted into the fellowship of the godly7 do puzzle the world1 blemish ,christianity1 and grieve the sincere4 ,i wish that all men would deal with such as you have done2 then should they either be made more conformable to religion1 or the company of saints would be too hot for them4 ,then did ,faithful say1 ,how ,talkative at first lifts up his plumes6 ,how bravely doth he speak6 ,how he presumes ,to drive down all before him6 ,but so soon ,as ,faithful talks of heart-work1 like the moon ,that's past the full1 into the wane he goes4 ,and so will all1 but he that ,,heart-,,work knows4 ,thus they went on talking of what they had seen by the way1 and so made that way easy which would1 otherwise1 no doubt1 have been tedious to them2 for now they went through a wilderness4 ,now1 when they were got almost quite out of this wilderness1 ,faithful chanced to cast his eye back1 and espied one coming after them1 and he knew him4 ,oh6 said ,faithful to his brother1 ,who comes yonder8 ,then ,christian looked1 and said1 ,it is my good friend ,evangelist4 ,aye1 and my good friend too1 said ,faithful1 for it was he that set me the way to the gate4 ,now was ,evangelist come up unto them1 and thus saluted them3 ,,evan4 ,peace be with you1 dearly beloved2 and peace be to your helpers4 ,,chr4 ,welcome1 welcome1 my good ,evangelist2 the sight of thy countenance brings to my remembrance thy ancient kindness and unwearied labouring for my eternal good4 ,,faith4 ,and a thousand times welcome1 said good ,faithful4 ,thy company1 ,o sweet ,evangelist1 how desirable it is to us poor pilgrims6#acd ,,evan4 ,then said ,evangelist1 ,how hath it fared with you1 my friends1 since the time of our last parting8 ,what have you met with1 and how have you behaved yourselves8 ,then ,christian and ,faithful told him of all things that had happened to them in the way2 and how and with what difficulty1 they had arrived to that place4#ace ,,evan4 ,right glad am ,i1 said ,evangelist1 not that you have met with trials1 but that you have been victors2 and for that you have1 notwithstanding many weaknesses1 continued in the way to this very day4 ,i say1 right glad am ,i of this thing1 and that for mine own sake and yours4 ,i have sowed1 and you have reaped2 and the day is coming1 when both he that sowed and they that reaped shall rejoice together2 that is1 if you hold out2 for in due season ye shall reap1 if ye faint not 7,john #d3cf2 ,gal4 #f3i74 ,the crown is before you1 and it is an incorruptible one2 so run1 that you may obtain it 7#a ,cor4 #i3bd-bg74 ,some there be that set out for this crown1 and1 after they have gone far for it1 another comes in1 and takes it from them2 hold fast1 therefore1 that you have1 let no man take your crown 7,rev4 #c3aa74acf ,you are not yet out of the gun-shot of the devil2 you have not resisted unto blood1 striving against sin2 let the kingdom be always before you1 and believe steadfastly concerning things that are invisible4 ,let nothing that is on this side the other world get within you2 and1 above all1 look well to your own hearts1 and to the lusts thereof1 for they are deceitful above all things1 and desperately wicked2 set your faces like a flint2 you have all power in ,heaven and earth on your side4 ,,chr4 ,then ,christian thanked him for his exhortation2 but told him1 withal1 that they would have him speak further to them for their help the rest of the way1 and the rather1 for that they well knew that he was a prophet1 and could tell them of things that might happen unto them1 and also how they might resist and overcome them4 ,to which request ,faithful also consented4 ,so ,evangelist began as followeth3 ,,evan4 ,my sons1 you have heard in the words of the truth of the ,gospel that you must1 through many tribulations1 enter into the kingdom of ,heaven4 ,and again1 that in every city bonds and afflictions abide in you2 and therefore you cannot expect that you should go long on your pilgrimage without them1 in some sort or other4 ,you have found something of the truth of these testimonies upon you already1 and more will immediately follow2 for now1 as you see1 you are almost out of this wilderness1 and therefore you will soon come into a town that you will by and by see before you2 and in that town you will be hardly beset with enemies1 who will strain hard but they will kill you2 and be you sure that one or both of you must seal the testimony which you hold1 with blood2 but be you faithful unto death1 and the ,king will give you a crown of life4 ,he that shall die there1 although his death will be unnatural1 and his pain perhaps great1 he will yet have the better of his fellow2 not only because he will be arrived at the ,celestial ,city soonest1 but because he will escape many miseries that the other will meet with in the rest of his journey4 ,but when you are come to the town1 and shall find fulfilled what ,i have here related1 then remember your friend and quit yourselves like men1 and commit the keeping of your souls to your ,god in well-doing1 as unto a faithful ,creator4#acg ,then ,i saw in my dream1 that when they were got out of the wilderness1 they presently saw a town before them1 and the name of that town is ,vanity2 and at the town there is a fair kept1 called ,vanity ,fair3 it is kept all the year long2 it beareth the name of ,vanity ,fair1 because the town where it is kept is lighter than vanity2 and also because all that is there sold1 or that cometh thither1 is vanity4 ,as is the saying of the wise1 ,all that cometh is vanity 7,eccl4 #a2 #b3aa1 #ag2 #aa3h2 ,isa4 #dj3ag74 ,this fair is no new-erected business1 but a thing of ancient standing2 ,i will show you the original of it4 ,almost #e1jjj years agone1 there were pilgrims walking to the ,celestial ,city as these two honest persons are3 and ,beelzebub1 ,apollyon1 and ,legion1 with their companions1 perceiving by the path that the pilgrims made1 that their way to the city lay through this town of ,vanity1 they contrived here to set up a fair2 a fair wherein should be sold all sorts of vanity1 and that it should last all the year long3 therefore at this fair are all such merchandise sold1 as houses1 lands1 trades1 places1 honours1 preferments1 titles1 countries1 kingdoms1 lusts1 pleasures1 and delights of all sorts1 as whores1 bawds1 wives1 husbands1 children1 masters1 servants1 lives1 blood1 bodies1 souls1 silver1 gold1 pearls1 precious stones1 and what not4#ach ,and1 moreover1 at this fair there is at all times1 to be seen juggling1 cheats1 games1 plays1 fools1 apes1 knaves1 and rogues1 and that of every kind4 ,here are to be seen too1 and that for nothing1 thefts1 murders1 adulteries1 false swearers1 and that of a blood-red colour4#aci ,and as in other fairs of less moment1 there are the several rows and streets1 under their proper names1 where such and such wares are vended2 so here likewise you have the proper places1 rows1 streets 7viz4 countries and kingdoms71 where the wares of this fair are soonest to be found4 ,here is the ,britain ,row1 the ,french ,row1 the ,italian ,row1 the ,spanish ,row1 the ,german ,row1 where several sorts of vanities are to be sold4 ,but1 as in other fairs1 some one commodity is as the chief of all the fair1 so the ware of ,rome and her merchandise is greatly promoted in this fair2 only our ,english nation1 with some others1 have taken a dislike thereat4#adj ,now1 as ,i said1 the way to the ,celestial ,city lies just through this town where this lusty fair is kept2 and he that will go to the ,city1 and yet not go through this town1 must needs go out of the world 7#a ,cor4 #e3aj74 ,the ,prince of princes ,himself1 when here1 went through this town to ,his own country1 and that upon a fair day too2 yea1 and as ,i think1 it was ,beelzebub1 the chief lord of this fair1 that invited ,him to buy of his vanities2 yea1 would have made ,him lord of the fair1 would ,he but have done him reverence as ,he went through the town 7,matt4 #d3h2 ,luke #d3e-g74 ,yea1 because ,he was such a person of honour1 ,beelzebub had ,him from street to street1 and showed ,him all the kingdoms of the world in a little time1 that he might1 if possible1 allure the ,blessed ,one to cheapen and buy some of his vanities2 but ,he had no mind to the merchandise1 and therefore left the town1 without laying out so much as one farthing upon these vanities4 ,this fair1 therefore1 is an ancient thing1 of long standing1 and a very great fair4 ,now these ,pilgrims1 as ,i said1 must needs go through this fair4#ada ,well1 so they did2 but1 behold1 even as they entered into the fair1 all the people in the fair were moved1 and the town itself as it were in a hubbub about them2 and that for several reasons2 for- ,first1 ,the pilgrims were clothed with such kind of raiment as was diverse from the raiment of any that traded in that fair4 ,the people1 therefore1 of the fair1 made a great gazing upon them3 some said they were fools1 some they were bedlams1 and some they are outlandish men#adb 7#a ,cor4 #b3g1 #h74 ,secondly1 ,and as they wondered at their apparel1 so they did likewise at their speech2 for few could understand what they said2 they naturally spoke the language of ,canaan1 but they that kept the fair were the men of this world2 so that1 from one end of the fair to the other1 they seemed barbarians each to the other4 ,thirdly1 ,but that which did not a little amuse the merchandisers was1 that these pilgrims set very light by all their wares2 they cared not so much as to look upon them2 and if they called upon them to buy1 they would put their fingers in their ears1 and cry1 ,turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity1#adc and look upwards1 signifying that their trade and traffic was in ,heaven 7,psa4 #aai3cg2 ,phil4 #c3ai1 #bj74 ,one chanced mockingly1 beholding the carriage of the men1 to say unto them1 ,what will ye buy8 ,but they1 looking gravely upon him1 answered1 ,we buy the truth 7,psa4 #bc3bc74add ,at that there was an occasion taken to despise the men the more3 some mocking1 some taunting1 some speaking reproachfully1 and some calling upon others to smite them4 ,at last things came to a hubbub1 and great stir in the fair1 insomuch that all order was confounded4 ,now was word presently brought to the great one of the fair1 who quickly came down1 and deputed some of his most trusty friends to take these men into examination1 about whom the fair was almost overturned4 ,so the men were brought to examination2 and they that sat upon them1 asked them whence they came1 whither they went1 and what they did there in such an unusual garb8 ,the men told them1 that they were pilgrims and strangers in the world1 and that they were going to their own country1 which was the heavenly ,jerusalem 7,heb4 #i3ac-af72 and that they had given no occasion to the men of the town1 nor yet to the merchandisers1 thus to abuse them1 and to let them in their journey1 except it was1 for that1 when one asked them what they would buy1 they said they would buy the truth4 ,but they that were appointed to examine them did not believe them to be any other than bedlams and mad1 or else such as came to put all things into a confusion in the fair4 ,therefore they took them and beat them1 and besmeared them with dirt1 and then put them into the cage1 that they might be made a spectacle to all the men of the fair4 ,there1 therefore1 they lay for some time1 and were made the objects of any man's sport1 or malice1 or revenge1 the great one of the fair laughing still at all that befell them4 ,but the men being patient1 and not rendering railing for railing1 but contrariwise1 blessing1 and giving good words for bad1 and kindness for injuries done1 some men in the fair that were more observing1 and less prejudiced than the rest1 began to check and blame the baser sort for their continual abuses done by them to the men2 they1 therefore1 in angry manner1 let fly at them again1 counting them as bad as the men in the cage1 and telling them that they seemed confederates1 and should be made partakers of their misfortunes4#ade ,the other replied1 that for aught they could see1 the men were quiet1 and sober1 and intended nobody any harm2 and that there were many that traded in their fair1 that were more worthy to be put into the cage1 yea1 and pillory too1 than were the men that they had abused4 ,thus1 after divers words had passed on both sides1 the men behaving themselves all the while very wisely and soberly before them1 they fell to some blows among themselves1 and did harm one to another4 ,then were these two poor men brought before their examiners again1 and there charged as being guilty of the late hubbub that had been in the fair4 ,so they beat them pitifully1 and hanged irons upon them1 and led them in chains up and down the fair1 for an example and a terror to others1 lest any should speak in their behalf1 or join themselves unto them4#adf ,but ,christian and ,faithful behaved themselves yet more wisely1 and received the ignominy and shame that was cast upon them1 with so much meekness and patience1 that it won to their side1 though but few in comparison of the rest1 several of the men in the fair4 ,this put the other party yet into greater rage1 insomuch that they concluded the death of these two men4 ,wherefore they threatened1 that the cage nor irons should serve their turn1 but that they should die1 for the abuse they had done1 and for deluding the men of the fair4 ,then were they remanded to the cage again1 until further order should be taken with them4 ,so they put them in1 and made their feet fast in the stocks4 ,here1 therefore1 they called again to mind what they had heard from their faithful friend ,evangelist1 and were the more confirmed in their way and sufferings1 by what he told them would happen to them4#adg ,they also now comforted each other1 that whose lot it was to suffer1 even he should have the best of it2 therefore each man secretly wished that he might have that preferment3 but committing themselves to the all-wise disposal of ,him that ruleth all things1 with much content they abode in the condition in which they were1 until they should be otherwise disposed of4#adh ,then a convenient time being appointed1 they brought them forth to their trial1 in order to their condemnation4 ,when the time was come1 they were brought before their enemies and arraigned4 ,the ,judge's name was ,lord ,hate-good4 ,their indictment was one and the same in substance1 though somewhat varying in form1 the contents whereof were this- ,that they were enemies to1 and disturbers of their trade2 that they had made commotions and divisions in the town1 and had won a party to their own most dangerous opinions1 in contempt of the law of their prince4#adi ,then ,faithful began to answer1 that he had only set himself against that which had set itself against ,him that is higher than the highest4 ,and1 said he1 as for disturbance1 ,i make none1 being myself a man of peace2 the parties that were won to us1 were won by beholding our truth and innocence1 and they are only turned from the worse to the better4 ,and as to the king you talk of1 since be is ,beelzebub1 the enemy of our ,lord1 ,i defy him and all his angels4 ,then proclamation was made1 that they that had aught to say for their lord the king against the prisoner at the bar1 should forthwith appear and give in their evidence4 ,so there came in three witnesses1 to wit1 ,envy1 ,superstition1 and ,pickthank4 ,they were then asked if they knew the prisoner at the bar2 and what they had to say for their lord the king against him4 ,then stood forth ,envy1 and said to this effect1 ,my ,lord1 ,i have known this man a long time1 and will attest upon my oath before this honourable bench1 that he is- ,,judge4 ,hold4 ,give him his oath4 7,so they sware him74 ,then he said- ,,envy4 ,my ,lord1 this man1 notwithstanding his plausible name1 is one of the vilest men in our country4 ,he neither regardeth prince nor people1 law nor custom2 but doth all that he can to possess all men with certain of his disloyal notions1#aej which he in the general calls principles of faith and holiness4 ,and1 in particular1 ,i heard him once myself affirm1 that ,christianity and the customs of our town of ,vanity1 were diametrically opposite1 and could not be reconciled4 ,by which saying1 my ,lord1 he doth at once not only condemn all our laudable doings1 but us in the doing of them4 ,,judge4 ,then did the ,judge say to him1 ,hast thou any more to say8 ,,envy4 ,my ,lord1 ,i could say much more1 only ,i would not be tedious to the court4 ,yet1 if need be1 when the other gentlemen have given in their evidence1 rather than anything shall be wanting that will despatch him1 ,i will enlarge my testimony against him4 ,so he was bid stand by4 ,then they called ,superstition1 and bid him look upon the prisoner4 ,they also asked1 what he could say for their lord the king against him4 ,then they sware him2 so he began4 ,,super4 ,my ,lord1 ,i have no great acquaintance with this man1 nor do ,i desire to have further knowledge of him2 however1 this ,i know1 that he is a very pestilent fellow1 from some discourse that1 the other day1 ,i had with him in this town2 for then talking with him1 ,i heard him say1 that our religion was naught1 and such by which a man could by no means please ,god4 ,which sayings of his1 my ,lord1 your ,lordship very well knows1 what necessarily thence will follow1 to wit1 that we do still worship in vain1 are yet in our sins1 and finally shall be damned2 and this is that which ,i have to say4#aea ,then was ,pickthank sworn1 and bid say what he knew1 in behalf of their lord the king1 against the prisoner at the bar4 ,,pick4 ,my ,lord1 and you gentlemen all1 ,this fellow ,i have known of a long time1 and have heard him speak things that ought not to be spoke2 for he hath railed on our noble prince ,beelzebub1 and hath spoken contemptibly of his honourable friends1 whose names are the ,lord ,old ,man1 the ,lord ,carnal ,delight1 the ,lord ,luxurious1 the ,lord ,desire of ,vain ,glory1 my old ,lord ,lechery1 ,sir ,having ,greedy1 with all the rest of our nobility2 and he hath said1 moreover1 ,that if all men were of his mind1 if possible1 there is not one of these noblemen should have any longer a being in this town4 ,besides1 he hath not been afraid to rail on you1 my ,lord1 who are now appointed to be his judge1 calling you an ungodly villain1 with many other such like vilifying terms1 with which he hath bespattered most of the gentry of our town4#aeb ,when this ,pickthank had told his tale1 the ,judge directed his speech to the prisoner at the bar1 saying1 ,thou runagate1 heretic1 and traitor1 hast thou heard what these honest gentlemen have witnessed against thee8 ,,faith4 ,may ,i speak a few words in my own defence8 ,,judge4 ,sirrah6 ,sirrah6 thou deservest to live no longer1 but to be slain immediately upon the place2 yet1 that all men may see our gentleness towards thee1 let us hear what thou1 vile runagate1 hast to say4 ,,faith4 #a4 ,i say1 then1 in answer to what ,mr4 ,envy hath spoken1 ,i never said aught but this1 ,that what rule1 or laws1 or custom1 or people1 were flat against the ,word of ,god1 are diametrically opposite to ,christianity4 ,if ,i have said amiss in this1 convince me of my error1 and ,i am ready here before you to make my recantation4 #b4 ,as to the second1 to wit1 ,mr4 ,superstition1 and his charge against me1 ,i said only this1 ,that in the worship of ,god there is required a ,divine faith2 but there can be no ,divine faith without a ,divine revelation of the will of ,god4 ,therefore1 whatever is thrust into the worship of ,god that is not agreeable to ,divine revelation1 cannot be done but by a human faith1 which faith will not be profitable to eternal life4 #c4 ,as to what ,mr4 ,pickthank hath said1 ,i say 7avoiding terms1 as that ,i am said to rail1 and the like71 that the prince of this town1 with all the rabblement1 his attendants1 by this gentleman named1 are more fit for a being in hell1 than in this town and country3 and so1 the ,lord have mercy upon me6#aec ,then the ,judge called to the jury 7who all this while stood by1 to hear and observe72#aed ,gentlemen of the jury1 you see this man about whom so great an uproar hath been made in this town4 ,you have also heard what these worthy gentlemen have witnessed against him4 ,also you have heard his reply and confession4 ,it lieth now in your breasts to hang him1 or save his life2 but yet ,i think meet to instruct you into our law4 ,there was an ,act made in the days of ,pharaoh the ,great1 servant to our prince1 that lest those of a contrary religion should multiply1 and grow too strong for him1 their males should be thrown into the river 7,exo4 #a74 ,there was also an ,act made in the days of ,nebuchadnezzar the ,great1 another of his servants1 that whosoever would not fall down and worship his golden image1 should be thrown into a fiery furnace 7,dan4 #c74 ,there was also an ,act made in the days of ,darius1 that whoso1 for some time1 called upon any ,god but him1 should be cast into the lions' den 7,dan4 #f74 ,now the substance of these laws this rebel has broken1 not only in thought 7which is not to be borne7 but also in word and deed2 which must therefore needs be intolerable4 ,for that of ,pharaoh1 his law was made upon a supposition1 to prevent mischief1 no crime being yet apparent2 but here is a crime apparent4 ,for the second and third1 you see he disputeth against our religion2 and for the treason he hath confessed1 he deserveth to die the death4 ,then went the jury out1 whose names were1 ,mr4 ,blind-man1 ,mr4 ,no-good1 ,mr4 ,malice1 ,mr4 ,love-lust1 ,mr4 ,live-loose1 ,mr4 ,heady1 ,mr4 ,high-mind1 ,mr4 ,enmity1 ,mr4 ,liar1 ,mr4 ,cruelty1 ,mr4 ,hate-light1 and ,mr4 ,implacable2 who every one gave in his private verdict against him among themselves1 and afterwards unanimously concluded to bring him in guilty before the ,judge4 ,and first1 among themselves1 ,mr4 ,blind-man1 the foreman1 said1 ,i see clearly that this man is a heretic4#aee ,then said ,mr4 ,no-good1 ,away with such a fellow from the earth4 ,ay1 said ,mr4 ,malice1 for ,i hate the very looks of him4 ,then said ,mr4 ,love-lust1 ,i could never endure him4 ,nor ,i1 said ,mr4 ,live-loose1 for he would always be condemning my way4 ,hang him1 hang him1 said ,mr4 ,heady4 ,a sorry scrub1 said ,mr4 ,high-mind4 ,my heart riseth against him1 said ,mr4 ,enmity4 ,he is a rogue1 said ,mr4 ,liar4 ,hanging is too good for him1 said ,mr4 ,cruelty4 ,let us despatch him out of the way1 said ,mr4 ,hate-light4 ,then said ,mr4 ,implacable1 ,might ,i have all the world given me1 ,i could not be reconciled to him2 therefore1 let us forthwith bring him in guilty of death4#aef ,and so they did2 therefore he was presently condemned1 to be had from the place where he was1 to the place from whence he came1 and there to be put to the most cruel death that could be invented4#aeg ,they1 therefore1 brought him out1 to do with him according to their law2 and1 first1 they scourged him1 then they buffeted him1 then they lanced his flesh with knives2 after that1 they stoned him with stones1 then pricked him with their swords2 and1 last of all1 they burned him to ashes at the stake4 ,thus came ,faithful to his end4#aeh ,now ,i saw that there stood behind the multitude1 a chariot and a couple of horses1 waiting for ,faithful1 who 7so soon as his adversaries had despatched him7 was taken up into it1 and straightway was carried up through the clouds1 with sound of trumpet1 the nearest way to the ,celestial ,gate4#aei ,but as for ,christian1 he had some respite1 and was remanded back to prison4 ,so he there remained for a space2 but ,he that overrules all things1 having the power of their rage in ,his own hand1 so wrought it about1 that ,christian for that time escaped them1 and went his way2#afj and as he went1 he sang1 saying- ,well1 ,faithful1 thou hast faithfully profest ,unto thy ,lord2 with whom thou shalt be blest1 ,when faithless ones1 with all their vain delights1 ,are crying out under their hellish plights1 ,sing1 ,faithful1 sing1 and let thy name survive2 ,for1 though they kill'd thee1 thou art yet alive4 ,now ,i saw in my dream1 that ,christian went not forth alone1 for there was one whose name was ,hopeful 7being made so by the beholding of ,christian and ,faithful in their words and behaviour1 in their sufferings at the ,fair71 who joined himself unto him1 and1 entering into a brotherly covenant1 told him that he would be his companion4 ,thus1 one died to bear testimony to the truth1 and another rises out of his ashes1 to be a companion with ,christian in his pilgrimage4#afa ,this ,hopeful also told ,christian1 that there were many more of the men in the ,fair1 that would take their time and follow after4 ,so ,i saw that quickly after they were got out of the ,fair1 they overtook one that was going before them1 whose name was ,by-ends2 so they said to him1 ,what countryman1 ,sir8 and how far go you this way8 ,he told them1 that he came from the town of ,fair-speech1 and he was going to the ,celestial ,city1 but told them not his name4 ,from ,fair-speech6 said ,christian4 ,is there any good that lives there8 7,prov4 #bf3be74 ,,by-,,ends4 ,yes1 said ,by-ends1 ,i hope4 ,,chr4 ,pray1 ,sir1 ,what may ,i call you8 ,said ,christian4 ,,by-,,ends4 ,i am a stranger to you1 and you to me3 if you be going this way1 ,i shall be glad of your company2 if not1 ,i must be content4 ,,chr4 ,this town of ,fair-speech1 said ,christian1 ,i have heard of2 and1 as ,i remember1 they say it is a wealthy place4 ,,by-,,ends4 ,yes1 ,i will assure you that it is2 and ,i have very many rich kindred there4 ,,chr4 ,pray1 who are your kindred there8 if a man may be so bold4 ,,by-,,ends4 ,almost the whole town2 and in particular1 my ,lord ,turn-about1 my ,lord ,time-server1 my ,lord ,fair-speech 7from whose ancestors that town first took its name71 also ,mr4 ,smooth-man1 ,mr4 ,facing-both-ways1 ,mr4 ,any-thing2 and the parson of our parish1 ,mr4 ,two-tongues1 was my mother's own brother1 by father's side2 and to tell you the truth1 ,i am become a gentleman of good quality1 yet my great-grandfather was but a waterman1 looking one way and rowing another1 and ,i got most of my estate by the same occupation4 ,,chr4 ,are you a married man8 ,,by-,,ends4 ,yes1 and my wife is a very virtuous woman1 the daughter of a virtuous woman2 she was my ,lady ,feigning's daughter1 therefore she came of a very honourable family1 and is arrived to such a pitch of breeding1 that she knows how to carry it to all1 even to prince and peasant4 ,it is true we somewhat differ in religion from those of the stricter sort1 yet but in two small points2 first1 we never strive against wind and tide2 secondly1 we are always most zealous when religion goes in his silver slippers2 we love much to walk with him in the street1 if the sun shines1 and the people applaud him4#afb ,then ,christian stepped a little aside to his fellow ,hopeful1 saying1 ,it runs in my mind that this is one ,by-ends of ,fair-speech2 and if it be he1 we have as very a knave in our company1 as dwelleth in all these parts4 ,then said ,hopeful1 ,ask him2 methinks he should not be ashamed of his name4 ,so ,christian came up with him again1 and said1 ,sir1 you talk as if you knew something more than all the world doth2#afc and if ,i take not my mark amiss1 ,i deem ,i have half a guess of you3 ,is not your name ,mr4 ,by-ends1 of ,fair-speech8 ,,by-,,ends4 ,this is not my name1 but indeed it is a nickname that is given me by some that cannot abide me2 and ,i must be content to bear it as a reproach1 as other good men have borne theirs before me4 ,,chr4 ,but did you never give an occasion to men to call you by this name8 ,,by-,,ends4 ,never1 never6 ,the worst that ever ,i did to give them an occasion to give me this name was1 that ,i had always the luck to jump in my judgment with the present way of the times1 whatever it was1 and my chance was to get thereby2 but if things are thus cast upon me1 let me count them a blessing2 but let not the malicious load me therefore with reproach4 ,,chr4 ,i thought1 indeed1 that you were the man that ,i heard of2 and to tell you what ,i think1 ,i fear this name belongs to you more properly than you are willing we should think it doth4 ,,by-,,ends4 ,well1 if you will thus imagine1 ,i cannot help it2 you shall find me a fair company-keeper1 if you will still admit me your associate4 ,,chr4 ,if you will go with us1 you must go against wind and tide2#afd the which1 ,i perceive1 is against your opinion2 you must also own religion in his rags1 as well as when in his silver slippers2 and stand by him1 too1 when bound in irons1 as well as when he walketh the streets with applause4 ,,by-,,ends4 ,you must not impose1 nor lord it over my faith2 leave me to my liberty1 and let me go with you4 ,,chr4 ,not a step further1 unless you will do in what ,i propound1 as we4 ,then said ,by-ends1 ,i shall never desert my old principles1 since they are harmless and profitable4 ,if ,i may not go with you1 ,i must do as ,i did before you overtook me1 even go by myself1 until some overtake me that will be glad of my company4#afe ,now ,i saw in my dream1 that ,christian and ,hopeful forsook him1 and kept their distance before him2 but one of them looking back1 saw three men following ,mr4 ,by-ends1 and behold1 as they came up with him1 he made them a very low conge2 and they also gave him a compliment4 ,the men's names were ,mr4 ,hold-the-world1 ,mr4 ,money-love1 and ,mr4 ,save-all2#aff men that ,mr4 ,by-ends had formerly been acquainted with2 for in their minority they were schoolfellows1 and were taught by one ,mr4 ,gripeman1 a schoolmaster in ,love-gain1 which is a market town in the county of ,coveting1 in the north4 ,this schoolmaster taught them the art of getting1 either by violence1 cozenage1 flattery1 lying1 or by putting on a guise of religion2 and these four gentlemen had attained much of the art of their master1 so that they could each of them have kept such a school themselves4 ,well1 when they had1 as ,i said1 thus saluted each other1 ,mr4 ,money-love said to ,mr4 ,by-ends1 ,who are they upon the road before us8 7for ,christian and ,hopeful were yet within view74 ,,by-,,ends4 ,they are a couple of far countrymen1 that1 after their mode1 are going on pilgrimage4 ,,money-,,love4 ,alas6 ,why did they not stay1 that we might have had their good company8 for they1 and we1 and you1 ,sir1 ,i hope1 are all going on a pilgrimage4 ,,by-,,ends4 ,we are so1 indeed2 but the men before us are so rigid1 and love so much their own notions1#afg and do also so lightly esteem the opinions of others1 that let a man be never so godly1 yet if he jumps not with them in all things1 they thrust him quite out of their company4 ,,save-,,all4 ,that is had1 but we read of some that are righteous overmuch2#afh and such men's rigidness prevails with them to judge and condemn all but themselves4 ,but1 ,i pray1 what1 and how many1 were the things wherein you differed8#afi ,,by-,,ends4 ,why1 they1 after their headstrong manner1 conclude that it is duty to rush on their journey all weathers2 and ,i am for waiting for wind and tide4 ,they are for hazarding all for ,god at a clap2 and ,i am for taking all advantages to secure my life and estate4 ,they are for holding their notions1 though all other men are against them2 but ,i am for religion in what1 and so far as the times1 and my safety1 will bear it4 ,they are for religion when in rags and contempt2 but ,i am for him when he walks in his golden slippers1 in the sunshine1 and with applause4#agj ,,mr4 ,,hold-,,the-,,world4 ,aye1 and hold you there still1 good ,mr4 ,by-ends2 for1 for my part1 ,i can count him but a fool1 that1 having the liberty to keep what he has1 shall be so unwise as to lose it4 ,let us be wise as serpents2 it is best to make hay when the sun shines2 you see how the bee lieth still all winter1 and bestirs her only when she can have profit with pleasure4 ,god sends sometimes rain1 and sometimes sunshine2 if they be such fools to go through the first1 yet let us be content to take fair weather along with us4 ,for my part1 ,i like that religion best1 that will stand with the security of ,god's good blessings unto us2 for who can imagine1 that is ruled by his reason1 since ,god has bestowed upon us the good things of this life1 but that ,he would have us keep them for ,his sake8 ,abraham and ,solomon grew rich in religion4 ,and ,job says1 that a good man shall lay up gold as dust4 ,but he must not be such as the men before us1 if they be as you have described them4 ,,mr4 ,,save-,,all4 ,i think that we are all agreed in this matter1 and therefore there needs no more words about it4#aga ,,mr4 ,,money-,,love4 ,no1 there needs no more words about this matter indeed2 for he that believes neither ,scripture nor reason 7and you see we have both on our side71 neither knows his own liberty1 nor seeks his own safety4#agb ,,mr4 ,,by-,,ends4 ,my brethren1 we are1 as you see1 going all on pilgrimage2 and for our better diversion from things that are bad1 give me leave to propound unto you this question3 ,suppose a man1 a minister1 or a tradesman1 c41 should have an advantage lie before him1 to get the good blessings of this life1 yet so as that he can by no means come by them except1 in appearance at least1 he becomes extraordinary zealous in some points of religion that he meddled not with before2 may he not use this means to attain his end1 and yet be a right honest man8 ,,mr4 ,,money-,,love4 ,i see the bottom of your question2 and1 with these gentlemen's good leave1 ,i will endeavour to shape you an answer4 ,and first to speak to your question as it concerns a minister himself3 ,suppose a minister1 a worthy man1 possessed but of a very small benefice1 and has in his eye a greater1 more fat1 and plump by far2 he has also now an opportunity of getting of it1 yet so as by being more studious1 by preaching more frequently1 and zealously1 and1 because the temper of the people requires it1 by altering of some of his principles2 for my part1 ,i see no reason but a man may do this 7provided he has a call71 aye1 and more a great deal besides1 and yet be an honest man4 ,for why- #a4 ,his desire of a greater benefice is lawful 7this cannot be contradicted71 since it is set before him by ,providence2 so then1 he may get it1 if he can1 making no question for conscience sake4 #b4 ,besides1 his desire after that benefice makes him more studious1 a more zealous preacher1 c41 and so makes him a better man2 yea1 makes him better improve his parts1 which is according to the mind of ,god4 #c4 ,now1 as for his complying with the temper of his people1 by dissenting1 to serve them1 some of his principles1 this argueth-7l74 ,that he is of a self-denying temper4 7#b74 ,of a sweet and winning deportment4 ,and so 7#c74 ,more fit for the ministerial function4 #d4 ,i conclude then1 that a minister that changes a small for a great1 should not1 for so doing1 be judged as covetous2 but rather1 since he is improved in his parts and industry thereby1 be counted as one that pursues his call1 and the opportunity put into his hand to do good4#agc ,and now to the second part of the question1 which concerns the tradesman you mentioned4 ,suppose such an one to have but a poor employ in the world1 but by becoming religious1 he may mend his market1 perhaps get a rich wife1 or more1 and far better customers to his shop2 for my part1 ,i see no reason but that this may be lawfully done4 ,for why- #a4 ,to become religious is a virtue1 by what means soever a man becomes so4 #b4 ,nor is it unlawful to get a rich wife1 or more custom to my shop4 #c4 ,besides1 the man that gets these by becoming religious1 gets that which is good1 of them that are good1 by becoming good himself2 so then here is a good wife1 and good customers1 and good gain1 and all these by becoming religious1 which is good2 therefore1 to become religious to get all these1 is a good and profitable design4#agd ,this answer1 thus made by this ,mr4 ,money-love to ,mr4 ,by-end's question1 was highly applauded by them all2 wherefore they concluded1 upon the whole1 that it was most wholesome and advantageous4 ,and because1 as they thought1 no man was able to contradict it1 and because ,christian and ,hopeful were yet within call1 they jointly agreed to assault them with the question as soon as they overtook them2 and the rather because they had opposed ,mr4 ,by-ends before4 ,so they called after them1 and they stopped1 and stood still till they came up to them2 but they concluded1 as they went1 that not ,mr4 ,by-ends1 but old ,mr4 ,hold-the-world1 should propound the question to them1 because1 as they supposed1 their answer to him would be without the remainder of that heat that was kindled betwixt ,mr4 ,by-ends and them1 at their parting a little before4 ,so they came up to each other1 and after a short salutation1 ,mr4 ,hold-the-world propounded the question to ,christian and his fellow1 and bid them to answer it if they could4 ,,chr4 then said ,christian1 ,even a babe in religion may answer #aj1jjj such questions4 ,for if it be unlawful to follow ,christ for loaves 7as it is in the sixth of ,john71 how much more abominable is it to make of him and religion a stalking-horse1 to get and enjoy the world6#age ,nor do we find any other than heathens1 hypocrites1 devils1 and witches1 that are of this opinion4#agf #a4 ,heathens2 for when ,hamor and ,shechem had a mind to the daughter and cattle of ,jacob1 and saw that there was no ways for them to come at them1 but by becoming circumcised2 they say to their companions1 if every male of us be circumcised1 as they are circumcised1 shall not their cattle1 and their substance1 and every beast of theirs1 be ours8 ,their daughter and their cattle were that which they sought to obtain1 and their religion the stalking-horse they made use of to come at them4 ,read the whole story 7,gen4 #cd3bj-bc74 #b4 ,the hypocritical ,pharisees were also of this religion2 long prayers were their pretence2 but to get widows' houses was their intent2 and greater damnation was from ,god their judgment 7,luke #bj3df1 #dg74 #c4 ,judas the devil was also of this religion2 he was religious for the bag1 that he might be possessed of what was therein2 but he was lost1 cast away1 and the very son of perdition4 #d4 ,simon the witch was of this religion too2 for he would have had the ,holy ,ghost1 that he might have got money therewith2 and his sentence from ,peter's mouth was according 7,acts #h3ai-bj74 #e4 ,neither will it out of my mind1 but that that man that takes up religion for the world1 will throw away religion for the world2 for so surely as ,judas designed the world in becoming religious1 so surely did he also sell religion and his ,master for the same4 ,to answer the question therefore affirmatively1 as ,i perceive you have done2 and to accept of1 as authentic1 such answer1 is both heathenish1 hypocritical1 and devilish2 and your reward will be according to your works4#agg ,then they stood staring one upon another1 but had not wherewith to answer ,christian4 ,hopeful also approved of the soundness of ,christian's answer2 so there was a great silence among them4 ,mr4 ,by-ends and his company also staggered and kept behind1 that ,christian and ,hopeful might outgo them4 ,then said ,christian to his fellow1 ,if these men cannot stand before the sentence of men1 what will they do with the sentence of ,god8 ,and if they are mute when dealt with by vessels of clay1 what will they do when they shall be rebuked by the flames of a devouring fire8#agh ,then ,christian and ,hopeful outwent them again1 and went till they came at a delicate plain1 called ,ease1 where they went with much content2 but that plain was but narrow1 so they were quickly got over it4 ,now at the further side of that plain1 was a little ,hill called ,lucre1 and in that hill a silver mine1 which some of them that had formerly gone that way1 because of the rarity of it1 had turned aside to see2 but going too near the brink of the pit1 the ground being deceitful under them1 broke1 and they were slain2 some also had been maimed there1 and could not1 to their dying day1 be their own men again4 ,then ,i saw in my dream1 that a little off the road1 over against the silver mine1 stood ,demas 7gentleman-like7 to call to passengers to come and see2 who said to ,christian and his fellow1 ,ho6 turn aside hither1 and ,i will show you a thing4#agi ,,chr4 ,what thing so deserving as to turn us out of the way to see it8 ,,demas4 ,here is a silver mine1 and some digging in it for treasure4 ,if you will come1 with a little pains you may richly provide for yourselves4 ,,hope4 ,then said ,hopeful1 ,let us go see4#ahj ,,chr4 ,not ,i1 said ,christian1 ,i have heard of this place before now2 and how many have there been slain2 and besides that1 treasure is a snare to those that seek it2 for it hindereth them in their pilgrimage4 ,then ,christian called to ,demas1 saying1 ,is not the place dangerous8 ,hath it not hindered many in their pilgrimage8 7,hosea #ad3h74 ,,demas4 ,not very dangerous1 except to those that are careless 7but withal1 he blushed as he spake74 ,,chr4 ,then said ,christian to ,hopeful1 ,let us not stir a step1 but still keep on our way4 ,,hope4 ,i will warrant you1 when ,by-ends comes up1 if he hath the same invitation as we1 he will turn in thither to see4 ,,chr4 ,no doubt thereof1 for his principles lead him that way1 and a hundred to one but he dies there4 ,,demas4 ,then ,demas called again1 saying1 ,but will you not come over and see8 ,,chr4 ,then ,christian roundly answered1 saying1 ,demas1 thou art an enemy to the right ways of the ,lord of this way1 and hast been already condemned for thine own turning aside1 by one of his ,majesty's judges 7#b ,tim4 #d3aj72 and why seekest thou to bring us into the like condemnation8 ,besides1 if we at all turn aside1 our ,lord the ,king will certainly hear thereof1 and will there put us to shame1 where we would stand with boldness before ,him4 ,demas cried again1 ,that he also was one of their fraternity2 and that if they would tarry a little1 he also himself would walk with them4 ,,chr4 ,then said ,christian1 ,what is thy name8 ,is it not the same by the which ,i have called thee8 ,,demas4 ,yes1 my name is ,demas2 ,i am the son of ,abraham4 ,,chr4 ,i know you2 ,gehazi was your great-grandfather1 and ,judas your father2 and you have trod in their steps 7#b ,kings #e3bj2 ,matt4 #bf3ad1 #ae2 #bg3a-e74 ,it is but a devilish prank that thou usest2 thy father was hanged for a traitor1 and thou deservest no better reward4 ,assure thyself1 that when we come to the ,king1 we will do ,him word of this thy behaviour4 ,thus they went their way4 ,by this time ,by-ends and his companions were come again within sight1 and they1 at the first beck1 went over to ,demas4 ,now1 whether they fell into the pit by looking over the brink thereof1 or whether they went down to dig1 or whether they were smothered in the bottom by the damps that commonly arise1 of these things ,i am not certain2 but this ,i observed1 that they never were seen again in the way4#aha ,then sang ,christian- ,by-ends and silver ,demas both agree2 ,one calls1 the other runs1 that he may be ,a sharer in his lucre2 so these do ,take up in this world1 and no further go4 ,now ,i saw that1 just on the other side of this plain1 the ,pilgrims came to a place where stood an old monument1 hard by the highway strange side2 at the sight of which they were both concerned1 because of the strangeness of the form thereof2 for it seemed to them as if it had been a woman transformed into the shape of a pillar2 here therefore they stood looking1 and looking upon it1 but could not for a time tell what they should make thereof4 ,at last ,hopeful espied written above the head thereof1 a writing in an unusual hand2 but he being no scholar1 called to ,christian 7for he was learned7 to see if he could pick out the meaning2 so he came1 and after a little laying of letters together1 he found the same to be this1 ,remember ,lot's wife4 ,so he read it to his fellow2 after which they both concluded that that was the pillar of salt into which ,lot's wife was turned1 for her looking back with a covetous heart1 when she was going from ,sodom for safety#ahb 7,gen4 #ai3bfj72 which sudden and amazing sight gave them occasion of this discourse4 ,,chr4 ,ah1 my brother6 this is a seasonable sight2 it came opportunely to us after the invitation which ,demas gave us to come over to view the ,hill ,lucre2 and had we gone over1 as he desired us1 and as thou wast inclining to do1 my brother1 we had1 for aught ,i know1 been made ourselves like this woman1 a spectacle for those that shall come after to behold4 ,,hope4 ,i am sorry that ,i was so foolish1 and am made to wonder that ,i am not now as ,lot's wife2 for wherein was the difference betwixt her sin and mine8 ,she only looked back2 and ,i had a desire to go see4 ,let grace be adored1 and let me be ashamed1 that ever such a thing should be in mine heart4 ,,chr4 ,let us take notice of what we see here1 for our help for time to come4 ,this woman escaped one judgment1 for she fell not by the destruction of ,sodom2 yet she was destroyed by another1 as we see she is turned into a pillar of salt4 ,,hope4 ,true1 and she may be to us both caution and example2 caution1 that we should shun her sin2 or a sign of what judgment will overtake such as shall not be prevented by this caution2 so ,korah1 ,dathan1 and ,abiram1 with the #bej men that perished in their sin1 did also become a sign or example to others to beware 7,num4 #bf3i1 #aj74 ,but above all1 ,i muse at one thing1 to wit1 how ,demas and his fellows can stand so confidently yonder to look for that treasure1 which this woman1 but for looking behind her1 after 7for we read not that she stepped one foot out of the way7 was turned into a pillar of salt2 especially since the judgment which overtook her did make her an example1 within sight of where they are2 for they cannot choose but see her1 did they but lift up their eyes4 ,,chr4 ,it is a thing to be wondered at1 and it argueth that their hearts are grown desperate in the case2 and ,i cannot tell who to compare them to so fitly1 as to them that pick pockets in the presence of the judge1 or that will out purses under the gallows4#ahc ,it is said of the men of ,sodom1 that they were sinners exceedingly1 because they were sinners before the ,lord1 that is1 in ,his eyesight1 and notwithstanding the kindnesses that ,he had showed them 7,gen4 #ac3ac71 for the land of ,sodom was now like the garden of ,eden heretofore 7,gen4 #ac3aj74 ,this1 therefore1 provoked ,him the more to jealousy1 and made their plague as hot as the fire of the ,lord out of ,heaven could make it4 ,and it is most rationally to be concluded1 that such1 even such as these are1 that shall sin in the sight1 yea1 and that too in despite of such examples that are set continually before them1 to caution them to the contrary1 must be partakers of severest judgments4 ,,hope4 ,doubtless thou hast said the truth2 but what a mercy is it1 that neither thou1 but especially ,i1 am not made myself this example6 ,this ministereth occasion to us to thank ,god1 to fear before ,him1 and always to remember ,lot's wife4#ahd ,i saw1 then1 that they went on their way to a pleasant river2 which ,david the king called the river of ,god1 but ,john the river of the water of life#ahe 7,psa4 #fe3i2 ,rev4 #bb2 ,ezek4 #dg74 ,now their way lay just upon the bank of the river2 here1 therefore1 ,christian and his companion walked with great delight2 they drank also of the water of the river1 which was pleasant1 and enlivening to their weary spirits3#ahf besides1 on the banks of this river1 on either side1 were green trees1 that bore all manner of fruit2 and the leaves of the trees were good for medicine2 with the fruit of these trees they were also much delighted2 and the leaves they eat to prevent surfeits1 and other diseases that are incident to those that heat their blood by travels4 ,on either side of the river was also a meadow1 curiously beautified with lilies1 and it was green all the year long4 ,in this meadow they lay down1 and slept2 for here they might lie down safely4 ,when they awoke1 they gathered again of the fruit of the trees1 and drank again of the water of the river1 and then lay down again to sleep 7,psa4 #bc3b2 ,isa4 #ad3cj74 ,thus they did several days and nights4#ahg ,then they sang- ,behold ye how these crystal streams do glide1 ,to comfort pilgrims by the highway side2 ,the meadows green1 besides their fragrant smell1 ,yield dainties for them3 and he that can tell ,what pleasant fruit1 yea1 leaves1 these trees do yield1 ,will soon sell all1 that he may buy this field4 ,so when they were disposed to go on 7for they were not1 as yet1 at their journey's end71 they ate and drank1 and departed4#ahh ,now1 ,i beheld in my dream1 that they had not journeyed far1 but the river and the way for a time parted2 at which they were not a little sorry2 yet they durst not go out of the way4 ,now the way from the river was rough1 and their feet tender1 by reason of their travels2 so the souls of the pilgrims were much discouraged because of the way 7,num4 #ba3d74 ,wherefore1 still as they went on1 they wished for better way4#ahi ,now1 a little before them1 there was on the left hand of the road a meadow1 and a stile to go over into it2 and that meadow is called ,by-path ,meadow4 ,then said ,christian to his fellow1 ,if this meadow lieth along by our way-side1 let us go over into it4#aij ,then he went to the stile to see1 and behold1 a path lay along by the way1 on the other side of the fence4 ,it is according to my wish1 said ,christian4 ,here is the easiest going2 come1 good ,hopeful1 and let us go over4 ,,hope4 ,but how if this path should lead us out of the way8#aia ,,chr4 ,that is not like1 said the other4 ,look1 doth it not go along by the way-side8 ,so ,hopeful1 being persuaded by his fellow1 went after him over the stile4 ,when they were gone over1 and were got into the path1 they found it very easy for their feet2 and withal1 they1 looking before them1 espied a man walking as they did 7and his name was ,vain-confidence72 so they called after him1 and asked him whither that way led4 ,he said1 to the ,celestial ,gate4#aib ,look1 said ,christian1 did not ,i tell you so8 ,by this you may see we are right4 ,so they followed1 and he went before them4 ,but1 behold1 the night came on1 and it grew very dark2 so that they that were behind1 lost the sight of him that went before4 ,he1 therefore1 that went before#aic 7,vain-confidence by name71 not seeing the way before him1 fell into a deep pit 7,isa4 #i3af71 which was on purpose there made1 by the ,prince of those grounds1 to catch vain-glorious fools withal1 and was dashed in pieces with his fall4#aid ,now ,christian and his fellow heard him fall4 ,so they called to know the matter1 but there was none to answer2 only they heard a groaning4 ,then said ,hopeful1 ,where are we now8 ,then was his fellow silent1 as mistrusting that he had led him out of the way2 and now it began to rain1 and thunder1 and lighten#aie in a very dreadful manner2 and the water rose amain4#aif ,then ,hopeful groaned in himself1 saying1 ,o that ,i had kept on my way6 ,,chr4 ,who could have thought that this path should have led us out of the way8 ,,hope4 ,i was afraid on it at the very first1 and therefore gave you that gentle caution4 ,i would have spoke plainer1 but that you are older than ,i4#aig ,,chr4 ,good brother1 be not offended2 ,i am sorry ,i have brought thee out of the way1 and that ,i have put thee into such imminent danger2 pray1 my brother1 forgive me2 ,i did not do it of an evil intent4#aih ,,hope4 ,be comforted1 my brother1 for ,i forgive thee2 and believe too that this shall be for our good4 ,,chr4 ,i am glad ,i have with me a merciful brother2 but we must not stand thus3 let us try to go back again4 ,,hope4 ,but1 good brother1 let me go before4 ,,chr4 ,no1 if you please1 let me go first1 that if there be any danger1 ,i may be first therein1 because by my means we are both gone out of the way4 ,,hope4 ,no1 said ,hopeful1 you shall not go first2 for your mind being troubled may lead you out of the way again4 ,then1 for their encouragement1 they heard the voice of one saying1 ,set thine heart toward the highway1 even the way which thou wentest2 turn again 7,jer4 #ca3ba74 ,but by this time the waters were greatly risen1 by reason of which the way of going back was very dangerous4 7,then ,i thought that it is easier going out of the way when we are in1 than going in when we are out74 ,yet they adventured to go back1 but it was so dark1 and the flood was so high1 that in their going back they had like to have been drowned nine or #aj times4#aii ,neither could they1 with all the skill they had1 get again to the stile that night4 ,wherefore1 at last1 lighting under a little shelter1 they sat down there until the day-break2 but1 being weary1 they fell asleep4 ,now there was1 not far from the place where they lay1 a castle1 called ,doubting ,castle1 the owner whereof was ,giant ,despair2#bjj and it was in his grounds they now were sleeping3 wherefore he1 getting up in the morning early1 and walking up and down in his fields1 caught ,christian and ,hopeful asleep in his grounds4 ,then1 with a grim and surly voice1 he bid them awake2 and asked them whence they were1 and what they did in his grounds4 ,they told him they were pilgrims1 and that they had lost their way4 ,then said the ,giant1 ,you have this night trespassed on me1 by trampling in1 and lying on my grounds1 and therefore you must go along with me4 ,so they were forced to go1 because he was stronger than they4#bja ,they also had but little to say1 for they knew themselves in a fault4 ,the ,giant therefore drove them before him1 and put them into his castle1 into a very dark dungeon1 nasty and stinking to the spirits of these two men 7,psa4 #hh3ah74 ,here then they lay from ,wednesday morning till ,saturday night1 without one bit of bread1 or drop of drink1 or light1 or any to ask how they did2 they were therefore here in evil case1 and were far from friends and acquaintance4 ,now in this place ,christian had double sorrow1#bjb because it was through his unadvised counsel that they were brought into this distress4#bjc ,now1 ,giant ,despair had a wife1 and her name was ,diffidence4#bjd ,so1 when he was gone to bed1 he told his wife what he had done2 to wit1 that he had taken a couple of prisoners1 and cast them into his dungeon1 for trespassing on his grounds4 ,then he asked her also what he had best to do further to them4 ,so she asked him what they were1 whence they came1 and whither they were bound2 and he told her4 ,then she counselled him1 that when he arose in the morning he should beat them without any mercy4 ,so1 when he arose1 he getteth him a grievous crab-tree cudgel1 and goes down into the dungeon to them1 and there first falls to rating of them as if they were dogs1 although they never gave him a word of distaste4 ,then he falls upon them1 and beats them fearfully1 in such sort1 that they were not able to help themselves1 or to turn them upon the floor4 ,this done1 he withdraws and leaves them1 there to condole their misery1 and to mourn under their distress4 ,so all that day they spent the time in nothing but sighs and bitter lamentations4 ,the next night1 she1 talking with her husband about them further1 and understanding that they were yet alive1 did advise him to counsel them to make away themselves4 ,so when morning was come1 he goes to them in a surly manner as before1 and perceiving them to be very sore with the stripes that he had given them the day before1 he told them1 that since they were never like to come out of that place1 their only way would be forthwith to make an end of themselves1 either with knife1 halter1 or poison1 for why1 said he1 should you choose life1 seeing it is attended with so much bitterness8#bje ,but they desired him to let them go4 ,with that he looked ugly upon them1 and1 rushing to them1 had doubtless made an end of them himself1 but that he fell into one of his fits 7for he sometimes1 in sunshiny weather1 fell into fits71#bjf and lost for a time the use of his hand2 wherefore he withdrew1 and left them as before1 to consider what to do4 ,then did the prisoners consult between themselves1 whether it was best to take his counsel or no2 and thus they began to discourse3 ,,chr4 ,brother1 said ,christian1 what shall we do8 ,the life that we now live is miserable4 ,for my part1 ,i know not whether is best1 to live thus1 or to die out of hand4 ,my soul chooseth strangling rather than life1 and the grave is more easy for me than this dungeon 7,job #g3ae74 ,shall we be ruled by the ,giant8#bjg ,,hope4 ,indeed1 our present condition is dreadful1 and death would be far more welcome to me than thus for ever to abide2 but yet1 let us consider1 the ,lord of the country to which we are going hath said1 ,thou shalt do no murder3 no1 not to another man's person2 much more1 then1 are we forbidden to take his counsel to kill ourselves4 ,besides1 he that kills another1 can but commit murder upon his body2 but for one to kill himself1 is to kill body and soul at once4 ,and1 moreover1 my brother1 thou talkest of ease in the grave2 but hast thou forgotten the hell1 whither for certain the murderers go8 ,for no murderer hath eternal life1 c4#bjh ,and let us consider1 again1 that all the law is not in the hand of ,giant ,despair4 ,others1 so far as ,i can understand1 have been taken by him1 as well as we2 and yet have escaped out of his hand4 ,who knows1 but that ,god that made the world may cause that ,giant ,despair may die8 or that1 at some time or other1 he may forget to lock us in8 or that he may1 in a short time1 have another of his fits before us1 and may lose the use of his limbs8 and if ever that should come to pass again1 for my part1 ,i am resolved to pluck up the heart of a man1 and to try my utmost to get from under his hand4 ,i was a fool that ,i did not try to do it before2 but1 however1 my brother1 let us be patient1 and endure a while4 ,the time may come that may give us a happy release2 but let us not be our own murderers4 ,with these words1 ,hopeful at present did moderate the mind of his brother2 so they continued together 7in the dark7 that day1 in their sad and doleful condition4#bji ,well1 towards evening1 the ,giant goes down into the dungeon again1 to see if his prisoners had taken his counsel2 but when he came there1 he found them alive2 and truly1 alive was all2 for now1 what for want of bread and water1 and by reason of the wounds they received when he beat them1 they could do little but breathe4 ,but1 ,i say1 he found them alive2 at which he fell into a grievous rage1 and told them1 that seeing they had disobeyed his counsel1 it should be worse with them than if they had never been born4 ,at this they trembled greatly1#baj and ,i think that ,christian fell into a swoon2#baa but1 coming a little to himself again1 they renewed their discourse about the ,giant's counsel1 and whether yet they had best to take it or no4 ,now ,christian again seemed to be for doing it1#bab but ,hopeful made his second reply as followeth- ,,hope4 ,my brother1 said he1 rememberest thou not how valiant thou hast been heretofore8 ,apollyon could not crush thee1 nor could all that thou didst hear1 or see1 or feel1 in the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death4 ,what hardship1 terror1 and amazement hast thou already gone through6 ,and art thou now nothing but fear6 ,thou seest that ,i am in the dungeon with thee1 a far weaker man by nature than thou art2 also1 this ,giant has wounded me as well as thee1 and hath also cut off the bread and water from my mouth2 and with thee ,i mourn without the light4 ,but let us exercise a little more patience2 remember how thou playedst the man at ,vanity ,fair1 and wast neither afraid of the chain1 nor cage1 nor yet of bloody death4 ,wherefore let us 7at least to avoid the shame1 that becomes not a ,christian to be found in7 bear up with patience as well as we can4#bac ,now1 night being come again1 and the ,giant and his wife being in bed1 she asked him concerning the prisoners1 and if they had taken his counsel4 ,to which he replied1 ,they are sturdy rogues1 they choose rather to bear all hardship1 than to make away themselves4 ,then said she1 ,take them into the castle-yard tomorrow1 and show them the bones and skulls of those that thou hast already despatched1 and make them believe1 ere a week comes to an end1 thou also wilt tear them in pieces1 as thou hast done their fellows before them4#bad ,so when the morning was come1 the ,giant goes to them again1 and takes them into the castle-yard1 and shows them1 as his wife had bidden him4 ,these1 said he1 were pilgrims as you are1 once1 and they trespassed in my grounds1 as you have done2 and when ,i thought fit1 ,i tore them in pieces1 and so1 within #aj days1 ,i will do you4 ,go1 get you down to your den again2 and with that1 he beat them all the way thither4 ,they lay1 therefore1 all day on ,saturday in a lamentable case1 as before4#bae ,now1 when night was come1 and when ,mrs4 ,diffidence and her husband1 the ,giant1 were got to bed1 they began to renew their discourse of their prisoners2 and withal the old ,giant wondered1 that he could neither by his blows nor his counsel bring them to an end4 ,and with that his wife replied1 ,i fear1 ,said she1 that they live in hope that some will come to relieve them1 or that they have picklocks about them1 by the means of which they hope to escape4 ,and sayest thou so1 my dear8 said the ,giant2 ,i will1 therefore1 search them in the morning4 ,well1 on ,saturday1 about midnight1 they began to pray1 and continued in prayer till almost break of day4#baf ,now1 a little before it was day1 good ,christian1 as one half-amazed1 brake out in this passionate speech3 ,what a fool1 quoth he1 am ,i1 thus to lie in a stinking dungeon1 when ,i may as well walk at liberty6 ,i have a key in my bosom1 called ,promise1 that will1 ,i am persuaded1 open any lock in ,doubting ,castle4 ,then said ,hopeful1 ,that is good news1 good brother2 pluck it out of thy bosom1 and try4#bag ,then ,christian pulled it out of his bosom1 and began to try at the dungeon door1 whose bolt 7as he turned the key7 gave back1 and the door flew open with ease1 and ,christian and ,hopeful both came out4 ,then he went to the outward door that leads into the castle-yard1 and1 with his key1 opened that door also4 ,after1 he went to the iron gate1 for that must be opened too2 but that lock went damnable hard1#bah yet the key did open it4 ,then they thrust open the gate to make their escape with speed1 but that gate1 as it opened1 made such a creaking1 that it waked ,giant ,despair1 who1 hastily rising to pursue his prisoners1 felt his limbs to fail1 for his fits took him again1 so that he could by no means go after them4#bai ,then they went on1 and came to the ,king's highway1 and so were safe1 because they were out of his jurisdiction4#bbj ,now1 when they were gone over the stile1 they began to contrive with themselves what they should do at that stile1 to prevent those that should come after1 from falling into the hands of ,giant ,despair4#bba ,so they consented to erect there a pillar1 and to engrave upon the side thereof this sentence-,over this stile is the way to ,doubting ,castle1 which is kept by ,giant ,despair1 who despiseth the ,king of the ,celestial ,country1 and seeks to destroy ,his holy pilgrims4 ,many1 therefore1 that followed after1 read what was written1 and escaped the danger4 ,this done1 they sang as follows- ,out of the way we went1 and then we found ,what 'twas to tread upon forbidden ground2 ,and let them that come after have a care1 ,lest heedlessness makes them1 as we1 to fare4 ,lest they for trespassing his prisoners are1 ,whose castle's ,doubting1 and whose name's ,despair4 ,they went then till they came to the ,delectable ,mountains1 which mountains belong to the ,lord of that hill of which we have spoken before2 so they went up to the mountains1 to behold the gardens and orchards1 the vineyards and fountains of water2 where also they drank and washed themselves1 and did freely eat of the vineyards4#bbb ,now there were on the tops of these mountains1 shepherds feeding their flocks1 and they stood by the highway side4 ,the ,pilgrims therefore went to them1 and leaning upon their staves 7as is common with weary pilgrims1 when they stand to talk with any by the way71 they asked1 ,whose ,delectable ,mountains are these8 ,and whose be the sheep that feed upon them8 ,,shep4 ,these mountains are ,immanuel's ,land1 and they are within sight of ,his city2 and the sheep also are ,his1 and ,he laid down ,his life for them 7,john #aj3aa74 ,,chr4 ,is this the way to the ,celestial ,city8 ,,shep4 ,you are just in your way4 ,,chr4 ,how far is it thither8 ,,shep4 ,too far for any but those that shall get thither indeed4 ,,chr4 ,is the way safe or dangerous8 ,,shep4 ,safe for those for whom it is to be safe2 but the transgressors shall fall therein#bbc 7,hosea #ad3i74 ,,chr4 ,is there1 in this place1 any relief for pilgrims that are weary and faint in the way8 ,,shep4 ,the ,lord of these mountains hath given us a charge not to be forgetful to entertain strangers 7,heb4 #ac3b72 therefore the good of the place is before you4 ,i saw also in my dream1 that when the ,shepherds perceived that they were wayfaring men1 they also put questions to them1 to which they made answer as in other places2 as1 ,whence came you8 ,and1 ,how got you into the way8 ,and1 ,by what means have you so persevered therein8 ,for but few of them that begin to come hither1 do show their face on these mountains4 ,but when the ,shepherds heard their answers1 being pleased therewith1 they looked very lovingly upon them1 and said1 ,welcome to the ,delectable ,mountains4#bbd ,the ,shepherds1 ,i say1 whose names were ,knowledge1 ,experience1 ,watchful1 and ,sincere1 took them by the hand1 and had them to their tents1 and made them partake of that which was ready at present4#bbe ,they said1 moreover1 ,we would that ye should stay here a while1 to be acquainted with us2 and yet more to solace yourselves with the good of these ,delectable ,mountains4 ,they then told them that they were content to stay2 so they went to their rest that night1 because it was very late4 ,then ,i saw in my dream1 that in the morning the ,shepherds called up ,christian and ,hopeful to walk with them upon the mountains3 so they went forth with them1 and walked a while1 having a pleasant prospect on every side4 ,then said the ,shepherds one to another1 ,shall we show these ,pilgrims some wonders8 ,so when they had concluded to do it1 they had them first to the top of a hill ,error1 which was very steep on the furthest side1 and bid them look down to the bottom4 ,so ,christian and ,hopeful looked down1 and saw at the bottom several men dashed all to pieces by a fall that they had from the top4 ,then said ,christian1 ,what meaneth this8 ,the ,shepherds answered1 ,have you not heard of them that were made to err1 by hearkening to ,hymeneus and ,philetus1 as concerning the faith of the resurrection of the body8 7#b ,tim4 #b3ag1 #ah74 ,they answered1 ,yes4 ,then said the ,shepherds1 ,those that you see lie dashed in pieces at the bottom of this mountain are they2 and they have continued to this day unburied1 as you see1 for an example to others to take heed how they clamber too high1 or how they come too near the brink of this mountain4#bbf ,then ,i saw that they had them to the top of another mountain1 and the name of that is ,caution1 and bid them look afar off2#bbg which1 when they did1 they perceived1 as they thought1 several men walking up and down among the tombs that were there2 and they perceived that the men were blind1 because they stumbled sometimes upon the tombs1 and because they could not get out from among them4#bbh ,then said ,christian1 ,what means this8 ,the ,shepherds then answered1 ,did you not see a little below these mountains a stile that led into a meadow1 on the left hand of this way8 ,they answered1 ,yes4 ,then said the ,shepherds1 ,from that stile there goes a path that leads directly to ,doubting ,castle1 which is kept by ,giant ,despair1 and these1 pointing to them among the tombs1 came once on pilgrimage as you do now1 even till they came to that same stile2 and because the right way was rough in that place1 they chose to go out of it into that meadow1 and there were taken by ,giant ,despair1 and cast into ,doubting ,castle3 where1 after they had been a while kept in the dungeon1 he at last did put out their eyes1 and led them among those tombs1 where he has left them to wander to this very day1 that the saying of the wise man might be fulfilled1 ,he that wandereth out of the way of understanding1 shall remain in the congregation of the dead 7,prov4 #ba3af74bbi ,then ,christian and ,hopeful looked upon one another1 with tears gushing out1 but yet said nothing to the ,shepherds4#bcj ,then ,i saw in my dream1 that the ,shepherds had them to another place1 in a bottom1 where was a door in the side of a hill1 and they opened the door1 and bid them look in4 ,they looked in1 therefore1 and saw that within it was very dark and smoky2 they also thought that they heard there a rumbling noise as of fire1 and a cry of some tormented1 and that they smelt the scent of brimstone4 ,then said ,christian1 ,what means this8 ,the ,shepherds told them1 ,this is a byway to hell1 a way that hypocrites go in at2 namely1 such as sell their birthright1 with ,esau2 such as sell their master1 with ,judas2 such as blaspheme the ,gospel1 with ,alexander2 and that lie and dissemble1 with ,ananias and ,sapphira his wife4#bca ,then said ,hopeful to the ,shepherds1 ,i perceive that these had on them1 even every one1 a show of pilgrimage1 as we have now2 had they not8 ,,shep4 ,yes1 and held it a long time too4 ,,hope4 ,how far might they go on in pilgrimage in their day1 since they notwithstanding were thus miserably cast away8 ,,shep4 ,some further1 and some not so far1 as these mountains4#bcb ,then said the ,pilgrims one to another1 ,we had need to cry to the ,strong for strength4 ,,shep4 ,aye1 and you will have need to use it1 when you have it1 too4 ,by this time the ,pilgrims had a desire to go forward1 and the ,shepherds a desire they should2 so they walked together towards the end of the mountains4 ,then said the ,shepherds one to another1 ,let us here show to the ,pilgrims the gates of the ,celestial ,city1 if they have skill to look through our perspective glass4#bcc ,the ,pilgrims then loving accepted the motion2 so they had them to the top of a high hill1 called ,clear1 and gave them their glass to look4 ,then they essayed to look1 but the remembrance of that last thing that the ,shepherds had showed them1 made their hands shake2 by means of which impediment1 they could not look steadily through the glass2 yet they thought they saw something like the gate1 and also some of the glory of the place4#bcd ,then they went away1 and sang this song- ,thus1 by the ,shepherds1 secrets are reveal'd1 ,which from all other men are kept conceal'd ,come to the ,shepherds1 then1 if you would see ,things deep1 things hid1 and that mysterious be4#bce ,when they were about to depart1 one of the ,shepherds gave them a note of the way4 ,another of them bid them beware of the ,flatterer4 ,the third bid them take heed that they sleep not upon the ,enchanted ,ground4 ,and the fourth bid them ,god speed4 ,so ,i awoke from my dream4#bcf ,and ,i slept1 and dreamed again1 and saw the same two ,pilgrims going down the mountains along the highway towards the city4 ,now1 a little below these mountains1 on the left hand1 lieth the country of ,conceit2#bcg from which country there comes into the way in which the ,pilgrims walked1 a little crooked lane4 ,here1 therefore1 they met with a very brisk lad1 that came out of that country2 and his name was ,ignorance4 ,so ,christian asked him from what parts he came1 and whither he was going4 ,,ignor4 ,sir1 ,i was born in the country that lieth off there1 a little on the left hand1 and ,i am going to the ,celestial ,city4 ,,chr4 ,but how do you think to get in at the gate8 for you may find some difficulty there4 ,,ignor4 ,as other good people do1 said he4 ,,chr4 ,but what have you to show at that gate1 that may cause that the gate should be opened to you8 ,,ignor4 ,i know my ,lord's will1 and ,i have been a good liver2 ,i pay every man his own2 ,i pray1 fast1 pay tithes1 and give alms1 and have left my country for whither ,i am going4#bch ,,chr4 ,but thou camest not in at the wicket-gate that is at the head of this way2 thou camest in hither through that same crooked lane1 and therefore1 ,i fear1 however thou mayest think of thyself1 when the reckoning day shall come1 thou wilt have laid to thy charge that thou art a thief and a robber1 instead of getting admittance into the city4 ,,ignor4 ,gentlemen1 ye be utter strangers to me1 ,i know you not2 be content to follow the religion of your country1 and ,i will follow the religion of mine4 ,i hope all will be well4 ,and as for the gate that you talk of1 all the world knows that that is a great way off of our country4 ,i cannot think that any man in all our parts doth so much as know the way to it1 nor need they matter whether they do or no1 since we have1 as you see1 a fine pleasant green lane1 that comes down from our country1 the next way into the way4 ,when ,christian saw that the man was wise in his own conceit1 he said to ,hopeful1 whisperingly1 ,there is more hope of a fool than of him 7,prov4 #bf3ab74 ,and said1 moreover1 ,when he that is a fool walketh by the way1 his wisdom faileth him1 and he saith to everyone that he is a fool 7,eccl4 #aj3c74 ,what1 shall we talk further with him1 or out-go him at present1 and so leave him to think of what he hath heard already1 and then stop again for him afterwards1 and see if by degrees we can do any good to him8 ,then said ,hopeful- ,let ,ignorance a little while now muse ,on what is said1 and let him not refuse ,good counsel to embrace1 lest he remain ,still ignorant of what's the chiefest gain4 ,god saith1 those that no understanding have1 ,although ,he made them1 them ,he will not save4 ,,hope4 ,he further added1 ,it is not good1 ,i think1 to say all to him at once2 let us pass him by1 if you will1 and talk to him anon1 even as he is able to bear it4#bci ,so they both went on1 and ,ignorance he came after4 ,now when they had passed him a little way1 they entered into a very dark lane1 where they met a man whom seven devils had bound with seven strong cords1 and were carrying of him back to the door that they saw on the side of the hill#bdj 7,matt4 #ab3de2 ,prov4 #e3bb74 ,now good ,christian began to tremble1 and so did ,hopeful his companion2 yet as the devils led away the man1 ,christian looked to see if he knew him2 and he thought it might be one ,turn-away1 that dwelt in the town of ,apostasy4 ,but he did not perfectly see his face1 for he did hang his head like a thief that is found4#bda ,but being once past1 ,hopeful looked after him1 and espied on his back a paper with this inscription1 ,wanton professor1 and damnable apostate4#bdb ,then said ,christian to his fellow1 ,now ,i call to remembrance1 that which was told me of a thing that happened to a good man hereabout4 ,the name of the man was ,little-faith1 but a good man1 and he dwelt in the town of ,sincere4 ,the thing was this3 ,at the entering in at this passage1 there comes down from ,broad-way ,gate1 a lane called ,dead ,man's ,lane2#bdc so called because of the murders that are commonly done there2 and this ,little-faith going on pilgrimage1 as we do now1 chanced to sit down there1 and slept4 ,now there happened1 at that time1 to come down the lane from ,broad-way ,gate1 three sturdy rogues1 and their names were ,faint-heart1 ,mistrust1 and ,guilt 7three brothers71 and they espying ,little-faith1 where he was1 came galloping up with speed4 ,now the good man was just awake from his sleep1 and was getting up to go on his journey4 ,so they came up all to him1 and with threatening language bid him stand4 ,at this1 ,little-faith looked as white as a cloud1 and had neither power to fight nor fly4 ,then said ,faint-heart1 ,deliver thy purse4 ,but he making no haste to do it 7for he was loath to lose his money71 ,mistrust ran up to him1 and thrusting his hand into his pocket1 pulled out thence a bag of silver4 ,then he cried out1 ,thieves6 ,thieves6 ,with that1 ,guilt1 with a great club that was in his hand1 struck ,little-faith on the head1 and with that blow felled him flat to the ground2 where be lay bleeding as one that would bleed to death4#bdd ,all this while the thieves stood by4 ,but1 at last1 they hearing that some were upon the road1 and fearing lest it should be one ,great-grace1 that dwells in the city of good-confidence1 they betook themselves to their heels1 and left this good man to shift for himself4 ,now1 after a while1 ,little-faith came to himself1 and getting up1 made shift to scrabble on his way4#bde ,this was the story4 ,,hope4 ,but did they take from him all that ever he had8 ,,chr4 ,no2 the place where his jewels were they never ransacked1 so those he kept still4 ,but1 as ,i was told1 the good man was much afflicted for his loss1 for the thieves got most of his spending-money4 ,that which they got not 7as ,i said7 were jewels1#bdf also he had a little odd money left1 but scarce enough to bring him to his journey's end 7#a ,peter #d3ah72 nay1 if ,i were not misinformed1 he was forced to beg as be went1 to keep himself alive2 for his jewels he might not sell4 ,but beg1 and do what he could1 he went 7as we say7 with many a hungry belly the most part of the rest of the way4#bdg ,,hope4 ,but is it not a wonder they got not from him his certificate1 by which he was to receive his admittance at the ,celestial ,gate8 ,,chr4 ,it is a wonder2 but they got not that1 though they missed it not through any good cunning of his2 for he1 being dismayed with their coming upon him1 had neither power nor skill to hide anything2 so it was more by good ,providence than by his endeavour1 that they missed of that good thing4#bdh ,,hope4 ,but it must needs be a comfort to him1 that they got not this jewel from him4#bdi ,,chr4 ,it might have been great comfort to him1 had he used it as he should2 but they that told me the story said1 that he made but little use of it all the rest of the way1 and that because of the dismay that he had in the taking away his money2 indeed1 he forgot it a great part of the rest of his journey2 and besides1 when at any time it came into his mind1 and he began to be comforted therewith1 then would fresh thoughts of his loss come again upon him1 and those thoughts would swallow up all 7#a ,peter #a3i74 ,,hope4 ,alas6 poor man4 ,this could not but be a great grief to him4 ,,chr4 ,grief6 aye1 a grief indeed4 ,would it not have been so to any of us1 had we been used as he1 to be robbed1 and wounded too1 and that in a strange place1 as he was8 ,it is a wonder he did not die with grief1 poor heart6 ,i was told that he scattered almost all the rest of the way with nothing but doleful and bitter complaints2 telling also to all that overtook him1 or that he overtook in the way as he went1 where he was robbed1 and how2 who they were that did it1 and what he lost2 how he was wounded1 and that he hardly escaped with his life4#bej ,,hope4 ,but it is a wonder that his necessity did not put him upon selling or pawning some of his jewels1#bea that he might have wherewith to relieve himself in his journey4 ,,chr4 ,thou talkest like one upon whose head is the shell to this very day2 for what should he pawn them1 or to whom should he sell them8 ,in all that country where he was robbed1 his jewels were not accounted of2 nor did he want that relief which could from thence be administered to him4 ,besides1 had his jewels been missing at the gate of the ,celestial ,city1 he had 7and that he knew well enough7 been excluded from an inheritance there2 and that would have been worse to him than the appearance and villany of #aj1jjj thieves4 ,,hope4 ,why art thou so tart1 my brother8 ,esau sold his birthright1 and that for a mess of pottage1 and that birthright was his greatest jewel2 and if he1 why might not ,little-faith do so too8 7,heb4 #ab3af74 ,,chr4 ,esau did sell his birthright indeed1 and so do many besides1 and by so doing exclude themselves from the chief blessing1 as also that caitiff did2 but you must put a difference betwixt ,esau and ,little-faith1 and also betwixt their estates4 ,esau's birthright was typical1 but ,little-faith's jewels were not so2 ,esau's belly was his god1 but ,little-faith's belly was not so2 ,esau's want lay in his fleshly appetite1 ,little-faith's did not so4 ,besides1 ,esau could see no further than to the fulfilling of his lusts2 ,behold ,i am at the point to die 7said he71 and what profit shall this birthright do me8 7,gen4 #be3cb74 ,but ,little-faith1 though it was his lot to have but a little faith1 was by his little faith kept from such extravagances1 and made to see and prize his jewels more than to sell them1 as ,esau did his birthright4 ,you read not anywhere that ,esau had faith1 no1 not so much as a little2 therefore no marvel if1 where the flesh only bears sway 7as it will in that man where no faith is to resist71 if he sells his birthright1 and his soul and all1 and that to the devil of hell2 for it is with such1 as it is with the ass1 who in her occasions cannot be turned away 7,jer4 #b3bd74 ,when their minds are set upon their lusts1 they will have them whatever they cost4 ,but ,little-faith was of another temper1 his mind was on things divine2 his livelihood was upon things that were spiritual1 and from above2 therefore1 to what end should he that is of such a temper sell his jewels 7had there been any that would have bought them7 to fill his mind with empty things8 ,will a man give a penny to fill his belly with hay2 or can you persuade the turtle-dove to live upon carrion like the crow8 ,though faithless ones can1 for carnal lusts1 pawn1 or mortgage1 or sell what they have1 and themselves outright to boot2 yet they that have faith1 saving faith1 though but a little of it1 cannot do so4 ,here1 therefore1 my brother1 is thy mistake4 ,,hope4 ,i acknowledge it2 but yet your severe reflection had almost made me angry4#beb ,,chr4 ,why1 ,i did but compare thee to some of the birds that are of the brisker sort1 who will run to and fro in untrodden paths1 with the shell upon their heads2 but pass by that1 and consider the matter under debate1 and all shall be well betwixt thee and me4 ,,hope4 ,but1 ,christian1 these three fellows1 ,i am persuaded in my heart1 are but a company of cowards2#bec would they have run else1 think you1 as they did1 at the noise of one that was coming on the road8 ,why did not ,little-faith pluck up a greater heart8 ,he might1 methinks1 ,have stood one brush with them1 and have yielded when there had been no remedy4 ,,chr4 ,that they are cowards1 many have said1 but few have found it so in the time of trial4 ,as for a great heart1 ,littlefaith had none2 and ,i perceive by thee1 my brother1 hadst thou been the man concerned1 thou art but for a brush1 and then to yield4 ,and1 verily1 since this is the height of thy stomach1 now they are at a distance from us1 should they appear to thee as they did to him1 they might put thee to second thoughts4 ,but1 consider again1 they are but journeymen thieves1 they serve under the king of the bottomless pit1 who1 if need be1 will come in to their aid himself1 and his voice is as the roaring of a lion 7,psa4 #g3b2 #a ,peter #e3h74 ,i myself have been engaged as this ,little-faith was1 and ,i found it a terrible thing4 ,these three villains set upon me1 and ,i beginning1 like a ,christian1 to resist1 they gave but a call1 and in came their master4 ,i would1 as the saying is1 have given my life for a penny2 but that1 as ,god would have it1 ,i was clothed with armour of proof4 ,aye1 and yet1 though ,i was so harnessed1 ,i found it hard work to quit myself like a man4 ,no man can tell what in that combat attends us1 but he that hath been in the battle himself4#bed ,,hope4 ,well1 but they ran1 you see1 when they did but suppose that one ,great-grace was in the way4#bee ,,chr4 ,true1 they have often fled1 both they and their master1 when ,great-grace hath but appeared2 and no marvel2 for he is the ,king's ,champion4 ,but1 ,i trow1#bef you will put some difference betwixt ,little-faith and the ,king's ,champion4 ,all the ,king's subjects are not ,his champions1 nor can they1 when tried1 do such feats of war as he4 ,is it meet to think that a little child should handle ,goliath as ,david did8 ,or that there should be the strength of an ox in a wren8 ,some are strong1 some are weak2 some have great faith1 some have little4 ,this man was one of the weak1 and therefore he went to the wall4 ,,hope4 ,i would it had been ,great-grace for their sakes4 ,,chr4 ,if it had been1 he might have had his hands full2 for ,i must tell you1 that though ,great-grace is excellent good at his weapons1 and has1 and can1 so long as be keeps them at sword's point1 do well enough with them2 yet1 if they get within him1 even ,faint-heart1 ,mistrust1 or the other1 it shall go hard but they will throw up his heels4 ,and when a man is down1 you know1 what can he do8 ,whoso looks well upon ,great-grace's face1 shall see those scars and cuts there1 that shall easily give demonstration of what ,i say4 ,yea1 once ,i heard that he should say 7and that when he was in the combat71 ,we despaired even of life4#beg ,how did these sturdy rogues and their fellows make ,david groan1 mourn1 and roar8 ,yea1 ,heman and ,hezekiah1 too1 though champions in their day1 were forced to bestir them1 when by these assaulted2 and yet1 notwithstanding1 they had their coats soundly brushed by them4 ,peter1 upon a time1 would go try what he could do2 but though some do say of him that he is the prince of the apostles1 they handled him so1 that they made him at last afraid of a sorry girl4 ,besides1 their king is at their whistle4 ,he is never out of hearing2 and if at any time they be put to the worst1 he1 if possible1 comes in to help them2 and of him it is said1 ,the sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold2 the spear1 the dart1 nor the habergeon3 he esteemeth iron as straw1 and brass as rotten wood4 ,the arrow cannot make him flee2 sling stones are turned with him into stubble4 ,darts are counted as stubble3 he laugheth at the shaking of a spear 7,job4 #ab3bf-bi74 ,what can a man do in this case8 ,it is true1 if a man could1 at every turn1 have ,job's horse1 and had skill and courage to ride him1 he might do notable things2 for his neck is clothed with thunder1 he will not be afraid of the grasshopper2 the glory of his nostrils is terrible2 he paweth in the valley1 and rejoiceth in his strength1 he goeth on to meet the armed men4 ,he mocketh at fear1 and is not affrighted1 neither turneth he back from the sword4 ,the quiver rattleth against him1 the glittering spear1 and the shield4 ,he swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage1 neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet4 ,he saith among the trumpets1 ,ha1 ha6 and he smelleth the battle afar off1 the thunder of the captains1 and the shouting 7,job #cd3ai-be74 ,but for such footmen as thee and ,i are1 let us never desire to meet with an enemy1 nor vaunt as if we could do better1 when we hear of others that they have been toiled1 nor be tickled at the thoughts of our own manhood2 for such commonly come by the worst when tried4#beh ,witness ,peter1 of whom ,i made mention before4 ,he would swagger1 aye1 he would2 he would1 as his vain mind prompted him to say1 do better1 and stand more for his ,master than all men2 but who so foiled1 and run down by these villains1 as he8#bei ,when1 therefore1 we hear that such robberies are done on the ,king's highway1 two things become us to do3 #a4 ,to go out harnessed1 and to be sure to take a shield with us2 for it was for want of that1 that he that laid so lustily at ,leviathan could not make him yield2 for1 indeed1 if that be wanting1 he fears us not at all4 ,therefore1 he that had skill hath said1 ,above all1 taking the shield of faith1 wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked 7,eph4 #f3af74 #b4 ,it is good1 also1 that we desire of the ,king a convoy1#bfj yea1 that he will go with us ,himself4 ,this made ,david rejoice when in the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death2 and ,moses was rather for dying where he stood1 than to go one step without his ,god 7,exo4 #cc3ae74 ,o my brother1 if ,he will but go along with us1 what need we be afraid of ten thousands that shall set themselves against us8 7,psa4 #c3e-h2 #bg3a-c74 ,but1 without ,him1 the proud helpers fall under the slain 7,isa4 #aj3d74 ,i1 for my part1 have been in the fray before now2 and though1 through the goodness of ,him that is best1 ,i am1 as you see1 alive2 yet ,i cannot boast of my manhood3 ,glad shall ,i be1 if ,i meet with no more such brunts2 though1 ,i fear1 we are not got beyond all danger4#bfa ,however1 since the lion and the bear have not as yet devoured me1 ,i hope ,god will also deliver us from the next uncircumcised ,philistine4 ,then sang ,christian- ,poor ,little-faith6 ,hast been among the thieves8 ,wast robb'd8 ,remember this1 whoso believes1 ,and gets more faith1 shall then a victor be ,over ten thousand1 else scarce over three4 ,so they went on1 and ,ignorance followed4 ,they went then till they came at a place where they saw a way put itself into their way1 and seemed withal to lie as straight as the way which they should go2 and here they knew not which of the two to take1 for both seemed straight before them2 therefore1 here they stood still to consider4 ,and as they were thinking about the way1 behold a man1 black of flesh1 but covered with a very light robe1 came to them1 and asked them why they stood there4#bfb ,they answered1 they were going to the ,celestial ,city1 but knew not which of these ways to take4 ,follow me1 said the man1 it is thither that ,i am going4 ,so they followed him in the way that but now came into the road1 which by degrees turned1 and turned them so from the city that they desired to go to1 that1 in little time1 their faces were turned away from it2 yet they followed him4 ,but by and by1 before they were aware1 he led them both within the compass of a net1 in which they were both so entangled1 that they knew not what to do2 and with that the white robe fell off the black man's back4 ,then they saw where they were4 ,wherefore1 there they lay crying some time1 for they could not get themselves out4#bfc ,,chr4 ,then said ,christian to his fellow1 ,now do ,i see myself in an error4 ,did not the ,shepherds bid us beware of the flatterers8 ,as is the saying of the wise man1 so we have found it this day1 ,a man that flattereth his neighbour1 spreadeth a net for his feet 7,prov4 #bi3e74 ,,hope4 ,they also gave us a note of directions about the way1 for our more sure finding thereof2 but therein we have also forgotten to read1 and have not kept ourselves from the paths of the destroyer4 ,here ,david was wiser than we2 for1 saith he1 ,concerning the works of men1 by the word of thy lips1 ,i have kept me from the paths of the destroyer 7,psa4 #af3d74 ,thus they lay bewailing themselves in the net4 ,at last they espied a ,shining ,one coming towards them1 with a whip of small cord in his hand4 ,when he was come to the place where they were1 he asked them whence they came1 and what they did there4 ,they told him that they were poor pilgrims going to ,zion1 but were led out of their way by a black man1 clothed in white1 who bid us1 said they1 follow him1 for he was going thither too4 ,then said he with the whip1 ,it is ,flatterer1 a false apostle1 that hath transformed himself into an angel of light 7,prov4 #bi3e2 ,dan4 #aa3cb2 #b ,cor4 #aa3ac1 #ad74 ,so he rent the net1 and let the men out4 ,then said he to them1 ,follow me1 that ,i may set you in your way again4 ,so he led them back to the way which they had left to follow the ,flatterer4 ,then he asked them1 saying1 ,where did you lie the last night8 ,they said1 ,with the ,shepherds1 upon the ,delectable ,mountains4 ,he asked them then1 if they had not of those ,shepherds a note of direction for the way4 ,they answered1 ,yes4 ,but did you1 said he1 when you were at a stand1 pluck out and read your note8 ,they answered1 ,no4 ,he asked them1 ,why8 ,they said1 they forgot4 ,he asked1 moreover1 if the ,shepherds did not bid them beware of the ,flatterer4 ,they answered1 ,yes1 but we did not imagine1 said they1 that this fine-spoken man had been he#bfd 7,rom4 #af3ah74 ,then ,i saw in my dream1 that he commanded them to lie down2 which1 when they did1 he chastised them sore1 to teach them the good way wherein they should walk1 7,deut4 #be3b72 and as he chastised them1 he said1 ,as many as ,i love1 ,i rebuke and chasten2 be zealous1 therefore1 and repent 7,rev4 #c3ai2 #b ,chron4 #f3bf1 #bg74 ,this done1 he bid them go on their way1 and take good heed to the other directions of the ,shepherds4 ,so they thanked him for all his kindness1 and went softly along the right way1 singing- ,come hither1 you that walk along the way2 ,see how the pilgrims fare that go astray6 ,they catched are in an entangling net1 ',cause they good counsel lightly did forget3 ',tis true1 they rescued were1 but yet you see1 ,they're scourg'd to boot4 ,let this your caution be4 ,now1 after a while1 they perceived1 afar off1 one coming softly and alone1 all along the highway to meet them4 ,then said ,christian to his fellow1 ,yonder is a man with his back toward ,zion1 and he is coming to meet us4 ,,hope4 ,i see him1 let us take heed to ourselves now1 lest he should prove a flatterer also4 ,so he drew nearer and nearer1 and at last came up unto them4 ,his name was ,atheist1 and he asked them whither they were going4 ,,chr4 ,we are going to the ,mount ,zion4 ,then ,atheist fell into a very great laughter4 ,,chr4 ,what is the meaning of your laughter8 ,,atheist4 ,i laugh to see what ignorant persons you are1 to take upon you so tedious a journey1 and yet are like to have nothing but your travel for your pains4 ,,chr4 ,why1 man1 do you think we shall not be received8 ,,atheist4 ,received6 ,there is no such place as you dream of in all this world4#bfe ,,chr4 ,but there is in the world to come4 ,,atheist4 ,when ,i was at home in mine own country1 ,i heard as you now affirm1 and from that hearing went out to see1 and have been seeking this city this #bj years2 but find no more of it than ,i did the first day ,i set out 7,jer4 #bb3ab2 ,eccl4 #aj3ae74 ,,chr4 ,we have both heard and believe that there is such a place to be found4 ,,atheist4 ,had not ,i1 when at home1 believed1 ,i had not come thus far to seek2 but finding none 7and yet ,i should1 had there been such a place to be found1 for ,i have gone to seek it further than you71 ,i am going back again1 and will seek to refresh myself with the things that ,i then cast away1 for hopes of that which1 ,i now see1 is not4#bff ,,chr4 ,then said ,christian to ,hopeful his fellow1 ,is it true which this man hath said8 ,,hope4 ,take heed1 he is one of the flatterers2 remember what it hath cost us once already for our hearkening to such kind of fellows4 ,what6 no ,mount ,zion8 ,did we not see1 from the ,delectable ,mountains1 the gate of the city8#bfg ,also1 are we not now to walk by faith8 ,let us go on1 said ,hopeful1 lest the man with the whip overtake us again#bfh 7#b ,cor4 #e3g74 ,you should have taught me that lesson1 which ,i will round#bfi you in the ears withal3 ,cease1 my son1 to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge 7,prov4 #ai3ag74 ,i say1 my brother1 cease to hear him1 and let us believe to the saving of the soul 7,heb4 #aj3ci74 ,,chr4 ,my brother1 ,i did not put the question to thee1 for that ,i doubted of the truth of our belief myself1 but to prove thee1 and to fetch from thee a fruit of the honesty of thy heart4 ,as for this man1 ,i know that he is blinded by the god of this world4 ,let thee and ,i go on1 knowing that we have belief of the truth1 and no lie is of the truth 7#a ,john #b3ba74 ,,hope4 ,now do ,i rejoice in hope of the glory of ,god4 ,so they turned away from the man2 and he1 laughing at them1 went his way4 ,i saw then in my dream1 that they went till they came into a certain country1 whose air naturally tended to make one drowsy1 if he came a stranger into it4 ,and here ,hopeful began to be very dull and heavy of sleep2 wherefore he said unto ,christian1 ,i do now begin to grow so drowsy that ,i can scarcely hold up mine eyes2 let us lie down here1 and take one nap4#bgj ,,chr4 ,by no means1 said the other2 lest1 sleeping1 we never awake more4 ,,hope4 ,why1 my brother8 ,sleep is sweet to the labouring man2 we may be refreshed if we take a nap4#bga ,,chr4 ,do you not remember that one of the ,shepherds bid us beware of the ,enchanted ,ground8#bgb ,he meant by that1 that we should beware of sleeping2 ,therefore let us not sleep1 as do others1 but let us watch and be sober#bgc 7#a ,thess4 #e3f74 ,,hope4 ,i acknowledge myself in a fault2 and had ,i been here alone1 ,i had by sleeping run the danger of death4 ,i see it is true that the wise man saith1 ,two are better than one4 ,hitherto hath thy company been my mercy1 and thou shalt have a good reward for thy labour4 7,eccl4 #d3i74 ,,chr4 ,now then1 said ,christian1 to prevent drowsiness in this place1 let us fall into good discourse4 ,,hope4 ,with all my heart1 said the other4 ,,chr4 ,where shall we begin8 ,,hope4 ,where ,god began with us4 ,but do you begin1 if you please4 ,,chr4 ,i will sing you first this song- ,when saints do sleepy grow1 let them come hither1 ,and hear how these two pilgrims talk together3 ,yea1 let them learn of them1 in any wise1 ,thus to keep ope their drowsy slumb'ring eyes4 ,saints' fellowship1 if it be manag'd well1 ,keeps them awake1 and that in spite of hell4 ,,chr4 ,then ,christian began1 and said1 ,i will ask you a question4 ,how came you to think at first of so doing as you do now8 ,,hope4 ,do you mean1 how came ,i at first to look after the good of my soul8 ,,chr4 ,yes1 that is my meaning4 ,,hope4 ,i continued a great while in the delight of those things which were seen and sold at our fair2 things which1 ,i believe now1 would have1 had ,i continued in them still1 drowned me in perdition and destruction4 ,,chr4 ,what things were they8 ,,hope4 ,all the treasures and riches of the world4 ,also ,i delighted much in rioting1 revelling1 drinking1 swearing1 lying1 uncleanness1 ,sabbath-breaking1 and what not1 that tended to destroy the soul4 ,but ,i found at last1 by hearing and considering of things that are ,divine1 which indeed ,i heard of you1 as also of beloved ,faithful1 that was put to death for his faith and good living in ,vanity ,fair1 that the end of these things is death 7,rev4 #f3ba-bc74 ,and that for these things' sake1 cometh the wrath of ,god upon the children of disobedience 7,eph4 #e3f74 ,,chr4 ,and did you presently fall under the power of this conviction8 ,,hope4 ,no1 ,i was not willing presently to know the evil of sin1 nor the damnation that follows upon the commission of it2 but endeavoured1 when my mind at first began to be shaken with the ,word1 to shut mine eyes against the light thereof4 ,,chr4 ,but what was the cause of your carrying of it thus to the first workings of ,god's blessed ,spirit upon you8 ,,hope4 ,the causes were1 #a4 ,i was ignorant that this was the work of ,god upon me4 ,i never thought that by awakenings for sin1 ,god at first begins the conversion of a sinner4 #b4 ,sin was yet very sweet to my flesh1 and ,i was loath to leave it4 #c4 ,i could not tell how to part with mine old companions1 their presence and actions were so desirable unto me4 #d4 ,the hours in which convictions were upon me1 were such troublesome and such heart-affrighting hours1 that ,i could not bear1 no not so much as the remembrance of them upon my heart4#bgd ,,chr4 ,then1 as it seems1 sometimes you got rid of your trouble8 ,,hope4 ,yes1 verily1 but it would come into my mind again1 and then ,i should be as bad1 nay1 worse than ,i was before4 ,,chr4 ,why1 what was it that brought your sins to mind again8 ,,hope4 ,many things2 as1 #a4 ,if ,i did but meet a good man in the streets2 or1 #b4 ,if ,i have heard any read in the ,bible2 or1 #c4 ,if mine head did begin to ache2 or1 #d4 ,if ,i were told that some of my neighbours were sick2 or1 #e4 ,if ,i heard the bell toll for some that were dead2 or1 #f4 ,if ,i thought of dying myself2 or1 #g4 ,if ,i heard that sudden death happened to others2 #h4 ,but especially1 when ,i thought of myself1 that ,i must quickly come to judgment4 ,,chr4 ,and could you at any time1 with ease1 get off the guilt of sin1#bge when1 by any of these ways1 it came upon you8 ,,hope4 ,no1 not ,i1 for then they got faster hold of my conscience2 and then1 if ,i did but think of going back to sin 7though my mind was turned against it71 it would be double torment to me4 ,,chr4 ,and how did you do then8 ,,hope4 ,i thought ,i must endeavour to mend my life2 for else1 thought ,i1 ,i am sure to be damned4 ,,chr4 ,and did you endeavour to mend8 ,,hope4 ,yes2 and fled from not only my sins1 but sinful company too2 and betook me to religious duties1 as prayer1 reading1 weeping for sin1 speaking truth to my neighbours1 c4 ,these things did ,i1 with many others1 too much here to relate4 ,,chr4 ,and did you think yourself well then8 ,,hope4 ,yes1 for a while2 but1 at the last1 my trouble came tumbling upon me again1 and that over the neck of all my reformations4 ,,chr4 ,how came that about1 since you were now reformed8 ,,hope4 ,there were several things brought it upon me1 especially such sayings as these3 ,all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags 7,isa4 #fd3f74 ,by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified 7,gal4 #b3af74 ,when ye shall have done all those things1 say1 ,we are unprofitable 7,luke #ag3aj72 with many more such like4 ,from whence ,i began to reason with myself thus3 ,if ,,all my righteousnesses are filthy rags2 if1 by the deeds of the law1 ,,no man can be justified2 and if1 when we have done ,,all1 we are yet unprofitable1 then it is but a folly to think of ,heaven by the law4 ,i further thought thus3 ,if a man runs a hundred pounds into the shopkeeper's debt1 and after that shall pay for all that he shall fetch2 yet1 if this old debt stands still in the book uncrossed1 for that the shopkeeper may sue him1 and cast him into prison till he shall pay the debt4 ,,chr4 ,well1 and how did you apply this to yourself8 ,,hope4 ,why1 ,i thought thus with myself3 ,i have1 by my sins1 run a great way into ,god's book1 and that my now reforming will not pay off that score2 therefore ,i should think still1 under all my present amendments1 ,but how shall ,i be freed from that damnation that ,i have brought myself in danger of1 by my former transgressions8 ,,chr4 ,a very good application2 but1 pray1 go on4 ,,hope4 ,another thing that hath troubled me1 even since my late amendments1 is1 that if ,i look narrowly into the best of what ,i do now1 ,i still see sin1 new sin1 mixing itself with the best of that ,i do2 so that now ,i am forced to conclude1 that notwithstanding my former fond conceits of myself and duties1 ,i have committed sin enough in one duty to send me to hell1#bgf though my former life had been faultless4#bgg ,,chr4 ,and what did you do then8 ,,hope4 ,do6 ,i could not tell what to do1 until ,i brake my mind to ,faithful1 for he and ,i were well acquainted4 ,and he told me1 that unless ,i could obtain the righteousness of a man that never had sinned1 neither mine own1 nor all the righteousness of the world1 could save me4 ,,chr4 ,and did you think he spake true8 ,,hope4 ,had he told me so when ,i was pleased and satisfied with mine own amendment1 ,i had called him fool for his pains2 but now1 since ,i see mine own infirmity1 and the sin that cleaves to my best performance1 ,i have been forced to be of his opinion4 ,,chr4 ,but did you think1 when at first he suggested it to you1 that there was such a man to be found1 of whom it might justly be said1 that ,he never committed sin8 ,,hope4 ,i must confess the words at first sounded strangely1 but after a little more talk and company with him1 ,i had full conviction about it4 ,,chr4 ,and did you ask him what man this was1 and how you must be justified by ,him8 ,,hope4 ,yes1 and he told me it was the ,lord ,jesus1 that dwelleth on the right hand of the ,most ,high4 ,and thus1 said he1 you must be justified by ,him1 even by trusting to what ,he hath done by ,himself in the days of ,his flesh1 and suffered when ,he did hang on the tree4 ,i asked him further1 how that man's righteousness could be of that efficacy to justify another before ,god8 ,and he told me ,he was the mighty ,god1 and did what ,he did1 and died the death also1 not for ,himself1 but for me2 to whom ,his doings1 and the worthiness of them1 should be imputed1 if ,i believed on ,him 7,heb4 #aj2 ,rom4 #d2 ,col4 #a2 #a ,peter #a74 ,,chr4 ,and what did you do then8 ,,hope4 ,i made my objections against my believing1 for that ,i thought ,he was not willing to save me4 ,,chr4 ,and what said ,faithful to you then8 ,,hope4 ,he bid me go to ,him and see4 ,then ,i said it was presumption2 but he said1 ,no1 for ,i was invited to come 7,matt4 #aa3bh74 ,then he gave me a book of ,jesus1 ,his inditing1 to encourage me the more freely to come2 and he said1 concerning that book1 that every jot and tittle thereof stood firmer than ,heaven and earth 7,matt4 #bd3ce74 ,then ,i asked him1 ,what ,i must do when ,i came2 and he told me1 ,i must entreat upon my knees1 with all my heart and soul1 the ,father to reveal ,him to me 7,psa4 #ie3f2 ,dan4 #f3aj2 ,jer4 #bi3ab1 #ac74 ,then ,i asked him further1 how ,i must make my supplication to ,him8 ,and he said1 ,go1 and thou shalt find ,him upon a mercy-seat1 where ,he sits all the year long1 to give pardon and forgiveness to them that come4 ,i told him that ,i knew not what to say when ,i came4 ,and he bid me say to this effect1 ,god be merciful to me a sinner1 and make me to know and believe in ,jesus ,christ2 for ,i see1 that if ,his righteousness had not been1 or ,i have not faith in that righteousness1 ,i am utterly cast away4#bgh ,lord1 ,i have heard that ,thou art a merciful ,god1 and hast ordained that ,thy ,son ,jesus ,christ should be the ,saviour of the world2 and moreover1 that thou art willing to bestow ,him upon such a poor sinner as ,i am 7and ,i am a sinner indeed71 ,lord1 take therefore this opportunity1 and magnify ,thy grace in the salvation of my soul1 through ,thy ,son ,jesus ,christ4 ,amen4 7,exo4 #be3bb2 ,lev4 #af3b2 ,num4 #g3hi2 ,heb4 #d3af74 ,,chr4 ,and did you do as you were bidden8 ,,hope4 ,yes2 over1 and over1 and over4 ,,chr4 ,and did the ,father reveal ,his ,son to you8 ,,hope4 ,not at the first1 nor second1 nor third1 nor fourth1 nor fifth2 no1 nor at the sixth time neither4 ,,chr4 ,what did you do then8 ,,hope4 ,what6 why ,i could not tell what to do4 ,,chr4 ,had you not thoughts of leaving off praying8 ,,hope4 ,yes1 a hundred times twice told4 ,,chr4 ,and what was the reason you did not8 ,,hope4 ,i believed that that was true which had been told me1 to wit1 that without the righteousness of this ,christ1 all the world could not save me2 and therefore1 thought ,i with myself1 if ,i leave off ,i die1 and ,i can but die at the throne of grace4 ,and withal1 this came into my mind1 ,though it tarry1 wait for it2 because it will surely come1 it will not tarry 7,hab4 #b3c74 ,so ,i continued praying until the ,father showed me ,his ,son4#bgi ,,chr4 ,and how was ,he revealed unto you8 ,,hope4 ,i did not see ,him with my bodily eyes1 but with the eyes of my understanding 7,eph4 #a3ah1 #ai72 and thus it was3 ,one day ,i was very sad1 ,i think sadder than at any one time in my life1 and this sadness was through a fresh sight of the greatness and vileness of my sins4 ,and as ,i was then looking for nothing but hell1 and the everlasting damnation of my soul1 suddenly1 as ,i thought1 ,i saw the ,lord ,jesus look down from ,heaven upon me1 and saying1 ,believe on the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and thou shalt be saved 7,acts #af3ca74 ,but ,i replied1 ,lord1 ,i am a great1 a very great sinner4 ,and ,he answered1 ,my grace is sufficient for thee#bhj 7#b ,cor4 #ab3i74 ,then ,i said1 ,but1 ,lord1 what is believing8 ,and then ,i saw from that saying1 ,he that cometh to ,me shall never hunger1 and he that believeth on ,me shall never thirst2 that believing and coming was all one2 and that he that came1 that is1 ran out in his heart and affections after salvation by ,christ1 he indeed believed in ,christ 7,john #f3ce74 ,then the water stood in mine eyes1 and ,i asked further1 ,but1 ,lord1 may such a great sinner as ,i am1 be indeed accepted of ,thee1 and be saved by ,thee8 ,and ,i heard him say1 ,and him that cometh to ,me1 ,i will in no wise cast out 7,john #f3cg74 ,then ,i said1 ,but how1 ,lord1 must ,i consider of ,thee in my coming to ,thee1 that my faith may be placed aright upon ,thee8 ,then ,he said1 ,christ ,jesus came into the world to save sinners 7#a ,tim4 #a3ae74 ,he is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth 7,rom4 #aj3d74 ,he died for our sins1 and rose again for our justification 7,rom4 #d3be74 ,he loved us1 and washed us from our sins in ,his own blood 7,rev4 #a3e74 ,he is mediator betwixt ,god and us 7#a ,tim4 #b3e74 ,he ever liveth to make intercession for us 7,heb4 #g3be74 ,from all which ,i gathered1 that ,i must look for righteousness in ,his person1 and for satisfaction for my sins by ,his blood2 that what ,he did in obedience to ,his ,father's law1 and in submitting to the penalty thereof1 was not for ,himself1 but for him that will accept it for his salvation1 and be thankful4 ,and now was my heart full of joy1 mine eyes full of tears1 and mine affections running over with love to the name1 people1 and ways of ,jesus ,christ4#bha ,,chr4 ,this was a revelation of ,christ to your soul indeed2 but tell me particularly what effect this had upon your spirit4#bhb ,,hope4 ,it made me see that all the world1 notwithstanding all the righteousness thereof1 is in a state of condemnation4 ,it made me see that ,god the ,father1 though ,he be just1 can justly justify the coming sinner4 ,it made me greatly ashamed of the vileness of my former life1 and confounded me with the sense of mine own ignorance2 for there never came thought into my heart before now1 that showed me so the beauty of ,jesus ,christ4 ,it made me love a holy life1 and long to do something for the honour and glory of the name of the ,lord ,jesus2 yea1 ,i thought that had ,i now a thousand gallons of blood in my body1 ,i could spill it all for the sake of the ,lord ,jesus4#bhc ,i saw then in my dream that ,hopeful looked back and saw ,ignorance1 whom they had left behind1 coming after4 ,look1 said he to ,christian1 how far yonder youngster loitereth behind4 ,,chr4 ,aye1 aye1 ,i see him2 he careth not for our company4 ,,hope4 ,but ,i trow it would not have hurt him1 had he kept pace with us hitherto4 ,,chr4 ,that is true2 but ,i warrant you he thinketh otherwise4 ,,hope4 ,that ,i think he doth2 but1 however1 let us tarry for him4 ,so they did4 ,then ,christian said to him1 ,come away1 man1 why do you stay so behind8 ,,ignor4 ,i take my pleasure in walking alone1 even more a great deal than in company1 unless ,i like it the better4#bhd ,then said ,christian to ,hopeful 7but softly71 ,did ,i not tell you he cared not for our company8 ,but1 however1 said he1 come up1 and let us talk away the time in this solitary place4 ,then1 directing his speech to ,ignorance1 he said1 ,come1 how do you8 ,how stands it between ,god and your soul now8 ,,ignor4 ,i hope well2 for ,i am always full of good motions1 that come into my mind1 to comfort me as ,i walk 7,prov4 #bh3bf74 ,,chr4 ,what good motions8 pray1 tell us4 ,,ignor4 ,why1 ,i think of ,god and ,heaven4 ,,chr4 ,so do the devils and damned souls4 ,,ignor4 ,but ,i think of them1 and desire them4#bhe ,,chr4 ,so do many that are never like to come there4 ,the soul of the sluggard desireth1 and hath nothing 7,prov4 #ac3d74 ,,ignor4 ,but ,i think of them1 and leave all for them4 ,,chr4 ,that ,i doubt2 for leaving all is a hard matter2 yea1 a harder matter than many are aware of4 ,but why1 or by what1 art thou persuaded that thou hast left all for ,god and ,heaven8 ,,ignor4 ,my heart tells me so4 ,,chr4 ,the wise man says1 ,he that trusts his own heart is a fool#bhf 7,prov4 #bh3bf74 ,,ignor4 ,this is spoken of an evil heart1 but mine is a good one4 ,,chr4 ,but how dost thou prove that8 ,,ignor4 ,it comforts me in hopes of ,heaven4 ,,chr4 ,that may be through its deceitfulness2 for a man's heart may minister comfort to him in the hopes of that thing1 for which he yet has no ground to hope4 ,,ignor4 ,but my heart and life agree together1 and therefore my hope is well grounded4 ,,chr4 ,who told thee that thy heart and life agree together8 ,,ignor4 ,my heart tells me so4 ,,chr4 ,ask my fellow if ,i be a thief6 ,thy heart tells thee so6 ,except the ,word of ,god beareth witness in this matter1 other testimony is of no value4 ,,ignor4 ,but is it not a good heart that hath good thoughts8 and is not that a good life that is according to ,god's commandments8 ,,chr4 ,yea1 that is a good heart that hath good thoughts1 and that is a good life that is according to ,god's commandments2 but it is one thing1 indeed1 to have these1 and another thing only to think so4 ,,ignor4 ,pray1 what count you good thoughts1 and a life according to ,god's commandments8 ,,chr4 ,there are good thoughts of divers kinds2 some respecting ourselves1 some ,god1 some ,christ1 and some other thing4 ,,ignor4 ,what be good thoughts respecting ourselves8 ,,chr4 ,such as agree with the ,word of ,god4 ,,ignor4 ,when do our thoughts of ourselves agree with the ,word of ,god8 ,,chr4 ,when we pass the same judgment upon ourselves which the ,word passes4 ,to explain myself-the ,word of ,god saith of persons in a natural condition1 ,there is none righteous1 there is none that doeth good 7,rom4 #c74 ,it saith also1 that every imagination of the heart of man is only evil1 and that continually 7,gen4 #f3e74 ,and again1 ,the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth 7,gen4 #h3ba74 ,now then1 when we think thus of ourselves1 having sense thereof then are our thoughts good ones1 because according to the ,word of ,god4 ,,ignor4 ,i will never believe that my heart is thus bad4 ,,chr4 ,therefore thou never hadst one good thought concerning thyself in thy life4 ,but let me go on4 ,as the ,word passeth a judgment upon our heart1 so it passeth a judgment upon our ways2 and when our thoughts of our hearts and ways agree with the judgment which the ,word giveth of both1 then are both good1 because agreeing thereto4 ,,ignor4 ,make out your meaning4 ,,chr4 ,why1 the ,word of ,god saith that man's ways are crooked ways2 not good1 but perverse 7,psa4 #abe2 ,prov4 #b3ae74 ,it saith they are naturally out of the good way1 that they have not known it 7,rom4 #c74 ,now1 when a man thus thinketh of his ways2 ,i say1 when he doth sensibly1 and with heart humiliation1 thus think1 then hath he good thoughts of his own ways1 because his thoughts now agree with the judgment of the ,word of ,god4#bhg ,,ignor4 ,what are good thoughts concerning ,god8 ,,chr4 ,even as ,i have said concerning ourselves1 when our thoughts of ,god do agree with what the ,word saith of ,him2 and that is1 when we think of ,his being and attributes as the ,word hath taught1 of which ,i cannot now discourse at large2 but to speak of ,him with reference to us3 ,then we have right thoughts of ,god1 when we think that ,he knows us better than we know ourselves1 and can see sin in us when and where we can see none in ourselves2 when we think ,he knows our inmost thoughts1 and that our heart1 with all its depths1 is always open unto ,his eyes2 also1 when we think that all our righteousness stinks in ,his nostrils1 and that1 therefore1 ,he cannot abide to see us stand before ,him in any confidence1 even in all our best performances4 ,,ignor4 ,do you think that ,i am such a fool as to think ,god can see no further than ,i8 or1 that ,i would come to ,god in the best of my performances8 ,,chr4 ,why1 how dost thou think in this matter8 ,,ignor4 ,why1 to be short1 ,i think ,i must believe in ,christ for justification4 ,,chr4 ,how6 think thou must believe in ,christ1 when thou seest not thy need of ,him6 ,thou neither seest thy original nor actual infirmities2 but hast such an opinion of thyself1 and of what thou dost1 as plainly renders thee to be one that did never see a necessity of ,christ's personal righteousness to justify thee before ,god4#bhh ,how1 then1 dost thou say1 ,i believe in ,christ8 ,,ignor4 ,i believe well enough for all that4 ,,chr4 ,how dost thou believe8 ,,ignor4 ,i believe that ,christ died for sinners2 and that ,i shall be justified before ,god from the curse1 through ,his gracious acceptance of my obedience to ,his law4 ,or thus1 ,christ makes my duties1 that are religious1 acceptable to ,his ,father1 by virtue of ,his merits2 and so shall ,i be justified4#bhi ,,chr4 ,let me give an answer to this confession of thy faith4 #a4 ,thou believest with a fantastical faith2 for this faith is nowhere described in the ,word4 #b4 ,thou believest with a false faith2 because it taketh justification from the personal righteousness of ,christ1 and applies it to thy own4#bij #c4 ,this faith maketh not ,christ a justifier of thy person1 but of thy actions2 and of thy person for thy actions' sake1 which is false4#bia #d4 ,therefore1 this faith is deceitful1 even such as will leave thee under wrath1 in the day of ,god ,almighty2 for true justifying faith puts the soul1 as sensible of its lost condition by the law1 upon flying for refuge unto ,christ's righteousness1 which righteousness of ,his is not an act of grace1 by which ,he maketh1 for justification1 thy obedience accepted with ,god2 but ,his personal obedience to the law1 in doing and suffering for us what that required at our hands2 this righteousness1 ,i say1 true faith accepteth2 under the skirt of which1 the soul being shrouded1 and by it presented as spotless before ,god1 it is accepted1 and acquit from condemnation4#bib ,,ignor4 ,what6 would you have us trust to what ,christ1 in ,his own person1 has done without us8 ,this conceit would loosen the reins of our lust1 and tolerate us to live as we list2 for what matter how we live1 if we may be justified by ,christ's personal righteousness from all1 when we believe it8 ,,chr4 ,ignorance is thy name1 and as thy name is1 so art thou2 even this thy answer demonstrateth what ,i say4 ,ignorant thou art of what justifying righteousness is1 and as ignorant how to secure thy soul1 through the faith of it1 from the heavy wrath of ,god4 ,yea1 thou also art ignorant of the true effects of saving faith in this righteousness of ,christ1 which is1 to bow and win over the heart to ,god in ,christ1 to love ,his name1 ,his ,word1 ways1 and people1 and not as thou ignorantly imaginest4 ,,hope4 ,ask him if ever he had ,christ revealed to him from ,heaven4#bic ,,ignor4 ,what6 you are a man for revelations6 ,i believe that what both you1 and all the rest of you1 say about that matter1 is but the fruit of distracted brains4 ,,hope4 ,why1 man6 ,christ is so hid in ,god from the natural apprehensions of the flesh1 that ,he cannot by any man be savingly known1 unless ,god the ,father reveals ,him to them4#bid ,,ignor4 ,that is your faith1 but not mine2 yet mine1 ,i doubt not1 is as good as yours1 though ,i have not in my head so many whimsies as you4 ,,chr4 ,give me leave to put in a word4 ,you ought not so slightly to speak of this matter2 for this ,i will boldly affirm1 even as my good companion hath done1 that no man can know ,jesus ,christ but by the revelation of the ,father 7,matt4 #aa3bg72 yea1 and faith too1 by which the soul layeth hold upon ,christ1 if it be right1 must be wrought by the exceeding greatness of ,his mighty power2 the working of which faith1 ,i perceive1 poor ,ignorance1 thou art ignorant of 7#a ,cor4 #ab3c2 ,eph #a3ah1 #ai74 ,be awakened then1 see thine own wretchedness1 and fly to the ,lord ,jesus2 and by ,his righteousness1 which is the righteousness of ,god1 for ,he ,himself is ,god1 thou shalt be delivered from condemnation4#bie ,,ignor4 ,you go so fast1 ,i cannot keep pace with you4 ,do you go on before2 ,i must stay a while behind4#bif ,then they said- ,well1 ,ignorance1 wilt thou yet foolish be1 ,to slight good counsel1 ten times given thee8 ,and if thou yet refuse it1 thou shalt know1 ,ere long1 the evil of thy doing so4 ,remember1 man1 in time1 stoop1 do not fear2 ,good counsel taken well1 saves3 therefore hear4 ,but if thou yet shalt slight it1 thou wilt be ,the loser 7,ignorance7 ,i'll warrant thee4 ,then ,christian addressed thus himself to his fellow- ,,chr4 ,well1 come1 my good ,hopeful1 ,i perceive that thou and ,i must walk by ourselves again4 ,so ,i saw in my dream that they went on apace before1 and ,ignorance he came bobbling after4 ,then said ,christian to his companion1 ,it pities me much for this poor man1 it will certainly go ill with him at last4 ,,hope4 ,alas6 there are abundance in our town in his condition1 whole families1 yea1 whole streets1 and that of pilgrims too2 and if there be so many in our parts1 how many1 think you1 must there be in the place where he was born8 ,,chr4 ,indeed the ,word saith1 ,he hath blinded their eyes1 lest they should see1 c4 ,but now we are by ourselves1 what do you think of such men8 ,have they at no time1 think you1 convictions of sin1 and so consequently fears that their state is dangerous8 ,,hope4 ,nay1 do you answer that question yourself1 for you are the elder man4 ,,chr4 ,then ,i say1 sometimes 7as ,i think7 they may2 but they being naturally ignorant1 understand not that such convictions tend to their good2 and therefore they do desperately seek to stifle them1 and presumptuously continue to flatter themselves in the way of their own hearts4 ,,hope4 ,i do believe1 as you say1 that fear tends much to men's good1 and to make them right1 at their beginning to go on pilgrimage4 ,,chr4 ,without all doubt it doth1 if it be right2 for so says the ,word1 ,the fear of the ,lord is the beginning of wisdom#big 7,prov4 #a3g2 #i3aj2 ,psa4 #aaa3aj2 ,job4 #bh3bh74 ,,hope4 ,how will you describe right fear8 ,,chr4 ,true or right fear is discovered by three things- #a4 ,by its rise2 it is caused by saving convictions for sin4 #b4 ,it driveth the soul to lay fast hold of ,christ for salvation4 #c4 ,it begetteth and continueth in the soul a great reverence of ,god1 his ,word1 and ways1 keeping it tender1 and making it afraid to turn from them1 to the right hand or to the left1 to anything1 that may dishonour ,god1 break its peace1 grieve the ,spirit1 or cause the enemy to speak reproachfully4#bih ,,hope4 ,well said2 ,i believe you have said the truth4 ,are we now almost got past the ,enchanted ,ground8 ,,chr4 ,why1 art thou weary of this discourse8 ,,hope4 ,no1 verily1 but that ,i would know where we are4 ,,chr4 ,we have not now above two miles further to go thereon4 ,but let us return to our matter4 ,now the ignorant know not that such convictions as tend to put them in fear are for their good1 and therefore they seek to stifle them4 ,,hope4 ,how do they seek to stifle them8 ,,chr4 #a4 ,they think that those fears are wrought by the devil 7though indeed they are wrought of ,god72 and1 thinking so1 they resist them as things that directly tend to their overthrow4 #b4 ,they also think that these fears tend to the spoiling of their faith1 when1 alas for them1 poor men that they are1 they have none at all6 and therefore they harden their hearts against them4 #c4 ,they presume they ought not to fear2 and therefore1 in despite of them1 wax presumptuously confident4 #d4 ,they see that those fears tend to take away from them their pitiful old self-holiness1#bii and therefore they resist them with all their might4 ,,hope4 ,i know something of this myself2 for1 before ,i knew myself1 it was so with me4#cjj ,,chr4 ,well1 we will leave1 at this time1 our neighbour ,ignorance by himself1 and fall upon another profitable question4 ,,hope4 ,with all my heart1 but you shall still begin4 ,,chr4 ,well then1 did you not know1 about #aj years ago1 one ,temporary in your parts1 who was a forward man in religion then8#cja ,,hope4 ,know him6 yes1 he dwelt in ,graceless1 a town about two miles off of ,honesty1 and he dwelt next door to one ,turnback4 ,,chr4 ,right1 he dwelt under the same roof with him4 ,well1 that man was much awakened once2 ,i believe that then he had some sight of his sins1 and of the wages that were due thereto4 ,,hope4 ,i am of your mind1 for1 my house not being above three miles from him1 he would ofttimes come to me1 and that with many tears4 ,truly ,i pitied the man1 and was not altogether without hope of him2 but one may see1 it is not every one that cries1 ,lord1 ,lord4 ,,chr4 ,he told me once that he was resolved to go on pilgrimage1 as we do now2 but all of a sudden he grew acquainted with one ,save-self1 and then he became a stranger to me4 ,,hope4 ,now1 since we are talking about him1 let us a little inquire into the reason of the sudden backsliding of him and such others4 ,,chr4 ,it may be very profitable1 but do you begin4 ,,hope4 ,well then1 there are in my judgment four reasons for it- #a4 ,though the consciences of such men are awakened1 yet their minds are not changed2 therefore1 when the power of guilt weareth away1 that which provoked them to be religious ceaseth1 wherefore they naturally turn to their own course again1 even as we see the dog that is sick of what he has eaten1 so long as his sickness prevails1 he vomits and casts up all2 not that he doth this of a free mind 7if we may say a dog has a mind71 but because it troubleth his stomach2 but now1 when his sickness is over1 and so his stomach eased1 his desire being not at all alienate from his vomit1 he turns him about and licks up all1 and so it is true which is written1 ,the dog is turned to his own vomit again 7#b ,peter #b3bb74cjb ,thus ,i say1 being hot for ,heaven1 by virtue only of the sense and fear of the torments of hell1 as their sense of hell1 and the fears of damnation1 chills and cools1 so their desires for ,heaven and salvation cool also4 ,so then it comes to pass1 that when their guilt and fear is gone1 their desires for ,heaven and happiness die1 and they return to their course again4#cjc #b4 ,another reason is1 they have slavish fears that do overmaster them2 ,i speak now of the fears that they have of men1 for the fear of man bringeth a snare 7,prov4 #bi3be74 ,so then1 though they seem to be hot for ,heaven1 so long as the flames of hell are about their ears1 yet1 when that terror is a little over1 they betake themselves to second thoughts2 namely1 that it is good to be wise1 and not to run 7for they know not what7 the hazard of losing all1 or1 at least1 of bringing themselves into unavoidable and unnecessary troubles1 and so they fall in with the world again4 #c4 ,the shame that attends religion lies also as a block in their way2 they are proud and haughty1 and religion in their eye is low and contemptible2 therefore1 when they have lost their sense of hell and wrath to come1 they return again to their former course4 #d4 ,guilt1 and to meditate terror1 are grievous to them4 ,they like not to see their misery before they come into it2 though perhaps the sight of it first1 if they loved that sight1 might make them fly whither the righteous fly and are safe4 ,but because they do1 as ,i hinted before1 even shun the thoughts of guilt and terror1 therefore1 when once they are rid of their awakenings about the terrors and wrath of ,god1 they harden their hearts gladly1 and choose such ways as will harden them more and more4 ,,chr4 ,you are pretty near the business1 for the bottom of all is1 for want of a change in their mind and will4 ,and therefore they are but like the felon that standeth before the judge1 he quakes and trembles1 and seems to repent most heartily1 but the bottom of all is the fear of the halter2 not that he hath any detestation of the offence1 as is evident1 because1 let but this man have his liberty1 and he will be a thief1 and so a rogue still1 whereas1 if his mind were changed1 he would be otherwise4 ,,hope4 ,now1 ,i have showed you the reasons of their going back1 do you show me the manner thereof4#cjd ,,chr4 ,so ,i will1 willingly4 #a4 ,they draw off their thoughts1 all that they may1 from the remembrance of ,god1 death1 and judgment to come4 #b4 ,then they cast off by degrees private duties1 as closet prayer1 curbing their lusts1 watching1 sorrow for sin1 and the like4 #c4 ,then they shun the company of lively and warm ,christians4 #d4 ,after that1 they grow cold to public duty1 as hearing1 reading1 godly conference1 and the like4 #e4 ,then they begin to pick holes1 as we say1 in the coats of some of the godly2 and that devilishly1 that they may have a seeming colour to throw religion 7for the sake of some infirmity they have espied in them7 behind their backs4 #f4 ,then they begin to adhere to1 and associate themselves with1 carnal1 loose1 and wanton men4 #g4 ,then they give way to carnal and wanton discourses in secret2 and glad are they if they can see such things in any that are counted honest1 that they may the more boldly do it through their example4 #h4 ,after this1 they begin to play with little sins openly4 #i4 ,and then1 being hardened1 they show themselves as they are4 ,thus1 being launched again into the gulf of misery1 unless a miracle of grace prevent it1 they everlastingly perish in their own deceivings4#cje ,now ,i saw in my dream1 that by this time the ,pilgrims were got over the ,enchanted ,ground1 and entering into the country of ,beulah1 whose air was very sweet and pleasant1 the way lying directly through it1 they solaced themselves there for a season 7,isa4 #fb3d74 ,yea1 here they heard continually the singing of birds1 and saw every day the flowers appear in the earth1 and heard the voice of the turtle in the land 7,song4 #b3aj-ab74 ,in this country the sun shineth night and day2 wherefore this was beyond the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death1 and also out of the reach of ,giant ,despair1 neither could they from this place so much as see ,doubting ,castle4#cjf ,here they were within sight of the city they were going to1 also here met them some of the inhabitants thereof2 for in this land the ,shining ,ones commonly walked1 because it was upon the borders of ,heaven4 ,in this land also the contract between the bride and the bridegroom was renewed2 yea1 here1 ,as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride1 so did their ,god rejoice over them 7,isa4 #fb3e74 ,here they had no want of corn and wine2 for in this place they met with abundance of what they had sought for in all their pilgrimage 7v4 #h74 ,here they heard voices from out of the city1 loud voices1 saying1 ,say ye to the daughter of ,zion1 ,behold1 thy salvation cometh6 ,behold1 ,his reward is with ,him6 7v4 #aa74 ,here all the inhabitants of the country called them1 ,the holy people1 ,the redeemed of the ,lord1 ,sought out1 c4 7v4 #ab74 ,now1 as they walked in this land1 they had more rejoicing than in parts more remote from the kingdom to which they were bound2 and drawing near to the city1 they had yet a more perfect view thereof4 ,it was builded of pearls and precious stones1 also the street thereof was paved with gold2 so that by reason of the natural glory of the city1 and the reflection of the sunbeams upon it1 ,christian with desire fell sick4 ,hopeful also had a fit or two of the same disease4#cjg ,wherefore1 here they lay by it a while1 crying out1 because of their pangs1 ,if ye find my ,beloved1 tell ,him that ,i am sick of love#cjh 7,song4 #e3h74 ,but being a little strengthened1 and better able to bear their sickness1 they walked on their way1 and came yet nearer and nearer1 where were orchards1 vineyards1 and gardens1 and their gates opened into the highway4 ,now1 as they came up to these places1 behold1 the gardener stood in the way1 to whom the ,pilgrims said1 ,whose goodly vineyards and gardens are these8 ,he answered1 ,they are the ,king's1 and are planted here for ,his own delight1 and also for the solace of pilgrims4 ,so the gardener had them into the vineyards1 and bid them refresh themselves with the dainties 7,deut4 #bc3bd74 ,he also showed them there the ,king's walks1 and the arbours1 where ,he delighted to be2 and here they tarried and slept4#cji ,now ,i beheld in my dream1 that they talked more in their sleep at this time than ever they did in all their journey2 and being in a muse thereabout1 the gardener said even to me1 ,wherefore musest thou at the matter8 ,it is the nature of the fruit of the grapes of these vineyards to go down so sweetly1 as to cause the lips of them that are asleep to speak4#caj ,so ,i saw that when they awoke1 they addressed themselves to go up to the city4 ,but1 as ,i said1 the reflection of the sun upon the city 7for the city was pure gold71 7,rev4 #ba3ah71 was so extremely glorious1 that they could not1 as yet1 with open face behold it1 but through an instrument made for that purpose 7#b ,cor4 #c3ah74 ,so ,i saw1 that as they went on1 there met them two men1 in raiment that shone like gold2 also their faces shone as the light4#caa ,these men asked the ,pilgrims whence they came2 and they told them4 ,they also asked them where they had lodged1 what difficulties and dangers1 what comforts and pleasures they had met in the way2 and they told them4 ,then said the men that met them1 ,you have but two difficulties more to meet with1 and then you are in the city4#cab ,christian then1 and his companion1 asked the men to go along with them2 so they told them they would4 ,but1 said they1 you must obtain it by your own faith4 ,so ,i saw in my dream that they went on together1 until they came in sight of the gate4 ,now1 ,i further saw1 that betwixt them and the gate was a river1 but there was no bridge to go over2 the river was very deep4 ,at the sight1 therefore1 of this river1 the ,pilgrims were much stunned3 but the men that went with them said1 ,you must go through1 or you cannot come at the gate4#cac ,the ,pilgrims then began to inquire if there was no other way to the gate2 to which they answered1 ,yes2 but there hath not any1 save two1 to wit1 ,enoch and ,elijah1 been permitted to tread that path1 since the foundation of the world1 nor shall1 until the last trumpet shall sound 7#a ,cor4 #ae3ea1 #eb74 ,the ,pilgrims then1 especially ,christian1 began to despond in their minds1 and looked this way and that1 but no way could be found by them1 by which they might escape the river4#cad ,then they asked the men if the waters were all of a depth4 ,they said1 ,no2 yet they could not help them in that case2 for1 said they1 you shall find it deeper or shallower1 as you believe in the ,king of the place4 ,they then addressed themselves to the water2 and entering1 ,christian began to sink1 and crying out to his good friend ,hopeful1 he said1 ,i sink in deep waters2 the billows go over my head1 all his waves go over me6 ,selah4#cae ,then said the other1 ,be of good cheer1 my brother1 ,i feel the bottom1 and it is good4 ,then1 said ,christian1 ,ah6 my friend1 the sorrows of death have compassed me about2 ,i shall not see the land that flows with milk and honey2 and with that a great darkness and horror fell upon ,christian1 so that he could not see before him4 ,also here he in great measure lost his senses1 so that he could neither remember1 nor orderly talk of any of those sweet refreshments that he had met with in the way of his pilgrimage4 ,but all the words that he spake still tended to discover that he had horror of mind1 and heart fears that he should die in that river1 and never obtain entrance in at the gate4 ,here also1 as they that stood by perceived1 he was much in the troublesome thoughts of the sins that he had committed1 both since and before he began to be a pilgrim4 ,it was also observed that he was troubled with apparitions of hobgoblins and evil spirits2 for ever and anon he would intimate so much by words4#caf ,hopeful1 therefore1 here had much ado to keep his brother's head above water2 yea1 sometimes he would be quite gone down1 and then1 ere awhile1 he would rise up again half dead4 ,hopeful also would endeavour to comfort him1 saying1 ,brother1 ,i see the gate1 and men standing by to receive us2 but ,christian would answer1 ,it is you1 it is you they wait for2 you have been ,hopeful ever since ,i knew you4#cag ,and so have you1 said he to ,christian4 ,ah1 brother6 said he1 surely if ,i were right ,he would now arise to help me2 but for my sins ,he hath brought me into the snare1 and hath left me4 ,then said ,hopeful1 ,my brother1 you have quite forgot the text1 where it is said of the wicked1 ,there are no bands in their death2 but their strength is firm4 ,they are not in trouble as other men1 neither are they plagued like other men 7,psa4 #gc3d1 #e74 ,these troubles and distresses that you go through in these waters are no sign that ,god hath forsaken you2 but are sent to try you1 whether you will call to mind that which heretofore you have received of ,his goodness1 and live upon ,him in your distresses4#cah ,then ,i saw in my dream1 that ,christian was as in a muse a while4 ,to whom also ,hopeful added this word1 ,be of good cheer1 ,jesus ,christ maketh thee whole2#cai and with that ,christian brake out with a loud voice1 ,o6 ,i see ,him again1 and ,he tells me1 ,when thou passest through the waters1 ,i will be with thee2 and through the rivers1 they shall not overflow thee 7,isa4 #dc3b74 ,then they both took courage1 and the enemy was after that as still as a stone1 until they were gone over4 ,christian therefore presently found ground to stand upon1 and so it followed that the rest of the river was but shallow4 ,thus they got over4#cbj ,now1 upon the bank of the river1 on the other side1 they saw the two shining men again1 who there waited for them2 wherefore1 being come out of the river1 they saluted them1 saying1 ,we are ministering spirits1 sent forth to minister for those that shall be heirs of salvation4 ,thus they went along towards the gate4#cba ,now you must note that the city stood upon a mighty hill1 but the ,pilgrims went up that hill with ease1 because they had these two men to lead them up by the arms2 also1 they had left their mortal garments behind them in the river1 for though they went in with them1 they came out without them4 ,they1 therefore1 went up here with much agility and speed1 though the foundation upon which the city was framed was higher than the clouds4#cbb ,they1 therefore1 went up through the regions of the air1 sweetly talking as they went1 being comforted1 because they safely got over the river1 and had such glorious companions to attend them4#cbc ,the talk they had with the ,shining ,ones was about the glory of the place2 who told them that the beauty and glory of it was inexpressible4 ,there1 said they1 is the ,mount ,zion1 the heavenly ,jerusalem1 the innumerable company of angels1 and the spirits of just men made perfect 7,heb4 #ab3bb-bd74 ,you are going now1 said they1 to the paradise of ,god1 wherein you shall see the tree of life1 and eat of the never-fading fruits thereof2 and when you come there1 you shall have white robes given you1 and your walk and talk shall be every day with the ,king1 even all the days of eternity 7,rev4 #b3g2 #c3d2 #bb3e74 ,there you shall not see again such things as you saw when you were in the lower region upon the earth1 to wit1 sorrow1 sickness1 affliction1 and death1 for the former things are passed away4 ,you are now going to ,abraham1 to ,isaac1 and ,jacob1 and to the prophets-men that ,god hath taken away from the evil to come1 and that are now resting upon their beds1 each one walking in his righteousness#cbd 7,isa4 #eg3a1 #b2 #fe3ag74 ,the men then asked1 ,what must we do in the holy place8 ,to whom it was answered1 ,you must there receive the comforts of all your toil1 and have joy for all your sorrow2 you must reap what you have sown1 even the fruit of all your prayers1 and tears1 and sufferings for the ,king by the way 7,gal4 #f3g74 ,in that place you must wear crowns of gold1 and enjoy the perpetual sight and vision of the ,holy ,one1 for there you shall see ,him as ,he is 7#a ,john #c3b74 ,there also you shall serve ,him continually with praise1 with shouting and thanksgiving1 whom you desired to serve in the world1 though with much difficulty1 because of the infirmity of your flesh4 ,there your eyes shall be delighted with seeing1 and your ears with hearing the pleasant voice of the ,mighty ,one4 ,there you shall enjoy your friends again1 that are gone thither before you2 and there you shall with joy receive1 even every one that follows into the holy place after you4 ,there also shall you be clothed with glory and majesty1 and put into an equipage fit to ride out with the ,king of glory4 ,when ,he shall come with sound of trumpet in the clouds1 as upon the wings of the wind1 you shall come with ,him2 and when ,he shall sit upon the throne of judgment1 you shall sit by ,him2 yea1 and when ,he shall pass sentence upon all the workers of iniquity1 let them be angels or men1 you also shall have a voice in that judgment1 because they were ,his and your enemies 7#a ,thess4 #d3ac-ag2 ,jude #ad2 ,dan4 #g3i1 #aj2 #a ,cor4 #f3b1 #c74 ,also when ,he shall again return to the city1 you shall go too1 with sound of trumpet1 and be ever with ,him4 ,now1 while they were thus drawing towards the gate1 behold a company of the heavenly host came out to meet them2 to whom it was said1 by the other two ,shining ,ones1 ,these are the men that have loved our ,lord when they were in the world1 and that have left all for ,his holy name2 and ,he hath sent us to fetch them1 and we have brought them thus far on their desired journey1 that they may go in and look their ,redeemer in the face with joy4 ,then the heavenly host gave a great shout1 saying1 ,blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the ,lamb 7,rev4 #ai3i74 ,there came out also at this time to meet them1 several of the ,king's trumpeters1 clothed in white and shining raiment1 who1 with melodious noises1 and loud1 made even the heavens to echo with their sound4 ,these trumpeters saluted ,christian and his fellow with #aj1jjj welcomes from the world2 and this they did with shouting1 and sound of trumpet4 ,this done1 they compassed them round on every side2 some went before1 some behind1 and some on the right hand1 some on the left 7as it were to guard them through the upper regions71 continually sounding as they went1 with melodious noise1 in notes on high2 so that the very sight was to them that could behold it1 as if ,heaven itself was come down to meet them4#cbe ,thus1 therefore1 they walked on together2 and as they walked1 ever and anon these trumpeters1 even with joyful sound1 would1 by mixing their music with looks and gestures1 still signify to ,christian and his brother1 how welcome they were into their company1 and with what gladness they came to meet them2 and now were these two men1 as it were1 in ,heaven1 before they came at it1 being swallowed up with the sight of angels1 and with hearing of their melodious notes4 ,here also they had the city itself in view1 and they thought they heard all the bells therein to ring1 to welcome them thereto4 ,but above all1 the warm and joyful thoughts that they had about their own dwelling there1 with such company1 and that forever and ever4 ,o by what tongue or pen can their glorious joy be expressed6#cbf ,and thus they came up to the gate4 ,now1 when they were come up to the gate1 there was written over it in letters of gold1 ,blessed are they that do ,his commandments1 that they may have right to the tree of life1 and may enter in through the gates into the city 7,rev4 #bb3ad74 ,then ,i saw in my dream1 that the ,shining ,men bid them call at the gate2 the which1 when they did1 some looked from above over the gate1 to wit1 ,enoch1 ,moses1 and ,elijah1 c41 to whom it was said1 ,these pilgrims are come from the ,city of ,destruction1 for the love that they bear to the ,king of this place2 and then the pilgrims gave in unto them each man his certificate1#cbg which they had received in the beginning2 those1 therefore1 were carried into the ,king1 who1 when ,he had read them1 said1 ,where are the men8 ,to whom it was answered1 ,they are standing without the gate4 ,the ,king then commanded to open the gate1 ,that the righteous nation1 said ,he1 which keepeth the truth1 may enter in#cbh 7,isa4 #bf3b74 ,now ,i saw in my dream that these two men went in at the gate2 and lo1 as they entered1 they were transfigured1 and they had raiment put on that shone like gold4 ,there were also that met them with harps and crowns1 and gave them to them-the harps to praise withal1 and the crowns in token of honour4 ,then ,i heard in my dream that all the bells in the city rang again for joy1 and that it was said unto them1 ,,enter ,,ye ,,into ,,the ,,joy ,,of ,,your ,,lord4#cbi ,i also heard the men themselves1 that they sang with a loud voice1 saying1 ,,blessing1 ,,and ,,honour1 ,,and ,,glory1 ,,and ,,power1 ,,be ,,unto ,,him ,,that ,,sitteth ,,upon ,,the ,,throne1 ,,and ,,unto ,,the ,,lamb1 ,,forever ,,and ,,ever 7,rev4 #e3ac74 ,now just as the gates were opened to let in the men1 ,i looked in after them1 and1 behold1 the ,city shone like the sun2 the streets also were paved with gold1 and in them walked many men1 with crowns on their heads1 palms in their hands1 and golden harps to sing praises withal4 ,there were also of them that had wings1 and they answered one another without intermission1 saying1 ,holy1 holy1 holy1 is the ,lord 7,rev4 #d3h74 ,and after that1 they shut up the gates2 which1 when ,i had seen1 ,i wished myself among them4 ,now while ,i was gazing upon all these things1 ,i turned my head to look back1 and saw ,ignorance come up to the river side2 but he soon got over1 and that without half that difficulty which the other two men met with4#ccj ,for it happened that there was then in that place1 one ,vain-hope1#cca a ferryman1 that with his boat helped him over2 so he1 as the other ,i saw1 did ascend the hill1 to come up to the gate1 only he came alone2 neither did any man meet him with the least encouragement4 ,when he was come up to the gate1 he looked up to the writing that was above1 and then began to knock1 supposing that entrance should have been quickly administered to him2 but he was asked by the men that looked over the top of the gate1 ,whence came you8 and what would you have8 ,he answered1 ,i have eat and drank in the presence of the ,king1 and ,he has taught in our streets4 ,then they asked him for his certificate1 that they might go in and show it to the ,king2 so he fumbled in his bosom for one1 and found none4 ,then said they1 ,have you none8 ,but the man answered never a word4 ,so they told the ,king1 but ,he would not come down to see him1 but commanded the two ,shining ,ones that conducted ,christian and ,hopeful to the ,city1 to go out and take ,ignorance1 and bind him hand and foot1 and have him away4 ,then they took him up1 and carried him through the air1 to the door that ,i saw in the side of the hill1 and put him in there4 ,then ,i saw that there was a way to hell1 even from the gates of ,heaven1 as well as from the ,city of ,destruction6#ccb ,so ,i awoke1 and behold it was a dream4 ,,the ,,conclusion4 ,now1 ,,reader1 ,i have told my dream to thee2 ,see if thou canst interpret it to me1 ,or to thyself1 or neighbour2 but take heed ,of misinterpreting2 for that1 instead ,of doing good1 will but thyself abuse3 ,by misinterpreting1 evil ensues4 ,take heed also1 that thou be not extreme1 ,in playing with the outside of my dream3 ,nor let my figure or similitude ,put thee into a laughter or a feud4 ,leave this for boys and fools2 but as for thee1 ,do thou the substance of my matter see4 ,put by the curtains1 look within my veil1 ,turn up my metaphors1 and do not fail2 ,there1 if thou seekest them1 such things to find1 ,as will be helpful to an honest mind4 ,what of my dross thou findest there1 be bold ,to throw away1 but yet preserve the gold2 ,what if my gold be wrapped up in ore8--,none throws away the apple for the core4 ,but if thou shalt cast all away as vain1 ,i know not but 'twill make me dream again4 ,,the ,,end ,,of ,,the ,,first ,,part4 ,,footnotes3 #a ,the jail4 ,mr4 ,bunyan wrote this precious book in ,bedford jail1 where he was imprisoned #ab years for preaching the ,gospel4 ,his bonds were those of the ,gospel2 and1 like ,peter1 he could sleep soundly in prison4 ,blessed be ,god for even the toleration and religious privileges we now enjoy in consequence of it4 ,our author1 thus prevented from preaching1 turned his thoughts to writing2 and1 during his confinement1 composed ,the ,pilgrim's ,progress1 and many other useful works4 ,thus the ,lord causes the wrath of man to praise ,him4 ,the servants of ,christ1 when restrained by wicked laws from publishing the word of life from the pulpit1 have become more abundantly useful by their writings-7,g4 ,burder74 #b ,you will observe what honour1 from his ,pilgrim's first setting out1 ,bunyan puts upon the ,word of ,god4 ,he would give to no inferior instrumentality1 not even to one of ,god's providences1 the business of awakening his ,pilgrim to a sense of his danger2 but he places him before us reading his book1 awakened by the ,word4 ,and he makes the first efficacious motive in the mind of this ,pilgrim a salutary fear of the terrors of that ,word1 a sense of the wrath to come1 beneath the burden of sin upon his soul-7,cheever1 ,lect4 #f74 ,the alarms of such an awakened soul are very different from the terrors of superstitious ignorance1 which1 arising from fright or danger1 are easily quitted1 with the silly mummeries of priestcraft-7,andronicus74 #c ,what shall ,i do8 ,this is his first exclamation4 ,he has not as yet advanced so far as to say1 ,what shall ,i do to be saved8-7,cheever1 ,lect4 #f74 #d ,sometimes ,i have been so loaden with my sins1 that ,i could not tell where to rest1 nor what to do2 yea1 at such times1 ,i thought it would have taken away my senses-7,bunyan's ,law and ,grace74 #e ,see the picture of a true penitent2 a deep sense of danger1 and solemn concern for his immortal soul1 and for his wife and children2 clothed with rags2 his face turned from his house2 studying the ,bible with intense interest2 a great burden on his back2 praying2 the remembrance of his sins is grievous1 and the burden of them is intolerable4 ,reader1 have you felt this8-7,dr4 ,dodd74 #f ,reader6 be persuaded to pause a moment1 and ask yourself the question-,what is my case8 ,did ,i ever feel a deep concern about my soul8 ,did ,i ever see my danger as a sinner8 ,did ,i ever exclaim1 in the agony of my spirit1 ,what must ,i do to be saved8 ,be assured that real godliness begins in feeling the burden of sin-7,g4 ,border74 #g ,the advice is to fly at once to ,christ1 and that he will then be told what to do4 ,he is not told to get rid of his burden first1 by reforming his life1 and then to apply for further instruction to the ,saviour-7,j4 ,b474 #h ,when a sinner begins to fly from destruction1 carnal relations will strive to prevent him2 but the sinner who is in earnest for salvation will be deaf to invitations to go back4 ,the more he is solicited by them1 the faster he will fly from them-7,mason74 #i ,the names of these two neighbours are admirably characteristic1 not confined to any age or place1 but always accompany the young convert to godliness1 as the shadow does the substance4 ,christian is firm1 decided1 bold1 and sanguine4 ,obstinate is profane1 scornful1 self-sufficient1 and contemns ,god's ,word4 ,pliable is yielding1 and easily induced to engage in things of which he understands neither the nature nor the consequences-7,thomas ,scott74 #aj ,objection4 ,if ,i would run as you would have me1 then ,i must run from all my friends1 for none of them are running that way4 ,answ4 ,and if thou dost1 thou wilt run into the bosom of ,christ1 and of ,god4 ,and what harm will that do thee8 ,objec4 ,but if ,i ran this way1 ,i must run from all my sins4 ,answ4 ,that's true indeed2 yet if thou dost not1 thou wilt run into hell-fire4 ,objec4 ,but ,i shall be mocked of all my neighbours4 ,answ4 ,but if thou lose the benefit of ,heaven1 ,god will mock at thy calamity4 ,objec4 ,but1 surely1 ,i may begin this1 time enough a year or two hence4 ,answ4 ,hast thou any lease of thy life8 ,did ever ,god tell thee thou shalt live half a year or two months longer8 ,art thou a wise man to let thy immortal soul hang over hell by a thread of uncertain time1 which may soon be cut asunder by death8-7,bunyan's ,preface to the ,heavenly ,footman74 #aa ,it is interesting to compare this account of ,heaven with that which ,bunyan gave in the ,preface to his ,sighs from ,hell1 published #bj years before-,o sinner1 sinner1 there are better things than hell to be had1 and at a cheaper rate by the thousandth part than that4 ,o there is no comparison2 there is ,heaven1 there is ,god1 there is ,christ1 there is communion with an innumerable company of saints and angels-7,,ed74 #ab ,here you have another volume of meaning in a single touch of the pencil4 ,pliable is one of those who is willing1 or think they are willing1 to have ,heaven1 but without any sense of sin1 or of the labour and self-denial necessary to enter ,heaven4 ,but now his heart is momentarily fired with ,christian's ravishing descriptions1 and as he seems to have nothing to trouble his conscience1 and no difficulties to overcome1 the pace of an honest1 thorough inquirer1 the movement of a soul sensible of its distresses and its sins1 and desiring comfort only in the way of healing and of holiness1 seems much too slow for him4 ,he is for entering ,heaven at once1 going much faster than poor ,christian can keep up with him4 ,then1 said ,christian1 ,i cannot go so fast as ,i would1 by reason of this burden that is on my back--7,cheever74 #ac ,satan casts the professor into the mire1 to the reproach of religion1 the shame of their brethren1 the derision of the world1 and the dishonour of ,god4 ,he holds our hands while the world buffets us4 ,he puts bears' skins upon us1 and then sets the dogs at us4 ,he bedaubeth us with his own foam1 and then tempts us to believe that that bedaubing comes from ourselves-7,good ,news to the ,vilest of ,men1 vol4 #a1 ,p4 #fi74 #ad ,guilt is not so much a wind and a tempest1 as a load and burden4 ,the devil1 and sin1 and the curse of the law1 and death1 are gotten upon the shoulders of this poor man1 and are treading of him down1 that he may sink into1 and be swallowed up of1 his miry place 7,job #da3cj7-7;,bunyan's ,saints' ,know ledge of ,christ's ,love1 vol4 #b1 p4 #f74 #ae ,in this ,slough of ,despond there were good and firm steps1 sound promises to stand upon1 a causeway1 indeed1 better than adamant1 clear across the treacherous quagmires2 but mark you1 fear followed ,christian so hard1 that he fled the nearest way1 and fell in1 not stopping to look for the steps1 or not thinking of them4 ,now this is often just the operation of fear2 it sets the threatenings against the promises1 when it ought simply to direct the soul from the threatenings to the promises4 ,it is the object of the threatenings to make the promises shine1 and to make the soul lay hold upon them1 and that is the purpose and the tendency of a salutary fear of the ,divine wrath on account of sin1 to make the believer flee directly to the promises1 and advance on them to ,christ-7,cheever74 #af ,signifying that there is nothing but despondency and despair in the fallen nature of sinful man3 the best that we can do1 leaves us in the ,slough of ,despond1 as to any hope in ourselves-7,mason74 #ag ,that is1 the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,we never find good ground1 nor safe sounding1 nor comfortable walking1 till we enter into possession of ,christ by faith1 and till our feet are set upon ,christ1 who is the ,rock of ages-7,mason74 #ah ,and now you may think1 perhaps1 that ,christian having got out of the ,slough of ,despond1 and fairly on his way1 it is all well with him2 but not so1 for now he comes into a peril that is far greater than the last-a peril through which we suppose that every soul that ever goes on pilgrimage passes1 and a peril in which multitudes that get safely across the ,slough of ,despond1 perish forever-7,cheever74 #ai ,some inkling2 some intimation1 hint1 or slight knowledge3 obsolete-7,,ed74 #bj ,there is great beauty in this dialogue1 arising from the exact regard to character preserved throughout4 ,indeed1 this forms one of our author's peculiar excellencies2 as it is a very difficult attainment1 and always manifests a superiority of genius-7,scott74 #ba ,mr4 ,worldly-wiseman prefers morality to ,christ the strait gate4 ,this is the exact reasoning of the flesh4 ,carnal reason ever opposes spiritual truth4 ,the notion of justification by our own obedience to ,god's ,law ever works in us1 contrary to the way of justification by the obedience of ,christ4 ,self-righteousness is as contrary to the faith of ,christ as indulging the lusts of the flesh4 ,the former is the white devil of pride1 the latter the black devil of rebellion and disobedience4 ,see the awful consequences of listening to the reasonings of the flesh-7,mason74 #bb ,and wotted3 and knew4 ,from the ,saxon witen1 to know2 see ,imperial ,dictionary-7,,ed74 #bc;,beware of taking men by their looks4 ,they may look as gentle as lambs1 while the poison of asps is under their tongue2 whereby they infect many souls with pernicious errors and pestilent heresies1 turning them from ,christ and the hope of full justification and eternal life through ,him ,,only1 to look to1 and rely upon1 their own works1 in whole1 or in part1 for salvation-7,mason74 #bd ,as the belief of the truth lies at the fountain of the hope of eternal life1 and is the cause of anyone becoming a pilgrim2 so the belief of a lie is the cause of anyone's turning out of the way which leads to glory-7,mason74 #be ,see the glory of ,gospel grace to sinners4 ,see the amazing love of ,christ in dying for sinners4 ,o remember the price1 which obtained the pardon of our sins1 at nothing less than ,his most precious blood6 ,believe ,his wonderful love4 ,rejoice in ,his glorious salvation4 ,live in the love of ,him1 in the hatred of your sins1 and in humbleness of mind before ,him-7,mason74 #bf ,legality is as great an enemy to the cross of ,christ as licentiousness2 for it keeps the soul from coming to1 believing in1 and trusting wholly in the blood of ,christ for pardon1 and the righteousness of ,christ for justification6 so that it keeps the soul in bondage1 and swells the mind with pride1 while licentiousness brings a scandal on the cross--7,mason74 #bg ,the straitness of this gate is not to be understood carnally1 but mystically4 ,this gate is wide enough for all the truly sincere lovers of ,jesus ,christ1 but so strait that it will keep all others out4 ,the gate of ,eden was wide enough for ,adam and his wife to go out at1 yet it was too strait for them to go in at4 ,why8 ,they had sinned2 and the cherubim and the flaming sword made it too strait for them4 ,the gates of the temple were six cubits wide1 yet they were so strait that none who were unclean might enter them-7,bunyan's ,strait ,gate1 vol4 #a1 p4 #cfg74 #bh ,here behold the love of ,jesus1 in freely and heartily receiving every poor sinner who comes unto ,him2 no matter how vile they have been1 nor what sins they have committed1 ,he loves them freely and receives them graciously2 for ,he has nothing but ,,good-,,will to them4 ,hence1 the heavenly host sang at his birth1 ,good-will towards men 7,luke #b3ad7-7,mason74 #bi ,as sinners become more decided in applying to ,christ1 and assiduous in the means of grace1 ,satan1 if permitted1 will be more vehement in his endeavours to discourage them1 that1 if possible1 he may induce them to desist1 and so come short of the prize-7,scott74 ,a whole ,heaven and eternal life is wrapped up in this little word-,strive to enter in2 this calls for the mind and heart4 ,many professors make their striving to stand rather in an outcry of words1 than in a hearty labour against the lusts and love of the world4 ,but this kind of striving is but a beating the air1 and will come to nothing at last-7,bunyan's ,strait ,gate1 vol4 #a1 p4 #hff74 ,coming souls will have opposition from ,satan4 ,he casts his fiery darts at them2 wanderings in prayer1 enticements to old sins1 and even blasphemous thoughts1 assail the trembling penitent1 when striving to enter into the strait gate1 to drive him from the way and the life-7,,ed74 #cj ,no betterment is an admirable expression of the ,christian's humility-he set out in company1 but reached the gate alone2 still it is not unto me1 but unto ,thy name be all the glory-7,,ed74 #ca ,carnal arguments is altered to carnal agreement1 in several of ,mr4 ,bunyan's editions3 see third to the ninth-7,,ed74 #cb ,christian1 when admitted at the strait gate1 is directed in the narrow way2 not in the broad fashionable religion4 ,in the broad road1 every man may choose a path suited to his inclinations1 shift about to avoid difficulties1 or accommodate himself to circumstances2 and he may be sure of company agreeable to his taste4 ,but ,christians must follow one another in the narrow way on the same track1 facing enemies1 and bearing hardships1 without attempting to evade them2 nor is any indulgence given to different tastes1 habits1 or propensities-7,scott74 #cc ,with gnat propriety ,bunyan places the house of the ,interpreter beyond the strait gate2 for the knowledge of ,divine things1 that precedes conversion to ,god by faith in ,christ1 is very scanty1 compared with the diligent ,christian's subsequent attainments-7,scott74 #cd ,it would be difficult to find #ab consecutive pages in the ,english language1 that contain such volumes of meaning1 in such beautiful and instructive lessons1 with such heavenly imagery1 in so pure and sweet a style1 and with so thrilling an appeal to the best affections of the heart1 as these pages descriptive of ,christian's sojourning in the house of the ,interpreter4 ,this good man of the house1 the ,interpreter1 we are1 without doubt1 to take as the representative of the ,holy ,spirit1 with ,his enlightening and sanctifying influences on the heart-7,cheever74 ,the order in which these heavenly lessons are taught1 is worthy of our admiration-7,,ed74 #ce ,as in creation1 so in conversion1 ,god's command is1 ,let there be light2 it comes by the ,word2 no ,bible1 no light4 ,god divided the light from the darkness2 a blessed mystery to prove the ,christian indeed-light in his mind at variance with his native darkness-7,bunyan1 on ,genesis74 #cf ,the ,,first object presented by the ,holy ,spirit to the mind of a young believer1 is the choice of his minister2 not to be submissive to human orders1 but to choose for himself4 ,the leading features are1 that he be grave1 devotional1 a lover of his ,bible1 one who rejects error and preaches the truth2 uninfluenced by paltry pelf or worldly honours2 pleading patiently to win souls2 seeking only his ,master's approbation2 souls1 and not money1 for his hire2 an immortal crown for his reward4 ,with the laws of men and friendship to mislead us1 how essential is the guidance of the ,holy ,spirit in this important choice6-7,,ed74 ,and whose portrait is ,bunyan describing here8 ,we think he had only ,mr4 ,gifford in his eye as a faithful minister of ,christ2 but ,bunyan too had been the pleader with men1 and over his own head the crown of gold was shining1 and while he wrote these words1 you may be sure that his spirit thrilled within him as he said1 ,and ,i too am a minister of ,jesus ,christ-7,cheever74 #cg;,christian well knew this in his own deep experience2 for the burden of sin was on him still1 and sorely did he feel it while the ,interpreter was making this explanation2 and had it not been for his remembrance of the warning of the man at the gate1 he would certainly have besought the ,interpreter to take off his burden4 ,the law could not take it off2 he had tried that2 and grace had not yet removed it2 so he was forced to be quiet1 and to wait patiently4 ,but when the damsel came and sprinkled the floor1 and laid the dust1 and then the parlour was swept so easily1 there were the sweet influences of the ,gospel imaged2 there was ,divine grace distilling as the dew2 there was the gentle voice of ,christ hushing the storm2 there were the corruptions of the heart1 which the law had but roused into action1 yielding under the power of ,christ2 and there was the soul made clean1 and fit for the ,king of glory to inhabit4 ,indeed1 this was a most instructive emblem4 ,o that my heart might be thus cleansed1 thought ,christian1 and then ,i verily believe ,i could bear my burden with great ease to the end of my pilgrimage2 but ,i have had enough of that fierce sweeper1 the ,law4 ,the ,lord deliver me from his besom6-7,cheever74 #ch ,this was a vivid and striking emblem1 and one which1 in its general meaning1 a child could understand4 ,passion stands for the men of this world1 ,patience of that which is to come2 ,passion for those who will have all their good things now1 ,patience for those who are willing1 with self-denial1 to wait for something better2 ,passion for those who are absorbed in temporal trifles1 ,patience for those whose hearts are fixed upon eternal realities2 ,passion the things which are seen1 and the impatient eagerness with which they are followed1 ,patience the things which are unseen1 and the faith1 humility1 and deadness to the world exercised in order to enjoy them4 ,it is a good commentary upon ,psalm #gc-7;,cheever74 #ci ,this instructive vision springs from the author's painful1 but blessed experience4 ,the flame of love in a ,christian's heart is like the fire of despair in ,satan's spirit-unquenchable4 ,before ,bunyan had been behind the wall1 the tempter suggested to him-,you are very hot for mercy1 but ,i will cool you1 though ,i be seven years in chilling your heart1 ,i can do it at last2 ,i will have you cold before long-7,grace ,abounding1 ,no4 #aaj74 ,he is the father of lies4 ,thus he said to ,christian in the fight1 ,here will ,i spill thy soul2 instead of which1 ,apollyon was put to flight4 ,we cannot fail with such a prop1 ,that bears the earth's huge pillars up4 ,satan's water can never be so powerful to quench1 as ,christ's oil and grace are to keep the fire burning4 ,sinner1 believe this1 and love1 praise1 and rejoice in thy ,lord4 ,he loves with an everlasting love2 ,he saves with an everlasting salvation2 without ,his perpetual aid1 we should perish2 ,christ is the ,alpha and ,omega of our safety2 but how mysterious is the ,saint's perseverance until we have seen the secret supply6-7,,ed74 #dj ,for a man to fight his way through infernal enemies1 is in every age a fearful battle2 but in addition to this1 to enter his name as a nonconformist in ,bunyan's time1 demanded intrepidity of no ordinary degree2 their enemies were the throne1 the laws1 and the bishops1 armed with malignity against these followers of ,jesus ,christ4 ,but there were noble spirits1 of very stout countenance1 that by the sword of the ,spirit cut their way through all opposition4 ,bunyan was one of these worthies-7,ivimey74 #da ,verily thou didst1 noble ,christian6 ,and who is there that does not know the meaning of it1 and what heart so cold as not to be ravished by it6 ,yea1 we should think that this passage alone might set any man out on this pilgrimage1 might bring many a careless traveler up to the gate of this glorious palace to say1 ,set down my name1 ,sir6 ,how full of instruction is this passage6 ,it set ,christian's own heart on fire to run forward on his journey1 although the battle was before him-7,cheever74 #db ,all these deeply interesting pictures are intended for every age and every clime4 ,this iron cage of despair has ever shut up its victims4 ,many have supposed that it had a special reference to one ,john ,child1 who1 under the fear of persecution1 abandoned his profession1 and1 in frightful desperation1 miserably perished by his own hand4 ,see ,introduction1 page #gc2 see also the sickness and death of ,mr4 ,badman's brother-7,,ed74 #dc ,bunyan intended not to represent this man as actually beyond the reach of mercy1 but to show the dreadful consequences of departing from ,god1 and of being abandoned of ,him to the misery of unbelief and despair-7,cheever74 #dd ,an everlasting caution-,god help me to watch4 ,the battle with ,apollyon1 the dread valley1 the trying scene at ,vanity ,fair1 the exhilarating victory over ,by-ends and ,demas1 dissipated the painful scene of the iron cage2 and want of prayerful caution led ,christian into the dominion of ,despair1 and he became for a season the victim shut up in this frightful cage4 ,reader1 may we be ever found looking unto ,jesus1 then shall we be kept from ,doubting ,castle and the iron cage-7,,ed74 #de ,in the midst of these heavenly instructions1 why in such haste to go8 ,alas6 the burden of sin upon his back pressed him on to seek deliverance-7,,ed74 #df ,rack4 ,driven violently by the wind-7,,ed74 #dg ,we go about the world in the day time1 and are absorbed in earthly schemes2 the world is as bright as a rainbow1 and it bears for us no marks or predictions of the judgment1 or of our sins2 and conscience is retired1 as it were1 within a far inner circle of the soul4 ,but when it comes night1 and the pall of sleep is drawn over the senses1 then conscience comes out solemnly1 and walks about in the silent chambers of the soul1 and makes her survey and her comments1 and sometimes sits down and sternly reads the record of a life that the waking man would never look into1 and the catalogue of crimes that are gathering for the judgment4 ,imagination walks tremblingly behind her1 and they pass through the open gate of the ,scriptures into the eternal world-for thither all things in man's being naturally and irresistibly tend-and there1 imagination draws the judgment1 the soul is presented at the bar of ,god1 and the eye of the ,judge is on it1 and a hand of fire writes1 ,thou art weighed in the balances1 and found wanting6 ,our dreams sometimes reveal our character1 our sins1 our destinies1 more clearly than our waking thoughts2 for by day the energies of our being are turned into artificial channels1 by night our thoughts follow the bent that is most natural to them2 and as man is both an immortal and a sinful being1 the consequences both of his immortality and his sinfulness will sometimes be made to stand out in overpowering light1 when the busy pursuits of day are not able to turn the soul from wandering towards eternity-7,cheever74 ,bunyan profited much by dreams and visions4 ,even in my childhood the ,lord did scare and affright me with fearful dreams1 and did terrify me with dreadful visions4 ,that is a striking vision of church fellowship in the ,grace ,abounding1 7,nos4 #ec-ef72 and an awful dream is narrated in the ,greatness of the ,soul-,once ,i dreamed that ,i saw two persons1 whom ,i knew1 in hell2 and methought ,i saw a continual dropping from ,heaven1 as of great drops of fire lighting upon them1 to their sore distress 7vol4 #a1 p4 #adh7-7;,,ed74 #dh ,our safety consists in a due proportion of hope and fear4 ,when devoid of hope1 we resemble a ship without an anchor2 when unrestrained by fear1 we are like the same vessel under full sail without ballast4 ,true comfort is the effect of watchfulness1 diligence1 and circumspection4 ,what lessons could possibly have been selected of greater importance or more suited to establish the new convert1 than these are which our author has most ingeniously and agreeably inculcated1 under the emblem of the ,interpreter's curiosities8-7,scott74 #di ,this is an important lesson1 that a person may be in ,christ and yet have a deep sense of the burden of sin upon the soul-7,cheever74 ,so also ,bunyan-,every height is a difficulty to him that is loaden2 with a burden1 how shall we attain the ,heaven of heavens8-7,knowledge of ,christ's ,love74 #ej ,this efficacious sight of the cross is thus narrated in ,grace ,abounding1 7,no4 #aae7-,traveling in the country1 and musing on the wickedness and blasphemy of my heart1 that scripture came in my mind-,having made peace through the blood of ,his cross 7,col4 #a3bj74 ,i saw that day again and again1 that ,god and my soul were friends by ,his blood2 yea1 that the justice of ,god and my soul could embrace and kiss each other4 ,this was a good day to me2 ,i hope ,i shall not forget it4 ,he was glad and lightsome1 and had a merry heart2 he was before inspired with hope1 but now he is a happy believer-7,,ed74 #ea ,none but those who have felt such bliss1 can imagine the joy with which this heavenly visitation fills the soul4 ,the ,father receives the poor penitent with1 ,thy sins be forgiven thee4 ,the ,son clothes him with a spotless righteousness4 ,the prodigal when he returned to his father was clothed with rags2 but the best robe is brought out1 also the gold ring and the shoes2 yea1 they are put upon him to his rejoicing 7,come and ,welcome1 vol4 #a1 p4 #bfe74 ,the ,holy ,spirit gives him a certificate2 thus described by ,bunyan in the ,house of ,god--,but bring with thee a certificate1 ,to show thou seest thyself most desolate2 ,writ by the ,master1 with repentance seal'd2 ,to show also1 that here thou would'st be healed ,by those fair leaves of that most blessed tree ,by which alone poor sinners healed be3 ,and that thou dost abhor thee for thy ways1 ,and would'st in holiness spend all thy days2 ,and here be entertained2 or thou wilt find ,to entertain thee here are none inclined6 7,vol4 #b1 p4 #fhj74 ,such a certificate1 written upon the heart by the ,holy ,spirit1 may be lost for a season1 as in the arbour on the hill1 but cannot be stolen even by ,faith-heart1 ,mistrust1 and ,guilt4 ,for the mark in his forehead1 see #b ,corinthians #c3b1 #c2 not with ink1 but with the spirit of the living ,god1 known and read of all men-7,,ed74 #eb ,he that has come to ,christ1 has cast his burden upon ,him4 ,by faith he hath seen himself released thereof2 but he that is but coming1 hath it yet1 as to sense and feeling1 upon his own shoulders-7,come and ,welcome1 vol4 #a1 p4 #bfd74 #ec ,fat2 a vessel in which things are put to be soaked1 or to ferment2 a vat-7,,ed74 #ed ,no sooner has ,christian received ,christ than he at once preaches to the sleeping sinners the great salvation4 ,he stays not for human calls or ordination1 but attempts to awaken them to a sense of their danger1 and presently exhorts with authority the formalist and hypocrite4 ,so it was in the personal experience of ,bunyan2 after which1 when his brethren discovered his talent1 they invited him to preach openly and constantly4 ,dare anyone find fault with that conduct1 which proved so extensively useful8-7,,ed74 #ee ,the formalist has only the shell of religion2 he is hot for forms because it is all that he has to contend for4 ,the hypocrite is for ,god and ,baal too2 he can throw stones with both hands4 ,he carries fire in one hand1 and water in the other-7,strait ,gate1 vol4 #a1 p4 #chi74 ,these men range from sect to sect1 like wandering stars1 to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever4 ,they are barren trees2 and the axe1 whetted by sin and the law1 will make deep gashes4 ,death sends ,guilt1 his first-born1 to bring them to the ,king of terrors-7,barren ,fig-tree74 #ef ,we trow2 we believe or imagine3 from the ,saxon4 ,see ,imperial ,dictionary-7,,ed74 #eg ,these men occupied the seat of the scorner2 they had always been well dressed4 ,his coat might do for such a ragamuffin as he had been1 but they needed no garment but their own righteousness-the forms of their church4 ,the mark1 or certificate of the new birth1 was an object of scorn to them4 ,probably they pitied him as a harmless mystic1 weak in mind and illiterate4 ,alas6 how soon was their laughter turned into mourning4 ,fear and calamity overwhelmed them4 ,they trusted in themselves1 and there was none to deliver-7,,ed74 #eh ,the ,christian can hold no communion with a mere formal professor4 ,the ,christian loves to be speaking of the ,lord's grace and goodness1 of his conflicts and consolations1 of the ,lord's dealings with his soul1 and of the blessed confidence which he is enabled to place in ,him-7,j4 ,b474 #ei ,such is the fate of those who keep their sins with their profession1 and will not encounter difficulty in cutting them off4 ,not all their pretences of seeking after and praying to ,god will keep them from falling and splitting themselves in sunder-7,a ,holy ,life the ,beauty of ,christianity74 ,there are heights that build themselves up in us1 and exalt themselves to keep the knowledge of ,god from our hearts4 ,they oppose and contradict our spiritual understanding of ,god and ,his ,christ4 ,these are the dark mountains at which we should certainly stumble and fall1 but for one who can leap and skip over them to our aid-7,saints' ,knowledge of ,christ's ,love1 vol4 #b1 p4 #h74 #fj ,pleased with the gifts of grace1 rather than with the gracious giver1 pride secretly creeps in2 and we fall first into a sinful self-complacence1 and then into indolence and security4 ,this is intended by his falling fast asleep-7,dr4 ,dodd74 #fa ,sinful sloth deprives the ,christian of his comforts4 ,what he intended only for a moment's nap1 like a man asleep during sermon-time in church1 became a deep sleep1 and his roll fell out of his hand2 and yet he ran well while there was nothing special to alarm him4 ,religious privileges should refresh and not puff up-7,cheever74 #fb ,but why go back again8 ,that is the next way to hell4 ,never go over hedge and ditch to hell4 ,they that miss life perish1 because they will not let go their sins1 or have no saving faith-7,bunyan's ,strait ,gate1 vol4 #a1 p4 #chh74 #fc ,to go forward is attended with the fear of death1 but eternal life is beyond4 ,i must venture4 ,my hill was further3 so ,i slung away1 ,yet heard a cry ,just as ,i went1 ,none goes that way ,and lives4 ,if that be all1 said ,i1 ,after so foul a journey1 death is fair ,and but a chair4--7,g4 ,herbert's ,temple-,the ,pilgrimage7 #fd ,he is perplexed for his roll2 this is right4 ,if we suffer spiritual loss1 and are easy and unconcerned about it1 it is a sad sign that we indulge carnal security and vain confidences-7,mason74 #fe ,the backslider is attended with fears and doubts such a he felt not before1 built on the vileness of his backsliding2 more dreadful scriptures look him in the face1 with their dreadful physiognomy4 ,his new sins all turn talking devils1 threatening devils1 roaring devils1 within him4 ,besides1 he doubts the truth of his first conversion1 and thus adds lead to his heels in returning to ,god by ,christ4 ,he can tell strange stories1 and yet such as are very true4 ,no man can tell what is to be seen and felt in the whale's belly but ,jonah-7,bunyan's ,christ a ,complete ,saviour1 vol4 #a1 p4 #bbd74 #ff ,beautiful for situation1 the joy of the whole earth1 is ,mount ,zion2 ,god is known in her palaces for a refuge4 ,those who enter must joyfully submit to the laws and ordinances of this house-7,andronicus74 #fg ,the two lions1 civil despotism and ecclesiastical tyranny1 terrified many young converts1 when desirous of joining a ,christian church1 here represented by the ,beautiful ,palace4 ,in the reign of the ,tudors they committed sad havoc4 ,in ,bunyan's time1 they were chained1 so that few suffered martyrdom1 although many were ruined1 imprisoned1 and perished in dungeons4 ,when ,faithful passed they were asleep4 ,it was a short cessation from persecution4 ,in the ,second ,part1 ,great-heart slew ,giant ,bloody-man1 who backed the lions2 probably referring to the wretched death of that monster1 ,judge ,jefferies4 ,and in the experience of ,mr4 ,fearing1 it is clear that the ,hill ,difficulty and the lions were intended to represent temporal and bodily troubles1 and not spiritual difficulties-,when we came at the ,hill ,difficulty1 he made no stick at that1 nor did he much fear the lions2 for you must know that his trouble was not about such things as these2 his fear was about his acceptance at last-7,,ed74 #fh ,christian1 after feeling the burden of sin1 entering by ,christ the gate1 taught by the ,holy ,spirit lessons of high concern in the ,bible or ,house of the ,interpreter2 after losing his burden by faith in his crucified ,saviour1 his sins pardoned1 clothed with his ,lord's righteousness1 marked by a godly profession1 he becomes fit for church-fellowship2 is invited by ,bishop ,gifford1 the porter2 and1 with the consent of the inmates1 he enters the house called ,beautiful4 ,mark1 reader1 not as essential to salvation2 it is by the side of the road1 not across it2 all that was essential had taken place before4 ,faithful did not enter4 ,here is no compulsion either to enter or pay3 that would have converted it into the house of arrogance or persecution4 ,it is upon the ,hill ,difficulty1 requiring personal1 willing efforts to scramble up2 and holy zeal and courage to bear the taunts of the world and the growling frowns of the lions4 ,here he has new lessons to learn of ,discretion1 ,piety1 ,prudence1 and ,charity1 to bear with his fellow-members1 and they with him2 and here he is armed for his journey4 ,many are the blessed enjoyments of church-fellowship4 ,esther was had to the house of the women to be purified1 and so came to the king4 ,god also hath appointed that those who come into ,his royal presence should first go to the house of the women1 the church4 7,see ,bunyan's ,greatness of the ,soul1 vol4 #a1 p4 #ade74 ,every soul must be fitted for the royal presence1 usually in church fellowship3 but these lovely maidens sometimes wait on and instruct those who never enter the house ,beautiful2 who belong to the church universal1 but not to any local body of ,christians4 ,john directs his ,revelations to the seven churches in ,asia2 ,paul1 his epistles to the churches in ,galatia1 or to the church at ,corinth-all distinct bodies of ,christians2 ,james to the #ab tribes2 and ,peter to the strangers1 and to them that have obtained like precious faith1 of all churches-7,,ed74 #fi ,the true ,christian's inmost feelings will best explain these answers1 which no exposition can elucidate to those who are unacquainted with the conflict to which they refer1 the golden hours1 fleeting and precious1 are earnests of the everlasting holy felicity of ,heaven-7,scott74 #gj ,the only true mode of vanquishing carnal thoughts is looking at ,christ crucified1 or dwelling upon ,his dying love1 the robe of righteousness which clothes his naked soul1 his roll or evidence of his interest1 and the glory and happiness of ,heaven6 ,happy souls who ,,thus oppose their corruptions6-7,dr4 ,dodd74 #ga,this was the fact as it regards ,bunyan when he was writing the ,pilgrim4 ,he had a wife1 two sons1 and two daughters4 ,this conversation was first published in the second edition1 #afgh2 and if he referred to his own family1 it was to his second wife1 a most worthy and heroic woman2 but she and some of his children were fellow-pilgrims with him4 ,his eldest son was a preacher #aa years before the ,second ,part of the ,pilgrim was published-7,,ed74 #gb ,o soul6 consider this deeply4 ,it is the life of a ,christian that carries more conviction and persuasion than his words-7,mason74 #gc ,those that religiously name the name of ,christ1 and do not depart from iniquity1 cause the perishing of many4 ,a professor that hath not forsaken his iniquity is like one that comes out of a pest-house to his home1 with all his plague-sores running4 ,he hath the breath of a dragon1 and poisons the air round about him4 ,this is the man that slays his children1 his kinsmen1 his friends1 and himself4 ,o6 the millstone that ,god will shortly hang about your necks1 when you must be drowned in the sea and deluge of ,god's wrath-7,bunyan's ,holy ,life1 vol4 #b1 p4 #ecj74 #gd ,how beautiful must that church be where ,watchful is the porter2 where ,discretion admits the members2 where ,prudence takes the oversight2 where ,piety conducts the worship2 and where ,charity endears the members one to another6 ,they partake of the ,lord's ,supper1 a feast of fat things1 with wine well refined-7,j4,b474 #ge ,ah6 theirs was converse such as it behooves ,man to maintain1 and such as ,god approves--,christ and ,his character their only scope1 ,their subject1 and their object1 and their hope4 ,o days of ,heaven1 and nights of equal praise6 ,serene and peaceful as those heavenly days ,when souls drawn upwards in communion sweet1 ,enjoy the stillness of some close retreat1 ,discourse1 as if releas'd and safe at home1 ,of dangers past1 and wonders yet to come-7,cowper74 #gf ,when ,christiana and her party arrived at this house ,beautiful1 she requested that they might repose in the same chamber1 called ,peace1 which was granted4 ,the author1 in his marginal note1 explains the nature of this resting-place by the words1 ,christ's bosom is for all pilgrims-7,,ed74 #gg ,how suddenly that straight and glittering shaft ,shot 'thwart the earth6 ,in crown of living fire ,up comes the day6 ,as if they1 conscious1 quaff'd ,the sunny flood1 hill1 forest1 city1 spire1 ,laugh in the wakening light4 ,go1 vain ,desire6 ,the dusky lights have gone2 go thou thy way6 ,and pining ,discontent1 like them expire6 ,be called my chamber ,peace1 when ends the day1 ,and let me1 with the dawn1 like ,pilgrim1 sing and pray4 ,great is the ,lord our ,god1 ,and let ,his praise be great3 ,he makes ,his churches ,his abode1 ,his most delightful seat-7,dr4 ,watts74 #gh ,should you see a man that did not go from door to door1 but he must be clad in a coat of mail1 and have a helmet of brass upon his head1 and for his life-guard not so few as a thousand men to wait on him1 would you not say1 ,surely this man has store of enemies at hand8 ,if ,solomon used to have about his bed no less than threescore of the most valiant of ,israel1 holding swords1 and being expert in war1 what guard and safeguard doth ,god's people need1 who are1 night and day1 roared on by the unmerciful fallen angels8 ,why1 they lie in wait for poor ,israel in every hole1 and he is forever in danger of being either stabbed or destroyed-7,bunyan's ,israel's ,hope1 vol4 #a1 p4 #fjb74 #gi ,christ himself is the ,christian's armoury4 ,when he puts on ,christ1 he is then completely armed from head to foot4 ,are his loins girt about with truth8 ,christ is the truth4 ,has he on the breastplate of righteousness8 ,christ is our righteousness4 ,are his feet shod with the ,gospel of peace8 ,christ is our peace4 ,does he take the shield of faith1 and helmet of salvation8 ,christ is that shield1 and all our salvation4 ,does he take the sword of the ,spirit1 which is the ,word of ,god8 ,christ is the ,word of ,god4 ,thus he puts on the ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 by his ,spirit fights the fight of faith2 and1 in spite of men1 of devils1 and of his own evil heart1 lays hold of eternal life4 ,thus ,christ is all in all-7,j4 ,b474 #hj ,the church in the wilderness1 even her porch1 is full of pillars-apostles1 prophets1 and martyrs of ,jesus4 ,there are hung up also the shields that the old warriors used1 and on the walls are painted the brave achievements they have done4 ,there1 also1 are such encouragements that one would think that none who came thither would ever attempt to go back4 ,yet some forsake the place-7,bunyan's ,house of ,lebanon74 #ha ,the ,delectable ,mountains1 as seen at a distance1 represent those distinct views of the privileges and consolations1 attainable in this life1 with which believers are sometimes favoured4 ,this is the pre-eminent advantage of ,christian communion1 and can only be enjoyed at some special seasons1 when the ,sun of ,righteousness shines upon the soul-7,scott74 #hb ,thus it is1 after a pilgrim has been favoured with any special and peculiar blessings1 there is danger of his being puffed up by them1 and exalted on account of them2 so was even holy ,paul2 therefore1 the messenger of ,satan was permitted to buffet him 7#b ,cor4 #c3g7-7,mason74 ,we are not told here what these slips were2 but when ,christian narrates the battle to ,hopeful1 he lets us into the secret-,these three villains1 ,faint-heart1 ,mistrust1 and ,guilt1 set upon me1 and ,i beginning1 like a ,christian1 to resist1 they gave but a call1 and in came their master4 ,i would1 as the saying is1 have given my life for a penny1 but that1 as ,god would have it1 ,i was clothed with armour of proof4 ,in the ,second ,part1 ,great-heart attributed the sore combat with ,apollyon to have arisen from the fruit of those slips that he got in going down the hill4 ,great enjoyments need the most prayerful watchfulness in going down from them1 lest those three villains cause us to slip4 ,christian's heavenly enjoyment in the communion of saints was followed by his humbling adventures in the valley-a needful proof of ,divine love to his soul4 ,whom the ,lord loveth ,he chasteneth-7,,ed74 ,a broken heart1 ,o ,god1 ,thou wilt not despise4 ,has ,he given it to thee1 my reader8 ,then ,he has given thee a cabinet to hold ,his grace in4 ,true1 it is painful now1 it is sorrowful1 it bleeds1 it sighs1 it sobs1 well1 very well2 all this is because ,he has a mind that thou mayest rejoice in ,heaven-7,bunyan's ,acceptable ,sacrifice74 #hc ,no armour for his back2 to desist is inevitable ruin4 ,he sees no safety except in facing his enemy4 ,fear itself creates additional courage1 and induces him to stand his ground-7,drayton74 #hd ,the description of ,apollyon is terrible4 ,this dreadful imagery is collected from various parts of ,scripture1 where the attributes of the most terrible animals are given him2 the attributes of leviathan1 the dragon1 the lion1 and the bear2 to denote his strength1 his pride1 his rage1 his courage1 and his cruelty-7,andronicus74 #he ,in our days1 when emigration is so encouraged by the state1 it may be difficult for some youthful readers to understand this argument of ,apollyon's4 ,in ,bunyan's time1 every subject was deemed to be ,crown property1 and no one dared depart the realm without a license4 ,thus1 when ,cromwell and his heroes had hired ships1 and were ready to start for ,america1 ,charles ,,ii providentially detained them1 to work out the great ,revolution-7,,ed74 #hf ,promises or vows1 whether made by us or by others on our behalf1 before we possessed powers of reason or reflection1 cannot be binding4 ,the confirmation or rejection of all vows made by or for us in our nonage1 should1 on arriving at years of discretion1 be our deliberate choice1 for we must recollect that no personal dedication can be acceptable to ,god unless it is the result of solemn inquiry-7,,ed74 #hg ,mark the subtlety of this gradation in temptation4 ,the profits of the world and pleasures of sin are held out as allurements4 ,the apostasy of others suggested4 ,the difficulties1 dangers1 and sufferings of the ,lord's people1 are contrasted with the prosperity of sinners4 ,the recollections of our sins and backslidings1 under a profession of religion4 ,the supposition that all our profession is founded in pride and vain-glory4 ,all backed by our own consciences2 as if ,apollyon straddled quite across the way1 and stopped us from going on-7,andronicus74 #hh ,this dialogue is given1 in different words1 in the ,jerusalem ,sinner ,saved1 ,volume #a1 pages #gi1 #hj4 ,satan is loath to part with a great sinner4 ,what1 my true servant1 quoth he1 my old servant1 wilt thou forsake me now8 ,having so often sold thyself to me to work wickedness1 wilt thou forsake me now8 ,thou horrible wretch1 dost not know that thou hast sinned thyself beyond the reach of grace1 and dost thou think to find mercy now8 ,art not thou a murderer1 a thief1 a harlot1 a witch1 a sinner of the greatest size1 and dost thou look for mercy now8 ,dost thou think that ,christ will foul ,his fingers with thee8 ,it is enough to make angels blush1 saith ,satan1 to see so vile a one knock at ,heaven's gates for mercy1 and wilt thou be so abominably bold to do it8 ,thus ,satan dealt with me1 says the great sinner1 when at first ,i came to ,jesus ,christ4 ,and what did you reply8 saith the tempted4 ,why1 ,i granted the whole charge to be true1 says the other4 ,and what1 did you despair1 or how8 ,no1 saith he1 ,i said1 ,i am ,magdalene1 ,i am ,zaccheus1 ,i am the thief1 ,i am the harlot1 ,i am the publican1 ,i am the prodigal1 and one of ,christ's murderers-yea1 worse than any of these2 and yet ,god was so far off from rejecting of me1 as ,i found afterwards1 that there was music and dancing in ,his house for me1 and for joy that ,i was come home unto ,him4 ,when ,satan charged ,luther with a long list of crimes1 he replied1 ,this is all true2 but write another line at the bottom1 ,the blood of ,jesus ,christ ,his ,son cleanseth us from all sin-7,,ed74 #hi ,the devil is that great and dogged leviathan1 that spreadeth sharp pointed things upon the mire 7,job #dj3cj74 ,for be the spreading nature of our corruptions never so broad1 he will find sharp pointed things enough to stick in the mire of them for our affliction2 they are called fiery darts1 and he has abundance of them with which he can and will sorely prick and wound our spirits-7,bunyan on ,christ's ,love1 vol4 #b1 p4 #fe74 #ij ,when infidel thoughts prevail1 so that doubts of the truth of ,scripture take hold of the mind1 the sword of the ,spirit flies out of the hand4 ,unarmed before a ferocious enemy1 it was an awful moment2 but ,god revives his faith in the ,divine ,word1 he recovers his sword1 and gives his enemy a deadly plunge-,i shall rise-7,drayton74 #ia ,for a season1 is only found in the first edition4 ,these words may have been omitted1 in ,bunyan's subsequent editions1 by a typographical error1 or have been struck out by him4 ,my impression is1 that they were left out by the printer in error2 because1 in the ,second ,part1 when the pilgrims pass the spot and talk of the battle1 we are told that when ,apollyon was beat1 he made his retreat to the next valley4 ,and there poor ,christian was awfully beset with him again-7,,ed74 #ib ,you will find1 from the perusal of ,bunyan's own spiritual life1 that he has here brought together1 in the assault of ,apollyon upon ,christian1 many of the most grievous temptations with which his own soul was beset1 as also1 in ,christian's answers against them1 the very method of defence which he himself was taught by ,divine grace in the midst of the conflict4 ,it is here condensed into a narrow and vivid scene1 but it extended over years of ,bunyan's life2 and the wisdom that is in it1 and the points of experience illustrated1 were the fruit of many months of painfulness1 danger1 and desperate struggle with the adversary1 which he had to go through-7,cheever74 #ic ,the literal history of this terrific conflict may be found in ,bunyan's experience recorded in ,grace ,abounding1 7,nos4 #aca-agc71 when he recovered his sword1 and put his enemy to flight4 ,he describes his agonies in the combat as if he were being racked upon the wheel1 and states that it lasted for about a year4 ,floods of blasphemies were poured in upon him1 but he was saved from utter despair1 because they were loathsome to him4 ,dr4 ,cheever eloquently says1 ,what made the fight a thousand times worse for poor ,christian was1 that many of these hellish darts were tipped1 by ,apollyon's malignant ingenuity1 with sentences from ,scripture2 so that ,christian thought the ,bible was against him4 ,one of these fiery darts penetrated his soul with the awful words1 no place for repentance2 and another with1 hath never forgiveness4 ,the recovery of his sword was by a heavenly suggestion that ,he ,,begin did not refuse him that speaketh2 new vigour was communicated4 ,when ,i fall1 ,i ,,shall arise1 was a home-thrust at ,satan2 who left him1 richly to enjoy the consolations of the ,gospel after this dreadful battle-7,,ed74 #id ,by leaves here 7,rev4 #bb3 #b71 we are to understand the blessed and precious promises1 consolations1 and encouragements1 that1 by virtue of ,christ1 we find everywhere growing on the new covenant1 which will be handed freely to the wounded conscience that is tossed on the reckless waves of doubt and unbelief4 ,christ's leaves are better than ,adam's aprons4 ,he sent ,his ,word1 and healed them-7,bunyan's ,holy ,city74 #ie ,however terrible these conflicts are1 they are what every ,christian pilgrim has to encounter that is determined to win ,heaven4 ,sin and death1 reprobates and demons1 are against him4 ,the ,almighty1 all good angels and men1 are for him4 ,eternal life is the reward4 ,be not discouraged1 young ,christian6 ,if ,god be for us1 who can be against us8 ,we shall come off more than conquerors1 through him that hath loved us4 ,equal to our day so shall be our strength4 ,the enemies had a special check from our ,lord1 while ,mr4 ,fearing passed through4 ,though death and hell obstruct the way ,the meanest saint shall win the day-7,,ed74 #if ,desired ,heaven1 in some of ,bunyan's editions-7,,ed74 #ig ,the ditch on the right hand is error in principle1 into which the blind1 as to spiritual truth1 fall4 ,the ditch on the left hand means outward sin and wickedness1 which many fall into4 ,both are alike dangerous to pilgrims3 but the ,lord will keep the feet of his saints 7#a ,sam4 #b3i7-7,mason74 ,dr4 ,dodd considers that by the deep ditch is intended presumptuous hopes1 and the no less dangerous quag to be despairing fears-7,,ed74 #ih ,the sight of an immortal soul in peril of its eternal interests1 beset with enemies1 engaged in a desperate conflict1 with hell opening her mouth before1 and fiends and temptations pressing after1 is a sublime and awful spectacle4 ,man cannot aid him2 all his help is in ,god only-7,cheever74 #ii ,and as for the secrets of ,satan1 such as are suggestions to question the being of ,god1 the truth of ,his ,word1 and to be annoyed with devilish blasphemies1 none are more acquainted with these than the biggest sinners at their conversion2 wherefore thus also they are prepared to be helps in the church to relieve and comfort others-7,jerusalem ,sinner ,saved1 vol4 #a1 p4 #hj74 ,see also a very interesting debate upon this subject in ,come and ,welcome to ,jesus ,christ1 volume #a1 page #bej4 ,o1 no one knows the terrors of these days but myself-7,grace ,abounding1 ,nos4 #ajj-ajb74 ,satan and his angels trouble his head with their stinking breath4 ,how many strange1 hideous1 and amazing blasphemies have some1 that are coming to ,christ1 had injected upon their spirits against ,him-7,christ a ,complete ,saviour1 vol4 #a1 p4 #bji74 ,he brought me up also out of a horrible pit2 a pit of noise of devils1 and of my heart answering them with distrust and fear-7,saint's ,knowledge of ,christ's ,love74 #ajj ,the experience of other saints is very encouraging2 for the soul finds that others have gone before him in dreadful1 dark1 and dreary paths-7,mason74 #aja ,to walk in darkness1 and not be distressed for it1 argues stupidity of the soul4 ,to have the light of ,god's countenance shine upon us1 and not to rejoice and be thankful for it1 is impossible-7,mason74 #ajb ,i would not be too confident1 but ,i apprehend that by this second part of the valley we are taught that believers are not most in danger when under the deepest distress2 that the snares and devices of the enemy are so many and various1 through the several stages of our pilgrimage1 as to baffle all description2 and that all the emblems of these valleys could not represent the thousandth part of them4 ,were it not that the ,lord guides ,his people by the light of ,his ,word and ,spirit1 they never could possibly escape them-7,scott74 #ajc ,the wicked spirits have made and laid for us snares1 pits1 holes1 and what not1 if peradventure by something we may be destroyed4 ,yea1 and we should most certainly be so1 were it not for the ,rock that is higher than they-7,bunyan's ,saints' ,knowledge of ,christ's ,love1 vol4 #b1 p4 #h74 #ajd ,alas1 my dear country6 ,i would to ,god it could not be said to thee1 since the departure of paganism and popery1 ,the blood of the poor innocents is found in thy skirts1 not by a secret search1 but upon thy kings1 princes1 priests1 and prophets 7,jer4 #b3cd1 #bf74 ,let us draw a veil over the infamy of ,,protestant ,,persecution1 and bless ,jehovah1 who has broken the arrow and the bow-7,andronicus74 ,it may be questioned whether popery may not yet so far recover its vigour as to make one more alarming struggle against vital ,christianity1 before that ,man of ,sin be finally destroyed4 ,our author1 however1 has described no other persecution than what ,protestants1 in his time1 carried on against one another with very great alacrity-7,scott74 #aje ,the quaint and pithy point of this passage stamps it as one of ,bunyan's most felicitous descriptions4 ,we who live in a later age may1 indeed1 suspect that he has somewhat antedated the death of ,pagan1 and the impotence of ,pope2 but his picture of their cave and its memorials1 his delineation of the survivor of this fearful pair1 rank among those master-touches which have won such lasting honour for his genius-7,bernard ,barton74 #ajf ,christian having passed the gloomy whirlwind of temptation to despair1 now walks in the light of the ,sun of ,righteousness1 through the second part of the valley4 ,there he encounters the persecution of the state church4 ,act after act of ,parliament had been passed-full of atrocious penalties1 imprisonments1 transportation1 and hanging-to deter poor pilgrims from the way to ,zion4 ,the way was full of snares1 traps1 gins1 nets1 pitfalls1 and deep holes4 ,had the darkness of mental anguish been added to these dangers1 he must have perished4 ,the butcheries of ,jefferies strewed the way with blood1 bones1 ashes1 and mangled bodies of pilgrims4 ,pope reared his ugly head1 and growled out1 ,more of you must be burned4 ,the desolating tyranny of the church was curbed by the ,king's turning papist1 which paved the way for the glorious ,revolution of #afhh4 ,it appears from the ,grace ,abounding1 that to the time of ,bunyan's imprisonment for preaching the ,gospel1 he was involved frequently in deeply-distressing spiritual darkness2 but1 from his entering the prison1 be walked in the light of ,god's countenance to his dying day-7,,ed74 #ajg ,we are now to be introduced to a new pilgrim1 and ,christian is no more to go on his way alone4 ,the sweet ,christian communion depicted in this book forms one of the most delightful features in it1 and ,faithful and ,hopeful are both of them portraits that stand out in as firm relief as that of ,christian himself4 ,faithful is the ,martyr ,pilgrim1 who goes in a chariot of fire to ,heaven1 and leaves ,christian alone2 ,hopeful springs1 as it were1 out of ,faithful's ashes1 and supplies his place all along the remainder of the pilgrimage4 ,the communion between these loving ,christians1 their sympathy and share in each other's distresses1 their mutual counsels and encouragements1 temptations and dangers1 experience and discipline1 their united joys and sorrows1 and their very passing of the river of death together1 form the sweetest of all examples of the true fellowship of saints1 united to the same ,saviour1 made to drink into the same ,spirit1 baptized with the same sufferings1 partakers of the same consolations1 crowned with the same crown of life1 entering together upon glory everlasting-7,cheever74 ,the author has displayed great skill in introducing a companion to his ,pilgrim in this place4 ,thus far the personal adventures of ,christian had been of the most extraordinary kind1 and sufficient of themselves to exercise the reader's sympathies for him2 but these feelings would have languished from weariness1 however intensely the sequel might have been wrought1 had attention been claimed for a solitary wanderer to the end of the journey4 ,here then the history1 which had probably reached its climax in the preceding scenes1 revives1 by taking a new form1 and exciting a fresh interest1 rather doubled than divided1 though two have thenceforward to share it instead of one4 ,besides1 the individual experience of one man1 however varied1 would not have been sufficient to exemplify all the most useful lessons of the ,gospel1 unless the trials of many persons1 of different age1 sex1 and disposition1 were interwoven4 ,the instance at hand will illustrate this point-7,montgomery74 #ajh ,ah1 what a smile was that6 ,how much sin was there in it1 instead of humble spiritual gratitude1 and joy4 ,now see how he that exalteth himself shall be abased1 and how surely1 along with spiritual pride1 comes carelessness1 false security1 and a grievous fall-7,cheever74 ,the very person's hand we need to help us1 whom we thought we had exceeded-7,mason74 ,when a consciousness of superiority to other ,christians leads to vain glory1 a fall will be the consequence2 but while it excites compassion1 it also cements ,christian friendship-7,ivimey74 #aji ,mr4 ,anything became a brisk man in the broil2 but both sides were against him1 because he was true to none4 ,he had1 for his malapertness1 one of his legs broken1 and he that did it wished it had been his neck-7,holy ,war74 #aaj ,i trow1 ,i believe or imagine 7,imp4 ,dict47-7,,ed74 #aaa ,if the experience of ,christian is an exhibition of ,bunyan's own feelings1 the temptations of ,madam ,wanton are very properly laid in the way of ,faithful1 and not of ,christian4 ,she would have had no chance with the man who admired the wisdom of ,god in making him shy of women1 who rarely carried it pleasantly towards a woman1 and who abhorred the common salutation of women-7,grace ,abounding1 ,no4 #caf7-;,,ed4 #aab ,all is omitted from every edition by ,bunyan1 except the first2 probably a typographical error4 #aac ,an awful slavery6 ,none that go unto her return again1 neither take they hold of the paths of life 7,prov4 #b3ai7--7;,,ed74 #aad ,that sinner who never had a threatening fiery visit from ,moses1 is yet asleep in his sins1 under the curse and wrath of the law of ,god-7,c4,c4,v4,g474 #aae ,as the law giveth no strength1 nor life to keep it1 so it accepteth none of them that are under it4 ,sin and ,die1 is forever its language4 ,there is no middle way in the law4 ,it hath not ears to hear1 nor heart to pity1 its penitent ones--7,bunyan on ,justification1 vol4 #a1 p4 #caf74 #aaf ,the delineation of this character is a masterly grouping together of the arguments used by men of this world against religion1 in ridicule and contempt of it4 ,faithful's account of him1 and of his arguments1 is a piece of vigorous satire1 full of truth and life-7,cheever74 #aag ,nothing can be a stronger proof that we have lost the image of ,god1 than shame concerning the things of ,god4 ,this shame1 joined to the fear of man1 is a very powerful enemy to ,god's truths1 ,christ's glory1 and our soul's comfort4 ,better at once get out of our pain1 by declaring boldly for ,christ and ,his cause1 than stand shivering on the brink of profession1 ever dreading the loss of our good name and reputation3 for ,christ says 7awful words73 ,whosoever shall be ashamed of ,me and of ,my words1 in this adulterous and sinful generation1 of him also shall the ,son of man be ashamed when ,he cometh in the glory of ,his ,father 7,mark #h3ch74 ,it is one thing to be attacked by shame1 and another to be conquered by it-7,mason74 #aah ,christian in a great measure escaped the peculiar temptations that assaulted ,faithful1 yet he sympathized with him2 nor did the latter deem the gloomy experiences of his brother visionary or imaginative1 though he had been exempted from them4 ,one man1 from a complication of causes1 is exposed to temptations of which another is ignorant2 and in this case he needs much sympathy1 which he seldom meets with2 while they1 who are severe on him are liable to be baffled in another way1 which1 for want of coincidence in habit1 temperature1 and situation1 he is equally prone to disregard4 ,thus ,christians are often led reciprocally to censure1 suspect1 or dislike each other1 on those very grounds which would render them useful and encouraging counselors and companions6-7,scott74 #aai ,bunyan1 in his ,pilgrim's ,progress1 places the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death1 not where we should expect it1 at the end of ,christian's pilgrimage1 but about the middle of it4 ,those who have studied the history of ,bunyan and his times will hardly wonder at this4 ,it was then safer to commit felony than to become a ,dissenter4 ,indeed1 a felon was far surer of a fair trial than any ,dissenting minister1 after the restoration of ,charles ,,ii4 ,this ,bunyan found4 ,simply and solely for preaching1 he was condemned by ,keeling to imprisonment4 ,that was to be followed by banishment if he did not conform1 and1 in the event of his return from banishment without license from the ,king1 the judge added1 ,you must stretch by the neck for it2 ,i tell you plainly4 ,christian endured1 in the first portion of this dismal valley1 great darkness and distress of mind about his soul's safety for eternity2 and1 in the latter part of the valley1 the dread of an ignominious1 and cruel1 and sudden execution in the midst of his days-a fear more appalling than the prospect of a natural death4 ,this he was enabled to bear1 because he then enjoyed the light1 the presence1 and the approbation of his ,god-7,,ed74 #abj ,the character now introduced under a most expressive name1 is an admirable portrait1 drawn by a masterly hand1 from some striking original1 but exactly resembling numbers in every age and place1 where the truths of the ,gospel are generally known4 ,such men are more conspicuous than humble believers1 but their profession will not endure a strict investigation-7,scott74 ,reader1 be careful not to judge harshly1 or despise a real believer1 who is blessed with fluency of utterance on ,divine subjects-7,,ed74 #aba ,as an outward profession1 without a holy life1 is no evidence of religion1 neither are excellent gifts any proof that the persons who possess them are partakers of grace3 so it is an awful fact1 that some have edified the church by their gifts1 who have themselves been destitute of the spirit of life-7,ivimey74 ,i concluded1 a little grace1 a little love1 a little of the true fear of ,god1 is better than all gifts-7,grace ,abounding74 #abb ,the ,pharisee goes on boldly1 fears nothing1 but trusteth in himself that his state is good2 he hath his mouth full of many fine things1 whereby he strokes himself over the head1 and calls himself one of ,god's white boys1 that1 like the ,prodigal's brother1 never transgressed-7,pharisee and ,publican1 vol4 #b1 p4 #bae74 #abc ,talkative seems to have been introduced on purpose that the author might have a fair opportunity of stating his sentiments concerning the practical nature of evangelical religion1 to which numbers in his day were too inattentive2 so that this admired allegory has fully established the important distinction between a dead and a living faith1 on which the whole controversy depends-7,scott74 ,though ,i speak with the tongues of men and of angels1 and have not charity1 ,i am as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal 7#a ,cor4 #ac3a74 ,just thus it is with him who has gifts1 but wants grace4 ,shall ,i be proud1 because ,i am sounding brass8 ,is it so much to be a fiddle8 ,hath not the least creature that hath life1 more of ,god in it than these8-7,grace ,abounding1 ,no4 #big-cjj74 ,some professors are pretty busy and ripe1 able to hold you in a very large discourse of the glorious ,gospel2 but1 if you ask them concerning heart work1 and its sweet influences and virtues on their souls and consciences1 they may answer1 ,i find by preaching that ,i am turned from my sins in a good measure1 and have learned in tongue to plead for the ,gospel4 ,this is not far enough to prove them under the covenant of grace-7,law and ,grace1 vol4 #a1 p4 #eae74 #abd ,read this1 and tremble1 ye whose profession lies only on your tongue1 but who never knew the love and grace of ,christ in your souls4 ,o how do you trifle with the grace of ,god1 with precious ,christ1 and with the holy ,word of truth6 ,o what an awful account have you to give hereafter to a holy1 heart-searching ,god6 ,ye true pilgrims of ,jesus1 read this1 and give glory to your ,lord1 for saving you from resting in barren notions1 and taking up with talking of truths2 and that he has given you to know the truth in its power1 to embrace it in your heart1 and to live and walk under its constraining1 sanctifying influences4 ,who made you to differ8-7,mason74 #abe ,this spiritual application of the law of ,moses is found in the narrative of ,bunyan's experience in the ,grace ,abounding1 7,no4 #ga73 ,i was also made1 about this time1 to see something concerning the beasts that ,moses counted clean and unclean4 ,i thought those beasts were types of men3 the clean1 types of them that were the people of ,god2 but the unclean1 types of such as were the children of the wicked one4 ,now1 ,i read1 that the clean beasts chewed the cud2 that is1 thought ,i1 they show us we must feed upon the ,word of ,god2 they also parted the hoof1 ,i thought that signified we must part1 if we would be saved with the ways of ungodly men4 #abf ,true faith will ever show itself by its fruits2 real conversion1 by the life and conversation4 ,be not deceived2 ,god is not to be mocked with the tongue1 if the heart is not right towards ,him in love and obedience-7,mason74 #abg ,this distinction between speaking against sin1 and feeling a hatred to it1 is so vastly important1 that it forms the only infallible test to distinguish between those who are quickened by the ,spirit of ,god1 and those who have a name to live and are dead4 ,it is a very awful statement1 but1 it is to be feared1 strictly correct1 that ministers may declaim against sin in the pulpit1 who yet indulge it in the parlour4 ,there may be much head knowledge1 where there is no heart religion-7,ivimey74 #abh ,christian faithfulness detects mere talkatives1 and they complain1 in so saying thou condemnest us also2 they will bear no longer1 but seek refuge under more comfortable preachers1 or in more candid company1 and represent those faithful monitors as censorious1 peevish1 and melancholy men-lying at the catch-7,scott74 #abi ,in the ,jerusalem ,sinner ,saved1 ,bunyan explains his meaning of lying at the catch in these solemn words1 referring to those who abide in sin1 and yet expect to be saved by grace3 ,of this sort are they that build up ,zion with blood1 and ,jerusalem with iniquity2 that judge for reward1 and teach for hire1 and divine for money1 and lean upon the ,lord 7,micah #c3aj1 #aa74 ,this is doing things with a high hand against the ,lord our ,god1 and a taking ,him1 as it were1 at the catch6 ,this is1 as we say among men1 to seek to put a trick upon ,god1 as if ,he had not sufficiently fortified his proposals of grace by his ,holy ,word1 against all such kind of fools as these-7,vol4 #a1 p4 #ic74 #acj ,blessed faithful dealing6 ,o that it were more practised in the world1 and in the church6 ,how then would vain talkers be detected in the one1 and driven out of the other-7,mason74 #aca ,heart searching1 soul examining1 and close questioning of the conduct of life1 will not do with talkative professors4 ,ring a peal on the doctrines of grace1 and many will chime in with you2 but speak closely how grace operates upon the heart1 and influences the life to follow ,christ in self-denying obedience1 they cannot bear it2 they are offended with you1 and will turn away from you1 and call you legal-7,mason74 #acb ,i observe that1 as there are trees wholly noble1 so there are also their semblance2 not right1 but ignoble4 ,there is the grape1 and the wild grape2 the rose1 and the canker rose2 the apple and the crab4 ,now1 fruit from these wild trees1 however it may please children to play with1 yet the prudent count it of no value4 ,there are also in the world a generation of professors that bring forth nothing but wild olive berries2 saints only before men1 devils and vipers at home2 saints in word1 but sinners in heart and life4 ,well1 saith ,god1 this profession is but a cloak3 ,i will loose the reins of this man1 and give him up to his own vile affections4 ,i will answer him by ,myself 7,ezek4 #ad3g74 ,thou art too hard for the church3 she knows not how to deal with thee4 ,well1 ,i will deal with that man ,myself-7,bunyan's ,barren ,fig-tree74 #acc ,where the heart is rotten1 it will ward off conviction1 turn from a faithful reprover1 condemn him1 and justify itself4 ,faithful dealing will not do for unfaithful souls4 ,mind not that1 but be faithful to the truth-7,mason74 #acd ,how they rejoiced again to meet ,evangelist1 and listen to his encouraging and animating exhortations2 of which1 as they were now near the great town of ,vanity ,fair1 they would stand in special need4 ,indeed1 it was to forewarn them of what they were to meet with there1 and to exhort them1 amidst all persecutions1 to quit themselves like men1 that ,evangelist now came to them4 ,his voice1 so solemn and deep1 yet so inspiring and animating1 sounded like the tones of a trumpet on the eve of battle-7,cheever74 #ace ,the pilgrims are now about to enter upon a new era-to leave their privacy in the wilderness1 and commence a more public scene-perhaps alluding to ,bunyan's being publicly set apart to the work of the ministry4 ,it was in the discharge of these public duties that he was visited with such severe persecution4 ,this interview with ,evangelist reminds one of the setting apart of ,dissenting ministers4 ,it is usual1 on these occasions1 for the ,christians entering on such important duties1 to give a short account of what had happened in the way1 and their reasons for hoping that they were called by ,god to the work4 ,they receive the advice of their ministering elder1 and the pastor prays for their peace and prosperity4 ,evangelist's address would make a good outline of an ordination sermon4 ,bunyan's account of his being thus set apart in #afef 7with seven other members of the same church7 is narrated in ,grace ,abounding1 ,nos4 #bff-bgj4 ,the second address of ,evangelist peculiarly relates to the miseries endured by ,nonconformist ministers in the reign of ,charles ,,ii-7,,ed74 #acf ,shall the world venture their soul's ruin for a poor corruptible crown2 and shall not we venture the loss of a few trifles for an eternal crown8 ,shall they venture the loss of eternal life for communion with base1 drunken1 covetous wretches2 and shall we not labour as hard1 run as fast1 nay1 a hundred times more diligently1 for such glorious and eternal friends as ,god to love1 ,christ to redeem1 the ,holy ,spirit to comfort1 and saints and angels in ,heaven for company8 ,shall it be said at the last day1 that the wicked made more haste to hell than you to ,heaven8 ,o let it not be so1 but run with all might and main6 ,they that will have ,heaven must run for it1 because the devil will follow them4 ,there is never a poor soul that is gone to it1 but he is after that soul4 ,and ,i assure them the devil is nimble2 he is light of foot1 and can run apace4 ,he hath overtaken many1 tripped up their heels1 and given them an everlasting fall--7,heavenly ,footman74 #acg ,bunyan illustrates the care of ,christ for his afflicted ones with striking simplicity4 ,i love to play the child with children4 ,i have met with a child that had a sore finger1 so that it was useless4 ,then have ,i said1 ,shall we cut off this finger1 and buy my child a better1 a brave golden finger8 ,at this he started1 and felt indignation against me4 ,now1 if a child has such tenderness for a useless member1 how much more tender is the ,son of ,god to his afflicted members8-7,saint's ,privilege1 vol4 #a1 p4 #fgd74 ,the text here quoted forms the foundation of ,bunyan's admirable ,advice to ,sufferers1 in which he delightfully dwells upon the topics which ,evangelist addresses to the ,pilgrims1 when on the verge of bitter persecution-7,,ed74 #ach ,vanity ,fair is the ,city of ,destruction in its gala dress1 in its most seductive and sensual allurements4 ,it is this world in miniature1 with its various temptations4 ,hitherto we have observed the pilgrims by themselves1 in loneliness1 in obscurity1 in the hidden life and experience of the people of ,god4 ,the allegory thus far has been that of the soul1 amidst its spiritual enemies1 toiling towards ,heaven2 now there comes a scene more open1 tangible1 external2 the allurements of the world are to be presented1 with the manner in which the true pilgrim conducts himself amidst them4 ,it was necessary that ,bunyan should show his pilgrimage in its external as well as its secret spiritual conflicts2 it was necessary that he should draw the contrast between the pursuits and deportment of the children of this world and the children of light2 that he should show how a true pilgrim appears1 and is likely to be regarded1 who1 amidst the world's vanities1 lives above the world1 is dead to it1 and walks through it as a stranger and a pilgrim towards ,heaven-7,cheever74 #aci ,a just description of this wicked world4 ,how many1 though they profess to be pilgrims1 have never yet set one foot out of this fair2 but live in it all the year round6 ,they walk according to the course of this world 7,eph4 #b3b72 for the god of this world hath blinded their minds 7#a ,cor4 #d3d74 ,but all those for whose sins ,jesus hath died ,he delivers from this present evil world 7,gal4 #a3d74 ,you cannot be a pilgrim1 if you are not delivered from this world and its vanities2 for if you love the world1 if it has your supreme affections1 the love of ,god is not in you1 7#a ,john #b3ae72 you have not one grain of precious faith in precious ,jesus-7,mason74 #adj ,mr4 ,james1 who1 in #ahae1 published the ,pilgrim in verse1 conjectures that ,bunyan's description of the ,fair arose from his having been at ,sturbridge ,fair1 near ,cambridge4 ,it was thus described in #aghf-,the shops or booths are built in rows like streets1 having each its name2 as ,garlick ,row1 ,bookseller's ,row1 ,cook ,row1 c4 ,here are all sorts of traders1 who sell by wholesale or retail2 as goldsmith's toymen1 braziers1 turners1 milliners1 haberdashers1 hatters1 mercers1 drapers1 pewterers1 china warehouses1 and in a word1 most trades that can be found in ,london4 ,here are also taverns1 coffee-houses1 and eating-houses1 in great plenty4 ,the chief diversions are puppets1 rope-dancing1 and music booths4 ,to this ,fair1 people from ,bedfordshire and the adjoining counties still resort4 ,similar kinds of fairs are now kept at ,frankfort and ,leipzig4 ,these mercantile fairs were very injurious to morals2 but not to the extent of debauchery and villany1 which reign in our present annual fairs1 near the metropolis and large cities4 ,see an account of this fair in ,hone's ,year ,book1 page #aech-7;,,ed74 ,our author evidently designed to exhibit in his allegory the grand outlines of the difficulties1 temptations1 and sufferings1 to which believers are exposed in this evil world2 which1 in a work of this nature1 must be related as if they came upon them one after another in regular succession2 though in actual experience several may meet together1 many may molest the same person again and again1 and some harass him in every stage of his journey4 ,we should1 therefore1 singly consider the instruction conveyed by every allegorical incident1 without measuring our experience1 or calculating our progress1 by comparing them with circumstances which might be reversed or altered with almost endless variety4 ,in general1 ,vanity ,fair represents the wretched state of things in those populous places especially1 where true religion is neglected and persecuted2 and1 indeed1 in the whole world lying in wickedness1 as distinguished from the church of redeemed sinners-7,scott74 #ada ,christ will not allow his followers to bury their talent in the earth1 or to put their light under a bushel2 they are not to go out of the world1 or to retire into cloisters1 monasteries1 or deserts2 but they ,,must all go through this fair4 ,thus our ,lord endured all the temptations and sufferings of this evil world1 without being impeded or entangled by them1 or stepping in the least aside to avoid them2 and he was exposed to greater enmity and contempt than any of ,his followers-7,scott74 #adb ,the world will seek to keep you out of ,heaven with mocks1 flouts1 taunts1 threatenings1 jails1 gibbets1 halters1 burnings1 and deaths4 ,there ever was enmity between the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman1 and no endeavours can reconcile them4 ,the world says1 ,they will never come over to us2 and we again say1 ,by ,god's grace we will not go over to them4 #adc ,holy ,hunt of ,hitchin1 as he was called1 a friend of ,bunyan's1 passing the market-place where mountebanks were performing1 one cried after him1 ,look there1 ,mr4 ,hunt6 ,turning his head another way1 he replied1 ,turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity-7,ivimey74 #add ,an odd reply4 ,what do they mean8 ,that they are neither afraid nor ashamed to own what was the one subject of their souls' pursuit-the truth4 ,understand hereby1 that the whole world1 which lieth in wickedness1 is deceived by a lie1 and is under the delusion of the father of lies4 ,in opposition to this1 all believers in ,christ are said to be of the truth 7#a ,john #c3ai74 ,they know and believe that capital truth with which ,god spake from ,heaven1 ,this is ,my beloved ,son1 in whom ,i am well pleased 7,matt4 #c3ag74 ,this truth-that ,jesus is the ,son of ,god1 and our only ,saviour-lies at the foundation of all their hope2 and to get more and more acquainted with ,him1 is the grand object of their pursuits4 ,for this the world hates them2 and ,satan1 who is an enemy to this truth1 stirs up the world against them4 ,for1 says our ,lord1 they are not of the world1 even as ,i am not of the world 7,john #ag3af7-7,mason74 #ade ,in #afgj1 the town porters of ,bedford being commanded to assist in a brutal attack upon the ,nonconformists1 ran away1 saying1 ,they would be hanged1 drawn1 and quartered1 before they would assist in that work2 for which cause the justices committed two of them 7which they could take7 to the jail4 ,the shops were shut up1 so that it seemed like a place visited with the pest1 where usually is written upon the door1 ,lord1 have mercy upon us6-7,narrative of ,proceedings against ,nonconformists1 p4 #e4 #dto1 #afgj74 #adf ,this is a true representation of what took place in ,england in ,bunyan's time4 ,it was a disgrace to our nation1 that ,englishmen1 urged on by a fanatic church1 treated two young and interesting women with a barbarity that would make savages 7so called7 blush4 ,it was at ,carlisle that two female pilgrims1 ,dorothy ,waugh and ,ann ,robinson1 were dragged through the streets1 with each an iron instrument of torture1 called a bridle1 upon their heads2 and were treated with gross indecency-7,,ed74 #adg ,the great object of the ,gospel is to fit man for his active duties in this world1 and prepare him for heavenly enjoyments in the world to come4 ,not like those lazy creeping things that shut themselves up in nunneries or monasteries to avoid the temptations and troubles1 the resistance or hearing of which glorifies ,god4 ,christians are to be as lights-not hid under a bushel but seen of all men4 ,the prayer of their ,lord was and is1 not that they should be taken out of the world1 but kept from its evil contaminations-7,,ed74 #adh ,in ,bunyan's account of his imprisonment1 he closes it with these words-,thus have ,i1 in short1 declared the manner and occasion of my being in prison2 where ,i lie waiting the good will of ,god to do with me as ,he pleaseth2 knowing that not one hair of my head can fall to the ground without the will of my ,father which is in ,heaven4 ,let the rage and malice of men be ever so great1 they can do no more1 nor go any further1 than ,god permits them4 ,when they have done their worst1 'we know that all things work together for good to them that love ,god' 7,rom4 #h3bh74 #adi ,the description of the process against the pilgrims1 is framed in such a manner as emphatically to expose the secret reasons which influence men thus to persecute their innocent neighbours4 ,the very names employed declare the several corrupt principles of the heart from whence this atrocious conduct results-7,scott74 #aej ,this is one of ,satan's lies1 much used by his emissaries1 to the present day4 ,a ,christian fears ,god1 and honours the king2 he renders unto civil government that which belongs to civil and temporal things1 but he dares not render unto ,caesar the things that belong to ,god2 and for thus righteously doing he is called disloyal-7,,ed74 #aea ,superstition1 or false devotion1 is a most bitter enemy to ,christ's truth and his followers4 ,this fellow's evidence is very true2 for as the lawyer said of ,christ's doctrine1 ,master1 thus saying1 thou reproachest us also 7,luke #aa3de74 ,so false worshippers1 who rest in forms1 and rites1 and shadows1 are stung to the quick at those who worship ,god in the ,spirit1 rejoice in ,christ ,jesus1 and have no confidence in the flesh2 such a conduct pours the utmost contempt upon all the will-worship1 and doctrines1 and superstition of carnal men-7,mason74 ,with such1 traditions1 human inventions1 forms1 and externals1 appear venerable and sacred2 and they are mistaken with pertinaceous ignorance for the substance of religion4 ,what is pompous and burdensome appears to such men meritorious2 and the excitement of mere natural passions1 as at a tragedy1 is falsely deemed a needful help to true devotion4 ,their zeal hardens their hearts1 and causes bitter rage1 enmity1 and calumny1 against the pious ,christians-7,scott74 #aeb ,as soon as the poor sinner says1 ,o ,lord our ,god1 other lords beside ,thee have had dominion over us3 but by ,thee only will we make mention of ,thy name 7,isa4 #bf3ac71 your officious ,pickthanks are always ready to bear testimony against him2 and a blessed testimony this is2 it is well worth living to gain1 and dying in the cause of4 ,if we are real disciples of ,christ1 we shall1 as ,he did1 testify of the world that the works thereof are evil1 and the world will hate us for ,his sake 7,john #g3g7-7,mason74 ,pickthank has no real principle1 but puts on zeal for any party that will promote his interests2 he inwardly despises both the superstitious and the spiritual worshipper-7,scott74 #aec ,this is the ,christian's plea and glory4 ,while he knows the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel 7,prov4 #ab3aj71 yet he also knows that the merciful kindness of the ,lord is great1 and the truth of the ,lord endureth forever 7,psa4 #aah3b7-7,mason74 #aed ,a more just and keen satirical description of such legal iniquities can scarcely be imagined1 than that contained in this passage4 ,the statutes and precedents adduced1 with a humourous reference to the style in which charges are commonly given to juries1 show what patterns persecutors choose to copy1 and whose kingdom they labour to uphold4 ,nor can any impartial man deny that the inference is fair1 which our author meant the reader to deduce1 namely1 that nominal ,protestants1 enacting laws requiring conformity to their own creeds and forms1 and inflicting punishments on such as peaceably dissent from them1 are actually involved in the guilt of these heathen persecutors--7,scott74 #aee ,these words1 and this trial1 were quoted 7,january #be1 #ahdh7 by the ,attorney-,general1 at ,westminster ,hall1 in answer to the manner in which ,dr4 ,hampden was then charged with heresy by the ,puseyites-7,,ed74 #aef ,if the ,lord were to leave us in the hands of men1 we should still find that their tender mercies are cruel4 ,such a jury as tried ,faithful might be found in every county of ,britain-7,burder74 ,to this may be added1 that the witnesses are still living-7,,ed74 #aeg ,nothing can be more masterly than the satire contained in this trial4 ,the judge1 the witnesses1 and the jury1 are portraits sketched to the life1 and finished1 every one of them1 in quick1 concise1 and graphic touches2 the ready testimony of ,envy is especially characteristic4 ,rather than anything should be wanting that might be necessary to despatch the prisoner1 he would enlarge his testimony against him to any requisite degree4 ,the language and deportment of the judge are a copy to the life of some of the infamous judges under ,king ,charles1 especially ,jefferies4 ,you may find1 in the trial of the noble patriot ,algernon ,sidney1 the abusive language of the judge against ,faithful almost word for word4 ,the charge to the jury1 with the ,acts and laws on which the condemnation of the prisoner was founded1 wax full of ingenuity and meaning-7,cheever74 #aeh ,bunyan gives a good portrait of ,faithful in his ,howe of ,lebanon1 referring to the character of ,pomporius ,algerius1 mentioned in ,fox's ,book of ,martyrs4 ,was not this man1 think you1 a giant8 did he not behave himself valiantly8 was not his mind elevated a thousand degrees beyond sense1 carnal reason1 fleshly love1 and the desires of embracing temporal things8 ,this man had got that by the end that pleased ,him2 neither could all the flatteries1 promises1 threats1 reproaches1 make him once listen to1 or inquire after1 what the world1 or the glory of it could afford4 ,his mind was captivated with delights invisible4 ,he coveted to show his love to his ,lord1 by laying down his life for ,his sake4 ,he longed to be where there shall be no more pain1 nor sorrow1 nor sighing1 nor tears1 nor troubles4 ,he was a man of a thousand6 ,speaking of the pillars in that house at ,lebanon1 he says1 ,these men had the faces of lions1 they have triumphed in the flames4 #aei ,this is a most exquisitely beautiful sketch2 it is drawn to the life from many an era of pilgrimage in this world2 there are in it the materials of glory1 that constituted spirits of such noble greatness as are catalogued in the eleventh of ,hebrews-traits of cruel mockings and scourgings1 bonds and imprisonments-7,cheever74 #afj ,political interests engage ungodly princes to promote toleration1 and chain up the demon of persecution4 ,the cruelties they exercise disgust the people1 and they are disheartened by the ill success of their efforts to extirpate the hated sect-7,scott74 #afa ,i have often recorded it with thankfulness1 that though in the dreary day of my pilgrimage1 the ,lord hath taken away a dear and faithful ,christian friend1 yet he has always raised up another4 ,a very great blessing this1 for which ,christians can never be thankful enough-7,mason74 #afb ,is not this too much the case with professors of this day8 ,the ,spirit of truth says1 ,all that will live godly in ,christ ,jesus shall suffer persecution 7#b ,tim4 #c3ab74 ,but how many act as if they had found the art of making the ,spirit of truth a liar6 for they can so trim and shape their conduct1 as they vainly think to follow ,christ1 and yet to keep in with the world1 which is at enmity against ,him-a most fatal and soul-deceiving error-7,mason74 #afc ,what is this something that ,by-ends knew more than all the world8 ,how to unite ,heaven and hell-how to serve ,god and ,mammon-how to be a ,christian and a hypocrite at the same time4 ,o the depth of the depravity of the human heart2 alas6 how many similar characters now exist1 with two tongues in one mouth1 looking one way and rowing another-7,,ed74 #afd ,fear not1 therefore1 in her for to abide1 ,she keeps her ground1 come weather1 wind1 or tide4--7,bunyan's ,house of ,god1 vol4 #b1 p4 #egi74 ,if we will follow ,christ1 ,he tells us that we must take up our cross4 ,the wind sets always on my face2 and the foaming rage of the sea of this world1 and the proud and lofty waves thereof do continually beat upon the sides of the bark1 or ship1 that myself1 my cause1 and my followers are in-7,bunyan's ,greatness of the ,soul1 vol4 #a1 p4 #ajg74 #afe ,mind how warily these pilgrims acted to this deceitful professor4 ,they did not too rashly take up an ill opinion against him2 but when they had full proof of what he was1 they did not hesitate one moment1 but dealt faithfully with him1 and conscientiously withdrew from him-7,mason74 ,in a letter written in #affa1 from ,exeter jail1 by ,mr4 ,abraham ,chear1 a ,baptist minister of ,plymouth1 who suffered greatly for nonconformity1 and at length died in a state of banishment1 there is this remark1 ,we have many brought in here daily1 who go out again almost as soon1 for a week in a prison tries a professor more than a month in a church-7,ivimey74 #aff ,it might have been supposed that the persons here introduced were settled inhabitants of the town of ,vanity1 or the ,city of ,destruction2 but1 indeed1 they professed themselves pilgrims1 and desired1 during the sunshine1 to associate with pilgrims1 provided they would allow them to hold the world1 love money1 and save all1 whatever became of faith and holiness1 of honesty1 piety1 truth1 and charity8-7,scott74 #afg ,pretended friends come with such expostulations as these3 ,why1 dear ,sir1 will you give such offence8 ,how much would it be for your comfort and interest in the world if you would but be a little more complying1 and give way in some particular points and phrases4 ,o what a syren's song6 ,may the ,lord enable every faithful servant to reply1 ,get thee behind me1 ,satan-7,j4 ,b474 #afh ,these words of ,solomon are thus wickedly misapplied by many to the present day4 ,ecclesiastes #g3af1 #ag probably refers to the administration of justice which should be tempered with mercy1 but not with laxity2 or it may refer to the foolish opinions expressed upon the characters of ,pharisee and publican1 exalting the one or decrying the other overmuch4 ,it cannot be meant to censure the utmost efforts after true righteousness1 nor to sanction the slightest degree of wickedness-7,,ed74 #afi,woe unto them who wander from the way4 ,art bound for hell1 against all wind and weather8 ,or art thou one agoing backward thither8 ,or dost thou wink1 because thou would'st not see8 ,or dost thou sideling go1 and would'st not be ,suspected ,yet these prophets can thee tell1 ,which way thou art agoing down to hell4--7,acts #g3bj-bb4 ,bunyan's ,house of ,god1 vol4 #b1 p4 #ehb74 #agj ,notwithstanding ,by-ends could be reserved with faithful pilgrims1 yet he can speak out boldly to those of his own spirit sad character4 ,o the treacherous deceivings of the desperate wickedness of the human heart6 ,who can know it8 ,no one but the heart-searching ,god-7,mason74 #aga ,some men's hearts are narrow upwards1 and wide downwards3 narrow as for ,god1 but wide for the world4 ,they gape for the one1 but shut themselves up against the other4 ,the heart of a wicked man is widest downward2 but it is not so with the righteous man4 ,his desires1 like the temple ,ezekiel saw in the vision1 are still widest upwards1 and spread towards ,heaven4 ,a full purse1 with a lean soul1 is a great curse4 ,many1 while lean in their estates1 had fat souls2 but the fattening of their estates has made their souls as lean as a rake as to good-7,bunyan's ,righteous ,man's ,desires1 vol4 #a1 p4 #gde74 #agb ,this dialogue is not in the least more absurd and selfish than the discourse of many who now attend on the preaching of the ,gospel4 ,if worldly lucre be the honey1 they imitate the bee1 and only attend to religion when they can gain by it2 they determine to keep what they have at any rate1 and to get more1 if it can be done without open scandal-7,scott74 #agc ,there is a fund of satirical humour in the supposed case here very gravely stated2 and if the author1 in his accurate observations on mankind1 selected his example from among the mercenaries that are the scandal of the ,established ,church1 her most faithful friends will not greatly resent this conduct of a dissenter-7,scott74 ,dr4 ,paley would have done well to have read this chapter in ,bunyan before composing some of the chapters in his ,moral ,philosophy1 and his ,sermon on the ,utility of ,distinctions in the ,ministry-7,cheever74 #agd ,here is worldly wisdom1 infernal logic1 and the sophistry of ,satan4 ,we hear this language daily1 from money-loving professors1 who are destitute of the power of faith4 ,but in opposition to all this1 the ,holy ,ghost testifies1 ,the love of money is the root of all evil 7#a ,tim4 #f3aj71 and a covetous man is an idolater 7,col4 #c3e74 ,hear this1 and tremble1 ye avaricious professors4 ,remember1 ye followers of the ,lamb1 ye are called to let your conversation be without covetousness 7,heb1 #ac3e72 your ,lord testifies1 ,ye cannot serve ,god and ,mammon 7,luke #af3ac7--7,mason74 #age ,how doth this commend itself to those who make merchandise of souls4 ,what swarms of such locusts are there in this day6-7,j4,b474 #agf ,if thou art one who tradeth in both ways3 ,god's now1 the devil's then2 or if delays ,thou mak'st of coming to thy ,god for life2 ,or if thy light and lusts are at a strife ,about who should be master of thy soul1 ,and lovest one1 the other dost control2 ,these prophets tell thee can which way thou bendest1 ,on which thou frown'st1 to which a hand thou lendest4--7,titus #a3af4 ,see vol4 #b1 p4 #ehb74 #agg ,bunyan1 in his ,holy ,life the ,beauty of ,christianity1 thus addresses such characters3 ,this is the man that hath the breath of a dragon2 he poisons the air round about him4 ,this is the man that slays his children1 his kinsmen1 his friend1 and himself-he that offends ,god's little ones4 ,o the millstone that ,god will shortly hang about your neck1 when the time is come that you must be drowned in the sea and deluge of ,god's wrath6-7,see vol4 #b1 p4 #eci74 ,the answer of ,christian1 though somewhat rough1 is so conclusive as to fortify every honest mind against all the arguments which the whole tribe of time-serving professors ever did1 or ever can adduce1 in support of their ingenious schemes and insidious efforts to reconcile religion with covetousness and the love of the world1 or to render it subservient to their secular interests-7,scott74 #agh ,here see the blessedness of being mighty in the ,scripture1 and the need of that exhortation1 ,let the ,word of ,christ dwell in you richly 7,col4 #c3af74 ,for the ,word of ,god is quick and powerful1 and sharper than a two-edged sword2 it pierces through all the subtle devices of ,satan1 and the cunning craftiness of carnal professors2 and divideth asunder the carnal reasonings of the flesh1 and the spiritual wisdom which cometh from above4 ,teach me1 my ,god and ,king1 ,in all things ,,thee to see1 ,and what ,i do in any thing ,to do it as for ,,thee--7,mason74 #agi ,the ,hill ,lucre stands somewhat out of the way1 but temptingly near4 ,they that will profit by the mine must turn aside for it 7,prov4 #bh3bj1 #bb74 ,sir ,j4 ,mandeville1 in his ,travels1 says1 that in the ,vale ,perilous is plenty of gold and silver1 and many ,christian men go in for the treasure1 but few come out again1 for this are strangled of the devil4 ,but good ,christian men1 that are stable in the faith1 enter without peril-7,,ed74 #ahj ,eve expected some sweet and pleasant sight1 that would tickle and delight her deluded fancy2 but1 behold sin1 and the wrath of ,god1 appear to the shaking of her heart2 and thus1 even to this day1 doth the devil delude the world4 ,his temptations are gilded with sweet and fine pretences1 that men shall be wiser1 richer1 more in favour1 live merrier1 fare better1 or something2 and by such like things the fools are easily allured4 ,but when their eyes are opened1 instead of seeing what the devil falsely told them1 they see themselves involved in wrath-7,bunyan on ,genesis1 vol4 #b4 p4 #dca74 #aha ,here you see the end of double-minded men1 who vainly attempt to temper the love of money with the love of ,christ4 ,they go on with their art for a season1 but the end makes it manifest what they were4 ,take ,david's advice1 ,fret not thyself because of evil-doers 7,psa4 #cg3a7 ,be not thou afraid when one is made rich1 when the glory of his house is increased 7,psa4 #di3af74 ,but go thou into the sanctuary of thy ,god1 read ,his ,word1 and understand the end of these men-7,mason74 ,often1 as the motley reflexes of my experience move in long processions of manifold groups before me1 the distinguished and world-honoured company of ,christian mammonists appear to the eye of my imagination as a drove of camels heavily laden1 yet all at full speed2 and each in the confident expectation of passing through the eye of the needle1 without stop or halt1 both beasts and baggage-7,coleridge74 #ahb ,i have sometimes wondered at ,lot4 ,his wife looked behind her1 and died immediately2 but he would not so much as look behind him to see her4 ,we do not read that he did so much as once look where she was1 or what was become of her4 ,his heart was set upon his journey2 and well it might4 ,there were the mountains before him1 and the fire and brimstone behind him4 ,his life lay at stake2 and had he looked behind him he had lost it4 ,do thou so run1 and remember ,lot's wife-7,bunyan's ,heavenly ,footman74 #ahc ,in former times1 the purse was carried hanging to a girdle round the waist1 and great dexterity was requisite to cut and carry it away without the knowledge of the owner4 ,public executions for theft had so little effect in repressing crime1 that thefts were committed in sight of1 or even under the gallows-7,,ed74 #ahd ,alas6 poor pilgrims1 like ,peter1 you soon forgot the judgment1 although your sight of ,lot's wife had so affected your spirits4 ,how soon yon went into ,by-path ,meadow6 wherefore1 let him that thinketh he standeth1 take heed lest he fall 7#a ,cor4 #aj3ab7-7;,,ed74 #ahe ,by this river1 which is called a pure river of water of life1 clear as crystal1 proceeding out of the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb 7,rev4 #bb3a71 we may understand clear and comfortable views of ,god's everlasting love and electing grace4 ,they could see in it ,god's glory shining in the face of ,jesus ,christ1 and view their own faces in it1 to their inexpressible joy4 ,this is the river the streams whereof make glad the city of ,god 7,psa4 #df3d74 ,the stream which flow from this river of electing love1 are vocation to ,christ1 justification by ,christ1 sanctification in ,christ1 perseverance through ,christ1 glorification with ,christ1 and all joy and peace in believing on ,christ4 ,all this these pilgrims now enjoyed1 and all this every fellow-citizen of the saints is called to enjoy in his pilgrimage to ,zion4 ,god hath chosen us in ,christ1 and blessed us with all spiritual blessings in ,him4 ,o how happy1 peaceful1 and joyful are pilgrims1 when the ,spirit takes of the things of ,christ1 shows them to us1 and blesses us with a sense of interest in all the love of ,god1 and finished salvation of ,jesus6-7,mason74 #ahf ,blessed state indeed1 but of short duration6 ,too often these desirable consolations of the ,spirit render the ,christian careless and unwatchful-7,burder74 #ahg ,a scene to soothe and calm a mind fretted and harassed with the cares and turmoils of this every-day world2 a sunny vista into the future1 welcome in a weary hour to the worn spirit1 which longs1 as for the wings of the dove1 that it may flee away1 and be at rest2 a glimpse of ,sabbath quietness on earth1 given as a pledge and foretaste of the more glorious and eternal ,sabbath of ,heaven-7,bernard ,barton74 #ahh ,now had ,i an evidence1 as ,i thought1 of my salvation from ,heaven1 with many golden seals thereon1 all hanging in my sight4 ,now could ,i remember the manifestations of grace with comfort2 and longed that the last day were come1 that ,i might forever be inflamed with the sight1 and joy1 and communion with ,him1 whose soul was made an offering for my sins4 ,before this ,i lay trembling at the mouth of hell2 now ,i had got so far therefrom that ,i could scarce discern it4 ,o1 thought ,i1 that ,i were fourscore years old1 that ,i might die quickly1 and my soul be gone to rest--7,grace ,abounding1 ,no4 #abh74 #ahi ,they should have said1 ,it is true this way is not so pleasant as the meadow1 but it is the ,lord's way1 and the best1 doubtless1 for us to travel in4 ,a man speedily enters into temptation when he becomes discontented with ,god's allotments2 then ,satan presents allurements1 and from wishing for a better way1 the soul goes into a worse4 ,the discontented wish is father to a sinful will2 ,i wish for a better is followed by1 ,i will have a better1 and so the soul goes astray-7,cheever74 #aij ,the transition into the by-path is easy1 for it lies close to the right way2 only you must get over a stile1 that is1 you must quit ,christ's imputed righteousness1 and trust in your own inherent righteousness2 and then you are in ,by-path ,meadow directly-7,mason74 #aia ,the best caution ,i can give to others1 or take myself1 is1 not to be guided in matters of faith by men1 but to make the ,scriptures our only rule-to look to ,god for the teaching of ,his blessed ,spirit1 that ,he may keep our feet from the ways of death-7,j4,b474 #aib ,there is a way that seems right unto a man1 but the end thereof are the ways of death 7,prov4 #ad3ab74 ,vain confidence is this very way4 ,o how easy do professors get into it6 yea1 real pilgrims are prone also to take up with it1 owing to that legality1 pride1 and self-righteousness1 which work in their fallen mature4 ,see the end of it1 and tremble2 for it leads to darkness1 and ends in death4 ,lord1 humble our proud hearts1 and empty us of self-righteousness1 pride1 and vain confidence-7,mason74 #aic ,so1 sometimes1 real pilgrims take counsel and example of strangers1 of worldly men1 and of presumptuous careless persons4 ,vain confidence is a sad guide anywhere1 but especially when one has wandered out of the way--7,cheever74 #aid ,if thou be prying into ,god's secret decrees1 or entertain questions about nice curiosities1 thou mayest stumble and fall to thine eternal ruin4 ,take heed of that lofty spirit1 that1 devil-like1 cannot be content with its own station--7,heavenly ,footman74 #aie ,the thunder and lightning plainly show that this by-path leads to ,sinai1 not to ,zion4 ,one step over the stile1 by giving way to a self-righteous spirit1 and you enter the territories of despair-7,j4 ,b474 #aif ,how varied is the experience of a ,christian6 he had just before overcome ,demas1 and conquered ,by-ends and his companions2 is warned by ,lot's wife1 and now elated with the strength of his principles2 boldness takes the place of caution2 he ventures upon an easier path1 and is involved in misery-7,,ed74 #aig ,when ,bunyan pleaded1 so energetically1 for the communion of saints1 irrespective of water-baptism1 one of his arguments was1 ,the strongest may sometimes be out of the way4 ,receive ye one another as ,christ also received us-7,vol4 #b1 p4 #faj74 #aih ,here see1 that as ,christians are made helpful1 so also1 through prevailing corruptions1 they are liable to prove hurtful to each other4 ,but observe how grace works3 it humbles1 it makes the soul confess and be sorry for its misfortunes4 ,here is no reviling one another2 but a tender sympathy and feeling concern for each other4 ,o the mighty power of that grace and truth which came by ,jesus ,christ6 ,how does it cement souls in the fellowship of love6--7,mason74 #aii ,how easy it is to trace the path that led the pilgrims astray6 ,to avoid the roughness of the way1 they entered the by-path1 that by measures of carnal policy they might avoid afflictions4 ,guided by ,vain-confidence1 they were led from the road1 and when this ,vain-confidence was destroyed1 they were involved in distress and danger-7,ivimey74 #bjj ,the personification of ,despair is one of the most instructive and beautiful portions of ,bunyan's allegory4 ,it appeals either to every man's experience1 or to every man's sense of what may come upon him1 on account of sin4 ,it is at once1 in some respects1 the very gloomiest and very brightest part of the ,pilgrim's ,progress2 for it shows at once to what a depth of misery sin may plunge the ,christian1 and also to what a depth the mercy of ,god in ,christ may reach4 ,the colouring of the picture is extremely vivid1 the remembrance of it can never pass from the mind2 and1 as in a gallery of beautiful paintings1 there may often be one that so strongly reminds you of your own experience1 or that in itself is so remarkably beautiful as to keep you dwelling upon it with unabated interest2 so it is with this delineation of ,giant ,despair1 among the many admirable sketches of ,bunyan's piety and genius4 ,it is so full of deep life and meaning that you cannot exhaust it1 and it is of such exquisite propriety and beauty that you are never tired with examining it-7,cheever74 #bja ,sooner or later ,doubting ,castle will be the prison1 and ,giant ,despair the keeper of all those who turn aside from ,christ and ,his righteousness1 to trust in any wise in themselves1 and to their righteousness4 ,our ,god is a jealous ,god1 ever jealous of ,his own glory1 and of the honour of ,his beloved ,son-7,mason74 ,so under the old cut1 illustrating the ,pilgrims in ,doubting ,castle1 are these lines--,the pilgrims now1 to gratify the flesh1 ,will seek its ease2 but ,o6 how they afresh ,do thereby plunge themselves new griefs into6 ,who seek to please the flesh1 themselves undo4 #bjb ,blessed sorrow6 how many are there who never tasted the bread of ,heaven1 nor the water of life from the wells of salvation2 who are strangers to the communion of saints1 but do not feel themselves to be in evil case1 nor have wept under a sense of their wretched state-7,,ed74 #bjc ,what6 such highly-favoured ,christians in ,doubting ,castle8 ,after having traveled so far in the way of salvation1 seen so many glorious things in the way1 experienced so much of the grace and love of their ,lord1 and having so often proved ,his faithfulness8 ,is not this strange8 ,no2 it is common-the strongest ,christians are liable to err and get out of the way1 and then to be beset with very great and distressing doubts-7,mason74 ,despair1 like a tremendous giant1 will at last seize on the souls of all unbelievers2 and when ,christians conclude1 from some misconduct1 that they belong to that company1 they are exposed to be taken captive by him4 ,they do not1 indeed1 fall and perish with ,vain-confidence2 but for a season they find it impossible to rise superior to prevailing gloomy doubts bordering on despair1 or to obtain the least comfortable hope of deliverance1 or encouragement to use the proper means of seeking it-7,scott74 #bjd ,the wife of ,despair is ,diffidence1 or a distrust of ,god's faithfulness1 and a want of confidence in ,his mercy4 ,when a ,christian follows such counsels1 gloom and horror of mind will be produced1 and life become a burden--7,ivimey74 #bje ,bunyan1 in one of his delightful treatises of comfort against despair1 introduces the following striking colloquy-,says ,satan1 ,dost thou not know that thou art one of the vilest in all the pack of professors8 ,yes1 says the soul1 ,i do4 ,says ,satan1 ,dost thou not know that thou hast horribly sinned8 ,yes1 says the soul1 ,i do4 ,well1 saith ,satan1 now will ,i come upon thee with my appeals4 ,art thou not a graceless wretch8 ,yes4 ,hast thou an heart to be sorry for this wickedness8 ,no1 not as ,i should4 ,and albeit1 saith ,satan1 thou prayest sometimes1 yet is not thy heart possessed with a belief that ,god will not regard thee8 ,yes1 says the sinner4 ,why1 then1 despair1 and go hang thyself1 saith the devil4 ,and now we are at the end of the thing designed and driven at by ,satan4 ,but what shall ,i now do1 saith the sinner8 ,i answer1 take up the words of the text against him1 ,that ye may be able to comprehend the breadth1 and length1 and depth1 and height2 and to know the love of ,christ1 which passeth knowledge-7,saints' ,knowledge of ,christ's ,love1 vol4 #b1 p4 #cg74 #bjf ,giant ,despair1 it seems1 has fits in sunshiny weather2 that is1 a gleam of hope1 from ,christ the ,sun of righteousness1 sometimes darted into their minds-7,burder74 #bjg ,satan and his angels will not be wanting to help forward the calamity of the man1 who1 in coming to ,christ1 is beat out of breath1 out of heart1 out of courage1 by wind that blows him backward4 ,they will not be wanting to throw up his heels in their dirty places1 nor to trouble his head with the fumes of their foul breath4 ,and now it is hard coming to ,god2 ,satan has the art of making the most of every sin2 he can make every hair on the head as big as a cedar4 ,but1 soul1 ,christ can save unto the uttermost6 come1 man1 come4 ,he can do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think6-7,bunyan's ,complete ,saviour1 vol4 #a1 p4 #bji74 ,poor ,christian6 ,what6 tempted to destroy thyself8 ,lord1 what is man6 ,but see1 despairing souls1 mark the truth of that word1 ,there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man2 but ,god is faithful1 who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able2 but will1 with the temptation1 also make a way to escape1 that ye may be able to bear it 7#a ,cor4 #aj3ac7-7,mason74 #bjh ,bunyan had an acute sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin1 and no saint had suffered more severely from despair4 ,one of his great objects1 in most of his works1 is to arm poor pilgrims against desponding fears4 ,thus1 in his first treatise on ,gospel ,truths-,he 7the devil7 will be sure to present to thy conscience the most sad sentences of the ,scripture2 yea1 and set them home with such cunning arguments1 that if it be possible he will make thee despair1 and make away thyself as did ,judas-7,vol4 #b1 p4#acb74 ,sin1 when seen in its colours1 and when appearing in its monstrous shape and hue1 frighteth all mortals out of their wits1 away from ,god1 and1 if ,he stops them not1 also out of the world4 ,this is manifest by ,cain1 ,judas1 ,saul1 and others4 ,they fly from before ,god1 one to one fruit of despair1 and one to another-7,pharisee and ,publican1 vol4 #b1 p4 #bfj74 #bji ,an admirable chain of reasoning1 pointing out the evils of despair1 is to be found in the ,jerusalem ,sinner ,saved 7vol4 #a1 pp4 #ia1 #ib71 under the head ,fifthly4 ,it will make a man his own tormentor1 and flounce and fling like a wild bull in a net 7,isa4 #ea3bj74 ,despair6 it drives a man to the study of his own ruin1 and brings him at last to be his own executioner 7#b ,sam4 #ag3c-e7-7;,,ed74 #baj ,alas1 how chang'd6 ,expressive of his mind1 ,his eyes are sunk1 arms folded1 head reclin'd2 ,those awful syllables1 hell1 death1 and sin1 ,though whisper'd1 plainly tell what works within4--7,cowper's ,hope74 ,a wounded spirit who can bear8 #baa ,to bring the state of ,christian's mind before us1 read the lamentations of the ,psalmist1 when he was a prisoner in ,doubting ,castle1 under ,giant ,despair1 in ,psalm #hh2 and ,bunyan's experience1 as narrated in ,no4 #afc of ,grace ,abounding4 ,despair swallowed him up1 and that passage fell like a hot thunderbolt upon his conscience1 ,he was rejected1 for he found no place for repentance-7,ivimey74 #bab ,dr4 ,donne1 the celebrated ,dean of ,st4 ,paul's1 had recently published a thesis1 to prove that suicide1 under some circumstances1 was justifiable4 ,hopeful answers all his arguments1 and proves it to be the foulest of murders4 ,bunyan1 in his treatise on ,justification1 volume #a1 page #cad1 thus notices the jailer's intent to commit suicide1 when the doors of the prison in which ,paul was confined were thrown open-,even now1 while the earthquake shook the prison1 he had murder in his heart-murder1 ,i say1 and that of a high nature1 even to have killed his own body and soul at once-7,,ed74 #bac ,here is the blessing of a hopeful companion2 here is excellent counsel4 ,let vain professors say what they may against looking back to past experiences1 it is most certainly good and right so to do2 not to encourage present sloth and presumption1 but to excite fresh confidence of hope in the ,lord4 ,we have ,david's example1 and ,paul's word to encourage us to this1 ,the ,lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion1 and out of the paw of the bear1 he will deliver me out of the hand of this ,philistine 7#a ,sam4 #ag3cg72 and says ,paul1 ,we had the sentence of death in ourselves1 that we should not trust in ourselves1 but in ,god which raiseth the dead 7#b ,cor4 #a3i7-7,mason74 #bad ,it is a curious picture which ,bunyan has drawn of the intercourse between the giant and his wife ,diffidence4 ,they form a very loving couple in their way2 and the giant takes no new step in the treatment of the pilgrims without consulting ,mrs4 ,diffidence over night1 so that the curtain lectures to which we listen are very curious4 ,but ,mrs4 ,diffidence ought rather to have been called ,dame ,desperation1 or ,desperate ,resolution2 for she seems1 if anything1 the more stubborn genius of the two-7,cheever74 ,by these conversations between ,diffidence and ,despair1 after they had retired to bed1 ,bunyan perhaps designed to intimate that1 as melancholy persons seldom get rest at night1 the gloominess of the season contributes to the distress of their minds4 ,so ,asaph complains3 ,my sore ran in the night1 and ceased not3 my soul refused to be comforted 7,psa4 #fg3b7-7;,ivimey74 #bae ,how would the awful lesson of the man in the iron cage1 at the ,interpreter's house1 now recur to poor ,christian's mind3 ,i cannot get out1 ,o now ,i cannot6 ,i left off to watch1 and am shut up in this iron cage1 nor can all the men in the world let me out4 ,christian's answer to the despairing pilgrim now soon broke upon his memory3 ,the ,son of the ,blessed is very pitiful-7,,ed74 #baf ,what6 ,pray in the custody of ,giant ,despair1 in the midst of ,doubting ,castle1 and when their own folly brought them there too8 ,yes2 mind this1 ye pilgrims1 ye are exhorted1 ,i will that men pray everywhere1 without doubting 7#a ,tim4 #b3h74 ,we can be in no place but ,god can hear1 nor in any circumstance but ,god is able to deliver us from4 ,and be assured1 that when the spirit of prayer comes1 deliverance is nigh at hand-7,mason74 ,perhaps the author selected ,saturday at midnight for the precise time when the prisoners began to pray1 in order to intimate that the preparation for the ,lord's day1 which serious persons are reminded to make for its sacred services1 are often the happy means of recovering those that have fallen into sin and despondency-7,scott74 #bag ,all at once1 by a new revelation1 which none but the ,saviour could make1 ,christian finds the promises4 ,christ had been watching over his erring disciples-,he kept back the hand of ,despair from destroying them-,he binds up the broken heart1 and healeth all their wounds-7,cheever74 ,as a key enters all the intricate wards of a lock1 and throws back its bolts1 so the precious promises of ,god in his ,word1 if turned by the strong hand of faith1 will open all the doors which unbelief and despair have shut upon us-7,burder74 #bah ,bunyan was a plain-spoken man1 and feared not to offend delicate ears when truth required honest dealing4 ,in his treatise on the ,law and ,grace1 he says3 ,and therefore1 my brethren1 seeing ,god1 our ,father1 hath sent us1 damnable traitors1 a pardon from ,heaven1 even all the promises of the ,gospel1 and hath also sealed to the certainty of it with the heart-blood of ,his dear ,son1 let us not be daunted-7,vol4 #a1 p4 #efb74 #bai ,precious promise6 ,the promises of ,god in ,christ are the life of faith1 and the quickeners of prayer4 ,o how oft do we neglect ,god's great and precious promises in ,christ ,jesus1 while doubts and despair keep us prisoners6 ,so it was with these pilgrims2 they were kept under hard bondage of soul for four days4 ,hence see what it is to grieve the ,spirit of ,god3 for ,he only is the ,comforter3 and if ,he withdraws ,his influences1 who or what can comfort us8 ,though precious promises are revealed in the ,word1 yet we can get no comfort from them but by the grace of the ,spirit-7,mason74 #bbj ,it was ,sabbath morning4 ,the sun was breaking over the hills1 and fell upon their pale1 haggard countenances1 it was to them a new creation2 they breathed the fresh1 reviving air1 and brushed1 with hasty steps1 the dew from the untrodden grass1 and fled the nearest way to the stile1 over which they had wandered4 ,they had learned a lesson by suffering1 which nothing else could have taught them1 and which would remain with them to the day of their death--7,cheever74 ,the experience of these three or four dreadful days is specially recorded in ,grace ,abounding1 7,nos4 #bfa-bfc74 ,the key which opened the doors in ,doubting ,castle was these words1 applied with power to his soul1 ,i must go to ,jesus1 in connection with ,hebrews #ab3bb-bd4 ,of the first night of his deliverance he says1 ,i could scarcely lie in my bed for joy and peace1 and triumph through ,christ-7,,ed74 #bba ,they fell to devising what soldiers1 and how many1 ,diabolus should go against ,mansoul with1 to take it2 and after some debate1 it was concluded that none were more fit for that expedition than an army of terrible ,,doubters4 ,they therefore concluded to send against ,mansoul an army of sturdy doubters4 ,diabolus was to beat up his drum for #bj or #cj1jjj men in the ,land of ,doubting1 which land lieth upon the confines of a place called ,hell-gate ,hill4 ,captain ,rage was over the election doubters2 his were the red colours2 his standard-bearer was ,mr4 ,destructive2 and the great red dragon he had for his scutcheon4 ,captain ,fury was over the vocation doubters2 his standard-bearer was darkness2 his colours were pale2 and his scutcheon the fiery flying serpent4 ,captain ,damnation was over the grace doubters2 his were the red colours2 ,mr4 ,no-life bore them2 his scutcheon was the ,black ,den1 c4-7,holy ,war74 #bbb ,when offending ,christians are brought to deep repentance1 renewed exercises of lively faith1 and willing obedience in those self-denying duties which they had declined1 the ,lord restores to them the joy of ,his salvation1 and their former comforts become more abundant and permanent4 ,the ,delectable ,mountains seem intended to represent those calm seasons of peace and comfort-7,scott74 #bbc ,o how many professors grow weary of the way1 fall short1 and fail of coming to the end6 ,though the way be too far1 too strait1 and too narrow for many who set out1 and never hold out to the end2 yet all who are begotten by the ,word of grace1 and born of the ,spirit of truth1 shall persevere to the end1 being kept by the mighty power of ,god1 through faith1 unto eternal salvation 7#a ,peter #a3e7-7,mason74 #bbd ,there is in this laconic description of the homely dreamer a richness of beauty which no efforts of the artist can adequately portray2 and in the concise dialogue of the speakers1 a simple sublimity of eloquence which any commentary could only weaken4 ,while our feelings are excited by this description1 we cannot but remember that eye hath not seen nor ear heard1 neither have entered into the heart of man3 the things which ,god hath prepared for them that love ,him-7,bernard ,barton74 #bbe ,precious names6 ,what is a pilgrim without knowledge8 ,what is head-knowledge without heart-experience8 ,and watchfulness and sincerity ought to attend us every step4 ,when these graces are in us and abound1 they make delectable mountains indeed-7,mason74 #bbf ,fine-spun speculations and curious reasonings lead men from simple truth and implicit faith into many dangerous and destructive errors-7,mason74 #bbg ,it is well for us to be much on this mount4 ,we have constant need of caution4 ,take heed and beware1 says our ,lord4 ,paul takes the ,corinthians up to this ,mount ,caution1 and shows them what awful things have happened to professors of old2 and he leaves this solemn word for us1 ,wherefore1 let him that thinketh he standeth1 take heed lest he fall 7#a ,cor4 #aj3ab7-7,mason74 #bbh ,o the unthought-of imaginations1 frights1 fears1 and terrors1 that are effected by a thorough application of guilt1 yielding to desperation6 ,this is the man that hath his dwelling among the tombs with the dead1 that is always crying out1 and cutting himself with stones 7,mark #e3c74 ,but all in vain2 desperation will not comfort him1 the old covenant will not save him-7,grace ,abounding1 ,no4 #ahe74 #bbi ,some retain the name of ,christ1 and the notion of ,him as a ,saviour2 but cast ,him off in the very things wherein the essential parts of ,his sacrifice1 merits1 and priesthood consist4 ,in this lies the mystery of their iniquity4 ,they dare not altogether deny that ,christ doth save ,his people1 as a ,priest2 but then their art is to confound ,his offices1 until they jostle out of doors the merit of ,his blood and the perfection of ,his justifying righteousness4 ,such draw away the people from the cross 7put out their eyes71 and lead them among the infidels-7,bunyan's ,israel's ,hope1 vol4 #a1 p4 #fae74 #bcj ,probably to guard pilgrims against the ,popish doctrine of auricular confession-7,,ed74 #bca ,those seem to shun the common broad road2 but having only the mark of religion1 while their hearts are not right with ,god1 are as effectually ruined as the most profligate and open offenders-7,burder74 #bcb ,thus we read of some who were once enlightened1 and had tasted of the heavenly gift1 and were made partakers of the world to come 7,heb4 #f3f74 ,it is hard to say how far or how long a person may carry on a profession1 and yet fall away1 and come short of the kingdom at last4 ,this should excite to diligence1 humility1 and circumspection1 ever looking to ,jesus to keep us from falling-7,mason74 #bcc ,it reflects the highest credit on the diffidence of ,bunyan's genius-a genius as rich in its inventions1 and as aspiring in its imaginative flights1 as ever poet could possess or lay claim to-that1 after such an exordium1 he should have made no effort minutely to describe what was in its own splendour of glory indescribable4 ,how beautifully1 without exciting any disappointment in a reader of taste1 feeling1 and judgment1 does he1 by a few artless words1 render most impressive and sublime1 what more elaborate description could only have made confused and unsatisfactory4 ,nothing can be more admirable than this brief and indistinct report of the perspective glass1 it cannot offend the most fastidious taste1 yet leaves scope for the exercise of the most ardent and aspiring imagination-7,bernard ,barton74 #bcd ,such mountains round about this house do stand4 ,as one from thence may see the ,holy ,land4--7,bunyan's ,house of ,god1 vol4 #b1 p4 #egi74 #bce ,after going through the conflict with ,apollyon1 the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death1 the scenes in ,vanity ,fair1 and the dread experience of the pilgrims in ,giant ,despair's ,castle1 it is well to note what a gallery of solemn ,,realities is here1 what a system of ,divine truth1 commending itself to all men's consciences4 ,it is not so much the richness of imagination1 nor the tenderness of feeling here exhibited1 nor the sweetness and beauty of the imagery1 with which this book is filled1 as it is the presence of these ,,realities that constitutes the secret of its unbounded power over the soul4 ,walk up and down in this rich and solemn gallery4 ,how simple are its ornaments6 ,how grave1 yet beautiful1 its architecture6 ,amidst all this deep1 serene beauty to the imagination1 by how much deeper a tone do these pictures speak to the inner spiritual being of the soul6 ,when you have admired the visible beauty of the paintings1 turn again to seek their meaning in that light from eternity by which the artist painted them1 and by which he would have all men examine their lessons1 and receive and feel the full power of their colouring4 ,in this light1 the walls of this gallery seem moving with celestial figures speaking to the soul4 ,they are acting the drama of a life which1 by most men1 is only dreamed of2 but the drama is the reality1 and it is the spectators only who are walking in a vain show-7,cheever74 #bcf ,this is the first break in the dream1 and1 doubtless1 had an important meaning4 ,perhaps the pilgrimage may be divided into four parts3 #a4 ,the convert flying from the wrath to come2 instructed at the ,interpreter's house2 relieved of his burden at the cross2 ascends the ,hill ,difficulty2 overcomes his timidity2 and1 #b4 ,enters a church at the ,house ,beautiful2 and1 as a private member1 continues his journey1 until1 #c4 ,he meets ,evangelist1 near ,vanity ,fair1 and is found fit to become an itinerant preacher2 in which calling he suffers persecution1 and obtains that fitness which enables him1 #d4 ,on the ,delectable ,mountains1 to enter upon the responsible duties of a ministering elder or pastor of a church1 and is ordained by ,knowledge1 ,experience1 ,watchful1 and ,sincere4 ,is this commencement of his public labours the important point when the author awoke from his dream8-7,,ed74 #bcg ,this country we are all born in2 all are ignoramuses by nature4 ,some live long in the country of ,conceit1 and many end their days in it4 ,are you come out of it8 ,so was ,ignorance2 but he breathed his native air4 ,so long as a sinner thinks he can do anything towards making himself righteous before ,god1 his name is ,ignorance2 he is full of self-conceit1 and destitute of the faith of ,christ-7,mason74 #bch ,now1 is it not very common to hear professors talk at this rate8 ,yes1 and many who make a very high profession too2 their hopes are plainly grounded upon what they are in themselves1 and how they differ from their former selves and other sinners1 instead of what ,christ is to us and what we are in ,christ4 ,but the profession of such is begun with an ignorant1 whole1 self-righteous heart2 it is continued in pride1 self-seeking1 and self-exalting1 and ends in awful disappointment4 ,for such are called by our ,lord thieves and robbers2 they rob ,him of the glory of ,his grace and the gift of ,his imputed righteousness-7,mason74 #bci ,it is best not to converse much at once with persons of this character1 but1 after a few warnings1 to leave them to their reflections2 for their self-conceit is often cherished by altercations1 in which they deem themselves very expert1 however disgusting their discourse may prove to others-7,scott74 #bdj ,an awful scene was beheld by the pilgrims4 ,a professor1 named ,turn-away1 bound with seven cords1 was led by devils to the by-way to hell4 ,let everyone inquire1 ,who is this wanton professor8-,he who discovers a trifling1 worldly1 wanton spirit1 dreads not the appearance of evil1 complies with the fashions of the carnal world1 and associates with the enemies of our ,lord2 and1 in time1 becomes a damnable apostate4 ,lord1 keep us from such a beginning and such an end6-7,burder74 #bda ,the very dark lane in which ,turn-away was met by the pilgrims1 represents the total darkness of the minds of such wicked professors2 for if the light that is in them be darkness1 how great is that darkness6 ,when their characters are made manifest1 they are ashamed to look their former pious friends in the face4 ,the wicked shall be holden with the cords of his sins 7,prov4 #e3bb7-7;,ivimey74 #bdb ,o beware of a light trifling spirit and a wanton behaviour4 ,it is often the forerunner of apostasy from ,god4 ,it makes one tremble to hear those who profess to follow ,christ in the regeneration1 crying1 ,what harm is there in this game and the other diversion8 ,the warmth of love is gone1 and they are become cold1 dead1 and carnal4 ,o how many instances of these abound6-7,mason74 #bdc ,in times of persecution1 loose professors are driven down ,dead ,man's ,lane to ,broad-way ,gate2 thus ,satan murders the souls of men1 by threatening to kill their bodies4 ,believers that are weak in faith are betrayed into sinful compliances2 they sleep when they ought to watch1 they conceal or deny their profession1 and thus contract guilt2 ,faint-heart assaults them1 ,mistrust plunders them1 and ,guilt beats them down-7,scott74 #bdd ,the fly in the spider's net is the emblem of the soul in such a condition4 ,if the soul struggleth1 ,satan laboureth to hold it down4 ,if it make a noise1 he bites it with blasphemous mouth2 insomuch that it must needs die at last in the net1 if the ,lord ,jesus help not4 ,believing is sure sweating work4 ,only strong faith can make ,satan flee4 ,o the toil of a gracious heart in this combat1 if faith be weak6 ,the man can get no higher than his knees1 till an arm from ,heaven help him up-7,bunyan's ,holy ,city74 #bde ,when ,bunyan was imprisoned1 his sentence was-,to be transported1 if he did not conform in three months2 and then1 if found as a ,nonconformist1 in this country1 he should be hung4 ,determined at all hazards not to be a traitor to his ,god1 he anticipated being hung2 and was anxious1 in such a cause1 to meet death with firmness4 ,when his fears prevailed1 he dreaded lest he should make but a scrabbling shift to clamber up the ladder-7,see ,grace ,abounding1 ,no4 #ccd74 #bdf ,where there is a faint heart in ,god's cause1 and mistrust of ,god's truths1 there will be guilt in the conscience1 and but little faith4 ,these rogues will prevail over1 and rob such souls of the comforts of ,god's love and of ,christ's salvation4 ,by his jewels1 we may understand those radical graces of the ,spirit-faith1 hope1 and love4 ,by his spending-money1 the sealing and earnest of the ,spirit in his heart 7#b ,cor4 #a3bb74 ,of this ,divine assurance1 and the sense of the peace and joy in the ,holy ,ghost1 he was robbed2 so that1 though he still went on in the ways of the ,lord1 yet he dragged on but heavily and uncomfortably-7,mason74 #bdg ,bunyan throws great light upon this subject in his ,christ a ,complete ,saviour1 7vol4 #a1 p4 #bae7-,we are saved by ,christ2 brought to glory by ,christ2 and all our works are no otherwise made acceptable to ,god1 but by the person and excellencies of ,christ4 ,therefore1 whatever the jewels are1 and the bracelets and the pearls that thou shalt be adorned with1 as a reward of service done to ,god in this world1 for them thou must thank ,christ1 and1 before all1 confess that ,he was the meritorious cause thereof4 #bdh ,what was this good thing8 ,his precious faith1 whose author1 finisher1 and object is precious ,jesus4 ,and where he gives this precious gift of faith1 though it be but little1 even as a grain of mustard-seed1 not all the powers of earth and hell can rob the heart of it4 ,christ prayed for ,his disciple that his faith should not fail1 or be totally lost2 therefore1 though ,peter lost his comforts for a season1 yet not his faith totally1 not his soul eternally2 for1 says ,jesus1 of all his dear flock1 yea1 of those of little faith too1 ,none shall pluck them out of ,my hand4 ,there is one blessed security1 not in ourselves1 but in our ,lord-7,mason74 #bdi ,hope1 love1 humility1 meekness1 patience1 longsuffering1 compassion1 and mercy1 are gracious dispositions wrought in the heart by the ,holy ,ghost4 ,these are the believer's jewels2 and it is his duty to keep them clean1 that their beauty and lustre may be apparent-7,andronicus74 #bej ,little-faith cannot come all the way without crying4 ,so long as its holy boldness lasts1 so long it can come with peace1 but it will go the rest of the way with crying-7,bunyan's ,come and ,welcome1 vol4 #a1 p4 #bhh74 #bea ,bunyan shows the difference between his spending-money1 or that treasure which the ,christian carries in his earthen vessel1 and his jewels1 in ,grace ,abounding 7,no4 #bcb7-;,it was glorious to me to see ,his ,christ's exaltation4 ,now ,i could look from myself to ,him1 and should reckon that all those graces of ,god that now were green in me1 were yet but like those cracked groats and fourpence-halfpennies1 7,irish sixpences1 which1 in the dearth of silver coin in ,england1 were made current at fourpence-halfpenny-,,ed71 that rich men carry in their purses1 when their ,,gold is in their trunks at home4 ,oh6 ,i saw that my gold was in my trunk at home1 in ,christ my ,lord and ,saviour4 ,now1 ,christ was all2 all my wisdom1 all my righteousness1 all my sanctification1 and all my redemption4 #beb ,hopeful was not the first pilgrim who has been almost made angry while holding a friendly debate upon that highly-important subject1 the doctrine of the saints' final perseverance4 ,pilgrims ought to debate upon those subjects without being angry-7,,ed74 #bec ,hopeful here expresses himself as if he had read ,bunyan on ,christ's ,love-,but to fear man is to forget ,god4 ,he taketh part with them that fear ,,him2 so that we may boldly say1 ,the ,lord is my helper1 and ,i will not fear what man shall do unto me 7,heb4 #ac3f74 ,would it not be amazing to see a man encompassed with chariots1 and horses1 and weapons of defence1 yet afraid of being sparrow-blasted1 or overrun by a grasshopper8-7,vol4 #b1 p4 #ac74 #bed ,who can stand in the evil day of temptation1 when beset with ,faint-heart1 ,mistrust1 and ,guilt1 backed by the power of their master1 ,satan8 ,no one1 unless armed with the whole armour of ,god2 and even then1 the power of such infernal foes makes it a hard fight to the ,christian4 ,but this is our glory1 the ,lord shall fight for us1 and we shall hold our peace4 ,we shall be silent as to ascribing any glory to ourselves1 knowing our very enemies are part of ourselves1 and that we are more than conquerors over all these 7only7 through ,,him who loved us 7,rom4 #h3cg7-7,mason74 #bee ,one ,great-grace2 a believer1 or minister1 who having honourably stood his ground1 endeavours to restore the fallen4 ,the remembrance of such1 helps to drive away despondency1 and inspires the trembling penitent with hope of mercy-7,scott74 #bef ,i trow2 ,i imagine or believe3 nearly obsolete-7,,ed74 #beg ,now here you see what is meant by ,great-grace1 who is so often mentioned in this book1 and by whom so many valiant things were done4 ,we read1 ,with great power the apostles gave witness of the resurrection of ,jesus4 ,why was it8 ,because great grace was upon them all 7,acts #d3cc74 ,so you see all is of grace1 from first to last1 in salvation4 ,if we do great things for ,christ1 yet1 not unto us1 but unto the great grace of our ,lord1 be all the glory-7,mason74 #beh ,if we saw our own weakness1 we should never court dangers1 nor run in the way of temptation2 yet1 if our temptations be ever so sharp and strong1 and our dangers ever so great1 if the ,lord is our strength1 we need not fear-7,j4 ,b474 #bei ,from this sweet and edifying conversation1 learn not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think2 but to think soberly1 according to the measure of faith which ,god hath dealt to you 7,rom4 #ab3c74 ,now1 it is of the very essence of faith to lead us out of all self-confidence and vain vaunting4 ,for we know not how soon ,faint-heart1 ,mistrust1 and ,guilt may spring up in us1 and rob us of our comforts1 and spoil our joys-7,mason74 #bfj ,instead of saying1 ,though all men deny thee1 yet will not ,i1 it behooves us to use all means of grace diligently1 and to be instant in prayer1 that the ,lord ,himself may protect us by ,his power1 and animate us by ,his presence1 and then only shall we be enabled to overcome both the fear of man and the temptations of the devil-7,scott74 #bfa ,but how contrary to this is the walk and conduct of some who profess to be pilgrims1 and yet can willfully and deliberately go upon the devil's ground1 and indulge themselves in carnal pleasures and sinful diversions6 ,such evidently declare in plain language1 that they desire not the presence of ,god1 but that ,he should depart from them2 but a day will come which will bring on terrible reflections of mind for such things-7,mason74 #bfb ,mr4 ,ivimey's opinion is1 that this way which put itself into their way1 and the flatterer1 relates to ,antinomianism4 ,of this ,i can form no accurate judgment1 never having met with an ,antinomian1 or one who professed to be against the law of ,god4 ,i have met with those who consider that believers are bound to prefer the law of ,god as revealed by ,jesus ,christ1 in ,matthew #bb3cg-dj1 to be their rule of life1 instead of limiting themselves to the law of ,god as given by ,moses1 in ,exodus #bj2 but it has been for this reason1 that the law proclaimed by ,christ unites in it the law given by ,moses1 and ,,all the law and the prophets4 ,this law1 as given by ,christ1 is in a few words of beautiful simplicity1 which can neither be misunderstood nor be forgotten4 ,mason says1 ,it is plain the author means the way of self-righteousness1 into which the flatterer enticed the pilgrims1 out of the ,scripture highway to ,heaven1 in the righteousness of ,christ4 ,when ministers differ1 private ,christians must think for themselves4 ,my judgment goes with ,mr4 ,mason-7,,ed74 ,this way1 which seemed as straight as the right way1 and in entering on which there was no stile to be passed1 must denote some very plausible and gradual deviation from the simplicity of the ,gospel1 in doctrine or practice4 ,if1 in such a case1 instead of a personal prayerful searching the ,scripture1 we rely upon the opinion of our friends1 and listen to the flatterer1 we shall certainly be misled-7,scott74 #bfc ,luther was wont to caution against the white devil as much as the black one2 for ,satan transforms himself into an angel of light1 and his ministers as ministers of righteousness 7#b ,cor4 #aa3ad1 #ae74 ,and how do they deceive souls8 ,by flattery4 ,leading poor sinners into a fine notion of some righteous character they have in themselves1 what great advances they have made1 and what high attainments they have arrived to1 even to be perfect in themselves1 to be free from sin1 and full of nothing but love4 ,these are black men clothed in white-7,mason74 #bfd ,by this shining one understand the loving ,lord the ,holy ,ghost1 the leader and guide of ,christ's people4 ,when they err and stray from ,jesus the way1 and are drawn from ,him as the truth1 the ,spirit comes with ,his rod of convic-tion and chastisement1 to whip souls for their self-righteous pride and folly1 back to ,christ1 to trust wholly in ,him1 to rely only on ,him1 and to walk in sweet fellowship with ,him4 ,so he acted by the ,galatian church1 which was flattered into a notion of self-righteousness1 and self-justification4 ,so ,david1 when he found himself nearly lost1 cries out1 ,he restoreth my soul3 ,he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for ,his name's sake 7,psa4 #bc3c7-7,mason74 ,the devil1 in his attempts after our destruction1 maketh use of the most suitable means4 ,the serpent1 ,adam knew1 was subtle1 therefore ,satan useth him1 thereby to catch this goodly creature1 man4 ,hereby the devil least appeared this fine-spoken man1 and least appearing1 the temptation soonest took the tinder-7,bunyan on ,genesis1 vol4 #b1 p4 #dbh74 #bfe ,the backsliding of a ,christian comes through the overmuch persuading of ,satan and lust2 that the man was mistaken1 and that there was no such horror in the things from which he fled2 nor so much good in the things to which he hosted4 ,turn again1 fool1 says the devil4 ,i wonder what frenzy it was that drove thee to thy heels1 and that made thee leave so much good behind thee as other men find in the lusts of the flesh and the good of the world4 ,as for the law1 and death1 and the day of judgment1 they are but mere scarecrows1 set up by politic heads1 to keep the ignorant in subjection4 ,well1 he goes back1 fool as he is1 conscience sleeps1 and flesh is sweet2 but1 behold1 he again sees his own nakedness-he sees the law whetting his axe-the world is a bubble4 ,he also smells the brimstone which begins to burn within him4 ,oh6 saith he1 ,i am deluded6 ,have mercy upon me1 ,o ,god6-7,christ a ,complete ,saviour1 vol4 #a1 p4 #bbc74 #bff ,a wicked man1 though he may hector it at times with his proud heart1 as though he feared neither ,god nor hell2 yet again1 at times1 his soul is even drowned with terrors4 ,if one knew the wicked1 when they are under warm convic-tions1 then the bed shakes on which they be2 then the proud tongue doth falter in their mouth1 and their knees knock one against another4 ,then their conscience stares1 and roars1 and tears1 and arraigns them4 ,o6 none can imagine what fearful plights a wicked man is in at times6-7,bunyan's ,desires of the ,righteous1 vol4 #a1 p4 #gdf74 #bfg ,on the ,delectable ,mountains1 the pilgrims had a sight of the ,celestial ,city4 ,no matter if it were but a glimpse2 still they saw it1 they really saw it1 and the remembrance of that sight never left them4 ,there it was in glory6 ,their hands trembled1 their eyes were dim with tears1 but still that vision was not to be mistaken4 ,there1 through the rifted clouds1 for a moment1 the gates of pearl were shining1 the jasper walls1 the endless domes1 the jeweled battlements6 ,the splendour of the city seemed to pour1 like a river of light1 down upon the spot where they were standing--7,cheever74 #bfh ,see how we are surrounded with different enemies6 ,no sooner have they escaped the self-righteous flatterer1 but they meet with the openly profane and licentious mocker-aye1 and he set out1 and went far too2 yea1 further than they4 ,but1 behold1 he has turned his back upon all2 and though he had been #bj years a seeker1 yet now he proves1 that he has neither faith nor hope1 but ridicules all as delusion4 ,awful to think of6 ,o what a special mercy to be kept believing and persevering1 and not regarding the ridicule of apostates6-7,mason74 #bfi ,to round2 to be open1 sincere1 candid4 ,maister ,bland answered flatly and roundly-7,fox's ,book of ,martyrs74 #bgj ,upon the declaration for liberty of conscience1 the church for a season was free from persecution4 ,it was like enchanted ground2 and some1 who had been watchful in the storm1 became careless and sleepy in this short deceitful calm-7,,ed74 #bga ,ah1 these short naps for pilgrims6 ,the sleep of death1 in the enchanted air of this world1 usually begins with one of these short naps-7,cheever74 #bgb ,the ,enchanted ,ground may represent worldly prosperity2 agreeable dispensations succeeding long-continued difficulties4 ,this powerfully tends to produce a lethargic frame of mind2 the man attends to religious duties more from habit1 than from delight in the service of ,god4 ,no situation requires so much watchfulness4 ,other experiences resemble storms1 which keep a man awake2 this is a treacherous calm1 which lulls him to sleep-7,scott74 #bgc ,o ,christian1 beware of sleeping on this enchanted ground6 ,when all things go easy1 smooth1 and well1 we are prone to grow drowsy in soul4 ,how many are the calls in the ,word against spiritual slumber6 and yet how many professors1 through the enchanting air of this world1 are fallen into the deep sleep of formality6 ,be warned by them to cry to thy ,lord to keep thee awake to righteousness1 and vigorous in the ways of thy ,lord-7,mason74 #bgd ,here you see1 as our ,lord says1 ,it is the ,spirit who quickeneth1 the flesh profiteth nothing 7,john #f3fc74 ,our carnal nature is so far from profiting in the work of conversion to ,christ1 that it is at enmity against ,him1 and opposes the ,spirit's work in showing us our want of ,him1 and bringing us to ,him4 ,man's nature and ,god's grace are two direct opposites4 ,nature opposes1 but grace subdues nature1 and brings it to submission and subjection4 ,are we truly convinced of sin1 and converted to ,christ8 ,this is a certain and sure evidence of it-we shall say from our hearts1 ,not unto us1 nor unto any yieldings and compliances of our nature1 free-will1 and power1 but unto ,thy name1 ,o ,lord1 be all the glory4 ,for it is by ,thy free1 sovereign1 efficacious grace1 we are what we are4 ,hence1 see the ignorance1 folly1 and pride of those who exalt free-will1 and nature's power1 c4 ,verily they do not know themselves1 even as they are known-7,mason74 #bge ,not the evil of sin in the sight of ,god1 but the remorse and fear of wrath1 with which the convinced sinner is oppressed1 and from which he1 at times1 seeks relief by means which exceedingly increase his actual guilt4 ,nothing but a free pardon1 by faith in the atoning sacrifice of ,christ1 can take away guilt2 but the uneasiness of a man's conscience may be for a time removed by various expedients-7,scott74 #bgf ,in modern editions1 this has been altered to sin enough in one day4 ,but in any period of time1 selecting that duty in the discharge of which we have felt the most pure1 there has been a mixture of sin4 ,for there is not a day1 nor a duty2 not a day that thou livest1 nor a duty that thou dost1 but will need that mercy should come after to take away thy iniquity-7,bunyan's ,saints' ,privilege1 vol4 #a1 p4 #fgi74 ,these are solemn and humbling reflections-7,,ed74 #bgg ,thus1 you see1 in conversion1 the ,lord does not act upon us as though we were mere machines4 ,no1 we have understanding2 ,he enlightens it4 ,then we come to a sound mind2 we think right1 and reason justly4 ,we have wills2 what the understanding judges best1 the will approves1 and then the affections follow after2 and thus we choose ,christ for our ,saviour1 and glory only in ,his righteousness and salvation4 ,when the heavenly light of truth makes manifest what we are1 and the danger we are in1 then we rationally flee from the wrath to come1 to ,christ the refuge set before us-7,mason74 #bgh ,pray mind this4 ,the grand object of a sensible sinner is righteousness4 ,he has it not in himself2 this he knows4 ,where is it to be found8 ,in ,christ only4 ,this is a revealed truth2 and without faith in this1 every sinner must be lost4 ,consider1 it is at the peril of your soul that you reject the righteousness of ,christ2 and do not believe that ,god imputeth it without works for the justification of the ungodly4 ,o ye stout-hearted1 self-righteous sinners1 ye who are far from righteousness1 know this and tremble6-7,mason74 #bgi ,the true nature of faith is to believe and rest upon the ,word of truth1 and wait for the promised comfort4 ,that faith which is the gift of ,god leads the soul to wait upon and cry to ,god1 and not to rest till it has some blessed testimony from ,god of interest in the love and favour of ,god in ,christ ,jesus4 ,but ,o how many professors rest short of this6-7,mason74 #bhj ,as ,i thought my case most sad and fearful1 these words did with great power suddenly break in upon me1 ,my grace is sufficient for thee1 three times together4 ,o6 methought every word was a mighty word for me2 as ,my1 and grace1 and sufficient1 and for thee2 they were then1 and sometimes are still1 far bigger than others be-7,grace ,abounding1 ,no4 #bjf74 #bha ,the ,lord's dealings with his children are various1 but all lead to the same end2 some are shaken with terror1 while others are more gently drawn1 as with cords of love4 ,in these things believers should not make their experiences standards one for another2 still there is a similarity in their being brought to the same point of rejecting both sinful and righteous self1 and believing on the ,lord ,jesus ,christ as their complete salvation-7,andronicus74 #bhb ,christ did not appear to ,hopeful's senses1 but to his understanding2 and the words spoken are no other than texts of ,scripture taken in their genuine meaning-not informing him1 as by a new revelation1 that his sins were pardoned1 but encouraging him to apply for this mercy1 and all other blessings of salvation-7,scott74 #bhc ,since the dear hour that brought me to ,thy foot1 ,and cut up all my follies by the root1 ,i never trusted in an arm but ,thine1 ,nor hoped1 but in ,thy righteousness ,divine4 ,my prayers and alms1 imperfect and defiled1 ,were but the feeble efforts of a child4 ,howe'er perform'd1 it was their brightest part ,that they proceeded from a grateful heart4 ,cleans'd in ,thine own all-purifying blood1 ,forgive their evil1 and accept their good4 ,i cast them at ,thy feet--my only plea ,is what it was1 ,,dependence ,,upon ,,thee6--7,cowper74 #bhd ,not governed by the ,word of ,god1 but by his own will1 his grounds of confidence for salvation unfitted him for ,christian fellowship1 unless he happened to fall in with a man who had imbibed his own notions-7,,ed74 #bhe ,the desire of ,heaven-when its nature is not understood1 the proper means of obtaining it are neglected1 other objects are preferred to it-is no proof that a man will be saved4 ,the expression1 ,the desire of grace is grace1 is very fallacious4 ,but to hunger and thirst for ,god1 and ,his righteousness1 ,his favour1 image1 and service1 as the supreme good1 so that no other object can satisfy the heart1 is grace indeed1 and shall be completed in glory-7,scott74 #bhf ,real ,christians are often put to a stand1 while they find and feel the workings of all corruptions and sins in their nature2 and when they hear others talk so highly of themselves1 how full their hearts are of love to ,god1 and of good motions1 without any complainings of their hearts4 ,but all this is from the ignorance of their own hearts2 and pride and self-righteousness harden them against feeling its desperate wickedness-7,mason74 #bhg ,i saw that it was not my good frame of heart that made my righteousness better1 nor yet my bad frame that made my righteousness worse2 for my righteousness was ,jesus ,christ1 the same yesterday1 and today1 and forever 7,heb4 #ac3h7-7;,grace ,abounding1 ,no4 #bbi74 #bhh ,here we see how naturally the notion of man's righteousness blinds his eyes to1 and keeps his heart from believing1 that ,christ's personal righteousness alone justifies a sinner in the sight of ,god2 and yet such talk bravely of believing1 but their faith is only fancy4 ,they do not believe unto righteousness2 but imagine they have now1 or shall get1 a righteousness of their own1 some how or other4 ,awful delusion6-7,mason74 #bhi ,here is the very essence of that delusion which works by a lie1 and so much prevails1 and keeps up an unscriptural hope in the hearts of so many professors4 ,do1 reader1 study this point well2 for here seems to be a show of scriptural truth1 while the rankest poison lies concealed in it4 ,for it is utterly subversive of1 and contrary to1 the faith and hope of the ,gospel-7,mason74 #bij ,the way of being justified by faith for which ,ignorance pleads may well be called fanatical1 as well as false2 for it is nowhere laid down in ,scripture2 and it not only changes the way of acceptance1 but it takes away the rule and standard of righteousness1 and substitutes a vague notion1 called sincerity1 in its place1 which never was1 nor can be1 defined with precision-7,scott74 #bia ,justification before ,god comes1 not by imitating ,christ as exemplary in morals1 but through faith in ,his precious blood4 ,to feed on ,jesus is by respecting ,him as made of ,god a curse for our sin4 ,i have been pleased with observing1 that none of the signs and wonders in ,egypt could deliver the children of ,israel thence1 until the lamb was slain--7,bunyan on ,justification1 vol4 #b1 p4 #ccj74 #bib ,under these four heads1 we have a most excellent detection of a presumptive and most dangerous error which now greatly prevails1 as well as a scriptural view of the nature of true faith1 and the object it flies on wholly and solely for justification before ,god1 and acceptance with ,god4 ,reader1 for thy soul's sake1 look to thy foundation4 ,see that thou build upon nothing in self1 but all upon that sure foundation which ,god hath laid1 even his beloved ,son1 and his perfect righteousness-7,mason74 #bic ,this1 by all natural men1 is deemed the very height of enthusiasm2 but a spiritual man knows its blessedness1 and rejoices in its comfort4 ,it is a close question4 ,what may we understand by it8 ,doubtless1 what ,paul means when he says1 ,it pleased ,god to reveal ,his ,son in me1 7,gal4 #a3ae1 #af73 that is1 he had such an internal1 spiritual1 experimental sight1 and knowledge of ,christ1 and of salvation by ,him1 that his heart embraced ,him1 his soul cleaved to ,him1 his spirit rejoiced in ,him2 his whole man was swallowed up with the love of ,him1 so that he cried out in the joy of his soul1 ,this is my ,beloved and my ,friend-my ,saviour1 my ,god1 and my ,salvation4 ,he is the chief of ten thousand1 and altogether lovely4 ,we know nothing of ,christ savingly1 comfortably1 and experimentally1 till ,he is pleased thus to reveal ,himself to us 7,matt4 #aa3bg74 ,this spiritual revelation of ,christ to the heart is a blessing and comfort agreeable to1 and consequent upon1 believing on ,christ1 as revealed outwardly in the ,word4 ,therefore1 every believer should wait1 and look1 and long1 and pray for it4 ,beware you do not despise it2 if you do1 you will betray your ignorance of spiritual things1 as ,ignorance did-7,mason74 #bid ,many of these revelations appear in the ,grace ,abounding1 as that scripture fastened on my heart 7,no4 #bja72 that sentence darted in upon me 7,no4 #bjd72 these words did with great power break in upon me 7,no4 #bjf72 suddenly this sentence fell upon my soul 7,no4 #bbi72 and many others-7,,ed74 #bie ,that sinner is not thoroughly awakened1 who does not see his need of ,christ's righteousness to be imputed to him4 ,nor is he quickened1 who has not fled to ,christ as the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth 7,rom4 #aj3d7-7,mason74 #bif ,ignorant professors cannot keep pace with spiritual pilgrims1 nor can they relish the doctrine of making ,christ all in all1 in the matter of justification and salvation1 and making the sinner nothing at all1 as having no hand in the work1 nor getting any glory to himself by what he is able to do of himself4 ,free grace and free will2 ,christ's imputed righteousness1 and the notion of man's personal righteousness1 cannot accord-7,mason74 #big ,take heed of hardening thy heart at any time1 against convictions or judgments4 ,i bid you before to beware of a hard heart2 now ,i bid you beware of hardening your soft heart4 ,the fear of the ,lord is the pulse of the soul4 ,pulses that beat best are the best signs of life2 but the worst show that life is present4 ,intermitting pulses are dangerous4 ,david and ,peter had an intermitting pulse1 in reference to this fear-7,bunyan on the ,fear of ,god1 vol4 #a1 pp4 #dhg1 #dhi74 #bih ,mark well ,christian's definition of fear4 ,it is one of those precious passages in which our author gives us the subject matter of a whole treatise in a few short and plain sentences4 ,treasure it up in your heart1 and often ponder it there4 ,it will prove1 through the blessing of the ,spirit1 a special means of enlivening1 when spiritual langour1 in consequence of worldly ease1 is creeping upon your soul-7,andronicus74 #bii ,pitiful old self-holiness4 ,mind this phrase4 ,far was it from the heart of good ,mr4 ,bunyan to decry personal holiness4 ,it is nothing but self-holiness1 or the holiness of the old man of sin2 for true holiness springs from the belief of the truth1 and love to the truth4 ,all besides this only tends to self-confidence1 and self-applause-7,mason74 #cjj ,it is good to call to mind one's own ignorance1 when in our natural estate1 to excite humility of heart1 and thankfulness to ,god1 who made us to differ1 and to excite pity towards those who are walking in nature's pride1 self-righteousness1 and self-confidence-7,mason74 #cja ,temporary2 one who is doctrinally acquainted with the ,gospel1 but a stranger to its sanctifying power4 ,the reasons and manner of such men's declensions and apostasy are very justly and emphatically stated-7,scott74 #cjb ,in ,hoffman's poetical version of the ,pilgrim1 this sentence is1 ,and nature will return1 like ,pope1 to pork2 alluding to one of the ,popes1 who used daily to have a dish of pork2 but1 being sick1 his physicians forbade it1 when the ,pope1 in a rage1 cried out1 ,give me my pork1 in spite of ,god-7,,ed74 #cjc ,a true description of the state of some professors4 ,here see the reason why so many saints1 as they are called1 fall away4 ,from hence1 some take occasion to deny the scriptural1 soul-comforting doctrine1 of the certain perseverance of ,god's saints unto eternal glory4 ,so they display the pride of their own hearts1 their ignorance of ,god's ,word1 while they make ,god's promises of no effect1 and the ,gospel of his grace1 only much ado about nothing-7,mason74 #cjd ,three young fellows1 ,mr4 ,tradition1 ,mr4 ,human-wisdom1 and ,mr4 ,man's-invention1 proffered their services to ,shaddai4 ,the captains told them not to be rash2 but1 at their entreaty1 they were listed into ,boanerges' company1 and away they went to the war4 ,being in the rear1 they were taken prisoners4 ,then ,diabolus asked them if they were willing to serve against ,shaddai4 ,they told him1 that as they did not so much live by religion as by the fates of fortune1 they would serve him4 ,so he made two of them sergeants2 but he made ,mr4 ,man's-invention his ancient-bearer standard-bearer-7,bunyan's ,holy ,war74 #cje ,see how gradually1 step by step1 apostates go back4 ,it begins in the unbelief of the heart1 and ends in open sins in the life4 ,why is the love of this world so forbidden8 ,why is covetousness called idolatry8 ,because1 whatever draws away the heart from ,god1 and prevents enjoying close fellowship with him1 naturally tends to apostasy from him4 ,look well to your hearts and affections4 ,keep thy heart with all diligence1 for out of it are the issues of life 7,prov4 #d3bc74 ,if you neglect to watch1 you will be sure to smart under the sense of sin on earth1 or its curse in hell4 ,see then that ye walk circumspectly1 not as fools1 but as wise1 redeeming the time1 because the days are evil 7,eph4 #e3ae1 #af7-7,mason74 #cjf ,o what a blessed state6 what a glorious frame of soul is this6 ,job speaks of it as the candle of the ,lord shining upon his head 7#bi3c74 ,the church1 in a rapture1 cries out1 ,sing1 ,o heavens2 and be joyful1 ,o earth2 break forth into singing1 ,o mountains3 for the ,lord hath comforted ,his people 7,isa4 #di3ac74 ,paul calls this1 ,the fullness of the blessing of the ,gospel of ,christ 7,rom4 #ae3bi74 ,o rest not short of enjoying the full blaze of ,gospel peace and spiritual joy-7,mason74 ,during the last days of that eminent man of ,god1 ,dr4 ,payson1 he once said1 ,when ,i formerly read ,bunyan's description of the ,land of ,beulah1 where the sun shines and the birds sing day and night1 ,i used to doubt whether there was such a place2 but now my own experience has convinced me of it1 and it infinitely transcends all my previous conceptions4 ,the best possible commentary on the glowing descriptions in ,bunyan is to be found in that very remarkable letter dictated by ,dr4 ,payson to his sister1 a few weeks before his death-,were ,i to adopt the figurative language of ,bunyan1 ,i might date this letter from the ,land ,beulah1 of which ,i have been for some weeks a happy inhabitant4 ,the ,celestial ,city is full in my view4 ,its glories have been upon me1 its breezes fan me1 its odours are wafted to me1 its sounds strike upon my ears1 and its spirit is breathed into my heart4 ,nothing separates me from it but the ,river of ,death1 which now appears but as an insignificant rill1 that may be crossed at a single step1 whenever ,god shall give permission4 ,the ,sun of ,righteousness has been gradually drawing nearer and nearer1 appearing larger and brighter as ,he approached1 and now ,he fills the whole hemisphere1 pouring forth a flood of glory1 in which ,i seem to float1 like an insect in the beams of the sun2 exulting1 yet almost trembling1 while ,i gaze on this excessive brightness1 and wondering1 with unutterable wonder1 why ,god should deign thus to shine upon a sinful worm-7,cheever74 #cjg ,in the immediate view of heavenly felicity1 ,paul desired to depart hence1 and be with ,christ1 as far better than life4 ,david fainted for ,god's salvation4 ,in the lively exercise of holy affections1 the believer grows weary of this sinful world1 longs to have his faith changed for sight1 his hope swallowed up in enjoyment1 and his love perfected--7,scott74 #cjh ,no other language than that of ,bunyan himself1 perused in the pages of his own sweet book1 could be successful in portraying this beauty and glory2 for now he seems to feel that all the dangers of the pilgrimage are almost over1 and he gives up himself without restraint so entirely to the sea of bliss that surrounds him1 and to the gales of ,heaven that are wafting him on1 and to the sounds of melody that float in the whole air around him1 that nothing in the ,english language can be compared with this whole closing part of the ,pilgrim's ,progress1 for its entrancing splendour1 yet serene and simple loveliness4 ,the colouring is that of ,heaven in the soul2 and ,bunyan has poured his own ,heaven-entranced soul into it4 ,with all its depth and power1 there is nothing exaggerated1 and it is made up of the simplest and most scriptural materials and images4 ,we seem to stand in a flood of light1 poured on as from the open gates of paradise4 ,it falls on every leaf and shrub by the way-side2 it is reflected from the crystal streams that1 between grassy banks1 wind amidst groves of fruit-trees into vineyards and flower-gardens4 ,these fields of ,beulah are just below the gate of ,heaven2 and with the light of ,heaven there come floating down the melodies of ,heaven1 so that here there is almost an open revelation of the things which ,god hath prepared for them that love ,him--7,cheever74 #cji ,this is the place1 this is the state1 ,of all that fear the ,lord2 ,which men nor angels may relate ,with tongue1 or pen1 or word4 ,no night is here for to eclipse ,its spangling rays so bright2 ,nor doubt1 nor fear1 to shut the lips ,of those within this light4 ,the strings of music here are timed ,for heavenly harmony1 ,and every spirit here perfumed ,with perfect sanctity4 ,here run the crystal streams of life1 ,quite thorow all our veins2 ,and here by love we do unite ,with glory's golden chains4--7,bunyan's ,one ,thing ,needful74 #caj ,mr4 ,flavel1 being on a journey1 set himself to improve the time by meditation2 when his mind grew intent1 till at length he had such ravishing tastes of heavenly joys1 and such full assurance of his interest therein1 that he utterly lost the sight and sense of this world and all its concerns1 so that for hours he knew not where he was4 ,at last1 perceiving himself faint1 he alighted from his horse and sat down at a spring1 where he refreshed himself1 earnestly desiring1 if it were the will of ,god1 that he might there leave the world4 ,his spirit reviving1 he finished his journey in the same delightful frame2 and all that night passed without a wink of sleep1 the joy of the ,lord still overflowing him1 so that he seemed an inhabitant of the other world-7,pneumatologia1 #dto1 #b;d edit4 p4 #baj74 #caa ,who are these ministering spirits1 that the author calls men8 ,are they the glorified inhabitants of the ,celestial ,city8 ,moses and ,elias appeared at the transfiguration2 so the spirit who spake with ,john 7,rev4 #bj3aj71 was his fellow-servant4 ,are these spirits of just men made perfect-the angel-ministering spirits which are sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation8 7,heb4 #a3ad2 #ab3bb1 #bc7-7;,,ed74 #cab ,what are these two difficulties8 ,are they not death without1 and unbelief within8 ,it is through the latter that the former is all-distressing to us4 ,o for a strong1 world-conquering1 sin-subduing1 death-overcoming faith1 in life and death6 ,jesus1 ,master1 speak the word1 unbelief shall flee1 our faith shall not fail1 and our hope shall be steady-7,mason74 #cac ,well1 now the pilgrims must meet with1 and encounter1 their last enemy1 death4 ,when he stares them in the face1 their fears arise4 ,through the river they must go4 ,what have they to look at8 ,what they are in themselves1 or what they have done and been8 ,no4 ,only the same ,jesus who conquered death for us1 and can overcome the fear of death in us-7,mason74 #cad ,but tim'rous mortals start and shrink ,to cross this narrow sea2 ,they linger1 shivering on the brink1 ,and fear to launch away-7,watts74 ,evodias could not join in the petition of the ,liturgy-,from sudden death1 good ,lord1 deliver us4 ,he had his wish2 and expired suddenly on a ,lord's-day morning1 while thousands were assembling to hear him preach-7,andronicus74 #cae ,bunyan died in perfect peace1 though it is probable that he expected darkness in the trying hour4 ,thus he says1 in his treatise on ,paul's ,departure1 ,aye1 this will make thee cry1 though thou be as good as ,david4 ,wherefore learn by his sorrows to serve thy generation1 by the will of ,god1 before falling asleep4 ,god can pardon thy sins1 and yet make them a bitter thing and a burden at death4 ,it is easy to ,,him to pardon1 and yet break all thy bones2 or show ,himself in such dreadful majesty1 that ,heaven and earth shall tremble at ,his presence4 ,let the thoughts of this prevail with thee to manage thy time and work in wisdom1 while thou art well 7,vol4 #a1 p4 #gcj7-7;,,ed74 #caf ,satan is suffered to be very busy with ,god's people in their last moments1 but he too1 like death1 is a conquered enemy by our ,jesus2 therefore1 amidst all his attacks1 they are safe4 ,he cannot destroy them whom ,jesus hath redeemed1 for ,he is faithful to them1 and almighty to save-7,mason74 #cag ,hopeful1 agreeably to his name1 was not only preserved from terror1 but enabled to encourage his trembling companion telling him the welcome news that he felt the bottom1 and it was good4 ,blessed experience6 ,if ,christ is our foundation1 we have nothing to fear1 even in the swellings of ,jordan1 for death itself cannot separate us from the love of ,christ-7,burder74 #cah ,when you visit a sick or death bed1 be sure that you take ,god's ,word with you1 in your heart and in your mouth4 ,it is from that only that you may expect a blessing upon1 and to the soul of1 the sick or the dying2 for it is by the ,word of ,god faith came at the first2 it is by that1 faith is strengthened at the last2 and ,jesus is the sum and substance of the ,scriptures-7,mason74 #cai ,jesus ,christ1 ,he is indeed the ,alpha and ,omega1 the first and the last1 the beginning of our hope1 and the end of our confidence4 ,we begin and end the ,christian pilgrimage with ,him2 and all our temptations and trials speak loudly1 and fully confirm to us that truth of our ,lord1 ,without ,me ye can do nothing 7,john #ae3e7-7,mason74 #cbj ,the temporary distresses of dying believers often arise from bodily disease1 which interrupt the free exercise of their intellectual powers4 ,of this ,satan will be sure to take advantage1 as far as he is permitted1 and will suggest gloomy imaginations1 not only to distress them1 but to dishearten others by their example4 ,generally they who1 for a time1 have been most distressed1 have at length died most triumphantly-7,scott74 #cba ,i cannot trust myself to read the account of ,christian going up to the ,celestial ,gate1 after his passage though the ,river of ,death-7,arnold74 #cbb ,bunyan1 in his ,saint's ,knowledge of ,christ's ,love1 describes the feelings of the pilgrim1 while clothed with mortality1 looking up to the heights of ,heaven4 ,christ could mount up-,elijah had a chariot of fire-,enoch was taken by ,god4 ,but ,i1 poor ,i1 how shall ,i get thither8 ,how often are considering thoughts wanting in professors6 ,the question is happily solved in ,christian and ,hopeful's experience2 they left all their mortal garments and burdens behind them in the river1 and their free spirits for the first time felt the sweets of liberty in their perfection-7,,ed74 #cbc ,i know that all who go to paradise1 are conducted thither by these holy ones2 but yet1 for all that1 such as die under the cloud1 for unchristian walking with ,god1 may meet with darkness on that day1 and go heavily hence4 ,but as for those who have been faithful to their ,god1 they shall see before them1 or from earth see glory-7,bunyan's ,paul's ,departure1 vol4 #a1 p4 #gda74 #cbd ,ah1 ,christian6 ,none can conceive or describe what it is to live in a state separate from a body of sin and death4 ,surely in some happy1 highly-favoured moments1 we have had a glimpse1 a foretaste of this1 and could realize it by faith4 ,o for more and more of this1 till we possess and enjoy it in all its fullness6 ,if ,jesus be so sweet to faith below1 who can tell what ,he is in full fruition above8 ,this we must die to know-7,mason74 #cbe ,bunyan has1 with great beauty and probability1 brought in the ministry of angels1 and regions of the air1 to be passed through in their company1 rising1 and still rising1 higher and higher1 before they come to that mighty mount on which ,he has placed the gates of the ,celestial ,city4 ,the angels receive ,his pilgrims as they come up from the ,river of ,death1 and form for them a bright1 glittering1 seraphic1 loving convoy1 whose conversation prepares them gradually for that exceeding and eternal weight of glory which is to be theirs as they enter in at the gate4 ,bunyan has thus1 in this blissful passage from the river to the gate1 done what no other devout writer1 or dreamer1 or speculator1 that we are aware of1 has ever done2 he has filled what perhaps in most minds is a mere blank1 a vacancy1 or at most a bewilderment and mist of glory1 with definite and beatific images1 with natural thoughts1 and with the sympathizing communion of gentle spirits1 who form1 as it were1 an outer porch and perspective of glory1 through which the soul passes into uncreated light4 ,bunyan has thrown a bridge1 as it were1 for the imagination1 over the deep1 sudden1 open space of an untried spiritual existence2 where it finds1 ready to receive the soul that leaves the body1 ministering spirits1 sent forth to minister unto them who are to be heirs of salvation-7,cheever74 #cbf ,glory beyond all glory ever seen ,by waking sense1 or by the dreaming soul6 ,the appearance1 instantaneously disclosed1 ,was of a mighty ,city-boldly say ,a wilderness of building1 sinking far1 ,and self-withdrawn into a wondrous depth1 ,far sinking into splendour without end6 ,fabric it seemed of diamond and of gold1 ,with alabaster domes and silver spires1 ,and blazing terrace upon terrace1 high ,uplifted3 here1 serene pavilions bright1 ,in avenues disposed2 there1 towers begirt ,with battlements1 that on their restless fronts ,bore stars-illumination of all gems6--7,wordsworth74 #cbg;,a certificate1 ,to show thou seest thyself most desolate2 ,writ by the ,master1 with repentance seal'd4 ,to show also that here by ,christ thou would'st be healed4 ,and that thou dost abhor thee for thy ways1 ,and would'st in holiness spend all thy days4--7,bunyan's ,house of ,god1 vol4 #b1 p4 #ehj74 #cbh ,blessed indeed is that man who1 while encumbered with a sinful body1 can truly say1 ,i live1 yet not ,i1 but ,christ liveth in me4 ,in ,him all the commandments are obeyed-all my sins washed away by ,his blood-and my soul clothed with righteousness and immortality4 ,blessed are the dead who die in the ,lord3 they enter the ,celestial ,city4 ,this is the righteous nation1 which keepeth the truth4 ,o my reader1 would you be one of the glorified inhabitants of that city whose builder and maker is ,god8 ,then must you live the life of faith2 so run that ye may obtain2 ever be found looking unto ,jesus-7,,ed74 ,prepare me1 ,lord1 for ,thy right hand1 ,then come the joyful day2 ,come death1 and some celestial hand1 ,and fetch my soul away4 #cbi ,o what acclamations of joy will there be1 when all the children of ,god meet together1 without the fear of being disturbed by ,antichrist6 ,how will the heavens echo of joy1 when the ,bride1 the ,lamb's wife1 shall come to dwell with her ,husband6 ,if you would be better satisfied what the beatific vision means1 my request is1 that you would live holily1 and thus go and see4 ,christ is the desire of all nations1 the joy of angels1 the delight of the ,father4 ,what solace1 then1 must that soul be filled with1 which hath the possession of ,christ to all eternity8-7,bunyan's ,dying ,sayings1 vol4#a1 pp4 #fd1 #fe74 #ccj ,when a formal visit from a minister1 a few general questions1 and a prayer1 with or without the sacrament1 calm the mind of a dying person1 whose life has been unsuitable to the ,christian profession2 no doubt1 could we penetrate the veil1 we should see him wafted across the river in the boat of ,vain-hope1 and meeting with the awful doom that is here described4 ,from such fatal delusions1 good ,lord1 deliver us6-7,scott74 #cca ,vain-hope ever dwells in the bosom of fools1 and is ever ready to assist ,ignorance4 ,he wanted him at the last1 and he found him4 ,he had been his companion through life1 and will not forsake him in the hour of death4 ,you see ,ignorance had no pangs in his death1 no fears1 doubts1 and sorrows1 no terror from the enemy1 but all was serene and happy4 ,vain-hope was his ferryman2 and he1 as the good folks say1 died like a lamb4 ,ah1 but did such lambs see what was to follow1 when ,vain-hope had wafted them over the river1 they would roar like lions6-7,mason74 #ccb ,this is a most awful conclusion4 ,consider it deeply4 ,weigh it attentively1 so as to get good satisfaction from the ,word to these important questions-,am ,i in ,christ1 the way1 the only way1 to the kingdom1 or not8 ,do ,i see that all other ways1 whether of sin or self-righteousness1 lead to hell8 ,does ,christ dwell in my heart by faith8 ,am ,i a new creature in ,him8 ,do ,i renounce my own righteousness1 as well as abhor my sins8 ,do ,i look alone to ,christ for righteousness1 and depend only on ,him for holiness8 ,is ,he the only hope of my soul1 and the only confidence of my heart8 ,and do ,i desire to be found in ,him2 knowing by the ,word1 and feeling by the teaching of ,his ,spirit1 that ,i am totally lost in myself8 ,thus1 is ,christ formed in me1 the only hope of glory8 ,do ,i study to please ,him1 as well as hope to enjoy ,him8 ,is fellowship with ,god the ,father1 and ,his ,son1 ,jesus ,christ1 so prized by me1 as to seek it1 and to esteem it above all things8 ,if so1 though ,i may find all things in nature1 in the world1 and from ,satan1 continually opposing this1 yet ,i am in ,christ the way1 and ,he is in me the truth and the life-7,mason74 ,how far may such an one go8 ,this important question is very solemnly argued in ,bunyan's ,law and ,grace4 ,he may be received into church-fellowship-and1 like the foolish virgins1 be clear from outward pollution-have gone forth from the rudiments and traditions of men-and had their lamps1 but still lost their precious souls4 ,they may bear office in the church1 as ,judas carried the bag1 and as ,demas6 ,they may become preachers and ministers of the ,gospel1 with rare gifts1 and a fluent tongue1 like an angel1 to speak of the hidden mysteries2 but may die under the curse4 ,they may have the gifts of the ,spirit and prophecy1 and be but a ,balaam4 ,they may stand thus until ,christ come and reveal them4 ,they may1 with confidence1 say1 ,lord1 ,lord1 have we not eaten and drank in ,thy presence1 and taught in ,thy name1 and in ,thy name have cast out devils8 and yet1 poor creatures1 be shut out6-7,,ed74 999999 ,,the ,,pilgrim',s ,,progress ,,from ,,this ,,world ,,to ,,that ,,which ,,is ,,to ,,come4 ,,the ,,second ,,part4 ,,delivered ,,under ,,the ,,similitude ,,of ,a ,,dream4 ,,wherein ,,is ,,set ,,forth ,,the ,,manner ,,of ,,the ,,setting ,,out ,,of ,,christian',s ,,wife ,,and ,,children1 ,,their ,,dangerous ,,journey1 ,,and ,,safe ,,arrival ,,at ,,the ,,desired ,,country4 ,by ,,john ,,bunyan4 ',i have used similitudes4'--,hosea #ab3aj4 ,london3 ,printed for ,nathaniel ,ponder1 at the ,peacock in the ,poultry1 near the ,church1 #afhd4 ,,the ,,author',s ,,way ,,of ,,sending ,,forth ,,his ,,second ,,part ,,of ,,the ,,pilgrim4 ,go now1 my little book1 to every place1 ,where my first ,pilgrim has but shown his face1 ,call at their door4 ,if any say1 ,who's there8 ,then answer thou1 ,,christiana is here4 ,if they bid thee come in1 then enter thou1 ,with all thy boys2 and then1 as thou know'st how1 ,tell who they are1 also from whence they came2 ,perhaps they know them by their looks1 or name4 ,but if they should not1 ask them yet again ,if formerly they did not entertain ,one ,,christian1 a ,pilgrim8 ,if they say ,they did2 and were delighted in his way3 ,then let them know1 that those related were ,unto him2 yea1 his wife and children are4 ,tell them1 that they have left their house and home1 ,are turned ,pilgrims1 seek a world to come2 ,that they have met with hardships in the way1 ,that they do meet with troubles night and day2 ,that they have trod on serpents1 fought with devils1 ,have also overcome a many evils4 ,yea1 tell them also of the next1 who have ,of love to pilgrimage1 been stout and brave ,defenders of that way1 and how they still ,refuse this world1 to do their ,father's will4 ,go1 tell them also of those dainty things1 ,that pilgrimage unto the ,pilgrim brings4 ,let them acquainted be1 too1 how they are ,beloved of their ,king1 under ,his care3 ,what goodly mansions for them ,he provides1 ,tho' they meet with rough winds1 and swelling tides1 ,how brave a calm they will enjoy at last1 ,who to their ,lord1 and by ,his ways hold fast4 ,perhaps with heart and hand they will embrace ,thee1 as they did my firstling1 and will grace ,thee1 and thy fellows1 with such cheer and fare1 ,as show will they of ,pilgrims lovers are4 ,,objection #a4 ,but how1 if they will not believe of me ,that ,i am truly thine2 cause some there be ,that counterfeit the ,pilgrim and his name1 ,seek1 by disguise1 to seem the very same2 ,and by that means have wrought themselves into ,the hands and houses of ,i know not who8 ,,answer4 ',tis true1 some have of late1 to counterfeit ,my ,pilgrim1 to their own my title set2#a ,yea others1 half my name and title too ,have stitched to their book1 to make them do2 ,but yet they1 by their features1 do declare ,themselves not mine to be1 whose e'er they are4 ,if such thou meet'st with1 then thine only way ,before them all1 is1 to say out thy say1 ,in thine own native language1 which no man ,now useth1 nor with ease dissemble can4 ,if1 after all1 they still of you shall doubt1 ,thinking that you1 like gipsies1 go about ,in naughty wise1 the country to defile1 ,or that you seek good people to beguile ,with things unwarrantable2 send for me1 ,and ,i will testify you ,,pilgrims be4 ,yea1 ,i will testify that only you ,my ,pilgrims are2 and that alone will do4 ,,objection #b ,but yet1 perhaps1 ,i may inquire for him1 ,of those that wish him damned1 life and limb4 ,what shall ,i do1 when ,i at such a door ,for ,pilgrims ask1 and they shall rage the more8#b ,,answer4 ,fright not thyself1 my book1 for such bugbears ,are nothing else but ground for groundless fears4 ,my ,pilgrim's book has travell'd sea and land1 ,yet could ,i never come to understand ,that it was slighted1 or turn'd out of door ,by any kingdom1 were they rich or poor4 ,in ,france and ,flanders1 where men kill each other1 ,my ,pilgrim is esteem'd a friend1 a brother4 ,in ,holland too1 'tis said1 as ,i am told1 ,my ,pilgrim is with some worth more than gold4 ,highlanders and wild ,irish can agree ,my ,pilgrim should familiar with them be4 ',tis in ,new ,england under such advance1 ,receives there so much loving countenance1 ,as to be trimm'd1 new cloth'd1 and deck'd with gems ,that it may show its features and its limbs1 ,yet more2 so comely doth my ,pilgrim walk1 ,that of him thousands daily sing and talk4#c ,if you draw nearer home1 it will appear1 ,my ,pilgrim knows no ground of shame or fear2 ,city and country will him entertain ,with1 ,welcome ,pilgrim2 yea1 they can't refrain ,from smiling1 if my ,pilgrim be but by1 ,or shows his head in any company4 ,brave gallants do my ,pilgrim hug and love1 ,esteem it much1 yea1 value it above ,things of a greater bulk3 yea1 with delight1 ,say1 ,my lark's leg is better than a kite4 ,young ladies1 and young gentlewomen too1 ,do no small kindness to my ,pilgrim show4 ,their cabinets1 their bosoms1 and their hearts1 ,my ,pilgrim has1 'cause he to them imparts ,his pretty riddles in such wholesome strains1 ,as yields them profit double to their pains ,of reading2 yea1 ,i think1 ,i may be bold ,to say1 some prize him far above their gold4 ,the very children that do walk the street1 ,if they do but my holy ,pilgrim meet1 ,salute him well1 will wish him well1 and say1 ,he is the only stripling of the day4 ,they that have never seen him1 yet admire ,what they have heard of him1 and much desire ,to have his company1 and hear him tell ,those pilgrim stories which he knows so well4 ,yea1 some who did not love him at the first1 ,but called him fool and noddy1 say they must1 ,now they have seen and heard him1 him commend ,and to those whom they love1 they do him send4#d ,wherefore1 my ,second ,part1 thou need'st not be ,afraid to show thy head2 none can hurt thee1 ,that wish but well to him that went before1 ',cause thou com'st after with a second store ,of things as good1 as rich1 as profitable1 ,for young1 for old1 for stagg'ring1 and for stable4 ,,objection #c4 ,but some there he that say1 ,he laughs too loud ,and some do say1 ,his head is in a cloud4 ,some say1 ,his words and stories are so dark1 ,they know not how1 by them1 to find his mark4 ,,answer4 ,one may1 ,i think1 say1 ,both his laughs and cries1 ,may well be guess'd at by his wat'ry eyes4 ,some things are of that nature1 as to make ,one's fancy chuckle1 while his heart doth ache4 ,when ,jacob saw his ,rachel with the sheep1 ,he did at the same time both kiss and weep4 ,whereas some say1 ,a cloud is in his head1 ,that doth but show how wisdom's covered ,with its own mantles1 and to stir the mind ,to a search after what it fain would find4 ,things that seem to be hid in words obscure1 ,do but the godly mind the more allure ,to study what those sayings should contain1 ,that speak to us in such a cloudy strain4 ,i also know a dark similitude ,will on the fancy more itself intrude1 ,and will stick faster in the heart and head1 ,than things from similes not borrowed4 ,wherefore1 my book1 let no discouragement ,hinder thy travels4 ,behold1 thou art sent ,to friends1 not foes2 to friends that will give place ,to thee1 thy ,pilgrims1 and thy words embrace4 ,besides1 what my first ,pilgrim left conceal'd ,thou1 my brave second ,pilgrim1 hast reveal'd2 ,what ,,christian left lock'd up1 and went his way1 ,sweet ,,christiana opens with her key4#e ,,objection #d4 ,but some love not the method of your first2 ,romance they count it1 throw't away as dust1 ,if ,i should meet with such1 what should ,i say8 ,must ,i slight them as they slight me1 or nay8 ,,answer4 ,my ,,christiana1 if with such thou meet1 ,by all means1 in all loving-wise1 them greet2 ,render them not reviling for revile2 ,but if they frown1 ,i prithee on them smile2 ,perhaps 'tis nature1 or some ill report1 ,has made them thus despise1 or thus retort4 ,some love no cheese1 some love no fish1 and some ,love not their friends1 nor their own house or home2 ,some start at pig1 slight chicken1 love not fowl1 ,more than they love a cuckoo1 or an owl2 ,leave such1 my ,,christiana1 to their choice1 ,and seek those who to find thee will rejoice2 ,by no means strive1 but in humble-wise1 ,present thee to them in thy ,pilgrim's guise4 ,go1 then1 my little book1 and show to all ,that entertain1 and bid thee welcome shall1 ,what thou shalt keep close1 shut up from the rest1 ,and wish what thou shalt show them may be blest ,to them for good1 may make them choose to be ,pilgrims better by far than thee or me4 ,go1 then1 ,i say1 tell all men who thou art2 ,say1 ,i am ,,christiana1 and my part ,is now1 with my four sons1 to tell you what ,it is for men to take a ,pilgrims lot4 ,go also1 tell them who and what they be1 ,that now do go on pilgrimage with thee2 ,say1 ,here's my neighbour1 ,mercy1 she is one ,that has long time with me a ,pilgrim gone4 ,come1 see her in her virgin race1 and learn ',twixt idle ones and ,pilgrims to discern4 ,yea1 let young damsels learn of her to prize ,the world which is to come1 in any wise4 ,when little tripping maidens follow ,god1 ,and leave old doting sinners to ,his rod2 ',tis like those days wherein the young ones cried1 ,hosanna6 to whom old ones did deride4 ,next1 tell them of old ,honest1 who you found ,with his white hairs1 treading the ,pilgrim's ground4 ,yea1 tell them how plain-hearted this man was1 ,how after his good ,lord he bare his cross4 ,perhaps with some gray head this may prevail ,with ,christ to fall in love1 and sin bewail4 ,tell them also1 how ,master ,fearing went ,on pilgrimage1 and how the time he spent ,in solitariness1 with fears and cries2 ,and how1 at last1 he won the joyful prize4 ,he was a good man1 though much down in spirit1 ,he is a good man1 and doth life inherit4 ,tell them of ,master ,feeble-mind also1 ,who1 not before1 but still behind would go4 ,show them also1 how he had like been slain1 ,and how one ,great-heart did his life regain4 ,this man was true of heart1 though weak in grace1 ,one might true godliness read in his face4 ,then tell them of ,master ,ready-to-halt1 ,a man with crutches1 but much without fault2 ,tell them how ,master ,feeble-mind and he ,did love1 and in opinions much agree4 ,and let all know1 though weakness was their chance1 ,yet sometimes one could sing1 the other dance4 ,forget not ,master ,valiant-for-the-truth1 ,that man of courage1 though a very youth4 ,tell everyone his spirit was so stout1 ,no man could ever make him face about2 ,and how ,great-heart and he could not forbear1 ,but put down ,doubting ,castle1 slay ,despair4 ,overlook not ,master ,despondency1 ,nor ,much-afraid1 his daughter1 though they lie ,under such mantles1 as may make them look 7,with some7 as if their ,god had them forsook4 ,they softly went1 but sure1 and at the end1 ,found that the ,lord of ,pilgrims was their friend4 ,when thou hast told the world of all these things1 ,then turn about1 my book1 and touch these strings1 ,which1 if but touch'd1 will such music make1 ,they'll make a cripple dance1 a giant quake4 ,these riddles that lie couch'd within thy breast1 ,freely propound1 expound2 and for the rest ,of thy mysterious lines1 let them remain ,for those whose nimble fancies shall them gain4 ,now may this little book a blessing be ,to those who love this little book and me2 ,and may its buyer have no cause to say1 ,his money is but lost or thrown away2 ,yea1 may this ,second ,pilgrim yield that fruit1 ,as may with each good ,pilgrim's fancy suit2 ,and may it persuade some that go astray1 ,to turn their feet and heart to the right way1 ,is the hearty prayer of ,the ,author1 ,,john ,,bunyan4 ,,the ,,pilgrim',s ,,progress2 ,,in ,,the ,,similitude ,,of ,a ,,dream4 ,,the ,,second ,,part4 ,,courteous ,,companions1 ,,some time since1 to tell you my dream that ,i had of ,christian the ,pilgrim1 and of his dangerous journey towards the ,celestial ,country1 was pleasant to me1 and profitable to you4 ,i told you then1 also1 what ,i saw concerning his wife and children1 and how unwilling they were to go with him on pilgrimage1 insomuch that he was forced to go on his progress without them2 for he durst not run the danger of that destruction which he feared would come by staying with them in the ,city of ,destruction4 ,wherefore1 as ,i then showed you1 he left them and departed4#f ,now it hath so happened1 through the multiplicity of business1 that ,i have been much hindered and kept back from my wonted travels into those parts whence he went1 and so could not1 till now1 obtain an opportunity to make further inquiry after whom he left behind1 that ,i might give you an account of them4#g ,but having had some concerns that way of late1 ,i went down again thitherward4 ,now1 having taken up my lodgings in a wood1 about a mile off the place1 as ,i slept1 ,i dreamed again4#h ,and as ,i was in my dream1 behold1 an aged gentleman came by where ,i lay2 and because he was to go some part of the way that ,i was travelling1 methought ,i got up and went with him4 ,so as we walked1 and as travelers usually do1 ,i was as if we fell into discourse1 and our talk happened to be about ,christian and his travels2 for thus ,i began with the old man3 ,sir1 said ,i1 what town is that there below1 that lieth on the left hand of our way8 ,then said ,mr4 ,sagacity 7for that was his name71 ,it is the ,city of ,destruction1 a populous place1 but possessed with a very ill-conditioned and idle sort of people4 ,i thought that was that city1 quoth ,i2 ,i went once myself through that town1 and1 therefore1 know that this report you give of it is true4 ,,sag4 ,too true2 ,i wish ,i could speak truth in speaking better of them that dwell therein4 ,well1 ,sir1 quoth ,i1 then ,i perceive you to be a well-meaning man2 and so one that takes pleasure to hear and tell of that which is good4 ,pray1 did you never hear what happened to a man some time ago in this town1 whose name was ,christian1 that went on pilgrimage up towards the higher regions8 ,,sag4 ,hear of him6 ,aye1 and ,i also heard of the molestations1 troubles1 wars1 captivities1 cries1 groans1 frights1 and fears that he met with and had in his journey2 besides1 ,i must tell you1 all our country rings of him4 ,there are but few houses that have heard of him and his doings but have sought after and got the records of his pilgrimage2 yea1 ,i think ,i may say that that his hazardous journey1 has got a many well-wishers to his ways2 for though1 when he was here1 he was fool in every man's mouth1 yet1 now he is gone1 he is highly commended of all4 ,for1 it is said1 he lives bravely where he is2 yea1 many of them that are resolved never to run his hazards1 yet have their mouths water at his gains4#i ,they may1 quoth ,i1 well think1 if they think anything that is true1 that he liveth well where he is2 for he now lives at and in the ,fountain of ,life1 and has what he has without labour and sorrow1 for there is no grief mixed therewith4 ,but1 pray1 what talk have the people about him8#aj ,,sag4 ,talk6 the people talk strangely about him2 some say that he now walks in white 7,rev4 #c3d2 #f3aa72 that he has a chain of gold about his neck2 that he has a crown of gold1 beset with pearls1 upon his head4 ,others say that the ,shining ,ones1 that sometimes showed themselves to him in his journey1 are become his companions1 and that he is as familiar with them in the place where he is as here one neighbour is with another4 ,besides1 it is confidently affirmed concerning him1 that the ,king of the place where he is has bestowed upon him already a very rich and pleasant dwelling at court 7,zech4 #c3g72 and that he every day eateth 7,luke #ad3ae71 and drinketh1 and walketh1 and talketh with ,him2 and receiveth of the smiles and favours of ,him that is ,judge of all there4 ,moreover1 it is expected of some1 that his ,prince1 the ,lord of that country1 will shortly come into these parts1 and will know the reason1 if they can give any1 why his neighbours set so little by him1 and had him so much in derision1 when they perceived that he would be a pilgrim 7,jude #ad1 #ae74 ,for1 they say1 that now he is so in the affections of his ,prince1 and that his ,sovereign is so much concerned with the indignities that were cast upon ,christian1 when he became a pilgrim1 that ,he will look upon all as if done unto ,himself2#aa and no marvel1 for it was for the love that he had to his ,prince that he ventured as he did#ab 7,luke #aj3af74 ,i dare say1 quoth ,i1 ,i am glad on it2 ,i am glad for the poor man's sake1 for that he now has rest from his labour 7,rev4 #ad3ac72 and for that he now reapeth the benefit of his tears with joy 7,psa4 #abf3e1 #f72 and for that he has got beyond the gunshot of his enemies1 and is out of the reach of them that hate him4 ,i also am glad1 for that a rumour of these things is noised abroad in this country2 who can tell but that it may work some good effect on some that are left behind8 ,but1 pray ,sir1 while it is fresh in my mind1 do you hear anything of his wife and children8 ,poor hearts6 ,i wonder in my mind what they do4#ac ,,sag4 ,who6 ,christiana and her sons8 ,they are like to do as well as did ,christian himself2 for though they all played the fool at the first1 and would by no means be persuaded by either the tears or entreaties of ,christian1 yet second thoughts have wrought wonderfully with them2 so they have packed up1 and are also gone after him4#ad ,better and better1 quoth ,i4 ,but what6 wife and children1 and all8 ,,sag4 ,it is true2 ,i can give you an account of the matter1 for ,i was upon the spot at the instant1 and was thoroughly acquainted with the whole affair4 ,then1 said ,i1 a man1 it seems1 may report it for a truth8 ,,sag4 ,you need not fear to affirm it2 ,i mean that they are all gone on pilgrimage1 both the good woman and her four boys4 ,and being 7we are1 as ,i perceive7 going some considerable way together1 ,i will give you an account of the whole of the matter4 ,this ,christiana 7for that was her name from the day that she1 with her children1 betook themselves to a pilgrim's life71 after her husband was gone over the river1 and she could hear of him no more1 her thoughts began to work in her mind4 ,first1 for that she had lost her husband1 and for that the loving bond of that relation was utterly broken betwixt them4 ,for you know1 said he to me1 nature can do no less but entertain the living with many a heavy cogitation in the remembrance of the loss of loving relations4 ,this1 therefore1 of her husband did cost her many a tear4 ,but this was not all2 for ,christiana did also begin to consider with herself1 whether her unbecoming behaviour towards her husband was not one cause that she saw him no more2 and that in such sort he was taken away from her4 ,and upon this1 came into her mind1 by swarms1 all her unkind1 unnatural1 and ungodly carriages to her dear friend2 which also clogged her conscience1 and did load her with guilt4 ,she was1 moreover1 much broken with calling to remembrance the restless groans1 brinish tears1 and self-bemoanings of her husband1 and how she did harden her heart against all his entreaties1 and loving persuasions1 of her and her sons1 to go with him2 yea1 there was not anything that ,christian either said to her or did before her all the while that his burden did hang on his back1 but it returned upon her like a flash of lightning1 and rent the caul of her heart in sunder4 ,specially that bitter outcry of his1 ',what shall ,i do to be saved8' did ring in her ears most dolefully4#ae ,then said she to her children1 ,sons1 we are all undone4 ,i have sinned away your father1 and he is gone2 he would have had us with him1 but ,i would not go myself4 ,i also have hindered you of life4#af ,with that the boys fell all into tears1 and cried out to go after their father4 ,o6 said ,christiana1 that it had been but our lot to go with him1 then had it fared well with us1 beyond what it is like to do now2 for though ,i formerly foolishly imagined1 concerning the troubles of your father1 that they proceeded of a foolish fancy that he had1 or for that he was overrun with melancholy humours2 yet now it will not out of my mind but that they sprang from another cause1 to wit1 for that the ,light of light was given him 7,james #a3bc-be72 by the help of which1 as ,i perceive1 he has escaped the snares of death4#ag ,then they all wept again1 and cried out1 ,o woe worth the day6#ah ,the next night ,christiana had a dream2 and1 behold1 she saw as if a broad parchment was opened before her1 in which were recorded the sum of her ways 7,luke #ah3ac72 and the times1 as she thought1 looked very black upon her4 ,then she cried out aloud in her sleep1 ',lord1 have mercy upon me a sinner6'#ai and the little children heard her4 ,after this1 she thought she saw two very ill-favoured ones standing by her bedside1 and saying1 ,what shall we do with this woman8 for she cries out for mercy waking and sleeping2 if she be suffered to go on as she begins1 we shall lose her as we have lost her husband4 ,wherefore we must1 by one way or other1 seek to take her off from the thoughts of what shall be hereafter1 else all the world cannot help it but she will become a pilgrim4 ,now she awoke in a great sweat1 also a trembling was upon her2 but after a while she fell to sleeping again4 ,and then she thought she saw ,christian her husband in a place of bliss1 among many immortals1 with a harp in his hand1 standing and playing upon it before ,one that sat on a throne1 with a rainbow about ,his head4 ,she saw also as if he bowed his head1 with his face to the paved work that was under the ,prince's feet1 saying1 ,i heartily thank my ,lord and ,king1 for bringing of me into this place4 ,then shouted a company of them that stood round about1 and harped with their harps2 but no man living could tell what they said1 but ,christian and his companions4#bj ,next morning1 when she was up1 had prayed to ,god1 and talked with her children a while1 one knocked hard at the door1 to whom she spake out1 saying1 ,if thou comest in ,god's name1 come in4 ,so he said1 ,amen1 and opened the door1 and saluted her with ',peace be to this house4' ,the which1 when he had done1 he said1 ,christiana1 knowest thou wherefore ,i am come8 ,then she blushed and trembled1 also her heart began to wax warm with desires to know whence he came1 and what was his errand to her4 ,so he said unto her1 ,my name is ,secret2#ba ,i dwell with those that are high4 ,it is talked of1 where ,i dwell1 as if thou hadst a desire to go thither2 also1 there is a report1 that thou art aware of the evil thou hast formerly done to thy husband1 in hardening of thy heart against his way1 and in keeping of these thy babes in their ignorance4 ,christiana1 the ,merciful ,one has sent me to tell thee1 that ,he is a ,god ready to forgive1 and that ,he taketh delight to multiply to pardon offences4 ,he also would have thee know1 that ,he inviteth thee to come into ,his presence1 to ,his table1 and that ,he will feed thee with the fat of ,his house1 and with the heritage of ,jacob thy father4 ,there is ,christian thy husband 7that was71 with legions more1 his companions1 ever beholding that face that doth minister life to beholders2 and they will all be glad when they shall hear the sound of thy feet step over thy ,father's threshold4 ,christiana at this was greatly abashed in herself1 and bowing her head to the ground1 this ,visitor proceeded1 and said1 ,christiana1 here is also a letter for thee1 which ,i have brought from thy husband's ,king4 ,so she took it and opened it1 but it smelt after the manner of the best perfume 7,song4 #a3c72 also it was written in letters of gold4 ,the contents of the letter was1 ,that the ,king would have her do as did ,christian her husband2 for that was the way to come to ,his city1 and to dwell in ,his presence with joy forever4 ,at this the good woman was quite overcome2 so she cried out to her visitor1 ,sir1 will you carry me and my children with you1 that we also may go and worship this ,king8 ,then said the visitor1 ,christiana1 the bitter is before the sweet4 ,thou must through troubles1 as did he that went before thee1 enter this ,celestial ,city4 ,wherefore ,i advise thee to do as did ,christian thy husband4 ,go to the wicket-gate yonder1 over the plain1 for that stands in the head of the way up which thou must go1 and ,i wish thee all good speed4 ,also ,i advise that thou put this letter in thy bosom2 that thou read therein to thyself1 and to thy children1 until you have got it by rote of heart1#bb for it is one of the songs that thou must sing while thou art in this house of thy pilgrimage 7,psa4 #aai3ed72 also this thou must deliver in at the further gate4#bc ,now ,i saw in my dream1 that this old gentleman1 as he told me this story1 did himself seem to be greatly affected therewith4 ,he1 moreover1 proceeded and said1 ,so ,christiana called her sons together1 and began thus to address herself unto them3 ,my sons1 ,i have1 as you may perceive1 been of late under much exercise in my soul1 about the death of your father2 not for that ,i doubt at all of his happiness1 for ,i am satisfied now that he is well4 ,i have been also much affected with the thoughts of mine own state and yours1 which ,i verily believe is by nature miserable4 ,my carriages1 also1 to your father in his distress1 is a great load to my conscience2 for ,i hardened both my own heart and yours against him1 and refused to go with him on pilgrimage4#bd ,the thoughts of these things would now kill me outright1 but that for a dream which ,i had last night1 and but for the encouragement that this stranger has given me this morning4 ,come1 my children1 let us pack up and begone to the gate that leads to the ,celestial ,country1 that we may see your father1 and be with him and his companions in peace1 according to the laws of that land4 ,then did her children burst out into tears for joy1 that the heart of their mother was so inclined4#be ,so their visitor bade them farewell2 and they began to prepare to set out for their journey4 ,but while they were thus about to be gone1 two of the women1 that were ,christiana's neighbours1 came up to her house1 and knocked at her door4 ,to whom she said as before1 ,if you come in ,god's name1 come in4 ,at this the women were stunned2 for this kind of language they used not to hear1 or to perceive to drop from the lips of ,christiana4#bf ,yet they came in2 but1 behold1 they found the good woman a-preparing to be gone from her house4 ,so they began and said1 ,neighbour1 pray what is your meaning by this8 ,christiana answered and said to the eldest of them1 whose name was ,mrs4 ,timorous1 ,i am preparing for a journey4 7,this ,timorous was daughter to him that met ,christian upon the ,hill ,difficulty1 and would have had him go back for fear of the lions74 ,tim4 ,for what journey1 ,i pray you8 ,,christ4 ,even to go after my good husband4 ,and with that she fell a-weeping4 ,tim4 ,i hope not so1 good neighbour2 pray1 for your poor children's sakes1 do not so unwomanly cast away yourself4 ,,christ4 ,nay1 my children shall go with me1 not one of them is willing to stay behind4#bg ,tim4 ,i wonder1 in my very heart1 what1 or who has brought you into this mind4 ,,christ4 ,oh6 neighbour1 knew you but as much as ,i do1 ,i doubt not but that you would go with me4 ,tim4 ,prithee1 what new knowledge hast thou got1 that so worketh off thy mind from thy friends1 and that tempteth thee to go1 nobody knows where8 ,,christ4 ,then ,christiana replied1 ,i have been sorely afflicted since my husband's departure from me2 but especially since he went over the river4 ,but that which troubleth me most1 is my churlish carriages to him1 when he was under his distress4 ,besides1 ,i am now as he was then2 nothing will serve me but going on pilgrimage4 ,i was a-dreaming last night that ,i saw him4 ,o that my soul was with him6 ,he dwelleth in the presence of the ,king of the country2 he sits and eats with ,him at ,his table2 he is become a companion of immortals 7#a ,cor4 #e3a-e71 and has a house now given him to dwell in1 to which the best palaces on earth1 if compared1 seem to me to be but as a dunghill4 ,the ,prince of the place has also sent for me1 with promise of entertainment if ,i shall come to ,him2 ,his messenger was here even now1 and has brought me a letter1 which invites me to come4 ,and with that she plucked out her letter1#bh and read it1 and said to them1 ,what now will ye say to this8 ,tim4 ,o the madness that has possessed thee and thy husband1 to run yourselves upon such difficulties6 ,you have heard1 ,i am sure1 what your husband did meet with1 even1 in a manner1 at the first step that he took on his way1 as our neighbour ,obstinate can yet testify1 for he went along with him2 yea1 and ,pliable too1 until they1 like wise men1 were afraid to go any further4 ,we also heard1 over and above1 how he met with the lions1 ,apollyon1 the ,shadow of ,death1 and many other things4 ,nor is the danger that he met with at ,vanity ,fair to be forgotten by thee2 for if he1 though a man1 was so hard put to it1 what canst thou1 being but a poor woman1 do8 ,consider also1 that these four sweet babes are thy children1 thy flesh and thy bones4 ,wherefore1 though thou shouldest be so rash as to cast away thyself2 yet1 for the sake of the fruit of thy body1 keep thou at home4#bi ,but ,christiana said unto her1 ,tempt me not1 my neighbour4 ,i have now a price put into my hand to get gain1 and ,i should he a fool of the greatest size1 if ,i should have no heart to strike in with the opportunity4#cj ,and for that you tell me of all these troubles that ,i am like to meet with in the way1 they are so far off from being to me a discouragement1 that they show ,i am in the right4 ',the bitter must come before the sweet1' and that also will make the sweet the sweeter4 ,wherefore1 since you came not to my house in ,god's name1 as ,i said1 ,i pray you to be gone1 and not to disquiet me farther4#ca ,then ,timorous also reviled her1 and said to her fellow1 ,come1 neighbour ,mercy1 let us leave her in her own hands1 since she scorns our counsel and company4 ,but ,mercy was at a stand1 and could not so readily comply with her neighbour1 and that for a twofold reason4 ,first1 her bowels yearned over ,christiana4 ,so she said within herself1 ,if my neighbour will needs be gone1 ,i will go a little way with her and help her4 ,secondly1 her bowels yearned over her own soul1 for what ,christiana had said had taken some hold upon her mind4#cb ,wherefore she said within herself again1 ,i will yet have more talk with this ,christiana1 and if ,i find truth and life in what she shall say1 myself with my heart shall also go with her4 ,wherefore ,mercy began thus to reply to her neighbour ,timorous4 ,,mercy4 ,neighbour1 ,i did1 indeed1 come with you to see ,christiana this morning2 and since she is1 as you see1 a-taking of her last farewell of her country1 ,i think to walk1 this sun-shine morning1 a little way with her1 to help her on the way4 ,but she told her not of the second reason1 but kept that to herself4 ,,tim4 ,well1 ,i see you have a mind to go a-fooling too1 but take heed in time1 and be wise4 ,while we are out of danger1 we are out2 but when we are in1 we are in4 ,so ,mrs4 ,timorous returned to her house1 and ,christiana betook herself to her journey4#cc ,but when ,timorous was got home to her house1 she sends for some of her neighbours1 to wit1 ,mrs4 ,bat's-eyes1 ,mrs4 ,inconsiderate1 ,mrs4 ,light-mind1 and ,mrs4 ,know-nothing4 ,so when they were come to her house1 she falls to telling of the story of ,christiana1 and of her intended journey4 ,and thus she began her tale4#cd ,,tim4 ,neighbours1 having had little to do this morning1 ,i went to give ,christiana a visit2 and when ,i came at the door1 ,i knocked1 as you know it is our custom4 ,and she answered1 ,if you come in ,god's name1 come in4 ,so in ,i went1 thinking all was well4 ,but when ,i came in1 ,i found her preparing herself to depart the town1 she1 and also her children4 ,so ,i asked her what was her meaning by that4 ,and she told me1 in short1 that she was now of a mind to go on pilgrimage1 as did her husband4 ,she told me also a dream that she had1 and how the ,king of the country where her husband was1 had sent her an inviting letter to come thither4 ,then said ,mrs4 ,know-nothing1 what6 do you think she will go8 ,,tim4 ,aye1 go she will1 whatever come on't2 and methinks ,i know it by this2 for that which was my great argument to persuade her to stay at home 7to wit1 the troubles she was like to meet with in the way7 is one great argument with her to put her forward on her journey4 ,for she told me in so many words1 ',the bitter goes before the sweet4' ,yea1 and forasmuch as it so doth1 it makes the sweet the sweeter4 ,,mrs4 ,,bat',s-,,eyes4 ,o1 this blind and foolish woman6 said she2 will she not take warning by her husband's afflictions8 ,for my part1 ,i see1 if he were here again1 he would rest him content in a whole skin1 and never run so many hazards for nothing4 ,,mrs4 ,,inconsiderate also replied1 saying1 ,away with such fantastical fools from the town6 ,a good riddance1 for my part1 ,i say1 of her4 ,should she stay where she dwells1 and retain this her mind1 who could live quietly by her8 for she will either be dumpish or unneighbourly1 or talk of such matters as no wise body can abide2 wherefore1 for my part1 ,i shall never be sorry for her departure4 ,let her go1 and let better come in her room4 ,it was never a good world since these whimsical fools dwelt in it4#ce ,then ,mrs4 ,light-mind added as followeth--,come1 put this kind of talk away4 ,i was yesterday at ,madam ,wanton's1 where we were as merry as the maids4 ,for who do you think should be there1 but ,i and ,mrs4 ,love-the-flesh1 and three or four more1 with ,mr4 ,lechery1 ,mrs4 ,filth1 and some others4 ,so there we had music1 and dancing1 and what else was meet to fill up the pleasure4 ,and1 ,i dare say1 my lady herself is an admirably well-bred gentlewoman1 and ,mr4 ,lechery is as pretty a fellow4 ,by this time1 ,christiana was got on her way1 and ,mercy went along with her4 ,so as they went1 her children being there also1 ,christiana began to discourse4 ,and1 ,mercy1 said ,christiana1 ,i take this as an unexpected favour1 that thou shouldst set foot out of doors with me1 to accompany me a little in my way4 ,,mercy4 ,then said young ,mercy 7for she was but young71 ,if ,i thought it would be to purpose to go with you1 ,i would never go near the town any more4 ,,christ4 ,well1 ,mercy1 said ,christiana1 cast in thy lot with me2 ,i well know what will be the end of our pilgrimage4 ,my husband is where he would not but be for all the gold in the ,spanish mines4 ,nor shalt thou be rejected1 though thou goest but upon my invitation4#cf ,the ,king who hath sent for me and my children is one that delighteth in mercy4 ,besides1 if thou wilt1 ,i will hire thee1 and thou shalt go along with me as my servant2 yet we will have all things in common betwixt thee and me2 only1 go along with me4#cg ,,mercy4 ,but how shall ,i be ascertained that ,i also shall be entertained8 ,had ,i this hope but from one that can tell1 ,i would make no stick at all1 but would go1 being helped by him that can help1 though the way was never so tedious4#ch ,,christ4 ,well1 loving ,mercy1 ,i will tell thee what thou shalt do4 ,go with me to the wicket-gate1 and there ,i will further inquire for thee2 and if there thou shalt not meet with encouragement1 ,i will be content that thou shalt return to thy place4 ,i also will pay thee for thy kindness which thou showest to me and my children1 in thy accompanying us in our way1 as thou dost4 ,,mercy4 ,then will ,i go thither1 and will take what shall follow2 and the ,lord grant that my lot may there fall1 even as the ,king of ,heaven shall have ,his heart upon me4#ci ,christiana then was glad at her heart1 not only that she had a companion1 but also that she had prevailed with this poor maid to fall in love with her own salvation4 ,so they went on together1 and ,mercy began to weep4 ,then said ,christiana1 ,wherefore weepeth my ,sister so8 ,,mercy4 ,alas6 said she1 who can but lament1 that shall but rightly consider1 what a state and condition my poor relations#dj are in that yet remain in our sinful town8 and that which makes my grief the more heavy is1 because they have no instructor1 nor any to tell them what is to come4 ,,christ4 ,bowels becometh pilgrims2 and thou dost for thy friends as my good ,christian did for me when he left me2 he mourned for that ,i would not heed nor regard him2 but his ,lord and ours did gather up after his tears and put them into ,his bottle2 and now both ,i and thou1 and these my sweet babes1 are reaping the fruit and benefit of them4 ,i hope1 ,mercy1 these tears of thine will not be lost2 for the truth hath said1 that ',they that sow in tears shall reap in joy' in singing4 ,and 'he that goeth forth and weepeth1 bearing precious seed1 shall doubtless come again with rejoicing1 bringing his sheaves with him' 7,psa4 #abf3e1 #f74 ,then said ,mercy-- ,let the ,most ,blessed be my guide1 ,if't be ,his blessed will2 ,unto ,his gate1 into ,his fold1 ,up to ,his holy hill4 ,and let ,him never suffer me ,to swerve or turn aside ,from ,his free grace1 and holy ways1 ,whate'er shall me betide4 ,and let ,him gather them of mine1 ,that ,i have left behind2 ,lord1 make them pray they may be ,thine1 ,with all their heart and mind4#da ,now my old friend proceeded1 and said3 ,but when ,christiana came up to the ,slough of ,despond1 she began to be at a stand2 for1 said she1 this is the place in which my dear husband had like to have been smothered with mud4 ,she perceived1 also1 that notwithstanding the command of the ,king to make this place for pilgrims good1 yet it was rather worse than formerly4 ,so ,i asked if that were true4 ,yes1 said the old gentleman1 too true2 for that many there be that pretend to be the ,king's labourers1 and that say they are for mending the ,king's highway1 that bring dirt and dung instead of stones1 and so mar instead of mending4#db ,here ,christiana1 therefore1 with her boys1 did make a stand2 but1 said ,mercy1 ,come1 let us venture1 only let us be wary4 ,then they looked well to the steps1 and made a shift to get staggeringly over4#dc ,yet1 ,christiana had like to have been in1 and that not once nor twice4 ,now they had no sooner got over1 but they thought they heard words that said unto them1 ',blessed is she that believed2 for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the ,lord' 7,luke #a3de74 ,then they went on again2 and said ,mercy to ,christiana1 ,had ,i as good ground to hope for a loving reception at the wicket-gate as you1 ,i think no ,slough of ,despond would discourage me4 ,well1 said the other1 you know your sore1#dd and ,i know mine2 and1 good friend1 we shall all have enough evil before we come at our journey's end4 ,for can it be imagined1 that the people that design to attain such excellent glories as we do1 and that are so envied that happiness as we are2 but that we shall meet with what fears and scares1 with what troubles and afflictions they can possibly assault us with1 that hate us8 ,and now ,mr4 ,sagacity left me to dream out my dream by myself4 ,wherefore1 methought ,i saw ,christiana and ,mercy1 and the boys1 go all of them up to the gate2 to which1 when they were come1 they betook themselves to a short debate about how they must manage their calling at the gate1 and what should be said to ,him that did open to them4 ,so it was concluded1 since ,christiana was the eldest1 that she should knock for entrance1 and that she should speak to ,him that did open1 for the rest4 ,so ,christiana began to knock2 and1 as her poor husband did1 she knocked1 and knocked again4 ,but1 instead of any that answered1 they all thought that they heard as if a dog came barking upon them2 a dog1 and a great one too1 and this made the women and children afraid3 nor durst they1 for a while1 to knock any more1 for fear the mastiff should fly upon them4 ,now1 therefore1 they were greatly tumbled up and down in their minds1 and knew not what to do3 knock they durst not1 for fear of the dog2 go back they durst not1 for fear the ,keeper of that gate should espy them as they so went1 and should be offended with them2 at last they thought of knocking again1 and knocked more vehemently than they did at the first4 ,then said the ,keeper of the gate1 ,who is there8 ,so the dog left off to bark1 and ,he opened unto them4#de ,then ,christiana made low obeisance1 and said1 ,let not our ,lord be offended with his handmaidens1 for that we have knocked at ,his princely gate4 ,then said the ,keeper1 ,whence come ye1 and what is that you would have8 ,christiana answered1 ,we are come from whence ,christian did come1 and upon the same errand as he2 to wit1 to be1 if it shall please ,you1 graciously admitted by this gate into the way that leads to the ,celestial ,city4 ,and ,i answer1 my ,lord1 in the next place1 that ,i am ,christiana1 once the wife of ,christian1 that now is gotten above4#df ,with that the ,keeper of the gate did marvel1 saying1 ,what6 is she become now a pilgrim that1 but a while ago1 abhorred that life ,then she bowed her head1 and said1 ,yes1 and so are these my sweet babes also4 ,then ,he took her by the hand1 and let her in1 and said also1 ',suffer the little children to come unto ,me'2 and with that ,he shut up the gate4 ,this done1 ,he called to a trumpeter that was above1 over the gate1 to entertain ,christiana with shouting and sound of trumpet for joy4 ,so he obeyed1 and sounded1 and filled the air with his melodious notes 7,luke #ae3g74 ,now all this while poor ,mercy did stand without1 trembling and crying1 for fear that she was rejected4 ,but when ,christiana had gotten admittance for herself and her boys1 then she began to make intercession for ,mercy4 ,,christ4 ,and she said1 ,my ,lord1 ,i have a companion of mine that stands yet without1 that is come hither upon the same account as myself2 one that is much dejected in her mind1 for that she comes1 as she thinks1 without sending for2 whereas ,i was sent to by my husband's ,king to come4 ,now ,mercy began to be very impatient1 for each minute was as long to her as an hour2 wherefore she prevented ,christiana from a fuller interceding for her1 by knocking at the gate herself4 ,and she knocked then so loud1 that she made ,christiana to start4 ,then said the ,keeper of the gate1 ,who is there8 and said ,christiana1 ,it is my friend4 ,so ,he opened the gate and looked out1 but ,mercy was fallen down without1 in a swoon1 for she fainted1 and was afraid that no gate would he opened to her4 ,then ,he took her by the hand1 and said1 ,damsel1 ,i bid thee arise4 ,o ,sir1 said she1 ,i am faint2 there is scarce life left in me4 ,but ,he answered1 ,that one once said1 ',when my soul fainted within me1 ,i remembered the ,lord2 and my prayer came in unto ,thee1 into ,thine holy temple' 7,jonah #b3g74 ,fear not1 but stand upon thy feet1 and tell ,me wherefore thou art come4#dg ,,mercy4 ,i am come for that unto which ,i was never invited1 as my friend ,christiana was4 ,hers was from the ,king1 and mine was but from her4 ,wherefore ,i fear ,i presume4#dh ,,keep4 ,did she desire thee to come with her to this place8 ,,mercy4 ,yes2 and1 as my ,lord sees1 ,i am come4 ,and1 if there is any grace or forgiveness of sins to spare1 ,i beseech that ,i1 thy poor handmaid1 may be partaker thereof4 ,then ,he took her again by the hand1 and led her gently in1 and said1 ,i pray for all them that believe on ,me1 by what means soever they come unto ,me4 ,then said ,he to those that stood by1 ,fetch something1 and give it ,mercy to smell on1 thereby to stay her fainting4 ,so they fetched her a bundle of myrrh2 and a while after1 she was revived4#di ,and now was ,christiana and her boys1 and ,mercy1 received of the ,lord at the head of the way1 and spoke kindly unto by ,him4 ,then said they yet further unto ,him1 ,we are sorry for our sins1 and beg of our ,lord ,his pardon1 and further information what we must do4 ,i grant pardon1 said ,he1 by word and deed3 by word1 in the promise of forgiveness2 by deed1 in the way ,i obtained it4 ,take the first from ,my lips with a kiss1 7,song4 #a3b72 and the other as it shall be revealed4#ej 7,john #bj3bj74 ,now1 ,i saw in my dream1 that ,he spake many good words unto them1 whereby they were greatly gladded4 ,he also had them up to the top of the gate1 and showed them by what deed they were saved2 and told them withal1 ,that that sight they would have again1 as they went along in the way1 to their comfort4 ,so ,he left them a while in a summer parlour below1 where they entered into talk by themselves2 and thus ,christiana began3 ,o ,lord6 how glad am ,i that we are got in hither4 ,,mercy4 ,so you well may2 but ,i of all have cause to leap for joy4 ,,christ4 ,i thought one time1 as ,i stood at the gate 7because ,i had knocked1 and none did answer71 that all our labour had been lost1 especially when that ugly cur made such a heavy barking against us4#ea ,,mercy4 ,but my worse fear was after ,i saw that you was taken into ,his favour1 and that ,i was left behind4 ,now1 thought ,i1 it is fulfilled which is written1 ',two women shall he grinding together1 the one shall be taken and the other left'#eb 7,matt4 #bd3da74 ,i had much ado to forbear crying out1 ,undone6 undone6#ec ,and afraid ,i was to knock any more2 but when ,i looked up to what was written over the gate1 ,i took courage4#ed ,i also thought that ,i must either knock again1 or die2 so ,i knocked1 but ,i cannot tell how1 for my spirit now struggled betwixt life and death4 ,,christ4 ,can you not tell how you knocked8 ,i am sure your knocks were so earnest that the very sound of them made me start2 ,i thought ,i never heard such knocking in all my life2 ,i thought you would have come in by violent hands1 or have taken the kingdom by storm 7,matt4 #aa3ab74 ,,mercy4 ,alas6 to be in my case1 who that so was could but have done so8 ,you saw that the door was shut upon me1 and that there was a most cruel dog thereabout4 ,who1 ,i say1 that was so faint-hearted as ,i1 that would not have knocked with all their might8 ,but1 pray1 what said my ,lord to my rudeness8 ,was ,he not angry with me8 ,,christ4 ,when ,he heard your lumbering noise1 ,he gave a wonderful innocent smile2 ,i believe what you did pleased ,him well enough1 for ,he showed no sign to the contrary4 ,but ,i marvel in my heart1 why ,he keeps such a dog2 had ,i known that before1#ee ,i fear ,i should not have had heart enough to have ventured myself in this manner4 ,but now we are in1 we are in2 and ,i am glad with all my heart4#ef ,,mercy4 ,i will ask1 if you please1 next time ,he comes down1 why ,he keeps such a filthy cur in ,his yard2 ,i hope ,he will not take it amiss1 ,aye1 do1 said the children1 and persuade ,him to hang him2 for we are afraid he will bite us when we go hence4 ,so at last ,he came down to them again1 and ,mercy fell to the ground on her face before ,him1 and worshipped1 and said1 ,let my ,lord accept of the sacrifice of praise which ,i now offer unto ,him with the calves of my lips4 ,so ,he said unto her1 ',peace be to thee1 stand up4' ,but she continued upon her face1 and said1 ',righteous art ,thou1 ,o ,lord1 when ,i plead with ,thee3 yet let me talk with ,thee of ,thy judgments' 7,jer4 #ab3a74 ,wherefore dost ,thou keep so cruel a dog in ,thy yard1 at the sight of which1 such women and children as we1 are ready to fly from ,thy gate for fear8 ,he answered and said1 ,that dog has another owner1 he also is kept close in another man's ground1 only ,my pilgrims hear his barking2 he belongs to the castle which you see there at a distance1 but can come up to the walls of this place4 ,he has frighted many an honest pilgrim from worse to better1 by the great voice of his roaring4 ,indeed1 he that owneth him doth not keep him of any goodwill to ,me or ,mine1 but with intent to keep the pilgrims from coming to ,me1 and that they may be afraid to knock at this gate for entrance4 ,sometimes also he has broken out1 and has worried some that ,i loved2 but ,i take all at present patiently4 ,i also give ,my pilgrims timely help1 so they are not delivered up to his power1 to do to them what his doggish nature would prompt him to4 ,but what6 my purchased one1 ,i trow1 hadst thou known never so much beforehand1 thou wouldst not have been afraid of a dog4 ,the beggars that go from door to door will1 rather than they will lose a supposed alms1 run the hazard of the bawling1 barking1 and biting1 too1 of a dog2 and shall a dog--a dog in another man's yard1 a dog whose barking ,i turn to the profit of pilgrims--keep any from coming to ,me8 ,i deliver them from the lions1 their darling from the power of the dog4#eg ,,mercy4 ,then said ,mercy1 ,i confess my ignorance2 ,i spake what ,i understood not2 ,i acknowledge that ,thou dost all things well4 ,,christ4 ,then ,christiana began to talk of their journey1 and to inquire after the way4 ,so ,he fed them1 and washed their feet1 and set them in the way of ,his steps1 according as ,he had dealt with her husband before4 ,so ,i saw in my dream1 that they walked on in their way1 and had the weather very comfortable to them4 ,then ,christiana began to sing1 saying-- ,blessed be the day that ,i began ,a pilgrim for to be2 ,and blessed also be that man ,that thereto moved me4 ',tis true1 'twas long ere ,i began ,to seek to live forever3 ,but now ,i run fast as ,i can2 ',tis better late then never4 ,our tears to joy1 our fears to faith1 ,are turned1 as we see1 ,that our beginning1 as one saith1 ,shows what our end will be4 ,now there was1 on the other side of the wall that fenced in the way up which ,christiana and her companions were to go1 a garden1 and that garden belonged to him whose was that barking dog of whom mention was made before4 ,and some of the fruit-trees that grew in that garden shot their branches over the wall2 and being mellow1 they that found them did gather them up1 and oft eat of them to their hurt4 ,so ,christiana's boys1 as boys are apt to do1 being pleased with the trees1 and with the fruit that did hang thereon1 did plash#eh them1 and began to eat4 ,their mother did also chide them for so doing1 but still the boys went on4#ei ,well1 said she1 my sons1 you transgress1 for that fruit is none of ours2 but she did not know that they did belong to the enemy2 ,i will warrant you1 if she had1 she would have been ready to die for fear4 ,but that passed1 and they went on their way4 ,now1 by that they were gone about two bow-shots from the place that let them into the way1 they espied two very ill-favoured ones coming down apace to meet them4#fj ,with that1 ,christiana and ,mercy1 her friend1 covered themselves with their veils1 and so kept on their journey2 the children also went on before2 so that at last they met together4 ,then they that came down to meet them1 came just up to the women1 as if they would embrace them2 but ,christiana said1 ,stand back1 or go peaceably by1 as you should4 ,yet these two1 as men that are deaf1 regarded not ,christiana's words1 but began to lay hands upon them4 ,at that ,christiana1 waxing very wroth1 spurned at them with her feet4 ,mercy also1 as well as she could1 did what she could to shift them4 ,christiana again said to them1 ,stand back1 and begone2 for we have no money to lose1 being pilgrims1 as you see1 and such1 too1 as live upon the charity of our friends4 ,,ill-,,favoured4 ,then said one of the two of the men1 ,we make no assault upon you for money1 but are come out to tell you1 that if you will but grant one small request1 which we shall ask1 we will make women of you forever4 ,,christ4 ,now ,christiana1 imagining what they should mean1 made answer again1 ,we will neither bear1 nor regard1 nor yield to what you shall ask4 ,we are in haste1 cannot stay2 our business is a business of life and death4 ,so1 again1 she and her companions made a fresh essay to go past them2 but they letted them in their way4 ,,ill-,,fav4 ,and they said1 ,we intend no hurt to your lives2 it is another thing we would have4 ,,christ4 ,ah1 quoth ,christiana1 you would have us body and soul1 for ,i know it is for that you are come2 but we will die rather upon the spot1 than suffer ourselves to be brought into such snares as shall hazard our well-being hereafter4 ,and with that they both shrieked out1 and cried1 ,murder6 murder6 and so put themselves under those laws that are provided for the protection of women 7,deut4 #bb3bc-bg74 ,but the men still made their approach upon them1 with design to prevail against them4 ,they1 therefore1 cried out again4#fa ,now1 they being1 as ,i said1 not far from the gate in at which they came1 their voice was heard from where they were1 thither2 wherefore some of the house came out1 and knowing that it was ,christiana's tongue1 they made haste to her relief4 ,but by that they were got within sight of them1 the women were in a very great scuffle1 the children also stood crying by4 ,then did he that came in for their relief call out to the ruffians1 saying1 ,what is that thing that you do8 ,would you make my ,lord's people to transgress8 ,he also attempted to take them1 but they did make their escape over the wall1 into the garden of the man to whom the great dog belonged2 so the dog became their protector4 ,this ,reliever then came up to the women1 and asked them how they did4 ,so they answered1 ,we thank thy ,prince1 pretty well2 only we have been somewhat affrighted2 we thank thee also1 for that thou camest in to our help1 for otherwise we had been overcome4 ,,reliever4 ,so after a few more words1 this ,reliever said as followeth3 ,i marveled much when you were entertained at the gate above1 being1 as ye knew1 that ye were but weak women1 that you petitioned not the ,lord there for a conductor2 then might you have avoided these troubles and dangers1 for ,he would have granted you one4#fb ,,christ4 ,alas6 said ,christiana1 we were so with our present blessing1 that dangers to come were forgotten by us2 besides1 who could have thought1 that so near the ,king's palace1 there should have lurked such naughty ones8 ,indeed1 it had been well for us1 had we asked our ,lord for one2 but1 since our ,lord knew it would be for our profit1 ,i wonder ,he sent not one along with us6#fc ,,rel4 ,it is not always necessary to grant things not asked for1 lest1 by so doing1 they become of little esteem2 but when the want of a thing is felt1 it then comes under1 in the eyes of him that feels it1 that estimate that properly is its due1 and so1 consequently1 will be thereafter used4 ,had my ,lord granted you a conductor1 you would not neither so have bewailed that oversight of yours1 in not asking for one1 as now you have occasion to do4 ,so all things work for good1 and tend to make you more wary4 ,,christ4 ,shall we go back again to my ,lord1 and confess our folly1 and ask one8 ,,rel4 ,your confession of your folly ,i will present ,him with4 ,to go back again you need not2 for in all places where you shall come1 you will find no want at all2 for in every of my ,lord's lodgings1 which ,he has prepared for the reception of ,his pilgrims1 there is sufficient to furnish them against all attempts whatsoever4 ,but1 as ,i said1 ',he will be inquired of by them1 to do it for them' 7,ezek4 #cf3cg74 ,and it is a poor thing that is not worth asking for4 ,when he had thus said1 he went back to his place1 and the ,pilgrims went on their way4 ,,mercy4 ,then said ,mercy1 ,what a sudden blank is here6 ,i made account we had now been past all danger1 and that we should never see sorrow more4#fd ,,christ4 ,thy innocency1 my sister1 said ,christiana to ,mercy1 may excuse thee much2 but as for me1 my fault is so much the greater1 for that ,i saw this dancer before ,i came out of the doors1 and yet did not provide for it where provision might have been had4 ,i am therefore much to be blamed4#fe ,,mercy4 ,then said ,mercy1 ,how knew you this before you came from home8 ,pray open to me this riddle4 ,,christ4 ,why1 ,i will tell you4 ,before ,i set foot out of doors1 one night1 as ,i lay in my bed1 ,i had a dream about this2 for1 methought ,i saw two men1 as like these as ever the world they could look1 stand at my bed's feet1 plotting how they might prevent my salvation4 ,i will tell you their very words4 ,they said 7it was when ,i was in my troubles71 ,what shall we do with this woman8 for she cries out1 waking and sleeping1 for forgiveness4 ,if she be suffered to go on as she begins1 we shall lose her1 as we have lost her husband4 ,this1 you know1 might have made me take heed1 and have provided when provision might have been had4 ,,mercy4 ,well1 said ,mercy1 as by this neglect we have an occasion ministered unto us1 to behold our own imperfections2 so our ,lord has taken occasion thereby1 to make manifest the riches of ,his grace2 for ,he1 as we see1 has followed us with unasked kindness1 and has delivered us from their hands that were stronger than we1 of ,his mere good pleasure4#ff ,thus1 now when they had talked away a little more time1 they drew nigh to a house which stood in the way1 which house was built for the relief of pilgrims2 as you will find more fully related in the ,first ,part of these ,records of the ,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,so they drew on towards the house 7the ,house of the ,interpreter71 and when they came to the door1 they heard a great talk in the house4 ,they then gave ear1 and heard1 as they thought1 ,christiana mentioned by name4 ,for you must know that there went along1 even before her1 a talk of her and her children's going on pilgrimage4 ,and this thing was the more pleasing to them1 because they had heard that she was ,christian's wife1 that woman who was sometime ago so unwilling to hear of going on pilgrimage4 ,thus1 therefore1 they stood still1 and heard the good people within commending her1 who1 they little thought1 stood at the door4 ,at last ,christiana knocked1 as she had done at the gate before4 ,now1 when she had knocked1 there came to the door a young damsel1 named ,innocent1 and opened the door and looked1 and behold two women were there4 ,,damsel4 ,then said the damsel to them1 ,with whom would you speak in this place8 ,,christ4 ,christiana answered1 ,we understand that this is a privileged place for those that are become pilgrims1 and we now at this door are such2 wherefore we pray that we may be partakers of that for which we at this time are come2 for the day1 as thou seest1 is very far spent1 and we are loath tonight to go any further4 ,,damsel4 ,pray1 what may ,i call your name1 that ,i may tell it to my ,lord within8 ,,christ4 ,my name is ,christiana2 ,i was the wife of that pilgrim1 that some years ago did travel this way1 and these be his four children4 ,this maiden also is my companion1 and is going on pilgrimage too4 ,,innocent4 ,then ran ,innocent in 7for that was her name7 and said to those within1 ,can you think who is at the door8 ,there is ,christiana and her children1 and her companion1 all waiting for entertainment here4 ,then they leaped for joy1 and went and told their ,master4 ,so ,he came to the door1 and looking upon her1 ,he said1 ,art thou that ,christiana whom ,christian1 the good man1 left behind him1 when he betook himself to a pilgrim's life8 ,,christ4 ,i am that woman that was so hard-hearted1 as to slight my husband's troubles1 and that left him to go on in his journey alone1 and these are his four children2 but now ,i also am come1 for ,i am convinced that no way is right but this4 ,,inter4 ,then is fulfilled that which also is written of the man that said to his son1 ',go1 work today in my vineyard4 ,he answered and said1 ,i will not3 but afterward he repented and went' 7,matt4 #ba3bi74 ,,christ4 ,then said ,christiana1 ,so be it1 ,amen4 ,god make it a true saying upon me1 and grant that ,i may be found at the last of ,him in peace1 without spot1 and blameless6 ,,inter4 ,but why standest thou thus at the door8 ,come in1 thou daughter of ,abraham4 ,we were talking of thee but now1 for tidings have come to us before1 how thou art become a pilgrim4 ,come1 children1 come in2 come1 maiden1 come in4 ,so ,he had them all into the house4#fg ,so1 when they were within1 they were bidden sit down and rest them2 the which when they had done1 those that attended upon the ,pilgrims in the house1 came into the room to see them4 ,and one smiled1 and another smiled1 and they all smiled1 for joy that ,christiana was become a pilgrim4 ,they also looked upon the boys4 ,they stroked them over the faces with the hand1 in token of their kind reception of them4 ,they also carried it lovingly to ,mercy1 and bid them all welcome into their ,master's house4#fh ,after a while1 because supper was not ready1 the ,interpreter took them into his significant rooms1 and showed them what ,christian1 ,christiana's husband1 had seen some time before4 ,here1 therefore1 they saw the man in the cage1 the man and his dream1 the man that cut his way through his enemies1 and the picture of the biggest of them all1 together with the rest of those things that were then so profitable to ,christian4 ,this done1 and after these things had been somewhat digested by ,christiana and her company1 the ,interpreter takes them apart again1 and has them first into a room where was a man that could look no way but downwards1 with a muck-rake in his hand4 ,there stood also one over ,his head with a celestial crown in ,his hand1 and proffered him that crown for his muck-rake2 but the man did neither look up1 nor regard1 but raked to himself the straws1 the small sticks1 and dust of the floor4#fi ,then said ,christiana1 ,i persuade myself that ,i know somewhat the meaning of this2 for this is a figure of a man of this world1 is it not1 good ,sir8 ,,inter4 ,thou hast said the right1 said ,he1 and his muck-rake doth show his carnal mind4 ,and whereas thou seest him rather give heed to rake up straws and sticks1 and the dust of the floor1 than to what ,he says that calls to him from above with the celestial crown in ,his hand1 it is to show that ,heaven is but as a fable to some1 and that things here are counted the only things substantial4 ,now1 whereas1 it was also showed thee1 that the man could look no way but downwards1 it is to let thee know that earthly things1 when they are with power upon men's minds1 quite carry their hearts away from ,god4#gj ,,christ4 ,then said ,christiana1 ,o deliver me from this muck-rake6#ga ,,inter4 ,that prayer1 ,said the ,interpreter1 has lain by till it is almost rusty4 ',give me not riches1' is scarce the prayer of one of ten thousand 7,prov4 #cj3h74 ,straws1 and sticks1 and dust1 with most1 are the great things now looked after4#gb ,with that ,mercy and ,christiana wept1 and said1 ,it is1 alas6 too true4#gc ,when the ,interpreter had shown them this1 ,he has them into the very best room in the house2 a very brave room it was4 ,so ,he bid them look round about1 and see if they could find anything profitable there4 ,then they looked round and round2 for there was nothing there to be seen but a very great spider on the wall3 and that they overlooked4 ,,mercy4 ,then said ,mercy1 ,sir1 ,i see nothing2 but ,christiana held her peace4 ,,inter4 ,but1 said the ,interpreter1 look again1 and she therefore looked again1 and said1 ,here is not anything but an ugly spider1 who hangs by her hands upon the wall4 ,then said ,he1 ,is there but one spider in all this spacious room8 ,then the water stood in ,christiana's eyes1 for she was a woman quick of apprehension2 and she said1 ,yea1 ,lord1 there is here more than one4 ,yea1 and spiders whose venom is far more destructive than that which is in her4 ,the ,interpreter then looked pleasantly upon her1 and said1 ,thou hast said the truth4 ,this made ,mercy blush1 and the boys to cover their faces1 for they all began now to understand the riddle4#gd ,then said the ,interpreter again1 ',the spider taketh hold with their hands 7as you see71 and is in kings' palaces' 7,prov4 #cj3bh74 ,and wherefore is this recorded1 but to show you1 that how full of the venom of sin soever you be1 yet you may1 by the hand of faith1 lay hold of1 and dwell in the best room that belongs to the ,king's house above6#ge ,,christ4 ,i thought1 said ,christiana1 of something of this2 but ,i could not imagine it all4 ,i thought that we were like spiders1 and that we looked like ugly creatures1 in what fine room soever we were2 but that by this spider1 this venomous and ill-favoured creature1 we were to learn how to act faith1 that came not into my mind4 ,and yet she has taken hold with her hands1 as ,i see1 and dwells in the best room in the house4 ,god has made nothing in vain4 ,then they seemed all to be glad2 but the water stood in their eyes2 yet they looked one upon another1 and also bowed before the ,interpreter4 ,he had them then into another room1 where was a hen and chickens1 and bid them observe a while4 ,so one of the chickens went to the trough to drink1 and every time she drank1 she lift up her head1 and her eyes towards ,heaven4 ,see1 said ,he1 what this little chick doth1 and learn of her to acknowledge whence your mercies come1 by receiving them with looking up4 ,yet again1 said ,he1 observe and look2 so they gave heed1 and perceived that the hen did walk in a fourfold method towards her chickens4 #a4 ,she had a common call1 and that she hath all day long4 #b4 ,she had a special call1 and that she had but sometimes4 #c4 ,she had a brooding note4 ,and #d4 ,she had an outcry 7,matt4 #bc3cg74 ,now1 said ,he1 compare this hen to your ,king1 and these chickens to ,his obedient ones4#gf ,for1 answerable to her1 ,himself has ,his methods1 which ,he walketh in towards ,his people2 by ,his common call1 ,he gives nothing2 by ,his special call1 ,he always has something to give2 ,he has also a brooding voice1 for them that are under ,his wing2 and ,he has an outcry1 to give the alarm when ,he seeth the enemy come4#gg ,i chose1 ,my darlings1 to lead you into the room where such things are1 because you are women1 and they are easy for you4#gh ,,christ4 ,and ,sir1 said ,christiana1 pray let us see some more4 ,so ,he had them into the slaughter-house1 where was a butcher killing of a sheep2 and behold the sheep was quiet1 and took her death patiently4 ,then said the ,interpreter1 ,you must learn of this sheep to suffer1 and to put up wrongs without murmurings and complaints4 ,behold how quietly she taketh her death1 and without objecting1 she suffereth her skin to be pulled over her ears4 ,your ,king doth call you ,his sheep4 ,after this ,he led them into ,his garden1 where was great variety of flowers2 and he said1 ,do you see all these8 ,so ,christiana ,said1 ,yes4 ,then said ,he again1 ,behold the flowers are diverse in stature1 in quality1 and colour1 and smell1 and virtue2 and some are better than some2 also where the gardener hath set them1 there they stand1 and quarrel not with one another4#gi ,again1 ,he had them into ,his field1 which ,he had sowed with wheat and corn2 but when they beheld1 the tops of all were cut off1 only the straw remained2 ,he said again1 ,this ground was dunged1 and ploughed1 and sowed2 but what shall we do with the crop8 ,then said ,christiana1 ,burn some1 and make muck of the rest4 ,then ,said the ,interpreter again1 ,fruit1 you see1 is that thing you look for1#hj and for want of that you condemn it to the fire1 and to be trodden under foot of men3 beware that in this you condemn not yourselves4#ha ,then1 as they were coming in from abroad1 they espied a little robin with a great spider in his mouth2 so the ,interpreter said1 ,look here4 ,so they looked1 and ,mercy wondered2 but ,christiana said1 ,what a disparagement is it to such a little pretty bird as the robin-redbreast is1 he being also a bird above many1 that loveth to maintain a kind of socialbleness with man2 ,i had thought they had lived upon crumbs of bread1 or upon other such harmless matter2 ,i like him worse than ,i did4 ,the ,interpreter then replied1 ,this robin is an emblem1 very apt to set forth some professors by2 for to sight1 they are1 as this robin1 pretty of note1 colour1 and carriage4 ,they seem also to have a very great love for professors that are sincere2 and above all other1 to desire to sociate with them1 and to be in their company1 as if they could live upon the good man's crumbs4 ,they pretend also1 that therefore it is that they frequent the house of the godly1 and the appointments of the ,lord2 but1 when they are by themselves1 as the robin1 they can catch and gobble up spiders1 they can change their diet1 drink iniquity1 and swallow down sin like water4#hb ,so1 when they were come again into the house1 because supper as yet was not ready1 ,christiana again desired that the ,interpreter would either show or tell of some other things that are profitable4 ,then the ,interpreter began1 and said1 ,the fatter the sow is1 the more she desires the mire2 the fatter the ox is1 the more gamesomely he goes to the slaughter2 and the more healthy the lusty man is1 the more prone he is unto evil4 ,there is a desire in women to go neat and fine1 and it is a comely thing to be adorned with that that in ,god's sight is of great price4 ,it is easier watching a night or two1 than to sit up a whole year together4 ,so it is easier for one to begin to profess well1 than to hold out as he should to the end4 ,every shipmaster1 when in a storm1 will willingly cast that overboard that is of the smallest value in the vessel2 but who will throw the best out first8 ,none but he that feareth not ,god4 ,one leak will sink a ship2 and one sin will destroy a sinner4 ,he that forgets his friend1 is ungrateful unto him2 but he that forgets his ,saviour1 is unmerciful to himself4 ,he that lives in sin1 and looks for happiness hereafter1 is like him that soweth cockle1 and thinks to fill his barn with wheat or barley4 ,if a man would live well1 let him fetch his last day to him1 and make it always his company keeper4 ,whispering1 and change of thoughts1 prove that sin is in the world4 ,if the world1 which ,god sets light by1 is counted a thing of that worth with men2 what is ,heaven1 which ,god commendeth8 ,if the life that is attended with so many troubles1 is so loath to be let go by us1 what is the life above8 ,everybody will cry up the goodness of men2 but who is there that is1 as he should1 affected with the goodness of ,god8 ,we seldom sit down to meat1 but we eat and leave2 so there is in ,jesus ,christ more merit and righteousness than the whole world has need of4#hc ,when the ,interpreter had done1 ,he takes them out into ,his garden again1 and had them to a tree1 whose inside was all rotten and gone1 and yet it grew and had leaves4 ,then said ,mercy1 ,what means this8 ,this tree1 said ,he1 whose outside is fair1 and whose inside is rotten1 it is to which many may be compared1 that are in the garden of ,god2 who with their mouths speak high in behalf of ,god1 but indeed will do nothing for ,him2 whose leaves are fair1 but their heart good for nothing but to be tinder for the devil's tinder box4#hd ,now supper was ready1 the table spread1 and all things set on the board2 so they sat down and did eat1 when one had given thanks4 ,and the ,interpreter did usually entertain those that lodged with ,him1 with music at meals2 so the minstrels played4 ,there was also one that did sing1 and a very fine voice he had4 ,his song was this3 ,the ,lord is only my support1 ,and he that doth me feed2 ,how can ,i then want anything ,whereof ,i stand in need8 ,when the song and music was ended1#he the ,interpreter asked ,christiana what it was that at first did move her to betake herself to a ,pilgrim's life4 ,christiana answered1 ,first1 the loss of my husband came into my mind1 at which ,i was heartily grieved2 but all that was but natural affection4 ,then1 after that1 came the troubles and pilgrimage of my husband into my mind1 and also how like a churl ,i had carried it to him as to that4 ,so guilt took hold of my mind1 and would have drawn me into the pond2 but that opportunely ,i had a dream of the well-being of my husband1 and a letter sent me by the ,king of that country where my husband dwells1 to come to ,him4 ,the dream and the letter together so wrought upon my mind1 that they forced me to this way4 ,,inter4 ,but met you with no opposition before you set out of doors8 ,,christ4 ,yes1 a neighbour of mine1 one ,mrs4 ,timorous 7she was akin to him that would have persuaded my husband to go back1 for fear of the lions74 ,she all to befooled me for1 as she called it1 my intended desperate adventure2 she also urged what she could to dishearten me to it2 the hardship and troubles that my husband met with in the way1 but all this ,i got over pretty well4#hf ,but a dream that ,i had of two ill-looked ones1 that ,i thought did plot how to make me miscarry in my journey1 that hath troubled me much2 yea1 it still runs in my mind1 and makes me afraid of everyone that ,i meet1 lest they should meet me to do me a mischief1 and to turn me out of the way4 ,yea1 ,i may tell my ,lord1 though ,i would not have everybody know it1 that between this and the gate by which we got into the way1 we were both so sorely assaulted that we were made to cry out1 ,murder6 and the two them made this assault upon us were like the two that ,i saw in my dream4 ,then said the ,interpreter1 thy beginning is good1 thy latter end shall greatly increase4 ,so ,he addressed ,himself to ,mercy1 and said unto her1 ,and what moved thee to come hither1 sweet heart8 ,then ,mercy blushed and trembled1 and for a while continued silent4 ,,inter4 ,then1 said ,he1 be not afraid1 only believe1 and speak thy mind4 ,,mercy4 ,so she began1 and said1 ,truly1 ,sir1 my want of experience is that which makes me covet to be in silence1 and that also that fills me with fears of coming short at last4 ,i cannot tell of visions and dreams as my friend ,christiana can2 nor know ,i what it is to mourn for my refusing of the counsel of those that were good relations4#hg ,,inter4 ,what was it then1 dear heart1 that hath prevailed with thee to do as thou hast done8 ,,mercy4 ,why1 when our friend here was packing up to be gone from our town1 ,i and another went accidentally to see her2 so we knocked at the door and went in4 ,when we were within1 and seeing what she was doing1 we asked what was her meaning4 ,she said1 she was sent for to go to her husband2 and then she up and told us how she had seen him in a dream1 dwelling in a curious place1 among immortals1 wearing a crown1 playing upon a harp1 eating and drinking at his ,prince's table1 and singing praises to ,him for bringing him thither1 c4 ,now1 methought1 while she was telling these things unto us1 my heart burned within me2 and ,i said in my heart1 ,if this be true1 ,i will leave my father and my mother1 and the land of my nativity1 and will1 if ,i may1 go along with ,christiana4 ,so ,i asked her further of the truth of these things1 and if she would let me go with her2 for ,i saw now that there was no dwelling1 but with the danger of ruin1 any longer in our town4 ,but yet ,i came away with a heavy heart1 not for that ,i was unwilling to come away1 but for that so many of my relations were left behind4 ,and ,i am come1 with all the desire of my heart1 and will go1 if ,i may1 with ,christiana1 unto her husband1 and his ,king4#hh ,,inter4 ,thy setting out is good1 for thou hast given credit to the truth4#hi ,thou art a ,ruth1 who did1 for the love she bare to ,naomi1 and to the ,lord her ,god1 leave father and mother1 and the land of her nativity1 to come out1 and go with a people that she knew not heretofore4 ',the ,lord recompense thy work1 and a full reward be given thee of the ,lord ,god of ,israel1 under whose wings thou art come to trust' 7,ruth #b3ab74 ,now supper was ended1 and preparation was made for bed2 the women were laid singly alone1 and the boys by themselves4 ,now when ,mercy was in bed1 she could not sleep for joy1 for that now her doubts of missing at last1 were removed further from her than ever they were before4 ,so she lay blessing and praising ,god1 who had had such favour for her4 ,in the morning they rose with the sun1 and prepared themselves for their departure2 but the ,interpreter would have them tarry awhile1 for1 said ,he1 you must orderly go from hence4 ,then1 said ,he to the damsel that first opened unto them1 ,take them and have them into the garden to the bath1 and there wash them1 and make them clean from the soil which they have gathered by travelling4 ,then ,innocent the damsel took them1 and had them into the garden1 and brought them to the bath2 so she told them that there they must wash and be clean1 for so her ,master would have the women to do that called at ,his house1 as they were going on pilgrimage4 ,they then went in and washed1 yea1 they and the boys and all2 and they came out of that bath1 not only sweet and clean1 but also much enlivened and strengthened in their joints4#ij ,so when they came in1 they looked fairer a deal than when they went out to the washing4#ia ,when they were returned out of the garden from the bath1 the ,interpreter took them1 and looked upon them1 and said unto them1 ,fair as the moon4 ,then he called for the seal1 wherewith they used to be sealed that were washed in ,his bath4 ,so the seal was brought1 and ,he set ,his mark upon them1 that they might be known in the places whither they were yet to go4 ,now the seal was the contents and sum of the passover which the children of ,israel did eat when they came out from the land of ,egypt1 and the mark was set between their eyes4#ib ,this seal greatly added to their beauty1 for it was an ornament to their faces4 ,it also added to their gravity1 and made their countenances more like them of angels#ic 7,exo4 #ac3h-aj74 ,then said the ,interpreter again to the damsel that waited upon these women1 ,go into the vestry and fetch out garments for these people2 so she went and fetched out white raiment1 and laid down before ,him2 so ,he commanded them to put it on4 ',it was fine linen1 white and clean4' ,when the women were thus adorned1 they seemed to be a terror one to the other2 for that they could not see that glory each one on herself1 which they could see in each other4 ,now1 therefore1 they began to esteem each other better than themselves4 ',for you are fairer than ,i am1' said one2 and 'you are more comely than ,i am1' said another4#id ,the children also stood amazed to see into what fashion they were brought4#ie ,the ,interpreter then called for a man-servant of ,his1 one ,great-heart1 and bid him take sword1 and helmet1 and shield2 and take these ,my daughters1 said ,he1 and conduct them to the house called ,beautiful1 at which place they will rest next4#if ,so he took his weapons and went before them2 and the ,interpreter said1 ,god speed4 ,those also that belonged to the family1 sent them away with many a good wish4 ,so they went on their way and sang-- ,this place has been our second stage2 ,here we have heard and seen ,those good things that1 from age to age1 ,to others hid have been4 ,the dunghill-racer1 spider1 hen1 ,the chicken1 too1 to me ,hath taught a lesson2 let me then ,conformed to it be4 ,the butcher1 garden1 and the field1 ,the robin and his bait1 ,also the rotten tree doth yield ,me argument of weight2 ,to move me for to watch and pray1 ,to strive to be sincere2 ,to take my cross up day by day1 ,and serve the ,lord with fear4 ,now ,i saw in my dream1 that they went on1 and ,great-heart went before them3 so they went and came to the place where ,christian's burden fell off his back1 and tumbled into a sepulchre4 ,here then they made a pause2 and here also they blessed ,god4 ,now1 said ,christiana1 it comes to my mind1 what was said to us at the gate1 to wit1 that we should have pardon by word and deed2 by word1 that is1 by the promise2 by deed1 to wit1 in the way it was obtained4 ,what the promise is1 of that ,i know something2 but what it is to have pardon by deed1 or in the way that it was obtained1 ,mr4 ,great-heart1 ,i suppose you know2 wherefore1 if you please1 let us hear you discourse thereof4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,pardon by the deed done1 is pardon obtained by someone1 for another that hath need thereof3 not by the person pardoned1 but in the way1 saith another1 in which ,i have obtained it4 ,so then1 to speak to the question more at large1 the pardon that you and ,mercy1 and these boys have attained1 was obtained by another1 to wit1 by ,him that let you in at the gate2 and ,he hath obtained it in this double way4 ,he has performed righteousness to cover you1 and spilt blood to wash you in4#ig ,,christ4 ,but if ,he parts with ,his righteousness to us1 what will ,he have for ,himself8 ,,great-,,heart4 ,he has more righteousness than you have need of1 or than ,he needeth ,himself4 ,,christ4 ,pray make that appear4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,with all my heart2 but first ,i must premise1 that ,he of whom we are now about to speak is one that has not ,his fellow4 ,he has two natures in one ,person1 plain to be distinguished1 impossible to be divided4 ,unto each of these natures a righteousness belongeth1 and each righteousness is essential to that nature2 so that one may as easily cause the nature to be extinct1 as to separate its justice or righteousness from it4 ,of these righteousnesses1 therefore1 we are not made partakers1 so as that they1 or any of them1 should be put upon us1 that we might be made just1 and live thereby4 ,besides these1 there is a righteousness which this ,person has1 as these two natures are joined in one3 and this is not the righteousness of the ,godhead1 as distinguished from the manhood2 nor the righteousness of the manhood1 as distinguished from the ,godhead2 but a righteousness which standeth in the union of both natures1 and may properly be called1 the righteousness that is essential to ,his being prepared of ,god to the capacity of the mediatory office1 which ,he was to be intrusted with4 ,if ,he parts with ,his first righteousness1 ,he parts with ,his ,godhead2 if ,he parts with ,his second righteousness1 ,he parts with the purity of ,his manhood2 if ,he parts with this third1 ,he parts with that perfection that capacitates ,him to the office of mediation4 ,he has1 therefore1 another righteousness1 which standeth in performance1 or obedience1 to a revealed will2 and that is it that ,he puts upon sinners1 and that by which their sins are covered4 ,wherefore ,he saith1 ',as by one man's disobedience1 many were made sinners2 so by the obedience of one1 shall many be made righteous'#ih 7,rom4 #e3ai74 ,,christ4 ,but are the other righteousnesses of no use to us8 ,,great-,,heart4 ,yes2 for though they are essential to ,his natures and office and so cannot be communicated unto another1 yet it is by virtue of them1 that the righteousness that justifies1 is1 for that purpose1 efficacious4 ,the righteousness of ,his ,godhead gives virtue to ,his obedience2 the righteousness of ,his manhood giveth capability to ,his obedience to justify2 and the righteousness that standeth in the union of these two natures to ,his office1 giveth authority to that righteousness to do the work for which it is ordained4 ,so then1 here is a righteousness that ,christ1 as ,god1 has no need of1 for ,he is ,god without it2 here is a righteousness that ,christ1 as man1 has no need of to make ,him so1 for ,he is perfect man without it2 again1 here is a righteousness that ,christ1 as ,god-man1 has no need of1 for ,he is perfectly so without it4 ,here1 then1 is a righteousness that ,christ1 as ,god1 as man1 as ,god-man1 has no need of1 with reference to ,himself1 and therefore ,he can spare it2 a justifying righteousness1 that ,he for ,himself wanteth not1 and therefore ,he giveth it away2 hence it is called 'the gift of righteousness' 7,rom4 #e3ag74 ,this righteousness1 since ,christ ,jesus the ,lord has made ,himself under the law1 must be given away2 for the law doth not only bind him that is under it 'to do justly1' but to use charity4 ,wherefore he must1 he ought1 by the law1 if he hath two coats1 to give one to him that hath none4 ,now1 our ,lord1 indeed1 hath two coats1 one for ,himself1 and one to spare2 wherefore ,he freely bestows one upon those that have none4 ,and thus1 ,christiana1 and ,mercy1 and the rest of you that are here1 doth your pardon come by deed1 or by the work of another man4 ,your ,lord ,christ is ,he that has worked1 and has given away what he wrought for1 to the next poor beggar ,he meets4#ii ,but1 again1 in order to pardon by deed1 there must something be paid to ,god as a price1 as well as something prepared to cover us withal4 ,sin has delivered us up to the just curse of a righteous law2 now1 from this curse we must be justified by way of redemption1 a price being paid for the harms we have done 7,rom4 #d3bd72 and this is by the blood of your ,lord1 who came and stood in your place and stead1 and died your death for your transgressions 7,gal4 #c3ac74 ,thus has ,he ransomed you from your transgressions by blood1 and covered your polluted and deformed souls with righteousness4 ,for the sake of which1 ,god passeth by you1 and will not hurt you1 when ,he comes to judge the world4 ,,christ4 ,this is brave4 ,now1 ,i see there was something to be learned by our being pardoned by word and deed4 ,good ,mercy1 let us labour to keep this in mind2 and my children1 do you remember it also4 ,but1 ,sir1 was not this it that made my good ,christian's burden fall from off his shoulder1 and that made him give three leaps for joy8#ajj ,,great-,,heart4 ,yes1 it was the belief of this1 that cut those strings1 that could not be cut by other means2 and it was to give him a proof of the virtue of this1 that he was suffered to carry his burden to the ,cross4 ,,christ4 ,i thought so2 for though my heart was lightful and joyous before1 yet it is ten times more lightsome and joyous now4 ,and ,i am persuaded by what ,i have felt1 though ,i have felt but little as yet1 that if the most burdened man in the world was here1 and did see and believe as ,i now do1 it would make his heart the more merry and blithe4#aja ,,great-,,heart4 ,there is not only comfort1 and the ease of a burden brought to us1 by the sight and consideration of these1 but an endeared affection begot in us by it2 for who can1 if he doth but once think that pardon comes not only by promise1 but thus1 but be affected with the way and means of his redemption1 and so1 with the ,man that hath wrought it for him8 ,,christ4 ,true2 methinks it makes my heart bleed to think that ,he should bleed for me4 ,o ,thou loving ,one6 ,o ,thou blessed ,one6 ,thou deservest to have me2 ,thou hast bought me2 ,thou deservest to have me all2 ,thou hast paid for me ten thousand times more than ,i am worth6 ,no marvel that this made the water stand in my husband's eyes1 and that it made him trudge so nimbly on2 ,i am persuaded he wished me with him2 but1 vile wretch that ,i was1 ,i let him come all alone4 ,o ,mercy1 that thy father and mother were here2 yea1 and ,mrs4 ,timorous also2 nay1 ,i wish now with all my heart1 that here was ,madam ,wanton too4 ,surely1 surely their hearts would be affected2 nor could the fear of the one1 nor the powerful lusts of the other1 prevail with them to go home again1 and to refuse to become good pilgrims4#ajb ,,great-,,heart4 ,you speak now in the warmth of your affections4 ,will it1 think you1 be always thus with you8 ,besides1 this is not communicated to everyone that did see your ,jesus bleed4 ,there were that stood by1 and that saw the blood run from ,his heart to the ground1 and yet were so far off this1 that1 instead of lamenting1 they laughed at ,him2 and1 instead of becoming ,his disciples1 did harden their hearts against ,him4 ,so that all that you have1 my daughters1 you have by a peculiar impression made by a ,divine contemplating upon what ,i have spoken to you4 ,remember that it was told you1 that the hen1 by her common call1 gives no meat to her chickens4 ,this you have1 therefore1 by a special grace4#ajc ,now1 ,i saw still in my dream1 that they went on until they were come to the place that ,simple1 and ,sloth1 and ,presumption1#ajd lay and slept in1 when ,christian went by on pilgrimage2 and1 behold1 they were hanged up in irons a little way off on the other side4#aje ,,mercy4 ,then said ,mercy to him that was their guide and conductor1 ,what are those three men8 and for what are they hanged there8 ,,great-,,heart4 ,these three men were men of very bad qualities4 ,they had no mind to be pilgrims themselves1 and whosoever they could they hindered4 ,they were for sloth and folly themselves1 and whoever they could persuade with1 they made so too2 and1 withal1 taught them to presume that they should do well at last4 ,they were asleep when ,christian went by2 and now you go by1 they are hanged4#ajf ,,mercy4 ,but could they persuade any to be of their opinion8 ,,great-,,heart4 ,yes2 they turned several out of the way4 ,there was ,slow-pace that they persuaded to do as they4 ,they also prevailed with one ,short-wind1 with one ,no-heart1 with one ,linger-after-lust1 and with one ,sleepy-head1 and with a young woman1 her name was ,dull1 to turn out of the way1 and become as they4 ,besides1 they brought up an ill report of your ,lord1 persuading others that ,he was a taskmaster4 ,they also brought up an evil report of the good land1 saying it was not half so good as some pretend it was4 ,they also began to vilify ,his servants1 and to count the very best of them meddlesome1 troublesome1 busybodies4 ,further1 they could call the bread of ,god husks2 the comforts of ,his children1 fancies2 the travel and labour of pilgrims1 things to no purpose4#ajg ,,christ4 ,nay1 said ,christiana1 if they were such1 they shall never be bewailed by me4 ,they have but what they deserve2 and ,i think it is well that they hang so near the highway1 that others may see and take warning4 ,but had it not been well if their crimes had been engraven on some plate of iron or brass1 and left here1 even where they did their mischiefs1 for a caution to other bad men8 ,,great-,,heart4 ,so it is1 as you well may perceive1 if you will go a little to the wall4 ,,mercy4 ,no1 no2 let them hang1 and their names rot1 and their crimes live forever against them4 ,i think it a high favour that they were hanged before we came hither2 who knows else what they might have done to such poor women as we are8 ,then she turned it into a song1 saying-- ,now then1 you three1 hang there1 and be a sign ,to all that shall against the truth combine4 ,and let him that comes after fear this end1 ,if unto pilgrims he is not a friend4 ,and thou1 my soul1 of all such men beware1 ,that unto holiness opposers are4 ,thus they went on1 till they came at the foot of the ,hill ,difficulty1#ajh where1 again1 their good friend1 ,mr4 ,great-heart1 took an occasion to tell them of what happened there when ,christian himself went by4 ,so he had them first to the spring4 ,lo1 said he1 this is the spring that ,christian drank of1 before he went up this hill2 and then it was clear and good1 but now it is dirty with the feet of some that are not desirous that pilgrims here should quench their thirst 7,ezek4 #cd3ah74 ,thereat ,mercy said1 ,and why so envious1 trow8 ,but1 said their guide1 it will do1 if taken up1 and put into a vessel that is sweet and good2 for then the dirt will sink to the bottom1 and the water come out by itself more clear4#aji ,thus1 therefore1 ,christiana and her companions were compelled to do4 ,they took it up1 and put it into an earthen pot1 and so let it stand till the dirt was gone to the bottom1 and then they drank thereof4#aaj ,next1 he showed them the two by-ways that were at the foot of the hill1 where ,formality and ,hypocrisy lost themselves4 ,and1 said he1 these are dangerous paths4 ,two were here cast away when ,christian came by4 ,and although1 as you see1 these ways are since stopped up with chains1 posts1 and a ditch1 yet there are that will choose to adventure here1 rather than take the pains to go up this hill4#aaa ,,christ4 ',the way of transgressors is hard' 7,prov4 #ac3ae74 ,it is a wonder that they can get into those ways without danger of breaking their necks4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,they will venture4 ,yea1 if at any time any of the ,king's servants do happen to see them1 and do call unto them1 and tell them that they are in the wrong ways1 and do bid them beware the danger1 then they will railingly return them answer1 and say1 ',as for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the ,lord1 we will not hearken unto thee2 but we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth1' c4 7,jer4 #dd3af1 #ag74 ,nay1 if you look a little further1 you shall see that these ways are made cautionary enough1 not only by these posts1 and ditch1 and chain2 but also by being hedged up1 yet they will choose to go there4#aab ,,christ4 ,they are idle2 they love not to take pains2 uphill way is unpleasant to them4 ,so it is fulfilled unto them as it is written1 ',the way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns' 7,prov4 #ae3ai74 ,yea1 they will rather choose to walk upon a snare1 than to go up this hill1 and the rest of this way to the city4 ,then they set forward1 and began to go up the hill1 and up the hill they went2 but before they got to the top1 ,christiana began to pant2 and said1 ,i dare say1 this is a breathing hill4 ,no marvel if they that love their ease more than their souls1 choose to themselves a smoother way4#aac ,then said ,mercy1 ,i must sit down2 also the least of the children began to cry4 ,come1 come1 said ,great-heart1 sit not down here1 for a little above is the ,prince's arbour4 ,then took he the little boy by the hand1 and led him up thereto4 ,when they were come to the arbour1 they were very willing to sit down1 for they were all in a pelting heat4 ,then said ,mercy1 ,how sweet is rest to them that labour#aad 7,matt4 #aa3bh74 ,and how good is the ,prince of pilgrims1 to provide such resting-places for them6 ,of this arbour ,i have heard much2 but ,i never saw it before4 ,but here let us beware of sleeping2 for1 as ,i have heard1 for that it cost poor ,christian dear4 ,then said ,mr4 ,great-heart to the little ones1 ,come1 my pretty boys1 how do you do8 ,what think you now of going on pilgrimage8 ,sir1 said the least1 ,i was almost beat out of heart8 but ,i thank you for lending me a hand at my need4#aae ,and ,i remember now what my mother hath told me1 namely1 that the way to ,heaven is as up a ladder1 and the way to hell is as down a hill4 ,but ,i had rather go up the ladder to life1 than down the hill to death4#aaf ,then said ,mercy1 ,but the proverb is1 ,to go down the hill is easy4 ,but ,james said 7for that was his name71 ,the day is coming1 when1 in my opinion1 going down hill will be the hardest of all4 ',tis a good boy1 said his ,master1 thou hast given her a right answer4 ,then ,mercy smiled2 but the little boy did blush4#aag ,,christ4 ,come1 said ,christiana1 will you eat a bit1 a little to sweeten your mouths1 while you sit here to rest your legs8 ,for ,i have here a piece of pomegranate1 which ,mr4 ,interpreter put in my hand1 just when ,i came out of ,his doors4 ,he gave me also a piece of a honeycomb1 and a little bottle of spirits4 ,i thought ,he gave you something1 said ,mercy1 because ,he called you aside4 ,yes2 so ,he did1 said the other4 ,but1 said ,christiana1 it shall still be1 as ,i said it should1 when at first we came from home1 thou shalt be a sharer in all the good that ,i have1 because thou so willingly didst become my companion4 ,then she gave to them1 and they did eat1 both ,mercy and the boys4 ,and1 said ,christiana to ,mr4 ,great-heart1 ,sir1 will you do as we8 ,but he answered1 ,you are going on pilgrimage1 and presently ,i shall return4 ,much good may what you have do to you4 ,at home ,i eat the same every day4 ,now1 when they had eaten and drank1 and had chatted a little longer1 their guide said to them4 ,the day wears away1 if you think good1 let us prepare to be going4 ,so they got up to go1 and the little boys went before4 ,but ,christiana forgot to take her bottle of spirits with her2 so she sent her little boy back to fetch it4 ,then said ,mercy1 ,i think this is a losing place4 ,here ,christian lost his roll2 and here ,christiana left her bottle behind her4 ,sir1 what is the cause of this8 ,so their guide made answer1 and said1 ,the cause is sleep or forgetfulness4 ,some sleep when they should keep awake2 and some forget when they should remember2 and this is the very cause why1 often at the resting-places1 some pilgrims1 in some things1 come off losers4 ,pilgrims should watch1 and remember what they have already received under their greatest enjoyments2 but for want of doing so1 ofttimes their rejoicing ends in tears1 and their sunshine in a cloud4#aah ,witness the story of ,christian at this place4#aai ,when they were come to the place where ,mistrust and ,timorous met ,christian to persuade him to go back for fear of the lions1 they perceived as it were a stage1 and before it1 towards the road1 a broad plate1 with a copy of verses written thereon1 and underneath1 the reason of raising up of that stage in that place1 rendered4 ,the verses were these-- ,let him who sees this stage take heed ,unto his heart and tongue2 ,lest if he do not1 here he speed1 ,as some have long agone4 ,the words underneath the verses were1 ',this stage1 was built to punish such upon1 who through ,timorousness or ,mistrust1 shall be afraid to go further on pilgrimage2 also1 on this stage1 both ,mistrust and ,timorous were burned through the tongue with a hot iron1 for endeavouring to hinder ,christian in his journey4'#abj ,then said ,mercy1 ,this is much like to the saying of the ,beloved1 ',what shall be given unto thee8 or what shall be done unto thee1 thou false tongue8 ,sharp arrows of the mighty1 with coals of juniper' 7,psa4 #abj3c-d74 ,so they went on1 till they came within sight of the lions4 ,now ,mr4 ,great-heart was a strong man1 ,so he was not afraid of a lion2 but yet when they were come up to the place where the lions were1 the boys that went before were glad when to cringe behind1 for they were afraid of the lions2 so they stepped back1 and went behind4 ,at this their guide smiled1 and said1 ,how now1 my boys1 do you love to go before1 when no danger doth approach1 and love to come behind so soon as the lions appear8 ,now1 as they went up1 ,mr4 ,great-heart drew his sword1 with intent to make a way for the ,pilgrims1 in spite of the lions4 ,then there appeared one1 that it seems1 had taken upon him to back the lions2 and he said to the ,pilgrims' guide1 ,what is the cause of your coming hither8 ,now the name of that man was ,grim1 or ,bloody-man1 because of his slaying of ,pilgrims1 and he was of the race of the giants4#aba ,,great-,,heart4 ,then said the ,pilgrims' guide1 ,these women and children are going on pilgrimage2 and this is the way they must go1 and go it they shall1 in spite of thee and the lions4#abb ,,grim4 ,this is not their way1 neither shall they go therein4 ,i am come forth to withstand them1 and to that end will back the lions4#abc ,now1 to say truth1 by reason of the fierceness of the lions1 and of the grim carriage of him that did back them1 this way had of late lain much unoccupied1 and was almost all grown over with grass4 ,,christ4 ,then said ,christiana1 ,though the highways have been unoccupied heretofore1 and though the travelers have been made in time past to walk through by-paths1 it must not be so now ,i am risen4 ,now ',i am risen a mother in ,israel' 7,judg4 #e3f1 #g74 ,,grim4 ,then he swore by the lions1 but it should2 and therefore bid them turn aside1 for they should not have passage there4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,but their guide made first his approach unto ,grim1 and laid so heavily at him with his sword1 that he forced him to a retreat4#abd ,,grim4 ,then said he that attempted to back the lions1 ,will you slay me upon mine own ground8 ,,great-,,heart4 ,it is the ,king's highway that we are in1 and in ,his way it is that thou hast placed thy lions2 but these women and these children1 though weak1 shall hold on their way in spite of thy lions4 ,and with that he gave him again a downright blow1 and brought him upon his knees4 ,with this blow he also broke his helmet1 and with the next he cut off an arm4 ,then did the giant roar so hideously1 that his voice frighted the women1 and yet they were glad to see him lie sprawling upon the ground4 ,now the lions were chained1 and so of themselves could do nothing4#abe ,wherefore1 when old ,grim1 that intended to back them1 was dead1 ,mr4 ,great-heart said to the ,pilgrims1 ,come now1 and follow me1 and no hurt shall happen to you from the lions4 ,they therefore went on1 but the women trembled as they passed by them2 the boys also looked as if they would die1 but they all got by without further hurt4#abf ,now then they were within sight of the ,porter's ,lodge1 and they soon came up unto it2 but they made the more haste after this to go thither1 because it is dangerous travelling there in the night4 ,so when they were come to the gate1 the guide knocked1 and the ,porter cried1 ,who is there8 ,but as soon as the guide had said1 ,it is ,i1 he knew his voice1 and came down 7for the guide had oft before that1 come thither1 as a conductor of pilgrims74 ,when he was come down1 he opened the gate1 and seeing the guide standing just before it 7for he saw not the women1 for they were behind him71 he said unto him1 ,how now1 ,mr4 ,great-heart1 what is your business here so late tonight8 ,i have brought1 said he1 some pilgrims hither1 where1 by my ,lord's commandment1 they must lodge2 ,i had been here some time ago1 had ,i not been opposed by the giant that did use to back the lions2 but ,i1 after a long and tedious combat with him1 have cut him off1 and have brought the ,pilgrims hither in safety4#abg ,,porter4 ,will you not go in1 and stay till morning8 ,,great-,,heart4 ,no1 ,i will return to my ,lord tonight4 ,,christ4 ,oh1 ,sir1 ,i know not how to be willing you should leave us in our pilgrimage1 you have been so faithful and so loving to us1 you have fought so stoutly for us1 you have been so hearty in counseling of us1 that ,i shall never forget your favour towards us4 ,,mercy4 ,then said ,mercy1 ,o that we might have thy company to our journey's end6 ,how can such poor women as we hold out in a way so full of troubles as this way is1 without a friend and defender8 ,,james4 ,then said ,james1 the youngest of the boys1 ,pray1 ,sir1 be persuaded to go with us1 and help us1 because we are so weak1 and the way so dangerous as it is4#abh ,,great-,,heart4 ,i am at my ,lord's commandment2 if ,he shall allot me to be your guide quite through1 ,i will willingly wait upon you4 ,but here you failed at first2 for1 when ,he bid me come thus far with you1 then you should have begged me of ,him to have gone quite through with you1 and ,he would have granted your request4 ,however1 at present1 ,i must withdraw2 and so1 good ,christiana1 ,mercy1 and my brave children1 ,adieu4 ,then the ,porter1 ,mr4 ,watchful1 asked ,christiana of her country1 and of her kindred2 and she said1 ,i came from the ,city of ,destruction2 ,i am a widow woman1 and my husband is dead2 his name was ,christian1 the ,pilgrim4 ,how6 said the ,porter1 was he your husband8 ,yes1 said she1 and these are his children2 and this1 pointing to ,mercy1 is one of my townswomen4 ,then the ,porter rang his bell1 as at such times he is wont1 and there came to the door one of the damsels1 whose name was ,humble-mind2 and to her the ,porter said1 ,go tell it within1 that ,christiana1 the wife of ,christian1 and her children1 are come hither on pilgrimage4 ,she went in1 therefore1 and told it4 ,but ,o what noise for gladness was there within1 when the damsel did but drop that word out of her mouth6 ,so they came with haste to the ,porter1 for ,christiana stood still at the door4 ,then some of the most grave said unto her1 ,come in1 ,christiana1 come in1 thou wife of that good man2 come in1 thou blessed woman2 come in1 with all that are with thee4 ,so she went in1 and they followed her that were her children and her companions4 ,now when they were gone in1 they were had into a very large room1 where they were bidden to sit down2 so they sat down1 and the chief of the house was called to see and welcome the guests4 ,then they came in1 and understanding who they were1 did salute each other with a kiss1 and said1 ,welcome1 ye vessels of the grace of ,god2 welcome to us your friends4#abi ,now1 because it was somewhat late1 and because the ,pilgrims were weary with their journey1 and also made faint with the sight of the fight1 and of the terrible lions1 therefore they desired1 as soon as might be1 to prepare to go to rest4 ,nay1 said those of the family1 refresh yourselves first with a morsel of meat2 for they had prepared for them a lamb1 with the accustomed sauce belonging thereto#acj 7,exo4 #ab3ba1 #bh2 ,john #a3bi72 for the ,porter had heard before of their coming1 and had told it to them within4 ,so when they had supped1 and ended their prayer with a psalm1 they desired they might go to rest4 ,but let us1 said ,christiana1 if we may be so bold as to choose1 be in that chamber#aca that was my husband's when he was here2 so they had them up thither1 and they lay all in a room4 ,when they were at rest1 ,christiana and ,mercy entered into discourse about things that were convenient4 ,,christ4 ,little did ,i think once1 that when my husband went on pilgrimage1 ,i should ever have followed4 ,,mercy4 ,and you as little thought of lying in his bed1 and in his chamber to rest1 as you do now4 ,,christ4 ,and much less did ,i ever think of seeing his face with comfort1 and of worshipping the ,lord the ,king with him2 and yet now ,i believe ,i shall4 ,,mercy4 ,hark6 ,don't you hear a noise8 ,,christ4 ,yes2 it is1 as ,i believe1 a noise of music1 for joy that we are here4#acb ,,mercy4 ,wonderful6 music in the house1 music in the heart1 and music also in ,heaven1 for joy that we are here6#acc ,thus they talked a while1 and then betook themselves to sleep4 ,so1 in the morning1 when they were awake1 ,christiana said to ,mercy3 ,,christ4 ,what was the matter that you did laugh in your sleep tonight8 ,i suppose you were in a dream4 ,,mercy4 ,so ,i was1 and a sweet dream it was2 but are you sure ,i laughed8 ,,christ4 ,yes2 you laughed heartily2 but1 prithee1 ,mercy1 tell me thy dream4 ,,mercy4 ,i was a-dreamed that ,i sat all alone in a solitary place1 and was bemoaning of the hardness of my heart4 ,now1 ,i had not sat there long1 but methought many were gathered about me1 to see me1 and to hear what it was that ,i said4 ,so they hearkened1 and ,i went on bemoaning the hardness of my heart4 ,at this1 some of them laughed at me1 some called me fool1 and some began to thrust me about4 ,with that1 methought ,i looked up1 and saw one coming with wings towards me4 ,so he came directly to me1 and said1 ,mercy1 what aileth thee8 ,now1 when he had heard me make my complaint1 he said ',peace be to thee4' ,he also wiped mine eyes with his handkerchief1 and clad me in silver and gold4 ,he put a chain about my neck1 and ear-rings in mine ears1 and a beautiful crown upon my head 7,ezek4 #af3h-ab74 ,then he took me by the hand1 and said1 ,mercy1 come after me4 ,so he went up1 and ,i followed1 till we came at a golden gate4 ,then he knocked2 and when they within had opened1 the man went in1 and ,i followed him up to a throne1 upon which one sat1 and ,he said to me1 ,welcome1 daughter4 ,the place looked bright and twinkling1 like the stars1 or rather like the sun2 and ,i thought that ,i saw your husband there4 ,so ,i awoke from my dream4#acd ,but did ,i laugh8 ,,christ4 ,laugh6 aye1 and well you might1 to see yourself so well4 ,for you must give me leave to tell you1 that ,i believe it was a good dream2 and that1 as you have begun to find the first part true1 so you shall find the second at last4 ',god speaketh once1 yea twice1 yet man perceiveth it not4 ,in a dream1 in a vision of the night1 when deep sleep falleth upon men1 in slumberings upon the bed'#ace 7,job #bh3ad1 #ae74 ,we need not1 when a-bed1 lie awake to talk with ,god4 ,he can visit us while we sleep1 and cause us then to hear ,his voice4 ,our heart ofttimes wakes when we sleep2 and ,god can speak to that1 either by words1 by proverbs1 by signs and similitudes1 as well as if one was awake4#acf ,,mercy4 ,well1 ,i am glad of my dream2 for ,i hope1 ere long1 to see it fulfilled1 to the making me laugh again4#acg ,,christ4 ,i think it is now high time to rise1 and to know what we must do4 ,,mercy4 ,pray1 if they invite us to stay awhile1 let us willingly accept of the proffer4 ,i am the willinger to stay awhile here1 to grow better acquainted with these maids4 ,methinks ,prudence1 ,piety1 and ,charity have very comely and sober countenances4#ach ,,christ4 ,we shall see what they will do4 ,so when they were up and ready1 they came down1 and they asked one another of their rest1 and if it were comfortable1 or not4 ,,mercy4 ,very good1 said ,mercy2 it was one of the best night's lodging that ever ,i had in my life4 ,then said ,prudence and ,piety1 ,if you will be persuaded to stay here awhile1 you shall have what the house will afford4 ,,char4 ,aye1 and that with a very good will1 said ,charity4 ,so they consented and staid there about a month1 or above1 and became very profitable one to another4 ,and because ,prudence would see how ,christiana had brought up her children1 she asked leave of her to catechise them4 ,so she gave her free consent4#aci ,then she began at the youngest1 whose name was ,james4 ,,prudence4 ,and she said1 ,come1 ,james1 canst thou tell me who made thee8 ,,james4 ,god the ,father1 ,god the ,son1 and ,god the ,holy ,ghost4 ,,prud4 ,good boy4 ,and canst thou tell me who saves thee8 ,,james4 ,god the ,father1 ,god the ,son1 and ,god the ,holy ,ghost4 ,,prud4 ,good boy still4 ,but how doth ,god the ,father save thee8 ,,james4 ,by his grace4 ,,prud4 ,how doth ,god the ,son save thee8 ,,james4 ,by ,his righteousness1 death1 and blood1 and life4 ,,prud4 ,and how doth ,god the ,holy ,ghost save thee8 ,,james4 ,by ,his illumination1 by ,his renovation1 and by ,his preservation4#adj ,then said ,prudence to ,christiana1 ,you are to be commended for thus bringing up your children4 ,i suppose ,i need not ask the rest these questions1 since the youngest of them can answer them so well4 ,i will therefore now apply myself to the next youngest4 ,,prud4 ,then she said1 ,come1 ,joseph 7for his name was ,joseph71 will you let me catechise you8 ,,joseph4 ,with all my heart4 ,,prud4 ,what is man8 ,,joseph4 ,a reasonable creature1 so made by ,god1 as my brother said4 ,,prud4 ,what is supposed by this word 'saved'8 ,,joseph4 ,that man1 by sin1 has brought himself into a state of captivity and misery4 ,,prud4 ,what is supposed by his being saved by the ,trinity8 ,,joseph4 ,that sin is so great and mighty a tyrant1 that none can pull us out of its clutches1 but ,god2 and that ,god is so good and loving to man1 as to pull him indeed out of this miserable state4 ,,prud4 ,what is ,god's design in saving1 of poor men8 ,,joseph4 ,the glorifying of ,his name1 of ,his grace1 and justice1 c41 and the everlasting happiness of ,his creature4 ,,prud4 ,who are they that must be saved8 ,,joseph4 ,those that accept of ,his salvation4#ada ,,prud4 ,good boy1 ,joseph2 thy mother has taught thee well1 and thou hast hearkened to what she hath said unto thee4 ,then said ,prudence to ,samuel1 who was the eldest but one1 ,,prud4 ,come1 ,samuel1 are you willing that ,i should catechise you also8 ,,samuel4 ,yes1 forsooth1 if you please4 ,,prud4 ,what is ,heaven8 ,,sam4 ,a place and state most blessed1 because ,god dwelleth there4 ,,prud4 ,what is hell8 ,,sam4 ,a place and state most woeful1 because it is the dwelling-place of sin1 the devil1 and death4 ,,prud4 ,why wouldest thou go to ,heaven8 ,,sam4 ,that ,i may see ,god1 and serve ,him without weariness2 that ,i may see ,christ1 and love ,him everlastingly2 that ,i may have that fullness of the ,holy ,spirit in me that ,i can by no means here enjoy4 ,,prud4 ,a very good boy also1 and one that has learned well4 ,then she addressed herself to the eldest1 whose name was ,matthew2 and she said to him1 ,come1 ,matthew1 shall ,i also catechise you8 ,,matthew4 ,with a very good will4 ,,prud4 ,i ask1 then1 if there were ever anything that had a being antecedent to1 or before ,god8 ,,matt4 ,no2 for ,god is eternal2 nor is there anything excepting ,himself1 that had a being until the beginning of the first day4 ',for in six days the ,lord made ,heaven and earth1 the sea1 and all that in them is4' ,,prud4 ,what do you think of the ,bible8 ,,matt4 ,it is the holy ,word of ,god4 ,,prud4 ,is there nothing written therein but what you understand8 ,,matt4 ,yes4 ,a great deal4 ,,prud4 ,what do you do when you meet with such places therein that you do not understand8 ,,matt4 ,i think ,god is wiser than ,i4 ,i pray also that ,he will please to let me know all therein that ,he knows will be for my good4#adb ,,prud4 ,how believe you1 as touching the resurrection of the dead8 ,,matt4 ,i believe they shall rise1 the same that was buried2 the same in nature1 though not in corruption4 ,and ,i believe this upon a double account3 ,first1 because ,god has promised it secondly1 because ,he is able to perform it4#adc ,then said ,prudence to the boys1 ,you must still hearken to your mother1 for she can learn you more4 ,you must also diligently give ear to what good talk you shall hear from others2 for1 for your sakes do they speak good things4 ,observe1 also1 and that with carefulness1 what the heavens and the earth do teach you2 but especially be much in the meditation of that ,book that was the cause of your father's becoming a pilgrim4 ,i1 for my part1 my children1 will teach you what ,i can while you are here1 and shall be glad if you will ask me questions that tend to godly edifying4 ,now1 by that these ,pilgrims had been at this place a week1 ,mercy had a visitor that pretended some goodwill unto her1 and his name was ,mr4 ,brisk1 a man of some breeding1 and that pretended to religion2 but a man that stuck very close to the world4 ,so he came once or twice1 or more1 to ,mercy1 and offered love unto her4 ,now ,mercy was of a fair countenance1 and therefore the more alluring4 ,her mind also was1 to be always busying of herself in doing2 for when she had nothing to do for herself1 she would be making of hose and garments for others1 and would bestow them upon them that had need4#add ,and ,mr4 ,brisk1 not knowing where or how she disposed of what she made1 seemed to be greatly taken1 for that he found her never idle4 ,i will warrant her a good housewife1 quoth he to himself4#ade ,mercy then revealed the business to the maidens that were of the house1 and inquired of them concerning him1 for they did know him better than she4#adf ,so they told her1 that he was a very busy young man1 and one that pretended to religion2 but was1 as they feared1 a stranger to the power of that which was good4 ,nay then1 said ,mercy1 ,i will look no more on him2 for ,i purpose never to have a clog to my soul4#adg ,prudence then replied that there needed no great matter of discouragement to be given to him1 her continuing so as she had begun to do for the poor1 would quickly cool his courage4 ,so the next time he comes1 he finds her at her old work1 a-making of things for the poor4 ,then said he1 ,what6 always at it8 ,yes1 said she1 either for myself or for others4 ,and what canst thou earn a day8 quoth he4 ,i do these things1 said she1 'that ,i may he rich in good works1 laying up in store a good foundation against the time to come1 that ,i may lay hold on eternal life' 7#a ,tim4 #f3ag-ai74 ,why1 prithee1 what dost thou with them8 said he4 ,clothe the naked1 said she4 ,with that his countenance fell4 ,so he forbore to come at her again2 and when he was asked the reason why1 he said1 that ,mercy was a pretty lass1 but troubled with ill conditions4#adh ,when he had left her1 ,prudence said1 ,did ,i not tell thee1 that ,mr4 ,brisk would soon forsake thee8 yea1 he will raise up an ill report of thee2 for1 notwithstanding his pretence to religion1 and his seeming love to ,mercy1 yet ,mercy and he are of tempers so different1 that ,i believe they will never come together4 ,,mercy4 ,i might have had husbands afore now1 though ,i spake not of it to any2 but they were such as did not like my conditions1 though never did any of them find fault with my person4 ,so they and ,i could not agree4 ,,prud4 ,mercy in our days is little set by1 any further than as to its name2 the practice1 which is set forth by thy conditions1 there are but few that can abide4 ,,mercy4 ,well1 said ,mercy1 if nobody will have me1 ,i will die a maid1 or my conditions shall be to me as a husband4 ,for ,i cannot change my nature2 and to have one that lies cross to me in this1 that ,i purpose never to admit of as long as ,i live4 ,i had a sister named ,bountiful1 that was married to one of these churls2 but he and she could never agree2 but because my sister was resolved to do as she had begun1 that is1 to show kindness to the poor1 therefore her husband first cried her down at the cross1 and then turned her out of his doors4#adi ,,prud4 ,and yet he was a professor1 ,i warrant you4 ,,mercy4 ,yes1 such a one as he was1 and of such as he1 the world is now full2 but ,i am for none of them all4 ,now ,matthew1 the eldest son of ,christiana1 fell sick1 and his sickness was sore upon him1 for he was much pained in his bowels1 so that he was with it1 at times1 pulled as it were both ends together4#aej ,there dwelt also not far from thence1 one ,mr4 ,skill1 an ancient and well approved physician4 ,so ,christiana desired it1 and they sent for him1 and he came4 ,when he was entered the room1 and had a little observed the boy1 he concluded that he was sick of the gripes4 ,then he said to his mother1 ,what diet has ,matthew of late fed upon8 ,diet1 said ,christiana1 nothing but that which is wholesome4 ,the physician answered1 ,this boy has been tampering with something that lies in his maw undigested1 and that will not away without means4 ,and ,i tell you1 he must he purged1 or else he will die4 ,,sam4 ,then said ,samuel1 ,mother1 mother1 what was that which my brother did gather up and eat1 so soon as we were come from the gate that is at the head of this way8 ,you know that there was an orchard on the left hand1 on the other side of the wall1 and some of the trees hung over the wall1 and my brother did plash and did eat4 ,,christ4 ,true1 my child1 said ,christiana1 he did take thereof1 and did eat2 naughty boy as he was1 ,i did chide him1 and yet he would eat thereof4#aea ,,skill4 ,i knew he had eaten something that was not wholesome food2 and that food1 to wit1 that fruit1 is even the most hurtful of all4 ,it is the fruit of ,beelzebub's orchard4 ,i do marvel that none did warn you of it2 many have died thereof4 ,,christ4 ,then ,christiana began to cry2 and she said1 ,o naughty boy6 and ,o careless mother6 ,what shall ,i do for my son6#aeb ,,skill4 ,come1 do not be too much dejected2 the boy may do well again1 but he must purge and vomit4 ,,christ4 ,pray1 ,sir1 try the utmost of your skill with him1 whatever it costs4 ,,skill4 ,nay1 ,i hope ,i shall be reasonable4 ,so he made him a purge1 but it was too weak2 it was said1 it was made of the blood of a goat1 the ashes of a heifer1 and with some of the juice of hyssop1 c4 7,heb4 #aj3a-d74 ,when ,mr4 ,skill had seen that that purge was too weak1 he made him one to the purpose2 it was made excarne et sanguine ,christi #aec 7,john #f3ed-eg2 ,heb4 #i3ad74 7,you know physicians give strange medicines to their patients74 ,and it was made up into pills1 with a promise or two1 and a proportionable quantity of salt 7,mark #i3di74 ,now he was to take them three at a time fasting1 in half a quarter of a pint of the tears of repentance4 ,when this potion was prepared1 and brought to the boy1 he was loath to take it1 though torn with the gripes1 as if he should be pulled in pieces4 ,come1 come1 said the physician1 you must take it4 ,it goes against my stomach1 said the boy 7,zech4 #ab3aj74 ,i must have you take it1 said his mother4 ,i shall vomit it up again1 said the boy4 ,pray1 ,sir1 said ,christiana to ,mr4 ,skill1 how does it taste8 ,it has no ill taste1 said the doctor2 and with that she touched one of the pills with the tip of her tongue4 ,oh1 ,matthew1 said she1 this potion is sweeter than honey4 ,if thou lovest thy mother1 if thou lovest thy brothers1 if thou lovest ,mercy1 if thou lovest thy life1 take it4 ,so with much ado1 after a short prayer for the blessing of ,god upon it1 he took it1 and it wrought kindly with him4 ,it caused him to purge1 it caused him to sleep1 and rest quietly2 it put him into a fine heat and breathing sweat1 and did quite rid him of his gripes4#aed ,so in little time he got up1 and walked about with a staff1 and would go from room to room1 and talk with ,prudence1 ,piety1 and ,charity1 of his distemper1 and how he was healed4#aee ,so when the boy was healed1 ,christiana asked ,mr4 ,skill1 saying1 ,sir1 what will content you for your pains and care to1 and of my child8 ,and he said1 ,you must pay the ,master of the ,college of ,physicians1 according to rules made in that case and provided 7,heb4 #ac3aa-af74 ,,christ4 ,but1 ,sir1 said she1 what is this pill good for else8 ,,skill4 ,it is an universal pill2 it is good against all the diseases that ,pilgrims are incident to2 and when it is well prepared1 it will keep good1 time out of mind4 ,,christ4 ,pray1 ,sir1 make me up twelve boxes of them2 for if ,i can get these1 ,i will never take other physic4#aef ,,skill4 ,these pills are good to prevent diseases1 as well as to cure when one is sick4 ,yea1 ,i dare say it1 and stand to it1 that if a man will but use this physic as he should1 it will make him live forever 7,john #f3ej74 ,but1 good ,christiana1 thou must give these pills no other way but as ,i have prescribed2 for1 if you do1 they will do no good4#aeg ,so he gave unto ,christiana physic for herself1 and her boys1 and for ,mercy2 and bid ,matthew take heed how he eat any more green plums1 and kissed them1 and went his way4 ,it was told you before1 that ,prudence bid the boys1 that if at any time they would1 they should ask her some questions that might be profitable1 and she would say something to them4 ,,matt4 ,then ,matthew1 who had been sick1 asked her1 ,why1 for the most part1 physic should he bitter to our palates4 ,,prud4 ,to show how unwelcome the ,word of ,god1 and the effects thereof1 are to a carnal heart4 ,,matt4 ,why does physic1 if it does good1 purge1 and cause that we vomit8 ,,prud4 ,to show that the ,word1 when it works effectually1 cleanseth the heart and mind4 ,for look1 what the one doth to the body1 the other doth to the soul4#aeh ,,matt4 ,what should we learn by seeing the flame of our fire go upwards8 and by seeing the beams and sweet influences of the sun strike downwards8 ,,prud4 ,by the going up of the fire we are taught to ascend to ,heaven1 by fervent and hot desires4 ,and by the sun's sending his heat1 beams1 and sweet influences downwards1 we are taught that the ,saviour of the world1 though high1 reacheth down with ,his grace and love to us below4 ,,matt4 ,where have the clouds their water8 ,,prud4 ,out of the sea4 ,,matt4 ,what may we learn from that8 ,,prud4 ,that ministers should fetch their doctrine from ,god4 ,,matt4 ,why do they empty themselves upon the earth8 ,,prud4 ,to show that ministers should give out what they know of ,god to the world4 ,,matt4 ,why is the rainbow caused by the sun8 ,,prud4 ,to show that the covenant of ,god's grace is confirmed to us in ,christ4 ,,matt4 ,why do the springs come from the sea to us1 through the earth8 ,,prud4 ,to show that the grace of ,god comes to us through the body of ,christ4 ,,matt4 ,why do some of the springs rise out of the tops of high hills8 ,,prud4 ,to show that the spirit of grace shall spring up in some that are great and mighty1 as well as in many that are poor and low4 ,,matt4 ,why doth the fire fasten upon the candlewick8 ,,prud4 ,to show1 that unless grace doth kindle upon the heart there will be no true light of life in us4 ,,matt4 ,why is the wick and tallow1 and all1 spent to maintain the light of the candle8 ,,prud4 ,to show that body and soul1 and all1 should be at the service of1 and spend themselves to maintain1 in good condition1 that grace of ,god that is in us4 ,,matt4 ,why doth the pelican pierce her own breast with her bill8 ,,prud4 ,to nourish her young ones with her blood1 and thereby to show that ,christ the blessed so loveth ,his young1 ,his people1 as to save them from death by ,his blood4 ,,matt4 ,what may one learn by hearing the cock crow8 ,,prud4 ,learn to remember ,peter's sin1 and ,peter's repentance4 ,the cock's crowing shows also that day is coming on2 let then the crowing of the cock put thee in mind of that last and terrible day of judgment4#aei ,now1 about this time their month was out2 wherefore they signified to those of the house that it was convenient for them to up and be going4 ,then said ,joseph to his mother1 ,it is convenient that you forget not to send to the house of ,mr4 ,interpreter1 to pray him to grant that ,mr4 ,great-heart should be sent unto us1 that he may be our conductor the rest of our way4 ,good boy1 said she1 ,i had almost forgot4 ,so she drew up a petition1#afj and prayed ,mr4 ,watchful1 the ,porter1 to send it by some fit man1 to her good friend ,mr4 ,interpreter2 who1 when it was come1 and ,he had seen the contents of the petition1 said to the messenger1 ,go tell them that ,i will send him4 ,when the family where ,christiana was1 saw that they had a purpose to go forward1 they called the whole house together1 to give thanks to their ,king for sending of them such profitable guests as these4 ,which done1 they said to ,christiana1 ,and shall we not show thee something1 according as our custom is to do to pilgrims1 on which thou mayest meditate when thou art upon the way8 ,so they took ,christiana1 her children1 and ,mercy1 into the closet1 and showed them one of the apples that ,eve did eat of1 and that she also did give to her husband1 and that for the eating1 of which they both were turned out of ,paradise2 and asked her what she thought that was8 ,then ,christiana said1 ,it is food or poison1 ,i know not which4#afa ,so they opened the matter to her1 and she held up her hands and wondered#afb 7,gen4 #c3f2 ,rom4 #g3bd74 ,then they had her to a place1 and showed her ,jacob's ladder4 ,now at that time there were some angels ascending upon it4 ,so ,christiana looked1 and looked1 to see the angels go up2 and so did the rest of the company4 ,then they were going into another place1 to show them something else2 but ,james said to his mother1 ,pray1 bid them stay here a little longer1 for this is a curious sight4#afc ,so they turned again1 and stood feeding their eyes with this so pleasant a prospect 7,gen4 #bh3ab2 ,john #a3ea74 ,after this1 they had them into a place where did hang up a golden anchor1 so they bid ,christiana take it down2 for1 said they1 you shall have it with you1 for it is of absolute necessity that you should1 that you may lay hold of that within the veil1 and stand steadfast1 in case you should meet with turbulent weather2 so they were glad thereof#afd 7,heb4 #f3ai74 ,then they took them1 and had them to the mount upon which ,abraham our father had offered up ,isaac his son1 and showed them the altar1 the wood1 the fire1 and the knife1 for they remain to be seen to this very day 7,gen4 #bb3i74 ,when they had seen it1 they held up their hands and blessed themselves1 and said1 ,o what a man for love to his ,master1 and for denial to himself1 was ,abraham6 ,after they had showed them all these things1 ,prudence took them into the dining-room1 where stood a pair of excellent virginals2#afe so she played upon them1 and turned what she had showed them into this excellent song1 saying-- ,eve's apple we have showed you1 ,of that be you aware2 ,you have seen ,jacob's ladder1 too1 ,upon which angels are4 ,an anchor you received have2 ,but let not these suffice1 ,until1 with ,abr'am1 you have gave ,your best a sacrifice4 ,now1 about this time1 one knocked at the door2 so the ,porter opened1 and behold ,mr4 ,great-heart was there2 but when he was come in1 what joy was there6 ,for it came now fresh again into their minds1 how but a while ago he had slain old ,grim ,bloody-man the giant1 and had delivered them from the lions4 ,then said ,mr4 ,great-heart to ,christiana1 and to ,mercy1 ,my ,lord hath sent each of you a bottle of wine1 and also some parched corn1 together with a couple of pomegranates2 ,he has also sent the boys some figs and raisins1 to refresh you in your way4#aff ,then they addressed themselves to their journey2 and ,prudence and ,piety went along with them4 ,when they came at the gate1 ,christiana asked the ,porter if any of late went by8 ,he said1 ,no2 only one some time since1 who also told me1 that of late there had been a great robbery committed on the ,king's highway1 as you go2 but1 he said1 the thieves are taken1 and will shortly he tried for their lives4#afg ,then ,christiana and ,mercy were afraid2 but ,matthew said1 ,mother1 fear nothing1 as long as ,mr4 ,great-heart is to go with us1 and to be our conductor4 ,then said ,christiana to the ,porter1 ,sir1 ,i am much obliged to you for all the kindnesses that you have showed me since ,i came hither2 and also for that you have been so loving and kind to my children2 ,i know not how to gratify your kindness4 ,wherefore1 pray1 as a token of my respects to you1 accept of this small mite2 so she put a gold angel in his hand1 and he made her a low obeisance1 and said1 ,let thy garments be always white1 and let thy head want no ointment4#afh ,let ,mercy live1 and not die1 and let not her works be few4 ,and to the boys he said1 ,do you fly youthful lusts1 and follow after godliness with them that are grave and wise2 so shall you put gladness into your mother's heart1 and obtain praise of all that are sober-minded4 ,so they thanked the ,porter1 and departed4 ,now ,i saw in my dream1 that they went forward until they were come to the brow of the hill1 where ,piety1 bethinking herself1 cried out1 ,alas6 ,i have forgot what ,i intended to bestow upon ,christiana and her companions2 ,i will go back and fetch it4 ,so she ran and fetched it4 ,while she was gone1 ,christiana thought she heard in a grove1 a little way off1 on the right hand1 a most curious melodious note1 with words much like these-- ,through all my life ,thy favour is ,so frankly show'd to me1 ,that in ,thy house for evermore ,my dwelling-place shall be4 ,and1 listening still1 she thought she heard another answer it1 saying-- ,for why8 ,the ,lord our ,god is good1 ,his mercy is forever sure2 ,his truth at all times firmly stood1 ,and shall from age to age endure4 ,so ,christiana asked ,prudence what it was that made those curious notes8 ,they are1 said she1 our country birds2 they sing these notes but seldom1 except it be at the spring1 when the flowers appear1 and the sun shines warm1 and then you may hear them all day long#afi 7,song #b3aa1 #ab74 ,i often1 said she1 go out to hear them2 we also ofttimes keep them tame in our house4 ,they are very fine company for us when we are melancholy2 also they make the woods1 and groves1 and solitary places1 places desirous to be in4#agj ,by this time ,piety was come again2 so she said to ,christiana1 ,look here1 ,i have brought thee a scheme of all those things that thou hast seen at our house1 upon which thou mayest look when thou findest thyself forgetful1 and call those things again to remembrance for thy edification and comfort4#aga ,now they began to go down the hill into the ,valley of ,humiliation4 ,it was a steep hill1 and the way was slippery2 but they were very careful1 so they got down pretty well4 ,when they were down in the ,valley1#agb ,piety said to ,christiana1 ,this is the place where ,christian your husband met with the foul fiend ,apollyon1 and where they had that dreadful fight that they had2 ,i know you cannot but have heard thereof1 ,but be of good courage1 as long as you have here ,mr4 ,great-heart to be your guide and conductor1 we hope you will fare the better4 ,so when these two had committed the ,pilgrims unto the conduct of their guide1 he went forward1 and they went after4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,then said ,mr4 ,great-heart1 ,we need not to be so afraid of this ,valley1 for here is nothing to hurt us1 unless we procure it to ourselves4 ,it is true1 ,christian did here meet with ,apollyon1 with whom he also had a sore combat2 but that fray was the fruit of those slips that he got in his going down the hill2 for they that get slips there1 must look for combats here4 ,and hence it is1 that this ,valley has got so hard a name4 ,for the common people1 when they hear that some frightful thing has befallen such a one in such a place1 are of an opinion1 that that place is haunted with some foul fiend1 or evil spirit2 when1 alas6 it is for the fruit of their doing1 that such things do befall them there4 ,this ,valley of ,humiliation is of itself as fruitful a place1 as any the crow flies over2 ,christian was and ,i am persuaded1 if we could hit upon it1 we might find somewhere hereabouts1 something that might give us an account why ,christian was so hardly beset in this place4 ,then ,james said to his mother1 ,lo1 yonder stands a pillar1 and it looks as if something was written thereon2 let us go and see what it is4 ,so they went1 and found there written1 ',let ,christian's slips1 before he came hither1 and the battles that he met with in this place1 be a warning to those that come after4' ,lo1 said their guide1 did not ,i tell you1 that there was something hereabouts1 that would give intimation of the reason why ,christian was so hard beset in this place8 ,then1 turning himself to ,christiana1 he said1 ,no disparagement to ,christian1 more than to many others1 whose hap and lot his was2 for it is easier going up1 than down this hill1 and that can he said but of few hills in all these parts of the world4 ,but we will leave the good man1 he is at rest1 he also had a brave victory over his enemy2 let ,him grant that dwelleth above1 that we fare no worse1 when we come to be tried1 than he4 ,but we will come again to this ,valley of ,humiliation4 ,it is the best and most useful brave piece of ground in all those parts4 ,it is fat ground1 and1 as you see1 consisteth much in meadows2 and if a man were to come here in the summer-time1 as we do now1 if he knew not anything before1 thereof1 and if he also delighted himself in the sight of his eyes1 he might see that that would be delightful to him4 ,behold how green this ,valley is1 also how beautified with lilies#agc 7,song4 #b3a74 ,i have also known many labouring men that have got good estates in this ,valley of ,humiliation 'for ,god resisteth the proud1 but gives grace unto the humble1' 7,james #d3f2 #a ,peter #e3e71 for indeed it is a very fruitful soil1 and doth bring forth by handfuls4#agd ,some also have wished1 that the next way to their ,father's house were here1 that they might be troubled no more with either hills or mountains to go over2 but the way is the way1 and there is an end4#age ,now1 as they were going along and talking1 they espied a boy feeding his father's sheep4 ,the boy was in very mean clothes1 but of a very fresh and well-favoured countenance2 and as he sat by himself1 he sang4 ,hark1 said ,mr4 ,great-heart1 to what the shepherd's boy saith4 ,so they hearkened1 and he said-- ,he that is down needs fear no fall2 ,he that is low1 no pride2 ,he that is humble1 ever shall ,have ,god to be his guide47,phil4 #d3ab1 #ac7 ,i am content with what ,i have1 ,little be it1 or much2 ,and1 ,lord1 contentment still ,i crave1 ,because ,thou savest such4 ,fullness to such a burden is1 ,that go on pilgrimage2 ,here little1 and hereafter bliss1 ,is best from age to age4#agf7;,heb4 #ac3e7 ,then said the guide1 ,do you hear him8 ,i will dare to say1 that this boy lives a merrier life1 and wears more of that herb called heart's-ease in his bosom1 than he that is clad in silk and velvet2#agg but we will proceed in our discourse4 ,in this ,valley our ,lord formerly had ,his country house2 ,he loved much to be here2 ,he loved also to walk these meadows1 for ,he found the air was pleasant4#agh ,besides1 here a man shall be free from the noise1 and from the hurryings of this life4 ,all states are full of noise and confusion1 only the ,valley of ,humiliation is that empty and solitary place4 ,here a man shall not be so let and hindered in his contemplation1 as in other places he is apt to be4 ,this is a ,valley that nobody walks in1 but those that love a pilgrim's life4 ,and though ,christian had the hard hap to meet here with ,apollyon1 and to enter with him a brisk encounter1 yet ,i must tell you1 that in former times men have met with angels here1 have found pearls here1 and have in this place found the words of life#agi 7,hosea #ab3d1 #e74 ,did ,i say1 our ,lord had here in former days his country-house1 and that ,he loved here to walk8 ,i will add1 in this place1 and to the people that live1 and trace these grounds1 ,he has left a yearly revenue1 to be faithfully paid them at certain seasons1 for their maintenance by the way1 and for their further encouragement to go on in their pilgrimage 7,matt4 #aa3bi74 ,,samuel4#ahj ,now1 as they went on1 ,samuel said to ,mr4 ,great-heart2 ,sir1 ,i perceive that in this ,valley my father and ,apollyon had their battle2 but whereabout was the fight8 for ,i perceive this ,valley is large4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,your father had that battle with ,apollyon1 at a place yonder1 before us1 in a narrow passage1 just beyond ,forgetful ,green4#aha ,and indeed1 that place is the most dangerous place in all these parts4 ,for if at any time the pilgrims meet with any brunt1 it is when they forget what favours they have received1 and how unworthy they are of them4#ahb ,this is the place also1 where others have been hard put to it2 but more of the place when we are come to it2 for ,i persuade myself1 that to this day there remains either some sign of the battle1 or some monument to testify that such a battle there was fought4 ,,mercy4 ,then said ,mercy1 ,i think ,i am as well in this ,valley1 as ,i have been anywhere else in all our journey2 the place1 methinks1 suits with my spirit4 ,i love to be in such places where there is no rattling with coaches1 nor rumbling with wheels2 methinks1 here one may1 without much molestation1 be thinking what he is1 whence he came1 what he has done1 and to what the ,king has called him2 here one may think1 and break at heart1 and melt in one's spirit1 until one's eyes become like 'the fish-pools of ,heshbon' 7,song4 #g3d74 ,they that go rightly through this ,valley of ,baca1 make it a well1 the rain that ,god sends down from ,heaven upon them that are here1 also filleth the pools 7,psa4 #hd3f1 #g74 ,this ,valley is that from whence also the ,king will give to ,his their vineyards 7,hosea #b3ae72 and they that go through it1 shall sing1 as ,christian did1 for all he met with ,apollyon4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,it is true1 said their guide1 ,i have gone through this ,valley many a time1 and never was better than when here4 ,i have also been a conductor to several pilgrims1 and they have confessed the same4 ',to this man will ,i look 7saith the ,king71 even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit1 and trembleth at ,my ,word'#ahc 7,isa4 #ff3b74 ,now they were come to the place where the afore-mentioned battle was fought4 ,then said the guide to ,christiana1 her children1 and ,mercy1 ,this is the place1 on this ground ,christian stood1 and up there came ,apollyon against him4 ,and look1 did not ,i tell you8 here is some of your husband's blood upon these stones to this day2 behold1 also1 how here and there are yet to be seen upon the place1 some of the shivers of ,apollyon's broken darts2 see also1 how they did beat the ground with their feet as they fought1 to make good their places against each other2 how also1 with their by-blows1 they did split the very stones in pieces4 ,verily1 ,christian did here play the man1 and showed himself as stout1 as could1 had he been there1 even ,hercules himself4#ahd ,when ,apollyon was beat1 he made his retreat to the next ,valley1 that is called1 the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death1 unto which we shall come anon4#ahe ,lo1 yonder also stands a monument1 on which is engraven this battle1 and ,christian's victory1 to his fame throughout all ages4 ,so1 because it stood just on the wayside before them1 they stepped to it1 and read the writing1 which word for word was this-- ,hard by1 here was a battle fought1 ,most strange1 and yet most true2#ahf ,christian and ,apollyon sought ,each other to subdue4 ,the man so bravely play'd the man1 ,he made the fiend to fly2 ,of which a monument ,i stand1 ,the same to testify4 ,when they had passed by this place1 they came upon the borders of the ,shadow of ,death2 and this ,valley was longer than the other2 a place1 also1 most strangely haunted with evil things1 as many are able to testify2#ahg but these women and children went the better through it1 because they had daylight1 and because ,mr4 ,great-heart was their conductor4 ,when they were entered upon this ,valley1 they thought that they heard a groaning1 as of dead men1 a very great groaning4 ,they thought1 also1 they did hear words of lamentation spoken1 as of some in extreme torment4 ,these things made the boys to quake1 the women also looked pale and wan2 but their guide bid them be of good comfort4 ,so they went on a little further1 and they thought that they felt the ground begin to shake under them1 as if some hollow place was there2 they heard also a kind of a hissing1 as of serpents1 but nothing as yet appeared4 ,then said the boys1 ,are we not yet at the end of this doleful place8 ,but the guide also bid them be of good courage1 and look well to their feet1 lest haply1 said he1 you be taken in some snare4#ahh ,now ,james began to be sick1 but ,i think the cause thereof was fear2 so his mother gave him some of that glass of spirits that she had given her at the ,interpreter's house1 and three of the pills that ,mr4 ,skill had prepared1 and the boy began to revive4 ,thus they went on1 till they came to about the middle of the ,valley1 and then ,christiana said1 ,methinks ,i see something yonder upon the road before us1 a thing of such a shape such as ,i have not seen4 ,then said ,joseph1 ,mother1 what is it8 ,an ugly thing1 child2 an ugly thing1 said she4 ,but1 mother1 what is it like8 said he4 ,it is like ,i cannot tell what1 said she4 ,and now it was but a little way off2 then said she1 ,it is nigh4 ,well1 well1 said ,mr4 ,great-heart1 ,let them that are most afraid1 keep close to me4 ,so the fiend came on1 and the conductor met it2 but when it was just come to him1 it vanished to all their sights4 ,then remembered they what had been said some time ago1 ',resist the devil1 and he will flee from you' 7,james #d3g74 ,they went therefore on1 as being a little refreshed2 but they had not gone far1 before ,mercy1 looking behind her1 saw1 as she thought1 something most like a lion1 and it came a great padding pace after2 and it had a hollow voice of roaring2 and at every roar that it gave1 it made all the ,valley echo1 and their hearts to ache1 save the heart of him that was their guide4 ,so it came up2 and ,mr4 ,great-heart went behind1 and put the ,pilgrims all before him4 ,the lion also came on apace1 and ,mr4 ,great-heart addressed himself to give him battle4 ,but when he saw that it was determined that resistance should be made1 he also drew back1 and came no further#ahi 7#a ,peter #e3h1 #i74 ,then they went on again1 and their conductor did go before them1 till they came at a place where was cast up a pit the whole breadth of the way2 and1 before they could be prepared to go over that1 a great mist and darkness fell upon them1 so that they could not see4 ,then said the ,pilgrims1 ,alas6 now what shall we do8 ,but their guide made answer1 ,fear not1 stand still1 and see what an end will be put to this also4 ,so they staid there1 because their path was marred4 ,they then also thought that they did hear more apparently the noise and rushing of the enemies2 the fire1 also1 and the smoke of the pit1 was much easier to be discerned4#aij ,then said ,christiana to ,mercy1 ,now ,i see what my poor husband went through2 ,i have heard much of this place1 but ,i never was here before now4 ,poor man1 he went here all alone in the night2 he had night almost quite through the way2 also1 these fiends were busy about him1 as if they would have torn him in pieces4 ,many have spoke of it1 but none can tell what the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death should mean1 until they come in it themselves4 ',the heart knows its own bitterness2 and a stranger intermeddleth not with its joy4' ,to be here is a fearful thing4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,this is like doing business in great waters1 or like going down into the deep2 this is like being in the heart of the sea1 and like going down to the bottoms of the mountains2 now it seems as if the earth1 with its bars1 were about us forever4 ,but let them that walk in darkness1 and have no light1 trust in the name of the ,lord1 and stay upon their ,god#aia 7,isa4 #a3aj74 ,for my part1 as ,i have told you already1 ,i have gone often through this ,valley1 and have been much harder put to it than now ,i am1 and yet you see ,i am alive4 ,i would not boast1 for that ,i am not mine own saviour2 but ,i trust we shall have a good deliverance4 ,come1 let us pray for light to ,him that can lighten our darkness1 and that can rebuke not only these1 but all the ,satans in hell4 ,so they cried and prayed1 and ,god sent light and deliverance1 for there was now no let in their way2 no not there1 where but now they were stopped with a pit4 ,yet they were not got through the ,valley2 so they went on still1 and behold great stinks and loathsome smells1 to the great annoyance of them4#aib ,then said ,mercy to ,christiana1 ,there is not such pleasant being here1 as at the gate1 or at the ,interpreter's1 or at the house where we lay last4 ,o but1 said one of the boys1 it is not so bad to go through here1 as it is to abide here always2 and for aught ,i know1 one reason why we must go this way to the house prepared for us1 is1 that our home might be made the sweeter to us4#aic ,well said1 ,samuel1 quoth the guide1 thou hast now spoke like a man4 ,why1 if ever ,i get out here again said the boy1 ,i think ,i shall prize light and good way better than ever ,i did in all my life4 ,then said the guide1 ,we shall he out by and by4#aid ,so on they went1 and ,joseph said1 ,cannot we see to the end of this ,valley as yet8 ,then said the guide1 ,look to your feet1 for you shall presently be among the snares4 ,so they looked to their feet1 and went on2 but they were troubled much with the snares4 ,now1 when they were come among the snares1 they espied a man cast into the ditch on the left hand1 with his flesh all rent and torn4 ,then said the guide1 ,that is one ,heedless1 that was agoing this way2 he has lain there a great while4#aie ,there was one ,take-heed with him1 when he was taken and slain2 but he escaped their hands4 ,you cannot imagine how many are killed hereabout1 and yet men are so foolishly venturous1 as to set out lightly on pilgrimage1 and to come without a guide4#aif ,poor ,christian6 it was a wonder that he here escaped2 but he was beloved of his ,god3 also1 he had a good heart of his own1#aig or else he could never have done it4 ,now they drew towards the end of the way2 and just there where ,christian had seen the cave when he went by1 out thence came forth ,maul1 a giant4 ,this ,maul did use to spoil young pilgrims with sophistry2 and he called ,great-heart by his name1 and said unto him1 ,how many times have you been forbidden to do these things8 ,then said ,mr4 ,great-heart1 ,what things8 ,what things8 quoth the giant2 you know what things2 but ,i will put an end to your trade4 ,but pray1 said ,mr4 ,great-heart1 before we fall to it1 let us understand wherefore we must fight4 ,now the women and children stood trembling1 and knew not what to do4 ,quoth the giant1 ,you rob the country1 and rob it with the worst of thefts4#aih ,these are but generals1 said ,mr4 ,great-heart2 come to particulars1 man4 ,then said the giant1 ,thou practisest the craft of a kidnapper2 thou gatherest up women and children1 and carriest them into a strange country1 to the weakening of my master's kingdom4 ,but now ,great-heart replied1 ,i am a servant of the ,god of ,heaven2 my business is to persuade sinners to repentance2 ,i am commanded to do my endeavour to turn men1 women1 and children1 'from darkness to light1 and from the power of ,satan unto ,god'3 and if this be indeed the ground of thy quarrel1 let us fall to it as soon as thou wilt4 ,then the giant came up1 and ,mr4 ,great-heart went to meet him2 and as he went1 he drew his sword1 but the giant had a club4 ,so without more ado1 they fell to it1 and at the first blow the giant struck ,mr4 ,great-heart down upon one of his knees2 with that the women and children cried out2 so ,mr4 ,great-heart recovering himself1 laid about him in full lusty manner1 and gave the giant a wound in his arm2 thus he fought for the space of an hour1 to that height of heat1 that the breath came out of the giant's nostrils1 as the heat doth out of a boiling caldron4 ,then they sat down to rest them1 but ,mr4 ,great-heart betook him to prayer2 also the women and children did nothing but sigh and cry all the time that the battle did last4#aii ,when they had rested them1 and taken breath1 they both fell to it again1#bjj and ,mr4 ,great-heart with a full blow1 fetched the giant down to the ground4 ,nay1 hold1 and let me recover1 quoth he2 so ,mr4 ,great-heart fairly let him get up4 ,so to it they went again1 and the giant missed but little of all-to-breaking ,mr4 ,great-heart's skull with his club4 ,mr4 ,great-heart seeing that1 runs to him in the full heat of his spirit1 and pierceth him under the fifth rib2 with that the giant began to faint1 and could hold up his club no longer4 ,then ,mr4 ,great-heart seconded his blow1 and smote the head of the giant from his shoulders4 ,then the women and children rejoiced1 and ,mr4 ,great-heart also praised ,god1 for the deliverance ,he had wrought4#bja ,when this was done1 they among them erected a pillar1 and fastened the giant's head thereon1 and wrote underneath in letters1 that passengers might read-- ,he that did wear this head1 was one ,that pilgrims did misuse2 ,he stopp'd their way1 he spared none1 ,but did them all abuse2 ,until that ,i1 ,great-heart1 arose1 ,the pilgrim's guide to be2 ,until that ,i did him oppose1 ,that was their enemy4 ,now ,i saw1 that they went to the ascent that was a little way off1 cast up to be a prospect for pilgrims 7that was the place from whence ,christian had the first sight of ,faithful his brother72 wherefore here they sat down1 and rested2 they also here did eat and drink1 and make merry1 for that they had gotten deliverance from this so dangerous an enemy4#bjb ,as they sat thus1 and did eat1 ,christiana asked the guide if he had caught no hurt in the battle4 ,then said ,mr4 ,great-heart1 ,no1 save a little on my flesh2 yet that also shall be so far from being to my detriment1 that it is at present a proof of my love to my ,master and you1 and shall be a means1 by grace1 to increase my reward at last#bjc 7#b ,cor4 #d74 ,,christ4 ,but were you not afraid1 good ,sir1 when you saw him come out with his club8#bjd ,,great-,,heart4 ,it is my duty1 said he1 to distrust my own ability1 that ,i may have reliance on ,him that is stronger than all4 ,,christ4 ,but what did you think when he fetched you down to the ground at the first blow8 ,,great-,,heart4 ,why1 ,i thought1 quoth he1 that so my ,master ,himself was served1 and yet ,he it was that conquered at the last4 ,,matt4 ,when you all have thought what you please1 ,i think ,god has been wonderful good unto us1 both in bringing us out of this ,valley1 and in delivering us out of the hand of this enemy2 for my part1 ,i see no reason1 why we should distrust our ,god any more1 since ,he has now1 and in such a place as this1 given us such testimony of ,his love as this4 ,then they got up and went forward4 ,now a little before them stood an oak2 and under it1 when they came to it1 they found an old pilgrim fast asleep2 they knew that he was a pilgrim by his clothes1 and his staff1 and his girdle4 ,so the guide1 ,mr4 ,great-heart1 awaked him1 and the old gentleman1 as he lift up his eyes1 cried out1 ,what's the matter8 ,who are you8 and what is your business here8#bje ,,great-,,heart4 ,come1 man1 be not so hot1 here is none but friends2 yet the old man gets up1 and stands upon his guard1 and will know of them what they were4 ,then said the guide1 ,my name is ,great-heart2 ,i am the guide of these ,pilgrims1 which are going to the ,celestial ,country4 ,,honest4 ,then said ,mr4 ,honest1 ,i cry you mercy2 ,i feared that you had been of the company of those that sometime ago did rob ,little-faith of his money2 but now ,i look better about me1 ,i perceive you are honester people4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,why1 what would1 or could you have done1 to have helped yourself1 if we indeed had been of that company4 ,,hon4 ,done6 why ,i would have fought as long as breath had been in me2 and had ,i so done1 ,i am sure you could never have given me the worst on it2 for a ,christian can never be overcome1 unless he should yield of himself4#bjf ,,great-,,heart4 ,well said1 father ,honest1 quoth the guide2 for by this ,i know thou art a cock of the right kind1 for thou hast said the truth4 ,,hon4 ,and by this1 also1 ,i know that thou knowest what true pilgrimage is2 for all others do think that we are the soonest overcome of any4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,well1 now we are so happily met1 pray let me crave your name1 and the name of the place you came from4 ,,hon4 ,my name ,i cannot2 but ,i came from the town of ,stupidity2 it lieth about four degrees beyond the ,city of ,destruction4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,oh6 are you that countryman1 then8 ,i deem ,i have half a guess of you2 your name is ,old ,honesty1 is it not8 ,so the old gentleman blushed1 and said1 ,not ,honesty1 in the abstract1#bjg but ,honest is my name2 and ,i wish that my nature shall agree to what ,i am called4 ,,hon4 ,but1 ,sir1 said the old gentleman1 how could you guess that ,i am such a man1 since ,i came from such a place8 ,,great-,,heart4 ,i had heard of you before1 by my ,master2 for ,he knows all things that are done on the earth2 but ,i have often wondered that any should come from your place1 for your town is worse than is the ,city of ,destruction itself4 ,,hon4 ,yes1 we lie more off from the sun1 and so are more cold and senseless2 but was a man in a mountain of ice1 yet if the ,sun of ,righteousness will arise upon him1 his frozen heart shall feel a thaw2 and thus it hath been with me4#bjh ,,great-,,heart4 ,i believe it1 father ,honest1 ,i believe it2 for ,i know the thing is true4 ,then the old gentleman saluted all the ,pilgrims with a holy kiss of charity2 and asked them of their names1 and how they had fared since they set out on their pilgrimage4#bji ,,christ4 ,then said ,christiana1 ,my name1 ,i suppose you have heard of2 good ,christian was my husband1 and these four were his children4 ,but can you think how the old gentleman was taken1 when she told him who she was6 ,he skipped1 he smiled1 and blessed them with a thousand good wishes1 saying3 ,,hon4 ,i have heard much of your husband1 and of his travels and wars1 which he underwent in his days4 ,be it spoken to your comfort1 the name of your husband rings over all these parts of the world3 his faith1 his courage1 his enduring1 and his sincerity under all1 has made his name famous4 ,then he turned him to the boys1 and asked them of their names1 which they told him4 ,and then said he unto them3 ,matthew1 be thou like ,matthew the publican1 not in vice1 but in virtue 7,matt4 #aj3c74 ,samuel1 said he1 be thou like ,samuel the ,prophet1 a man of faith and prayer 7,psa4 #ii3f74 ,joseph1 said he1 be thou like ,joseph in ,potiphar's house1 chaste1 and one that flees from temptation 7,gen4 #ci74 ,and ,james1 be thou like ,james the ,just1 and like ,james the brother of our ,lord 7,acts #a3ac1 #ad74 ,then they told him of ,mercy1 and how she had left her town and her kindred to come along with ,christiana and with her sons4 ,at that the old honest man said1 ,mercy is thy name2 by ,mercy shalt thou be sustained1 and carried through all those difficulties that shall assault thee in thy way1 till thou shalt come thither1 where thou shalt look the ,fountain of ,mercy in the face with comfort4 ,all this while the guide1 ,mr4 ,great-heart1 was very much pleased1 and smiled upon his companion4 ,now1 as they walked along together1 the guide asked the old gentleman1 if he did not know one ,mr4 ,fearing1 that came on pilgrimage out of his parts8 ,,hon4 ,yes1 very well1 said he4 ,he was a man that had the root of the matter in him2 but he was one of the most troublesome pilgrims that ever ,i met with in all my days4#baj ,,great-,,heart4 ,i perceive you knew him2 for you have given a very right character of him4 ,,hon4 ,knew him6 ,i was a great companion of his2 ,i was with him most an end2 when he first began to think of what would come upon us hereafter1 ,i was with him4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,i was his guide from my ,master's house to the gates of the ,celestial ,city4 ,,hon4 ,then you knew him to be a troublesome one4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,i did so1 but ,i could very well bear it2 for men of my calling are oftentimes intrusted with the conduct of such as he was4 ,,hon4 ,well then1 pray let us hear a little of him1 and how he managed himself under your conduct4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,why1 he was always afraid that he should come short of whither he had a desire to go4 ,everything frightened him that he heard anybody speak of1 that had but the least appearance of opposition in it4 ,i hear that he lay roaring at the ,slough of ,despond for about a month together2 nor durst he1 for all he saw several go over before him1 venture1 though they1 many of them1 offered to lend him their hand4 ,he would not go back again neither4#baa ,the ,celestial ,city1 he said1 he should die if he came not to it2 and yet was dejected at every difficulty1 and stumbled at every straw that anybody cast in his way4 ,well1 after he had lain at the ,slough of ,despond a great while1 as ,i have told you1 one sunshine morning1 ,i do not know how1 he ventured1 and so got over2 but when he was over1 he would scarce believe it4 ,he had1 ,i think1 a ,slough of ,despond in his mind2 a slough that he carried everywhere with him1 or else he could never have been as he was4 ,so he came up to the gate1 you know what ,i mean1 that stands at the head of this way2 and there also he stood a good while1 before he would adventure to knock4 ,when the gate was opened1 he would give back1 and give place to others1 and say that he was not worthy4 ,for1 for all he got before some to the gate1 yet many of them went in before him4 ,there the poor man would stand1 shaking and shrinking4 ,i dare say1 it would have pitied one's heart to have seen him2 nor would he go back again4 ,at last1 he took the hammer that hanged on the gate in his hand1 and gave a small rap or two2 then ,one opened to him1 but he shrank back as before4 ,he that opened stepped out after him1 and said1 ,thou trembling one1 what wantest thou8 ,with that he fell down to the ground4 ,he that spoke to him wondered to see him so faint4 ,so he said to him1 ,peace be to thee2 up1 for ,i have set open the door to thee4 ,come in1 for thou art blessed4 ,with that he got up1 and went in trembling2 and when he was in1 he was ashamed to show his face4 ,well1 after he had been entertained there a while1 as you know how the manner is1 he was bid go on his way1 and also told the way he should take4 ,so he came till he came to our house4 ,but as he behaved himself at the gate1 so he did ,his behaviour at my ,master the ,interpreter's door4 ,he lay thereabout in the cold a good while1 before he would adventure to call2 yet he would not go back1 and the nights were long and cold then4 ,nay1 he had a note of necessity in his bosom to my ,master1 to receive him and grant him the comfort of ,his house1 and also to allow him a stout and valiant conductor1 because he was himself so chicken-hearted a man2 and yet1 for all that1 he was afraid to call at the door4 ,so he lay up and down thereabouts1 till1 poor man6 he was almost starved4 ,yea1 so great was his dejection1 that though he saw several others1 for knocking1 get in1 yet he was afraid to venture4 ,at last1 ,i think1 ,i looked out of the window1 and perceiving a man to be up and down about the door1 ,i went out to him1 and asked what he was2 but1 poor man6 the water stood in his eyes2 so ,i perceived what he wanted4 ,i went1 therefore1 in and told it in the house1 and we showed the thing to our ,lord4 ,so ,he sent me out again1 to entreat him to come in2 but1 ,i dare say1 ,i had hard work to do it4 ,at last he came in2 and ,i will say that for my ,lord1 ,he carried it wonderfully lovingly to him4 ,there were but a few good bits at the table1 but some of it was laid upon his trencher4 ,then he presented the note1 and my ,lord looked thereon1 and said his desire should he granted4 ,so1 when he had been there a good while1 he seemed to get some heart1 and to be a little more comfortable2 for my ,master1 you must know1 is one of very tender bowels1 especially to them that are afraid2 wherefore ,he carried it so towards him1 as might tend most to his encouragement4 ,well1 when he had had a sight of the things of the place1 and was ready to take his journey to go to the city1 my ,lord1 as ,he did to ,christian before1 gave him a bottle of spirits1 and some comfortable things to eat4 ,thus we set forward1 and ,i went before him2 but the man was but of few words1 only he would sigh aloud4 ,when we were come to where the three fellows were hanged1 he said that he doubted that that would be his end also4 ,only he seemed glad when he saw the ,cross and the ,sepulchre4 ,there1 ,i confess1 he desired to stay a little to look1 and he seemed1 for a while after1 to be a little cheery4 ,when we came at the ,hill ,difficulty1 he made no stick at that1 nor did he much fear the lions2 for you must know that his trouble was not about such things as those2 his fear was about his acceptance at last4#bab ,i got him in at the ,house ,beautiful1 ,i think1 before he was willing4 ,also1 when he was in1 ,i brought him acquainted with the damsels that were of the place2 but he was ashamed to make himself much for company4 ,he desired much to be alone1 yet he always loved good talk1 and often would get behind the screen to hear it4 ,he also loved much to see ancient things1 and to be pondering them in his mind4 ,he told me afterwards that he loved to be in those two houses from which he came last1 to wit1 at the gate1 and that of the ,interpreter1 but that he durst not be so bold to ask4 ,when we went also from the ,house ,beautiful1 he went down the hill1 into the ,valley of ,humiliation1 he went down as well as ever ,i saw man in my life2 for he cared not how mean he was1 so he might he happy at last4 ,yea1 ,i think1 there was a kind of a sympathy betwixt that valley and him2 for ,i never saw him better in all his pilgrimage than when he was in that valley4#bac ,here he would lie down1 embrace the ground1 and kiss the very flowers that grew in this valley 7,lam4 #c3bg-bi74 ,he would now be up every morning by break of day1 tracing and walking to and fro in this valley4 ,but when he was come to the entrance of the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death1 ,i thought ,i should have lost my man2 not for that he had any inclination to go back2 that he always abhorred2 but he was ready to die for fear4 ,oh6 the hobgoblins will have me6 the hobgoblins will have me6 cried he2 and ,i could not beat him out on it4 ,he made such a noise1 and such an outcry here1 that1 had they but heard him1 it was enough to encourage them to come and fall upon us4#bad ,but this ,i took very great notice of1 that this valley was as quiet while he went through it1 as ever ,i knew it before or since4 ,i suppose these enemies here had now a special check from our ,lord1 and a command not to meddle until ,mr4 ,fearing was passed over it4 ,it would he too tedious to tell you of all4 ,we will1 therefore1 only mention a passage or two more4 ,when he was come at ,vanity ,fair1 ,i thought he would have fought with all at the men at the fair4 ,i feared there we should both have been knocked on the head1 so hot was he against their fooleries4#bae ,upon the ,enchanted ,ground1 he was also very wakeful4 ,but when he was come at the river1 where was no bridge1 there again he was in a heavy case4 ,now1 now1 he said1 he should be drowned forever1 and so never see that ,face with comfort that he had come so many miles to behold4 ,and here1 also1 ,i took notice of what was very remarkable2 the water of that river was lower at this time than ever ,i saw it in all my life4 ,so he went over at last1 not much above wet-shod4#baf ,when he was going up to the gate1 ,i began to take his leave of him1 and to wish him a good reception above4 ,so he said1 ,i shall1 ,i shall4 ,then parted we asunder1 and ,i saw him no more4 ,,hon4 ,then1 it seems1 he was well at last4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,yes1 yes2 ,i never had doubt about him2 he was a man of a choice spirit1 only he was always kept very low1 and that made his life so burdensome to himself1 and so troublesome to others 7,psa4 #hh74 ,he was1 above many1 tender of sin4 ,he was so afraid of doing injuries to others1 that he often would deny himself of that which was lawful1 because he would not offend 7,rom4 #ad3ba2 #a ,cor4 #h3ac74 ,,hon4 ,but what should be the reason that such a good man should be all his days so much in the dark8#bag ,,great-,,heart4 ,there are two sorts of reasons for it3 ,one is1 the wise ,god will have it so2 some must pipe1 and some must weep 7,matt4 #aa3af-ah74 ,now ,mr4 ,fearing was one that played upon this bass2 he and his fellows sound the sackbut1 whose notes are more doleful than the notes of other music are2 though1 indeed1 some say the bass is the ground of music4 ,and1 for my part1 ,i care not at all for that profession that begins not in heaviness of mind4 ,the first string that the musician usually touches is the bass1 when he intends to put all in tune4 ,god also plays upon this string first1 when he sets the soul in tune for ,himself4 ,only here was the imperfection of ,mr4 ,fearing1 he could play upon no other music but this1 till towards his latter end4#bah ,i make bold to talk thus metaphorically1 for the ripening of the wits of young readers2 and because1 in the book of the ,revelations1 the saved are compared to a company of musicians that play upon their trumpets and harps1 and sing their songs before the throne 7,rev4 #h3b2 #ad3b1 #c74 ,,hon4 ,he was a very zealous man1 as one may see by what relation you have given of him2 difficulties1 lions1 or ,vanity ,fair1 he feared not at all4 ,it was only sin1 death1 and hell that was to him a terror1 because he had some doubts about his interest in that celestial country4#bai ,,great-,,heart4 ,you say right4 ,those were the things that were his troublers1 and they1 as you have well observed1 arose from the weakness of his mind thereabout1 not from weakness of spirit as to the practical part of a pilgrim's life4 ,i dare believe that1 as the proverb is1 'he could have bit a firebrand1 had it stood in his way'2 but the things with which he was oppressed1 no man ever yet could shake off with ease4 ,,christ4 ,then said ,christiana1 ,this relation of ,mr4 ,fearing has done me good4 ,i thought nobody had been like me2 but ,i see there was some semblance betwixt this good man and ,i2 only we differed in two things3 ,his troubles were so great1 they break out2 but mine ,i kept within4 ,his1 also1 lay so hard upon him1 they made him that he could not knock at the houses provided for entertainment2 but my trouble was always such as made me knock the louder4 ,,mercy4 ,if ,i might also speak my heart1 ,i must say1 that something of him has also dwelt in me2 for ,i have ever been more afraid of the lake1 and the loss of a place in ,paradise1 than ,i have been of the loss of other things4 ,o1 thought ,i1 may ,i have the happiness to have a habitation there1 it is enough1 though ,i part with all the world to win it6 ,,matt4 ,then said ,matthew1 ,fear was one thing that made me think that ,i was far from having that within me that accompanies salvation2 but if it were so with such a good man as he1 why may it not also go well with me8 ,,james4 ,no fears1 no grace1 said ,james4 ,though there is not always grace where thereis the fear of hell1 yet1 to be sure1 there is no grace where there is no fear of ,god4#bbj ,,great-,,heart4 ,well said1 ,james1 thou hast hit the mark2 for the fear of ,god is the beginning of wisdom2 and1 to be sure1 they that lack the beginning1 have neither middle nor end4 ,but we will here conclude our discourse of ,mr4 ,fearing1 after we have sent after him this farewell4 ,well1 ,master ,fearing1 thou didst fear ,thy ,god1 and wast afraid ,of doing anything1 while here1 ,that would have thee betray'd4 ,and didst thou fear the lake and pit8 ,would others did so too6 ,for1 as for them that want thy wit1 ,they do themselves undo4#bba ,now ,i saw1 that they still went on in their talk2 for after ,mr4 ,great-heart had made an end with ,mr4 ,fearing1 ,mr4 ,honest began to tell them of another1 but his name was ,mr4 ,self-will4 ,he pretended himself to be a pilgrim1 said ,mr4 ,honest2 but ,i persuade myself he never came in at the gate that stands at the head of the way4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,had you ever any talk with him about it8 ,,hon4 ,yes1 more than once or twice2 but he would always be like himself1 self-willed4 ,he neither cared for man1 nor argument1 nor yet example2 what his mind prompted him to1 that he would do1 and nothing else could he be got to4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,pray1 what principles did he hold8 for ,i suppose you can tell4 ,,hon4 ,he held1 that a man might follow the vices as well as the virtues of the pilgrims2 and that if he did both1 he should be certainly saved4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,how6 if he had said1 ,it is possible for the heart to be guilty of the vices1 as well as to partake of the virtues of pilgrims1 he could not much have been blamed2 for indeed we are exempted from no vice absolutely1 but on condition that we watch and strive4#bbb ,but this1 ,i perceive1 is not the thing2 but if ,i understand you right1 your meaning is1 that he was of that opinion1 that it was allowable so to be4 ,,hon4 ,aye1 aye1 so ,i mean2 and so he believed and practised4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,but what ground had he for his so saying8 ,,hon4 ,why1 he said he had the ,scripture for his warrant4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,prithee1 ,mr4 ,honest1 present us with a few particulars4 ,,hon4 ,so ,i will4 ,he said1 ,to have to do with other men's wives1 had been practised by ,david1 ,god's beloved2 and therefore he could do it4 ,he said1 ,to have more women than one1 was a thing that ,solomon practised2 and therefore he could do it4 ,he said1 ,that ,sarah and the godly midwives of ,egypt lied1 and so did saved ,rahab2 and therefore he could do it4 ,he said1 ,that the disciples went at the bidding of their ,master1 and took away the owner's ass2 and therefore he could do so too4 ,he said1 ,that ,jacob got the inheritance of his father in a way of guile and dissimulation2 and therefore he could do so too4#bbc ,,great-,,heart4 ,highly base6 indeed4 ,and you are sure he was of this opinion8 ,,hon4 ,i have heard him plead for it1 bring ,scripture for it1 bring argument for it1 c4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,an opinion that is not fit to be with any allowance in the world4 ,,hon4 ,you must understand me rightly4 ,he did not say that any man might do this2 but that those that had the virtues of those that did such things1 might also do the same4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,but what more false than such a conclusion8 for this is as much as to say1 that because good men heretofore have sinned of infirmity1 therefore he had allowance to do it of a presumptuous mind2 or if1 because a child by the blast of the wind1 or for that it stumbled at a stone1 fell down1 and defiled itself in mire1 therefore he might willfully lie down and wallow like a boar therein4 ,who could have thought that anyone could so far have been blinded by the power of lust8 ,but what is written must be true3 ,they 'stumble at the ,word1 being disobedient2 whereunto also they were appointed' 7#a ,peter #b3h74 ,his supposing that such may have the godly men's virtues1 who addict themselves to their vices1 is also a delusion as strong as the other4 ,it is just as if the dog should say1 ,i have1 or may have1 the qualities of the child1 because ,i lick up its stinking excrements4 ,to eat up the sin of ,god's people1 is no sign of one that is possessed with their virtues 7,hosea #d3h74 ,nor can ,i believe1 that one that is of this opinion1 can at present have faith or love in him4 ,but ,i know you have made strong objections against him2 prithee1 what can he say for himself8#bbd ,,hon4 ,why1 he says1 ,to do this by way of opinion1 seems abundance more honest1 than to do it1 and yet hold contrary to it in opinion4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,a very wicked answer2 for though to let loose the bridle to lusts1 while our opinions are against such things1 is bad2 yet1 to sin1 and plead a toleration so to do1 is worse4 ,the one stumbles beholders accidentally1 the other pleads them into the snare4 ,,hon4 ,there are many of this man's mind1 that have not this man's mouth2 and that makes going on pilgrimage of so little esteem as it is4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,you have said the truth1 and it is to be lamented2 but he that feareth the ,king of ,paradise1 shall come out of them all4 ,,christ4 ,there are strange opinions in the world2 ,i know one that said1 ,it was time enough to repent when they come to die4#bbe ,,great-,,heart4 ,such are not over wise4 ,that man would have been loath1 might he have had a week to run twenty miles in for his life1 to have deferred that journey to the last hour of that week4 ,,hon4 ,you say right2 and yet the generality of them1 that count themselves pilgrims1 do indeed do thus4 ,i am1 as you see1 an old man1 and have been a traveler in this road many a day2 and ,i have taken notice of many things4#bbf ,i have seen some that have set out as if they would drive all the world afore them1 who yet have1 in few days1 died as they in the wilderness1 and so never got sight of the promised land4 ,i have seen some that have promised nothing1 at first setting out to be pilgrims1 and that one would have thought could not have lived a day1 that have yet proved very good pilgrims4 ,i have seen some who have run hastily forward1 that again have1 after a little time1 run as fast just back again4 ,i have seen some who have spoken very well of a pilgrim's life at first1 that1 after a while1 have spoken as much against it4 ,i have heard some1 when they first set out for ,paradise1 say positively there is such a place2 who when they have been almost there1 have come back again1 and said there is none4 ,i have heard some vaunt what they would do1 in case they should he opposed1 that have1 even at a false alarm1 fled faith1 the pilgrim's way1 and all4#bbg ,now1 as they were thus in their way1 there came one running to meet them1 and said1 ,gentlemen1 and you of the weaker sort1 if you love life1 shift for yourselves1 for the robbers are before you4#bbh ,,great-,,heart4 ,then said ,mr4 ,great-heart1 ,they be the three that set upon ,little-faith heretofore4 ,well1 said he1 we are ready for them2 so they went on their way4 ,now1 they looked at every turning1 when they should have met with the villains2 but whether they heard of ,mr4 ,great-heart1 or whether they had some other game1 they came not up to the ,pilgrims4 ,christiana then wished for an inn for herself and her children1 because they were weary4#bbi ,then said ,mr4 ,honest1 ,there is one a little before us1 where a very honourable disciple1 one ,gaius1 dwells 7,rom4 #af3bc74 ,so they all concluded to turn in thither1 and the rather1 because the old gentleman gave him so good a report4 ,so when they came to the door1 they went in1 not knocking1 for folks use not to knock at the door of an inn4 ,then they called for the master of the house1 and he came to them4 ,so they asked if they might lie there that night4 ,,gaius4 ,yes1 gentlemen1 if ye be true men1 for my house is for none but pilgrims4 ,then was ,christiana1 ,mercy1 and the boys1 the more glad1 for that the ,inn-keeper was a lover of pilgrims4 ,so they called for rooms1 and he showed them one for ,christiana and her children1 and ,mercy1 and another for ,mr4 ,great-heart and the old gentleman4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,then said ,mr4 ,great-heart1 ,good ,gaius1 what hast thou for supper8 for these pilgrims have come far today1 and are weary4 ,,gaius4 ,it is late1 said ,gaius1 so we cannot conveniently go out to seek food2 but such as we have1 you shall be welcome to1 if that will content4#bcj ,,great-,,heart4 ,we will be content with what thou hast in the house2 forasmuch as ,i have proved thee1 thou art never destitute of that which is convenient4 ,then he went down and spake to the cook1 whose name was ,taste-that-which-is-good1 to get ready supper for so many pilgrims4 ,this done1 he comes up again1 saying1 ,come1 my good friends1 you are welcome to me1 and ,i am glad that ,i have a house to entertain you2 and while supper is making ready1 if you please1 let us entertain one another with some good discourse4 ,so they all said1 ,content4 ,,gaius4 ,then said ,gaius1 ,whose wife is this aged matron8 and whose daughter is this young damsel4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,the woman is the wife of one ,christian1 a ,pilgrim of former times2 and these are his four children4 ,the maid is one of her acquaintance2 one that she hath persuaded to come with her on pilgrimage4 ,the boys take all after their father1 and covet to tread in his steps2 yea1 if they do but see any place where the old ,pilgrim hath lain1 or any print of his foot1 it ministereth joy to their hearts1 and they covet to lie or tread in the same4 ,,gaius4 ,then said ,gaius1 ,is this ,christian's wife8 and are these ,christian's children8 ,i knew your husband's father1 yea1 also his father's father4 ,many have been good of this stock2 their ancestors dwelt first at ,antioch 7,acts #aa3bf74 ,christian's progenitors 7,i suppose you have heard your husband talk of them7 were very worthy men4 ,they have1 above any that ,i know1 showed themselves men of great virtue and courage1 for the ,lord of the ,pilgrims1 ,his ways1 and them that loved ,him4 ,i have heard of many of your husband's relations1 that have stood all trials for the sake of the truth4 ,stephen1 that was one of the first of the family from whence your husband sprang1 was knocked on the head with stones 7,acts #g3ei1 #fj74 ,james1 another of this generation1 was slain with the edge of the sword 7,acts #ab3b74 ,to say nothing of ,paul and ,peter1 men anciently of the family from whence your husband came1 there was ,ignatius1 who was cast to the lions2#bca ,romanus1 whose flesh was cut by pieces from his bones1 and ,polycarp1 that played the man in the fire4 ,there was he that was hanged up in a basket in the sun1 for the wasps to eat2 and he who they put into a sack1 and cast him into the sea to be drowned4 ,it would be utterly impossible to count up all of that family that have suffered injuries and death1 for the love of a pilgrim's life4 ,nor can ,i but be glad1 to see that thy husband has left behind him four such boys as these4 ,i hope they will bear up their father's name1 and tread in their father's steps1 and come to their father's end4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,indeed1 ,sir1 they are likely lads2 they seem to choose heartily their father's ways4 ,,gaius4 ,that is it that ,i said2 wherefore ,christian's family is like still to spread abroad upon the face of the ground1 and yet to be numerous upon the face of the earth2 wherefore1 let ,christiana look out some damsels for her sons1 to whom they may be betrothed1 c41 that the name of their father and the house of his progenitors may never be forgotten in the world4#bcb ,,hon4 ,it is pity this family should fall and be extinct4 ,,gaius4 ,fall it cannot1 but be diminished it may2 but let ,christiana take my advice1 and that is the way to uphold it4 ,and1 ,christiana1 said this ,innkeeper1 ,i am glad to see thee and thy friend ,mercy together here1 a lovely couple4 ,and may ,i advise1 take ,mercy into a nearer relation to thee2 if she will1 let her be given to ,matthew1 thy eldest son2 it is the way to preserve you a posterity in the earth4 ,so this match was concluded1 and in process of time they were married2 but more of that hereafter4 ,gaius also proceeded1 and said1 ,i will now speak on the behalf of women1 to take away their reproach4 ,for as death and the curse came into the world by a woman1 7,gen4 #c71 so also did life and health3 ',god sent forth ,his ,son made of a woman' 7,gal4 #d3d74 ,yea1 to show how much those that came after1 did abhor the act of the mother1 this sex1 in the ,old ,testament1 coveted children1 if happily this or that woman might be the mother of the ,saviour of the world4 ,i will say again1 that when the ,saviour was come1 women rejoiced in ,him before either man or angel 7,luke #b74 ,i read not1 that ever any man did give unto ,christ so much as one groat2 but the women followed ,him1 and ministered to ,him of their substance 7,luke #h3b1 #c74 ,it was a woman that washed ,his feet with tears1 and a woman that anointed ,his body to the burial 7,luke #g3cg1 #ej2 ,john #aa3b2 #ab3c74 ,they were women that wept1 when ,he was going to the ,cross1 and women that followed ,him from the ,cross1 and that sat by ,his sepulchre1 when he was buried 7,luke #bc3bg2 ,matt4 #bg3ee1 #ef1 #fa74 ,they were women that were first with ,him at ,his resurrection-morn2 and women that brought tidings first to ,his disciples1 that ,he was risen from the dead 7,luke #bd3bb1 #bc74 ,women1 therefore1 are highly favoured1 and show by these things that they are sharers with us in the grace of life4 ,now the cook sent up to signify that supper was almost ready1 and sent one to lay the cloth1 the trenchers1 and to set the salt and bread in order4 ,then said ,matthew1 ,the sight of this cloth1 and of this fore-runner of the supper1 begetteth in me a greater appetite to my food than ,i had before4 ,,gaius4 ,so let all ministering doctrines to thee1 in this life1 beget in thee a greater desire to sit at the supper of the great ,king in ,his kingdom2 for all preaching1 books1 and ordinances here1 are but as the laying of the trenchers1 and as setting of salt upon the board1 when compared with the feast that our ,lord will make for us when we come to ,his house4 ,so supper came up2#bcc and first1 a heave-shoulder1 and a wave-breast 7,lev4 #g3cb-cd2 #aj3ad1 #ae71 were set on the table before them1 to show that they must begin their meal with prayer and praise to ,god 7,psa4 #be3a2 ,heb4 #ac3ae74 ,the heave-shoulder1 ,david lifted his heart up to ,god with2 and with the wave-breast1 where his heart lay1 with that he used to lean upon his harp when he played4 ,these two dishes were very fresh and good1 and they all eat heartily well thereof4 ,the next they brought up1 was a bottle of wine1 red as blood 7,deut4 #cb3ad74 ,so ,gaius said to them1 ,drink freely2 this is the juice of the true vine1 that makes glad the heart of ,god and man 7,judg4 #i3ac2 ,john #ae3a74 ,so they drank and were merry4 ,the next was a dish of milk well crumbed2 but ,gaius said1 ,let the boys have that1 that they may grow thereby 7#a ,peter #b3a1 #b74 ,then they brought up in course a dish of butter and honey4 ,then said ,gaius1 ,eat freely of this2 for this is good to cheer up1 and strengthen your judgments and understandings4 ,this was our ,lord's dish when ,he was a child3 ',butter and honey shall ,he eat1 that ,he may know to refuse the evil1 and choose the good' 7,isa4 #g3ae74 ,then they brought them up a dish of apples1 and they were very good tasted fruit4 ,then said ,matthew1 ,may we eat apples1 since they were such1 by1 and with which1 the serpent beguiled our first mother8 ,then said ,gaius- ,apples were they with which we were beguil'd ,yet sin1 not apples1 hath our souls defil'd4 ,apples forbid1 if eat1 corrupt the blood2 ,to eat such1 when commanded1 does us good4 ,drink of ,his flagons1 then1 thou church1 ,his dove1 ,and eat ,his apples1 who are sick of love4 ,then said ,matthew1 ,i made the scruple1 because ,i awhile since was sick with eating of fruit4 ,,gaius4 ,forbidden fruit will make you sick but not what our ,lord has tolerated4 ,while they were thus talking1 they were presented with another dish1 and it was a dish of nuts 7,song4 #f3aa74 ,then said some at the table1 ,nuts spoil tender teeth1 especially the teeth of children2 which when ,gaius heard1 he said-- ,hard texts are nuts 7,i will not call them cheaters71 ,whose shells do keep their kernels from the eaters4 ,ope then the shells1 and you shall have the meat2 ,they here are brought for you to crack and eat4 ,then were they very merry1 and sat at the table a long time1 talking of many things4 ,then said the old gentleman1 ,my good landlord1 while we are cracking your nuts1 if you please1 do you open this riddle3#bcd ,a man there was though some did count him mad1 ,the more he cast away1 the more he had4 ,then they all gave good heed1 wondering what good ,gaius would say2 so he sat still awhile1 and then thus replied-- ,he that bestows his goods upon the poor1 ,shall have as much again1 and ten times more4 ,then said ,joseph1 ,i dare say1 ,sir1 ,i did not think you could have found it out4 ,oh6 said ,gaius1 ,i have been trained up in this way a great while2 nothing teaches like experience2 ,i have learned of my ,lord to be kind2 and have found by experience1 that ,i have gained thereby4 ',there is that scattereth1 and yet increaseth2 and there is that withholdeth more than is meet2 but it tendeth to poverty' 7,prov4 #aa3bd74 ',there is that maketh himself rich1 yet hath nothing2 there is that maketh himself poor1 yet hath great riches'#bce 7,prov4 #ac3g74 ,then ,samuel whispered to ,christiana1 his mother1 and said1 ,mother1 this is a very good man's house1 let us stay here a good while1 and let my brother ,matthew be married here to ,mercy1 before we go any further4#bcf ,the which ,gaius the host overhearing1 said1 ,with a very good will1 my child4 ,so they staid there more than a month1 and ,mercy was given to ,matthew to wife4 ,while they staid here1 ,mercy1 as her custom was1 would be making coats and garments to give to the poor1 by which she brought up a very good report upon the ,pilgrims4#bcg ,but to return again to our story4 ,after supper the lads desired a bed2 for that they were weary with travelling3 then ,gaius called to show them their chamber2 but said ,mercy1 ,i will have them to bed4 ,so she had them to bed1 and they slept well2 but the rest sat up all night2 for ,gaius and they were such suitable company1 that they could not tell how to part4 ,then after much talk of their ,lord1 themselves1 and their journey1 old ,mr4 ,honest1 he that put forth the riddle to ,gaius1 began to nod4 ,then said ,great-heart1 ,what1 ,sir1 you begin to be drowsy2 come1 rub up2 now here is a riddle for you4 ,then said ,mr4 ,honest1 ,let us hear it4 ,then said ,mr4 ,great-heart1 ,he that will kill1 must first be overcome1 ,who live abroad would1 first must die at home4 ,ha6 said ,mr4 ,honest1 it is a hard one1 hard to expound1 and harder to practise4 ,but come1 landlord1 said he1 ,i will1 if you please1 leave my part to you2 do you expound it1 and ,i will hear what you say4 ,no1 said ,gaius1 it was put to you1 and it is expected that you should answer it4 ,then said the old gentleman1 ,he first by grace must conquer'd be1 ,that sin would mortify2 ,and who1 that lives1 would convince me1 ,unto himself must die4#bch ,it is right1 said ,gaius2 good doctrine and experience teaches this4 ,for1 first1 until grace displays itself1 and overcomes the soul with its glory1 it is altogether without heart to oppose sin2 besides if sin is ,satan's cords1 by which the soul lies bound1 how should it make resistance1 before it is loosed from that infirmity8 ,secondly1 nor will any1 that knows either reason or grace1 believe that such a man can be a living monument of grace that is a slave to his own corruptions4 ,and now it comes in my mind1 ,i will tell you a story worth the hearing4 ,there were two men that went on pilgrimage2 the one began when he was young1 the other when he was old4 ,the young man had strong corruptions to grapple with2 the old man's were decayed with the decays of nature4 ,the young man trod his steps as even as did the old one1 and was every way as light as he4 ,who now1 or which of them1 had their graces shining clearest1 since both seemed to be alike ,,hon4 ,the young man's1 doubtless4 ,for that which heads it against the greatest opposition1 gives best demonstration that it is strongest2 especially when it also holdeth pace with that that meets not with half so much2 as1 to be sure1 old age does not4#bci ,besides1 ,i have observed that old men have blessed themselves with this mistake1 namely1 taking the decays of nature for a gracious conquest over corruptions1 and so have been apt to beguile themselves4 ,indeed1 old men that are gracious1 are best able to give advice to them that are young1 because they have seen most of the emptiness of things4 ,but yet1 for an old and a young man to set out both together1 the young one has the advantage of the fairest discovery of a work of grace within him1 though the old man's corruptions are naturally the weakest4 ,thus they sat talking till break of day4 ,now1 when the family was up1 ,christiana bid her son ,james that he should read a chapter2 so he read the fifty-third of ,isaiah4 ,when he had done1 ,mr4 ,honest asked1 why it was said that the ,saviour is said to come 'out of a dry ground'2 and also1 that ',he had no form or comeliness in him8' ,,great-,,heart4 ,then said ,mr4 ,great-heart1 ,to the first1 ,i answer1 ,because the church of the ,jews1 of which ,christ came1 had then lost almost all the sap and spirit of religion4 ,to the second1 ,i say1 ,the words are spoken in the person of the unbelievers1 who1 because they want that eye that can see into our ,prince's heart1 therefore they judge of ,him by the meanness of ,his outside4 ,just like those that know not that precious stones are covered over with a homely crust2 who1 when they have found one1 because they know not what they have found1 cast it again away1 as men do a common stone4 ,well1 said ,gaius1 now you are here1 and since1 as ,i know1 ,mr4 ,great-heart is good at his weapons1 if you please1 after we have refreshed ourselves1 we will walk into the fields1 to see if we can do any good4#bdj ,about a mile from hence1 there is one ,slay-good1 a giant that does much annoy the ,king's highway in these parts2 and ,i know whereabout his haunt is4 ,he is master of a number of thieves2 it would be well if we could clear these parts of him4 ,so they consented1 and went1 ,mr4 ,great-heart with his sword1 helmet1 and shield1 and the rest with spears and staves4#bda ,when they came to the place where he was1 they found him with one ,feeble-mind in his hands1 whom his servants had brought unto him1 having taken him in the way4 ,now the giant was rifling him1 with a purpose1 after that1 to pick his bones1 for he was of the nature of flesh-eaters4 ,well1 so soon as he saw ,mr4 ,great-heart and his friends at the mouth of his cave1 with their weapons1 he demanded what they wanted4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,we want thee2 for we are come to revenge the quarrel of the many that thou hast slain of the pilgrims1 when thou hast dragged them out of the ,king's highway2 wherefore1 come out of thy cave4 ,so he armed himself and came out2 and to a battle they went1 and fought for above an hour1 and then stood still to take wind4 ,,slay4 ,then said the giant1 ,why are you here on my ground8 ,,great-,,heart4 ,to revenge the blood of pilgrims1 as ,i also told thee before4 ,so they went to it again1 and the giant made ,mr4 ,great-heart give back2 but he came up again1 and1 in the greatness of his mind1 he let fly with such stoutness at the giant's head and sides1 that he made him let his weapon fall out of his hand2 so he smote him1 and slew him1 and cut off his head1 and brought it away to the inn4 ,he also took ,feeble-mind1 the pilgrim1 and brought him with him to his lodgings4 ,when they were come home1 they showed his head to the family1 and then set it up1 as they had done others before1 for a terror to those that shall attempt to do as he hereafter4#bdb ,then they asked ,mr4 ,feeble-mind how he fell into his hands8 ,,feeble-,,mind4 ,then said the poor man1 ,i am a sickly man1 as you see2 and1 because death did usually once a day knock at my door1 ,i thought ,i should never be well at home2 so ,i betook myself to a pilgrim's life1 and have traveled hither from the town of ,uncertain1 where ,i and my father were born4 ,i am a man of no strength at all of body1 nor yet of mind2 but would1 if ,i could1 though ,i can but crawl1 spend my life in the pilgrim's way4#bdc ,when ,i came at the gate that is at the head of the way1 the ,lord of that place did entertain me freely2 neither objected ,he against my weakly looks1 nor against my feeble mind2 but gave me such things that were necessary for my journey1 and bid me hope to the end4 ,when ,i came to the house of the ,interpreter1 ,i received much kindness there2 and because the ,hill ,difficulty was judged too hard for me1 ,i was carried up that by one of ,his servants4 ,indeed1 ,i have found much relief from pilgrims1 though none were willing to go so softly as ,i am forced to do2 yet still1 as they came on1 they bid me be of good cheer1 and said that it was the will of their ,lord that comfort should be given to the feeble-minded1 and so went on their own pace 7#a ,thess4 #e3ad74 ,when ,i was come up to ,assault ,lane1 then this giant met with me1 and bid me prepare for an encounter2 but1 alas6 feeble one that ,i was1 ,i had more need of a cordial4 ,so he came up and took me4 ,i conceited he should not kill me4 ,also1 when he had got me into his den1 since ,i went not with him willingly1 ,i believed ,i should come out alive again2 for ,i have heard1 that not any pilgrim that is taken captive by violent hands1 if he keeps heart-whole towards his ,master1 is1 by the laws of ,providence1 to die by the hand of the enemy4 ,robbed ,i looked to be1 and robbed to be sure ,i am2 but ,i am1 as you see1 escaped with life2 for the which ,i thank my ,king as author1 and you as the means4 ,other brunts ,i also look for2 but this ,i have resolved on1 to wit1 to run when ,i can1 to go when ,i cannot run1 and to creep when ,i cannot go4 ,as to the main1 ,i thank ,him that loves me1 ,i am fixed4 ,my way is before me1 my mind is beyond the river that has no bridge1 though ,i am1 as you see1 but of a feeble mind4#bdd ,,hon4 ,then said old ,mr4 ,honest1 ,have you not1 some time ago1 been acquainted with one ,mr4 ,fearing1 a pilgrim4 ,,feeble4 ,acquainted with him6 ,yes2 he came from the town of ,stupidity1 which lieth four degrees to the northward of the ,city of ,destruction1 and as many off of where ,i was born2 yet we were well acquainted1 for1 indeed1 he was my uncle1 my father's brother4 ,he and ,i have been much of a temper4 ,he was a little shorter than ,i1 but yet we were much of a complexion4 ,,hon4 ,i perceive you know him2 and ,i am apt to believe also1 that you were related one to another2 for you have his whitely look1 a cast like his with your eye1 and your speech is much alike4 ,,feeble4 ,most have said so that have known us both2 and besides1 what ,i have read in him1 ,i have1 for the most part1 found in myself4 ,,gaius4 ,come1 ,sir1 said good ,gaius1 be of good cheer1 you are welcome to me1 and to my house1 and what thou hast a mind to1 call for freely2 and what thou wouldest have my servants do for thee1 they will do it with a ready mind4 ,then said ,mr4 ,feeble-mind1 ,this is unexpected favour1 and as the sun shining out of a very dark cloud4 ,did ,giant ,slay-good intend me this favour when he stopped me1 and resolved to let me go no further8 ,did he intend1 that after he had rifled my pockets1 ,i should go to ,gaius1 mine host8 ,yet so it is4#bde ,now1 just as ,mr4 ,feeble-mind and ,gaius were thus in talk1 there comes one running1 and called at the door1 and told that1 about a mile and a half off1 there was one ,mr4 ,not-right1 a pilgrim1 struck dead upon the place where he was with a thunder-bolt4#bdf ,,feeble4 ,alas6 said ,mr4 ,feeble-mind1 is he slain8 ,he overtook me some days before ,i came so far as hither1 and would be my company-keeper4 ,he also was with me when ,slay-good1 the giant1 took me2 but he was nimble of his heels1 and escaped4 ,but1 it seems1 he escaped to die1 and ,i was took to live4#bdg ,what1 one would think1 doth seek to slay outright1 ,ofttimes delivers from the saddest plight4 ,that very providence1 whose face is death1 ,doth ofttimes to the lowly life bequeath4 ,i taken was1 he did escape and flee2 ,hands cross'd gives death to him1 and life to me4 ,now1 about this time1 ,matthew and ,mercy were married4 ,also ,gaius gave his daughter ,phoebe to ,james1 ,matthew's brother1 to wife2 after which time they yet staid above ten days at ,gaius' house1 spending their time1 and the seasons1 like as pilgrims used to do4#bdh ,when they were to depart1 ,gaius made them a feast1 and they did eat and drink1 and were merry4 ,now the hour was come that they must be gone2 wherefore1 ,mr4 ,great-heart called for a reckoning2 but ,gaius told him1 that at his house it was not the custom for pilgrims to pay for their entertainment4 ,he boarded them by the year1 but looked for his pay from the good ,samaritan1 who had promised him1 at his return1 whatsoever charge he was at with them1 faithfully to repay him 7,luke #aj3cd1 #ce74 ,then said ,mr4 ,great-heart to him1 ,,great-,,heart4 ',beloved1 thou dost faithfully whatsoever thou dost to the brethren1 and to strangers2 which have borne witness of thy charity before the church2 whom if thou 7yet7 bring forward on their journey after a godly sort1 thou shalt do well' 7#c ,john #e1 #f74 ,then ,gaius took his leave of them all1 and of his children1 and particularly of ,mr4 ,feeble-mind4 ,he also gave him something to drink by the way4 ,now ,mr4 ,feeble-mind1 when they were going out of the door1 made as if he intended to linger2 the which when ,mr4 ,great-heart espied1 he said1 ,come1 ,mr4 ,feeble-,mind1 pray do you go along with us1 ,i will be your conductor1 and you shall fare as the rest4 ,,feeble4 ,alas6 ,i want a suitable companion2 you are all lusty and strong2 but ,i1 as you see1 am weak2 ,i choose1 therefore1 rather to come behind1 lest1 by reason of my many infirmities1 ,i should be both a burden to myself and to you4 ,i am1 as ,i said1 a man of a weak and feeble mind1 and shall be offended and made weak at that which others can bear4 ,i shall like no laughing2 ,i shall like no gay attire2 ,i shall like no unprofitable questions4 ,nay1 ,i am so weak a man1 as to be offended with that which others have liberty to do4 ,i do not yet know all the truth2 ,i am a very ignorant ,christian man2 sometimes1 if ,i hear some rejoice in the ,lord1 it troubles me1 because ,i can not do so too4 ,it is with me1 as it is with a weak man among the strong1 or as with a sick man among the healthy1 or as a lamp despised 7',he that is ready to slip with his feet1 is as a lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease' ,job #ab3e71 so that ,i know not what to do4#bdi ,,great-,,heart4 ,but1 brother1 said4 ,mr4 ,great-heart1 ,i have it in commission to 'comfort the feeble-minded1' and to 'support the weak' 7#a ,thess4 #e3ad74 ,you must needs go along with us2 we will wait for you2 we will lend you our help 7,rom4 #ad3a72 we will deny ourselves of some things1 both opinionative and practical1 for your sake 7#a ,cor4 #h71 we will not enter into doubtful disputations before you2 we will be made all things to you1 rather than you shall be left behind#bej 7#a ,cor4 #i3bb74 ,now all this while they were at ,gaius' door2 and behold1 as they were thus in the heat of their discourse1 ,mr4 ,ready-to-halt came by1 with his crutches promises in his hand 7,psa4 #ch3ag72 and he also was going on pilgrimage4 ,,feeble4 ,then said ,mr4 ,feeble-mind to him1 ,man1 ,how camest thou hither8 ,i was but just now complaining1 that ,i had not a suitable companion1 but thou art according to my wish4 ,welcome1 welcome1 good ,mr4 ,ready-to-halt1 ,i hope thee and ,i may be some help4 ,,ready-,,to-,,halt4 ,i shall be glad of thy company1 said the other2 and good ,mr4 ,feeble-mind1 rather than we will part1 since we are thus happily met1 ,i will lend thee one of my crutches4#bea ,,feeble4 ,nay1 said he1 though ,i thank thee for thy goodwill1 ,i am not inclined to halt before ,i am lame4 ,howbeit1 ,i think1 when occasion is1 it may help me against a dog4#beb ,,ready4 ,if either myself or my crutches can do thee a pleasure1 we are both at thy command1 good ,mr4 ,feeble-mind4 ,thus therefore they went on2 ,mr4 ,great-heart and ,mr4 ,honest went before1 ,christiana and her children went next1 and ,mr4 ,feeble-mind and ,mr4 ,ready-to-halt1 came behind with his crutches4#bec ,then said ,mr4 ,honest1 ,,hon4 ,pray1 ,sir1 now we are upon the road1 tell us some profitable things of some that have gone on pilgrimage before us4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,with a good will4 ,i suppose you have heard how ,christian of old did meet with ,apollyon in the ,valley of ,humiliation2 and also what hard work he had1 to go through the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death4 ,also ,i think you cannot but have heard how ,faithful was put to it with ,madam ,wanton1 with ,adam the first1 with one ,discontent1 and ,shame1 four as deceitful villains as a man can meet with upon the road4 ,,hon4 ,yes1 ,i have heard of all this2 but indeed1 good ,faithful was hardest put to it with ,shame2 he was an unwearied one4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,aye2 for1 as the ,pilgrim well said1 he of all men had the wrong name4 ,,hon4 ,but pray1 ,sir1 where was it that ,christian and ,faithful met ,talkative8 ,that same was also a notable one4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,he was a confident fool1 yet many follow his ways4 ,,hon4 ,he had like to have beguiled ,faithful4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,aye1 but ,christian put him into a way quickly to find him out4 ,thus they went on till they came at the place where ,evangelist met with ,christian and ,faithful1 and prophesied to them of what should befall them at ,vanity ,fair4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,then said their guide1 ,hereabouts did ,christian and ,faithful meet with ,evangelist1 who prophesied to them of what troubles they should meet with at ,vanity ,fair4 ,,hon4 ,say you so8 ,i dare say it was a hard chapter that then he did read unto them4#bed ,,great-,,heart4 ,it was so2 but he gave them encouragement withal4 ,but what do we talk of them8 they were a couple of lion-like men2 they had set their faces like flint4 ,don't you remember how undaunted they were when they stood before the judge8 ,,hon4 ,well1 ,faithful bravely suffered4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,so he did1 and as brave things came on it2 for ,hopeful and some others1 as the story relates it1 were converted by his death4 ,,hon4 ,well1 but pray go on2 for you are well acquainted with things4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,above all that ,christian met with after he had passed through ,vanity ,fair1 one ,by-ends was the arch one4 ,,hon4 ,by-ends6 ,what was he8 ,,great-,,heart4 ,a very arch fellow2 a downright hypocrite4 ,one that would be religious which way ever the world went2 but so cunning1 that he would be sure neither to lose nor suffer for it4 ,he had his mode of religion for every fresh occasion2 and his wife was as good at it as he4 ,he would turn and change from opinion to opinion2 yea1 and plead for so doing too4 ,but1 so far as ,i could learn1 he came to an ill end with his by-ends2 nor did ,i ever hear that any of his children were ever of any esteem with any that truly feared ,god4 ,now1 by this time1 they were come within sight of the town of ,vanity1 where ,vanity ,fair is kept4 ,so1 when they saw that they were so near the town1 they consulted with one another1 how they should pass through the town2 and some said one thing1 and some another4 ,at last ,mr4 ,great-heart said1 ,i have1 as you may understand1 often been a conductor of pilgrims through this town2 now ,i am acquainted with one ,mr4 ,mnason1 a ,cyprusian by nation1 an old disciple1 at whose house we may lodge 7,acts #ba3af74 ,if you think good1 said he1 we will turn in there4#bee ,content1 said old ,honest2 ,content1 said ,christiana2 ,content1 said ,mr4 ,feeble-mind2 and so they said all4 ,now1 you must think1 it was even-tide by that they got to the outside of the town2 but ,mr4 ,great-heart knew the way to the old man's house4 ,so thither they came2 and he called at the door1 and the old man within knew his tongue so soon as ever he heard it2 so he opened1 and they all came in4 ,then said ,mnason their host1 ,how far have ye come today8 ,so they said1 ,from the house of ,gaius our friend4 ,i promise you1 said he1 you have gone a good stitch1 you may well be a weary2 sit down4 ,so they sat down4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,then said their guide1 ,come1 what cheer1 ,sirs8 ,i dare say you are welcome to my friend4 ,,mnason4 ,i also1 said ,mr4 ,mnason1 do bid you welcome1 and1 whatever you want1 do but say1 and we will do what we can to get it for you4 ,,hon4 ,our great want1 a while since1 was harbour and good company1 and now ,i hope we have both4 ,,mnason4 ,for harbour1 you see what it is2 but for good company1 that will appear in the trial4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,well1 said ,mr4 ,great-heart1 will you have the ,pilgrims up into their lodging8 ,,mnason4 ,i will1 said ,mr4 ,mnason4 ,so he had them to their respective places2 and also showed them a very fair dining-room1 where they might be1 and sup together1 until time was come to go to rest4 ,now1 when they were set in their places1 and were a little cheery after their journey1 ,mr4 ,honest asked his landlord1 if there were any store of good people in the town8 ,,mnason4 ,we have a few1 for indeed they are but a few1 when compared with them on the other side4 ,,hon4 ,but how shall we do to see some of them8 for the sight of good men to them that are going on pilgrimage1 is like to the appearing of the moon and the stars to them that are sailing upon the seas4#bef ,then ,mr4 ,mnason stamped with his foot1 and his daughter ,grace came up2 so he said unto her1 ,grace1 go you1 tell my friends1 ,mr4 ,contrite1 ,mr4 ,holy-man1 ,mr4 ,love-saint1 ,mr4 ,dare-not-lie1 and ,mr4 ,penitent2 that ,i have a friend or two at my house that have a mind this evening to see them4 ,so ,grace went to call them1 and they came2 and1 after salutation made1 they sat down together at the table4 ,then said ,mr4 ,mnason1 their landlord1 ,my neighbours1 ,i have1 as you see1 a company of strangers come to my house2 they are ,pilgrims2 they come from afar1 and are going to mount ,zion4 ,but who1 quoth he1 do you think this is8 pointing with his finger to ,christiana2 it is ,christiana1 the wife of ,christian1 that famous ,pilgrim1 who1 with ,faithful his brother1 were so shamefully handled in our town4 ,at that they stood amazed1 saying1 ,we little thought to see ,christiana1 when ,grace came to call us2 wherefore this is a very comfortable surprise4 ,then they asked her of her welfare1 and if these young men were her husband's sons8 ,and when she had told them they were1 they said1 ,the ,king whom you love and serve1 make you as your father1 and bring you where he is in peace6 ,,hon4 ,then ,mr4 ,honest 7when they were all sat down7 asked ,mr4 ,contrite1 and the rest1 in what posture their town was at present8 ,,contrite4 ,you may be sure we are full of hurry in fair-time4 ,it is hard keeping our hearts and spirits in any good order1 when we are in a cumbered condition4 ,he that lives in such a place as this is1 and that has to do with such as we have1 has need of an item1 to caution him to take heed1 every moment of the day4 ,,hon4 ,but how are your neighbours for quietness8 ,,contrite4 ,they are much more moderate now than formerly4 ,you know how ,christian and ,faithful were used at our town2 but of late1 ,i say1 they have been far more moderate4 ,i think the blood of ,faithful lieth with load upon them till now2 for since they burned him1 they have been ashamed to burn any more4 ,in those days we were afraid to walk the streets1 but now we can show our heads4 ,then the name of a professor was odious2 now1 especially in some parts of our town 7for you know our town is large71 religion is counted honourable4#beg ,then said ,mr4 ,contrite to them1 ,pray how fareth it with you in your pilgrimage8 ,how stands the country affected towards you8 ,,hon4 ,it happens to us as it happeneth to wayfaring men2 sometimes our way is clean1 sometimes foul1 sometimes up hill1 sometimes down hill2 we are seldom at a certainty2 the wind is not always on our backs1 nor is everyone a friend that we meet with in the way4 ,we have met with some notable rubs already2 and what are yet behind1 we know not2 but for the most part1 we find it true1 that has been talked of1 of old1 ,a good man must suffer trouble4 ,,contrite4 ,you talk of rubs2 what rubs have you met withal8 ,,hon4 ,nay1 ask ,mr4 ,great-heart1 our guide1 for he can give the best account of that4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,we have been beset three or four times already4 ,first1 ,christiana and her children were beset with two ruffians1 that they feared would a took away their lives4 ,we were beset with ,giant ,bloody-man1 ,giant ,maul1 and ,giant ,slay-good4 ,indeed we did rather beset the last1 than were beset of him4 ,and thus it was3 ,after we had been some time at the house of ',gaius1 mine host1 and of the whole church' 7,rom4 #af3bc71 we were minded upon a time to take our weapons with us1 and so go see if we could light upon any of those that were enemies to pilgrims 7for we heard that there was a notable one thereabouts74 ,now ,gaius knew his haunt better than ,i1 because he dwelt thereabout2 so we looked1 and looked1 till at last we discerned the mouth of his cave2 then we were glad1 and plucked up our spirits4 ,so we approached up to his den1 and lo1 when we came there1 he had dragged1 by mere force1 into his net1 this poor man1 ,mr4 ,feeble-mind1 and was about to bring him to his end4 ,but when he saw us1 supposing1 as we thought1 he had had another prey1 he left the poor man in his hole1 and came out4 ,so we fell to it full sore1 and he lustily laid about him2 but in conclusion1 he was brought down to the ground1 and his head cut off1 and set up by the way-side1 for a terror to such as should after practise such ungodliness4 ,that ,i tell you the truth1 here is the man himself to affirm it1 who was as a lamb taken out of the mouth of the lion4 ,,feeble-,,mind4 ,then said ,mr4 ,feeble-mind1 ,i found this true1 to my cost1 and comfort2 to my cost1 when he threatened to pick my bones every moment2 and to my comfort1 when ,i saw ,mr4 ,great-heart and his friends with their weapons1 approach so near for my deliverance4 ,,holy-,,man4 ,then said ,mr4 ,holy-man1 ,there are two things that they have need to be possessed with1 that go on pilgrimage2 courage1 and an unspotted life4 ,if they have not courage1 they can never hold on their way2 and if their lives be loose1 they will make the very name of a ,pilgrim stink4 ,,love-,,saint4 ,then said ,mr4 ,love-saint1 ,i hope this caution is not needful amongst you4 ,but truly1 there are many that go upon the road1 that rather declare themselves strangers to pilgrimage1 than strangers and pilgrims in the earth4 ,,dare-,,not-,,lie4 ,then said ,mr4 ,dare-not-lie1 ,it is true1 they neither have the pilgrim's need1 nor the pilgrim's courage2 they go not uprightly1 but all awry with their feet2 one shoe goes inward1 another outward1 and their hosen out behind2 there a rag1 and there a rent1 to the disparagement of their ,lord4 ,,penitent4 ,these things1 said ,mr4 ,penitent1 they ought to be troubled for2 nor are the pilgrims like to have that grace put upon them and their pilgrim's progress1 as they desire1 until the way is cleared of such spots and blemishes4 ,thus they sat talking and spending the time1 until supper was set upon the table2 unto which they went and refreshed their weary bodies2 so they went to rest4 ,now they stayed in this fair a great while1 at the house of this ,mr4 ,mnason1 who1 in process of time1 gave his daughter ,grace unto ,samuel1 ,christiana's son1 to wife1 and his daughter ,martha to ,joseph4 ,the time1 as ,i said1 that they lay here1 was long 7for it was not now as in former times74 ,wherefore the ,pilgrims grew acquainted with many of the good people of the town1 and did them what service they could4 ,mercy1 as she was wont1 laboured much for the poor2 wherefore their bellies and backs blessed her1 and she was there an ornament to her profession4#beh ,and1 to say the truth for ,grace1 ,phoebe1 and ,martha1 they were all of a very good nature1 and did much good in their place4 ,they were also all of them very fruitful2 so that ,christian's name1 as was said before1 was like to live in the world4 ,while they lay here1 there came a monster out of the woods1 and slew many of the people of the town4 ,it would also carry away their children1 and teach them to suck its whelps4#bei ,now1 no man in the town durst so much as face this monster2 but all men fled when they heard of the noise of his coming4 ,the monster was like unto no one beast upon the earth2 its body was like a dragon1 and it had seven heads and ten horns 7,rev4 #ag3c74 ,it made great havoc of children1 and yet it was governed by a woman4#bfj ,this monster propounded conditions to men1 and such men as loved their lives more than their souls1 accepted of those conditions4 ,so they came under4#bfa ,now this ,mr4 ,great-heart1 together with these that came to visit the pilgrims at ,mr4 ,mnason's house1 entered into a covenant to go and engage this beast1 if perhaps they might deliver the people of this town from the paws and mouth of this so devouring a serpent4 ,then did ,mr4 ,great-heart1 ,mr4 ,contrite1 ,mr4 ,holy-man1 ,mr4 ,dare-not-lie1 and ,mr4 ,penitent1 with their weapons go forth to meet him4 ,now the monster1 at first1 was very rampant1 and looked upon these enemies with great disdain2 but they so belaboured him1 being sturdy men at arms1 that they made him make a retreat2 so they came home to ,mr4 ,mnason's house again4 ,the monster1 you must know1 had his certain seasons to come out in1 and to make his attempts upon the children of the people of the town2 also these seasons did these valiant worthies watch him in1 and did still continually assault him2 insomuch1 that in process of time he became not only wounded1 but lame2 also he has not made that havoc of the townsmen's children1 as formerly he has done4 ,and it is verily believed by some1 that this beast will die of his wounds4#bfb ,this1 therefore1 made ,mr4 ,great-heart and his fellows of great fame in this town2 so that many of the people that wanted their taste of things1 yet had a reverend esteem and respect for them4#bfc ,upon this account therefore it was1 that these pilgrims got not much hurt here4 ,true1 there were some of the baser sort1 that could see no more than a mole1 nor understand more than a beast2 these had no reverence for these men1 nor took they notice of their valour or adventures4#bfd ,well1 the time grew on that the ,pilgrims must go on their way1 wherefore they prepared for their journey4 ,they sent for their friends2 they conferred with them2 they had some time set apart1 therein to commit each other to the protection of their ,prince4 ,there were again1 that brought them of such things as they had1 that were fit for the weak and the strong1 for the women and the men1 and so laded them with such things as were necessary 7,acts #bh3aj74 ,then they set forward on their way2 and their friends accompanying them so far as was convenient1 they again committed each other to the protection of their ,king1 and parted4 ,they1 therefore1 that were of the ,pilgrims' company went on1 and ,mr4 ,great-heart went before them4 ,now the women and children being weakly1 they were forced to go as they could bear2 by this means ,mr4 ,ready-to-halt and ,mr4 ,feeble-mind had more to sympathize with their condition4 ,when they were gone from the townsmen1 and when their friends had bid them farewell2 they quickly came to the place where ,faithful was put to death2 there therefore they made a stand1 and thanked ,him that had enabled him to bear his cross so well2 and the rather because they now found that they had a benefit by such a manly suffering as his was4#bfe ,they went on1 therefore1 after this1 a good way further1 talking of ,christian and ,faithful2 and how ,hopeful joined himself to ,christian after that ,faithful was dead4 ,now they were come up with the ,hill ,lucre1 where the silver mine was1 which took ,demas off from his pilgrimage1 and into which1 as some think1 ,by-ends fell and perished2 wherefore they considered that4 ,but when they were come to the old monument that stood over against the ,hill ,lucre1 to wit1 to the pillar of salt that stood also within view of ,sodom and its stinking lake2 they marveled1 as did ,christian before1 that men of that knowledge and ripeness of wit1 as they were1 should be so blinded as to turn aside here4 ,only they considered again1 that nature is not affected with the harms that others have met with1 especially if that thing upon which they look1 has an attracting virtue upon the foolish eye4 ,i saw now that they went on1 till they came at the river that was on this side of the ,delectable ,mountains4 ,to the river where the fine trees grow on both sides2 and whose leaves1 if taken inwardly1 are good against surfeits1 where the meadows are green all the year long1 and where they might lie down safely 7,psa4 #bc74 ,by this river side1 in the meadow1 there were cotes and folds for sheep1 a house built for the nourishing and bringing up of those lambs1 the babes of those women that go on pilgrimage 7,heb4 #e3b74 ,also there was here one that was intrusted with them1 who could have compassion1 and that could gather these lambs with ,his arm1 and carry them in ,his bosom1 and that could gently lead those that were with young 7,isa4 #dj3aa74 ,now to the care of ,,this ,,man1 ,christiana admonished her four daughters to commit their little ones1 that by these waters they might be housed1 harboured1 succoured1 and nourished1 and that none of them might be lacking in time to come4#bff ,this ,man1 if any of them go astray1 or be lost1 ,he will bring them again2 ,he will also bind up that which was broken1 and will strengthen them that are sick 7,ezek4 #cd3aa-af74 ,here they will never want meat1 and drink1 and clothing2 here they will be kept from thieves and robbers2 for this ,man will die before one of those committed to ,his trust shall be lost 7,jer4 #bc3d74 ,besides1 here they shall be sure to have good nurture and admonition1 and shall be taught to walk in right paths1 and that you know is a favour of no small account4 ,also here1 as you see1 are delicate waters1 pleasant meadows1 dainty flowers1 variety of trees1 and such as bear wholesome fruit2 fruit not like that that ,matthew ate of1 that fell over the wall out of ,beelzebub's garden2 but fruit that procureth health where there is none1 and that continueth and increaseth it where it is4#bfg ,so they were content to commit their little ones to ,him2 and that which was also an encouragement to them so to do1 was1 for that all this was to be at the charge of the ,king1 and so was as an hospital for young children and orphans4 ,now they went on2 and when they were come to ,by-path ,meadow1 to the stile over which ,christian went with his fellow ,hopeful1 when they were taken by ,giant ,despair1 and put into ,doubting ,castle2 they sat down and consulted what was best to be done2 to wit1 now they were so strong1 and had got such a man as ,mr4 ,great-heart for their conductor1 whether they had not best to make an attempt upon the ,giant1 demolish his castle1 and1 if there were any pilgrims in it1 to set them at liberty1 before they went any further4 ,so one said one thing1 and another said the contrary4 ,one questioned if it were lawful to go upon unconsecrated ground2 another said they might1 provided their end was good2 but ,mr4 ,great-heart said1 ,though that assertion offered last cannot be universally true1 yet ,i have a commandment to resist sin1 to overcome evil1 to fight the good fight of faith2 and1 ,i pray1 with whom should ,i fight this good fight1 if not with ,giant ,despair8 ,i will1 therefore1 attempt the taking away of his life1 and the demolishing of ,doubting ,castle4 ,then said he1 ,who will go with me8 ,then said old ,honest1 ,i will4 ,and so will we too1 said ,christiana's four sons1 ,matthew1 ,samuel1 ,james1 and ,joseph2 for they were young men and strong 7#a ,john #c3ac1 #ad74 ,so they left the women in the road1 and with them ,mr4 ,feeble-mind and ,mr4 ,ready-to-halt with his crutches1 to be their guard1 until they came back2 for in that place though ,giant ,despair dwelt so near1 they keeping in the road1 a little child might lead them 7,isa4 #aa3f74 ,so ,mr4 ,great-heart1 old ,honest1 and the four young men1 went to go up to ,doubting ,castle1 to look for ,giant ,despair4 ,when they came at the ,castle-gate1 they knocked for entrance with an unusual noise4 ,at that the old ,giant comes to the gate1 and ,diffidence1 his wife1 follows4 ,then said he1 ,who1 and what is he that is so hardy1 as after this manner to molest the ,giant ,despair8 ,mr4 ,great-heart replied1 ,it is ,i1 ,great-heart1 one of the ,king of the ,celestial ,country's conductors of pilgrims to their place2 and ,i demand of thee that thou open thy gates for my entrance4 ,prepare thyself also to fight1 for ,i am come to take away thy head1 and to demolish ,doubting ,castle4 ,now ,giant ,despair1 because he was a giant1 thought no man could overcome him2 and1 again1 thought he1 since heretofore ,i have made a conquest of angels1 shall ,great-heart make me afraid6 ,so he harnessed himself1 and went out4 ,he had a cap of steel upon his head1 a breast-plate of fire girded to him1 and he came out in iron shoes with a great club in his hand4 ,then these six men made up to him1 and beset him behind and before4 ,also when ,diffidence1 the giantess1 came up to help him1 old ,mr4 ,honest cut her down at one blow4 ,then they fought for their lives1 and ,giant ,despair was brought down to the ground1 but was very loath to die4 ,he struggled hard1 and had1 as they say1 as many lives as a cat2 but ,great-heart was his death1 for he left him not till he had severed his head from his shoulders4#bfh ,then they fell to demolishing ,doubting ,castle1 that you know might with ease be done1 since ,giant ,despair was dead4 ,they were seven days in destroying of that2 and in it of pilgrims they found one ,mr4 ,despondency1 almost starved to death1 and one ,much-afraid1 his daughter2 these two they saved alive4 ,but it would have made you a-wondered to have seen the dead bodies that lay here and there in the castle-yard1 and how full of dead men's bones the dungeon was4 ,when ,mr4 ,great-heart and his companions had performed this exploit1 they took ,mr4 ,despondency1 and his daughter ,much-afraid1 into their protection2 for they were honest people1 though they were prisoners in ,doubting ,castle1 to that tyrant ,giant ,despair4 ,they1 therefore1 ,i say1 took with them the head of the ,giant1 for his body they had buried under a heap of stones1 and down to the road and to their companions they came1 and showed them what they had done4 ,now when ,feeble-mind and ,ready-to-halt saw that it was the head of ,giant ,despair indeed1 they were very jocund and merry4#bfi ,now ,christiana1 if need was1 could play upon the viol1 and her daughter ,mercy upon the lute2 so1 since they were so merry disposed1 she played them a lesson1 and ,ready-to-halt would dance4 ,so he took ,despondency's daughter1 named ,much-afraid1 by the hand1 and to dancing they went in the road4 ,true1 he could not dance without one crutch in his hand2 but1 ,i promise you1 he footed it well4 ,also the girl was to be commended1 for she answered the music handsomely4 ,as for ,mr4 ,despondency1 the music was not much to him2 he was for feeding rather than dancing1 for that he was almost starved4 ,so ,christiana gave him some of her bottle of spirits1 for present relief1 and then prepared him something to eat2 and1 in little time1 the old gentleman came to himself1 and began to be finely revived4 ,now ,i saw in my dream1 when all these things were finished1 ,mr4 ,great-heart took the head of ,giant ,despair1 and set it upon a pole by the highway side1 right over against the pillar that ,christian erected for a caution to pilgrims that came after1 to take heed of entering into his grounds4#bgj ,though ,doubting ,castle be demolish'd1 ,and the ,giant ,despair hath lost his head1 ,sin can rebuild the ,castle1 make't remain1 ,and make ,despair the ,giant live again4 ,then he writ under it1 upon a marble stone these verses following3 ,this the head of him1 whose name only ,in former times did pilgrims terrify4 ,his ,castle's down2 and ,diffidence1 his wife1 ,brave ,master ,great-heart has bereft of life4 ,despondency1 his daughter ,much-afraid1 ,great-heart for them also the man has play'd2 ,who hereof doubts1 if he'll but cast his eye ,up hither1 may his scruples satisfy4 ,this head also1 when doubting cripples dance1 ,doth show from fears they have deliverance4 ,when these men had thus bravely showed themselves against ,doubting ,castle1 and had slain ,giant ,despair1 they went forward2 and went on till they came to the ,delectable ,mountains1 where ,christian and ,hopeful refreshed themselves with the varieties of the place4 ,they also acquainted themselves with the shepherds there1 who welcomed them1 as they had done ,christian before1 unto the ,delectable ,mountains4 ,now the ,shepherds1 seeing1 so great a train follow ,mr4 ,great-heart1 for with him they were well acquainted1 they said unto him1 ,good ,sir1 you have got a goodly company here4 ,pray1 where did you find all these8 ,then ,mr4 ,great-heart replied3 ,first1 here is ,christiana and her train1 ,her sons1 and her sons' wives1 who like the wain1#bga ,keep by the pole1 and do by compass steer1 ,from sin to grace1 else they had not been here2 ,next1 here's old ,honest come on pilgrimage1 ,ready-to-halt1 too1 who1 ,i dare engage1 ,true-hearted is1 and so is ,feeble-mind1 ,who willing was not to be left behind2 ,despondency1 good man1 is coming after1 ,and so also is ,much-afraid his daughter4 ,may we have entertainment here1 or must ,we further go8 ,let's know whereon to trust4 ,then said the ,shepherds1 ,this is a comfortable company4 ,you are welcome to us1 for we have comfort for the feeble as for the strong4 ,our ,prince has an eye to what is done to the least of these2 therefore infirmity must not be a block to our entertainment 7,matt4 #be3dj74 ,so they had them to the palace door1 and then said unto them1 ,come in1 ,mr4 ,feeble-mind2 ,come in1 ,mr4 ,ready-to-halt2 come in1 ,mr4 ,despondency1 and ,mrs4 ,much-afraid1 his daughter4#bgb ,these1 ,mr4 ,great-heart1 said the ,shepherds to the guide1 we call in by name1 for that they are most subject to draw back2 but as for you1 and the rest that are strong1 we leave you to your wonted liberty4 ,then said ,mr4 ,great-heart1 ,this day ,i see that grace doth shine in your faces1 and that you are my ,lord's ,shepherds indeed2 for that you have not pushed these diseased neither with side nor shoulder1 but have rather strewed their way into the palace with flowers1 as you should#bgc 7,ezek4 #cd3ba74 ,so the feeble and weak went in1 and ,mr4 ,great-heart and the rest did follow4 ,when they were also set down1 the ,shepherds said to those of the weaker sort1 ,what is it that you would have8 for1 said they1 all things must be managed here to the supporting of the weak1 as well as the warning of the unruly4 ,so they made them a feast of things easy of digestion1 and that were pleasant to the palate1 and nourishing2 the which1 when they had received1 they went to their rest1 each one respectively unto his proper place4 ,when morning was come1 because the mountains were high1 and the day clear1 and because it was the custom of the ,shepherds to show to the ,pilgrims1 before their departure1 some rarities2#bgd therefore1 after they were ready1 and had refreshed themselves1 the ,shepherds took them out into the fields1 and showed them first what they had showed to ,christian before4 ,then they had them to some new places4 ,the first was to ,mount ,marvel1 where looked1 and beheld a man at a distance1 that tumbled the hills about with words4 ,then they asked the ,shepherds what that should mean8 ,so they told them1 that that man was a son of one ,great-grace1 of whom you read in the ,first ,part of the ,records of the ,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,and he is set there to teach pilgrims how to believe down1 or to tumble out of their way1 what difficulties they shall meet with1 by faith#bge 7,mark #aa3bc1 #bd74 ,then said ,mr4 ,great-heart1 ,i know him4 ,he is a man above many4 ,then they had them to another place1 called ,mount ,innocent2 and there they saw a man clothed all in white1 and two men1 ,prejudice and ,ill-will1 continually casting dirt upon him4 ,now1 behold1 the dirt1 whatsoever they cast at him1 would in little time fall off again1 and his garments would look as clear as if no dirt had been cast thereat4#bgf ,then said the ,pilgrims1 ,what means this8 ,the ,shepherds answered1 ,this man is named ,godly-man1 and this garment is to show the innocency of his life4 ,now1 those that throw dirt at him1 are such as hate his well-doing2 but1 as you see the dirt will not stick upon his clothes1 so it shall be with him that liveth truly innocently in the world4 ,whoever they be that would make such men dirty1 they labour all in vain2 for ,god1 by that a little time is spent1 will cause that their innocence shall break forth as the light1 and their righteousness as the noon-day4 ,then they took them1 and had them to ,mount ,charity1 where they showed them a man that had a bundle of cloth lying before him1 out of which he cut coats and garments for the poor that stood about him2 yet his bundle or roll of cloth was never the less4 ,then said they1 ,what should this be8 ,this is1 said the ,shepherds1 to show you1 that he that has a heart to give of his labour to the poor1 shall never want wherewithal4 ,he that watereth shall be watered himself4 ,and the cake that the widow gave to the ,prophet did not cause that she had ever the less in her barrel4 ,they had them also to a place where they saw one ,fool1 and one ,want-wit1 washing of an ,ethiopian1 with intention to make him white2 but the more they washed him the blacker he was4 ,they then asked the ,shepherds what that should mean4 ,so they told them1 saying1 ,thus shall it be with the vile person4 ,all means used to get such a one a good name shall1 in conclusion1 tend but to make him more abominable4 ,thus it was with the ,pharisees1 and so shall it be with all hypocrites4#bgg ,then said ,mercy1 the wife of ,matthew1 to ,christiana1 her mother1 ,mother1 ,i would1 if it might be1 see the hole in the hill1 or that commonly called the by-way to hell4 ,so her mother brake her mind to the ,shepherds4 ,then they went to the door4 ,it was in the side of a hill1 and they opened it1 and bid ,mercy hearken awhile4 ,so she hearkened1 and heard one saying1 ,cursed be my father1 for holding of my feet back from the way of peace and life2 and another said1 ,o that ,i had been torn in pieces1 before ,i had1 to save my life1 lost my soul6 and another said1 ,if ,i were to live again1 how would ,i deny myself1 rather than come to this place6 ,then there was as if the very earth had groaned and quaked under the feet of this young woman for fear4 ,so she looked white1 and came trembling away1 saying1 ,blessed be he and she that are delivered from this place4#bgh ,now when the ,shepherds had shown them all these things1 then they had them back to the palace1 and entertained them with what the house would afford4 ,but ,mercy being a young and breeding woman1 longed for something that she saw there1 but was ashamed to ask4 ,her mother-in-law then asked her what she ailed2 for she looked as one not well4 ,then said ,mercy1 ,there is a looking-glass hangs up in the dining-room1 off which ,i cannot take my mind3 if1 therefore1 ,i have it not1 ,i think ,i shall miscarry4 ,then said her mother1 ,i will mention thy wants to the ,shepherds1 and they will not deny it thee4 ,but she said1 ,i am ashamed that these men should know that ,i longed4 ,nay1 my daughter1 said she1 it is no shame but a virtue1 to long for such a thing as that4 ,so ,mercy said1 ,then1 mother1 if you please1 ask the ,shepherds if they are willing to sell it4 ,now the glass was one of a thousand4 ,it would present a man1 one way1 with his own features exactly 7,james #a3bc72 and1 turn it but another way1 and it would show one the very face and similitude of the ,prince of ,pilgrims ,himself 7#a ,cor4 #ac3ab74 ,yea1 ,i have talked with them that can tell1 and they have said1 that they have seen the very crown of thorns upon ,his head1 by looking in that glass2 they have therein also seen the holes in ,his hands1 in ,his feet1 and ,his side 7#b ,cor4 #c3ah74 ,yea1 such an excellency is there in that glass1 that it will show ,him1 to one where they have a mind to see ,him2 whether living or dead2 whether in earth or ,heaven2 whether in a state of humiliation1 or in ,his exaltation2 whether coming to suffer1 or coming to reign4#bgi ,christiana1 therefore1 went to the ,shepherds apart#bhj--now the names of the ,shepherds are ,knowledge1 ,experience1 ,watchful1 and ,sincere--and said unto them1 ,there is one of my daughters1 a breeding woman1 that ,i think doth long for something that she hath seen in this house2 and she thinks she shall miscarry1 if she shall by you be denied4 ,,experience4 ,call her1 call her2 she shall assuredly have what we can help her to4 ,so they called her1 and said to her1 ,mercy1 what is that thing thou wouldst have8 ,then she blushed1 and said1 ,the great glass that hangs up in the dining-room4 ,so ,sincere ran and fetched it1 and1 with a joyful consent1 it was given her4 ,then she bowed her head1 and gave thanks1 and said1 ,by this ,i know that ,i have obtained favour in your eyes4 ,they also gave to the other young women such things as they desired1 and to their husbands great commendations1 for that they had joined with ,mr4 ,great-heart1 to the slaying of ,giant ,despair1 and the demolishing of ,doubting ,castle4 ,about ,christiana's neck1 the ,shepherds put a bracelet1 and so they did about the necks of her four daughters2 also they put earrings in their ears1 and jewels on their foreheads4#bha ,when they were minded to go hence1 they let them go in peace1 but gave not to them those certain cautions which before were given to ,christian and his companion4 ,the reason was1 for that these had ,great-heart to be their guide1 who was one that was well acquainted with things1 and so could give them their cautions more seasonably2 to wit1 even then when the danger was nigh the approaching4 ,what cautions ,christian and his companion had received of the ,shepherds1 they had also lost1 by that the time was come that they had need to put them in practice4 ,wherefore1 here was the advantage that this company had over the other4 ,from hence they went on singing1 and they said1 ,behold1 how fitly are the stages set ,for their relief that pilgrims are become6 ,and how they us receive without one let1 ,that makes the other life our mark and home6 ,what novelties they have to us they give1 ,that we1 though ,pilgrims1 joyful lives may live2 ,they do upon us1 too1 such things bestow1 ,that show we ,pilgrims are1 where'er we go4 ,when they were gone from the ,shepherds1 they quickly came to the place where ,christian met with one ,turn-away1 that dwelt in the town of ,apostasy4 ,wherefore of him ,mr4 ,great-heart1 their guide1 did now put them in mind1 saying1 ,this is the place where ,christian met with one ,turn-away1 who carried with him the character of his rebellion at his back4 ,and this ,i have to say concerning this man2 he would hearken to no counsel1 but once falling1 persuasion could not stop him4 ,when he came to the place where the ,cross and the ,sepulchre were1 he did meet with one that did bid him look there1 but he gnashed with his teeth1 and stamped1 and said1 he was resolved to go back to his own town4 ,before he came to the gate1 he met with ,evangelist1 who offered to lay hands on him1 to turn him into the way again4 ,but this ,turn-away resisted him1 and having done much despite unto him1 he got away over the wall1 and so escaped his hand 7,heb4 #aj3bf-bi74 ,then they went on2 and just at the place where ,little-faith formerly was robbed1 there stood a man with his sword drawn1 and his face all bloody4 ,then said ,mr4 ,great-heart1 ,what art thou8 ,the man made answer1 saying1 ,i am one whose name is ,valiant-for-truth4 ,i am a pilgrim1 and am going to the ,celestial ,city4 ,now1 as ,i was in my way1 there were three men did beset me1 and propounded unto me these three things3 #a4 ,whether ,i would become one of them4 #b4 ,or go back from whence ,i came4 #c4 ,or die upon the place4#bhb ,to the first1 ,i answered1 ,i had been a true man a long season1 and therefore it could not be expected that ,i now should cast in my lot with thieves 7,prov4 #a3aj-ad74 ,then they demanded what ,i would say to the second4 ,so ,i told them that the place from whence ,i came1 had ,i not found incommodity there1 ,i had not forsaken it at all2 but finding it altogether unsuitable to me1 and very unprofitable for me1 ,i forsook it for this way4 ,then they asked me what ,i said to the third4 ,and ,i told them1 ,my life cost more dear far1 than that ,i should lightly give it away4 ,besides1 you have nothing to do thus to put things to my choice2 wherefore1 at your peril be it1 if you meddle4 ,then these three1 to wit1 ,wild-head1 ,inconsiderate1 and ,pragmatic1 drew upon me1 and ,i also drew upon them4 ,so we fell to it1 one against three1 for the space of above three hours4 ,they have left upon me1 as you see1 some of the marks of their valour1 and have also carried away with them some of mine4 ,they are but just now gone4 ,i suppose they might1 as the saying is1 heard your horse dash1 and so they betook them to flight4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,but here was great odds1 three against one4 ,,valiant4 ,it is true2 but little or more are nothing to him that has the truth on his side4 ',though an host should encamp against me1' said one1 'my heart shall not fear2 though war should rise against me1 in this will ,i be confident' 7,psa4 #bg3c74 ,besides1 saith he1 ,i have read in some records1 that one man has fought an army4 ,and how many did ,samson slay with the jaw-bone of an ass8#bhc 7,judg4 #ae3ae1 #af74 ,,great-,,heart4 ,then said the guide1 ,why did you not cry out1 that some might have come in for your succour8 ,,valiant4 ,so ,i did1 to my ,king1 who1 ,i knew1 could hear1 and afford invisible help1 and that was sufficient for me4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,then said ,great-heart to ,mr4 ,valiant-for-truth1 ,thou hast worthily behaved thyself4 ,let me see thy sword4 ,so he showed it him4 ,when he had taken it in his hand1 and looked thereon a while1 he said1 ,ha6 it is a right ,jerusalem blade 7,isa4 #b3c74 ,,valiant4 ,it is so4 ,let a man have one of these blades1 with a hand to wield it and skill to use it1 and he may venture upon an angel with it4 ,he need not fear its holding1 if he can but tell how to lay on4 ,its edges will never blunt4 ,it will cut flesh and bones1 and soul and spirit1 and all 7,eph4 #f3ab-ag2 ,heb4 #d3ab74 ,,great-,,heart4 ,but you fought a great while2 ,i wonder you was not weary4 ,,valiant4 ,i fought till my sword did cleave to my hand2 and when they were joined together1 as if a sword grew out of my arm1 and when the blood ran through my fingers1 then ,i fought with most courage#bhd 7#b ,sam4 #bc3aj74 ,,great-,,heart4 ,thou hast done well4 ,thou hast 'resisted unto blood1 striving against sin4' ,thou shalt abide by us1 come in and go out with us1 for we are thy companions4 ,then they took him1 and washed his wounds1 and gave him of what they had to refresh him2 and so they went on together4 ,now1 as they went on1 because ,mr4 ,great-heart was delighted in him1 for he loved one greatly that he found to be a man of his hands1 and because there were with his company them that were feeble and weak1 therefore he questioned with him about many things2 as1 first1 what countryman he was8#bhe ,,valiant4 ,i am of ,dark-land2 for there ,i was born1 and there my father and mother are still4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,dark-land1 said the guide2 doth not that lie up on the same coast with the ,city of ,destruction8 ,,valiant4 ,yes1 it doth4 ,now1 that which caused me to come on pilgrimage was this2 we had one ,mr4 ,tell-true came into our parts1 and he told it about what ,christian had done1 that went from the ,city of ,destruction2 namely1 how he had forsaken his wife and children1 and had betaken himself to a pilgrim's life4 ,it was also confidently reported1 how he had killed a serpent that did come out to resist him in his journey1 and how he got through to whither he intended4 ,it was also told1 what welcome he had at all his ,lord's lodgings1 especially when he came to the gates of the ,celestial ,city2 for there1 said the man1 he was received with sound of trumpet1 by a company of ,shining ,ones4 ,he told it also1 how all the bells in the city did ring for joy at his reception1 and what golden garments he was clothed with1 with many other things that now ,i shall forbear to relate4 ,in a word1 that man so told the story of ,christian and his travels1 that my heart fell into a burning haste to be gone after him2 nor could father or mother stay me6 ,so ,i got from them1 and am come thus far on my way4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,you came in at the gate1 did you not8 ,,valiant4 ,yes1 yes2 for the same man also told us that all would be nothing1 if we did not begin to enter this way at the gate4#bhf ,,great-,,heart4 ,look you1 said the guide to ,christiana1 the pilgrimage of your husband1 and what he has gotten thereby1 is spread abroad far and near4 ,,valiant4 ,why1 is this ,christian's wife8 ,,great-,,heart4 ,yes1 that it is2 and these are also her four sons4 ,,valiant4 ,what6 and going on pilgrimage too8 ,,great-,,heart4 ,yes1 verily2 they are following after4 ,,valiant4 ,it glads me at heart4 ,good man6 how joyful will he be when he shall see them that would not go with him1 yet to enter after him in at the gates into the ,city6 ,,great-,,heart4 ,without doubt it will be a comfort to him2 for1 next to the joy of seeing himself there1 it will be a joy to meet there his wife and children4 ,,valiant4 ,but1 now you are upon that1 pray let me hear your opinion about it4 ,some make a question1 ,whether we shall know one another when we are there4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,do they think they shall know themselves then1 or that they shall rejoice to see themselves in that bliss8 and if they think they shall know and do these1 why not know others1 and rejoice in their welfare also8#bhg ,again1 since relations are our second self1 though that state will be dissolved there2 yet why may it not be rationally concluded1 that we shall be more glad to see them there1 than to see they are wanting8 ,,valiant4 ,well1 ,i perceive whereabouts you are as to this4 ,have you any more things to ask me about my beginning to come on pilgrimage8#bhh ,,great-,,heart1 ,yes4 ,was your father and mother willing that you should become a pilgrim8 ,,valiant4 ,o no6 ,they used all means imaginable to persuade me to stay at home4 ,,great-,,heart1 ,what could they say against it8 ,,valiant4 ,they said it was an idle life2 and if ,i myself were not inclined to sloth and laziness1 ,i would never countenance a pilgrim's condition4#bhi ,,great-,,heart4 ,and what did they say else8 ,,valiant4 ,why1 they told me that it was a dangerous way2 yea1 the most dangerous way in the world1 said they1 is that which the pilgrims go4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,did they show wherein this way is so dangerous8 ,,valiant4 ,yes2 and that in many particulars4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,name some of them4 ,,valiant4 ,they told me of the ,slough of ,despond1 where ,christian was well nigh smothered4 ,they told me that there were archers standing ready in ,beelzebub ,castle1 to shoot them that should knock at the wicket-gate for entrance4 ,they told me also of the wood1 and dark mountains2 of the ,hill ,difficulty2 of the lions2 and also of the three giants1 ,bloody-man1 ,maul1 and ,slay-good4 ,they said1 moreover1 that there was a foul fiend haunted the ,valley of ,humiliation1 and that ,christian was by him almost bereft of life4 ,besides1 said they1 you must go over the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death1 where the hobgoblins are2 where the light is darkness2 where the way is full of snares1 pits1 traps1 and gins4 ,they told me also of ,giant ,despair1 of ,doubting ,castle1 and of the ruin that the ,pilgrims met with there4 ,further they said ,i must go over the ,enchanted ,ground3 which was dangerous4 ,and that1 after all this1 ,i should find a river1 over which ,i should find no bridge1 and that that river did be betwixt me and the ,celestial ,country4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,and was this all8 ,,valiant4 ,no4 ,they also told me that this way was full of deceivers1#bij and of persons that laid in wait there to turn good men out of the path4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,but how did they make that out8 ,,valiant4 ,they told me that ,mr4 ,worldly-wiseman did there lie in wait to deceive4 ,they also said1 that there was ,formality and ,hypocrisy continually on the road4 ,they said also that ,by-ends1 ,talkative1 or ,demas would go near to gather me up2 that the ,flatterer would catch me in his net2 or that1 with green-headed ,ignorance1 ,i would presume to go on to the gate1 from whence he always was sent back to the hole that was in the side of the hill1 and made to go the by-way to hell4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,i promise you this was enough to discourage2 but did they make an end here8 ,,valiant4 ,no2 stay4 ,they told me also of many that had tried that way of old1 and that had gone a great way therein1 to see if they could find something of the glory there1 that so many had so much talked of from time to time2 and how they came back again1 and befooled themselves for setting a foot out of doors in that path1 to the satisfaction of all the country4 ,and they named several that did so2 as ,obstinate and ,pliable1 ,mistrust and ,timorous1 ,turn-away and old ,atheist1 with several more1 who1 they said1 had some of them1 gone far to see if they could find2 but not one of them found so much advantage by going as amounted to the weight of a feather4#bia ,,great-,,heart4 ,said they anything more to discourage you8 ,,valiant4 ,yes4 ,they told me of one ,mr4 ,fearing who was a pilgrim2 and how he found this way so solitary1 that he never had comfortable hour therein4 ,also that ,mr4 ,despondency had like to have been starved therein2 yea1 and also1 which ,i had almost forgot1 that ,christian himself1 about whom there has been such a noise1 after all his ventures for a celestial crown1 was certainly drowned in the ,black ,river1 and never went foot further1 however it was smothered up4#bib ,,great-,,heart4 ,and did none of these things discourage you8 ,,valiant4 ,no2 they seemed but as so many nothings to me4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,how came that about8 ,,valiant4 ,why1 ,i still believed what ,mr4 ,tell-true had said1 and that carried me beyond them all4 ,,great-,,heart4 ,then this was your victory1 even your faith4 ,,valiant4 ,it was so4 ,i believed1 by the grace of ,god1 and therefore came out1 got into the way1 fought all that set themselves against me1 and1 by believing1 am come to this place4#bic ,who would true valour see1 ,let him come hither2 ,one here will constant be1 ,come wind1 come weather4 ,there's no discouragement ,shall make him once relent1 ,his first avow'd intent ,to be a pilgrim4 ,who so beset him round ,with dismal stories1 ,do but themselves confound4 ,his strength the more is2 ,no lion can him fright1 ,he'll with a giant fight2 ,but he will have a right ,to be a pilgrim4 ,hobgoblin nor foul fiend ,can daunt his spirit2 ,he knows he at the end ,shall life inherit4 ,then fancies fly away1 ,he'll fear not what men say2 ,he'll labour night and day ,to be a pilgrim4 ,by this time they were got to the ,enchanted ,ground1#bid where the air naturally tended to make one drowsy2 and that place was all grown over with briars and thorns1 excepting here and there1 where was an ,enchanted ,arbour1 upon which if a man sits1 or in which1 if a man sleeps1 it is a question1 say some1 whether ever he shall rise or wake again in this world4#bie ,over this forest1 therefore1 they went1 both one and the other1 and ,mr4 ,great-heart went before1 for that he was the guide2 and ,mr4 ,valiant-for-truth1 he came behind1 being there a guard1 for fear1 lest peradventure some fiend1 or dragon1 or giant1 or thief1 should fall upon their rear1 and so do mischief4 ,they went on here1 each man with his sword drawn in his hand1 for they knew it was a dangerous place4 ,also they cheered up one another as well as they could2 ,feeble-mind1 ,mr4 ,great-heart commanded1 should come up after him1 and ,mr4 ,despondency was under the eye of ,mr4 ,valiant4#bif ,now they had not gone far1 but a great mist and darkness fell upon them all1 so that they could scarce1 for a great while1 see the one the other2 wherefore they were forced1 for some time1 to feel for one another by words2 for they walked not by sight4 ,but anyone must think that here was but sorry going for the best of them all2 but how much worse for the women and children1 who both of feet and heart1 were but tender4 ,yet so it was1 that through the encouraging words of he that led in the front1 and of him that brought them up behind1 they made a pretty good shift to wag along4 ,the way also was here very wearisome1 through dirt and slabbiness4 ,nor was there on all this ground so much as one inn1 or victualling house1 therein to refresh the feebler sort4 ,here1 therefore1 was grunting1 and puffing1 and sighing4 ,while one tumbleth over a bush1 another sticks fast in the dirt2 and the children1 some of them1 lost their shoes in the mire4 ,while one cries out1 ,i am down2 and another1 ,ho6 where are you8 and a third1 ,the bushes have got such fast hold on me1 ,i think ,i cannot get away from them4 ,then they came at an arbour1 warm1 and promising much refreshing to the ,pilgrims2 for it was finely wrought above the head1 beautified with greens1 furnished with benches and settles4#big ,it also had in it a soft couch1 whereon the weary might lean4 ,this1 you must think1 all things considered1 was tempting2 for the ,pilgrims already began to be foiled with the badness of the way2 but there was not one of them that made so much as a motion to stop there4 ,yea1 for aught ,i could perceive1 they continually gave so good heed to the advice of their guide1 and he did so faithfully tell them of dangers1 and of the nature of dangers1 when they were at them1 that usually1 when they were nearest to them1 they did most pluck up their spirits1 and hearten one another to deny the flesh4 ,this arbour was called ,the ,slothful's ,friend1 on purpose to allure1 if it might be1 some of the pilgrims there to take up their rest when weary4 ,i saw then in my dream1 that they went on in this their solitary ground1 till they came to a place at which a man is apt to lose his way4#bih ,now1 though when it was light1 their guide could well enough tell how to miss those ways that led wrong1 yet in the dark he was put to a stand2 but he had in his pocket a map of all ways leading to1 or from the ,celestial ,city2 wherefore he struck a light1 for he never goes also without his tinder-box1 and takes a view of his book or map1 which bids him be careful1 in that place1 to turn to the right-hand way4 ,and had he not here been careful to look in his map1 they had all1 in probability1 been smothered in the mud2 for1 just a little before them1 and that at the end of the cleanest way too1 was a pit1 none knows how deep1 full of nothing but mud1 there made on purpose to destroy the ,pilgrims in4#bii ,then thought ,i with myself1 who that goeth on pilgrimage1 but would have one of these maps about him1 that he may look when he is at a stand1 which is the way he must take4#cjj ,they went on1 then1 in this ,enchanted ,ground1 till they came to where there was another arbour1 and it was built by the highway-side4 ,and in that arbour there lay two men1 whose names were ,heedless and ,too-bold4#cja ,these two went thus far on pilgrimage2 but here1 being wearied with their journey1 they sat down to rest themselves1 and so fell fast asleep4 ,when the ,pilgrims saw them1 they stood still1 and shook their heads2 for they knew that the sleepers were in a pitiful case4 ,then they consulted what to do1 whether to go on and leave them in their sleep1 or to step to them1 and try to awake them4 ,so they concluded to go to them1 and awake them2 that is1 if they could2 but with this caution1 namely1 to take heed that themselves did not sit down nor embrace the offered benefit of that arbour4 ,so they went in1 and spake to the men1 and called each by his name1#cjb for the guide1 it seems1 did know them2 but there was no voice nor answer4 ,then the guide did shake them1 and do what he could to disturb them4 ,then said one of them1 ,i will pay you when ,i take my money4 ,at which the guide shook his head4 ,i will fight so long as ,i can hold my sword in my hand1 said the other4 ,at that one of the children laughed4 ,then said ,christiana1 ,what is the meaning of this8 ,the guide said1 ,they talk in their sleep4 ,if you strike them1 beat them1 or whatever else you do to them1 they will answer you after this fashion2 or1 as one of them said in old time1 when the waves of the sea did beat upon him1 and he slept as one upon the mast of a ship1 ',when shall ,i awake8 ,i will seek it yet again' 7,prov4 #bc3cd1 #ce74 ,you know1 when men talk in their sleep1 they say anything1 but their words are not governed either by faith or reason4 ,there is an incoherency in their words now1 as there was before1 betwixt their going on pilgrimage1 and sitting down here4#cjc ,this1 then1 is the mischief of it1 when heedless ones go on pilgrimage1 it is twenty to one but they are served thus2 for this ,enchanted ,ground is one of the last refuges that the enemy to pilgrims has4 ,wherefore it is1 as you see1 placed almost at the end of the way1 and so it standeth against us with the more advantage4 ,for when1 thinks the enemy1 will these fools be so desirous to sit down1 as when they are weary8 and when so like to be weary1 as when almost at their journey's end8 ,therefore it is1 ,i say1 that the ,enchanted ,ground is placed so nigh to the ,land ,beulah1 and so near the end of their race4#cjd ,wherefore1 let pilgrims look to themselves1 lest it happen to them as it has done to these1 that1 as you see1 are fallen asleep1 and none can wake them4#cje ,then the ,pilgrims desired1 with trembling1 to go forward2 only they prayed their guide to strike a light1 that they might go the rest of their way by the help of the light1 of a lantern4#cjf ,so he struck a light1 and they went by the help of that through the rest of this way1 though the darkness was very great 7#b ,peter #a3ai74 ,but the children began to be sorely weary2 and they cried out unto ,him that loveth pilgrims1 to make their way more comfortable4 ,so by that they had gone a little further1 a wind arose1 that drove away the fog2 so the air became more clear4 ,yet they were not off1 by much1 of the ,enchanted ,ground1 only now they could see one another better1 and the way wherein they should walk4 ,now1 when they were almost at the end of this ground1 they perceived that1 a little before them1 was a solemn noise of one that was much concerned4 ,so they went on and looked before them2 and behold1 they saw1 as they thought1 a man upon his knees1 with hands and eyes lift up1 and speaking1 as they thought1 earnestly to ,one that was above4#cjg ,they drew nigh1 but could not tell what he said4 ,so they went softly till he had done4 ,when he had done1 he got up1 and began to run towards the ,celestial ,city4 ,then ,mr4 ,great-heart called after him1 saying1 ,soho6 friend1 let us have your company1 if you go1 as ,i suppose you do1 to the ,celestial ,city4 ,so the man stopped1 and they came up to him4 ,but so soon as ,mr4 ,honest saw him1 he said1 ,i know this man4 ,then said ,mr4 ,valiant-for-truth1 ,prithee1 who is it8 ,it is one1 said he1 who comes from whereabouts ,i dwelt4 ,his name is ,stand-fast2 he is certainly a right good pilgrim4 ,so they came up one to another2 and presently ,stand-fast said to old ,honest1 ,ho1 father ,honest1 are you there8 ,aye1 said he1 that ,i am1 as sure as you are there4 ,right glad am ,i1 said ,mr4 ,stand-fast1 that ,i have found you on this road4 ,and as glad am ,i1 said the other1 that ,i espied you upon your knees4 ,then ,mr4 ,stand-fast blushed1 and said1 ,but why1 did you see me8 ,yes1 that ,i did1 quoth the other1 and with my heart was glad at the sight4 ,why1 what did you think8 said ,stand-fast4 ,think6 said old ,honest1 what should ,i think8 ,i thought we had an honest man upon the road1 and therefore should have his company by and by4 ,if you thought not amiss said ,stand-fast1 how happy am ,i2 but if ,i be not as ,i should1 ,i alone must bear it4 ,that is true1 said the other2 but your fear doth further confirm me1 that things are right betwixt the ,prince of ,pilgrims and your soul2 for1 saith he1 ',blessed is the man that feareth always4' ,,valiant4 ,well1 but brother1 ,i pray thee tell us what was it that was the cause of thy being upon thy knees even now8 ,was it for that some special mercies laid obligations upon thee1 or how8 ,,stand-,,fast4 ,why1 we are1 as you see1 upon the ,enchanted ,ground2 and as ,i was coming along1 ,i was musing with myself of what a dangerous road the road in this place was1 and how many that had come even thus far on pilgrimage had here been stopped1 and been destroyed4 ,i thought also of the manner of the death with which this place destroyeth men4 ,those that die here1 die of no violent distemper4 ,the death which such die is not grievous to them2 for he that goeth away in a sleep1 begins that journey with desire and pleasure2 yea1 such acquiesce in the will of that disease4 ,,hon4 ,then ,mr4 ,honest1 interrupting of him1 said1 ,did you see the two men asleep in the arbour8 ,,stand-,,fast4 ,aye1 aye1 ,i saw ,heedless and ,too-bold there2 and1 for aught ,i know1 there they will lie till they rot 7,prov4 #aj3g74 ,but let me go on in my tale4 ,as ,i was thus musing1 as ,i said1 there was one1 in very pleasant attire1 but old1 who presented herself unto me1 and offered me three things2 to wit1 her body1 her purse1 and her bed4 ,now1 the truth is1 ,i was both a-weary and sleepy2 ,i am also as poor as an owlet1#cjh and that1 perhaps1 the witch knew4 ,well1 ,i repulsed her once and twice1 but she put by my repulses1 and smiled4 ,then ,i began to be angry2 but she mattered that nothing at all4 ,then she made offers again1 and said1 ,if ,i would be ruled by her1 she would make me great and happy2 for1 said she1 ,i am the mistress of the world1 and men are made happy by me4 ,then ,i asked her name1 and she told me it was ,madam ,bubble4#cji ,this set me further from her2 but she still followed me with enticements4 ,then ,i betook me as you saw1 to my knees2 and with hands lift up1 and cries1 ,i prayed to ,him that had said ,he would help4#caj ,so1 just as you came up1 the gentlewoman went her way4 ,then ,i continued to give thanks for this my great deliverance2 for ,i verily believe she intended no good1 but rather sought to make stop of me in my journey4#caa ,,hon4 ,without doubt her designs were bad4 ,but stay1 now you talk of her1 methinks ,i either have seen her1 or have read some story of her4 ,,stand-,,fast4 ,perhaps you have done both4 ,,hon4 ,madam ,bubble6 is she not a tall1 comely dame1 something of a swarthy complexion8 ,,stand-,,fast4 ,right1 you hit it1 she is just such a one4 ,,hon4 ,doth she not speak very smoothly1 and give you a smile at the end of a sentence8 ,,stand-,,fast4 ,you fall right upon it again1 for these are her very actions4 ,,hon4 ,doth she not wear a great purse by her side2 and is not her hand often in it1 fingering her money1 as if that was her heart's delight8 ,,stand-,,fast4 ,it is just so2 had she stood by all this while1 you could not more amply have set her forth before me1 nor have better described her features4 ,,hon4 ,then he that drew her picture was a good limner1 and he that wrote of her said true4#cab ,,great-,,heart4 ,this woman is a witch1 and it is by virtue of her sorceries that this ground is enchanted4 ,whoever doth lay their head down in her lap1 had as good lay it down upon that block over which the axe doth hang2 and whoever lay their eyes upon her beauty1 are counted the enemies of ,god 7,james #d3d2 #a ,john #b3ae74 ,this is she that maintaineth in their splendour all those that are the enemies of pilgrims4 ,yea1 this is she that hath bought off many a man from a pilgrim's life4 ,she is a great gossipper2 she is always1 both she and her daughters1 at one pilgrim's heels or another1 now commending1 and then preferring the excellencies of this life4 ,she is a bold and impudent slut2 she will talk with any man4 ,she always laugheth poor pilgrims to scorn2 but highly commends the rich4 ,if there be one cunning to get money in a place1 she will speak well of him from house to house2 she loveth banqueting and feasting mainly well2 she is always at one full table or another4 ,she has given it out in some places1 that she is a goddess1 and therefore some do worship her4 ,she has her times and open places of cheating2 and she will say and avow it1 that none can show a good comparable to hers4 ,she promiseth to dwell with children's children1 if they will but love and make much of her4 ,she will cast out of her purse gold like dust1 in some places1 and to some persons4 ,she loves to be sought after1 spoken well of1 and to lie in the bosoms of men4 ,she is never weary of commending her commodities1 and she loves them most that think best of her4 ,she will promise to some crowns and kingdoms1 if they will but take her advice2 yet many hath she brought to the halter1 and ten thousand times more to hell4 ,,stand-,,fast4 ,o1 said ,stand-fast1 what a mercy is it that ,i did resist6 for whither might she have drawn me6 ,,great-,,heart4 ,whither6 nay1 none but ,god knows whither4 ,but1 in general1 to be sure1 she would have drawn thee into 'many foolish and hurtful lusts1 which drown men in destruction and perdition'--7#a ,tim4 #f3i74 ,it was she that set ,absalom against his father1 and ,jeroboam against his master4 ,it was she that persuaded ,judas to sell his ,lord1 and that prevailed with ,demas to forsake the godly pilgrims' life2 none can tell of the mischief that she doth4 ,she makes variance betwixt rulers and subjects1 betwixt parents and children1 betwixt neighbour and neighbour1 betwixt a man and his wife1 betwixt a man and himself1 betwixt the flesh and the heart4 ,wherefore1 good ,master ,stand-fast1 be as your name is1 and 'when you have done all1 ,stand4'#cac ,at this discourse there was1 among the ,pilgrims1 a mixture of joy and trembling2 but at length they brake out1 and sang-- ,what danger is the pilgrim in6 ,how many are his foes6 ,how many ways there are to sin ,no living mortal knows4 ,some of the ditch shy are1 yet can ,lie tumbling in the mire2 ,some1 though they shun the frying-pan1 ,do leap into the fire4 ,after this1 ,i beheld until they were come unto the ,land of ,beulah1 where the sun shineth night and day4#cad ,here1 because they were weary1 they betook themselves a while to rest2 and1 because this country was common for pilgrims1 and because the orchards and vineyards that were here belonged to the ,king of the ,celestial country1 therefore they were licensed to make bold with any of ,his things4 ,but a little while soon refreshed them here2 for the bells did so ring1 and the trumpets continually sound so melodiously1 that they could not sleep2 and yet they received as much refreshing1 as if they had slept their sleep ever so soundly4 ,here also all the noise of them that walked in the streets1 was1 ,more pilgrims are come to town4 ,and another would answer1 saying1 ,and so many went over the water1 and were let in at the golden gates today4 ,they would cry again1 ,there is now a legion of ,shining ,ones just come to town1 by which we know that there are more pilgrims upon the road2 for here they come to wait for them1 and to comfort them after all their sorrow4 ,then the ,pilgrims got up1 and walked to and fro2 but how were their ears now filled with heavenly noises1 and their eyes delighted with celestial visions6 ,in this land they heard nothing1 saw nothing1 felt nothing1 smelled nothing1 tasted nothing1 that was offensive to their stomach or mind2 only when they tasted of the water of the river over which they were to go1 they thought that tasted a little bitterish to the palate1 but it proved sweeter when it was down4 ,in this place there was a record kept of the names of them that had been pilgrims of old1 and a history of all the famous acts that they had done4 ,it was here also much discoursed how the river to some had had its flowings1 and what ebbings it has had while others have gone over4 ,it has been in a manner dry for some1 while it has overflowed its banks for others4 ,in this place the children of the town would go into the ,king's gardens1 and gather nosegays for the ,pilgrims1 and bring them to them with much affection4 ,here also grew camphire1 with spikenard1 and saffron1 calamus1 and cinnamon1 with all its trees of frankincense1 myrrh1 and aloes1 with all chief spices4 ,with these the ,pilgrims' chambers were perfumed1 while they staid here2 and with these were their bodies anointed1 to prepare them to go over the river when the time appointed was come4 ,now1 while they lay here1 and waited for the good hour1 there was a noise in the town1 that there was a post come from the ,celestial ,city1 with matter of great importance to one ,christiana1 the wife of ,christian the ,pilgrim4 ,so inquiry was made for her1 and the house was found out where she was2 so the post presented her with a letter2 the contents whereof were1 ',hail1 good woman6 ,i bring thee tidings that the ,master calleth for thee1 and expecteth that thou shouldest stand in ,his presence1 in clothes of immortality1 within these ten days4' ,when he had read this letter to her1 he gave her therewith a sure token that he was a true messenger1 and was come to bid her make haste to be gone4 ,the token was1 an arrow with a point sharpened with love1 let easily into her heart1 which by degrees wrought so effectually with her1 that at the time appointed she must be gone4#cae ,when ,christiana saw that her time was come1 and that she was the first of this company that was to go over1 she called for ,mr4 ,great-heart her guide1 and told him how matters were4 ,so he told her he was heartily glad of the news1 and could have been glad had the post come for him4 ,then she bid that he should give advice how all things should be prepared for her journey4 ,so he told her1 saying1 thus and thus it must be2 and we that survive will accompany you to the river side4 ,then she called for her children1 and gave them her blessing1 and told them1 that she yet read with comfort the mark that was set in their foreheads1 and was glad to see them with her there1 and that they had kept their garments so white4 ,lastly1 she bequeathed to the poor that little she had1 and commanded her sons and her daughters to be ready against the messenger should come for them4 ,when she had spoken these words to her guide and to her children1 she called for ,mr4 ,valiant-for-truth1 and said unto him1 ,sir1 you have in all places showed yourself truehearted2 'be faithful unto death1' and my ,king will give you 'a crown of life4' ,i would also entreat you to have an eye to my children2 and if at any time you see them faint1 speak comfortably to them4 ,for my daughters1 my sons' wives1 they have been faithful1 and a fulfilling of the promise upon them will be their end4 ,but she gave ,mr4 ,stand-fast a ring4 ,then she called for old ,mr4 ,honest1 and said of him1 ',behold an ,israelite indeed1 in whom is no guile4' ,then said he1 ,i wish you a fair day1 when you set out for ,mount ,zion1 and shall be glad to see that you go over the river dry-shod4 ,but she answered1 ,come wet1 come dry1 ,i long to be gone2 for1 however the weather is in my journey1 ,i shall have time enough when ,i come there to sit down and rest me1 and dry me4 ,then came in that good man ,mr4 ,ready-to-halt1 to see her4 ,so she said to him1 ,thy travel hither has been with difficulty2 but that will make thy rest the sweeter4 ,but watch and be ready2 for at an hour when you think not1 the messenger may come4 ,after him came in ,mr4 ,despondency1 and his daughter ,much-afraid1 to whom she said1 ,you ought with thankfulness1 forever to remember your deliverance from the hands of ,giant ,despair1 and out of ,doubting ,castle4 ,the effect of that mercy is1 that you are brought with safety hither4 ,be ye watchful1 and cast away fear2 'be sober and hope to the end4' ,then she said to ,mr4 ,feeble-mind1 ,thou wast delivered from the mouth of ,giant ,slay-good1 that thou mightest live in the light of the living forever1 and see thy ,king with comfort2 only ,i advise thee to repent thee of thine aptness to fear and doubt of ,his goodness1 before ,he sends for thee2 lest thou shouldest1 when ,he comes1 be forced to stand before ,him1 for that fault1 with blushing4 ,now the day drew on1 that ,christiana must be gone4 ,so the road was full of people to see her take her journey4 ,but1 behold1 all the banks beyond the river were full of horses and chariots1 which were come down from above to accompany her to the city gate4 ,so she came forth1 and entered the river1 with a beckon of farewell to those that followed her to the river side4 ,the last words that she was heard to say here1 were1 ,i come1 ,lord1 to be with ,thee1 and bless ,thee4#caf ,so her children and friends returned to their place1 for that those that waited for ,christiana had carried her out of their sight4 ,so she went and called1 and entered in at the gate with all the ceremonies of joy that her husband ,christian had done before her4 ,at her departure her children wept4 ,but ,mr4 ,great-heart and ,mr4 ,valiant played upon the well-tuned cymbal and harp for joy4 ,so all departed to their respective places4#cag ,in process of time there came a post to the town again1 and his business was with ,mr4 ,ready-to-halt4 ,so he inquired him out1 and said to him1 ,i am come to thee in the name of ,him whom thou hast loved and followed1 though upon crutches2 and my message is to tell thee1 that ,he expects thee at ,his table to sup with ,him1 in ,his kingdom1 the next day after ,easter2 wherefore prepare thyself for this journey4#cah ,then he also gave him a token that he was a true messenger1 saying1 ,i have broken thy golden bowl1 and loosed thy silver cord 7,eccl4 #ab3f74 ,after this1 ,mr4 ,ready-to-halt called for his fellow-pilgrims1 and told them1 saying1 ,i am sent for1 and ,god shall surely visit you also4 ,so he desired ,mr4 ,valiant to make his will2 and because he had nothing to bequeath to them that should survive him1 but his crutches1 and his good wishes1 therefore thus he said1 ,these crutches ,i bequeath to my son that shall tread in my steps1 with a hundred warm wishes that he may prove better than ,i have done4 ,then he thanked ,mr4 ,great-heart for his conduct and kindness1 and so addressed himself to his journey4 ,when he came at the brink of the river1 he said1 ,now ,i shall have no more need of these crutches1 since yonder are chariots and horses for me to ride on4 ,the last words he was heard to say was1 ,welcome life6#cai ,so he went his way4 ,after this1 ,mr4 ,feeble-mind had tidings brought him1 that the post sounded his horn at his chamber door4 ,then he came in1 and told him1 saying1 ,i am come to tell thee1 that thy ,master hath need of thee2 and that1 in very little time1 thou must behold ,his face in brightness4 ,and take this as a token of the truth of my message1 ',those that look out of the windows shall be darkened'#cbj 7,eccl4 #ab3c74 ,then ,mr4 ,feeble-mind called for his friends1 and told them what errand had been brought unto him1 and what token he had received of the truth of the message4 ,then he said1 ,since ,i have nothing to bequeath to any1 to what purpose should ,i make a will ,as for my feeble mind1 that ,i will leave behind me1 for that ,i have no need of that in the place whither ,i go4 ,nor is it worth bestowing upon the poorest pilgrim2 wherefore1 when ,i am gone1 ,i desire that you1 ,mr4 ,valiant1 would bury it in a dunghill4 ,this done1 and the day being come in which he was to depart1 he entered the river as the rest4 ,his last words were1 ,hold out1 faith and patience4 ,so he went over to the other side4 ,when days had many of them passed away1 ,mr4 ,despondency was sent for2 for a post was come1 and brought this message to him3 ,trembling man1 these are to summon thee to be ready with thy ,king by the next ,lord's ,day1 to shout for joy for thy deliverance from all thy doubtings4 ,and1 said the messenger1 that my message is true1 take this for a proof2 so he gave him the grasshopper to be a burden unto him 7,eccl4 #ab3e74 ,now1 ,mr4 ,despondency's daughter1 whose name was ,much-afraid1 said1 when she heard what was done1 that she would go with her1 father4 ,then ,mr4 ,despondency said to his friends1 ,myself and my daughter1 you know what we have been1 and how troublesomely we have behaved ourselves in every company4 ,my will and my daughter's is1 that our desponds and slavish fears be by no man ever received1 from the day of our departure1 forever2 for ,i know that after my death they will offer themselves to others4#cba ,for1 to be plain with you1 they are ghosts the which we entertained when we first began to be pilgrims1 and could never shake them off after2 and they will walk about and seek entertainment of the pilgrims2 but1 for our sakes1 shut ye the doors upon them4#cbb ,when the time was come for them to depart1 they went to the brink of the river4 ,the last words of ,mr4 ,despondency were1 ,farewell night1 welcome day4 ,his daughter went through the river singing1 but none could understand what she said4#cbc ,then it came to pass1 a while after1 that there was a post in the town that inquired for ,mr4 ,honest4 ,so he came to his house where he was1 and delivered to his hand these lines3 ,thou art commanded to be ready against this day sevennight1 to present thyself before thy ,lord1 at ,his ,father's house4 ,and for a token that my message is true1 ',all thy daughters of music shall he brought low' 7,eccl4 #ab3d74 ,then ,mr4 ,honest called for his friends1 and said unto them1 ,i die1 but shall make no will4 ,as for my honesty1 it shall go with me2 let him that comes after be told of this4 ,when the day that he was to be gone was come1 he addressed himself to go over the river4 ,now the river at that time overflowed the banks in some places2 but ,mr4 ,honest in his lifetime had spoken to one ,good-conscience to meet him there1 the which he also did1 and lent him his hand1 and so helped him over4 ,the last words of ,mr4 ,honest were1 ,grace reigns4 ,so he left the world4 ,after this1 it was noised abroad1 that ,mr4 ,valiant-for-truth was taken with a summons1 by the same post as the other2 and had this for a token that the summons was true1 ',that his pitcher was broken at the fountain' 7,eccl4 #ab3f74 ,when he understood it1 he called for his friends1 and told them of it4 ,then1 said he1 ,i am going to my ,father's2 and though with great difficulty ,i am got hither1 yet now ,i do not repent me of all the trouble ,i have been at to arrive where ,i am4 ,my sword ,i give to him that shall succeed me in my pilgrimage1 and my courage and skill to him that can get it4 ,my marks and scars ,i carry with me1 to be a witness for me1 that ,i have fought ,his battles1 who now will be my ,rewarder4 ,when the day that he must go hence was come1 many accompanied him to the river-side1 into which as he went1 he said1 ',death1 where is thy sting8' ,and as he went down deeper1 he said1 ',grave1 where is thy victory8' ,so he passed over1 and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side4#cbd ,then there came forth a summons for ,mr4 ,stand-fast--this ,mr4 ,stand-fast was he that the rest of the ,pilgrims found upon his knees in the ,enchanted ,ground--for the post brought it him open in his hands4 ,the contents whereof were1 that he must prepare for a change of life1 for his ,master was not willing that he should be so far from ,him any longer4 ,at this ,mr4 ,stand-fast was put into a muse4 ,nay1 said the messenger1 you need not doubt of the truth of my message1 for here is a token of the truth thereof3 ',thy wheel is broken at the cistern' 7,eccl4 #ab3f74 ,then he called unto him ,mr4 ,great-heart1 who was their guide1 and said unto him1 ,sir1 although it was not my hap to be much in your good company in the days of my pilgrimage2 yet1 since the time ,i knew you1 you have been profitable to me4 ,when ,i came from home1 ,i left behind me a wife and five small children2 let me entreat you1 at your return 7for ,i know that you will go1 and return to your ,master's house1 in hopes that you may yet be a conductor to more of the holy pilgrims71 that you send to my family1 and let them be acquainted with all that hath1 or shall happen unto me4 ,tell them1 moreover1 of my happy arrival to this place1 and of the present and late blessed condition that ,i am in4 ,tell them also of ,christian1 and ,christiana his wife1 and how she and her children came after her husband4 ,tell them also of what a happy end she made1 and whither she is gone4 ,i have a little or nothing to send to my family1 except it be prayers and tears for them2 of which it will suffice if thou acquaint them1 if peradventure they may prevail4 ,when ,mr4 ,stand-fast had thus set things in order1 and the time being come for him to haste him away1 he also went down to the river4 ,now there was a great calm at that time in the river2 wherefore ,mr4 ,stand-fast1 when he was about half-way in1 stood a while and talked to his companions that had waited upon him thither2 and he said1 ,this river has been a terror to many2 yea1 the thoughts of it also have often frightened me4 ,now1 methinks1 ,i stand easy1 my foot is fixed upon that upon which the feet of the priests that bare the ark of the covenant stood1 while ,israel went over this ,jordan 7,josh4 #c3ag74 ,the waters1 indeed1 are to the palate bitter1 and to the stomach cold2 yet the thoughts of what ,i am going to1 and of the conduct that waits for me on the other side1 doth lie as a glowing coal at my heart4 ,i see myself now at the end of my journey1 my toilsome days are ended4 ,i am going now to see that ,head that was crowned with thorns1 and that ,face that was spit upon for me4#cbe ,i have formerly lived by hearsay and faith2 but now ,i go where ,i shall live by sight1 and shall be with ,him in whose company ,i delight myself4 ,i have loved to hear my ,lord spoken of2 and wherever ,i have seen the print of ,his shoe in the earth1 there ,i have coveted to set my foot too4 ,his name has been to me as a civet-box2 yea1 sweeter than all perfumes4 ,his voice to me has been most sweet2 and ,his countenance ,i have more desired than they that have most desired the light of the sun4 ,his ,word ,i did use to gather for my food1 and for antidotes against my faintings4 ',he has held me1 and hath kept me from mine iniquities2 yea1 my steps hath ,he strengthened in ,his way4'#cbf ,now1 while he was thus in discourse1 his countenance changed1 his strong man bowed under him2 and after he had said1 ,take me1 for ,i come unto ,thee1 he ceased to be seen of them4 ,but glorious it was to see how the open region was filled with horses and chariots1 with trumpeters and pipers1 with singers and players on stringed instruments1 to welcome the ,pilgrims as they went up1 and followed one another in at the beautiful gate of the city4#cbg ,as for ,christian's children1 the four boys that ,christiana brought with her1 with their wives and children1 ,i did not stay where ,i was till they were gone over4 ,also1 since ,i came away1 ,i heard one say that they were yet alive1 and so would be for the increase of the ,,church in that place where they were1 for a time4#cbh ,shall it be my lot to go that way again1 ,i may give those that desire it an account of what ,i here am silent about4#cbi ,meantime1 ,i bid my reader ,,adieu4 ,,footnotes3 #a ,in #afhc1 the year before ,bunyan published his ,second ,part1 a little volume was printed under the same title1 by some anonymous author2 for a description of it1 see the ,introduction 7p4 #eg7--7;,,ed74 #b ,while the carnal heart is in a state of such bitter enmity against the ,gospel1 it requires wisdom to introduce the subject of religion2 still we have a duty to perform1 even if the truth should prove a savour of death unto death4 ,we must live the ,gospel in the sight of such1 and not be daunted from inviting them to become pilgrims to the ,celestial ,city--7,,ed74 #c ,i went over the ,tract ,house in ,new ,york1 and was delighted to see there six steam-presses4 ,during the last year1 they printed #ag1jjj copies of ,bunyan's ',pilgrim's ,progress'--7,american ,scenes1 by ,eben4 ,davies1 ,london1 #ahdi1 p4 #bii74 #d ,this poem was written within six years of the first publication of the ,first ,part4 ,in that short period it had become so wonderfully popular as to have been extensively circulated in the languages which the author names1 and to have had a large circulation in ,america4 ,after another four years1 namely in #afhh1 upwards of #ajj1jj copies had been issued in ,english2 and to the present time it has been steadily increasing in popularity1 so that1 after #agj years have elapsed1 it is more popular than ever4 ,this is a fact without parallel in the annals of literature--7,,ed74 #e ,after the author had heard the criticisms of friends and foes upon the ,first ,part1 he adopts this second narrative to be a key explaining many things which appeared dark in ,christian's journey--7,,ed74 #f ,this address prepares the reader for a greater variety of experience and adventures than he meets with in the ,first ,part2 all of which are different3 and the behaviour of the several pilgrims1 under their various calamities1 are beautifully described4 ,their conflicts and their consolations being manifold1 convince us that the exercises of every experienced soul are for the most part dissimilar1 notwithstanding1 if they proceed from the operation of the ,spirit1 they have the same happy tendency--7,mason74 ,the ,second ,part is peculiarly adapted to direct and encourage female ,christians and young persons2 and it is hoped will be a blessing to such--7,burder74 ,perhaps the ,second ,part of this pilgrimage comes nearer to the ordinary experience of the great multitude of ,christians than the ,first ,part2 and this may have been ,bunyan's intention4 ,the ,first ,part shows1 as in ,christian1 ,faithful1 and ,hopeful1 the great examples and strong lights of this pilgrimage2 it is as if ,paul and ,luther were passing over the scene4 ,the ,second ,part shows a variety of pilgrims1 whose stature and experience are more on a level with our own4 ,the ,first ,part is more severe1 sublime1 inspiring2 the ,second ,part is more soothing and comforting4 ,the ,first ,part has deep and awful shadows mingled with its light1 terribly instructive1 and like warnings from hell and the grave4 ,the ,second ,part is more continually and uninterruptedly cheerful1 full of good nature and pleasantry1 and showing the pilgrimage in lights and shades that are common to weaker ,christians--7,cheever74 #g ,the ,first ,part had been published six years1 during which time ,mr4 ,bunyan had been so fully occupied by his pastoral labours and frequent preaching in different parts of ,england1 that he had not been able to accomplish his design of publishing ,a ,,female ,,pilgrim',s ,,progress4 ,he was without exception the most popular preacher of his day--7,ivimey74 #h ,the ,first ,part was written in ,bedford jail2 this is 'about a mile off the place1' at the village of ,elstow1 where ,mr4 ,bunyan resided1 and where his house is still standing--a very humble cottage1 and an object of curiosity1 as is also the very ancient church and tower4 ,the tower answers to the description of the 'steeple-house' in which ,mr4 ,bunyan was engaged in ringing the bells4 ',the main beam that lay overthwart the steeple from side to side1' and under which he stood lest 'one of the bells should fall and kill him1' presents exactly that appearance---7,ivimey74 #i ,this is quite natural1 and very common4 ,the men of this world will canonize those for saints1 when dead1 whom they stigmatized with the vilest names when living4 ,besides many others ,i could mention1 this ,i have peculiarly remarked in respect to that man of ,god1 that faithful minister of ,christ1 the late ,rev4 ,mr4 ,whitefield4 ,scarce anyone went through more public reproach than he did2 yet how often have ,i been amazed to hear persons who held him1 his character and conduct1 in the vilest contempt when living1 who1 now he is dead1 speak in the most respectful manner of him6 ,o let us leave our characters to ,him who died for our sins1 and to whom we can commit our souls--7,mason74 ',the memory of the just is blessed4' ,all men's minds water at a pilgrim's gains1 while they are resolved never to run a pilgrim's hazards4 ,o let me die his death6 all nature cries3 ,then live his life--all nature falters there4 #aj ,these words were introduced after the author's decease4 ,not being able to discover by what authority they were added1 ,i have put them within brackets--7,,ed74 #aa ,what a thunderbolt is this6 ,reader1 have you ever spoken harshly to1 or persecuted1 a child of ,god--a poor penitent sinner8 ,hear the ,word of the ,judge of all the earth--',inasmuch as ye have done it to the least of these ,my brethren1 ye have done it unto ,me4'--7,,ed74 ,read this and tremble1 ye who speak evil of those things which ye know not--7,j4 ,b474 #ab ,mark this well4 ,no matter what profession we make1 if the love of ,christ be not its foundation1 all is nothing without this love4 ,it is this love in the heart that1 like oil in the lamp1 keeps the profession of ,christ burning bright4 ,the more this love is felt1 the more ardent the fire of zeal burns1 and the more steadily we shall follow on to know the ,lord2 and never leave off nor give over1 till we see and enjoy the ,lord in ,his kingdom--7,mason74 #ac ,it is not improbable that ,mr4 ,bunyan had an eye to his own wife and four children1 and that these were the leading characters in this religious drama2 and also that the history of ,christians of his acquaintance furnished the other personages--7,ivimey74 ,the ,editor differs in this opinion1 believing that all the experience narrated in the ',pilgrim's ,progress' is drawn from the ,sacred ,scriptures1 and which fits it for every age of the church1 to the final consummation of all things4 ,others have agreed with ,mr4 ,ivimey4 ,reader1 you must form your own opinion--7,,ed74 #ad ,though moral suasion1 and all the affectionate arguments from a tender husband1 or an affectionate parent1 may prove ineffectual for the present2 yet1 when the ,lord works by ,his mighty power1 then only they prove effectual to saving purposes4 ,then let us not neglect our duty1 but be earnest in it1 and leave the event to sovereign grace--7,mason74 #ae ,those who cruelly and unkindly treat their godly relations and friends on account of their religion1 must come to feel it in the bitterness of their spirit1 and groan in the sorrow of their soul1 if ever the ,lord grants them repentance unto life--7,mason74 #af;,happy is that death which brings the believer to ,heaven1 and the surviving relatives to ,christ2 which opens the gate of glory to one1 and the door of conversion to the other--7,barder74 #ag;,is it any marvel1 that a quickened enlightened sinner should be judged by those around him1 who are yet dead in their sins1 to ,be full of whims and melancholy8 ,no6 it is very natural for them to think us fools and mad2 but we know that they really are so--7,mason74 #ah ,one of ,god's ends in instituting marriage is1 that1 under a figure1 ,christ and ,his church should be set forth4 ,there is a sweet scent wrapped up in that relation4 ,be such a husband to thy believing wife1 that she may say1 ,god hath given to me a husband that preacheth ,christ's carriage to the church every day4--,if thy wife be unbelieving1 thou hast a duty to perform under a double obligation2 for she is liable every moment to eternal ruin4 ,o how little sense of the worth of souls is there in the hearts of some husbands6 ,this is manifest by their unchristian carriage to and before their wives4--,wives also should be discreet1 chaste1 keepers at home1 good1 obedient to their own husbands4 ,why8 ,because1 otherwise1 the ,word of ,god will he blasphemed 7,titus #b3e74 ,take heed of an idling1 talking1 wrangling tongue4 ,it is odious in maids or wives to be like parrots1 not bridling the tongue4 ,it is unseemly to see a woman1 as much as once in her lifetime1 to offer to over-top her husband4 ,i do not intend that women should he slaves by this subjection3 ',let every man love his wife as himself and the wife see that she reverence her husband' 7,eph4 #e3cc74 ,abigail would not speak a word to her churlish husband until he was in a sober temper1 and his wine gone out of him--7,bunyan's ,christian ,behaviour1 vol4 #b1 pp4 #eeh-efa74 #ai ,this is the first cry of an awakened sinner--mercy for the lost and miserable2 and no sooner are the sinner's eyes opened to see his ruined1 desperate state1 and to cry for mercy1 but the god of this world1 who hitherto had blinded the eyes1 and kept the heart securely by presumption1 now opposes the sinner's progress to a ,throne of ,grace1 to a ,god of mercy1 and to the ,saviour of the lost4 ,satan does not easily part with his prey4 ,but ,jesus1 the strong man1 armed with almighty power and everlasting love1 will conquer and cast him out4 ,that is the sinner's mercy1 or none could ever be saved--7,mason74 #bj ,the mind1 during sleep1 is often occupied with those subjects that have most deeply engaged the waking thoughts2 and it sometimes pleases ,god to make use of ideas thus suggested1 to influence the conduct by exciting fears or hopes4 ,but if we attempt to draw conclusions on doctrines1 or to discover hidden things by them1 it becomes a dangerous species of enthusiasm--7,scott74 ,there is no just reason to doubt that ,god still employs dreams for the conversion of sinners4 ',in a dream1 in a vision of the night1 when deep sleep falleth upon men1 in slumberings upon the bed2 then ,he openeth the ears of men1 and sealeth their instruction' 7,job #cc3ae1 #af7--7;,ivimey74 ,dreams are sometimes of use to warn and encourage a ,christian1 and seem to be really 'from ,god'2 but great caution is necessary1 lest they mislead us1 as they do weak and enthusiastic persons4 ,they must never ,be depended on as the ground of hope1 or the test of our state2 nothing must be put in the place of the ,word of ,god--7,burder74 #ba ',the fear of the ,lord is the beginning of wisdom' 7,psa4 #aaa3aj72 and 'the secret of the ,lord is with them that fear ,him' 7,psa4 #be3ad74 ,the ,spirit1 the ,comforter1 never convinces the soul of sin1 but ,he also revives and comforts the heart with glad tidings of free and full pardon of sin1 through the blood of the ,lamb--7,mason74 ,probably the name of this visitor was derived from what was said by the heavenly visitor to ,manoah 7,judg4 #ac3ah7--7;,ivimey74 ,the silent influences of the ,holy ,spirit are here personified4 ,the intimations of ,secret represent the teachings of the ,holy ,spirit1 by which the sinner understands the real meaning of the ,sacred ,scriptures as to the way of salvation--7,scott1 abridged74 #bb ',rote of heart'2 'rote' is to commit to memory1 so as to be able to repeat fluently1 as a wheel runs round1 but without attaching any idea or sense to the words2 'rote of heart' is to do this with a full understanding of the meaning--7,,ed74 #bc ,as the ,spirit testifies of ,christ1 so ,he leads the soul to ,christ1 that ,he may be the sinner's only hope1 righteousness1 and strength4 ,thus ,he glorifies ,christ--7,mason74 ,but bring thou with thee a certificate1 ,to show thou seest thyself most desolate2 ,writ by the ,master1 with repentance seal'd4 --7,house of ,god1 vol4 #b1 p4 #ehj74 #bd ,blessed penitence6 ,christian's children1 when he set out in his pilgrimage1 had been liable to ,mr4 ,bunyan's severe remarks in his valuable book on ,christian ,behaviour--',i observe a vile spirit amongst some children1 who overlook1 or have slighting or scornful thoughts of their parents4 ,such an one hath got just the heart of a dog or a beast1 that will bite those that begot them4 ,but my father is poor1 and ,i am rich1 and it will he a hindrance to me to respect him4 ,i tell thee1 thou arguest like an atheist and a beast1 and standest full flat against the ,son of ,god 7,mark #g3i-ac74 ,must a little of the glory of the butterfly make thee not honour thy father and mother8 ,little dost thou know how many prayers1 sighs1 and tears have been wrung from their hearts on thine account4'--7,vol4 #b1 pp4 #efb1 #efc7--7;,,ed74 #be ,the awakening of a sinner may be effected by very different means4 ,lydia's heart was opened through attending to ,paul's ministry2 the jailer's1 through the alarm produced in his mind by the fear of disgrace and punishment4 ,christian was brought to a sense of his lost condition by reading the ,scriptures2 ,christiana1 by reflecting1 after the death of her husband1 upon her unkind treatment of him on account of his religion1 the thought of which 'rent the caul of her heart in sunder'2 and the four boys1 by the conversation of their mother with them about their departed father1 and about her having neglected their souls4 ,religion is a personal concern1 and begins with repentance and sorrow for sin4 ,children are not saved by the faith of their parents1 but must be individually brought to feel their own sinfulness1 and to confess their own guilt and danger2 nor will a mother's prayers save her children1 unless they heartily unite with her in them--7,ivimey74 #bf ,reader1 stop and examine4 ,did ever any of your carnal acquaintance take knowledge of a difference of your language and conduct8 ,does it stun them8 ,or do they still like and approve of you as well as ever8 ,what reason1 then1 have you to think yourself a pilgrim8 ,if the heart be ever so little acquainted with the ,lord1 the tongue will discover it1 and the carnal and profane will ridicule and despise you for it--7,mason74 #bg ',is willing to stay behind4' ,mr4 ,bunyan has strongly intimated1 in this account1 that children1 very young persons1 may be the subjects of renewing grace1 and may experience the power of the ,gospel upon their hearts1 producing that faith that is of the operation of ,god1 and works meet for repentance4 ,this fact is abundantly confirmed by many living instances of very young persons knowing the grace of ,god in truth1 and adorning the doctrine of ,god our ,saviour--7,ivimey74 #bh ,this was a love-letter1 full of the love of ,jesus1 and the precious invitations of ,his loving heart to sinners to come unto ,him as recorded in his blessed ,word4 ,happy sinners1 whose eyes are opened to read it6 ,but this the world calls madness--7,mason74 #bi ,the observations of the unconverted1 when they perceive the conscience of a poor sinner alarmed for fear of the wrath to come1 are admirably put in ,bunyan's ,come and ,welcome1 7vol4 #a1 p4 #bgh73 ',they attribute the change to melancholy--to sitting alone--to overmuch reading--to going to too many sermons--to too much studying and musing on what they hear4 ,they conclude that it is for want of merry company--for want of physic2 and they advise them to leave off reading1 going to sermons1 the company of sober people1 and to be merry1 to go a-gossiping4 ,but1 poor ignorant sinner1 let me deal with thee4 ,it seems that thou hast turned counsellor for ,satan4 ,thou judgest foolishly4 ,thou art like ,elymas the sorcerer1 that sought to turn the deputy from the faith1 to pervert the right ways of the ,lord4 ,take heed1 lest some heavy judgment overtake thee4' ,pilgrim1 beware of the solemn warnings of ,god in ,deuteronomy #ac3f1 and ,hebrews #aj3ch--7;,,ed74 #cj ,bunyan probably alludes to ,proverbs #ag3af3 ',wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom1 seeing he hath no heart to it8'--7,ivimey74 #ca ,it is well to be bold in the name of the ,lord1 and blunt with those who seek to turn us away from following on to know the ,lord2 for nothing less than life and salvation1 or death and damnation1 will be the issue of it--7,mason74 #cb ,the very things which excite the rage and scorn of some persons1 penetrate the hearts of others4 ,thus the ,lord waked one to differ from another1 by preparing the heart to receive the good seed of ,divine truth4 ,yet everyone willingly chooses the way he takes1 without constraint or hindrance1 except his own prevailing dispositions--7,scott74 #cc ,here we see our ,lord's ,word verified1 ',the one shall be taken1 and the other left' 7,matt4 #bd3da74 ,mercy is called1 and ,timorous left4 ,all1 to appearance1 seems chance and accident2 but sovereign grace overrules all things4 ',all things are of ,god1 who hath reconciled us to ,himself by ,jesus ,christ' 7#b ,cor4 #e3ah7--7,mason74 #cd ,this tale1 by the names1 arguments1 and discourse introduced into it1 shows what kind of persons despise and revile all those that fear ,god1 and seek the salvation of their souls4 ,profligates1 who never studied religion1 pass sentence upon the most difficult controversies without hesitation4 ,such persons call for our compassion and prayers even more than our detestation--7,scott74 #ce ,o how do such carnal wretches sport with their own damnation1 while they despise the precious truths of ,god1 and ridicule ,his beloved1 chosen1 and called people6 ,but as it was in the beginning1 he who was born after the flesh persecuted ,him who was born after the ,spirit1 so it is now1 and will be as long as the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent are upon the earth--7,mason74 ,such characters are portrayed by the apostle1 in his solemn riddle 7#a ,tim4 #e3f7--7;,ivimey74 #cf ,the singular dispensations of ,providence1 and the strong impressions made by the ,word of ,god upon some minds1 seem to amount to a special invitation2 while others are gradually and gently brought to embrace the ,gospel1 and these are sometimes discouraged lest they have never been truly awakened4 ,they should recollect that the ,lord delighteth in mercy2 that ,christ will in no wise cast out any that come to ,him2 and that they who trust in the mercy of ,god1 solely through the redemption of ,his ,son1 shall assuredly be saved--7,scott74 #cg ,such is the true spirit of real pilgrims1 that do not love to eat their precious morsel alone4 ,they wish others to know ,christ1 and to become followers of ,him with themselves--7,mason74 #ch ,though ,christiana clearly knew her calling of ,god1 yet ,mercy did not2 therefore she is in doubt about it4 ,just so it is with many at their first setting out4 ,hence they are ready to say--and ,i have met with many who have said--that they could even wish to have had the most violent convictions of sin1 and to have been1 as it were1 shook over the mouth of hell1 that they might have a greater certainty of their being called of ,god4 ,but this is speaking unadvisedly4 ,better to take the apostle's advice--',give all diligence to make your calling sure4'--7,mason74 #ci ,here is a precious discovery of a heart divinely instructed4 ,mind1 here is no looking to anything ,mercy was in herself1 nor to anything she could do for herself1 for hope4 ,but all is resolved into this--even ,,the ,,love ,,of ,,the ,,heart ,,of ,,the ,,king ,,of ,,heaven4 ,reader1 can you be content with this8 ,can you cast all1 and rest all1 upon the love of ,christ8 ,then bless ,his loving name for giving you a pilgrim's heart--7,mason74 ,mercy clearly discovered a work of grace on her heart4 ,she was anxious about her acceptance at last2 she began to pray2 she threw herself on the mere mercy of ,christ's heart2 and proved 'the bowels of a pilgrim1' by lamenting the sad condition of her carnal relations--7,burder74 #dj ,this truth is exemplified in the ,holy ,war--',now ,mr4 ,desires1 when he saw that he must go on this errand1 besought that ,mr4 ,wet-eyes should go with him to petition the ,prince4 ,this ,mr4 ,wet-eyes was a poor man1 a man of a broken spirit1 yet one that could speak well to a petition4 ,then ,mr4 ,wet-eyes fell on his face to the ground1 and said1 ,o my ,lord1 ,i see dirt in my own tears1 and filthiness at the bottom of my prayers2 but1 ,i pray ,thee1 mercifully pass by the sin of ,mansoul4'--7,,ed74 #da ,perhaps the most delightful portion of the ,second ,dream of ,bunyan is its sweet representation of the female character4 ,there never were two more attractive beings drawn than ,christiana and ,mercy2 as different from each other as ,christian and ,hopeful1 and yet equally pleasing in their natural traits of character1 and under the influence of ,divine grace1 each of them reflecting the light of ,heaven in an original and lovely variety4 ,his own conception of what constitutes a bright example of beauty and consistency of character in a ,christian woman1 ,bunyan has here given us1 as well as in his ,first ,dream1 the model of steadfast excellence in a ,christian man4 ,the delineation1 in both ,christiana and ,mercy1 is eminently beautiful4 ,we have1 in these characters1 his own ideal of the domestic virtues1 and his own conception of a well-ordered ,christian family's domestic happiness4 ,wherever he may have formed his notions of female loveliness and excellence1 he has1 in the combination of them in the ,second ,part of the ',pilgrim's ,progress1' presented two characters of such winning modesty and grace1 such confiding truth and frankness1 such simplicity and artlessness1 such cheerfulness and pleasantness1 such native good sense and ,christian discretion1 such sincerity1 gentleness1 and tenderness1 that nothing could be more delightful4 ,the matronly virtues of ,christiana1 and the maidenly qualities of ,mercy1 are alike pleasing and appropriate4 ,there is a mixture of timidity and frankness in ,mercy1 which is as sweet in itself as it is artlessly and unconsciously drawn2 and in ,christiana we discover the very characteristics that can make the most lovely feminine counterpart1 suitable to the stern and lofty qualities of her husband--7,cheever74 #db ,instead of being what they profess1 the ,king's labourers1 ,paul calls them soul-troublers 7,gal4 #e3aj74 ,for instead of preaching a free1 full1 and finished salvation1 bestowed as a free gift1 by rich grace1 upon poor sinners who can do nothing to entitle themselves to it2 behold1 these wretched daubers set forth salvation to sale upon certain terms and conditions which sinners are to perform and fulfil4 ,thus they distress the upright and sincere1 and deceive the self-righteous and unwary1 into pride and delusion4 ,thus they mar1 instead of mend1 the way2 and bring dirt and dung1 instead of stones1 to make the way sound and safe for pilgrims--7,mason74 #dc ',looked well to the steps'2 that is1 'the promises1' as ,bunyan explains in the margin of ,part ,first4 ',struggling to be rid of our burden1 it only sinks us deeper in the mire1 if we do not rest by faith upon the promises1 and so come indeed to ,christ4 ,precious promises they are1 and so free and full of forgiveness and eternal life1 that certainly the moment a dying soul feels its guilt and misery1 that soul may lay hold upon them1 and find ,christ in them2 and were it not for unbelief1 there need be no ,slough of ,despond for the soul to struggle1 and plunge1 in its mire of depravity4'--7,cheever7--7,,ed74 #dd ,all the varieties in the experience of those who are walking in the same path can never he enumerated2 some of their sores are not only unreasonable but unaccountable1 through the weakness of the human mind1 the abiding effects of peculiar impressions1 the remains of unbelief1 and the artifices of ,satan--7,scott74 #de ,no sooner does a poor sinner open his lips in prayer to ,jesus1 but the devil will bark at him1 and by all means try to terrify and discourage him4 ,do you find this8 ,what is our remedy8 ',resist the devil1 and he will flee from you4 ,draw nigh to ,god1 and ,he will draw nigh to you' 7,james #d3g1 #h7--7,mason74 ,when the fear of ,god possesses the heart1 such disturbances cannot long prevent earnest cries for mercy1 but will eventually render them more fervent and importunate than ever--7,scott74 #df ,think much of them that have gone before2 how safe they are in the bosom of ,jesus4 ,would they be here again for a thousand worlds8 ,sometimes when my base heart hath been inclining to this world1 and to loiter in my journey towards ,heaven1 the very consideration of the glorious saints and angels--what they enjoy1 what low thoughts they have of the things of this world1 how they would befool me if they did but know that my heart was drawing back--this hath made me rush forward1 and disdain those beggarly things2 and say to my soul1 ,come1 soul1 let us not be weary2 let us see what ,heaven is2 let us venture all for it4 ,reader1 what sayest thou to this8 ,art thou resolved to follow me8 ,nay1 resolve to get before me if thou canst--7,heavenly ,footman74 #dg ,being made to understand what great sinners the ,lord hath had mercy upon1 and how large ,his promises were still to sinners1 this made me1 through the assistance of the ,holy ,spirit1 to cleave to ,him1 to hang upon ,him1 and yet to cry1 though as yet there were no answer4 ,the ,lord help all ,his poor1 tempted1 afflicted people to do the like--7,bunyan74 #dh ,mercy's case is not singular4 ,many have set out just as she did1 and have been discouraged by the same reason as she was4 ,she1 as many have been1 was encouraged to set out in the ways of the ,lord by her neighbour and friend4 ,hence she1 as many others also have thought1 there was no cause to conclude that she was effectually called by the ,lord1 but it was only the effect of moral persuasion1 and therefore doubted and fainted1 lest she should not meet with acceptance4 ,but her very doubts1 fears1 and distress1 proved the earnestness of her heart1 and the desire of her soul1 after the ,saviour2 and also that ,his attracting love and gracious power had a hand in the work4 ,well therefore might ,bunyan call upon his readers to mark her gracious reception by ,christ4 ,mark this1 ye poor1 doubting1 fearing1 trembling souls1 who are halting every step1 and fearing you have not set out aright1 hear what ,christ's angel said1 and be not discouraged3 ',fear not ye1 for ,i know that ye seek ,jesus6'--7,matt4 #bh3e7--7,mason74 #di ,the prisoners taken in the ,holy ,war were affected like ,mercy4 ',why did you not cry to ,me before1 said the ,prince1 yet ,i will answer you so as will be for ,my glory4 ,at this ,mr4 ,wet-eyes gave a great sigh1 and death seemed to sit on their eye-brows2 they covered their faces1 and threw themselves down before ,him4 ,then the ,prince bid them stand upon their feet1 and said1 ,i have power to forgive1 and ,i do forgive4 ,moreover1 ,he stripped the prisoners of their mourning-weeds1 and gave them beauty for ashes4'--7,,ed74 #ej ,pardon by word seems to denote the general discovery of free salvation by ,jesus ,christ to all that believe1 which is sealed by transient comforts and lively affections4 ,pardon by deed may relate to the manner in which the blessing was purchased by the ,saviour2 and when this is clearly understood1 the believer attains to stable peace and hope--7,scott74 #ea ,the devil often barks most at us1 and brings his heaviest accusations against us1 when mercy1 peace1 comfort1 and salvation are nearest to us4 ',press on1 nor fear to win the day1 ,though earth and hell obstruct the way'--7,mason74 #eb ,many hellish darts are tipped by ,apollyon's malignant ingenuity with sentences of ,scripture1 made to flame just like the fiery darts of the wicked one2 so that the ,scriptures appear to stand against the trembling ,christian--7,,ed74 #ec ,here is genuine humility2 no replying against ,god--no calling in question ,his sovereign right to receive or to reject4 ,no2 all that this poor humble heart thought was1 now is fulfilled what is written1 ',one shall be taken and the other left4' ,if so1 what had she to say8 ,no impeachment of the ,lord's dealings1 but only1 ,i am undone4 ,but yet1 on seeing what was written over the gate1 ',knock1 and it shall be opened1' from that1 and not from any sight of worthiness in herself1 but lost as she felt herself1 she was encouraged to knock again1 or to cry and pray more vehemently than ever4 ,here is a blessed example of deep humility1 and of holy boldness1 excited by the ,divine ,word4 ,go thou1 ruined sinner1 and do likewise--7,mason74 #ed ,the express words of such invitations1 exhortations1 and promises1 ,,written in the ,bible1 are more efficacious to encourage those who are ready to give up their hopes1 than all the consolatory topics that can possibly he substituted in their place--7,scott74 #ee ,when a mariner enters upon a voyage1 or a soldier on a campaign1 they know not what hardships they may encounter1 nor whether their lives may be sacrificed without attaining their object2 but whatever hardships the ,christian has to encounter1 he will come off more than conqueror--he will reach the desired haven in safety--through ,him that loved us4 ,fear not--',though death and hell obstruct the way1 ,the meanest saint shall win the day4'--7,,ed74 #ef ,strive to enter in2 a whole ,heaven and eternal life is wrapped up in this little word ,,in4 ,strive2 this calls for the mind and heart4 ,many professors make their striving to stand rather in an outcry of words1 than in a hearty labour against the lusts and love of the world1 and their own corruptions4 ,but this kind of striving is but a beating the air1 and will come to nothing at last--7,bunyan's ,strait ,gate1 vol4 #a1 p4 #hfi74 #eg ,thus the dog of hell may be of service1 not only in keeping the sheep close together1 but in making them keep close to their ,shepherd--7,j4 ,b474 #eh ',plash' was1 in later editions1 altered to ',pluck4' ,to plash1 is to cut hedges or trees4 ,the boys did plash1 or had a cut at the trees1 to knock the fruit off--7,,ed74 #ei ,what is this garden but the world8 ,what is the fruit they here found8 ',the lust of the flesh1 the lust of the eye1 and the pride of life' 7#a ,john #b3af74 ,of this the boys ate4 ,the mother chides them for taking that which did not belong to them1 but she did not know that it grew in the devil's garden4 ,mark the consequence of their eating this fruit hereafter--7,mason74 ,the terrifying suggestions of ,satan the dog's barking give believers much present uneasiness1 yet they often do them great good1 and seldom eventually hurt them2 but the allurements of those worldly objects which he throws in their way are far more dangerous and pernicious4 ,many of these are very attractive to young persons2 but all parents who love the souls of their children should employ all their influence and authority to restrain them from those vain pleasures which 'war against the soul1' and are most dangerous when least suspected4 ,this fruit may be found in the pilgrim's path1 but it grows in ,beelzebub's garden1 and should be shunned as poison4 ,many diversions and pursuits1 both in high and low life1 are of this nature1 though often pleaded for as innocent1 by some persons who ought to know better--7,scott74 #fj ,what are these ill-favoured ones8 ,such as you will be sure to meet with in your pilgrimage2 some vile lusts1 or cursed corruptions1 which are suited to your carnal nature4 ,these will attack you1 and strive to prevail against you4 ,mind how these pilgrims acted1 and follow their example4 ,if one was to fix names to these ill-favoured ones1 they might he called ,unbelief and ,licentiousness1 which aim to rob ,christ's virgins of their chastity to ,him--7,mason74 #fa ,here we see that the most violent temptation to the greatest evil is not sin1 if resisted and not complied with4 ,our ,lord ,himself was tempted in all things like as we are1 yet without sin4 ,therefore1 ye followers of ,him1 do not be dejected and cut down1 though you should be exercised with temptations to the blackest crimes1 and the most heinous sins4 ,you cannot be assaulted with worse than your ,lord was4 ,he was tempted1 but ,he resisted ,satan1 and overcame all1 in our nature4 ,cry to ,him2 ,he is the ,reliever who will come in the hour of distress--7,mason74 #fb ',ye have not1 because ye ask not4' 7,james #d3b74 #fc ,it is well to be taken with present blessings1 to be joyful in them1 and thankful for them2 but it is wrong to forget our dangers1 and grow secure--7,mason74 #fd ,when the soul is happy in the love of ,god1 it is ready to conclude that dangers are past1 that doubts and fears are entirely removed2 but as long as we are in this world1 we shall find the expediency of our ,lord's exhortation--',watch and pray4'--7,j4 ,b474 #fe ,here is a display of a truly ,christian spirit1 in that open and ingenuous confession of her fault1 taking all the blame upon herself1 and excusing ,mercy4 ,this is not natural to us1 but the grace of ,christ humbles the heart1 and silences the tongue to self-justifying pleas4 ,o for more of this precious grace6--7,mason74 #ff ,mark those phrases--'the riches of ,his grace1' and ',his mere good pleasure4' ,you cannot entertain too exalted ideas of these1 nor speak too highly of them4 ,pilgrims should be known by their language as well as their walk4 ,those who talk highly of their own perfection1 speak little1 if at all1 of the riches of ,god's grace1 and the good pleasure of ,his will4 ,beware of the infection of pride and self-righteous leaven--7,mason74 #fg ,the ,holy ,spirit1 the ,interpreter1 who was promised by the ,lord ,jesus to be sent in ,his name1 guides believers into all truth4 ',and they shall be all taught of ,god' 7,john #f3de74 ,humble confession1 and serious consecration of heart1 are sacrifices acceptable1 well-pleasing to ,god2 and such simple-hearted pilgrims are received by the church with a hearty welcome4 ',the ,spirit and the bride say1 ,come2 and let him that heareth say1 ,come' 7,rev4 #bb3ag7--7;,,ed74 #fh ,here is joy indeed1 which strangers to the love of ,christ intermeddle not with4 ,surely1 this is the joy of ,heaven2 and if thou hast this joy1 thou hast the love that reigns in ,heaven4 ,glory to ,jesus1 ,i think ,i can truly say1 ,i have this blessed evidence in my heart1 that ,i know somewhat of this joy arising from seeing poor lost sinners converted to ,jesus1 so as to love ,him and follow ,him4 ,o for a spread and increase of this spirit among ,christians of all denominations6--7,mason74 #fi,the emblematical instruction at the ,interpreter's house1 in the former part1 was so important and comprehensive1 that we are astonished at the striking additions here adduced4 ,the first emblem is very plain2 and so apposite1 that it is wonderful any person should read it without lifting up a prayer to the ,lord1 and saying1 ',o deliver me from this muck-rake6'--7,scott1 altered by ,,ed74 ,awful thought6 ,straws1 and sticks1 and dust1 ,preferred to ,christ and salvation6 ',if angels weep1 it is at such a sight6'--7,burder74 #gj ,our ,lord said1 ',where your treasure is1 there will your heart be also4' ,to be carnally-minded is death1 but to be spiritually-minded is life and peace4 ,if our treasure is in ,heaven1 we need not envy those griping muck-worms who are cursed in their basket and in their store--7,j4 ,b474 #ga--,the vulture of insatiate minds ,still wants1 and wanting seeks1 and seeking finds ,new fuel to increase her rav'nous fire4 ,the grave is sooner cloy'd than men's desire4 --7,quarles' ,emblems74 #gb ,a full purse and a lean soul1 is a sign of a great curse4 ,o it is a sad grant1 when the desire is only to make the belly big1 the estate big1 the name big2 when even by this bigness the soul pines1 is made to dwindle1 to grow lean1 and to look like an anatomy6 ,like a man in a dropsy1 they desire this world1 as he doth drink1 till they desire themselves quite down to hell--7,bunyan's ,desire of the ,righteous1 vol4 #a1 p4 #gfg74 #gc ,reader1 didst thou never shed a tear for thy base and disingenuous conduct towards thy ,lord1 in preferring the sticks and straws of this world to the unsearchable riches of ,christ1 and the salvation of thy immortal soul8 ,o this is natural to us all6 and though made wise unto salvation1 yet this folly cleaves to our old nature still4 ,let the thought humble us1 and make us weep before the ,lord--7,mason74 #gd ,they knew the venom of sin which was in their fallen nature4 ,this made them cover their faces with shame1 and sink into deep humility of heart4 ,every true interpreter of ,god's ,word--yea1 the blessed ,interpreter of ,god's heart1 ,jesus--will look pleasantly upon such who confess the truth2 while ,he beholds the proud1 self-righteous sinner afar off--7,mason74 #ge ,faith apprehends1 and then the soul dwells in the best room indeed1 even in the very heart of ,god in ,christ4 ,the ,lord increase our faith in this precious truth1 that we may the more love and glorify the ,god of grace and truth6 ,o let not our venom of sin deject us1 while there is the blood of ,christ to cleanse us6 ,o for a stronger love to ,christ1 and greater hatred of sin6 ,both spring from believing--7,mason74 ,the emblem of the spider is illustrated in ,bunyan's invaluable treatise on the ,resurrection and ,eternal ,judgment--',the spider will be a witness against man1 for she layeth hold with her hands1 and is in kings' palaces4 ,it is man only that will not lay hold on the kingdom of ,heaven1 as the spider doth bid him 7,prov4 #cj3bh74'--7,vol4 #b1 p4 #aaa7--7;,,ed74 --,call me not ugly thing2 ,god' wisdom hath unto the pismire given1 ,and spiders may teach men the way to ,heaven4 7,bunyan's ,emblems74 #gf ,it is very humbling to human pride to be compared to chickens1 as dependants on the fostering care of the hen1 or as children relying upon a parent4 ,in ,bunyan's ,last ,sermon1 are some striking allusions to the ,christian's dependence upon his heavenly ,father--',it is natural for a child1 if he wants shoes1 to tell his father2 if he wants bread1 they go and tell him4 ,so should the children of ,god do for spiritual bread--strength of grace--to resist ,satan4 ,when the devil tempts you1 run home and tell your heavenly ,father--pour out your complaints to ,god2 this is natural to children4 ,if any wrong them1 they tell their father2 so do those that are born of ,god1 when they meet with temptations1 they go and tell ,god of them--7,vol4 #b1 p4 #geg7--7;,,ed74 #gg ,common call1 the invitations2 brooding voice1 the promises2 outcry1 the warnings of the ,gospel--7,ivimey74 #gh ,observations and experience justify this excellent simile4 ,god's common call is to all ,his creatures who live within the sound of ,his ,gospel4 ,his special call is when ,he bestows the grace1 peace1 and pardon of the ,gospel of ,christ upon ,his people4 ,the brooding note is when ,he gathers them under ,his wings1 warms their hearts with the comforts of ,his love1 nourishes their souls with close fellowship with ,himself1 and refreshes their spirits with the overflowings of joy in the ,holy ,ghost4 ',in the shadow of ,thy wings will ,i rejoice1' says ,david 7,psa4 #fc3g74 ',i sat down under ,his shadow with great delight1 and ,his fruit was sweet to my taste' 7,song4 #b3c74 ,o for more of these precious brooding notes1 to be gathered under the wing of ,immanuel6 ,but be our frames and experiences what they may1 still we are ever in danger2 for our enemies surround us on every side1 and our worst are within us4 ,therefore our ,lord has an outcry2 ,he gives the alarm1 calls us1 and warns us of danger4 ,why8 ,that we should flee4 ,o pilgrims1 when dangers are near1 run unto ,him6 ,for 'the name of the ,lord is a strong tower2 the righteous runneth into it1 and is safe' 7,prov4 #ah3aj7--7,mason74 #gi ,the church is a garden enclosed1 ,christ is the ,gardener1 ,his people are called ,god's husbandry4 ,the difference in the plants and flowers shows the different effects of grace upon the heart--7,j4 ,b474 ,when ,christians stand everyone in his place1 and do their own work1 then they are like the flowers in the garden1 that stand and grow where the ,gardener hath planted them2 and then they shall both honour the garden in which they are planted1 and the ,gardener that hath so disposed of them4 ,from the hyssop in the wall1 to the cedar in ,lebanon1 their fruit is their glory4 ,christians are like the several flowers in a garden1 that have upon each of them the dew of ,heaven2 which1 being shaken with the wind1 they let fall their dew at each others' roots1 whereby they are jointly nourished1 and become nourishers of one another4 ,for ,christians to commune savourly of ,god's matters one with another1 it is as if they opened to each others' nostrils boxes of perfume4 ,saith ,paul to the church at ,rome1 ',i long to see you1 that ,i may impart unto you some spiritual gift1 to the end ye may he established2 that is1 that ,i may be comforted together with you1 by the mutual faith both of you and me' 7,rom4 #a3aa1 #ab7--7;,bunyan's ,christian ,behaviour1 vol4 #b1 pp4 #eej1 #egj74 ,i have observed1 that as there are herbs and flowers in our gardens1 so there are their counterfeits in the field2 only they are distinguished from the other by the name of wild ones4 ,there is faith and wild faith2 and wild faith is presumption4 ,i call it wild faith1 because ,god never placed it in ,his garden--,his church2 it is only to be found in the field--the world--7,bunyan's ,good ,news1 vol4 #a1 p4 #ic74 ,we ought not to be contented with a situation among the noxious weeds of the desert2 but if we be planted among the ornamental and fragrant flowers of the ,lord's garden1 we are honoured indeed4 ,we should watch against envy and ambition1 contempt of our brethren and contention4 ,we ought to be satisfied in our places1 doing 'nothing through strife or vain glory1 or with murmurings and disputings'2 but endeavour1 in the meekness of wisdom1 to diffuse a heavenly fragrance around us1 and to adorn the doctrine of ,god our ,saviour in all things--7,scott74 #hj ,the husbandman is not repaid by the straw or chaff4 ,so the sufferings of ,christ1 the preaching1 promises1 and ordinances of the ,gospel1 were not intended to bring men to profess certain doctrines1 or observe certain forms2 but to render men fruitful in good works1 by the influences of the ,spirit of ,christ4 ,all profession will terminate in everlasting misery1 which is not productive of this good fruit4 ',true religion and undefiled' consists not in forms1 creeds1 and ceremonies1 but is 'to visit and comfort the widows and the fatherless'--7,scott74 #ha ,this is a necessary caution4 ,paul says1 ',thou art inexcusable1 ,o man1 whosoever thou art that judgest2 for wherein thou judgest another1 thou condemnest thyself1 for thou that judgest doest the same things4' ,james has laid down an excellent rule of conduct--,o that it were more attended to6--',so speak ye1 and so do1 as they that shall he judged by the law of liberty4' ,how inconsistent for a pardoned malefactor to insult even those who are under condemnation6 ,if any man seemeth to be religious1 and bridleth not his tongue from commending himself and condemning others1 this man's religion is vain4 ,he that judgeth his brother speaketh evil of the law1 and judgeth the law--7,j4 ,b474 #hb ,a very striking emblem this1 and most pertinently applied2 and if your soul is sincere1 it will cause a holy fear1 create a godly jealousy1 put you upon self-examining1 and make you sigh out in some such words as ,david1 ',search me1 ,o ,god1 and know my heart2 try me1 and know my thoughts3 and see if there be any wicked way in me1 and lead me in the way everlasting' 7,psa4 #aci3bc1 #bd74 ,o what will it avail in a dying hour1 or in the judgment day1 that we have worn the mark of profession1 and seemed to man1 what we were not in heart and reality of life before ,god6 ,from all self-deceiving1 good ,lord1 deliver us6 for we are naturally prone to it--7,mason74 #hc ,this observation is grounded on the good old distinction1 that the merit of ,christ's obedience unto death is sufficient all who by faith apply for an interest in it4 ,nothing but pride1 the carnal mind1 and enmity to ,god and religion1 influence men to neglect so great salvation2 and when the regenerating power of the ,holy ,spirit accompanies the ,word1 sinners are made willing to accept the proffered mercy1 and encouraged by the invitations which before they sinfully slighted--7,scott74 #hd ,that is my very character1 says many a doubting1 broken hearted sinner4 ,well1 thank ,god1 says many a self-confident1 whole-hearted ,pharisee1 it is far from being mine4 ,we can only say this1 he that knows most of his own superlatively deceitful and desperately wicked heart1 suspects himself most1 and exercises most godly jealousy over himself2 while persons1 who see least of themselves1 are most self-confident and daring4 ,even ,judas could as boldly ask1 ',master1 is it ,i' who shall betray ,thee8 as any of the rest of ,his disciples--7,mason74 #he ,mr4 ,ivimey supposes this to be intended by ,mr4 ,bunyan to show his approbation of the practice of singing in public worship4 ,it was then a custom which had been recently introduced1 and was a subject of strong controversy4 ,soon after ,bunyan's death1 ,benjamin ,keach vindicated the practice1 by proving that singing is an ordinance of ,jesus ,christ1 in answer to ,marlowe's ,discourse against ,singing4 ,it must not be forgotten1 that our pilgrim forefathers generally met in secret1 and that singing would have exposed them to imminent peril of their lives4 ,now we have no such fear2 we can unite heart and voice in the language of ,dr4 ,watts-- ',lord1 how delightful 'tis to see ,a whole assembly worship ,thee6 ,at once they sing4' ,that is1 when singing men or women do not prevent the godly from uniting in this delightful part of ,divine worship by introducing new tunes1 to sing to the praise and glory of themselves4 ,let such as are guilty of this solemnly ask the question1 ,was the late ,mr4 ,huntingdon right in estimating their piety at less than twopence per dozen8--7,,ed74 #hf ,ah1 ,mrs4 ,timorous1 how many professed pilgrims hast thou befooled and turned back6 ,how often does she attack and affright many real pilgrims6 ,i am sure she has often made my poor heart ache with her ghastly looks and terrifying speeches4 ,o may we ever say to her1 in our ,lord's words1 ',get thee behind me1 ,satan2 thou savourest not the things that be of ,god1 but those that be of men' 7,matt4 #af3bc7--7,mason74 #hg ,a very simple and artless confession4 ,the ,lord works very differently upon ,his elect2 but always to the same end1 namely1 to make us prize ,christ1 ,his salvation and ,his ways1 and to abhor ourselves1 the paths of sin1 and to cast off all self-righteous hopes4 ,if this is effected in thy heart1 reader1 it is no matter whether thou canst tell of visions and dreams1 or talk high of experiences4 ,where the soul is rooted and grounded in the knowledge of ,christ1 and love to ,his ways1 though there may be many fears1 yet this is an indubitable proof of a real and sincere pilgrim--7,mason74 #hh ,they who are acquainted with the manner in which persons are received into ,congregational churches1 by relating a verbal account of their experience1 will recognize in this narrative a resemblance to that practice4 ,christiana1 a grave matron1 appears to have felt no difficulty in complying with the requisition2 but ,mercy1 young and inexperienced1 blushed and trembled1 and for awhile continued silent4 ,their profession being approved1 the readiness of the church to receive them is expressed by the warmest wishes for their spiritual prosperity--7,ivimey74 #hi ',thou hast given credit to the truth'2 what is this but faith--the faith of the operation of ,god8 ,but some may ask1 ,what6 is justifying1 saving faith1 nothing more than a belief of the truth8 ,if so1 the very devils believe2 yea1 more1 they tremble also4 ,true2 but mind how ,mercy's faith wrought by her works4 ,she fled for refuge to the hope set before her in the ,gospel4 ,she fled from sin1 from the ,city of ,destruction1 to ,christ for salvation4 ,though she had not the joy of faith1 yet she followed on to know the ,lord1 walking in ,his ways1 and hoping for comfort from the ,lord in ,his due time4 ,o6 if thou hast a grain of this precious faith in thy heart1 bless ,jesus for it1 and go on thy way rejoicing--7,mason74 #ij ,mr4 ,ivimey considers that this bath in the garden refers to the baptism of the pilgrims by immersion1 after having related their experience1 as a publicly putting on of ,christ4 ',and now why tarriest thou8 ,arise1 and be baptized1 and wash away thy sins1 calling on the name of the ,lord' 7,acts #bb3af74 ,innocent says that 'her ,master would have them do'2 and they went out into the garden to the bath1 and were much enlivened by it4 ,bunyan left it to the convert to act for himself as to water-baptism2 all that he required1 as a prerequisite to church-communion1 was the new birth1 or the baptism of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,he calls this the 'bath of sanctification'2 no ,christian considers water-baptism a source of sanctification2 it is only the outward sign4 ,it must be left to the reader's candid judgment to decide whether baptism1 upon a profession of faith1 is here intended by that that the ,master would have them do--7,,ed74 #ia ,there is no travelling on pilgrimage without gathering soil4 ,there are no pilgrims but daily need to have recourse to this bath of sanctification--the blood of ,jesus1 which cleanses from all sin 7#a ,john #a3g74 ,christ is the fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness 7,zech4 #ac3a74 ,christ is the soul's only bath4 ,as all baths are for the purification of the body1 such is this bath to our soul4 ,but unless a bath be used1 this cannot be effected2 so1 unless we have recourse to ,christ1 we cannot enjoy the purification of the soul2 but the ,holy ,ghost1 the ,sanctifier1 convinces us of sin1 shows us our fresh-contracted spots and defilements1 and leads us to the blood of the ,lamb4 ,o how does this enliven and strengthen our souls1 by filling our conscience with joy and peace in believing6--7,mason74 #ib ,baptism and the ,lord's ,supper ,i receive and own as signs of the covenant of grace2 the former as a sign of our engrafting into ,christ1 and the latter to show forth ,his death1 as an emblem or type of the benefits purchased thereby to ,his church and people--7,philip ,henry1 altered by ,,ed74 #ic ,this means the sealing of the ,spirit1 whereby they were sealed unto the day of redemption 7,eph4 #d3cj74 ,o this is blessed sealing6 ,none know the comfort and joy of it but those who have experienced it4 ,it confirms our faith1 establishes our hope1 and inflames our affections to ,god the ,father for ,his everlasting love1 to ,god the ,son for ,his everlasting atonement and righteousness1 and to ,god the ,spirit for ,his enlightening mercy1 regenerating grace1 quickening1 sanctifying1 testifying1 and assuring influences1 whereby we know that we are the children of ,god2 for 'the ,spirit itself beareth witness with our spirits1 that we are the children of ,god' 7,rom4 #h3af74 ,all the comfort of our souls lies in keeping this seal clear in our view4 ,therefore grieve not the ,holy ,spirit--7,mason74 #id ,they who have put on this raiment are clothed with humility2 they readily perceive the excellence of other believers1 but can only discern their own in the glass of ,god's ,word4 ,at the same time1 they become very observant of their own defects1 and severe in condemning them1 but proportionally candid to their brethren2 and thus they learn the hard lesson of esteeming others better than themselves--7,scott74 #ie ,this is always the case when souls are clothed in the robe of ,christ's righteousness4 ,they are little1 low1 and mean in their own eyes1 and they esteem each other better than themselves2 whereas they who at all look to1 or depend upon1 their own righteousness for their clothing and justification before ,god1 always look down with an air of supercilious contempt upon others who they think are not so righteous as themselves4 ,lord1 hide self-righteous pride from my heart1 and sink me into the depth of humility1 that ,i may ever glory in ,thee1 in whom ,i am perfectly righteous6--7,mason74 ,see also ,romans #f3a-e1 and ,galatians #c3bg--7;,ivimey74 #if ,the conductor1 named ,great-heart1 is a ,gospel minister under the direction of the ,holy ,spirit2 courageous1 armed with the sword of the ,spirit1 enjoying the hope of salvation1 and defended by the shield of faith--7,barder74 #ig ,this is the comfort1 joy1 and glorying of a pilgrim's heart4 ,hath ,jesus performed righteousness to cover us1 and spilled blood to wash us8 ,have we the faith of this8 ,o how ought we to love ,him1 rejoice in ,him1 and study to glorify ,him in every step of our pilgrimage6--7,mason74 #ih ,here ,bunyan gives a very clear and distinct account of that righteousness of ,christ1 as ,mediator1 which ,he wrought out by ,his perfect obedience to the law of ,god for all ,his seed4 ,and by this righteousness1 and no other1 are they fully justified from all condemnation in the sight of ,god4 ,reader1 study this point deeply1 so as to be established in it4 ,it is the essence of the ,gospel1 enters into the life and joy of faith1 brings relief to the conscience1 and influence to the love of the ,lord our ,righteousness2 and so brings forth the fruits of righteousness which are by ,him to the praise and glory of ,god1 and administers ,divine consolation in the hour of death--7,mason74 #ii ,is there righteousness in ,christ8 ,that is mine1 the believer may say4 ,did ,he bleed for sins8 ,it was for mine4 ,hath ,he overcome the law1 the devil1 and hell8 ,the victory is mine4 ,and ,i do count this a most glorious life8--,sometimes 7,i bless the ,lord7 my soul hath this life not only imputed to me1 but the glory of it upon my spirit4 ,upon a time1 when ,i was under many condemnings of heart1 and fearing ,i should miss glory1 methought ,i felt such a secret motion as this--,thy righteousness is in ,heaven4 ,the splendour and shining of the ,spirit of grace upon my soul1 gave me to see clearly that my righteousness1 by which ,i should be justified1 was the ,son of ,god ,himself representing me before the mercy-seat in ,his own ,person2 so that ,i saw clearly1 that day and night1 wherever ,i was1 and whatever ,i was doing1 there was my righteousness1 just before the eyes of the ,divine glory1 and continually at the right hand of ,god4 ,at another time1 whilst musing1 being afraid to die1 these words came upon my soul1 ',being justified freely by ,his grace1 through the redemption which is in ,christ4' ,this stayed my heart4 ,and thus is the sinner made alive from the dead1 by being justified through the righteousness of ,christ1 which is unto all and upon all them that believe--7,bunyan's ,law and ,grace74 #ajj ,sometimes ,i have been so loaden with my sins1 that ,i could not tell where to rest1 nor what to do2 yea1 at such times1 ,i thought it would have taken away my senses2 yet1 at that time1 ,god through grace hath all on a sudden so effectually applied the blood that was spilt at ,mount ,calvary out of the side of ,jesus1 unto my poor1 wounded1 guilty conscience1 that presently ,i have found such a sweet1 solid1 sober1 heart-comforting peace1 that ,i have been in a strait to think that ,i should love and honour ,him no more4 ,sometimes my sins have appeared as big as all the sins of all the men in the nation--7reader1 these things be not fancies1 for ,i have smarted for this experience72 but yet the least stream of the heart-blood ,jesus hath vanished all away1 and ,i have been delivered up into sweet and heavenly peace and joy in the ,holy ,ghost--7,bunyan's ,law and ,grace1 vol4 #a1 p4 #edi74 #aja ,while the soul lives upon the sweet impressions which are made by the application of the promises1 it may be said to live upon frames and feelings2 for as its comforts abate1 so will its confidence4 ,the heart can never be established in grace1 till the understanding is enlightened to discern what it is to have pardon by the deed done--7,j4 ,b474 #ajb ,o brave ,christiana6 ,see what it is to have one's heart inflamed with a sense of the love of ,christ4 ,christiana thinks everyone would naturally be affected as she was1 if they were present2 but she forgets that which she sees and feels is of special1 peculiar1 distinguishing grace--7,mason74 ,shall ,i have my sins and lose my soul8 ,would not ,heaven be better to me than my sins8--the company of ,god1 ,christ1 saints1 and angels1 than the company of ,cain1 ,judas1 ,balaam1 with the devils1 in the furnace of fire8 ,canst thou now that readest1 or hearest these lines1 turn thy back1 and go on in thy sins8--7,bunyan's ,law and ,grace1 vol4 #a1 p4 #ege74 ,reader1 thus would ,christiana plead with ungodly relatives and friends2 and if thou art in such a case1 wilt thou not listen to such a plea8--7,,ed74 #ajc ,mind how tenderly ,great-heart deals with warm-hearted ,christiana4 ,he does not attempt to throw cold water upon the fire of her affections1 but gently insinuates1 #a4 ,the peculiar frame of the mind she speaks from2 #b4 ,suggests that she must not always expect to be in such raptures2 and1 #c4 ,reminds her that her indulgences were of a peculiar nature1 not common to all1 but bestowed upon the faithful in ,christ only2 and that1 therefore1 amidst all her joyful feelings1 she should know to whom she was indebted for them1 and give all the glory to the ,god of all grace--7,mason74 #ajd ,simple1 contented in gross ignorance2 ,sloth1 an indolence which smothers all conviction2 ,presumption1 carnal security1 which hardens against reproof--7,andronicus74 ,these are the great opposers of vital religion4 ,the end of these things is death--7,barder74 #aje ,it was a custom1 to a late period1 to hang up murderers in irons1 until the body dropped to pieces2 that such terrible examples might deter others from the like crimes2 hence1 under the old wood-cut illustrating this passage1 is written-- ',behold here how the slothful are a sign1 ,hung up1 because holy ways they did decline4' --7,,ed74 #ajf ,god1 as it were1 gibbets some professors1 and causes their names and characters to be publicly exhibited1 as a terror to others1 and as a warning to ,his own people--7,mason74 ,the dreadful falls and awful deaths of some professors are to put others upon their guard against superficial1 slothful1 and presumptuous hopes4 ,the real occasion of turning aside lies in the concealed lusts of the heart--7,scott74 #ajg ,let us consider the characters of these three professors3 #a4 ,here is a ,simple1 a foolish credulous professor1 ever learning1 but never coming to the knowledge of the truth1 so as to believe it1 love it1 and be established on it2 hence liable to be carried away by every wind of doctrine4 #b4 ,sloth1 a quiet1 easy professor1 who never disturbs anyone by his diligence in the ,word of ,god1 nor his zeal for the truths and glory of ,god4 #c4 ,presumption1 one who expects salvation in the end1 without the means prescribed by ,god for attaining it4 ,o beware of these three sorts of professors1 for they turn many aside6--7,mason74 #ajh ,what is meant by the ,hill ,difficulty8 ,christiana has set out from ,destruction1 been received and encouraged at the wicket-gate1 and directed on her journey4 ,the path is comparatively easy1 until she is about to put on a public profession1 by joining a church4 ,this is situated upon the summit of this hill of difficult ascent4 ,is it intended to represent that prayerful1 watchful1 personal investigation into ,divine truth1 which ought to precede church-fellowship8 ,nothing is more difficult to flesh and blood than to be compelled1 upon pain of endless ruin1 to think for ourselves on matters of religion4 ,the formalist and hypocrite follow the persuasions of man1 and take an easier path1 and are lost4 ,the fear of man causes some to abandon the ascent4 ,dr4 ,cheever has1 in his ,hill ,difficulty1 very happily described the energy that is needful to enable the pilgrim to make the ascent4 ,he forcibly proves the utter impossibility of making the ascent by ceremonial observances1 or while encumbered with worldly cares or pride in trinkets of gold and costly array4 ,he reminds us of the solemn advice of ,peter1 'be ye built up a spiritual house1 a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifice acceptable to ,god by ,jesus ,christ4' ,every weight must be set aside1 and salvation must be worked out with fear and trembling--7,,ed74 #aji ,the river of life is pure and clear as crystal4 ,is the doctrine offered to thee so8 ,or is it muddy1 and mixed with the doctrines of men8 ,look1 man1 and see1 if the foot of the worshippers of ,baal be not there1 and the water fouled thereby4 ,what water is fouled is not the water of life1 or at least not in its clearness4 ,wherefore1 if thou findest it not right1 go up higher towards the spring-head1 for nearer the spring the more pure and clear is the water--7,bunyan's ,water of ,life74 #aaj ,this represents to us that some preachers1 as the ,prophet says1 foul the water with their feet 7,ezek4 #bd3ah72 that is1 though they preach somewhat about ,christ1 and salvation by ,him1 yet they so clog1 mire1 and pollute the stream of free grace1 with pre-requisites1 terms1 and conditions1 that the poor thirsty soul cannot drink the water1 nor allay his thirst with it2 but is forced to let it stand1 till these gross dregs sink to the bottom4 ,yea1 we ought to beware of drinking such filthy dregs2 for they will certainly swell us up with the company of pride of our free will1 human merit1 and self-righteousness1 which oppose the glory of ,jesus1 and comfort of our souls--7,mason74 #aaa ,although the cautious of ,holy ,writ are plain as posts and chains1 and the warnings as a ditch1 and the solemn threatenings of the ,new ,testament against pharisaic formalism and hypocrisy are like a hedge1 to prevent pilgrims wandering into paths that end in eternal misery1 yet there are many who break through all these merciful restraints1 and rush upon destruction--7,,ed74 #aab ,examine1 which do you like better1 self-soothing or soul-searching doctrine8 ,formalists and hypocrites love the former1 and hate the latter4 ,but the sincere and upright are discovered by desiring to have their hearts searched to the quick1 and their ways tried to the utmost2 and1 therefore1 with ,david will cry1 ',search me1 ,o ,god1 and know my heart2 try me1 and know my thoughts2 and see if there be any wicked way in me1 and lead me in the way everlasting' 7,psa4 #abi3bc1 #bd7--7,mason74 #aac ,heart-work is hard work2 it is hard work to be stripped2 it is hard work to deny self1 take up your cross1 and follow ,jesus4 ,it is hard work to fight the fight of faith2 it is hard work against hope to believe in hope4 ,a formalist and hypocrite will go1 in outward things1 as far as the real ,christian2 but touch him on the inward work1 and he will start aside--7,j4 ,b474 #aad ,he who is a stranger to the hard work of self-denial1 and how difficult it is to the flesh1 knows not what this ,hill ,difficulty means2 for the nearer to the arbour of ,jesus' rest1 the more difficulties in the way1 but the sweeter it is when attained--7,mason74 #aae ,regard not in thy pilgrimage how difficult the passage is1 but whither it tends2 not how delicate the journey is1 but where it ends4 ,if it be easy1 suspect it2 if hard1 endure it4 ,he that cannot excuse a bad way1 accuseth his own sloth2 and he that sticks in a bad passage1 can never attain a good journey's end--7,quarles' ,enchiridion74 #aaf ,there were stairs in the temple1 and but one pair1 and these winding4 ,he that went up must turn with the stairs4 ,this is a type of a twofold repentance2 that by which we turn from nature to grace1 and that by which we turn from the imperfections of a state of grace to glory4 ,but this turning and turning still1 displeases some much4 ,they say it makes them giddy2 but ,i say1 ,nothing like this to make a man steady4 ,a straight stair is like the ladder that leads to the gallows4 ,they are turning stairs that lead to the heavenly mansion4 ,stay not at their foot2 but go up them1 and up them1 and up them1 till you come to ,heaven--7,bunyan's ,solomon's ,temple74 #aag ,when we are praised1 a conscious blush should pervade us1 well knowing how much we have to be ashamed of4 ,but some have got such vain confidence in their own righteousness1 merits1 and perfection1 that they have hereby got what the ,scriptures call a whore's forehead1 and refuse to be ashamed 7,jer4 #c3c74 ,o cry to the ,lord continually against spiritual pride1 and for an humble heart1 knowing thyself to be a poor sinner6--7,mason74 #aah ,eve looking first into those worthy privileges which ,god had given her1 and dilating delightfully of them before the devil1 she lost the dread of the command from off her heart1 which ,satan perceiving1 now added to his former forged doubt a plain and flat denial--',ye shall not surely die4' ,when people dally with the devil1 and sit too near their outward advantages1 they fall into temptation--7,bunyan on ,genesis1 vol4 #b1 p4 #dbi74 #aai ,reader1 mind this well1 remember it often1 and it will do thee good4 ,i am a witness against myself1 of how much ,i have lost by indulging the flesh1 and how much ,i have suffered by forgetfulness4 ,but ,o what a gracious ,lord do we serve6 this is no excuse for our folly1 but an aggravation of our faults2 and ought to sink us lower in shame1 and to excite us to greater care1 diligence1 and watchfulness2 else we shall surely smart for our folly1 if not in hell1 yet in our consciences--7,mason74 #abj ,this may refer to the awful end of one of ,bunyan's early friends1 who became a notorious apostate--one ,john ,child1 whose sufferings were published with those of ,spira4 ,child was so afraid of persecution1 as to give up his profession2 and then1 overwhelmed by despair1 he committed suicide4 ,or to such an one as the professor1 in the ,marian days1 who recanted to save burning1 but who was burnt to death by his house catching fire--7,ivimey74 #aba ,it is not very easy to determine the precise idea of the author in each of the giants who assault the ,pilgrims1 and are slain by the conductor and his assistants4 ,some have supposed that unbelief is here meant1 but ,grim or ,bloody-man seem not to be opposite names for this inward foe2 nor can it be conceived1 that unbelief should more violently assault those who are under the care of a valiant conductor1 than it had done the solitary pilgrims4 ,i apprehend1 therefore1 that this giant was intended for the emblem of certain active men who busied themselves in framing and executing persecuting statutes1 which was done at the time when this was written1 more violently than it had been before4 ,thus the temptation to fear man1 which at all times assaults the believer when required to make an open profession of his faith1 was exceedingly increased2 and as heavy fines and severe penalties1 in accession to reproach and contempt1 deterred men from joining themselves in communion with dissenting churches1 that way was almost unoccupied1 and the travelers went through bypaths1 according to the author's sentiments on the subject4 ,but the preaching of the ,gospel1 by which the ministers of ,christ wielded the sword of the ,spirit1 overcame this enemy2 for the example and exhortations of such courageous combatants animated even weak believers to overcome their fears1 and to act according to their consciences1 leaving the event to ,god4 ,this seems to have been the author's meaning2 and perhaps he also intended to encourage his brethren boldly to persevere in resisting such persecuting statutes1 confidently expecting that they should prevail for the repeal of them2 by which1 as by the death of the giant1 the pilgrims might be freed from additional terror1 in acting consistently with their avowed principles--7,scott74 #abb ,this reminds us of the words of ,mr4 ,godly-fear to ,diabolus1 when ,captain ,credence sent a petition to ,immanuel for mercy--',we are resolved to resist thee as long as a captain1 a man1 a sling1 or a stone shall be found in ,mansoul to throw at thee4 ,then said the ,lord ,mayor to ,diabolus1 ,o thou devouring tyrant1 be it known to thee1 we shall hearken to none of thy words6'--7,bunyan's ,holy ,war74 ,happy are the ,godly-fears and ,great-hearts who use such decided language to the enemy of souls--7,,ed74 #abc ,sincere and earnest ,christiana1 at this time1 had a proverbial expression--',it is better that the body should die to this world by the lions without1 than that body and soul should die eternally by our lusts within4'--7,,ed74 #abd ,o pilgrims1 when dangers beset you1 and fears arise in you1 hear what the ,lord speaks to you2 and in the belief of his truth1 quit yourselves manfully3 ',fight the good fight of faith1' ever remembering that 'you are more than conquerors through ,christ who hath loved you6' ,faith will exalt the love and power of ,christ above the fear of every enemy--7,mason74 #abe ,o pilgrim1 it is sweet to reflect that every lion-like foe is under the control of thy ,god1 and cannot come one link of the chain nearer to thee than thy ,lord will permit6 ,therefore1 when fears and terrors beset thee1 think of thy ,lord's love to thee1 ,his power engages to preserve thee1 and ,his promises to comfort thee4 ,for 'the ,lord is nigh unto all them that call upon ,him' 7,psa4 #ade3ah7--7,mason74 #abf ,from the deeply interesting narrative of the experience of ,mr4 ,fearing1 it is plain that the lions and their backer1 ,giant ,grim or ,bloody-man1 relates entirely to temporal troubles2 most likely to those infamous penal statutes under which ,dissenters so severely suffered4 ,the uniting in church-fellowship was not only attended with the ordinary difficulties1 but with danger from the lions--church and state2 especially when backed by ferocious judges1 such as ,jefferies and others4 ,spiritual enemies--sin1 death1 and hell--were the only terrors under which ,mr4 ,fearing suffered2 temporal persecutions--'difficulties1 lions1 or ,vanity ,fair--he feared not at all4' ,the battle probably refers to the flimsy sophistry used in defence of persecution1 as opposed to the ,word of ,god1 the sword of the ,spirit1 by which our ,puritan heroes destroyed these anti-,christian arguments--7,,ed74 ,now that the lions are removed1 may we not fear that hypocrites will thrust themselves into our churches8 ,it is easy1 cheap1 and almost fashionable1 to be religious3 this should promote solemn investigation--7,andronicus74 #abg ,how mindful is our ,lord of us6 ,how gracious is ,he to us6 ,what blessed provision doth ,he make for us6 ,if pilgrims are attacked by ,giant ,grim1 and terrified with the sight of lions1 they may be sure that it is only a prelude to some sweet enjoyment of their ,lord's love1 and that they are near to some asylum1 some sanctuary of rest1 peace1 and comfort4 ,some bitter generally precedes the sweet1 and makes the sweet the sweeter--7,mason74 #abh ,o it is hard work to part with ,great-heart6 ,how many blessings do we lose for want of asking6 ,great-heart is at the command of our ,lord4 ,o for more power to cry incessantly to the ,lord for the presence of ,great-heart1 that we may go on more cheerfully and more joyfully in the ways of the ,lord6--7,mason74 #abi ,here is a blessed mark of being vessels of the grace of ,god1 when we delight in the sight of1 salute1 and welcome others in the way to ,zion1 and mutually have our hearts and affections drawn out to each other in love4 ,o how sweet is the fellowship of pilgrims below6 ,what must it be above8 ,infinitely above conception--7,mason74 #acj ,reader1 can you feed upon ,christ by faith8 ,is the ,lamb the nourishment of thy soul1 and the portion of thy heart8 ,canst thou say1 from blessed experience1 ',his flesh is meat indeed1 and ,his blood is drink indeed8' ,is it thy delight to think of ,him1 hear of ,him1 speak of ,him1 abide in ,him1 and live upon ,him8 ,o bless ,him and praise ,him for ,his distinguishing mercy1 this spiritual appetite6 ,it is peculiar to ,his beloved ones only--7,mason74 #aca ,pray mind the above note1 ',christ's bosom is for all pilgrims4' ,this is the room in which they all lay1 and its name is ,peace--,,ed4 ,it is there the weary find rest1 and the burdened soul ease4 ,o for more reclinings of soul upon the precious bosom of our ,lord6 ,we can be truly happy nowhere else--7,mason74 #acb ,immanuel also made a feast for them4 ,he feasted them with food that grew not in the fields of ,mansoul1 nor in the whole kingdom of the ,universe4 ,it came from the ,father's court4 ,there was music also all the while at the table1 and man did eat angels' food4 ,i must not forget to tell you1 that the musicians were the masters of the songs sung at the court of ,shaddai--7,bunyan's ,holy ,war74 #acc ,o what precious harmony is this6 ,how joyful to be the subjects of it1 and to join in it6 ,the free1 sovereign grace of ,god is the delightful theme1 and glory to ,god in the highest the universal chorus4 ,it is the wonder and joy of sinners on earth1 and of angels in ,heaven--7,mason74 #acd ,our author intimates that ,god sometimes communicates spiritual knowledge and heavenly joy by 'dreams and visions of the night4' ,the ,holy ,one 'worketh all things after the counsel of ,his own will1' and employs what means ,he pleases to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of ,christ4 ,the effect produced by dreams must be brought to this test4 ,it is a good maxim1 that what leads to ,god1 must have come from ,god--7,ivimey74 #ace ,if ,mercy were sweetly surprised with this dream1 we are sure that nothing but the surprise of mercy can overcome the hardened sinner's heart1 who1 expecting the stroke of justice1 instead of the executioner with a death-warrant1 finds a messenger of peace1 with a pardon free and full1 revealing the grace1 mercy1 and love of ,god1 through the redemption which there is in the love of ,god--7,j4 ,b474 #acf ,o how blessed are they who are watching and waiting continually to hear the small1 still voice of the ,spirit1 speaking rest and peace to their souls by the blood of the ,lamb6 ,o how condescending is our ,lord1 thus to visit us1 and converse with us in the way to his kingdom6--7,mason74 ,and how blessed is church fellowship when the members are governed by these heavenly principles1 watchfulness1 humility of mind1 prudence1 piety1 and charity--7,,ed74 #acg ,the assurance that the dream should he accomplished1 is grounded on the effects produced upon ,mercy's heart2 there is no danger of delusion1 when so scriptural an encouragement is inferred even from a dream--7,scott74 #ach ,can we wonder that the pilgrims longed to spend some time with such lovely companions8 ,reader1 how is your inclination8 ,add to these ',simplicity1 ,innocence1 and ,godly-sincerity2 without which three graces thou wilt be a hypocrite1 let thy notions1 thy knowledge1 thy profession1 and commendations from others1 be what they will4'--7,holy ,life1 vol4 #b1 p4 #eci74 ,christian1 in choosing thy companions1 specially cleave to these six virgins1 for they not only have very comely and sober countenances1 but ,christ dwells with them--7,,ed74 #aci ,when ,christiana was admitted into the church1 care was taken to inquire into the religious knowledge of her children4 ,this is an important branch of ministerial and parental duty4 ,the answers given by the children do their mother honour1 and prove that she had not laboured in vain4 ,let every pious parent imitate her example1 and hope for her success--7,burder74 #adj ,this is a very sensible mode of catechising the boys according to their ages and acquirements1 with questions1 exciting their attention to subjects of the gravest importance4 ,compare this with the custom of asking a child its name1 and requiring it to narrate circumstances which took place in the time of unconscious babyhood2 instead of impressing upon it the existence of ,god and the solemn realities of eternity4 ,the ,assembly's1 ,dr4 ,watts'1 and especially ,bunyan's catechisms1 are admirably adapted to assist a parent in these important and responsible exercises--7,,ed74 #ada ,the young pupil is not here taught to answer1 'all the elect1' but practically 'those that accept of ,his salvation4' ,this is perfectly consistent with the other1 while it instructs and encourages the learner without perplexing him4 ,it is absurd to teach the hardest lessons to the youngest scholars in the school of ,christ--7,scott74 #adb ,though this is answered with the simplicity of a child2 yet it is1 and ever will be1 the language of every father in ,christ4 ,happy those whose spirits are cast into this humble1 evangelical mold6 ,o that this ,spirit may accompany us in all our researches1 in all our ways1 and through all our days6--7,mason74 ,our inability to discover the meaning of these passages should teach us humility1 and submission to the decisions of our infallible ,instructor--7,scott74 #adc ,here is the foundation of faith1 and the triumph of hope1 ,god's faithfulness to ,his promise1 and ,his power to perform4 ,having these to look to1 what should stagger our faith1 or deject our hope8 ,we may1 we ought to smile at all carnal objections1 and trample upon all corrupt reasonings--7,mason74 #add ,this is an important lesson to young females1 how they may profitably employ their time1 adorn the ,gospel1 and be useful4 ,it is much better to imitate ,dorcas1 in making garments for the poor1 than to waste time and money in frivolous amusements1 or needless decorations2 or in more elegant and fashionable accomplishments--7,scott74 #ade ,the character of ,mr4 ,brisk is portrayed to the life in ,bunyan's ,emblems-- ',candles that do blink within the socket1 ,and saints whose eyes are always in their pocket1 ,are much alike3 such candles make us fumble2 ,and at such saints1 good men and bad do stumble4' #adf ,the character of ,mercy is lovely throughout the pilgrimage2 but in the important choice of a partner for life1 she manifests great prudence and shrewdness2 she asks the advice of those who knew ,mr4 ,brisk1 and whose names proved how capable they were to give it4 ,and she acted upon their knowledge of his character4 ,and when she discovered the utter selfishness of his disposition1 she thankfully bid him1 ,good bye1 sweet heart2 and parts for life--7,,ed74 #adg ,most blessed resolution6 ,ah1 pilgrims1 if ye were more wary1 lest1 by your choice and conduct1 ye brought clogs to your souls1 how many troubles would ye escape1 and how much more happy would you be in your pilgrimage6 ,it is for want of this wisdom and conduct1 that many bring evil upon themselves--7,mason74 #adh ,how easily are the best of characters traduced1 and false constructions put upon the best of actions6 ,reader1 is this your lot also8 ,mind your duty4 ,look to your ,lord4 ,persevere in ,his works and ways2 and leave your character with ,him1 to whom you can trust your soul4 ',for if ,god be for us1 who shall be against us8 what shall harm us1 if we be followers of that which is good8'--7,mason74 #adi ,crying at the cross1 and turning a wife out of doors1 refers to a vulgar error1 which had its influence to a late period in ,bedfordshire4 ,it was a speedy mode of divorce1 similar to that practised in ,london1 by leading a wife by a halter to ,smithfield1 and selling her4 ,the crying at the market cross that a man would not be answerable for the debts that might be incurred by his wife1 was the mode of advertising1 which was supposed to absolve a husband from maintaining his wife2 a notion now fully exploded--7,,ed74 #aej ,see the effects of sin4 ,it will pinch and gripe the conscience1 and make the heart of a gracious soul sick--7,mason74 ,matthew1 in being admitted a member of the church1 represented by the house ,beautiful and its happy family1 had to relate his experience1 and this brought to his recollection plashing the trees1 and eating the enemy's fruit1 of which his brother also reminds them--7,,ed74 #aea ,how often do we suffer by neglecting the cautions of a pious parent or friend4 ',in time of temptation it is our duty to keep close to the ,word1 then we have ,satan at the end of the staff4 ,when ,eve was tempted1 she went to the outside of her liberty1 and sat herself on the brink of danger1 when she said1 we may eat of all but one4'--7,bunyan on ,genesis1 vol4 #b1 p4 #dbi74 ,christiana had chided the boys3 ',you transgress1 for that fruit is none of ours4' ,still the boys went on1 and now ,matthew feels the bitterness of repentance--7,,ed74 #aeb ,although the mother did warn and chide her son1 yet she did not use her authority to prevent his taking the fruit which belonged to another4 ,she takes the fault home1 falls under the sense of it1 and is grieved for it4 ,a tender conscience is a blessed sign of a gracious heart4 ,ye parents1 who know the love of ,christ1 watch over your children2 see to it1 lest you smart for your sins1 in not warning and preventing them1 that 'the fear of the ,lord is to depart from all evil'2 yea1 to abstain from the very appearance of it--7,mason1 altered by ,,ed74 #aec ,mr4 ,bunyan's great modesty and humility are truly admirable2 he quotes ,latin1 but is careful to tell us1 ',the ,latin ,i borrow' in his notes4 ,the ,english is1 ',of the flesh and of the blood of ,christ4' ,this is the only portion for sin-sick souls4 ,feeding upon ,christ's flesh and blood by faith1 keeps us from sinning1 and when sick of sin1 these1 and nothing but these1 can heal and restore us4 ,yet there is in our nature an unaccountable reluctance to receive these1 through the unbelief which works in us4 ,so ,matthew found it--7,mason74 #aed ,see the blessed effects of receiving ,christ1 when under the sense of sin1 and distressed for sin4 ,o what a precious ,saviour is ,jesus6 ,what efficacy is there in ,his flesh and blood1 to purge the conscience from guilt6 ,lord1 what a mercy is it1 that though we sin1 yet ,thou art abundant to pardon1 yea1 multipliest ,thy pardons2 yea1 and also giveth poor1 pained1 broken-hearted sinners to know and feel ,thy pardoning love6--7,mason74 #aee ,how correctly are the effects of an indulgence in sinful lusts described4 ,sin and sorrow are inseparable4 ,the burdened conscience of a backslider can be relieved in no other way1 than that in which it was first 'purged from dead works1' by exercising faith in the atoning blood of the ,lord ,jesus as the only sacrifice for sin1 ',if a man be overtaken in a fault1 ye which are spiritual1 restore such an one in the spirit of meekness' 7,gal4 #f3a74 ',flee youthful lusts1' and be upon your guard against the fruit of ,beelzebub's orchard--7,ivimey74 #aef ,the relation of ,matthew's sickness1 and the method of his cure1 may be justly esteemed among the finest passages of this work4 ,he ate the fruit of ,beelzebub's orchard1 sin1 the disease of the soul1 threatening eternal death4 ,it is an unspeakable mercy to be exceedingly pained with it4 ,such need the physician1 and the remedy is at hand4 ,nothing but ,thy blood1 ,o ,jesus6 ,can relieve us from our smart2 ,nothing else from guilt release us ,nothing else can melt the heart--7,hart74 ,it is the universal medicine2 blessed are those that will never take any other physic--7,burder74 #aeg ,this advice should be carefully noted4 ,numbers abuse the doctrine of free salvation by the merits and redemption of ,christ1 and presume on forgiveness1 when they are destitute of genuine repentance1 and give no evidence of sanctification4 ,but this most efficacious medicine in that case will do no good2 or rather1 the perverse abuse of it will increase their guilt1 and tend to harden their hearts in sin--7,scott74 #aeh ,bunyan's bill of his ,master's water of life--',as men1 in their bills1 do give an account of the persons cured1 and the diseases removed1 so could ,i give you account of numberless numbers that have not only been made to live1 but to live forever1 by drinking this pure water of life4 ,no disease comes amiss to it4 ,it cures blindness1 deafness1 dumbness1 deadness4 ,this right holy water 7all other is counterfeit7 will drive away evil spirits4 ,it will make you have a white soul1 and that is better than a white skin4'--7,bunyan's ,water of ,life74 ,whoever offers to purify the heart1 and heal a wounded conscience1 by any other means1 is a deceiver and a soul-destroyer--7,,ed74 #aei ,this conversation is adapted for the meditation of a restored backslider4 ,evangelical truth prescribes the most powerful antidotes to presumption and despair--',my little children1 these things write ,i unto you1 that ye sin not4 ,and if any man sin1 we have an ,advocate with the ,father1 ,jesus ,christ the righteous' 7#a ,john #b3a7--7;,ivimey74 #afj ,having experienced the great advantage of a pious minister or elder1 they were naturally desirous of having such comfort through their pilgrimage4 ,the petition may refer to the custom1 among dissenting churches1 of letters of dismission given to members when they move to a distant locality--7,,ed74 #afa ,how much is contained in that answer of ,christiana as to the origin of evil--',it is food or poison1 ,i know not which6' ,to believers1 it will be their elevation to a degree of bliss that they would never have otherwise enjoyed2 to the faithless1 it will be poison of the deadliest kind4 ,here is no attempt to explain the origin of evil in our world2 a subject far beyond all our powers of investigation--7,,ed74 #afb ,it is not enough that the ,holy ,spirit convince us of sin at our first setting out on pilgrimage1 and makes us sensible of our want of ,christ2 but ,he also keeps up a sight and sense of the evil of sin in its original nature1 as well as actual transgressions4 ,this often makes us wonder at sin1 at ourselves1 and at the love of ,christ in becoming a sacrifice for our sins4 ,and this also humbles us1 makes us hate sin the more2 and makes ,christ1 ,his atonement1 and righteousness1 more and more precious in our eyes1 and inestimable in our hearts--7,mason74 #afc ,the ministration of angels is an animating theme to believers1 and is well adapted to promote their confidence in the care and protection of ,god4 ',are they not all ministering spirits1 sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation8' 7,heb4 #a3ad7--7;,ivimey74 #afd ,this is the anchor of hope4 ,this keeps the soul safe1 and steady to ,jesus1 who is the alone object of our hopes4 ,hope springs from faith4 ,it is an expectation of the fulfillment of those things that are promised in the ,word of truth1 by the ,god of all grace4 ,faith receives them1 trusts in them1 relies upon them2 and hope waits for the full accomplishment and enjoyment of them--7,mason74 #afe ,bunyan loved harmony--he had a soul for music4 ,but whether he intended by this to sanction the introduction of instrumental music into public worship1 is not clear4 ',the late ,abraham ,booth and ,andrew ,fuller were extremely averse to it2 others are as desirous of it4 ,music has a great effect on the nervous system1 and of all instruments the organ is the most impressive4 ,the ,christian's inquiry is1 whether sensations so produced assist the soul in holding communion with the ,father of spirits1 or whether1 under our spiritual dispensation1 the ,holy ,ghost makes use of such means to promote intercourse between our spirits and the unseen hierarchies of ,heaven--7,,ed74 #aff ,o how reviving and refreshing are those love-tokens from our ,lord6 ,great-heart never comes empty-handed4 ,he always inspires with courage and confidence4 ,let us look more into1 and heartily believe the ,word of truth and grace2 and cry more to our precious ,immanuel1 and we shall have more of ,great-heart's company4 ,it is but sad travelling without him--7,mason74 #afg ,what this great robbery was1 whether spiritual or temporal1 is left to the reader to imagine4 ,the sufferings of the ,dissenters were awfully severe at this time4 ,had it been a year later1 we might have guessed it to have referred to the sufferings of that pious1 excellent woman1 ,elizabeth ,gaunt1 who was burnt1 ,october #bc1 #afhe4 ,she was a ,baptist1 and cruelly martyred4 ,penn1 the ,quaker1 saw her die4 ',she laid the straw about her for burning her speedily1 and behaved herself in such a manner that all the spectators melted in tears4'--7,,ed74 #afh ,mr4 ,ivimey is of opinion that by this ,bunyan sanctioned a hireling ministry1 but it appears more to refer to the common custom of rewarding servants to whom you have given trouble4 ,he adduces ,luke #aj3g2 #a ,timothy #e3ah2 and #a ,corinthians #i3aa-ad4 ,it is a subject of considerable difficulty2 but how is it that no minister ever thinks of referring to the plainest passage upon this subject in the ,new ,testament8 ,it is ,acts #bj3ag-ch1 especially verses #cc-ce4 ,the angel was a gold coin1 in value half a sovereign--7,,ed74 #afi ,such mountains round about this house do stand ,as one from thence may see the ,holy ,land 7,psa4 #abe3b74 ,her fields are fertile1 do abound with corn2 ,the lilies fair her valleys do adorn 7,song4 #b3a74 ,the birds that do come hither every spring1 ,for birds1 they are the very best that sing 7,song4 #b3aa1 #ab74 ,her friends1 her neighbours too1 do call her blest 7,psa4 #dh3b72 ,angels do here go by1 turn in1 and rest 7,heb4 #ac3b74 ,the road to paradise lies by her gate 7,gen4 #bh3ag71 ,here pilgrims do themselves accommodate ,with bed and board2 and do such stories tell1 ,as do for truth and profit all excel4 ,nor doth the porter here say any nay1 ,that hither would turn in1 that here would stay4 ,this house is rent free2 here the man may dwell ,that loves his landlord1 rules his passions well4 --7,bunyan's ,house of ,god1 vol4 #b p4 #egi74 #agj ,it is sweet melody when we can sing with grace in the heart4 ,the joy arising from ,god's free grace and pardoning love1 is greater than the joy of harvest1 or of one who rejoices when he divides the spoil--7,j4 ,b474 ,those joyful notes spring from a sense of nearness to the ,lord1 and a firm confidence in ,his ,divine truth and everlasting mercy4 ,o when the ,sun of ,righteousness shines warmly on the soul1 it makes the pilgrims sing most sweetly6 ,these songs approach very nearly to the heavenly music in the realm of glory--7,mason74 #aga ,forgetfulness makes things nothings4 ,it makes us as if things had never been2 and so takes away from the soul one great means of stay1 support1 and encouragement4 ,when ,david was dejected1 the remembrance of the hill ,hermon was his stay4 ,when he was to go out against ,goliath1 the remembrance of the lion and the bear was his support4 ,the recovery of a backslider usually begins at the remembrance of former things--7,bunyan's ,holy ,life1 vol4 #b1 p4 #ejg74 #agb ,after being thus highly favoured with sensible comforts1 in the views of faith1 the comforts of hope1 and the joy of love1 the next step these pilgrims are to take is down the ,hill ,difficulty1 into the ,valley of ,humiliation4 ,what doth this place signify8 ,a deep and abiding sight and sense of our ruined state1 lost condition1 and desperate circumstances1 as fallen sinners4 ,this is absolutely necessary1 lest we should think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think4 ,for the ,lord oft favours us with manifestations of ,his love1 and the comforts of ,his ,spirit2 but1 through the corruption of our nature1 we are prone to be exalted in ourselves1 and1 as it were1 intoxicated by them4 ,hence we are exhorted 'to think soberly' 7,rom4 #ab3c74 ,this the ,valley of ,humiliation causes us to do--7,mason74 #agc ,thus beautifully does our author describe the grace of humility4 ,o that every reader may know its excellence by happy experience6--7,burder74 #agd ,these are the rare times2 above all1 when ,i can go to ,god as the ,publican1 sensible of ,his glorius majesty1 sensible of my misery1 and bear up and affectionately cry1 ',god be merciful to me a sinner4' ,for my part1 ,i find it one of the hardest things ,i can put my soul upon1 when warmly sesnsible that ,i am a sinner1 to come to ,god for a share in mercy and grace2 ,i cannot but with a thousand tears say1 ',god be merciful to me a sinner4'--7,bunyan's ,pharisee and ,publican1 vol4 #b1 p4 #bfa74 #age ,though this ,valley of ,humiliation1 or a clear sight and abiding sense of the sinfulness of our nature1 and the wickedness of our hearts1 may be very terrifying to pilgrims1 after they have been favoured with peace and joy1 and comforted by the views of faith and hope1 yet it is a very safe place2 and though1 at first entering into it1 and seeing more of themselves than was ever before showed them1 they may fear and tremble1 yet1 after some continuing here1 they are more reconciled and contented2 for here they find the visits of their ,lord1 and in the depths of their humility1 they behold the heights of ,his love and the depths of ,his mercy1 and cry out in joy1 ,where sin aboundeth1 grace superabounds4 ,though sin abounds in me1 the grace of ,jesus superabounds towards me4 ,though ,i am emptied of all1 yet ,i have an inexhaustible fullness in ,jesus1 to supply me with all ,i want and all ,i hope--7,mason74 #agf ,the humble man is contented2 if his estate be low1 his heart is lower still4 ,he that is little in his own eyes1 will not be much troubled at being little in the eyes of others--7,watson74 ,those circumstances that will not disturb a humble man's sleep1 will break a proud man's heart--7,matthew ,henry74 ,they that get slips in going down the hill1 or would hide his descent by deception1 or repine at it1 must look for combats when in the valley--7,ivimey74 #agg ,perhaps the shepherd's boy may refer to the obscure but quiet station of some pastors over small congregations1 who live almost unknown to their brethren1 but are1 in a measure1 useful and very comfortable--7,scott74 #agh ,our ,lord chose retirement1 poverty1 and an obscure station2 remote from bustle1 and favourable to devotion2 so that ,his appearance in a public character1 and in crowded scenes1 for the good of mankind and the glory of the ,father1 was a part of ,his self-denial1 in which ',he pleased not ,himself4' ,some are banished into this valley1 but the poor in spirit love to walk in it2 and though some believers here struggle with distressing temptations1 others1 in passing through it1 enjoy much communion with ,god--7,scott74 #agi ,ever remember the words of our ,lord1 ',it is enough for the disciple that he be as his master4' ,if your ,lord made it his chief delight to be in this ,valley of ,humiliation1 learn from ,his example to prize this valley4 ,though you may meet with an ,apollyon or a destroyer here1 yet you are safe in the arms and under the power of your all-conquering ,lord3 ',for though the ,lord is high1 yet hath ,he respect unto the lowly4' ,therefore you may add with ,david1 ',though ,i walk in the midst of trouble1 ,thou wilt revive me3 ,thou shalt stretch forth ,thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies1 and ,thy right hand shall save me' 7,psa4 #ach3g74 ,such are the confidence1 the reasoning1 and the pleading of humble souls in the power of faith1 which leads them quite out of themselves to their ,lord--7,mason74 #ahj ,in the first edition this name is printed ',simon'2 it was corrected to ,samuel in ,bunyan's later editions--7,,ed74 #aha ,it is marvellous to see how some men are led captive by forgetfulness4 ,those that sometime thought no pains too much1 no way too far1 no hazards too great to run for eternal life1 become as if they had never thought of such things4 ,should one say to some--,art not thou that man ,i saw crying out under a sermon1 ',what shall ,i do to be saved8' that ,i heard speak well of the holy ,word of ,god8 how askew they will look upon one4 ,or if they acknowledge that such things were with them once1 they do it more like dejected ghosts than as men--7,bunyan's ,holy ,life1 vol4 #b1 p4 #ejg74 #ahb ,o pilgrims1 attend to this6 ,pride and ingratitude go hand in hand4 ,study1 ever study the favours of your ,lord2 how freely they are bestowed upon you1 and how utterly unworthy you are of the least of them4 ,beware of ,forgetful ,green4 ,many1 after going some way on pilgrimage1 get into this ,green1 and continue here2 and talk of their own faithfulness to grace received1 the merit of their works1 and a second justification by their works1 c4 ,hence it is plain that they are fallen asleep on this ,forgetful ,green1 and talk incoherently1 as men do in their sleep2 for they forget that they are still sinners--poor1 needy1 wretched sinners2 and that they want the blood of ,christ to cleanse them1 the righteousness of ,christ to justify them1 and the ,spirit of ,christ to keep them humble1 and to enable them to live by faith upon the fullness of ,christ to sanctify them1 as much as they did when they first set out as pilgrims4 ,o it is a most blessed thing to be kept mindful of what we are1 and of the ,lord's free grace and unmerited goodness to us6--7,mason74 #ahc ',trembles at ,god's ,word1' so as not to dare pick and choose which doctrines he will receive1 and which reject4 ,would you act thus by ,god's holy commandments8 ,would you choose one and reject another8 ,are they not all of equal authority8 ,and are not all ,his holy doctrines also stamped with the same ,divine sanction8 ,where there is true faith in them1 it will make a man tremble to act thus by ,god's ,word6--7,mason74 #ahd ,we ought to study the records of the temptations1 conflicts1 faith1 patience1 and victories of believers2 mark their wounds1 by what misconduct they were occasioned1 that we may watch and pray lest we fall in like manner4 ,learn how they repelled the assaults of the tempter1 that we may learn to resist him steadfast in the faith4 ,their triumphs should animate us to keep on the whole armour of ,god1 that we may be able to withstand in the evil day--7,scott74 #ahe ,if ,satan be driven back from one attack1 prepare for another4 ,bless ,god for your armour4 ,never put it off--7,mason74 #ahf ,if this monument refers to the experience of ,bunyan1 as exhibited in his ,grace ,abounding to the ,chief of ,sinners1 it is well called1 ',most strange1 and yet most true4'--7,,ed74 #ahg ,this valley represents the inward distress1 conflict1 and alarm1 arising from darkness and insensibility of mind4 ,it varies according to the constitution1 animal spirits1 health1 education1 and strength of mind of different persons--7,scott74 #ahh ,none know the distress1 anguish1 and fear that haunt pilgrims in this valley1 but those who have been in it4 ,the hissings1 revilings1 and injections of that old serpent1 with all his infernal malice1 seem to be let loose upon pilgrims in this valley4 ,asaph seems to be walking in this valley when he says1 ',as for me1 my feet were almost gone1 my steps had well nigh slipped' 7,psa4 #gc3b7--7,mason74 #ahi ,satan is often must dreadful at a distance1 and1 courageously resisted1 will not advance nearer4 ,this advice is ever needful1 ',be sober2 be vigilant4' ,these pilgrims kept up their watch4 ,satan did come upon them unawares2 still they heard his approach2 they were prepared for his attack2 lo1 ,satan drew back--7,mason74 #aij ,miserable1 uncomfortable walking1 with a pit before us1 mid darkness around1 yea1 within us1 and hell seeming to move from beneath to meet us who have been left to the darkness of our nature1 the terrors of a fiery law1 the sense of guilt1 and the fear of hell6 ,o what an unspeakable mercy1 in such a distressing season1 to have an ,almighty ,saviour to look to and call upon for safety and salvation6 ',for ,he will hear our cry and save us' 7,psa4 #ade3ai7--7,mason74 #aia ,this text has been a sheet anchor to my soul under darkness and distress4 ,i doubt not but it has been so to many others4 ,o there is an amazing depth of grace and a wonderful height of mercy in it4 ,bless ,god for it4 ,study it deeply--7,mason74 #aib,what must the pure and holy ,jesus have suffered when ,he tasted death in all its bitterness8 ,his soul was in an agony4 ,hell was let loose upon ,him4 ,this is your hour1 said ,he1 and the power of darkness1 when ,he cried out1 ',my ,god1 ,my ,god1 why hast ,thou forsaken ,me8' ,it seemed as if the pains of hell had got hold of ,him4 ,o what justice and judgment6 what love and mercy6 what power and might were here displayed6 ,and all this for us1 and for our salvation4 ,what shall we render to the ,lord for all ,his benefits8--7,j4 ,b474 #aic ,precious thought2 under the worst and most distressing circumstances think of this4 ,their continuance is short4 ,the appointment1 love4 ,their end shall be crowned with glory4 ,our dark and distressing nights make us prize our light and joyful days the more--7,mason74 #aid ,the tremendous horrors of the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death1 figuratively represents the gloomy frame of mind in which fears rise high1 and temptations greatly abound1 more especially when they are augmented by bodily disease4 ,few ,christians are wholly exempted from such distressing seasons1 but all are not distressed alike--7,burder74 ,bunyan's experience1 recorded in his ,grace ,abounding1 shows that he was1 when under conviction1 very familiar with these horrors--7,,ed74 #aie ,heedless professors1 be warned4 ,the doctrines of grace were never intended to lull any asleep in carnal security4 ,if they do so by you1 it is a sure sign that what should have been for your health proves an occasion of your falling--7,mason74 ,o the miserable end of them that obey not the ,gospel--punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the ,lord1 and the glory of ,his power--7,j4 ,b474 #aif ,prayer prevailed1 and they were delivered4 ,by glimm'ring hopes1 and gloomy fears1 ,we trace the sacred road2 ,through dismal deeps1 and dang'rous snares1 ,we make our way to ,god--7,burder74 #aig ,by a good heart is here meant1 that ,christian was endued with boldness and courage from above2 as the ,psalmist says1 ',wait on the ,lord1 be of good courage1 and ,he shall strengthen thine heart4'--7,j4 ,b474 #aih ,satan's master argument is1 ,thou art a horrible sinner1 a hypocrite1 one that has a profane heart1 and one that is an utter stranger to a work of grace4 ,i say this is his ,maul1 his club1 his master-piece4 ,he doth with this as some do by their most enchanting songs1 sings them everywhere4 ,i believe there are but few saints in the world that have not had this temptation sounding in their ears4 ,but were they but aware1 ,satan by all this does but drive them to the gap1 out at which they should go1 and so escape his roaring4 ,saith he1 ,thou art a great sinner1 a horrible sinner1 a profane-hearted wretch1 one that cannot be matched for a vile one in the country4 ,the tempted may say1 ,aye1 ,satan1 so ,i am1 a sinner of the biggest size1 and1 therefore1 have most need of ,jesus ,christ2 yea1 because ,i am such a wretch ,jesus calls me first4 ,i am he1 wherefore stand back1 ,satan1 make a lane2 my right is first to come to ,jesus ,christ4 ,this1 now1 would be like for like2 this would foil the devil3 this would make him say1 ,i must not deal with this man thus2 for then ,i put a sword into his hand to cut off my head--7,good ,news for the ,vilest of ,men1 vol4 #a1 p #if74 #aii ,the greatest heart cannot understand without prayer1 nor conquer without the almighty power of ,god4 ,the belief of this will excite prayer--7,mason74 #bjj ,the severity of ,job's sufferings probably suggested to the author1 the idea of taking rest during the conflict4 ',how long wilt thou not depart from me1 nor let me alone till ,i swallow down my spittle8' 7,job #g3ai74 ,here is no timidly mincing the matter with sophistry or infidelity2 but a manful1 prayerful1 fighting it out--7,,ed74 #bja ,mr4 ,ivimey considers1 that in ,giant ,maul is characterised that erroneous but common notion1 that the church of ,christ consists exclusively of some one state religion1 to dissent from which is to cause schism1 and to rend the seamless coat of ,christ4 ,maul dwelt in the place where ,pagan and ,pope had resided2 the club being the temporal power to compel uniformity4 ,if so1 the declaration for liberty of conscience slew the giant1 and the ,act of toleration prevented his resurrection4 ,alas1 how little do such ,anti-,christians know of that spiritual kingdom which extends over all the temporal kingdoms of the earth1 and which constitutes ,christ the ,king of kings--7,,ed74 ,carnal reasoning upon the equity of the ,divine proceedings have mauled many a ,christian--robbed him of his comfort1 and spoiled his simplicity4 ,as soon as we turn aside to vain janglings and doubtful disputations1 we get upon the devil's ground4 ,as ,great-heart was knocked down with this giant's club1 so many a faithful minister has been confounded with the subtle arguments of a cunning disputer4 ,the way to overcome this giant is to keep close to ,scripture1 and pray for the teaching of the ,holy ,spirit--7,j4,b474 ,though ,maul was baffled1 disabled1 and apparently slain2 it will appear that he has left a posterity on earth to revile1 injure1 and oppose the spiritual worshippers of ,god in every generation--7,scott74 #bjb ,well may ,giant ,maul1 with his sophistry1 be called a dangerous enemy4 ,many of this tribe are mentioned in the ,holy ,war1 as ,lord ,cavil1 the ,lord ,brisk1 the ,lord ,pragmatic1 the ,lord ,murmur1 and one ,clip-promise1 a notorious villain4 ,these lords felt the edge of ,lord ,will-be-will's sword1 for which his ,prince ,immanuel honoured him4 ,clip-promise was set in the pillory1 whipped1 and hanged4 ,one clipper-of-promise does great abuse to ,mansoul in a little time4 ,bunyan's judgment was1 that 'all those of his name and life should be served even as he6'--7,,ed74 #bjc ,light afflictions1 but for a moment1 and which work out for us an eternal weight of glory--'a little hurt on my flesh4' ,if this refers to ,bunyan's twelve years' imprisonment under the maul of sophistry1 how must his natural temper have been subdued by humility6--7,,ed74 #bjd ,this club we may suppose to mean human power1 under which many godly ministers1 in the seventeenth century1 suffered greatly4 ,blessed be ,god1 we have nothing of this to fear in our day2 therefore1 the more shame for such professors who desert ,christ when they have nothing to fear but the breath of reproach1 a nickname1 or a by-word of contempt--7,mason74 #bje ,the experienced ,christian will be afraid of new acquaintance2 in his most unwatchful seasons he is fully convinced that no enemy can hurt him1 unless he is induced to yield to temptation1 and commit sin--7,scott74 #bjf ,the character of ,honesty is beautifully drawn by a masterly hand4 ,the aged pilgrim1 worn out with fatigue1 can say without fear1 ',i laid me down and slept2 ,i awaked2 for the ,lord sustained me4' ,he blushed when his name was mentioned1 and proved to be a most valuable acquisition to the ,pilgrim party--7,,ed74 #bjg ,by honesty1 in the abstract1 he means to distinguish between his earnest desire to be honest1 and a perfect character4 ,every ,christian is the subject of honesty or justice1 uprightness and sincerity2 yet when we come to describe these virtues in the abstract1 or what they really are in their strict purity and utmost perfection1 where is the ,christian but must wear the conscientious blush1 as ,honesty did1 under a sense of his imperfections--7,mason74 #bjh ,this is the confession of an honest heart4 ,it is never afraid of ascribing too much to the sovereignty of grace2 nor of giving all the glory to the ,sun of ,righteousness1 for shining upon1 and melting down its hard frozen soul--7,mason74 #bji ,if the kiss of charity be given1 great care should be taken that it is a 'holy' kiss4 ',some have urged the holy kiss1 but then ,i have asked why they made baulks2 why they did salute the most handsome1 and let the ill-favoured go4 ,this has been unseemly in my sight4'--7,grace ,abounding1 ,no4 #cae74 ,however such a custom may have been innocent in the oriental scenes of apostolic labours1 it has been very properly discontinued in later ages1 unless it be as in the case of old ,honest1 or the unexpected meeting of very old friends and relatives--7,,ed74 #baj ,the character and narrative of ,fearing is drawn and arranged with great judgment1 and in a very affecting manner4 ,little-faith1 mentioned in the ,first ,part1 was faint-hearted and distrustful2 and thus he contracted guilt1 and lost his comfort2 but ,fearing dreaded sin and coming short of ,heaven1 more than all that flesh could do unto him4 ,he was alarmed more at the fear of being overcome by temptation1 than from a reluctance to undergo derision or persecution4 ,the peculiarity of this description of ,christians must be traced back to constitution1 habit1 first impressions1 disproportionate and partial views of truth1 and improper instructions2 these1 concurring with weakness of faith1 and the common infirmities of human nature1 give a cast to their experience and character1 which renders them uncomfortable to themselves1 and troublesome to others4 ,yet no competent judges doubt that they have the root of the matter in them2 and none are more entitled to the patient1 sympathizing1 and tender attention of ministers and ,christians--7,scott74 #baa ,we cannot but admire the variety of experiences introduced into the ,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,many have died remarkably happy in the ,lord1 who1 till very near their last moments have been in bondage through the fear of death4 ,we may be sure of this1 that wherever the ,lord has begun a work1 ,he will carry it on to the great decisive day4 ,the proof of this is 'he would not go back6' ',if ye continue in ,my ,word1 then are ye ,my disciples indeed4'--7,j4,b474 #bab ,see all through this character1 what a conflict there was between fear1 and the influence of grace4 ,though it may not be the most comfortable1 yet the end of ,mr4 ,fearing was very joyful4 ,o what a godly jealousy displayed itself all through his life6 ,better this1 than strong1 vain-glorious confidence4 ,the ,valley of ,humiliation suits well with fearing hearts--7,mason74 #bac ,when persons are naturally fearful and low-spirited1 it will be found1 notwithstanding the courage and comfort they sometimes are favoured with1 that the constitutional bias of their tempers and dispositions will discover itself1 more or less1 all through their pilgrimage4 ,thus there is a kind of sympathy between ,fearing and the ,valley of ,humiliation1 which seems congenial to him--7,j4,b474 #bad ,o what a time of need is the day of death1 when ,i am to pack up all1 to be gone from hence2 now a man grows near the borders of eternity2 he sees into the skirts of the next world4 ,now death is death1 and the grave the grave indeed4 ,has he laid up grace for this day1 while cold death strokes his hand over his face1 and over his heart1 and is turning his blood into jelly2 while strong death is loosing his silver cord1 and breaking his golden bowl8--7,bunyan's ,saints' ,privilege1 vol4 #a1 p4 #fgh74 ,can a great-hearted saint wonder that ,mr4 ,fearing was at his wit's end8--7,,ed74 #bae ,here is a glorious display of a fearing heart4 ,full of courage against evil1 and fired with zeal for ,god's glory--7,mason74 #baf ,o how gracious is our ,lord6 as thy day is1 ,o ,pilgrim1 so shall thy strength be4 ,even the river of death1 though there can be no bridge to go over1 yet faith makes one2 and the ,lord of faith makes the waters low1 to suit the state of ,his beloved ones--7,mason74 #bag ,we know the least appearance of a sin better by its native hue1 than we know a grace of the ,spirit4 ,sin is sooner felt in its bitterness upon a sanctified soul than is the grace of ,god4 ,sin is dreadful and murderous in the sight of a sanctified soul4 ,grace lies deep in the hidden part1 but sin floats above in the flesh1 and is easier seen4 ,grace as to quantity1 seems less than sin4 ,what is leaven1 or a grain of mustard seed1 to the bulky lump of a body of death8 ,it is a rare thing for some ,christians to see their graces1 but a thing very common for such to see their sins1 to the shaking of their souls--7,bunyan's ,desire of the ,righteous1 vol4 #a1 p4 #gee74 #bah ,this is an every-day character in the church1 delicately and accurately drawn1 a man1 as ,mr4 ,ivimey says1 that 'carried the ,slough of ,despond in his mind everywhere with him1' not from the difficulties of the way1 nor the frowns of the world1 but from doubts lest sin1 death1 and hell1 should prevail over them4 ,they walk safely1 however sorrowfully2 and seldom give the enemy an occasion to rejoice--7,,ed74 #bai ,here is a very striking lesson for professors4 ,talk not of your great knowledge1 rich experience1 comfortable frames1 and joyful feelings2 all are vain and delusive1 if the ,gospel has not a holy influence upon your practice4 ,on the other hand1 be not dejected if you are not favoured with these2 for if a holy fear of ,god1 and a godly jealousy over yourselves1 possess your heart1 verily you are a partaker of the grace of ,christ--7,mason74 #bbj ,hatred to sin can only arise from the love of ,god4 ,in vain do men think of deterring others from sin1 or driving them to duty by low terrors1 or low requirements4 ,the strong man armed will keep his palace1 till a stronger than he cometh and taketh from him the armour wherein he trusted4 ,but herein they err1 not knowing the ,scriptures1 which set forth love as the constraining motive to true obedience--7,j4,b474 #bba ,christians who resemble ,fearing1 are greatly retarded in their progress by discouraging apprehensions2 they are apt to spend too much time in unavailing complaints2 yet they cannot think of giving up their feeble hopes1 or of returning to their forsaken worldly pursuits and pleasures4 ,they are indeed helped forward1 through the mercy of ,god1 in a very extraordinary manner2 yet they still remain exposed to alarms and discouragements1 in every stage of their pilgrimage4 ,they are afraid even of relying on ,christ for salvation1 because they have not distinct views of ,his love1 and the methods of ,his grace2 and imagine some other qualification to be necessary besides the willingness to seek1 knock1 and ask for the promised blessings1 with a real desire of obtaining them4 ,they imagine1 that there has been something in their past life1 or that there is some peculiarity in their present habits1 and way of applying to ,christ1 which may exclude them from the benefit3 so that they pray with diffidence2 and1 being consciously unworthy1 can hardly believe that the ,lord will grant their requests4 ,they are also prone to overlook the most decisive evidences of their reconciliation to ,god2 and to persevere in arguing with perverse ingenuity against their own manifest happiness4 ,the same mixture of humility and unbelief renders persons of this description backward in associating with their brethren1 and in frequenting those companies in which they might obtain further instruction2 for they are afraid of being considered as believers1 or even serious inquirers2 so that affectionate and earnest persuasion is requisite to prevail with them to join in those religious exercises1 by which ,christians especially receive the teaching of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,yet this arises not from disinclination1 but diffidence2 and though they are often peculiarly favoured with seasons of great comfort1 to counterbalance their dejections1 yet they never hear or read of those who 'have drawn back to perdition1' but they are terrified with the idea that they shall shortly resemble them2 so that every warning given against hypocrisy or self-deception seems to point them out by name1 and every new discovery of any fault or mistake in their views1 temper1 or conduct1 seems to decide their doom4 ,at the same time1 they are often remarkably melted into humble1 admiring gratitude1 by contemplating the love and sufferings of ,christ1 and seem to delight in hearing of that subject above all others4 ,they do not peculiarly fear difficulties1 self-denial1 reproaches1 or persecution1 which deter numbers from making an open profession of religion2 and yet they are more backward in this respect than others1 because they deem themselves unworthy to be admitted to such privileges and into such society1 or else are apprehensive of being finally separated from them or becoming a disgrace to religion--7,scott74 #bbb ,this is a solid1 scriptural definition2 pray mind it4 ,here conditions may safely be admitted2 and happy is the ,christian who keeps closest to these conditions1 in order to enjoy peace of conscience1 and joy of heart in ,christ--7,mason74 #bbc ,that heart1 which is under the teaching and influence of the grace of ,god1 will detect such horrid notions1 and cry out against them4 ,god forbid that ever ,i should listen one moment to such diabolical sentiments6 for they are hatched in hell1 and propagated on earth1 by the father of lies--7,mason74 #bbd ,it is a horrible and blasphemous perversion of ,scripture1 to take encouragement in sin1 from those sad examples of it in the saints1 which are held up1 in terrorem1 as so many beacons by which we may avoid the same4 ,to talk1 and especially to act like ,self-will affords the fullest proof that a man never came in at the gate4 ,the ,lord change every such perverse will1 and preserve the church from principles and practices so diabolical--7,burder74 ,what shall we say to these things8 ,lord1 keep me6--7,j4,b474 #bbe ,it may be seriously inquired as to whether in all ,satan's temptations1 any one is so fatal to immortal souls as the idea of a death-bed repentance4 ,have not prayers against sudden death a tendency to interfere with or obstruct that daily walk with ,god1 which alone can fit us to meet the king of terrors8 ,when heart and strength fail2 when the body is writhing in agony1 or lying an insensible lump of mortality2 is that the time to make peace with ,god8 ,such persons must he infatuated with strange notions of the ,divine ,being4 ,no1 my reader1 life is the time to serve the ,lord1 the time to insure the great reward4 ,sudden death is a release from much pain and anxiety4 ,it is the most merciful gate by which we can enter upon immortality--7,,ed74 #bbf ,pray attentively mind1 and deeply consider the six following observations2 they are just2 they are daily confirmed to us in the different conduct of professors4 ,study1 and pray to improve them to your soul's profit--7,mason74 #bbg ,adam hid himself because he was naked4 ,but how could he be naked1 when before he had made himself an apron8 ,o6 the approach of ,god consumed and burnt off his apron6 ,his apron would not keep him from the eye of the incorruptible ,god4 ,when ,god deals with such men for sin1 assuredly they will find themselves naked--7,bunyan on ,genesis1 vol4 #b1 p4 #dcb74 ,if the wicked flee when no man pursueth1 how can they stand when ,god lets loose death and eternity upon their guilty souls8--7,,ed74 #bbh ,thou art bound to ,heaven1 but the way thither is dangerous4 ,it is beset everywhere with evil angels1 who would rob thee of thy soul4 ,if thou wouldest go on cheerfully in thy dangerous journey1 commit thy treasure--thy soul1 to ,god1 to keep2 and then thou mayest say with comfort1 ,well1 that care is over2 my soul is safe2 the thieves1 if they meet me1 cannot come at that2 ,god will keep it to my joy and comfort at the great day--7,bunyan's ,advice to ,sufferers1 vol4 #b1 p4 #gja74 #bbi ,the spiritual refreshment1 arising from experimental conversation1 seems to be especially intended2 but the name of ,gaius suggests also the importance of the ,apostle's exhortation1 ',use hospitality without grudging4' ,this ought to be obeyed even to strangers1 if they are certified to us as brethren in ,christ--7,scott74 ,every ,christian's house should1 so far as ability is given1 be an inn for the refreshment of weary fellow-pilgrims--7,,ed74 #bcj ,this character is drawn from that of the well-beloved ,gaius1 in the third epistle of ,john4 ,although1 in comparison with the great bulk of ,christians1 there are but few such in the church2 yet in all ages1 and in most churches1 some hospitable ,gaius is to be found4 ,may their numbers be greatly increased--7,,ed74 #bca ,ignatius1 a bishop or pastor of a church in ,antioch1 cruelly martyred for the truth in the second century2 not ,ignatius ,loyola1 the ,jesuit4 ,mr4 ,bunyan obtained all this information from ,foxe's ,book of ,martyrs1 which was written before ,satan had introduced the ,jesuits into the world--7,,ed74 #bcb ',marriage is honourable in all' 7,heb4 #ac3d74 ,notwithstanding all the cares of a family1 while the married have many troubles1 the single have few1 if any1 real enjoyments of life4 ,the will of our heavenly ,father is here enforced upon the pilgrims by ,gaius--only let pilgrims be united together1 marry in the ,lord1 and we may expect his blessing to fit us to do ,his will4 ,vows of celibacy are from beneath1 from the father of lies--contrary to the order of nature1 and the expressed will of ,god4 ',it is not good to be alone4'--7,,ed74 #bcc ,the different parts of social worship and ,christian fellowship are here allegorically described4 ,the heave-shoulder and wave-breast typify the power and love of our great ,high ,priest2 that we should devote to ,him our whole heart1 with fervent prayer1 and grateful praise4 ,the wine represents the exhilarating effects of the shedding of ,christ's blood1 and its application to us by living faith4 ,the milk is the simple instruction of the ,scriptures4 ,the butter and honey are animating views of ,god and heavenly joy4 ,the apples are the promises and privileges of ,christians 7see ,song4 #b3c2 ,prov4 #be3aa74 ,and the nuts those difficult doctrines1 which amply repay us the trouble of penetrating their meaning4 ,christians so employed have far sweeter enjoyments than they ever had in the mirth1 diversions1 and pleasures of the world--7,scott74 #bcd ,bunyan takes advantage of the common past-time of solving riddles1 to teach important truth in a way calculated to be impressed on the memory4 ,thus1 in the treatise on the ,covenants of the ,law and ,grace1 the second ,adam was before the first1 and also the second covenant before the first4 ,this is a riddle--7,vol4 #b1 p4 #ebd7--7;,,ed74 ,observe here1 the feast of pilgrims was attended with mirth4 ,christians have the greatest reason to be merry2 but then it ought to be spiritual mirth1 which springs from spiritual views and spiritual conversation--7,mason74 #bce ,when ,christian intercourse is conducted with gravity and cheerfulness united1 it is both pleasant and instructive4 ,speech should be 'always with grace1 seasoned with salt1 that it may minister grace to the bearers1' and thus 'provoke one another unto love1 and to good works'2 thus are the young encouraged to follow that which is good--7,ivimey74 #bcf ,here is a genuine discovery of a gracious heart2 when it is delighted with spiritual company and conversation1 and longs for its continuance4 ,is it so with you8--7,mason74 #bcg ,if our love to sinners be only shown by seeking their spiritual good1 it will be considered as a bigoted desire to proselyte them to our sect2 but uniform diligent endeavours to relieve their temporal wants are intelligible to every man1 and bring a good report on the profession of the ,gospel 7,matt4 #e3af7--7,scott74 #bch ,o1 this dying to self1 to self-righteous pride1 vain confidence1 self-love1 and self-complacency1 is hard work to the old man2 yea1 it is both impracticable and impossible to him4 ,it is only grace that can conquer and subdue him2 and where grace reigns1 this work is carried on day by day4 ,and yet the old man of sin1 and self-righteousness1 still lives in us--7,mason74 #bci ,old age affords advantage in overcoming some propensities1 yet habits of indulgence often counterbalance the decays of nature2 and avarice1 suspicion1 and peevishness1 with other evils1 gather strength as men advance in years4 ,some old men may imagine that they have renounced sin1 because they are no longer capable of committing the crimes in which they once lived--7,scott74 #bdj ,the refreshment of ,divine consolations1 and ,christian fellowship1 are intended to prepare us for vigorously maintaining the good fight of faith2 not only against the enemies of our own souls1 but also against the opposers of our most holy religion4 ,we are soldiers1 and should unite together under the ,captain of ,salvation1 to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints1 by every method authorized by the ,word of ,god2 nor must we shrink from danger and contumely in so good a cause--7,scott74 #bda ,it may he asked1 how for it is right to expose ourselves to danger and difficulties1 since it is rashness1 not courage1 to expose ourselves to unnecessary danger1 or to give unnecessary offence4 ,i would answer1 ,it can never be improper to expose error1 or oppose a prevailing vice1 by which ,god's children are in danger of being beguiled--7,j4,b474 #bdb ,giant ,slay-good represents a wicked1 cruel man--a mere cannibal1 invested with judicial authority--a selfish1 malignant persecutor1 who intimidated feeble-minded professors by fines and imprisonments1 to the hazard of their souls4 ,by the thieves1 of whom he was master1 were perhaps intended the common informers1 who got their living by giving evidence against ,nonconformists2 some cruel magistrates pursued them to death4 ,the attack was by scriptural and rational arguments1 which led to a great alteration in these accursed laws--7,ivimey and ,scott74 #bdc ,all pilgrims are not alike vigorous1 strong1 and lively2 some are weak1 creep and crawl on1 in the ways of the ,lord4 ,no matter1 if there be but a pilgrim's heart1 all shall be well at last2 for ,omnipotence itself is for us1 and then we may boldly ask1 ',who shall be against us8'--7,mason74 ,constitutional timidity and lowness of spirits1 arising from a feeble frame1 give a peculiar cast to the views and nature of religious profession1 which unfits for hard and perilous service4 ,the difference between ,feeble-mind and ,fearing seems to be this--the former was more afraid of opposition1 and the latter more doubtful about the event1 which perhaps may intimate1 that ,slay-good rather represents persecutors than deceivers--7,scott74 #bdd ,what a sweet simple relation is here6 ,doth it not suit many a feeble mind8 ,poor soul1 weak as he was1 yet his ,lord provided against his danger4 ,he sent some strong ones to his deliverance1 and to slay his enemy4 ,mind his belief1 even in his utmost extremity4 ,learn somewhat from this ,feeble-mind--7,mason74 #bde ,o how sweet to reflect1 that the most gigantic enemies shall be conquered1 and their most malicious designs be overruled for our good2 yea1 what they intend for our ruin shall be made to work for our health and prosperity--7,mason74 #bdf ',whosoever will save his life shall lose it2 and whosoever will lose his life for ,my sake shall find it' 7,matt4 #af3be7--7;,,ed74 ,here is a contrast between a feeble believer and a specious hypocrite2 the latter eludes persecutions by time-serving1 yet perishes in his sins2 the former suffers and trembles1 yet hopes to be delivered and comforted4 ,the frequency with which this is introduced1 and the variety of characters by which it is illustrated1 show us how important the author deemed such warnings--7,scott74 #bdg ,events1 which at first appear big with misery and misfortune1 have been found afterwards to have been as so many dark passages1 to lead into brighter and more glorious displays of the ,divine power1 wisdom1 and goodness--7,j4,b474 #bdh ',marriage is honourable in all'2 nor will ,christian females find such a state any hindrance to their abounding in works of charity and mercy4 ,by fulfilling the duties of the married life1 they will cause the ways of ,god to be well spoken of4 ,the desire of ,paul was1 ',that the younger women marry1 be sober1 love their husbands1 love their children1 be discreet1 chaste1 keepers at home1 good1 obedient to their own husbands1 that the ,word of ,god be not blasphemed' 7,titus #b3d1 #e7--7;,ivimey74 #bdi ,what an open1 ingenuous confession is here6 though feeble in mind1 he was strong in wisdom and sound judgment--7,mason74 ,woe be to those who offend one of these little ones2 no less dear to ,god than the most eminent and distinguished saints--7,j4,b474 #bej ,o that this were more practised among ,christians of different standings1 degrees1 and judgments6 ,if they who are strong were thus to bear with the weak1 as they ought1 how much more love1 peace1 and unanimity would prevail6--7,mason74 #bea ,excellent6 ,see the nature of ,christian love2 even to be ready to spare to a brother1 what we ourselves have occasion for4 ,love looketh not at the things of our own1 but to provide for the wants of others--7,mason74 #beb ,the character of ,feeble-mind seems to coincide1 in some things1 with that of ,fearing1 and in others with the description of ,little-faith4 ,constitutional timidity and lowness of spirits1 arising from a feeble frame1 and frequent sickness1 while they are frequently the means of exciting men to religion1 give also a peculiar cast to their views and the nature of their profession--tend to hold them under perpetual discouragements1 and unfit them for hard and perilous services4 ,this seems implied in the name given to the native place of ,feeble-mind2 yet this is often connected with evident sincerity1 and remarkable perseverance in the ways of ,god--7,scott74 #bec ,here1 very ingeniously1 an associate is found for poor ,feeble-mind2 in one equally weak1 lame1 and limping in his religious sentiments1 who1 instead of forming his own sentiments from the ,word of ,truth1 leant upon the sentiments and opinions of others4 ,the hesitation of ,feeble-mind to accept one of his crutches1 is humourously conceived4 ,he would1 weak as he was1 think for himself2 though he had no objection to quote the opinion of another ,christian against an adversary--7,ivimey74 ',as iron sharpeneth iron1 so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend4' ,how great a comfort to find a fellow-pilgrim whose experience agrees with our own1 and with whom we can take sweet counsel6 ,still all our dependence must be on ,ready-to-halt's crutches--'the promises4'--7,,ed74 #bed ,the near prospect of persecution is formidable even to true believers1 notwithstanding all the encouragements of ,god's ,word4 ,it is useful to realize such scenes1 that we may pray1 without ceasing1 for wisdom1 fortitude1 patience1 meekness1 faith1 and love sufficient for us1 should matters come to the worst--7,scott74 #bee ,how happy to find a family1 in ,vanity ,fair1 whose master will receive and entertain pilgrims4 ,blessed be ,god for the present revival of religion in our day1 and for the many houses that are open to friends of the ,lamb--7,mason74 #bef ,the inquiry of disciples1 after suitable company1 discovers that they1 with ,david1 love the ,lord's saints2 and in the excellent of the earth is all their delight 7,psa4 #af3c74 ,a genuine discovery this of a gracious heart--7,mason74 #beg ,great1 indeed1 was the change in the town of ,vanity1 when ,christiana and her party of pilgrims arrived1 compared with the but recent period when ,faithful was martyred4 ,the declaration of liberty of conscience had rendered the profession of vital godliness more public1 still there was persecution enough to make it comparatively pure4 ,dr4 ,cheever has indulged in a delightful reverie1 in his lecture on ,vanity ,fair1 by supposing1 at some length1 how our glorious dreamer would now describe the face of society in our present ,vanity ,fair4 ,after describing the consequences that had arisen from religion having become ,,fashionable1 he hints at the retrograde movement towards ,popery1 known under the name of ,puseyism4 ',it happened1 in process of time1 that a part of the pilgrims who remained in ,vanity ,fair1 began to visit the cave of ,giant ,pope1 and it became a sort of fashionable pilgrimage to that cave4 ,they brushed up the giant1 and gave him medicines to alleviate the hurts from those bruises which he had received in his youth2 and1 to make the place pleasanter1 they carefully cleared away the remains of the bones and skulls of burned pilgrims1 and planted a large enclosure with flowers and evergreens4' ',the cage in which the ,pilgrims were once confined was now never used2 some said it was consecrated for church purposes1 and put under the cathedral1 in a deep cell1 from which it might again be brought forth if occasion required it4' ,the ,doctor's description of the present state of ,vanity ,fair is very deeply interesting and amusing--7,,ed74 ,when religion is counted honourable1 we shall not want professors2 but trying times are sifting times4 ,as the chaff flies before the wind1 so will the formal professors before a storm of persecution--7,j4,b474 #beh ,kindness to the poor increases and builds up the church4 ,it conquers the prejudices of the worldly1 secures their confidence1 and brings them under the preaching of the ,gospel4 ,they rationally conclude that they cannot be bad people who do so much good--7,ivimey74 #bei ,this monster is ,antichrist4 ,the devil is the head2 the synagogue of ,satan is the body2 the wicked spirit of iniquity is the soul4 ,the devil made use of the church the clergy to midwife this monster into the world4 ,he had plums in his dragon's mouth1 and so came in by flatteries4 ,he metamorphosed himself into a beast1 a man1 or woman2 and the inhabitants of the world loved the woman dearly1 became her sons1 and took up helmet and shield to defend her4 ,she arrayed herself in flesh-taking ornaments--gold1 and precious stones1 like an harlot4 ,she made the kings drunken1 and they gave her the blood of saints and martyrs until she was drunken1 and did revel and roar4 ,but when her cup is drunk out1 ,god will call her to such a reckoning1 that all her clothes1 pearls1 and jewels shall not be able to pay the shot4 ,this beast is compared to the wild boar that comes out of the wood to devour the church of ,god 7,psa4 #hj3ac74 ,the temporal sword will kill its body1 but spirit can only be slain by spirit2 the ,lord the ,spirit will slay its soul--7,bunyan on ,antichrist1 vol4 #b1 p4 #dg74 ,is not ,antichrist composed of all the ,state religions in the world8--7,,ed74 #bfj ,for this woman's name and costume see ,revelation #ag3a-d4 ,she has just sent one of her illegitimate sons to ,england1 under the impudent assumption of ,archbishop of ,westminster--7,,ed74 #bfa ,and that you may be convinced of the truth of this1 look back and compare ,antichrist four hundred years ago1 with ,antichrist as he now is1 and you shall see what work the ,lord ,jesus has begun to make with him2 kingdoms and countries ,he hath taken from her4 ,true1 the fogs of ,antichrist1 and the smoke that came with him out of the bottomless pit1 has eclipsed the glorious light of the ,gospel2 but you know1 in eclipses1 when they are recovering1 all the creatures upon the face of the earth cannot put a stop to that course1 until the sun or the moon have recovered their glory4 ,and thus it shall be now1 the ,lord is returning to visit this people with ,his primitive lustre2 he will not go back until the light of the sun shall be sevenfold--7,bunyan's ,antichrist and his ruin1 vol4 #b1 p4 #dh74 #bfb ,when nations have restored to the people the property of which they have been plundered1 under the pretence of assisting to obtain the pardon of sin and the favour of ,god1 the monster will soon die2 when neither rule1 nor honour1 nor pelf is to be gained by hypocrisy--7,,ed74 #bfc ,this may refer to that noble band of eminent men who1 in #afge1 preached the morning exercises against ,popery2 among others were ,owen1 ,manton1 ,baxter1 ,doolittle1 ,jenkyn1 ,poole1 and many others4 ,they were then1 and ever will be1 of great fame--7,,ed74 #bfd ,the plans of ,charles ,,ii and ,james ,,ii1 to re-establish ,popery in ,england1 were defeated by the union of the eminent ,nonconformists with some decided enemies to ,rome in the ,established ,church2 this brought them into esteem and respect4 ,mr4 ,scott's note on this passage is--',the disinterested1 and bold decided conduct of many dissenters1 on this occasion1 procured considerable favour both to them and their brethren1 with the best friends of the nation2 but the prejudices of others prevented them from reaping all the advantage from it that they ought to have done4'--7,,ed74 #bfe ,david ,hume1 in his ,history of ,england1 admitted the invaluable services of the ,puritans1 ',by whom the precious spark of liberty was kindled and preserved1 and to whom the ,english owe all the blessings of their excellent constitution4'--7,,ed74 #bff ,this is a most encouraging view of the tender care of the ,saviour1 to the children of believers committed to ,his care1 by godly parents4 ,not by any ceremonial observance1 but by constant fervent supplications to the ,throne of ,grace on their behalf1 and by a consistent pious example to train them up in the way in which they should go1 that when they are old they should not depart from the new and living way--7,,ed74 #bfg ,here we frequently find our author speaking of our ,god and ,saviour as ,man2 he excels in this4 ,it is to be wished that authors and preachers wrote and spake of the manhood of ,jesus1 who was a perfect ,man1 like unto us in all things except sin4 ,the view and consideration of this is sweet to faith1 and endears our ,saviour to our hearts--7,mason74 #bfh ,what cannot ,great-heart do8 what feats not perform8 what victories not gain8 ,who can stand before ,great-heart8 ,diffidence shall fall1 and ,giant ,despair be slain by the power of ,great-heart1 with 'the sword of the ,spirit1 which is the ,word of ,god' 7,eph4 #f3ag72 even ,despondency1 though almost starved1 shall be delivered1 and his daughter ,much-afraid shall be rescued4 ,o for more of ,great-heart's company6--7,mason74 ,the struggle with ,despair may be dangerous1 and painful1 and long-continued1 but it shall he finally successful4 ',i am persuaded1' saith the ,apostle1 'that neither death1 nor life1 nor angels1 nor principalities1 nor powers1 nor things present1 nor things to come1 nor height1 nor depth1 nor any other creature1 shall be able to separate us from the love of ,god1 which is in ,christ ,jesus our ,lord4' ,paul demolished the castle1 and slew the giant2 but1 ',sin can rebuild the castle1 make't remain1 ,and make ,despair the ,giant live again4'--,,ed4 #bfi ,how well does ,mr4 ,bunyan describe the experience of the ,much-afraids1 ,ready-to-halts1 and the ,feeble-minds1 in the ,come and ,welcome4 ',poor coming soul1 thou art like the man that would ride full gallop1 whose horse will hardly trot6 ,now1 the desire of his mind is not to be judged of by the slow pace of the dull jade he rides on1 but by the hitching1 and kicking1 and spurring1 as he sits on his back4 ,thy flesh is like this dull jade2 it will not gallop after ,christ1 it will be backward1 though thy soul and ,heaven lie at stake4 ,but be of good comfort1 ,christ judgeth according to the sincerity of the heart4'--7,vol4 #a1 p4 #beb74 #bgj ,this is the work and aim of every faithful minister of ,christ1 to destroy ,giant ,despair1 and demolish ,doubting ,castle1 in the hearts of ,god's children4 ,a more awful character is not in the world1 than the man who assumes the ministerial name and character1 without understanding the nature of that ministry of reconciliation which is committed to everyone who is really called and sent of ,god--7,j4,b474 #bga',the wain1' seven bright stars in the constellation of ,ursa ,major1 called by country people1 the plough1 or the wain1 or ,charles ,i's chariot--7,,ed74 #bgb,those ministers who exercise the greatest affection towards weak and upright ,christians1 are most according to the description of pastors1 after ,god's own heart1 given in the ,scriptures of truth--7,ivimey74 #bgc ,bunyan was peculiarly tender with the weak2 they are to be received1 but not to doubtful disputations4 ,thus1 with regard to the great cause of separation among ,christians1 he says1 ',if water-baptism' 7whether by sprinkling of infants1 or immersing of adults7 'trouble their peace1 wound the consciences of the godly1 and dismember their fellowships1 it is although an ordinance1 for the present to be prudently shunned1 for the edification of the church4' ',love is more discovered when we receive1 for the sake of ,christ1 than when we refuse his children for want of water4'--7,bunyan on ,baptism1 vol4 #b1 p4 #fjh74 ,when will such peaceful sentiments spread over the church8--7,,ed74 #bgd ,there are things taught by the ,gospel1 here called 'rarities1' which1 though high and mysterious1 will yet1 when clearly stated1 prove the means of exciting ,christians to live by faith1 and to cultivate whatsoever things are lovely and of good report--7,ivimey74 #bge ,strong faith1 in the words of ,christ1 will 'believe down' mountains of afflictions1 or tumble them out of the ,christian's way4 ,though it will not perform miracles1 it will remove difficulties resembling mountains--7,ivimey74 #bgf ,the history of ,joseph1 with that of ,mr4 ,bunyan1 and of thousands besides1 proves1 that charges against a godly1 innocent man1 arising from the prejudice1 ill-will1 and malice of his enemies1 shall eventually turn out to his honour1 and to their confusion4 ',blessed are ye when men shall revile you1 and persecute you1 and shall say all manner of evil against yon ,,falsely1 for ,my sake' 7,matt4 #e3aa7--7;,,ed74 #bgg ,this represents the folly of those who go about to reform the manners1 without aiming at the conversion of the heart4 ,nature1 in its highest state of cultivation and improvement1 is nature still4 ,that which is born of the flesh is flesh1 and that which is born of the ,spirit is spirit--7,j4,b474 #bgh ,o1 damned souls will have thoughts that will clash with glory1 clash with justice1 clash with law1 clash with itself1 clash with hell1 and with the everlastingness of misery2 but the point1 the edge1 and the poison of all these thoughts will still be galling1 and dropping their stings into the sore1 grieved1 wounded1 fretted place1 which is the conscience1 though not the conscience only2 for ,i may say of the souls in hell1 that they1 all over1 are but one wound1 one sore--7,bunyan's ,greatness of the ,soul1 vol4 #a1 p4 #aai74 ,well might ,mercy say1 ',blessed are they that are delivered from this place6'--7,,ed74 #bgi ,o what a blessed thing it is to long for the ,word of ,god so as not to be satisfied without it1 and to prize it above and beyond all other things6 ,love to the ,word excites the soul to say with ,david1 ',i have longed for ,thy salvation1 ,o ,lord' 7,psa4 #aai3agd74 ,this is a special mark of a gracious soul--7,mason74 ,every true believer longs to be more completely acquainted with the ,scriptures from day to day1 and to look into them continually--7,scott74 ,abraham ,cheer1 who perished in prison for nonconformity in ,bunyan's time1 published a little volume of ,poems1 in which he compares the ,bible to a looking-glass1 in these very appropriate lines--',if morn by morn you in this glass will dress you1 ,i have some hopes that ,god by it may bless you4'--7,p4 #cg7--7;,,ed74 #bhj ,this doubtless is meant to intimate1 that in times of great anxiety1 and in prospect of seasons of difficulty1 ,christians desire above all things the special supports and consolations of the ,word of ,god--7,ivimey74 #bha ,by this jewelry is probably intimated1 that they gave them written testimonials of possessing the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit1 that they might he recognized as ,christian women by other churches--7,ivimey74 #bhb ,from the names given to these opposers1 they appear to represent certain wild enthusiasts who intrude themselves in the way of professors1 to perplex their minds1 and persuade them that1 unless they adopt their reveries or superstitions1 they cannot be saved4 ,an ungovernable imagination1 a mind incapable of sober reflection1 and a dogmatizing spirit1 characterize these enemies of the truth2 they assault religious persons with specious reasonings1 caviling objections1 confident assertions1 bitter reproaches1 proud boastings1 sarcastic censures1 and rash judgments4 ,they endeavour to draw them to their party1 or drive them from attending to religion at all4 ,but the ,word of ,god1 used with fervent1 persevering prayer1 will silence such dangerous assailants1 and confirm others also--7,scott74 #bhc ,truth will make a man valiant2 and valour for truth will make a pilgrim fight with wild-headed1 inconsiderate1 and pragmatic opposers4 ,the blood he loses in such a battle is his honour1 the scars he gets are his glory--7,mason74 ,he does not attempt to hide himself1 or run from his and his ,lord's enemies4 ,o that pilgrims1 especially those that are young were better trained to this battle6 ,in ,bunyan's time1 there were comparatively few of these cavilers2 now their name is ,legion--7,,ed74 #bhd ,in this battle1 this striving for the truth1 three considerations strike the mind--7#a74 ,reliance upon ,divine aid1 without which we can do nothing4 7#b74 ,a right ,jerusalem weapon1 forged in the fire of love1 well tempered with ,bible truths4 ,such a sword will make even the angel of the bottomless pit flee1 its edge will never blunt1 and it will cut through everything opposed to it4 7#c74 ,decision of character1 perseverance to the utmost2 no trimming or meanly compounding for truth1 but a determination1 in the ,lord's strength1 to come off more than conquerors4 ,it is blessed fighting when hand and heart are engaged1 and the sword grows united to both--7,,ed74 #bhe ,the church of ,christ has produced heroes of the first class in point of courage1 which they have displayed in circumstances of great danger4 ,luther and ,knox1 and ,latimer and ,bunyan1 were men of this stamp1 each of whom might1 with great propriety1 have been named ,valiant-for-the-truth--7,ivimey74 #bhf ,the reason why so many professors set out1 and go on for a season1 but fall away at last1 is1 because they do not enter into the pilgrim's path by ,christ1 who is the gate4 ,they do not see themselves quite lost1 ruined1 hopeless1 and wretched2 their hearts are not broken for sin2 therefore they do not begin by receiving ,christ as the only ,saviour of such miserable sinners4 ,but they set out in nature's strength2 and not receiving nor living upon ,christ1 they fall away4 ,this is the reason of this inquiry1 ,did you come in at the gate8 ,a question we ought to put to ourselves1 and be satisfied about--7,mason74 #bhg ,among many puzzling questions which agitate the ,christian's mind1 this is very generally a subject of inquiry4 ,at the mount of transfiguration1 the ,apostles knew the glorified spirits of ,moses and ,elias4 ,the rich man and ,lazarus and ,abraham knew each other4 ,the most solemn inquiry is1 to reconcile with the bliss of ,heaven the discovery that some dear relative has been shut out4 ,shall we forget them8 or will all our exquisite happiness centre in the glory of ,god8 ,bunyan has no doubt upon personal identity in ,heaven-- ',our friends that lived godly here ,shall there be found again2 ,the wife1 the child1 and father dear1 ,with others of our train4 ,those ,god did use us to convert ,we there with joy shall meet4 ,and jointly shall1 with all our heart1 ,in life each other greet4' --7,one ,thing ,needful1 ver4 #fi1 #ga7--7;,,ed74 #bhh ,a sound ,christian is not afraid to be examined1 and sifted to the bottom1 for he can give reason of the hope that is in him4 ,he knows why and wherefore he commenced his pilgrimage--7,mason74 #bhi ,this is a reproach cast upon religion in every age4 ,pharaoh said to ,moses and the ,israelites1 ',ye are idle1 ye are idle4' ,men by nature imagine1 that time spent in reading the ,bible and in prayer is wasted4 ,it behooves all believers to avoid every appearance of evil2 and1 by exemplary diligence1 frugality1 and good management1 to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--7,scott74 #bij ,worldly people1 in opposing the ,gospel1 descant upon the hypocrisy of religious persons2 they pick up every vague report that they hear to their disadvantage1 and narrowly watch for the halting of such as they are acquainted with2 and then they form general conclusions from a few distorted and uncertain stories4 ,thus they endeavour to prove that there is no reality in religion4 ,this is a frivolous sophistry1 often employed after all other arguments have been silenced--7,scott74 #bia ,if ,judas the traitor1 or ,francis ,spira the backslider1 were alive1 to whisper these men in the ear a little1 and to tell them what it hath cost their souls for turning back1 it would surely stick by them as long as they have a day to live in the world4 ,agrippa gave a fair step on a sudden2 he stepped almost into the bosom of ,christ in less than half an hour4 ',almost thou persuadest me to be a ,christian4' ,it was but almost1 and so he had as good been not at all4 ,he stepped fair1 but stepped short4 ,he was hot whilst he ran1 but he was quickly out of breath4 ,o this but ,,almost6 ,i tell you1 it lost his soul4 ,what a doom they will have1 who were almost at ,heaven's gate1 but ran back again6--7,bunyan's ,heavenly ,footman74 #bib ,how natural is it for carnal men to give an evil report of the ways of the ,lord2 and to discourage those who are just setting out1 by telling of the dangers and difficulties they shall meet with6 ,but here is not one word of the pleasures1 comforts1 and joys1 that are experienced in the ways of the ,lord4 ,no1 they feel them not1 they believe not one word about them2 therefore they cannot speak of them--7,mason74 #bic ,here we see that valiant soldiers of ,christ ascribe all to faith4 ,they set out with faith1 and they hold on and hold out by believing4 ,thus they give all the glory to ,christ1 who is the object1 author1 and finisher of faith--7,mason74 #bid ,various are the enemies we meet with in our ,christian warfare4 ,the world1 with its enchantments1 has a tendency to stupefy1 and bring on a fatal lethargy4 ,how many professors receive principles1 by which they harden themselves in carnal pursuits and sensual gratifications2 and others1 still preserving a religious name and character1 are as dead in their souls1 as devoted to the world as these1 though contending for legal principles1 and high in their religious pretensions6--7,j4,b474 #bie ,it behooves all who love their souls to shun that hurry of business1 and multiplicity of affairs and projects1 into which many are betrayed by degrees1 in order to supply increasing expenses1 that might be avoided by strict frugality2 for they load the soul with thick clay1 are a heavy weight to the most upright1 render a man's way doubtful and joyless1 and drown many in perdition--7,scott74 #bif ,old pilgrims1 ye who have set out well1 and gone on well for a long season1 consider ye are yet in the world1 which is enchanted ground4 ,know your danger of seeking rest here1 or of sleeping in any of its enchanting arbours4 ,though the flesh may be weary1 the spirit faint1 and the arbours inviting1 yet beware4 ,press on4 ,look to the ,strong for strength2 and to the ,beloved for rest in ,his way--7,mason74 #big ,mark how the ready hands of death prepare2 ,his bow is bent1 and he hath notch'd his dart2 ,he aims1 he levels at thy slumb'ring heart4 ,the wound is posting2 ,o be wise1 beware6 ,what1 has the voice of danger lost the art ,to raise the spirit of neglected care8 ,well1 sleep thy fill1 and take thy soft reposes2 ,but know1 withal1 sweet tastes have sour closes2 ,and he repents in thorns that sleeps in beds of roses4 --7,quarles' ,emblems1 #a--g74 #bih ,this inculcates the duty of constant attention to the precepts and counsels of ,scripture1 as well as reliance on its promises2 and a habitual application to the ,lord by prayer1 to teach us the true meaning of ,his ,word1 that we may learn the way of peace and safety in the most difficult and doubtful cases--7,scott74 #bii ,the ,word of ,god is compared to a map and a lantern2 to these we shall do well to take heed1 as to light shining in a dark place4 ,let this be the pilgrim's guide1 when the light of spiritual joy or sensible comfort is withdrawn--7,burder74 #cjj--,to follow ,christ4 ,,he is to them instead of eyes1 ,,he must before them go in any wise2 ,and ,he must lead them by the water side1 ,this is the work of ,him our faithful guide4 ,since snares1 and traps1 and gins are for us set1 ,since here's a hole1 and there is spread a net1 ,o let nobody at my muse deride1 ,no man can travel here without a guide4 --7,bunyan's ,house of ,god1 vol4 #b1 p4 #ehb47 #cja ,ignorance and pride may long maintain a form of godliness1 though it be a weariness to them2 but after a time they will be gradually drawn back into the world1 retaining nothing of their religion except certain distorted doctrinal notions--7,scott74 #cjb ,it is the duty1 and will be the practice of pilgrims1 to strive to be instrumental to the good of others4 ,but1 at the same time1 it behooves them to take heed to themselves1 and watch1 lest they catch harm from them and their conduct--7,mason74 #cjc ,what a sound sleep of infatuation hath this enchanting world cast many a professor into6 ,they are proof against all warnings1 and dead as to any means of arousing them4 ,when this sleep of death seizes the soul1 it destroys faith1 infatuates reason1 and causes men to talk incoherently4 ,they have lost the language of pilgrims4 ,their state is awful2 beware of it2 pray against it4 ,for 'if any man love the world1 the love of the ,father is not in him' 7#a ,john #b3ae7--7,mason74 #cjd ,this view of the ,enchanted ,ground seems to vary from that which has been considered in the ,first ,part4 ,the circumstances of believers who are deeply engaged in business1 and constrained to spend much of their time among worldly people1 may here be particularly intended4 ,this may sometimes be unavoidable2 but it is enchanted ground4 ,many professors1 fascinated by the advantages and connections thus presented to them1 fall asleep1 and wake no more2 and others are entangled by those thorns and briers which 'choke the ,word1 and render it unfruitful4' ,the more soothing the scene the greater the danger1 and the more urgent need is there for watchfulness and circumspection--7,scott74 #cje ,this is a solemn period in the ,christian's pilgrimage4 ,in the ,heavenly ,footman1 ,bunyan has given some admirable general directions--',because ,i would have you think of them1 take all in short in this little bit of paper--#a4 ,get into the way4 #b4 ,then study on it4 #c4 ,then strip and lay aside everything that would hinder4 #d4 ,beware of by-paths4 #e4 ,do not gaze and stare much about thee2 but be sure to ponder the path of thy feet4 #f4 ,do not stop for any that call after thee1 whether it be the world1 the flesh1 or the devil2 for all these will hinder thy journey if possible4 #g4 ,be not daunted with any discouragements thou meetest with as thou goest4 #h4 ,take heed of stumbling at the ,cross4 ,and1 #i4 ,cry hard to ,god for an enlightened heart and a willing mind1 and ,god give thee a prosperous journey4 ,yet1 before ,i do quite take my leave of thee1 a few motives4 ,it may be they will be as good as a pair of spurs1 to prick on thy lumpish heart in this rich voyage4 ,if thou winnest1 then ,heaven1 ,god1 ,christ1 glory eternal is thine4 ,if thou lose1 thou procurest eternal death4'--7,,ed74 #cjf ,the ,word of ,god is the only light to direct our steps4 ,he who neglects this is a fool4 ,he who sets up and looks for any other light to direct him is mad1 and knows not what he does4 ,as folly and madness beset him1 danger and distress will come upon him4 ,trembling souls will attend closely to ,god's ,word--7,mason74 #cjg ,he who fears always1 will pray evermore4 ,the fear of the heart will bring pilgrims on their knees4 ,he who fears to be or go wrong1 will pray to be set right4 ,the ,lord will direct the heart1 and order the goings of all who cry to ,him4 ,fear and prayer go hand in hand4 ,joy shall attend them--7,mason74 #cjh ,no more money than an owl loves light4 ',the antiquarian1 who delights to solace himself in the benighted days of monkish owl-light1 sometimes passes for a divine4'--7,warburton7--7,,ed74 #cji ,my soul1 what's lighter than a feather8 ,wind4 ,than wind8 ,the fire4 ,and what than fire8 ,the mind4 ,what's lighter than the mind8 ,a thought4 ,than thought8 ,this bubble world4 ,what than this bubble8 ,naught4 --7,quarles74 #caj--,prayer's arrow drawn ,down to the head by nervous penitence1 ,or meek humility's compliant strings1 ,wings to the destin'd mark its certain way1 ,and ne'er was shot in vain6 --7,dodd's ,epiphany1 p4 #cb1 #dto74 #caa ,o pilgrims1 beware of this ,madam ,bubble6 ,know and consider well1 that ye have a nature exactly suited to accept of her offers1 and to fall in love with her promises4 ,the riches1 honours1 and pleasures of this world1 what mortal can withstand8 or who can forego them8 ,no one but he who sees more charms in ,jesus1 more glory in ,his ,cross1 and more comfort in the enjoyment of ,his love and presence2 and therefore1 is continually looking and crying to ,him1 ',turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity4'--7,mason74 ,many1 indeed1 are her fair promises and golden dreams4 ,many hath she brought to the halter1 and ten thousand times more to ,hell4 ,o for precious faith1 to overcome the world2 and to pass through it1 in pursuit of a nobler portion1 as strangers and pilgrims6--7,burder74 #cab ,is she not rightly named ,bubble8 ,art thou convinced that she is nothing more8 ,why then dost thou not break loose from her hold8 ,i ask1 ,why has the world such hold of thee8 ,why dost thou listen to her enchantments8 ,for shame6 ,stir up thy strength1 call forth thy powers6 ,what6 be convinced that the world is a bubble1 and be led captive by her4 ,shake her off1 you ought1 you should1 it is your duty4 ,let ,mr4 ,stand-fast answer these questions4 ,his earnest and solemn prayers plainly prove the sense he had of his own weakness and inability to extricate himself from her enchantments4 ,though some may appear to despise the dominion of sin1 ,i am convinced that it must be a ,divine power to deliver me from it--7,j4,b474 #cac ,it was amidst this ,enchanted ,ground that good ,mr4 ,stand-fast1 whom the ,pilgrims there found upon his knees1 was so hard beset and enticed by ,madam ,bubble2 and indeed it is by her sorceries that the ground itself is enchanted4 ,madam ,bubble is the world1 with its allurements and vanities2 and whosoever1 as ,mr4 ,great-heart said1 do lay their eyes upon her beauty are counted the enemies of ,god2 for ,god hath said that the friendship of the world is enmity against ,god2 and he hath said furthermore1 ',love not the world1 nor the things of the world2 if any man love the world1 the love of the ,father is not in him4' ,so ,mr4 ,stand-fast did well to betake him to his knees1 praying to ,him that could help him4 ,so if all pilgrims1 when worldly proposals and enticements allure them1 and they feel the love of the world tempting them1 and gaining on them1 would thus go to more earnest prayer1 and be made more vigilant against temptations1 ,madam ,bubble would not gain so many victories--7,cheever74 #cad ,the ensuing description represents the happy state of those that live in places favoured with many lively ,christians1 united in heart and judgment2 and where instances of triumphant deathbed scenes are often witnessed4 ,aged believers1 in such circumstances1 have been remarkably delivered from fears and temptations1 and animated by the hopes and earnests of ,heaven2 so that1 while death seemed bitter to nature1 it became pleasant to the soul to think of the joy and glory that would immediately follow it--7,scott74 ,o scenes surpassing fable1 and yet true6 ,scenes of accomplished bliss1 which who can see1 ,though but in distant prospect1 and not feel ,his soul refresh'd with foretaste of the joy8 ,bright as a sun the sacred ,city shines2 ,all kingdoms and all princes of the earth ,flock to that light1 the glory of all lands ,flows into her2 unbounded is her joy1 ,and endless her increase4 ,thy rams are there1 ,nebaioth1 and the flocks of ,kellar there2 ,the looms of ,ormus1 and the mines of ,ind1 ,and ,saba's spicy groves pay tribute there4 ,praise is in all her gates2 upon her walls1 ,and in her streets1 and in her spacious courts1 ,is heard ,salvation6 #cae ,these messengers are the diseases or decays by which the ,lord takes down the earthly tabernacle1 when ,he sees good to receive the souls of ,his people into ,his immediate presence4 ,in plain language1 it was reported that ,christiana was sick and near death1 and she herself became sensible of her situation4 ',the arrow sharpened by love' implies1 that the time1 manner1 and circumstances of the believer's death1 are appointed by ,him 'who loved us1 and gave ,himself for us4' ,he1 as it were1 says to the dying saint1 ',it is ,i1 be not afraid4'--7,scott74 #caf ,this is the faith and patience of this dying ,christian heroine1 who began her pilgrimage with trembling steps1 maintained her journey with holy zeal1 and thus finished her course with joy--7,ivimey74 #cag ,o how blessed is the death of the righteous1 who die in the ,lord6 ,even a wicked ,balaam could wish for this4 ,but it will be granted to none but those who have lived in the ,lord2 whose souls have been quickened by ,his ,spirit to come unto ,jesus1 believe in ,him1 and glory of ,him as their righteousness and salvation--7,mason74 #cah ,evident decays of natural powers as effectually convince the observing person1 as if a messenger had been sent to inform him4 ,but men in general cling to life1 willfully overlook such tokens1 and try to keep up to the last the vain hope of recovering2 those around them1 by a cruel compassion1 soothe them in the delusion2 so that numbers die of chronic diseases as suddenly as if they had been shot through the heart4 ,perhaps the author had some reference to those inexplicable presages of death which some persons evidently experience--7,scott74 #cai ,see the joyful end of one ready to halt at every step4 ,take courage hence1 ye lame1 halting pilgrims--7,mason74 #cbj ,the tokens are taken from that well-known portion of ,scripture1 ,ecclesiastes #ab3a-g2 in which the dealings of the ,lord are represented as uniformly gentle to the feeble1 trembling1 humble believer2 and the circumstances of their deaths comparatively encouraging and easy--7,scott74 #cba ,in the ,holy ,war1 the doubters having been dispersed1 three or four thrust themselves into ,mansoul4 ,now1 to whose house should these ,diabolic doubters go1 but to that of ,old ,evil-questioning4 ,so he made them welcome4 ,well1 said he1 be of what shire yon will1 you have the very length of my foot1 are one with my heart4 ,so they thanked him4 ,i1 said one1 am an election-doubter2 ,i1 said another1 am a vocation-doubter2 then said the third1 ,i am a salvation-doubter2 and the fourth said1 ,i am a grace-doubter4 ,i am persuaded you are down boys1 and are one with my heart1 said the old gentleman--7,,ed74 #cbb ,pilgrims1 mind this4 ,it is as much your duty to strive1 in the strength of the ,lord1 against unreasonable doubts and slavish fears1 as against sin2 nay1 are they not1 in their own nature1 the worst of sins1 as they spring from infidelity1 and dishonour ,god's precious truth1 glorious grace1 and everlasting salvation8 ,never1 never1 then1 cherish or give way to them1 but resist1 and shut the door of your hearts against them--7,mason74 #cbc ,how various is the experience of ,christians in the hour of death4 ,christian and ,hopeful inquired 'if the waters were all of a depth4' ,the answer was1 ',you shall find it deeper or shallower1 as you believe in the ,king of the place4' ',what ailed thee1 ,o ,jordan1 that thou wast driven back8' ,the answer is1 ',at the presence of the ,lord3 at the presence of the ,god of ,jacob4' ,in proportion as a ,christian can say1 'for me to live is ,christ1' in that proportion may he hope to find the water shallow1 and feel support to his feet in the trying passage--7,,ed74 #cbd ,in the truth of ,jesus is victory4 ,he who is valiant for it shall share most of its comforts in life1 and in death4 ,o ,lord1 increase our faith in the never-failing ,word of truth and grace1 for ,thy glory and our soul's triumph6--7,mason74 #cbe ,such is the joy and blessedness of faith6 ,how does it bring near and realize the sight of ,christ in glory6 ,do we indeed see ,christ by the eye of faith8 ,is ,he the one1 the chief object of our soul8 ,verily1 then we shall count our days on earth toilsome ones1 and long for the full fruition of ,him in glory4 ,o it will be our great glory to see that dear ,man1 whose blessed head was crowned with thorns1 and whose lovely face was spit upon1 for us4 ,o that we may be living every day upon ,him and to ,him1 till we see ,him as ,he is6--7,mason74 #cbf ,this speech has been justly admired as one of the most striking passages in the whole work2 but it is so plain that it only requires an attentive reader4 ,it may1 however1 be worthy of our observation1 that1 in all the instances before us1 the pilgrims are represented as resting their only dependence1 at the closing scene1 on the mercy of ,god1 through the righteousness and atonement of ,his ,son2 and yet recollecting their conscious integrity1 boldness in professing and contending for the truth1 love to the cause1 example1 and words of ,christ1 obedience to ,his precepts1 delight in ,his ways1 preservation from their own iniquities1 and consistent behaviour1 as evidences that their faith was living1 and their hope warranted2 and in this way the retrospect conduced to their encouragement4 ,moreover1 they all concur in declaring that1 while they left their infirmities behind them1 they should take their graces along with them1 and that their works would follow them4'--7,scott74 #cbg ,o who is able to conceive the inexpressible1 inconceivable joys of ,heaven6 ,how will the heavens echo with joy1 when the bride1 the ,lamb's wife1 shall come to dwell with her husband forever6 ,christ1 the desire of nations1 the joy of angels1 the delight of the ,father2 what solace then must the soul be filled with1 that hath the possession of ,him to all eternity6 ,o what acclamations of joy will there be1 when all the children of ,god shall meet together1 without fear of being disturbed by the anti-,christian and ,cainish brood6 ,if you would be better satisfied what the beatific vision means1 my request is1 that you would live holily1 and go and see--7,bunyan's ,dying ,sayings1 vol4 #a1 p4 #fe74 #cbh ,it was not without design that our excellent author tells us1 that the four boys1 with their wives and children1 were suffered to continue in life for a time1 for the increase of the church in the place where they dwelt4 ,he doubtless intended to write a ,third ,part of his ',pilgrims ,progress1' founded upon this circumstance1 with a design1 probably to show the influence of real religion and evangelical sentiments on persons in business and in domestic life--7,ivimey74 #cbi ,the view of the peaceful and joyful death of the pilgrims1 cannot but affect every reader2 and many1 perhaps1 may be ready to say1 ',let me die the death of the righteous1 and let my last end be like his'2 but1 except they make it their principal concern to live the life of the righteous1 such a wish will be frustrated4 ,if any man1 therefore1 doubt whether this allegory do indeed describe the rise and progress of religion in the soul--the beginning1 continuance1 and termination of the godly man's course to ,heaven1 let him diligently search the ,scriptures1 and fervently pray to ,god1 from whom alone 'cometh every good and perfect gift1' to enable him to determine this question4 ,but let such as own themselves to be satisfied that it does1 beware lest they rest in the pleasure of reading an ingenious work on the subject1 or in the ability of developing many of the author's emblems4 ,let them beware lest they be fascinated1 as it were1 into a persuasion that they actually accompany the pilgrims in the life of faith and walking with ,god1 in the same measure as they keep pace with the author in discovering and approving the grand outlines of ,his plan4 ,and let everyone carefully examine his state1 sentiments1 experience1 motives1 tempers1 affections1 and conduct1 by the various characters1 incidents1 and observations1 that pass under his review--assured that this is a matter of the greatest consequence4 ,we ought not1 indeed1 to call any man master1 or subscribe absolutely to all his sentiments2 yet the diligent practical student of ,scripture can scarcely doubt that the warnings1 counsels1 and instructions of this singular work agree with that sacred touchstone1 or that characters and actions will at last be approved or condemned by the ,judge of the world1 in a great degree according to the sentence passed on them in this wise and faithful book4 ,the ,lord grant that both the writer and readers of these observations 'may find mercy in that day1' and be addressed in these gracious words1 ',come1 ye blessed of ,my ,father1 inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world4'--7,scott74 999999 ,,the ,,holy ,,war1 ,,made ,,by ,,shaddai ,,upon ,,diabolus1 ,,for ,,the ,,regaining ,,of ,,the ,,metropolis ,,of ,,the ,,world2 ,,or1 ,,the ,,losing ,,and ,,taking ,,again ,,of ,,the ,,town ,,of ,,mansoul4 ,,the ,,author ,,of ',,the ,,pilgrim',s ,,progress4' ',i have used similitudes4'--,hosea #ab3aj4 ,london3 ,printed for ,dorman ,newman1 at the ,king's ,arms in the ,poultry2 and ,benjamin ,alsop1 at the ,angel and ,bible in the ,poultry1 #afhb4 ,,advertisement ,,by ,,the ,,editor4 ,bunyan's account of the ,holy ,war is indeed an extraordinary book1 manifesting a degree of genius1 research1 and spiritual knowledge1 exceeding even that displayed in the ',pilgrim's ,progress4' ,to use the words of ,mr4 ,j4 ,montgomery1 ',it is a work of that master intelligence1 which was privileged to arouse kindred spirits from torpor and inactivity1 to zeal1 diligence1 and success4' ,it was first published in #afhb1 in a small octavo volume1 and1 like the first edition of the ,pilgrim1 it was printed in a very superior manner to all the subsequent editions1 to a recent period4 ,the portrait of the author1 by ,white1 which faced the title-page1 is without doubt the best likeness that has ever appeared of our great allegorist4#a ,in addition to this is a whole length figure of the author1 with a representation of ,heart-castle on his left breast2 the town of ,mansoul1 behind1 being partly seen through him2 ,emmanuel and his army on the heart side1 and ,diabolus with his dragons on his right4 ,from the publication of this popular book in #afhb1 it has been constantly kept in print1 so that it is impossible to calculate the numbers that have been circulated4 ,as time rolls on1 the ',holy ,war1' allegorized by ,john ,bunyan1 becomes more and more popular2 nor can there be a doubt1 but that so long as the internal conflict and spiritual warfare between the renewed soul and its deadly enemies are maintained1 this book will become increasingly popular4 ,the ',holy ,war1' although so very extraordinary an allegory1 has not been translated into so many languages1 nor has it been so much read in ,english1 as the ',pilgrim's ,progress4' ,this would naturally arise from the ,pilgrimage being a more simple narrative4 ,it is a journey full of the most striking scenery and incidents1 which is read with the deepest interest by all classes1 from the children in a work-house to the profoundest ,christian philosopher4 ,the facts which are intended to be impressed upon the mind by the force of the allegory1 are seen and appreciated by the ,christian without requiring much investigation2 while the ',holy ,war' is carried on under an allegorical representation by no means so transparent4 ,man's soul is figured under the simile of a town1 which having surrendered to an insidious and mortal enemy1 is besieged by its lawful ,sovereign with all the 'pomp and circumstances' of war2 the arch-enemy is driven out1 the town retaken1 new-modelled1 and garrisoned by ,emmanuel4 ,to the ,christian1 whose aim and end is peace1 war presents a most forbidding aspect4 ,he loves not to see the garments rolled in blood1 nor to hear the dying groans of the wounded1 nor the heart-rending cries of the bereaved1 especially those of the widow and the orphan4 ,spoliation and robbery are not the pastimes of the child of ,god1 nor is cruelty the element of his happiness or peace4 ,to read of such scenes1 produces painfully interesting sensations2 but even these are not so strong or intense as those delightful feelings which pervade the mind while watching the poor pilgrim in his struggles to get through the ,slough of ,despond1 his terror under the flames of ,mount ,sinai1 his passing unhurt the darts from ,beelzebub's castle1 and his finding refuge at the ,wicket ,gate4 ,it is true1 that the most delicate ,christian must become a stern warrior--the most sensitive ear must be alarmed with the sound of ,diabolus' drum1 and at times feel those inward groanings which cannot be uttered--pass through 'the fiery trial1' and 'endure hardness1 as a good soldier of ,jesus ,christ'2 while at other periods of his experience1 flushed with victory1 he will cry out1 ',who shall separate us from the love of ,christ8' ,we must fight the good fight of faith1 or we can never lay hold on eternal life4 ,we must be engaged in this holy war1 and ,,fight or ,,perish4 ,there is no neutrality1 no excuse that can be awaiting at the day of judgment4 ,the servant of ,christ is therefore found trusting in the ,captain of salvation1 furnished with the whole armour of ,god1 with which his soul is clothed by the ,holy ,spirit--having the shield of faith1 the helmet1 the breastplate1 the two-edged sword4 ,it was being thus mysteriously1 invulnerably armed1 that gave the delicate1 learned1 pious ,lady ,anne ,askew strength to triumph over her agonies1 when the ,papists disjointed every bone and sinew of her body on the rack4 ,her spiritual armour enabled her with patience to bless ,god at the stake1 when1 for refusing to worship ,antichrist1 she was burned in ,smithfield1 and her soul ascended to heaven in a flaming fiery chariot4 ,it is the same spiritual armour1 the same ,captain to guide1 the same ,spirit to sanctify1 the same ,father to bless us1 by which alone we can become more than conquerors over our vigilant and powerful enemies4 ,the ,holy ,war is in this volume presented to us by an old1 experienced1 faithful warrior2 it is an allegorical narrative1 written by a master hand1 guided by deeply penetrating1 searching powers of mind4 ,it is his own severe brunts with the great enemy1 who is aided by his army of pomps1 vanities1 lusts1 and allurements1 many lurking within1 disguised to appear like angels1 while under their masquerade dress they are very devils4 ,it is written by one who possessed almost boundless resources of imagination4 ,it is more profound1 more deeply spiritual than the pilgrimage from ,destruction to the ,celestial ,city2 and to understand its hidden meaning1 requires the close and mature application of the renewed mind4 ,there are1 alas6 comparatively few that are blessed with spiritual discernment2 and even of these1 there are but few inclined to mental investigation and research4 ,these are reasons why it has not been so popular a book as the ',pilgrim's ,progress4' ,to aid those whose time for reading is limited1 notes are given1 by which obsolete words and customs are explained1 and the reader assisted to appreciate the beauties1 and to understand the meaning of this allegory4 ,it is earnestly hoped that many will richly enjoy the comforts1 instructions1 consolations1 and strength which the author ardently wished to convey to ,zion's warriors1 by the study of this important subject4 ,i have already1 in my long ,introduction to the ',pilgrim's ,progress1' noticed the peculiar genius and originality which are conspicuous in all ,bunyan's works1 and which most resplendently appear in his allegorical writings4 ,that genius became hallowed and sanctified by prison discipline1 by an intense study of the ,sacred ,scriptures1 and by his controversies with great men of various sects and parties4 ,in the ',holy ,war' ,bunyan's peculiar genius shines forth in its most beauteous lustre2 the whole is new1 genuine1 flowing forth from his own deep and rich experience4 ,it is1 in fact1 the same narrative that he had published under the title of ',grace ,abounding to the ,chief of ,sinners1 or a brief and faithful relation of the exceeding mercy of ,god1 in ,christ1 to his poor servant ,john ,bunyan4' ,this simple1 heart-affecting narrative1 is here related under the allegorical representation of the ',holy ,war4' ,in this1 all the circumstances of his conviction of sin1 and his conversion to ,god1 are narrated with startling interest from the first alarm--his being roused from a state of death-like lethargy1 his opposition to the grace of ,god1 his refusals of the invitations of ,emmanuel1 and his being at length conquered to become a monument of divine mercy--a temple of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,then came his declension by carnal security1 and his misery in that state1 until he was finally reconquered2 and his heart is permanently occupied by ,emmanuel4 ,the ',grace ,abounding1' aided by the marginal notes of the author to the ',holy ,war1' forms a very valuable key to the mysteries of this allegory2 without their aid some passages would be found deeply mysterious1 and hard to be understood4 ,nor can this be considered extraordinary1 when it is recollected that the whole of the allegory is a revelation of scenes1 feelings1 hopes1 fears1 and enjoyments1 which are unknown1 unfelt1 and invisible to all except to those whose minds are enlightened by ,divine truth2 and even of these1 very few have had the deep and trying experience with which the author was exercised4 ,that the ',holy ,war' allegorically represents ,bunyan's personal feelings1 is clearly declared by him in the poetical ,introduction or ,address to the ,reader1 prefixed to the book4 ,he adverts to books of fiction1 and solemnly declares-- ',i have somewhat else to do1 ,than with vain stories thus to trouble you1 ,for my part1 ,i 7myself7 was in the town1 ,both when 'twas set up1 and when pulling down2 ,i saw ,diabolus in his possession1-- ,yea1 ,i was there when she own'd him for ,lord4' ,a remarkable verse describes his state before conversion-- ',when ,mansoul trampled upon things divine1 ,and wallowed in filth as doth a swine2 ,when she betook herself unto her arms1 ,fought her ,emmanuel1 despis'd his charms1 ,then ,i was there1 and did rejoice to see ,diabolus and ,mansoul so agree4' ,some editor1 imagining that ,bunyan could never have so rejoiced1 forgetting his own words in the fourth section of his ',grace ,abounding'--',it was my delight to be taken captive by the devil1 at his will'--altered these words to-- ',then ,i was there1 and grieved for to see ,diabolus and ,mansoul so agree4' ,this alteration1 which perverts the author's meaning1 appears in a ,london edition1 #ageb1 and has been copied into many modern editions1 even into those by ,mason and ,burder4#b ,the author having in the above lines described his unconverted state1 goes on to delineate his convictions in these words3-- ',what is here in view1 ,of mine own knowledge1 ,i dare say is true4 ,i saw the ,prince's armed men come down1 ,i saw the captains1 heard the trumpets sound2 ,yea1 how they set themselves in battle-ray1 ,i shall remember to my dying day4' ,the whole of this address is descriptive of what the author saw1 felt1 or heard-- ',what shall ,i say8 ,i heard the people's cries1 ,and saw the ,prince wipe tears from ,mansoul's eyes2 ,i heard the groans1 and saw the joy of many1 ,tell you of all1 ,i neither will1 nor can ,i2 ,but by what here ,i say1 you well may see ,that ,mansoul's matchless wars no fables be4' ,the narrative of this eventful war is authenticated by his personal feelings while under the chastising1 correcting1 hand of his heavenly ,father2 in his new birth and subsequent experience2 in bringing his soul from darkness to marvellous light1 and from the wretched bondage of sin to the glorious liberty of the gospel4 ,this address is closed with a very important notice1 which all our readers should keep constantly in mind--it is to attend to the author's key to the allegory1 and that is his marginal notes-- ',nor do thou go to work without my key1 7,in mysteries men soon do lose their way71 ,and also turn it right1 if thou would'st know ,my riddle1 and would'st with my heifer plough1 ,it lies there in the window1 fare thee well1 ,my next may be to ring thy passing-bell4' ,the last line strongly reminds us of the author's difficulty to quit the gin and beer-drinking practice of bell-ringing1 to which in his youth he was so much addicted4 ,it is recorded in his ',grace ,abounding1' ,nos4 #cc and #cd4c ,the form and order of the narrative is exceedingly beautiful1 and deeply interesting to those who have been engaged in a similar warfare4 ,passing over the short and vivid narration of the fall of man1 our personal feelings are excited by witnessing the methods of grace1 adapted by a covenant-keeping ,god and ,father1 to rescue his people from their natural state of ,diabolonian slavery4 ,many of the incidents will bring1 to the enlightened reader's recollection1 the solemn and powerful impressions under which he struggled1 when opposing the invitations of ,emmanuel4 ,his holy joy1 when a sense of pardoning love and mercy came over his soul2 and his anxieties1 when in conflict with doubts1 and fears1 and bloodmen4 ,our young readers must be cautioned not to give way to doubts and fears for their soul's safety1 because they have never passed through the same feelings which fitted ,bunyan for a sphere of extraordinary usefulness4 ,god brings his lambs and sheep into the fold by such means as are agreeable to his infinite wisdom and grace4 ,some surrender at the first summons2 others hold out during a long and distressing siege4 ',god's ways are not our ways4' ,all our anxious inquiries should be1 ,is ,emmanuel in ,heart-castle8 is he 'formed in me the hope of glory8' do ,i live and believe in him who has immutably decreed that 'whosoever'--be he rich or poor1 learned or unlearned--if he 'liveth and believeth in me1 shall never die8' ,it matters not1 as to my salvation1 whether the siege was long or short4 ,the vital question is1 ,has my heart been conquered2 do ,i love ,emmanuel8 ,if ,i do1 it is because he first loved me1 and he changeth not4 ,in proportion to the trouble that ,i gave to my ,conqueror1 so should be my zealous1 holy1 happy obedience to his commands4 ,much is expected from those to whom much as been forgiven4 ,the ,conqueror1 by his victory1 fits us for those peculiar duties to which he intends to devote us in extending his kingdom4 ,in the history of this war1 the reader's attention will be naturally arrested by the fact that ,mansoul1 having voluntarily surrendered to the dominion of ,satan1 made no effort to relieve herself4 ,no spiritual feelings lurked in the walls to disturb the reign of ,diabolus2 not even a prayer or a sigh breaks forth from her heart for deliverance2 she felt not her degradation nor her danger2 she was dead while she yet lived--dead in sin2 and from this state would have sunk1 as thousands have1 from spiritual and temporal death into eternal and irretrievable ruin4 ,the first conception of a scheme for her deliverance from such awful danger1 arises in the celestial court of her ,creator2 grace lays the foundation1 and raises the top-stone4 ,all the redeemed of ,god will unite in one song1 ',not unto us1 ,o ,lord2 not unto us1 but unto thy name give glory4' ,a covenant is made1 ordered in all things and sure1 to save ,mansoul2 and from this emanates the vast1 the costly design of her deliverance4 ,to effect this great object1 the ,mosaic dispensation--the ,law1 with all its terrors1 is sent1 in fearful array1 to conquer or destroy4 ,this is allegorically represented under the similitude of an army of forty thousand warriors1 'stout1 rough-hewn men1 fit to break the ice1 and make their way by dint of sword4' ,they are under the command of four captains1 each with his ensign--,boanerges and ,thunder1 ,conviction and ,sorrow1 ,judgment and ,terror1 ,execution and ,justice4 ,to resist this force1 ,diabolus arms the town1 hardens the conscience1 and darkens the understanding4 ,he places at ,eargate a guard of ,,deaf ,,men1 under old ,mr4 ,prejudice1 and plants over that important gate two great guns1 ,highmind and ,heady4 ,he arms ,mansoul with the whole armour of ,satan1 which is very graphically described4 ,summons after summons is unheeded4 ,the death of friends1 sickness1 and troubles1 pass by apparently without any good result4 ,they 'will not hearken to the voice of charmers1 charming never so wisely4' ,at length1 the town is assaulted1 conscience becomes alarmed1 but the will remains stubborn4 ,the beleaguering of the town--planting the ensigns--throwing up batteries--the slings casting1 with irresistible force1 portions of the ,word into the mind--the battering-rams beating upon the gates1 especially ,eargate--exciting alarm under the fear of the just and awful punishment due to sin--all are described with an extraordinary knowledge of military terms and tactics4 ,the episode of the three volunteers who enlisted under ,shaddai1 into ,captain ,boanerges' company--,tradition1 ,human-wisdom1 and ,man's-invention--are inimitably beautiful4 ,when they were aught in the rear1 and taken prisoners--'as they did not live so much by religion as by the fates of fortune'--they offer their services to ,diabolus1 and are joined to ,captain ,anything's company4 ,after a few sharp assaults1 convictions of sin alarm the conscience1 and six of ,diabolus' new ,aldermen are slain with one shot4 ,their names are well worthy an attentive consideration1 showing what open vices are abandoned upon the soul being first terrified with the fear of retribution--,swearing1 ,whoring1 ,fury1 ,stand-to-lies1 ,drunkenness1 and ,cheating4 ,alarms are continued by day and night1 until it is said to ,mansoul1 ',upon all her pleasant things there was a blast1 and burning instead of beauty2 with shows of the shadow of death4' ,thus was it with ,david--',my soul is cast down within me3 deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts2 all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me' 7,psa #db3f1g74 ,all the assaults of ,moses and the ,law are ineffectual2 the gates remain closed against her ,king and ,god4 ,the thunders of ,sinai and the voice of the prophets may alarm1 but cannot conquer ,mansoul4 ,the thundering1 terrifying captains appeal to the celestial court1 and ,emmanuel--,god with us--condescends to fight the battle1 and secure the victory4 ,the angelic hosts desire to look into these things--they are the peers of the heavenly realm--the news 'flew like lightning round about the court'--and the greatest peers did covet to have commissions under ,emmanuel4 ,the captains that accompany him in this grand expedition are ,faith1 ,hope1 ,charity1 ,innocence1 and ,patience4 ,mansoul is to be won by persuasion to receive her ,saviour4 ,the cost of the enterprise is vast indeed2 the army is numerous as our thoughts1 and who can number 'the multitude of his thoughts8' ,the battering rams and slings1 we are told by the margin1 mean the books of ,sacred ,scripture1 sent to us by the influence of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,emmanuel is irresistible--,mansoul is taken--,diabolus is dragged out1 stripped of his armour1 and sent to the parched places in a salt land1 'seeking rest1 but finding none4' ,the heart at first trembles lest punishment should be justly poured out upon her for treason1 but it becomes the throne of its lawful ,king2 and instead of ,god's anger1 his pardon and blessings are proclaimed1 and ,mansoul is filled with joy1 happiness1 and glory4 ,reader1 can you call to mind the peace and holy enjoyment which took possession of your soul1 when--having passed through the fears and hopes1 the terrors and alarms1 of the new birth--you sat down1 for the first time1 at the table of the ,lord1 to celebrate the wonders of his grace8 ,then you rejoiced in hope full of immortality2 then you could exclaim1 ',o tidings6 glad tidings6 good tidings of good1 and of great joy to my soul6' ',then they leaped and skipped upon the walls for joy1 and shouted1 ,let ,emmanuel live for ever6' ,and then you fondly thought that happiness was secure for the rest of your pilgrimage1 until your glorified spirit should enter into the celestial city4 ,alas6 your enemies were not dead4 ,they insidiously seized an unguarded moment4 ,remiss in watchfulness1 and formal in prayer1 ,carnal-security invade the mind4 ,your ardent love is cooled--intercourse with heaven is slight--and by slow degrees1 and almost unperceived1 ,emmanuel leaves ,heart-castle2 and the prince of the power of the air promotes the treason1 and foments rebellion1 by the introduction of loose thoughts1 under the name of harmless mirth4 ,the news soon reach ,diabolus1 and an infernal conference1 or dialogue of devils1 is revealed by our author2 who had watched the course and causes of spiritual declension1 and was not 'ignorant of ,satan's devices4' ,the malignant craft and subtilty displayed in ,satan's counsel1 are described in a manner far beyond an ordinary imagination4 ,they display the almost unbounded resources of genius and invention so richly possessed by the prince of allegorists1 ,john ,bunyan4 ,it reminds us of the dialogue between ,lucifer and ,beelzebub1 in that rare work by ,barnardine ,ochine1 a reformer1 published in #aedi1 called1 ,a ,tragedy or ,dialogue of the unjust usurped ,primacy of the ,bishop of ,rome4#d ,in this is represented1 in very popular language1 the designs of ,lucifer to ruin ,christianity by the establishment of ,popery4 ,lucifer thus addresses his diabolical conclave--',i have devised to make a certain new kingdom1 replenished with idolatry1 superstition1 ignorance1 error1 falsehoods1 deceit1 compulsion1 extortion1 treason1 contention1 discord1 tyranny1 and cruelty2 with spoiling1 murder1 ambition1 filthiness1 injuries1 factions1 sects1 wickedness1 and mischief2 in the which kingdom all kinds of abomination shall be committed4 ,and notwithstanding that it shall be heaped up with all kinds of wickedness1 yet shall the professed ,christian men think it to be a spiritual kingdom1 most holy and most godly4 ,the supreme head of this kingdom shall be a man which is not only sinful1 and an abominable robber and thief1 but he shall be sin and abomination itself2 and yet1 for all that1 shall be thought of ,christian men a ,god in earth1 and his members1 being most wicked1 shall be called of men most holy4 ,god sent his ,son into the world1 who1 for the salvation of mankind1 hath humbled himself even to the death of the cross4 ,i will send my son into the world1 who1 for the destruction and condemnation of mankind1 shall so advance himself that he shall take upon him to be made equal with ,god4' ',i will1 by craft and diligence1 shadow and cover superstition and idolatry with a fair face1 and beauty of holy ceremonies1 that men shall be made so drunken and so amazed with this outward pomp and show1 that they shall not be able to discern truth from falsehood1 when they be drowned in the flood of idolatry and superstition4' ',i will cause them to be most cruel tyrants and butchers of ,christ and his members1 under a pretence of zeal to the house of ,god4 ,they shall hide their uncleanness and filthy behaviour with an exceeding wide cloak of hypocrisy1 and with glorious shining titles4' ,thus this intrepid reformer opened up the origin1 the development1 the desolations1 of ,popery2 and1 with a similar knowledge of ,satan's devices1 the ,nonconformist ,bunyan shows the means by which ,diabolus urges the young ,christian into a backsliding state4 ',let our ,diabolonian friends in ,mansoul draw it into sin1 for there is nothing like sin to devour ,mansoul2 while we will send against it an army of twenty or thirty thousand sturdy terrible doubters4 ,sin renders ,mansoul sick and faint1 while doubts are by it made fierce and strong4' ,at length ,diabolus and his army of doubts march from ,hellgate ,hill to ,mansoul3 the order in which they are placed1 and the names of the officers1 are very instructive1 as well as curious4 ,election-doubteres1 under ,captain ,rage--,vocation-doubters1 commanded by ,captain ,fury--,grace-doubters1 led by ,captain ,damnation--,faith-doubters1 under ,captain led by ,captain ,brimstone--,resurrection-doubters1 by ,captain ,torment--,salvation-doubters1 under ,captain ,noease--,glory-doubters1 commanded by ,captain ,sepulchre--,felicity-doubters1 led by ,captain ,pasthope4 ,incredulity was ,lord-general1 and ,diabolus was ,king and ,commander-in-chief4 ,the roaring of the drum--their alarming outcries1 ,hell-fire6 ,hell-fire6--their furious assaults--the multitude of doubts--and the perplexity of poor distracted ,mansoul1 are admirably and truly narrated4 ,the town makes a sortie in the night1 but ,diabolus and his legions1 experienced in night work1 drive them back1 and severely wound ,captains ,faith1 ,hope1 and ,experience4 ,again the gates are assaulted1 and ,diabolus and his doubters gain an entrance1 by the senses1 into the town1 but cannot force the heart2 and ,mansoul is reduced to the greatest straits and sadness4 ,in this extremity1 prayers are incessantly offered up to ,emmanuel2 but1 for a long time1 they can obtain no satisfactory answers4 ,both parties are on the alert2 but ,diabolus finds it impossible1 either by treachery or by storming with his legion of doubts1 to gain possession of ,heart-castle4 ,being worsted in a general engagement1 the doubters are slain1 and are buried with their armour2 yea1 all that did but smell of a ,diabolonian ,doubter4 ,the arch-fiend now enters upon a new mode of assault--he sends for a reinforcement1 to try the effect of persecution2 and obtains an army of fifteen thousand ,bloodmen1 from the province of ,loathgood4 ,to these were added ten thousand new ,doubters1 under their commander old ,incredulity4 ,these ,bloodmen were 'rugged villains1 and had done feats heretofore'2 'they were mastiffs1 and would fasten upon father1 mother1 brother1 yea1 upon the ,prince of princes4 ,among their officers is ,captain ,pope1 whose colours were the stake1 the flame1 and the good man in it4' ,to these ,i would humbly suggest the propriety of adding one more--it is ,captain ,state-religion1 upon whose standard should be represented the ,nonconformist ,john ,bunyan in a damp1 dreary dungeon1 writing his ',pilgrim's ,progress1' with his poor blind child at his feet4 ,o persecutor1 whether you burn or imprison a ,nonconformist1 or harass him in ,ecclesiastical courts1 or seize his goods to support forms or ceremonies which he believes to be ,antichristian1 your commander is old ,incredulity--your king is ,diabolus6 ,the ,bloodmen send a summons to ,mansoul 'as hot as a red hot iron1' threatening fire and sword1 and utter destruction2 but the ,god who visited our pious author in prison1 and cherished and comforted him in his twelve years' sufferings under persecution1 came to the relief of ,mansoul4 ,the ,diabolonian army is routed--the ,doubters are slain1 excepting a few who escaped--the ,bloodmen or persecutors were not to be slain1 but to be taken alive4 ,the prisoners are brought to trial1 with all the forms and solemnities of law2 and the narrative concludes with a most admirable charge from ,emmanuel to keep ,mansoul in a state of the most prayerful vigilance4 ,enemies still lurk within1 to keep her humble2 that she may feel her dependence upon ,god1 and be found much in communion with him4 ',believe that my love1' says ,emmanuel1 'is constant to thee4 ,watch1 hold fast1 till ,i come4' ,in the whole detail of this war1 very singular skill is manifested4 ,a keen observer of all that passed before him1 aided by a most retentive memory1 and a fertile imagination1 enabled our pilgrim forefather to gain much knowledge in a short time4 ,he had been engaged1 as a private soldier1 in the ,civil war2 and was at the siege of ,leicester1 when it was taken by ,prince ,rupert4 ,this gave him a knowledge of the meaning of trumpet or bugle sounds2 so that1 when the trumpeters made their best music1 in the expectation of ,emmanuel's speedy assistance to help ,mansoul1 ,diabolus exclaims1 ',what do these madmen mean8 they neither sound to boot and saddle1 nor horse and away1 nor a charge4' ,bunyan had been released from his tedious and cruel imprisonment for conscience sake about ten years1 when he published the ',holy ,war4' ,in this interval of time1 although labouring incessantly to win souls to ,christ1 being a very popular preacher1 yet he must have found time to gratify his incessant thirst for knowledge2 gaining that he might communicate1 and in imparting it1 receiving into his own mind a rich increase4 ,this would doubtless lead him to read the best of our ,puritan and ,nonconformists' works1 so that we find him using the ,latin words primum mobile1 carefully noting in the margin that he meant 'the soul'2 and from hence he must have scraped acquaintance with ,python1 ,cerberus1 and the furies of mythology1 whom he uses in this war1 describing accurately their names and qualities4 ,at first sight1 it may seem strange that the armies1 both within and without the city1 should be so numerous1 as it is but one man who is the object of attack and defence--one human body1 containing one immortal ,mansoul2 but if the reader reflects that every soldier represents a thought1 who can number them8 ,at one time1 by the sin-sickness1 eleven thousand--men1 women1 and children--died in ,mansoul6 this is interpreted by ,bunyan to mean1 that the men represented 'good thoughts'--the women1 'good conceptions'--and the children1 'good desires4' ,the town is assaulted by thirty or forty thousand doubts1 very curiously and methodically arranged4 ,the value of the marginal notes is very great1 throwing immediate light upon many difficult passages4 ,every reader should make free use of the key which lieth in the window the margin4 ,the value of this key is seen by a few quotations4 ,thus1 when ,diabolus beat a charge against the town1 my ,lord ,reason was wounded in the head--the brave ,lord ,mayor1 ,mr4 ,understanding1 in the eye--and 'many also of the inferior sort were not only wounded1 but slain outright4' ,the margin explains this as meaning ',hopeful thoughts4' ,when the enemy broke into the town at ,feelgate1 during a night of terror1 and got possession1 it is described as being accompanied by all the horrors of war--by atrocities probably even greater than those perpetrated by ,rupert's cavaliers at ,leicester4 ',young children were dashed in pieces1 yea1 those unborn were destroyed4' ',the women were beastlike abused4' ,this is interpreted by two marginal notes--',good and tender thoughts1' ',holy conceptions of good4' ,the storming of ,leicester took place in the night1 and furnished ,bunyan1 who was an eyewitness1 with a correct notion of raising the standard1 beleaguering the city1 and forcing the gates1 and a lively view of the desolations he describes4 ,awful as is his account of the sacking of ,mansoul1 with its murders and desolations1 yet it may prove to be a good description of the conduct of ,prince ,rupert and his cavaliers at the storming of ,leicester4 ,strike out the name of ,diabolus1 and insert ,rupert1 and put ,leicester instead of ,mansoul1 and the account of the brutal conduct of the ,royal army will be found accurately described4 ,lord ,clarendon1 who wrote to gain the smiles of royalty1 plainly tells us that1 when ,prince ,rupert and the ,king took ,leicester1 ',the conquerors pursued their advantage with the usual license of rapine and plunder1 and miserably sacked the whole town1 without any distinction of persons and places4 ,churches and hospitals1 as well as other houses1 were made a prey to the enraged and greedy soldier1 to the exceeding regret of the ,king4' ,clarendon goes on to account for the exceeding regret of ,charles3 it was because many of his faithful friends had suffered1 in the confusion of this murderous scene of rapine and plunder4 ,in the ',holy ,war1' ,bunyan has not been1 nor can he ever be1 charged with copying from any author who preceded him4 ,erasmus1 ,gouge1 and many other of our ,reformers1 ,puritans1 and ,nonconformists1 commented upon the ,christian's armour and weapons4 ,benjamin ,keach1 about the time that the ',holy ,war' appeared1 published his ,war with the ,devil1 or1 the ,young ,man's ,conflict with the ,powers of ,darkness4 ,it is a series of admirable poetical dialogues on the corruption and vanity of youth1 the horrible nature of sin1 and deplorable condition of fallen man2 with the rule of conscience and of true conversion4 ,it has nothing allegorical in it1 but is replete with practical warnings and exhortations4 ,no one had ever attempted1 under the form of an allegory1 to describe the internal conflict between the powers of darkness and of the mind in the renewed man2 the introduction of evil thoughts and suggestions1 their unnatural union with the affections1 and the offspring of such union1 under the name of ,diabolonians1 who1 when ,mansoul is watchful unto prayer1 lurk in the walls2 but when in a backsliding state1 are tolerated and encouraged openly to walk the streets4 ,some have supposed that there is a slight similarity between the description1 given by ,john ,chrysostom of the battle between the hosts of hell and mankind1 and ,john ,bunyan's ',holy ,war4' ,it is not at all probable that ,bunyan was acquainted with ,chrysostom on the ,priesthood1 which was then locked up in the ,greek language1 but has been since translated into ,english4 ,nor can we find any similarity between the work of the pious apostolically descended tinker1 and the learned ,greek father4 ,chrysostom's picture of the battle is contained in a letter to ,basil1 urging him to become a minister of the gospel4 ,it is in words to this effect3--',pent up in this body1 like a dungeon1 we cannot discern the invisible powers4 ,could you behold the black army of the devil and his mad conflict1 you would witness a great and arduous battle1 in which there is no brass or steel1#e no horses or wheeled chariots1 no fire and arrows1 but other instruments much more formidable4 ,no breastplates1 or shields1 or swords1 or darts4 ,the very sight of this accursed host is alone sufficient to paralyze a soul which is not imbued with courage furnished by ,god1 and with even greater foresight than valour4 ,could you calmly survey all this array and war1 you would see1 not torrents of blood or dead bodies1 but fallen souls6 ,you would see wounds so grievous1 that human war1 with all its horrors1 is mere child's play or idle pastime1 in comparison to the sight of so many souls struck down every day by ,satan4' ,thus this learned ,greek father very eloquently represents the great battle of ,satan and his hosts1 against all mankind4 ,but for a description of the internal conflict1 ,diabolus and his army of ,doubters and ,bloodmen arrayed against the powers of ,mansoul1 ,bunyan stands alone and most beautifully resplendent4 ,in this war there is no combination of souls to resist ,satan1 nor can any human powers in any way assist us in the trying battle4 ,here1 ,o my reader1 you and ,i must stand alone far from the aid of our fellow-men4 ,we must call upon all the resources of our minds1 and while there is unity within1 no resisting or treason--while the ,holy ,spirit strengthens and inclines the will1 the understanding1 the conscience1 the affections1 and all our powers are united to resist ,satan1 ,god fights for us1 and the heart is safe under the gracious smiles of our ,emmanuel4 ,may we never forget that our spiritual life is totally dependent upon him1 in whom1 as to the body1 we live1 and move1 and have our being4 ,but when doubts enfeeble us1 and ,bloodmen harass us1 there is no help from man4 ,no pope1 cardinal1 archbishop1 minister1 or any human power can aid us2 ,,all our hope is in ,god alone2 every effort for deliverance must be by fervent prayer and supplication1 from the heart and conscience1 directly to ,god4 ,our petitions must be framed by the ,holy ,ghost1 and presented unto ,shaddai1 not by priest or prelate1 but by our ,emmanuel1 ,jesus ,christ1 the only intercessor and mediator4 ,the attentive reader of ,bunyan's works will notice the difference between the trial of ,faithful in the ',pilgrim's ,progress1' and that of the prisoners brought to the bar as traitors in the ',holy ,war4' ,the judge and jury are particularly overbearing to ,faithful1 much more so than to the ,diabolonians4 ,still there is one very strong feature in which they all agree4 ,the prisoners are all brought to their trial1 not that their guilt or innocence might be proved1 but in order to their condemnation and execution4 ,all are brought up in chains1 a custom which then was very prevalent1 if not universal1 but which is now only read of as a cruel practice of a bygone age4 ,there are a few riddles or questions arising out of this narrative1 the solving of which may afford instructive amusement to the reader4 ,what is meant by the drum of ,diabolus1 which so terrified ,mansoul8 ,refer to ,galatians #c3aj2 ,hebrews #f3d-h2 #a ,john #e3af2 ,hebrews #ab3bi4 ,why were the troops numbered at forty thousand1 that came up to alarm and convince ,mansoul of sin1 or righteousness1 and of judgment1 while ,emmanuel's army is not numbered8 ,see ,joshua #d3ac2 ,hebrews #ab3bb4 ,when the ,doubters are slain or driven from ,mansoul1 after her conversion1 they go straggling up and down the country enslaving the barbarous people 7the margin informs us that the unbeliever never fights the ,doubters74 ,why do they go by fives1 nines1 and seventeens8 ,do these odd numbers refer to the nine companies of ,doubters1 and eight of ,bloodmen1 who were under the command of five fallen angels--,diabolus1 ,beelzebub1 ,lucifer1 ,legion1 and ,apollyon8 ,fearful odds against a poor fallen sinner1 five evil spirits1 or nine classes of doubts1 or these nine doubts united to eight kinds of ,bloodmen or persecutors4 ,in a work so highly allegorical1 and founded upon a plain narrative of facts in the experience of the author1 the editor deemed it needful to add numerous notes4 ,these contain all that appeared to be explanatory or illustrative in other commentaries1 with many that are original2 obsolete terms and customs are explain2 references are given to about fifty passages in the ',grace ,abounding1' that the reader's attention may be constantly directed to the solemn truths which are displayed under this delightful allegory4 ,the editor has the consolation of hoping that the result of great labour can do no injury4 ,those whose deep experience in the spiritual warfare enables them to understand and enjoy the allegory1 can pass them by2 while many of the poor but immortal souls engaged in this warfare1 who are not deeply experienced1 may receive aid and encouragement to persevere1 until they shall exclaim1 ,the battle is fought1 the victory is won1 eternal praises to the great and gracious ,emmanuel4 ,reader1 ,i must not detain you much longer from the pleasure of entering upon a narrative so deeply interesting to all who possess the understanding heart--an allegory1 believed by very many to be the most beautiful and extraordinary that mere human genius ever composed in any language4 ,o consider the worth of an immortal soul6 ,god sent his servants1 ,moses and the prophets1 with their slings and battering-rams1 their great and precious promises to the early prophets1 who have faithfully handed them down to us2 and then came ,emmanuel and his heavenly army1 and all this to conquer ,mansoul6 ,without the shedding of blood1 there is no remission of sin4 ,the blood of bulls and of goats cannot wash out our stains4 ,we must be found in ,christ as part of his mystical body1 and thus in perfection obey the ,divine law1 and then1 through the sin-atoning offering of ,emmanuel1 ,god's equal1 eternal ,son1 a fountain is opened for sin and uncleanness1 in which our souls1 being purified1 shall be clothed with the garment of salvation4 ,who can calculate the worth of his immortal soul1 that ,god himself should pay so costly a price for its redemption6 ,may the desire of every reader be1 ,o that my soul may be engaged in this holy war1 my ears be alarmed by the infernal drum of ,diabolus1 that my ,heart-castle may receive the ,king of salvation1 and ,christ be found there the hope of glory4 ,then may we feel the stern necessity of incessant watchfulness and prayer against carnal security1 or any other cause of backsliding1 with its consequent miseries4 ,well may the world wonder1 how a poor travelling tinker could gain the extraordinary knowledge1 which enabled him to become the greatest allegorical writer that the world ever saw4 ,the reason is obvious1 he lived and moved and had his being in the atmosphere of ,god's revealed will4 ,it was this that enabled him to take the wings of the morning1 and fly not only to the uttermost parts of the visible but of the invisible world2 to enjoy scenes of light and glory1 such as ,gabriel contemplated when he came from heaven to ,nazareth1 and revealed to ,mary her high destiny--that her ,son should be the promised ,saviour1 who should bear the government of the universe upon his shoulders--whose name was ,wonderful--,counsellor--the ,mighty ,god--the everlasting ,father--the ,prince of ,peace--,emmanuel1 ,god with us4 ,bunyan's industry and application must have been intense1 he could not by possibility for a single moment say1 'soul take thine ease1' inglorious1 destructive ease4 ,his hands had to labour for his bread1 and to provide for a most exemplary wife and four children1 one of them blind4 ,there was no hour of his life when he could have said to his soul1 ,let all thy noble powers be absorbed in eating1 drinking1 being merry--mere animal gratifications4 ,the ,holy ,war1 the solemn results depending upon it1 salvation or eternal ruin1 the strong desire to glorify ,emmanuel1 the necessity to labour for his household--that blessed industry left him no opportunity for weaving a web of unmeaning casuistic subtilties1 in which to entangle and engulph his soul1 like a ,puseyite or a ,german ,rationalist4 ,the thunders and lightnings of ,sinai had burnt up all this wood1 hay1 and stubble1 and with child-like simplicity he depended upon the ,holy ,spirit1 while drawing all his consolations and all his spiritual supplies from the sacred ,scriptures4 ,bunyan's narrative of the ,holy ,war1 from its commencement in the fall of man to that splendid address of ,emmanuel with which it concludes1 has been the study of the ,editor for more than forty years1 and he hopes that no future year of the residue of his life will be spent without reading this solemn1 soul-stirring1 delightful narrative4 ,,geo4 ,,offor4 ,hackney1 ,april #ahea ,,to ,,the ,,reader4 ',tis strange to me1 that they that love to tell ,things done of old1 yea1 and that do excel ,their equals in historiology1 ,speak not of ,mansoul's wars1 but let them lie ,dead1 like old fables1 or such worthless things1 ,that to the reader no advantage brings3 ,when men1 let them make what they will their own1 ,till they know this1 are to themselves unknown4 ,of stories ,i well know there's divers sorts1 ,some foreign1 some domestic2 and reports ,are thereof made1 as fancy leads the writers2 ,by books a man may guess at the inditers4 ,some will again of that which never was1 ,nor will be1 feign1 and that without a cause1 ,such matter1 raise such mountains1 tell such things ,of men1 of laws1 of countries1 and of kings3 ,and in their story seem to be so sage1 ,and with such gravity clothe ev'ry page1 ,that though their frontispiece say all is vain1 ,yet to their way disciples they obtain#f ,but1 readers1 ,i have somewhat else to do1 ,than with vain stories thus to trouble you2 ,what here ,i say1 some men do know so well1 ,they can with tears and joy the story tell4 ,the town of ,mansoul is well known to many1 ,nor are her troubles doubted of by any ,that are acquainted with those histories ,that ,mansoul1 and her wars1 anatomize4 ,then lend thine ear to what ,i do relate ,touching the town of ,mansoul and her state1 ,how she was lost1 took captive1 made a slave2 ,and how against him set1 that should her save4 ,yea1 how by hostile ways1 she did oppose ,her ,lord1 and with his enemy did close4 ,for they are true2 he that will them deny ,must needs the best of records vilify4 ,for my part1 ,i 7myself7 was in the town1 ,both when 'twas set up1 and when pulling down1 ,i saw ,diabolus in his possession1 ,and ,mansoul also under his oppression4 ,yea1 ,i was there when she own'd him for ,lord1 ,and to him did submit with one accord4 ,when ,mansoul trampled upon things ,divine1 ,and wallowed in filth as doth a swine2 ,when she betook herself unto her arms1 ,fought her ,emmanuel1 despis'd his charms1 ,then ,i was there1 and did rejoice to see ,diabolus and ,mansoul so agree4#g ,let no men1 then1 count me a fable-maker1 ,nor make my name or credit a partaker ,of their derision2 what is here in view1 ,of mine own knowledge1 ,i dare say is true4 ,i saw the prince's armed men come down1 ,by troops1 by thousands1 to besiege the town4 ,i saw the captains1 heard the trumpets sound1 ,and how his forces cover'd all the ground4 ,yea1 how they set themselves in battle-ray1 ,i shall remember to my dying day4 ,i saw the colours waving in the wind1 ,and they within to mischief how combin'd1 ,to ruin ,mansoul1 and to make away ,her primum mobile#h without delay4 ,i saw the mounts cast up against the town1 ,and how the slings were placed to beat it down4 ,i heard the stones fly whizzing by mine ears1 ,what longer kept in mind than got in fears1 ,i heard them fall1 and saw what work they made1 ,and how old ,mors did cover with his shade ,the face of ,mansoul2 and ,i heard her cry1 ,woe worth the day1 in dying ,i shall die6 ,i saw the battering rams1 and how they play'd1#i ,to beat ope ,ear-gate1 and ,i was afraid ,not only ,ear-gate1 but the very town1 ,would by those battering rams be beaten down4 ,i saw the fights1 and heard the captains shout1 ,and each in battle saw who faced about2 ,i saw who wounded were1 and who were slain2 ,and who1 when dead1 would come to life again4 ,i heard the cries of those that wounded were1 ,while others fought like men bereft of fear1 ,and while the cry1 ,kill1 kill1 was in mine ears1 ,the gutters ran1 not so with blood as tears4 ,indeed1 the captains did not always fight1 ,but then they would molest us day and night2 ,their cry1 ,up1 fall on1 let us take the town1 ,kept us from sleeping1 or from lying down4 ,i was there when the gates were broken ope1 ,and saw how ,mansoul then was stript of hope4#aj ,i saw the captains march into the town1 ,how there they fought1 and did their foes cut down4 ,i heard the prince bid ,boanerges go ,up to the castle1 and there seize his foe1 ,and saw him and his fellows bring him down ,in chains of great contempt quite through the town4 ,i saw ,emmanuel when he possest ,his town of ,mansoul1 and how greatly blest ,a town1 his gallant town of ,mansoul was1 ,when she received his pardon1 lived his laws6 ,when the ,diabolonians were caught1 ,when tried1 and when to execution brought1 ,then ,i was there2 yea1 ,i was standing by ,when ,mansoul did the rebels crucify4 ,i also saw ,mansoul clad all in white1 ,and heard her prince call her his heart's delight4 ,i saw him put upon her chains of gold1 ,and rings1 and bracelets1 goodly to behold4 ,what shall ,i say8--,i heard the people's cries1 ,and saw the prince wipe tears from ,mansoul's eyes4 ,i heard the groans1 and saw the joy of many3 ,tell you of all1 ,i neither will1 nor can ,i4 ,but by what here ,i say1 you well may see ,that ,mansoul's matchless wars no fables be4 ,mansoul6 the desire of both princes was1 ,one keep his gain would1 t'other gain his loss2 ,diabolus would cry1 ,the town is mine2 ,emmanuel would plead a right ,divine ,unto his ,mansoul2 then to blows they go1 ,and ,mansoul cries1 ,these wars will me undo4 ,mansoul6 her wars seem'd endless in her eyes1 ,she's lost by one1 becomes another's prize4 ,and he again that lost her last would swear1 ,have her ,i will1 or her in pieces tear4 ,mansoul1 it was the very seat of war1 ,wherefore her troubles greater were by far1 ,than only where the noise of war is heard1 ,or where the shaking of a sword is fear'd1 ,or only where small skirmishes are fought1 ,or where the fancy fighteth with a thought4 ,she saw the swords of fighting men made red1 ,and heard the cries of those with them wounded2 ,must not her frights then be much more by far1 ,than theirs that to such doings strangers are8 ,or theirs that hear the beating of a drum1 ,but not made fly for fear from house and home8 ,mansoul not only heard the trumpet sound1 ,but saw her gallants gasping on the ground2 ,wherefore1 we must not think that she could rest ,with them1 whose greatest earnest is but jest3 ,or where the blust'ring threat'ning of great wars ,do end in parleys1 or in wording jars4 ,mansoul1 her mighty wars1 they did portend ,her weal or woe1 and that world without end2 ,wherefore she must be more concerned than they ,whose fears begin and end the self-same day3 ,or where none other harm doth come to him ,that is engaged1 but loss of life or limb1#aa ,as all must needs confess that now do dwell ,in ,universe1 and can this story tell4 ,count me not then with them that to amaze ,the people1 set them on the stars to gaze1 ,insinuating with much confidence1 ,that each of them is now the residence#ab ,of some brave creatures2 yea1 a world they will ,have in each star1 though it be past their skill ,to make it manifest to any man1 ,that reason hath1 or tell his fingers can4#ac ,but ,i have too long held thee in the porch1 ,and kept thee from the sunshine with a torch4 ,well1 now go forward1 step within the door1 ,and there behold five hundred times much more ,of all sorts of such inward rarities ,as please the mind will1 and will feed the eyes ,with those1 which if a ,christian1 thou wilt see ,not small1 but things of greatest moment be4 ,nor do thou go to work without my key 7,in mysteries men soon do lose their way71 ,and also turn it right if thou wouldst know ,my riddle1 and wouldst with my heifer plough4 ,it lies there in the window1#ad fare thee well1 ,my next may be to ring thy passing-bell4 ,,jo4 ,,bunyan ,a ,,relation ,,of ,,the ,,holy ,,war ,,chapter ,i4 ,,contents3--,the original beauty and splendour of the town of ,mansoul1 while under the dominion of ,shaddai--,its noble castle described--,its five gates--,the perfection of its inhabitants--,the origin of ,diabolus--,his pride and fall--,revenge meditated--,a council of war held to deliberate on the best means of seducing the town of ,mansoul--,diabolus marches to the town1 and sits down before ,eye-gate--,his oration--,captain ,resistance slain--,my ,lord ,innocence killed--,the town taken4 ,in my travels1 as ,i walked through many regions and countries1 it was my chance to happen into that famous continent of ,universe2 a very large and spacious country it is4 ,it lieth between the two poles1 and just amidst the four points of the heavens4 ,it is a place well-watered1 and richly adorned with hills and valleys1 bravely situate2 and for the most part 7at least where ,i was7 very fruitful1 also well peopled1 and a very sweet air4 ,the people are not all of one complexion1 nor yet of one language1 mode1 or way of religion2 but differ as much as1 it is said1 do the planets themselves4 ,some are right1 and some are wrong1 even as it happeneth to be in lesser regions4 ,in this country1 as ,i said1 it was my lot to travel1 and there travel ,i did2 and that so long1 even till ,i learned much of their mother-tongue1 together with the customs and manners of them among whom ,i was4 ,and to speak truth1 ,i was much delighted to see and hear many things which ,i saw and heard among them4 ,yea1 ,i had 7to be sure7 even lived and died a native among them1 so was ,i taken with them and their doings1 had not my ,master sent for me home to his house1 there to do business for him1 and to over-see business done4#ae ,now there is in this gallant country of ,universe a fair and delicate town1 a corporation called ,mansoul4 ,a town for its building so curious1 for its situation so commodious1 for its privileges so advantageous--,i mean with reference to its original--that ,i may say of it1 as was said before of the continent in which it is placed1 ,there is not its equal under the whole heaven4#af ,as to the situation of this town1 it lieth just between the two worlds2 and the first founder and builder of it1 so far as by the best and most authentic records ,i can gather1 was one ,shaddai2 and he built it for his own delight4#ag ,he made it the mirror and glory of all that he made1 even the top-piece1 beyond anything else that he did in that country 7,gen #a3bf74 ,yea1 so goodly a town was ,mansoul when first built1 that it is said by some1 the gods1 at the setting up thereof1 came down to see it1 and sang for joy4 ,and as he made it goodly to behold1 so also mighty to have dominion over all the country round about4 ,yea1 all were commanded to acknowledge ,mansoul for their metropolitan1 all was enjoined to do homage to it4 ,aye1 the town itself had positive commission and power from her ,king to demand service of all1 and also to subdue any that anyways denied to do it4 ,there was reared up in the midst of this town a most famous and stately palace4 ,for strength1 it might be called a castle2 for pleasantness1 a paradise2 for largeness1 a place so copious as to contain all the world 7,eccl #c3aa74 ,this place the ,king ,shaddai intended but for himself alone1 and not another with him2#ah partly because of his own delights1 and partly because he would not that the terror of strangers should be upon the town4 ,this place ,shaddai made also a garrison of1 but committed the keeping of it only to the men of the town4 ,the wall of the town was well built1 yea1 so fast and firm was it knit and compact together1 that1 had it not been for the townsmen themselves1 they could not have been shaken or broken for ever4 ,for here lay the excellent wisdom of him that built ,mansoul1 that the walls could never be broken down1 nor hurt1 by the most mighty adverse potentate1 unless the townsmen gave consent thereto4 ,this famous town of ,mansoul had five gates1 in at which to come1 out at which to go1 and these were made likewise answerable to the walls1 to wit1 impregnable1 and such as could never be opened nor forced but by the will and leave of those within4 ,the names of the gates were these1 ,ear-gate1 ,eye-gate1 ,mouth-gate1 ,nose-gate1 and ,feel-gate4#ai ,other things there were that belonged to the town of ,mansoul1 which1 if you adjoin to these1 will yet give farther demonstration to all of the glory and strength of the place4 ,it had always a sufficiency of provision within its walls2 it had the best1 most wholesome1 and excellent law that then was extant in the world4 ,there was not a rascal1 rogue1 or traitorous person then within its walls4 ,they were all true men1 and fast joined together2 and this1 you know1 is a great matter4 ,and to all these1 it had always--so long as it had the goodness to keep true to ,shaddai the king--his countenance1 his protection1 and it was his delight1 etc4 ,well1 upon a time1 there was one ,diabolus1#bj a mighty giant1 made an assault upon this famous town of ,mansoul1 to take it1 and make it his own habitation4 ,this giant was king of the blacks or negroes1#ba and a most raving prince he was4 ,we will1 if you please1 first discourse of the original of this ,diabolus1 and then of his taking of this famous town of ,mansoul4 ,this ,diabolus is indeed a great and mighty prince1 and yet both poor and beggarly4 ,as to his original1 he was at first one of the servants of ,king ,shaddai1 made1 and taken1 and put by him into most high and mighty place2 yea1 was put into such principalities as belonged to the best of his territories and dominions4 ,this ,diabolus was made son of the morning1 and a brave place he had of it 7,isa #ad3ab74 ,it brought him much glory1 and gave him much brightness1 an income that might have contented his ,luciferian heart1 had it not been insatiable1 and enlarged as hell itself4 ,well1 he seeing himself thus exalted to greatness and honour1 and raging in his mind for higher state and degree1 what doth he but begins to think with himself how he might be set up as ,lord over all1 and have the sole power under ,shaddai6 ,now that did the ,king reserve for his ,son1 yea1 and had already bestowed it upon him4 ,wherefore he first consults with himself what had best to be done1 and then breaks his mind to some other of his companions1 to the which they also agreed4 ,so1 in fine1 they came to this issue1 that they should make an attempt upon the ,king's ,son to destroy him1 that the inheritance might be theirs4 ,well1 to be short1 the treason1 as ,i said1 was concluded1 the time appointed1 the word given1 the rebels rendezvoused1 and the assault attempted4#bb ,now the ,king and his ,son being ,,all and always ,,eye1 could not but discern all passages in his dominions2 and he having always love for his ,son as for himself1 could not1 at what he saw1 but be greatly provoked and offended2 wherefore1 what does he1 but takes them in the very nick2 and1 first trip that they made towards their design1 convicts them of the treason1 horrid rebellion1 and conspiracy that they had devised1 and now attempted to put into practice2 and casts them altogether out of all place of trust1 benefit1 honour1 and preferment4 ,this done1 he banishes them the court2 turns them down into the horrible pits1 as fast bound in chains1 never more to expect the least favour from his hands1 but to abide the judgment that he had appointed1 and that for ever 7#b ,peter #b3d2 ,jude #f74 ,and yet1 now1 they being thus cast out of all place of trust1 profit1 and honour1 and also knowing that they had lost their prince's favour for ever1 being banished his courts1 and cast down to the horrible pits1 you may be sure they would now add to their former pride what malice and rage against ,shaddai1 and against his ,son1 they could4 ,wherefore1 roving and ranging in much fury from place to place1 if perhaps they might find something that was the ,king's1 to revenge 7by spoiling of that themselves7 on him 7#a ,peter #e3h72 at last they happened into this spacious country of ,universe1 and steer their course towards the town of ,mansoul2 and considering that that town was one of the chief works and delights of ,king ,shaddai1 what do they but1 after counsel taken1 make an assault upon that6 ,i say they knew that ,mansoul belonged unto ,shaddai2 for they were there when he built it1 and beautified it for himself4#bc ,so when they had found the place1 they shouted horribly for joy1 and roared on it as a lion upon the prey1 saying1 ,now we have found the prize1 and how to be revenged on ,king ,shaddai for what he hath done to us4 ,so they sat down1 and called a council of war1 and considered with themselves what ways and methods they had best to engage in1 for the winning to themselves this famous town of ,mansoul2 and these four things were then propounded to be considered of4 ,first4 ,whether they had best all of them1 to show themselves in this design to the town of ,mansoul4 ,second4 ,whether they had best to go and sit down against ,mansoul1 in their now ragged and beggarly guise4 ,third4 ,whether they had best to show to ,mansoul their intentions1 and what design they came about1 or whether to assault it with words and ways of deceit4 ,fourth4 ,whether they had not best1 to some of their companions1 to give out private orders to take the advantage1 if they see one or more of the principal townsmen1 to shoot them2 if thereby they shall judge their cause and design will the better be promoted4 ,first4 ,it was answered to the first of these proposals in the negative1 to wit1 that it would not be best that all should show themselves before the town1 because the appearance of many of them might alarm and fright the town2 whereas a few1 or but one of them1 was not so likely to do it4 ,and to enforce this advice to take place1 it was added further1 that if ,mansoul was frighted1 or did take the alarm1 it is impossible1 said ,diabolus--for he spake now--that we should take the town2 for that none can enter into it without its own consent4#bd ,let therefore but few or but one assault ,mansoul1 and in mine opinion1 said ,diabolus1 let me be he4 ,wherefore to this they all agreed1 and then to the second proposal they came1 namely1 ,second4 ,whether they had best go and sit down before ,mansoul in their now ragged and beggarly guise4 ,to which it was answered also in the negative1 ,by no means2 and that because though the town of ,mansoul had been made to know and to have to do1 before now1 with things that are invisible1 they did never as yet see any of their fellow-creatures in so sad and rascal condition as they4 ,and this was the advice of that fierce ,alecto4#be ,then said ,apollyon1 the advice is pertinent1 for even one of us appearing to them as we are now1 must needs both beget and multiply such thoughts in them as will both put them into a consternation of spirit1 and necessitate them to put themselves upon their guard4 ,and if so1 said he1 then1 as my ,lord ,alecto said but now1 it is in vain for us to think of taking the town4 ,then said that mighty giant ,beelzebub1 the advice that already is given is safe2 for though the men of ,mansoul have seen such things as we once were1 yet hitherto they did never behold such things as we now are4 ,and it is best1 in mine opinion1 to come upon them in such a guise as is common to1 and most familiar among them4#bf ,to this1 when they had consented1 the next thing to be considered was1 in what shape1 hue1 or guise1 ,diabolus had best to show himself1 when he went about to make ,mansoul his own4 ,then one said one thing1 and another the contrary2 at last ,lucifer answered1 that in his opinion it was best that his lordship should assume the body of some of those creatures that they of the town had dominion over4 ,for1 quoth he1 these are not only familiar to them1 but being under them1 they will never imagine that an attempt should by them be made upon the town2 and1 to blind all1 let him assume the body of one of these beasts that ,mansoul deems to be wiser than any of the rest 7,gen #c3a2 ,rev #bj3a1b74 ,this advice was applauded of all2 so it was determined that the giant ,diabolus should assume the dragon1 for that he was in those days as familiar with the town of ,mansoul as now is the bird with the boy4 ,for nothing that was in its primitive state was at all amazing to them4#bg ,then they proceeded to the third thing1 which was1 ,third4 ,whether they had best to show their intentions or the design of his coming to ,mansoul1 or no4 ,this also was answered in the negative1 because of the weight that was in the former reasons1 to wit1 for that ,mansoul were a strong people1 a strong people in a strong town1 whose wall and gates were impregnable1 to say nothing of their castle1 nor can they by any means be won but by their own consent4 ,besides1 said ,legion1#bh 7for he gave answer to this71 a discovery of our intentions may make them send to their ,king for aid1 and if that be done1 ,i know quickly what time of day it will be with us4 ,therefore let us assault them in all pretended fairness1 covering of our intentions with all manner of lies1 flatteries1 delusive words2 feigning of things that never will be1 and promising of that to them that they shall never find4 ,this is the way to win ,mansoul1 and to make them1 of themselves1 to open their gates to us2 yea1 and to desire us too1 to come in to them4 ,and the reason why ,i think that this project will do is1 because the people of ,mansoul now are every one simple and innocent2 all honest and true2 nor do they as yet know what it is to be assaulted with fraud1 guile1 and hypocrisy4 ,they are strangers to lying and dissembling lips2 wherefore we cannot1 if thus we be disguised1 by them at all be discerned2 our lies shall go for true sayings1 and our dissimulations for upright dealings4 ,what we promise them1 they will in that believe us1 especially if in all our lies and feigned words we pretend great love to them1 and that our design is only their advantage and honour4 ,now there was not one bit of a reply against this2 this went as current down as doth the water down a steep descent2 wherefore they go to consider of the last proposal1 which was1 ,fourth4 ,whether they had not best to give out orders to some of their company1 to shoot some one or more of the principal of the townsmen1 if they judge that their cause may be promoted thereby4 ,this was carried in the affirmative1 and the man that was designed by this stratagem to be destroyed was one ,mr4 ,resistance1 otherwise called ,captain ,resistance4 ,and a great man in ,mansoul this ,captain ,resistance was2 and a man that the giant ,diabolus and his band more feared than they feared the whole town of ,mansoul besides4#bi ,now who should be the actor to do the murder1 that was the next1 and they appointed one ,tisiphone1 a fury of the lake1 to do it4 ,they thus having ended their council of war1 rose up1 and essayed to do as they had determined4 ,they marched towards ,mansoul1 but all in a manner invisible1 save one1 only one2 nor did he approach the town in his own likeness1 but under the shape and in the body of the dragon4#cj ,so they drew up1 and sat down before ,ear-gate1 for that was the place of hearing for all without the town1 as ,eye-gate was the place of perspection4 ,so1 as ,i said1 he came up with his train to the gate1 and laid his ambuscado for ,captain ,resistance within bow-shot of the town4 ,this done1 the giant ascended up close to the gate1 and called to the town of ,mansoul for audience4 ,nor took he any with him1 but one ,all-pause1#ca who was his orator in all difficult matters4 ,now1 as ,i said1 he being come up to the gate1 as the manner of those times was1 sounded his trumpet for audience4 ,at which the chief of the town of ,mansoul1 such as my ,lord ,innocent1 my ,lord ,will-be-will1#cb my ,lord ,mayor1 ,mr4 ,recorder1#cc and ,captain ,resistance came down to the wall to see who was there1 and what was the matter4 ,and my ,lord ,will-be-will1 when he had looked over and saw who stood at the gate1 demanded what he was1 wherefore he was come1 and why he roused the town of ,mansoul with so unusual a sound4 ,diab4 ,diabolus then1 as if he had been a lamb1 began his oration1 and said2 ,gentlemen of the famous town of ,mansoul1 ,i am1 as you may perceive1 no far dweller from you1 but near1 and one that is bound by the ,king to do you my homage1 and what service ,i can2 wherefore1 that ,i may be faithful to myself1 and to you1 ,i have somewhat of concern to impart unto you4 ,wherefore grant me your audience1 and hear me patiently4 ,and1 first1 ,i will assure you1 it is not myself1 but you2 not mine1 but your advantage that ,i seek1 by what ,i now do1 as will full well be made manifest by that ,i have opened my mind unto you4 ,for1 gentlemen1 ,i am1 to tell you the truth1 come to show you how you may obtain great and ample deliverance from a bondage that1 unawares to yourselves1 you are captivated and enslaved under4 ,at this the town of ,mansoul began to prick up its ears1 and what is it1 pray1 what is it1 thought they2 and he said1 ,i have somewhat to say to you concerning your ,king1 concerning his law1 and also touching yourselves4 ,touching your ,king1 ,i know he is great and potent1 but yet all that he hath said to you is neither true1 nor yet for your advantage4 #a4 ,it is not true1 for that wherewith he hath hitherto awed you shall not come to pass1 nor be fulfilled1 though you do the thing that he hath forbidden4 ,but if there was danger1 what a slavery is it to live always in fear of the greatest of punishments1 for doing so small and trivial a thing as eating of a little fruit is8 #b4 ,touching his laws1 this ,i say further1 they are both unreasonable1 intricate1 and intolerable4 ,unreasonable1 as was hinted before1 for that the punishment is not proportioned to the offence4 ,there is great difference and disproportion betwixt the life and an apple2 yet the one must go for the other1 by the law of your ,shaddai4 ,but it is also intricate1 in that he saith1 first1 you may eat of all2 and yet after1 forbids the eating of one4 ,and then1 in the last place1 it must needs be intolerable1 forasmuch as that fruit which you are forbidden to eat of1 if you are forbidden any1 is that1 and that alone1 which is able1 by your eating1 to minister to you a good as yet unknown by you4 ,this is manifest by the very name of the tree2 it is called the tree of knowledge of good and evil2 and have you that knowledge as yet8 ,no1 no1 nor can you conceive how good1 how pleasant1 and how much to be desired to make one wise it is1 so long as you stand by your ,king's commandment4 ,why should you be holden in ignorance and blindness8 ,why should you not be enlarged in knowledge and understanding8 ,and now1 ah6 ye inhabitants of the famous town of ,mansoul1 to speak more particularly to yourselves1 you are not a free people6 ,you are kept both in bondage and slavery1 and that by a grievous threat2 no reason being annexed but1 so ,i will have it1 so it shall be4 ,and is it not grievous to think on1 that that very thing that you are forbidden to do1 might you but do it1 would yield you both wisdom and honour2 for then your eyes will be opened1 and you shall be as gods4 ,now1 since this is thus1 quoth he1 can you be kept by any prince in more slavery1 and in greater bondage1 than you are under this day8 ,you are made underlings1 and are wrapped up in inconveniences1 as ,i have well made appear4 ,for what bondage greater than to be kept in blindness8 ,will not reason tell you that it is better to have eyes than to be without them2 and so to be at liberty1 to be better than to be shut up in a dark and stinking cave4 ,and just now1 while ,diabolus was speaking these words to ,mansoul1 ,tisiphone shot at ,captain ,resistance1 where he stood on the gate1 and mortally wounded him in the head2 so that he1 to the amazement of the townsmen1 and the encouragement of ,diabolus1 fell down dead quite over the wall4#cd ,now1 when ,captain ,resistance was dead1 and he was the only man of war in the town1 poor ,mansoul was wholly left naked of courage1 nor had she now any heart to resist4 ,but this was as the devil would have it4#ce ,then stood forth that ,he1#cf ,mr4 ,ill-pause1 that ,diabolus brought with him1 who was his orator1#cg and he addressed himself to speak to the town of ,mansoul3 the tenour of whose speech here follows4 ,,ill-,,pause4 ,gentlemen1 quoth he1 it is my master's happiness that he has this day a quiet and teachable auditory1#ch and it is hoped by us that we shall prevail with you not to cast off good advice2 my master has a very great love for you1 and although1 as he very well knows1 that he runs the hazard of the anger of ,king ,shaddai1 yet love to you will make him do more than that4#ci ,nor doth there need that a word more should be spoken to confirm for truth what he hath said2 there is not a word but carries with it self-evidence in its bowels2 the very name of the tree may put an end to all controversy in this matter4 ,i therefore at this time shall only add this advice to you1 under1 and by the leave of my ,lord and with that he made ,diabolus a very low conge4 ,consider his words1 look on the tree1 and the promising fruit thereof2 remember also that yet you know but little1 and that this is the way to know more2 and if your reasons be not conquered to accept of such good counsel1 you are not the men that ,i took you to be4 ,but when the towns-folk saw that the tree was good for food1 and that it was pleasant to the eye1 and a tree to be desired to make one wise1 they did as old ,ill-pause advised1 they took and did eat thereof4 ,now this ,i should have told you before1 that even then1 when this ,ill-pause was making of his speech to the townsmen1 my ,lord ,innocency--whether by a shot from the camp of the giant1 or from some sinking qualm that suddenly took him1 or whether by the stinking breath of that treacherous villain old ,ill-pause1 for so ,i am most apt to think--sunk down in the place where he stood1 nor could he be brought to life again4#dj ,thus these two brave men died2 brave men ,i call them1 for they were the beauty and glory of ,mansoul1 so long as they lived therein2 nor did there now remain any more a noble spirit in ,mansoul1 they all fell down1 and yielded obedience to ,diabolus1 and became his slaves and vassals1 as you shall hear4#da ,now these being dead1 what do the rest of the towns-folk1 but as men that had found a fool's paradise1 they presently1 as afore was hinted1 fall to prove the truth of the giant's words2 and first they did as ,ill-pause had taught them1 they looked1 they considered1 they were taken with the forbidden fruit1 they took thereof1 and did eat2 and having eaten1 they became immediately drunken therewith2 so they opened the gate1 both ,ear-gate and ,eye-gate1 and let in ,diabolus with all his bands1 quite forgetting their good ,shaddai1 his law1 and the judgment that he had annexed with solemn threatening to the breach thereof4#db ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,contents3--,diabolus takes possession of the castle--,the ,lord ,mayor1 ,mr4 ,understanding1 is deposed1 and a wall built before his house1 to darken it--,mr4 ,conscience1 the ,recorder1 is put out of office1 and becomes very obnoxious both to ,diabolus and to the inhabitants--,my ,lord ,will-be-will1 heartily espousing the cause of ,diabolus1 is made the principal governor of the town--,the image of ,shaddai defaced1 and that of ,diabolus set up in its stead--,mr4 ,lustings is made ,lord ,mayor1 and ,mr4 ,forget-good1 ,recorder--,new alderman appointed--,three forts built to defend the town against ,shaddai4 ,diabolus having now obtained entrance in at the gates of the town1 marches up to the middle thereof1 to make his conquest as sure as he could1 and finding by this time the affections of the people warmly inclining to him1 he1 as thinking it was best striking while the iron is hot1 made this further deceivable speech unto them1 saying1 ,alas1 my poor ,mansoul6 ,i have done thee indeed this service1 as to promote thee to honour1 and to greaten thy liberty1 but alas6 alas6 poor ,mansoul1 thou wantest now one to defend thee1 for assure thyself that when ,shaddai shall hear what is done1 he will come2 for sorry will he be that thou hast broken his bonds1 and cast his cords away from thee4 ,what wilt thou do--wilt thou after enlargement suffer thy privileges to be invaded and taken away8 or what wilt resolve with thyself8 ,then they all with one consent said to this bramble1 ,do thou reign over us4 ,so he accepted the motion1 and became the king of the town of ,mansoul4 ,this being done1 the next thing was to give him possession of the castle1 and so of the whole strength of the town4 ,wherefore into the castle he goes--it was that which ,shaddai built in ,mansoul for his own delight and pleasure--this now was become a den and hold for the giant ,diabolus4#dc ,now having got possession of this stately palace or castle1 what doth he but make it a garrison for himself1 and strengthens and fortifies it with all sorts of provision against the ,king ,shaddai1 or those that should endeavour the regaining of it to him and his obedience again4 ,this done1 but not thinking himself yet secure enough1 in the next place1 he bethinks himself of new-modelling the town2 and so he does1 setting up one1 and putting down another at pleasure4#dd ,wherefore my ,lord ,mayor1 whose name was my ,lord ,understanding1 and ,mr4 ,recorder1 whose name was ,mr4 ,conscience1 those he puts out of place and power4 ,as for my ,lord ,mayor1 though he was an understanding man1 and one too that had complied with the rest of the town of ,mansoul in admitting of the giant into the town1 yet ,diabolus thought not fit to let him abide in his former lustre and glory1 because he was a seeing man4 ,wherefore he darkened it not only by taking from him his office and power1 but by building of a high and strong tower1 just between the sun's reflections1 and the windows of my ,lord's palace 7#b ,cor #aj3d1e72 by which means his house and all1 and the whole of his habitation1 was made as dark as darkness itself4 ,and thus being alienated from the light1 he became as one that was born blind 7,eph #d3ah1ai74 ,to this his house my ,lord was confined as to a prison2 nor might he be upon his parole go farther than within his own bounds4 ,and now had he had a heart to do for ,mansoul1 what could he do for it or wherein could he be profitable to her8 ,so then1 so long as ,mansoul was under the power and government of ,diabolus--and so long it was under him as it was obedient to him2 which was even until by a war it was rescued out of his hands--so long my ,lord ,mayor was rather an impediment in1 than advantage to1 the famous town of ,mansoul4 ,as for ,mr4 ,recorder1 before the town was taken he was a man well read in the laws of his ,king1 and also a man of courage and faithfulness1 to speak truth at every occasion2 and he had a tongue as bravely hung as he had an head filled with judgment4 ,now this man1 ,diabolus could by no means abide1 because1 though he gave his consent to his coming into the town1 yet he could not1 by all wiles1 trials1 stratagems1 and devices that he could use1 make him wholly his own4 ,true1 he was much degenerated from his former ,king1 and also much pleased with many of the giant's laws and service2 but all this would not do1 forasmuch as he was not wholly his4 ,he would now and then think upon ,shaddai1 and have dread of his law upon him1 and then he would speak with a voice as great against ,diabolus as when a lion roareth2#de yea1 and would also at certain times when his fits were upon him--for you must know that sometimes he had terrible fits--he would make the whole town of ,mansoul shake with his voice3 and1 therefore1 the now king of ,mansoul could not abide him4#df ,diabolus therefore feared the ,recorder more than any that was left alive in the town of ,mansoul1 because1 as ,i said1 his words did shake the whole town2 they were like the rattling thunder1 and also like thunder-claps4 ,since therefore the giant could not make him wholly his own1 what doth he do but studies all that he could to debauch the old gentleman2 and by debauchery to stupefy his mind1 and more harden his heart in ways of vanity4 ,and as he attempted1 so he accomplished his design2 he debauched the man1 and by little and little so drew him into sin and wickedness1 that at last he was not only debauched as at first1 and so by consequence defiled1 but was almost1 at last1 ,i say1 past all conscience of sin4 ,and this was the furthest ,diabolus could go4 ,wherefore he bethinks him of another project2 and that was to persuade the men of the town that ,mr4 ,recorder was mad1 and so not to be regarded3 and for this he urged his fits1 and said1 ,if he be himself1 why doth he not do thus always8 but1 quoth he1 as all mad folks have their fits1 and in them their raving language1 so hath this old and doating gentleman4 ,thus1 by one means or another1 he quickly got ,mansoul to slight1 neglect1 and despise whatever ,mr4 ,recorder could say4#dg ,for besides what already you have heard1 ,diabolus had a way to make the old gentleman1 when he was merry1 unsay and deny what he in his fits had affirmed2 and1 indeed1 this was the next way to make himself ridiculous1 and to cause that no man should regard him4 ,also1 now he never spake freely for ,king ,shaddai1 but always by force and constraint2 besides1 he would at one time be hot against that at which at another he would hold his peace1 so uneven was he now in his doings4 ,sometimes he would be as if fast asleep1 and again sometimes as dead1 even then when the whole town of ,mansoul was in her career after vanity1 and in her dance after the giant's pipe4 ,wherefore1 sometimes1 when ,mansoul did use to be frightened with the thundering voice of the ,recorder that was1 and when they did tell ,diabolus of it1 he would answer that what the old gentleman said was neither of love to him nor pity to them1 but of a foolish fondness that he had to be prating2 and so would hush1 still1 and put all to quiet again4 ,and that he might leave no argument unurged that might tend to make them secure1 he said1 and said it often1 ,o ,mansoul6 consider that notwithstanding the old gentleman's rage1 and the rattle of his high and thundering words1 you hear nothing of ,shaddai himself1 when1 liar and deceiver that he was1 every outcry of ,mr4 ,recorder against the sin of ,mansoul was the voice of ,god in him to them4 ,but he goes on and says1 ,you see that he values not the loss1 nor rebellion of the town of ,mansoul1 nor will he trouble himself with calling of his town to a reckoning for their giving of themselves to me4 ,he knows that though ye were his1 now you are lawfully mine2 so1 leaving us one to another1 he now hath shaken his hands of us4#dh ,moreover1 ,o ,mansoul6 quoth he1 consider how ,i have served you1 even to the uttermost of my power2 and that with the best that ,i have1 could get1 or procure for you in all the world3 besides1 ,i dare say1 that the laws and customs that you now are under1 and by which you do homage to me1 do yield you more solace and content than did the paradise that at first you possessed4 ,your liberty also1 as yourselves do very well know1 has been greatly widened and enlarged by me2 whereas ,i found you a pent-up people4 ,i have not laid any restraint upon you2 you have no law1 statute1 or judgment of mine to frighten you2 ,i call none of you to account for your doings1 except the madman 7you know who ,i mean74 ,i have granted you to live1 each man1 like a prince1 in his own1 even with as little control from me as ,i myself have from you4 ,and thus would ,diabolus hush up1 and quiet the town of ,mansoul1 when the ,recorder1 that was1 did at times molest them2 yea1 and with such cursed orations as these would set the whole town in a rage and fury against the old gentleman2 yea1 the rascal crew at some times would be for destroying of him4 ,they have often wished1 in my hearing1 that he had lived a thousand miles off from them3 his company1 his words1 yea1 the sight of him1 and especially when they remembered how in old times he did use to threaten and condemn them1--for all he was now so debauched--did terrify and afflict them sore4#di ,but all wishes were vain2 for ,i do not know how1 unless by the power of ,shaddai1 and his wisdom1 he was preserved in being amongst them4 ,besides1 his house was as strong as a castle1 and stood hard to a stronghold of the town4 ,moreover1 if at any time any of the crew or rabble attempted to make him away1 he could pull up the sluices1 and let in such floods1 as would drown all round about him4 ,but to leave ,mr4 ,recorder1 and to come to my ,lord ,will-be-will1 another of the gentry of the famous town of ,mansoul4 ,this ,will-be-will was as high-born as any man in ,mansoul1 and was as much1 if not more1 a freeholder than many of them were3 besides1 if ,i remember my tale aright1 he had some privileges peculiar to himself in the famous town of ,mansoul4 ,now1 together with these1 he was a man of great strength1 resolution1 and courage2 nor in his occasion could any turn him away4 ,but ,i say1 whether he was proud of his estate1 privileges1 strength1 or what--but sure it was through pride of something--he scorns now to be a slave in ,mansoul2 and therefore resolves to bear office under ,diabolus1 that he might1 such an one as he was1 be a petty ruler and governor in ,mansoul4#ej ,and1 headstrong man that he was1 thus he began betimes2 for this man1 when ,diabolus did make his oration at ,ear-gate1 was one of the first that was for consenting to his words1 and for accepting of his counsel at wholesome1 and that was for the opening of the gate1 and for letting him into the town3 wherefore ,diabolus had a kindness for him and therefore he designed for him a place2 and perceiving the valour and stoutness of the man1 he coveted to have him for one of his great ones1 to act and to do in matters of the highest concern4#ea ,so he sent for him1 and talked with him of that secret matter that lay in his breast1 but there needed not much persuasion in the case2 for as at first he was willing that ,diabolus should be let into the town1 so now he was as willing to serve him there4 ,when the tyrant therefore perceived the willingness of my ,lord to serve him1 and that his mind stood bending that way1 he forthwith made him the captain of the castle1 governor of the wall1 and keeper of the gates of ,mansoul2 yea1 there was a clause in his commission that nothing without him should be done in all the town of ,mansoul4 ,so that now1 next to ,diabolus himself1 who but my ,lord ,will-be-will in all the town of ,mansoul2 nor could anything now be done1 but at his will and pleasure1 throughout the town of ,mansoul4 ,he had also one ,mr4 ,mind#eb for his clerk1 a man to speak on1 every way like his master2 for he and his ,lord were in principle one1 and in practice not far asunder 7,rom #h3g74 ,and now was ,mansoul brought under to purpose1 and made to fulfil the lusts of the will and of the mind4 ,but it will not out of my thoughts1 what a desperate one this ,will-be-will was1 when power was put into his hand4 ,first1 he flatly denied that he owed any suit or service to his former prince and liege ,lord4 ,this done1 in the next place he took an oath1 and swore fidelity to his great master ,diabolus1 and then1 being stated and settled in his places1 offices1 advancements1 and preferments1 oh6 you cannot think1 unless you had seen it1 the strange work that this workman made in the town of ,mansoul6 ,first1 he maligned ,mr4 ,recorder to death2 he would neither endure to see him1 nor to hear the words of his mouth2 he would shut his eyes when he saw him1 and stop his ears when he heard him speak3 also1 he could not endure that so much as a fragment of the law of ,shaddai should be anywhere seen in the town4 ,for example1 his clerk1 ,mr4 ,mind1 had some old1 rent1 and torn parchments of the law of good ,shaddai in his house1#ec but when ,will-be-will saw them1 he cast them behind his back 7,neh #i3bf74 ,true1 ,mr4 ,recorder had some of the laws in his study1 but my ,lord could by no means come at them3 he also thought1 and said1 that the windows of my old ,lord ,mayor's house were always too light for the profit of the town of ,mansoul4 ,the light of a candle he could not endure4 ,now1 nothing at all pleased ,will-be-will but what pleased ,diabolus his ,lord4 ,there was none like him to trumpet about the streets the brave nature1 the wise conduct1 and great glory of the ,king ,diabolus4 ,he would range and rove throughout all the streets of ,mansoul to cry up his illustrious ,lord1 and would make himself even as an abject1 among the base and rascal crew1 to cry up his valiant prince4 ,and ,i say1 when and wheresoever he found these vassals1 he would even make himself as one of them4 ,in all ill courses he would act without bidding1 and do mischief without commandment4 ,the ,lord ,will-be-will also had a deputy under him1 and his name was ,mr4 ,affection2 one that was also greatly debauched in his principles1 and answerable thereto in his life 7,rom #a3be74 ,he was wholly given to the flesh1 and therefore they called him ,vile-affection4 ,now there was he1 and one ,carnal-lust1 the daughter of ,mr4 ,mind 7like to like1 quoth the devil to the collier7 that fell in love1 and made a match1 and were married2 and1 as ,i take it1 they had several children1 as ,impudent1 ,blackmouth1 and ,hate-reproof2 these three were black boys4 ,and besides these they had three daughters1 as ,scorn-truth1 and ,slightgod1 and the name of the youngest was ,revenge2 these were all married in the town and also begot and yielded many bad brats1 too many to be here inserted4#ed ,but to pass by this4 ,when the giant had thus engarrisoned himself in the town of ,mansoul1 and had put down and set up whom he thought good2 he betakes himself to defacing4 ,now there was in the market-place in ,mansoul1 and also upon the gates of the castle1 an image of the blessed ,king ,shaddai2 this image was so exactly engraven1 and it was engraven in gold1 that it did the most resemble ,shaddai himself of anything that then was extant in the world4 ,this he basely commanded to be defaced1 and it was as basely done by the hand of ,mr4 ,no-truth4 ,now you must know1 that as ,diabolus had commanded1 and that by the hand of ,mr4 ,no-truth1 the image of ,shaddai was defaced4 ,he likewise gave order that the same ,mr4 ,no-truth should set up in its stead the horrid and formidable image of ,diabolus2 to the great contempt of the former ,king1 and debasing of his town of ,mansoul4 ,moreover1 ,diabolus made havoc of all remains of the laws and statutes of ,shaddai that could be found in the town of ,mansoul2 to wit1 such as contained either the doctrines of morals1 with all civil and natural documents4 ,also relative severities he sought to extinguish4#ee ,to be short1 there was nothing of the remains of good in ,mansoul which he and ,will-be-will sought not to destroy2 for their design was to turn ,mansoul into a brute1 and to make it like to the sensual sow1 by the hand of ,mr4 ,no-truth4#ef ,when he had destroyed what law and good orders he could1 then1 further to effect his design--namely1 to alienate ,mansoul from ,shaddai1 her king--he commands1 and they set up his own vain edicts1 statutes1 and commandments1 in all places of resort or concourse in ,mansoul2 to wit1 such as gave liberty to the lusts of the flesh1 the lusts of the eyes1 and the pride of life1 which are not of ,shaddai1 but of the world 7#a ,john #b3af74 ,he encouraged1 countenanced1 and promoted lasciviousness1 and all ungodliness there4 ,yea1 much more did ,diabolus to encourage wickedness in the town of ,mansoul2 he promised them peace1 content1 joy1 and bliss in doing his commands1 and that they should never be called to an account for their not doing the contrary4 ,and let this serve to give a taste to them that love to hear tell of what is done beyond their knowledge1 afar off in other countries4#eg ,now ,mansoul being wholly at his beck1 and brought wholly to his bow1 nothing was heard or seen therein but that which tended to set up him4 ,but now1 he having disabled the ,lord ,mayor and ,mr4 ,recorder from bearing of office in ,mansoul1 and seeing that the town1 before he came to it1 was the most ancient of corporations in the world2 and fearing1 if he did not maintain greatness1 that they at any time should object that he had done them an injury1 therefore1 ,i say1 that they might see that he did not intend to lessen their grandeur1 or to take from them any of their advantageous things1 he did choose for them a ,lord ,mayor and a ,recorder himself2 and such as contented them at the heart1 and such also as pleased him wondrous well4 ,the name of the ,mayor that was of ,diabolus' making was the ,lord ,lustings2 a man that had neither eyes nor ears2 all that he did1 whether as a man or as an officer1 he did it naturally1 as doth the beast4#eh ,and that which made him yet the more ignoble1 though not to ,mansoul1 yet to them that beheld and were grieved for its ruins1 was1 that he never could savour good1 but evil4 ,the ,recorder was one whose name was ,forget-good2 and a very sorry fellow he was4 ,he could remember nothing but mischief1 and to do it with delight4 ,he was naturally prone to do things that were hurtful2 even hurtful to the town of ,mansoul1 and to all the dwellers there4 ,these two1 therefore1 by their power and practice1 example and smiles upon evil1 did much more grammar1#ei and settle the common people in hurtful ways4 ,for who doth not perceive1 but when those that sit aloft are vile1 and corrupt themselves1 they corrupt the whole region and country where they are8#fj ,besides these1 ,diabolus made several burgesses and aldermen in ,mansoul2 such as out of whom the town1 when it needed1 might choose them officers1 governors1 and magistrates4 ,and these are the names of the chief of them1 ,mr4 ,incredulity1 ,mr4 ,haughty1 ,mr4 ,swearing1 ,mr4 ,whoring1 ,mr4 ,hard-heart1 ,mr4 ,pitiless1 ,mr4 ,fury1 ,mr4 ,no-truth1 ,mr4 ,stand-to-lies1 ,mr4 ,false-peace1 ,mr4 ,drunkenness1 ,mr4 ,cheating1 ,mr4 ,atheism--thirteen in all4 ,mr4 ,incredulity is the eldest1 and ,mr4 ,atheism the youngest1 of the company4#fa ,there was also an election of common councilmen1 and others2 as bailiffs1 sergeants1 constables1 and others2 but all of them like to those afore-named1 being either fathers1 brothers1 cousins1 or nephews to them2 whose names1 for brevity's sake1 ,i omit to mention4 ,when the giant had thus far proceeded in his work1 in the next place he betook him to build some strongholds in the town4 ,and he built three that seemed to be impregnable4 ,the first he called the ,hold of ,defiance1 because it was made to command the whole town1 and to keep it from the knowledge of its ancient ,king4 ,the second he called ,midnight-hold1 because it was built on purpose to keep ,mansoul from the true knowledge of itself4 ,the third was called ,sweet-sin-hold1 because by that he fortified ,mansoul against all desires of good4 ,the first of these holds stood close by ,eye-gate1 that as much might be light might be darkened there4 ,the second was built hard by the old castle1 to the end that that might be made more blind1 if possible4 ,and the third stood in the market-place4#fb ,he that ,diabolus made governor over the first of these1 was one ,spite-god1 a most blasphemous wretch4 ,he came with the whole rabble of them that came against ,mansoul at first1 and was himself one of themselves4 ,he that was made the governor of ,midnight-hold1 was one ,love-no-light1 he was also of them that came first against the town4 ,and he that was made the governor of the hold called ,sweet-sin-hold1 was one whose name was ,love-flesh2 he was also a very lewd fellow1 but not of that country where the other are bound4#fc ,this fellow could find more sweetness when he stood sucking of a lust1 than he did in all the paradise of ,god4 ,and now ,diabolus thought himself safe2 he had taken ,mansoul2 he had engarrisoned himself therein2 he had put down the old officers1 and had set up new ones2 he had defaced the image of ,shaddai1 and had set up his own2 he had spoiled the old law-books1 and had promoted his own vain lies2 he had made him new magistrates1 and set up new aldermen2 he had built him new holds1 and had manned them for himself4#fd ,and all this he did to make himself secure1 in case the good ,shaddai1 or his ,son1 should come to make an incursion upon him4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,contents3--,information of the revolution carried to the court of ,king ,shaddai--,his great resentment of the rebellion--,his gracious intention of restoring ,mansoul--,some intimations of this published--,care of ,diabolus to suppress them--,his artifices to secure the town1 and prevent its return to ,shaddai4 ,now you may well think1 that long before this time word1 by some or other1 could not but be carried to the good ,king ,shaddai1 how his ,mansoul in the continent of ,universe was lost2 and that the runagate giant ,diabolus1 once one of his ,majesty's servants1 had1 in rebellion against the ,king1 made sure thereof for himself2 yea1 tidings were carried and brought to the ,king thereof1 and that to a very circumstance4#fe ,at first1 how ,diabolus came upon ,mansoul--they being a simple people1 and innocent1 with craft1 subtlety1 lies1 and guile4 ,item1 ,that he had treacherously slain the right noble and valiant captain1 their ,captain ,resistance1 as he stood upon the gate1 with the rest of the townsmen4 ,item1 ,how my brave ,lord ,innocent fell down dead--with grief1 some say1 or with being poisoned with the stinking breath of one ,ill-pause1 as say others--at the hearing of his just ,lord and rightful prince ,shaddai so abused by the mouth of so filthy a ,diabolian as that varlet ,ill-pause was4 ,the messenger further told1 that after this ,ill-pause had made a short oration to the townsmen1 in behalf of ,diabolus1 his master1 the simple town believing that what was said was true1 with one consent did open ,ear-gate1 the chief gate of the corporation1 and did let him1 with his crew into a possession of the famous town of ,mansoul4 ,he further showed how ,diabolus had served the ,lord ,mayor and ,mr4 ,recorder1 to wit1 that he had put them from all place of power and trust4 ,item1 ,he showed also that my ,lord ,will-be-will was turned a very rebel and renegade1 and that so was one ,mr4 ,mind1 his clerk2 and that they two did range and revel it all the town over1 and teach the wicked ones their ways4 ,he said1 moreover1 that this ,will-be-will was put into great trust2 and1 particularly1 that ,diabolus had put into ,will-be-will's hand all the strong places in ,mansoul2 and that ,mr4 ,affection was made my ,lord ,will-be-will's deputy in his most rebellious affairs4 ,yea1 said the messenger1 this monster1 ,lord ,will-be-will1 has openly disavowed his ,king ,shaddai1 and hath horribly given his faith and plighted his troth to ,diabolus4#ff ',also1' said the messenger1 'besides all this1 the new king1 or rather rebellious tyrant1 over the once famous1 but now perishing1 town of ,mansoul1 has set up a ,lord ,mayor and a ,recorder of his own4 ,for ,mayor1 he has set up one ,mr4 ,lustings1 and for ,recorder1 ,mr4 ,forget-good2 two of the vilest of all the town of ,mansoul4' ,this faithful messenger also proceeded1 and told what a sort of new burgesses ,diabolus had made1 also that he had builed several strong forts1 towers1 and strongholds in ,mansoul4 ,he told too1 the which ,i had almost forgot1 how ,diabolus had put the town of ,mansoul into arms1 the better to capacitate them on his behalf to make resistance against ,shaddai their king1 should he come to reduce them to their former obedience4 ,now this tidings-teller did not deliver his relation of things in private1 but in open court1 the ,king and his ,son1 high lords1 chief captains1 and nobles1 being all there present to hear4 ,but by that they had heard the whole of the story1 it would have amazed one to have seen1 had he been there to behold it1 what sorrow and grief1 and compunction of spirit1 there was among all sorts1 to think that famous ,mansoul was now taken2 only the ,king1 and his ,son foresaw all this long before1 yea1 and sufficiently provided for the relief of ,mansoul1 though they told not everybody thereof4 ,yet1 because they also would have a share in condoling of the misery of ,mansoul1 therefore they also did1 and that at a rate of the highest degree1 bewail the losing of ,mansoul4 ,the ,king said plainly1 ',that it grieved him at his heart1' and you may be sure that his ,son was not a whit behind him 7,gen #f3e1f74 ,thus gave they conviction to all about them1 that they had love and compassion for the famous town of ,mansoul4 ,well1 when the ,king and his ,son were retired into the privy-chamber1 there they again consulted about what they had designed before1 to wit1 that as ,mansoul should in time be suffered to be lost1 so as certainly it should be recovered again2 recovered ,i say1 in such a way as that both the ,king and his ,son would get themselves eternal fame and glory thereby4 ,wherefore after this consult1 the ,son of ,shaddai1 a sweet and comely person1 and one that had always great affection for those that were in affliction1 but one that had mortal enmity in his heart against ,diabolus1 because he was designed for it1 and because he sought his crown and dignity4 ,this ,son of ,shaddai1 ,i say1 having stricken hands#fg with his ,father1 and promised that he would be his servant to recover his ,mansoul again1 stood by his resolution1 nor would he repent of the same7,isa #di3e2 #a ,tim #a3ae2 ,heb #ac3ad74 ,the purport of which agreement was this3 to wit1 ,that at a certain time prefixed by both1 the ,king's ,son should take a journey into the country of ,universe2 and there1 in a way of justice and equity1 by making of amends for the follies of ,mansoul1 he should lay a foundation of her perfect deliverance from ,diabolus1 and from his tyranny4#fh ,moreover1 ,emmanuel resolved to make1 at a time convenient1 a war upon the giant ,diabolus1 even while he was possessed of the town of ,mansoul2 and that he would fairly1 by strength of hand1 drive him out of his hold1 his nest1 and take it to himself1 to be his habitation4 ,this now being resolved upon1 order was given to the ,lord ,chief ,secretary1 to draw up a fair record of what was determined1 and to cause that it should be published in all the corners of the kingdom of ,universe4 ,a short breviate#fi of the contents thereof you may1 if you please1 take here as follows3 ',let all men know who are concerned1 ,that the ,son of ,shaddai1 the great ,king1 is engaged1 by covenant to his ,father1 to bring his ,mansoul to him again2 yea1 and to put ,mansoul too1 through the power of his matchless love1 into a far better1 and more happy condition than it was in before it was taken by ,diabolus4'#gj ,these papers1 therefore1 were published in several places1 to the no little molestation of the tyrant ,diabolus1 for now1 thought he1 ,i shall be molested1 and my habitation will be taken from me4 ,but when this matter1 ,i mean this purpose of the ,king and his ,son1 did at first take air at court1 who can tell how the high lords1 chief captains1 and noble princes1 that were there1 were taken with the business4 ,first1 they whispered it one to another1 and after that it began to ring out throughout the ,king's palace2 all wondering at the glorious design that between the ,king and his ,son was on foot for the miserable town of ,mansoul4 ,yea1 the courtiers could scarce do anything1 either for the ,king or kingdom1 but they would mix with the doing thereof a noise of the love of the ,king and his ,son1 that they had for the town of ,mansoul4 ,nor could these lords1 high captains1 and princes be content to keep this news at court1 yea1 before the records thereof were perfected1 themselves came down and told it in ,universe4 ,at last it came to the ears1 as ,i said1 of ,diabolus1 to his no little discontent4 ,for you must think it would perplex him to hear of such a design against him2 well1 but after a few casts in his mind1 he concluded upon these four things4 ,first4 ,that this news1 this good tidings1 if possible1 should be kept from the ears of the town of ,mansoul4#ga ,for1 said he1 if they shall once come to the knowledge that ,shaddai1 their former ,king1 and ,emmanuel1 his ,son1 are contriving of good for the town of ,mansoul2 what can be expected by me1 but that ,mansoul will make a revolt from under my hand and government1 and return again to him4 ,now1 to accomplish this his design1 he renews his flattery with my ,lord ,will-be-will1 and also gives him strict charge and command1 that he should keep watch by day and by night at all the gates of the town1 especially ,ear-gate and ,eye-gate4 ,for ,i hear of a design1 quoth he1 a design to make us all traitors1 and that ,mansoul must be reduced to its first bondage again4 ,i hope they are but flying stories1 quoth he2 however1 let no such news by any means be let into ,mansoul1 lest the people be dejected thereat2 ,i think1 my ,lord1 it can be no welcome news to you1 ,i am sure it is none to me4 ,and ,i think that at this time it should be all our wisdom and care to nip the head of all such rumours as shall tend to trouble our people4 ,wherefore1 ,i desire1 my ,lord1 that you will in this matter do as ,i say1 let there be strong guards daily kept at every gate of the town4 ,stop also and examine from whence such come1 that you perceive do from far come hither to trade2 nor let them by any means be admitted into ,mansoul1 unless you shall plainly perceive that they are favourers of our excellent government4 ,i command1 moreover1 said ,diabolus1 that there be spies continually walking up and down the town of ,mansoul1 and let them have power to suppress1 and destroy1 any that they shall perceive to be plotting against us1 or that shall prate of what by ,shaddai and ,emmanuel is intended4 ,this1 therefore1 was accordingly done2 my ,lord ,will-be-will hearkened to his ,lord and master1 went willingly after the commandment1 and1 with all the diligence he could1 kept any that would from going out abroad1 or that sought to bring this tidings to ,mansoul1 from coming into the town4 ,secondly4 ,this done1 in the next place1 ,diabolus1 that he might make ,mansoul as sure as he could1 frames and imposes a new oath and horrible covenant upon the townsfolk3 to wit1 ',that they should never desert him1 nor his government1 nor yet betray him1 nor seek to alter his laws2 but that they should own1 confess1 stand by1 and acknowledge him for their rightful king1 in defiance to any that do1 or hereafter shall1 by any pretence1 law1 or title whatever1 lay claim to the town of ,mansoul4' ,thinking belike that ,shaddai had not power to absolve them from this covenant with death1 and agreement with hell 7,isa #bh3ae74 ,nor did the silly ,mansoul stick or boggle at all at this most monstrous engagement1 but1 as if it had been a sprat in the mouth of a whale1 they swallowed it without any chewing4 ,were they troubled at it8 ,nay1 they rather bragged and boasted of their so brave fidelity to the tyrant1 their pretended ,king1 swearing that they would never be changelings1 nor forsake their old ,lord for a new4#gb ,thus did ,diabolus tie poor ,mansoul fast2 but jealousy1 that never thinks itself strong enough1 put him1 in the next place1 upon another exploit1 which was yet more1 if possible1 to debauch this town of ,mansoul4 ,wherefore he caused1 by the hand of one ,mr4 ,filth1 an odious1 nasty1 lascivious piece of beastliness to be drawn up in writing1#gc and to be set upon the castle gates2 whereby he granted and gave license to all his true and trusty sons in ,mansoul1 to do whatsoever their lustful appetites prompted them to do1 and that no man was to let1 hinder1 or control them1 upon pain of incurring the displeasure of their prince4 ,now this he did for these reasons3 #a4 ,that the town of ,mansoul might be yet made weaker and weaker1 and so more unable1 should tiding come that their redemption was designed1 to believe1 hope1 or consent to the truth thereof4 ,for reason says1 the bigger the sinner1 the less grounds of hopes of mercy4#gd #b4 ,the second reason was1 ,if perhaps1 ,emmanuel1 the ,son of ,shaddai their king1 by seeing the horrible and profane doings of the town of ,mansoul1 might repent1 though entered into a covenant of redeeming them1 of pursuing that covenant of their redemption2 for he knew that ,shaddai was holy1 and that his ,son ,emmanuel was holy2 yea1 he knew it by woeful experience2 for1 for his iniquity and sin was ,diabolus cast from the highest orbs4 ,wherefore what more rational than for him to conclude1 that thus for sin it might fare with ,mansoul4 ,but fearing also lest this knot should break1 he bethinks himself of another1 to wit3 #c4 ,to endeavour to possess all hearts in the town of ,mansoul that ,shaddai was raising of an army1 to come to overthrow and utterly to destroy this town of ,mansoul1 and this he did to forestal any tidings that might come to their ears of their deliverance2 for1 thought he1 if ,i first bruit#ge this1 the tidings that shall come after1 will all be swallowed up of this2 for what else will ,mansoul say1 when they shall hear that they must be delivered1 but that the true meaning is1 ,shaddai intends to destroy them2 wherefore1 he summons the whole town into the market-place1 and there1 with deceitful tongue1 thus he addresses himself unto them3-- ',gentlemen1 and my very good friends1 ,you are all1 as you know1 my legal subjects1 and men of the famous town of ,mansoul2 you know how1 from the first day that ,i have been with you until now1 ,i have behaved myself among you1 and what liberty1 and great privileges you have enjoyed under my government1 ,i hope to your honour1 and mine1 and also to your content and delight4 ,now1 my famous ,mansoul1 a noise of trouble there is abroad1 of trouble to the town of ,mansoul1 sorry ,i am thereof for your sakes4 ,for ,i received but now by the post from my ,lord ,lucifer--and he useth to have good intelligence--that your old ,king ,shaddai is raising of an army to come against you1 to destroy you root and branch3#gf and this1 ,o ,mansoul1 is now the cause that at this time ,i have called you together2 namely1 to advise what in this juncture is best to be done2 for my part1 ,i am but one1 and can with ease shift for myself1 did ,i list to seek my own ease1 and to leave my ,mansoul in all the danger4 ,but my heart is so firmly united to you1 and so unwilling am ,i to leave you1 that ,i am willing to stand and fall with you1 to the utmost hazard that shall befall me4#gg ,what say you1 ,o my ,mansoul8 ,will you now desert your old friend1 or do you think of standing by me8' ,then as one man1 with one mouth1 they cried out together1 ',let him die the death that will not4' ,then said ,diabolus again1 ',it is in vain for us to hope for quarter1 for this ,king knows not how to show it3 true1 perhaps1 he at his first sitting down before us will talk of1 and pretend to1 mercy1 that thereby1 with the more ease1 and less trouble1 he may again make himself the master of ,mansoul4 ,whatever therefore he shall say1 believe not one syllable or tittle of it1 for all such language is but to overcome us1 and to make us1 while we wallow in our blood1 the trophies of his merciless victory4 ,my mind is1 therefore1 that we resolve1 to the last man1 to resist him1 and not to believe him upon any terms2 for in at that door will come our danger4#gh ,but shall we be flattered out of our lives8 ,i hope you know more of the rudiments of politics than to suffer yourselves so pitifully to be served4 ',but suppose he should1 if he get us to yield1 save some of our lives1 or the lives of some of them that are underlings in ,mansoul1 what help will that be to you that are the chief of the town2 especially of you whom ,i have set up1 and whose greatness has been procured by you through your faithful sticking to me8 ,and suppose again1 that he should give quarter to every one of you1 be sure he will bring you into that bondage under which you were captivated before1 or a worse2 and then what good will your lives do you8 ,shall you with him live in pleasure as you do now8 ,no1 no1 you must be bound by laws that will pinch you1 and be made to do that which at present is hateful to you2 ,i am for you1 if you are for me1 and it is better to die valiantly1 than to live like pitiful slaves4#gi ,but ,i say1 the life of a slave will be counted a life too good for ,mansoul now2 blood1 blood1 nothing but blood is in every blast of ,shaddai's trumpet against poor ,mansoul now4#hj ,pray1 be concerned1 ,i hear he is coming up2 and stand to your arms1 that now while you have any leisure1 ,i may learn you some feats of war4 ,armour for you ,i have1 and by me it is2 yea1 and it is sufficient for ,mansoul from top to toe2 nor can you be hurt by what his force can do1 if you shall keep it well girt and fastened about you4 ,come therefore to my castle1 and welcome1 and harness yourselves for the war4 ,there is helmet1 breastplate1 sword1 and shield1 and what not1 that will make you fight like men4 #a4 ',my helmet1 otherwise called an head-piece1 is hope of doing well at last1 what lives soever you live4 ,this is that which they had1 who said1 that they should have peace though they walked in the wickedness of their heart1 to add drunkenness to thirst 7,deut #bi3ai74 ,a piece of approved armour this is1 and whoever has it and can hold it1 so long no arrow1 dart1 sword1 or shield can hurt him2 this therefore1 keep on1 and thou wilt keep off many a blow1 my ,mansoul4#ha #b4 ',my breastplate is a breastplate of iron2 ,i had it forged in mine own country1 and all my soldiers are armed therewith2 in plain language it is a hard heart1 a heart as hard as iron1 and as much past feeling as a stone2 the which if you get1 and keep1 neither mercy shall win you1 nor judgment fright you 7,rev #i3i74 ,this1 therefore1 is a piece of armour most necessary for all to put on that hate ,shaddai1 and that would fight against him under my banner4 #c4 ',my sword is a tongue that is set on fire of hell 7,psa #eg3d71 and that can bend itself to speak evil of ,shaddai1 his ,son1 his ways1 and people 7,psa #fd3c74 ,use this2 it has been tried a thousand times twice told2 whoever hath it1 keeps it1 and makes that use of it as ,i would have him1 can never be conquered by mine enemy 7,james #c3c-e74 #d4 ',my1 shield is unbelief1 or calling into question the truth of the ,word1 or all the sayings that speak of the judgment that ,shaddai has appointed for wicked men4 ,use this shield 7,job #ae3bf74 ,many attempts he has made upon it1 and sometimes1 it is true1 it has been bruised 7,psa #gf3c74 ,but they that have writ of the wars of ,emmanuel against my servants1 have testified that he could do no mighty work there because of their unbelief 7,mark #f3e1f74 ,now1 to handle this weapon of mine aright1 it is not to believe things because they are true1 of what sort or by whomsoever asserted4 ,if he speak of judgment1 care not for it2 if he speak of mercy1 care not for it2 if he promise1 if he swear that he would do to ,mansoul1 if it turn1 no hurt but good1 regard not what is said2 question the truth of all2 for this is to wield the shield of unbelief aright1 and as my servants ought and do2 and he that doth otherwise loves me not1 nor do ,i count him but an enemy to me4#hb #e4 ',another part or piece1' said ,diabolus1 'of mine excellent armour is a dumb and prayerless spirit--a spirit that scorns to cry for mercy2 wherefore be you1 my ,mansoul1 sure that you make use of this4#hc ,what6 cry for quarter1 never do that if you would be mine2 ,i know you are stout men1 and am sure that ,i have clad you with that which is armour of proof2 wherefore1 to cry to ,shaddai for mercy1 let that be far from you4 ,besides all this1 ,i have a maul1 fire-brands1 arrows and death1 all good hand-weapons1 and such as will do execution4'#hd ,after he had thus furnished his men with armour and arms1 he addressed himself to them in such like words as these3--',remember1' quoth he1 'that ,i am your rightful king1 and that you have taken an oath1 and entered into covenant to be true to me and my cause2 ,i say1 remember this1 and show yourselves stout and valiant men of ,mansoul4 ,remember also the kindness that ,i have always showed to you1 and that without your petitions3 ,i have granted to you external things1 wherefore the privileges1 grants1 immunities1 profits and honours wherewith ,i endowed you1 do call for at your hands returns of loyalty1 my lion-like men of ,mansoul2 and when so fit a time to show it as when another shall seek to take my dominion over you1 into their own hands8 ,one word more1 and ,i have done1 ,can we but stand1 and overcome this one shock or brunt1 ,i doubt not but in little time all the world will be ours2 and when that day comes1 my true hearts1 ,i will make you kings1 princes1 and captains1 and what brave days shall we have then8'#he ,diabolus having thus armed1 and forearmed his servants and vassals in ,mansoul1 against their good and lawful ,king ,shaddai2 in the next place1 he doubleth his guards at the gates of the town1 and he takes himself to the castle1 which was his stronghold4 ,his vassals also1 to show their wills1 and supposed1 but ignoble1 gallantry1 exercise themselves in their arms every day1 and teach one another feats of war2 they also defied their enemies1 and sang up the praises of their tyrant2 they threatened also what men they would be1 if ever things should rise so high as a war between ,shaddai and their king4#hf ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,contents3--,shaddai sends an army of forty thousand to reduce ,mansoul1 under the direction of four captains1 ,boanerges1 ,conviction1 ,judgment1 and ,execution1 who address the inhabitants with great energy1 but to little purpose--,diabolus1 ,incredulity1 ,ill-pause1 and others1 interfere to prevent submission--,prejudice defends ,ear-gate with a guard of sixty deaf men4 ,now all this time1 the good ,king1 the ,king ,shaddai was preparing to send an army to recover the town of ,mansoul again1 from under the tyranny of their pretended king ,diabolus4 ,but he thought good1 at first1 not to send them by the hand and conduct of brave ,emmanuel his ,son1 but under the hand of some of his servants1 to see first1 by them1 the temper of ,mansoul2 and whether by them they would be won to the obedience of their ,king4 ,the army consisted of above forty thousand1 all true men2 for they came from the ,king's own court1 and were those of his own choosing4 ,they came up to ,mansoul under the conduct of four stout generals1 each man being a captain of ten thousand men1 and these are their names1 and their signs4 ,the name of the first was ,boanerges2 the name of the second was ,captain ,conviction2 the name of the third was ,captain ,judgment2 and the name of the fourth was ,captain ,execution4 ,these were the captains that ,shaddai sent to regain ,mansoul4#hg ,these four captains1 as was said1 the ,king thought fit1 in the first place1 to send to ,mansoul1 to make an attempt upon it2 for indeed1 generally in all his wars he did use to send these four captains in the van1 for they were very stout and rough-hewn men1 men that were fit to break the ice1 and to make their way by dint of sword1 and their men were like themselves 7,psa #fj3d74hh ,to each of these captains the ,king gave a banner that it might be displayed1 because of the goodness of his cause1 and because of the right that he had to ,mansoul4 ,first to ,captain ,boanerges1 for he was the chief2 to him1 ,i say1 was given ten thousand men4 ,his ensign was ,mr4 ,thunder2 he bare the black colours1 and his scutcheon was three burning thunderbolts 7,mark #c3ag74 ,the second captain was ,captain ,conviction2 to him was also given ten thousand men4 ,his ensign's name was ,mr4 ,sorrow2 he did bear the pale colours1 and his scutcheon was the book of the law wide open1 from whence issued a flame of fire 7,deut #cc3b74 ,the third captain was ,captain ,judgment2 to him was given ten thousand men4 ,his ensign's name was ,mr4 ,terror2 he bare the red colours1 and his scutcheon was a burning fiery furnace 7,matt #ac3dj1da74 ,the fourth captain was ,captain ,execution2 to him was given ten thousand men4 ,his ensign was ,mr4 ,justice2 he also bare the red colours1 and his scutcheon was a fruitless tree1 with an axe lying at the root thereof 7,matt #c3aj74 ,these four captains1 as ,i said1 had every one of them under his command ten thousand men2 all of good fidelity to the ,king1 and stout at their military actions4#hi ,well1 the captains1 and their forces1 their men and under officers1 being had upon a day by ,shaddai into the field1 and there called all over by their names1 were then and there put into such harness#ij as became their degree1 and that service that now they were going about for their ,king4#ia ,now1 when the ,king had mustered his forces--for it is he that mustereth the host to the battle--he gave unto the captains their several commissions1 with charge and commandment1 in the audience of all the soldiers1 that they should take heed faithfully and courageously to do and execute the same4 ,their commissions were1 for the substance of them1 the same in form2 though as to name1 title1 place1 and degree of the captains1 there might be some1 but very small variation4 ,and here let me give you an account of the matter and sum contained in their commission4 ,a commission from the great ,shaddai1 ,king of ,mansoul1 to his trusty and noble ,captain ,boanerges1#ib for his making war upon the town of ,mansoul4 ',o thou ,boanerges1 one of my stout and thundering captains1 over one ten thousand of my valiant and faithful servants2 go thou in my name1 with this thy force1 to the miserable town of ,mansoul2 and when thou comest thither1 offer them first conditions of peace 7,matt #aj3aa2 ,luke #aj3e71 and command them1 that casting off the yoke and tyranny of the wicked ,diabolus1 they return to me1 their rightful ,prince and ,lord2 command them1 also1 that they cleanse themselves from all that is his in the town of ,mansoul1 and look to thyself that thou hast good satisfaction touching the truth of their obedience4 ,thus when thou hast commanded them1 if they in truth submit thereto1 then do thou1 to the uttermost of thy power1 what in thee lies1 to set up for me a garrison in the famous town of ,mansoul2 nor do thou hurt the least native that moveth or breatheth therein1 if they will submit themselves to me1 but treat thou such as if they were thy friend or brother--for all such ,i love1 and they shall be dear unto me--and tell them that ,i will take a time to come unto them1 and to let them know that ,i am merciful 7#a ,thess #b3g-aj74 ',but if they shall--notwithstanding thy summons1 and the production of thy authority--resist1 stand out against thee1 and rebel1 then do ,i command thee to make use of all thy cunning1 power1 might1 and force1 to bring them under by strength of hand4 ,farewell4' ,thus you see the sum of their commissions1 for1 as ,i said before1 for the substance of them they were the same that the rest of the noble captains had4 ,wherefore they having received each commander his authority1 at the hand of their ,king1 the day being appointed1 and the place of their rendezvous prefixed1 each commander appeared in such gallantry as became his cause and calling4 ,so1 after a new entertainment from ,shaddai1 with flying colours1 they set forward to march towards the famous town of ,mansoul4 ,captain ,boanerges led the van2 ,captain ,conviction and ,captain ,judgment made up the main body1 and ,captain ,execution brought up the rear 7,eph #b3ac1ag74 ,they then having a great way to go1 for the town of ,mansoul was far off from the court of ,shaddai1 they marched through the regions and countries of many people1 not hurting or abusing any1 but blessing wherever they came4 ,they also lived upon the ,king's cost in all the way they went4#ic ,having travelled thus for many days1#id at last they came within sight of ,mansoul2 the which1 when they saw1 the captains could for their hearts do no less than for a while bewail the condition of the town1 for they quickly saw how that it was prostrate to the will of ,diabolus1 and to his ways and designs4 ,well1 to be short1 the captains came up before the town1 march up to ,ear-gate1 sit down there1 for that was the place of hearing4 ,so1 when they had pitched their tents and entrenched themselves1 they addressed themselves to make their assault4 ,now the townsfolk at first1 beholding so gallant a company1 so bravely accoutred1 and so excellently disciplined1 having on their glittering armour1 and displaying of their flying colours1 could not but come out of their houses and gaze4 ,but the cunning fox1 ,diabolus1 fearing that the people1 after this sight1 should on a sudden summons1 open the gates to the captains1 came down with all haste from the castle1 and made them retire into the body of the town1 who1 when he had them there1 made this lying and deceivable speech unto them3-- ',gentlemen1' quoth he1 'although you are my trusty and well-beloved friends1 yet ,i cannot but a little chide you for your late uncircumspect action1 in going out to gaze on that great and mighty force that but yesterday sat down before1 and have now entrenched themselves1 in order to the maintaining of a siege against1 the famous town of ,mansoul4 ,do you know who they are1 whence they come1 and what is their purpose in setting down before the town of ,mansoul8 ,they are they of whom ,i have told you long ago1 that they would come to destroy this town1 and against whom ,i have been at the cost to arm you with cap-a-pie#ie for your body1 besides great fortifications for your mind4 ,wherefore1 then1 did you not rather1 even at the first appearance of them1 cry out1 fire the beacons1 and give the whole town an alarm concerning them1 that we might all have been in a posture of defence1 and been ready to have received them with the highest acts of defiance1 then had you showed yourselves men to my liking2 whereas1 by what you have done1 you have made me half-afraid2 ,i say half-afraid1 that when they and we shall come to push a pike1 ,i shall find you want courage to stand it out any longer4 ,wherefore have ,i commanded a watch1 and that you should double your guards at the gates8 ,wherefore have ,i endeavoured to make you as hard as iron1 and your hearts as a piece of the nether millstone8 ,was it1 think you1 that you might show yourselves women1 and that you might go out like a company of innocents to gaze on your mortal foes8 ,fie1 fie1 put yourselves into a posture of defence1 beat up the drum1 gather together in warlike manner1 that our foes may know that1 before they shall conquer this corporation there are valiant men in the town of ,mansoul4 ',i will leave off now to chide1#if and will not further rebuke you2 but ,i charge you that henceforwards you let me see no more such actions4 ,let not henceforward a man of you1 without order first obtained from me1 so much as show his head over the wall of the town of ,mansoul4 ,you have now heard me1 do as ,i have commanded1 and you shall cause me that ,i dwell securely with you1 and that ,i take care as for myself1 so for your safety and honour also4 ,farewell4' ,now were the townsmen strangely altered2 they were as men stricken with a panic fear2 they ran to and fro through the streets of the town of ,mansoul1 crying out1 ',help1 help6 the men that turn the world upside down are come hither also2' nor could any of them be quiet after1 but still1 as men bereft of wit1 they cried out1 ',the destroyers of our peace and people are come4' ,this went down with ,diabolus4 ',aye6' quoth he to himself1 'this ,i like well1 now it is as ,i would have it2 now you show your obedience to your prince1 hold you but here1 and then let them take the town if they can4' ,well1 before the ,king's forces had sat before ,mansoul three days1 ,captain ,boanerges commanded his trumpeter to go down to ,ear-gate1 and there1 in the name of the great ,shaddai1 to summon ,mansoul to give audience to the message that he1 in his ,master's name1 was to them commanded to deliver4 ,so the trumpeter1 whose name was ,take-heed-what-you-hear1 went up1 as he was commanded1 to ,ear-gate1 and there sounded his trumpet for a hearing2 but there was none that appeared that gave answer or regard2 for so had ,diabolus commanded4 ,so the trumpeter returned to his captain1 and told him what he had done1 and also how he had sped4 ,whereat the captain was grieved1 but bid the trumpeter go to his tent4 ,again ,captain ,boanerges sendeth his trumpeter to ,ear-gate1 to sound1 as before1 for a hearing4 ,but they again kept close1 came not out1 nor would they give him an answer1 so observant were they of the command of ,diabolus their king4#ig ,then the captains1 and other field-officers1 called a council of war1#ih to consider what further was to be done for the gaining of the town of ,mansoul1 and1 after some close and thorough debate upon the contents of their commissions1 they concluded yet to give to the town1 by the hand of the fore-named trumpeter1 another summons to hear2 but if that shall be refused1 said they1 and that the town shall stand it out still1 then they determined1 and bid the trumpeter tell them so1 that they would endeavour1 by what means they could1 to compel them by force to the obedience of their ,king 7,luke #ad3bc74 ,so ,captain ,boanerges commanded his trumpeter to go up to ,ear-gate again1 and1 in the name of the great ,king ,shaddai1 to give it a very loud summons1 to come down without delay to ,ear-gate1 there to give audience to the ,king's most noble captains4 ,so the trumpeter went and did as he was commanded4 ,he went up to ,ear-gate and sounded his trumpet1 and gave a third summons to ,mansoul2 he said1 moreover1 that if this they should still refuse to do1 the captains of his ,prince would with might come down upon them1 and endeavour to reduce them to their obedience by force 7,isa #eh3a74 ,then stood up my ,lord ,will-be-will1 who was the governor of the town2 this ,will-be-will was that apostate of whom mention was made before1 and the keeper of the gates of ,mansoul4 ,he1 therefore1 with big and ruffling words1 demanded of the trumpeter who he was1 whence he came1 and what was the cause of his making so hideous a noise at the gate1 and speaking such insufferable words against the town of ,mansoul8 ,the trumpeter answered1 ',i am servant to the most noble captain1 ,captain ,boanerges1 general of the forces of the great ,king ,shaddai1 against whom both thyself1 with the whole town of ,mansoul1 have rebelled1 and lift up the heel2 and my master1 the captain1 hath a special message to this town1 and to thee as a member thereof2 the which1 if you of ,mansoul shall peaceably hear1 so2#ii and if not1 you must take what follows4' ,then said the ,lord ,will-be-will1 ',i will carry thy words to my ,lord1 and will know what he will say4'#ajj ,but the trumpeter soon replied1 saying4 ',our message is not to the giant ,diabolus1 but to the miserable town of ,mansoul4 ,nor shall we at all regard what answer by him is made1 nor yet by any for him4 ,we are sent to this town to recover it from under his cruel tyranny1 and to persuade it to submit1 as in former times it did1 to the most excellent ,king ,shaddai4' ,then said the ,lord ,will-be-will1 ',i will do your errand to the town4' ,the trumpeter then replied1 ',sir1 do not deceive us1 lest in so doing1 you deceive yourselves much more4' ,he added1 moreover1 ',for we are resolved1 if in peaceable manner you do not submit yourselves1 then to make a war upon you1 and to bring you under by force4 ,and of the truth of what ,i now say1 this shall be a sign unto you3 you shall see the black flag1 with its hot-burning thunder-bolts1 set upon the mount to-morrow1 as a token of defiance against your prince1 and of our resolutions to reduce you to your ,lord and rightful ,king4' ,so the said ,lord ,will-be-will returned from off the wall1 and the trumpeter came into the camp4 ,when the trumpeter was come into the camp1 the captains and officers of the mighty ,king ,shaddai came together to know if he had obtained a hearing1 and what was the effect of his errand4 ,so the trumpeter told1 saying1 ',when ,i had sounded my trumpet1#aja and had called aloud to the town for a hearing1 my ,lord ,will-be-will1 the governor of the town1 and he that hath charge of the gates1 came up1 when he heard me sound1 and looking over the wall1 he asked me what ,i was1 whence ,i came1 and what was the cause of my making this noise8 ,so ,i told him my errand1 and by whose authority ,i brought it4 ,then1 said he1 ,i will tell it to the governor and to ,mansoul2 and then ,i returned to my ,lords4' ,then said the brave ,boanerges1 ',let us yet for a while lie still in our trenches1 and see what these rebels will do4' ,now when the time drew nigh that audience by ,mansoul must be given to the brave ,boanerges and his companions1 it was commanded that all the men of war1 throughout the whole camp of ,shaddai1 should as one man stand to their arms1 and make themselves ready1 if the town of ,mansoul shall hear1 to receive it forthwith to mercy1 but if not1 to force a subjection4 ,so the day being come1 the trumpeters sounded1 and that throughout the whole camp1 that the men of war might be in a readiness for that which then should be the work of the day4 ,but when they that were in the town of ,mansoul heard the sound of the trumpets throughout the camp of ,shaddai1 and thinking no other but that it must be in order to storming the corporation1 they at first were put to great consternation of spirit2 but after they were a little settled again1 they also made what preparation they could for a war1 if they did storm1 else to secure themselves4 ,well1 when the utmost time was come1 ,boanerges was resolved to hear their answer2 wherefore he sent out his trumpeter again1 to summons ,mansoul to a hearing of the message that they had brought from ,shaddai4 ,so he went and sounded1 and the townsmen came up1 but made ,ear-gate as sure as they could 7,zech #g3aa74 ,now when they were come up to the top of the wall1 ,captain ,boanerges desired to see the ,lord ,mayor1 but my ,lord ,incredulity was then ,lord ,mayor1 for he came in the room of my ,lord ,lustings4 ,so ,incredulity he came up and showed himself over the wall2 but when the ,captain ,boanerges had set his eyes upon him1 he cried out aloud1 ',this is not he1 where is my ,lord ,understanding1 the ancient ,lord ,mayor of the town of ,mansoul8 for to him ,i would deliver my message8' ,then said the giant--for ,diabolus was also come down--to the captain1 ',mr4 ,captain1 you have by your boldness given to ,mansoul1 at least1 four summonses to subject herself to your ,king1 by whose authority ,i know not1 nor will ,i dispute that now2 ,i ask1 therefore1 what is the reason of all this ado1 or what would you be at1 if you knew yourselves8' ,then ,captain ,boanerges1 whose was the black colours1 and whose escutcheon was the three burning thunder-bolts1 taking no notice of the giant or of his speech1 thus addressed himself to the town of ,mansoul3 ',be it known unto you1 ,o unhappy and rebellious ,mansoul1 that the most gracious ,king1 the great ,king ,shaddai1 my ,master1 hath sent me unto you with commission1' aand so he showed to the town his broad seal1 'to reduce you to his obedience4 ,and he hath commanded me1 in case you yield upon my summons1 to carry it to you as if you were my friends1 or brother2 but he also hath bid1 that if after summons to submit1 you still stand out and rebel1 we should endeavour to take you by force4' ,then stood forth ,captain ,conviction and said--his was the pale colours1 and for an escutcheon1 he had the book of the law wide open from whence issued a flame of fire--',hear1 ,o ,mansoul6 ,thou1 ,o ,mansoul1 wast once famous for innocency1 but now thou art degenerated into lies and deceit 7,rom #c3c1aj-bc1 #af3ag1ah74 ,thou hast heard what my brother the ,captain ,boanerges hath said2 and it is your wisdom1 and will be your happiness1 to stoop to1 and accept of1 conditions of peace and mercy when offered2 especially when offered by one against whom thou hast rebelled1 and one who is of power to tear thee in pieces1 for so is ,shaddai our ,king2 nor1 when he is angry1 can anything stand before him 7,psa #a3ba1bb74 ,if you say you have not sinned1 nor acted rebellion against our ,king1 the whole of your doings1 since the day that you cast off his service--and there was the beginning of your sin--will sufficiently testify against you4 ,what else means your hearkening to the tyrant1 and your receiving him for your king8 ,what means else your rejecting of the laws of ,shaddai1 and your obeying of ,diabolus8 ,yea1 what means this your taking up of arms against1 and the shutting of your gates upon us1 the faithful servants of your ,king8 ,be ruled then1 and accept of my brother's invitation1 and overstand not the time of mercy1 but agree with thine adversary quickly 7,luke #ab3eh1ei74 ,ah1 ,mansoul1 suffer not thyself to be kept from mercy1 and to be run into a thousand miseries1 by the flattering wiles of ,diabolus4 ,perhaps that piece of deceit may attempt to make you believe that we seek our own profit in this our service2#ajb but know1 it is obedience to our ,king1 and love to your happiness1 that is the cause of this undertaking of ours4 ',again1 ,i say to thee1 ,o ,mansoul1 consider if it be not amazing grace that ,shaddai should so humble himself as he doth4 ,now he1 by us reasons with you1 in a way of entreaty and sweet persuasions1 that you would subject yourselves to him4 ,has he that need of you1 that we are sure you have of him8 ,no1 no2 but he is merciful1 and will not that ,mansoul should die1 but turn to him and live' 7#b ,cor #e3ah-ba74 ,then stood forth ,captain ,judgment1 whose was the red colours1 and for an escutcheon he had the burning fiery furnace1 and he said1 ',o ye1 the inhabitants of the town of ,mansoul1 that have lived so long in rebellion and acts of treason against the ,king ,shaddai2 know that we come not to-day to this place1 in this manner1 with our message of our own minds1 or to revenge our own quarrel2 it is the ,king1 my ,master1 that hath sent us to reduce you to your obedience to him1 the which if you refuse in a peaceable way to yield1 we have commission to compel you thereto4 ,and never think of yourselves1 nor yet suffer the tyrant ,diabolus to persuade you to think1 that our ,king1 by his power1 is not able to bring you down1 and to lay you under his feet2 for he is the former of all things1 and if he touches the mountains1 they smoke4 ,nor will the gate of the ,king's clemency stand always open2 for the day that shall burn like an oven is before him1 yea1 it hasteth greatly1 it slumbereth not 7,mal #d3a2 #b ,peter #b3c74 ',o ,mansoul6 is it little in thine eyes that our ,king doth offer thee mercy1 and that1 after so many provocations8 ,yea1 he still holdeth out his golden sceptre to thee1 and will not yet suffer his gate to be shut against thee4 ,wilt thou provoke him to do it8 ,if so1 consider of what ,i say3--,to thee it is opened no more for ever 7,job #cf3ad74 ,if thou sayest thou shalt not see him1 yet judgment is before him2 therefore trust thou in him4 ,yea1 because there is wrath1 beware lest he take thee away with his stroke2 then a great ransom cannot deliver thee 7v #ah74 ,will he esteem thy riches8 ,no2 not gold1 nor all the forces of strength4 ,he hath prepared his throne for judgment 7,psa #i3g74 ,for he will come with fire1 and with his chariots like a whirlwind1 to render his anger with fury1 and his rebuke with flames of fire 7,isa #ff3ae74 ,therefore1 ,o ,mansoul1 take heed1 lest after thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked1 justice and judgment should take hold of thee4' ,now1 while the ,captain ,judgment was making this oration to the town of ,mansoul1 it was observed by some that ,diabolus trembled4#ajc ,but he proceeded in his parable1 and said1 ',o thou woful town of ,mansoul6 wilt thou not yet set open thy gate to receive us1 the deputies of thy ,king1 and those that would rejoice to see thee live8 ,can thine heart endure1 or can thine hands be strong1 in the days that he shall deal in judgment with thee8 7,eze #bb3ad74 ,i say1 canst thou endure to be forced to drink1 as one would drink sweet wine1 the sea of wrath that our ,king has prepared for ,diabolus and his angels8 ,consider betimes1 consider4' ,then stood forth the fourth captain1 the noble ,captain ,execution1 and said3 ',o town of ,mansoul6 once famous1 but now like the fruitless bough2 once the delight of the high ones1 but now a den for ,diabolus3 hearken also to me1 and to the words that ,i shall speak to thee in the name of the great ,shaddai4 ,behold the axe is laid unto the root of the trees3 therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit1 is hewn down1 and cast into the fire 7,matt #c3g-aj74 ',thou1 ,o town of ,mansoul6 hath hitherto been this fruitless tree2 thou bearest nought but thorns and briars4 ,thy evil fruit fore-bespeaks thee not to be a good tree4 ,thy grapes are grapes of gall1 thy clusters are bitter 7,deut #cb3cb74 ,thou hast rebelled against thy ,king1 and lo6 we1 the power and force of ,shaddai1 are the axe that is laid to thy roots4 ,what sayest thou1 wilt thou turn8 ,i say again1 tell me before the first blow is given1 wilt thou turn8 ,our axe must first be laid to thy root1 before it be laid at thy root2 it must first be laid to thy root in a way of threatening1 before it is laid at thy root by way of execution2 and between these two is required thy repentance1 and this is all the time that thou hast4 ,what wilt thou do8 wilt thou turn1 or shall ,i smite8 ,if ,i fetch my blow1 ,mansoul1 down you go2 for ,i have commission to lay my axe at as well as to thy roots1 nor will anything but yielding to our ,king prevent doing of execution4 ,what art thou fit for1 ,o ,mansoul1 if mercy preventeth not1 but to be hewn down1 and cast into the fire and burned8 ',o ,mansoul6 patience and forbearance do not act for ever2 a year or two1 or three1 they may2 but if thou provoke by a three years' rebellion--and thou hast already done more than this--then what follows but1 cut it down8 ,nay1 ,after that thou shalt cut it down 7,luke #ac3i74 ,and dost thou think that these are but threatenings1 or that our ,king has not power to execute his words8 ,o ,mansoul6 thou wilt find that in the words of our ,king1 when they are by sinners made little or light of1 there is not only threatening1 but burning coals of fire4 ,thou hast been a cumber-ground#ajd long already1 and wilt thou continue so still8 ,thy sin has brought this army to thy walls1 and shall it bring it in judgment to do execution into thy town8 ,thou hast heard what the captains have said1 but as yet thou shuttest thy gates2 speak out1 ,mansoul1 wilt thou do so still1 or wilt thou accept of conditions of peace8'#aje ,these brave speeches of these four noble captains the town of ,mansoul refused to hear1 yet a sound thereof did beat against ,ear-gate1 though the force thereof could not break it open4 ,in fine1 the town desired a time to prepare their answer to these demands4 ,the captains then told them1 'that if they would throw out to them one ,ill-pause1 that was in the town1 that they might reward him according to his works1 then they would give them time to consider2 but if they would not cast him to them over the wall of ,mansoul1 then they would give them none2 for1' said they1 'we know that so long as ,ill-pause draws breath in ,mansoul1 all good consideration will be confounded1 and nothing but mischief will come thereon4' ,then ,diabolus1 who was there present1 being loth to lose his ,ill-pause1 because he was his orator1 7and yet be sure he had1 could the captains have laid their fingers on him17 was resolved at this instant to give them answer by himself2 but then1 changing his mind1 he commanded the then ,lord ,mayor1 the ,lord ,incredulity1 to do it1 saying1 ',my ,lord1 do you give these runagates an answer2 and speak out1 that ,mansoul may hear1 and understand you4' ,so ,incredulity1 at ,diabolus' command1 began and said3 ',gentlemen1 you have here1 as we do behold1 to the disturbance of our prince1 and the molestation of the town of ,mansoul1 camped against it3 but from whence you come we will not know1 and what you are we will not believe4 ,indeed1 you tell us in your terrible speech that you have this authority from ,shaddai2 but by what right he commands you to do it1 of that we shall yet be ignorant4 ,you have also1 by the authority aforesaid1 summoned this town to desert her ,lord2 and for protection1 to yield up herself to the great ,shaddai1 your ,king2 flatteringly telling her1 that if she will do it1 he will pass by1 and not charge her with her past offences4 ,further1 you have also1 to the terror of the town of ,mansoul1 threatened1 with great and sore destructions1 to punish this corporation1 if she consents not to do as your wills would have her4 ',now1 captains1 from whencesoever you come1 and though your designs be never so right1 yet know ye1 that neither my ,lord ,diabolus1 nor ,i his servant ,incredulity1 nor yet our brave ,mansoul1 doth regard either your persons1 message1 or the ,king that you say hath sent you3 his power1 his greatness1 his vengeance1 we fear not2 nor will we yield at all to your summons4 ',as for the war that you threaten to make upon us1 we must therein defend ourselves as well as we can2 and know ye1 that we are not without wherewithal to bid defiance to you4 ,and1 in short1 for ,i will not be tedious1' ,i tell you that we take you to be some vagabond runagate crew1 that1 having shaken off all obedience to your ,king1 have gotten together in tumultuous manner1 and are ranging from place to place to see if1 through the flatteries you are skilled to make on the one side1 and threats wherewith you think to fright on the other1 to make some silly town1 city1 or country1 to desert their place and leave it to you2 but ,mansoul is none of them4 ,to conclude1 we dread you not1 we fear you not1 nor will we obey your summons3 our gates we will shut upon you1 our place we will keep you out of2 nor will we long thus suffer you to sit down before us4 ,our people must live in quiet2 your appearance doth disturb them 7,luke #aa3ba72 wherefore arise with bag and baggage1 and begone1 or we will let fly from the walls against you4'#ajf ,this oration1 made by old ,incredulity1 was seconded by desperate ,will-be-will1 in words to this effect3 ',gentlemen1 we have heard your demands1 and the noise of your threats1 and have heard the sound of your summons1 but we fear not your force2 we regard not your threats1 but will still abide as you found us4 ,and we command you1 that in three days' time you cease to appear in these parts1 or you shall know what it is once to dare offer to rouse the lion ,diabolus1 when asleep in his town of ,mansoul4' ,the ,recorder1 whose name was ,forget-good1 he also added as followeth3 ',gentlemen1 my ,lords1 as you see1 have1 with mild and gentle words1 answered your rough and angry speeches2 they have1 moreover1 in my hearing1 given you leave quietly to depart as you came4 ,wherefore1 take their kindness1 and begone4 ,we might have come out with force upon you1 and have caused you to feel the dint of our swords2 but as we love ease and quiet ourselves1 so we love not to hurt or molest others4'#ajg ,then did the town of ,mansoul shout for joy2 as if1 by ,diabolus and his crew1 some great advantage had been gotten of the captains4 ,they also rang the bells1 and made merry1 and danced upon the walls4 ,diabolus also returned to the castle1 and the ,lord ,mayor and ,recorder to their place2 but the ,lord ,will-be-will took special care that the gates should be secured with double guards1 double bolts1 and double locks and bars4 ,and that ,ear-gate especially might the better be looked to--for that was the gate in at which the ,king's forces sought most to enter--the ,lord ,will-be-will made one old ,mr4 ,prejudice1 an angry and ill-conditioned fellow1 captain of the ward at that gate1 and put under his power sixty men1 called ,deafmen2#ajh men advantageous for that service1 forasmuch as they mattered no words of the captains1 nor of their soldiers4#aji ,,chapter ,v4 ,,contents3--,the captains resolve to give them battle--,the town resolutely resists1 and the captains retire to winter quarters--,tradition1 ,human-wisdom1 and ,man's invention enlist under ,boanerges1 but are taken prisoners1 and carried to ,diabolus2 they are admitted soldiers for him1 under ,captain ,anything--,hostilities are renewed1 and the town much molested--,a famine and mutiny in ,mansoul--,the town sounds a parley--,propositions made and rejected--,understanding and ,conscience quarrel with ,incredulity--,a skirmish ensues1 and mischief is done on both sides4 ,now1 when the captains saw the answer of the great ones1 and that they could not get a hearing from the old natives of the town1 and that ,mansoul was resolved to give the ,king's army battle1 they prepared themselves to receive them1 and to try it out by the power of the arm4 ,and first1 they made their force more formidable against ,ear-gate2 for they knew that unless they could penetrate that1 no good could be done upon the town4 ,this done1 they put the rest of their men in their places2 after which they gave out the word1 which was1 ',,ye ,,must ,,be ,,born ,,again4'#aaj ,then they sounded the trumpet2 then they in the town made them answer1 with shout against shout1 charge against charge1 and so the battle began4 ,now they in the town had planted upon the tower over ,ear-gate1 two great guns1 the one called ,highmind1 and the other ,heady4 ,unto these two guns they trusted much2 they were cast in the castle by ,diabolus' founder1 whose name was ,mr4 ,puff-up2 and mischievous pieces they were4#aaa ,but so vigilant and watchful1 when the captains saw them1 were they1 that though sometimes their shot would go by their ears with a whiz1 yet they did them no harm4 ,by these two guns the towns-folk made no question but greatly to annoy the camp of ,shaddai1 and well enough to secure the gate1 but they had not much cause to boast of what execution they did1 as by what follows will be gathered4 ,the famous ,mansoul had also some other small pieces in it1 of the which they made use against the camp of ,shaddai4 ,they from the camp also did as stoutly1 and with as much of that as may in truth be called valour1 let fly as fast at the town and at ,ear-gate3 for they saw that unless they could break open ,ear-gate1 it would be but in vain to batter the wall4 ,now the ,king's captains had brought with them several slings1 and two or three battering-rams2 with their slings1 therefore1 they battered the houses and people of the town1 and with their rams they sought to break ,ear-gate open4 ,the camp and the town had several skirmishes1 and brisk encounters1 while the captains1 with their engines1 made many brave attempts to break open1 or beat down1 the tower that was over ,ear-gate1 and at the said gate to make their entrance4 ,but ,mansoul stood it out so lustily1 through the rage of ,diabolus1 the valour of the ,lord ,will-be-will1 and the conduct of old ,incredulity1 the ,mayor1 and ,mr4 ,forget-good1 the ,recorder1 that the charge and expense of that summer's wars1 on the ,king's side1 seemed to be almost quite lost1 and the advantage to return to ,mansoul4 ,but when the captains saw how it was1 they made a fair retreat1 and entrenched themselves in their winter quarters4 ,now in this war1 you must needs think there was much loss on both sides1 of which be pleased to accept of this brief account following3--#aab ,the ,king's captains1 when they marched from the court to come up against ,mansoul to war1 as they came crossing over the country1 they happened to light upon three young fellows that had a mind to go for soldiers2 proper men they were1 and men of courage and skill1 to appearance4 ,their names were ,mr4 ,tradition1 ,mr4 ,human-wisdom1 and ,mr4 ,man's-invention4 ,so they came up to the captains1 and proffered their services to ,shaddai4 ,the captains then told them of their design1 and bid them not to be rash in their offers2 but the young men told them they had considered the thing before1 and that hearing they were upon their march for such a design1 came hither on purpose to meet them1 that they might be listed under their excellencies4 ,then ,captain ,boanerges1 for that they were men of courage1 listed them into his company1 and so away they went to the war4 ,now when the war was begun1 in one of the briskest skirmishes1 so it was1 that a company of the ,lord ,will-be-will's men sallied out at the sally-port1 or postern of the town1 and fell in upon the rear of ,captain ,boanerges' men1 where these three fellows happened to be1 so they took them prisoners1 and away they carried them into the town2 where they had not lain long in durance1 but it began to be noised about the streets of the town what three notable prisoners the ,lord ,will-be-will's men had taken1 and brought in prisoners out of the camp of ,shaddai4 ,at length tidings thereof were carried to ,diabolus to the castle1 to wit1 what my ,lord ,will-be-will's men had done1 and whom they had taken prisoners4 ,then ,diabolus called for ,will-be-will1 to know the certainty of this matter4 ,so he asked him1 and he told him2 then did the giant send for the prisoners1 who1 when they were come1 demanded of them who they were1 whence they came1 and what they did in the camp of ,shaddai2 and they told him4 ,then he sent them to ward again4 ,not many days after1 he sent for them to him again1 and then asked them if they would be willing to serve him against their former captains4 ,they then told him that they did not so much live by religion1 as by the fates of fortune2 and that since his lordship was willing to entertain them1 they should be willing to serve him4 ,now while things were thus in hand1 there was one ,captain ,anything1 a great doer in the town of ,mansoul1 and to this ,captain ,anything did ,diabolus send these men1 with a note under his hand to receive them into his company2 the contents of which letter were thus3-- ',anything1 my darling1 the three men that are the bearers of this letter have a desire to serve me in the war1 nor know ,i better to whose conduct to commit them than to thine2 receive them1 therefore1 in my name1 as need shall require1 make use of them against ,shaddai and his men4 ,farewell4' ,so they came1 and he received them2 and he made of two of them serjeants1 but he made ,mr4 ,man's-invention his armour-bearer4 ,but thus much for this1 and now to return to the camp4#aac ,they of the camp did also some execution upon the town1 for they did beat down the roof of the ,lord ,mayor's house1 and so laid him more open than he was before4 ,they had almost1 with a sling1 slain my ,lord ,will-be-will outright2 but he made a shift to recover again4 ,but they made a notable slaughter among the aldermen1 for with one only shot they cut off six of them2 to wit1 ,mr4 ,swearing1 ,mr4 ,whoring1 ,mr4 ,fury1 ,mr4 ,stand-to-lies1 ,mr4 ,drunkenness1 and ,mr4 ,cheating4#aad ,they also dismounted the two guns that stood upon the tower over ,ear-gate1 and laid them flat in the dirt4#aae ,i told you before1 that the ,king's noble captains had drawn off to their winter quarters1 and had there entrenched themselves and their carriages1 so as with the best advantage to their ,king1 and the greatest annoyance to the enemy1 they might give seasonable and warm alarms to the town of ,mansoul4 ,and this design of them did so hit1 that1 ,i may say1 they did almost what they would to the molestation of the corporation4 ,for now could not ,mansoul sleep securely as before1 nor could they now go to their debaucheries with that quietness as in times past4 ,for they had from the camp of ,shaddai such frequent1 warm1 and terrifying alarms2 yea1 alarms upon alarms1 first at one gate1 and then at another1 and again at all the gates at once1 that they were broken as to former peace4 ,yea1 they had their alarms so frequently1 and that when the nights#aaf were at longest1 the weather coldest1 and so consequently the season most unseasonable2 that that winter was to the town of ,mansoul a winter by itself4 ,sometimes the trumpets would sound1 and sometimes the slings would whirl the stones into the town4 ,sometimes ten thousand of the ,king's soldiers would be running round the walls of ,mansoul at midnight1 shouting1 and lifting up the voice for the battle4 ,sometimes1 again1 some of them in the town would be wounded1 and their cry and lamentable voice would be heard1 to the great molestation of the now languishing town of ,mansoul4 ,yea1 so distressed with those that laid siege against them were they1 that1 ,i dare say1 ,diabolus their king had1 in these days1 his rest much broken4 ,in these days1 as ,i was informed1 new thoughts1 and thoughts that began to run counter one to another1 began to possess the minds of the men of the town of ,mansoul4 ,some would say1 ',there is no living thus'2 others would then reply1 ',this will be over shortly4' ,then would a third stand up and answer1 ',let us turn to the ,king ,shaddai1 and so put an end to these troubles4' ,and a fourth would come in with a fear1 saying1 ',i doubt he will not receive us4'#aag ,the old gentleman too1 the ,recorder1 that was so before ,diabolus took ,mansoul1 he also began to talk aloud2 and his words were now to the town of ,mansoul as if they were great claps of thunder4 ,no noise now so terrible to ,mansoul as was his1 with the noise of the soldiers1 and shoutings of the captains4 ,also1 things began to grow scarce in ,mansoul2 now the things that her soul lusted after were departing from her4 ,upon all her pleasant things there was a blast1 and burning instead of beauty4 ,wrinkles now1 and some shows of the shadow of death1 were upon the inhabitants of ,mansoul4#aah ,and now1 ,o how glad would ,mansoul have been to have enjoyed quietness and satisfaction of mind1 though joined with the meanest condition in the world6#aai ,the captains also1 in the deep of this winter1 did send1 by the mouth of ,boanerges' trumpeter1 a summons to ,mansoul to yield up herself to the ,king1 the great ,king ,shaddai4 ,they said it once1 and twice1 and thrice2 not knowing but that at some times there might be in ,mansoul some willingness to surrender up themselves unto them1 might they but have the colour of an invitation to do it under4 ,yea1 so far as ,i could gather1 the town had been surrendered up to them before now1 had it not been for the opposition of old ,incredulity1 and the fickleness of the thoughts of my ,lord ,will-be-will4 ,diabolus also began to rave1 wherefore ,mansoul1 as to yielding1 was not yet all of one mind1 therefore1 they still lay distressed under these perplexing fears4#abj ,i told you but now that they of the ,king's army had this winter sent three times to ,mansoul1 to submit herself4 ,first4 ,the first time the trumpeter went1 he went with words of peace1 telling of them1 ',that the captains1 the noble captains of ,shaddai1 did pity and bewail the misery of the now perishing town of ,mansoul2 and were troubled to see them so much to stand in the way of their own deliverance4' ,he said1 moreover1 ',that the captains bid him tell them1 that if now poor ,mansoul would humble herself1 and turn1 her former rebellions and most notorious treasons should1 by their merciful ,king1 be forgiven them1 yea1 and forgotten too4' ,and having bid them 'beware that they stood not in their own way1 that they opposed not themselves1 nor made themselves their own losers1' he returned again into the camp4 ,second4 ,the second time the trumpeter went1 he did treat them a little more roughly4 ,for after sound of trumpet1 he told them1 ',that their continuing in their rebellion did but chafe and heat the spirit of the captains1 and that they were resolved to make a conquest of ,mansoul1 or to lay their bones before the town walls4' ,third4 ,he went again the third time1 and dealt with them yet more roughly2 telling of them1 ',that now1 since they had been so horribly profane1 he did not know--not certainly know--whether the captains were inclining to mercy or judgment2 only1' said he1 'they commanded me to give you a summons to open the gates unto them4' ,so he returned1 and went into the camp4 ,these three summons1 and especially the two last1 did so distress the town1 that they presently called a consultation2 the result of which was this1 that my ,lord ,will-be-will should go up to ,ear-gate1 and there1 with sound of trumpet1 call to the captains of the camp for a parley4 ,well1 the ,lord ,will-be-will sounded upon the wall1 so the captains came up in their harness1#aba with their ten thousands at their feet4 ,the townsmen then told the captains that they had heard and considered their summons1 and would come to an agreement with them1 and with their ,king ,shaddai1 upon such certain terms1 articles1 and propositions as1 with and by the order of their prince1 they to them were appointed to propound--to wit1 they would agree upon these grounds to be one people with them4 #a4 ',if that those of their own company1 as the now ,lord ,mayor and their ,mr4 ,forget-good1 with their brave ,lord ,will-be-will1 might1 under ,shaddai1 be still the governors of the town1 castle1 and gates of ,mansoul4 #b4 ,provided that no man that now serveth under their great giant ,diabolus1 be by ,shaddai cast out of house1 harbour1 or the freedom that he hath hitherto enjoyed in the famous town of ,mansoul4 #c4 ,that it shall be granted them1 that they of the town of ,mansoul shall enjoy certain of their rights and privileges--to wit1 such as have formerly been granted them2 and that they have long lived in the enjoyment of1 under the reign of their king ,diabolus1 that now is1 and long has been1 their only ,lord1 and great defender4 #d4 ,that no new law1 officer1 or executioner of law or office1 shall have any power over them1 without their own choice and consent4 ',these be our propositions or conditions of peace2 and upon these terms1' said they1 'we will submit to your ,king4'#abb ,but when the captains had heard this weak and feeble offer of the town of ,mansoul1 and their high and bold demands1 they made to them again1 by their noble captain1 the ,captain ,boanerges1 this speech following3-- ',o ye inhabitants of the town of ,mansoul1 when ,i heard your trumpet sound for a parley with us1 ,i can truly say ,i was glad2 but when you said you were willing to submit yourselves to our ,king and ,lord1 then ,i was yet more glad4 ,but when1 by your silly provisoes and foolish cavils1 you laid the stumbling-block of your iniquity before your own faces1 then my gladness turned into sorrows1 and my hopeful beginnings of your return into languishing1 fainting fears4 ',i count that old ,ill-pause1 the ancient enemy of ,mansoul1 did draw up those proposals that now you present us with as terms of an agreement1 but they deserve not to be admitted to sound in the ear of any man that pretends to have service for ,shaddai4 ,we do1 therefore1 jointly1 and that with the highest disdain1 refuse and reject such things as the greatest of iniquities 7#b ,tim #b3ai74abc ',but1 ,o ,mansoul6 ,if you will give yourselves into our hands1 or rather into the hands of our ,king2 and will trust him to make such terms with1 and for you1 as shall seem good in his eyes--and ,i dare say they shall be such as you shall find to be most profitable to you--then we will receive you1 and be at peace with you4 ,but if you like not to trust yourselves in the arms of ,shaddai our ,king1 then things are but where they were before1 and we know also what we have to do4' ,then cried out old ,incredulity1 the ,lord ,mayor1 and said1 ',and who1 being out of the hands of their enemies1 as ye see we are now1 will be so foolish as to put the staff out of their own hands1 into the hands of they know not who8 ,i1 for my part1 will never yield to so unlimited a proposition4 ,do we know the manner and temper of their ,king8 ,it is said by some1 that he will be angry with his subjects if but the breadth of an hair they chance to step out of the way2 and of others1 that he requireth of them much more than they can perform4 ,wherefore it seems1 ,o ,mansoul1 to be thy wisdom1 to take good heed what thou dost in this matter2 for if you once yield1 you give up yourselves to another1 and so you are no more your own6 ,wherefore to give up yourselves to an unlimited power1 is the greatest folly in the world4 ,for now you indeed may repent2 but can never justly complain4 ,but do you indeed know1 when you are his1 which of you he will kill1 and which of you he will save alive2 or whether he will not cut off every one of us1 and send out of his own country1 another new people1 and cause them to inhabit this town8'#abd ,this speech of the ,lord ,mayor undid all1 and threw flat to the ground their hopes of an accord4 ,wherefore the captains returned to their trenches1 to their tents1 and to their men1 as they were2 and the ,mayor to the castle1 and to his ,king4 ,now ,diabolus had waited for his return1 for he had heard that they had been at their points4 ,so when he was come into the chamber of state1 ,diabolus saluted him with ',welcome1 my ,lord1 how went matters betwixt you to-day8' ,so the ,lord ,incredulity1 with a low conge1#abe told him the whole of the matter1 saying1 ,thus and thus said the captains of ,shaddai1 and thus and thus said ,i4 ,the which when it was told to ,diabolus1 he was very glad to hear it1 and said1 ',my ,lord ,mayor1 my faithful ,incredulity1 ,i have proved thy fidelity above ten times already1 but never yet found thee false4 ,i do promise thee1 if we rub over this brunt1 to prefer thee to a place of honour1 a place far better than to be ,lord ,mayor of ,mansoul4 ,i will make thee my ,universal ,deputy1 and thou shalt1 next to me1 have all nations under thy hand2 yea1 and thou shalt lay bands upon them that they may not resist thee1 nor shall any of our vassals walk more at liberty1 but those that shall be content to walk in thy fetters4' ,now came the ,lord ,mayor out from ,diabolus1 as if he had obtained a favour indeed2 wherefore to his habitation he goes in great state1 and thinks to feed himself well enough with hopes1 until the time came that his greatness should be enlarged4 ,but now1 though the ,lord ,mayor and ,diabolus did thus well agree1 yet this repulse to the brave captains put ,mansoul into a mutiny4 ,for while old ,incredulity went into the castle to congratulate his ,lord with what had passed1 the old ,lord ,mayor that was so before ,diabolus came to the town1 to wit1 my ,lord ,understanding1 and the old ,recorder1 ,mr4 ,conscience1 getting intelligence of what had passed at ,ear-gate1 for you must know that they might not be suffered to be at that debate1 lest they should then have mutinied for the captains4 ,but1 ,i say1 they got intelligence what had passed there1 and were much concerned therewith1 wherefore1 they1 getting some of the town together1 began to possess them with the reasonableness of the noble captains' demands1 and with the bad consequences that would follow upon the speech of old ,incredulity1 the ,lord ,mayor--to wit1 how little reverence he showed therein1 either to the captains1 or to their ,king2 also1 how he implicitly charged them with unfaithfulness1 and treachery3 for what less1 quoth they1 could be made of his words1 when he said he would not yield to their proposition1 and added1 moreover1 a supposition that he would destroy us when before he had sent us word that he would show us mercy4#abf ,the multitude being now possessed with the conviction of the evil that old ,incredulity had done1 began to run together by companies in all places1 and in every corner of the streets of ,mansoul2 and first they began to mutter1 then to talk openly1 and after that they run to and fro1 and cried as they run1 ',o the brave captains of ,shaddai6 ,would we were under the government of the captains1 and of ,shaddai their ,king4'#abg ,when the ,lord ,mayor had intelligence that ,mansoul was in an uproar1 down he comes to appease the people1 and thought to have quashed their heat with the bigness and the show of his countenance4 ,but when they saw him1 they came running upon him1 and had doubtless done him a mischief1 had he not betaken himself to house4 ,however1 they strongly assaulted the house where he was1 to have pulled it down about his ears2 but the place was too strong1 so they failed of that4 ,so he taking some courage addressed himself1 out at a window1 to the people in this manner3-- ',gentlemen1 what is the reason that there is here such an uproar to-day8' ,,und4 ,then answered my ,lord ,understanding3 ',it is even because that thou and thy master have carried it not rightly1 and as you should1 to the captains of ,shaddai2 for in three things you are faulty3--,first1 ,in that you would not let ,mr4 ,conscience and myself be at the hearing of your discourse4 ,secondly1 ,in that you propounded such terms of peace1 to the captains1 that by no means could be granted1 unless they had intended that their ,shaddai should have been only a titular prince1 and that ,mansoul should still have had power by law1 to have lived in all lewdness and vanity before him1 and so by consequence ,diabolus should still here be king in power1 and the other only king in name4 ,thirdly1 ,for that thou didst thyself1 after the captains had showed us upon what conditions they would have received us to mercy1 even undo all again with thy unsavoury1 and unseasonable1 and ungodly speech4' ,,incred4 ,when old ,incredulity had heard this speech1 he cried out1 ',treason1 treason3 ,to your arms1 to your arms1 ,o ye1 the trusty friends of ,diabolus in ,mansoul4'#abh ,,und4 ',sir1 you may put upon my words what meaning you please1 but ,i am sure that the captains of such an high ,lord as theirs is1 deserves a better treatment at your hands4' ,,incred4 ,then said old ,incredulity1 ',this is but little better4 ,but1 ,sir1' quoth he1 'what ,i spake1 ,i spake for my prince1 for his government1 and the quieting of the people1 whom by your unlawful actions you have this day set to mutiny against us4' ,,cons4 ,then replied the old ,recorder1 whose name was ,mr4 ,conscience1 and said1 ',sir1 you ought not thus to retort upon what my ,lord ,understanding hath said4 ,it is evident enough that he hath spoken the truth1 and that you are an enemy to ,mansoul2 be convinced1 then1 of the evil of your saucy and malapert language1 and of the grief that you have put the captains to2 yea1 and of the damages that you have done to ,mansoul thereby4 ,had you accepted of the conditions1 the sound of the trumpet and the alarm of war had now ceased about the town of ,mansoul2 but that dreadful sound abides1 and your want of wisdom in your speech has been the cause of it4' ,,incred4 ,then said old ,incredulity3 ',sir1 ,if ,i live ,i will do your errand to ,diabolus1 and there you shall have an answer to your words4 ,meanwhile we will seek the good of the town1 and not ask counsel of you4' ,,und4 ',sir1 your prince and you are both foreigners to ,mansoul1 and not the natives thereof4 ,and who can tell but that when you have brought us into greater straits1 when you also shall see that yourselves can be safe by no other means than by flight1 you may leave us and shift for yourselves1 or set us on fire1 and go away in the smoke1 or by the light of our burning1 and so leave us in our ruins4' ,,incred4 ',sir1 you forget that you are under a governor1 and that you ought to demean yourself like a subject1#abi and know ye1 when my ,lord the king shall hear of this day's work1 he will give you but little thanks for your labour4' ,now while these gentlemen were thus in their chiding words1 down come1 from the walls and gates of the town1 the ,lord ,will-be-will1 ,mr4 ,prejudice1 old ,ill-pause1 and several of the new-made aldermen and burgesses1 and they asked the reason of the hubbub and tumult4 ,and with that every man began to tell his own tale1 so that nothing could be heard distinctly4 ,then was a silence commanded1 and the old fox ,incredulity began to speak4 ',my ,lord1' quoth he1 'here are a couple of peevish gentlemen1 that have1 as a fruit of their bad dispositions1 and1 as ,i fear1 through the advice of one ,mr4 ,discontent1 tumultuously gathered this company against me this day2 and also attempted to run the town into acts of rebellion against our prince4' ,then stood up all the ,diabolonians that were present1 and affirmed these things to be true4 ,now when they that took part with my ,lord ,understanding1 and with ,mr4 ,conscience1 perceived that they were like to come to the worst1 for that force and power was on the other side1 they came in for their help and relief4 ,so a great company was on both sides4#acj ,then they on ,incredulity's side would have had the two old gentlemen presently away to prison2 but they on the other side said they should not4 ,then they began to cry up parties again2 the ,diabolonians cried up old ,incredulity1 ,forget-good1 the new aldermen1 and their great one ,diabolus2 and the other party1 they as fast cried up ,shaddai1 the captains1 his laws1 their mercifulness1 and applauded their conditions and ways4 ,thus the bickerment went awhile1 at last they passed from words to blows1 and now there were knocks on both sides4 ,the good old gentleman1 ,mr4 ,conscience1 was knocked down twice by one of the ,diabolonians1 whose name was ,mr4 ,benumbing4 ,and my ,lord ,understanding had like to have been slain with an harquebus1 but that he that shot wanted to take his aim aright4 ,nor did the other side wholly escape1 for there was one ,mr4 ,rashhead1 a ,diabolonian1 that had his brains beaten out by ,mr4 ,mind1 the ,lord ,will-be-will's servant2 and it made me laugh to see how old ,mr4 ,prejudice was kicked and tumbled about in the dirt4 ,for though a while since he was made captain of a company of the ,diabolonians1 to the hurt and damage of the town2 yet now they had got him under their feet2 and ,i will assure you he had by some of the ,lord ,understanding's party his crown soundly cracked to boot4 ,mr4 ,anything also1 he became a brisk man in the broil1 but both sides were against him1 because he was true to none4 ,yet he had for his malapertness one of his legs broken1 and he that did it wished it had been his neck4 ,much harm more was done on both sides1 but this must not be forgotten1 it was now a wonder to see my ,lord ,will-be-will so indifferent as he was2 he did not seem to take one side more than another1 only it was perceived that he smiled to see how old ,prejudice was tumbled up and down in the dirt4 ,also when ,captain ,anything came halting up before him1 he seemed to take but little notice of him4#aca ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,contents3--,lord ,understanding and ,mr4 ,conscience imprisoned as authors of the disturbance--,a conference of the besieging officers1 who agree to petition ,shaddai for further assistance--,the petition approved at court--,emmanuel1 the ,king's son1 is appointed to conquer the town--,marches with a great army and surrounds ,mansoul1 which is strongly fortified against him4 ,now when the uproar was over1 ,diabolus sends for my ,lord ,understanding1 and ,mr4 ,conscience1 and claps them both up in prison1 as the ring-leaders and managers of this most heavy riotous rout in ,mansoul4 ,so now the town began to be quiet again1 and the prisoners were used hardly2 yea1 he thought to have made them away1 but that the present juncture did not serve for that purpose1 for that war was in all their gates4#acb ,but let us return again to our story4 ,the captains1 when they were gone back from the gate1 and were come into the camp again1 called a council of war1 to consult what was further for them to do4 ,now some said1 ,let us go up presently and fall upon the town1 but the greatest part thought rather better it would be to give them another summons to yield2 and the reason why they thought this to be best was1 because1 that so far as could be perceived1 the town of ,mansoul now was more inclinable than heretofore4 ,and if1 said they1 while some of them are in a way of inclination1 we should by ruggedness give them distaste1 we may set them further from closing with our summons1 than we would be willing they should4#acc ,wherefore to this advice they agreed1 and called a trumpeter1 put words into his mouth1 set him his time1 and bid him ,god speed4 ,well1 many hours were not expired before the trumpeter addressed himself to his journey4 ,wherefore1 coming up to the wall of the town1 he steereth his course to ,ear-gate1 and there sounded1 as he was commanded4 ,they1 then1 that were within came out to see what was the matter1 and the trumpeter made them this speech following3-- ',o hard-hearted1 and deplorable town of ,mansoul1 how long wilt thou love thy sinful1 sinful simplicity1 and ye fools delight in your scorning8 ,as yet despise you the offers of peace1 and deliverance8 ,as yet will ye refuse the golden offers of ,shaddai1 and trust to the lies and falsehoods of ,diabolus8 ,think you when ,shaddai shall have conquered you1 that the remembrance of these your carriages towards him1 will yield you peace and comfort2 or that1 by ruffling language1 you can make him afraid as a grasshopper8 ,doth he entreat you1 for fear of you8 ,do you think that you are stronger than he8 ,look to the heavens1 and behold1 and consider the stars1 how high are they8 ,can you stop the sun from running his course1 and hinder the moon from giving her light8 ,can you count the number of the stars1 or stay the bottles of heaven8 ,can you call for the waters of the sea1 and cause them to cover the face of the ground8 ,can you behold every one that he is proud1 and abase him1 and bind their faces in secret8#acd ,yet these are some of the works of our ,king1 in whose name1 this day1 we come up unto you1 that you may be brought under his authority4 ,in his name1 therefore1 ,i summon you again1 to yield up yourselves to his captains4' ,at this summons the ,mansoulians seemed to be at a stand1 and knew not what answer to make2 wherefore ,diabolus forthwith appeared1 and took upon him to do it himself1 and thus he begins1 but turns his speech to them of ,mansoul3-- ',gentlemen1' quoth he1 'and my faithful subjects1 if it is true that this summoner hath said concerning the greatness of their ,king1 by his terror you will always be kept in bondage1 and so be made to sneak4 ,yea1 how can you now1 though he is at a distance1 endure to think of such a mighty one8 ,and if not to think of him1 while at a distance1 how can you endure to be in his presence8 ,i1 your prince1 am familiar with you1 and you may play with me as you would with a grasshopper4 ,consider1 therefore1 what is for your profit1 and remember the immunities that ,i have granted you4 ,farther1 if all be true that this man hath said1 how comes it to pass that the subjects of ,shaddai are so enslaved in all places where they come8 ,none in the universe so unhappy as they1 none so trampled upon as they4#ace ,consider1 my ,mansoul4 ,would thou wert as loath to leave me as ,i am loath to leave thee6 ,but consider1 ,i say1 the ball is yet at thy foot2 liberty you have1 if you know how to use it2 yea1 a king you have too1 if you can tell how to love and obey him4' ,upon this speech1 the town of ,mansoul did again harden their hearts yet more against the captains of ,shaddai4 ,the thoughts of his greatness did quite quash them1 and the thoughts of his holiness sunk them in despair4#acf ,wherefore1 after a short consultation1 they1 of the ,diabolonian party they were1 sent back this word by the trumpeter1 ',that1 for their parts1 they were resolved to stick to their king2 but never to yield to ,shaddai4' ,so it was but in vain to give them any further summons1 for they had rather die upon the place than yield4 ,and now things seemed to be gone quite back1 and ,mansoul to be out of reach or call2 yet the captains1 who knew what their ,lord could do1 would not yet be beat out of heart4 ,they therefore sent them another summons1 more sharp and severe than the last2 but the oftener they were sent to1 to be reconciled to ,shaddai1 the further off they were4 ',as they called them1 so they went from them'3 yea1 'though they called them to the ,most ,high' 7,hosea #aa3b1g74 ,so they ceased that way to deal with them any more1 and inclined to think of another way4 ,the captains1 therefore1 did gather themselves together1 to have free conference among themselves1 to know what was yet to be done to gain the town1 and to deliver it from the tyranny of ,diabolus4 ,and one said after this manner1 and another after that4 ,then stood up the right noble1 the ,captain ,conviction1 and said1 ',my brethren1 mine opinion is this3-- ',first4 ,that we continually play our slings into the town1 and keep it in a continual alarm1 molesting of them day and night2 by thus doing we shall stop the growth of their rampant spirit4 ,for a lion may be tamed by continual molestation4#acg ',second4 ,this done1 ,i advise that1 in the next place1 we1 with one consent1 draw up a petition to our ,lord ,shaddai2 by which1 after we have showed our ,king the condition of ,mansoul1 and of affairs here1 and have begged his pardon for our no better success1 we will earnestly implore his ,majesty's help1 and that he will please to send us more force and power2 and some gallant and well-spoken commander to head them2 that so his ,majesty may not lose the benefit of these his good beginnings1 but may complete his conquest upon the town of ,mansoul4'#ach ,to this speech of the noble ,captain ,conviction1 they1 as one man1 consented2 and agreed that a petition should forthwith be drawn up1 and sent by a fit man1 away to ,shaddai with speed4 ,the contents of the petition were thus3-- ',most gracious and glorious ,king1 the ,lord of the best world1 and the builder of the town of ,mansoul3 ,we have1 dread ,sovereign1 at thy commandment1 put our lives in jeopardy1 and at thy bidding made a war upon the famous town of ,mansoul4 ,when we went up against it1 we did1 according to our commission1 first offer conditions of peace unto it4 ,but they1 great ,king1 set light by our counsel1 and would none of our reproof 7,matt #bb3e2 ,prov #a3be-cj2 ,zech #aj3aa1ab74 ,they were for shutting of their gates1 and for keeping us out of the town4 ,they also mounted their guns1 they sallied out upon us1 and have done us what damage they could2 but we pursued them1 with alarm upon alarm1 requiting of them with such retribution as was meet1 and have done some execution upon the town4 ,diabolus1 ,incredulity1 and ,will-be-will are the great doers against us2 now we are in our winter quarters1 but so as that we do yet with an high hand molest and distress the town4 ,once1 as we think1 had we had but one substantial friend in the town1 such as would but have seconded the sound of our summons as they ought1 the people might have yielded themselves4 ,but there were none but enemies there1 nor any to speak in behalf of our ,lord to the town2 wherefore1 though we have done as we could1 yet ,mansoul abides in a state of rebellion against thee4#aci ,now1 ,king of kings1 let it please thee to pardon the unsuccessfulness of thy servants1 who have been no more advantageous in so desirable a work as the conquering of ,mansoul is2 and send1 ,lord1 as we now desire1 more forces to ,mansoul1 that it may be subdued2 and a man to head them1 that the town may both love and fear4 ,we do not thus speak because we are willing to relinquish the wars--for we are for laying of our bones against the place--but that the town of ,mansoul may be won for thy ,majesty4 ,we also pray thy ,majesty for expedition in this matter1 that after their conquest1 we may be at liberty to be sent about other thy gracious designs4 ,amen4' ,the petition thus drawn up was sent away with haste to the ,king1 by the hand of that good man1 ,mr4 ,love-to-,mansoul4 ,when this petition was come to the palace of the ,king1 who should it be delivered to but to the ,king's ,son4 ,so he took it and read it1 and because the contents of it pleased him well1 he mended1 and also in some things1 added to the petition himself4 ,so after he had made such amendments and additions as he thought convenient1 with his own hand1 he carried it in to the ,king2 to whom when he had with obeisance delivered it1 he put on authority1 and spake to it himself4#adj ,now the ,king1 at the sight of the petition1 was glad2 but how much more think you1 when it was seconded by his ,son8 ,it pleased him also to hear that his servants that camped against ,mansoul were so hearty in the work1 and so steadfast in their resolves1 and that they had already got some ground upon the famous town of ,mansoul4 ,wherefore the ,king called to him ,emmanuel his ,son1 who said1 ,here am ,i1 my ,father4 ,then said the ,king1 ,thou knowest1 as ,i do myself1 the condition of the town of ,mansoul1 and what we have purposed1 and what thou hast done to redeem it4 ,come now1 therefore1 my ,son1 and prepare thyself for the war1 for thou shalt go to my camp at ,mansoul4 ,thou shalt also there prosper1 and prevail1 and conquer the town of ,mansoul4 ,then said the ,king's ,son1 ,thy law is within my heart4 ,i delight to do thy will 7,heb #aj74 ,this is the day that ,i have longed for1 and the work that ,i have waited for all this while4 ,grant me1 therefore1 what force thou shalt in thy wisdom think meet1 and ,i will go1 and will deliver from ,diabolus1 and from his power1 thy perishing town of ,mansoul4 ,my heart has been often pained within me for the miserable town of ,mansoul2 but now it is rejoiced1 but now it is glad4 ,and with that he leaped over the mountains for joy1 saying1 ,i have not1 in my heart1 thought anything too dear for ,mansoul2 the day of vengeance is in mine heart for thee1 my ,mansoul2 and glad am ,i that thou1 my ,father1 hast made me the ,captain of their salvation 7,heb #b3aj74 ,and ,i will now begin to plague all those that have been a plague to my town of ,mansoul1 and will deliver it from their hand4 ,when the ,king's ,son had said thus to his ,father1 it presently flew like lightning round about at court2 yea1 it there became the only talk what ,emmanuel was to go to do for the famous town of ,mansoul4 ,but you cannot think how the courtiers too were taken with this design of the ,prince4 ,yea1 so affected were they with this work1 and with the justness of the war1 that the highest ,lord and greatest peer of the kingdom did covet to have commissions under ,emmanuel1 to go to help to recover again to ,shaddai the miserable town of ,mansoul4#ada ,then was it concluded that some should go and carry tidings to the camp that ,emmanuel was to come to recover ,mansoul1 and that he would bring along with him so mighty1 so impregnable a force1 that he could not be resisted4 ,but oh1 how ready were the high ones at court to run like lackeys to carry these tidings to the camp that was at ,mansoul6 ,now when the captains perceived that the ,king would send ,emmanuel his ,son1 and that it also delighted the ,son to be sent on this errand by the great ,shaddai1 his ,father1 they also1 to show how they were pleased at the thoughts of his coming1 gave a shout that made the earth rend at the sound thereof4 ,yea1 the mountains did answer again by echo1 and ,diabolus himself did totter and shake4 ,for you must know1 that though the town of ,mansoul itself was not much1 if at all1 concerned with the project--for1 alas for them1 they were wofully besotted1 for they chiefly regarded their pleasure and their lusts--yet ,diabolus their governor was2 for he had his spies continually abroad1 who brought him intelligence of all things1 and they told him what was doing at court against him1 and that ,emmanuel would shortly certainly come with a power to invade him4 ,nor was there any man at court1 nor peer of the kingdom1 that ,diabolus so feared as he feared this ,prince4 ,for if you remember1 ,i showed you before that ,diabolus had felt the weight of his hand already4 ,so that1 since it was he that was to come1 this made him the more afraid4 ,well1 you see how ,i have told you that the ,king's ,son was engaged to come from the court to save ,mansoul1 and that his ,father had made him the ,captain of the forces4 ,the time1 therefore1 of his setting forth being now expired1 he addressed himself for his march1 and taketh with him1 for his power1 five noble captains and their forces4#adb ,the first was that famous captain1 the noble ,captain ,credence4 ,his were the red colours1 and ,mr4 ,promise bore them1 and for a scutcheon he had the holy lamb and golden shield4 ,and he had ten thousand men at his feet 7,john #a3bi2 ,eph #f3af74 ,the second was that famous captain1 the ,captain ,good-hope4 ,his were the blue colours1 his standard-bearer was ,mr4 ,expectation1 and for a scutcheon he had the three golden anchors4#adc ,and he had ten thousand men at his feet 7,heb #f3ai74 ,the third captain was that valiant captain1 the ,captain ,charity4 ,his standard-bearer was ,mr4 ,pitiful1 his were the green colours1 and for his scutcheon he had three naked orphans embraced in the bosom4 ,and he had ten thousand men at his feet 7#a ,cor #ac74 ,the fourth was that gallant commander1 the ,captain ,innocent4 ,his standard-bearer was ,mr4 ,harmless1 his were the white colours1 and for his scutcheon he had the three golden doves 7,heb #aj3af74 ,the fifth was the truly loyal and well-beloved captain1 the ,captain ,patience4 ,his standard-bearer was ,mr4 ,suffer-long1 his were the black colours1 and for a scutcheon he had three arrows through the golden heart 7,heb #f3ab74 ,these were ,emmanuel's captains1 these their standard-bearers1 their colours1 and their scutcheons1#add and these the men under their command4 ,so1 as was said1 the brave ,prince took his march to go to the town of ,mansoul4 ,captain ,credence led the van1 and ,captain ,patience brought up the rear4 ,so the other three1 with their men1 made up the main body2 the ,prince himself riding in his chariot at the head of them4#ade ,but when they set out for their march1 oh how the trumpets sounded1 their armour glittered1 and how the colours waved in the wind6 ,the ,prince's armour was all of gold1 and it shone like the sun in the firmament4 ,the captains' armour was of proof1 and was in appearance like the glittering stars4 ,there were also some from the court that rode reformades1#adf for the love that they had to the ,king ,shaddai1 and for the happy deliverance of the town of ,mansoul4#adg ,emmanuel also1 when he had thus set forward to go to recover the town of ,mansoul1 took with him1 at the commandment of his ,father1 forty-four battering-rams1 and twelve slings1#adh to whirl stones withal4 ,every one of these was made of pure gold2 and these they carried with them in the heart and body of their army1 all along as they went to ,mansoul4 ,so they marched till they came within less than a league of the town4 ,and there they lay till the first four captains came thither1 to acquaint him with matters4 ,then they took their journey to go to the town of ,mansoul1 and unto ,mansoul they came4 ,but when the old soldiers that were in the camp saw that they had new forces to join with1 they again gave such a shout before the walls of the town of ,mansoul1 that it put ,diabolus into another fright4 ,so they sat down before the town1 not now as the other four captains did1 to wit1 against the gates of ,mansoul only2 but they environed it round on every side1 and beset it behind and before2 so that now1 let ,mansoul look which way it will1 it saw force and power lie in siege against it4 ,besides1 there were mounts cast up against it4 ,the ,mount ,gracious was on the one side1 and ,mount ,justice was on the other2 further1 there were several small banks and advance-ground--as ,plain-truth ,hill1 and ,no-sin ,banks--where many of the slings were placed against the town4 ,upon ,mount ,gracious were planted four1 and upon ,mount ,justice were planted as many2 and the rest were conveniently placed in several parts round about the town4 ,five of the best battering-rams--that is1 of the biggest of them--were placed upon ,mount ,hearken2 a mount cast up hard by ,ear-gate1 with intent to break that open4#adi ,now1 when the men of the town saw the multitude of the soldiers that were come up against the place1 and the rams and slings1 and the mounts on which they were planted1 together with the glittering of the armour and the waving of their colours1 they were forced to shift and shift1 and again to shift their thoughts1 but they hardly changed for thoughts more stout1 but rather for thoughts more faint4 ,for though before they thought themselves sufficiently guarded1 yet now they began to think that no man knew what would be their hap or lot4 ,when the good ,prince ,emmanuel had thus beleaguered ,mansoul2 in the first place he hangs out the white flag1 which he caused to be set up among the golden slings that were planted upon ,mount ,gracious4 ,and this he did for two reasons3 #a4 ,to give notice to ,mansoul that he could and would yet be gracious if they turned to him4 #b4 ,and that he might leave them the more without excuse1 should he destroy them1 they continuing in their rebellion4 ,so the white flag1 with the three golden doves on it1 was hanged out for two days together1 to give them time and space to consider4 ,but they1 as was hinted before1 as if they were unconcerned1 made no reply to the favourable signal of the ,prince4 ,then he commanded1 and they set the red flag upon that mount called ,mount ,justice4 ,it was the red flag of ,captain ,judgment1 whose scutcheon was the burning fiery furnace1 and this also stood waving before them in the wind for several days together4 ,but look how they carried it under the white flag when that was hanged out1 so did they also when the red one was1 and yet he took no advantage of them4 ,then he commanded again that his servants would hang out the black flag of defiance against them1 whose scutcheon was the three burning thunder-bolts4 ,but as unconcerned was ,mansoul at this as at those that went before4 ,but when the ,prince saw that neither mercy1 nor judgment1 nor execution of judgment1 would or could come near the heart of ,mansoul1 he was touched with much compunction1 and said1 ',surely this strange carriage of the town of ,mansoul doth rather arise from ignorance of the manner and feats of war1 than from a secret defiance of us1 and abhorrence of their own lives2 or1 if they know the manner of the war of their own1 yet not the rites and ceremonies of the wars in which we are concerned1 when ,i make wars upon mine enemy ,diabolus4' ,therefore1 he sent to the town of ,mansoul1 to let them know what he meant by those signs and ceremonies of the flag1 and also to know of them which of the things they would choose1 whether grace and mercy1 or judgment and the execution of judgment4 ,all this while they kept their gates shut with locks1 bolts1 and bars1 as fast as they could2 their guards1 also1 were doubled1 and their watch made as strong as they could4 ,diabolus also did pluck up what heart he could to encourage the town to make resistance4 ,the townsmen also made answer to the ,prince's messenger1 in substance1 according to that which follows3-- ',great ,sir1 as to what by your messenger you have signified to us1 whether we will accept of your mercy or fall by your justice1 we are bound by the law and custom of this place1 and can give you no positive answer4 ,for it is against the law1 government1 and the prerogative royal of our king1 to make either peace or war without him4 ,but this we will do1 we will petition that our prince will come down to the wall1 and there give you such treatment as he shall think fit1 and profitable for us4' ,when the good ,prince ,emmanuel heard this answer1 and saw the slavery and bondage of the people1 and how much content they were to abide in the chains of the tyrant ,diabolus1 it grieved him at the heart4 ,and1 indeed1 when at any time he perceived that any were contented under the slavery of the giant1 he would be affected with it4 ,but to return again to our purpose4 ,after the town had carried this news to ,diabolus1 and had told him1 moreover1 that the ,prince that lay in the leaguer#aej without the wall1 waited upon them for an answer1 he refused1 and huffed as well as he could1 but in heart he was afraid4 ,then1 said he1 ,i will go down to the gates myself1 and give him such an answer as ,i think fit4 ,so he went down to ,mouth-gate1 and there addressed himself to speak to ,emmanuel1 but in such language as the town understood not1 the contents whereof were as follows3-- ',o thou great ,emmanuel1 ,lord of all the world1 ,i know thee that thou art the ,son of the great ,shaddai6 ,wherefore art thou come to torment me1 and to cast me out of my possession8 ,this town of ,mansoul1 as thou very well knowest1 is mine1 and that by twofold right4 #a4 ,it is mine by right of conquest1 ,i won it in the open field4 ,and shall the prey be taken from the mighty1 or the lawful captive be delivered8 #b4 ,this town of ,mansoul is mine also by their subjection4 ,they have opened the gates of their town unto me1 they have sworn fidelity to me1 and have openly chosen me to be their king4 ,they have also given their castle into my hands2 yea1 they have put the whole strength of ,mansoul under me4 ,moreover1 this town of ,mansoul hath disavowed thee2 yea1 they have cast thy law1 thy name1 thy image1 and all that is thine1 behind their back1 and have accepted1 and set up in their room1 my law1 my name1 mine image1 and all that ever is mine4 ,ask else thy captains1 and they will tell thee that ,mansoul hath1 in answer to all their summons1 shown love and loyalty to me2 but always disdain1 despite1 contempt1 and scorn to thee and thine4 ,now thou art the ,just ,one and the ,holy1 and shouldest do no iniquity2 depart then1 ,i pray thee1 therefore1 from me1 and leave me to my just inheritance1 peaceably4' ,this oration was made in the language of ,diabolus himself4 ,for although he can1 to every man1 speak in their own language--else he could not tempt them all as he does--yet he has a language proper to himself1 and it is the language of the infernal cave1 or black pit4 ,wherefore the town of ,mansoul1 poor hearts1 understood him not1 nor did they see how he crouched and cringed1 while he stood before ,emmanuel their ,prince4 ,yea1 they all this while took him to be one of that power and force that by no means could be resisted4 ,wherefore1 while he was thus entreating that he might yet have his residence there1 and that ,emmanuel would not take it from him by force1 the inhabitants boasted even of his valour1 saying1 ',who is able to make war with him8' ,well1 when this pretended king had made an end of what he would say1 ,emmanuel1 the golden ,prince1 stood up and spake1 the contents of whose words follow3-- ',thou deceiving one1' said he1 ',i have in my ,father's name1 in mine own name1 and on the behalf and for the good of this wretched town of ,mansoul1 somewhat to say unto thee4 ,thou pretendest a right1 a lawful right1 to the deplorable town of ,mansoul1 when it is most apparent to all my ,father's court1 that the entrance which thou hast obtained in at the gates of ,mansoul was through thy lies and falsehood4 ,thou beliedst my ,father1 thou beliedst his law1 and so deceivedst the people of ,mansoul4 ,thou pretendest that the people have accepted thee for their king1 their captain1 and right liege-,lord1 but that also was by the exercise of deceit and guile4 ,now1 if lying wiliness1 sinful craft1 and all manner of horrible hypocrisy1 will go in my ,father's court for equity and right1 in which court thou must be tried1 then will ,i confess unto thee that thou hast made a lawful conquest4 ,but alas1 what thief1 what tyrant1 what devil is there that may not conquer after this sort8 ,but ,i can make it appear1 ,o ,diabolus1 that thou1 in all thy pretences to a conquest of ,mansoul1 hast nothing of truth to say4 ,thinkest thou this to be right1 that thou didst put the lie upon my ,father1 and madest him1 to ,mansoul1 the greatest deluder in the world8 ,and what sayest thou to thy perverting1 knowingly1 the right purport and intent of the law8 ,was it good also that thou madest a prey of the innocency and simplicity of the now miserable town of ,mansoul8 ,yea1 thou didst overcome ,mansoul by promising to them happiness in their transgressions against my ,father's law1 when thou knewest1 and couldest not but know1 hadst thou consulted nothing but thine own experience1 that that was the way to undo them4 ,thou hast also thyself--,o thou master of enmity1 of despite--defaced my ,father's image in ,mansoul1 and set up thy own in its place1 to the great contempt of my ,father1 the heightening of thy sin1 and to the intolerable damage of the perishing town of ,mansoul4 ,thou hast1 moreover--as if all these were but little things with thee--not only deluded and undone this place1 but1 by thy lies and fradulent carriage hast set them against their own deliverance4 ,how hast thou stirred them up against my ,father's captains1 and made them to fight against those that were sent of him to deliver them from their bondage6 ,all these things and very many more thou hast done against thy light1 and in contempt of my ,father and of his law2 yea1 and with design to bring under his displeasure for ever the miserable town of ,mansoul4 ,i am therefore come to avenge the wrong that thou hast done to my ,father1 and to deal with thee for the blasphemies wherewith thou hast made poor ,mansoul blaspheme his name4 ,yea1 upon thy head1 thou prince of the infernal cave1 will ,i require it4 ',as for myself1 ,o ,diabolus1 ,i am come against thee by lawful power1 and to take1 by strength of hand1 this town of ,mansoul out of thy burning fingers4 ,for this town of ,mansoul is mine1 ,o ,diabolus1 and that by undoubted right1 as all shall see that will diligently search the most ancient and most authentic records1 and ,i will plead my title to it1 to the confusion of thy face4 ',first4 ,for the town of ,mansoul1 my ,father built and did fashion it with his hand4 ,the palace also that is in the midst of that town1 he built it for his own delight4 ,this town of ,mansoul therefore is my ,father's1 and that by the best of titles2 and he that gainsays the truth of this must lie against his soul4 ',second4 ,o thou master of the lie1 this town of ,mansoul is mine4 '#a4 ,for that ,i am my ,father's heir1 his firstborn1 and the only delight of his heart4 ,i am therefore come up against thee in mine own right1 even to recover mine own inheritance out of thine hand 7,heb #a3b2 ,john #af3ae74 '#b4 ,but further1 as ,i have a right and title to ,mansoul1 by being my ,father's heir1 so ,i have also by my ,father's donation4 ,his it was1 and he gave it me 7,john #ag72 nor have ,i at any time offended my ,father1 that he should take it from me and give it to thee4 ,nor have ,i been forced by playing the bankrupt to sell1 or set to sale to thee1 my beloved town of ,mansoul 7,isa #a3a74 ,mansoul is my desire1 my delight1 and the joy of my heart4 ,but1 '#c4 ,mansoul is mine by right of purchase4 ,i have bought it1 ,o ,diabolus1 ,i have bought it to myself4 ,now1 since it was my ,father's and mine1 as ,i was his heir2 and since also ,i have made it mine by virtue of a great purchase1 it followeth that1 by all lawful right the town of ,mansoul is mine1 and that thou art an usurper1 a tyrant1 and traitor1 in thy holding possession thereof4 ,now1 the cause of my purchasing of it was this3 ,mansoul had trespassed against my ,father2 now my ,father had said1 that in the day that they broke his law they should die4 ,now it is more possible for heaven and earth to pass away1 than for my ,father to break his word 7,matt #e3ah74 ,wherefore1 when ,mansoul had sinned indeed by hearkening to thy lie1 ,i put in and became a surety to my ,father1 body for body1 and soul for soul1 that ,i would make amends for ,mansoul's transgressions2 and my ,father did accept thereof4 ,so when the time appointed was come1 ,i gave body for body1 soul for soul1 life for life1 blood for blood1 and so redeemed my beloved ,mansoul4 '#d4 ,nor did ,i do this to the halves2 my ,father's law and justice that were both concerned in the threatening upon transgression1 are both now satisfied1 and very well content that ,mansoul should be delivered4 '#e4 ,nor am ,i come out this day against thee but by commandment of my ,father2 it was he that said unto me1 ,go down and deliver ,mansoul4 ',wherefore1 be it known unto thee1 ,o thou fountain of deceit1 and be it also known to the foolish town of ,mansoul1 that ,i am not come against thee this day without my ,father4 ',and now1' said the golden-headed ,prince1 ',i have a word to the town of ,mansoul'2 but so soon as mention was made that he had a word to speak to the besotted town of ,mansoul1 the gates were double-guarded1 and all men commanded not to give him audience1 so he proceeded1 and said1 ',o unhappy town of ,mansoul1 ,i cannot but be touched with pity and compassion for thee4 ,thou hast accepted of ,diabolus for thy king1 and art become a nurse and minister of ,diabolonians against thy ,sovereign ,lord4 ,thy gates thou hast opened to him1 but hast shut them fast against me2 thou hast given him an hearing1 but hast stopped thine ears at my cry2 he brought to thee thy destruction1 and thou didst receive both him and it3 ,i am come to thee bringing salvation1 but thou regardest me not4 ,besides1 thou hast1 as with sacrilegious hands1 taken thyself with all that was mine in thee1 and hast given all to my foe1 and to the greatest enemy my ,father has4 ,you have bowed and subjected yourselves to him2 you have vowed and sworn yourselves to be his4 ,poor ,mansoul6 what shall ,i do unto thee8 ,shall ,i save thee8 shall ,i destroy thee8 ,what shall ,i do unto thee8 shall ,i fall upon thee and grind thee to powder1 or make thee a monument of the richest grace8 ,what shall ,i do unto thee8 ,hearken1 therefore1 thou town of ,mansoul1 hearken to my word1 and thou shalt live4 ,i am merciful1 ,mansoul1 and thou shalt find me so2 shut me not out of thy gates 7,cant #e3b74 ',o ,mansoul1 neither is my commission1 nor inclination1 at all to do thee hurt2 why fliest thou so fast from thy friend1 and stickest so close to thine enemy8 ,indeed1 ,i would have thee1 because it becomes thee1 to be sorry for thy sin2 but do not despair of life1 this great force is not to hurt thee1 but to deliver thee from thy bondage1 and to reduce thee to thy obedience 7,luke #i3ef2 ,john #ab3dg74 ',my commission1 indeed1 is to make a war upon ,diabolus thy king1 and upon all ,diabolonians with him2 for he is the strong man armed that keeps the house1 and ,i will have him out2 his spoils ,i must divide1#aea his armour ,i must take from him1 his hold ,i must cast him out of1 and must make it an habitation for myself4 ,and this1 ,o ,mansoul1 shall ,diabolus know1 when he shall be made to follow me in chains1 and when ,mansoul shall rejoice to see it so4 ',i could1 would ,i now put forth my might1 cause that forthwith he should leave you and depart2 but ,i have it in my heart so to deal with him1 as that the justice of the war that ,i shall make upon him may be seen and acknowledged by all4 ,he hath taken ,mansoul by fraud1 and keeps it by violence and deceit2 and ,i will make him bare and naked in the eyes of all observers4 ,all my words are true1 ,i am mighty to save1 and will deliver my ,mansoul out of his hand4'#aeb ,this speech was intended chiefly for ,mansoul1 but ,mansoul would not have the hearing of it4 ,they shut up ,ear-gate1 they barricaded it up1 they kept it locked and bolted2 they set a guard thereat1 and commanded that no ,mansoulonian should go out to him1 nor that any from the camp should be admitted into the town2 all this they did1 so horribly had ,diabolus enchanted them to do1 and seek to do for him1 against their rightful ,lord and ,prince2 wherefore no man1 nor voice1 nor sound of man that belonged to the glorious host1 was to come into the town4#aec ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,contents3--,emmanuel prepares to make war upon ,mansoul--,diabolus sends ,mr4 ,loth-to-stoop with proposals for peace--,these proposals being dishonourable to ,emmanuel1 are all rejected--,again ,diabolus proposes to patch up a peace by reformation1 offering to become ,emmanuel's deputy in that business--,this proposal also rejected--,new preparations made for battle--,diabolus1 expecting to be obliged to abandon the town1 does much mischief--,ear-gate1 violently assaulted by the battering-rams1 at length gives way1 and is broken to pieces--,emmanuel's forces enter the town1 and take possession of the ,recorder's house--,several mischievous ,diabolonians are killed4 ,so when ,emmanuel saw that ,mansoul was thus involved in sin1 he calls his army together1 since now also his words were despised1 and gave out a commandment throughout all his host to be ready against the time appointed4 ,now1 forasmuch as there was no way lawfully to take the town of ,mansoul1 but to get in by the gates1 and at ,ear-gate as the chief1 therefore he commanded his captains and commanders to bring their rams1 their slings1 and their men1 and place them at ,eye-gate and ,ear-gate1 in order to his taking the town4 ,when ,emmanuel had put all things in readiness to give ,diabolus battle1 he sent again to know of the town of ,mansoul if in peaceable manner they would yield themselves1 or whether they were yet resolved to put him to try the utmost extremity4 ,then they together1 with ,diabolus their king1 called a council of war1 and resolved upon certain propositions that should be offered to ,emmanuel1 if he will accept thereof1 so they agreed2 and then the next was who should be sent on this errand4 ,now there was in the town of ,mansoul an old man1 a ,diabolonian1 and his name was ,mr4 ,loth-to-stoop1 a stiff man in his way1 and a great doer for ,diabolus2 him therefore they sent1 and put into his mouth what he should say4#aed ,so he went1 and came to the camp to ,emmanuel2 and when he was come1 a time was appointed to give him audience4 ,so at the time he came1 and after a ,diabolonian ceremony or two1 he thus began1 and said1 ',great ,sir1 that it may be known unto all men how good-natured a prince my master is1 he hath sent me to tell your ,lordship that he is very willing1 rather than to go to war1 to deliver up into your hands one-half of the town of ,mansoul 7,titus #a3af74 ,i am therefore to know if your ,mightiness will accept of this proposition4'#aee ,then said ,emmanuel1 ',the whole is mine by gift and purchase1 wherefore ,i will never lose one-half4' ,then said ,mr4 ,loth-to-stoop1 ',sir1 my master hath said1 that he will be content that you shall be the nominal and titular ,lord of all1 if he may possess but a part' 7,luke #ac3be74 ,then ,emmanuel answered1 ',the whole is mine really2 not in name and word only3 wherefore ,i will be the sole ,lord and possessor of all1 or of none at all of ,mansoul4' ,then ,mr4 ,loth-to-stoop said again1 ',sir1 behold the condescension of my master6 ,he says that he will be content1 if he may but have assigned to him some place in ,mansoul as a place to live privately in1 and you shall be ,lord of all the rest' 7,acts #e3a-e74 ,then said the golden ,prince1 ',all that the ,father giveth me1 shall come to me2 and of all that he hath given me ,i will lose nothing1 no1 not a hoof1 nor a hair4 ,i will not therefore1 grant him1 no1 not the least corner of ,mansoul to dwell in1 ,i will have all to myself4' ,then ,loth-to-stoop said again1 ',but1 sir1 suppose that my ,lord should resign the whole town to you1 only with this proviso1 that he sometimes1 when he comes into this country1 may1 for old acquaintance' sake1 be entertained as a way-faring man for two days1 or ten days or a month1 or so2 may not this small matter be granted8' ,then said ,emmanuel1 ',no3 he came as a way-faring man to ,david1 nor did he stay long with him1 and yet it had like to have cost ,david his soul 7#b ,sam #ab3a-e74 ,i will not consent that he ever should have any harbour more there4' ,then said ,mr4 ,loth-to-stoop1 ',sir1 you seem to be very hard4 ,suppose my master should yield to all that your lordship hath said1 provided that his friends and kindred in ,mansoul may have liberty to trade in the town1 and to enjoy their present dwellings2 may not that be granted1 sir8' ,then said ,emmanuel1 ',no3 that is contrary to my ,father's will2 for all1 and all manner of ,diabolonians that now are1 or that at any time shall be found in ,mansoul1 shall not only lose their lands and liberties1 but also their lives' 7,rom #f3ac2 ,gal #e3bd2 ,col #c3e74 ,then said ,mr4 ,loth-to-stoop again1 ',but1 sir1 may not my master1 and great ,lord1 by letters1 by passengers1 by accidental opportunities1 and the like1 maintain1 if he shall deliver up all unto thee1 some kind of old friendship with ,mansoul' 7,john #aj3h74 ,emmanuel answered1 ',no1 by no means2 forasmuch as any such fellowship1 friendship1 intimacy1 or acquaintance in what way1 sort1 or mode soever maintained1 will tend to the corrupting of ,mansoul1 the alienating of their affections from me1 and the endangering of their peace with my ,father4' ,mr4 ,loth-to-stoop yet added further2 saying1 ',but1 great sir1 since my master hath many friends1 and those that are dear to him in ,mansoul1 may he not1 if he shall depart from them1 even of his bounty and good-nature1 bestow upon them1 as he sees fit1 some tokens of his love and kindness1 that he had for them1 to the end that ,mansoul1 when he is gone1 may look upon such tokens of kindness once received from their old friend1 and remember him who was once their ,king1 and the merry times that they sometimes enjoyed one with another1 while he and they lived in peace together4' ,then said ,emmanuel1 ',no2 for if ,mansoul come to be mine1 ,i shall not admit of1 nor consent that there should be the least scrap1 shred1 or dust of ,diabolus left behind1 as tokens or gifts bestowed upon any in ,mansoul1 thereby to call to remembrance the horrible communion that was betwixt them and him' 7,rom #f3ab-ac74 ',well sir1' said ,mr4 ,loth-to-stoop1 ',i have one thing more to propound1 and then ,i am got to the end of my commission4 ,suppose that when my master is gone from ,mansoul1 any that shall yet live in the town should have such business of high concerns to do1 that if they be neglected the party shall be undone2 and suppose1 sir1 that nobody can help in that case so well as my master and ,lord2 may not now my master be sent for upon so urgent an occasion as this8 ,or if he may not be admitted into the town1 may not he and the person concerned meet in some of the villages near ,mansoul1 and there lay their heads together1 and there consult of matters8'#aef 7#b ,kings #a3c1f1g74 ,this was the last of those ensnaring propositions that ,mr4 ,loth-to-stoop had to propound to ,emmanuel on behalf of his master ,diabolus2 but ,emmanuel would not grant it1 for he said1 ',there can be no case1 or thing1 or matter1 fall out in ,mansoul1 when thy master shall be gone1 that may not be salved#aeg by my ,father2 besides1 it will be a great disparagement to my ,father's wisdom and skill to admit any from ,mansoul to go out to ,diabolus for advice1 when they are bid before1 in everything1 by prayer and supplication1 to let their requests be made known to my ,father 7#a ,sam #bh3ae2 #b ,kings #a3b-c74 ,further1 this1 should it be granted1 would be to grant that a door should be set open for ,diabolus and the ,diabolonians in ,mansoul1 to hatch1 and plot1 and bring to pass treasonable designs1 to the grief of my ,father and me1 and to the utter destruction of ,mansoul4'#aeh ,when ,mr4 ,loth-to-stoop had heard this answer1 he took his leave of ,emmanuel and departed1 saying1 that he would do word to his master concerning this whole affair4 ,so he departed and came to ,diabolus to ,mansoul1 and told him the whole of the matter1 and how ,emmanuel would not admit1 no1 not by any means1 that he1 when he was once gone out1 should for ever have anything more to do1 either in1 or with any that are of1 the town of ,mansoul4 ,when ,mansoul and ,diabolus had heard this relation of things1 they with one consent concluded to use their best endeavour to keep ,emmanuel out of ,mansoul1 and sent old ,ill-pause1 of whom you have heard before1 to tell the ,prince and his captains so4 ,so the old gentleman came up to the top of ,ear-gate1 and called to the camp for a hearing2 who1 when they gave audience1 he said1 ',i have in commandment from my high ,lord to bid you tell it to your ,prince ,emmanuel1 that ,mansoul and their ,king are resolved to stand and fall together1 and that it is in vain for your ,prince to think of ever having of ,mansoul in his hand1 unless he can take it by force4' ,so some went and told to ,emmanuel what old ,ill-pause1 a ,diabolonian in ,mansoul1 had said4 ,then said the ,prince1 ',i must try the power of my sword1 for ,i will not1 for all the rebellions and repulses that ,mansoul has made against me1 raise my siege and depart1 but will assuredly take my ,mansoul1 and deliver it from the hand of her enemy' 7,eph #f3ag74 ,and with that he gave out a commandment that ,captain ,boanerges1 ,captain ,conviction1 ,captain ,judgment1 and ,captain ,execution1 should forthwith march up to ,ear-gate with trumpets sounding1 colours flying1 and with shouting for the battle4 ,also he would that ,captain ,credence should join himself with them4 ,emmanuel1 moreover1 gave order that ,captain ,good-hope and ,captain ,charity should draw themselves up before ,eye-gate4 ,he bid also that the rest of his ,captains1 and their men1 should place themselves for the best of their advantage against the enemy1 round about the town1 and all was done as he had commanded4 ,then he bid that the word should be given forth1 and the word was at that time ',,emmanuel4' ,then was an alarm sounded1 and the battering-rams were played1 and the slings did whirl stones into the town amain1 and thus the battle began4 ,now ,diabolus himself did manage the townsmen in the war1 and that at every gate2 wherefore their resistance was the more forcible1 hellish1 and offensive to ,emmanuel4 ,thus was the good ,prince engaged and entertained by ,diabolus and ,mansoul for several days together4 ,and a sight worth seeing it was1 to behold how the captains of ,shaddai behaved themselves in this war4 ,and first for ,captain ,boanerges1 not to under-value the rest1 he made three most fierce assaults1 one after another1 upon ,ear-gate1 to the shaking of the posts thereof4 ,captain ,conviction1 he also made up as fast with ,boanerges as possibly he could1 and both discerning that the gate began to yield1 they commanded that the rams should still be played against it4 ,now ,captain ,conviction going up very near to the gate1 was with great force driven back1 and received three wounds in the mouth4 ,and those that rode ,reformades1 they went about to encourage the captains4 ,for the valour of the two captains made mention of before1 the ,prince sent for them to his pavilion1 and commanded that a while they should rest themselves1 and that with somewhat they should be refreshed4 ,care also was taken for ,captain ,conviction1 that he should be healed of his wounds4 ,the ,prince also gave to each of them a chain of gold1 and bid them yet be of good courage4 ,nor did ,captain ,good-hope nor ,captain ,charity come behind in this most desperate fight1 for they so well did behave themselves at ,eye-gate1 that they had almost broken it quite open4#aei ,these also had a reward from their ,prince1 as also had the rest of the captains1 because they did valiantly round about the town4#afj ,in this engagement several of the officers of ,diabolus were slain1 and some of the townsmen wounded4 ,for the officers1 there was one ,captain ,boasting slain4 ,this ,boasting thought that nobody could have shaken the posts of ,ear-gate1 nor have shaken the heart of ,diabolus4 ,next to him there was one ,captain ,secure slain2 this ,secure used to say that the blind and lame in ,mansoul were able to keep the gates of the town against ,emmanuel's army 7#b ,sam #e3f74 ,this ,captain ,secure did ,captain ,conviction cleave down the head with a two-handed sword1 when he received himself three wounds in his mouth4 ,besides these1 there was one ,captain ,bragman1 a very desperate fellow1 and he was captain over a band of those that threw fire-brands1 arrows1 and death2 he also received1 by the hand of ,captain ,good-hope at ,eye-gate1 a mortal wound in the breast4 ,there was1 moreover1 one ,mr4 ,feeling1 but he was no captain1 but a great stickler to encourage ,mansoul to rebellion1 he received a wound in the eye by the hand of one of ,boanerges' soldiers1 and had by the captain himself been slain1 but that he made a sudden retreat4 ,but ,i never saw ,will-be-will so daunted in all my life3 he was not able to do as he was wont2 and some say that he also received a wound in the leg1 and that some of the men in the ,prince's army have certainly seen him limp1 as he afterwards walked on the wall4#afa ,i shall not give you a particular account of the names of the soldiers that were slain in the town1 for many were maimed and wounded1 and slain2 for when they saw that the posts of ,ear-gate did shake1 and ,eye-gate was well-nigh broken quite open2 and also that their captains were slain1 this took away the hearts of many of the ,diabolonians2 they fell also by the force of the shot that were sent by the golden slings into the midst of the town of ,mansoul4#afb ,of the townsmen1 there was one ,love-no-good1 he was a townsman1 but a ,diabolonian1 he also received his mortal wound in ,mansoul1 but he died not very soon4 ,mr4 ,ill-pause also1 who was the man that came along with ,diabolus when at first he attempted the taking of ,mansoul1 he also received a grievous wound in the head1 some say that his brain-pan was cracked2 this ,i have taken notice of1 that he was never after this able to do that mischief to ,mansoul as he had done in times past4 ,also old ,prejudice and ,mr4 ,anything fled4#afc ,now when the battle was over1 the ,prince commanded that yet once more the white flag should be set upon ,mount ,gracious1 in sight of the town of ,mansoul2 to show that yet ,emmanuel had grace for the wretched town of ,mansoul4 ,when ,diabolus saw the white flag hanging out again1 and knowing that it was not for him1 but ,mansoul1 he cast in his mind to play another prank1 to wit1 to see if ,emmanuel would raise his siege and begone1 upon promise of a reformation4#afd ,so he comes down to the gate one evening1 a good while after the sun was gone down1 and calls to speak with ,emmanuel1 who presently came down to the gate1 and ,diabolus saith unto him3 ',forasmuch as thou makest it appear by thy white flag1 that thou art wholly given to peace and quiet2 ,i thought meet to acquaint thee that we are ready to accept thereof upon terms which thou mayest admit4 ',i know that thou art given to devotion1 and that holiness pleaseth thee2 yea1 that thy great end in making a war upon ,mansoul is that it may be an holy habitation4 ,well1 draw off thy forces from the town1 and ,i will bend ,mansoul to thy bow4 ',thus ,i will lay down all acts of hostility against thee1 and will be willing to become thy deputy1 and will1 as ,i have formerly been against thee1 now serve thee in the town of ,mansoul4 ,and more particularly--#a4 ,i will persuade ,mansoul to receive thee for their ,lord1 and ,i know that they will do it the sooner when they shall understand that ,i am thy deputy4 #b4 ,i will show them wherein they have erred1 and that transgression stands in the way to life4 #c4 ,i will show them the holy law unto which they must conform1 even that which they have broken4 #d4 ,i will press upon them the necessity of a reformation according to thy law4 #e4 ,and1 moreover1 that none of these things may fail1 ,i myself1 at my own proper cost and charge1 will set up and maintain a sufficient ministry1 besides lectures1 in ,mansoul4#afe #f4 ,thou shalt receive1 as a token of our subjection to thee continually1 year by year1 what thou shalt think fit to lay and levy upon us1 in token of our subjection to thee4'#aff ,then said ,emmanuel to him1 ',o full of deceit1 how movable are thy ways6 ,how often hast thou changed and rechanged1 if so be thou mightest still keep possession of my ,mansoul1 though1 as has been plainly declared before1 ,i am the right heir thereof8 ,often hast thou made thy proposals already1 nor is this last a whit better than they4 ,and failing to deceive when thou showedst thyself in thy black1 thou hast now transformed thyself into an angel of light1 and wouldest1 to deceive1 be now as a minister of righteousness 7#b ,cor #aa3ad74 ',but know thou1 ,o ,diabolus1 that nothing must be regarded that thou canst propound1 for nothing is done by thee but to deceive2 thou neither hast conscience to ,god1 nor love to the town of ,mansoul2 whence then should these thy sayings arise1 but from sinful craft and deceit8 ,he that can of list and will propound what he pleases1 and that wherewith he may destroy them that believe him1 is to be abandoned with all that he shall say4 ,but if righteousness be such a beauty-spot in thine eyes now1 how is it that wickedness was so closely stuck to by thee before4 ,but this is by the by4 ,thou talkest now of a reformation in ,mansoul1 and that thou thyself1 if ,i will please1 will be at the head of that reformation1 all the while knowing that the greatest proficiency that man can make in the law1 and the righteousness thereof1 will amount to no more for the taking away of the curse from ,mansoul than just nothing at all2 for a law being broken by ,mansoul1 that had before1 upon a supposition of the breach thereof1 a curse pronounced against him for it of ,god1 can never1 by his obeying of the law1 deliver himself therefrom4 ,to say nothing of what a reformation is like to be set up in ,mansoul1 when the devil is become corrector of vice4 ,thou knowest that all that thou hast now said in this matter is nothing but guile and deceit2 and is1 as it was the first1 so is it the last card that thou hast to play4 ,many there be that do soon discern thee when thou showest them thy cloven foot2 but in thy white1 thy light1 and in thy transformation thou art seen but of a few4 ,but thou shalt not do thus with my ,mansoul1 ,o ,diabolus1 for ,i do still love my ,mansoul4 ',besides1 ,i am not come to put ,mansoul upon works to live thereby--should ,i do so1 ,i should be like unto thee--but ,i am come that by me1 and by what ,i have and shall do for ,mansoul1 they may to my ,father be reconciled1 though by their sin they have provoked him to anger1 and though by the law they cannot obtain mercy4 ',thou talkest of subjecting of this town to good1 when none desireth it at thy hands4 ,i am sent by my ,father to possess it myself1 and to guide it by the skilfulness of my hands into such a conformity to him as shall be pleasing in his sight4 ,i will therefore possess it myself1 ,i will dispossess and cast thee out3 ,i will set up mine own standard in the midst of them3 ,i will also govern them by new laws1 new officers1 new motives1 and new ways4 ,yea1 ,i will pull down this town1 and build it again1 and it shall be as though it had not been1 and it shall then be the glory of the whole universe4'#afg ,when ,diabolus heard this1 and perceived that he was discovered in all his deceits1 he was confounded and utterly put to a nonplus--2 but having in himself the fountain of iniquity1 rage and malice against both ,shaddai and his ,son1 and the beloved town of ,mansoul1 what doth he but strengthen himself what he could1 to give fresh battle to the noble ,prince ,emmanuel8 ,so then1 now we must have another fight before the town of ,mansoul is taken4 ,come up then1 to the mountains you that love to see military actions1 and behold by both sides how the fatal blow is given3 while one seeks to hold1 and the other seeks to make himself master of the famous town of ,mansoul4 ,diabolus1 therefore1 having withdrawn himself from the wall to his force that was in the heart of the town of ,mansoul1 ,emmanuel also returned to the camp2 and both of them1 after their divers ways1 put themselves into a posture fit to bid battle one to another4 ,diabolus1 as filled with despair of retaining in his hands the famous town of ,mansoul1 resolved to do what mischief he could1 if indeed1 he could do any1 to the army of the ,prince1 and to the famous town of ,mansoul2 for1 alas6 it was not the happiness of the silly town of ,mansoul that was designed by ,diabolus1 but the utter ruin and overthrow thereof2 as now is enough in view4 ,wherefore he commands his officers that they should then1 when they see that they could hold the town no longer1 do it what harm and mischief they could2 rending and tearing of men1 women1 and children 7,mark #i3bf-bg74 ,for1 said he1 we had better quite demolish the place1 and leave it like a ruinous heap1 than so leave it that it may be an habitation for ,emmanuel4#afh ,emmanuel again1 knowing that the next battle would issue in his being made master of the place1 gave out a royal commandment to all his officers1 high captains1 and men of war1 to be sure to show themselves men of war against ,diabolus and all ,diabolonians2 but favourable1 merciful1 and meek to all the old inhabitants of ,mansoul4 ,bend1 therefore1 said the noble ,prince1 the hottest front of the battle against ,diabolus and his men4 ,so the day being come1 the command was given1 and the ,prince's men did bravely stand to their arms2 and did1 as before1 bend their main force against ,ear-gate1 and ,eye-gate4 ,the word then1 ',mansoul is won1' so they made their assault upon the town4 ,diabolus also1 as fast as he could with the main of his power1 made resistance from within1 and his high lords and chief captains for a time fought very cruelly against the ,prince's army4 ,but after three or four notable charges by the ,prince1 and his noble captains1 ,ear-gate was broken open1 and the bars and bolts wherewith it was used to be fast shut up against the ,prince1 were broken into a thousand pieces4 ,then did the ,prince's trumpets sound1 the captains shout1 the town shake1 and ,diabolus retreat to his hold4 ,well1 when the ,prince's forces had broken open the gate1 himself came up and did set his throne in it2 also he set his standard thereby1 upon a mount1 that before by his men was cast up to place the mighty slings thereon4#afi ,the mount was called ,mount ,hear-well2 there1 therefore1 the ,prince abode1 to wit1 hard by the going in at the gate4 ,he commanded also that the golden slings should yet be played upon the town1 especially against the castle1 because for shelter thither was ,diabolus retreated4 ,now from ,ear-gate the street was straight1 even to the house of ,mr4 ,recorder that so was before ,diabolus took the town1 and hard by his house stood the castle1 which ,diabolus for a long time had made his irksome den4 ,the captains1 therefore1 did quickly clear that street by the use of their slings1 so that way was made up to the heart of the town4 ,then did the ,prince command that ,captain ,boanerges1 ,captain ,conviction1 and ,captain ,judgment should forthwith march up the town to the old gentleman's gate4 ,then did the captains in the most warlike manner enter into the town of ,mansoul1 and marching in with flying colours1 they came up to the ,recorder's house1 and that was almost as strong as was the castle4 ,battering-rams they took also with them1 to plant against the castle-gates4 ,when they were come to the house of ,mr4 ,conscience1 they knocked and demanded entrance4 ,now1 the old gentleman1 not knowing as yet fully their design1 kept his gates shut all the time of this fight4 ,wherefore ,boanerges demanded entrance at his gates1 and no man making answer1 he gave it one stroke with the head of a ram1 and this made the old gentleman shake1 and his house to tremble and totter4 ,then came ,mr4 ,recorder down to the gate1 and1 as he could1 with quivering lips1 he asked who was there4 ,boanerges answered1 ,we are the captains and commanders of the great ,shaddai1 and of the blessed ,emmanuel his ,son1 and we demand possession of your house for the use of our noble ,prince4 ,and with that the battering-ram gave the gate another shake2 this made the old gentleman tremble the more1 yet durst he not but open the gate4 ,then the ,king's forces marched in1 namely1 the three brave captains mentioned before4 ,now the ,recorder's house was a place of much convenience for ,emmanuel1 not only because it was near to the castle1 and strong1 but also because it was large1 and fronted the castle1 the den where now ,diabolus was3 for he was now afraid to come out of his hold4 ,as for ,mr4 ,recorder1 the captains carried it very reservedly to him2 as yet he knew nothing of the great designs of ,emmanuel2 so that he did not know what judgment to make1 nor what would be the end of such thundering beginnings4 ,it was also presently noised in the town1 how the ,recorder's house was possessed1 his rooms taken up1 and his palace made the seat of the war2 and no sooner was it noised abroad1 but they took the alarm as warmly1 and gave it out to others of his friends1 and you know as a snow-ball loses nothing by rolling1 so in little time the whole town was possessed that they must expect nothing from the ,prince but destruction2 and the ground of the business was this4 ,the ,recorder was afraid1 the ,recorder trembled1 and the captains carried it strangely to the ,recorder1 so many came to see2 but when they with their own eyes did behold the captains in the palace1 and their battering-rams ever playing at the castle gates to beat them down1 they were riveted in their fears1 and it made them as in amaze4 ,and1 as ,i said1 the man of the house would increase all this1 for whoever came to him1 or discoursed with him1 nothing would he talk of1 tell them1 or hear1 but that death and destruction now attended ,mansoul4#agj ',for1' quoth the old gentleman1 'you are all of you sensible that we all have been traitors to that once despised1 but now famously victorious and glorious ,prince ,emmanuel4 ,for he now1 as you see1 doth not only lie in close siege about us1 but hath forced his entrance in at our gates2 moreover1 ,diabolus flees before him1 and he hath1 as you behold1 made of my house a garrison against the castle1 where he is4 ,i1 for my part1 have transgressed greatly1 and he that is clean it is well for him4 ,but1 ,i say1 ,i have transgressed greatly in keeping silence when ,i should have spoken1 and in perverting of justice when ,i should have executed the same4 ,true1 ,i have suffered something at the hand of ,diabolus1 for taking part with the laws of ,king ,shaddai2 but that1 alas6 what will that do8 ,will that make compensation for the rebellions and treasons that ,i have done1 and have suffered without gainsaying1 to be committed in the town of ,mansoul8 ,oh1 ,i tremble to think what will be the end of this so dreadful and so ireful a beginning6' ,now1 while these brave captains were thus busy in the house of the old ,recorder1 ,captain ,execution was as busy in other parts of the town1 in securing the back streets1 and the walls4 ,he also hunted the ,lord ,will-be-will sorely2 he suffered him not to rest in any corner4 ,he pursued him so hard1 that he drove his men from him1 and made him glad to thrust his head into a hole4 ,also1 this mighty warrior did cut three of the ,lord ,will-be-will's officers down to the ground2 one was old ,mr4 ,prejudice1 he that had his crown cracked in the mutiny2 this man was made by ,lord ,will-be-will keeper of ,ear-gate1 and fell by the hand of ,captain ,execution4 ,there was also one ,mr4 ,backward-to-all-but-naught1 and he also was one of ,lord ,will-be-will's officers1 and was the captain of the two guns that once were mounted on the top of ,ear-gate1 he also was cut down to the ground by the hands of ,captain ,execution4 ,besides these two there was another1 a third1 and his name was ,captain ,treacherous1 a vile man this was1 but one that ,will-be-will did put a great deal of confidence in2 but him also did this ,captain ,execution cut down to the ground with the rest4#aga ,he also made a very great slaughter among my ,lord ,will-be-will's soldiers1 killing many that were stout and sturdy1 and wounding of many that for ,diabolus were nimble and active4 ,but all these were ,diabolonians2 there was not a man1 a native of ,mansoul1 hurt4#agb ,other feats of war were also likewise performed by other of the captains1 as at ,eye-gate1#agc where ,captain ,good-hope and ,captain ,charity had a charge1 was great execution done2 for the ,captain ,good-hope1 with his own hands1 slew one ,captain ,blindfold1 the keeper of that gate2 this ,blindfold was captain of a thousand men1 and they were they that fought with mauls2 he also pursued his men1 slew many1 and wounded more1 and made the rest hide their heads in corners4 ,there was also at that gate ,mr4 ,ill-pause1 of whom you have heard before2 he was an old man1 and had a beard that reached down to his girdle3 the same was he that was orator to ,diabolus2 he did much mischief in the town of ,mansoul1 and fell by the hand of ,captain ,good-hope4 ,what shall ,i say1 the ,diabolonians in these days lay dead in every corner1 though too many yet were alive in ,mansoul4#agd ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,contents3--,the principal inhabitants hold a conference1 and agree to petition the ,prince for their lives--,the castle gates broken open--,emmanuel marches into ,mansoul--,diabolus is made prisoner1 and bound in chains--,the inhabitants1 greatly distressed1 petition again and again--,at length a free pardon is obtained1 and universal joy succeeds4 ,now the old ,recorder1 and my ,lord ,understanding1 with some others of the chief of the town1 to wit1 such as knew they must stand and fall with the famous town of ,mansoul1 came together upon a day1 and after consultation had1 did jointly agree to draw up a petition1 and send it to ,emmanuel1 now while he sat in the gate of ,mansoul4 ,so they drew up their petition to ,emmanuel1 the contents whereof were this1 ,that they1 the old inhabitants of the now deplorable town of ,mansoul1 confessed their sin1 and were sorry that they had offended his princely ,majesty1 and prayed that he would spare their lives4#age ,upon this petition he gave no answer at all1 and that did trouble them yet so much the more4 ,now all this while the captains that were in the ,recorder's house were playing with the battering-rams at the gates of the castle1 to beat them down4 ,so after some time1 labour1 and travail1 the gate of the castle that was called ,impregnable was beaten open1 and broken into several splinters2 and so a way made to go up to the hold in which ,diabolus had hid himself4#agf ,then was tidings sent down to ,ear-gate1 for ,emmanuel still abode there1 to let him know that a way was made in at the gates of the castle of ,mansoul4 ,but oh6 how the trumpets at the tidings sounded throughout the ,prince's camp1 for that now the war was so near an end1 and ,mansoul itself of being set free4#agg ,then the ,prince arose from the place where he was1 and took with him such of his men of war as were fittest for that expedition1 and marched up the street of ,mansoul to the old ,recorder's house4 ,now the ,prince himself was clad all in armour of gold1 and so he marched up the town with his standard borne before him2 but he kept his countenance much reserved all the way as he went1 so that the people could not tell how to gather to themselves love or hatred by his looks4 ,now as he marched up the street1 the townsfolk came out at every door to see1 and could not but be taken with his person1 and the glory thereof1 but wondered at the reservedness of his countenance2 for as yet he spake more to them by his actions and works1 than he did by words or smiles4 ,but also poor ,mansoul1 as in such cases all are apt to do1 they interpreted the carriages of ,emmanuel to them1 as did ,joseph's brethren his to them1 even all the quite contrary way4 ,for1 thought they1 if ,emmanuel loved us1 he would show it to us by word or carriage2 but none of these he doth1 therefore ,emmanuel hates us4 ,now if ,emmanuel hates us1 then ,mansoul shall be slain1 then ,mansoul shall become a dunghill4 ,they knew that they had transgressed his ,father's law1 and that against him they had been in with ,diabolus his enemy4 ,they also knew that the ,prince ,emmanuel knew all this2 for they were convinced that he was as an ,angel of ,god1 to know all things that are done in the earth4 ,and this made them think that their condition was miserable1 and that the good ,prince would make them desolate4 ,and1 thought they1 what time so fit to do this in as now1 when he has the bridle of ,mansoul in his hand4 ,and this ,i took special notice of1 that the inhabitants1 notwithstanding all this1 could not2 no1 they could not1 when they see him march through the town1 but cringe1 bow1 bend1 and were ready to lick the dust of his feet4 ,they also wished a thousand times over1 that he would become their ,prince and ,captain1 and would become their protection4 ,they would also one to another talk of the comeliness of his person1 and how much for glory and valour he outstripped the great ones of the world4 ,but1 poor hearts1 as to themselves their thoughts would chance1 and go upon all manner of extremes2 yea1 through the working of them backward and forward1 ,mansoul became as a ball tossed1 and as a rolling thing before the whirlwind#agh 7,isa #ah3ac1 #bc3ah74 ,now when he was come to the castle gates1 he commanded ,diabolus to appear1 and to surrender himself into his hands4 ,but oh6 how loath was the beast to appear6 ,how he stuck at it6 ,how he shrunk6 aye1 how he cringed6 ,yet out he came to the ,prince4 ,then ,emmanuel commanded1 and they took ,diabolus and bound him fast in chains1 the better to reserve him to the judgment that he had appointed for him4 ,but ,diabolus stood up to entreat for himself1 that ,emmanuel would not send him into the deep1 but suffer him to depart out of ,mansoul in peace4 ,when ,emmanuel had taken him and bound him in chains1 he led him into the marketplace1 and there1 before ,mansoul1 stripped him of his armour in which he boasted so much before4 ,this now was one of the acts of triumph of ,emmanuel over his enemy2 and all the while that the giant was stripping1 the trumpets of the golden ,prince did sound amain2 the captains also shouted1 and the soldiers did sing for joy4 ,then was ,mansoul called upon to behold the beginning of ,emmanuel's triumph over him in whom they so much had trusted1 and of whom they so much had boasted in the days when he flattered them4 ,thus having made ,diabolus naked in the eyes of ,mansoul1 and before the commanders of the ,prince1 in the next place he commands that ,diabolus should be bound with chains to his chariot wheels4 ,then leaving some of his forces1 to wit1 ,captain ,boanerges1 and ,captain ,conviction1 as a guard for the castle-gates1 that resistance might be made on his behalf1 if any that heretofore followed ,diabolus should make an attempt to possess it1 he did ride in triumph over him quite through the town of ,mansoul1 and so out at1 and before the gate called ,eye-gate1 to the plain where his camp did lie 7,eph #d74 ,but you cannot think unless you had been there1 as ,i was1 what a shout there was in ,emmanuel's camp when they saw the tyrant bound by the hand of their noble ,prince1 and tied to his chariot wheels6 ,and they said1 ,he hath led captivity captive2 he hath spoiled principalities and powers2 ,diabolus is subjected to the power of his sword1 and made the object of all derision6#agi ,those also that rode ,reformades1 and that came down to see the battle1 they shouted with that greatness of voice1 and sung with such melodious notes1 that they caused them that dwell in the highest orbs to open their windows1 put out their heads1 and look down to see the cause of that glory 7,luke #ae3g-aj74ahj ,the townsmen also1 so many of them as saw this sight1 were as it were1 while they looked1 betwixt the earth and the heavens4 ,true1 they could not tell what would be the issue of things as to them1 but all things were done in such excellent methods2 and ,i cannot tell how1 but things in the management of them seemed to cast a smile towards the town1 so that their eyes1 their heads1 their hearts1 and their minds1 and all that they had1 were taken and held1 while they observed ,emmanuel's order4#aha ,so when the brave ,prince had finished this part of his triumph over ,diabolus his foe1 he turned him up in the midst of his contempt and shame1 having given him a charge no more to be a possessor of ,mansoul4 ,then went he from ,emmanuel1 and out of the midst of his camp to inherit the parched places in a salt land1 seeking rest but finding none 7,matt #ab3dc74 ,now ,captain ,boanerges and ,captain ,conviction were both of them men of very great majesty1 their faces were like the faces of lions 7#a ,chron #ab3h71 and their words like the roaring of the sea2 7,isa #e3bi-cj7 and they still quartered in ,mr4 ,conscience's house1 of whom mention was made before4 ,when therefore1 the high and mighty ,prince had thus far finished his triumph over ,diabolus1 the townsmen had more leisure to view and to behold the actions of these noble captains4 ,but the captains carried it with that terror and dread in all that they did1 and you may be sure that they had private instructions so to do1 that they kept the town under continual heart-aching1 and caused1 in their apprehension1 the well-being of ,mansoul for the future1 to hang in doubt before them1 so that1 for some considerable time1 they neither knew what rest1 or ease1 or peace1 or hope meant4#ahb ,nor did the ,prince himself1 as yet1 abide in the town of ,mansoul1 but in his royal pavilion in the camp1 and in the midst of his ,father's forces4 ,so at a time convenient1 he sent special orders to ,captain ,boanerges to summons ,mansoul1 the whole of the townsmen1 into the castle-yard1 and then and there1 before their faces1 to take my ,lord ,understanding1 ,mr4 ,conscience1 and that notable one1 the ,lord ,will-be-will1 and put them all three in ward1 and that they should set a strong guard upon them there1 until his pleasure concerning them were further known4 ,the which orders1 when the captains had put them in execution1 made no small addition to the fears of the town of ,mansoul2 for now1 to their thinking1 were their former fears of the ruin of ,mansoul confirmed4 ,now1 what death they should die1 and how long they should be in dying1 was that which most perplexed their heads and hearts4 ,yea1 they were afraid that ,emmanuel would command them all into the deep1 the place that the prince ,diabolus was afraid of2 for they knew that they had deserved it4 ,also to die by the sword in the face of the town1 and in the open way of disgrace1 from the hand of so good and so holy a prince1 that1 too1 troubled them sore4 ,the town was also greatly troubled for the men that were committed to ward1 for that they were their stay and their guide1 and for that they believed that if those men were cut off1 their execution would be but the beginning of the ruin of the town of ,mansoul4#ahc ,wherefore what do they1 but together with the men in prison1 draw up a petition to the ,prince1 and sent it to ,emmanuel by the hand of ,mr4 ,would-live4 ,so he went and came to the ,prince's quarters1 and presented the petition2 the sum of which was this3-- ',great and wonderful ,potentate1 victor over ,diabolus1 and conqueror of the town of ,mansoul1 ,we1 the miserable inhabitants of that most woful corporation1 do humbly beg that we may find favour in thy sight1 and remember not against us former transgressions1 nor yet the sins of the chief of our town1 but spare us according to the greatness of thy mercy1 and let us not die1 but live in thy sight2 so shall we be willing to be thy servants1 and if thou shalt think fit1 to gather our meat under thy table4#ahd ,amen4' ,so the petitioner went as was said with his petition to the ,prince1 and the ,prince took it at his hand1 but sent him away with silence4 ,this still afflicted the town of ,mansoul1 but yet considering that now they must either petition1 or die--for now they could not do anything else--therefore they consulted again1 and sent another petition1 and this petition was much after the form and method of the former4 ,but when the petition was drawn up1 by whom should they send it was the next question2 for they would not send this by him by whom they sent the first1 for they thought that the ,prince had taken some offence at the manner of his deportment before him2 so they attempted to make ,captain ,conviction their messenger with it1 but he said that he neither durst1 nor would petition ,emmanuel for traitors2 nor be to the ,prince an advocate for rebels4 ,yet withal1 said he1 our ,prince is good1 and you may adventure to send it by the hand of one of your town1 provided he went with a rope about his head1 and pleaded nothing but mercy4#ahe ,well1 they made1 through fear1 their delays as long as they could1 and longer than delays were good2 but fearing at last the dangerousness of them1 they thought1 but with many a fainting in their minds1 to send their petition by ,mr4 ,desires-awake2 so they sent for ,mr4 ,desires-awake4 ,now he dwelt in a very mean cottage in ,mansoul1 and he came at his neighbour's request4 ,so they told him what they had done1 and what they would do concerning petitioning1 and that they did desire of him that he would go therewith to the ,prince4 ,then said ,mr4 ,desires-awake1 why should not ,i do the best ,i can to save so famous a town as ,mansoul from deserved destruction8 ,they therefore delivered the petition to him1 and told him how he must address himself to the ,prince1 and wished him ten thousand good speeds4 ,so he comes to the ,prince's pavilion1 as the first1 and asked to speak with his ,majesty2 so word was carried to ,emmanuel1 and the ,prince came out to the man4 ,when ,mr4 ,desires-awake saw the ,prince1 he fell flat with his face to the ground1 and cried out1 oh that ,mansoul might live before thee6 and with that he presented the petition4 ,the which when the ,prince had read1 he turned away for a while and wept1 but1 refraining himself1 he turned again to the man1 who all this while lay crying at his feet as at the first1 and said to him1 ,go thy way to thy place1 and ,i will consider of thy requests4 ,now you may think that they of ,mansoul that had sent him1 what with guilt1 and what with fear1 lest their petition should be rejected1 could not but look with many a long look1 and that too with strange workings of heart1 to see what would become of their petition4 ,at last1 they saw their messenger coming back2 so when he was come1 they asked him how he fared1 what ,emmanuel said1 and what was become of the petition4 ,but he told them that he would be silent till he came to the prison to my ,lord ,mayor1 my ,lord ,will-be-will1 and ,mr4 ,recorder4 ,so he went forwards towards the prison-house1 where the men of ,mansoul lay bound4 ,but oh6 what a multitude flocked after to hear what the messenger said4 ,so when he was come and had shown himself at the grate of the prison1 my ,lord ,mayor himself looked as white as a clout1 the ,recorder also did quake2 but they asked and said1 ,come1 good sir1 what did the great ,prince say to you8 ,then said ,mr4 ,desires-awake1 when ,i came to my ,lord's pavilion1 ,i called1 and he came forth2 so ,i fell prostrate at his feet1 and delivered to him my petition1 for the greatness of his person1 and the glory of his countenance would not suffer me to stand upon my legs4 ,now as he received the petition1 ,i cried1 oh that ,mansoul might live before thee6 ,so1 when for a while he had looked thereon1 he turned him about1 and said to his servant1 ,go thy way to thy place again1 and ,i will consider of thy requests4 ,the messenger added1 moreover1 and said1 ,the ,prince to whom you sent me is such a one for beauty and glory1 that whoso sees him must both love and fear him2 ,i1 for my part1 can do no less2 but ,i know not what will be the end of these things4#ahf ,at this answer they were all at a stand2 both they in prison1 and they that followed the messenger thither to hear the news2 nor knew they what or what manner of interpretation to put upon what the ,prince had said4 ,now1 when the prison was cleared of the throng1 the prisoners among themselves began to comment upon ,emmanuel's words4 ,my ,lord ,mayor said that the answer did not look with a rugged face2 but ,will-be-will said that it betokened evil2 and the ,recorder1 that it was a messenger of death4 ,now1 they that were left1 and that stood behind1 and so could not so well hear what the prisoners said1 some of them catched hold of one piece of a sentence1 and some on a bit of another2 some took hold of what the messenger said1 and some of the prisoners' judgment thereon2 so none had the right understanding of things2 but you cannot imagine what work these people made1 and what a confusion there was in ,mansoul now4#ahg ,for presently they that had heard what was said1 flew about the town2 one crying one thing1 and another the quite contrary1 and both were sure enough they told the truth1 for they did hear1 they said1 with their ears what was said1 and therefore could not be deceived4 ,one would say1 ,we must all be killed2 another would say1 ,we must all be saved2 and a third would say that the ,prince would not be concerned with ,mansoul2 and a fourth that the prisoners must be suddenly put to death4 ,and as ,i said1 every one stood to it that he told his tale the rightest1 and that all others but he were out4 ,wherefore ,mansoul had now molestation upon molestation1 nor could any man know on what to rest the sole of his foot2 for one would go by now1 and as he went1 if he heard his neighbour tell his tale1 to be sure he would tell the quite contrary1 and both would stand in it that he told the truth4 ,nay1 some of them had got this story by the end1 that the ,prince did intend to put ,mansoul to the sword4 ,and now it began to be dark2 wherefore poor ,mansoul was in sad perplexity all that night until the morning4#ahh ,but1 so far as ,i could gather1 by the best information that ,i could get1 all this hubbub came through the words that the ,recorder said1 when he told them that in his judgment the ,prince's answer was a messenger of death4 ,it was this that fired the town1 and that began the fright in ,mansoul1 for ,mansoul1 in former times1 did use to count that ,mr4 ,recorder was a seer1 and that his sentence was equal to the best of oracles1 and thus was ,mansoul a terror to itself4 ,and now did they begin to feel what was the effects of stubborn rebellion1 and unlawful resistance against their ,prince4 ,i say they now began to feel the effects thereof by guilt and fear1 that now had swallowed them up1 and who more involved in the one1 but they who were most in the other2 to wit1 the chief of the town of ,mansoul4 ,to be brief1 when the fame#ahi of the fright was out of the town1 and the prisoners had a little recovered themselves1 they take to themselves some heart1 and think to petition the ,prince for life again4 ,so they did draw up a third petition1 the contents whereof were this3-- ',prince ,emmanuel the ,great1 ,lord of all worlds1 and ,master of mercy1 ,we1 thy poor1 wretched1 miserable1 dying town of ,mansoul1 do confess unto thy great and glorious ,majesty that we have sinned against thy ,father and thee1 and are no more worthy to be called thy ,mansoul1 but rather to be cast into the pit4 ,if thou wilt slay us1 we have deserved it4 ,if thou wilt condemn us to the deep1 we cannot but say thou art righteous4 ,we cannot complain1 whatever thou dost1 or however thou carriest it towards us4 ,but oh6 let mercy reign2 and let it be extended to us6 ,oh let mercy take hold upon us1 and free us from our transgressions1 and we will sing of thy mercy and of thy judgment4 ,amen4' ,this petition1 when drawn up1 was designed to be sent to the ,prince as the first1 but who should carry it1 that was the question4 ,some said1 ,let him do it that went with the first2 but others thought not good to do that1 and that because he sped no better4 ,now there was an old man in the town1 and his name was ,mr4 ,good-deed2 a man that bare only the name1 but had nothing of the nature of the thing4 ,now some were for sending of him1 but the ,recorder was by no means for that1 for1 said he1 we now stand in need of1 and are pleading for mercy1 wherefore to send our petition by a man of this name will seem to cross the petition itself4 ,should we make ,mr4 ,good-deed our messenger when our petition cries for mercy8 ',besides1' quoth the old gentleman1 'should the ,prince now1 as he receives the petition1 ask him and say1 ,what is thy name8 as nobody knows but he will1 and he should say1 ,old ,good-deed1 what1 think you1 would ,emmanuel say but this1 ,aye6 is old ,good-deed yet alive in ,mansoul8 then let old ,good-deed save you from your distresses8 ,and if he says so1 ,i am sure we are lost2 nor can a thousand of old ,good-deeds save ,mansoul4'#aij ,after the ,recorder had given in his reasons why old ,good-deed should not go with this petition to ,emmanuel1 the rest of the prisoners and chief of ,mansoul opposed it also1 and so old ,good-deed was laid aside1 and they agreed to send ,mr4 ,desires-awake again2 so they sent for him1 and desired him that he would a second time go with their petition to the ,prince1 and he readily told them he would4 ,but they bid him that in anywise he would take heed that in no word or carriage he gave offence to the ,prince1 for by doing so1 for ought we can tell1 you may bring ,mansoul into utter destruction1 said they4 ,now ,mr4 ,desires-awake1 when he saw that he must go of this errand1 besought that they would grant that ,mr4 ,wet-eyes might go with him4 ,now this ,mr4 ,wet-eyes was a near neighbour of ,mr4 ,desires1 a poor man1 a man of a broken spirit1 yet one that could speak well to a petition4 ,so they granted that he should go with him4 ,wherefore they address themselves to their business4 ,mr4 ,desires put a rope upon his head1 and ,mr4 ,wet-eyes went with hands wringing together4#aia ,thus they went to the ,prince's pavilion4 ,now when they went to petition this third time1 they were not without thoughts that by often coming they might be a burden to the ,prince4 ,wherefore1 when they were come to the door of his pavilion1 they first made their apology for themselves1 and for their coming to trouble ,emmanuel so often2 and they said that they came not hither to-day for that they delighted in being troublesome1 or for that they delighted to hear themselves talk1 but for that necessity caused them to come to his ,majesty3 they could1 they said1 have no rest day nor night1 because of their transgressions against ,shaddai1 and against ,emmanuel1 his ,son4 ,they also thought that some misbehaviour of ,mr4 ,desires-awake the last time1 might give distaste to his ,highness1 and so cause that he returned from so merciful a ,prince empty1 and without countenance4 ,so when they had made this apology1 ,mr4 ,desires-awake cast himself prostrate upon the ground as at the first1 at the feet of the mighty ,prince1 saying1 ,oh that ,mansoul might live before thee6 and so he delivered his petition4 ,the ,prince then having read the petition1 turned aside awhile1 as before1 and1 coming again to the place where the petitioner lay on the ground1 he demanded what his name was1 and of what esteem in the account of ,mansoul2 for that he1 above all the multitude in ,mansoul1 should be sent to him upon such an errand4 ,then said the man to the ,prince1 ',oh let not my ,lord be angry2 and why inquirest thou after the name of such a dead dog as ,i am8 ,pass by1 ,i pray thee1 and take no notice of who ,i am1 because there is1 as thou very well knowest1 so great a disproportion between me and thee4 ,why the townsmen chose to send me on this errand to my ,lord1 is best known to themselves1 but it could not be for that they thought that ,i had favour with my ,lord4 ,for my part1 ,i am out of charity with myself2 who then should be in love with me8 ,yet live ,i would1 and so would ,i that my townsmen should1 and because both they and myself are guilty of great transgressions1 therefore they have sent me1 and ,i am come in their names to beg of my ,lord for mercy4 ,let it please thee therefore to incline to mercy1 but ask not what thy servants are4' ,then said the ,prince1 ',and what is he that is become thy companion in this so weighty a matter8' ,so ,mr4 ,desires told ,emmanuel that he was a poor neighbour of his1 and one of his most intimate associates1 and his name1 said he1 may it please your most excellent ,majesty1 is ,wet-eyes1 of the town of ,mansoul4 ,i know that there are many of that name that are naught1 but ,i hope it will be no offence to my ,lord that ,i have brought my poor neighbour with me4 ,then ,mr4 ,wet-eyes fell on his face to the ground1 and made this apology for his coming with his neighbour to his ,lord3-- ',o my ,lord1' quoth he1 'what ,i am ,i know not myself1 nor whether my name be feigned or true1 especially when ,i begin to think what some have said1 namely1 that this name was given me because ,mr4 ,repentance was my father4 ,good men have bad children1 and the sincere do oftentimes beget hypocrites4 ,my mother also called me by this name from the cradle1 but whether because of the moistness of my brain1 or because of the softness of my heart1 ,i cannot tell4 ,i see dirt in mine own tears1 and filthiness in the bottom of my prayers4#aib ,but ,i pray thee'--and all this while the gentleman wept--'that thou wouldest not remember against us our transgressions1 nor take offence at the unqualifiedness of thy servants1 but mercifully pass by the sin of ,mansoul1 and refrain from the glorifying of thy grace no longer4'#aic ,so at his bidding they arose1 and both stood trembling before him1 and he spake to them to this purpose3-- ',the town of ,mansoul hath grievously rebelled against my ,father1 in that they have rejected him from being their ,king1 and did choose to themselves for their captain a liar1 a murderer1 and a runagate slave4 ,for this ,diabolus1 and your pretended prince1 though once so highly accounted of by you1 made rebellion against my ,father and me1 even in our palace and highest court there1 thinking to become a prince and king4 ,but being there timely discovered and apprehended1 and for his wickedness bound in chains1 and separated to the pit with those who were his companions1 he offered himself to you1 and you have received him4 ',now this is1 and for a long time hath been an high affront to my ,father1 wherefore my ,father sent to you a powerful army to reduce you to your obedience4 ,but you know how those men1 their captains1 and their counsels1 were esteemed of you1 and what they received at your hand4 ,you rebelled against them1 you shut your gates upon them1 you bid them battle1 you fought them1 and fought for ,diabolus against them4 ,so they sent to my ,father for more power1 and ,i with my men are come to subdue you4 ,but as you treated the servants1 so you treated their ,lord4 ,you stood up in hostile manner against me1 you shut up your gates against me1 you turned the deaf ear to me1 and resisted as long as you could2 but now ,i have made a conquest of you4 ,did you cry me mercy so long as you had hopes that you might prevail against me8#aid ,but now ,i have taken the town1 you cry4 ,but why did you not cry before1 when the white flag of my mercy1 the red flag of justice1 and the black flag that threatened execution1 were set up to cite you to it8 ,now ,i have conquered your ,diabolus1 you come to me for favour1 but why did you not help me against the mighty8 ,yet ,i will consider your petition1 and will answer it so as will be for my glory4 ',go1 bid ,captain ,boanerges and ,captain ,conviction bring the prisoners out to me into the camp to-morrow1 and say you to ,captain ,judgment and ,captain ,execution1 ,stay you in the castle1 and take good heed to yourselves that you keep all quiet in ,mansoul until you hear further from me4' ,and with that he turned himself from them1 and went into his royal pavilion again4#aie ,so the petitioners having received this answer from the ,prince1 returned as at the first to go to their companions again4 ,but they had not gone far1 but thoughts began to work in their minds that no mercy as yet was intended by the ,prince to ,mansoul2 so they went to the place where the prisoners lay bound2 but these workings of mind about what would become of ,mansoul1 had such strong power over them1 that by that they were come unto them that sent them1 they were scarce able to deliver their message4 ,but they came at length to the gates of the town--now the townsmen with earnestness were waiting for their return--where many met them1 to know what answer was made to the petition4 ,then they cried out to those that were sent1 ,what news from the ,prince8 and what hath ,emmanuel said8 ,but they said that they must1 as before1 go up to the prison1 and there deliver their message4 ,so away they went to the prison1 with a multitude at their heels4 ,now1 when they were come to the grates of the prison1 they told the first part of ,emmanuel's speech to the prisoners2 to wit1 how he reflected upon their disloyalty to his ,father and himself1 and how they had chose and closed with ,diabolus1 had fought for him1 hearkened to him1 and been ruled by him1 but had despised him and his men4 ,this made the prisoners look pale2 but the messengers proceeded1 and said1 ,he1 the ,prince1 said1 moreover1 that yet he would consider your petition1 and give such answer thereto as would stand with his glory4 ,and as these words were spoken1 ,mr4 ,wet-eyes gave a great sigh4 ,at this they were all of them struck into their dumps1 and could not tell what to say4 ,fear also possessed them in a marvelous manner2 and death seemed to sit upon some of their eyebrows4#aif ,now1 there was in the company a notable sharp-witted fellow1 a mean man of estate1 and his name was old ,inquisitive4 ,this man asked the petitioners if they had told out every whit of what ,emmanuel said4 ,and they answered1 ,verily1 no4 ,then said ,inquisitive1 ,i thought so1 indeed4 ,pray1 what was it more that he said unto you8 ,then they paused awhile2 but at last they brought out all1 saying1 ,the ,prince did bid us bid ,captain ,boanerges and ,captain ,conviction bring the prisoners down to him to-morrow2 and that ,captain ,judgment and ,captain ,execution should take charge of the castle and town till they should hear further from him4 ,they said also that when the ,prince had commanded them thus to do1 he immediately turned his back upon them1 and went into his royal pavilion4 ,but ,o how this return1 and specially this last clause of it1 that the prisoners must go out to the ,prince into the camp1 brake all their loins in pieces6 ,wherefore1 with one voice1 they set up a cry that reached up to the heavens4#aig ,this done1 each of the three prepared himself to die2 and the ,recorder conscience said unto them1 ,this was the thing that ,i feared2 for they concluded that to-morrow1 by that the sun went down1 they should be tumbled out of the world4 ,the whole town also counted of no other but that1 in their time and order1 they must all drink of the same cup4 ,wherefore the town of ,mansoul spent that night in mourning1 and sackcloth1 and ashes4 ,the prisoners also1 when the time was come for them to go down before the ,prince1 dressed themselves in mourning attire1 with ropes upon their heads4#aih ,the whole town of ,mansoul also showed themselves upon the wall1 all clad in mourning weeds1 if1 perhaps1 the ,prince1 with the sight thereof1 might be moved with compassion4 ,but ,o how the busy-bodies vain thoughts that were in the town of ,mansoul did now concern themselves6 ,they did run here and there through the streets of the town by companies1 crying out as they ran in tumultuous wise1 one after one manner1 and another the quite contrary1 to the almost utter distraction of ,mansoul4 ,well1 the time is come that the prisoners must go down to the camp1 and appear before the ,prince4 ,and thus was the manner of their going down4 ,captain ,boanerges went with a guard before them1 and ,captain ,conviction came behind1 and the prisoners went down bound in chains in the midst2 so1 ,i say1 the prisoners went in the midst1 and the guard went with flying colours behind and before1 but the prisoners went with drooping spirits4 ,or1 more particularly1 thus3 ,the prisoners went down all in mourning2 they put ropes upon themselves2 they went on smiting themselves on the breasts1 but durst not lift up their eyes to heaven4 ,thus they went out at the gate of ,mansoul1 till they came into the midst of the ,prince's army1 the sight and glory of which did greatly heighten their affliction4 ,nor could they now longer forbear1 but cry out aloud1 ,o unhappy men6 ,o wretched men of ,mansoul6 ,their chains still mixing their dolorous notes with the cries of the prisoners1 made noise more lamentable4#aii ,so1 when they were come to the door of the ,prince's pavilion1 they cast themselves prostrate upon the place4 ,then one went in and told his ,lord that the prisoners were come down4 ,the ,prince then ascended a throne of state1 and sent for the prisoners in2 who when they came1 did tremble before him1 also they covered their faces with shame4 ,now as they drew near to the place where he sat1 they threw themselves down before him4 ,then said the ,prince to the ,captain ,boanerges1 ,bid the prisoners stand upon their feet4 ,then they stood trembling before him1 and he said1 ,are you the men that heretofore were the servants of ,shaddai8 ,and they said1 ,yes1 ,lord1 yes4 ,then said the ,prince again1 ,are you the men that did suffer yourselves to be corrupted and defiled by that abominable one ,diabolus8 ,and they said1 ,we did more than suffer it1 ,lord2 for we chose it of our own mind4 ,the ,prince asked further1 saying1 ,could you have been content that your slavery should have continued under his tyranny as long as you had lived8 ,then said the prisoners1 ,yes1 ,lord1 yes2 for his ways were pleasing to our flesh1 and we were grown aliens to a better state4 ,and did you1 said he1 when ,i came up against this town of ,mansoul1 heartily wish that ,i might not have the victory over you8 ,yes1 ,lord1 yes1 said they4 ,then said the ,prince1 ,and what punishment is it1 think you1 that you deserve at my hand for these and other your high and mighty sins8 ,and they said1 ,both death and the deep1#bjj ,lord2 for we have deserved no less4 ,he asked again if they had aught to say for themselves1 why the sentence that they confessed that they had deserved should not be passed upon them8 ,and they said1 ,we can say nothing1 ,lord2 thou art just1 for we have sinned4 ,then said the ,prince1 ,and for what are those ropes on your heads8 ,the prisoners answered1 ,these ropes sins are to bind us withal to the place of execution1 if mercy be not pleasing in thy sight4 ,so he further asked1 if all the men in the town of ,mansoul were in this confession as they8 ,and they answered1 ,all the natives powers of the soul1 ,lord2 but for the ,diabolonians corruptions and lusts that came into our town when the tyrant got possession of us1 we can say nothing for them4#bja ,then the ,prince commanded that a herald should be called1 and that he should1 in the midst1 and throughout the camp of ,emmanuel1 proclaim1 and that with sound of trumpet1 that the ,prince1 the ,son of ,shaddai1 had1 in his ,father's name1 and for his ,father's glory1 gotten a perfect conquest and victory over ,mansoul1 and that the prisoners should follow him1 and say1 ,amen4 ,so this was done as he had commanded4 ,and presently the music that was in the upper region sounded melodiously4 ,the captains that were in the camp shouted1 and the soldiers did sing songs of triumph to the ,prince1 the colours waved in the wind1 and great joy was everywhere1 only it was wanting as yet in the hearts of the men of ,mansoul4#bjb ,then the ,prince called for the prisoners to come and to stand again before him1 and they came and stood trembling4 ,and he said unto them1 ,the sins1 trespasses1 iniquities1 that you1 with the whole town of ,mansoul1 have from time to time committed against my ,father and me1 ,i have power and commandment from my ,father to forgive to the town of ,mansoul2 and do forgive you accordingly4 ,and having so said1 he gave them written in parchment1 and sealed with seven seals1 a large and general pardon1 commanding both my ,lord ,mayor1 my ,lord ,will-be-will1 and ,mr4 ,recorder1 to proclaim1 and cause it to be proclaimed to-morrow by that the sun is up1 throughout the whole town of ,mansoul4 ,moreover1 the ,prince stripped the prisoners of their mourning weeds1 and gave them 'beauty for ashes1 the oil of joy for mourning1 and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness' 7,isa #fa3c7 ,then he gave to each of the three1 jewels of gold1 and precious stones1 and took away their ropes1 and put chains of gold about their necks1 and ear-rings in their ears4 ,now the prisoners1 when they did hear the gracious words of ,prince ,emmanuel1 and had beheld all that was done unto them1 fainted almost quite away2 for the grace1 the benefit1 the pardon1 was sudden1 glorious1 and so big1 that they were not able1 without staggering1 to stand up under it4#bjc ,yea1 my ,lord ,will-be-will swooned outright2 but the ,prince stepped to him1 put his everlasting arms under him1 embraced him1 kissed him1 and bid him be of good cheer1 for all should be performed according to his word4 ,he also did kiss1 and embrace1 and smile upon the other two that were ,will-be-will's companions1 saying1 ,take these as further tokens of my love1 favour1 and compassion to you2 and ,i charge you1 that you1 ,mr4 ,recorder1 tell in the town of ,mansoul what you have heard and seen4 ,then were their fetters broken to pieces before their faces1 and cast into the air1 and their steps#bjd were enlarged under them4 ,then they fell down at the feet of the ,prince1 and kissed his feet1 and wetted them with tears2 also they cried out with a mighty strong voice1 saying1 ',blessed be the glory of the ,lord from this place' 7,eze #c3ab74 ,so they were bid rise up1 and go to the town1 and tell to ,mansoul what the ,prince had done4 ,he commanded also that one with a pipe and tabor should go and play before them all the way into the town of ,mansoul4 ,then was fulfilled what they never looked for1 and they were made to possess that which they never dreamed of4#bje ,the ,prince also called for the noble ,captain ,credence1 and commanded that he and some of his officers should march before the noble men of ,mansoul with flying colours into the town4 ,he gave also unto ,captain ,credence a charge1 that about that time that the ,recorder did read the general pardon in the town of ,mansoul1 that at that very time he should with flying colours march in at ,eye-gate with his ten thousands at his feet1 and that he should so go until he came by the high street of the town1 up to the castle gates1 and that himself should take possession thereof against his ,lord came thither4 ,he commanded1 moreover1 that he should bid ,captain ,judgment and ,captain ,execution to leave the stronghold to him1 and to withdraw from ,mansoul1 and to return into the camp with speed unto the ,prince4 ,and now was the town of ,mansoul also delivered from the terror of the first four captains and their men4#bjf ,,chapter ,,ix ,,contents3--,the liberated prisoners return to ,mansoul1 where they are received with great joy--,the inhabitants request ,emmanuel to take up his residence among them--,he consents--,makes a triumphal entry amid the shouts of the people--,the town is new modeled1 and the image of ,shaddai erected4 ,well1 ,i told you before how the prisoners were entertained by the noble ,prince ,emmanuel1 and how they behaved themselves before him1 and how he sent them away to their home with pipe and tabor going before them4 ,and now you must think that those of the town that had all this while waited to hear of their death1 could not but be exercised with sadness of mind1 and with thoughts that pricked like thorns4 ,nor could their thoughts be kept to any one point2 the wind blew with them all this while at great uncertainties1 yea1 their hearts were like a balance that had been disquieted with a shaking hand4 ,but at last1 as they with many a long look looked over the wall of ,mansoul1 they thought that they saw some returning to the town2 and thought again1 ,who should they be too1 who should they be8 ,at last they discerned that they were the prisoners2 but can you imagine how their hearts were surprised with wonder1 especially when they perceived also in what equipage and with what honour they were sent home8 ,they went down to the camp in black1 but they came back to the town in white2 they went down to the camp in ropes1 they came back in chains of gold2 they went down to the camp with their feet in fetters1 but came back with their steps enlarged under them2 they went also to the camp looking for death1 but they came back thence with assurance of life2 they went down to the camp with heavy hearts1 but came back again with pipe and tabor playing before them4 ,so1 so soon as they were come to ,eye-gate1 the poor and tottering town of ,mansoul adventured to give a shout1 and they gave such a shout as made the captains in the ,prince's army leap at the sound thereof4 ,alas for them1 poor hearts6 who could blame them1 since their dead friends were come to life again8 for it was to them as life from the dead1 to see the ancients of the town of ,mansoul shine in such splendour4 ,they looked for nothing but the axe and the block2 but behold1 joy and gladness1 comfort and consolation1 and such melodious notes attending of them that was sufficient to make a sick man well4 ,so when they came up1 they saluted each other with ,welcome6 welcome6 and blessed be he that has spared you 7,isa #cc3bd74 ,they added also1 ,we see it is well with you1 but how must it go with the town of ,mansoul8 and1 ,will it go well with the town of ,mansoul8 said they4 ,then answered them the ,recorder and my ,lord ,mayor1 ,oh tidings6 glad tidings6 good tidings of good and of great joy to poor ,mansoul6 ,then they gave another shout that made the earth to ring again4 ,after this they inquired yet more particularly how things went in the camp1 and what message they had from ,emmanuel to the town1 ,so they told them all passages that had happened to them at the camp1 and everything that the ,prince did to them4 ,this made ,mansoul wonder at the wisdom and grace of the ,prince ,emmanuel4 ,then they told them what they had received at his hands for the whole town of ,mansoul2 and the ,recorder delivered it in these words--,,pardon1 ,,pardon1 ,,pardon for ,mansoul2 and this shall ,mansoul know to-morrow4 ,then he commanded1 and they went and summoned ,mansoul to meet together in the market-place to-morrow1 there to hear their general pardon read4 ,but who can think what a turn1 what a change1 what an alteration this hint of things did make in the countenance of the town of ,mansoul6 ,no man of ,mansoul could sleep that night for joy2#bjg in every house there was joy and music1 singing and making merry1 telling and hearing of ,mansoul's happiness1 was then all that ,mansoul had to do2 and this was the burden of all their song--,oh1 more of this at the rising of the sun6 more of this to-morrow6 ,who thought yesterday1 would one say1 that this day would have been such a day to us8 ,and who thought1 that saw our prisoners go down in irons1 that they would have returned in chains of gold6 yea1 they that judged themselves as they went to be judged of their judge1 were by his mouth acquitted1 not for that they were innocent1 but of the ,prince's mercy1 and sent home with pipe and tabor4 ,but is this the common custom of princes8 do they use to show such kind of favours to traitors8 ,no6 this is only peculiar to ,shaddai1 and unto ,emmanuel4 his ,son4#bjh ,now morning drew on apace1 wherefore the ,lord ,mayor1 the ,lord ,will-be-will1 and ,mr4 ,recorder came down to the market-place at the time that the ,prince had appointed1 where the townsfolk were waiting for them2 and when they came1 they came in that attire and in that glory that the ,prince had put them into the day before1 and the street was lightened with their glory4 ,so the ,mayor1 ,recorder1 and my ,lord ,will-be-will drew down to ,mouth-gate1 which was at the lower end of the market-place1 because that of old time was the place where they used to read public matters4 ,thither therefore they came in their robes1 and their tabret went before them4 ,now the eagerness of the people to know the full of the matter was great4 ,then the ,recorder stood up upon his feet1 and first beckoning with his hand for a silence1 he read out with loud voice the pardon4 ,but when he came to these words1 ',the ,lord1 the ,lord ,god1 merciful and gracious1 pardoning iniquity1 transgression1 and sin'7,exo #cd3f72 and to these1 'all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven1' c4 7,mark #c3bh72 they could not forbear but leap for joy4 ,for this you must know1 that there was conjoined herewith every man's name in ,mansoul2 also the seals of the pardon made a brave show4#bji ,when the ,recorder had made an end of reading the pardon1 the townsmen ran up upon the walls of the town1 and leaped and skipped thereon for joy2 and bowed themselves seven times with their faces towards ,emmanuel's pavilion1 and shouted out aloud for joy1 and said1 ,let ,emmanuel live for ever6 ,then order was given to the young men in ,mansoul1 that they should ring the bells for joy4 ,so the bells did ring1 and the people sing1 and the music go in every house in ,mansoul4#baj ,when the ,prince had sent home the three prisoners of ,mansoul with joy1 and pipe1 and tabor2 he commanded his captains1 with all the field-officers and soldiers throughout his army1 to be ready in that morning that the ,recorder should read the pardon in ,mansoul1 to do his further pleasure4 ,so the morning1 as ,i have showed1 being come1 just as the ,recorder had made an end of reading the pardon1 ,emmanuel commanded that all the trumpets in the camp should sound1 that the colours should be displayed1 half of them upon ,mount ,gracious1 and half of them upon ,mount ,justice4#baa ,he commanded also that all the captains should show themselves in all their harness1 and that the soldiers should shout for joy4 ,nor was ,captain ,credence1 though in the castle1 silent in such a day1 but he1 from the top of the hold1 showed himself with sound of trumpet to ,mansoul1 and to the ,prince's camp4 ,thus have ,i showed you the manner and way that ,emmanuel took to recover the town of ,mansoul from under the hand and power of the tyrant ,diabolus4 ,now when the ,prince had completed these1 the outward ceremonies of his joy1 he again commanded that his captains and soldiers should show unto ,mansoul some feats of war4 ,so they presently addressed themselves to this work4 ,but oh1 with what agility1 nimbleness1 dexterity1 and bravery did these military men discover their skill in feats of war to the now gazing town of ,mansoul6 ,they marched1 they counter-marched1 they opened to the right and left1 they divided and subdivided1 they closed1 they wheeled1 made good their front and rear with their right and left wings1 and twenty things more1 with that aptness1 and then were all as they were again1 that they took1 yea1 ravished the hearts that were in ,mansoul to behold it4 ,but add to this1 the handling of their arms1 the managing of their weapons of war1 were marvellous taking to ,mansoul and me4#bab ,when this action was over1 the whole town of ,mansoul came out as one man to the ,prince in the camp to thank him1 and praise him for his abundant favour1 and to beg that it would please his grace to come unto ,mansoul with his men1 and there to take up their quarters for ever4 ,and this they did in most humble manner1 bowing themselves seven times to the ground before him4 ,then said he1 ,all peace be to you4 ,so the town came nigh1 and touched with the hand the top of his golden scepter1 and they said1 ,oh that the ,prince ,emmanuel1 with his captains and men of war1 would dwell in ,mansoul for ever2 and that his battering-rams and slings might be lodged in her for the use and service of the ,prince1 and for the help and strength of ,mansoul4 ',for1' said they1 'we have room for thee1 we have room for thy men1 we have also room for thy weapons of war1 and a place to make a magazine for thy carriages4 ,do it1 ,emmanuel1 and thou shalt be ,king and ,captain in ,mansoul for ever4 ,yea govern thou also according to all the desire of thy soul1 and make thou governors and princes under thee of thy captains and men of war1 and we will become thy servants1 and thy laws shall be our direction4' ,they added1 moreover1 and prayed his ,majesty to consider thereof2 'for1' said they1 'if now1 after all this grace bestowed upon us thy miserable town of ,mansoul1 thou shouldest withdraw1 thou and thy captains from us1 the town of ,mansoul will die4#bac ,yea1' said they1 'our blessed ,emmanuel1 if thou shouldest depart from us now thou hast done so much good for us1 and showed so much mercy unto us2 what will follow but that our joy will be as if it had not been1 and our enemies will a second time come upon us with more rage than at the first4 ,wherefore1 we beseech thee1 ,o thou the desire of our eyes1 and the strength and life of our poor town1 accept of this motion that now we have made unto our ,lord1 and come and dwell in the midst of us1 and let us be thy people4 ,besides1 ,lord1 we do not know but that to this day many ,diabolonians may be yet lurking in the town of ,mansoul1 and they will betray us when thou shalt leave us1 into the hand of ,diabolus again2 and who knows what designs1 plots1 or contrivances have passed betwixt them about these things already2 loth we are to fall again into his horrible hands4 ,wherefore1 let it please thee to accept of our palace for thy place of residence1 and of the houses of the best men in our town for the reception of thy soldiers1 and their furniture4'#bad ,then said the ,prince1 ',if ,i come to your town1 will you suffer me further to prosecute that which is in mine heart against mine enemies and yours1 yea1 will you help me in such undertakings8' ,they answered1 ',we know not what we shall do2 we did not think once that we should have been such traitors to ,shaddai as we have proved to be2 what then shall we say to our ,lord8 ,let him put no trust in his saints1 let the ,prince dwell in our castle1 and make of our town a garrison1 let him set his noble captains1 and his warlike soldiers over us4 ,yea1 let him conquer us with his love1 and overcome us with his grace1 and then surely shall he be but with us1 and help us1 as he was1 and did that morning that our pardon was read unto us1 we shall comply with this1 our ,lord1 and with his ways1 and fall in with his word against the mighty4 ',one word more1 and thy servants have done1 and in this will trouble our ,lord no more4 ,we know not the depth of the wisdom of thee our ,prince4 ,who could have thought that had been ruled by his reason1 that so much sweet as we do now enjoy should have come out of those bitter trials wherewith we were tried at the first8 but1 ,lord1 let light go before1 and let love come after2 yea1 take us by the hand1 and lead us by thy counsels1 and let this always abide upon us1 that all things shall be for the best for thy servants1 and come to our ,mansoul1 and do as it pleaseth thee4 ,or1 ,lord1 come to our ,mansoul1 do what thou wilt1 so thou keepest us from sinning1 and makest us serviceable to thy ,majesty4'#bae ,then said the ,prince to the town of ,mansoul again1 ',go1 return to your houses in peace1 ,i will willingly in this comply with your desires4 ,i will remove my royal pavilion1 ,i will draw up my forces before ,eye-gate to-morrow1 and so will march forwards into the town of ,mansoul4 ,i will possess myself of your castle of ,mansoul1 and will set my soldiers over you2 yea1 ,i will yet do things in ,mansoul that cannot be paralleled in any nation1 country or kingdom under heaven4' ,then did the men of ,mansoul give a shout1 and returned unto their houses in peace2 they also told to their kindred and friends the good that ,emmanuel had promised to ,mansoul4 ,and to-morrow1 said they1 he will march into our town1 and take up his dwelling1 he and his men in ,mansoul4 ,then went out the inhabitants of the town of ,mansoul with haste to the green trees1 and to the meadows1 to gather boughs and flowers1 therewith to strew the streets against their ,prince1 the ,son of ,shaddai1 should come2 they also made garlands1 and other fine works1 to betoken how joyful they were1 and should be to receive their ,emmanuel into ,mansoul2 yea1 they strewed the street quite from ,eye-gate to the castle-gate1 the place where the ,prince should be4 ,they also prepared for his coming what music the town of ,mansoul would afford1 that they might play before him to the palace1 his habitation4 ,so1 at the time appointed1 he makes his approach to ,mansoul1 and the gates were set open for him1 there also the ancients and elders of ,mansoul met him1 to salute him with a thousand welcomes4 ,then he arose and entered ,mansoul1 he and all his servants4 ,the elders of ,mansoul did also go dancing before him till he came to the castle gates4 ,and this was the manner of his going up thither4 ,he was clad in his golden armour1 he rode in his royal chariot1 the trumpets sounded about him1 the colours were displayed1 his ten thousands went up at his feet1 and the elders of ,mansoul danced before him4#baf ,and now were the walls of the famous town of ,mansoul filled with the tramplings of the inhabitants thereof1 who went up thither to view the approach of the blessed ,prince1 and his royal army4 ,also the casements1 windows1 balconies1 and tops of the houses were all now filled with persons of all sorts to behold how their town was to be filled with good4 #bag ,now when he was come so far into the town as to the ,recorder's house1 he commanded that one should go to ,captain ,credence1 to know whether the castle of ,mansoul was prepared to entertain his ,royal ,presence1 for the preparation of that was left to that captain1 and word was brought that it was 7,acts #ae3i74bah ,then was ,captain ,credence commanded also to come forth with his power to meet the ,prince1 the which was1 as he had commanded1 done1 and he conducted him into the castle 7,eph #c3ag74 ,this done1 the ,prince that night did lodge in the castle with his mighty captains and men of war1 to the joy of the town of ,mansoul4 ,now the next care of the townsfolk was how the captains and soldiers of the ,prince's army should be quartered among them1 and the care was not how they should shut their hands of them1 but how they should fill their houses with them2 for every man in ,mansoul now had that esteem of ,emmanuel and his men1 that nothing grieved them more than because they were not enlarged enough1 every one of them to receive the whole army of the ,prince1 yea1 they counted it their glory to be waiting upon them1 and would in those days run at their bidding like lackeys4 ,at last they came to this result3--#a4 ,that ,captain ,innocency should quarter at ,mr4 ,reason's4 #b4 ,that ,captain ,patience should quarter at ,mr4 ,mind's4 ,this ,mr4 ,mind was formerly the ,lord ,will-be-will's clerk1 in time of the late rebellion4 #c4 ,it was ordered that ,captain ,charity should quarter at ,mr4 ,affection's house4 #d4 ,that ,captain ,good-hope should quarter at my ,lord ,mayor's4 ,now for the house of the ,recorder1 himself desired1 because his house was next to the castle1 and because from him it was ordered by the ,prince1 that1 if need be1 the alarm should be given to ,mansoul2 it was1 ,i say1 desired by him that ,captain ,boanerges and ,captain ,conviction should take up their quarters with him1 even they and all their men4 #e4 ,as for ,captain ,judgment and ,captain ,execution1 my ,lord ,will-be-will took them1 and their men to him1 because he was to rule under the ,prince for the good of the town of ,mansoul now1 as he had before1 under the tyrant ,diabolus for the hurt and damage thereof 7,rom #f3ai2 ,eph #c3ag74 #f4 ,and throughout the rest of the town were quartered ,emmanuel's forces1 but ,captain ,credence with his men abode still in the castle4 ,so the ,prince1 his captains1 and his soldiers were lodged in the town of ,mansoul4#bai ,now the ancients and elders of the town of ,mansoul thought that they never should have enough of the ,prince ,emmanuel2 his person1 his actions1 his words1 and behaviour1 were so pleasing1 so taking1 so desirable to them4 ,wherefore1 they prayed him1 that though the castle of ,mansoul was his place of residence1 and they desired that he might dwell there for ever1 yet that he would often visit the streets1 houses1 and people of ,mansoul4 ,for1 said they1 ,dread ,sovereign1 thy presence1 thy looks1 thy smiles1 thy words1 are the life1 and strength1 and sinews of the town of ,mansoul4#bbj ,besides this1 they craved that they might have1 without difficulty or interruption1 continual access unto him1 so for that very purpose he commanded that the gates should stand open1 that they might there see the manner of his doings1 the fortifications of the place1 and the royal mansion-house of the ,prince4 ,when he spake they all stopped their mouths and gave audience2 and when he walked1 it was their delight to imitate him in his goings4 ,now upon a time ,emmanuel made a feast for the town of ,mansoul1 and upon the feasting-day the townsfolk were come to the castle to partake of his banquet4 ,and he feasted them with all manner of outlandish food1 food that grew not in the fields of ,mansoul1 nor in all the whole ,kingdom of ,universe4 ,it was food that came from his ,father's court1 and so there was dish after dish set before them1 and they were commanded freely to eat4 ,but still when a fresh dish was set before them1 they would whisperingly say to each other1 ,what is it8 7,exo #af3ae7 #bba ,for they wist not what to call it4 ,they drank also of the water that was made wine2 and were very merry with him4 ,there was music also all the while at the table1 and man did eat angels' food1 and had honey given him out of the rock4 ,so ,mansoul did eat the food that was peculiar to the court1 yea1 they had now thereof to the full 7,psa #gh3bd1be74 #bbb ,i must not forget to tell you that as at this table there were musicians1 so they were not those of the country1 nor yet of the town of ,mansoul2 but they were the masters of the songs that were sung at the court of ,shaddai4#bbc ,now after the feast was over1 ,emmanuel was for entertaining the town of ,mansoul with some curious riddles of secrets drawn up by his ,father's secretary1 by the skill and wisdom of ,shaddai2 the like to these there is not in any kingdom4 ,these riddles were made upon the ,king ,shaddai himself1 and upon ,emmanuel his ,son1 and upon his wars and doings with ,mansoul4 ,emmanuel also expounded unto them some of those riddles himself1 but oh how they were lightened6 ,they saw what they never saw1 they could not have thought that such rarities could have been couched in so few and such ordinary words4 ,i told you before whom these riddles did concern2 and as they were opened1 the people did evidently see it was so4 ,yea1 they did gather that the things themselves were a kind of portraiture1 and that of ,emmanuel himself2 for when they read in the scheme where the riddles were writ1 and looked in the face of the ,prince1 things looked so like the one to the other that ,mansoul could not forbear but say1 ,this is the ,lamb1 this is the ,sacrifice1 this is the ,rock1 this is the ,red ,cow1 this is the ,door1 and this is the way2 with a great many other things more4#bbd ,and thus he dismissed the town of ,mansoul4 ,but can you imagine how the people of the corporation were taken with this entertainment8 ,oh they were transported with joy1 they were drowned with wonderment1 while they saw and understood1 and considered what their ,emmanuel entertained them withal1 and what mysteries he opened to them2 and when they were at home in their houses1 and in their most retired places1 they could not but sing of him1 and of his actions4 ,yea1 so taken were the townsmen now with their ,prince1 that they would sing of him in their sleep4 ,now it was in the heart of the ,prince ,emmanuel to new model the town of ,mansoul1 and to put it into such a condition as might be more pleasing to him1 and that might best stand with the profit and security of the now flourishing town of ,mansoul4 ,he provided also against insurrections at home1 and invasions from abroad2 such love had he for the famous town of ,mansoul4 ,wherefore he first of all commanded that the great slings that were brought from his ,father's court1 when he came to the war of ,mansoul1 should be mounted1 some upon the battlements of the castle1 some upon the towers1 for there were towers in the town of ,mansoul1 towers new built by ,emmanuel since he came thither4#bbe ,there was also an instrument invented by ,emmanuel1 that was to throw stones from the castle of ,mansoul1 out at ,mouth-gate2 an instrument that could not be resisted1 nor that would miss of execution2 wherefore for the wonderful exploits that it did when used1 it went without a name1 and it was committed to the care of1 and to be managed by the brave captain1 the ,captain ,credence1 in case of war4#bbf ,this done1 ,emmanuel called the ,lord ,will-be-will to him1 and gave him in commandment to take care of the gates1 the wall1 and towers in ,mansoul4 ,also the ,prince gave him the militia into his hand2 and a special charge to withstand all insurrections and tumults that might be made in ,mansoul1 against the peace of our ,lord the ,king1 and the peace and tranquillity of the town of ,mansoul4 ,he also gave him in commission1 that if he found any of the ,diabolonians lurking in any corner in the famous town of ,mansoul1 he should forthwith apprehend them1 and stay them1 or commit them to safe custody1 that they may be proceeded against according to law4 ,then he called unto him the ,lord ,understanding1 who was the old ,lord ,mayor1 he that was put out of place when ,diabolus took the town1 and put him into his former office again1 and it became his place for his lifetime4 ,he bid him also that he should build him a palace near ,eye-gate1 and that he should build it in fashion like a tower for defence4 ,he bid him also that he should read in the ,revelation of ,mysteries#bbg all the days of his life1 that he might know how to perform his office aright4 ,he also made ,mr4 ,knowledge the ,recorder2 not of contempt to old ,mr4 ,conscience1 who had been ,recorder before2 but for that it was in his princely mind to confer upon ,mr4 ,conscience another employ2 of which he told the old gentleman he should know more hereafter4 ,then he commanded that the image of ,diabolus should be taken down from the place where it was set up1 and that they should destroy it utterly1 beating of it into powder1 and casting it unto the wind1 without the town-wall2 and that the image of ,shaddai his ,father should be set up again1 with his own1 upon the castle gates1 and that it should be more fairly drawn than ever2 forasmuch as both his ,father and himself were come to ,mansoul in more grace and mercy than heretofore 7,rev #bb3d74 ,he would also that his name should be fairly engraven upon the front of the town1 and that it should be done in the best of gold1 for the honour of the town of ,mansoul4#bbh 999999 ,,the ,,heavenly ,,footman2 ,,or1 ,a ,,description ,,of ,,the ,,man ,,that ,,gets ,,to ,,heaven3 ,,together ,,with ,,the ,,way ,,he ,,runs ,,in1 ,,the ,,marks ,,he ,,goes ,,by2 ,,also1 ,,some ,,directions ,,how ,,to ,,run ,,so ,,as ,,to ,,obtain4 ',and it came to pass1 when they had brought them forth abroad1 that he said1 ,escape for thy life2 look not behind thee1 neither stay thou in all the plain3 escape to the mountain1 lest thou be consumed4'--,genesis #ai3ag4 ,london3 ,printed for ,john ,marshall1 at the ,bible in ,gracechurch ,street1 #afih4 ,,advertisement ,,by ,,the ,,editor4 ,about forty years ago a gentleman1 in whose company ,i had commenced my pilgrimage1 and who had joined me in communion with a ,baptist church1 about four years previously1 came to my house one ,monday morning1 greatly delighted with the sermon which our pastor had preached on the previous day1 while ,i was engaged in superintending the ,sunday school4 ,it had caused a very remarkable sensation1 which1 if properly followed up1 bid fair to occasion an extraordinary revival of religion in the neighbourhood4 ,he1 with the deacons1 had begged of our minister to fill up his outline1 and prepare the sermon for publication1 to which he had consented4 ,he wished to ascertain from me1 as a publisher1 the expense of printing five thousand copies1 being sure that the sale of it would be unprecedented1 not only throughout the kingdom1 but as far as the ,english language was spoken4 ,in about a week1 the copy fairly written was left with me4 ,the text was ,hebrews #ab3a1 ',let us run with patience the race that is set before us4' ,after the introduction that all men desire heaven1 but all do not run for it--the word run was explained as a flying1 pressing1 persevering4 ,then seven reasons1 and nine directions1 were followed by nine motives and nine uses4 ,this1 and the striking ideas and language of the sermon1 brought ,bunyan to my recollection1 and1 on comparison1 it proved to be the ,heavenly ,footman1 with very slight alterations4 ,having then very recently purchased a neat edition of the book1 at a very low price1 my inquiry was1 whether they would not prefer having the book in its genuine state1 especially as it was ready for delivery4 ,i need not add1 that all thoughts of circulating the sermon was at once abandoned4 ,in conversation with my excellent pastor1 who afterwards for many years bore the honour of a ,d4,d41 he acknowledge his obligation to me for detecting the plagiarism before the sermon was published1 and explained to me that1 when very young1 he had read ,bunyan's ,heavenly ,footman with intense interest1 and made a full analysis of it1 in the shape of notes1 which1 having committed to memory1 he preached to a very delighted and deeply impressed congregation2 that after a lapse of many years1 looking over the outlines of his early sermons1 he was struck with it1 and believing it to be his own composition1 had again used it with such extraordinary success1 as led his deacons and members to request him to print it4 ,doubtless ,bunyan being dead has often similarly spoken--may his voice never be lost in silence or be forgotten4 ,the title of ',heavenly ,footman' was probably suggested by the words of the prophet ,jeremiah1 ',if thou hast run with the footmen1 and they have wearied thee1 then how canst thou contend with horses8 ,and in the land of peace thou trustedst1 then how wilt thou do in the swelling of ,jordan8' 7#ab3e71 and ',let us run with patience the race that is set before us' 7,heb #ab3a74 ,the word footman does not refer to that class of servants who are badged and dressed in livery to gratify the pride of their masters1 nor to that description of foot-soldiers or infantry1 whose business is designated by the blood-stained colour of their clothes4 ,but it refers to those who are travelling on foot to a distant country1 engaged on a pilgrimage from earth to heaven4 ,it is worthy of remark1 that the whole of the children of ,god1 of every age and clime1 class and kindred1 the richest and the poorest1 all are upon terms of perfect equality in running the race set before them4 ,no wealth1 nor grade1 can procure a horse to carry them1 or a carriage to ride in2 all must run on foot4 ,the only carriage for the foot-sore1 weary pilgrim is the bosom of ,christ2 he carries the lambs in his bosom1 and there is room enough for all2 the poorest labourer and the noblest aristocrat meet there upon a level with each other2 there is no first class for the rich1 and parliamentary train for the poor4 ,it is all first class4 ,in the varied adventures of ,christian and his associates1 and of ,christiana1 her children1 and her lovely friend ,mercy1 they never ride4 ,the little one is led by the hand up the steep and rough hill ,difficulty1 but his own feet carry him throughout the wearisome road4 ,the only carriage was the fiery chariot which carried the soul of the martyred ,faithful to the ,celestial ,city2 there is no riding to heaven while in the body4 ,wealth may procure many pleasures to clog the soul in its journey4 ,it may purchase indulgencies2 it may incline some disciples to look at sinful imperfections through the wrong end of the telescope2 it may purchase prayers--but devotional exercises1 bought by gold1 will freeze the soul4 ,it is the poor disciple that receives the faithful admonitions of his equally poor fellow-saints4 ,the rich have more ceremony1 while the labourer enjoys more richly1 more free from restraint1 the warm outpourings of a devotional spirit4 ,still there is nothing to prevent the greatest nobleman or monarch from running to heaven in company with the disciples of our lowly ,master4 ,if he refuses this road and this company1 he must pursue his downward course to destruction4 ,the order in which the allegorical works of ,bunyan were written1 very naturally suggest itself from his own narratives1 and from the dates of their publication4 ,it was thus1 while suffering his tedious and dangerous imprisonment for ,christ's sake1 he was led to write an account of the dealings of ,god with his soul1 which work he published in #afff1 under the title of ,grace ,abounding to the ,chief of ,sinners4 ,while engaged in writing this remarkable narrative1 the almost unbounded allegorical powers of his mind were brought into exercise-- ',and thus it was3 ,i writing of the way ,and race of saints1 in this our gospel-day1 ,fell suddenly into an allegory ,about their journey1 and the way to glory4' ,having finished his ,grace ,abounding1 he allowed his fertile imagination its full scope1 and again wrote the result of his experience in the form of an allegorical narrative1 called the ,pilgrim's ,progress from this ,world to that which is to ,come4 ,at first the thoughts pressed upon him as fast as he could write them1 yet he says-- ',i did not think ,to show to all the world my pen and ink ,in such a mode4' ,and it was several years before he ventured to publish his beautiful allegory4 ,he was released from prison in #afgb1 having been chosen in the previous year to be the pastor1 or ministering elder of the church at ,bedford4 ,his time was then much occupied in re-organizing the church1 after years of tempest and fiery persecution4 ,at length1 having overcome his own and his friends' reluctance to publish so solemn a work on the conversion of a sinner and his way to heaven1 in the form of an allegory1 the ,pilgrim's ,progress was printed in #afgh4 ,the wonderful popularity of this book1 and the great good it produced1 led him again to turn his ,grace ,abounding into a different form of narrative1 in the more profound allegory of the ,holy ,war2 this was published in #afhb1 and in two years afterwards he completed the ,pilgrim by a delightful second part4 ,his long incarceration1 followed by sudden and great activity1 probably brought down his robust constitution2 and as the end of his course drew nigh1 he was doubly diligent1 for in #afhh1 before his death-day1 which was in ,august1 he published six important treatises1 and had prepared fourteen or fifteen others for the press4 ,among these were his final and almost dying instructions to the pilgrim1 under the title of ,the ,heavenly ,footman1 the man whom he describes in the poetical apology to the ,pilgrim's ,progress1 as he that ',runs and runs1 ,till he unto the gate of glory comes4' ,this treatise sheds a lustre over the latter days of our immortal allegorist4 ,it is evidently the production of a mind expanded and chastened with the rich experience of sanctified age4 ,in it we are reminded of those important directions to heavenly footmen1 contained in his most admired books4 ,is there a ,slough of ,despond to be passed1 and a hill ,difficulty to be overcome8 ,here the footman is reminded of 'many a dirty step1 many a high hill1 a long and tedious journey through a vast howling wilderness'2 but he is encouraged1 'the land of promise is at the end of the way4' ,must the man that would win eternal glory draw his sword1 put on his helmet1 and fight his way into the temple--the heavenly footman must press1 crowd1 and thrust through all that stand between heaven and his soul4 ,did ,ignorance1 who perished from the way1 say to the pilgrims1 ',you go so fast1 ,i must stay awhile behind8' ,he who runs to heaven is told that the heavy-heeled1 lazy1 wanton1 and foolish professor will not attain the prize4 ,the wicket-gate1 at the head of the way1 is all-important2 none can get to heaven unless they enter by ,christ1 the door and way1 so the footman is reminded that it matters not how fast he runs1 he can never attain the prize1 if he is in the wrong road4 ,did the pilgrims so severely suffer from entering upon ,byepath-meadow1 and even after that bitter experience were they again misled into a bye path1 by a black man clothed in white raiment8 ,our footman is warned--,beware then of bye and crooked paths that lead to death and damnation2 the way to heaven is one1 still there are many well-beaten bye paths that butt or shoot down upon it1 and which lead to destruction4 ,to prevent vain and foolish company from calling you out of the path1 or from loitering in it1 say1 ,i am in haste1 ,i am running for a prize2 if ,i win ,i am made1 ,i win ,,all2 if ,i lose ,i lose all1 and am undone4 ,so it was with ,faithful when even ,christian1 who saw him before1 cried ,ho ho1 so ho4 ,faithful answered1 ',no1 ,i am upon my life1 the avenger of blood is behind me4' ,in the same way the pilgrims refused the invitations of ,demas with his silver mine4 ,no1 says the heavenly footman1 ,i am running for heaven1 for my soul1 for ,god1 for ,christ1 from hell and everlasting damnation4 ,did the poor pilgrims go grunting1 puffing1 and sighing1 one tumbleth over a bush1 another sticks fast in the dirt1 one cries out1 ,i am down1 and another1 ,ho6 where are you8 ,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,so the footman is told that he will 'meet with cross1 pain1 and wearisomeness to the flesh1 with briars and quagmires1 and other encumbrances1' through all which he must persevere4 ,did ,formalist and ,hypocrite turn off into bye ways at the foot of the hill ,difficulty1 and miserably perish8 ,did ,mistrust and ,timorous run back for fear of the persecuting lions1 ,church and ,state8 ,so the man that runs for heaven is cautioned--',some when they come at the cross can go no further1 but back again to their sins they go1 stumble and break their necks1 or turn aside to the left or to the right1 and perish4' ,be not ready to halt1 nor run hobbling and halting1 but1 like my ,lord ,will-be-will in the ,holy ,war1 when fighting against ,diabolus1 get thy will tipt with heavenly grace1 and go full speed for heaven4 ,these quotations tend to prove that this invaluable treatise is a summary of the guide books which ,bunyan had before written4 ,it was doubtless one of the last productions of his prolific pen4 ,two passages in the ,heavenly ,footman appear to favour the idea1 that a period in life is1 in some cases1 fixed1 beyond which there is no repentance2 thus in a solemn warning against procrastination he says1 ',dost thou know whether the day of grace will last a week longer or no8 ,for the day of grace is past with some before their life is ended'2 and 'sometimes sinners have not heaven gates open to them so long as they suppose2 and if they be once shut against a man1 they are so heavy that all the men in the world1 nor all the angels in heaven1 can open them4 ,francis ,spira can tell thee what it is to stay till the gate of mercy be quite shut4' ,it becomes an interesting inquiry as to who ,bunyan means by the 'some' of whom he says1 'that the day of grace is past before their life is ended4' ,this cannot refer to those who1 neglecting the ,saviour1 are in a perishing condition4 ,no minister felt a more ardent desire to rouse them to a sense of their danger and to guard them against despair than ,john ,bunyan4 ,in his ,jerusalem ,sinner ,saved he thus argues ',why despair8 thou art yet in the land of the living4' ',it is a sin to begin to despair before one sets his foot over the threshold of hell gates4' ',what1 despair of bread in a land that is full of corn8 ,despair of mercy when our ,god is full of mercy1 thou scrupulous fool2 despair when we have a redeeming ,christ alive4 ,let them despair that dwell where there is no ,god1 and that are confined to those chambers of death which can be reached by no redemption4' ,in ,bunyan's ,come and ,welcome1 he proves that it would be 'high blasphemy and damnable wickedness' to imagine that ,christ would cast out any that come to ,god by him4 ,he cannot mean the backslider1 for ,bunyan was such4 ,david also1 to an awful extent1 and ,peter to the denial of his ,lord4 ,no1 he may mean those who1 while neglecting the ,saviour1 are overtaken by madness1 or more probably to such as ,judas1 ,spira1 and others who sell their ,master1 or renounce him4 ,if a man abandons the ,saviour1 there is no other name under heaven whereby he can be saved2 'there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin'2 he is a despiser of ,god's way of salvation1 and tramples under foot the ,son of ,god4 ,while such a career continues1 fiery indignation must be his wretched destiny4 ,they who contemn the heavenly gift--the ,holy ,ghost--the word of ,god--the powers of the world to come--if they persevere unto death in such sentiments1 the day of grace is past4 ,there have been some who1 like ,esau1 having sold their birthright1 sought repentance even with tears1 but found it not--they sought it not in ,god's appointed way4 ,all hope depends upon such sinners coming unto ,christ1 humbled and broken-hearted4 ,he is willing1 ,he is able to save even then to the uttermost1 but they will not4 ,he has promised1 and will perform his word1 'him that cometh to me ,i will in nowise cast out4' ,the volume of inspiration is crowned at its close with the same cheering encouragement1 ',and the ,spirit and the bride say1 ,come4 ,and let him that is athirst come4 ,and ,,whosoever ,,will1 let him take the water of life freely4' ,i cannot imagine that any man would have sung with greater pleasure than ,bunyan that hymn of ,dr4 ,watts'-- ',life is the time to serve the ,lord1 ,the time to insure the great reward2 ,and while the lamp holds out to burn1 ,the vilest sinner may return4' ,they only who reject the counsel and mercy of ,god1 shut heaven's gates against their own souls1 and rush upon ,jehovah's buckler like ,judas1 or ,spira1 or like one of ,bunyan's early friends1 ,john ,childs1 who apostatized for fear of persecution1 and perished by his own hand4 ,to such only the day of grace is past2 they have set themselves in the scorner's seat1 from which they will be hurled into unutterable wretchedness4 ,bunyan well knew that idleness engenders poverty and crime1 and is the parent of every evil2 and he exhorts his runner to the greatest diligence1 not to 'fool away his soul' in slothfulness1 which induces carelessness1 until the sinner is remediless4 ,our first care is to get into the right way1 and then so to run that 'the devil1 who is light of foot1' may not overtake and trip us up4 ,running to heaven does not prevent the true1 the real enjoyment of earthly blessings1 but sanctifies and heightens them4 ,the great impetus in our course is love to the prize--to ,christ1 to heaven2 'having our affections set upon things above4' ,looking unto ,jesus4 ,his righteousness imputed unto us by the shedding of his blood1 marks all the road1 and while we keep that in sight we cannot err4 ,in all earthly things we anticipate too much--but in the glories of heaven1 our anticipations are feeble indeed1 compared with eternal realities4 ,could the saints in glory impart to us a sense of their indescribable happiness1 with what activity and perseverance we should run4 ,the case of ,lot1 when flying from destruction1 is put by ,bunyan with peculiar force--he dared not to look back even to see what had become of his wife1 lest death should overtake his own soul4 ,o1 my reader1 may we be stimulated so to run as to obtain that crown of glory which is imperishable1 immortal1 and eternal4 ,charles ,doe1 one of ,bunyan's personal friends1 having purchased the copyright of this work1 kept it for some years1 in hope of publishing it with other treatises1 as a second folio volume1 to complete his works2 but failing in this object1 he printed it separately in #afih1 and appended an interesting list of ,bunyan's works1 with thirty cogent reasons why these invaluable labours should be preserved and handed down1 to bless succeeding ages4 ,an earnest desire to preserve1 in their perfect integrity1 all the treatises as they were originally published1 will induce me1 at the end of the works1 to reprint those interesting additions4 ,,geo4 ,,offor4 ,,an ,,epistle ,,to ,,all ,,the ,,slothful ,,and ,,careless ,,people4 ,friends1 ,solomon saith1 that ',the desire of the slothful killeth him'2 and if so1 what will slothfulness itself do to those that entertain it8 7,prov #ba3be74 ,the proverb is1 ',he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame' 7,prov #aj3e74 ,and this ,i dare be bold to say1 no greater shame can befall a man1 than to see that he hath fooled away his soul1 and sinned away eternal life4 ,and ,i am sure this is the next way to do it2 namely1 to be slothful2 slothful1 ,i say1 in the work of salvation4 ,the vineyard of the slothful man1 in reference to the things of this life1 is not fuller of briars1 nettles1 and stinking weeds1 than he that is slothful for heaven1 hath his heart full of heart-choaking and soul-damning sin4 ,slothfulness hath these two evils3 ,first1 ,to neglect the time in which it should be getting of heaven2 and by that means doth1 in the ,second place1 bring in untimely repentance4 ,i will warrant you1 that he who shall lose his soul in this world through slothfulness1 will have no cause to be glad thereat when he comes to hell4 ,slothfulness is usually accompanied with carelessness1 and carelessness is for the most part begotten by senselessness2 and senselessness doth again put fresh strength into slothfulness1 and by this means the soul is left remediless4 ,slothfulness shutteth out ,christ2 slothfulness shameth the soul 7,cant #e3b-d2 ,prov #ac3d74 ,slothfulness1 it is condemned even by the feeblest of all the creatures4 ',go to the ant1 thou sluggard1 consider her ways and be wise 7,prov #f3f74 ,the sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold' 7#bj3d72 that is1 he will not break up the fallow ground of his heart1 because there must be some pains taken by him that will do it2 'therefore shall he beg in harvest1' that is1 when the saints of ,god shall have their glorious heaven and happiness given to them2 but the sluggard shall 'have nothing1' that is1 be never the better for his crying for mercy1 according to that in ,matthew #be3aj-ab4 ,if you would know a sluggard in the things of heaven1 compare him with one that is slothful in the things of this world4 ,as1 #a4 ,he that is slothful is loth to set about the work he should follow3 so is he that is slothful for heaven4 #b4 ,he that is slothful is one that is willing to make delays3 so is he that is slothful for heaven4 #c4 ,he that is a sluggard1 any small matter that cometh in between1 he will make it a sufficient excuse to keep him off from plying his work3 so it is also with him that is slothful for heaven4 #d4 ,he that is slothful doth his work by the halves2 and so it is with him that is slothful for heaven4 ,he may almost1 but he shall never altogether obtain perfection of deliverance from hell2 he may almost1 but he shall never1 without he mend1 be altogether a saint4 #e4 ,they that are slothful1 do usually lose the season in which things are to be done3 and thus it is also with them that are slothful for heaven1 they miss the season of grace4 ,and therefore1 #f4 ,they that are slothful have seldom or never good fruit3 so also it will be with the soul-sluggard4 #g4 ,they that are slothful they are chid for the same3 so also will ,christ deal with those that are not active for him4 ,thou wicked or slothful servant1 out of thine own mouth will ,i judge thee2 thou saidst ,i was thus1 and thus1 wherefore then gavest not thou my money to the bank8 c4 7,luke #ai3bb74 ,take the unprofitable servant1 and cast him into utter darkness1 where shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth 7,matt #be3bf-cj74 ,,what ,,shall ,i ,,say8 ,time runs2 and will you be slothful8 ,much of your lives are past2 and will you be slothful8 ,your souls are worth a thousand worlds2 and will you be slothful8 ,the day of death and judgment is at the door2 and will you be slothful8 ,the curse of ,god hangs over your heads2 and will you be slothful8 ,besides1 the devils are earnest1 laborious1 and seek by all means every day1 by every sin1 to keep you out of heaven1 and hinder you of salvation2 and will you be slothful8 ,also your neighbours are diligent for things that will perish2 and will you be slothful for things that will endure for ever8 ,would you be willing to be damned for slothfulness8 ,would you be willing the angels of ,god should neglect to fetch your souls away to heaven when you lie a-dying1 and the devils stand by ready to scramble for them8#a ,was ,christ slothful in the work of your redemption8 ,are his ministers slothful in tendering this unto you8 ,and1 lastly1 ,if all this will not move1 ,i tell you ,god will not be slothful or negligent to damn you--whose damnation now of a long time slumbereth not--nor the devils will not neglect to fetch thee1 nor hell neglect to shut its mouth upon thee4 ,sluggard1 art thou asleep still8 art thou resolved to sleep the sleep of death8 ,wilt neither tidings from heaven or hell awake thee8 ,wilt thou say still1 ',yet a little sleep1 a little slumber1' and 'a little folding of the hands to sleep8' 7,prov #f3aj74 ,wilt thou yet turn thyself in thy sloth1 as the door is turned upon the hinges8 ,o that ,i was one that was skilful in lamentation1 and had but a yearning heart towards thee1 how would ,i pity thee6 ,how would ,i bemoan thee6 ,o that ,i could with ,jeremiah let my eyes run down with rivers of water for thee6 ,poor soul1 lost soul1 dying soul1 what a hard heart have ,i that ,i cannot mourn for thee6 ,if thou shouldst lose but a limb1 a child1 or a friend1 it would not be so much1 but poor man it is ,,thy ,,soul2 if it was to lie in hell but for a day1 but for a year1 nay1 ten thousand years1 it would 7in comparison7 be nothing4 ,but ,o it is for ever6 ,o this cutting ,,ever6 ,what a soul-amazing word will that be1 which saith1 ',depart from me1 ye cursed1 into ,,everlasting fire'6 c4#b ,object4 ,but if ,i should set in1 and run as you would have me1 then ,i must run from all my friends2 for none of them are running that way4 ,answ4 ,and if thou dost1 thou wilt run into the bosom of ,christ and of ,god1 and then what harm will that do thee8 ,object4 ,but if ,i run this way1 then ,i must run from all my sins4 ,answ4 ,that is true indeed2 yet if thou dost not1 thou wilt run into hell-fire4 ,object4 ,but if ,i run this way1 then ,i shall be hated1 and lose the love of my friends and relations1 and of those that ,i expect benefit from1 or have reliance on1 and ,i shall be mocked of all my neighbours4 ,answ4 ,and if thou dost not1 thou art sure to lose the love and favour of ,god and ,christ1 the benefit of heaven and glory1 and be mocked of ,god for thy folly1 ',i also will laugh at your calamity2 ,i will mock when your fear cometh'2 and if thou wouldst not be hated and mocked1 then take heed thou by thy folly dost not procure the displeasure and mockings of the great ,god2 for his mocks and hatred will be terrible1 because they will fall upon thee in terrible times1 even when tribulation and anguish taketh hold on thee2 which will be when death and judgment comes1 when all the men in the earth1 and all the angels in heaven1 cannot help thee 7,prov #a3bf-bh74 ,object4 ,but surely ,i may begin this time enough1 a year or two hence1 may ,i not8 ,answ4 #a4 ,hast thou any lease of thy life8 ,did ever ,god tell thee thou shalt live half a year1 or two months longer8 nay1 it may be thou mayst not live so long4 ,and therefore1 #b4 ,wilt thou be so sottish and unwise1 as to venture thy soul upon a little uncertain time8 #c4 ,dost thou know whether the day of grace will last a week longer or no8 ,for the day of grace is past with some before their life is ended3 and if it should be so with thee1 wouldst thou not say1 ,o that ,i had begun to run before the day of grace had been past1 and the gates of heaven shut against me4 ,but1 #d4 ,if thou shouldst see any of thy neighbours neglect the making sure of either house or land to themselves1 if they had it proffered to them1 saying1 ,time enough hereafter1 when the time is uncertain2 and besides1 they do not know whether ever it will be proffered to them again1 or no3 ,i say1 ,wouldst thou not then call them fools8 ,and if so1 then dost thou think that thou art a wise man to let thy immortal soul hang over hell by a thread of uncertain time1 which may soon be cut asunder by death8 ,but to speak plainly1 all these are the words of a slothful spirit4 ,arise man1 be slothful no longer2 set foot1 and heart1 and all into the way of ,god1 and run1 the crown is at the end of the race2 there also standeth the loving fore-runner1 even ,jesus1 who hath prepared heavenly provision to make thy soul welcome1 and he will give it thee with a willinger heart than ever thou canst desire it of him4 ,o therefore do not delay the time any longer1 but put into practice the words of the men of ,dan to their brethren1 after they had seen the goodness of the land of ,canaan3 ',arise1' say they1 c41 'for we have seen the land1 and behold it is very good2 and are ye still1' or do you forbear running8 ',be not slothful to go1 and to enter to possess the land' 7,judg #ah3i74 ,farewell4 ,i wish our souls may meet with comfort at the journey's end4 ,,john ,,bunyan ,,the ,,heavenly ,,footman ',so run1 that ye may obtain4'--#a ,corinthians #i3bd4 ,heaven and happiness is that which every one desireth1 insomuch that wicked ,balaam could say1 ',let me die the death of the righteous1 and let my last end be like his' 7,num #bc3aj74 ,yet for all this1 there are but very few that do obtain that ever-to-be-desired glory1 insomuch that many eminent professors drop short of a welcome from ,god into his pleasant place4 ,the apostle1 therefore1 because he did desire the salvation of the souls of the ,corinthians1 to whom he writes this epistle1 layeth them down in these words1 such counsel1 which if taken1 would be for their help and advantage4 ,first1 ,not to be wicked1 and sit still1 and wish for heaven2 but ,,to ,,run for it4 ,second1 ,not to content themselves with every kind of running2 but1 saith he1 ',so ,,run1 that ye may obtain4' ,as if he should say1 ,some1 because they would not lose their souls1 they begin to run betimes 7,eccl #ab3a71 they run apace1 they run with patience 7,heb #ab3a71 they run the right way 7,matt #ad3bf74 ,do you so run8 ,some run from both father and mother1 friends and companions1 and thus1 that they may have the crown4 ,do you so run8 ,some run through temptations1 afflictions1 good report1 evil report1 that they may win the pearl 7#a ,cor #d3ac2 #b ,cor #f74 ,do you so run8 ',so run that ye may obtain4' ,these words1 they are taken from men's running for a wager3 a very apt similitude to set before the eyes of the saints of the ,lord4 ',know ye not that they which run in a race run all1 but one receiveth the prize8 ,so run1 that ye may obtain4' ,that is1 do not only run1 but be sure you win as well as run4 ',so run1 that ye may obtain4' ,i shall not need to make any great ado in opening the words at this time1 but shall rather lay down one doctrine that ,i do find in them2 and in prosecuting that1 ,i shall show you1 in some measure1 the scope of the words4 ,i4 ,,the ,,doctrine ,,of ,,the ,,text4 ,the doctrine is this3 ,,they ,,that ,,will ,,have ,,heaven1 ,,must ,,run ,,for ,,it2 ,i say1 they that will have heaven1 they must run for it4 ,i beseech you to heed it well4 ',know ye not that they which run in a race run all1 but one receiveth the prize8 ,so run ye4' ,the prize is heaven1 and if you will have it1 you must run for it4 ,you have another scripture for this in the #abth of the ,hebrews1 the #ast1 #b;d1 and #crd verses3 ',wherefore seeing we also1' saith the apostle1 'are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses1 let us lay aside every weight1 and the sin which doth so easily beset us1 and let us run with patience the race that is set before us4' ,and ,,let ,,us ,,run1 saith he4 ,again1 saith ,paul1 ',i therefore so run1 not as uncertainly1 so fight ,i1' c4 ,,ii4 ,,the ,,word ,,run ,,opened4 ,but before ,i go any further1 observe1 ,first--,,flying--,that this running is not an ordinary1 or any sort of running1 but it is to be understood of the swiftest sort of running2 and therefore in the #fth of the ,hebrews it is called 'a fleeing'2 that 'we might have a strong consolation1 who have fled for refuge1 to lay hold upon the hope set before us4' ,mark1 'who have fled4' ,it is taken from that #bjth of ,joshua1 concerning the man that was to flee to the city of refuge1 when the avenger of blood was hard at his heels1 to take vengeance on him for the offence he had committed2 therefore it is a ,,running or ,,flying for one's life4 ,a running with all might and main1 as we use to say4 ,so run6 ,second--,,pressing--this running in another place is called a pressing4 ',i press toward the mark' 7,phil #c3ad72 which signifieth1 that they that will have heaven1 they must not stick at any difficulties they meet with2 but press1 crowd1 and thrust through all that may stand between heaven and their souls4 ,so run6 ,third--,,continuing--this running is called in another place1 'a continuing in the way of life4 ,if ye continue in the faith grounded1 and settled1 and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel' of ,christ 7,col #a3bc74 ,not to run a little now and then1 by fits and starts1 or half-way1 or almost thither2 but to run for my life1 to run through all difficulties1 and to continue therein to the end of the race1 which must be to the end of my life4 ',so run1 that ye may obtain4' ,,iii4 ,,several ,,reasons ,,for ,,clearing ,,this ,,doctrine4 ,and the reasons for this point are these1 ,first4 ,because all or every one that runneth doth not obtain the prize2 there be many that do run1 yea1 and run far too1 who yet miss of the crown that standeth at the end of the race4 ,you know that all that run in a race do not obtain the victory2 they all run1 but one wins4 ,and so it is here2 it is not every one that runneth1 nor every one that seeketh1 nor every one that striveth for the mastery1 that hath it 7,luke #ac74 ,though a man do strive for the mastery1 saith ,paul1 'yet he is not crowned1 except he strive lawfully'2 that is1 unless he so run1 and so strive1 as to have ,god's approbation 7#b ,tim #b3e74 ,what1 do you think that every heavy-heeled professor will have heaven8 ,what1 every lazy one2 every wanton and foolish professor1 that will be stopped by anything1 kept back by anything1 that scarce runneth so fast heaven-ward as a snail creepeth on the ground8 ,nay1 there are some professors do not go on so fast in the way of ,god as a snail doth go on the wall2 and yet these think1 that heaven and happiness is for them4 ,but stay1 there are many more that run than there be that obtain2 therefore he that will have heaven must ,,run for it4 ,second1 ,because you know that though a man do run1 yet if he do not overcome1 or win1 as well as run1 what will he be the better for his running8 ,he will get nothing4 ,you know the man that runneth1 he doth do it that he may win the prize2 but if he doth not obtain1 he doth lose his labour1 spend his pains and time1 and that to no purpose2 ,i say1 he getteth nothing4 ,and ah6 how many such runners will there be found at the day of judgment6 ,even multitudes1 multitudes that have run1 yea1 run so far as to come to heaven gates1 and not able to get any further1 but there stand knocking1 when it is too late1 crying1 ,lord1 ,lord1 when they have nothing but rebukes for their pains4 ,depart from me1 you come not here1 you come too late1 you run too lazily2 the door is shut4#c ',when once the master of the house is risen up1' saith ,christ1 'and hath shut to the door1 and ye begin to stand without1 and to knock at the door1 saying1 ,lord1 ,lord1 open unto us1 ,i will say1 ,i know ye not1 ,depart1' c4 7,luke #ac3be74 ,o sad will the estate of those be that run and miss2 therefore1 if you will have heaven1 you must run for it2 and 'so run that ye may obtain4' ,third1 ,because the way is long 7,i speak metaphorically71 and there is many a dirty step1 many a high hill1 much work to do1 a wicked heart1 world1 and devil1 to overcome2 ,i say1 there are many steps to be taken by those that intend to be saved1 by running or walking1 in the steps of that faith of our father ,abraham4 ,out of ,egypt thou must go through the ,red ,sea2 thou must run a long and tedious journey1 through the vast howling wilderness1 before thou come to the land of promise4 ,fourth1 ,they that will go to heaven they must run for it2 because1 as the way is long1 so the time in which they are to get to the end of it is very uncertain2 the time present is the only time2 thou hast no more time allotted thee than that thou now enjoyest4 ',boast not thyself of tomorrow1 for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth' 7,prov #bg3a74 ,do not say1 ,i have time enough to get to heaven seven years hence2 for ,i tell thee1 the bell may toll for thee before seven days more be ended2#d and when death comes1 away thou must go1 whether thou art provided or not2 and therefore look to it2 make no delays2 it is not good dallying with things of so great concernment as the salvation or damnation of thy soul4 ,you know he that hath a great way to go in a little time1 and less by half than he thinks of1 he had need ,,run for it4 ,fifth1 ,they that will have heaven they must run for it2 because the devil1 the law1 sin1 death1 and hell1 follow them4 ,there is never a poor soul that is going to heaven1 but the devil1 the law1 sin1 death1 and hell1 make after that soul4 ',your adversary1 the devil1 as a roaring lion1 walketh about1 seeking whom he may devour' 7#a ,peter #e3h74 ,and ,i will assure you1 the devil is nimble1 he can run apace1 he is light of foot1 he hath overtaken many1 he hath turned up their heels1 and hath given them an everlasting fall4 ,also the law1 that can shoot a great way1 have a care thou keep out of the reach of those great guns1 the ten commandments4 ,hell also hath a wide mouth2 it can stretch itself further than you are aware of4 ,and as the angel said to ,lot1 ,take heed1 'look not behind thee1 neither tarry thou in all the plain1' that is1 any where between this and heaven1 'lest thou be consumed' 7,gen #ai3ag74e ,so say ,i to thee1 ,take heed1 tarry not1 lest either the devil1 hell1 death1 or the fearful curses of the law of ,god1 do overtake thee1 and throw thee down in the midst of thy sins1 so as never to rise and recover again4 ,if this were well considered1 then thou1 as well as ,i1 wouldst say1 ,they that will have heaven must run for it4 ,sixth1 ,they that will go to heaven must run for it2 because perchance the gates of heaven may be shut shortly4 ,sometimes sinners have not heaven-gates open to them so long as they suppose2 and if they be once shut against a man1 they are so heavy1 that all the men in the world1 nor all the angels in heaven1 are not able to open them4 ,i shut1 'and no man openeth1' saith ,christ4 ,and how if thou shouldst come but one quarter of an hour too late8 ,i tell thee1 it will cost thee an eternity to bewail thy misery in4 ,francis ,spira can tell thee what it is to stay till the gate of mercy be quite shut2 or to run so lazily1 that they be shut before thou get within them4#f ,what1 to be shut out6 what1 out of heaven6 ,sinner1 rather than lose it1 run for it2 yea1 and 'so run that thou mayst obtain4' ,seventh1 ,lastly1 ,because if thou lose1 thou losest all1 thou losest soul1 ,god1 ,christ1 heaven1 ease1 peace1 c4 ,besides1 thou layest thyself open to all the shame1 contempt1 and reproach1 that either ,god1 ,christ1 saints1 the world1 sin1 the devil1 and all1 can lay upon thee4 ,as ,christ saith of the foolish builder1 so will ,i say of thee1 if thou be such a one who runs and missest2 ,i say1 even all that go by will begin to mock at thee1 saying1 ,this man began to run well1 but was not able to finish 7,luke #ad3bh-cj74 ,but more of this anon4 ,quest4 ,but how should a poor soul do to run8 ,for this very thing is that which afflicteth me sore1 as you say1 to think that ,i may run1 and yet fall short4 ,methinks to fall short at last1 ,o1 it fears me greatly4 ,pray tell me1 therefore1 how ,i should run4 ,answ4 ,that thou mightest indeed be satisfied in this particular1 consider these following things4 ,,iv4 ,,nine ,,directions ,,how ,,to ,,run ,the ,first ,direction4 ,if thou wouldst so run as to obtain the kingdom of heaven1 then be sure that thou get into the way that leadeth thither4 ,for it is a vain thing to think that ever thou shalt have the prize1 though thou runnest never so fast1 unless thou art in the way that leads to it4 ,set the case1 that there should be a man in ,london that was to run to ,york for a wager2 now1 though he run never so swiftly1 yet if he run full south1 he might run himself quickly out of breath1 and be never the nearer the prize1 but rather the further off4 ,just so is it here2 it is not simply the runner1 nor yet the hasty runner1 that winneth the crown1 unless he be in the way that leadeth thereto4#g ,i have observed1 that little time which ,i have been a professor1 that there is a great running to and fro1 some this way1 and some that way1 yet it is to be feared most of them are out of the way1 and then1 though they run as swift as the eagle can fly1 they are benefitted nothing at all4 ,here is one runs a-quaking1 another a-ranting2 one again runs after the ,baptism1 and another after the ,independency4 ,here is one for free-will1 and another for ,presbytery2 and yet possibly most of all these sects run quite the wrong way1 and yet every one is for his life1 his soul1 either for heaven or hell4#h ,if thou now say1 ,which is the way8 ,i tell thee it is ,,christ1 ,,the ,,son ,,of ,,mary1 ,,the ,,son ,,of ,,god1 ,jesus saith1 ',i am the way1 and the truth1 and the life2 no man cometh unto the ,father but by me' 7,john #ad3f74 ,so then thy business is1 if thou wouldst have salvation1 to see if ,christ be thine1 with all his benefits2 whether he hath covered thee with his righteousness1 whether he hath showed thee that thy sins are washed away with his heart-blood1 whether thou art planted into him1 and whether thou have faith in him1 so as to make a life out of him1 and to conform thee to him4 ,that is1 such faith as to conclude that thou art righteous1 because ,christ is thy righteousness1 and so constrained to walk with him as the joy of thy heart1 because he saveth thy soul4 ,and for the ,lord's sake take heed1 and do not deceive thyself1 and think thou art in the way upon too slight grounds2 for if thou miss of the way1 thou wilt miss of the prize2 and if thou miss of that1 ,i am sure thou wilt lose thy soul1 even that soul which is worth more than the whole world4 ,but ,i have treated more largely on this in my book of the two covenants1 and therefore shall pass it now2 only ,i beseech thee to have a care of thy soul1 and that thou mayest so do1 take this counsel3 ,mistrust thy own strength1 and throw it away2 down on thy knees in prayer to the ,lord for the spirit of truth2 search his word for direction2 fly seducers' company2 keep company with the soundest ,christians1 that have most experience of ,christ2 and be sure thou have a care of ,quakers1 ,ranters1 ,freewillers2 also do not have too much company with some ,anabaptists1 though ,i go under that name myself4 ,i tell thee this is such a serious matter1 and ,i fear thou wilt so little regard it1 that the thoughts of the worth of the thing1 and of thy too light regarding of it1 doth even make my heart ache whilst ,i am writing to thee4 ,the ,lord teach thee the way by his ,spirit1 and then ,i am sure thou wilt know it4 ,,so ,,run4 ,only by the way1 let me bid thee have a care of two things1 and so ,i shall pass to the next thing4 ,i4 ,have a care of relying on the outward obedience to any of ,god's commands1 or thinking thyself ever the better in the sight of ,god for that4 #b4 ,take heed of fetching peace for thy soul from any inherent righteousness2 but if thou canst believe that as thou art a sinner1 so thou art justified freely by the love of ,god1 through the redemption that is in ,christ2 and that ,god for ,christ's sake hath forgiven thee1 not because he saw any thing done1 or to be done1 in or by thee1 to move him thereunto to do it2 for that is the right way2 the ,lord put thee into it1 and keep thee in it4 ,the ,second ,direction4 ,as thou shouldst get into the way so thou shouldst also be much in studying and musing on the way4 ,you know men that would be expert in any thing1 they are usually much in studying of that thing1 and so likewise is it with those that quickly grow expert in any way4 ,this therefore thou shouldst do2 let thy study be much exercised about ,christ1 which is the way2 what he is1 what he hath done1 and why he is what he is1 and why he hath done what is done2 as1 why ',he took upon him the form of a servant1' why he 'was made in the likeness of men' 7,phil #b3g74 ,why he cried2 why he died2 why he bear the sin of the world2 why he was made sin1 and why he was made righteousness2 why he is in heaven in the nature of man1 and what he doth there8 7#b ,cor #e3ba74 ,be much in musing and considering of these things2 be thinking also enough of those places which thou must not come near1 but leave some on this hand1 and some on that hand2 as it is with those that travel into other countries1 they must leave such a gate on this hand1 and such a bush on that hand1 and go by such a place1 where standeth such a thing4 ,thus1 therefore1 thou must do3 ,avoid such things which are expressly forbidden in the ,word of ,god4 ',withdraw thy foot far from her1 and come not nigh the door of her house1 for her steps take hold on hell1 going down to the chambers of death' 7,prov #e1 #g74 ,and so of every thing that is not in the way1 have a care of it1 that thou go not by it2 come not near it1 have nothing to do with it4 ,,so ,,run4 ,the ,third ,direction4 ,not only thus1 but1 in the next place1 thou must strip thyself of those things that may hang upon thee to the hindering of thee in the way to the kingdom of heaven1 as covetousness1 pride1 lust1 or whatever else thy heart may be inclining unto1 which may hinder thee in this heavenly race4 ,men that run for a wager1 if they intend to win as well as run1 they do not use to encumber themselves1 or carry those things about them that may be a hindrance to them in their running4 ',every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things' 7#a ,cor #i3be71 that is1 he layeth aside every thing that would be any ways a disadvantage to him2 as saith the apostle1 ',let us lay aside every weight1 and the sin which doth so easily beset us1 and let us run with patience the race that is set before us' 7,heb #ab3a74 ,it is but a vain thing to talk of going to heaven1 if thou let thy heart be encumbered with those things that would hinder4 ,would you not say that such a man would be in danger of losing1 though he run1 if he fill his pockets with stones1 hang heavy garments on his shoulders1 and great lumpish shoes on his feet8#i ,so it is here2 thou talkest of going to heaven1 and yet fillest thy pocket with stones1 i4e41 fillest thy heart with this world1 lettest that hang on thy shoulders1 with its profits and pleasures4 ,alas1 alas1 thou art widely mistaken6 ,if thou intendest to win1 thou must strip1 thou must lay aside every weight1 thou must be temperate in all things4 ,thou must ,,so ,,run4 ,the ,fourth ,direction4 ,beware of by-paths2 take heed thou dost not turn into those lanes which lead out of the way4 ,there are crooked paths1 paths in which men go astray1 paths that lead to death and damnation1 but take heed of all those 7,isa #ei3h74 ,some of them are dangerous because of practice 7,prov #g3be72 some because of opinion1 but mind them not2 mind the path before thee1 look right before thee1 turn neither to the right hand nor to the left1 but let thine eyes look right on1 even right before thee 7,prov #c3ag74 ',ponder the path of thy feet1 and let all thy ways be established4 ,turn not to the right hand nor to the left4 ,remove thy foot far from evil' 7,prov #d3bf1bg74 ,this counsel being not so seriously taken as given1 is the reason of that starting from opinion to opinion1 reeling this way and that way1 out of this lane into that lane1 and so missing the way to the kingdom4 ,though the way to heaven be but one1 yet there are many crooked lanes and by-paths shoot down upon it1 as ,i may say4 ,and again1 notwithstanding the kingdom of heaven be the biggest city1 yet usually those by-paths are most beaten1 most travellers go those ways2 and therefore the way to heaven is hard to be found1 and as hard to be kept in1 by reason of these4 ,yet1 nevertheless1 it is in this case as it was with the harlot of ,jericho2 she had one scarlet thread tied in her window1 by which her house was known 7,john #b3ah74 ,so it is here1 the scarlet streams of ,christ's blood run throughout the way to the kingdom of heaven2#aj therefore mind that1 see if thou do find the besprinkling of the blood of ,christ in the way1 and if thou do1 be of good cheer1 thou art in the right way2 but have a care thou beguile not thyself with a fancy1 for then thou mayst light into any lane or way2 but that thou mayst not be mistaken1 consider1 though it seem never so pleasant1 yet if thou do not find that in the very middle of the road there is writing with the heart-blood of ,christ1 that he came into the world to save sinners1 and that we are justified1 though we are ungodly2 shun that way2 for this it is which the apostle meaneth when he saith1 ,we have 'boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of ,jesus1 by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us1 through the vail1 that is to say1 his flesh' 7,heb #aj3ai1bj74 ,how easy a matter is it in this our day1 for the devil to be too cunning for poor souls1 by calling his by-paths the way to the kingdom6 ,if such an opinion or fancy be but cried up by one or more1 this inscription being set upon it by the devil1 ',this is the way of ,god1' how speedily1 greedily1 and by heaps1 do poor simple souls throw away themselves upon it2 especially if it be daubed over with a few external acts of morality1 if so good4#aa ,but this is because men do not know painted by-paths from the plain way to the kingdom of heaven4 ,they have not yet learned the true ,christ1 and what his righteousness is1 neither have they a sense of their own insufficiency2 but are bold1 proud1 presumptuous1 self-conceited4 ,and therefore4 ,the ,fifth ,direction4 ,do not thou be too much in looking too high in thy journey heavenwards4 ,you know men that run in a race do not use to stare and gaze this way and that1 neither do they use to cast up their eyes too high1 lest happily1#ab through their too too much gazing with their eyes after other things1 they in the meantime stumble and catch a fall4 ,the very same case is this2 if thou gaze and stare after every opinion and way that comes into the world2 also if thou be prying overmuch into ,god's secret decrees1 or let thy heart too much entertain questions about some nice foolish curiosities1 thou mayst stumble and fall1 as many hundreds in ,england have done1 both in ,ranting and ,quakery1 to their own eternal overthrow2 without the marvellous operation of ,god's grace be suddenly stretched forth to bring them back again4 ,take heed therefore1 follow not that proud and lofty spirit1 that1 devil-like1 cannot be content with his own station4 ,david was of an excellent spirit where he saith1 ',lord1 my heart is not haughty1 nor mine eyes lofty1 neither do ,i exercise myself in great matters1 or in things too high for me4 ,surely ,i have behaved and quieted myself as a child that is weaned of his mother3 my soul is even as a weaned child' 7,psa #aca3a1b74 ,do thou ,,so ,,run4 ,the ,sixth ,direction4 ,take heed that you have not an ear open to every one that calleth after you as you are in your journey4 ,men that run1 you know1 if any do call after them1 saying1 ,i would speak with you1 or go not too fast1 and you shall have my company with you1 if they run for some great matter1 they use to say1 ,alas1 ,i cannot stay1 ,i am in haste1 pray talk not to me now2 neither can ,i stay for you1 ,i am running for a wager3 if ,i win ,i am made1 if ,i lose ,i am undone1 and therefore hinder me not4 ,thus wise are men when they run for corruptible things1 and thus should thou do1 and thou hast more cause to do so than they1 forasmuch as they run but for things that last not1 but thou for an incorruptible glory4 ,i give thee notice of this betimes1 knowing that thou shalt have enough call after thee1 even the devil1 sin1 this world1 vain company1 pleasures1 profits1 esteem among men1 ease1 pomp1 pride1 together with an innumerable company of such companions2 one crying1 ,stay for me2 the other saying1 ,do not leave me behind2 a third saying1 ,and take me along with you4 ,what1 will you go1 saith the devil1 without your sins1 pleasures1 and profits8 ,are you so hasty8 ,can you not stay and take these along with you8 ,will you leave your friends and companions behind you8 ,can you not do as your neighbours do1 carry the world1 sin1 lust1 pleasure1 profit1 esteem among men1 along with you8 ,have a care thou do not let thine ear now be open to the tempting1 enticing1 alluring1 and soul-entangling flatteries of such sink-souls#ac as these are4 ',my son1' saith ,solomon1 'if sinners entice thee1 consent thou not' 7,prov #a3aj74 ,you know what it cost the young man which ,solomon speaks of in the #gth of the ,proverbs1 that was enticed by a harlot1 ',with her much fair speech she' won him1 and 'caused him to yield1 with the flattering of her lips she forced him1' till he went after her 'as an ox to the slaughter1 or as a fool to the correction of the stocks'2 even so far1 'till the dart struck through his liver1 and knew not that it was for his life4 ,hearken unto me now therefore1' saith he1 ',o ye children1 and attend to the words of my mouth1 let not thine heart decline to her ways1 go not astray in her paths1 for she hath cast down many wounded1 yea1 many strong men have been slain by her1' that is1 kept out of heaven by her1 'her house is the way to hell1 going down to the chambers of death4' ,soul1 take this counsel and say1 ,satan1 sin1 lust1 pleasure1 profit1 pride1 friends1 companions1 and everything else1 let me alone1 stand off1 come not nigh me1 for ,i am running for heaven1 for my soul1 for ,god1 for ,christ1 from hell and everlasting damnation3 if ,i win1 ,i win all1 and if ,i lose1 ,i lose all2 let me alone1 for ,i will not hear4 ,,so ,,run4 ,the ,seventh ,direction4 ,in the next place1 be not daunted though thou meetest with never so many discouragements in thy journey thither4 ,that man that is resolved for heaven1 if ,satan cannot win him by flatteries1 he will endeavour to weaken him by discouragements2 saying1 thou art a sinner1 thou hast broke ,god's law1 thou art not elected1 thou comest too late1 the day of grace is past1 ,god doth not care for thee1 thy heart is naught1 thou art lazy1 with a hundred other discouraging suggestions4 ,and thus it was with ,david1 where he said1 ',i had fainted1 unless ,i had believed to see the goodness of the ,lord in the land of the living' 7,psa #bg3ac1ad74 ,as if he should say1 the devil did so rage and my heart was so base1 that had ,i judged according to my own sense and feeling1 ,i had been absolutely distracted2 but ,i trusted to ,christ in the promise1 and looked that ,god would be as good as his promise1 in having mercy upon me1 an unworthy sinner2 and this is that which encouraged me1 and kept me from fainting4 ,and thus must thou do when ,satan1 or the law1 or thy own conscience1 do go about to dishearten thee1 either by the greatness of thy sins1 the wickedness of thy heart1 the tediousness of the way1 the loss of outward enjoyments1 the hatred that thou wilt procure from the world1 or the like2 then thou must encourage thyself with the freeness of the promises1 the tender-heartedness of ,christ1 the merits of his blood1 the freeness of his invitations to come in1 the greatness of the sin of others that have been pardoned1 and that the same ,god1 through the same ,christ1 holdeth forth the same grace free as ever4 ,if these be not thy meditations1 thou wilt draw very heavily in the way to heaven1 if thou do not give up all for lost1 and so knock off from following any farther2 therefore1 ,i say1 take heart in thy journey1 and say to them that seek thy destruction1 ',rejoice not against me1 ,o mine enemy1 when ,i fall ,i shall arise1 when ,i sit in darkness the ,lord shall be a light unto me' 7,micah #g3h74 ,,so ,,run4 ,the ,eighth ,direction4 ,take heed of being offended at the cross that thou must go by1 before thou come to heaven4 ,you must understand1 as ,i have already touched1 that there is no man that goeth to heaven but he must go by the cross4 ,the cross is the standing way-mark by which all they that go to glory must pass by4 ',we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of ,god' 7,acts #ad3bb74 ',yea1 and all that will live godly in ,christ ,jesus shall suffer persecution' 7#b ,tim #c3ab74 ,if thou art in the way to the kingdom1 my life for thine thou wilt come at the cross shortly--the ,lord grant thou dost not shrink at it1 so as to turn thee back again4 ',if any man will come after me1' saith ,christ1 'let him deny himself1 and take up his cross daily1 and follow me' 7,luke #i3bc74 ,the cross it stands1 and hath stood1 from the beginning1 as a way-mark to the kingdom of heaven4#ad ,you know if one ask you the way to such and such a place1 you1 for the better direction1 do not only say1 this is the way1 but then also say1 you must go by such a gate1 by such a style1 such a bush1 tree1 bridge1 or such like4 ,why1 so it is here2 art thou inquiring the way to heaven8 ,why1 ,i tell thee1 ,christ is the way2 into him thou must get1 into his righteousness1 to be justified2 and if thou art in him1 thou wilt presently see the cross1 thou must go close by it1 thou must touch it1 nay1 thou must take it up1 or else thou wilt quickly go out of the way that leads to heaven1 and turn up some of those crooked lanes that lead down to the chambers of death4 ,how thou mayest know the cross by these six things4 #a4 ,it is known in the doctrine of justification4 #b4 ,in the doctrine of mortification4 #c4 ,in the doctrine of perseverance4 #d4 ,in self-denial4 #e4 ,patience4 #f4 ,communion with poor saints4 #a4 ,in the doctrine of justification2 there is a great deal of the cross in that3 a man is forced to suffer the destruction of his own righteousness for the righteousness of another4 ,this is no easy matter for a man to do2 ,i assure to you it stretcheth every vein in his heart before he will be brought to yield to it4 ,what1 for a man to deny1 reject1 abhor1 and throw away all his prayers1 tears1 alms1 keeping of sabbaths1 hearing1 reading1 with the rest1 in the point of justification1 and to count them accursed2#ae and to be willing1 in the very midst of the sense of his sins1 to throw himself wholly upon the righteousness and obedience of another man1 abhorring his own1 counting it as deadly sin1 as the open breach of the law2 ,i say1 to do this in deed and in truth1 is the biggest piece of the cross2 and therefore ,paul calleth this very thing a suffering2 where he saith1 ',and ,i have ,,suffered the loss of all things1' which principally was his righteousness1 'that ,i might win ,christ1 and be found in him1 not having1' but rejecting1 'mine own righteousness' 7,phil #c3h1i74 ,that is the first4 #b4 ,in the doctrine of mortification is also much of the cross4 ,is it nothing for a man to lay hands on his vile opinions1 on his vile sins1 of his bosom sins1 of his beloved1 pleasant1 darling sins1 that stick as close to him1 as the flesh sticketh to the bones8 ,what1 to lose all these brave things that my eyes behold1 for that which ,i never saw with my eyes8 ,what1 to lose my pride1 my covetousness1 my vain company1 sports1 and pleasures1 and the rest8 ,i tell you this is no easy matter2 if it were1 what need all those prayers1 sighs1 watchings8 ,what need we be so backward to it8 ,nay1 do you not see1 that some men1 before they will set about this work1 they will even venture the loss of their souls1 heaven1 ,god1 ,christ1 and all8 ,what means else all those delays and put-offs1 saying1 ,stay a little longer1 ,i am loth to leave my sins while ,i am so young1 and in health8 ,again1 what is the reason else1 that others do it so by the halves1 coldly and seldom1 notwithstanding they are convinced over and over2 nay1 and also promise to amend1 and yet all's in vain8 ,i will assure you1 to cut off right hands1 and to pluck out right eyes1 is no pleasure to the flesh4 #c4 ,the doctrine of perseverance is also cross to the flesh2 which is not only to begin1 but for to hold out1 not only to bid fair1 and to say1 ,would ,i had heaven1 but so to know ,christ1 to put on ,christ1 and walk with ,christ as to come to heaven4 ,indeed1 it is no great matter to begin to look for heaven1 to begin to seek the ,lord1 to begin to shun sin4 ,o but it is a very great matter to continue with ,god's approbation6 ',my servant ,caleb1' saith ,god1 is a man of 'another spirit1 he hath followed me1' followed me always1 he hath continually followed me1 'fully1 he shall possess the land' 7,num #ad3bd74 ,almost all the many thousands of the children of ,israel in their generation1 fell short of perseverance when they walked from ,egypt towards the land of ,canaan4 ,indeed they went to the work at first pretty willingly1 but they were very short-winded1 they were quickly out of breath1 and in their hearts they turned back again into ,egypt4 ,it is an easy matter for a man to run hard for a spurt1 for a furlong1 for a mile or two2 ,o1 but to hold out for a hundred1 for a thousand1 for ten thousand miles3 that man that doth this1 he must look to meet with cross1 pain1 and wearisomeness to the flesh1 especially if as he goeth he meeteth with briars and quagmires1 and other incumbrances1 that make his journey so much the more painfuller4 ,nay1 do you not see with your eyes daily1 that perseverance is a very great part of the cross8 why else do men so soon grow weary8 ,i could point out a many1 that after they have followed the ways of ,god about a twelvemonth1 others it may be two1 three1 or four1 some more1 and some less years1 they have been beat out of wind1 have taken up their lodging and rest before they have got half-way to heaven1 some in this1 and some in that sin2 and have secretly1 nay1 sometimes openly said1 that the way is too strait1 the race too long1 the religion too holy1 and cannot hold out1 ,i can go no farther4 #d1 #e1 #f4 ,and so likewise of the other three1 to wit1 patience1 self-denial1 communion1 and communication with and to the poor saints4 ,how hard are these things8 ,it is an easy matter to deny another man1 but it is not so easy a matter to deny one's self2 to deny myself out of love to ,god1 to his gospel1 to his saints1 of this advantage1 and of that gain2 nay1 of that which otherwise ,i might lawfully do1 were it not for offending them4 ,that scripture is but seldom read1 and seldomer put in practice1 which saith1 ',i will eat no flesh while the world standeth1 if it make my brother to offend' 7#a ,cor #h3ac74 ,again1 ',we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak1 and not to please ourselves' 7,rom #ae3a74 ,but how froward1 how hasty1 how peevish1 and self-resolved are the generality of professors at this day6 ,also1 how little considering the poor1 unless it be to say1 ,be thou warmed and filled6 ,but to give is a seldom work2 also especially to give to any poor 7,gal #f3aj74 ,i tell you all things are cross to flesh and blood2 and that man that hath but a watchful eye over the flesh1 and also some considerable measure of strength against it1 he shall find his heart in these things like unto a starting horse1 that is rid without a curbing bridle1 ready to start at everything that is offensive to him2 yea1 and ready to run away too1 do what the rider can4 ,it is the cross which keepeth those that are kept from heaven4 ,i am persuaded1 were it not for the cross1 where we have one professor1 we should have twenty2 but this cross1 that is it which spoileth all4 ,some men1 as ,i said before1 when they come at the cross they can go no farther1 but back again to their sins they must go4 ,others they stumble at it1 and break their necks2 others again1 when they see the cross is approaching1 they turn aside to the left hand1 or to the right hand1 and so think to get to heaven another way2 but they will be deceived4 ',yea1 and all that will live godly in ,christ ,jesus ,,shall1' mark1 shall be sure to 'suffer persecution' 7#b ,tim #c3ab74 ,there are but few when they come at the cross1 cry1 ',welcome cross1' as some of the martyrs did to the stake they were burned at4 ,therefore1 if thou meet with the cross in thy journey1 in what manner soever it be1 be not daunted1 and say1 ,alas1 what shall ,i do now6 ,but rather take courage1 knowing1 that by the cross is the way to the kingdom4 ,can a man believe in ,christ and not be hated by the devil8 ,can he make a profession of this ,christ1 and that sweetly and convincingly1 and the children of ,satan hold their tongue8 ,can darkness agree with light8 or the devil endure that ,christ ,jesus should be honoured both by faith and a heavenly conversation1 and let that soul alone at quiet8 ,did you never read1 that 'the dragon persecuteth the woman8' 7,rev #ab74 ,and that ,christ saith1 ',in the world ye shall have tribulation' 7,john #af3cc74 ,the ,ninth ,direction4 ,beg of ,god that he would do these two things for thee3 ,first1 ,enlighten thine understanding4 ,and1 ,second1 ,inflame thy will4 ,if these two be but effectually done1 there is no fear but thou wilt go safe to heaven4 ,first1 ,enlighten thine understanding4 ,one of the great reasons why men and women do so little regard the other world1 it is because they see so little of it4#af ,and the reason why they see so little of it is because they have their understandings darkened4 ,and therefore1 saith ,paul1 do not you believers 'walk as do other ,gentiles1 even in the vanity of their minds1 having the understanding darkened1 being alienated from the life of ,god through the ignorance1' or foolishness 'that is in them1 because of the blindness of their heart' 7,eph #d3ag1ah74 ,walk not as those1 run not with them3 alas1 poor souls1 they have their understandings darkened1 their hearts blinded1 and that is the reason they have such undervaluing thoughts of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and the salvation of their souls4 ,for when men do come to see the things of another world1 what a ,god1 what a ,christ1 what a heaven1 and what an eternal glory there is to be enjoyed2 also when they see that it is possible for them to have a share in it1 ,i tell you it will make them run through thick and thin to enjoy it4 ,moses1 having a sight of this1 because his understanding was enlightened1 he feared not the wrath of the king1 but chose 'rather to suffer affliction with the people of ,god1 than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season4' ,he refused to be called the son of the king's daughter2 accounting it wonderful riches to be counted worthy of so much as to suffer for ,christ1 with the poor despised saints2 and that was because he saw him who was invisible1 and 'had respect unto the recompence of the reward' 7,heb #aa3bd-bg74 ,and this is that which the apostle usually prayeth for in his epistles for the saints1 namely1 ',that they might know what is the hope of ,god's calling1 and the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints' 7,eph #a3ah74 ,and that they might 'be able to comprehend with all saints1 what is the breadth1 and length1 and depth1 and height1 and to know the love of ,christ which passeth knowledge' 7,eph #c3ah1ai74 ,pray therefore that ,god would enlighten thy understanding3 that will be very great help unto thee4 ,it will make thee endure many a hard brunt for ,christ2 as ,paul saith1 ',after ye were illuminated1 ye endured a great fight of afflictions4 ,you took joyfully the spoiling of your goods1 knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance' 7,heb #aj3cb-cd74 ,if there be never such a rare jewel lie just in a man's way1 yet if he sees it not1 he will rather trample upon it than stoop for it1 and it is because he sees it not4 ,why1 so it is here1 though heaven be worth never so much1 and thou hast never so much need of it1 yet if thou see it not1 that is1 have not thy understanding opened or enlightened to see it1 thou wilt not regard at all3 therefore cry to the ,lord for enlightening grace1 and say1 ,lord1 open my blind eyes3 ,lord1 take the vail off my dark heart1 show me the things of the other world1 and let me see the sweetness1 glory1 and excellency of them for ,christ his sake4 ,this is the first4 ,second1 ,inflame thy will4 ,cry to ,god that he would inflame thy will also with the things of the other world4 ,for when a man's will is fully set to do such or such a thing1 then it must be a very hard matter that shall hinder that man from bringing about his end4 ,when ,paul's will was set resolvedly to go up to ,jerusalem1 though it was signified to him before what he should there suffer1 he was not daunted at all2 nay1 saith he1 ',i am ready1' or willing1 'not to be bound only1 but also to die at ,jerusalem for the name of the ,lord ,jesus' 7,acts #ba3ac74 ,his will was inflamed with love to ,christ2 and therefore all the persuasions that could be used wrought nothing at all4 ,your self-willed people nobody knows what to do with them2 we used to say1 ,he will have his own will1 do all what you can4 ,indeed to have such a will for heaven1 is an admirable advantage to a man that undertaketh the race thither2 a man that is resolved1 and hath his will fixed1 saith he1 ,i will do my best to advantage myself2 ,i will do my worst to hinder my enemies2 ,i will not give out as long as ,i can stand2 ,i will have it or ,i will lose my life2 'though he slay me yet will ,i trust in him' 7,job #ac3ae74 ',i will not let thee go except thou bless me' 7,gen #cb3bf74 ,i ,,will1 ,i ,,will1 ,i ,,will1 ,o this blessed inflamed will for heaven6 ,what is like it8 ,if a man be willing1 then any argument shall be matter of encouragement2 but if unwilling1 then any argument shall give discouragement2 this is seen both in saints and sinners2 in them that are the children of ,god1 and also those that are the children of the devil4 ,as1 #a4 ,the saints of old1 they being willing and resolved for heaven1 what could stop them8 ,could fire or faggot1 sword or halter1 stinking dungeons1 whips1 bears1 bulls1 lions1 cruel rackings1 stoning1 starving1 nakedness1 c4 7,heb #aa74 ',nay1 in all these things they were more than conquerors1 through him that loved them' 7,rom #h3cg72 who had also made them 'willing in the day of his power4' #b4 ,see again1 on the other side1 the children of the devil1 because they are not willing to run to heaven1 how many shifts and starting-holes they will have4 ,i have married a wife1 ,i have a farm1 ,i shall offend my landlord1 ,i shall offend my master1 ,i shall lose my trading1 ,i shall lose my pride1 my pleasures1 ,i shall be mocked and scoffed1 therefore ,i dare not come4 ,i1 saith another1 will stay till ,i am older1 till my children are out of sight1 till ,i am got a little aforehand in the world1 till ,i have done this and that1 and the other business2 but alas1 the thing is1 they are not willing2 for were they but soundly willing1 these1 and a thousand such as these1 would hold them no faster than the cords held ,samson when he broke them like burned flax 7,judg #ae3ad74 ,i tell you the will is all3 that is one of the chief things which turns the wheel either backwards or forwards2 and ,god knoweth that full well1 and so likewise doth the devil2 and therefore they both endeavour very much to strengthen the will of their servants4 ,god1 he is for making of his a willing people to serve him2 and the devil1 he doth what he can to possess the will and affection of those that are his1 with love to sin2 and therefore when ,christ comes close to the matter1 indeed1 saith he1 ',ye will not come to me' 7,john #e3dj74 ',how often would ,i have gathered you as a hen doth her chickens1 and ye would not' 7,luke #ac3cd74 ,the devil had possessed their wills1 and so long he was sure enough of them4 ,o therefore cry hard to ,god to inflame thy will for heaven and ,christ3 thy will1 ,i say1 if that be rightly set for heaven1 thou wilt not be beat off with discouragements2 and this was the reason that1 when ,jacob wrestled with the angel1 though he lost a limb1 as it were1 and the hollow of his thigh was put out of joint1 as he wrestled with him1 yet1 saith he1 ',i will not1' mark1 ',i ,,will ,,not let thee go except thou bless me' 7,gen #cb3bd-bf74 ,get thy will tipt with the heavenly grace1 and resolution against all discouragements1 and then thou goest full speed for heaven2 but if thou falter in thy will1 and be not found there1 thou wilt run hobbling and halting all the way thou runnest1 and also to be sure thou wilt fall short at the last4 ,the ,lord give thee a will and courage6 ,thus have ,i done with directing thee how to run to the kingdom2 be sure thou keep in memory what ,i have said unto thee1 lest thou lose thy way4 ,but because ,i would have thee think of them1 take all in short in this little bit of paper4 #a4 ,get into the way4 #b4 ,then study on it4 #c4 ,then strip1 and lay aside everything that would hinder4 #d4 ,beware of bye-paths4 #e4 ,do not gaze and stare too much about thee1 and be sure to ponder the path of thy feet4 #f4 ,do not stop for any that call after thee1 whether it be the world1 the flesh1 or the devil2 for all these will hinder thy journey1 if possible4 #g4 ,be not daunted with any discouragements thou meetest with as thou goest4 #h4 ,take heed of stumbling at the cross4 #i4 ,cry hard to ,god for an enlightened heart1 and a willing mind1 and ,god give thee a prosperous journey4 ,yet before ,i do quite take my leave of thee1 let me give thee a few motives along with thee4 ,it may be they will be as good as a pair of spurs to prick on thy lumpish heart in this rich voyage4#ag ,v4 ,,nine ,,motives ,,to ,,urge ,,us ,,on ,,in ,,the ,,way4 ,the ,first ,motive4 ,consider there is no way but this1 thou must either win or lose4 ,if thou winnest1 then heaven1 ,god1 ,christ1 glory1 ease1 peace1 life1 yea1 life eternal1 is thine2 thou must be made equal to the angels in heaven2 thou shalt sorrow no more1 sigh no more1 feel no more pain2 thou shalt be out of the reach of sin1 hell1 death1 the devil1 the grave1 and whatever else may endeavour thy hurt4 ,but contrariwise1 and if thou lose1 then thy loss is heaven1 glory1 ,god1 ,christ1 ease1 peace1 and whatever else which tendeth to make eternity comfortable to the saints2 besides1 thou procurest eternal death1 sorrow1 pain1 blackness1 and darkness1 fellowship with devils1 together with the everlasting damnation of thy own soul4 ,the ,second ,motive4 ,consider that this devil1 this hell1 death and damnation1 followeth after thee as hard as they can drive1 and have their commission so to do by the law1 against which thou hast sinned2 and therefore for the ,lord's sake make haste4 ,the ,third ,motive4 ,if they seize upon thee before thou get to the city of ,refuge1 they will put an everlasting stop to thy journey4 ,this also cries1 ,run for it4 ,the ,fourth ,motive4 ,know also1 that now heaven gates1 the heart of ,christ1 with his arms1 are wide open to receive thee4 ,o methinks that this consideration1 that the devil followeth after to destroy1 and that ,christ standeth open-armed to receive1 should make thee reach out and fly with all haste and speed6 ,and therefore1 ,the ,fifth ,motive4 ,keep thine eye upon the prize2 be sure that thy eyes be continually upon the profit thou art like to get4 ,the reason why men are so apt to faint in their race for heaven1 it lieth chiefly in either of these two things3 #a4 ,they do not seriously consider the worth of the prize2 or else if they do1 they are afraid it is too good for them2 but most lose heaven for want of considering the price and the worth of it4 ,and therefore1 that thou mayst not do the like1 keep thine eye much upon the excellency1 the sweetness1 the beauty1 the comfort1 the peace1 that is to be had there by those that win the prize4 ,this was that which made the apostle run through anything2 good report1 evil report1 persecution1 affliction1 hunger1 nakedness1 peril by sea1 and peril by land1 bonds and imprisonments4 ,also it made others endure to be stoned1 sawn asunder1 to have their eyes bored out with augurs1 their bodies broiled on gridirons1 their tongues cut out of their mouths1 boiled in cauldrons1 thrown to the wild beasts1 burned at the stakes1 whipped at posts1 and a thousand other fearful torments1 'while they looked not at the things which are seen1' as the things of this world1 'but at the things which are not seen2 for the things which are seen are temporal2 but the things which are not seen are eternal' 7#b ,cor #d3ah74 ,o this word 'eternal1' that was it that made them1 that when they might have had deliverance1 they would not accept of it2 for they knew in the world to come they should have a better resurrection 7,heb #aa3ce74 #b4 ,and do not let the thoughts of the rareness of the place make thee say in thy heart1 ,this is too good for me2 for ,i tell thee1 heaven is prepared for whosoever will accept of it1 and they shall be entertained with hearty good welcome4 ,consider1 therefore1 that as bad as thou have got thither2 thither went scrubbed1#ah beggarly ,lazarus1 c4 ,nay1 it is prepared for the poor3 ',hearken1 my beloved brethren1' saith ,james1 take notice of it1 ',hath not ,god chosen the poor of this world rich in faith1 and heirs of the kingdom8' 7,james #b3e74 ,therefore take heart and ,,run1 man4 ,and1 ,the ,sixth ,motive4 ,think much of them that are gone before4 ,first1 ,how really they got into the kingdom4 ,secondly1 ,how safe they are in the arms of ,jesus2 would they be here again for a thousand worlds8 ,or if they were1 would they be afraid that ,god would not make them welcome8 ,thirdly1 ,what would they judge of thee if they knew thy heart began to fail thee in thy journey1 or thy sins began to allure thee1 and to persuade thee to stop thy race8 would they not call thee a thousand fools8 and say1 ,o1 that he did but see what we see1 feel what we feel1 and taste of the dainties that we taste of6 ,o1 if he were here one quarter of an hour1 to behold1 to see1 to feel1 to taste and enjoy but the thousandth part of what we enjoy1 what would he do8 ,what would he suffer8 ,what would he leave undone8 ,would he favour sin8 ,would he love this world below8 ,would he be afraid of friends1 or shrink at the most fearful threatenings that the greatest tyrants could invent to give him8 ,nay1 those who have had but a sight of these things by faith1 when they have been as far off from them as heaven from earth1 yet they have been able to say with a comfortable and merry heart1 as the bird that sings in the spring1 that this and more shall not keep them from running to heaven4 ,sometimes1 when my base heart hath been inclining to this world1 and to loiter in my journey towards heaven1 the very consideration of the glorious saints and angels in heaven1 what they enjoy1 and what low thoughts they have of the things of this world together1 how they would befool me if they did but know that my heart was drawing back2 this hath caused me to rush forward1 to disdain these poor1 low1 empty1 beggarly things1 and to say to my soul1 ,come1 soul1 let us not be weary2 let us see what this heaven is2 let us even venture all for it1 and try if that will quit the cost4 ,surely ,abraham1 ,david1 ,paul1 and the rest of the saints of ,god1 were as wise as any are now1 and yet they lost all for this glorious kingdom4 ,o6 therefore1 throw away stinking lusts1 follow after righteousness1 love the ,lord ,jesus1 devote thyself unto his fear1 ,i'll warrant thee he will give thee a goodly recompense4 ,reader1 what sayst thou to this8 ,art thou resolved to follow me8 ,nay1 resolve if thou canst to get before me4 ',so run1 that ye may obtain4' ,the ,seventh ,motive4 ,to encourage thee a little farther1 set to the work1 and when thou hast run thyself down weary1 then the ,lord ,jesus will take thee up1 and carry thee4 ,is not this enough to make any poor soul begin his race8 ,thou1 perhaps1 criest1 ,o but ,i am feeble1 ,i am lame1 c43 well1 but ,christ hath a bosom2 consider1 therefore1 when thou hast run thyself down weary1 he will put thee in his bosom3 ',he shall gather the lambs with his arms1 and carry them in his bosom1 and shall gently lead those that are with young' 7,isa #dj3aa74 ,this is the way that fathers take to encourage their children1 saying3 ,run1 sweet babe1 while thou art weary1 and then ,i will take thee up and carry thee4 ',he will gather his lambs with his arm1 and carry them in his bosom4' ,when they are weary they shall ride4#ai ,the ,eighth ,motive4 ,or else he will convey new strength from heaven into thy soul1 which will be as well--',the youths shall faint and be weary1 and the young men shall utterly fall2 but they that wait upon the ,lord shall renew their strength2 they shall mount up with wings as eagles2 they shall run and not be weary1 they shall walk and not faint' 7,isa #dj3cj1ca74 ,what shall ,i say besides what hath already been said8 ,thou shalt have good and easy lodging1 good and wholesome diet1 the bosom of ,christ to lie in1 the joys of heaven to feed on4 ,shall ,i speak of the satiety and of the duration of all these8 ,verily to describe them to the height it is a work too hard for me to do4#bj ,the ,ninth ,motive4 ,again methinks the very industry of the devil1 and the industry of his servants1 c41 should make you that have a desire to heaven and happiness to run apace4 ,why1 the devil1 he will lose no time1 spare no pains1 also neither will his servants1 both to seek the destruction of themselves and others3 and shall not we be as industrious for our own salvation8 ,shall the world venture the damnation of their souls for a poor corruptible crown2 and shall not we venture the loss of a few trifles for an eternal crown8 ,shall they venture the loss of eternal friends1 as ,god to love1 ,christ to redeem1 the ,holy ,spirit to comfort1 heaven for habitation1 saints and angels for company1 and all this to get and hold communion with sin1 and this world1 and a few base1 drunken1 swearing1 lying1 covetous wretches1 like themselves8 ,and shall not we labour as hard1 run as fast1 seek as diligently1 nay1 a hundred times more diligently1 for the company of these glorious eternal friends1 though with the loss of such as these1 nay1 with the loss of ten thousand times better than these poor1 low1 base1 contemptible things8 ,shall it be said at the last day1 that wicked men made more haste to hell than you did make to heaven8#ba ,that they spent more hours1 days1 and that early and late1 for hell1 than you spent for that which is ten thousand thousand of thousands times better8 ,o let it not be so1 but run with all might and main4 ,thus you see ,i have here spoken something1 though but little4 ,now ,i shall come to make some use and application of what hath been said1 and so conclude4 ,,vi4 ,,nine ,,uses ,,of ,,this ,,subject4 ,the first use4 ,you see here1 that he that will go to heaven1 he must run for it2 yea1 and not only run1 but so run1 that is1 as ,i have said1 to run earnestly1 to run continually1 to strip off every thing that would hinder in his race with the rest4 ,well then1 do you so run8 ,and now let us examine a little4 #a4 ,art thou got into the right way8 ,art thou in ,christ's righteousness8 ,do not say yes in thy heart1 when in truth there is no such matter4 ,it is a dangerous thing1 you know1 for a man to think he is in the right way1 when he is in the wrong4 ,it is the next way for him to lose his way1 and not only so1 but if he run for heaven1 as thou sayst thou dost1 even to lose that too4 ,o this is the misery of most men1 to persuade themselves that they run right1 when they never had one foot in the way6 ,the ,lord give thee understanding here1 or else thou art undone for ever4 ,prithee1 soul1 search when was it thou turned out of thy sins and righteousness into the righteousness of ,jesus ,christ4 ,i say1 dost thou see thyself in him8 and is he more precious to thee than the whole world8 ,is thy mind always musing on him8 ,dost thou love to be talking of him--and also to be walking with him8 ,dost thou count his company more precious than the whole world8 ,dost thou count all things but poor1 lifeless1 empty1 vain things1 without communion with him8 ,doth his company sweeten all things--and his absence embitter all things8 ,soul1 ,i beseech thee1 be serious1 and lay it to heart1 and do not take things of such weighty concernment as the salvation or damnation of thy soul1 without good ground4 #b4 ,art thou unladen of the things of this world1 as pride1 pleasures1 profits1 lusts1 vanities8 ,what6 dost thou think to run fast enough with the world1 thy sins and lusts in thy heart8 ,i tell thee1 soul1 they that have laid all aside1 every weight1 every sin1 and are got into the nimblest posture1 they find work enough to run2 so to run as to hold out4 ,to run through all that opposition1 all these jostles1 all these rubs1 over all these stumbling-blocks1 over all the snares from all these entanglements1 that the devil1 sin1 the world1 and their own hearts1 lay before them2 ,i tell thee1 if thou art agoing heavenward1 thou wilt find it no small or easy matter4 ,art thou therefore discharged and unladen of these things8 ,never talk of going to heaven if thou art not4 ,it is to be feared thou wilt be found among the many that 'will seek to enter in1 and shall not be able' 7,luke #ac3bd74 ,the second use4 ,if so1 then1 in the next place1 what will become of them that are grown weary before they are got half way thither8 ,why1 man1 it is he that holdeth out to the end that must be saved2 it is he that overcometh that shall inherit all things2 it is not every one that begins4 ,agrippa gave a fair step for a sudden1 he steps almost into the bosom of ,christ in less than half an hour4 ,thou1 saith he to ,paul1 hast 'almost persuaded me to be a ,christian' 7,acts #bf3bf74 ,ah6 but it was but almost2 and so he had as good have been never a whit2 he stept fair indeed1 but yet he stept short2 he was hot while he was at it1 but he was quickly out of wind4 ,o this but almost6 ,i tell you1 this but almost1 it lost his soul4 ,methinks ,i have seen sometimes how these poor wretches that get but almost to heaven1 how fearfully their almost1 and their but almost1 will torment them in hell2 when they shall cry out in the bitterness of their souls1 saying1 ,i was almost a ,christian4 ,i was almost got into the kingdom1 almost out of the hands of the devil1 almost out of my sins1 almost from under the curse of ,god2 almost1 and that was all2 almost1 but not altogether4 ,o that ,i should be almost at heaven1 and should not go quite through6 ,friend1 it is a sad thing to sit down before we are in heaven1 and to grow weary before we come to the place of rest2 and if it should be thy case1 ,i am sure thou dost not so run as to obtain4 ,but again1 ,the third use4 ,in the next place1 ,what then will become of them that some time since were running post-haste to heaven1 insomuch that they seemed to outstrip many1 but now are running as fast back again8 ,do you think those will ever come thither8 ,what1 to run back again1 back again to sin1 to the world1 to the devil1 back again to the lusts of the flesh8 ,o6 ',it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness1 than after they have known it1 to turn1' to turn back again1 'from the holy commandment' 7#b ,peter #b3bb74 ,those men shall not only be damned for sin1 but for professing to all the world that sin is better than ,christ2 for the man that runs back again1 he doth as good as say1 ',i have tried ,christ1 and ,i have tried sin1 and ,i do not find so much profit in ,christ as in sin4'#bb ,i say1 this man declareth this1 even by his running back again4 ,o sad6 what a doom they will have1 who were almost at heaven-gates1 and then run back again4 ',if any draw back1' saith ,christ by his apostle1 'my soul shall have no pleasure in him' 7,heb #aj3ch74 ,again1 ',no man having put his hand to the plough1' that is1 set forward1 in the ways of ,god1 'and looking back1' turning back again1 'is fit for the kingdom of ,god' 7,luke #i3fb74 ,and if not fit for the kingdom of heaven1 then for certain he must needs be fit for the fire of hell4 ,and therefore1 saith the apostle1 those that 'bring forth' these apostatizing fruits1 as 'briars and thorns1 are rejected1 and nigh unto cursing1 whose end is to be burned' 7,heb #f3h74 ,o there is never another ,christ to save them by bleeding and dying for them6 ,and if they shall not escape that neglect1 then how shall they escape that reject and turn their back upon 'so great a salvation8' 7,heb #b3c74 ,and if the righteous1 that is1 they that run for it1 will find work enough to get to heaven1 'then where will the ungodly' backsliding 'sinner appear8' or if ,judas the traitor1 or ,francis ,spira the backslider1 were but now alive in the world to whisper these men in the ear a little1 and tell them what it hath cost their souls for backsliding1 surely it would stick by them and make them afraid of running back again1 so long as they had one day to live in this world4 ,the fourth use4 ,so again1 fourthly1 how unlike to these men's passions#bc will those be that have all this while sat still1 and have not so much as set one foot forward to the kingdom of heaven4 ,surely he that backslideth1 and he that sitteth still in sin1 they are both of one mind2 the one he will not stir1 because he loveth his sins1 and the things of this world2 the other he runs back again1 because he loveth his sins1 and the things of this world3 is it not one and the same thing8 ,they are all one here1 and shall not one and the same hell hold them hereafter6 ,he is an ungodly one that never looked after ,christ1 and he is an ungodly one that did once look after him and then ran quite back again2 and therefore that word must certainly drop out of the mouth of ,christ against them both1 ',depart from me1 ye cursed1 into everlasting fire1 prepared for the devil and his angels' 7,matt #be3da74 ,the fifth use4 ,again1 here you may see1 in the next place1 that is1 they that will have heaven must run for it2 then this calls aloud to those who began but a while since to run1 ,i say1 for them to mend their pace if they intend to win2 you know that they which come hindmost1 had need run fastest4 ,friend1 ,i tell thee1 there be those that have run ten years to thy one1 nay1 twenty to thy five1 and yet if thou talk with them1 sometimes they will say they doubt they shall come late enough4 ,how then will it be with thee8 ,look to it therefore that thou delay no time1 not an hour's time1 but speedily part with all1 with everything that is an hindrance to thee in thy journey1 and run2 yea1 and so run that thou mayest obtain4 ,the sixth use4 ,again1 sixthly1 ,you that are old professors1 take you heed that the young striplings of ,jesus1 that began to strip but the other day1 do not outrun you1 so as to have that scripture fulfilled on you1 ',the first shall be last1 and the last first'2 which will be a shame to you1 and a credit for them4 ,what1 for a young soldier to be more courageous than he that hath been used to wars6 ,to you that are hindmost1 ,i say1 strive to outrun them that are before you2 and you that are foremost1 ,i say1 hold your ground1 and keep before them in faith and love1 if possible2 for indeed that is the right running1 for one to strive to outrun another2 even for the hindmost to endeavour to overtake the foremost1 and he that is before should be sure to lay out himself to keep his ground1 even to the very utmost4 ,but then1 ,the seventh use4 ,again1 ,how basely do they behave themselves1 how unlike are they to win1 that think it enough to keep company with the hindmost8 ,there are some men that profess themselves such as run for heaven as well as any2 yet if there be but any lazy1 slothful1 cold1 half-hearted professors in the country1 they will be sure to take example by them2 they think if they can but keep pace with them they shall do fair2 but these do not consider that the hindmost lose the prize4 ,you may know it1 if you will1 that it cost the foolish virgins dear for their coming too late--',they that were ready went in with him1 and the door was shut4 ,afterward1' mark1 'afterward came the other1' the foolish1 'virgins1 saying1 ,lord1 ,lord1 open to us2 but he answered1 and said1' ,depart1 ',i know you not' 7,matt #be3aj-ab74 ,depart1 lazy professors1 cold professors1 slothful professors4 ,o6 methinks the ,word of ,god is so plain for the overthrow of you lazy professors1 that it is to be wondered men do take no more notice of it4 ,how was ,lot's wife served for running lazily1 and for giving but one look behind her1 after the things she left in ,sodom8 ,how was ,esau served for staying too long before he came for the blessing8 ,and how were they served that are mentioned in the #acth of ,luke1 'for staying till the door was shut8' ,also the foolish virgins2 a heavy after-groan will they give that have thus staid too long4 ,it turned ,lot's wife into a pillar of salt 7,gen #ai3bf74 ,it made ,esau weep with an exceeding loud and bitter cry 7,heb #ab3ag74 ,it made ,judas hang himself3 yea1 and it will make thee curse the day in which thou wast born1 if thou miss of the kingdom1 as thou wilt certainly do1 if this be thy course4 ,but1 ,the eighth use4 ,again1 ,how1 and if thou by thy lazy running shouldst not only destroy thyself1 but also thereby be the cause of the damnation of some others1 for thou being a professor thou must think that others will take notice of thee2 and because thou art but a poor1 cold1 lazy runner1 and one that seeks to drive the world and pleasure along with thee3 why1 thereby others will think of doing so too4 ,nay1 say they1 why may not we as well as he8 ,he is a professor1 and yet he seeks for pleasures1 riches1 profits2 he loveth vain company1 and he is proud1 and he is so and so1 and professeth that he is going for heaven2 yea1 and he saith also he doth not fear but he shall have entertainment2 let us therefore keep pace with him1 we shall fare no worse than he4 ,o how fearful a thing will it be1 if that thou shalt be instrumental of the ruin of others by thy halting in the way of righteousness6 ,look to it1 thou wilt have strength little enough to appear before ,god1 to give an account of the loss of thy own soul2 thou needest not have to give an account for others2 why1 thou didst stop them from entering in4 ,how wilt thou answer that saying1 ,you would not enter in yourselves1 and them that would you hinder2 for that saying will be eminently fulfilled on them that through their own idleness do keep themselves out of heaven1 and by giving of others the same example1 hinder them also4 ,the ninth use4 ,therefore1 now to speak a word to both of you1 and so ,i shall conclude4 #a4 ,i beseech you1 in the name of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 that none of you do run so lazily in the way to heaven as to hinder either yourselves or others4 ,i know that even he which runs laziest1 if he should see a man running for a temporal life1 if he should so much neglect his own well-being in this world as to venture1 when he is a-running for his life1 to pick up here and there a lock of wool that hangeth by the way-side1 or to step now and then aside out of the way for to gather up a straw or two1 or any rotten stick1 ,i say1 if he should do this when he is a-running for his life1 thou wouldst condemn him2 and dost thou not condemn thyself that dost the very same in effect1 nay worse1 that loiterest in thy race1 notwithstanding thy soul1 heaven1 glory1 and all is at stake4 ,have a care1 have a care1 poor wretched sinner1 have a care4 #b4 ,if yet there shall be any that1 notwithstanding this advice1 will still be flaggering and loitering in the way to the kingdom of glory1 be thou so wise as not to take example by them4 ,learn of no man further than he followeth ,christ4 ,but look unto ,jesus1 who is not only 'the author and finisher of faith1' but who did1 'for the joy that was set before him1 endured the cross1 despising the shame1 and is now set down at the right hand of ,god' 7,heb #ab3b74 ,i say1 look to no man to learn of him no further than he followeth ,christ4 ',be ye followers of me1' saith ,paul1 'even as ,i also am of ,christ' 7#a ,cor #aa3a74 ,though he was an eminent man1 yet his exhortation was1 that none should follow him any further than he followed ,christ4 ,,vii4 ,,provocation4 ,,to ,,run ,,with ,,the ,,foremost4 ,now that you may be provoked to run with the foremost1 take notice of this4 ,when ,lot and his wife were running from cursed ,sodom to the mountains1 to save their lives1 it is said that his wife looked back from behind him1 and she became a pillar of salt2 and yet you see that neither her practice1 nor the judgment of ,god that fell upon her for the same1 would cause ,lot to look behind him4 ,i have sometimes wondered at ,lot in this particular2 his wife looked behind her1 and died immediately1 but let what would become of her1 ,lot would not so much as look behind him to see her4 ,we do not read that he did so much as once look where she was1 or what was become of her2 his heart was indeed upon his journey1 and well it might3 there was the mountain before him1 and the fire and brimstone behind him2 his life lay at stake and he had lost it if he had but looked behind him4 ,do thou so run3 and in thy race remember ,lot's wife1 and remember her doom2 and remember for what that doom did overtake her2 and remember that ,god made her an example for all lazy runners1 to the end of the world3 and take heed thou fall not after the same example4 ,but1 if this will not provoke thee1 consider thus1 #a4 ,thy soul is thy own soul1 that is either to be saved or lost2 thou shalt not lose my soul by thy laziness4 ,it is thy own soul1 thy own ease1 thy own peace1 thy own advantage1 or disadvantage4 ,if it were my soul that thou art desired to be good unto1 methinks reason should move thee somewhat to pity it4 ,but alas1 it is thy own1 thy own soul4 ',what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world1 and lose his own soul8' 7,mark #h3cf74 ,god's people wish well to the souls of others1 and wilt not thou wish well to thy own8 ,and if this will not provoke thee1 then think again1 #b4 ,if thou lose thy soul1 it is thou also that must bear the blame4 ,it made ,cain stark mad to consider that he had not looked to his brother ,abel's soul4 ,how much more will it perplex thee to think1 that thou hadst not a care of thy own8 ,and if this will not provoke thee to bestir thyself1 think again1 #c4 ,that if thou wilt not run1 the people of ,god are resolved to deal with thee even as ,lot dealt with his wife1 that is1 leave thee behind them4 ,it may be thou hast a father1 mother1 brother1 c41 going post-haste to heaven1 wouldst thou be willing to be left behind them8 ,surely no4 ,again1 #d4 ,will it not be a dishonour to thee to see the very boys and girls in the country to have more wit than thyself8 ,it may be the servants of some men1 as the horsekeeper1 ploughman1 scullion1 c41 are more looking after heaven than their masters4 ,i am apt to think sometimes1 that more servants than masters1 that more tenants than landlords1 will inherit the kingdom of heaven4 ,but is not this a shame for them that are such8 ,i am persuaded you scorn1 that your servants should say that they are wiser than you in the things of this world2 and yet ,i am bold to say1 that many of them are wiser than you in the things of the world to come1 which are of great concernment4 ,,viii4 ,a ,,short ,,expostulation4 ,well then1 sinner1 what sayest thou8 ,where is thy heart8 ,wilt thou run8 ,art thou resolved to strip8 ,or art thou not8 ,think quickly1 man1 it is no dallying in this matter4 ,confer not with flesh and blood2 look up to heaven1 and see how thou likest it2 also to hell--of which thou mayst understand something by my book1 called1 ,a few ,sighs from ,hell2 or the ,groans of a damned ,soul2 which ,i wish thee to read seriously over--and accordingly devote thyself4 ,if thou dost not know the way1 inquire at the ,word of ,god4 ,if thou wantest company1 cry for ,god's ,spirit4 ,if thou wantest encouragement1 entertain the promises4 ,but be sure thou begin by times2 get into the way2 run apace and hold out to the end2 and the ,lord give thee a prosperous journey4 ,farewell4 ,,footnotes3 #a ,it was the commonly received opinion that1 at the moment of death1 the angels and devils strove to carry away the soul4 ,if the dying man had received the consecrated wafer1 the devils were scared at it1 and lost their victim4 ,hence the prayer--',from lightning1 battle1 murder1 and sudden death1 good ,lord1 deliver us'2 a curious contrast to1 ',thy will be done'6 ,were they sinners above all men upon whom the tower in ,siloam fell and slew them8 7,luke #ac3d74 ,o that men would rely upon the righteousness of ,christ stimulating them to run for glory1 as heavenly footmen1 and not upon the nostrums of ,antichrist6--,ed4 #b ,in a very beautifully ornamented ,liturgy of the ,church of ,england1 prior to the ,reformation1 after the ,salisbury use1 printed in #aebf 7in the ,editor's library71 is this direction--',these iii4 prayers be wrytten in the chapel of the holy crosse in ,rome1 who that deuoutly say them they shall obteyne ten hundred thousand years of pardon for deadly sins graunted of oure holy father ,jhon xxii pope of ,rome4' ,the three prayers only occupy twenty-six short lines1 and may be gravely repeated in two minutes4 ,such was and ,,is ,popery66 ,but at the end of all this promised pardon for a million of years--what then8 ,will eternal torments commence8--,ed4 #c ,how awfully is this pictured to the soul in that solemn account of the day of death and judgment in ,matthew #be2 and how strikingly applied in the ,pilgrim's ,progress in the character of ,ignorance4--,ed4 #d ',when the bell begins to toll1 ,lord have mercy on the soul4' ,the ,papists imagine that there is an extraordinary power in the bell hallowed by baptism to drive away the spirits of darkness1 so that the departing soul may take its journey without molestation66 ,it was also intended to rouse the faithful to pray for the dead person's soul4 ,this1 and other superstitious practices1 were suspended during the ,protectorate in some parishes1 if not generally1 but were revived at the ,restoration1 because the omission injured the revenues of the church4--,see ,brand's ,popular ,antiquities4--,ed4 #e ,this quotation1 probably made from memory1 is a mixture of the ,genevan and the present version4--,ed4 #f ,francis ,spira1 in #aedh1 being a lawyer in great repute in ,italy1 professed gospel principles1 but afterwards relapsed into ,popery1 and became a victim of black despair4 ,the man in the iron cage1 at the ,interpreter's house1 probably referred to ,spira4 ,the narrative of his fearful state is preceded by a poem3-- ',here see a soul that's all despair1 a man ,all hell1 a spirit all wounds4 ,who can ,a wounded spirit bear8 ,reader1 wouldst see what you may never feel1 ,despair1 racks1 torments1 whips of burning steel8 ,behold this man1 this furnace1 in whose heart ,sin hath created hell4 ,o6 in each part ,what flames appear8 ,his thoughts all stings2 words1 swords2 ,brimstone his breath2 ,his eyes1 flames2 wishes1 curses2 life1 a death1 ,a thousand deaths live in him1 he not dead-- ,a breathing corpse in living scalding lead4'--,ed4 #g ,how plain and important is this direction4 ,saul the persecutor ran fast1 but the faster he ran in his murderous zeal the further he ran from the prize4 ,let every staunch sectarian examine prayerfully his way1 especially if the sect he belongs to is patronized by princes1 popes1 or potentates1 and endowed with worldly honours4 ,he may be running from and not to heaven4--,ed4 #h ,he that trusts in the sect to which he belongs is assuredly in the wrong way1 whether it be the ,church of ,rome or ,england1 ,quaking1 ,ranting1 ,baptists1 or ,independents4 ,trust in ,christ must be all in all4 ,first be ,,in ,christ1 then run for heaven1 looking unto ,christ4 ,keep fellowship with those who are the purest1 and run fastest in the ordinances of the gospel which are revealed in the ,word4 ,follow no human authority nor craft1 seek the influence of the ,holy ,spirit for yourself1 that you may be led into all truth1 then you will so run as to obtain4--,ed4 #i ,how plain is this direction1 and how does it commend itself to our common-sense2 lumpish shoes1 and pockets filled with stones1 how absurd for a man who is running a race66 ,stop1 my dear reader1 have you cast away all useless encumbrances1 and all easily besetting sins8 ,is your heart full of mammon1 or pride1 or debauchery8 if so1 you have no particle of strength to run for heaven1 but are running upon swift perdition4--,ed4 #aj ,this is one of those beautiful ideas which so abound in all ,bunyan's works4 ,our way to the kingdom is consecrated by the cross of ,christ1 and may be known throughout by the sprinkling of his blood1 his groans1 his agonies4 ,all the doctrines that put us in the way are sanctified by the atonement2 all the spurs to a diligent running in that way are powerful as motives1 by our being bought with that precious price1 the death of ,emmanuel4 ,o6 my soul1 be thou found looking unto ,jesus1 he is ,,the ,,way1 the only way to heaven4--,ed4 #aa ,strange infatuation1 desperate pride1 that man should reject the humbling simplicity of ,divine truth1 and run so anxiously1 greedily1 and in hosts1 in the road to ruin1 because priestcraft calls it 'the way of ,god'2 preferring the miserable sophistry of ,satan and his emissaries to the plain directions of ,holy ,writ4 ,o6 reader1 put not your trust in man1 but1 while ,god is ready to direct you1 rely solely on his ,holy ,word4--,ed4 #ab ',happily1' or haply1 were formerly used to express the same meaning4--,ed4 #ac ',sink-souls' is one of ,bunyan's strong ,saxonisms1 full of meaning1 ',sink' is that in which filth or foulness is deposited4 ',she poured forth out of her hellish sink1 ,her fruitful cursed spawn4'--,spencer4--,ed4 #ad ,this is one of ,bunyan's most deeply expressive directions to the heaven-ward pilgrim2 may it sink into our hearts4 ,christ is the way1 the cross is the standing way-mark throughout the road1 never out of sight4 ,in embracing the humbling doctrines of grace1 in sorrow for sin1 in crucifying self1 in bearing each other's burdens1 in passing through the river that will absorb our mortality--from the new birth to our inheritance--the cross is the way-mark4--,ed4 #ae ,our holiest1 happiest duties1 ,,if they interfere with a simple and exclusive reliance upon ,christ for justification1 must be accursed in our esteem2 while1 if they are fulfilled in a proper spirit of love to him1 they become our most blessed privileges4 ,reader1 be jealous of your motives4--,ed4 #af ,this is very solemn warning4 ,but is it asked how are we to see that that is invisible1 or to imagine bliss that is past our understanding8 ,the reply is1 treasure up in your heart those glimpses of glory contained in the ,word4 ,be daily in communion with the world of spirits1 and it may be your lot1 with ,paul1 to have so soul-ravishing a sense of eternal realities1 as scarcely to know whether you are in the body or not4--,ed4 #ag ,how characteristic of ,bunyan is this sentence1 'the rich voyage4' ,god environing us about with his presence in time1 and eternal felicity in the desired haven3 'the lumpish heart' at times apparently indifferent to the glorious harvest3 'a pair of spurs' to prick us on in the course4 ,the word voyage 7from via1 a way7 was in ,bunyan's time equally used for a journey by sea or land1 it is now limited to travelling by sea4--,ed4 #ah ',scrubbed'2 worthless1 vile1 insignificant in the sight of man1 who judges from the outward1 temporal condition2 but1 in the case of ,lazarus1 precious in the sight of ,god4--,ed4 #ai ,what an inexhaustible source of comfort is contained in this passage4 ,blessed carriage1 in which the poorest1 weakest of ,christ's flock shall ride4 ,millions of gold could not purchase the privilege thus to ride in ease and safety1 supported and guarded by ,omnipotence1 and guided by ,omniscience4--,ed4 #bj ,summed up by the ,psalmist1 ',happy is that people that is in such a case4 ,happy is that people whose ,god is the ,lord' 7,psa #add3ae74--;,ed4 #ba ,how severe and cutting1 but how just1 is this reflection upon many1 that wicked men1 for the gratification of destructive propensities1 should evince greater zeal and perseverance to light up the fire of hell in their consciences1 than some professing ,christians do in following after peace and holiness1 ',go to the ant1 thou sluggard1 consider her ways and be wise4'--,ed4 #bb ,how awful a warning is this to the backslider4 ,a wicked professor is a practical atheist and a contemptible hypocrite4 ,but the backslider is worse1 he proclaims1 in his downward course1 the awful blasphemy that 'sin is better than ,christ'2 'hell is preferable to heaven4' ,o6 that some poor bewildered backslider may1 by a ,divine blessing upon the voice of ,bunyan1 be arrested in his mad career4--,ed4 #bc ',passions'2 the old ,english term for sufferings4 ,it is used in ,acts #a emphatically1 to express the last sufferings of the ,saviour2 as also in what is called 'passion week4'--,ed4 999999 ,,the ,,holy ,,city2 ,,or1 ,,the ,,new ,,jerusalem3 ,,wherein ,,its ,,goodly ,,light1 ,,walls1 ,,gates1 ,,angels1 ,,and ,,the ,,manner ,,of ,,their ,,standing1 ,,are ,,expounded3 ,,also ,,her ,,length ,,and ,,breadth1 ,,together ,,with ,,the ,,golden ,,measuring-,,reed ,,explained3 ,,and ,,the ,,glory ,,of ,,all ,,unfolded4 ,,as ,,also ,,the ,,numerousness ,,of ,,its ,,inhabitants2 ,,and ,,what ,,the ,,tree ,,and ,,water ,,of ,,life ,,are1 ,,by ,,which ,,they ,,are ,,sustained4 ',glorious things are spoken of thee1 ,o city of ,god4'-,psalm #hg3c ',and the name of the city from that day shall be1 ,,the ,,lord ,,is ,,there4'-,ezekiel #dh3ce ,london3 ,printed in the year #affe ,,advertisement ,,by ,,the ,,editor ,reader1 it will require the utmost effort of your powers of faith in perfectly well authenticated history to believe an almost incredible fact1 but which certainly took place in ,england1 under the reformed church in #affe4 ,it is1 however1 true1 that a number of eminently pious1 loyal1 sober1 industrious citizens were immured1 by the forms of law1 within the walls of a small prison on ,bedford ,bridge1 over the river ,ouse1 for refusing to attend the parish church or join in the service prescribed by ,acts of ,parliament1 according to the ,book of ,common ,prayer4 ,the ,ruler of the universe deigned to approve their conduct1 and to visit these prisoners with his peculiar approbation4 ,he made their prison a ,bethel1 the house of ,god1 and the very gate of heaven-thus richly blessing their souls for refusing to render unto man the things that are ,god's4 ,on the ,lord's day they were in the habit of uniting in ,divine worship4 ,their prison chamber had received no prelatic consecration1 but ,god was in their midst to bless them4 ,it happened one morning that it came to the turn of a poor itinerant tinker1 of extraordinary ability1 to address his fellow-prisoners-he had neither written nor even prepared a sermon1 and felt1 for a time1 at a loss for a text or subject4 ,at length1 while turning over the sacred pages1 his eye was directed to the description of the ,holy ,city-,new ,jerusalem1 which in the latter day will gloriously descend from heaven4 ,his soul was enlarged and enlightened with the dazzling splendour of that sacred city-his heart1 which had felt 'empty1 spiritless1 and barren1' was baptized into his subject-'with a few groans1 he carried his meditations to the ,lord ,jesus for a blessing1 which he did forthwith grant according to his grace1 and then the preacher did set before his brethren the spiritual meat1 and they did all eat and were well refreshed4 ,while distributing the truth1 it did so increase in his hand1 that of the fragments he gathered up a basket full1 and furnished this heavenly treatise4' ,such1 in substance1 is the author's interesting account of the circumstances under which he wrote this book4 ,he adds1 with humility1 that the men of this world would laugh1 in conceit1 that one so low1 contemptible1 and inconsiderable should busy himself with so hard and knotty a subject1 but humbly hopes1 that though but a babe in ,christ1 these truths were revealed to him4 ,to the real followers of the lowly ,jesus1 the poor carpenter's son1 'who had not where to lay his head'-of whom the ,jews said1 ',how knoweth this man letters1 having never learned8' 7,john #g3ae7-;despised by princes1 prelates1 scribes1 and ,pharisees-to such1 the poverty1 the occupation1 and the want of book-learning of our author needs no apology4 ,it is all-sufficient to know that he was mighty in the ,scriptures1 and deeply taught of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,these are the only sources of information relative to the ,new ,jerusalem2 and in this treatise the author has richly developed the treasures of the ,bible in reference to this solemn subject4 ,to the same prison discipline to which we are indebted for the ,pilgrim's ,progress1 we owe this1 and other of the labours of that eminent servant of ,christ1 ,john ,bunyan4 ,little did the poor tyrants who sent him to jail think that1 in such a place1 he would have this blessed vision of the heavenly city1 or that his severe sufferings would materially aid in destroying their wicked craft4 ,the subject is one of pure revelation4 ,the philosopher-the theologian-the philologist-the historian1 and the antiquarian1 are utterly unable to grapple with that which is here so admirably handled by a poor unlettered prisoner for ,christ1 who1 from the inexhaustible storehouse of ,god's ,word1 brings forth things new and old to comfort the pilgrim1 whether in a prison or a palace1 and to enliven his prospects on his way to this celestial city4 ,the ,new ,jerusalem is a sublime object1 and we are bound humbly to adore that majestic mercy which has condescended to give us such a glimpse of the glory which1 in its unbounded extent1 passeth all the powers of our earth-bound souls to conceive4 ,it is a city whose builder and maker is ,god-perfect as his infinite wisdom-strong as his omnipotence-eternal as his existence4 ,who by searching can find out the perfections of the ,almighty-they can only be traced by his revealed will1 and with our poor powers1 even then but faintly4 ,no man ever possessed a more intimate knowledge of the ,bible1 nor greater aptitude in quoting it than ,bunyan3 he must have meditated in it day and night2 and in this treatise his biblical treasures are wisely used4 ,he begins with the foundation of the walls1 and shows that they are based upon the truths taught to the twelve tribes1 and by the twelve apostles of the ,lamb4 ,all these truths are perfectly handed down to us in holy ,writ1 alike immutable and unalterable4 ,cursed are they that add to that book1 either by tradition or by the imposition of creeds1 rites1 and ceremonies1 and not less cursed are they that take from it4 ,these solid foundations support walls and gates through which nothing can enter that defileth4 ,it is a pattern to the church on earth1 into which none should be admitted but saints1 known from their conversation as living epistles4 ',not common stuff1 not raked out of the dunghills and muck heaps of this world1 and from among the toys of antichrist1 but spiritual1 heavenly and glorious precious stones4' ,this city has but one street1 showing the perfect unity among all its inhabitants1 and it is only under the personal reign of ,christ that uniformity can exist4 ,the divisions among ,christians arise1 as ,bunyan justly concludes1 from 'antichristian rubbish1 darkness1 and trumpery4' ,the cause of all the confusion is the lust of man for domination over conscience1 the government of which is the sole prerogative of ,god1 and this is strengthened by the hope of passing through time in idleness1 luxury1 and honour1 under the false pretence of apostolic descent transmitted through ceremonies worse than childish4 ,in our ,lord's days there was union among his disciples1 as there must be under his personal reign in the ,new ,jerusalem4 ,but in the times of the apostles the disciples were divided-one was of ,paul-another of ,apollos1 and others of ,cephas4 ,the ,holy ,ghost issued laws to regulate the church in their disputes-not an act of uniformity1 but an injunction to the exercise of mutual forbearance1 ',who art thou that judges another man's servant4' ',let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind' 7,rom #ad3d1e74 ,after viewing the spiritual unity of the inhabitants of this wonderful city1 we are introduced to its temple4 ,how vast the edifice1 to contain the millions on millions of worshippers-every inhabitant being present in the general assembly and church of the first-born6 ,utterly beneath our notice are the most magnificent temples raised by human ingenuity and vanity1 when compared with that of the ,holy ,city4 ,its foundation1 the immutability of ,god-its extent1 his divine immensity-its walls1 the omnipotence of ,jehovah-its treasury1 the unsearchable riches of ,christ-its worshippers1 the countless myriads of the nations of those that are saved-its duration1 ,,eternity4 ,it is the inheritance of the ,son of ,god1 ,jehovah ,jesus1 and is worthy of ,,his inconceivable majesty4 ,in all the multitude not one hypocrite will be found-not one sleeping worshipper-no wandering thought-no fear of sin or of ,satan and his persecuting agents-death itself will be dead and swallowed up in life and immortality-all are pure-clothed in white robes-the palm of victory in their hands-singing the glorious anthems of heaven4 ,o my soul6 who are they that are thus unspeakably blessed8 ,shall ,i be a citizen of that city8 ,god has told us who they are-not those who have been cherished by the state-clothed with honour1 who have eaten the bread of idleness4 ,no4 ',these are they which came out of great tribulation' 7,rev #g3ad74 ,from all kindreds1 nations1 sects1 and parties-they who obeyed ,god and not man in all matters of faith and holiness-those who submitted to the ,saviour1 and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the ,lamb4 ,how vile is that sectarian spirit which in cold blood consigns all but its own sect to eternal misery4 ,how strange the calculation of that ,jewish ,rabbi1#a who1 dooming to miserable and eternal slavery all but his own little party1 gives to every ,jew two thousand eight hundred souls to be tormented and tyrannically used as slaves4 ,the bitter sectarian who thus judges that all not of his own party shall be destroyed1 will do well to listen to the voice of truth1 ',with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged4' ,all these absurd and wicked feelings are fast wearing away before the advancing spirit of ,christianity4 ,when the leaven of ,divine truth shall have spread over the whole earth1 antichrist will finally fall-then shall this ,new ,jerusalem descend from heaven1 and become the glory of the earth4 ,how distant soever that period may seem1 it is irresistibly hastening on4 ,since ,bunyan's days1 persecution has hid its ugly head-,north ,america1 which was then a land of darkness1 is now widely covered with gospel blessings-slavery is coming to an end-,india1 the islands of the ,pacific1 and the vast territories of ,australia1 are yielding their increase4 ,a few more centuries of progression1 increasing in its ratio as time draws to a close1 will hasten on the coming of our ,lord4 ,the growth in grace of every ,christian goes on thus gradually4 ,bunyan draws a beautiful picture of this from ,ezekiel #dg3c-ab4 ,it is so slow as scarcely to be perceptible1 and one proof of its growth in our hearts is a doubt as to whether we are progressing at all4 ,the more the light of heaven breaks in upon us1 the more clearly it displays our sinful follies4 ,according to the prophet1 the waters rise higher and higher1 but so slowly as to elude observation1 until we find that they have risen from the ancles to the knees1 and at length they rise and leave no standing for the feet-the earth recedes with time1 and the soul enters upon the ocean of eternal grace and glory4 ,the time is coming when we shall no longer worship in temples made with hands1 neither in the mountains of ,samaria1 nor in the temples of ,jerusalem1 or ,rome1 or ,london4 ',the cloud-capt towers-the gorgeous palaces-the solemn temples-yea1 the great globe itself1 shall dissolve1 and1 like the baseless fabric of a vision1 leave not a wreck behind4' ,or in language far more solemn and striking1 because they are the unerring words of truth1 ',the heavens shall pass away with a great noise1 and the elements shall melt with fervent heat2 the earth also1 and the works that are therein1 shall be burned up4' ,then shall the ,holy ,city-the ,new ,jerusalem-descend from heaven1 and all the ransomed of the ,lord shall find in it a glorious and everlasting habitation4 ,bunyan published this ,book in a very small #hvo of #bid pages4 ,it was never reprinted separately from his other works1 and even in them it suffered from serious omissions and errors4 ,it is now accurately printed from his original edition4 ,the copy in ,dr4 ,williams' ,library1 ,redcross ,street1 is remarkably fine and clean1 a present1 most probably1 in the first instance1 from the author1 having an inscription on the fly leaf1 apparently in ,bunyan's autograph1 ',this for my good and dearly beloved frend mistris ,backcraft4' ,it has a false title1 bearing the imprint of ',london1 ,printed for ,francis ,smith1 at the ,elephant and ,castle without ,temple ,barr1 #affi4' ,the editor's copy1 soiled and tattered1 cost him twenty shillings1 a striking proof of its rarity4 ,this has the original title1 with the real date1 #affe1 but without a printer's or publisher's name-from which it may be inferred that no one dared to patronize the labours of the poor prisoner-a circumstance tending to make the book more prized by the lovers of ,christian liberty4 ,the four dedications are singular1 and truly ,bunyanish4 ,,geo ,,offor4 ,,the ,,epistle ,,to ,,four ,,sorts ,,of ,,readers ,i4 ,,to ,,the ,,godly ,,reader4 ,friend1-,though the men of this world1 at the sight of this book1 will not only deride1 but laugh in conceit1 to consider that one so low1 contemptible1 and inconsiderable as ,i1 should busy myself in such sort1 as to meddle with the exposition of so hard and knotty a ,scripture as here they find the subject matter of this little book2 yet do thou remember that ',god hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise1 and things which are not1 to bring to nought things that are' 7#a ,cor #a3bg1bh74 ,consider also1 that even of old it hath been his pleasure to 'hide these things from the wise and prudent1 and to reveal them unto babes' 7,matt #aa3be1 #ba3ae1af74 ,i tell you that the operation of the ,word and ,spirit of ,god1 without depending upon that idol1#b so much adored1 is sufficient of itself to search out 'all things1 even the deep things of ,god' 7#a ,cor #b3aj74 ,the occasion of my first meddling with this matter was as followeth3-,upon a certain first-day1 ,i being together with my brethren in our prison chamber1 they expected that1 according to our custom1 something should be spoken out of the ,word for our mutual edification2 but at that time ,i felt myself1 it being my turn to speak1 so empty1 spiritless1 and barren1 that ,i thought ,i should not have been able to speak among them so much as five words of truth with life and evidence2 but at last it so fell out that providentially ,i cast mine eye upon the eleventh verse of the one and twentieth chapter of this prophecy2 upon which1 when ,i had considered a while1 methought ,i perceived something of that jasper in whose light you there find this holy city is said to come or descend2 wherefore having got in my eye some dim glimmerings thereof1 and finding also in my heart a desire to see farther thereinto1 ,i with a few groans did carry my meditations to the ,lord ,jesus for a blessing1 which he did forthwith grant according to his grace2 and helping me to set before my brethren1 we did all eat1 and were well refreshed2 and behold also1 that while ,i was in the distributing of it1 it so increased in my hand1 that of the fragments that we left1 after we had well dined1 ,i gathered up this basketful4 ,methought the more ,i cast mine eye upon the whole discourse1 the more ,i saw lie in it4 ,wherefore setting myself to a more narrow search1 through frequent prayer to ,god1 what first with doing1 and then with undoing1 and after that with doing again1 ,i thus did finish it4 ,but yet1 notwithstanding all my labour and travel in this matter1 ,i do not1 neither can ,i expect that every godly heart should in every thing see the truth and excellency of what is here discoursed2 neither would ,i have them imagine that ,i have so thoroughly viewed this holy city1 but that much more than ,i do here crush out is yet left in the cluster4 ,alas6 ,i shall only say thus1 ,i have crushed out a little juice to sweeten their lips withal1 not doubting but in a little time more large measures of the excellency of this city1 and of its sweetness and glory1 will by others be opened and unfolded2 yea1 if not by the servants of the ,lord ,jesus1 yet by the ,lord himself1 who will have this city builded and set in its own place4 ,but1 ,i say1 for this discourse1 if any of the saints that read herein think they find nought at all but words1 as many times it falleth out even in their reading the ,scriptures of ,god themselves1 ,i beg1 ,i say1 of such1 that they read charitably1 judge modestly1 and also that they would take heed of concluding that because they for the present see nothing in this or that passage1 that therefore there is nothing in it3 possibly from that which thou mayest cast away as an empty bone1 others may pick both good and wholesome bits1 yea1 and also out of that suck much nourishing marrow4 ,you find by experience1 that that very bit that will not down with one1 may yet not only down1 but be healthful and nourishing to another4 ,babes are more for milk than strong meat1 though meat will well digest with those that are of riper years4 ,wherefore that which thy weakness will not suffer thee to feed on1 leave2 and go to the milk and nourishment that in other places thou shalt find4 ,,ii4 ,,to ,,the ,,learned ,,reader4 ,my second word is to my wise and learned reader4 ,sir1-,i suppose1 in your reading of this discourse1 you will be apt to blame me for two things3 ,first1 ,because ,i have not so beautified my matter with acuteness of language as you could wish or desire4 ,secondly1 ,because also ,i have not given you1 either in the line or in the margent1 a cloud of sentences from the learned fathers1 that have1 according to their wisdom1 possibly1 handled these matters long before me4 ,to the first ,i say1 the matter indeed is excellent and high2 but for my part ,i am weak and low2 it also deserveth a more full and profound discourse than my small pats will help me to make upon the matter4 ,but yet seeing the ,lord looketh not at the outward appearance1 but on the heart1 neither regardeth high-swelling words of vanity1 but pure and naked truth2 and seeing also that a widow's mite being all1 even heart as well as substance1 is counted more1 and better1 than to cast in little out of much1 and that little too perhaps the worst1 ,i hope my little1 being all1 my farthing1 seeing ,i have no more1 may be accepted and counted for a great deal in the ,lord's treasury4 ,besides1 ,sir1 words easy to be understood do often hit the mark1 when high and learned ones do only pierce the air4 ,he also that speaks to the weakest1 may make the learned understand him2 when he that striveth to be high1 is not only for the most part understood but of a sort1 but also many times is neither understood by them nor by himself4 ,secondly1 ,the reason why you find me empty of the language of the learned1 ,i mean their sentences and words which others use1 is because ,i have them not1 nor have not read them3 had it not been for the ,bible1 ,i had not only not thus done it1 but not at all4 ,lastly4 ,i do find in most such a spirit of whoredom and idolatry concerning the learning of this world1 and wisdom of the flesh1 and ,god's glory so much stained and diminished thereby2 that had ,i all their aid and assistance at command1 ,i durst not make use of ought thereof1 and that for fear lest that grace1 and these gifts that the ,lord hath given me1 should be attributed to their wits1 rather than the light of the ,word and ,spirit of ,god3 ,wherefore ',i will not take' of them 'from a thread even to a shoe-latchet1--lest they should say1 ,we have made ,abram rich' 7,gen #ad3bc74 ,sir1 ,what you find suiting with the ,scriptures take1 though it should not suit with authors2 but that which you find against the ,scriptures1 slight1 though it should be confirmed by multitudes of them4 ,yea1 further1 where you find the ,scriptures and your authors jump1#c yet believe it for the sake of ,scripture's authority4 ,i honour the godly as ,christians1 but ,i prefer the ,bible before them2 and having that still with me1 ,i count myself far better furnished than if ,i had without it all the libraries of the two universities4 ,besides1 ,i am for drinking water out of my own cistern2#d what ,god makes mine by the evidence of his ,word and ,spirit1 that ,i dare make bold with4 ,wherefore seeing1 though ,i am without their learned lines1 yet well furnished with the words of ,god1 ,i mean the ,bible1 ,i have contented myself with what ,i there have found1 and having set it before your eyes1 ,i pray read and take1 ,sir1 what you like best2 ,and that which you like not1 leave for the rest4 ,,iii4 ,,to ,,the ,,captious ,,reader4 ,my third word is to the captious and wrangling reader4 ,friend1-,however thou camest by this book1 ,i will assure thee thou wast least in my thoughts when ,i writ it2 ,i tell thee1 ,i intended this book as little for thee as the goldsmith intendeth his jewels and rings for the snout of a sow4 ,wherefore put on reason1 and lay aside thy frenzy2 be sober1 or lay by the book 7,matt #g3f74 ,,iv4 ,,to ,,the ,,mother ,,of ,,harlots1 c4 ,my fourth word is to the lady of kingdoms1 the well-favoured harlot1 the mistress of witchcrafts1 and the abominations of the earth4 ,mistress1-,i suppose ,i have nothing here that will either please your wanton eye or go down with your voluptuous palate4 ,here is bread indeed1 as also milk and meat2 but here is neither paint to adorn thy wrinkled face1 nor crutch to uphold or undershore thy shaking1 tottering1 staggering kingdom of ,rome2 but rather a certain presage of thy sudden and fearful final downfall1 and of the exaltation of that holy matron1 whose chastity thou dost abhor1 because by it she reproveth and condemneth thy lewd and stubborn life4 ,wherefore1 lady1 smell thou mayest of this1 but taste thou wilt not3 ,i know that both thy wanton eye1 with all thy mincing brats that are intoxicated with thy cup and enchanted with thy fornications1 will1 at the sight of so homely and plain a dish as this1 cry1 ,foh6 snuff1 put the branch to the nose1#e and say1 ,contemptible6 7,mal #a3ab1ac2 ,eze #h3ag74 ',but wisdom is justified of all her children' 7,matt #aa3ai74 ',the virgin the daughter of ,zion hath despised thee1 and laughed thee to scorn2 ,jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee' 7,isa #cg3bb71 yea1 her ,god hath smitten his hands at thy dishonest gain and freaks 7,eze #bb3g-aa1 c474 ',rejoice ye with ,jerusalem1 and be glad for her1 all ye that love her2 rejoice for joy with her1 all ye that mourn for her2 that ye may suck and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations1 that ye may milk out and be delighted with the abundance of her glory' 7,isa #ff3aj1aa74 ,,john ,,bunyan ,,footnotes3 #a4 ,solomon ,jarchi4 ,see ,allen's ,modern ,judaism1 p4 #bge4 #b4 ,by 'idol' is here meant human wisdom and school learning1 which the men of this world adore1 and laugh in conceit at the attempt of one who did not possess it to expound the mysteries of the ,revelations-forgetting that they can only be spiritually discerned4-,ed4 #c4 ,where the ,bible and uninspired authors agree1 believe the truth simply for the ,bible's sake4 ,how properly jealous was ,bunyan as to the supremacy of ,god's authority4-,ed4 #d4 ,see ,isaiah #cf3af4 ,the fountain of living waters1 and not the broken cisterns alluded to in ,jeremiah #b3ac4-;,ed4 #e4 ,commentators differ as to the meaning of 'put the branch to the nose1' ,ezekiel #h3ag1 but all agree it was some well known mode of expressing contempt for ,god and his worship4-,ed4 ,,the ,,holy ,,city2 ,,or1 ,,the ,,new ,,jerusalem ,by ,john ,bunyan ,revelation #ba3aj-bg2 #bb3a-d ,and he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain1 and showed me that great city1 the holy ,jerusalem1 descending out of heaven from ,god1 ,having the glory of ,god3 and her light was like unto a stone most precious1 even like a jasper stone1 clear as crystal3 ,and had a wall great and high1 and had twelve gates1 and at the gates twelve angels and names written thereon1 which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of ,israel4 ,on the east three gates1 on the north three gates1 on the south three gates1 and on the west three gates4 ,and the wall of the city had twelve foundations1 and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb4 ,and he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city1 and the gates thereof and the wall thereof4 ,and the city lieth four-square1 and the length is as large as the breadth3 and he measured the city with the reed1 twelve thousand furlongs3 the length and the breadth and the height of it are equal4 ,and he measured the wall thereof1 an hundred and forty and four cubits1 according to the measure of a man1 that is of the angel4 ,and the building of the wall of it was of jasper1 and the city was pure gold1 like unto clear glass4 ,and the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones4 ,the first foundation was jasper2 the second1 sapphire2 the third1 a chalcedony2 the fourth1 an emerald2 ,the fifth1 sardonyx2 the sixth1 sardius2 the seventh1 chrysolite2 the eighth1 beryl2 the ninth1 a topaz2 the tenth1 a chrysoprasus2 the eleventh1 a jacinth2 the twelfth1 an amethyst4 ,and the twelve gates were twelve pearls1 every several gate was of one pearl2 and the street of the city was pure gold1 as it were transparent glass4 ,and ,i saw no temple therein3 for the ,lord ,god ,almighty1 and the ,lamb1 are the temple of it4 ,and the city had no need of the sun1 neither of the moon to shine in it3 for the glory of ,god did lighten it1 and the ,lamb is the light thereof4 ,and the nations of them which are saved1 shall walk in the light of it3 and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it4 ,and the gates of it shall not be shut at all day by day3 for there shall be no night there4 ,and they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it4 ,and there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth1 neither whatsoever worketh abomination1 or maketh a lie3 but they which are written in the ,lamb's book of life4 ,and he showed me a pure river of water of life1 clear as crystal1 proceeding out of the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb4 ,in the midst of the street of it1 and on either side of the river1 was there the tree of life1 which bare twelve manner of fruits1 and yielded her fruit every month3 and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations4 ,and there shall be no more curse3 but the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb shall be in it2 and his servants shall serve him4 ,and they shall see his face1 and his name shall be in their foreheads4 ,in my dealing with this mystery1 ,i shall not meddle where ,i see nothing1 neither shall ,i hide from you that which at present ,i conceive to be wrapt up therein2 only you must not from me look for much enlargement1 though ,i shall endeavour to speak as much in few words1 as my understanding and capacity will enable me1 through the help of ,christ4 ,in this description of this holy city1 you have these five general heads3 ,,first1 ,the vision of this city in general4 ,,second1 ,a discovery of its defence1 entrances1 and fashion1 in particular4 ,,third1 ,a relation of the glory of each4 ,,fourth1 ,a discovery of its inhabitants1 their quality and numerousness4 ,,fifth1 ,a relation of its maintenance1 by which it continueth in life1 ease1 peace1 tranquility1 and sweetness for ever4 ,to all which ,i shall speak something in their proper places1 and shall open them before you4 ,but before ,i begin with any of them1 ,i must speak a word or two concerning ,john's qualification1 whereby he was enabled to behold and take a view of this city2 which qualification he relateth in these words following3 ,verse #aj4 ,and he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain1 and showed me that great city1 the holy ,jerusalem1 descending out of heaven from ,god4 ,the angel being to show this holy man this great and glorious vision1 he first1 by qualifying of him1 puts him into a suitable capacity to behold and take the view thereof2 ',he carried me away in the spirit4' ,when he saith1 ,he carried me away in the ,spirit1 he means he was taken up into the ,spirit1 his soul was greatly spiritualized4 ,whence take notice1 that an ordinary frame of spirit is not able to comprehend1 nor yet to apprehend extraordinary things4 ,much of the ,spirit discerneth much of ,god's matters2 but little of the ,spirit discerneth but little of them3 ',i could not speak unto you as unto spiritual1 but as unto carnal1 even as unto babes in ,christ2 ,i have fed you with milk1 and not with meat2 for hitherto ye were not able to bear it1 neither yet now are ye able' 7#a ,cor #c3b74 ',and he carried me away in the spirit1' c4 ,thus it was with the saints of old1 when ,god had either special work for them to do1 or great things for them to see4 ,ezekiel1 when he had the vision of this city in the old law1 in the captivity at ,babylon1 he must be first forefitted with a competent measure of the ,spirit 7,eze #dj3b74 ,john also1 when he had the whole matter of this prophecy revealed unto him1 he must be in the ,spirit2 ',i was 7saith he7 in the ,spirit on the ,lord's day1 and heard behind me a great voice1 as of a trumpet' talking with me1 c 7,rev #a3aj1aa74 ,whence note again1 that when ,god calls a man to this or that work for him1 he first fits him with a suitable spirit4 ,ezekiel saith1 when ,god bid him stand upon his feet1 that the ,spirit entered into him1 and set him upon his feet 7,eze #b3a1b74 ',and he carried me away1' c4 ,mark1 ,and he carried me away c4 ,as a man must have much of the ,spirit that sees much of ,god1 and his goodly matters2 so he must be also carried away with it2 he must by it be taken off from things carnal and earthly1 and taken up into the glory of things that are spiritual and heavenly4 ,the ,spirit loveth to do what it doth in private2 that man to whom ,god intendeth to reveal great things1 he takes him aside from the lumber and cumber of this world1 and carrieth him away in the solace and contemplation of the things of another world2 ',and when they were alone1 he expounded all things to his disciples' 7,mark #d3cd74 ,mark1 and when they were ,,alone2 according to that of the prophet1 ',whom shall he teach knowledge1 and whom shall he make to understand doctrine8 them that are weaned from the milk1 and drawn from the breasts' 7,isa #bh3i74 ,whence observe also1 he is the man that is like to know most of ,god1 that is oftenest in private with him 7,luke #b3be-ch74 ,he that obeyeth when ,god saith1 ,come up hither1 he shall see the bride1 the ,lamb's wife4 ,for 'through desire a man having separated himself1 seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom' 7,pro #ah3a74 ',and he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain4' ,thus having showed his frame1 and inward disposition of spirit1 he now comes to tell us also of the place or stage on which he was set2 to the end that now being fitted by illumination1 he might not be hindered of his vision by ought that might intercept4 ,he carried me away in the ,spirit to a great and high mountain4 ,thus did ,god of old also2 for when he showed to ,moses the patterns of the heavenly things1 he must ascend to the ,mount ,sinai 7,exo #ai3c74 ,he must into the mount also1 when he hath the view of the ,holy ,land1 and of that goodly mountain ,lebanon 7,deu #cb3di74 ,whence we may learn that the things of ,god are far from man1 as he is natural2 and also that there are very great things between us and the sight of them3 none can see them but such as are carried away in the ,spirit and set on high4 '444,to a great and high mountain4' ,this mountain therefore signifieth the ,lord ,christ1 on which the soul must be placed1 as on a mighty hill1 whereby he may be able his eyes being anointed with spiritual eye salve1 to see over the tops of those mighty corruptions1 temptations1 and spiritual enemies1 that like high and mighty towers are built by the wicked one1 to keep the view of ,god's things from the sight of our souls 7#b ,cor #aj3e1f74 ,wherefore ,christ is called the ,mountain of the ,lord's house1 or that on which the house of ,god is placed2 he is also called the ,rock of ages1 and the ,rock that is higher than we4 ',the hill of ,god is' an high hill1 as ,bashan2 'an high hill1 as the hill of ,bashan' 7,psa #fh3ae74 ,this is the hill from whence the prophet ,ezekiel had the vision of this city 7,eze #dj3b72 ',and upon this rock saith ,christ ,i will build my church1 and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it' 7,matt #af3ah74 ,,first4 ,the ,vision of the ,holy ,city in ,general4 ',and he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain1 and showed me that great city1 the holy ,jerusalem4' ,having thus told us how1 and with what he was qualified1 he next makes relation of what he saw1 which was that great city1 the holy ,jerusalem4 ,jerusalem1 in the language of the ,scripture1 is to be acknowledged for the church and spouse of the ,lord ,jesus2 and is to be considered either generally or more particularly4 ,now as she is to be taken generally1 so she is to be understood as being 'the whole family in heaven and earth1' 7,eph #c3ae72 and as she is thus looked upon1 so she is not considered with respect to this or that state and condition of the church here in the world1 but simply as she is the church3 therefore it is said1 when at any time any are converted from ,satan to ,god1 that they 'are come unto ,mount ,zion1 and unto the city of the living ,god1 the heavenly ,jerusalem2 and to an innumerable company of angels2 to the general assembly and church of the first-born which are written in heaven2 to ,god the judge of all1 and to the spirits of just men made perfect2 and to ,jesus1--and to the blood of sprinkling' 7,heb #ab3bb1bd74 ,but again1 as ,jerusalem is thus generally to be understood1 so also she is to be considered more particularly3 #a4 ,either as she relates to her first and purest state2 or1 #b4 ,as she relates to her declined and captivated state2 or1 #c4 ,with reference to her being recovered again from her apostatized and captivated condition4 ,thus it was with ,jerusalem in the letter2 which threefold state of this city shall be most exactly answered by our gospel ,jerusalem1 by our ,new ,testament church4 ,her first state was in the days of ,christ and his apostles1 and answereth to ,jerusalem in the days of ,solomon2 her second state is in the days of antichrist1 and answereth to the carrying away of the ,jews from their city into ,babylon2 and her third state is this in the text1 and answereth to their return from captivity1 and rebuilding their city and walls again3 all which will be fully manifest in this discourse following4 ,this city is the gospel church returning out of antichristian captivity4 ,besides1 that this holy city that here you read of is the church1 the gospel church1 returning out of her long and antichristian captivity2 consider1 ,first1 ,she is here called a city1 the very name that our primitive church went under 7,eph #b3ai72 which name she loseth all the while of her apostatizing and captivity under antichrist2 for observe1 ,i say1 all the while she is under the scourge of the dragon1 beast1 and the woman in scarlet1 c4 7,rev #ac71 she goeth under the name of a woman1 a woman in travail1 a woman flying before the dragon1 a woman flying into the wilderness1 there to continue in an afflicted and tempted condition1 and to be glad of wilderness nourishment1 until the time of her enemies were come to an end 7,rev #ab74 ,now the reason why she lost the title of city at her going into captivity is1 because then she lost her situation and strength2 she followed others than ,christ1 wherefore he suffered her enemies to scale her walls1 to break down her battlements2 he suffered1 as you see here1 the great red dragon1 and beast with seven heads and ten horns1 to get into her vineyard1 who made most fearful work both with her and all her friends2 her gates also were now either broken down or shut up1 so that none could1 according to her laws and statutes1 enter into her2 her charter also1 even the ,bible itself1 was most grossly abused and corrupted1 yea1 sometimes burned and destroyed almost utterly2 wherefore the ,spirit of ,god doth take away from her the title of city1 and leaveth her to be termed a wandering woman1 as aforesaid4 ',the court which is without the temple saith the angel leave out1 and measure it not1 for it is given unto the ,gentiles2 and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months' 7,rev #aa3b74 ',the holy city shall they tread under foot'2 that is1 all the city constitutions1 her forts and strength1 her laws and privileges for a long time1 shall be laid aside and slighted1 shall become a hissing1 a taunt1 and a byword among the nations4 ,and truly thus it was in the letter1 in the destruction of ,jerusalem by the king of ,babylon and his wicked instruments1 by whose hands the city was broken up1 the walls pulled down1 the gates burned1 the houses rifled1 the virgins ravished1 and the children laid dead in the top of every street 7#b ,chron #cf3ag-ba2 ,jer #eb2 ,lam #a2 #b2 #c2 #d74 ,now was ,zion become a ploughed field1 and ,jerusalem turned to heaps2 a place of briars and thorns1 and of wasteness and desolation 7,micah #c3ab2 ,isa #g3bc1bd74 ,second1 ,the phrase also that is joined with this of city doth much concern the point2 she is here called 'the new and holy city1' which words are explained by these1 'prepared as a bride and adorned for her husband4' ,the meaning is1 that she is now got into her form1 fashion1 order1 and privileges again2 she is now ready1 adorned1 prepared1 and put into her primitive state2 mark1 though she was in her state of affliction called a woman1 yet she was not then either called a city or a woman adorned2 but rather a woman robbed and spoiled1 rent and torn among the briars and thorns of the wilderness 7,isa #e3f2 #db3bb2 #cb3ac1ad74 ,wherefore this city is nothing else but the church returned out of captivity from under the reign of antichrist1 as is yet farther manifest1 because1 ,third4 ,we find no city to answer that which was built after the ,jews' return from captivity but this2 for this1 and only this1 is the city that you find in this prophecy that is nominated as the antitype of that second of the ,jews2 wherefore ,john hath no relation of her while towards the doom of antichrist1 and no description of her in particular until antichrist is utterly overthrown2 as all may see that wisely read 7,rev #ag-bj74 ,why the church is called a city4 ',and showed me that great city4' ,the ,holy ,ghost is pleased at this time to give the church the name of a city1 rather than any other name1 rather than the name of spouse1 woman1 temple1 and the like-though he giveth us her under the name of a woman also1 to help us to understand what he means2 but1 ,i say1 the name of a city is now the name in special1 under which the church must go1 and that for special reasons4 ,first4 ,to show us how great and numerous a people will then be in the church2 the church may be a woman1 a temple1 a spouse1 when she is but few1 a handful1 but two or three2 but to be a city1 and that in her glory1 it bespeaks great store of members1 inhabitants1 and citizens2 especially when she goeth under the name of a great city1 as here she does4 ,he 'showed me that great city4' ,second4 ,she goeth rather under the name of a city1 than temple or spouse1 to show us also how plentifully the nations and kingdoms of men shall at that day traffic with her1 and in her1 for her goodly merchandize of grace and life2 to show us1 ,i say1 what wonderful custom the church of ,god at this day shall have among all sorts of people1 for her heavenly treasures4 ,it is said of ,tyrus and ,babylon1 that their merchandize went unto all the world1 and men from all quarters under heaven came to trade and to deal with them for their wares 7,eze #bg2 ,rev #ah3b1c74 ,why thus it will be in the latter day with the church of ,god2 the nations shall come from far1 from ,tarshish1 ,pul1 ,lud1 ,tubal1 ,javan1 and the isles afar off4 ,they shall come1 saith ,god1 out of all nations upon horses and mules1 and upon swift beasts1 to my holy mountain ,jerusalem4 ',and it shall come to pass1 that from one new moon to another1 and from one sabbath to another1 shall all flesh come to worship before me1 saith the ,lord' 7,isa #ff3ai-bc74 ,alas1 the church at that day when she is a woman only1 or a temple either1 may be without that beauty1 treasure1 amiableness1 and affecting glory that she will be endowed with when she is a prosperous city4 ,his marvellous kindness is seen 'in a strong city' 7,psa #ca3ba74 ,in cities1 you know1 are the treasures1 beauty1 and glory of kingdoms2 and it is thither men go that are desirous to solace themselves therewith4 ',out of ,zion1 the perfection of beauty1 ,god hath shined' 7,psa #ej3b74 ,third4 ,it is called a city1 rather than a woman or temple1 to show us how strongly and securely it will keep its inhabitants at that day4 ',in that day shall this song be sung1--,we have a strong city1 salvation will ,god appoint for walls and bulwarks' 7,isa #bf3a74 ,and verily if the cities of the ,gentiles1 and the strength of their bars1 and gates1 and walls did so shake the hearts1 yea1 the very faith of the children of ,god themselves1 how secure and safe will the inhabitants of this city be1 even the inhabitants of that city which ,god himself will build1' c4 7,deu #i3a1b2 ,num #ac3bh74 ,fourth4 ,but lastly1 and more especially1 the church is called here a city1 chiefly to show us that now she shall be undermost no longer4 ,babylon reigned1 and so shall ,jerusalem at that day4 ',and thou1 ,o tower of the flock1 the stronghold of the daughter of ,zion1 unto thee shall it come1 even the first dominion1 the kingdom shall come to the daughter of ,jerusalem' 7,micah #d3h74 ,now shall she1 when she is built and complete1 have a complete conquest and victory over all her enemies2 she shall reign over them2 the law shall go forth of her that rules them1 and the governors of all the world at that day shall be ,jerusalem men4 ',and the captivity of this host of the children of ,israel shall possess that of the ,canaanites1 even unto ,zarephath2 and the captivity of ,jerusalem which is in ,sepharad shall possess the cities of the south4 ,and saviours shall come up on mount ,zion1 to judge the mount of ,esau1 and the kingdom shall be the ,lord's' 7,obad #bj1ba74a ',for the law shall go forth of ,zion1 and the word of the ,lord from ,jerusalem4--,and he shall judge among many people1 and rebuke strong nations afar off1 and they shall beat their swords into plough-shares1 and their spears into pruning-hooks3 nation shall not lift up a sword against nation1 neither shall they learn war any more' 7,micah #d3a-c74 ,there brake he 'the ships of ,tarshish with an east wind4 ,as we have heard1 so have we seen in the city of the ,lord of hosts1 in the city of our ,god2 ,god will establish it for ever' 7,psa #dh3a-h74 ,for observe it1 ,christ hath not only obtained the kingdom of heaven for those that are his1 when this world is ended1 but hath also1 as a reward for his sufferings1 the whole world given into his hand2 wherefore1 as all the kings1 and princes1 and powers of this world have had their time to reign1 and have glory in this world in the face of all1 so ,christ will have his time at this day1 to show who is 'the only ,potentate--and ,lord of lords' 7#a ,tim #f3ae74 ,at which day he will not only set up his kingdom in the midst of their kingdoms1 as he doth now1 but will set it up even upon the top of their kingdoms2 at which day there will not be a nation in the world but must bend to ,jerusalem or perish 7,isa #fj3ab74 ,for 'the kingdom and dominion1 and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven1 shall be given to the people of the saints of the ,most ,high1 whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom1 and all dominions shall serve and obey him' 7,dan #g3bg74 ',and his dominion shall be from sea to sea1 and from the river to the ends of the earth' 7,zech #i3aj74 ,o holiness1 how shall it shine in kings and nations1 when ,god doth this6 ,this city descends out of heaven from ,god4 ',he showed me that great city1 the holy ,jerusalem1 descending out of heaven from ,god4' ,in these words we are to inquire into three things4 ,first4 ,what he here should mean by heaven4 ,second4 ,what it is for this city to descend out of it4 ,third4 ,and why she is said to descend out of it from ,god4 ,first4 ,for the word heaven1 in ,scripture it is variously to be understood1 but generally either materially or metaphorically2 now not materially here1 but metaphorically2 and so is generally1 if not always1 taken in this book4 ,now that it is not to be taken for the material heavens where ,christ in person is1 consider1 that the descending of this city is not the coming of glorified saints with their ,lord2 because that even after the descending1 yea and building of this city1 there shall be sinners converted to ,god2 but at the coming of the ,lord ,jesus from heaven with his saints1 the door shall be shut2 that is1 the door of grace1 against all unbelievers 7,luke #ac3be2 ,matt #be3aj74 ,therefore heaven here is to be taken metaphorically1 for the church2 which1 as ,i said before1 is frequently so taken in this prophecy1 as also in many others of the holy scriptures 7,rev #aa3ae2 #ab3a-c1g1h1aj1ac2 #ac3f2 #ai3a1ad2 ,jer #ea3dh2 ,matt #be3a1 c474 ,and observe it1 though the church of ,christ under the tyranny of antichrist1 loseth the title of a standing city1 yet in the worst of times she loseth not the title of heaven4 ,she is heaven when the great red dragon is in her1 and heaven when the third part of her stars are cast unto the earth2 she is heaven also when the beast doth open his throat against her1 to blaspheme her ,god1 his tabernacle1 and those that dwell in her4 ,second4 ,now1 then1 to show you what we are to understand by this1 that she is said to descend out of heaven2 for indeed to speak properly1 ,jerusalem is always in the ,scriptures set in the highest ground1 and men are said to descend1 when they go down from her1 but to ascend1 or go up when they are going thitherwards 7,eze #c3a2 ,neh #ab3a2 ,matt #bj3ag1ah2 ,luke #ai3bh2 #aj3cj74 ,but yet though this be true1 there must also be something significant in this word descending2 wherefore when he saith1 he saw this city to descend out of heaven1 he would have us understand1 #a4 ,that though the church under antichrist be never so low1 yet out of her loins shall they come that yet shall be a reigning city 7,heb #g3f1ac1ad74 ,generation is a descending from the loins of our friends2 he therefore speaks of the generation of the church4 ,wherefore the meaning is1 ,that out of the church that is now in captivity1 there shall come a complete city1 so exact in all things1 according to the laws and liberties1 privileges and riches of a city1 that she shall lie level with the great charter of heaven4 ,thus it was in the type1 the city after the captivity was builded1 even by those that once were in captivity1 especially by their seed and offspring 7,isa #de72 and thus it shall be in our ,new ,testament ,new ,jerusalem2 ',they that shall be of thee1' saith the prophet1 that is1 of the church of affliction1 they 'shall build the old waste places2 thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations2 and thou shalt be called1 ,the repairer of the breach1 ,the restorer of paths to dwell in' 7,isa #eh3ab72 and again1 they that sometimes had ashes for gladness1 and the spirit of heaviness instead of the garment of praise1 'they shall build the old wastes1 they shall raise up the former desolations1 and they shall repair the waste cities1 the desolations of many generations2 for your shame ye shall have double1 and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion1' c4 7,isa #fa3c1d1g74 ,thus therefore by descending we may understand that the church's generation shall be this holy city1 and shall build up themselves the tower of the flock 7,micah #d3h74 #b4 ,when he saith1 ,this holy city descended out of heaven1 he would have us understand also what a blessing and happiness this city at her rebuilding will be to the whole world4 ,never were kind and seasonable showers more profitable to the tender new-mown grass than will this city at this day be1 to the inhabitants of the world2 they will come as a blessing from heaven upon them4 ,as the prophet saith1 ',the remnant of ,jacob shall be in the midst of many people1 as a dew from the ,lord2 as the showers upon the grass1 that tarrieth not for man1 nor waiteth for the sons of men' 7,micah #e3g74 ,o the grace1 the light and glory that will strike with spangling beams from this city1 as from a sun1 into the farthest parts of the world6 ',thus saith the ,lord1 as the new wine is found in the cluster1 and one saith1 ,destroy it not1 for a blessing is in it3 so will ,i do for my servants' sake1 that ,i may not destroy them all3 ,i will bring forth a seed out of ,jacob1 and out of ,judah an inheritor of my' holy 'mountains3 and mine elect shall inherit it1 and my servants shall dwell there4 ,and ,sharon where the sweet roses grew1 7,cant #b3a71 shall be a fold for flocks1 and the valley of ,achor a place for the herds to lie down in1 for my people that have sought me' 7,isa #fe3h-aj74 ',in that day shall ,israel be the third with ,egypt and with ,assyria1 even a blessing in the midst of the land' 7,isa #ai3bd74 ',and it shall come to pass1 that as ye were a curse among the heathen1 ,o house of ,judah1 and house of ,israel2 so will ,i save you1 and ye shall be a blessing4 ,fear not1 but let your hands be strong' 7,zech #h3ac74 ',as the dew of ,hermon that descended upon the mountains of ,zion1 for there the ,lord commanded the blessing1 even life for evermore' 7,psa #acc3c74 ,third4 ,and now for the third particular1 namely1 ,what it is to descend out of heaven from ,god4 #a4 ,to descend out of heaven1 that is1 out of the church in captivity1 'from ,god1' is this3 ,the church is the place in which ,god doth beget all those that are the children of him2 wherefore in that they are said to descend out of heaven 'from ,god1' it is as if he had said1 the children of the church are heaven-born1 begotten of ,god1 and brought forth in the church of ,christ4 ,for ',jerusalem which is above is the mother of us all' 7,gal #d3bf74 ',the ,lord shall count when he writeth up the people1 that this man was born there' 7,psa #hg3e1f74 #b4 ,when he saith he saw this ,jerusalem come out of heaven from ,god1 he means that those of the church in captivity that shall build this city1 they shall be a people peculiarly fitted and qualified for this work of ,god4 ,it was not all the children of ,israel that had their hand in building ,jerusalem after the captivity of old2 'their nobles put not their necks to the work of the ,lord' 7,neh #c3e74 ,also there were many of ,judah that were sworn to ,tobiah1 the arch-opposer of the building of the city1 because of some kindred and relation that then was between them and him 7,neh #f3ag-ai74 ,and as it was then1 so we do expect it will be now2 some will be even at the beginning of this work1 in ,babylon1 at that time also some will be cowardly and fearful1 yea1 and even men hired to hinder the work 7,neh #f3aj-ab74 ,wherefore ,i say1 those of the church that at that day builded the city1 they were men of a particular and peculiar spirit1 which also will so be at the building of ,new ,jerusalem4 ,they whose light breaks forth as the morning1 they that are mighty for a spirit of prayer1 they that take away the yoke1 and speaking vanity1 and that draw out their soul to the hungry2 they that the ,lord shall guide continually1 that shall have fat bones1 and that shall be as a watered garden1 whose waters fail not1 c4 7,isa #eh3h-ad74 ,of them shall they be that build the old wastes1 and that raise up the foundations of many generations1 c4 ,it was thus in all ages1 in every work of ,god1 some of his people1 some of his saints in special in all ages1 have been used to promote1 and advance1 and perfect the work of their generations4 #c4 ,this city descends or comes out of heaven from ,god1 that is1 by his special working and bringing to pass2 it was ,god that gave them the pattern even when they were in ,babylon2 it was ,god that put it into their hearts while there1 to pray for deliverance2 it was ,god that put it into the hearts of the kings of the ,medes and ,persians to give them liberty to return and build2 and it was ,god that quailed the hearts of those that by opposing did endeavour to hinder the bringing the work to perfection2 yea1 it was ,god that did indeed bring the work to perfection2 wherefore she may well be said to descend 'out of heaven from ,god'3 as he also saith himself by the prophet1 ,i will cause the captivity of ,judah1 and the captivity of ,israel to return1 and ,i will build them as at the first 7,ezra #d3a-d2 #g3bg2 ,neh #b3h-ah2 #d3ae2 #f3ae1af2 ,jer #cc3g2 #cb3dd2 ,eze #cf3cc-cg2 #cg3aa-ae2 ,amos #i3aa74 ,lastly1 ,when he saith he saw her descend from ,god out of heaven1 he may refer to her glory1 which at her declining departed from her1 and ascended to ,god1 as the sap returns into the root at the fall of the leaf2 which glory doth again at her return descend1 or come into the church1 and branches of the same1 as the sap doth arise at the spring of the year1 for indeed the church's beauty is from heaven1 and it either goeth up thither from her1 or else comes from thence to her1 according to the natures of both fall and spring 7,cant #b74,thus you see what this heaven is1 and what it is for this city to descend out of it2 also what it is for this city to descend out of it from ,god4 ,this city has the glory of ,god4 ,ver4 #aa4 ',having the glory of ,god4' ,these last words do put the whole matter out of doubt1 and do most clearly show unto us that the descending of this city is the perfect return of the church out of captivity2 the church1 when she began at first to go into captivity1 her glory began to depart from her2 and now she is returning again1 she receiveth therewith her former glory1 'having the glory of ,god4' ,thus it was in the type1 when ,jerusalem went into captivity under the ,king of ,babylon1 which was a figure of the captivity of our ,new ,testament church under ,antichrist1 it is said that then the glory of ,god departed from them1 and went1 by degrees1 first out of the temple to the threshold of the house1 and from thence with the cherubims of glory1 for that time1 quite away from the city 7,eze #aj3d-ah2 #aa3bb1bc c474 ,again1 ,as the glory of ,god departed from this city at her going into captivity1 so when she returned again1 she had also then returned to her the glory of ,god2 whereupon this very prophet that saw the glory of ,god go from her at her going into captivity1 did see it1 the very same2 and that according as it departed1 so return at her deliverance4 ',he brought me to the gate1' saith he-that is1 when by a vision he saw all the frame and patterns of the city and temple1 in the state in which it was to be after the captivity4 ',he brought me to the gate--that looketh toward the east1 and behold the glory of the ,god of ,israel came from the way of the east'-the very same way that it went when it was departed from the city 7,eze #aa3bc74 ',his voice was like a noise of many waters1 and the earth shined with is glory4 ,it was according to the appearance of the vision which ,i saw1 even according to the vision which ,i saw when ,i came to destroy the city1 and the visions were like the vision that ,i saw by the river ,chebar2 and ,i fell upon my face1 and the glory of the ,lord came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east2 so the ,spirit took me up1 and brought me into the inner court1 and behold1 the glory of the ,lord filled the house' 7,eze #dc3a-e74 ,thus you see it was in the destruction and restoration of the ,jews' ,jerusalem1 by which ,god doth plainly show us how things will be in our gospel church2 she was to decline and lose her glory1 she was to be trampled-as she was a city-for a long time under the feet of the unconverted and wicked world4 ,again1 she was after this to be builded1 and to be put into her former glory2 at which time she was to have her glory1 her former glory1 even the glory of ,god1 returned to her again4 ',he showed me1' saith ,john1 'that great city1 the holy ,jerusalem1 descending out of heaven from ,god1 having the glory of ,god4' ,as he saith by the prophet1 ',i am returned to ,jerusalem with mercies1 my house shall be built in it' 7,zech #a3af74 ,and again1 ',i am returned unto ,zion1 and will dwell in the midst of ,jerusalem' 7,zech #h3c74 ',having the glory of ,god4' ,there is the grace of ,god1 and the glory of that grace2 there is the power of ,god1 and the glory of that power2 and there is the majesty of ,god1 and the glory of that majesty 7,eph #a3f2 #b ,thess #a3i2 ,isa #b3ai74 ,it is true ,god doth not leave his people in some sense1 even in the worst of times1 and in their most forlorn condition 7,john #ad3ah71 as he showeth by his being with them in their sad state in ,egypt and ,babylon1 and other of their states of calamity 7,dan #c3be74 ,as he saith1 ',although ,i have cast them far off among the heathen1 and although ,i have scattered them among the countries1 yet will ,i be to them a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come' 7,eze #b3af74 ,god is with his church1 even in her greatest adversity1 both to limit1 bound1 measure1 and to point out to her quantity and quality1 her beginning and duration of distress and temptation 7,isa #bg3g-i2 ,rev #b3aj74 ,but yet ,i say the glory of ,god1 in the notion of ,ezekiel and ,john1 when they speak of the restoration of this city1 that is not always upon his people1 though always they are beloved and counted for his peculiar treasure4 ,she may then have his grace1 but not at the same time the glory of his grace2 his power1 but not the glory of his power2 she may also have his majesty1 but not the glory thereof2 ,god may be with his church1 even then when the glory is departed from ,israel4 ,the difference that is between her having his grace1 power1 and majesty1 and the glory of each1 is manifest in these following particulars2-grace1 power1 and majesty1 when they are in the church in their own proper acts1 only as we are considered saints before ,god1 so they're invisible1 and that not only altogether to the world1 but often to the very children of ,god themselves2 but now when the glory of these do rest upon the church1 according to ,ezekiel and ,john2 why then it will be visible and apparent to all beholders4 ',when the ,lord shall build up ,zion1 he shall ,,appear in his glory' 7,psa #ajb3af71 as he saith also in another place1 ',the ,lord shall arise upon thee1 and his glory shall be seen upon thee' 7,isa #fj3a-b74 ,now1 then1 to speak a word or two1 in particular to the glory of ,god1 that at this day will be found to settle upon this city4 ,first4 ,therefore1 at her returning1 she shall not only have his grace upon her1 but the very glory of his grace shall be seen upon her2 the glory of pardoning grace shall now shine in her own soul1 and grace in the glory of it shall appear in all her doings4 ,now shall both our inward and outward man be most famously adorned and beautified with salvation2 the golden pipes that are on the head of the golden candlestick1 shall at this day convey1 with all freeness1 the golden oil thereout1 into our golden hearts and lamps 7,zech #d3b74 ,our wine shall be mixed with gall no longer1 we shall now drink the pure blood of the grape2 the glory of pardoning and forgiving mercy shall so show itself at this day in this city1 and shall so visibly abide there in the eyes of all spectators1 that all shall be enflamed with it4 ',for ,zion's sake will ,i not hold my peace1 and for ,jerusalem's sake ,i will not rest1 until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness1 and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth4 ,and the ,gentiles shall see thy righteousness1 and all kings thy glory2 and thou shalt be called by a new name1 which the mouth of the ,lord shall name' 7,isa #fb3a1b74 ,and again1 ',the ,lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations1 and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our ,god' 7,isa #eb3aj2 ,psa #ih3b74 ,at that day1 the prophet tells us1 there shall be holiness upon the very horses' bridles1 and that the pots in the ,lord's house shall be like the bowls before the altar1 and every pot in ,jerusalem shall be holiness unto the ,lord 7,zech #ad3bj1ba74 ,the meaning of all these places is1 that in the day that the ,lord doth turn his church and people into the frame and fashion of a city1 and when he shall build them up to answer the first state of the church1 there will such grace and plenty of mercy be extended unto her1 begetting such faith and holiness and grace in her soul1 and all her actions1 that she shall convince all that are about her that she is the city1 the beloved city1 the city that the ,lord hath chosen2 for after that he had said before1 he would return to ,zion1 and dwell in the midst of ,jerusalem 7,zech #h3c71 he saith1 moreover1 that ,jerusalem shall be called a city of truth1 and the mountain of the ,lord of hosts1 the holy mountain4 ',and all the people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the ,lord1 and they shall be afraid of thee' 7,deu #bh3aj74 ,second4 ,as the glory of the grace of ,god will1 at this day1 be wonderfully manifest in and over his city2 so also at that day will be seen the glory of his power4 ',o my people1' saith ,god1 'that dwellest in ,zion1 be not afraid of the ,assyrian2 he shall smite thee with a rock1 and shall lift up his staff against thee1 after the manner of ,egypt1' that is1 shall persecute and afflict thee1 as ,pharaoh served thy friends of old2 but be not afraid1 ',for yet a very little while1 and the indignation shall cease1 and mine anger in their destruction3 and the ,lord of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him1 according to the slaughter of ,midian at the rock of ,oreb3 and as his rod was upon the sea1 so shall he lift it up after the manner of ,egypt' 7,isa #g2 #aj3bd-bf74 ,the sum is1 ,god will1 at the day of his rebuilding the ,new ,jerusalem1 so visibly make bare his arm1 and be so exalted before all by his power towards his people1 that no people shall dare to oppose-or stand1 if they do make the least attempt to hinder-the stability of this city4 ',i will surely gather1 or assemble1 ,o ,jacob1 all of thee1' saith ,god3 ',i will surely gather the remnant of ,israel--as the sheep of ,bozrah1 as the flock in the midst of the fold2 they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men4 ,the breaker is come up before them1 they have broken up the antichristian siege that hath been laid against them1 they have passed through the gate1 and are gone out by it1 and their king shall pass before them1 and the ,lord on the head of them' 7,micah #b3ab1ac74 ',like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey1 when a multitude of shepherds are called forth against him1 he will not be afraid of their voice1 nor abase himself for the noise of them3 so shall the ,lord of hosts come down to fight for ,mount ,zion1 and for the hill thereof' 7,isa #ca3d74 ',the ,lord shall go forth as a mighty man1 he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war2 he shall cry1 yea1 roar2 he shall prevail against his enemies' 7,isa #db3ac74 ,but 'not by might1 nor yet by power1' that is1 the power and arm of flesh1 but by the power of the ,word and ,spirit of ,god1 which will prevail1 and must prevail1 to quash and overturn all opposition 7,zech #ab3h2 ,zeph #c3h2 ,joel #c3af2 ,zech #d3f74 ,third4 ,the glory of his majesty4 ,when ,god hath thus appeared in the glory of his grace1 and the glory of his power1 to deliver his chosen1 then shall the implacable enemies of ,god shrink and creep into holes like the locusts and frogs of the hedges1 at the appearance of the glory of the majesty of ,god4 ,now the high ones1 lofty ones1 haughty ones1 and the proud1 shall see so evidently the hand of the ,lord towards his servants1 and his indignation towards his enemies1 that 'they shall go into the holes of the rocks1 and into the caves of the earth1--and into the tops of the ragged rocks1 for the fear of the ,lord1 and for the glory of his majesty1 when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth' 7,isa #b3ai1ba74 ,where the presence of the ,lord doth so appear upon a people1 that those that are spectators perceive and understand it1 it must need work on those spectators one of these two things2-either first a trembling and astonishment1 and quailing of heart1 as it doth among the implacable enemies 7,josh #b3h-ac71 or else a buckling and bending of heart1 and submission to his people and ways 7,josh #i3bb-be74 ,as saith the prophet1 ',the sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee1 and all they that despised thee shall fall#b down at the soles of thy feet2 and they shall call thee ,the city of the ,lord1 the ,zion of the ,holy ,one of ,israel' 7,isa #fj3ad74 ,as ,moses said to the children of ,israel1 ',the ,lord your ,god shall lay the fear of you1 and the dread of you1 upon all the land that ye shall tread upon1 as he hath said unto you' 7,deu #aa3be74 ,at this day the footsteps of the ,lord will be so apparent and visible in all his actions and dispensations in and towards his people1 this holy city1 that all shall see1 as ,i have said1 how gracious1 loving1 kind1 and good the ,lord is now towards his own children2 such glory1 ,i say1 will be over them1 and upon them1 that they all will shine before the world2 and such tender bowels in ,god towards them1 that no sooner can an adversary peep1 or lift up his head against his servants1 but his hand will be in the neck of them2 so that in short time he will have brought his church into that safety1 and her neighbours into that fear and submission1 that they shall not again so much as dare to hold up a hand against her1 no1 not for a thousand years 7,rev #bj3c74 ',thus saith the ,lord1 ,behold ,i will bring again the captivity of ,jacob's tents1 and have mercy on his dwelling-places2 and the city shall be builded on her own heap1 and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof4 ,and out of them shall proceed thanksgiving1 and the voice of them that make merry2 and ,i will multiply them1 and they shall not be few2 and ,i will also glorify them1 and they shall not be small3 ,their children also shall be as aforetime1 and their congregation shall be established before me1 and ,i will punish all that oppress them' 7,jer #cj3ah-bj74 ,the light of this city4 ,having the glory of ,god4 ',and her light was like unto a stone most precious1 even like a jasper stone1 clear as crystal4' ,having thus told us of her glory1 even of 'the glory of ,god1' how it at this day will rest upon this city1 he now comes to touch a second thing1 to wit1 'her light1' and that in which she descends1 and by which1 as with the light of the sun1 she seeth before her1 and behind her1 and on every side4 ,this therefore is another branch of her duty2 she in her descending hath 'the glory of ,god1' and also 'the light of a stone most precious4' ,ezekiel tells us1 that in the vision which he saw when he came to destroy the city-which vision was the very same that he saw again at the restoring of it-he saith1 ,i say1 that in this vision1 among many other wonders1 he saw a fire enfolding itself1 and a brightness about it1 and that 'the fire also was bright1 and that out of it went forth lightning'2 that 'the likeness of the firmament upon the--living creatures1 was as the colour of the terrible crystal'2 that the throne also1 upon which was placed the likeness of a man1 was like1 or 'as the appearance of a sapphire-stone' 7,eze #a3d1ac1ad1bb1bf74 ,all which words1 with the nature of their light and colour1 the ,holy ,ghost doth in the vision of ,john comprise1 and placeth within the colour of the jasper and the crystal-stone4 ,and indeed1 though the vision of ,john and ,ezekiel1 touching the end of the matter1 be but one and the same1 yet they do very much vary and differ in terms and manner of language2 ,ezekiel tells us that the man that he saw come to measure the city and temple1 had in his hand 'a line of flax' 7#dj3c71 which line ,john calls a golden reed2 ,ezekiel tells us that the river came out of1 or 'from under the threshold of the house' 7#dg3a72 but ,john saith it came out of the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb4 ,ezekiel tells us that on either side of this river grew ,,all trees for food 7v #ab72 ,john calls these ,,all trees but ,,one tree1 and tells us that it stood on both sides of this river4 ,the like might also be showed you in many other particulars2 as here you see they differ as touching the terms of the light and brightness that appears upon this city at her rebuilding1 which the ,holy ,ghost represents to ,john under the light and glory of the jasper and crystal-stone2 for indeed the end of ,ezekiel's vision was to show us1 that as when the glory of ,god departed from the city1 it signified that he would take away from them the light of his ,word1 and their clearness of worship1 suffering them to mourn for the loss of the one1 and to grope for the want of the other2 so at his return again he would give them both their former light of truth1 and also the clearness of spirit to understand it1 which also ,john doth show us shall last for ever4 '444,and her light was like unto a stone most precious444' ,this stone it is to represent unto us the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 in whose light and clearness this city comes out of ,babylon2 for1 as he saith1 she hath the glory of ,god1 that is1 his visible hand of grace1 power1 and majesty1 to bring her forth2 so she comes in the light of this precious stone1 which terms1 ,i say1 both the prophet ,isaiah and the apostle ,peter do apply to the ,lord ,jesus1 and none else2 the one calling him 'a precious corner-stone1' the other calling him the 'chief corner-stone1 elect and precious' 7,isa #bh3af2 #a ,peter #b3f74 ,now then when he saith this city hath the light of this stone to descend in1 he means that she comes in the shining wisdom1 knowledge1 understanding1 and influences of ,christ1 out of her afflicted and captivated state2 and observe it1 she is rather said to descend in the light of this stone1 than in the light of ,god1 though both be true1 because it is the man ,christ1 the stone which the builders rejected1 'in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge1' of whose fulness we do all receive1 and grace for grace2 'for it pleased the ,father that in him should all fulness dwell' 7,col #b3c2 ,john #a3af2 ,col #a3ai4 ,see also ,acts #b3cc and ,eph #d3aj-ac74 ,this showeth us1 then1 these two things- ,first4 ,that the time of the return of the saints to build the ruinous city is near1 yea1 very near1 when the light of the ,lord ,jesus begins to shine unto perfect day in her4 ,god will not bring forth his people out of ,babylon1 especially those that are to be the chief in the building of this city1 without their own judgments4 ',they shall see eye to eye1 when the ,lord shall bring again ,zion' 7,isa #eb3h74 ,as he saith also in another place1 ',the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun1 and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold1 as the light of seven days1 in the day that the ,lord bindeth up the breach of his people1 and health the stroke of their wound' 7,isa #cj3bf74 ',and the eyes of them that see shall not be dim1 and the ears of them that hear shall hearken4 ,the heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge1 and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly' 7,isa #cb3c1d74 ,the ,lord shall be now exalted1 and be very high1 for he will fill ,zion with judgment and righteousness1 and wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times 7,isa #cc3e1f74 ,when ,israel went out of ,egypt1 they wanted much of this1 they went out blindfolded1 as it were1 they went they knew not whither2 wherefore they went not in the glory of that which this city descendeth in2 as ,moses said1 ',the ,lord hath not given you an heart to perceive1 nor eyes to see1 nor ears to hear1 unto this day' 7,deu #bi3d74 ,but these shall see every step they take2 they shall be like the beasts that had eyes both before and behind3 they shall see how far they are come out of ,antichrist1 and shall see also how far yet they have to go1 to the complete rebuilding and finishing of this city4 ,second4 ,this showeth us how sweet and pleasant the way of this church will be at this day before them4 ,light1 knowledge1 and judgment in ,god's matters doth not only give men to see and behold all the things with which they are concerned1 but the things themselves being good1 they do also by this means convey very great sweetness and pleasantness into the hearts of those that have the knowledge of them4 ,every step1 ,i say1 that now they take1 it shall be as it were in honey and butter4 ',the ransomed of the ,lord shall return1 and come to ,zion with songs1 and everlasting joy see v #b upon their heads2 they shall obtain joy and gladness1 and sorrow and sighing shall flee away' 7,isa #ce3aj74 ,as he saith1 ',again ,i will build thee1 and thou shalt be built2 ,o virgin of ,israel1 thou shalt again be adorned with tabrets1 and shall go forth in the dances of them that make merry4-,for thus saith the ,lord1 ,sing with gladness for ,jacob1 and shout among the chief of the nations3 publish ye1 praise ye1 and say1 ,o ,lord1 save thy people1 the remnant of ,israel4 ,behold1 ,i will bring them from the north country1 and gather them from the coasts of the earth1 and with them the blind and the lame1 the woman with child1 and her that travaileth with child together2 a great company shall return thither' 7,jer #ca3d1g1h74 ,by these words1 the blind and the lame1 the woman with child1 and her that travaileth1 he would have us understand thus much- #a4 ,that the way of ,god shall1 by the illuminating grace of ,christ1 be made so pleasant1 so sweet1 and so beautiful in the souls of all at that day1 that even the blindest shall not stumble therein1 neither shall the lame refuse it for fear of hurt2 yea1 the blind1 the lame1 the woman with child1 and her that travaileth shall1 though they be of all in most evil case to travel1 and go the journey1 yet1 at this day1 by reason of the glorious light and sweetness that now will possess them1 even forget their impediments1 and dance1 as after musical tabrets4 #b4 ,this city1 upon the time of her rebuilding1 shall have her blind men see1 her halt and lame made strong2 she also that is with child1 and her that travaileth1 shall jointly see the city-work that at this day will be on foot1 and put into form and order1 yet before the end4 ',behold1 at that time ,i will undo all that afflict thee1' saith the ,lord to his people1 'and ,i will save her that halteth1 and gather her that was driven out1 and ,i will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame4 ,at that time will ,i bring you again1 even in the time that ,i gather you1 for ,i will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth1 when ,i turn back your captivity before your eyes1 saith the ,lord' 7,zeph #c3ai1bj74 ',and her light was like unto a stone most precious4' ,in that he saith her light is like unto ',a ,,stone ,,most ,,precious1' he showeth us how welcome1 and with what eagerness of spirit this light will at this day be embraced by the ,lord's people4 ',truly the light is sweet1' saith ,solomon1 'and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun' 7,eccl #aa3g74 ,and if so1 then how beautiful1 desirable1 and precious will that light be1 that is not only heavenly1 and from ,christ1 but that will be universal among all saints1 to show them the same thing1 and to direct them to and in the same work4 ,the want of this hath1 to this day1 been one great reason of that crossness of judgment and persuasion that hath been found among the saints1 and that hath caused that lingering and disputing about the glorious state of the church in the latter days2 some being for its excellency to consist chiefly in outward glory2 and others1 swerving on the other side1 conclude she shall not have any of this3 some conceiving that this city will not be built until the ,lord comes from heaven in person2 others again concluding that when he comes1 then there shall be no longer tarrying here1 but that all shall forthwith1 even all the godly1 be taken up into heaven3 with divers other opinions in these matters4 ,and thus many 'run to and fro1' but yet1 ,god be thanked1 knowledge does increase1 though the vision will be sealed1 even to the time of the end 7,dan #ab3d74 ,but now1 ,i say1 at the time of the end1 the ,spirit shall be poured down upon us from on high 7,isa #cb3ae72 now 'they also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding' 7,isa #bi2bd72 the city shall descend in the light of a stone most precious4 ,the sun will be risen upon the earth1 when ,lot goeth from ,sodom unto ,zoar 7,gen #ai3bc74 ,now there shall be an oneness of judgment and understanding in the hearts of all saints2 they shall be now no more two1 but one in the ,lord's hand 7,eze #cg3ai-ba74 ,alas6 the saints are yet but as an army routed1 and are apt sometimes through fear1 and sometimes through forgetfulness1 to mistake the word of their captain-general1 the ,son of ,god1 and are also too prone to shoot and kill even their very right-hand man2 but at that day all such doing shall be laid aside1 for the knowledge of the glory of the ,lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea 7,isa #aa3i1ac74 ,which knowledge shall then strike through the heart and liver of all swerving and unsound opinions in ,christ's matters2 for then shall every one of the ,christians call upon the name of the ,lord1 and that with one pure lip or language1 'to serve him with one consent' 7,zeph #c3i74 ,it is darkness1 and not light1 that keepeth ,god's people from knowing one another1 both in their faith and language2 and it is darkness that makes them stand at so great a distance both in judgment and affections1 as in these and other days they have done4 ,but then1 saith ,god1 ',i will plant in the wilderness1' that is1 in the church that is now bewildered1 'the cedar1 the shittah tree1 the myrtle1 and the oil tree2 ,i will set in the desert the fir tree1 the pine1 and the box tree together2 that they may see and know1 and consider and understand together1 that the hand of the ,lord hath done this1 and the holy ,one of ,israel hath created it' 7,isa #da3ai1bj74 ,and again1 ',the glory of ,lebanon shall come unto thee1 the fir tree1 and the pine tree1 and the box together1' to beautify the house of my glory1 and to 'make the place of my feet glorious' 7,isa #fj3ac74 ,never was fair weather after foul-nor warm weather after cold-nor a sweet and beautiful spring after a heavy1 and nipping1 and terrible winter1 so comfortable1 sweet1 desirable1 and welcome to the poor birds and beasts of the field1 as this day will be to the church of ,god4 ,darkness6 it was the plague of ,egypt3 it is an empty1 forlorn1 desolate1 solitary1 and discomforting state2 wherefore light1 even the illuminating grace of ,god1 especially in the measure that it shall be communicated unto us at this day1 it must needs be precious4 ,in light there is warmth and pleasure2 it is by the light of the sun that the whole universe appears unto us distinctly1 and it is by the heat thereof that everything groweth and flourisheth2 all which will now be gloriously and spiritually answered in this holy and new ,jerusalem 7#b ,thess #b74 ,o how clearly will all the spiders1 and dragons1 and owls1 and foul spirits of ,antichrist at that day be discovered by the light hereof6 7,rev #ah3a-d74 ,now also will all the pretty robins and little birds in the ,lord's field most sweetly send forth their pleasant notes1 and all the flowers and herbs of his garden spring4 ,then will it be said to the church by her ,husband and ,saviour1 ',rise up1 my love1 my fair one1 and come away2 for lo1 the winter is past the rain is over and gone1 the flowers appear on the earth1 the time of the singing of birds is come1 and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land2 the fig tree putteth forth her green figs1 and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell' 7,cant #b3aj-ac74 ,you know how pleasant this is1 even to be fulfilled in the letter of it1 not only to birds and beasts1 but men2 especially it is pleasant to such men that have for several years been held in the chains of affliction4 ,it must needs1 therefore1 be most pleasant and desirable to the afflicted church of ,christ1 who hath lain now in the dungeon of ,antichrist for above a thousand years4 ,but1 ,lord1 how will this lady1 when she gets her liberty1 and when she is returned to her own city1 how will she then take pleasure in the warm and spangling beams of thy shining grace6 and solace herself with thee in the garden1 among the nuts and the pomegranates1 among the lilies and flowers1 and all the chief spices 7,cant #g3aa-ac74 ',even like a jasper stone1 clear as crystal4' ,these words are the metaphor by which the ,holy ,ghost is pleased to illustrate the whole business4 ,indeed similitudes1 if fitly spoke and applied1 do much set off and out#c any point that either in the doctrines of faith or manners1 is handled in the churches4 ,wherefore1 because he would illustrate1 as well as affirm1 the glory of this ,jerusalem to the life1 therefore he concludes his general description of this city with these comparisons3-,i saw1 saith he1 the holy city1 the ,lamb's wife2 ,i saw her in her spangles1 and in all her adorning1 but verily she was most excellent4 ,she was shining as the jasper1 and as pure and clear as crystal4 ,the jasper1 it seems1 is a very beautiful and costly stone1 inasmuch as that1 above all the precious stones1 is made use of by the ,holy ,ghost to show us the glory and shining virtues of the ,lord ,jesus in this ,new ,jerusalem2 and yet1 behold1 the jasper is too short and slender to do the business1 there must another stone be added1 even like a jasper stone1 clear as crystal4 ,yea1 saith the ,lord ,jesus1 her checks are like rows of jewels1 and so are the joints of her thighs2 even like the jewels that are 'the work of the hands of a cunning workman' 7,cant #a3i1aj2 #g3a74 ,the crystal is a stone so clear and spotless1 that even her greatest adversaries1 in the midst of all their rage1 are not able justly to charge her with the least mote or spot imaginable2 wherefore when he saith1 that this city in her descending is even like the jasper for light1 and like the crystal for clearness2 he would have us further learn1 that at the day of the descending of this ,jerusalem1 she shall be every way so accomplished with innocency1 sincerity1 and clearness in all her actions1 that none shall have from her1 or her ways1 any just occasion given unto them to slight1 contemn1 or oppose her4 ,for1 ,first1 ,as she descends1 she meddleth not with any man's matters but her own2 she comes all along by the ,king's highway2 that is1 alone by the rules that her ,lord hath prescribed for her in his testament4 ,the governors of this world need not at all to fear a disturbance from her1 or a diminishing of ought they have4 ,she will not meddle with their fields nor vineyards1 neither will she drink of the water of their wells3 only let her go by the ,king's highway1 and she will not turn to the right hand or to the left1 until she hath passed all their borders 7,num #bj3ah1ai3 #ba3bb74 ,it is a false report then that the governors of the nations have received against the city1 this ,new ,jerusalem1 if they believe1 that according to the tale that is told them1 she is and hath been of old a rebellious city1 and destructive to kings1 and a diminisher of their revenues4 ,i say1 these things are lying words1 and forged even in the heart of ',bishlam1 ,mithredath1 ,tabeel1 and the rest of their companions' 7,eze #d3g74 ,for verily this city1 in her descending1 is clear from such things1 even as clear as crystal4 ,she is not for meddling with anything that is theirs1 from a thread even to a shoe-latchet4 ,her glory is spiritual and heavenly1 and she is satisfied with what is her own4#d ,it is true1 the kings and nations of this world shall one day bring their glory and honour to this city2 but yet not by outward force or compulsion2 none shall constrain them but the love of ,christ and the beauty of this city4 ',the ,gentiles shall come to thy light1 and kings to the brightness of thy rising' 7,isa #fj3c74 ,the light and beauty of this city1 that only shall engage their hearts and overcome them4 ,indeed1 if any shall1 out of mistrust or enmity against this city and her prosperity1 bend themselves to disappoint the designs of the eternal ,god concerning her building and glory1 then they must take what followeth4 ,her ,god in the midst of her is mighty1 he will rest in his love1 and rejoice over her with singing1 and will ,,undo all that afflict her 7,zeph #c3ag-ai74 ,wherefore1 'associate yourselves1 ,o ye people1 and ye shall be broken in pieces2 and give ear1 all ye of far countries2 gird yourselves1 and ye shall be broken in pieces2 gird yourselves1 and ye shall be broken in pieces4 ,take counsel together1 and it shall come to naught2 speak the word and it shall not stand2 for ,god is with us' 7,isa #h3i1aj74 ,what work did he make with ,og the king of ,bashan1 and with ,sihon1 king of the ,amorites1 for refusing to let his people go peaceably by them1 when they were going to their own inheritance 7,num #ba3bb-ce74 ,god is harmless1 gentle1 and pitiful2 but woe be to that people that shall oppose or gainsay him4 ,he is gentle1 yet a lion2 he is loth to hurt1 yet he will not be crossed2 ',fury is not in me1' saith he2 yet if you set the briars and thorns against him1 ,he 'will go through them1 and burn them together' 7,isa #bg3d74 ,jerusalem also1 this beloved city1 it will be beautiful and profitable to them that love her2 but a cup of trembling1 and a burthensome stone to all that burden themselves with her2 'all that burthen themselves with it1 shall be cut in pieces1 though all the people of the earth be gathered together against her' 7,zech #ab3b1c74 ,again1 she will be clear as crystal in the observation of all her turns and stops1 in her journeying from ,egypt to ,canaan1 from ,babylon to this ,jerusalem state4 ,she will1 ,i say1 observe both time and order1 and will go only as her ,god doth go before her2 now one step in this truth1 and then another in that1 according to the dispensation of ,god1 and the light of day she lives in4 ,as the cloud goes1 so will she2 and when the cloud stays1 so will she 7,rev #ad3d2 ,exo #dj3cf-ch74 ,she comes in perfect rank and file1 'terrible as an army with banners' 7,cant #f3aj74 ,no ,balaam can enchant her2 she comes 'out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke1 perfumed with myrrh and frankincense1 with all spices#e of the merchants' 7,cant #c3f74 ,still 'leaning upon her beloved' 7,cant #h3e74 ,the return of ,zion from under the tyranny of her afflictors1 and her recovery to her primitive purity1 is no headstrong brain-sick rashness of her own1 but the gracious and merciful hand and goodness of ,god unto her1 therefrom to give her deliverance4 ',for thus saith the ,lord1 ,that after seventy years be accomplished at ,babylon that is1 the time of the reign of ,antichrist1 and his tyranny over his church ,i will visit you1 and perform my good word toward you1 in causing you to return to this place' 7,jer #bi3aj74 ',therefore they shall come and sing in the height of ,zion1 and shall flow together to the goodness of the ,lord1 for spiritual wheat1 and for wine1 and for oil1 and for the young of the flock and of the herd2 and their soul shall be as a watered garden2 and they shall not sorrow any more at all' 7,isa #eg3aa2 ,jer #ca3ab74 ,,second4 ,a ,discovery of its ,defence1 ,entrances1 and ,fashion in ,particular4 ,verse #ab4 ',and had a wall great and high1 and had twelve gates1 and at the gates twelve angels1 and names written thereon1 which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of ,israel4' ,these words do give us to understand1 that this holy city is now built1 and in all her parts complete1 they give us also to understand the manner of her strength1 c4 ',and had a wall4' ,having thus1 ,i say1 given us a description of this city in general1 he now descends to her strength and frame in particular3 her frame and strength1 ,i say1 as she is a city compact together3 as also of her splendour and beauty4 ,and observe it1 that of all the particulars that you read of1 touching the fence1 fashion1 or frame of this city1 and of all her glory1 the firs thing that he presenteth to our view is her safety and security2 she 'had a wall4' ,a wall1 you know1 is for the safety1 security1 defence1 and preservation of a place1 city1 or town2 therefore it is much to the purpose that in the first place after this general description1 he should fall upon a discovery of her security and fortification2 for what of all this glory and goodness1 if there be no way to defend and preserve it in its high and glorious state8 ,if a man had in his possession even mountains of pearl and golden mines1 yet if he had not wherewith to secure and preserve them to himself1 from those that with all their might endeavour to get them from him1 he might not only quickly lose his treasure1 and become a beggar1 but also through the very fear of losing them1 even lose the comfort of them1 while yet in his possession4 ,to speak nothing of the angels that fell1 and of the glory that they then did lose4 ,i may instance to you the state of ,adam in his excellency2 ,adam1 you know1 was once so rich and wealthy1 that he had the garden of ,eden1 the paradise of pleasure1 yea1 and also the whole world to boot1 for his inheritance2 but mark1 in all his glory1 he was without a wall2 wherefore presently1 even at the very first assault of the adversary1 he was not only worsted as touching his person and standing1 but even stripped of all his treasure1 his paradise taken from him1 and he in a manner left so poor1 that forthwith he was glad of an apron of fig-leaves to cover his nakedness1 and to hide his shame form the face of the sun 7,gen #c3g74 ,wherefore1 ,i say1 ,john speaks to the purpose in saying she had a wall2 a wall for defence and safety1 for security and preservation4 ,now then she shall lie no longer like blasted bones in an open field or valley2 that was her portion in the days of her affliction 7,eze #cg3a1b74 ,the wall of the city4 ',and had a wall4' ,it is said of old ,jerusalem1 that she had a wall and a wall1 two walls for her defence and safety 7,jer #ci3d2 ,jer #eb3g72 which two1 in my judgment1 did hold forth these two things4 ,the one1 their eternal preservation and security from the wrath of ,god1 through the benefits of ,christ2 and the other1 that special protection and safeguard that the church hath always had from and by the special providence of her ,god in the midst of her enemies1 ,wherefore one of these is called by the proper name of salvation1 which salvation ,i take in special to signify our fortification and safety from the wrath of ,god1 and the curse and power of the law and sin 7,isa #bf3a2 ,acts #d3ab74 ,the other is called1 ,a wall of fire round about her2 and alludeth to the vision that the prophet's servant was made to see for his comfort1 when he was put in fear1 by reason of the great company of the enemies that were bending their force against the life of his master 7,eze #b3e2 #b ,kings #f3ag74 ,but now in those days1 though there were for the defence of the city those two walls1 yet they stood a little distance each from other1 and had a ditch between them1 which was to signify that though then they had the wall of salvation about them1 with reference to their eternal state1 yet the wall of ,god's providence and special protection was not yet so nearly joined thereto but that they might1 for their foolishness1 have that broken down1 and they suffered to fall into the ditch that was between them both 7,isa #bb3aj-ab74 ,and so he saith by the prophet1 ',i will tell you what ,i will do to my vineyard that is1 to this city for the wickedness thereof1 ,i will take away the hedge thereof1 and it shall be eaten up2 and break down the wall thereof1 and it shall be trodden down' 7,isa #e3e-g74 ,which hedge and wall could not be that of eternal salvation1 for that stood sure1 though they should be scattered among the nations 'as wheat is sifted in a sieve' 7,amos #i3i74 ,it must therefore be the wall of her special preservation in her outward peace and happiness1 which wall was often in those days broken down1 and they made havoc of1 of all that dwelt about them4 ,but now touching the safety of ,new ,jerusalem1 the city of which ,i here discourse1 she is seen in the vision by ,john to have but one only wall2 to signify that at this day the wall of her eternal salvation1 and of ,god's special providence to protect and defend her1 in her present visible and gospel glory1 shall be so effectually joined together1 that now they shall be no more two1 that is1 at a distance1 with a ditch between1 but one sound and enclosing wall2 to show us that now the state of this ,jerusalem1 even touching her outward glory1 peace1 and tranquility1 will be so stable1 invincible1 and lasting1 that unless that part of the wall which is eternal salvation1 can be broken down1 the glory of this city shall never be vailed more4 ,wherefore the prophet1 when he speaks with reference to the happy state and condition of this city1 he saith1 ',violence shall no more be heard in thy land1 wasting nor destruction within thy borders2 but thou shalt call thy walls salvation1 and thy gates praise' 7,isa #fj3ah72 as he saith also in another place1 ',thine eye shall see ,jerusalem a quiet habitation1 a tabernacle that shall not be taken down1 not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed1 neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken' 7,isa #cc3bj74 ,the walls are now conjoined1 both joined into one2 the ,father hath delivered up the great red dragon into the hand of ,christ1 who hath shut him up and sealed him down1 even down for a thousand years 7,rev #bj3a-c74 ,wherefore from the ,lord shall there be 'upon every dwelling-place of ,mount ,zion1 and upon her assemblies a cloud and smoke by day1 and the shining of a flaming fire by night2 for upon all her glory shall be a defence' 7,isa #d3e74 ,and 'in that day shall this song be sung3 ,we have a strong city1 salvation will ,god appoint for walls and bulwarks' 7,isa #bf3a1b74 ,the same in effect hath our prophet ,john1 saying ',i saw the holy city1 the ,new ,jerusalem1' descending out of heaven from ,god1 'prepared as a bride adorned for her husband4 ,and ,i heard a great voice out of heaven1 saying1--,the tabernacle of ,god is with men1 and he will dwell with them3--and ,god himself shall be with them1 and be their ,god4 ,and ,god shall wipe away all tears from their eyes2 and there shall be no more death1 neither sorrow1 nor crying2 neither shall there be any more pain2 for the former things are passed away' 7,rev #ba3a-d74 ',and had a wall great and high4' ,these words1 great and high1 are added for illustration1 to set out the matter to the height2 and indeed the glory of a wall lieth in this1 that it is great and high2 the walls of the ,canaanites were terrible upon this account1 and did even sink the hearts of those that beheld them 7,deu #a3bh74 ,wherefore this city shall be most certainly in safety1 she hath a wall about her1 a great wall3 a wall about her1 an high wall4 ,it is great for compass1 it incloseth every saint2 it is great for thickness1 it is compacted of all the grace and goodness of ,god1 both spiritual and temporal2 and for height1 if you count from the utmost side to the utmost1 then it is higher than heaven1 who can storm it8 7,heb #g3bf7 and for depth1 it is lower than hell1 who can undermine it8 7,job #aa3h74 ,great mercies1 high mercies1 great preservation1 and a high arm to defend1 shall continually at this day encamp this city3 ,god himself will be a continual life-guard to this city2 ',i will encamp1' saith he1 'about mine house1 because of the army1 because of him that passeth by1 and because of him that returneth2 and no oppressor shall pass through them any more2 for now have ,i seen with mine eyes' 7,zech #i3h74 ,the gates of the city4 ',and had twelve gates4' ,having thus showed us her wall1 he now comes to her gates2 it had gates1 it had twelve gates4 ,by gates in this place we are to understand the way of entrance2 gates1 you know1 are for coming in1 and for going out 7,jer #ag3ai1bj72 and do in this place signify two things4 ,first1 ,an entrance into communion with the ,god and ,saviour of this city4 ,secondly1 ,entrance into communion with the inhabitants and privileges of this city2 in both which the gates do signify ,christ3 for as no man can come to the knowledge and enjoyment of the ,god1 and glorious ,saviour1 but by and through the ,lord ,christ2 so no man can come into true and spiritual communion with these inhabitants1 but by him also3 ',i am the way1' saith he1 'and the truth1 and the life2 no man cometh unto the ,father but by me'3 and again1 ',i am the door1 by me if any man enter in1 he shall be saved1 and shall go in and out1 and find pasture' 7,john #aj3a-i2 #ad3f74 ',and had twelve gates4' ,in that he saith twelve gates1 he alludeth to the city of ,jerusalem that was of old1 which had just so many 7,neh #c3 #ab3cg-bi72 and are on purpose put into the number of twelve1 to answer to the whole number of the elect of ,god1 which are comprehended within the number of the twelve tribes1 whether they are natural ,jews or ,gentiles2 for as all the godly ,jews are the seed of ,abraham after the flesh1 though to godly1 because they are the children of the flesh of ,abraham2 so all the godly ,gentiles are the children of ,abraham after the spirit1 though not by that means made the children of the flesh of ,abraham4 ,they both meet then in the spirit and faith of the gospel1 as ,god saith to the ,jews1 'when a stranger shall sojourn with thee1 and will keep the passover to the ,lord1' that is1 become godly1 and receive the faith of ,christ1 let all his males be circumcised1 and then let them come near1 and keep it1 c4 7,exo #ab3dh74 ,for they that are of faith1 are the children of faithful ,abraham1 who is called the very father of us all 7,gal #c3g2 ,rom #d3af74 ,thus you see all the godly come under the title of the children of ,abraham1 and of the ,jews2 and so under the denomination also of being persons belonging to the tribes1 the twelve tribes1 who answer to those twelve gates4 ,wherefore the ,psalmist minding this1 speaking indefinitely of all the godly1 under the name of the tribes of ,israel2 saying1 ',our feet shall stand within thy gates1 ,o ,jerusalem4 ,jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together1 whither the tribes go up1 the tribes of the ,lord1 unto the testimony of ,israel1 to give thanks unto the name of the ,lord' 7,psa #abb3b-d74 ,but again1 though ,i am certain that all the ,gentiles that are at any time converted1 are reckoned within the compass of some of the tribes of ,israel1 to which the gates of this city may truly be said to answer2 yet the gates are here in a special manner called by the name of twelve1 to answer to the happy return and restoration of those poor distressed creatures the twelve tribes of the ,jews that are scattered abroad1 and that are1 and for a long time have been to our astonishment and their shame1 as vagabonds and stragglers among the nations 7,hosea #i3ag71 there to continue 'many days1 without a king1 and without a prince1 and without a sacrifice1 and without an ephod' 7,hosea #c3d74 ,that is1 without the true ,god1 the true ,saviour1 and the true word and ordinances2 after which1 saith the same prophet1 they shall even in the latter days1 that is1 when this city is builded1 return and seek the ,lord their ,god1 and ,david their king1 and shall then 'fear the ,lord and his goodness' 7,hosea #c3e74 ,this the apostle also affirmeth1 when he telleth the believing ,gentiles that blindness in part is happened to ,israel1 until the fulness of the ,gentiles be come in3 which ,israel in this place cannot by any means be taken for the ,gentiles that are converted1 for this ,israel must be rejected until the bulk of the elect ,gentiles be converted2 besides he calleth this ,israel by the name of ,israel1 even while unconverted2 but the converted ,gentiles still ,gentiles1 even when converted3 he calls this ,israel the natural branches1 but the ,gentiles wild branches2 and tells us further1 that when they are converted1 they shall be grafted into their own olive tree2 but when the ,gentiles are converted1 they must be cut off of their own stock and tree3 read ,romans #aa throughout4 ,wherefore1 ,i say1 the gates are called twelve1 to answer these poor creatures1 who at this day shall be awakened1 and enlightened1 and converted to the faith of ,jesus4 ,these gates in another place are called a way1 and these ,jews1 the kings of the east2 and it is there said also1 that at present this way doth want preparing2 which is as much as to say this city wants setting up1 and the gates want setting in their proper places4 ,wherefore1 saith ,john1 the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river ,euphrates1 that is1 destroyed the strength and force of the ,roman antichrist-for the river ,euphrates was the fence of literal ,babylon1 the type of our spiritual one-which force and fence1 when it is destroyed or dried up1 then the way of the kings of the east will be prepared1 or made ready for their journey to this ,jerusalem 7,rev #af3ab74 ,of this the prophets are full1 crying1 ',cast ye up1 cast ye up1 prepare the way1 take up the stumbling block out of the way of my people' 7,isa #eg3ad74 ,and again1 ',go through1 go through the gates1 prepare ye the way of the people2 cast up1 cast up the high way2 gather out the stones1 lift up a standard for the people4 ,behold1 the ,lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world1 ,say ye to the daughter of ,zion1 ,behold thy salvation cometh2 behold his reward is with him1 and his work before him4 ,and they shall call them1 ,the holy people1 the redeemed of the ,lord3 and thou shalt be called1 ,sought out2 ,a city not forsaken' 7,isa #fb3aj-ab74 ,all which doth most especially relate to the conversion of the ,jews in the latter day1 who in great abundance shall1 when all things are made ready1 come flocking in to the ,son of ,god1 and find favour1 as in the days of old4 ,the angels at the gates1 what they are4 ',and at the gates twelve angels4' ,by angels in this place1 we are to understand the messengers and ministers of the ,lord ,jesus1 by whom the mystery of eternal life and felicity is held forth and discovered before the sons of men2 and thus this word angel is frequently taken in this prophecy 7,rev #a3bj2 #b3a1h1ab1ah2 #c3a1g2 #ad3f74 ',and at the gates twelve angels'- ,in these words1 then1 there are two things to be considered4 ,first4 ,why they should be called twelve4 ,and1 ,second4 ,why they are said to stand at the twelve gates of this new and holy city4 ,first4 ,they are called twelve1 to signify two things4 #a4 ,the truth of their doctrine4 ,and1 #b4 ,the sufficiency of their doctrine and ministry for the converting of the twelve tribes to the faith of ,christ1 and privileges of this city4 #a4 ,for the truth of their doctrine3 for by twelve here he would have us to understand that he hath his eye upon the twelve apostles1 or upon the doctrine of the twelve1 the apostolical doctrine4 ,as if he should say1 ,this city1 the ,new ,jerusalem1 shall be every way accomplished with beauty and glory2 she shall have a wall for her security1 and twelve gates to answer the twelve tribes2 yea1 and also at these gates the twelve apostles1 in their own pure1 primitive1 and unspotted doctrine4 ,the ,romish beasts have corrupted this doctrine by treading it down with their feet1 and have muddied this water with their own dirt and filthiness 7,eze #cd3ag1ah74f ,but at this day1 this shall be recovered from under the feet of these beasts1 and cleansed also from their dirt1 and be again in the same glory1 splendour1 and purity1 as in the primitive times4 ,it is said that when ,israel was passed out of ,egypt1 beyond the sea1 they presently came to ,elim1 where were twelve wells of water1 c41 and that they encamped by the waters 7,exo #ae3bg74 ,which twelve wells did figure forth the doctrine of the twelve apostles1 out of which the church1 at her return from captivity1 shall draw and drink1 as out of the wells of salvation4 ,now shall the wells of our father ,abraham1 which the ,philistines have for a great while stopped2 now1 ,i say1 shall they again be opened by our ,isaac1 his son2 and shall be also called after their own names 7,gen #bf3ah74 ,this is generally held forth by the prophets1 that yet again the church shall be fed upon the mountains of ,israel1 and that they 'shall lie down in a good fold1 and a fat pasture'2 yea1 ',i will feed my flock1 and ,i will cause them to lie down1 saith the ,lord ,god' 7,eze #cd3ad1ae74 #b4 ,as by these twelve we are to understand the truth and purity of the doctrine of the twelve1 so again1 by this word twelve1 we are to understand the sufficiency of that doctrine and ministry to bring in the twelve tribes to the privileges of this city4 ,mark1 for the twelve tribes there are twelve gates1 for every tribe a gate2 and at the twelve gates1 twelve angels1 at every gate an angel4 ',o ,judah1' saith ,god1 'he hath set an harvest for thee1 when ,i returned the captivity of thy people' 7,hosea #f3aa74 ,and so for the rest of the tribes2 before ,ephraim and ,benjamin1 and ,manasseh1 he will stir up his strength to save them 7,psa #hj3b74 ',i will hiss for them1' saith ,god1 'and gather them1 for ,i have redeemed them2 and they shall increase as they have increased3 and ,i will sow them among the people1 and they shall remember me in far countries1 and they shall live with their children1 and return again2 ,i will bring them again also out of the land of ,egypt1 and gather them out of ,assyria1 and ,i will bring them into the land of ,gilead and ,lebanon1 and place shall not be found for them' 7,zech #aj3h-aj74 ,second4 ,but to come to the second question1 that is1 ,why these twelve angels are said to stand at the gate8 which may be for divers reasons4 #a4 ,to show us that the doctrine of the twelve is the doctrine that letteth in at these gates1 and that also that shutteth out4 ',whosesoever sins ye remit1 they are remitted1' saith ,christ1 'and whosesoever sins yet retain1 they are retained' 7,john #bj3bc2 ,matt #ah3ah74 ,and hence it is that the true ministers1 in their right administration1 are called porters2 because as porters stand at the gate1 and there open to1 or shut upon1 those that make an attempt to enter in 7,mark #ac3cd72 so the ministers of ,christ1 by the doctrine of the twelve1 do both open to and shut the gates against the person that will be attempting to enter in at the gates of this city 7#b ,chron #bc3ai74 #b4 ,but again1 they are said to stand at the gates for the encouraging and persuading of the tempted and doubting ,jews1 who at the beginning of their return will be much afflicted under the sight and sense of their own wretchedness4 ,alas6 were it not for some to stand at the gates of this city for instruction1 and the encouragement of those that will at that day in earnest be looking after life1 they might labour as in other things for very1 very vanity2 and might also be so grievously beat out of heart and spirit1 that they might die in despair4 ,but now to prevent this for those that are in the way to ,zion with watery eyes1 and wetted cheeks1 here stand the angels1 continually sounding with their golden gospel-trumpets1 ',enter into his gates with thanksgiving1 and into his courts with praise2 be thankful unto him1 and bless his name4 ,for the ,lord is good1 and his mercy is everlasting1 and his truth endureth' for ever1 even 'to all generations' 7,psa #ajj3d1e74 ,as he saith again1 ',and it shall come to pass in that day1 that the great trumpet shall be blown1 and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of ,assyria1 and the outcast in the land of ,egypt1 and shall worship the ,lord in the holy mount at ,jerusalem' 7,isa #bg3ac74 ,the names written on the gates4 ',and at the gates twelve angels1 and names written thereon1 which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of ,israel4' ,thus it was in the vision of the prophet1 when he was taking a view of the pattern of this city3 ',and the gates of the city1' saith the angel to him1 'shall be after the names of the tribes of ,israel' 7,eze #dh3ca74 ,which saying ,john doth here expound1 saying1 the names of the twelve tribes of the children of ,israel were writ or set upon them4 ,this being thus1 it cleareth to you what ,i said but now1 to wit1 that the gates are called twelve1 to answer the twelve tribes1 for their names are written thereon4 ,this must therefore1 without all doubt1 be a very great encouragement to this despised people2 ,i say great encouragement1 that notwithstanding all their rebellion1 blasphemy1 and contempt of the glorious gospel1 their names should be yet found recorded and engraved upon the very gates of ,new ,jerusalem4 ,thus then shall the ,jews be comforted in the latter days2 and truly they will have but need hereof2 for doubtless1 at their return1 when they are thoroughly sensible of the murder they have committed1 not only upon the bodies of the prophets and apostles1 but of the ,son of ,god himself1 ,i say this must needs1 together with the remembrance of the rest of their villainous actions1 exceedingly afflict and distress their bleeding souls4 ,for 'the children of ,israel shall come1 they and the children of ,judah together1 going and weeping2 they shall go and seek the ,lord their ,god4 ,they shall ask the way to ,zion1 with their faces thitherward' 7,jer #ej3d1e74 ,mark1 'going and weeping'2 there will not be a step that these poor people will take in the day of their returning1 but will be watered with the tears of repentance and contrition1 under the consideration of the wickedness that1 in the days of their rebellion1 they have committed against the ,lord of glory4 ,as he saith also by another prophet1 ',i will pour upon the house of ,david1 and upon the inhabitants of ,jerusalem1 the spirit of grace and of supplications2 and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced1 and they shall mourn for him1 as one mourneth for his only son1 and shall be in bitterness for him1 as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn4 ,in that day shall there be a great mourning in ,jerusalem1 as the mourning of ,hadad-rimmon in the valley of ,megiddon1 and the land shall mourn' 7,zech #ab3aj-ab74 ,wherefore1 ,i say1 they both have and also will have need of twelve gates1 and on them the names of their twelve tribes1 with an angel at each1 to encourage them to enter this holy and goodly city2 and to tell them that yet he counts them his friends in whose house he received the wounds in his hands 7,zech #ac3f74 ,but again1 ,as by the names of the twelve tribes written on the gates1 we may see what encouragement the ,jews will have1 at their return1 to enter in at them2 so we may also understand that by the names of the twelve tribes here written1 ,god would have us to perceive how all must be qualified that from among the ,gentiles at this day do enter in at these gates2 namely1 those1 and those only1 that be cut out of their own wild olive tree1 and transplanted among the children of ,israel1 into their good olive tree4 ,such as are ,jews inwardly1 the ,israel of ,god1 according to the new creature1 they shall enter1 for the holy ,gentiles also1 by virtue of their conversion1 are styled the children of ,abraham1 ,jews1 the chosen generation1 the peculiar people1 the holy nation2 and so are spiritually1 though not naturally by carnal generation1 of the twelve tribes whose names are written upon the gates of the city 7,gal #c3g2 ,rom #b3bh2 #a ,peter #b3i1aj74 ',and it shall come to pass1' saith the prophet1 'that in what tribe the stranger1' that is1 the ,gentile 'sojourneth1 there shall ye give him his inheritance1 saith the ,lord ,god' 7,eze #dg3bc74 ,thus the ,jews and ,gentiles shall meet together in the spirit of the gospel1 and so both become a righteous nation2 to both which the gates of this city shall stand continually open2 at which also they may with boldness demand1 by the faith of the ,lord ,jesus1 their entrance1 both for communion with the ,god1 grace1 and privileges of this city1 according to that which is written1 ',open ye the gates1 that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in' 7,isa #bf3b74 ,thus much of the number of the gates1 and now to proceed to the order of them4 ,the order of the gates4 ,ver4 #ac4 ',on the east three gates1 on the north three gates1 on the south three gates1 and on the west three gates4' ,i shall not speak anything to the manner of his repeating of the quarters towards which the gates do look2 why he should begin at the east1 then to the north1 afterwards crossing to the south1 and last to the west2 though ,i do verily think that the ,holy ,ghost hath something to show us1 wherefore he doth thus set them forth4 ,and possibly he may set them thus1 and the west last1 not only because the west part of the world is that which always closeth the day1 but to signify that the west1 when ,jerusalem is rebuilded1 will be the last part of the world that will be converted1 or the gate that will be last1 because longest1 occupied with the travels of the passengers and wayfaring men in their journey to this ,jerusalem4 ,but ,i pass that4 ,from the order of their standing1 ,i shall inquire into two things4 ,first4 ,why the gates should look in this manner every way1 both east1 west1 north1 and south8 ,second4 ,why there should be three1 just three1 on every side of this city8 ',on the east three1 on the north three1 on the south three1 and on the west three4' ,first4 ,for the first1 the gates by looking every way1 into all quarters1 may signify to us thus much1 that ,god hath a people in every corner of the world4 ,and also1 that grace is to be carried out of these gates by the angels in their ministry into every place1 to gather them home to him4 ,as it is said of the living creatures1 ',whither the head looked they followed it1 they turned not as they went' 7,eze #aj3aa72 so whithersoever the gates look1 thither the ministers go1 and carry the ,word1 to gather together the elect4 ,he 'sent them two and two before his face1 into every city and place whither he himself would come' 7,luke #aj3a2 ,matt #bh3ai2 ,john #aa3eb74 ,again1 the gates1 by their thus looking every way1 do signify to us1 that from what quarter or part of the world soever men come for life1 for those men there are the gates of life1 even right before their doors4 ,come they from the east1 why thither look the gates2 and so if they come from north1 or west1 or south4 ,no man needs at all to go about to come at life1 and peace1 and rest4 ,let him come directly from sin to grace1 from ,satan to ,jesus ,christ1 and from this world to ,new ,jerusalem4 ,the twelve brazen oxen that ,solomon made to bear the molten sea 7#a ,kings #g3bc-be71 they stood just as these gates stand1 and signify1 as ,i said before1 that the doctrine of the twelve apostles should be carried into all the world1 to convert-as in the primitive times1 so now at the building of ,new ,jerusalem-and to bring in ,god's sheep to the fold of his church4 ,now1 ,i say1 as the ,word is carried every way1 so the gates1 the open gates1 look also into all corners after them1 to signify that loving reception that shall be given to every soul that from any corner of the whole world shall unfeignedly close in with grace1 through the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,thus1 therefore1 men 'shall come from the east1 and from the west1 and from the north1 and from the south1 and shall sit down in the kingdom of ,god' 7,luke #ac3bi2 ,psa #ajg3a-c74 ,second4 ',on the east three gates1 on the north three gates1 on the south three gates1 and on the west three gates4' ,having thus showed you in a word1 why they stand thus looking into every corner or quarter of the world1 ,i now come to show you why there must be just three looking in this manner every way4 #a4 ,then1 there may be three looking every way1 to signify that it is both by the consent of the three persons in the ,trinity1 that the gospel should thus every way go forth to call men1 and also to show you that both the ,father1 ,son1 and ,spirit1 are willing to receive and embrace the sinner1 from whatsoever part or corner of the earth he cometh hither for life and safety4 ,come they from whence they will1 the ,father is willing to give them the ,son1 and so is the ,son to give them himself1 and so is the ,spirit to give them its help against whatever may labour to hinder them while they are here 7,john #c3af2 ,rev #ba3f2 #bb3ag74 #b4 ,in that three of the gates look every way1 it may be also to show us that there is none can enter into this city1 but by the three offices of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,christ by his priestly office must wash away their sins2 and by his prophetical office he must illuminate1 teach1 guide1 and refresh them2 and by his kingly office1 rule over them and govern them with his ,word 7,heb #g3e2 ,john #ac3h2 ,acts #c3bb-bd2 ,isa #dj3aj1aa2 #i3f1g2 ,psa #gf3a-c2 #aaj3c74 #c4 ,or1 by three gates1 may be signified the three states of the saints in this life2 an entrance into childhood1 an entrance into a manly state1 and an entrance into the state of a father of the church 7#a ,john #b3ab-ad74 ,or1 lastly1 the three gates may signify the three-fold state we pass through from nature to glory2 the state of grace in this life1 the state of felicity in paradise1 and our state in glory after the resurrection3 or thus1 the state of grace that possesseth body and soul in this life1 the state of glory that possesseth the soul at death1 and the state of glory that both body and soul shall be possessed with at the coming of the ,lord and ,saviour4 ,this was figured forth by the order of the stairs in the temple at ,jerusalem1 which was first1 second1 and third1 by which men ascended from the lowest to the uppermost room in the house of ,god2 as he tells us1 ',they went up with winding stairs' from the first into the second story1 and from thence by them into the third 7#a ,kings #f3h74 ,thus much for the wall and gates of ,new ,jerusalem4 ,the foundations of the wall4 ,ver4 #ad4 ',and the wall of this city had twelve foundations1 and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb4' ,in these words we have two things considerable3-,first4 ,that the city-wall hath twelve foundations4 ,second4 ,that in these twelve are the names of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb4 ,first4 ,it hath twelve foundations4 ,this argueth invincible strength and support4 ,that wall that hath but one foundation1 how strongly doth it stand1 if it be but safely laid upon a rock1 even so strongly that neither wind nor weather1 in their greatest vehemency1 are able to shake or stir it to make it fall4 ,but ,i say1 how much more when a city hath foundations1 twelve foundations1 and those also laid by ,god himself2 as it is said concerning the worthies of old1 they 'looked for a city which hath foundations1 whose builder and maker is ,god' 7,heb #aa3aj74 ',and the wall of the city had twelve foundations1 and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb4' ,the wall1 you know1 ,i told you1 is the wall of salvation1 or the safety of the church by ,jesus ,christ1 to which is adjoined1 as the effect of that1 the special providence and protection of ,god4 ,now this wall1 saith the ,holy ,ghost1 hath twelve foundations1 to wit1 to bear it up for the continuation of the safety and security of those that are the inhabitants of this city2 a foundation is that which beareth up all1 and that upon which the stress of all must lie and abide4 ,now1 to speak properly1 the foundation of our happiness is but one1 and that one none but the ,lord ,jesus2 ',for other foundation can no man lay1 than that is laid1 which is ,jesus ,christ' 7#a ,cor #c3aa74 ,so then1 when he saith the wall of the city had twelve foundations1 and that in them also are written the names of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb1 he doth not mean that this wall had twelve ,christs for its support1 but that the doctrine of the twelve apostles is that doctrine upon which both ,christ1 and grace1 and all happiness standeth firm and sure for ever4 ,and to signify also1 that neither ,christ nor any of his benefits can be profitable unto thee1 unless thou receive him alone upon the terms that they do hold him forth and offer him to sinners in their word and doctrine4 ,if 'we1 or an angel from heaven1 preach any other gospel unto you1' saith ,paul1 'than that which we have preached unto you1 let him be accursed4 ,as we said before1 so say ,i now again1 if any man preach any other gospel unto you1 than that ye have received1 let him be accursed' 7,gal #a3h1i74 ,second4 ',and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb4' ',and in them their names4' ,this makes it manifest that by the foundations of this wall1 we are to understand the doctrine of the twelve apostles of the ,lord ,christ1 for their names are to it1 or found engraved in the foundations4 ,thus it was with the doctrine which was the foundation of the ,jewish church2 the first pattern being delivered by the man ,moses1 his name was always so entailed to that doctrine1 that at last it became common1 and that by ,divine allowance1 to call that doctrine by the name of ,moses himself4 ',there is one that accuseth you1' saith ,christ1 'even ,moses in whom ye trust' 7,john #e3de74 ,and again1 ',for ,moses of old hath in every city them that preach him' 7,acts #ae3ba74 ,the same liberty of speech doth the ,holy ,ghost here use in speaking of the foundations of this wall1 which is the doctrine of the twelve4 ,and in that he calleth the doctrine by the name of foundations1 and leaveth it only with telling us the names of the twelve apostles are engraven in it2 he expects that men should be wise that read him1 and that they should be skillful in the word of righteousness1 if they come up clearly to the understanding of him4 ',and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb4' ,thus you see that the twelve apostles1 above all the servants of ,christ1 are here owned to be the foundations of this wall2 and good reason1 for they1 above all other1 are most clear and full in the doctrine of grace1 and all doctrines pertaining to life and holiness4 ',in other ages1' saith ,paul1 it 'was not made known unto the sons of men1 as it is now revealed to the holy apostles and prophets by the ,spirit' 7,eph #c3e74 ,moses was not fit for this1 for his was a more dark and veiled administration2 while ,moses is read1 the veil is over the heart1 said ,paul 7#b ,cor #c3ac-ae74 ,neither was any of the prophets fit for this1 for they were all inferior to ,moses1 and were1 as it were1 his scholars 7,num #ab3f1g74 ,nay1 ,john the ,baptists is here shut out2-for the 'least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he' 7,matt #aa3aa74 ,the apostles1 above all other1 were the men that were with the ,lord ,jesus all the time1 from the baptism of ,john1 even until the time he was taken up into heaven2 they saw him1 heard him1 and discoursed with him1 and were beholders of all the wondrous works that he did2 they did eat and drink with him after his passion1 and saw1 after he was risen1 the print of the nails1 and the spear with which he was pierced1 when he died for our sins 7,luke #bd3ci1dj74 ,and because they had seen1 felt1 and at such a rate experienced all things from the very first1 both touching his doctrine1 miracles1 and life1 therefore he said unto them in chief1 ,ye shall be witnesses unto me1 both in ,jerusalem and all ,judea1 and in ,samaria1 and unto the utmost parts of the earth 7,acts #a3h1ba2 #ac3ca2 #aj3ci2 #ea3cb2 #a ,john #a3a-c74 ,further1 ,the apostles were in that marvellous manner endued with the ,holy ,ghost1 that they out-stript all the prophets that ever went before them2 neither can ,i believe that in the best of times there should be any beyond them2 yet if it should so fall out that a dispensation should come in which they should have1 as to the pouring forth of the ,spirit1 their equals1 yet it could not follow1 that therefore the gospel should be offered in other terms than they at first have offered it1 especially besides what hath been said of them1 if you consider to them it was said1 ',whatsoever ye shall bind on earth1 shall be bound in heaven2 and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth1 shall be loosed in heaven' 7,matt #ah3ah74 ,they1 as to their doctrine1 were infallible1 it was impossible they should err2 he that despised their doctrine1 despised ,god himself4 ,besides1 they have given in commandment that all should write after their copy1 and that we should judge both men and angels that did1 or would do otherwise 7#a ,thess #c3h2 ,gal #a3h74 ,timothy must have his rule from ,paul1 and so must holy ,titus4 ,all which1 if we consider it1 the ,holy ,ghost speaks to the purpose1 in saying that in the twelve foundations are found the names of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb4 ,they are called the chief1 and such as have laid the foundation1 and others build thereon1 and that as no men have laid the foundation but they1 so none can lay even that foundation otherwise than they afore have laid it 7#a ,cor #ab3bh2 ,eph #d3aa1ab2 #a ,cor #c3f-aa2 ,heb #f3a-c74g ,consideration from these words4 ',and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb4' ,these words1 then1 teach us two things worthy of our ,christian consideration4 ,first4 ,that ,god hath given to every man a certain and visible mark to aim at for his salvation1 or to build his soul upon1 namely1 the doctrine of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb4 ,for in that he saith their names are in the foundations1 it is better for us1 all things considered1 than if he had said in them was the name of ,god himself2 that is1 it is more easy to see this way1 through the mist of our carnality1 what the mystery of his will should be1 which is1 that we receive ,christ according to their doctrine1 words1 writings1 epistles1 letters1 c41 their names1 ,i say1 being there1 ,god counts it as the broad seal of heaven1 which giveth authority to all that doctrine whereunto by themselves they are prefixed and subscribed2 not where they are writ by others1 but by themselves4 ,i say1 as the token of every epistle1 and of their doctrine for truth1 the which ,paul insinuates1 when he saith that his hand is the token of every epistle 7#b ,thess #c3ag2 ,gal #f3aa74 ,as he saith again1 ,am ,i not an apostle8 7#a ,cor #i3a74 ,and again1 ,behold1 ,i ,paul1 have written unto you2 ,i ,paul 7,gal #e3b71 ,i1 an apostle1 ,i1 a wise master-builder1 ,i1 who am in my doctrine one of the foundations of the wall of salvation1 ,i have written unto you 7#a ,cor #aa3e74 ,and1 as ,i said before1 there is reason it should be thus3 for as he who was the foundation of the ,jewish church1 even ,moses1 received the pattern of all his order from the mouth of the angel in ,mount ,sinai1 so the twelve received their doctrine of faith and manners1 the doctrine of the ,new ,testament1 from the mouth of the ,son of ,god himself1 as from the mouth of the angel of the everlasting covenant1 on the mountain of ,zion 7,acts #g3ch2 #a3c2 ,matt #bh3ai74 ,second4 ,in that he saith the names of the twelve are in the foundations1 this shows us the reason of the continual standing of this ,jerusalem2 it is built upon the doctrine of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb1 and standeth there4 ,for1 observe1 so long as he sees this holy city1 he sees her standing upon these foundations2 but he saw the city till she was taken up1 therefore she continued as being settled for ever upon them4 ,indeed1 the primitive city1 or first churches1 was built upon these foundations1 and had also1 so long as they there continued1 sufficient supportation and upholding by that means 7,eph #b3bj-bb74 ,but then1 as ,i have showed you1 the wall of her salvation1 and the wall of ,god's special protection1 stood at a distance each from other1 and were not so conjoined as now they will be4 ,wherefore they then1 to answer the type1 did fall into the ditch that was between1 and through their foolishness provoked ,god to remove the wall of his outward protection and safeguard from them1 whereupon the wild beast1 ,antichrist1 got into his vineyard1 making havoc of all their dainties4 ,but mark1 this city is not so1 the walls are now conjoined1 and for ever fastened upon the foundations1#h therefore it abides for ever1 and ascends higher and higher2 yet not from the foundations1 but by them into heaven3 ',behold1' saith ,god1 ',i have graven thee upon the palms of my hands1 thy walls are continually before me' 7,isa #di3af74 ,how we are to understand the word ,,twelve4 ',and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb4' ,this word twelve must be warily understood1 or else the weak will be ready to stumble and take offence2 wherefore1 to prevent this1 consider1 ,first4 ,the twelve must be them twelve that were with the ,lord ,jesus from the baptism of ,john until the day in which our ,lord was taken up 7,acts #a3bb74 ,second4 ,these twelve are not neither to be considered simply as twelve ,christians1 or twelve disciples2 but as their witness of the ,lord ,jesus-they being with him from first to last-were a twelve-fold witness of him in all his things2 a twelve-fold seeing with their eyes1 a twelve-fold hearing with their ears1 a twelve-fold handling also with their hands1 and feeling of the ,son of ,god4 ,as one of them said1 ',that which was from the beginning1 which we have heard1 which we have seen with our eyes1--and our hands have handled of the word of life3--that which we have seen and heard1 declare we unto you1 that ye also may have fellowship with us1' c4 7#a ,john #a3a1c74 ,now this being thus1 it followeth that the doctrine of the other apostles1 as of ,paul and ,barnabas1 was still but the doctrine of the twelve2 their doctrine1 ,i say1 and no other4 ,wherefore1 as ,ephraim and ,manasseh were dissolved into the twelve tribes1 so these two1 with all other the apostles of ,christ1 are dissolved into the number of the twelve1 because their doctrine is only the doctrine of the twelve2 for they centre in their doctrine2 their length1 and breadth1 and depth1 and height being the doctrine of the twelve4 ,so1 then1 the names of the twelve being found in the foundations of this wall1 it argueth that that doctrine is only true that is the doctrine of the twelve eye-witnesses of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,and again1 that at the day of ,antichrist's fall1 this doctrine shall be in its former purity1 and bear the sway1 and for ever hold up the wall of safety for the inhabitants of ,new ,jerusalem4 ,and indeed this doctrine1 that the doctrine of the twelve is that upon which eternal safety is built and stands1 is so true1 that it must not be varied from upon pain of eternal damnation4 ,here centered ,luke the ,evangelist1 here centered ,jude1 here centered the author to the ,hebrews1 yea1 here centered ,paul himself1 with all the ,old and ,new ,testament4 ,the doctrine of the twelve must be the opener1 expounder1 and limiter of all doctrines2 there also must all men centre1 and ground1 and stay4 ,a man may talk of1 yea1 enjoy much of the ,spirit of ,god1 but yet the twelve will have the start of him2 for they both had the ,spirit as he1 and more than he4 ,besides1 they together with this1 did feel1 see1 handle1 and receive conviction1 even by their very carnal senses1 which others did not2 besides1 their names also are found in the foundations of this saving wall1 as being there engraved by ,god himself2 which putteth all out of doubt1 and giveth us infallible ground that their doctrine is only true1 and all men's false that do not keep within the bounds and limits of that 7,luke #a3b2 ,jude #c1ag2 ,heb #b3c1d2 #a ,cor #ae3a-i2 #i3a2 ,gal #a3a1b2 ,eph #c3e2 #a ,cor #d3i74 ,to conclude1 here are yet two things worthy of noting- ,the first consideration is1 that by the names of the twelve apostles being in the foundations of this wall1 and the names of the twelve tribes being upon the gates of this city1 it giveth us to consider1 that at the time of the building of this city the ,jews and ,gentiles shall be united together1 and become one body2 which very consideration must needs be to the ,jews a great encouragement to have in mind at their conversion 7,rom #aa3 #a ,peter #a3a74 ,for it plainly signifieth that our ,new ,testament preachers shall carry in their mouths salvation to the ,jews1 by which means they shall be again reconciled and made one with the ,lord ,jesus 7,james #a3a2 ,acts #ac3af1bf2 ,rom #a3af2 #b3aj74 ,the second consideration is1 that at the day of ,new ,jerusalem1 there shall be no doctrine accepted1 nor no preachers regarded1 but the doctrine1 and the preaching of the doctrine of the twelve2 for in that he saith that in them are found the names of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb1 he doth implicitly exclude all other1 of whatever tribe they pretend themselves4 ,it shall not be then as now1 a ,popish doctrine1 a ,quaker's doctrine1 a prelatical doctrine1 and the ,presbyter1 ,independent1 and ,anabaptist1#i thus distinguished1 and thus confounding and destroying4 ,but the doctrine shall be one1 and that one the doctrine where you find the names of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb4 ',if any man teach otherwise1 and consent not to wholesome words1 even the words of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and the doctrine that is according to godliness1 he is proud1 knowing nothing' 7#a ,tim #f3c1d74 ,thus you see the doctrine of the twelve is that which letteth souls into this city2 and that the same doctrine is the doctrine that keepeth up the wall of their salvation about them1 when they are entered in within the gates4 ,the measuring line1 or golden reed3 what it is4 ,ver4 #ae4 ',and he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city1 and the gates thereof1 and the wall thereof4' ,now1 having passed the relation of the wall1 gates1 and foundations1 he comes to the measuring line1 to see how all things lie and agree with that4 ,under the law1 ,i find that all things pertaining to the worship of ,god were to be by number1 rule1 and measure1 even to the very tacks and loops of the curtains of the tabernacle4 ,now the rule or lien by which all things were then squared1 it was the laws1 statutes1 and ordinances which were given to ,moses by the ,lord in the ,mount ,sinai1 for thither he went to receive his orders2 and according to the pattern there showed him1 so he committed all things by writing to them that were to be employed in the workmanship of the holy things pertaining to the rise and completing of the tabernacle1 and all its instruments 7,exo #bj3ba2 #bd3a2 #be3dj2 ,deu #cj3aj2 #ca3bj-bf74 ,now1 when this rule was thus received1 then whosoever observed not to do it1 he was to fall under the penalty that by the same law also was prescribed against the offenders and transgressors 7,num #ae3cj1ca74 ,i find also1 that when the temple was built in the days of ,solomon1 all things were then done according to the writing that ,david made1 when the hand of ,god was upon him1 when he made him understand all the work of this pattern 7#b ,chron #c2 #d2 #a ,chron #bi3c-g2 #bh3ai74 ,thus again1 when ,josiah went about to bring to pass the reformation of the church of the ,jews1 and their instruments of worship1 after their revolting1 he goeth to the law of ,god1 and by that understanding what was out of order1 and how to put all things into order1 he so did reduce them to their former manner4 ,the same way also went ,ezra and ,nehemiah at the rebuilding of the temple and city after the captivity 7#b ,kings #bb3h-ac2 ,ezra #g3ad2 #h3cd74 ,from all which ,i conclude1 that the reed1 the golden reed1 that here you read of1 it is nothing else but the pure and unspotted ,word of ,god2 by which both the city1 gates1 and wall of this ,jerusalem are regulated4 ,which word1 by the holy prophet1 is also compared to gold1 and is said to be above 'much fine gold' 7,psa #ab3f2 #ai3aj74 ,i find in the vision of the prophet ,ezekiel1 that the angel that there is said to measure the city1 which was a type of our ,jerusalem1 he appeared with a line of flax in his hand1 to measure the pattern withal 7,eze #dj3c72 which very phrase doth show us that this was but the type1 and an ,old ,testament business2 but ,john hath his in a ,new ,testament style1 and that in the most excellent manner of language1 to signify that his city1 or the city that he hath the vision of1 is to be the end of all types and shadows1 and the very perfection of them all4 ,wherefore he tells us also1 that the line or reed by which this city is builded and squared1 it is not now a line of flax1 but a reed of gold1 a golden reed2 to signify not a word of the law and letter that had to do with shadows1 but the ,new ,testament1 and ministration of the ,spirit1 which hath to do with substance1 and the heavenly things themselves 7,heb #i3bc74 ,the city measured4 ',a golden reed to measure the city1' c4 ,i told you at the first that this city was the church of ,god that should be in the latter days2 but yet not the church disorderly and confusedly scattered here and there1 without all visible order and discipline1 but the church brought into exact form and order1 lying every way level and square with the rule and golden reed of the ,new ,testament of ,christ2 wherefore he calleth it a city1 a city under rule4 ,thus it was in the type2 for when ,solomon's temple was to be builded1 and the city in after times1 it was not enough that they had stones and timber1 but every one of them must be such stones1 and such timber1 and must also come under the rule and square of the workman2 and so being fitted by hewers1 saws1 axes1 and squares1 they were fitly put into the building 7#a ,kings #e3ag1ah2 #g3i-ab2 #a ,chron #bb3b74 ,by this1 then1 we may see with what a holy1 exact line1 rule1 and order1 this church and city1 at this day1 will be compact and built2 the members must be all such as shall be made fit for the city of ,god by the hewing words of the prophets 7,hosea #f3e74 ,they must join in ,christian communion also according to the golden reed of the ,new ,testament1 and ministration of the ,spirit4 ,indeed1 all the time of the reign of ,antichrist1 the church1 as she was a holy temple in the ,lord1 so she was measured with reference to the truth of her grace1 and invisible condition 7,rev #aa3a1b72 but as she is to be a city1 so she then is to be trodden down1 and to lie without all form and order2 but when ,antichrist is dead1 she shall again come into mind1 be considered1 reared1 built by measure1 and inhabited4 ,and observe it1 as the rule of the carpenter is of use in building1 from the first appearance of the laying of a stone in order1 even till it be in every point and part complete1 so the golden reed with which the angel is here said to measure the city1 c41 is to be of use from the first foundation even to the laying of the last stone thereof2 as was also fore-showed by the man that is said to measure the pattern of this1 in ,ezekiel 7,eze #cj-dh74 ',and he measured the city4' ,that is1 he measured the church in her constitution and fellowship4 ,now when ,god is said to measure1 he is said to measure sometimes in judgment1 and sometimes in mercy2 sometimes to throw down1 and sometimes to build up and establish4 ,sometimes1 ,i say1 he is said to measure in judgment1 with intention to throw down and destroy4 ,thus he measured the city before she went into captivity1 and the ten tribes before they were carried away beyond ,babylon1 because they lay cross to his word1 and had perverted that which was right1 c4 7,isa #bh3ag1ah2 ,amos #g3g-i74 ,but when he is said to measure the city in this place1 it is that she might be built and set up4 ,wherefore1 as ,i said1 the line or golden reed that is now stretched forth to measure this city1 it is to the end that all things may be in right form and order1 'fitly joined' and knit 'together1--by that which every joint supplieth1 according to the effectual working in the measure of every part1 making increase of the body1 unto the edifying of itself in love' 7,eph #d3af2 ,col #b3ai74 ,again1 ,by measuring the city1 he would have us to understand that all her limits and bounds were now apparent1 that all things1 even the church and all the world1 were made to see their own compass4 ,for as ,god in the days when temple worship only was on foot1 would not lose a form or ordinance of all the forms and ordinances of his temple2 so when city-work comes up1 he will not lose an inch of the limits1 and bounds1 and compass of his city1 she shall be full as large1 and of as great a compass every way1 as is determined of her2 as he saith by the prophet1 ',all the land1 saith he1 shall be turned as a plain 7this is that which a little before is called the new heaven and a new earth72 that is1 there shall be a smooth face upon the whole earth1 all snugs1 and hubs1#aj and hills1 and holes1 shall now be taken away1 even 'from ,geba to ,rimmon1 south of ,jerusalem3 and it the city shall be lifted up and inhabited in her place1 from ,benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate1 unto the corner gate1 and from the tower of ,hananiel1 unto the king's wine presses' 7,zech #ad3aj74 ,the four places here mentioned in this verse1 they do seem to be the four corners of the city of old2 at which places the city bounds were set2 and in which very circle the prophet tells us1 but with gospel language1 she shall be settled again4 ,the gates measured4 ',and he measured the city1' and the gates thereof4 ,this was figured forth by the vision in ,ezekiel1 for in it he saw the angel go from gate to gate1 and saw him take the exact and distinct measure of every one thereof2 nay1 not only of them in a general way1 but of the thresholds1 the porch1 the posts1 and the faces of their entrances2 he measured also every little chamber that was above upon the gates1 with all the spaces that were between 7,eze #dj74 ,now by gates1 ,i told you1 we are to understand the ,son of ,god1 as he is the way to the ,father1 and to the privileges of this city4 ,wherefore when he saith he measured the gates1 it is as if he had said1 he measured the entrance1 strength1 and goodly countenance of him1 with the mansions of glory that are to be enjoyed by every one that entereth in hereby2 for the porch1 posts1 face1 entrance1 and chambers of the gate in ,ezekiel1 they signify the entrance1 strength1 shining countenance1 and resting places that every one shall find in the ,lord ,jesus that entereth in by him2 and to measure all these1 it is in substance but this1 to set them forth1 and out1 in their full force1 glory1 largeness1 beauty1 and profitableness1 in the view of all2 for ,i told you at the first1 the golden reed is the ,word of ,god4 ,now the city and the gates thereof1 are said to be measured by this golden reed3 which1 ,i say1 can be nothing else but an opening of all the excellencies of ,christ1 as he is the gate of the sheep1 even by the full sway1 power1 majesty1 and clearness of the ,word4 ,the ,lord help us6 ,christ1 as he is the door to ,god1 and to all gospel-privileges1 is now strangely handled1 and so hath been of a long time among the sons of men2 some of them making him the very in-let to all the vile and abominable crew in the world1 counting all that are pliant to their ungodly humours1 the saints of the ,most ,high1 and ,christ the door and gate through whom they have right to enter2 and to whom belong the delicates of the precious things of ,god1 even those which he hath most choicely laid up and reserveth for none but those that unfeignedly turn from iniquity1 and walk with him in the newness of the ,spirit4 ,others again do shut up the gates against the godly1 labouring with might and main to hinder those that labour to enter1 that fain would do it unfeignedly 7,matt #bc3ad2 #b ,chron #bi3g74aa ,others again do labour all that in them lies to deface the gates1 to take away their beauty3 like him that took the gold from off the doors and gates of the temple 7#b ,kings #ah3af74 ,rendering ,christ a low and carnal business1 c4 ,but at the measuring-day1 at the day when the golden reed shall be the alone rule3 then you shall see this city1 and her gates discovered in their own glory1 holiness1 and beauty4 ,for though in our affliction under antichrist1 our temple and instruments of worship1 with the city1 wall1 gates1 and the like1 have been much defaced1 even our doctrine of faith and worship1 and have been much trod and trampled under the foot of the uncircumcised1 yet all shall be recovered and brought into order again by the golden reed of the word of ,god4 ,which thing was figured forth to us by the good man ,ezra the scribe1 who at the restoring of ,jerusalem took review of all the things pertaining to the city1 both touching its branches and deformity1 and also how to set all things in order1 and that by the law of ,god which was in his hand1 even according to the writing thereof 7,ezra #g3ad2 #h3cd2 ,neh #h3i74 ,and whosoever doth but read the history of ,ezra and ,nehemiah throughout1 they shall find that by the ,word of ,god they brought all things to pass2 all the ordinances of the house and city of ,god into their right and holy order4 ,and indeed the measuring of the city and of the gates thereof1 which is ,christ the way1 it can be nothing else but a bringing of them by the right understanding and opening of the ,word into their proper places and excellencies1 both for comers in1 and goers out1 according to the commandment 7,eze #dj3d2 #dc3g-ab74 ,for1 to speak properly1 ,christ in his love1 grace1 merits1 and largeness of heart1 to let souls into communion with ,god and all happiness1 is in all these things unsearchable1 and passing knowledge1 being filled with these things beyond thought1 and without measure 7,eph #c3h1ah1ai2 ,col #a3i2 ,john #c3cd74 ,the wall measured4 ,and he measured the city1 the gates thereof1 and the wall thereof4 ,in that he saith1 he measured the wall also1 it is to show us that all things now are according to the rule of the ,word3 the inhabitants are according to the ,word1 the entrance is according to the ,word1 yea1 and so is the safety of it also1 even a fence to fence them from their enemies2 even a fence on every side1 that they may be at ease and rest1 and be no more a tossing to and fro4 ',o thou afflicted1 tossed with tempest1' saith he1 'and not comforted1 ,i will do many good things for thee--,in righteousness shalt thou be established3 thou shalt be far from oppression2 for thou shalt not fear2 and from terror1 for it shall not come near thee' 7,isa #dd3aa-ad74 ,touching the wall1 what it is1 ,i have spoken already2 therefore here ,i speak only to the measure of it1 which measure is only the fulfilling all those promises and engagements of ,god that are made to ,new ,jerusalem1 for her safety and continual defence2 and that not only in her own eyes1 but in the eyes of all her beholders4 ,then shall that saying be with gladness in the mouths of all the inhabitants of this ,jerusalem1 ',we were bondmen1 yet our ,god hath not forsaken us in our bondage1 but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of ,persia1 to give us a reviving to set up the house of our ,god1 and to repair the desolations thereof1 and to give us a wall in ,judah and in ,jerusalem' 7,ezra #i3i74 ,which wall1 ,i say1 shall be so conspicuous to all the adversaries of this holy and beloved city1 that the greatest of them shall not once dare to peep or mutter#ab against her any more4 ',god is known in her palaces for a refuge4 ,for1 lo1 the kings were assembled1 they passed by together1 they saw it1 and so they marvelled2 they were troubled1 and hasted away4 ,fear took hold upon them there1 and pain1 as of a woman in travail' 7,psa #dh3a-f74 ,as it is said of the building of the wall after the captivity3 when the enemies and all the heathen saw it was finished1 'they were much cast down in their own eyes' 7,neh #f3ae1af74 ,the regulating of this city by this golden reed1 and the measuring the gates and wall by this word1 when finished1 will then cause all that have skill in singing the ,lord's songs1 and of lifting up the praises of ,god in this city1 to gather themselves together to sing1 and to praise1 and to say1 ,bless ye the name of the ,lord1 for his mercies endure for ever3 for then will they purify the people1 this city1 with the gates and wall thereof 7,neh #ab3bg-dg74 ,wherefore in the mean time1 between this and the building of this city1 let ,jerusalem come into your mind1 and walk about her1 'go round about her1' inquire by the ,word what ,god hath said of her state1 strength1 safety1 ease1 peace1 and blessed tranquillity in the latter days1 'tell the towers thereof4 ,mark ye well her bulwarks1 consider her palaces1 that ye may tell it to the generations following' 7,psa #dh3ab1ac74 ,the form and measure of the city4 ,ver4 #af4 ',and the city lieth four square1 and the length is as large as the breadth3 and he measured the city with the reed1 twelve thousand furlongs1 the length1 and the breadth1 and height of it are equal4' ',and the city lieth four square4' ,these words do open unto you the matter yet more1 to wit1 that now both the city1 gates1 and wall were exactly in their visibility according to the ,word1 lying even every way with that golden reed3 for by four square you are to understand perfection1 or an answering the figures that of old did figure to us the completeness and perfection of the ,new ,testament order4 ,for if you search the ,scriptures1 you will find that especially the great and principal instruments of ,god's worship in and under the law1 their perfection was what here you read to be the perfection of this city1 even a four square4 ,as for instance1 ,the breastplate of judgment1 on which were engraved the names of the children of ,israel1 its exact point of perfection was to be a right four square4 ,the ten bases also1 that were to be for bearers to the lavers in the temple1 they were to be four square3 the altar of burnt-offerings likewise1 with the altar of incense1 their perfect pattern was that they should be four square4 ,the inward court1 and outward court1 with the posts of the temple1 and tables on which they were to slay the sacrifices1 they were all four square4 ,yea1 the city in the type1 in the vision of ,ezekiel1 was seen to be of the same frame and fashion every way1 having just twelve gates1 and on each of the four sides three gates4 ,wherefore1 when he saith the city lieth four square1 it is as if he had said she lieth even with the pattern or golden reed of the ,word2 even1 ,i say1 both in her members1 doctrine1 worship1 and manners3 for the things afore hinted unto you do hold forth all these particulars 7,exo #bh3ae1af2 #ci3h1i2 #bg3a2 #ch3a2 #cg3a2 #a ,kings #g3bg1bh2 ,eze #dc3acah2 #dj2 #da3ba2 #dh3cj-cd74 ',and the length is as large as the breadth4' ,this explaineth the matter yet more fully and distinctly2 for as to the things that ,i made mention of before1 though they were to be made four square1 and that their perfection lay exactly in that form1 yet these squares did not lie in their height and depth1 but in their length and breadth1 just as you read here of the square of this city4 ,as to instance3 ,the altars1 though they were five cubits long1 and five cubits broad1 yet but three high 7,exo #bg3a2 #cc3a2 #a ,kings #g74 ,so the bases1 they were a cubit and an half broad1 and a cubit and an half long1 yet but half a cubit high2 the tables also on which they slew the sacrifices1 they were a cubit and a half long1 and a cubit and a half broad1 yet but one cubit high 7,eze #dj3db74 ,which things being thus1 you see the reason of his saying 'the length is as large as the breadth4' ,now by length and breadth here1 we may yet observe another mystery held forth unto us2 for by the breadth is held forth the perfection of the rule1 or law to which all ,christians ought to yield their hearty obedience3 his commandment is exceeding broad 7,psa #aai3if74 ,the breadth of which is signified1 ,i say1 by the breadth of those things that before you see to be the instruments of the worship of ,god4 ,now1 as by breadth we are to understand the perfect latitude and compass of the commandment2 so by length we are to understand the answerableness of the obedience of the inhabitants of this city2 for indeed the perfection of ,christian obedience lieth in an answerableness to the will of ,god2 as it is said of the father and mother of ,john the ,baptist1 they walked in all the commandments of the ,lord blameless 7,luke #a3f74 ,and of ,anna1 that she continued without ceasing in the service of ,god in the temple day and night 7,luke #b3cg74 ,this is to be as long in our obedience1 as the law is broad in commanding4 ,the law commands right obedience1 and the ,christian giveth it2 the law commands continual obedience1 and the ,christian giveth it2 the law commands universal obedience1 and the ,christian giveth it4 ,he giveth it all these sorts of obedience1 #a4 ,by the person of ,christ1 for he is his righteousness 7#a ,cor #a3cj74 ,he giveth it all these1 #b4 ,with the consent of the mind 7,rom #g3af74 ,and #c4 ,he giveth it all these obediences in the love of the ,spirit1 which the apostle calleth the fulfilling of the law1 that is1 an answering the breadth of its command by the length of obedience 7,rom #ac3aj74 ,wherefore when he saith the length is as large as the breadth1 he would have us understand how perfect in holiness these blessed souls will be at this day2 and indeed1 this is it that is by ,god expected to be in this city at this day4 ,as the angel with his measuring-line said to ,zechariah1 ,i am going 'to measure ,jerusalem1 to see what is the breadth thereof1 and what is the length thereof' 7,zech #b3b74 ,to see whether their doctrine be pure1 and whether their obedience be answerable4 ',and he measured the city with the reed1 twelve thousand furlongs4' ,these latter words do refer us to a distinct measure from that which went before2 the former measure pointing at the breadth of her commandment and the length of her obedience1 but this at the glory and fulness of her mansions and portions2 for after he had said the city lieth four square1 and that the length is as large as the breadth1 which is the full and complete effect of that first measure1 he comes over again with another measuring1 saying1 ',and he measured the city1--twelve thousand furlongs'2 as who should say1 he measured the city1 gates and wall first1 and found them all exact1 and according to the golden reed2 and after he had so done1 he measured the city with the reed twelve thousand furlongs4 ',he measured the city with the reed'2 that is1 he measured out to the city1 he measured for the city1 for its lot and portion1 twelve thousand furlongs4 ,which very thing you find in the vision of the prophet ,ezekiel2 for after ha had measured the city1 the vessels1 with the instruments of worship1 ,i say1 when he had done this1 he comes again with an afterwards1 to measure the city1 her portions and mansions 7,eze #dg3a1 c474 ,wherefore ,i say1 these words do refer to her portion that she is to enjoy of her ,god1 as the former referreth to her duty and obedience4 ,now that which maketh me conclude that this latter measure is a measure distinct from the former1 and that it relateth neither to the exactness of rule1 nor the completeness of obedience1 but only to the largeness of the portions that ,god will allot for thy sons and daughters1 thou city of ,god2 it is1 ,first1 ,because this is the biggest measure4 ,for ,i find1 by considering the ,scripture1 that as the persons and things pertaining to the worship of ,god were to go according to the rule of this golden reed1 so also the portions that pertained to the persons worshipping were to go by rule and measure also1 as here he saith he measured also the city1 or to it1 with the reed1 twelve thousand furlongs4 ,and hence it is that our grace is called the measure of grace1 and that our glory is called a weight of glory 7,rom #ab3c2 ,eph #d3g2 #b ,cor #d3ag74 ,now ,i say1 ,i find that our portions do go always under the biggest measure2 the spoons1 cups1 flagons1 snuffers1 basons1 candlesticks1 and pans1 which were the instruments of worship1 were not so large as the chambers in the temple1 and the compass of the holy land1 which were the mansions and the portions of the church4 ,see ,joshua #ae-af2 ,john #ad3a-c4 ,secondly1 ,i take the twelve thousand furlongs to signify portions1 rather than worship or worshippers2 because1 as to the nature of it1 it most exactly agrees with the portions that are measured out to this city by the angel before ,ezekiel1 which is a measuring forth so much land for the portion of the prince1 so much for the portion of the priest1 and so much for the portion of the twelve tribes4 ,yea1 the very phrase1 twelve thousand furlongs1 also implieth such a compass of ground1 by which we find the holy land hath been measured 7,eze #de-dg2 ,luke #bd3ac2 ,john #f3ah74 ,lastly1 ,i take it to be this also2 because ,i find not in all this description of this holy city that any place doth give us that ground to speak to her measure of portion as this2 and it would seem strange to me that the description of this city given by ,ezekiel should be more complete than this that is given by our prophet ,john2 for ,ezekiel doth most amply set forth her portions1 even distinctly1 for prince1 priest1 and the tribes in particular4 ,this therefore is to be understood of the portions of the city which ,john did see were measured out unto her immediately after he saw the breadth of her rule and the length of her obedience4 ,only consider that ,ezekiel measureth by reeds1 not counting by furlongs2 but ,john1 though he measureth by reeds1 yet counteth by furlongs4 ,but now1 though the ,holy ,ghost is thus pleased to speak of the portions of the saints in the ,new ,jerusalem1 as if he intended chiefly that their portion should consist in outward happiness1 and in the enjoyment of such and such a portion or compass of ground3 yet consider that these are but metaphorical and borrowed expressions1 spoken to our capacities1 under which is indeed included the nature of our blessed and spiritual food and nourishment4 ,you know it is usual for the ,holy ,ghost in ,scripture to call the saints sheep1 lambs1 heifers1 cows1 rams1 doves1 swallows1 pelicans1 and the like2 and also to call their food1 their spiritual and heavenly food1 grass1 provender1 wheat1 wine1 oil1 grapes1 apples1 figs1 nuts1 and the like also2 all which are but shadowish and figurative expressions1 even as this of the measure of the twelve thousand furlongs 7,john #aj3ae1af2 ,amos #d3c2 ,jer #ca3ah2 ,cant #b3e2 ,eze #cd3ad2 ,zech #aj3a2 ,isa #cj3bd2 ,micah #d3d74 ,and observe it1 that which ,john saith here is twelve thousand furlongs1 ,ezekiel tells us it lieth on this side and on that side of the bank of the river of the water of life 7,eze #dg3h1i74 ,now ,i think there is none so much void of understanding as to think this water of life is anything else but the precious grace of ,god1 in and through the ,lord ,jesus4 ,wherefore the ground or measure for portions1 it is nothing else but our spiritual and heavenly food1 even spiritual grace1 and gifts1 and comforts1 that the holy ones of this city shall most plentifully partake of and enjoy4 ,and so indeed the prophet also saith1 speaking of the portions of the holy land for this city4 ',the increase thereof1' saith he1 'shall be for food unto them that serve the city1 and they that serve the city shall serve it out of all the twelve tribes of ,israel' 7,eze #dh3ah1ai74 ,out of the twelve tribes1 that is1 out of the twelve thousand furlongs1 which is the portion of the tribes4 ,this is according to the saying of the prophet ,david1 ',he maketh me to lie down in green pastures1 he leadeth me beside the still waters' 7,psa #bc3b74 ,and again1 ',for the ,lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them1 and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters' 7,rev #g3ag74 ',for your shame1 ye shall have double2 and for confusion1 they shall rejoice in their portion3 therefore in their land they shall possess the double2 everlasting joy shall be unto them' 7,isa #fa3g74 ,thus you see the measure of the city1 gates1 and wall1 and the effect of that2 and thus you see also the measure of the portion for the city1 with what it is3 wherefore it remaineth that we see what is to be the effect of that also4 ',and he measured the city with a reed1 twelve thousand furlongs1 the length and the breadth and the height of it are equal4' ,before he told us that the length was as large as the breadth1 which ,i then told you did signify the nature of her rule and the measure of her obedience4 ,but now he adds and saith1 that both in length and breadth and in height she is equal4 ,wherefore in that he adds at last a squareness of height to her squareness of length and breadth2 and also in that he adds it not before he had told us of the measure of her portions1 he would have us to understand that as the rule in which this city shall walk shall be complete1 and as her obedience to that rule shall be complete1 so her enjoyment of ,god and his grace at that day shall be proportionable also4 ,she is square in her rule1 square in her obedience1 and square in her enjoyment of ,god and his goodness3 the length and the breadth and the height of it are equal4 ,indeed the ,scripture saith1 that in keeping his commandments there is great reward 7,psa #ai3aa74 ,and again1 ',this man shall be blessed in his deed' 7,james #a3be74 ,this showeth unto us then what glorious days these will be to the house and city of ,god1 even days in which saints shall see the mind of ,god clearly1 have hearts to do it completely1 and have continually the answerable enjoyment of ,god and spiritual happiness4 ,now will his paths drop fatness with a witness6 7,psa #fe3aa74 ,and now will he meet 'him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness1 those that remember thee in thy ways' 7,isa #fd3e74 ,and the length and the breadth and the height of it are equal4 ,wherefore the prophet in the vision of the measures of the portions doth observe that there was a squareness in them1 as well as in their ordinances and obedience3 and hence it is that he tells us that every little chamber was one reed broad and one reed long 7,eze #dj3g74 ,and again1 the oblation1 that is1 the portion for the tribes1 shall be five and twenty thousand 7,eze #dh3bj74 ,by five and twenty thousand ye shall offer the holy oblation ,,four ,,square1 with the portion of the city4 ,again1 ,in that he saith the length and the breadth1 and the height of it are equal1 he showeth us how fit this city at this day will be even for the kingdom of heaven and glory4 ,for observe1 that as the rule1 obedience1 and comforts of ,god1 do make this city a square city1 both in height1 and length1 and breadth2 so the holiest of all1 which was a type of heaven 7,heb #i3bd71 was of the same fashion also4 ,it was twenty cubits high1 and twenty cubits long1 and twenty cubits broad3 the length1 and the breadth1 and the height of it were equal 7#a ,kings #f3bj2 #b ,chron #c3h3 ,eze #da3d74 ,wherefore1 as now the will of ,god will be done1 according to the petition1 'on earth as it is in heaven' 7,matt #f3aj72 so will this city be at this day fit to enter into the holiest place2 even as fit as one four square is to shut into another4 ,here is a four square city for a four square heaven2 and the length and the breadth of it are equal4 ,wherefore it is upon this account that this city1 at her appearing1 is said to be adorned and prepared as a bride is for her husband1 which we all know is the most perfect and completest attire that is possible to be got4 ,and therefore it is1 again1 that at the coming of the ,lord those that go in with him to the marriage are said to be ready beforehand 7,rev #ba3b2 ,matt #be3aj74 ,ver4 #ag4 ',and he measured the wall thereof1 an hundred and forty and four cubits4' ,this measure of the wall that here he maketh mention of is also distinct from the former measure1 where he is said to measure the city1 gates1 and wall2 and it refers to such a wall1 or to such a part of the wall in such a place4 ,for ,i find that though the wall of this city in general is that which shall encompass the ,new ,jerusalem round1 yet this wall is in some place1 and for some reason1 of another manner and measure than the wall is in general1 as it compasseth round the city1 which part of the wall is called the broad wall1 the wall upon which even half of the people might walk complete at once 7,neh #c3h2 #ab3ch74 ,but to trace out the business in the type1 and so to come to its answer in the antitype2 ,i find that a little distance from ,jerusalem there was a place called ,tophet1 which place was counted profane1 unholy1 or defiled 7#b ,kings #bc3aj74 ,i find also that this unclean1 unholy place1 was a figure of hell itself 7,isa #cj3cc74 ,now mark1 ,i find by the ,scripture that against this ,tophet1 this unholy and profane place1 was the broad wall of the city for the defence of the sanctuary erected1 and reared up4 ,he measured1 saith the prophet1 by the four sides1 and it had a wall round about1 five hundred reeds long1 and five hundred reeds broad1 ',,to ,,make ,a ,,separation ,,between ,,the ,,sanctuary ,,and ,,the ,,profane ,,places' 7,eze #db3bj74 ,which wall could not be that wall which compasseth the city1 because it was but five hundred reeds long3 for take the measure of this wall in its largest measure1 and it is1 if you count a reed for that which we count a pole1 but twelve furlongs1 which compass will scarce go round many market towns2 especially if1 together with this1 you consider the breadth of the wall1 whose breadth is as large as its length2 wherefore now there is not room enough for a city so big as a cottage to stand in the midst thereof4 ,i speak this1 to show you that the wall in this place is not the wall that goeth round about the city1 but the wall that is placed just between the sanctuary and ,tophet1 or hell itself4 ,now though ,ezekiel and ,john do differ touching their count about the thickness of this wall1 it is not so much to signify the walls are not one and the same1 as to show us that the one1 to wit1 ,ezekiel's wall1 was to encompass a worldly sanctuary1 but ,john's to encompass a spiritual and heavenly2 wherefore ,ezekiel's must be of so many reeds long to go round about the material sanctuary1 as a type2 but ,john comes more to the spirit of the matter1 and showeth us what the sanctuary1 wall1 and the like should mean2 for by sanctuary we are to understand1 even in the ,old ,testament1 a place of safety and security1 which was a type of ,christ 7,eze #aa3af2 ,heb #f3ah74 ,now in that ,tophet did stand against the sanctuary in the letter1 it signifies that hell itself is bent against all those that take shelter in ,christ2 but to no purpose1 for in the very face of ,tophet1 even between it and our place of sanctuary1 is fixed an invincible and impregnable mighty wall1 to keep in safety those that have fled to ,christ for shelter4 ,now ,i say1 in that ,john tells us this wall is an hundred and forty-four cubits1 and waives the manner of the measure of ,ezekiel1 it is to show us that this wall is for the safety of the hundred and forty-four thousand that have taken sanctuary in ,christ1 that is1 all the holy and truly gracious souls that are with him on the ,mount ,zion1 having his ,father's name written in their foreheads 7,rev #g2 #ad3a-c74 ,both numbers1 ,i say1 being twelve times twelve1 implying a sufficient safety for all that are sincerely and truly gracious4 ,and now to bring down the matter to our ,new ,jerusalem state3 for though it be true in all ages1 that there is between those that have taken sanctuary in ,christ1 and the bottomless pit1 an invincible and mighty wall of grace and heavenly power1 and of the merits of ,christ1 to save to the uttermost all and every one that are thus fled to him for safety 7,heb #g3be1bf71 yet there is something in it more than this1 for those that come into the days and state of the ,new ,jerusalem4 ,for1 ,i say1 this wall being it that makes a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place in general1 and yet being spoken of as a thing extraordinary1 and accompanying the state of this new city only1 it implieth that at this day the saints shall have that shelter by this wall from all the force of hell1 and the damned spirits that now from ,tophet afflict them1 that they never had before4 ,and therefore you find at the beginning of the thousand years1 which1 as ,i conceive1 is the time of the building of this city1 a mighty angel is said to come down from heaven to lay hold of the dragon1 that old serpent1 called the devil and ,satan1 and to bind him a thousand years2 which done1 he casts him into the bottomless pit1 and there shuts him up1 to the end he should deceive the nations no more 7,rev #bj3a-c74 ,the effect of which will be not only a delivering of the saints from outward persecution1 but also from being any more assailed with either wicked and erroneous doctrine1 or fierce and fiery darts from the prince of darkness1 which now many of them are so much annoyed and afflicted with2 now the church will be free from those hellish suggestions to blaspheme1 to despair1 and the like1 that her members do yet most dreadfully and sadly meet with4 ,for observe1 this old tempter is said to be tied up1 or to be cast into the bottomless pit1 first as he is a dragon1 under which name he goeth in this book1 in his persecuting the church 7,rev #ab74 ,secondly1 he is said to be shut up1 as he goeth under the name of a serpent1 under which name he went when he fomented his devilish and damning seducing doctrine to our first parents2 the which the ,spirit expressly seems to relate unto1 and therefore calls him that old serpent2 that old serpent that deceived us at the first 7,gen #c3a-e74 ,thirdly1 he is said to be shut up also1 as he goeth under the name of the devil1 and ,satan1 under which name he goeth commonly in the ,new ,testament1 when he provoketh and stirreth up our lusts1 and when he labours to drive us into all manner of unbelief1 distrust1 despair1 and so consequently into murmurings and blasphemy against ,god 7,matt #d3a1e1h2 ,luke #d3b-f2 ,acts #e3a-c2 ,eph #f3aa2 #b ,cor #b3g1aa74 ,wherefore1 ,i say1 that at the day that this wall is set up in all its glory1 and when it performs every part and piece of its office to the full1 then shall ,satan be bruised under our feet indeed1 and then shall ,jerusalem be called the joyous city1 and her people a joy2 for her former sorrows shall be past and forgot 7,rom #af3bj3 ,rev #ba3d74 ,if thou still objectest3 ,but ,i have yet an evil heart1 and therefore if ,i be not rid of that at that day1 should ,i live till then1 why though there should be no devil to afflict me1 ,i shall feel and meet with sorrow and trouble enough4 ,i answer thee3 ,first1 ,i dare not say that at this day thou shalt be in every sense without thy evil heart in the midst of all this glory1 tempted soul4 ,yet ,i say thus much to thee- ,first4 ,where there is no devil to tempt1 though the saints will yet be imperfect1 and come short of a glorified state1 yet they1 by his absence1 will be delivered from many dreadful1 vexing1 and burning1 and hellish darts1 that will otherwise confound and afflict the soul like arrows whose heads are poisoned4 ,christians have a great deal of ease1 when ,god doth1 even at this day1 withhold the devil for a season1 though yet they have their own lusts1 over they have when the devil and their own lusts are suffered to meet and work together4 ,yea1 the ,lord ,jesus himself1 who had no sin1 yet in the temptation was fearfully handled and afflicted with the devil1 though all the while1 ,i say1 he kept him at staves end1#ac and did not suffer him in the least to annoy his person2 and therefore it is said that when he was in the wilderness1 in the conflict1 the angels came to minister to him 7,mark #a3ab1ac2 ,col #b3ad1ae74 ,at the time of his agony also-in which agony1 doubtless1 ,satan had a great hand to afflict him-you see his complaint1 how that he was sore amazed1 and exceeding sorrowful1 even unto death1 being so laden with heaviness and sorrow that he was scarce able to stand or wag under the burden of it 7,luke #bc3dd2 ,mark #ad3cc1cd74 ,satan1 even from himself1 besides the workings of our own lust1 doth do us wonderful injury1 and hits our souls with many a fiery dart that we think comes either from ourselves1 or from heaven1 and ,god himself2 but not by this wall1 this broad wall1 this sorrow will be cut off4 ,secondly4 ,again1 when ,satan is thus tied up1 we shall1 together with this mercy1 receive such a plentiful pouring forth of the ,holy ,ghost1 that though there will remain in us still remainders of our corruptions1 yet1 by the plentiful indwelling of the ,holy ,ghost1 and the joy and peace and heavenly sweetness thereof1 these things shall lie like lean1 withered1 blasted things4 ,the reason of that power and that strength1 that our lusts have to this day in our hearts1 it is because they are so lean1 and thin1 and weak in the things of ,god4 ,strong grace makes corruptions weak1 and strikes them thorough1 laying them at the point of death1 always gasping for life4 ,thus it was with ,moses1 he had such grace in his soul1 and such communion with ,god1 that though he had yet a body of sin within him1 it was a rare thing for him to see his wretchedness 7,num #aa3ad1ae72 that is1 to see it pert1 lively1 and powerful in him4 ,indeed ,god saith1 that upon the land of his people shall come up briars and thorns2 'yea1 upon all the houses of joy in the joyous city2 because the palaces shall be forsaken1 the multitude of the city shall be left1 the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever1 a joy of wild asses1 a pasture of flocks2 until the ,spirit be poured upon us from on high1 and the wilderness be a fruitful field1' c4 7,isa #cb3ac-ae74 ,and then 'the ,lord shall defend the inhabitants of ,jerusalem1 and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as ,david1 and the house of ,david shall be as ,god1 as the angel of the ,lord before them' 7,zech #ab3h74 ',the inhabitant shall not say1 ,i am sick2 the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity' 7,isa #cc3bd74 ',and he measured the wall thereof1 an hundred and forty and four cubits1 according to the measure of a man1 that is1 of the angel4' ',according to the measure of a man4' ,the man ,christ ,jesus4 ,for the measure of this city1 or the golden reed with which this city is thus measured1 it is his1 his word and law of the ,new ,testament4 ,all judgment is committed into the hand of the ,son2 and ,god 'hath given him authority to execute judgment also1 because he is the ,son of man' 7,john #e3bg2 #ab3dh74 ',according to the measure of a man1 that is1 of the angel4' ,this angel is one of the seven that had the seven last plagues to execute upon the man of sin 7,rev #ba3i71 and yet he saith the measure is according to the measure of a man2 the meaning is that the city1 the ,new ,jerusalem1 is to be built according to the word of ,christ2 but yet by his word as it is in the hand of his angels1 that is1 his messengers and servants2 of which servants1 the chief will be those that are his instruments to pour forth the seven vials full of the seven last plagues upon the ,antichristian harlot4 ,for they1 with their plagues1 will both destroy what standeth in implacable opposition1 and will subject the rest1 and bring them into a correspondency with the word and will of ,god1 as ,i have showed4 ,whence note1 that they of his servants that ,god shall use to pour forth his last and most dreadful plagues upon the whore1 they are they that ,god will use to show us the pattern of this holy city4 ,or thus1 they that can tell how to plague the whore1 they can tell how to measure this city4 ',the righteous men1 they shall judge them1' that is1 the ,antichristian harlot1 with her wicked and adulterous daughters1 'after the manner of adulteresses1 and after the manner of women that shed blood2 because they are adulteresses1 and blood is in their hands' 7,eze #bc3de74 ,thus much touching the frame of this city1 its walls1 gates1 and foundations1 with the measure of each4 ,and now it remains that ,i speak of the glory of them4 ,,third4 ,a ,,relation ,,of ,,the ,,glory ,,of ,,the ,,city1 ,,its ,,walls1 ,,gates1 ,,and ,,foundations4 ,ver4 #ah4 ',and the building of the wall of it was of jasper2 and the city was pure gold1 like unto clear glass4' ,the glory of the walls4 ,in these words you have a discovery of the glory1 both of the wall and city itself2 and that1 as you see1 under the notion of two choice metaphors4 ,the wall is jasper1 the chief of stones2 and the city is gold1 the chief of metals4 ',and the building of the wall of it was of jasper1 and the city was pure gold4' ,this jasper is that stone1 in the light of which this city is said to descend1 as in the light of a stone most precious4 ,now1 as there he saith she descended in the light of this stone1 so here he saith this stone is the wall thereof4 ',and the building of the wall of it was of jasper4' ,this therefore confirmeth unto you what ,i said of the wall before1 to wit1 that it was the salvation of ,god through ,christ2 wherefore1 learn this by the way1 that this city shall not be at this day in her own keeping1 but in the keeping of ,jesus ,christ4 ,he with his benefits doth compass her round1 and by him alone she lieth down in safety4 ,wherefore it is from this consideration that ,god doth say by the mouth of the prophet1 ,i will give them within my house1 and within my walls1 'a place and a name better than that of sons and of daughters2 ,i will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off' 7,isa #ef3e74 ',and the building of the wall1' c4 ,by this word building1 we are to understand both the materials of the wall1 the manner of their placing1 and the instruments that ,god will use for the setting up thereof4 ,now1 to speak properly1 this wall being the ,lord ,jesus ,christ himself in his precious merits1 benefits1 and offices1 the builder hereof must needs be ,god himself1 for he it is that hath made this ,christ for us a safeguard and defence1 by making of him our wisdom1 righteousness1 sanctification1 and redemption1 by which he doth encompass us round on every side1 and that at every moment to deliver us from the power and destruction both of sin1 death1 the devil1 and hell 7#a ,cor #a3cj2 ,heb #aa3aj2 #c3d74 ,but again1 the building here spoken of is a building of this wall after the destruction of ,antichrist1 and so long after ,christ was sent1 and made these things in his own person1 to his beloved and blessed church4 ,wherefore the building of this wall that is here spoken of1 it must be understood of the recovering again the purity of those doctrines1 in which the ,lord ,jesus1 with all his benefits1 is found and made ours1 for our everlasting defence and safety4 ,for we find that the king of ,babylon1 who was a type of our ,antichrist1 when he came up against ,jerusalem1 the type of our primitive church1 he brake down their city1 destroyed their walls1 rifled their houses1 and killed their children2 whose steps1 ,i say1 our ,antichrist follows to a hair1 in treading down the primitive church1 corrupting her doctrines-which are her safeguard and wall-also robbing and spoiling the houses of ,god1 and killing his children with a thousand calamities2 turning all the heavenly frame and order of church government into a heap of rubbish1 and a confused dunghill 7,psa #gd3d-g74 ,wherefore the building again of this wall is to be understood of the recovering1 and settling1 and fastening the doctrines of ,christ1 as afore1 in which doctrines he in all his benefits is wrapped and held fast for ever4 ,i say1 a recovering of them1 and setting him up again in his primitive and pure glory1 of being our priest1 prophet1 and king in his church1 and a giving unto these offices their own proper length1 breadth1 height1 and depth1 letting them rule in all their force1 glory1 and majesty1 and authority1 for then will be golden days1 and not till then2 then1 ,i say1 when the several offices of the ,lord ,jesus do rule in their own nature and largeness of authority1 both in the church and in the world 7,zech #i3g1h2 #ad3i2 ,rev #aa3ae74 ,alas6 this wall is yet unbuilt1 the offices of the ,lord ,jesus do not yet shine in that purity1 nor so stand in their proper places as they shall do at the coming in of ,new ,jerusalem4 ,the wall lies yet but as a heap of rubbish2 the offices of the ,lord ,christ are to this day by many preachers confounded1 and removed to and fro1 even like loose and rolling stones4 ,these offices1 also1 are by others attributed to ,antichrist1 and his children of iniquity2 but at this day the nations shall know themselves to be but men1 and the doctrines of ,christ shall be set again in their own places 7,eze #bh3b1c2 #b ,thess #b3d74 ,now shall every going into this city1 and every going out thereof1 stand where it ought2 and now shall every tower and fortress on this wall be placed as in the days of old2 which towers and fortresses are the glorious names and attributes of the ,father and ,christ2 for the name of the ,lord is a strong tower1 the righteous flee into it1 and are safe4 ,and again1 thou hast been a shelter to me1 and a strong tower from the enemy4 ,wherefore now1 ,i say1 shall the name of ,god1 as ,lord of all1 and ,father of his church1 with the names of the ,son1 as ,head1 ,saviour1 and ,king of kings1 be as the bulwarks to this city 7,cant #a3aj71 to which shall be added all the promises1 consolations1 encouragements1 c41 in the blessed book of ,god1 out of which this city continually shall suck the milk and nourishment of the unsearchable grace of ,god to them 7#a ,peter #b3a1b74 ,to all which shall be added many new pieces of timber in the wall1 for so it was in the type at the rebuilding of the city 7,neh #b3h74 ,by which new pieces ,i gather1 that the special providence of ,god1 and his protection1 shall be at this day so fastened in this wall for the complete delivering of this city1 both from hell and earth1 that she shall stand in full force1 safety1 and peace1 even till the heavens and the earth shall be no more4 ,now1 when this wall is thus set up1 even every truth and office of ,christ in its own true natural force1 about this city1 and when ,god1 in his special and most endeared affections1 shall engage himself1 even everlastingly1 to keep this city safe from all storms and tempests1 and trouble1 and sorrow1 then shall these citizens1 as a sign of their conquest both of hell and the world1 even set up their banners on the several towers of this wall1 and the standards that belong to the tribes thereof2 then1 ,i say1 'we will rejoice in thy salvation1' ,o ,lord1 'and in the name of our ,god will we set up our banners' 7,psa #bj3e74 ,and then shall the inhabitants of the world both wondering and tremblingly say1 ',who is she that looketh forth as the morning1 fair as the moon1 clear as the sun1 and terrible as an army with banners8' 7,cant #f3aj74 ,o the names of ,god1 of ,christ1 of his offices1 and the power of his grace and promises6 ,how will they shine8 ,in what glory will they appear8 ,they will be even as a wall of fire round about ,jerusalem2 and will not be1 as now1 in the mind and thought of the people as the white of an egg in the mouth1 without taste2 but shall be1 and appear in their own brightness1 sweetness1 and grace4 ',for how great is his goodness1 and how great is his beauty8 corn shall make the young men cheerful1 and new wine the maids' 7,zech #i3aj74 ',in that day thou shalt say1 ,o ,lord1 ,i will praise thee2 though thou wast angry with me1 thine anger is turned away1 and thou comfortest me4 ,behold1 ,god is my salvation2 ,i will trust and not be afraid2 for the ,lord ,,jehovah is my strength1 and my song1 he also is become my salvation' 7,isa #ab3a1b74 ,for the workman1 ,i am sure1 ,god is the principal1 as ,i said before2 but yet he will do it by instruments1 through the guidance of his ,spirit4 ,the building of the wall of old was of ,god2 but so as that he did it by the hand of ,nehemiah and his companions4 ,i do observe1 in the completing of the city of ,jerusalem of old1 that there was first altar-work1 then temple-work1 and after that the building of the wall and completing the city4 ,altar-work1 ,i say1 was the first which was reared1 and on which there were offered1 according to the law and holy custom1 the sacrifices and offerings both morning and evening1 as every day required4 ',but the foundation of the temple of the ,lord was not yet laid' 7,ezra #c3a-f74 ,these altar-men were those also that afterward built the temple2 but yet by them was first of all repaired the altar1 to signify that the first work that will be on foot at the beginning of the return of the ,christians from out of ,antichristian ,babylon1 it will be to find out altar-work1 that is1 the priestly office of ,christ1 and to offer by him the prayers and supplications of the church continually 7,acts #ai3i74 ,wherefore these altar-men1 or these men in their altar-work1 did figure out for us our famous and holy worthies1 that before us have risen up in their place1 and shook off those relics of ,antichrist that entrenched upon the priestly office of our ,lord and ,saviour1 even worthy ,wickliff1 ,huss1 ,luther1 ,melancthon1 ,calvin1 and the blessed martyrs in ,queen ,mary's days1 c41 with the rest of their companions4 ,these1 in their days1 were stout and valiant champions for ,god according to their light1 and did upon the altar of ,god1 which is ,christ our ,lord1 offer up many strong cries1 with groans and tears1 as every day required1 for the complete recovering of the church of ,god2 the benefit of whose offering we have felt and enjoyed to this day2 but by this the foundation of the temple was not yet laid 7,ezra #c3f74 ,now after these arise another people1 not another with respect to ,christianity1 but with respect to further light4#ad ,these men1 though they keep the continual offerings upon the altar1 as the other did1 yet they are men also that are for temple-work2 wherefore these begin to search out the foundations of the temple of ,god1 that they may rear up the house1 as well as build up the altar4 ,these be they that are for having the church a select company of visible believers1 walking in the faith and holiness of the gospel1 which believers are for separating from the unconverted and open profane1 and for building up one another an holy temple in the ,lord1 through the ,spirit 7#a ,cor #ab3ac74 ,i say1 a temple1 or house1 or church1 separate and distinct from that confused heap of rubbish and carnal gospellers that everywhere1 like locusts and maggots1 crawl up and down the nations 7,rom #a3g2 #b ,cor #f3ad-af2 ,acts #b3dj2 ,eph #b3ba1bb2 #a ,cor #e3aa-ac74 ,these were figured forth by ,zerubbabel1 ,joshua1 and all the people of the land that are for working and labouring in this service of temple-work 7,haggai #a3ab2 #b3a-e74 ,again1 ,as there is thus altar-work and temple-work to be done by the saints when they are coming out of spiritual ,sodom and ,egypt2 so1 at the end of these1 there will be city-work on foot also4 ,which city-work will chiefly consist in setting up the wall and gates for defence1 and of building themselves houses or mansions of rest and refreshment after all their hard usage under the tyranny of the man of sin1 that son of perdition 7,isa #fe3ai-ba74 ,which city-work will be then completed1 when the church of ,christ hath obtained a complete conquest and victory over the world1 and hath got her enemies and them that hate her1 to lie at her feet1 and to lick the dust of the soles thereof 7,isa #fj3ad74 ,for1 as ,i have told you already1 temple-work1 yea1 when that is complete in the work1 yet there may be great havoc made of the church of ,christ 7,rev #aa3a-c74 ,at which time also1 city-work may be trampled under the feet of the wicked and uncircumcised ,gentiles2 but when the city is built1 then ,zion is become a stronghold1 and about all her glory shall be a defence 7,isa #d3e74 ,then she either draweth and allureth her adversaries to entreat her kindly1 and to count it their honour to be under her protection1 as did the ,gibeonites2 or else she breaks1 and bruises1 and subjects them to her by her power and authority 7,josh #i74 ',the daughter of ,tyre shall be there with a gift1 even the rich among the people shall entreat thy favour' 7,psa #de3ab74 ',in the last days1' saith the prophet1 'it shall come to pass1 that the mountain of the house of the ,lord shall be established in the top of the mountains1 and it shall be exalted above the hills2 and people shall flow unto it4 ,and many nations shall come and say1--,let us go up unto the mountain of the ,lord1 and to the house of the ,god of ,jacob1 and he will teach us of his ways1 and we will walk in his paths3 for the law shall go forth of ,zion1 and the word of the ,lord from ,jerusalem4 ,and he shall judge among many people1 and rebuke strong nations afar off2 and they shall beat their swords into plough-shares1 and their spears into pruning-hooks'2 that force and power that they used formerly to destroy the church of ,god1 now they shall use it to do her service1 even to break up the clods of the hearts of sinners1 and to prune and dress the house of ,god1 and vineyard of ,jesus ,christ2 'nation shall not lift up a sword against nation1 neither shall they learn war any more'2 for the word of the kingdom of peace shall bear sway4 ',and thou1 ,o tower of the flock1 the stronghold of the daughter of ,zion1 unto thee shall it come1 even the first dominion2 the kingdom shall come to the daughter of ,jerusalem' 7,micah #d3a-c1h74 ,this is city-work1 and as to the glory1 peace1 and deliverance of the church1 it is the chiefest of all other1 because it is not only most excellent for concourse and multitude1 but1 ,i say1 for preservation and safety2 and that not only to keep the worshippers1 if they keep their order1 but to keep the order and worshippers both in order and continual safety1 that they may be for ever in the purest order4 ,but now1 though at the completing of this wall1 and the building its towers1 when they are finished there will be great peace2 yet all the time that these things are doing1 before they be done1 let the workmen look for opposition1 taunts1 underminers1 and a thousand tricks for the hindrance of it 7,neh #d3a-aa2 #f3a-ad74 ,for the streets of the city shall be built1 and the wall1 'even in troublous times' 7,dan #i3be74 ',and the building of the wall of it was of jasper4' ,of jasper only2 for as by building is showed unto us the manner of the work1 so by jasper is showed unto us the matter itself2 the matter therefore must be1 ,,jasper1 ,christ only1 his ,word1 offices1 and glorious brightness only2 for indeed1 whatever the special grace1 protection1 and providence of ,god will at this day be over this city1 yet it shall be every whit of it according to ,christ2 that is1 both of him1 for him1 and by him1 as the fruits and effects of his suffering1 bloodshed1 and merits4 ',therefore1' saith ,god1 'will ,i divide him a portion with the great1 and he shall divide the spoil with the strong2 because he hath poured out his soul unto death3 and was numbered with the transgressors' 7,isa #ec3ab74 ,o holiness1 how will it shine both in kings and nations1 when ,god doth this6 ,the glory of the city4 ',and the city was pure gold4' ,having thus given us a discovery of the glory of the wall1 he now comes to show us the glory of the city that is within the wall4 ,the city1 saith he1 is gold1 it is pure gold4 ,this was figured out by the golden candlesticks belonging to the tabernacle and temple among the ,jews1 which candlesticks did then present unto us the worth and use of the church of ,christ 7,exo #be3ca-cf74 ',the seven candlesticks are the seven churches1' saith the ,lord ,christ himself 7,rev #a3bj74 ,now the city here spoken of is the church in her highest and greatest glory4 ,its state was also figured out by the temple itself1 whose beams1 posts1 walls1 doors1 and the like1 were most famously covered over with gold 7#b ,chron #c3e-g74 ,it was also1 though but leanly1 represented to us by the golden state of old ,jerusalem in the days of ,solomon the king1 in which state gold was so plentiful in the midst thereof1 that silver was nothing counted of among the citizens there in those days1 but was as common as the stones in the street of the city 7#b ,chron #i3ac-bb1bg74 ',and the city was pure gold4' ,i find by the search of the ,scriptures1 that there are divers sorts of gold in the world2 there is the gold of the land of ,havilah 7,gen #b3aa72 the gold of ,parvaim 7#b ,chron #c3f72 the gold of ,ophir 7,job #bb3bd72 the gold of ,sheba 7,psa #gb3ae72 and the gold of ,uphaz 7,jer #aj3i74 ,now seeing he saith the city is gold1 yet not distinguishing what gold1 or which1 we may suppose in this place he means gold of all these sorts2 and indeed it is most agreeable to this text thus to judges4 ,for the church at this day shall be made up of the twelve tribes that are scattered abroad1 and of the ,gentile nations both far and near2 who1 as they now lie1 are1 for ought ,i can learn1 at as great a distance1 and as remote from one another1 not only in knowledge and affections1 but touching the places of their abode1 as are the golden mines out of which the gold that ,i spake of before is digged and fetched4 ,thus shall gold1 the golden saints of ,god1 at this day be gathered out of the several golden mines of the world1 and be brought to ,king ,solomon1 the ,son of ,david1 our ,lord ,jesus1 to ,jerusalem1 with which he will build him a golden shining city1 the joy of all the world4 ',and the city was pure gold4' ,gold is the choice and chief of all metals1 both for worth1 colour1 and virtue2 wherefore1 when he saith1 ',the city is gold1' you may conceive how rich and shining1 and virtuous#ae this city will be2 the riches of the whole world will be here1 the beauty of the whole world will be here1 and the virtue of the whole world will be here2 ,i mean spiritual riches1 beauty1 and health4 ,wherefore the rest of the world at this day will be but as a crushed bunch of herbs in which is no virtue2 or like a furnace full of dross1 out of which the gold is taken2 or like an old1 crazy1 and ruinous house1 from which is departed all health and happiness2 and indeed much like to this is that saying of the prophet1 to wit1 that at this day the whole circumference of the world that is without the walls and privileges of this city1 it shall be but like an old ruinous house1 in which dwells nothing but cormorants1 bitterns1 owls1 ravens1 dragons1 satyrs1 the screech-owl1 the great owl1 the vulture1 and the like most doleful birds4 ,all their princes shall be nothing1 saith the prophet1 and when they call their nobles to the kingdom1 none shall be there4 ,in their very palaces shall be thorns1 and nettles1 and brambles2 for all among them that are princes and nobles indeed1 will have packed up1 and be gone for ,jerusalem 7,isa #cd3aj-ag74 ,so that the world1 ,i say1 will be left empty1 void1 and stripped both of treasure1 beauty1 and health1 at the day of ,jerusalem's building again4 ,but ,o how melancholy a forlorn1 beautiless world will this be at this day6 ,it will be only the place of 'dogs1 and sorcerers1 and whoremongers1 and murderers1 and idolaters1 and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie' 7,rev #bb3ae74 ,it will now be the very emblem of hell1 as the church at this day will be the emblem of heaven4 ,wherefore1 as the church1 as ,i showed you before1 will be most fit for her putting on of immortality and incorruption1 so the world will at this day be most fit to be swallowed up of the lake and bottomless gulf4 ,all things that are good and worth anything shall at this day be found only in the city of ,god4 ,the gold will be in ,jerusalem 7,zech #ad3ad2 ,rev #ah74 ,again1 ,in that this city is here called by the name of gold it is to show us how great pains1 and travel1 and charge the ,lord ,christ hath been at to get so great a treasure together4 ,gold is fetched from a far country1 and that with great pains1 charge1 and difficulty 7#b ,chron #i3aj74 ,the gold wherewith ,king ,solomon made his drinking vessels1 it cost a three years' journey to obtain it4 ,so the saints also1 those golden vessels wherewith is made this golden city1 they cost ,christ a three days' travel in the heart of the earth1 even sweatingly under the wrath of ,god1 to obtain them1 and thus to build this city with them 7,luke #bb3dd2 ,mark #ab3dj74 ,further1 ,in that he saith this city is gold1 he would have us to consider what the state of the church was before she came into this happy condition1 to wit1 an afflicted1 tempted1 and tried condition4 ,gold1 as it comes from the mine1 it cometh commixed with its dust and ore2 wherefore the goldsmith hath a burning furnace wherein he having put it1 doth with the fire purge and take away the dross and dust from among the metal itself2 into which furnace he puts it once1 twice1 thrice1 and again to the end it may at length be thoroughly cleansed and purified from its dross4 ,now all this befalleth the people of ,god2 they are thrown into the burning fiery furnace of affliction and temptation1 and there they are tried1 purged1 and purified 7,isa #ca3i74 ,as the ,lord also saith by the prophet1 ',i will try them as gold is tried1 and will refine them as silver is refined' 7,zech #ac3i74 ,yea1 ',i will melt them and try them1 for how shall ,i do for the daughter of my people' 7,jer #i3g74 ,lastly1 ,when he saith this city is gold1 he also thereby insinuates how invincible and unconquerable a spirit the people of ,god are possessed with4 ,gold is a metal so invincible and unconquerable1 that no fire can consume it2 it may burn it indeed1 and melt it2 the dross indeed doth consume and give way to the power of the fire1 but the gold remains1 and holds its ground2 yea1 it gets ground even of the furnace and fire itself2 for the more it is burned and melted1 the more it recovers its colour1 and the more it shakes off its dross and dishonour4 ,just thus it is with the people of ,god1 and hath been so even from the beginning3 the more they oppressed them1 the more they grew 7,exo #a3ab74 ,the truth of which will be proved with a witness1 when ,god comes to set up this city ,jerusalem3 his church hath been now for many hundred years in the king of ,babylon's furnace2 all which time she hath most gloriously endured and withstood the heat2 and at last when the fire hath done its worst against her1 behold there comes out a city of gold4 ,a type of which was the state of the three children1 who though they were cast into the fire bound and in disgrace2 yet came out in the liberty and grace of the ,son of ,god 7,dan #c3bc-bf74 ,wherefore let her be bold to say1 even before she comes out of the fire1 ,when ,i am tried1 ',i shall come forth as gold' 7,job #bc3aj74 ',and the city was ,,pure gold4' ,these words1 ,,pure ,,gold1 clear up what ,i said already4 ,pure gold1 or gold upon which the fire hath done its work4 ,the church in the fire of persecution is like ,esther in the perfuming chamber1 but making fit for the presence of the king2 which fire1 when it hath done its work1 then she comes into his presence in clothing all of gold 7,esth #b3aj74 ',the king's daughter is all glorious within1 her clothing is of wrought gold4' ,and again1 ',at thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of ,ophir' 7,psa #de3i1ac74 ,wherefore he means by pure gold1 gold out of the fire1 gold on which the fire of persecution and temptation hath done its full and complete work4 ',and the city was pure gold1 like unto clear glass4' ,by glass1 in this place1 we are to understand the ,word of ,god1 as both ,james and ,paul do testify 7,james #a3bb-be2 #b ,cor #c3ah2 #a ,cor #ac3ab74 ,by clear glass then1 we are to understand the ,word in its own nature and purity1 without the corruptions and traditions of men4 ,wherefore1 when he saith this golden city was like unto clear glass1 it is as if he had said she is even with the ,word and law of her goldsmith1 in all her matters4 ,the ,word is a golden reed1 this city a golden city2 and that1 a golden city1 taken out of the furnace of affliction1 and therefore like to the golden reed4 ',and the city was pure gold1 like unto clear glass4' ,the glory of the foundations4 ,ver4 #ai1 #bj4 ',and the foundations of the wall were garnished with all manner of precious stones4 ,the first foundation was jasper2 the second1 sapphire2 the third1 a chalcedony2 the fourth1 an emerald2 the fifth1 sardonyx2 the sixth1 sardius2 the seventh1 chrysolite2 the eighth1 beryl2 the ninth1 a topaz2 the tenth1 a chrysoprasus2 the eleventh1 a jacinth2 the twelfth1 an amethyst4' ,thus having showed us the glory of the wall1 and of the city1 he now comes to show us the glory of the foundations4 ,the foundations you know1 ,i told you before1 they are the twelve apostles in their doctrine1 or the primitive doctrine of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb4 ,now the great business in this place will be to show you the garnishing of these foundations1 and also the mystery and order of the lying of the foundations1 for their glory lieth in both4 ,as for the garnishing of these foundations1 it is1 and will be at the day of ,new ,jerusalem1 two-fold1 and the first is with beautiful gifts and grace4 ,thus were the apostles of old adorned1 and thus shall their doctrine again be garnished4 ,i know that the doctrine of the twelve hath been always accompanied with goodly gifts and grace1 from the first churches quite down1 that is1 according to the measure of light they appeared in1 and according to the dispensations of ,god in the times of antichrist4 ,but yet the glory that this doctrine had in these latter days1 ,i mean since the apostacy1 it was nothing in comparison of the glory and splendour that will be in them in the day when this city is built and complete4 ,wherefore you find1 that though all along in antichrist's reign1 the gospel of grace hath shone1 and given light to the saints and people of ,god in all their travels and afflictions2 yet the shining of it at that day was much opposed and eclipsed by the smoke of the bottomless pit3 as he saith1 ',there arose a smoke out of the pit1 as the smoke of a great furnace1 and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit' 7,rev #i3b74 ,in which days1 ,i say1 abundance of the light1 heat1 and operation of the gospel was diminished and taken off1 so that but little of the power or glory of it hath been either felt or seen from that time to this very day4 ,this is that ,god spake of by the prophet ,amos1 saying1 ',i will cause the sun to go down at noon1 and ,i will darken the earth in the clear day2 and ,i will turn your feasts into mourning1 and all your songs into lamentation2 and ,i will bring up sackcloth upon all loins1 and baldness upon every head2 and ,i will make it as the mourning of an only son1 and the end thereof as a bitter day4' ,all which he explaineth in the next words1 for ',behold the days come1 saith the ,lord ,god1 that ,i will send a famine in the land1 not a famine of bread1 nor a thirst for water1 but of hearing the words of the ,lord2 and they shall wander from sea to sea1 and from the north even to the east2 they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the ,lord1 and shall not find it' 7,amos #h3i-ab74 ,in those days ,eli's sons were become varlets 7#a ,sam #b3ab-ae74 ,indeed there was here and there a little child1 like ,samuel in his minority1 that now and then would speak most goodly things4 ,but 'the word of the ,lord was precious in those days1 there was no open vision' 7#a ,sam #c3a74 ,this is that which ,david in the ,spirit of prophecy complaineth of1 saying1 ',they know not1 neither will they understand2 they walk on in darkness3 all the foundations of the earth are out of course' 7,psa #hb3e74 ,thus in the days of the eclipsing of the glory of these foundations4 ,but now1 behold1 they recover their light1 and put on1 as of old1 their former glory1 and are again garnished as in the former days4 ,now will all the doctrines of the gospel spangle and sparkle2 out of every text will the ministers of ,god make to issue exceedingly most precious and heavenly fire2 for these stones are indeed the stones of fire 7,eze #bh3af74 ,and in them is contained that which would set the whole world on a flame with love and delight in the things of ,god and another world1 had but men the spirit of wisdom1 and the authority of ,god in their ministry1 as the apostles and the primitive ,christians had4 ,well this doctrine of the twelve shall be again adorned with gifts and graces as in the days of old3 by which it shall also be made to shine1 and to cast forth its golden rays before the nations to their salvation4 ,behold1 saith ,god1 ,i will lay thy stones with fair colours1 that is1 thy apostolical doctrines shall again be garnished as at the first 7,isa #ed3aa74 ,truth shall appear in its old and mature colours1 and as such shall be embraced1 and lived and delighted in1 both by ,jews and ,gentiles1 as ,i have showed4 ,but secondly1 ,the twelve foundations that here you read of1 they are the same with those twelve stones that long before were set in the breastplate of judgment1 in which were engraven the names of the twelve tribes of the children of ,israel1 the names of which tribes did comprehend the whole body of the house of their fathers 7,exo #bh3af-ba1bi2 #ci3ad74 ,now then1 seeing these twelve are the same with those on the breastplate of judgment2 and seeing also1 that those on the breastplate did comprehend the whole of the twelve tribes1 ,i conclude that for these foundations to be garnished with all manner of precious stones1 it is as much as to say1 they shall be garnished with abundance of converts2 multitudes1 and that of all sorts1 both of ,jews and ,gentiles1 ,moors1 ,tartars1 ,turks1 and those in the utmost parts of the world1 shall now be entangled with the light and truth1 with the glory and goodness of the doctrine of the twelve4 ,and ,i the rather take it thus1 #a4 ,because1 as the foundations themselves are said to be precious stones2 so also the saints in general1 they go under the same names too4 ,as ,jeremiah saith1 the precious stones of the sanctuary are the precious sons of ,zion 7,lam #d3a-c74 ,as ,peter also saith1 in alluding to the precious stones of the temple2 the saints are lively1 or living precious stones1 built up a spiritual house1 c4 7#a ,peter #b3e74 ,and the foundations of the wall were garnished with all manner of precious stones 7#a ,chron #bi3b74 ,that is1 the doctrine of the twelve was garnished with all manner of precious souls2 that is1 converted by it1 by which they become a glory and a garnishing to it4 #b4 ,i take it to be the conversion of the precious ones of ,god2 because that thus to understand it1 is most like the phrase of the apostle ,paul himself1 saying1 ',what is our hope1 or joy1 or crown of rejoicing8 ,are not even ye in the presence of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ at his coming8 ,for ye are our glory and joy' 7#a ,thess #b3ai1bj74 ,mark1 in the text he saith1 ,the foundations were garnished with all manner of precious stones1 and here those precious stones1 ,paul accounts to be those that are converted by the ,word3 for what is our hope1 or joy1 or crown8 are not even ye that have been converted by us8 ,ye are our joy1 ye are our crown1 ye are our glory2 it is with you that we shall be crowned1 adorned1 and garnished in the presence of our ,lord ,jesus4 ,mark1 ,john saith1 ,they are garnished1 ,paul saith1 they are crowned2 ,john saith1 they are garnished with precious stones1 and ,paul saith1 they are crowned with the conversion of sinners4 ,thus therefore as ,god will lay these stones with fair colours1 so also he will lay these foundations with sapphires 7,isa #ed3aa74 ,that is1 as he will beautify the doctrine of the twelve with its former glory1 sweetness1 and authority2 so he will crown and garnish it with the conversion of many sinners4 ,the elect are the jewels of ,god1 and this is the day of his binding them up1 even then when the antichrist falls1 and the gospel breaks out in its primitive glory 7,mal #c3af-ah74 ',and the foundations of the wall were garnished with all manner of precious stones4' ,in these words1 there are yet two things considerable4 ,first ,consideration4 ,that all who go to the adorning of these foundations1 they must be precious stones1 not a common stone shall here be owned4 ,and indeed what should pebbles do among the pearls and the diamonds of ,new ,jerusalem2 or the stones of blackness and emptiness1 among the saints of light 7,job #bh3c74 ,i tell you1 that those which ,god doth reckon the adorning-stones1 they are all and every one1 precious stone2 they must be all lively1 glistering1 and curious stones1 though stones of divers colours 7#a ,peter #b3e2 #a ,chron #bi3b74 ,antichrist counts anything sufficient enough to garnish his apostles with1 even the empty stones of confusion1 the sinners that have no more grace in their souls then there is sap in a post that hath been this twenty years without either sap or water 7,isa #cd3aa74 ,but ,god will not count such for the beauty of his word1 nor for the garnishing and beautifying of the doctrine of the twelve1 they are garnished with ,,precious ,,stones4 ,second ,consideration4 ,as he saith the foundations are garnished with precious stones only1 so he saith it is with ,,all ,,manner of precious stones3 by which he would have us understand that all saints have not the same degree either of precious grace or gifts and virtue in them4 ,there are some that excel and differ from the rest1 even as one star differeth from another in glory 7#a ,cor #ad3ab74 ,some saints1 as they have both more grace and also gifts than others2 so too they are more laborious and painful in the work of ,god than their fellows1 and therefore he saith1 ,,all ,,manner of precious stones 7,pro #ca3bi2 #a ,cor #ae3aj1da74 ,the ,foundations1 what they are1 with their order of placing4 ,ver4 #bj4 ',the first foundation was jasper2 the second1 sapphire2 the third1 a chalcedony2 the fourth1 an emerald2 the fifth1 sardonyx2 the sixth1 sardius2 the seventh1 chrysolite'2 c4 ,thus having showed you the garnishing and beautifying of the twelve foundations1 he now comes to discover the foundations themselves1 with reference to their order of placing and lying4 ,the ,first ,foundation4 ,touching which order1 he saith the first and bottom foundation is a jasper4 ,i have hitherto said that this jasper in both the two afore-mentioned places1 both as to the light of this city1 and also of the wall1 it was ,jesus ,christ3 ,christ illuminating1 and ,christ defending4 ,but here the jasper is said to be one of the twelve foundations1 even one of those foundations in which are writ the names of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb1 which one would think did put this jasper now into another state1 even to be a representation of one of the twelve apostles1 and not of the ,lord and ,saviour ,jesus ,christ himself4 ,to which ,i shall yet say1 that the jasper here in the order of the foundations1 is to be understood of ,christ1 as well as in the other two places in this discourse2 ,i say it is yet to be understood of representing the ,lord ,jesus1 though it also doth bear the name of one of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb4 ,and in this very thing there is an infolding mystery wrapped up and inclosed4 ,for1 ,first4 ,in that the name of an apostle is writ in this stone1 and yet that this jasper should represent ,christ1 it showeth unto us the agreement that is between the doctrine of the apostles and ,christ himself1 to wit1 that they are one and the very same2 and hence it is that the apostle saith1 ',we preach ,christ crucified' 7#a ,cor #a3bc1bd74 ,christ in all his benefits is the very marrow1 life1 and sum of all their teaching4 ',other foundation can no man lay than that is laid1 which is ,jesus ,christ' 7#a ,cor #c3aa74 ,wherefore the doctrine of the apostles being ,christ itself1 no marvel though the name of an apostle be writ upon this jasper2 and again1 no marvel though this jasper go yet under that name that represents him4 ,second4 ,in that it is said the names of the twelve are in these twelve foundations1 and yet that the first of them should be the jasper1 ,christ2 it argueth also1 that whosoever receiveth the doctrine of the twelve1 they must needs with that receive the ,lord ,christ himself4 ,receive the doctrine of the gospel1 as it is held forth by the twelve in the word1 and thou canst not miss of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ himself2 he will be found in the bottom of their doctrine4 ,ye 'are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets1 ,jesus ,christ himself being the chief corner stone' 7,eph #a3ai1bj74 ,third4 ,in that he saith in these twelve stones are the names of the twelve apostles1 and yet that the first should be the jasper1 ,christ2 it argueth also that wherever the doctrine of the twelve is preached1 there is therewith the presence of ,christ3 the presence of his ,spirit to teach and enlighten the ignorant and blind hearts of the unconverted2 the presence also of his power to overcome them1 and to make them fall under the glory and truth of his heavenly word4 ',lo1' saith he1 ',i am with you alway1 even unto the end of the world4' ',and they went forth and preached everywhere the ,lord working with them1 and confirming the word with signs following' 7,matt #bh3bj2 ,mark #af3bj74 ,fourth4 ,in that he saith the names of the twelve are in the foundations1 and yet that ,christ should be one of the twelve himself2 it showeth to us the union that is between ,christ and his holy people4 ,mark in the twelve foundations are placed all1 even all manner of precious stones4 ,again1 in the twelve is placed the jasper1 ,christ2 by which we may see the nearness that is between ,christ and his whole body4 ',i in them1 and thou in me1' saith ,christ1 'that they may be made perfect in one' 7,john #ag3bc74 ,christ and his saints make but one temple1 one man2 being but one flesh1 one nature1 c4 7#a ,cor #ab3ab74 ,fifth4 ,in that this jasper is said to be one of the foundations1 and that too the first and undermost2 he showeth farther1 that ,christ is the foundation of them before ,god1 that are the foundation of him before men4 ,the twelve do bear up ,christ before the world1 as the twelve brazen oxen did hold up the molten sea in the temple 7#a ,kings #g3be74 ,and ,christ doth bear up the twelve before his ,father1 as the high priests did carry the twelve stones on their breastplate of judgment1 when they went to make an atonement for the sins of the people1 into the holiest 7,exo #bh3bi74 ,sixth4 ,it showed us further1 that though the apostles shall be adorned with the conversion of those that they shall win to the ,lord ,christ2 yet they will never be able to stand under that glory and honour unless they are supported and upheld by ,christ1 as their foundation4 ,sirs1 as ,christ is the strength of his people in their work for him in this world1 so he must be their strength by which they must stand under the reward they shall have for their labour when this world is ended4 ,and hence it is1 that the prophet saith1 ',they shall hang upon him all the glory of his ,father's house1 the offspring and the issue2 all vessels of small quantity1 from the vessels of cups1 even to all the vessels of flagons' 7,is #bb3bd71 and again1 ',he shall build the temple of the ,lord1 and he shall bear the glory' 7,zech #f3ac74 ,he shall bear the glory of our salvation from sin1 preservation in the midst of all temptations1 and of our going to glory2 also he shall bear the glory of our labour in the gospel1 of our gifts and abilities1 of making our labour and work effectual to the saving of sinners1 'that in all things he might have the pre-eminence' 7,col #a3ah74 ,seventh4 ,in that the foundations are twelve1 and ,christ the undermost of them2 it signifieth1 that all that are converted by the twelve1 as they shall be for the garnishing of the twelve1 so also both the twelve1 with all that they are garnished with1 shall be for garnishing of ,christ4 ,we shall stick like perarls in the crowns of the twelve apostles1 and they again with all their glory shall stick in the crown of ,christ4 ,and hence it is that you find the four and twenty elders1 which four and twenty do1 as ,i conceive1 hold for the twelve1 both in the first and second ,jerusalem4 ,i say1 hence it is that you find them take their crowns from off their heads1 and cat them down before the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb1 crying1 ',blessing1 and honour1 and glory and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne1 and unto the ,lamb for ever and ever' 7,rev #d3i-aa2 #e3aa-ad74 ,eighth4 ,one thing more of this goodly jasper1 and then to the rest2 which thing is this1 that jasper that here you find to be the first in the twelve foundations1 even that jasper you find to be the last of all among the stones in the breastplate of judgment 7,exo #bh3bj74 ,from whence you may note1 #a4 ,that ,christ1 as he is to be the author1 or first of our faith1 so also he is to be the finisher1 or last of our faith 7,heb #ab3b74 #b4 ,that as he is to be the captain and leader of his people1 so he is to be the rereward and bringer up of his people 7,heb #b3aj2 ,isa #eb3ab74 ,he is to go before them to lead them the way2 and to come behind them to bring them all up 7,isa #eh3h2 ,exo #ad3ai74 #c4 ,again1 forasmuch as he is said to be last before he is first2 that is1 last in ,exodus1 and after that1 first in the ,revelation1 it may be to show us1 that ,christ was first to be least1 lowest1 and last1 and then to be greatest1 highest1 and first4 ,he first humbled himself to the death1 even to the shameful death of the cross2 and then was by ,god his ,father exalted and placed above every name2 as he also himself doth witness1 saying1 ',ought not ,christ to have suffered these things1 and to enter into his glory8' 7,luke #bd3bf2 ,phil #b3f-aa74 ,the other foundations4 ',the first foundation was jasper2 the second1 sapphire2 the third1 a chalcedony2 the fourth1 an emerald2 the fifth1 sardonyx2 the sixth1 sardius2 the seventh1 chrysolite2 the eighth1 beryl2 the ninth1 a topaz1' c4 ,touching the jasper you see what ,i have said4 ,now all ,i have to say to the rest of them1 it is in general these three things4 ,first1 ,in that the foundations are all and every one of them precious stones1 it signifieth that all the doctrines of the ,new ,jerusalem will be only the precious doctrine of the twelve apostles1 not common stuff1 not raked out of the dunghills and muck-heaps of this world1 and from among the toys of antichrist1 but spiritual1 heavenly1 and glorious4 ,he that hath his word shall then speak it faithfully1 for 'what is the chaff to the wheat8 saith the ,lord' 7,jer #bc3bh1cb74 ,second1 ,in that they are called after the names of precious stones1 it signifieth also that at that day none shall be used or put into the ministry but these that have received spiritual and heavenly gifts from above4 ,it is not every babbling fellow1 not those that look for their abilities from the rudiments of the world1 that then shall be of any value or account4 ,he must be a costly stone1 a stone about which the ,lord ,jesus hath bestowed the cost of his heavenly abilities1 even he whom the ,lord ,jesus shall appear unto for that very purpose1 to make him a minister4 ,,he shall be a minister1 and none else at that day4 ,the other shall be ashamed every one of his vision2 yea1 and shall in those days be so contemptible1 that their father and their mother shall reprove them1 and count them liars2 yea1 and shall be ready to run them through while they are prophesying in their rough garments to deceive 7,zech #ac3c-e74 ,third1 ,in that these precious stones are not all of one and the same nature1 but every one of them several1 and diverse one from another2 it argueth that the gifts of the apostles1 and so of the ministers of the ,new ,jerusalem1 shall be differing one from another in glory and operation2 yet mark1 as in these stones1 so in every one of them shall be perfect glory1 according to the nature of ,god's working by his ,spirit2 as the nature of the jasper is perfect in his kind1 and the nature of the sapphire is perfect in his4 ,these stones1 some of them are of greater light and clearness than others2 and so some of the apostles are chiefest 7#b ,cor #aa3e74 ,some of these stones1 again1 they are of a more fiery and burning colour than others1 they being bright also1 but of a more mild brightness4 ,therefore some of the ministry are called the sons of thunder1 when others are styled by the name of the sons of consolation 7,mark #c3ag2 ,acts #d3cf74 ,the gifts are differing1 being diverse1 their administrations are differing1 and the operations of them also are differing1 though all those things are from that one and the self-same ,spirit1 working in every one severally as he pleases 7,rom #ab3f2 #a ,cor #ab3d-f74 ,all these things will spangle in the ,new ,jerusalem1 and carry their full breadth and sway as in the days of old4 ,to conclude this1 in that he here saith1 that the foundations of the wall are these twelve stones1 he doth it to show that now also the former ministration that was in the apostles' days will be the same and in full force again4 ,for their gifts of knowledge1 judgment1 and authority1 they are such as have to this day lain buried1 as it were with the apostles themselves4 ,but now they shall show themselves again1 even these foundation-stones1 stones that are great stones1 stones of ten cubits1 and stones of eight cubits 7#a ,kings #g3aj74 ,thus much of the glory of the foundations4 ,the glory of the gates4 ,ver4 #ba4 ',and the twelve gates were twelve pearls1 every several gate was of one pearl2 and the street of the city was pure gold1 as it were transparent glass4' ,having thus showed us the glory of this city1 wall1 and foundations1 he now comes to show us the glory of the gates and of the street of the city4 ',and the twelve gates are twelve pearls4' ,the gates1 ,i told you before1 they signify ,christ1 both as he is the way to communion with the ,god of this city1 and with the inhabitants thereof1 that so they may have a share in the privileges of the same4 ,i told you also then1 that though he tells us exactly of the measure both of city and wall1 yet he tells us nothing of the measure of these twelve gates and goings in thereat1 and the reason is1 because ,christ1 as he is the way to grace1 he is beyond all measure both as to fulness and freeness 7,eph #c3h74 ,and now again he puts us to the same plunge with the unsearchable riches of the ,lord ,christ2 for who can count the worth of pearl as big as the gates of a city8 ,as1 indeed1 when ,christ himself doth speak of the parable of the pearl in the field1 he only telleth us that there is such a one1 but never valueth the worth thereof1 only he saith1 a pearl of great price1 and so leaveth it 7,matt #ac3ce1cf74 ,now1 when he saith that the gates are pearls1 he thereby insinuates several things4 ,as1 ,first4 ,to show us how rich a treasure ,christ ,jesus our ,lord is1 and will be to all those that by him shall enter in through the gates into this city1 'riches and honour are with me1' saith he1 even 'durable riches and righteousness4 ,my fruit or the fruit of entering in by me is better than gold1 and my revenue than choice silver4 ,i lead in the way of righteousness1 in the midst of the paths of judgment2 that ,i may cause those that love me to inherit substance1 and ,i will fill their treasures' 7,pro #h3ah-ba2 ,eph #c3h74 ,christ is rich indeed1 both in his blood1 resurrection1 intercession1 and all his offices1 together with his relations and all his benefits2 all which he bestoweth upon every one that receiveth him1 and maketh them unspeakably wealthy4 ,second4 ,the pearl1 as it is rich1 and so worth much1 so again it is beautiful and amiable1 even to take the eyes of all beholders4 ,it hath1 ,i say1 a very sweet and sparkling light and glory in it1 enough to take the eye and affect the heart of all those that look upon it4 ,and thus is ,christ to all that come to him1 and by him to the ,father1 c4 ',my beloved1' saith she1 'is white and ruddy1 the chiefest among ten thousand4' ',his mouth is most sweet1 yea1 he is altogether lovely' 7,cant #e3aj1af74 ,the mother of harlots had some knowledge of the beauty and glory of this stone1 and knew that it had a very taking and drawing glory in it1 and therefore she gets it for some time to adorn herself withal2 she was decked with gold and precious stones and pearls 7,eze #af3ag71 and was therefore called 'the well-favoured harlot' 7,nahum #c3d2 ,rev #ah3d74 ,by which means she hath drawn into her lewdness the kings and kingdom of the world2 who have in such sort been entangled with her beauty1 and with her fornication1 that they have been adulterated from ,god and their own salvation4 ,for indeed she used this pearl but for to get them to drink of her fornication1 that they might drink and spew1 and fall and never rise more4 ,but now when he saith1 the gates are pearl1 it is as if he had said1 this woman is stript of her beauty and delicate ornaments2 the pearl is taken from her1 and is set in its right place1 even to be for the gates of ,jerusalem 7,rev #ah3ab1bb1bc74 ,wherefore it is to be expected1 that many should be taken with the way of entrance into this beloved city in the day that she shall be set up and appear in her heavenly beauty 7,pro #h3ce2 #c3ce74 ,the glory of that city must needs be great whose wall is jasper and gates are pearl 7#a ,cor #b3i2 ,john #ag3bd74 ',and the twelve gates were twelve pearls4' ,not pearls and other precious stones commixed1 but pearl only4 ,to signify that ,christ only can let in souls into this city1 that they may partake of the goodness and privileges thereof4 ,it is not he and saints together1 neither is it all the saints and angels in heaven without him1 he alone 'hath the key of ,david1 and that openeth1 and no man shutteth2 and that shutteth1 and no man openeth' 7,rev #c3g2 #bb3ab74 ,secondly1 ,as he saith1 the several gates are each of them pearls1 so he saith that every several gate was of one pearl1 of one entire pearl4 ,by which he would have us to understand also1 that as none can enter in but by ,christ1 so none can enter in but by whole ,christ4 ,christ must be helpful to thee every way1 or he will be helpful to thee no way2 thou must enter in by every whit of ,christ1 or thou shalt enter in by never a whit of him4 ,wherefore look not to have him thy ,saviour1 if thou take him not for king and prophet2 nay1 thou shalt not have him in any one1 if thou dost not take him in every one of these4 ,wherefore the prophet saith1 ',he shall build the temple of the ,lord that is1 by his prophetical office--and shall sit and rule upon his throne1 and he shall be a priest upon his throne1 and the counsel of peace shall be between them both' 7,zech #f3ac74 ,the glory of the street4 ',and the street of the city was pure gold1 as it were transparent glass4' ,in these words there are four things to be enquired into4 ,first4 ,what this street is8 ,second4 ,why he saith not streets1 but street1 as of one8 ,third4 ,why this street is called by the term of pure gold8 ,fourth4 ,and why it should look like transparent glass4 ,for the ,first1 ,a street ordinarily is the place of common concourse1 and the place of continual open salutation1 and taking acquaintance one of another2 and as touching this street1 we are also to understand it of the open and common place or way of ,god's worship1 in which saints salute each other and acquaint themselves together2 also here the world are converted1 saints built up and edified1 c4 ',wisdom crieth without2 she uttereth her voice in the streets1' saith ,solomon2 'she crieth in the chief place of concourse1 in the openings of the gates2 in the city she uttereth her words' 7,pro #a3bj1ba74 ,that is1 in the public and righteous ordinances of the ,lord ,jesus1 which he hat ordained in his church1 for men to travel and trade in1#af for the good and wholesome merchandize of heaven1 as the men of this world do for the things thereof in the streets and open places of their cities and places of privilege 7,pro #h3a-c2 #i3a-c74 ,thus it was in the figure when the city ,jerusalem was built after the captivity1 as ours shall be at and after the overthrow and downfall of antichrist1 for then it is said that the people1 to hear the law1 were gathered together in the street1 even in the water street2 there they heard the sense given1 and there they were convinced of their wickedness2 also thee they received the knowledge of ,god's goodness to them1 and there they received power to eat the fat and drink the sweet1 to eat and drink and be merry1 and to cast away sadness and fear 7,neh #h74 ,this1 by way of allegory1 is called the way for the wayfaring men1 even the way of holiness1 over which the unclean shall not in anywise pass4 ,the way in which they learn to know ,god and themselves1 and the way of newness of life1 in which every one walks that entereth in by the gates of ,new ,jerusalem4 ,and it is most suitable to the matter that went before to understand the street to be the way of ,god1 the way of holiness and newness of life2 because as it is natural for the stranger1 so soon as ever he is entered the gates of a city1 to have his feet in the streets of the city1 so it is natural for the sinner1 so soon as ever he is entered into the church by ,christ1 to have his feet treading in the way and paths of holiness4 ,wherefore it is usual in the ,holy ,scripture to call the transformation of the sinner from ,satan to ,god a holy way1 and also to admonish him that is so transformed to walk in that way1 saying1 ,walk in the faith1 love1 spirit1 and newness of life1 and walk in the truth1 ways1 statutes1 and judgments of ,god 7,psa #hf3aa2 #adc3h2 ,eze #aa3bj2 #cg3bd2 ,gal #e3be2 ,rom #d3ab74 ,he that entereth not by these gates into the city1 he cannot walk in newness of life2 but he that entered in by them1 he cannot but walk in newness of life4 ,the next thing then that a man passeth into when he is entered into the ,new ,jerusalem1 is to walk in the ,,street thereof1 the way of holiness1 even the way in which men learn to fear ,god1 and to believe in and love the ,lord ,jesus1 c4 7,eph #e3a1b2 #b ,john #d2 ,rom #f3d74 ,second4 ,now this street or way of holiness1 it is on purpose called not many1 but one1 to show us the perfection of light1 grace1 faith1 and spiritual comfort1 that the inhabitants of this city shall then enjoy4 ,daniel also calleth it one street1 to signify the same thing 7,dan #i3be74 ,wherefore from hence ,i gather1 that then all saints shall walk-as before ,i have made appear-even in one street1 in one way1 and in one light4 ,it is antichrist that hath brought in all those crossings1 bye-lanes1 and odd nooks1 that to this day many an honest heart doth greatly lose itself in2 but at this day they shall be otherwise minded1 that is1 made all to savour one thing1 and to walk one way1 not biting and devouring each other as now4 ,and indeed there is all reason it should be thus1 for the street itself is but one4 ,there is but ,,one ,god1 ,,one ,lord ,jesus1 ,,one ,spirit1 ,,one faith1 ,,one baptism1 even as we are also called in ,,one hope of our calling 7,eph #d3e1f2 ,acts #b3bg1cb1cc2 ,phil #a3bg2 ,rom #ae3f74 ,now1 therefore1 when saints have the rubbish of antichristian darkness and trumpery removed1 then they shall have1 as they also had of old1 but one heart1 one soul1 one judgment1 one mind1 and shall with one heart and mouth glorify ,god4 ,the which also shall be prayed for of all the saints1 even of all that have received the pure language before these things come to pass4 ,they shall 'call upon the name of the ,lord' with ,one lip1 'to serve him with ,one consent' 7,zeph #c3i74 ,o6 the heavenly spiritual harmony that will be in the city of ,god in those days1 when the trumpeters and singers shall be as one1 to make one sound1 then the house shall be filled with a cloud' 7#b ,chron #e3ac74ag ,third4 ,when he saith that the street of the city was pure gold1 he alludes to the floor in ,solomon's temple1 which was overlaid with gold 7#a ,kings #f3cj74 ,he alludes to ,solomon's chariot also1 whose bottom was paved with love1 and overlaid with gold 7,can #c3aj74 ,by the floor of the temple1 we are to understand the way of holiness2 and by the chariot of ,solomon1 the triumphant glory of that way4 ,again1 in that he saith this street is gold1 he would have us to understand the worth and treasure that is laid up in the ways of ,god1 and of a truly gracious heart4 ,first for the worth and treasure that is laid up in the ways of ,god4 ,they beget light 7,psa #aai3acj71 they change the heart1 they lead from death1 the devil1 and hell1 to life1 ,god1 and the kingdom of heaven 7,psa #aai3i2 ,pro #b74 ,in them ,god walks1 and those that walk there also are sure to meet with him 7,isa #fd3e74 ,o this way1 it is the way which 'no fowl knoweth1 and which the vulture's eye hath not seen'2 ',it cannot be gotten for gold1 neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof4--,the gold and the crystal cannot equal it2 and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold4 ,no mention shall be made of coral or of pearls2 for the price of wisdom is above rubies' 7,job #bh3g1ae-ah1bh74 ,all the ways of ,god they are pleasantness1 and all his paths are peace1 and ought to be preferred before our necessary food 7,pro #c3ag74 ,again1 as the ways of ,god are thus rich1 and so far above the gold and rubies of the world1 so also is that sanctified and gracious heart1 without which no man can walk in this golden street4 ,it is not every clown with his clumping dirty shoes that is admitted into kings' privy-chambers and private palaces2 neither doth1 or will ,god1 at the day of ,new ,jerusalem1 suffer any to trace about this golden street1 but such as have golden feet1 and that beautified with goodly shoes4 ,for as for this street1 all that walk in it1 they must be golden men1 with golden hearts1 and with graces that are 'much more precious than of gold that perisheth' 7,cant #g3a2 #a ,peter #a3g2 ,rev #c3ah74 ,further1 in that he saith this street is gold1 'pure gold1' he giveth us to understand also what great delight and pleasure the ,lord's people will take in his ways and ordinances in that day4 ,there will not then be that backwardness to do good1 and to receive ,god1 as there is in these more dry and empty days of the gospel4 ,as gold is pleasing to the covetous man and worldling1 so shall the ways of ,god be to the saints and godly at that day4 ,now we have strong corruptions and weak grace1 but then we shall have strong grace and weak withered corruptions4 ,you that are spiritual1 you know what an high and goodly lifting up of heart one small gale of the good ,spirit of ,god will make in your souls1 how it will make your lusts to languish1 and your souls to love1 and take pleasure in the ,lord that saves you4 ,you know1 ,i say1 what a flame of love1 and bowels1 and compassion1 and self-denial1 and endeared affection to ,god and all saints1 it will beget in the soul4 ,o6 it is good to be here1 saith the gracious heart4 ,well1 and so thou shalt be always1 if thou live to see ,new ,jerusalem settled in her own place 7,isa #fe3ag-be74 ,fourth4 ',and the street of the city was pure gold1 as it were transparent glass4' ,mark1 a street of gold like glass1 a street of gold1 as it were transparent glass4 ,by glass here1 as also in verse #ah1 we are to understand the ,word 7,james #a3bc-be74 ,wherefore1 when he saith the street1 the golden street1 was like unto glass1 he means1 that the walking and carriage of the saints at this day shall be like unto1 or according to1 the ,word1 the life of the saints answering the life of the ,word and rule of the ,lord ,christ4 ,again1 in that he doth add to glass the word transparent1 he would have us to understand thereby these two things4 #a4 ,that the walking and ways of holiness of saints shall be more in the power and spirit of the ,word1 than all along in the reign of ,antichrist they have been4 ,for transparent glass1 it is the most clear and excellent glass1 and goeth as far beyond other sorts of glass1 as he that walks in the spirit and power of the commandment goes beyond him that only walks in the letter and outward word thereof4 ,alas1 the churches of ,christ1 at their firs assembling1 will be like the coming together of ,ezekiel's bones1 clothed much with flesh and sinews1 but greatly void of spirit and life 7,eze #cg3g1h74 ,wherefore the spirit1 power1 holiness1 and majesty that now will appear in the church1 it will greatly transcend and go beyond the spirit1 power1 and holiness that hath accompanied her in former days4 ,then shall the sun be ashamed1 and the moon confounded1 when the ,lord shall reign in ,mount ,zion1 c4 7,isa #bd3bc74 ,then shall the sun be ashamed1 that is1 then shall that little light and understanding of the ,word1 that hath been in the church in the days when a third part of the glory of the gospel was hid by the smoke of the pit1 be1 as it were1 laid aside and be useless 7,rev #h3ab2 #i3b74 ,every saint shall be under the light of a sun that shines seven-fold brighter1 even as the light of seven days4 ,we see it is so in some measure at this day2 what light1 and with what clearness do the saints in this day see the things pertaining to the kingdom of ,god1 beyond what the holy and goodly martyrs and saints did in the days that were before us2 ,huss1 ,bilney1 ,ridley1 ,hooper1 ,cranmer1 with their brethren1 if they were now in the world1 would cry out and say1 ,our light and knowledge of the word of the ,testament of ,christ was much inferior to the light that at this day is broken forth1 and that will yet daily1 in despite of men and devils1 display its rays and beams amongst the sons of men6#ah ,when the children of ,israel were to depart the land of ,egypt1 the ,lord made known himself to them otherwise than ever he made known himself either to ,abraham1 ,isaac1 or ,jacob1 their fathers 7,exo #f3c74 ,the book also1 at the recovering the church from under ,antichrist1 is to be unlocked and unsealed gradually1 first one seal and afterwards another1 and last of all the seventh1 before which time the book will never quite be opened 7,rev #e2 #f74 ,according to that of the angel1 ',go thy way1 ,daniel2 for the words are closed up1 and sealed till the time of the end' 7,dan #ab3i74 ,in which time 7which is the time of ,new ,jerusalem7 they shall be opened1 and men shall consider it perfectly 7,jer #cj3bd2 #bc3bj74 ,wherefore1 #b4 ,it must needs be that the church return to her old and primitive love4 ,for what is the cause of the want of love to ,christ and one another now1 but our want of light in the things1 mysteries1 and privileges of the glorious gospel of the ,son of ,god8 ,wherefore this being come1 then love will reign1 and have her perfect work among the godly4 ,love is the very quintessence of all the graces of the gospel1 and is as transparent to them2 'the greatest of these is charity' 7#a ,cor #ac3ac74 ,it is the 'fulfilling of the law1' 'the bond of perfectness1' and the most 'excellent way' 7#a ,cor #ab3ca2 ,rom #ac3aj2 #a ,cor #af3ad2 ,col #c3ad74 ,wherefore the ,holy ,ghost doth mean1 by this word transparent glass1 that the height of light1 and the height of love1 will be found in this city2 all their things shall be done without confused smoke and darkness1 and also without spiritual pride and desire of vain-glory3 then shall they indeed do all their things in charity1 and in the feeling bowels and fellowship of the gospel4 ',then shall the offering of ,judah and ,jerusalem be pleasant unto the ,lord1 as in the days of old1 and as in former years' 7,mal #c3d74 ,alas6 though now through grace the saints of ,god have attained to more light and knowledge in the mysteries of the kingdom of ,god than heretofore they had1 yet their light is far inferior to that which will be when this city is built4 ,our spiritual union and fellowship in the very bowels of the grace and gospel of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ also is yet greatly defective4 ,it is said that 'no man was able to enter into the temple' of ,god1 'till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled' 7,rev #ae3h74 ,but when the seven last plagues are spent1 and when all the adversaries of the church1 which caused terror in the land of the living1 shall be laid with the uncircumcised in the pit1 then look for golden days1 and not till then 7,eze #cb3ah74 ,then shall this golden street be finished2 that is1 then shall the light1 faith1 love1 and holiness of the gospel be walked in and embraced in a transparent and transcending way4 ',he shall cause them that come of ,jacob to take root2 ,israel shall blossom and bud1 and fill the face of the world with fruit' 7,isa #bg3f74 ,the city has no temple4 ,ver4 #bb4 ',and ,i saw no temple therein2 for the ,lord ,god ,almighty and the ,lamb are the temple of it4' ,these words do1 in my present light1 point at the end of the days of this ,jerusalem here in this world3 and in so doing they signify to us1 that when she is built1 she shall stand and continue in this her glorious state afore-mentioned even until that glory be swallowed up of that which doth excel4 ,that they do point at the end of her day in this world1 ,i do gather from these particulars3- ,first4 ,because they are the last words of the description of her glory1-that is1 these and the words ensuing1 which is but one and the same continued speech2 and it is easy to conclude that ,john1 in this description of this city1 doth1 from first to last1 even from the first appearing of her as she cometh out of ,babylon till she be perfect in glory1 give us the relation of it4 ,first1 ,i say1 showing us her descending1 then her building1 and afterward the glory of that building2 at the end of which also he showeth to us with what glory he will crown this glory1 even by swallowing of her up with a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory4 ,second4 ,because in these words he doth absolutely cut off all and every whit of her outward and external glory2 that is1 as to outward ordinances and temple-worship1 which yet was to be most famous for a long time in this new and goodly city2 which he verifies in the eleventh chapter of this prophecy1 which chapter is a summary collecting of the church in her fall and rise under ,antichrist1 which church there in her rise is this city here in her glory in this world4 ,he tells us there1 ,i say1 that when the kingdoms of this world were become the kingdoms of the ,lord1 and of his ,christ1 that 'then the temple of ,god was opened in heaven'2 that is1 temple-worship under the gospel recovered into its former and primitive state and purity1 in which it was before the coming in of the man of sin 7,rev #aa3ae-ai1 compared with #ae3h74 ,which temple he here utterly shutteth out1 saying1 ',i saw no temple therein'2 in the room of which he setteth the presence of the ,lord ,jesus1 and ,god his ,father1 making them to stand and be in the room of temple and gospel-worship1 in that manner as it is used while we here live in the flesh4 ',for the ,lord ,god ,almighty and the ,lamb are the temple of it4' ,it is true1 the ,lord ,god ,almighty and the ,lamb are the temple of this church in her lowest condition1 therefore much more when she is brought into the condition that she is in at her rebuilding2 but yet1 neither in her low estate1 nor yet in her highest1 is it proper to say1 that so long as she is in this world1 ,god will be a temple to her1 in opposition to her temple and gospel-worship1 in outward and ,new ,testament administrations4 ,wherefore when he saith ,he 'saw no temple therein1' and that from this reason1 because 'the ,lord ,god ,almighty and the ,lamb are the temple of it'2 he must needs aim at a state to which the church cannot attain until her ,lord comes4 ,for then will that which is perfect be come1 and that which is in part be done away 7#a ,cor #ac3aj74 ,now that the temple in this place excluded1 can signify nothing else but the outward orderly way of ,god's worship1 which the saints ought with conscience1 in faith1 to be found in till their ,lord comes1 consider that our ,new ,testament doth use the word 'temple' three several ways3 #a4 ,for the outward order and worship or discipline of the ,gospel 7,rev #aa3a-c74 #b4 ,for the body of ,christ1 which is his church1 c4 #c4 ,and lastly1 ,for the ,lord ,god ,almighty and the ,lamb1 which here are said to be the temple of this city4 ,now then1 when he saith he saw ',no temple therein1' he cannot exclude the ,lord ,god ,almighty and the ,lamb1 for they are here said to be 'the temple of it4' ,neither can he shut out the church1 which is the body of ,christ1 for that is the city itself2 yea1 and the church shall be ,god's temple1 and ,god and ,christ the temple of the church for ever and ever ,he must therefore by this word 'no temple1' exclude only the outward way of gospel-worship1 in which the saints in the times of the ,new ,testament both meet and edify each other1 and also meet their ,god1 and are blessed and refreshed by him4 ,again1 that this outward gospel-worship should be laid aside while the church is in this world1 before her ,lord doth come to be enjoyed by her1 as touching his personal presence2 it looks too like ranting opinions1 and contradiction to ,scripture1 for me to believe 7#a ,cor #aa3bf74 ,for when he comes1 but not till then1 shall these things be laid aside4 ,besides1 that which yet confirms me more fully in this opinion1 is because herein this ,new ,jerusalem doth most exactly answer the city and temple1 which was built after the captivity2 which city and temple being once built1 it stood till ,christ our ,lord did visit them in his own personal coming the first time2 as the prophets also said it should4 ',the ,lord1 whom ye seek1' saith one1 'shall suddenly come to his temple1 even the messenger of the covenant1 whom ye delight in2 behold1 he shall come1 saith the ,lord of ,hosts' 7,mal #c3a74 ,and again1 ',i will shake all nations1 and the desire of all nations shall come2 and ,i will fill this house with glory1 saith the ,lord of ,hosts4' ,wherefore 'the glory of this latter house shall be greater than that of the former1 saith the ,lord of ,hosts3 and in this place will ,i give peace1 saith the ,lord of ,hosts' 7,hagg #b3g1i74 ,now observe1 that from the time of the building of the second temple to the coming of ,christ1 the worship of the temple order was to be by all most devoutly and continually observed4 ,but when the ,lord ,jesus was come1 and had established his own more honourable and ,new ,testament dispensation1 then all the former temple-worship fell to the ground1 and became1 with all the instruments of worship that there unto belonged1 null and void4 ,yea1 and it was a derogation to his gospel to offer to uphold that former way of worship1 after he had by his own personal presence and ,spirit brought in that other dispensation4 ,all which1 ,i say1 will be answered by our second and ,new ,testament ,new ,jerusalem4 ,for as the ,old ,jerusalem was built after the ,jews were come out of literal ,babylon1 so is our ,new ,jerusalem built after our coming out of the antichristian oppression of spiritual ,babylon4 ,again1 as that city did after she was built continue and retain her temple-worship1 until the personal appearing of ,christ the first time1 so ,new ,jerusalem shall retain and hold her outward ,new ,testament worship till ,,he comes in person the second time4 ,after all which1 as the second temple was swallowed up of a more heavenly and spiritual dispensation by the personal presence of ,christ1 so shall also the ,new ,jerusalem temple-worship be swallowed up by the glory of the appearing of the person of ,christ the second time2 as ,paul saith1 for he speaks in the person of ,christ1 ',till ,i come1 give attendance to reading1 to exhortation1 to doctrine1' c4 7#a ,tim #d3ac74 ,thus then1 when this holy city doth once again appear upon the stage1 and in her own situation1 and when she hath been showed in the attire of a queen before the face of all nations1 and their kings2 and when she hath by the glory of the light of her ,new ,testament temple1 gathered1 as with a net1 the number of ,god's elect2 then she is taken into her husband's privy chamber1 where she and he alone shall be in that blessed fellowship and communion that shall not again be once eclipsed1 or in the least interrupted to eternity4 ,thus have ,i showed you my present light into this portion of the ,holy ,scripture4 ,if any can give me further1 ,i hope ,i shall not refuse it4 ,but as yet1 methinks this should be the genuine sense of this place1 and is the very track of ,john himself4 ,for after he had seen the wall for present safety1 the foundations for continuation1 the gates for entrance1 and the like1 then he comes to tell us of the glory of all1 and of the street itself at last2 which indeed is the last and end of all the order of ,god1 and to continue till an end be put to it by mortality's being swallowed up of life4 ,as is yet more fully showed you in the next verse of this description4 ,the city needs not the light of sun or moon4 ,ver4 #bc4 ',and the city had no need of the sun1 neither of the moon1 to shine in it3 for the glory of ,god did lighten it1 and the ,lamb is the light thereof4' ',and the city had no need of the sun4' ,that is1 after temple-worship is over3 this verse is added therefore for further clearing up and illustrating of that which he said before4 ,there he tells us this city had 'no temple1' and here he tells us she needed neither the light of the sun or moon4 ,there he said1 ',the ,lord ,god ,almighty and the ,lamb are the temple of it'2 and here he saith1 they are the light thereof4 ,the substance of which1 in the language of the ,holy ,ghost1 is this3 the reason why temple-worship is now gone and over1 it is because there is now no need in this city of the light of the sun and the moon2 and the reason why she hath now no need of them1 is because the ,lord ,god ,almighty and the ,lamb are to it instead of both temple and light4 ',for the ,lord ,god ,almighty and the ,lamb are the temple of it4' ',for the glory of ,god did lighten it1 and the ,lamb is the light thereof4' ,whereby we may note1 that though the light in which she descended1 being the purity of temple-worship1 was glorious1 yet this city shall1 when she is once built1 so advance from glory to glory1 that at the last she shall be more happy without the help of that light1 without which she had been for ever unbuilt1 than she was by it in the midst of the fulness of it4 ',and the city had no need of the sun1' c4 ,the word sun is in ,scripture taken divers ways2 sometimes for the true and natural sun in the firmament2 sometimes again for persecution1 and the rage of the enemy1 c4 7,josh #aj3ab2 ,matt #ac3f74 ,but ,i take 'sun' here not to be any of these1 but for the good and pure word of the gospel of ,christ1 unfolded1 opened1 and explained by the servants of ,christ2 which sun is the same that before you find to be darkened by the ,antichristian fog and mist1 which was darkened1 ,i say1 even to a third part of it 7,rev #h3ab2 #i3b74 ,this sun1 or word of the gospel1 ,paul saith it is shadowed forth even by that which shineth in the firmament of heaven1 because as that by its light and shining1 giveth to those that have eyes1 to see the glory and excellency of this world1 so by the shining and light of the gospel is given 'the light of the knowledge of the glory of ,god in the face of ,jesus ,christ1' and a view of the excellency of the things of the world to come 7#b ,cor #d3c-f74 ,now1 ,i say1 though while the church is in this world1 and on this side the state of glory1 she cannot live and flourish without the shining of this sun1 but would be lifeless and lightless1 and without all heat and comfort-for it is the entrance of the law that giveth light here1 and that lighteneth the eyes1 'making wise the simple' 7,psa #ai3g1h2 #aai3acj7-yet at the day of the coming of her ,lord in person she shall see far more clearly without the thus shining of the sun than ever she did or could see with and by it4 ',and the city had no need of the sun4' ,for when by the light of it the whole body of the elect have found out the way to this city1 and when they have also by this light accomplished and fulfilled all their work2 yea1 when the ,lord himself is come1 and doth immediately communicate far more glorious light to this city without it than ever he did by it2 what need is there then of the light of this sun8 for that is to be of use but for the time present1 even until the whole of the body of the ,lord ,jesus is come to the perfect measure1 even 'to the measure of the stature of the fulness of ,christ' 7,eph #d3aj-ab74 ,so then1 when the body of ,christ is in every sense completed in this life by the light of the sunshine of his holy gospel1 what need of this sun8 ,and hence it is that the word of the gospel is called 'the word of reconciliation1' 'the word of faith1' and 'the words of this life' 7#b ,cor #e3ai2 ,rom #aj3h2 ,acts #e3bj74 ,wherefore1 ,i say1 it ceaseth when there is no more to be reconciled1 and when faith in all is perfected1 and when this life is put an end unto by the coming in of another4 ,for 'when that which is perfect is come1 then that which is in part shall be done away' 7#a ,cor #ac3h-aj74 ,the ministers of the gospel are of use so long as there is either elect to be converted1 or any converted soul to be perfected by that measure of perfection that ,god hath appointed on this side glory2 but when this work is done1 their ministry ceaseth4 ,wherefore1 though like the widow's sons1 they are busy to borrow vessels for the oil so long as it is running1 and emptying itself out of the great and principal barrel2 yet when it ceaseth1 as it will do1 when there are no more vessels to be found1 then let them sit down as they1 and receive of the fruits of their labour1 for the reward of their work is then only to be enjoyed by them 7#b ,kings #d3a-f74 ',and the city had no need of the sun1 neither of the moon to shine in it4' ,this word moon also1 as well as that of the sun1 is to be taken divers ways in the ,scriptures of truth2 sometimes for the natural one1 sometimes for the world and persecutors1 c4 7,josh #aj3ac2 ,rev #ab3a2 ,psa #aba3f74 ,but moon here is to be taken for the church of ,god1 with reference to her life1 conversation1 duties1 and exemplary behaviour1 in which she is conversant on this side glory2 according to that of the ,song1 ',who is she that looketh forth as the morning1 fair as the moon1 clear as the sun1 and terrible as an army with banners8' 7,cant #f3aj74 ,when he saith1 then1 that at this day there shall be here no need of the shining light of the moon1 he means that this city at this day1 in the state she is in when she hath the person of the ,lamb in her1 then she shall have no need of the growth of ,christianity1 for they shall be all perfect2 nor no need of mortification1 for there shall be no sin4 ,they shall not need now1 as in time past1 to exhort and encourage one another to stick fast to the promise1 for they shall be swallowed up of life and open vision 7#b ,cor #e3d74 ,here shall be no need either of prayer1 of repentance1 of faith1 or of good works1 as afore4 ',and the city had no need of the sun1 neither of the moon to shine in it4' ,now1 ,i say1 the ,holy ,ghost is pleased to bring in here the shining virtues of the church under the notion of a shining moon1 because1 as the church herself is compared to the moon1 so her virtues are as naturally compared to a shining light2 as ,christ saith1 ',let our light so shine' 7,matt #e3af72 and again1 ',let your loins be girded about1 and your lights burning' 7,luke #ab3ce2 ,phil #b3ae74 ,for1 indeed1 while we are here1 that church and congregation of the ,lord doth most shine1 and most send forth the golden rays and pleasant beams of ,christianity1 that is most in the exercise of the afore-mentioned virtues4 ,take away the moon1 and the night is doubtful2 or though the moon be in the firmament1 if she hath lost her light1 the night is not thereby made more comfortable4 ,and thus1 ,i say1 it is first with the world1 where here there is no church to shine1 or where there is a church that doth not so shine that others may see and be lighted4 ,for while the day of time doth last1 even the world itself hath need of the shining of the church2 but at this day this time will be no longer1 because the day of eternity will break1 and by that means cause the world that now is1 even the world of the ungodly1 to cease to have a being here any longer4 ,therefore now no need of the moon1 or of the light thereof1 to shine before that which is not4#ai ,second4 ,again1 as the church is in her light before men as the moon is in her light in the night to the world1 so1 as ,i said before1 this city which is called also heaven1 she1 even she1 shall have no need of these things1 for she shall be taken up in open vision1 and shall be completely delivered from all imperfection2 she shall not need now the light of her children to provoke her and to stir her up to this or the other act of holiness2 all shall be done1 all shall be complete1 the ,lord himself is come4 ,indeed1 while ,christ is absent as touching his person1 and while the work of ,god is not yet completely done in the church1 there will be need both of the light of sun and moon1 but when the work is done1 and he come1 then these things will be out of use4 ,thus 'the path of the just is as the shining light1 that shineth more and more unto the perfect day' 7,pro #d3ah74 ',for the glory of ,god did lighten it1 and the ,lamb is the light thereof4' ,this is rendered as the reason why at this day both the light of the sun and moon are needless2 it is because 'the glory of ,god did lighten it1' and because 'the ,lamb is the light thereof4' ,now the glory of ,god must be understood in this place1 not of that glory that doth attend the church in this world1 for that glory doth attend the church upon the account of her purity of worship1 of temple-worship1 and doth either abide on her1 or withdraw itself1 according to her exact observing the rule1 or declining from it1 as ,i have showed you in the beginning of this discourse 7see the exposition of the #aath verse74 ,but the glory that here you read of1 it is a glory that supplieth this city without those ordinances2 yea1 therefore1 those ordinances1 as the temple and the light of the sun and moon1 do cease because of the glory of this glory that now is come into this city4 ',the city had no need of the sun1 neither of the moon to shine in it1' mark1 'for the glory of ,god did lighten it1 and the ,lamb is the light thereof4' ,wherefore1 ,i say1 this glory that now he speaks of1 it is the glory that shall possess this city at the end of her glory in this world2 wherefore1 as saith the ,holy ,ghost by ,isaiah the prophet1 from this day forward1 ',the sun shall be no more thy light by day1 neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee2 but the ,lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light1 and thy ,god thy glory' 7,isa #fj3ai74 ',for the glory of ,god did lighten it1' c4 ,thus it was at the finishing of the tabernacle in the wilderness1 and of the temple at ,jerusalem2 both which were figures1 in their finishing1 of the finishing of the state of the church in this world2 and it is said of them1 that in the day when they in all things were accomplished1 according to the fashion that was revealed before concerning their order and accomplishment1 that then the glory of ,god so appeared upon them1 that neither ,moses nor ,aaron was able to enter in1 or to stand therein1 because of the cloud1 and of the glory of the ,lord that at that time filled the house 7,exo #dj3cc1cd2 #a ,kings #h3aj1aa74 ,thus you see this city descends in one measure of glory1 and is consummate in another measure of glory4 ,the glory of the ,lord was upon the mount ,sinai while the pattern of the tabernacle was giving1 but it rested on the tabernacle when the work thereof was finished2 to signify1 ,i say1 that the glory of ,god will rest in his ordinances1 and in his church by them1 so long as ordinances are in use2 but when they are needless1 then it will rest in the church without them1 and that more gloriously than ever it therein did rest by them4 ',for the glory of ,god did lighten it1 and the ,lamb is the light thereof4' ,mark1 though now there shall be no need of temple1 sun1 or moon1 yet ,christ the ,lamb1 or the ,man who was offered in sacrifice for our redemption1 shall be of use and benefit2 'for the glory of ,god did lighten it1 and the ,lamb is the light thereof4' ,wherefore1 all that we who are the saved shall enjoy of glory and sweetness in another world1 though we shall not enjoy it from ,god through ,christ1 by and in the ordinances1 yet we shall enjoy it through ,christ the ,lamb without them2 'for the ,lamb is the light of it4' by this word ,lamb1 he would have us understand that when we are in glory1 the blood1 death1 and bloody conquest that the man ,christ did get over our infernal enemies1 will be of eternal use to us2 because that benefit of ,christ shall not only for ever be the foundation of our eternal felicity1 but the burden of our song of glory in all our raptures among the angels 7,rev #e3i74 ,it will be the blood1 the blood1 the redeeming blood of the ,lamb4 ',blessing1 and honour1 and glory1 and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne1 and unto the ,,lamb for ever and ever' 7,rev #e3ac74 ,it is he in whom will be found the seven eyes1 the seven spirits of ,god1 in whose light we shall see the heights and depths of those springs and everlasting foundations and depths of glory for ever2 and1 indeed1 the conceit of the contrary is foolish 7,zech #c3i2 ,rev #e3f74 ,is not ,christ the head1 and we the members8 and do not the members receive their whole light1 guidance1 and wisdom from it8 ,is not he also the price1 the ground1 and bottom of our happiness1 both in this world and that which is to come8 ,and is it possible it should be forgotten1 or that1 by it1 our joy1 light1 and heaven should not be made the sweeter to all eternity8 ,our soul is now bound up in him1 as in a bundle of life 7#a ,sam #be3bi74 ,and when we come thither1 he is still the ,christ1 our life2 and it is by our being where he is that we shall behold his glory and our glory1 because he is glorified 7,col #c3c1d2 ,john #ag3bd74 ',for the glory of ,god did lighten it1 and the ,lamb is the light thereof4' ,as he said1 ',ye now therefore have sorrow2 but ,i will see you again1 and your heart shall rejoice1 and your joy no man taketh from you' 7,john #af3bb74 ,thus much of this city1 her descending1 her fashion1 her glory1 and of her wading through glory1 from glory to glory4 ,,fourth4 ,,the ,,inhabitants ,,of ,,the ,,city1 ,,their ,,quality1 ,,and ,,numerousness4 ,ver4 #bd4 ',and the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it2 and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it4' ,after this long and pleasant description of this holy and new ,jerusalem1 the ,holy ,ghost now falleth upon a relation of the people that shall be the inhabitants of this city1 and of their numerousness and quality4 ',and the nations1' c4 ,the nations of the world1 both of the ,jews and ,gentiles4 ,every one knoweth what the nations are1 wherefore ,i need not stay upon the explication of that1 for it doth in general include the multitude of the sinners of the world 7,eph #b3a-c2 #a ,cor #f3i-aa2 ,titus #c3c74 ,therefore1 when he saith1 the nations shall walk in the light of this city1 it is as if he had said1 that at this day1 when she is here in her tranquility1 the sinners and disobedient among the sons of men shall by multitudes and whole kingdoms come in and close with the church and house of ,god4 ,these spiders shall take hold with their hands1 and be in kings' palaces 7,pro #cj3bh74 ',and the nations1' c4 ,for this word1 'the nations1' is a great word1 and it comprehendeth much2 mark1 it doth not say a nation1 or some nations1 neither doth it say few or small nations1 but indefinitely1 the nations1 many nations1 strong nations1 all nations1 the nations in general2 only he ties them up with this limit1 the nations of them that are saved 7,isa #eb3ae2 #fj3bb2 #b3b74 ,which yet is not so much spoken to clip off the multitude that we suppose may then be converted1 as to show us their qualifications and happiness2 as he saith by the prophet in another place1 ,thy children shall be all holy1 or righteous1 'and great shall be the peace of thy children' 7,isa #ed3ac2 #fj3ba74 ',and the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it4' ,surely the ,holy ,ghost would never have spoken at such a rate as this1 if he had not intended to show us that at the day of the setting up of this ,jerusalem1 a great harvest of sinners shall be gathered by the grace of the gospel4 ,but the truth is1 the ,scriptures go with open arms towards the latter end of the world1 even as if they would grasp and compass about almost all people then upon the face of the whole earth with the grace and mercy of ,god4 ',the earth1' saith ,god1 'shall be full of the knowledge' of the glory 'of the ,lord1 as the waters cover the sea' 7,isa #aa3i2 ,hab #b3ad74 ,as he saith1 also1 for the comfort of the church in another place1 ',behold1 ,i have grave thee upon the palms of my hands1 thy walls are continually before me4 ,thy children shall make haste2 thy destroyers and they that made thee waste shall go forth of thee4 ,lift up thine eyes round about1 and behold3 all these gather themselves together1 and come to thee4 ,as ,i live1 saith the ,lord1 thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all1 as with an ornament1 and bind them on thee1 as a bride doeth4 ,for thy waste and thy desolate places1 and the land of thy destruction1 shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants1 and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away4 ,the children which thou shalt have1 after thou hast lost the other1 shall say again in thine ears1 ,the place is too strait for me2 give place to me1 that ,i may dwell4 ,then shalt thou say in thine heart1 ,who hath begotten me these1 seeing ,i have lost my children1 and am desolate1 a captive and removing to and fro8 and who hath brought up these8 ,behold1 ,i was left alone1 these1 where had they been8' 7,isa #di3af-ba74 ,thus the multitudes of the nations shall at this day be converted to the ,lord1 and be made the inhabitants of this ,jerusalem2 as he saith again1 ',the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our ,lord and of his ,christ' 7,rev #aa3ae74 ,and again1 ',the kingdom and dominion1 and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven1 shall be given to the people of the saints of the ,most ,high1 whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom1 and all dominions shall serve and obey him' 7,dan #g3bg74 ,and observe it1 these promises are to be fulfilled in the last days1 at the time of the pouring forth of the last vial1 which is the time of the sounding of the last of the seven trumpets2 for then this city shall be built1 and ,lucifer fallen from heaven2 then the prisoners shall be set at liberty1 and the people be gathered together1 'and the kingdoms to serve the ,lord' 7,isa #b3a1b2 #ad3d-f2 ,psa #ajb3bj-bb2 ,rev #aa3ae-ag74 ',rejoice1 ,o ye nations1 with his people1 for he will avenge the blood of his servants1 and will render vengeance to his adversaries1 and will be merciful unto his land1 and to his people' 7,deu #cb3dc74 ,alas6 it is now towards the end of the world1 and therefore now all is going1 if the ,lord steps not in with the riches of his grace4 ,wherefore now at last1 before all be turned into fire and ashes1 behold the ,lord casts the net among the multitude of fish1 and the abundance of the sea shall1 without fail1 be converted to ,jerusalem 7,isa #fj3e74 ,though ,satan and ,antichrist have had their day in the world1 and by their outrage have made fearful havoc of the souls of sinners from time to time1 yet now at length ,god will strike in for a share with them1 and his ,son 'shall divide the spoil with the strong' 7,isa #ec3ab74 ,wherefore he now sets up this city1 puts the glory of heaven upon her1 provides a new heaven and a new earth for her situation 7,isa #ff3bb72 drives profaneness into the holes and dens of the earth2 giveth righteousness authority to reign in the world 7#b ,peter #c3ac72 and takes off the veil from all faces1 that none may hereafter be for ever beguiled by blindness and ignorance 7,isa #be3g74 ,now shall they make merry with the things of ,god2 now shall all eat the fat and drink the sweet 7#a ,kings #d3bj2 ,neh #h3aj1ab74 ,for 'in this mountain shall the ,lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things1 a feast of wines on the lees1 of fat things full of marrow1 of wines on the lees well refined' 7,isa #be3f74 ',and the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it4' ,they 'shall walk in the light of it4' ,that is1 in the light that is in it while it is in its purity in this world1 and in the glory of it when it is in its perfection and immortality in another4 ,whence note by the way1 that in the midst of all this glory1 or while the glorious light of the gospel shall thus shine in the world1 yet even then there will be some also that will not see and rejoice in the glory hereof4 ,but as for those1 whoever they are1 they are excluded from a share in the blessed and goodly privileges of this city4 ',the nations of them which are ,,saved shall walk in the light of it4' ',and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it4' ,by these words are great things held forth4 ,he told us before that the nations of them that are saved shall walk in the light of it2 and here he tells us that even their kings also1 the kings of the earth1 do bring their honour and glory to it4 ,the people of the nations they are but like to single pence and halfpence1 but their kings like gold angels and twenty-shilling pieces4#bj ,wherefore1 when he saith that the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour unto it1 it argueth that the gospel and the grace of ,god1 when it is displayed in its own nature1 and seen in its own complexion1 even then they that have most of the honour and glory of the world will yet stoop their top-gallant#ba unto it4 ',because of thy temple which is at ,jerusalem1 shall kings bring presents unto thee' 7,psa #fh3bi2 ,isa #di3bb1bc74 ',the kings of ,tarshish1 and of the isles1 shall bring presents' to thee3 'the kings of ,sheba and ,seba shall offer gifts4 ,yea1 all kings shall fall down before him2 all nations shall serve him' 7,psa #gb3aj1aa74 ,the kings shall see and arise1 and 'princes also shall worship because of the ,lord1' c4 7,isa #di3g74 ,the kings shall come to thy light1 and princes to the brightness of thy rising 7,isa #fj3a-e74 ',the ,gentiles shall see thy righteousness1 and all kings thy glory' 7,isa #fb3b74 ,yea1 'that which had not been told them shall they see1 and that which they have not heard shall they consider' 7,isa #eb3ae74 ',all the kings of the earth shall praise thee1 ,o ,lord1 when they hear the words of thy mouth4 ,yea1 they shall sing in the ways of the ,lord3 for great is the glory of the ,lord' 7,psa #ach3d1e74 ,thus1 we see1 that though in the first day of the gospel1 the poor1 the halt1 the lame1 and the blind are chief in the embracing of the tenders of grace1 yet in the latter day thereof ,god will take hold of kings4 ',and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it4' ,,into ,,it2 that is1 to ,jerusalem4 ,wherefore this city must be built before they all of them will fall in love with her4 ,indeed1 ,i do conceive that some of them will lay their hand to help forward the work of this city1 as did ,hiram with ,solomon1 and ,darius1 ,cyrus1 and ,artaxerxes1 with ,ezra and ,nehemiah1 at the building and repairing the city1 in the letter1 in the days of old 7#b ,chron #b3aa-ae2 ,ezra #a3a-d2 #f3a-c2 #g3ba74 ,but yet1 ,i say1 the great conquest of the kings will be by the beauty and glory of this city1 when she is built4 'thou shalt arise1' ,o ,lord1 'and have mercy upon ,zion2 for the time to favour her1 yea1 the set time is come4 ,for thy servants take pleasure in her stones1 and favour the dust thereof4 ,so the heathen shall fear the name of the ,lord1 and all kings thy glory' 7,psa #ajb3ac-ae74 ,and1 indeed1 before this city is set up1 and established in her own place1 most of the kings and great ones of the earth will be found employed and taken up in another work1 than to fall in love with ,mount ,zion1 and with the hill thereof4 ,they will be found in love with mistress ,babylon1 the mother of harlots1 the mistress of witchcrafts1 and abominations of the earth 7,rev #ag3b1ab-ad2 #ah3c1i74 ,they will1 ,i say1 be committing fornication with her1 and will be as the horns upon the heads of the beast1 to defend the riding lady from the gunshot that the saints continually will be making at her by the force of the ,word and ,spirit of ,god4 ,they will be shaking the sharp end of their weapons against the ,son of ,god1 continually labouring to keep him out of his throne1 and from having that rule in the church1 and in the world1 as becomes him who is the head of the body1 and over all principality and power4 ',these shall make war with the ,lamb' 7,rev #ag3ad74 ,but1 ,i say1 it shall so come about at the last1 by the illuminating grace of ,god1 and by the faithful and patient enduring of the saints1 together with the glory that everywhere shall now be abiding on the church and congregation of ,jesus1 that they shall begin to receive a man's heart1 and shall consider things that have not been told them2 wherefore at last they shall withdraw themselves from the love of this mistress1 and shall leave her to scrape for herself in the world1 and shall come with repentance and rejoicing to ,zion2 nay1 not only so1 but to avenge the quarrel of ,god1 and the vengeance of his temple2 and to recompense her also for the delusions and enchantments wherewith she hath entangled them4 ',these shall hate her1 and they shall make her desolate and naked1 and shall eat her flesh1 and burn her with fire' 7,rev #ag3af74 ,now1 madam1 what sayest thou8 ,the kings must come to ,jerusalem1 ,jezebel4 ,thy chamber companions will shortly1 notwithstanding thy painted face1 cast thee down headlong out at the windows4 ,yea1 they shall tread thee in pieces by the feet of their prancing horses1 and with the wheels of their jumping chariots 7#b ,kings #i3cj-cc74 ,they shall shut up all bowels of compassion towards thee1 and shall roar upon thee like the sea1 and upon thy fat ones like the waves thereof 7,jer #ej3da1db74 ,yea1 when they begin1 they will also make an end1 and will leave thee so harbourless and comfortless1 that now there will be found for thee no gladness at all1 no1 not so much as one piper to play thee one jig4 ,the delicates that thy soul lusted after1 thou shalt find them no more at all 7,rev #ah3ab-bb74 ',babylon the glory of kingdoms1 the beauty of the ,chaldees' excellency1 shall be as when ,god overthrew ,sodom and ,gomorrah4 ,it shall never be inhabited1 neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation2 neither shall the ,arabian pitch tent there1 neither shall the shepherds make their fold there4 ,but wild beasts of the desert shall lie there1 and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures4 ,and owls shall dwell there1 and satyrs that is1 the hobgoblins1 or devils shall dance there4 ,and the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses1 and dragons in their pleasant palaces2 and her time is near to come1 and her days shall not be prolonged' 7,isa #ac3ai-bc74 ,thus wilt thou come down wonderfully4 ,for 'in thee have they set light by father and mother2 in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger3 in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow4 ,in thee are men that carry tales to shed blood3 and in thee they eat upon the mountains1 in the midst of thee they commit lewdness' 7,eze #bb3f-aj74 ,god hath smitten his hands at thy dishonest gain1 and all the blood which hath been in the midst of thee2 ,god will be avenged of thee1 but will not meet thee as a man 7,isa #dg3a-c74 ,you 'have cast lots for my people1' saith ,god3 you 'have given a boy for a harlot1 and sold a girl for wine1 that they might drink4' ,you have made havoc of my young converts to satisfy your lusts2 therefore1 ',what have ye to do with me1 ,o ,tyre and ,sidon1 and all the coast of ,palestine8 ,will ye render me a recompence8 ,and if ye recompence me swiftly and speedily1 will ,i return you recompence upon your own head' 7,joel #c3a-d74 ,i will throw it as dirt in your face again4 ,and never talk of what thou wast once1 for though thou wast full of wisdom1 and perfect in beauty1 though thou hast been in ,eden1 the garden of ,god1 yea1 though every precious stone for some time was thy covering1 and thou the very anointed cherub that covereth1 walking upon the mountain of ,god1 and in the midst of the stones of fire1 yet because-by reason of the multitude of thy merchandize-thou hast sinned1 and art filled with violence4 ',therefore ,god will cast thee1 as profane1 out of the mountain of ,god1 and will destroy thee1 ,o covering cherub1 from the midst of the stones of fire'2 yea1 he will cast thee to the ground1 and lay thee before kings1 that they may behold thee4 ,and 'all they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee3 thou shalt be a terror1 and never shalt thou be any more' 7,eze #bh3ab-ai74 ',and when thou art spoiled1 what wilt thou do8 ,though thou clothest thyself with crimson1 though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold2 though thou rentest thy face with painting1 in vain shalt thou make thyself fair1 thy lovers will despise thee1 they will seek thy life' 7,jer #d3cj74 ',and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and their honour into it4' ,mark1 they do not only forsake the crimson harlot1 neither do they content themselves with eating her flesh and burning her with fire1 but they come over1 they come over to ,jerusalem2 they are conquered by the grace of ,christ and wisdom of the ,son of ,god4 ,they shall make war with the ,lamb1 but the ,lamb shall overcome them1 for he is ,king of kings and ,lord of lords1 and those that are with him are called1 and chosen1 and faithful4 ,now they shall all give way to the government of the ,king of kings1 the governor of the ,jews 7,ezra #f3g71 and shall with gladness delight to see him rule his spouse with his own law1 rules1 and testament2 they shall play the pranks of ,jeroboam no longer1 in making calves to keep the people from going up to ,jerusalem to worship4 ,now they shall count him also king of nations1 as well as king of saints2 and he shall wear the crowns1 and they shall seek to him 7,rev #ai3ab1ae2 ,jer #aj3g2 ,isa #eb3ae2 #b ,chron #i3bc74 ,the city secure1 the gates always open4 ,ver4 #be4 ',and the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day for there shall be no night there4' ,this is the effect of what you read before1 namely1 of the coming in of the kings and great ones of the earth to this ,jerusalem4 ,for when the whore is made desolate and naked1 and burned with fire1 and when the kings also that loved her1 and that maintained her1 are come in1 and have closed with the glory and beauty of this city1 then what need is there to shut the gates8 ,alas1 all the injuries that the kings and great ones of the earth have done to the church and spouse of ,christ in these days of the ,new ,testament1 it hath been through the instigation and witchcraft of this mistress of iniquity4 ',the horseman lifteth up both the bright sword and the glittering spear' 7,nahum #c3c1d71 against the saints of ,god1 by reason of the multitudes of the whoredoms of the well-favoured harlot1 the mistress of witchcrafts1 who selleth nations through her whoredoms1 and families through her witchcrafts4 ,wherefore ,i say1 this gentlewoman being laid in her grave1 and all her fat ones gone down to the sides of the pit1 these kings will change their mind1 and fall in love with the true and chaste matron1 and with ,christ her ,lord4 ,now when this is thus1 this city must needs be safely inhabited as towns without walls1 and as a place near to which there is neither thief nor ravenous beast 7,isa #b3d2 ,jer #cc3af2 ,zech #b3d2 #ad3aa74 ,persecutors1 while they remain in their spirit of outrage against the church and people of ,god1 they are frequently in the ,scripture compared to the venomous dragons1 fierce lions1 and ravenous wolves 7,jer #ea3cd1cg74 ,all which at this day shall be driven out of the world1 that is1 so out1 as never to molest the church again1 or to cause a gate of this city to be shut1 through fear1 against them2 as he saith by the prophet1 ',in the habitation of dragons where each lay1 shall be grass1 with reeds and rushes' 7,isa #ce3g74 ,in the habitation of dragons1 that is1 even in the places of persecutors1 where each lay1 shall be food for the flock of ,christ4 ,the dragon is a venomous beast1 and poisoneth all where he lieth6 ,he beats the earth bare1 and venoms it1 that it will bear no grass1 as do the persecutors where they inhabit and lie4 ,but behold1 the days do come in which these dragons shall be removed1 and the ground where they lay be made fruitful and flourish1 so that even there shall be places for the flocks to lie down in4 ',in the habitation of dragons1 where each lay1 shall be grass1 with reeds and rushes4 ,no lion shall be there1 nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon2 but the redeemed of the ,lord shall walk there1 and the ransomed of the ,lord shall return and come to ,zion with songs1 and everlasting joy upon their heads2 they shall obtain joy and gladness1 and sorrow and sighing shall flee away' 7,isa #ce3g-aj74 ,according to that of ,moses1 the ,lord 'will give peace in the land1 and ye shall lie down1 and none shall make you afraid4' ,for 'he will rid evil beasts out of the land1' and the sword shall not go through it more 7,lev #bf3f74 ',and my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation1 and in sure dwellings and in quiet resting-places' 7,isa #cb3ah74 ',and the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day1 for there shall be no night there4' ,this word ,,day we may understand two ways2 either for the day of bringing in to fill this city1 or for the day of her perfection and fulness4 ,now if you take it with reference to the day in which her converts are coming in1 as indeed it ought1 why then1 the gates shall not be shut at all4 ',thy gates shall be open continually1 they shall not be shut day nor night1 that men may bring unto thee the forces of the ,gentiles1 and that their kings may be brought' 7,isa #fj3aa74 ,but again1 this day of grace1 and of conversion of sinners1 it must be looked upon either as the church is in captivity and persecution1 or as she is out4 ,now1 as she is in captivity1 so her longest day is usually accompanied with a black and doubtful night of temptation and affliction4 ,wherefore this day here being spoken of1 it is the day of grace that she shall have even when she is absolutely delivered from the rage of the beast1 false prophet1 and whore4 ,wherefore he is not content to say1 the gates shall not be shut at all by day1 but adds withal1 'for there shall be no night there'2 as who should say1 ,i know that commonly in the day of the church's affliction she is accompanied with nights as well as days1 but it shall not be so here2 ',thy sun shall no more go down1 neither shall thy moon withdraw itself2 for the ,lord shall be thine everlasting light1 and the days of thy mourning shall be ended' 7,isa #fj3bj74 ,wherefore ,john1 considering this1 doth quite exclude the night1 saying1 ',there shall be no night there4' ,indeed after this ,new ,jerusalem hath had her golden day in this world1 ,i say1 just towards the ending thereof1 she will yet once again be beset with raging ,gog and ,magog1 which enemies will1 after the long safety and tranquility of this city1 through the instigation of the devil come upon the breadth of the earth1 and encamp about this holy city 7,eze #bh2 #bi74 ,but behold in the midst of this intention to swallow her up1 the ,lord rains fire and brimstone from heaven and destroys them all2 so that ,god1 ,i say1 though he may bring one only evening upon this holy city after her long peace and rest among the sons of men1 yet he shall not bring one night upon her1 nor cause a gate thereof to be shut for ever4 ,the sun shall now stand still in the midst of heaven1 and this night shall be thus prevented by this marvellous judgment of ,god 7,josh #aj74 ,as another prophet saith1 ',at evening time it shall be light' 7,zech #ad3g74 ,that is1 though her enemies will at last still make1 through their enmity1 one only attempt to swallow up all in everlasting oblivion1 yet they themselves shall fall down dead upon the mountains of ,israel1 and be a prey to this ,jerusalem4 ,thus there will be only day accompanying the inhabitants of this city1 ',for there shall be no night there4' ,the glory and honour of the nations brought into it4 ,ver4 #bf4 ',and they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it4' ,this1 as ,i said before1 is to show us how heartily1 and how unfeignedly1 both the nations and their kings shall now come over to ,new ,jerusalem4 ,they come hand in hand1 not the people without their prince1 nor the prince without his people1 though it will1 and must be so1 in the times of persecution2 but now1 together 'they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations to it4' ,again1 ,i told you before that the ,jews shall at this day be converted to the ,christian faith1 and shall have a great name and much of heaven upon them in this city4 ,for1 indeed1 they are the first-born1 the natural branches1 and the like4 ,now when he saith1 they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations to it1 ,i cannot think that by this should we understand only1 or yet principally1 the outward pomp and treasure of the world1 but that rather by honour and glory we are here to understand the heavenly treasure and glory that the saints shall continually pour forth into one another's bosoms in this city4 ,in this city1 ,i say1 for at this day1 as ,i have formerly showed you1 there will be found no treasure any where but at ,jerusalem2 every saint shall be here1 every grace shall be here1 the precious stones of the sanctuary1 the precious sons of ,zion shall not then1 as now1 lie scattered1 some in the world1 and some in mistress ,babylon's lap2 neither shall any thing pertaining to the church's privileges be found in her at all for ever4 ,there shall be heard no more at all in her any harpers1 trumpeters1 pipers1 or any other heavenly music in her2 neither shall there be any more the sound of a millstone to grind us bread1 nor the light of a candle to guide us in the house1 nor yet the voice of the bridegroom1 ,christ1 nor of the bride his wife1 to tempt or allure any that are seeking the way of life1 to stay with her 7,rev #ah3bb1bc74 ,all these things shall be brought to ,jerusalem 7#b ,chron #cf3g74 ,christians1 you must understand that there is a time when all the treasures of the church are to be found in ,babylon1 as in the days of old2 but at this day1 when this city is built1 not any of them shall be found there1 but all shall be brought and delivered up to ,jerusalem again1 as was also foreshown in the type2 and all places shall be void of the treasure of heaven1 but ,jerusalem 7,ezra #f3a-f2 #g3ac-af74 ,wherefore by the glory and honour of the nations in this place1 ,i understand that all the treasures of the church1 and all the graces that at this day lie scattered here and there1 some in one place and some in another1 they shall be found no where at that day but in this city1 in the church that walks according to rule4 ,now the reasons why ,i take this honour and glory to be meant of these things are- ,first4 ,because thus it was in the time of the building of ,jerusalem after the captivity1 the treasure of the ,jews1 which was become the treasures of the provinces of ,babylon1 was again restored and brought to ,jerusalem1 as you may see by the scriptures now cited4 ,second4 ,because ,i find indeed1 that the milk and honey of the land of ,canaan-which are1 in our gospel language1 the gifts1 graces1 and treasures of the church-it is called1 ',the glory of all lands' 7,eze #bj3f74 ,now1 ,i say1 seeing the milk and honey1 which are the comforts of the church and her treasure1 is called ',the glory of all lands1' ,i take glory and honour in this place to signify the same thing also 7,cant #d3aa74 ,third4 ,because also ,i find1 by comparing the prophets1 that the ,christian's glory and honour lieth mostly1 even principally1 in heavenly and spiritual things2 as in faith1 love1 experience of ,god1 of grace1 of ,christ1 and spiritual life4 ,i read that1 at the building of this city1 the ,jews and ,gentiles shall meet together1 and that at that day they shall mutually be partakers of each other's glory4 ,the ,gentiles 'shall milk out1 and be delighted in the abundance of the glory' of the ,jews3 and the glory of the ,gentiles shall be again extended unto the ,jews like a mighty flowing stream 7,isa #ff3aj-ac74 ,but ,i say that this glory and honour should consist in outward things1 or that the glory that is merely carnal should be principally here intended1 ,i confess it grates too near the ground for me to believe or rejoice in it4 ,alas1 ,i find that those souls that have not now the tenth part of the spirit and life of heavenly things that shall then be poured forth2 ,i say1 ,i find that these are trampling on the world1 and disdain the thoughts of being taken with its glory4 ,wherefore much less will it be esteemed in that day1 when the glory and goodness of ,god shall in that manner break forth4 ,again1 can it be imagined that the chief of the glory that the ,gentiles should bring to the ,jews after a sixteen hundred years warming in the bosom of ,christ2 ,i say1 is it imaginable that the great crop of all they have reaped should consist in a little outward trumpery8 ,or if it should1 would it be a suitable medicine in the least to present to the eyes of a broken and wounded people1 as the ,jews will be at that day8 ,or if they glory that the ,gentiles at that day shall suck from the ,jews were such as this1 would it at all be as life from the dead to them in a gospel sense4 ,the church of the ,gentiles shall be a wall to the ,jews at their return2 but such a wall as will chiefly consist in spiritual and heavenly safeguard1 and in outward1 because of that 7,rom #aa3ac-ae74 ,i am a wall1 saith she1 and my breasts are towers1 on which the ,jews will build upon her a palace of silver 7,cant #h3h-aj74 ,but must this wall1 ,i say1 consist chiefly in outward glory1 in the glory of earthly things8 or must this silver palace be of that nature either8 ,no verily1 but when ,god hath built the city ,jerusalem1 and put his church into such a state1 that upon all her glory shall be a defence of heaven1 then shall the ,jews1 by their coming into this city1 build1 by their experience1 a palace for spiritual and heavenly pleasure1 to solace and comfort their brethren withal4 ,in a word1 then1 by glory and honour in this place1 we are chiefly to understand the spiritual and heavenly things of this city1 which1 in the times of the reign of ,antichrist1 have lain1 some among the potsherds of the earth1 some again under the stairs1 some under this abuse1 and some under that 7,psa #fa3c2 ,cant #b3ad74 ,all which shall be brought by the souls that shall be converted1 forthwith to this city1 the church1 where will be the treasury of ,god1 into which every one at that day shall throw in of their abundance2 but as for the glory of the world1 the saints shall be above it1 it shall be with them as silver and wood was in the days of ,solomon1 even as little worth as the stones in the street in their account 7,isa #bg3ac2 #a ,kings #aj3ba74 ,none but visible saints shall enter4 ,ver4 #bg4 ',and there shall in nowise enter into it any thing that defileth1 neither whatsoever worketh abomination1 or maketh a lie3 but they which are written in the ,lamb's book of life4' ,i am not yet convinced that the highest church-state that ever was1 or ever will be in this world1 could possibly be so1 all of them1 the elect of ,god1 but that there would get in among them some that had not saving grace2 the same also ,i believe touching the state of this ,jerusalem4 ,but yet this ,i do believe again1 that the right and gospel-pattern is1 that none be admitted into church communion but such who are visible saints by calling 7#a ,cor #a3a2 #b ,cor #a3a2 ,eph #a3ab2 ,phil #a3a74 ,the substance of which these words import1 ',there shall not enter into it any thing that ,,defileth1 or that worketh abomination1 or that maketh a lie4' ,which words do principally strike at a people that appear to be loose1 wicked1 or ungodly2 of which sort indeed1 not one shall here at any time1 no1 not in any wise1 be admitted entrance4 ,for now shall all the forms1 and all the ordinances1 and all the forms of the goings out of the church of ,god1 and the comings into it1 be so exactly opened to these people1 and they so punctual and distinct in the observation of them1 that it will not be possible that a ,canaanite should be here for ever again found any more 7,eze #dc3aj1aa2 #dd3f1h74 ',this is the law of the house upon the top of the mountain-the whole limit thereof shall be most holy4 ,behold1 this is the law of the house' 7,eze #dc3ab2 ,joel #c3ag2 ,zech #ad3ba74 ,and as there shall at this day be none admitted here1 but such as are in truth visible saints1 so none must here continue1 but they that continue such4 ,if any of those stones that are put in for building into the house of ,god1 shall afterwards have the plague found on them1 then the priest shall command that such stones be taken away and cast into the unclean place that is without the city 7,lev #ad3dj74 ,and observe it1 that congregation on earth that admits only of such persons as are visible saints by calling and profession-though possibly some of them1 as in the case of ,judas and ,demas1 may be known to ,god to be non-elect-yet that church is holy round about the limits thereof 7,num #ai3bb2 ,eph #e3aa2 ,heb #ab3ae2 #b ,thess #c3f1ad2 #a ,cor #e3f1aa-ac74 ,provided1 also1 that if at any time after that the plague appears1 they ordinarily proceed to deal with them1 as here things will be done to a tittle and a hair's breadth4 ,now the reason why the church may be said to have some within her that are non-elect1 and yet be counted holy still1 it is because the church is to judge of persons by their words and lives2 they know not the heart absolutely1 and therefore if in word and life a man be as he ought1 he is to be accounted a visible saint1 and orderly ought to be received of the church as such4 ,so that ,i say1 as ,i said before1 these words of barring out sinners out of the church1 they are not to be understood as if they intended that those should be debarred visible communion that in word and life appeared visible saints1 that are so judged by the rules of ,christ's testament2 but that such should be from it shut out that appeared visible sinners4 ,those that are defilers1 workers of abomination1 and makers of lies1 none of these shall enter4 ,but 'they which are written in the ,lamb's book of life4' ,these words explain the matter3 those1 and those only1 shall enter here1 that are found written in the ,lamb's book of life4 ,now1 by book of life we are to understand two things in the ,scriptures of truth4 ,first1 either the book of ,god's eternal grace and mercy through ,christ1 in which all the elect are recorded for ever4 ,or1 ,secondly1 that book of life in which the ,lord ,jesus hath all recorded that are visible saints by calling2 for1 for both these there is a book of life4 ,for the first of these1 ,i judge these ,scriptures do suit 7,luke #aj3bj2 #b ,tim #b3ai2 ,phil #d3c74 ,and for the second1 these with that in the text 7,exo #cb3cb1cc2 ,rev #bb3ai74 ,now the book of life in this place must not be so strictly taken as if it included those only that were elect of ,god to eternal life1 but must be understood of that book wherein are recorded the rules and bounds of visible church-communion2 and so all those that1 through the gifts and operations of special or common grace1 do fall within the compass of those rules and bounds4 ,thus it was in the type at the return out of captivity1 none were to be admitted entrance into the church but those that could show their privileges by genealogy and the records of the church2 and to others it was said that they had neither portion1 nor lot1 nor memorial1 in ,jerusalem 7,ezra #b3fb1fc2 ,neh #g3fd1fe2 #b3bj74 ,now that by book of life in this place we are to understand that book that hath in it the bounds and liberties of this city1 and so every one that falleth within the compass of these bounds and privileges visibly2 consider1 ,first4 ,they that are visible matter for visible church-communion1 they shall be found within this city1 and yet there shall not enter any1 but those that are written in the ,lamb's book of life4 ,second4 ,now visible church-communion doth not absolutely call for only invisible saints1 neither can it2 for if the church were to join with none but those whom they knew to be the very elect of ,god-as all invisible saints are-then she must join with none at all2 for it is not possible that any church should be so infallible to judge in that manner of the elect1 as to discern them always1 and altogether1 from the non-elect1 which cannot be an invisible saint4 ,third4 ,by book of life therefore1 in this place1 we are to understand1 ,i say1 that book that hath written in it every visible saint1 whether they be elect or not2 and so such a book that is capable of receiving in a man at one time1 and of blotting of him out again1 as occasion doth require1 at another4 ,which thing is only applicable to that book which binds and looses on the account of a man's being a visible saint or a visible apostate4 ,which thing is only applicable to the visible rules of receiving or shutting out of visible church-communion2 which rules being the rules of ,christ's ,new ,testament1 it is proper to call it the book of life2 and is about the matter of going in or going out of this very city so called4 ',if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy1 ,god shall take away his part out of the book of life1 and out of the holy city1 and from the things which are written in this book' 7,rev #bb3ah1ai74 ,o how happy is he who is not only a visible1 but also an invisible saint6 7,rev #c3e74 ,he1 he shall not be blotted out the book of ,god's eternal grace and mercy1 when others are liable to loose a share1 not only in heaven1 but to be for ever blotted out of the book that approveth of visible believers also4 ,fourth4 ,but again1 to explain the matter yet more3 in the visible church there are not only sons1 but servants-that is1 not only those that are truly elect1 but such as have received a gift for the perfecting of the church under ,christ1 in his service here in this world 7,eze #df3af1ag74 ,now1 ,i say1 the servant for the time present hath his place in the church as well as the son1 though not the place of a son1 but of a servant1 even a place of service1 as of preaching1 prophesying1 administering the ordinances that are given to the church1 and the like 7#a ,cor #ab3g2 ,eph #d3aa1ab74 ,all which a man that hath not grace may do1 and that by the appointment of ,christ2 thus was ,judas1 ,demas1 ,hymeneus1 ,phyletus1 and others1 who sometimes were the servants of ,christ in the church1 and did minister for him to them2 yet themselves1 notwithstanding1 such as were all that time strangers and aliens to the life and power and saving operations of the justifying and preserving grace of the gospel 7#a ,cor #ac3a-d2 ,matt #be3ad-ah74 ,as he saith also by the prophet ,isaiah1 'strangers shall stand and feed your flocks1 and the sons of aliens shall be your ploughmen1 and your vine-dressers' 7,isa #fa3e74 ,for verily ,christ will give to those that have not his saving grace1 yet great knowledge and understanding in the mysteries of the kingdom of ,god1 and will also make them for profit and advantage in his church1 to feed their flocks1 to plough up the fallow ground of their hearts1 and to dress their tender vines4 ,yet1 ,i say1 they themselves shall not be everlastingly saved1 for they want his saving grace4 ,as ,christ saith1 ',the servant abideth not in the house for ever1 but the son abideth for ever' 7,john #h3ce74 ,as he saith again in another prophet1 ',if the prince give a gift unto any of his sons1 the inheritance thereof shall be his sons1 it shall be their possession by inheritance2 but if he give a gift of inheritance to one of his servants1 then it shall be his to the year of liberty1 after it shall return to the prince2 but his inheritance shall be his sons for them' 7,eze #df3af1ag74 ,some indeed have grace as well as gifts2 now they that are such the profit of their gifts shall be rewarded by virtue of their grace2 but as for them that have only a gift1 when the work of a gift is done1 then they cease to be any longer of use in the church1 and therefore are forthwith shut out of the same1 but the son abideth for ever4 ,thus you see that as visible church-communion doth not absolutely call for the elect only1 but admits1 and that by the book of rules1 all that are visible and open saints by calling1 so also the ,lord ,jesus himself doth1 and will use some in his church as his officers and servants1 that yet in a strict sense are neither his sons nor members1 who yet are within the bounds of that book of life that here he speaks of1 as is evident1 because with ,christ's allowance they are admitted into communion with his church1 and by him also furnished with gifts and abilities to profit and edify withal4 ,now observe1 such a one is admitted1 though but a servant1 yet not by the church1 because but such a one4 ,the church receiveth no man upon the account of gifts alone1 but upon the account of the appearance of grace1 as of gospel-repentance1 of the confession of faith1 and of a conversation suitable to the same2 all which a man that is not elect may have the notion of1 yea1 the power1 though not the saving power 7,heb #f3d1e74 ,fifth4 ,further1 this which ,i have said about the visible church-communion1 and so consequently about the book of life1 it must needs be a gospel-truth3 yea1 a thing for truth in this ,new ,jerusalem3 because1 besides what hath been said1 there will be found in this city1 even at the coming of the ,lord ,jesus1 which coming of his will not be for some time after the building and setting of it up1 ,i say1 there will be then found among them foolish virgins1 and such who have not the saving grace of ,god in their souls4 ,but yet1 #a4 ,these very souls shall be counted by the church1 yea1 by ,christ himself1 for virgins2 that is1 such as had not defiled their profession4 #b4 ,and will be such virgins as have1 and hold every one her lamp1 even as the wise themselves4 #c4 ,such virgins as were1 every one of them gone forth from the pollutions of this evil world4 #d4 ,and so such as continued visible saints1 even till the bridegroom came 7,matt #be3a-aj74 ,for then1 it is said in the margin1 they cried1 ,our lamps are going out4 ,these1 ,i say1 be those gifted people that will have place in the church1 and so place in the book of life here mentioned1 which yet will1 though they continue hid from the church1 be discovered in the day of the ,lord to be such as had only a gift1 but not grace1 and shall for their secret sins be cut off and cast away1 notwithstanding they were visible saints all their days4 ,to conclude then3 ,if the ,scripture saith1 that none that defileth1 or that worketh abomination1 or maketh a lie1 shall enter into his holy city which yet is but the church on earth1 with what face can defilers think and say they shall possess a part among the church which is in heaven8 ,again1 ,if many that have received gifts from ,god1 and that may be serviceable in his house1 shall yet be put out of doors at the coming of the ,lord1 what will they do that have been and yet continue both giftless and graceless1 as visibly as the light that shineth8 ,and that instead of being the ploughmen and vine-dressers of the church1 prove thieves1 robbers1 persecutors1 and the like6 ,yea1 if many that are within the bounds of that book of life that hath the records and rules of a rightly constituted visible church may yet perish1 what will become of them that never were so much as written therein8 ,must they not perish rather8 ',and whosoever was not found written in the book of life1 was cast into the lake of fire' 7,rev #bj3ae74 ,rev4 #bb3a4-';,and he showed me a pure river of water of life1 clear as crystal1 proceeding out of the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb4' ,,fifth4 ,,the ,,provision ,,and ,,maintenance ,,of ,,the ,,city1 ,,by ,,which ,,it ,,continueth ,,in ,,life1 ,,ease1 ,,peace1 ,,tranquility1 ,,and ,,sweetness ,,for ,,ever4 ,having thus showed us this city1 her fashion1 glory1 inhabitants1 and the like1 he now comes to show us her provision and maintenance1 wherewith she is kept in safety1 life1 peace1 and comfort1 c4 ,its drink the river of life4 ',and he showed me a pure river of water of life4' ,this water of life is nothing else but the manifold grace of ,god in ,christ let forth to the inhabitants of this ,jerusalem1 wherewith she is watered and replenished1 as the earth with rain from heaven1 for the good of those that drink thereof4 ,for both the word water and that of life1 they are but metaphorical sayings1 under which is held forth some better and more excellent thing4 ,and indeed it is frequent with ,god in ,scripture to speak of his grace and mercy under the notion of waters1 of a fountain1 a sea1 and the like 7,zech #ac3a2 ,micah #g3ah1ai74 ,it is called water4 ,now it is called water1 ,first1 ,because no soul can be cleansed1 or effectually washed from its guilt and filth1 but by the grace of ,god 7,eph #a3g74 ',i washed thee with water1 yea1 ,i thoroughly washed away thy blood from thee1' 'and thou becamest mine' 7,eze #af3h1i74 ,second1 ,it is called water1 because it also quencheth the spiritual thirst of them that by faith do drink thereof 7,isa #da3ah74 ,i will give1 saith ,christ1 to him that is a-thirst1 of the fountain of the water of life freely 7,rev #bb3ag74 ,and again1 ',he that drinketh of the water that ,i shall give him1 shall never thirst' 7,john #d3ad74 ,water of ,,life4 ,further1 ,as it is called water1 so it is called 'the water ,,of ,,life1' and that upon a diverse account4 ,first1 ,because it is that which recovereth the soul that drinketh thereof from the death of sin and the curse of ,god1 to a principle of life and heavenly blessing4 ',and it shall come to pass that every thing that liveth1 which moveth whithersoever the rivers shall come1 shall live' 7,eze #dg3i74 ,second1 ,it is called 'the water of life1' because that from it comes all those heavenly and spiritual quickenings and revivings1 that 7like aqua vitae water of life7 do fetch again1 and cheer up the soul that was sinking and giving up the ghost in this world4 ',there is a river1 the streams whereof shall make glad the city of ,god' 7,psa #df3d74 ,third1 ,it is called 'the water of life1' because it healeth the soul of all its spiritual infirmities and diseases1 wherewith by reason of the remainders of sin1 the creature is most sadly annoyed and infected4 ',and there shall be a very great multitude of fish1' of men he means 7,matt #d3ai71 'because the waters shall come thither2 for they1' these fish1 'shall be healed1 and every thing shall live whiter the river cometh' 7,eze #dg3i74 ,fourth1 and lastly1 ,it is called 'the water of life1' because that whosoever doth effectually drink thereof1 shall die no more1 but the water that ,christ shall give him shall be in him a well of water1 springing up in him to eternal life2 wherefore he calleth it in another place1 'the living water1' because the quality and nature of it is to beget1 to increase1 to maintain1 and preserve life 7,john #d3aj-ad74 ,water of lifer clear and ,,pure ,,as ,,crystal4 ',and he showed me a pure river of water of life1 clear as crystal1' c4 ,mark1 it is water1 water of life1 pure water of life1 and clear as crystal4 ,these words1 'pure' and 'clear1' and that as 'crystal1' they are added upon a double account4 ,first1 ,to show you that it is grace alone that saveth the sinner2 and1 ,second1 ,to show you that at this day the doctrine of this grace will be by itself alone without the commixture of that dirt and trash that for a long time1 even to this day1 hath been thrown into it4 ,first1 ,it showeth us that it is grace alone that saveth the sinner1 pure grace1 grace that admits of nothing of ours to be in the least a helper in the matter of our happiness2 we are 'justified freely by his grace1 through the redemption that is in ,christ ,jesus4' ,as he saith by the prophet1 ',i will pour ,,clean water upon you1 and ye shall be clean1 and from all your idols will ,i cleanse you' 7,eze #cf3be74bb ',not for your sakes do ,i this1 saith the ,lord4 ,be ye ashamed and confounded for all your own evil ways1 ,o house of ,israel' 7vv #cb1cc74 ,it is clean water1 indeed-it is clear in the nature of it1 clear in the gift of it1 and clear in the working of it4 ,it washeth freely1 thoroughly1 and perfectly4 ',from all your idols will ,i cleanse you' 7v #be2 #af3i2 ,rev #ba3h74 ,second1 ,this word pure1 and clear as crystal1 it also showeth us that at the day of ,new ,jerusalem1 the doctrine of grace shall be cleansed from all those dirty and muddy inventions that sin1 ,satan1 and the wisdom of this world hath thrown into this river1 and into its goodly crystal streams2 ,i say at this day they shall not come near it1 neither shall the rubbish they have already cast into it any more be there for ever4 ',i will destroy all the beasts thereof the beastly men he means from beside the great waters1 neither shall the foot of man trouble them any more1 nor the hoofs of beasts trouble them4 ,then will ,i make their waters deep1 and cause the rivers to run like oil1 saith the ,lord ,god' 7,eze #cb3ac1ad74 ',and he ,,shewed me a pure river of water of life1 clear as crystal1' c4 ,in that he saith he saw this river1 he giveth us in a mystery also to understand how openly and plainly this river shall in all its crystal streams and currents be apprehended and seen by the children of this city2 for in this vision he doth as it were represent in his person the children of ,new ,jerusalem2 as ,god said to ,ezekiel in another case1 ',thou shalt be a sign1' 'and they shall do as thou hast done' 7#bd3bb1bg74 ,so here1 ,i saw1 saith ,john1 a pure river of water of life4 ,i am in this a sign to the house of the ,israel of ,god1 and to the inhabitants of this city2 they shall do as ,i have done1 and shall also see as ,i have seen4 ,as saith the church and people of this city1 ',as we have heard1 so have we seen1 in the city of the ,lord of hosts' 7,psa #dh3h74 ,and hence it is called an open fountain1 because it shall be no more shut up or kept close for ever 7,zech #ac3a1b74 ,whither this water goes and its extension4 ',and he showed me a pure river of water of life1 clear as crystal1 ,,proceeding out of the throne of ,god4' ,this word1 proceeding1 hath also in it two things3 ,first1 ,an implicit declaration whither it goes2 and1 ,second1 ,a discovery of its gradual extension to those to whom it goes4 ,first4 ,touching to whom1 or whither it goes1 it is let out both to the ,jews and ,gentiles indifferently2 and so it never yet was since the foundations of the ,jewish church2 for in the time of the ,old ,testament it did run to the ,jews in special1 and in the time of the ,new ,testament1 hitherto1 unto us the ,gentiles in special4 ,o6 but now it shall in this manner be extended to sinners no longer2 not now to the ,jews without the ,gentiles1 nor again to them without the ,jews1 but equally and alike to both1 and on them both it shall work alike effectually4 ',it shall be in that day1' saith the prophet1 'that living waters shall go out from ,jerusalem2 half of them toward the former sea1 and half of them toward the hinder sea' 7,zech #ad3h74 ,by 'living waters' here1 you are to understand the same with this in the text2 by 'the former sea1' the people of the ,jews1 for they were ,god's former people2 and by 'hinder sea1' the people of the ,gentiles1 for they are the younger son4 ,and because the whole world consisteth of these two people1 therefore ,ezekiel in his vision puts them both together1 calling them the fish of one great sea1 to which this water of life shall run1 and upon whose fish it shall have a like operation1 even to heal them1 and make them live1 without respect either to this or that party4 ',it shall come to pass that the fishers1' that is1 the gospel ministers1 'shall stand upon it1' the rivers1 'from ,en-gedi even to ,en-eglaim2 they shall be a place to spread forth nets2 their fish shall be according to their kinds1 as the fish of the great sea1 exceeding many' 7,eze #dg3aj74 ,as another prophet saith1 ',the abundance of the sea shall be converted to thee' 7,isa #fj3e74 ,thus much touching whither this water goes4 ,second4 ,and now to come to the manner of the extension of it1 in the way of its proceeding4 ,a thing that proceeds1 it doth what it doth gradually1 that is1 by degrees4 ,first1 it comes or goes so far1 and then further1 and afterwards further than that1 till at last it ascends to the height and uppermost degree that is allotted for its perfection4 ,all which the ,holy ,ghost would have us gather out of this word1 'it proceedeth1' or that ,john saw this holy water 'proceeding4' ,the which the prophet ,ezekiel in a mystery unfoldeth to us1 saying1 the first time he passed over this water it was up but to his ankles2 the second time he passed through1 it proceeded to his knees2 the third time1 to his loins2 and last of all1 became a river to swim in 7,eze #dg3a-c74 #a4 ,it is but up to the ankles1 that is1 but shallow2 and signifies that1 first1 the soul is but a little child in ,god's things1 such as the apostle calls babes1 children1 'little children' 7#a ,john #b3ab74 #b4 ,then from the ankles it proceeds to the knees1 that is1 somewhat higher than the ankles2 and signifieth that the ,christian groweth from a child to a young and strong man1 one that is now gotten deeper into the things of ,god1 and that is able to tug with and overcome the wicked ones 7#a ,john #b3ac74 #c4 ,after this it proceeds higher1 even up to the loins2 this signifies that as grace makes men children of ,god1 and his young men1 so also it maketh them fathers and ancients in his church2 it makes them grave1 knowing1 solid guides1 and unfolders of the mysteries of the kingdom2 these are such as are instructed into the kingdom of ,god1 and that can bring out of their treasury things new and old4 #d4 ,it yet proceeds higher1 even to be above the head1 a river to swim in1 and that such a river as can by no means be passed over4 ,this signifieth our launching into eternity2 our being beyond all heights1 depths1 lengths1 and breadths in the open vision and enjoyments of grace4 ',for there the glorious ,lord shall be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams1 wherein shall go no galley with oars1 neither shall gallant ships pass thereby' 7,isa #cc3ba74 ,thus we begin children1 and wade up to the ankles in the things of ,god2 and being once in1 it riseth and proceeds to come up to our knees1 then to our loins1 and last of all to be a river to swim in2 a river so wide1 so deep1 and every way so large1 that it can in no wise be passed over4#bc ,whence and from whom this water comes4 ',and he showed me a pure river of water of life1 clear as crystal1 proceeding out of the throne of ,god1 and of the ,lamb4' ,having thus spoken to the water what it is1 as also to whom it extends itself1 and how it proceeds1 he now comes to show us from whence and from whom it doth come4 ,it proceeds1 saith he1 'from the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb4' ,out of the throne of ,god2 this throne of ,god1 it is1 in another place1 called the mercy-seat1 and throne of grace1 from which1 as always1 so now in a special manner he will issue forth of himself in the glory of the gospel of the grace of the ,lord and ,saviour ,jesus ,christ to the inhabitants of this city 7,exo #be3bb2 ,heb #d3af74 ,when he saith1 therefore1 that it doth proceed out of the throne of ,god1 it is as if he had said1 ,i saw that from the yearning bowels of the great ,god did flow continually the living streams of the everlasting fountains of grace1 and that not only to1 but in the midst of this city1 wherewith her inhabitants are continually watered1 and their pastures kept always green and flourishing4 ',ho1 every one that thirsteth1 come ye to the waters' 7,isa #ee3a74 ',proceeding out of the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb4' ,in that this water of life is said to proceed not only out of the throne of ,god1 but also of the ,lamb1 it signifieth and holdeth forth unto us two special things3 ,first4 ,that the throne of ,god is also made the throne of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 upon which he1 as a reward of his sufferings and victory over sin1 ,satan1 and all evils1 is set down1 and upon which he sits and rules as ,lord and ,chief of all worlds4 ,he is set down on the right hand of power1 on the right hand of the ,majesty on high2 as he saith1 ',to him that overcometh will ,i grant to sit with me in my throne1 even as ,i also overcame1 and am set down with my ,father in his throne' 7,rev #c3ba74 ,this being thus1 it signifieth that this city shall have her enjoyments of life1 peace1 and joy in the ,holy ,ghost1 by virtue of the kingship of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 as well as by the virtue of his priestly and prophetical office4 ,the church doth in our days know a little what joy1 peace1 and life is to be enjoyed from ,christ1 even through that dark and glimmering sight that she hath of the offices of ,christ in a mist2 but she feels not yet what joy she shall have1 and what peace she shall enjoy when her ,lord1 in all his offices1 is manifest before her1 and when he in the glory of them doth reign in the midst of this ,jerusalem4 ,there are none of the offices of the ,lord ,jesus yet upon the throne in his church on earth1 though they be all upon the throne in heaven4 ,o6 but the day is coming that they shall be all upon the throne in the church on earth2 when they shall1 each of them in its full length1 breadth1 height1 and depth1 bear sway among his people1 and before all men4 ',then the moon shall be confounded1 and the sun ashamed1 when the ,lord of hosts shall reign in ,mount ,zion1 and in ,jerusalem1 and before his ancients gloriously' 7,isa #bd3bc74 ',o that thou wouldest rend the heavens1 that thou wouldest come down1 that the mountains might flow down at thy presence6' 7,isa #fd3a74 ,o that the day were come that the smoke should go forth of the temple of ,god1 that men might enter into it1 and there meet with ,god upon the throne1 and with ,jesus in him upon the throne in all his offices6 ,it will be thus1 thou ,zion1 shortly1 'and great shall be the peace of thy children' 7,isa #ed3ac74 ,second4 ,the second thing observable is1 that as all grace comes from out of the throne of ,god1 so it also proceeds or comes out of the throne of the ,lamb2 that is1 no grace comes to any but through the victory and conquest of the ,lord ,christ4 ,we are 'justified freely by his grace1 through the redemption that is in ,christ ,jesus' 7,rom #c3bd74 ,and again1 ',we have redemption through his blood1' even 'the forgiveness of' our 'sins1 according to the riches of his grace' 7,eph #a3g74 ,by which we may gather that when these things come to be in their own purity among us-that is1 when grace runs clear without the dirt and mud of the traditions of men commixed therewith-then will all that hold up false and erroneous opinions be washed away4 ,for this river will not only wash away the sins and filthiness of those that are truly gracious2 but it will also destroy the heretic and erroneous person2#bd it will be to them at that day as the ,red ,sea was to the ,egyptians of old2 which sea1 though it was a wall on this hand and on that to the children of ,israel1 yet it destroyed the ,egyptians that assayed to go through it as ,israel did 7,heb #aa3bi74 ,the reason also why we are at this day in such confusion in matters of religion1 it is for want of the clear and pure streams of this river of water of life2 all which will be mended when there is but one river to water this city1 and that too the pure river of the water of life1 in all its streams as clear as crystal2 then shall all drink in all things into one ,spirit1 and be watered with the same dews of heaven4 ,thus much of the water of life that belongeth to this ,jerusalem4 ,its food the tree of life4 ,ver4 #b4 ,and 'in the midst of the street of it1 and on either side of the river1 was there the tree of life1 which bear twelve manner of fruits1 and yielded her fruit every month2 and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations4' ,this tree of life is the ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 and that he is here called a tree1 rather than by other of his names1 it is to show us how fruitful and exceeding advantageous he in all his benefits will be to the inhabitants of this city4 ,this is that tree under whose branches the fowls of heaven shall now most safely lodge1 and find relief from the hot and fainting beams of the persecuting sun of this world1 as the ,word doth there inform us 7,matt #ac3ca1cb74 ,the situation of this tree in the midst of the city4 ,now before ,i come to speak to this tree1 touching the manner of its fruit1 and its often bearing1 with the efficaciousness of its leaves1 which here he saith doth heal the nations2 ,i will take notice of one or two general things that lie before me1 from the standing of the tree in the midst of the street of this city4 ,first then1 ,in that he saith this city hath a tree of life in it1 he alludes to the garden of ,eden1 the pleasant paradise that ,god began the world withal2 whereby he signifieth that as the world began with a paradise1 so also it shall end with a paradise1 when sin and ,satan have done their worst4 ,this ,new ,jerusalem shall be the wind up of the world1 and in it shall stand the tree of life1 as well as there stood one in the goodly garden1 which was the beginning thereof4 ,in which paradise there shall be not tree of knowledge1 or the law of works1 to bear sway1 and to cause that the sons of ,god shall be thrust out thence for their eating of its forbidden fruits2 no1 the tree of life alone shall here bear sway and rule1 whose fruit is only healthful1 and the leaves thereof for medicine4 #a4 ,now this tree of life being in the midst of this city1 it signifieth that the inhabitants of it shall be sweetly shadowed1 refreshed1 and defended with its coolness1 and also sweetly nourished and comforted with its dainties4 ,and hence it is that the ,scriptures do hold him forth in his benefits to his church under these very notions4 ',as the apple-tree among the trees of the wood1 so is my beloved among the sons4 ,i sat down under his shadow with great delight1 and his fruit was sweet to my taste' 7,cant #b3c74 ,indeed the shadow of this tree of life1 as always it is refreshing to the tempted and weary1 so now it will be far more4 ',they that dwell under his shadow shall return2 they shall revive as the corn1 and grow as the vine2 the scent thereof shall be as the wine of ,lebanon' 7,hab #ad3g74 ,mark1 7#a47 ,his shadow will make us return1 that is1 to our first love2 to the days of our youth1 to our young1 fresh1 tender1 and flourishing faith1 love1 and self-denial1 that we received in the days of our espousals4 7#b47 ,as it will make us return to these1 so it will make us revive in these2 they shall return and revive1 they shall revive as the corn2 as the corn doth when1 in the heat of summer1 after long scorching1 it is covered with cool clouds1 and watered with the bottles of heaven4 7#c47 ,as it shall make them return and revive1 so it shall make them grow2 they shall grow as the vine1 that is1 speedily1 fruitfully1 and spreadingly4 7#d47 ,this is not all1 but the smell of saints in those days shall be excellent3 ',they shall revive as the corn1' they shall 'grow as the vine1' and shall send forth their scent 'as the wine of ,lebanon4' ,this tree is a perfuming tree1 and makes them also that abide under the shadow thereof to smell as sweet-smelling myrrh2 it makes them smell as the wine of thy grace1 ,o ,lord1 and as the fragrant ointments of heaven4 ,when the spouse did but touch where her ,lord had touched afore her1 it made her 'hands drop with myrrh1 and her fingers with sweet-smelling myrrh' 7,cant #e3e74 ,o they will be green1 savoury1 reviving1 flourishing1 growing ,christians1 that shall walk the street of ,new ,jerusalem6 ',i am1' saith he1 'like a green fir tree4 ,from me is thy fruit found' 7,hosea #ad3h74 #b4 ,but again1 ,as he shall be thus profitable to his people for shadow and reviving1 so he will be in the midst of the street of it for food1 for refreshing and replenishing that way4 ',i sat down under his shadow with great delight1' said she1 'and his fruit was sweet to my taste4' ,ezekiel tells us that this tree is all trees2 and on the bank of the river1 on this side1 and on that1 were all trees for meat 7,eze #dg3ab74 ,indeed ,christ is all trees2 yea1 there is more to be found in him for the food of the soul1 than there can be on all trees for the food of the body4 ,he is a fir-tree for tallness1 greenness and strength2 he is an olive for fatness1 a vine for sweetness and goodness1 for therewith is refreshed the heart both of ,god and man 7,hosea #ad3h2 ,rom #aa3ag2 ,john #ae3a1b74 ,what shall ,i say1 ,he is the almond-tree1 the fig-tree1 the apple-tree1 all trees2 ,the tree of life also in the midst of the paradise of ,god 7,cant #b3ac74 ,to conclude4-,seeing ,christ is said to be in the midst of the street of this city1 it showeth unto us with what1 at all occasions1 the actions of the saints of this city shall be seasoned4 ,the street1 you know ,i told you1 is the way of holiness in this city1 the place of spiritual recreation and solace4 ,now in the very midst of this street there stands this tree1 which being thus1 it showeth us how wonderfully ,christ1 as a tree of life1 will be in all the words and deeds of the inhabitants of this ,jerusalem2 they will walk in ,christ1 they will talk in ,christ1 they will do all they do in ,christ1 or rather ,christ will be found in all their ways2 even as the tree of life is found in the midst of the street of this city3 'they shall walk up and down in his name1 saith the ,lord' 7,zech #aj3ab74 ,again1 ,in that this tree is said to stand in the midst of the street1 it showeth unto us how common and free his benefits will now be also4 ,the plumbs1 and figs1 and grapes1 and apples of this tree1 will be open to every passenger3 not a boy nor a girl1 that now shall play in thy street1 ,o ,jerusalem1 but shall eat of the fruits of the tree that stands in the mist of thee1 as of common things 7,jer #ca3d1e74 ,second4 ',and in the midst of the street of it1 and ,,on ,,either ,,side of the river was there the tree of life4' ,as this tree doth stand in the midst of the street of this city1 so it also standeth on each side of the river of the water of life1 of which you have heard before4 ,now when he saith1 the tree is on either side of the river2 whence by the way note yet again1 that both the water of life1 and also the tree of life1 they are both to be enjoyed by the inhabitants of this city in the way of holiness2 the tree is in the midst of the street1 and the river runs through or between the very tables of the heart of this tree of life2 on either side of the river was there the tree of life4 ,again1 ,in that it is said that this tree of life is on either side of the river2 it argueth that they who come at any time at this river for water to quench their thirst1 and to make them live1 they must come to it by the tree of life1 which is ,christ4 ,in more easy terms1 read it thus3 ,there is none can partake of the grace of ,god but by the man ,christ ,jesus1 which is this tree of life 7,col #b3c1i74 ,for this tree1 this ,christ1 doth stand on either side of the river1 to signify that all grace to us comes through his bloody wounds1 death and victory 7,john #a3af74 ',i am the way1' saith ,christ1 'and the truth1 and the life2 no man cometh to the ,father but by me' 7,john #ad3f74 ',and on either side of the river was there the tree of life4' ,mark1 but one tree1 and yet such a tree whose body reached as far as the river reached3 indeed ,ezekiel saith this tree is all trees for meat1 yet not to show that there are more trees of life than one1 but to show that all that can be thought of that is good for soul-nourishment1 is to be found in this one1 that is1 in ,christ ,jesus4 ,and it is further evident that though he saith all trees1 as if he meant many1 yet he spake but metaphorically1 to show thereby the fulness of ,christ2 because ,john doth understand him so1 calling it one tree1 to wit1 'the tree of life4' ,but mark again1 so far as the river goes1 so far the tree goes1 so that where you cannot find the tree of life1 be sure there is none of the water of life4 ,no ,christ1 no grace4 ',he that hath the ,son hath life1 but he that hath not the ,son of ,god1 shall not see life1 but the wrath of ,god abideth on him' 7,john #c3cf2 #a ,john #e3ab74 ,for 'on either side of the river was there the tree of life4' ,the fruits of this tree4 ',which bare twelve manner of ,,fruits4' ,this word fruits1 it may be taken two ways-either as it relates to ,god1 or as it relates to man1 for1 as ,i said before1 the fruit of this tree refreshes the heart both of ,god and man 7,john #i3i1ad74 #a4 ,now if it be taken with reference to ,god1 then it signifieth the complete satisfaction that by the worthiness of the fruits of the passion of ,christ is given to ,god for the salvation of the church2 this city of ,god 7,dan #i3bd1bf74 ,he suffered to finish transgression1 to make an end of sin1 and to bring in everlasting righteousness2 by this1 ,i say1 is the heart of ,god refreshed1 and in this doth it rest 7,matt #c3ag74 #b4 ,if fruit here be taken with reference to men1 then it signifieth the happiness and glory that those for whom he died and rose again should receive by this means4 ,his fruit1 ,i have showed you1 is sweet to the taste of his church1 which fruit is the effect of his undertaking for sinners and the comfortable savour of it in the soul4 ,the variety of the fruits4 ',which bare twelve manner of fruits4' ,in that he saith the fruits are twelve1 he herein alludeth1 #a4 ,to the twelve tribes of the ,israel of ,god2 for which twelve tribes here will be found a suitable measure of food1 healing food3 ',i will multiply the fruit of the tree1' saith ,god1 and also 'the increase of the field1 that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen' 7,eze #cf3cj74 ,again1 ,these that ,john calleth 'twelve manner of fruits1' the prophet ,ezekiel calleth 'all manner of fruit for meat4' ,for indeed1 as ,i showed before1 there is that to be found in ,christ1 both for fulness and variety1 that is not to be found in heaven and earth beside4 ,here is fruit for body1 fruit for soul1 fruit for babes1 fruit for strong men1 fruit for fathers1 yea1 for glorified saints and angels4 ,fruits1 variety of fruits1 even twelve manner of fruits4 #b4 ,by twelve manner of fruits1 he doth also allude to the apostles1 who are called twelve1 and are those who have made provision for the house of ,god1 according to the twelve-fold manner of the dispensation of ,god unto them1 and of the twelve-fold manner of operation of that holy ,spirit which wrought in every one of them severally as he pleased4 ,which twelve were before figured unto us by the twelve offices of king ,solomon1 the type of ,christ1 which twelve were to make provision for the house of the king1 according to the season of the year1 and each man his month in the year 7#a ,kings #d3g74 ,which very thing the ,holy ,ghost also doth here cast his eye upon1 and that makes him bring in the words of 'every month1' saying1 it yields its fruit 'every month4' ,for indeed1 whatever you read of concerning this city1 in this description of ,john1 you find something or other in the writings of the prophets that giveth ground for such expressions4 ,wherefore seeing the officers of ,solomon were twelve1 and the apostles of ,christ twelve also2 and seeing the officers of ,solomon made provision for his house1 each man his month in a year1 and the fruits of this tree of life are called twelve manner of fruits1 ,i do take the twelve manner of fruits here to be signified by the provision of ,solomon's officers1 according to the twelve seasons of the year1 and they a type of the twelve-fold doctrine of the twelve apostles of the ,lord ,christ1 for it is their doctrine that is the bread of the church1 yea1 the milk for the babe1 and the strong meat for men 7#a ,thess #b3g2 #a ,cor #c3b2 ,heb #e3aa-ad74 ,the abundance of the fruits4 ',and yielded her fruit every month4' ,as this confirmeth what ,i have said before1 so it further showeth us these three things4 ,first1 ,that the effectual fruits of ,christ for the saving of the world1 they are to be had especially at certain seasons4 ,it 'yielded her fruit every month4' ,second1 ,it showeth also that at the building of this ,jerusalem1 these seasons will be very thick and quick2 she yielded her fruit 'every month4' ,third1 ,it showeth us also the abundance of provision that this holy city shall then enjoy from the tree of life1 even all manner of fruit every month4 ,first1 ,for the first1 that the gospel hath and will be especially effectual at certain seasons for the saving of the sons of men2 it is showed us by the descending of the angels into the pool of ,bethesda to trouble the water1 which as it was at certain seasons1 so he that in those seasons first stepped in1 he only was made whole of whatsoever disease he had 7,john #e3d74 ,it is showed us also in that parable of the ,lord's hiring men to work in his vineyard2 which time of hiring1 though it lasteth in general from the first hour to the eleventh1 yet so as that there were vacant seasons between hiring-times and hiring-times1 quite through the whole day2 he went out at the first1 third1 sixth1 ninth and eleventh hour1 and not at every hour1 to hire labourers 7,matt #bj3a-f74 ,for as ,god hath appointed out beforehand the number of his elect1 so also he hath determined in his good pleasure the day of their bringing in1 and will then have them as certainly as the wild ass is found in her month 7,gal #a3ae1af2 ,hosea #f3aa2 ,jer #b3bd74 ,of which times and season1 because men are ignorant1 therefore they should with all faithfulness wait upon ,god in all the seasons of his grace for their souls1 even as he did for his body2 who because he would be there at all seasons1 brought thither his bed and couch to rest there 7,john #e3h74 ,second1 ,as by the fruit of this tree being yielded at certain seasons1 we may gather that there are certain seasons in which the word in an especial manner shall be blessed and made successful to the salvation of many souls4 ,so again1 in that he saith this fruit is yielded every month1 it signifieth that in the days of the building of the city1 the ,new ,jerusalem1 these seasons will be very thick and quick4 ',lift up thine eyes1' saith ,god to this city1 'all they gather themselves together1 they come to thee2 thy sons shall come from far1 and thy daughters' from the ends of the earth4 ',all the flocks of ,kedar shall be gathered together unto thee' so that thou wonderingly shalt say1 ',who are these that fly as a cloud1 and as the doves to their windows6' 7,isa #fj3d1g1h74 ,for ',i will make all my mountains a way1 and my highways shall be exalted4 ,behold these shall come from far2 and lo these from the north1 and from the west1 and those from the land of ,sinim' 7,isa #di3aa1ab74 ,third1 ,in that she is said to yield not only fruit1 but all manner of fruit2 and that not only one manner of fruit now1 and another then1 but all manner of fruit1 and that every month2 it argueth also that at this day ,jerusalem shall have abundance of heavenly and spiritual provision1 and of variety of dainties for her solace and refreshment2 always new1 ,i say1 and immediately from the tree4 ,the fruits of the vine shall at that day be upon the mountains of ,samaria1 and shall be eaten 'as common things1' saith the prophet 7,jer #ca3e74 ',fear not1 ,o land1 be glad and rejoice2 for the ,lord will do great things4 ,be not afraid1 ye beasts of the field1 for the pastures of the wilderness do spring2 for the tree beareth her fruit2 the fig-tree and the vine do yield their strength4 ,be glad1 then1 ye children of ,zion1 and rejoice in the ,lord your ,god2 for he hath given you the former' and the latter 'rain moderately1 and he will cause to come down for you the rain1 the former rain and the latter rain in the first month2 and the floors shall be full of wheat1 and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil4 ,and ,i will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten1 the canker-worm and the caterpillar1 and the palmer-worm' hath eaten4 ',and ye shall eat in plenty1 and be satisfied1 and praise the name of the ,lord' 7,joel #b3ba-be74 ,and then shall every one not only sit under his own vine1 and under his own fig-tree1 but from thence they shall call each to other1 to give to each other their dainties1 and none shall make them afraid 7,zech #c3aj74 ,the virtue of the leaves4 ',and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations4' ,by leaves here1 we may understand the blessed and precious promises1 consolations1 and encouragements1 that by virtue of ,christ's undertaking for us1 we have everywhere growing upon the new covenant2 which promises and encouragements they are and will be most freely handed to the wounded conscience that will be tossed upon the restless waves of doubt and unbelief1 as was the olive leaf by the dove brought home to ,noah1 when he was tossed upon the waves of that outrageous flood that then did drown the world 7,gen #h74 ,but again1 by this word1 the leaves1 you may conceive that still he hath his eye to the paradise in which at first ,god placed ,adam and his companion1 for it was to leaves they fled for covering after they had transgressed against their ,maker 7,gen #c3g74 ,now then1 in his saying the leaves are for healing2 it is as if he had said1 the paradise that will be towards the latter end of the world will far outstrip the paradise that first was planted in the beginning thereof2 for as the tree of life1 which is the ,christ and ,saviour1 shall stand where did the tree of the knowledge of good and evil1 which is the old covenant and law of works3 so the leaves of this tree shall be for healing1 and for covering the nakedness of poor transgressors1 though the leaves that ,adam found in the first paradise1 do what he could1 did leave him naked4 ,christ's leaves are better than ,adam's aprons4 ,ezekiel saith that these leaves are for medicine 7#dg3ab71 that is1 they are for healing1 saith ,john2 the which may most fitly be applied to the blessed promise of grace4 ,for as a leaf for medicine1 when applied to a sore in the body1 doth supple1 mollify1 and heal the wound2 so the word of promise1 when rightly applied to the soul1 it doth supple1 mollify1 and heal the wounded conscience4 ',he sent his word and healed them1 and delivered them from their destructions4 ,o that men would praise the ,lord for his goodness1 and for his wonderful works to the children of men6' 7,psa #ajg3bj1ba74 ',and the leaves1' c4 ,there is yet another mystery lieth in these words4 ,he doth not say1 and the fruits thereof are for the healing of the nations1 but the leaves1 by which he would have us to understand that all the benefits and privileges that we do receive from ,christ1 they are as inferior to the glory we shall have from him when we come to heaven1 as inferior1 ,i say1 as the leaves are to the fruit4 ,again1 the comfort and sweetness that at any time we receive from the ,lord1 it is not before but after a promise is suitably applied1 even as the fruit of the tree with which the body is comforted is not before but after the leaves have put forth themselves4 ,wherefore ,christ might well say to ,nathaniel1 and that after he had received some refreshments from a leaf1 ',thou shalt see greater things than these' 7,john #a3ej72 and ,paul1 that yet 'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory' is laid up for all believers 7#b ,cor #d3ag74 ,for indeed1 indeed1 the glory that ,god hath prepared for us against the day of ,god1 it doth and will more outstrip the most high enjoyment of the highest saint in ,new ,jerusalem1 notwithstanding their enjoyment will be so eminent1 than doth the sweetest fruit outstrip the leaf that hangeth on that tree4 ',and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations4' ,if the leaves be so good1 ,o ,lord1 let us enjoy the fruit2 and not a little1 or earnest1 but the whole harvest thereof in thy kingdom4 ,thus much touching this water and tree of life4 ,the ease1 peace1 and tranquility of the city4 ,ver4 #c4 ',and there shall be no more curse3 but the throne of ,god--shall be in it2 and his servants shall serve him4' ,this is the conclusion of the whole discourse1 and it showeth unto us the blessed effect of the blessed recovering of this city to her first and primitive state4 ,these words1 therefore1 they are only applicable to this state of the church4 ,for there hath no state of the church been yet in the world but that state hath been liable to a curse2 but this state1 to wit1 the state she will be in at her building again1 will be a state without parallel1 a state properly her own4 ',and there shall be no more curse4' ,by curse in this place we are chiefly to understand1 not the taking away of the curse1 the eternal curse which separates between ,god and the soul for ever-for so the curse in this sense hath always been taken away by virtue of the terms1 the general terms of the new covenant1 and that in common for every saint in all ages 7,gal #c3ac7-;but by curse here we are to understand that1 or those curses that do1 and have frequently befallen the church for her sin and apostasy2 as namely1 the giving up his people to their own darkness and ignorance2 his suffering them to swerve from his true worship and ordinances3 his giving them up into the hand of those that hate them1 to become among them a hissing1 a taunt1 a reproach1 and a by-word1 as it is at this day 7,zeph #a3ab-ag2 ,psa #dc3bh2 ,jer #bi3ah2 #dd3h1ab74 ,his taking away from them the means1 to wit1 the outward word of the gospel1 and suffering them to be even at the point to famish for the want thereof 7,amos #h3i-ac74 ,these and other things are the curses that he here saith shall be no more among his people2 for indeed they shall not1 because the gospel-pattern shall never be removed more1 nor their light to see1 nor their love to practise1 never be diminished more4 ,their defence1 also1 'shall be the munition of rocks2 bread shall be given them1 and their waters shall be sure' 7,isa #cc3af74 ,as here1 you find the tree and river of the water of life are fixed now in the midst of this city4 ,wherefore now the church1 as ,i have all along showed you1 shall have her sun at the height1 her light as the light of seven days1 and shall go no more down for ever4 ,also she shall never be pulled down4 ,she shall be a tabernacle that shall never be pulled down1 neither shall one of the cords thereof be loosed1 or one of her stakes again removed 7,isa #cc3bj74 ',there shall be no more curse3 but the throne of ,god shall be in it4' ,indeed1 here lieth the reason of all blessedness to any people1 even the presence of ,god4 ,now the presence of ,god is with his people1 either at times or seasons1 or all together4 ,he will not be to this city a ,god of times and seasons1 even like a way-faring man that tarries but for a night1 as he used to be to his people of old1 but here he will abide1 rest1 and dwell 7,zeph #c3ag2 ,jer #ad3h1i2 ,zech #b3aj1aa74 ,i will dwell in the midst of ,jerusalem1 and my house shall be built in it1 saith the ,lord4 ,and1 again1 ',i will dwell in the midst of ,jerusalem for ever' 7,eze #dc3i74 ,wherefore ,john considering this1 he saith1 there shall be here no more any curse1 but the throne of ,god4 ,god will now1 when he returneth to ,jerusalem1 bring his seat with him to signify his sitting down in the midst of his people1 to be their company-keeper for ever4 ,import of the word ,,throne4 ',but the throne of ,god--shall be in it4' ,by this word 'throne1' we are to understand yet further these particular things- ,first4 ,how blessed a state this city will be in at all times for the answer of prayer6 ,the throne of ,god will be in the midst of them2 the throne of grace1 the mercy-seat1 they will be open now to all the inhabitants of this city2 yea1 the fame thereof shall so spread that it shall be rumoured among all the nations that in ,jerusalem ,god will be found speedily2 that in ,jerusalem the ,god of heaven and eternal mercy is found at all times by them that seek his face4 ',mine house1' said he1 'shall be called a house of prayer for all people' 7,isa #ef3g74 ,yea1 many people1 and strong nations1 shall at that day come to seek the ,lord at ,jerusalem1 and to pray before the ,lord4 ,and at that day the very fasts of the house of ,god 'shall be to the house of ,judah joy and gladness1 and cheerful feasts2 therefore1 love the truth and peace' 7,zech #h3ai-bb74 ,second4 ,the throne of ,god being now established in this city1 what a government1 what rule1 what a life of holiness and godliness1 what dread and majesty will now be in the hearts of all the sons of this city6 ,how to a hair's-breadth will he command and guide them with his eye at all times1 when they should either turn to the right hand or to the left4 ,what wisdom1 ,i say1 what holiness1 what grace and life will be found in all their words and actions8 7,isa #dh3ag74 ,the throne of ,god is among them1 from which there will come continual influence1 light1 and splendour1 into all their hearts4 ',hear ye the word of the ,lord1 ,o ye nations1 and declare it in the isles afar off1 and say1 ,he that scattereth ,israel will gather him and keep him1 as a shepherd doth his sheep4 ,for the ,lord hath redeemed ,jacob1 and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he4 ,therefore they shall come and sing in the height of ,zion1 and shall flow together to the goodness of the ,lord1 for wheat1 and for wine1 and for oil1 and for the young of the flock1 and of the herd1 and their soul shall be as a watered garden1 and they shall not sorrow any more at all' 7,jer #ca3aj-ab74 ,third4 ,the throne of ,god being in this city1 there is also thereby discovered what sway and commanding an authority this city will have at this day1 as ,i have already showed you1 over all the earth 7,isa #b3i1aj74 ',the ,lord also shall roar out of ,zion and utter his voice from ,jerusalem1 and the heavens and the earth shall shake1 but the ,lord will be the hope of his people1 and the strength of the children of ,israel' 7,joel #c3af74 ,this was figured forth by the throne of ,solomon1 in the days when that city was in its prosperity2 which throne1 to show the majesty and commanding awe that then that city had over all1 both far and near1 it had1 for the bearers of the steps1 twelve lions1 six on this side1 and six on that side of the throne 7#a ,kings #aj3ah-bj74 ,this city shall then be the head and chief1 but the tail and reproach no more4 ',glorious things are spoken of thee1 ,o city of ,god' 7,psa #hg3c74 ',and his servants shall serve him4' ,that is1 ,,him ,,only4 ,indeed his servants serve him always1 but yet withal they do too too often serve with the wills and lusts of men1 even in their service and worshipping ,god2 that is1 they serve him in much affliction1 temptation1 fear1 and persecution2 but then they shall serve him without any of these4 ,yea1 'they shall take them captives1 whose captives they were1 and they shall rule over their oppressors4 ,and it shall come to pass in the day ,o city that the ,lord shall give thee rest from thy sorrow1--and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve' 7,isa #ad3b1c71 and thou shalt serve the ,lord thy ,god 'without fear1 in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of thy life' 7,luke #a3gd1ge74 ',and they shall see his face4' ,this also argueth a very great dispensation of grace and mercy to this ,jerusalem4 ,when ,god did deliver up his people into the hand of the king of ,babylon1 he said it should be done in fury and in anger1 and that for their wickedness he would hide his face from his city 7,deu #ca3ag2 ,jer #cc3e74 ,wherefore1 by the sight of his face here1 we are to understand that glorious visible appearance of ,god that then will be for this city and people in the face of all the world 7#a ,peter #c3ab74 ,for by the face of ,god we are to understand the discovery of his severity1 providences1 and wonderful outgoings among the sons of men 7,job #f3h-ac74 ,as also the glorious breaking forth of grace1 mercy1 and forgiveness through ,christ ,jesus1 all which the people of ,god shall then most marvellously see and behold 7,heb #a3a-c2 #b ,cor #d3f74 ,first4 ,they shall see his severity and judgments upon the whore4 ,second4 ,they shall see how ,god1 by his strange judgments and works of wonder1 hath brought this about4 ',who shall not fear thee1 ,o ,lord1 and glorify thy name8 for thou only art holy3 for all nations shall come and worship before thee1 for thy judgments are made manifest' 7,rev #ae3d74 ',they that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water1 there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the ,lord1 even the righteous acts towards the inhabitants of his villages in ,israel' 7,judg #e3aa74 ,third4 ,and as for his mercy1 they shall see that their horn is exalted1 and that they are near to him4 ',praise ye the ,lord' 7,psa #adh3ad74 ',and his name shall be in their foreheads4' ,and 'his name4' ,that is1 his fear and image1 it shall appear in all their doings4 ,sometimes he saith he will write his fear and law in their hearts and minds4 ,which fear and law is all one with that which in this place he calleth his name in their foreheads4 ,the forehead of a man is the place above all parts of the body that is most naked and plain to be beheld of all that pass by2 wherefore1 when he saith their ,father's name shall be in their foreheads1 it is as if he had said1 the profession of my people shall now be open1 and the beauty of it apparent to all beholders2 ',i will make' them1 saith ,god1 'a name and a praise among all people of the earth1 when ,i turn back your captivity before your eyes' 7,zeph #c3bj74 ,every face shall then shine with oil1 as well as every heart be replenished with milk and wine4 ,this was held forth by the memorial that the ,israelites were to wear1 at ,god's command1 between their eyes2 which memorial was the doctrine of unleavened bread and of the paschal lamb1 the doctrine of faith and holiness 7,exo #ac3f-i2 #a ,cor #e3h74 ,wherefore1 by name here1 he means the faith and holiness of the gospel1 which in those days shall walk openly with honour1 with reverence1 and esteem before all men4 ,at this day the world will1 as ,i have said1 be so far off from opposing and persecuting1 that they shall wonder1 and tremble1 and fear before this people2 yea1 be taken1 affected1 and pleased with the welfare of this beloved4 ',the mountains and the hills shall break forth before her into singing1 and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands' 7,isa #ee3ab74 ',all nations shall call them blessed1 for they shall be a delightsome land1 saith the ,lord of hosts' 7,mal #c3ab74 ,the waters of ,noah shall now be no more1 the tumultuous multitudes shall now be gone1 and there will be no more sea 7,isa #ed3i2 ,psa #fe3g2 #hi3i2 ,rev #ba3a1b74 ,now therefore the doves may be gathering their olive-branches1 and also find rest for the soles of their feet1 while the ark shall rest upon the mountains of ,ararat 7,gen #h3d1e74 ',the wolf also shall now dwell with the lamb1 and the leopard shall lie down with the kid2 the calf and the young lion and the fatling together1 and a little child shall lead them4--,the lion shall eat straw like the ox4 ,and the suckling shall play on the hole of the asp1 and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den4 ,they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain1 saith the ,lord' 7,isa #aa3f-i2 #ef3b-e74 ,blessed is he whose lot it will be to see this holy city descending and lighting upon the place that shall be prepared for her situation and rest6 ,then will be a golden world2 wickedness shall then be ashamed1 especially that which persecutes the church4 ,holiness1 goodness1 and truth1 shall then1 with great boldness1 countenance1 and reverence1 walk upon the face of all the earth4 ',from the rising of the sun1 even unto the going down of the same1 my name shall be great among the ,gentiles2 and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name1 and a pure offering3 for my name shall be great among the heathen1 saith the ,lord of hosts' 7,mal #a3aa74 ,it will be then always summer1 always sunshine1 always pleasant1 green1 fruitful1 and beautiful to the sons of ,god4 ',and it shall come to pass in that day that the mountains shall drop down new wine1 and the hills shall flow with milk1 and all the rivers of ,judah shall flow with waters1 and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the ,lord1 and shall water the valley of ,shittim4--,and ,judah shall dwell for ever1 and ,jerusalem from generation to generation' 7,joel #c3ah1bj74 ',and the name of the city from that day shall be1 ,the ,lord is there' 7,eze #dh3ce74 ,o blessedness6 ',and he said unto me1 ,these sayings are faithful and true3 and the ,lord ,god of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things that must shortly be done' 7,rev #bb3f74 ,i conclude therefore with that earnest groan of ,moses1 the man of ,god1 ',o satisfy us early with thy mercy1 that we may rejoice and be glad all our days4--,make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us1 and the years wherein we have seen evil4 ,let thy work appear unto thy servants1 and thy glory unto their children4 ,and let the beauty of the ,lord our ,god be upon us2 and establish thou the work of our hands upon us2 yea1 the work of our hands establish thou it' 7,psa #ij3ad-ag74 ,amen4 ,,footnotes3 #a4 ,the note upon this passage in the ,genevan or ,puritan version1 with which ,bunyan was familiar1 is1 ',god will raise up in his church such as shall rule and govern for the defence of the same1 and instruction of his enemies1 under ,messiah1 whom the prophet calleth here the ,lord and ,head of this kingdom4'-,ed4 #b4 ,from the ,genevan or ,puritan version4 #c4 ',set out' render prominent1 plain1 or conspicuous4-,ed4 #d4 ,in ,bunyan's days1 a few fanatics from among the ,fifth ,monarchy men conceived that the millennium had arrived1 and that it was their duty to take possession of the kingdom for ,jesus4 ,they were mad enough1 like the late ,mr4 ,courtnay1 to imagine that their bodies were invulnerable1 and they marched out to seize ,london4 ,a few of the trained bands soon encountered them1 some were shot and the rest were punished1 and this absurd attempt was at an end in a few hours4 ,this gave the enemies of true religion a pretext1 which they eagerly seized1 of charging these absurd notions upon all who feared ,god1 and a severe persecution followed4 ,to deprecate and counteract these reports1 ,bunyan is very explicit in noting the difference between a spiritual and a temporal kingdom4-,ed4 #e4 ',spices' is from the ,genevan version2 our authorized text has 'powders4'-,ed4 #f4 ,referring to the attempts made in ,bunyan's days to introduce ,popery4 ,it is admirably shown in the ,pilgrim's ,progress1 p4 #aic-',this is the spring that ,christian drank of2 then it was clear and good1 but now it is dirty with the feet of some that are not desirous that pilgrims here should quench their thirst4'-,ed4 #g4 ,all authority in the church is strictly limited to the written ,word4 ,throw away then to the owls and the bats all tradition1 and the power of the church to decree rites and ceremonies4 ,it is treason against ,god to suppose that he omitted anything from his ,bible that his church ought to do1 or commanded that which may be neglected1 although human laws may authorize such deviation4-,ed4 #h4 ,the walls do not go from or leave the foundations1 but1 resting upon them1 they gradually ascend to perfection4-,ed4 #i4 ,anabaptist was the name given to those who submitted to be baptized upon a profession of faith1 because1 having been christened when infants1 it was called re-baptizing4-,ed4 #aj4 ',hub'2 an obstruction1 a thick square sod1 the mark or stop at the game of quoits4-,ed4 #aa4 ,these observations apply to such churches as admit to the ,lord's table unconverted persons1 because they have passed through certain outward ceremonies2 and to those who refused to admit the most godly sayings1 because they had not submitted to an outward ceremony4-,ed4 #ab4 ,see ,isaiah #h3ai4 ',to peep and mutter1' as pretended sorcerers or magicians attempting their incantations against the truth4-,ed4 #ac4 ,this is an allusion to the ancient ,english pastime of combat1 called quarterstaff4-,ed4 #ad4 ,bunyan most accurately traces the pedigree of ,god's fearers1 who1 at the expense of life1 maintained the spirituality of divine worship4 ,he commences with our early ,reformers1 ,wickliff and ,huss1 to the later ones who suffered under ,mary2 continues the line of descent through the ,puritans to ,bunyan's brethren1 the ,nonconformists4 ,all these were bitterly persecuted by the two lions-,church and ,sate4 ,the carnal gospellers1 that confused heap of rubbish that crawled up and down the nation like locusts and maggots1 refers to the members of a hierarchy which were ready to go from ,popery to ,protestantism1 and back again to ,popery1 or to any other system1 at the bidding of an ,act of ,parliament4-,ed4 #ae4 ',virtue'2 strength1 efficacy1 power4-,ed4 #af4 ',to travel and trade1' means to pursue or labour in an habitual course1 exercise1 or custom1 as1 ',thy sin's not accidental but a trade4'-,shakespeare4 ,or1 trade wind4-,ed4 #ag4 ,the perfect unity of the ,christian world is not likely to take place before the glorious meeting in the holy city1 under the personal reign of ,christ4 ,the divisions among ,christians arise1 as ,bunyan justly says1 from antichristian rubbish1 darkness1 and trumpery2 the great evil arising from difference of opinion1 is that lust of domination over the faith of others which naturally leads to bitterness and persecution4 ,in the earliest days one was of ,paul1 another of ,apollos1 and another of ,cephas4 ,the exercise of ,christian forbearance was not an act of uniformity1 but a declaration of the ,holy ,ghost4 ',who art thou that judgest another man's servant8' ',let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind' 7,rom #ad3d1e74-;,ed4 #ah4 ,as the leaven goes on imperceptibly until the whole is leavened1 so the kingdom of our ,lord must increase4 ,how extraordinary has been the progress of ,divine truth since ,bunyan's days6 and who can predict what it will be in another century8-,ed4 #ai4 ,there being no night there but perpetual day4-,ed4 #bj4 ,a 'gold angel' was an early ,english coin1 valued at one-third of a pound1 afterwards increased to ten shillings4 ,the 'twenty-shilling piece' was the old sovereign4 ,the comparison between them and the silver pence and halfpennies was made by ,bunyan in respect to their rarity and not their purity4-,ed4 #ba4 ',to stoop or lower the top-gallant' is a mode of salutation and respect shown by ships at sea to each other4-,ed4 #bb4 ,this quotation is taken from that excellent translation of the ,bible made by the reformers at ,geneva1 and which was much used in ,bunyan's time4 ,he preferred the word pour to that of sprinkle1 used in the present version4-,ed4 #bc4 ,how beautifully is the ,christian's growth in grace here pictured by ,bunyan from ,ezekiel #dg3c-ab4 ,so imperceptibly by ,divine power1 without the aid of man1 that the partaker often doubts his own growth4 ,the water rises higher and higher1 until at length there is no standing for his feet-the earth and time recedes1 and he is plunged into the ocean of eternal grace and glory4-,ed4 #bd4 ',to the one1 the savour of death unto death2 and to the other1 the savour of life unto life' 7#b ,cor #b3af74-;,ed4 999999 ,solomon's ,temple ,spiritualized or1 ,gospel ,light ,fetched out of the ,temple at ,jerusalem1 to ,let us ,more ,easily into the ,glory of ,new ,testament ,truths4 ',thou son of man1 shew the house to the house of ,isreal2--shew them the form of the house1 and the fashion thereof1 and the goings out hereof1 and the comings in thereof1 and all the forms thereof1 and all the ordinances thereof1 and all the forms thereof1 and all the laws thereof4'--,ezekiel #dc3aj1 #aa ,london3 ,printed for1 and sold by ,george ,larkin1 at the ,two ,swans without ,bishopgate1 #afhh4 ,,advertisement ,,by ,,the ,,editor ,of all the wonders of the world1 the temple of ,solomon was beyond comparison the greatest and the most magnificent4 ,it was a type of that temple not made with hands1 eternal in the heavens1 of that city whose builder and maker is ,god1 and which1 at the consummation of all things1 shall descend from heaven with gates of pearl and street of pure gold as shining glass1 and into which none but the ransomed of the ,lord shall enter4 ,jesus1 the ,lamb of ,god1 shall be its light and glory and temple2 within its walls the ,israel of ,god1 with the honour of the ,gentiles1 shall be brought in a state of infinite purity4 ,no unclean thing will be able to exist in that dazzling and refulgent brightness which will arise from the perfection of holiness in the immediate presence of ,jehovah2 and of this1 as well as of the whole ,christian dispensation1 the temple of ,solomon was a type or figure4 ,it would have been impossible for the united ingenuity of all mankind1 or the utmost stretch of human pride1 to have devised such a building1 or to have conceived the possibility of its erection4 ,the plan1 the elevation1 the whole arrangement of this gorgeous temple1 proceeded from the ,divine ,architect4 ,he who created the wondrous universe of nature condescended to furnish the plan1 the detail1 the ornaments1 and even the fashion of the utensils of this stately building4 ',david gave to ,solomon his son the pattern of the porch1 and of the houses thereof1 and of the treasuries thereof1 and of the upper chambers thereof1 and of the inner parlours thereof1 and of the place of the mercy seat1 and the pattern of all that he had ,,by ,,the ,,spirit1 of the courts of the house of the ,,lord1 and of all the chamber round about1 of the treasuries of the house of ,god1 and of the treasuries of the dedicated things' 7#a ,chron #bh3aa1ab74 ',now1 behold ,i have prepared for the house of the ,lord an hundred thousand talents of gold1 and a thousand thousand talents of silver2 brass1 and iron without weight1 timber and stone also1 and all manner of cunning workmen' 7#a ,chron #bb74 ,and lest his heart should fail before a work so vast1 ',david said to ,solomon1 ,be strong and of good courage1 and do it2 fear not1 nor be dismayed3 for the ,lord ,god1 even my ,god1 will be with thee2 he will not fail thee1 nor forsake thee1 until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the ,lord' 7#bh3bj74 ,thus furnished with wisdom from above1 with materials and with cunning workmen1 and1 above all1 with the approbation and protection of his ,god1 ,solomon commenced1 and eventually finished1 this amazing structure1 and fitted it to receive the sacred implements1 all of which1 to the minutest particular1 had been made by ,moses1 'after their pattern1 which was shewed him in the mount' 7,exo #be3dj74 ,every part of the building1 including the foundation1 its altar1 its courts1 the holy of holies1 all the utensils1 and the ark1 were types of that more glorious system which1 in the fulness of time1 appeared as the antitype1 and perfected the ,divine revelation4 ,the temple becomes therefore an object of our special attention as a light to guide us while searching into gospel truths4 ,under the peculiar aid of ,divine guidance and protection1 this sumptuous structure was finished1 and most deeply impressive were the ceremonies on the day of its consecration4 ,solomon had made to himself an everlasting name1 and it would be natural to expect that in such a scene of splendid triumph he would have felt exalted to the proudest height that human nature was capable of attaining4 ,but ,solomon had not only heard of ,god by the hearing of the ear1 but by internal communion had seen and conversed with him4 ,he could say with ,job1 when he had been restored from the deepest abasement to an elevated position1 ',mine eye seeth thee1 wherefore ,i abhor myself1 and repent in dust and ashes4' ,thus1 in ,solomon's beautiful prayer on the dedication of this gorgeous temple1 he humbly inquires1 ',will ,god in very deed dwell with men on the earth8 behold1 heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee2 how much less this house that ,i have built8' 7#b ,chron #f3ah74 ,thus was completed the most perfect1 splendid1 and magnificent building that was ever erected by human hands4 ,still it was only a type of that infinitely more glorious antitype1 the ,christian dispensation4 ',most stately and magnificent is the fabric of ,god's house1 yielding admirable delight to such whom free grace has vouchsafed to give spiritual eyes to discern it2 far surpassing the splendour of its ancient type1 the temple of ,solomon1 which was once the wonder of the world4'#a ',a greater than ,solomon is here4' ',the ,,branch he shall build the temple of the ,lord'--the more glorious1 spiritual1 eternal temple 7,zech #f3ab74 ,in a few hundred years after the temple of ,solomon was finished1 this sumptuous structure was doomed to destruction1 like all the fading handiwork of man4 ,sin enervated the nation which should have protected it2 while the immensity of its riches excited the cupidity of a neighbouring royal robber4 ,it was plundered1 and then set on fire2 the truth of the declaration made by ,job upon the perishable works of man was eminently displayed--',for man to labour he is born1 and the sons of the burning coal they mount up fluttering4'#b ,in a few days the labour of years1 aided by unbounded wealth and resources1 was reduced to a heap of ashes4 ,and now1 after a lapse of about twenty-five centuries1 accompanied by ,john ,bunyan1 'a cunning workman1' as our guide1 we are enabled to contemplate the account given us of this amazing edifice recorded in the volume of truth1 and to compare that utmost perfection of human art1 aided from heaven1 with the infinitely superior temple in which every ,christian is called to worship--to enter by the blood of the everlasting covenant into the holiest of all1 the way consecrated by the cross and sufferings of ,christ--without the intervention of priests or lordly prelate--without expensive victims to offer as a type of expiation--without limit of time1 or space1 or place1 the poorest and most abject1 with the wealthiest--the humbled beggar and the humbled monarch have equal access to the mercy seat1 sacrificing those sinful propensities which are the cause of misery1 and pleading the ,saviour's merits before the eternal ,jehovah4 ,christ has consecrated the way1 and we enter into the holiest of all not only without fear1 but with solemn joy4 ,the cost of ,solomon's temple has been estimated at eight hundred thousand millions of money3 if this is true1 still how infinitely inferior is that vast sum to the inconceivable cost of the eternal temple1 with its myriads of worshippers1 for which the ,son of ,god paid the ransom1 when he made the atonement for transgression1 and built that imperishable temple which neither human nor satanic malevolence can ever destroy1 and in which every spiritual worshipper will be crowned with an everlasting weight of glory4 ,while we cannot doubt but that the temple and its services contained many types highly illustrative of the ,christian dispensation1 incautious attempts to find them may lead to fanciful interpretations which tend to cloud1 rather than to elucidate gospel truths4 ,bunyan very properly warns his readers against giving the reins to their imaginations and indulging in speculations like those fathers1 who in every nail1 pin1 stone1 stair1 knife1 pot1 and in almost every feather of a sacrificed bird could discern strange1 distinct1 and peculiar mysteries4#c ,the same remark applies to the ,jewish rabbis1 who in their ,talmud are full of mysterious shadows4 ,from these rabbinical flints some have thought to extract choice mystical oil to supple the wheels of their fancy--to use a homely expression4 ,such ,jewish rabbis and ,christian fathers limped and danced upon one learned leg1 to the amazement of all beholders1 but not to their edification2 their lucubrations may amuse those who have patience to read them1 but they afford no instruction4 ,even the learned ,samuel ,lee1 whose work on the temple abounds with valuable information1 has strongly tinctured it with pedantry4 ,it is seldom that a more curious jumble is found than in the following paragraph3--',the waxen comb of the ancient figures and typical eels is fully matted and rolled up in shining tapers1 to illuminate temple students in finding out the honey that couches in the carcass of the slain ,lion of the tribe of ,judah4' ,there is no fear of ,bunyan's indulging his readers with the vagaries of the ,jewish rabbis or ,christian fathers--his converse was limited to the prophets and apostles4 ,his object is to make us familiar with those types exhibited in the temple and alluded to by the inspired writers of the ,new ,testament2 to use a ,puritan expression1 he would enable us to plough with our spiritual ,samson's heifer to expound the riddle1 and thus discover the dark patterns of heavenly things 7,heb #i3bc1bd74 ,among the many striking objects to which ,bunyan directs our wondering eyes1 a few should excite our deeper attention while we accompany him in viewing this marvellous temple4 #a4 ,all the materials that were used required preparation4 ,the stones must be quarried1 squared1 and fitted for the building with many a hard knock and cutting of the chisel4 ,so must you and ,i1 my readers1 pass through the new birth1 and be prepared by the ,holy ,spirit to fit us for the spiritual building composed of living stones2 and if not made meet for that building1 we shall be eventually found lifting up our eyes in torment4 #b4 ,very solemn is the consideration insisted on by our author--that all sons are servants to assist in building this spiritual edifice1 but all servants are not sons to inherit a place in it2 an awful thought1 that there have been and now are servants employed in the conversion of sinners1 and in building up the saints1 who never did nor never will worship in that temple4 ,let us examine ourselves before we enter that dreary abode1 to which we are hastening2 'for there is no work nor device1 nor knowledge1 nor wisdom in the grave1 whither thou goest' 7,eccl #i3aj74 #c4 ,are we zealously affected to forward the work1 be careful then as to the materials we use1 'living stones' not wood1 hay1 or stubble4 ,may all our persuasions be constantly used to bring poor thoughtless sinners to repentance but introduce them not as members of that house until you have a scriptural hope that they have passed from death unto life--that they are believers in ,jesus1 and have brought forth fruit meet for repentance4 #d4 ,all the foundation1 the superstructure1 the furniture1 must be according to the written word of the prophets and apostles1 ,jesus ,christ being the chief corner stone4 ,reject all the inventions of man and all human authority in the worship of ,god4 #e4 ,the temple was so built that the worshippers looked to the west toward the holy of holies4 ,all the superstitions and idolatrous notions of man lead him to turn to the east1 to worship the rising sun4 ',the heathen made the chief gates of their temples towards the west1 that these stupid worshippers1 drawing nigh to their blind1 deaf1 and dumb deities1 might have their idols rising upon them out of the east4'#d ,the temple as a type1 and ,christianity as the antitype run counter to such idolatrous absurdities and folly4 #f4 ,christian1 be content with whatever may be your lot1 however humble your place in the church and world4 ,soon will it be changed for the better4 ,in this world we are working men1 and must be content to be clad and fed as such1 that we may be fitted for our solemn and joyful change4 ,soon we shall put on our church-going holiday suit and partake all the dainties of the heavenly feast1 the glories of the ,new ,jerusalem4 ,reader1 these are samples of the prominent truths which will occupy your attention1 while accompanying ,bunyan in your interesting visit to ,solomon's temple4 ,may you richly enjoy your survey of that astonishing building1 under so trusty and experienced a guide4 ,,geo4 ,,offor4 ,,to ,,the ,,christian ,,reader ,,courteous ,,christian ,,reader1 ,i have1 as thou by this little book mayest see1 adventured1 at this time1 to do my endeavour to show thee something of the gospel-glory of ,solomon's temple3 that is1 of what it1 with its utensils1 was a type of2 and1 as such1 how instructing it was to our fathers1 and also is to us their children4 ,the which1 that ,i might do the more distinctly1 ,i have handled particulars one by one1 to the number of threescore and ten2 namely1 all that of them ,i could call to mind2 because1 as ,i believe1 there was not one of them but had its signification1 and so something profitable for us to know4 ,for1 though we are not now to worship ,god in these methods1 or by such ordinances1 as once the old church did3 yet to know their methods1 and to understand the nature and signification of their ordinances1 when compared with the gospel1 may1 even now1 when themselves1 as to what they once enjoined on others1 are dead1 may minister light to us4 ,and hence the ,new ,testament ministers1 as the apostles1 made much use of ,old ,testament language1 and ceremonial institutions1 as to their signification1 to help the faith of the godly in their preaching of the gospel of ,christ4 ,i may say that ,god did in a manner tie up the church of the ,jews to types1 figures1 and similitudes2 ,i mean1 to be butted and bounded#a by them in all external parts of worship4 ,yea1 not only the ,levitical law and temple1 but1 as it seems to me1 the whole land of ,canaan1 the place of their lot to dwell in1 was to them as ceremonial1 or a figure4 ,their land was a type of heaven1 their passage over ,jordan into it a similitude of our going to heaven by death 7,heb #c3e-aj74 ,the fruit of their land was said to be uncircumcised 7,lev #ai3bc74 ,as being at their first entrance thither unclean 7,exo #ab3ae74 ,in which their land was also a figure of another thing1 even as heaven was a type of sin and grace 7,lev #f3ag1 #bc3ag74b ,again1 the very land itself was said to keep ,sabbath1 and so to rest a holy rest1 even then when she lay desolate1 and not possess of those to whom she was given for them to dwell in 7,lev #bf3cd1ce74 ,yea1 many of the features of the then church of ,god were set forth1 as in figures and shadows1 so by places and things1 in that land4 #a4 ,in general1 she is said to be beautiful as ,tirzah1 and to be comely as ,jerusalem 7,can #f3d74 #b4 ,in particular1 her neck is compared to the tower of ,david1 builded for an armoury 7,cant #d3d74 ,her eyes to the fish-pools of ,heshbon1 by the gate of ,bethrabbim4 ,her nose is compared to the tower of ,lebanon1 which looketh towards ,damascus 7,cant #g3d74 ,yea1 the hair of her head is compared to a flock of goats1 which come up from mount ,gilead2 and the smell of her garments to the smell of ,lebanon 7,cant #d3a1aa74 ,nor was this land altogether void of shadows1 even of her ,lord and ,saviour4 ,hence he says of himself1 ',i ,,am the rose of ,sharon1 and the lily of the valleys' 7,cant #b3a74 ,also1 she1 his beloved1 saith of him1 ',his countenance is as ,lebanon1 excellent as the cedars' 7,cant #e3ae74 ,what shall ,i say8 ,the two cities ,sion and ,jerusalem1 were such as sometimes set forth the two churches1 the true and the false1 and their seed ,isaac and ,ishmael 7,gal #d74 ,i might also here show you1 that even the gifts and graces of the true church were set forth by the spices1 nuts1 grapes1 and pomegranates1 that the land of ,canaan brought forth2 yea1 that hell itself was set forth by the valley of the sons of ,hinnom and ,tophet1 places in this country4 ,indeed1 the whole1 in a manner1 was a typical and a figurative thing4 ,but ,i have1 in the ensuing discourse1 confined myself to the temple1 that immediate place of ,god's worship2 of whose utensils1 in particular1 as ,i have said1 ,i have spoken1 though to each with what brevity ,i could1 for that none of them are without a spiritual1 and so a profitable signification to us4 ,and here we may behold much of the richness of the wisdom and grace of ,god2 namely1 that he1 even in the very place of worship of old1 should ordain visible forms and representations for the worshippers to learn to worship him by2 yea1 the temple itself was1 as to this1 to them a good instruction4 ,but in my thus saying1 ,i give no encouragement to any now1 to fetch out of their own fancies figures or similitudes to worship ,god by4 ,what ,god provided to be an help to the weakness of his people of old was one thing1 and what they invented without his commandment was another4 ,for though they had his blessing when they worshipped him with such types1 shadows1 and figures1 which he had enjoined on them for that purpose1 yet he sorely punished and plagued them when they would add to these inventions of their own 7,exo #cb3ce2 #b ,kings #ag3af-ah2 ,acts #g3ch-dc74 ,yea1 he1 in the very act of instituting their way of worshipping him1 forbade their giving1 in any thing1 way to their own humours or fancies1 and bound them strictly to the orders of heaven4 ',look1' said ,god to ,moses1 their first great legislator1 'that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount' 7,exo #be3dj2 ,heb #h3e74 ,nor doth our apostle but take the same measures1 when he saith1 ',if any man think himself to be a prophet1 or spiritual1 let him acknowledge that the things that ,i write unto you are the commandments of the ,lord' 7#a ,cor #ad3cg74 ,when ,solomon also1 was to build this temple for the worship of ,god1 though he was wiser than all men1 yet ,god neither trusted to his wisdom nor memory1 nor to any immediate dictates from heaven to him1 as to how he would have him build it4 ,no2 he was to receive the whole platform thereof in writing1 by the inspiration of ,god4 ,nor would ,god give this platform of the temple1 and of its utensils1 immediately to this wise man1 lest perhaps by others his wisdom should be idolized1 or that some should object1 that the whole fashion thereof proceeded of his fancy1 only he made pretensions of ,divine revelation1 as a cover for his doings ,therefore1 ,i say1 not to him1 but to his father ,david1 was the whole pattern of it given from heaven1 and so by ,david to ,solomon his son1 in writing4 ',then ,david1' says the text1 'gave to ,solomon his son the pattern of the porch1 and of the houses thereof1 and of the treasuries thereof1 and of the upper chambers thereof1 and of the inner parlours thereof1 and of the place of the mercy-seat1 and the pattern of all that he had by the spirit1 of the courts of the house of the ,lord1 and of all the chambers round about1 of the treasuries of the house of ,god1 and of the treasuries of the dedicated things3 also for the courses of the priests and the ,levites1 and for all the work of the service of the house of the ,lord1 and for all the vessels of service in the house of the ,lord' 7#a ,chron #bh3aa-ac74 ,yea1 moreover1 he had from heaven1 or by ,divine revelation1 what the candlesticks must be made of1 and also how much was to go to each2 the same order and commandment he also gave for the making of the tables1 flesh-hooks1 cups1 basins1 altar of incense1 with the pattern for the chariot of the cherubims1 c4 7vv #ad-ai74 ',all this1 said ,david1 the ,lord made me understand in writing by his hand upon me1 even all the work of this pattern' 7v #ai74 ,so1 ,i say1 he gave ,david the pattern of the temple1 so ,david gave ,solomon the pattern of the temple2 and according to that pattern did ,solomon build the temple1 and no otherwise4 ,true1 all these were but figures1 patterns1 and shadows of things in the heavens1 and not the very image of the things2 but1 as was said afore1 if ,god was so circumspect and exact in these1 as not to leave any thing to the dictates of the godly and wisest of men1 what6 can we suppose he will now admit of the wit and contrivance of men in those things that are1 in comparison to them1 the heavenly things themselves8 7,heb #h3e1 #i3h-aj1bc1 #aj3a74 ,it is also to be concluded1 that since those shadows of things in the heavens are already committed by ,god to sacred story2 and since that sacred story is said to be able to make the man of ,god perfect in all things--#b ,timothy #c3ae-ag--;it is duty to us to leave off to lean to common understandings1 and to inquire and search out by that very holy writ1 and nought else1 by what and how we should worship ,god4 ,david was for inquiring in his temple 7,psa #bg3d74 ,and1 although the old church-way of worship is laid aside as to us in ,new ,testament times1 yet since those very ordinances were figures of things and methods of worship now2 we may1 yea1 we ought to search out the spiritual meaning of them1 because they serve to confirm and illustrate matters to our understandings4 ,yea1 they show us the more exactly how the ,new and ,old ,testament1 as to the spiritualness of the worship1 was as one and the same2 only the old was clouded with shadows1 but ours is with more open face4 ,features to the life1 as we say1 set out by a picture1 do excellently show the skill of the artist4 ,the ,old ,testament had the shadow1 nor have we but the very image2 both then are but emblems of what is yet behind4 ,we may find our gospel clouded in their ceremonies1 and our spiritual worship set out somewhat by their carnal ordinances4 ,now1 because1 as ,i said1 there lies1 as wrapt up in a mantle1 much of the glory of our gospel matters in this temple which ,solomon builded2 therefore ,i have made1 as well as ,i could1 by comparing spiritual things with spiritual1 this book upon this subject4 ,i dare not presume to say that ,i know ,i have hit right in every thing2 but this ,i can say1 ,i have endeavoured so to do4 ,true1 ,i have not for these things fished in other men's waters2 my ,bible and ,concordance are my only library in my writings4 ,wherefore1 courteous reader1 if thou findest any thing1 either in word or matter1 that thou shalt judge doth vary from ,god's truth1 let it be counted no man's else but mine4 ,pray ,god1 also1 to pardon my fault4 ,do thou1 also1 lovingly pass it by1 and receive what thou findest will do thee good4 ,thy servant in the gospel1 ,,john ,,bunyan4 ,solomon's ,temple ,spiritualized ',thou son of man1 shew the house to the house of ,isreal2--shew them the form of the house1 and the fashion thereof1 and the goings out hereof1 and the comings in thereof1 and all the forms thereof1 and all the ordinances thereof1 and all the forms thereof1 and all the laws thereof4'--,ezekiel #dc3aj1 #aa ,i4 ,where the ,temple was built4 ,the temple was built at ,jerusalem1 on ,mount ,moriah1 in the threshing-floor of ,arnon the ,jebusite2 whereabout ,abraham offered up ,isaac2 there where ,david met the angel of the ,lord1 when he came with his drawn sword in his hand1 to cut off the people at ,jerusalem1 for the sin which ,david committed in his disorderly numbering the people 7,gen #bb3c-e2 #a ,chron #ba3ae1 #ba3ab2 #b ,chron #c3a74 ,there ,abraham received his ,isaac from the dead2 there the ,lord was entreated by ,david to take away the plague1 and to return to ,israel again in mercy2 from whence1 also1 ,david gathered that there ,god's temple must be built4 ,this1 saith he1 is the house of the ,lord ,god1 and this is the altar of the burnt-offering for ,israel 7#a ,chron #ba3bh1 #bb3a1 #c3a74 ,this ,mount ,moriah1 therefore1 was a type of the ,son of ,god1 the mountain of the ,lord's house1 the rock against which the gates of hell cannot prevail4 ,,ii4 ,who built the ,temple4 ,the temple was builded by ,solomon1 a man peaceable and quiet2 and that in name1 by nature1 and in governing4 ,for so ,god had before told ,david1 namely1 that such a one the builder of the temple should be4 ',behold1' saith he1 'a son shall be born to thee1 who shall be a man of rest2 and ,i will give him rest from all his enemies round about2 for his name shall be ,solomon1 and ,i will give peace and quietness unto ,israel in his days4 ,he shall build an house for my name1 and he shall be my son1 and ,i will be his father' 7#a ,chron #bb3i1aj2 ,psa #gb3a-d74 ,as1 therefore1 ,mount ,moriah was a type of ,christ1 as the foundation1 so ,solomon was a type of him1 as the builder of his church4 ,the mount was signal1#a for that thereon the ,lord ,god1 before ,abraham and ,david1 did display his mercy4 ,and as ,solomon built this temple1 so ,christ doth build his house2 yea1 he shall build the everlasting temple1 'and he shall bear the glory' 7,zech #f3ab1ac2 ,heb #c3c1d74 ,and in that ,solomon was called peaceable1 it was to show with what peaceable doctrine and ways ,christ's house and church should be built 7,isa #i3f2 ,micah #d3b-d74 ,,iii4 ,how the ,temple was built4 ,the temple was built1 not merely by the dictates of ,solomon1 though he was wiser than ,ethen1 and ,heman1 and ,chalcol1 and ,darda1 and all men 7#a ,kings #d3ca74 ,but it was built by rules prescribed by1 or in a written word1 and as so delivered to him by his father ,david4 ,for when ,david gave to ,solomon his son a charge to build the temple of ,god1 with that charge he gave him also the pattern of all in writing2 even a pattern of the porch1 house1 chambers1 treasuries1 parlours1 c41 and of the place for the mercy-seat2 which pattern ,david had of ,god2 nor would ,god trust his memory with it4 ',the ,lord made me1' said he1 'understand in writing1 by his hand upon me1 even all the works of their pattern4' ,thus1 therefore1 ,david gave to ,solomon his son the pattern of all2 and thus ,solomon his son built the house of ,god 7#a ,chron #bh3i-bj74 ,and answerable to this1 ,christ ,jesus1 the builder of his own house1 ,,whose ,,hose ,,are ,,we1 doth build his holy habitation for him to dwell in2 even according to the commandment of ,god the ,father4 ,for1 saith he1 ',i have not spoken of myself1 but the ,father which sent me4 ,he gave me a commandment what ,i should speak4' ,and hence it is said1 ,god gave him the revelation2 and again1 that he took the book out of the hand of him that sat on the throne2 and so acted1 as to the building up of his church 7,john #ab3di1ej2 ,rev #a3a1 #e3e74 ,,iv4 ,of what the ,temple was built4 ,the materials with which the temple was built1 were such as were in their own nature common to that which was left behind2 things that naturally were not fit1 without art1 to be laid on so holy a house4 ,and this shows that those of whom ,christ ,jesus designs to build his church1 are by nature no better than others4 ,but as the trees and stones of which the temple was built1 were first hewed and squared before they were fit to be laid in that house1 so sinners1 of which the church is to be built1 must first be fitted by the word and doctrine1 and then fitly laid in their place in the church4 ,for though1 as to nature1 there is no difference betwixt those made use of to build ,god's house with1 yet by grace they differ from others2 even as those trees and stones that are hewed and squared for building1 by art are made to differ from those which abide in the wood or pit4 ,the ,lord ,jesus1 therefore1 while he seeketh materials wherewith to build his house1 he findeth them the clay of the same lump that he rejecteth and leaves behind4 ',are we better than they8 ,no1 in no wise' 7,rom #c3i74 ,nay1 ,i think1 if any be best1 it is they which are left behind4 ',he came not to call the righteous1 but sinners to repentance' 7,mark #b3ag74 ,and1 indeed1 in this he doth show both the greatness of his grace and workmanship2 his grace in taking such2 and his workmanship in that he makes them meet for his holy habitation4#b ,this the current of ,scripture maketh manifest2 wherefore it is needless now to cite particulars3 only we must remember1 that none are laid in this building as they come out of the wood or pit1 but as they first pass under the hand and rule of this great builder of the temple of ,god4 ,v4 ,who was to fell those trees1 and to dig those stones1 with which ,solomon built the ,temple4 ,as the trees were to be felled1 and stones to be digged1 so there was for that matter select workmen appointed4 ,these were not of the sons of ,jacob nor of the house of ,israel2 they were the servants of ,hiram1 king of ,tyre1 and the ,gibeonites1 namely1 their children that made a league with ,joshua1 in the day that ,god gave the land of ,canaan to his people 7,josh #i3bb-bg2 #a ,kings #e3a2 #a ,chron #bh1 #bi74 ,and these were types of our gospel ministers1 who are the men appointed by ,jesus ,christ to make sinners1 by their preaching1 meet for the house of ,god4 ,wherefore1 as he was famous of old who was strong to lift up his axe upon the thick boughs to square wood for the building of the temple2 so a minister of the gospel now is also famous1 if much used by ,christ for the converting of sinners to himself1 that he may build him a temple with them 7,psa #g3d-f2 ,rom #af74 ,but why1 may some say1 do you make so homely a comparison8 ,i answer1 because ,i believe it is true2 for it is grace1 not gifts1 that makes us sons1 and the beloved of ,god4 ,gifts make a minister2 and as a minister1 one is but a servant to hew wood and draw water for the house of my ,god4 ,yea1 ,paul1 though a son1 yet counted himself not a son but a servant1 purely as he was a minister4 ,a servant of ,god1 a servant of ,christ1 a servant of the church1 and your servants for ,jesus' sake 7,titus #a3a2 ,rom #a3a2 ,col #d3e74 ,a man then is a son1 as he is begotten and born of ,god to himself1 and a servant as he is gifted for work in the house of his ,father2 and though it is truth the servant may be a son1 yet he is not a son because he is a servant4 ,nor doth it follow1 that because all sons may be servants1 that therefore all servants are sons2 no1 all the servants of ,god are not sons2 and therefore when time shall come1 he that is only a servant here1 shall certainly be put out of the house1 even out of that house himself did help to build4 ',the servant abideth not in the house for ever1' the servant1 that is1 he that is only so 7,eze #df3af1ag2 ,john #h3ce74 ,so then1 as a son1 thou art an ,israelite2 as a servant1 a ,gibeonite4 ,the consideration of this made ,paul start2 he knew that gifts made him not a son 7#a ,cor #ab3bh-ca1 #ac3a1b74 ,the sum then is1 a man many be a servant and a son2 a servant as he is employed by ,christ in his house for the good of others2 and a son1 as he is a partaker of the grace of adoption4 ,but all servants are not sons2 and let this be for a caution1 and a call to ministers1 to do all acts of service for ,god1 and in his house with reverence and godly fear2 and with all humility let us desire to be partakers ourselves of that grace we preach to others 7#a ,cor #i3be74 ,this is a great saying1 and written perhaps to keep ministers humble3 ',and strangers shall stand and feed your flocks1 and the sons of the alien shall be your ploughman1 and your vine-dressers' 7,isa #fa3e74 ,to be a ploughman here is to be a preacher2 and to be a vine-dresser here is to be a preacher 7,luke #i3ei-fb2 #a ,cor #i3g1bg2 ,matt #bj3a-d1h1 #ba3bh74 ,and if he does this work willingly1 he has a reward2 if not1 a dispensation of the gospel was committed to him1 and that is all 7#a ,cor #i3ag74 ,,vi4 ,in what condition the timber and stones were1 when brought to be laid in the building of the temple4 ,the timber and stones with which the temple was built1 were squared and hewed at the wood or pit2 and so there made every way fit for that work1 even before they were brought to the place where the house should be set up3 ',so that there was neither hammer1 nor axe1 nor any tool of iron heard in the house while it was in building' 7#a ,kings #f3g74 ,and this shows1 as was said before1 that the materials of which the house was built were1 before the hand of the workman touched them1 as unfit to be laid in the building as were those that were left behind2 consequently that themselves1 none otherwise but by the art of others1 were made fit to be laid in this building4 ,to this our ,new ,testament temple answers4 ,for those of the sons of ,adam who are counted worthy to be laid in this building1 are not by nature1 but by grace1 made meet for it2 not by their own wisdom1 but by the ,word of ,god4 ,hence he saith1 ',i have hewed them by the prophets4' ,and again1 ministers are called ,god's builders and labourers1 even as to this work 7,hosea #f3e2 #a ,cor #c3aj2 #b ,cor #f3a2 ,col #a3bh74 ,no man will lay trees1 as they come from the wood1 for beams and rafters in his house2 nor stones1 as digged in the walls4 ,no2 the stones must be hewed and squared1 and the trees sawn and made fit1 and so be laid in the house4 ,yea1 they must be so sawn1 and so squared1 that in coupling they may be joined exactly2 else the building will not be good1 nor the workman have credit of his doings4 ,hence our gospel-church1 of which the temple was a type1 is said to be fitly framed1 and that there is a fit supply of every joint for the securing of the whole 7#a ,peter #b3e2 ,eph #b3bj1ba1 #d3af2 ,col #b3ai74 ,as they therefore build like children1 that build with wood as it comes from the wood or forest1 and with stones as they come from the pit1 even so do they who pretend to build ,god a house of unconverted sinners1 unhewed1 unsquared1 unpolished4 ,wherefore ,god's workmen1 according to ,god's advice1 prepare their work without1 and make it fit for themselves in the field1 and afterwards build the house 7,prov #bd3bg74 ,let ministers therefore look to this1 and take heed1 lest instead of making their notions stoop to the ,word1 they make the ,scriptures stoop to their notions4 ,,vii4 ,of the foundation of the ,temple4 ,the foundation of the temple is that upon which it stood2 and it was twofold3 ,first1 the hill ,moriah1 and then those great stones upon which it was erected4 ,this hill ,moriah1 as was said afore1 did more properly typify ,christ4 ,hence ,moriah is called ',the ,mountain of the house1' it being the rock on which it was built4 ,those great stones1 called foundation-stones1 were types of the prophets and apostles 7,matt #af3ah2 ,eph #b3bj1ba2 ,heb #aa3aj74 ,wherefore these stones were stones of the biggest size1 stones of eight cubits1 and stones of ten cubits 7#a ,kings #g3aj74 ,now1 as the temple had this double foundation1 so we must consider it respectively and distinctly2 for ,christ is the foundation one way1 the prophets and apostles a foundation another4 ,christ is the foundation personally and meritoriously2 but the prophets and apostles1 by doctrine1 ministerially4 ,the church then1 which is ,god's ,new ,testament temple1 as it is said to be built on ,christ the foundation2 so none other is the foundation but he 7#a ,cor #c3aa1ab74 ,but as it is said to be built upon the apostles1 so it is said to have twelve foundations1 and must have none but they 7,rev #ba3ad74 ,what is it then8 ,why1 we must be builded upon ,christ1 as he is our priest1 sacrifice1 prophet1 king1 and advocate2 and upon the other1 as they are infallible instructors and preachers of him2 not that any may be an apostle that so shall esteem of himself1 nor that any other doctrine be administered but what is the doctrine of the twelve2 for they are set forth as the chief and last4 ,these are also they1 as ,moses1 which are to look over all the building1 and to see that all in this house be done according to the pattern showed to them in the mount 7,exo #ci3dc2 ,john #bj3ba-bc2 #a ,cor #c3i1 #d3i74 ,let us then keep these distinctions clear1 and not put an apostle in the room of ,christ1 nor ,christ in the place of one of those apostles4 ,let none but ,christ be the high-priest and sacrifice for your souls to ,god2 and none but that doctrine which is apostolical1 be to you as the mouth of ,christ for instruction to prepare you1 and to prepare materials for this temple of ,god1 and to build them upon this foundation4 ,,viii4 ,of the richness of the stones which were laid for the foundations of the ,temple4 ,these foundation stones1 as they were great1 so they were costly stones2 though1 as ,i said1 of themselves1 of no more worth than they of their nature that were left behind4 ,their costliness therefore1 lay in those additions which they received from the king's charge4 ,first1 ,in that labour which was bestowed upon them in sawing1 squaring1 and carving4 ,for the servants1 as they were cunning at this work1 so they bestowed much of their art and labour upon them1 by which they put them into excellent form1 and added to their bigness1 glory1 and beauty1 fit for stones upon which so goodly a fabric was to be built4 ,secondly1 ,these stones1 as they were thus wrought within and without1 so1 as it seems to me1 they were inlaid with other stones more precious than themselves4 ,inlaid1 ,i say1 with stones of divers colours4 ,according as it is written1 ,i 'will lay thy foundations with sapphires' 7,isa #ed3aa74 ,not that the foundations were sapphires1 but they were laid1 inlaid with them2 or1 as he saith in another place1 ',they were adorned with goodly stones and gifts' 7,luke #ba3e74 ,this is still more amplified1 where it is written of the ,new ,jerusalem1 which is still the ,new ,testament church on earth1 and so the same in substance with what is now4 ',the foundations of the wall of the city1' saith he1 'were garnished with all manner of precious stones' 7,rev #ba3ai74 ,true1 these there are called ',the foundations of the wall of the city1' but it has respect to the matter in hand2 for that which is before called a temple1 for its comparative smallness1 is here called a city1 for or because of its great increase3 and both the foundations of the wall of the city1 as well as of the temple1 are 'the twelve apostles of the ,lamb' 7,rev #ba3ad74 ,for these carvings and inlayings1 with all other beautifications1 were types of the extraordinary gifts and graces of the apostles4 ,hence the apostle calls such gifts signs of apostleship 7,rom #ae3ai2 #b ,cor #ab3ab2 ,heb #b3d74 ,for as the foundation stones of the temple were thus garnished1 so were the apostles beautified with a call1 gifts1 and graces peculiar to themselves4 ,hence he says1 ',first apostles'2 for that they were first and chief in the church of ,christ 7#a ,cor #ab3bh74 ,nor were these stones only laid for a foundation for the temple2 the great court1 the inner court1 as also the porch of the temple1 had round about them three rows of these stones for their foundation 7#a ,kings #g3ab74 ,signifying1 as it seems to me1 that the more outward and external part1 as well as that more internal worship to be performed to ,god1 should be grounded upon apostolical doctrine and appointments 7#a ,cor #c3aj-ab2 #b ,thess #b3ae1 #c3f2 ,heb #f3a-d74 ,,ix4 ,which way the face or front of the ,temple stood4 #a4 ,the temple was built with its face or front towards the east1 and that1 perhaps1 because the glory of the ,god of ,israel was to come from the way of the east into it 7,eze #dc3a-d1 #dg3a74 ,wherefore1 in that its front stood toward the east1 it may be to show that the true gospel church would have its eye to1 and expectation from1 the ,lord4 ,we look1 said ,paul1 but whither8 ,we have 'our conversation1' said he1 'in heaven1' from whence our expectation is 7#b ,cor #d3ah2 ,phil #c3bj2 ,psa #fb3e74 #b4 ,it was set also with its face towards the east1 to keep the people of ,god from committing of idolatry2 to wit1 from worshipping the host of heaven1 and the sun whose rising is from the east4 ,for since the face of the temple stood toward the east1 and since the worshippers were to worship at1 or with their faces towards the temple1 it follows that both in their going to1 and worshipping ,god towards that place1 their faces must be from1 and their backs towards the sun4#c ,the thus building of the temple1 therefore1 was a snare to idolaters1 and a proof of the zeal of those that were the true worshippers2 as also to this day the true gospel-instituted worship of ,jesus ,christ is4 ,hence he is said1 to idolaters1 to be a snare and trap1 but to the godly a glory 7,isa #h3ad1 #fj3ai74 #c4 ,do but see how ,god catched the idolatrous ,jews1 by this means1 in their naughtiness3 ',and he brought me1' saith the prophet1 'into the inner court of the ,lord's house1 and behold at the door of the temple of the ,lord1 between the porch and the altar1 were about five and twenty men with their backs toward the temple of the ,lord1 and their faces towards the east' 7,eze #h3af74 ,it was therefore1 as ,i said1 set with its face towards the east1 to prevent false worship1 and detect idolaters4 #d4 ,from the east also came the most blasting winds1 winds that are destructive to man and beasts1 to fruit and trees1 and ships at sea 7,exo #aj3ac2 ,job #bg3ba2 ,eze #ag3aj1 #ai3ab2 ,psa #dh3g2 ,eze #bg3bf74 ,i say1 the east wind1 or that which comes from thence1 is the most hurtful2 yet you see1 the temple hath set her face against it1 to show that the true church cannot be blasted or made turn back by any affliction4 ,it is not east winds1 nor none of their blastings1 that can make the temple turn about4 ,hence he saith that ,jacob's face shall not wax pale4 ,and again1 ',i have made thy face strong against their faces1' and that 'the gates of hell shall not prevail against it' 7,isa #bi3bb2 ,eze #c3h2 ,matt #af3ah74 #e4 ,it might be also built with its face towards the east1 to show that the true church looketh1 as afore ,i hinted1 for her ,lord and ,king from heaven2 knowing1 that at his coming he will bring healing in his wings2 for from the east he will appear when he comes the second time without sin unto salvation1 of which the sun gives us a memento in his rising there every morning4 ',for as the lightning cometh out of the east1 and shineth even unto the west1 so shall also the coming of the ,son of man be' 7,matt #bd3bg2 ,mal #d3b2 ,heb #i3bh2 ,col #c3d2 #b ,peter #c3aa-ad74 #f4 ,christ1 as the north pole1 draws those touched with the load-stone of his word1 with the face of their souls towards him1 to look for1 and hasten to his coming4 ,and this also is signified by the temple standing with its face towards the east4 ,x4 ,of the courts of the ,temple4 ,i perceive that there were two courts belonging to the temple4 ,the first was called the outward court 7,eze #dj3g1 #df3ba74 #a4 ,this was that into which the people of necessity first entered1 when they went to worship in the temple2 consequently that was it1 in and by which the people did first show their desires to be the worshippers of ,god4 ,and this answers to those badges and signs of love to religion1 that people have in face1 or outward appearance 7,matt #bc3bg2 #b ,cor #aj3g74 #b4 ,in this1 though there may sometimes be truth1 yet oftener lies and dissimulation3 wherefore commonly an outward appearance is set in opposition to faith and truth1 as the outward is in opposition to the inner court1 and outward to the inner man2 and that is1 when it is by itself1 for then it profits nothing 7,rom #b3bh2 #a ,cor #ac3a-c2 #b ,cor #e3ab74 #c4 ,hence1 though the outward court was something to the ,jews1 because by outward bodies they were distinguished from the ,gentiles2 yet to us it is little1 for now 'he is not a ,jew who is one only outwardly4' ,therefore all the time of the ,beast's reign1 this court is given to be trodden under foot2 for1 as ,i said1 outward show will avail nothing1 when the ,beast comes to turn and toss up professors with his horns 7,rev #aa3aj-ab74 #d4 ,but as there was an outward1 so there was an inner court1 a court that stood nearer the temple2 and so to the true practical part of worship1 than that outward court did 7,eze #aj3c1 #df3a2 #a ,kings #f3cf74 #e4 ,this inner court is that which is called 'the court of the priests1' because it was it in which they boiled the trespass-offerings1 and in which they prepared the sin-offering for the people 7#b ,chron #d3i2 ,eze #df3bj74 #f4 ,this court1 therefore1 was the place of practice and of preparation to appear before ,god1 which is the first true token of a sincere and honest mind4 ,wherefore here1 and not in the outward court1 stood the great brazen altar1 which was a type of ,christ1 by whom alone the true worshippers make their approach with acceptance unto ,god4 ,also here stood the great brazen scaffold1 on which the king kneeled when he prayed for the people1 a type of ,christ's prayers for his when he was in the world 7#b ,chron #f3ac2 ,john #ag74 #g4 ,wherefore this court was a type of practical worship1 and so of our praying1 hearing1 and eating1 before ,god4 ,there belonged to this court several gates1 an east1 a south1 and a north gate2 and when the people of the land went into this court to worship1 they were not to go out at that gate by which they came in1 but out of the gate over against it1 to show that true ,christians should persevere right on1 and not turn back1 whatever they meet with in the way4 ',he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to worship1 shall go out by the way of the south gate2 and he that entereth in by the way of the south gate1 shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in1 but shall go forth over against it' 7,eze #df3i74 #h4 ,these courts were places of great delight to the ,jews1 as both feigned and sincere profession is to those that practice therein4 ,wherefore1 when the ,jews did enter into these1 they did use to do it with praise and pipe1 as do both hypocrites and sincere one4 ,so then1 when a man shall tread in both these courts1 and shall turn what he seems to be1 into what he should be in reality2 then1 and not till then1 he treads them as he should2 for then he makes the outward court1 and his treading there but a passage to that which is more inward and sincere4 ,but he that stays in the outward one is but such an one as pleases not ,god1 for that he wants the practice of what he professes with his mouth4 ,,xi4 ,of the great brazen altar that stood in the inner court of the ,temple4 #a4 ,in the inner court stood the great brazen altar which ,solomon made4 ,this is evident2 for that when he kneeled upon the scaffold there to pray1 he kneeled before this altar4 ,see ,exodus #dj3f1 #bi2 #b ,chronicles #f3ac2 #b ,kings #af3ad2 ,joel #b3ag4 #b4 ,this altar seems to be placed about the middle of this court over against the porch of the house2 and between it and the temple was the place where ,zechariah was slain4 ,this altar was called 'the altar of burnt-offering1' and therefore it was a type of ,christ in his divinity4 ,for ,christ's body was our true burnt-offering1 of which the bodies of the sacrificed beasts were a type2 now that altar upon which his body was offered was his ,divinity or ,godhead2 for that1 and that only1 could bear up that offering in the whole of its suffering2 and that therefore1 and that only1 was to receive the fat1 the glory4 ,hence it is said he1 'through the eternal ,spirit1 offered himself without spot to ,god' 7,heb #i3ad74 #c4 ,for ,christ is priest1 and sacrifice1 and altar1 and all4 ,and as a priest he offered1 as a sacrifice he suffered1 and as ,god he supported his humanity1 in that suffering of all the pains it underwent 7,gal #a3d1 #b3bj2 #a ,peter #c3ah2 ,heb #i3ad74 #d4 ,it was then ,christ's ,godhead1 not the tree1 that was the altar of burnt-offering1 or that by which ,christ offered himself an offering and a sacrifice to ,god for a sweet-smelling savour4 #e4 ,that it was not the tree1 is evident1 for that could not sanctify the gift1 to wit1 his body2 but ,christ affirmeth1 'that the altar sanctifieth the gift4' ,and by so saying1 he affirmeth that the altar on which he offered his offering was greater than the offering itself 7,matt #bc3ai74 ,now the body of ,christ was the gift2 for so he saith1 ,i give my flesh for the life of the world 7,john #f74 ,but now1 what thing is that which is greater than his body1 save the altar1 his ,divinity on which it was offered8 ,the tree then was not the altar which sanctified this gift1 to make it of virtue enough to make reconciliation for iniquity 7,john #f3ea1 #ag3ai2 ,heb #i3ad2 ,col #a3ai-ba74 ,now1 since this altar of burnt-offering was thus placed in the inner court1 it teaches us several things3 ,first1 ,that those that come only into the outward court1 or that rest in a bare appearance of ,christianity1 do not1 by so doing1 come to ,jesus ,christ2 for this altar stands not there4 ,hence ,john takes notice only of the temple and this altar1 and them that worship therein1 and leaves out the outward court1 and so them that come no farther 7,rev #aa3a1b74 ,second4 ,this teaches us also that we are to enter into that temple of ,god by blood4 ,the altar1 this altar of burnt-offering1 stood as men went into the temple2 they must go by it2 yea1 there they must leave their offering1 and so go in and worship1 even as a token that they came thither by sacrifice and by blood4 ,third4 ,upon this altar ,solomon1 at the dedication of the temple1 offered thousands1 both of oxen and of sheep1 to signify1 surely1 the abundant worth and richness that would be in the blood of ,christ to save when it should be shed for us4 ,for his blood is spoken of with an 'how much more4' ',for if the blood of bulls and of goats1 and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean1 sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh1 how much more shall the blood of ,christ1 who through the eternal ,spirit offered himself without spot to ,god1 purge your conscience from dead works1 to serve the living ,god6' 7,heb #i3ac1ad1 #aa3ab2 #b ,chron #g3e-h74 ,let us then not dare to stop or stay in the outward court1 for there is not this altar4 ,nor let us dare1 when we come into this court1 to be careless whether we look to this altar or no4 ,for it is by blood we must enter2 'for without shedding of blood is no remission4' ,let us always then1 when we come hither1 wash our hands in innocency1 and so compass this holy altar3 for that by ,christ1 who is the altar indeed1 we are reconciled to ,god4 ,this is looking to ,jesus2 this is coming to ,god by him1 of whom this altar and the sacrifice thereon was a type4 ,,xii4 ,of the pillars that were before the porch of the ,temple4 ,there were divers pillars belonging to the temple2 but in this place we are confined to speak of only two2 namely1 those which stood before the temple4 ,these pillars stood before the porch or entrance into the temple1 looking towards the altar1 the court1 and them that were the worshippers there2 also they were a grace and beauty to the front of the house4 #a4 ,these pillars stood1 one on the right hand and the other on the left1 at the door of the porch of the temple1 and they had names given them1 you may be sure1 to signify something4 ,the name of that on the right hand was called ,jachin1 ,god shall establish2 and the name of that on the left hand was ,boaz1 in it is strength 7#a ,kings #g3ba2 #b ,chron #c3ag74 #b4 ,these two pillars were types of ,christ's apostles2 of the apostles of circumcision1 and of the uncircumcision4 ,therefore the apostle ,paul also calleth them pillars 7,gal #b71 and saith that that pillar on the right hand was a type of himself and his companions1 who were to go to the uncircumcised1 and teach the ,gentiles the way of life4 ,when ,james1 ,cephas1 and ,john1 saith he1 'who seemed to be pillars1 perceived the grace that was given unto me1 they gave to me and ,barnabas the right hand of fellowship1 that we should go unto the heathen1 and they unto the circumcision' 7,gal #b3i74 ,so then1 these two pillars were types of these two order of the apostles in this their divers service for ,god4#d #c4 ,and that ,paul and ,barnabas were signified by those on the right hand1 to wit1 to be the apostles of the ,gentiles1 he showeth again1 where he saith1 ,i am 'the minister of ,jesus ,christ to the ,gentiles1 ministering the gospel of ,god1 that the offering up of the ,gentiles might be acceptable1 being sanctified by the ,holy ,ghost' 7,rom #aa3ac1 #ae3af74 #d4 ,and since the name of this pillar was ,jachin1 shall attend it2 so also1 that ,god would bless his word preached by them to the ,gentiles1 to the conversion of numbers of them1 maugre the opposition of the enemy4 #e4 ,this is further implied1 for that they were made of brass2 as he saith of the prophet1 ,i have made thee a fenced brazen wall1 an iron pillar2 and their fighting against thee shall nothing at all prevail 7,jer #ae3bj74 ,wherefore ,paul says of himself1 ',i am set for the defence of the gospel1' 'that the truth thereof might continue with you' 7,phil #a3ag2 ,gal #b3e74 ,,xiii4 ,of the height of these pillars that thus stood before the porch of the door of the ,temple4 ,the pillars were eighteen cubits high apiece1 and that is as high1 yea1 as high again as the highest giant that ever we read of in the ,word2 for the highest of which we read was but six cubits and a span4 ,true1 the bedstead of ,og was nine cubits long1 but ,i trow the giant himself was shorter 7,deut #c3aa2 #b ,chron #c3ae74e ,but put the longest to the longest1 and set the one upon the shoulders of the other1 and yet each pillar was higher than they4 ,we have now1 as ,i know of1 but few that remain of the remnant of the giants2 and though they boast as if they were higher than ,aga1 yet these pillars are higher than they4 ,these pillars are the highest2 you may equal them2 and an inch above is worth an ell below4 ,the height therefore of these pillars is1 to show us what high dignity ,god did put upon those of his saints whom he did call to be apostles of the ,lamb3 for their office and call thereto is the highest in the church of ,god4 ,these men1 ,i say1 were made thus high by their being cast in such a mould4 ,of that which added yet further to their height we will speak anon3 we only speak now of the high call by which they1 and only they1 were made capable of apostolic authority4 ,the apostles were sent immediately1#f their call was extraordinary1 their office was universal2 they had alike power in all churches1 and their doctrine was infallible 7,acts #bf3af2 #a ,cor #i3a2 ,gal #a3a2 #a ,john #a3a2 #c ,john #b3bc74 ,and what can our pretended giants do or say in comparison of these8 ,the truth is1 all other men to these are dwarfs1 are low1 dark1 weak1 and beneath1 not only as to call and office1 but also as to gifts and grace4 ,this sentence1 ',paul1 an apostle of ,jesus ,christ1' drowneth all6 ,what now are all other titles of grandeur and greatness1 when compared with this one sentence8 ,true1 the men were but mean in themselves2 for what is ,paul or what ,apollos1 or what was ,james or ,john8 ,yet by their call to that office they were made highest of all in the church4 ,christ did raise them eighteen cubits high2 not in conceit2 for so there are many higher than they1 but in office1 and calling1 and ,divine authority4 ,and observe it1 these stand at the door1 at the entering into the temple of ,god1 at which they enter that go in thither to worship ,god1 to shew that all right worship1 and that which will be acceptable to ,god1 is by1 or according to1 their doctrine4 ,,xiv4 ,of the chapiters 7capitals7 of the pillars of the ,temple4 ,there were also two chapiters made for the pillars of the temple2 for each1 one2 and they were five cubits high apiece4 ,these were for the adorning of the pillars1 and therefore were types and shadows of that abundance of grace which ,god did put upon the apostles after the resurrection of our ,lord4 ,wherefore1 as he saith here1 the chapiters were upon the pillars2 so it saith that great grace was upon all the apostles 7,acts #d3cc74 ,these chapiters had belonging to them a bowl made pummil-fashion1#g and it was placed upon the head of them1 perhaps to signify their aptness to receive1 and largeness to contain of the dew of heaven2 that shadow of the doctrine of the gospel2 which doctrine the apostles1 as the chief1 were to receive and hold forth to the world for their conversion4 ,hence1 as the bowls were capable to receive the dew of heaven1 these are said to receive 'grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations1 for his name' 7,rom #a3e2 #a ,kings #g3af1db2 #b ,chron #d3ac2 ,deut #cb3aj2 ,rom #ae3bi74 ,there was also upon these chapiters a net-work1 or nets like unto chequer-work1 which still added to their lustre4 ,these nets were they which shewed for what intent the apostolical office was ordained2 namely1 that by their preaching they might bring many souls to ,god4 ,and hence ,christ calls them fishermen1 saying1 ',ye shall catch men' 7,matt #d3ai2 ,mark #a3ag2 ,luke #e3aj2 #b ,cor #ab3af74 ,the world is compared to a sea1 men to fishes1 and the gospel to a net 7,eze #dg3aj-ab2 ,matt #ac3dg-ej74 ,as therefore men catch fish with a net1 so the apostles caught men by their word1 which word1 as ,i told you1 to me is signified by this net-work upon the top of these pillars4 ,see therefore the mystery of ,god in these things4 ,,xv4 ,of the pomegranates adjoined to these nets on the chapiters4 ,there were also joined to these nets upon the top of the pillars pomegranates in abundance2 four hundred for the net-work4 ,pomegranates1 you know1 are beautiful to look on1 pleasant to the palate1 comfortable to the stomach1 and cheering by their juice 7#a ,kings #g3db2 ,cant #d3c1 #h3b1 #d3ac1 #f3aa1 #g3ab74 ,there were to be two rows of thess pomegranates for one net-work1 and so two rows of them for the other4 ,and this was to show that the net of the gospel is not an empty thing2 but is sufficiently baited with such varieties as are apt to allure the world to be catched by them4 ,the law is but a sound of words1 but the gospel is not so2 that is1 baited with pomegranates2 with variety of excellent things4 ,hence it is called 'the gospel of the kingdom1' and 'the gospel of the grace of ,god1' because it is1 as it were1 baited with grace and glory1 that sinners may be allured1 and may be taken with it to their eternal salvation 7,matt #bd3ad2 ,acts #bj3bd74 ,grace and glory1 grace and glory6 these are the pomegranates with which the word of the gospel is baited1 that sinners may be taken and saved thereby4 ,the argument of old was 'milk and honey'2 that was1 ,i say1 the alluring bait1 with which ,moses drew six hundred thousand out of ,egypt1 into the wilderness of old 7,exo #c3h74 ,but behold we have pomegranates1 two rows of pomegranates2 grace and a kingdom1 as the bait of the holy gospel2 no wonder1 then1 if1 when men of skill did cast this net into the sea1 such numbers of fish have been catched1 even by one sermon 7,acts #b74 ,they baited their nets with taking things1 things taking to the eye and taste4 ,nets are truly instruments of death1 but the net of the gospel doth catch to draw from death2 wherefore this net is contrary2 life and immortality is brought to light through this4 ,no marvel1 then1 if men are so glad1 and that for gladness they leap like fishes in a net1 when they see themselves catched in this drag of the holy gospel of the ,son of ,god4 ,they are catched from death and hell1 catched to live with ,god in glory6 ,,xvi4 ,of the chains that were upon these pillars that stood before the ,temple4 ,as there were nets to catch1 and pomegranates to bait1 so there were chains belonging to these chapiters on these pillars4 ',and he made chains1 as in the oracle1 and put them upon the head of the pillars1' or chapiters 7#b ,chron #c3af74 ,but what were these chains a type of8 ,i answer1 they were1 perhaps1 a type of those bonds which attend the gospel1 by which souls taken are tied fast to the horns of the altar4 ,gospel grace1 and gospel obligations1 are ties and binding things2 they can hold those that are entangled by the word4 ',love is strong as death'2 bands of love1 and the cords of a man1 and chains take hold on them that are taken by the gospel 7,hosea #aa2 ,cant #h3f74 ,but this strength to bind lieth not in outward force1 but in a sweet constraint1 by virtue of the displays of undeserved love4 ',the love of ,christ constraineth us' 7#b ,cor #e3ad74 ,wherefore as you find the nets1 so the chains had pomegranates on them4 ',and' he 'made an hundred pomegranates1 and put them upon the chains' 7#b ,chron #c3af74 ,the chains then had baits1 as well as the nets1 to show that the bands of the gospel are unresistible goodnesses2 such with which men love to be bound1 and such as they pray they may be held fast by4 ,he binds his foal to the vine2 his saint unto this ,saviour 7,gen #di3aa74 ,by these chains there is therefore showed what strength there is in gospel-charms1 if once the adder doth but hear them4 ,never man yet was able to resist them that well did know the meaning of them4 ,they are mighty to make poor men obedient1 and that in word and deed4 ,these chains were such as were in the oracle1 to show that gospel bonds are strong as the joys of heaven1 and as the glories there2 can make them chains as in the oracle1 as in the most holy place4 ,it is heaven that binds sinners on earth to the faith and hope of the gospel of ,christ4 ,,xvii4 ,of the lily work which was upon the chapiters1 that were upon these pillars of the ,temple4 ,these pillars were also adorned with lily work1 as well as with pomegranates and chains4 ',the chapiters that were upon the top of the pillars were of lily work'2 'so was the work of the pillars finished' 7#a ,kings #g3ai-bb74 ,this lily work is here put in on purpose1 even to show us how far off those that were to be the true apostles of the ,lamb should be from seeking carnal things1 or of making their prevailing#h a stalking-horse to worldly greatness1 and that preferment4 ,there was lily work upon them2 that is1 they lived upon the bounty and care of ,god1 and were content with that glory which he had put upon them4 ',the lilies1' saith ,christ1 'they toil not1 neither do they spin1 and yet--,solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these' 7,matt #f3bh1bi2 ,luke #ab3bg-bi74 ,thus1 therefore1 these pillars show1 that as the apostles should be fitted and qualified for their work1 they should be also freed from cares and worldly cumber2 they should be content with ,god's providing for them1 even as the goodly lilies are4 ,and as thus prepared1 they were set in the front of the house1 for all ministers to see and learn1 and take example of them how to behave themselves as to this world in the performing of their office4 ,and that which gives us further light in this is1 that this lily work is said1 by divine institution1 to be placed 'over against the belly1' the belly of the pillars1 a type of ours 7#a ,kings #g3bj74 ,the belly is a craving thing2 and these things1 saith the text1 were placed over against the belly1 to teach that they should not humour1 but put check unto the havings and cravings of the belly2 or to show that they need not do it1 for that he that calls to his work will himself provide for the belly4 ,it is said of the church1 that 'her belly is like a heap of wheat set about with lilies' 7,cant #g3b74 ,to show that she should without covetousness have sufficient1 if she would cast all her care upon ,god1 her great provider4 ,this the apostles did1 and this is their glory to this day4 ',so was the work of the pillars finished4' ,to live lily lives1 it seems1 is the glory of an apostle1 and the completing of their office and service for ,god4 ,but this directly opposite to the belly1 over against the belly1 and this makes it the harder work4 ,but yet1 so living is the way to make all that is done sweet-scented1 to those that be under this care4 ,covetousness makes a minister smell frowish1#i and look more like a greedy dog1 than an apostle of ,jesus ,christ4 ,judas had none of this lily work2 so his name stinks to this day4 ',he that grows like the lily shall cast forth his scent like ,lebanon1 his branches shall spread1 and his beauty shall be as the olive tree1 and his smell as ,lebanon' 7,hosea #ad3f74 ,thus lived ,christ1 first2 and thus the apostles1 next2 nor can any other as to this1 live like1 or be compared to them4 ,they coveted no man's silver or gold1 or apparel4 ,they lived like lilies in the world1 and did send forth their scent as ,lebanon4 ,thus you see of whom these pillars were a shadow1 and what their height1 their chapiters1 their bowls1 their nets1 their chains1 their pomegranates1 and their lily work did signify1 and how all was most sweetly answered in the antitype4 ,these were men of the first rate2 the apostles1 ,i mean1 were such4 ,,xviii4 ,of the fashion of the ,temple4 ,of the length and breadth of the temple ,i shall say nothing2 but as to the height thereof1 there methinks ,i see something4 ,the temple was higher than the pillars1 and so is the church than her officers2 ,i say1 consider them singly as officers1 though inferior as to gifts and office2 for1 as ,i said before of ministers in general1 so now ,i say the same of the apostles1 though as to office they were the highest1 yet the temple is above them4 ,gifts and office make no men sons of ,god2 as so1 they are but servants1 though these were servants of the highest form4 ,it is the church1 as such1 that is the lady1 a queen1 the bride1 the ,lamb's wife2 and prophets1 apostles1 and ministers1 c41 are but servants1 stewards1 labourers for her good 7,psa #de3i2 ,rev #ai3g2 #a ,cor #c3e1 #d3a1b74 ,as therefore the lady is above the servant1 the queen above the steward1 or the wife above all her husband's officers1 so is the church1 as such1 above these officers4 ,the temple was higher than the pillars4 ,again1 as the temple was highest1 so it enlarged itself upward2 for as it ascended in height1 so it still was wider and wider2 even from the lowest chambers to the top4 ,the first chambers were but five cubits broad1 the middle ones were six1 but the highest were seven cubits 7#a ,kings #f3e1f74 ,the temple therefore was round about above some cubits wider than it was below2 for 'there was an enlarging and winding about still upward to the side chambers1 for the winding about--went still upward round about the house2 therefore the breadth of the house was still upward1 and so increased from the lowest chambers to the highest1 by the midst' 7,eze #da3g74 ,and this was to show us that ,god's true gospel temple1 which is his church1 should have its enlargedness of heart still upward1 or most for spiritual and eternal things3 wherefore he saith1 ',thy heart shall fear and be enlarged1' that is1 be most affected with things above1 'where ,christ sitteth on the right hand of ,god' 7,isa #fj3e2 ,col #c3a74 ,indeed it is the nature of grace to enlarge itself still upward1 and to make the heart widest for the things that are above4 ,the temple therefore was narrowest downwards1 to show that a little of earth1 or this world1 should serve the church of ,god4 ,and having food and raiment1 let us be therewith content4 ,but now1 upwards1 and as to heavenly things1 we are commanded to be covetous1 as to them1 and after them to enlarge ourselves1 both by the fashion of the temple1 as by express words 7#a ,kings #d3bi2 ,isa #fj3e2 ,phil #c3ad2 #a ,cor #ab3ca2 #a ,tim #f3h2 ,psa #aai3cb74 ,since1 then1 the temple was widest upward1 let us imitate it1 and have our conversation in heaven4 ,let our eyes1 our ears1 our hands1 and hearts1 our prayers1 and groans1 be most for things above4 ,let us open our mouths1 as the ground that is chapt doth for the latter rain1 for the things that are eternal 7,job #bi3bc2 ,psa #ha3aj74 ,observe again1 that the lowest parts of the temple were the narrowest part of the temple2 so those in the church who are nearest1 or most concerned with earth1 are the most narrow-spirited as to the things of ,god4 ,but now let even such a one be taken up higher1 to above1 to the uppermost parts of the temple1 and there he will be enlarged1 and have his heart stretched out4 ,for the temple1 you see1 was widest upwards2 the higher1 the more it is enlarged4 ,paul being once caught up into paradise1 could not but be there enlarged 7#b ,cor #ab74 ,one may say of the fashion of the temple1 as some say of a lively picture1 it speaks4 ,i say1 its form and fashion speaks2 it says to all saints1 to all the churches of ,christ1 open your hearts for heaven1 be ye enlarged upwards6 ,i read not in ,scripture of any house1 but this that was thus enlarged upwards2 nor is there anywhere1 save only in the church of ,god1 that which doth answer this similitude4 ,all other are widest downward1 and have the largest heart for earthly things4 ,the church only is widest upward1 and has its greatest enlargements towards heaven4 ,,xix4 ,of the outward glory of the ,temple4 ,i do also think that as to this1 there was a great expression in it2 ,i mean1 a voice of ,god1 a voice that teacheth the ,new ,testament church to carry even conviction in her outward usages that1 ,i say1 might give conviction to the world4 ,and besides this of its enlarging upwards1 there was such an outward beauty and glory put upon it1 as was alluring to beholders4 ,the stones were curiously carved1 and excellently joined together2 its outward show was white and glittering1 to the dazzling of the eyes of the beholders2 yea1 the disciples themselves were taken with it1 it was so admirable to behold4 ,hence it is said1 they came to ,christ to show him the building of the temple4',master1' said they1 'see what manner of stones1 and what buildings are here' 7,matt #bd3a2 ,mark #ac3a2 ,luke #ba3e74 ,and hence it is said1 that kings1 and the mighty of the earth1 were taken with the glory of it4 ',because of thy temple at ,jerusalem1 shall kings bring presents unto thee'2 as it is 7,psa #fh3bi1ca74 ,kings1 ,gentile kings1 they shall be so taken with the sight of the outward glory of it2 for they were not suffered to go into it2 no uncircumcised were admitted in thither4 ,it was therefore the outward glory of it with which the beholders were thus taken4 ,her enlarging upward1 as that was to show us what the inward affections of ,christian should be1 so her curious outward adorning and beauty was a figure of the beauteous and holy conversation of the godly 7,col #c3a-c74 ,and it is brave1 when the world are made to say of the lives and conversations of saints1 as they were made to say of the stones and outward building of the temple1 ,behold1 what ,christians1 and what goodly conversations are here6 ,i say it is brave when our light so shines before men1 that they seeing our good works shall be forced to glorify our ,father which is in heaven 7,matt #e3af74 ,hence this is called our adorning wherewith we adorn the gospel1 and that by which we beautify it 7,titus #b3aj74 ,this1 ,i say1 is taking to beholders1 as was this goodly outside of the temple4 ,and without this1 what is to be seen in the church of ,god8 ,her inside cannot be seen by the world1 but her outside may4 ,now1 her outside is very homely1 and without all beauty1 save that of the holy life2 this only is her visible goodliness4 ,this puts to silence the ignorance of foolish men4 ,this allureth others to fall in love with their own salvation1 and makes them fall in with ,christ against the devil and his kingdom4 ,,xx4 ,of the porch of the ,temple4 ,we come next to the porch of the temple that is commonly called ,solomon's4 #a4 ,this porch was in the front of the house1 and so became the common way into the temple 7#a ,kings #f3c2 #b ,chron #c3d74 #b4 ,this porch therefore was the place of reception in common for all1 whether ,jews or religious proselytes1 who came to ,jerusalem to worship 7,acts #c3aa1 #e3ab74 #c4 ,this porch had a door or gate belonging to it1 but such as was seldom shut1 except in declining times1 or when men put themselves into a rage against those better than themselves 7#b ,chron #bi3g2 ,acts #ba3bh-cj74 #d4 this gate of this porch was called ,beautiful1 even the ,beautiful gate of the temple1 and was that at which the lame man lay1 to beg for an alms of them that went in thither to worship 7,acts #c3a1b1aj74 ,now then1 since this porch was the common place of reception for all worshippers1 and the place also where they laid the beggars1 it looks as if it were to be a type of the church's bosom for charity4 ,here the proselytes were entertained1 here the beggars were relieved1 and received alms4 ,these gates were seldom shut2 and the houses of ,christian compassion should be always open4 ,this therefore beautified this gate1 as charity beautifies any of the churches4 ,largeness of heart1 and tender compassion at the church-door1 is excellent2 it is the bond of perfectness 7#a ,cor #ab3ca1 #ac3a-d2 ,heb #ac3a-c2 ,john #e3f1g2 ,col #c3ad74 ,the church-porch to this day is a coming in for beggars1 and perhaps this practice at first was borrowed from the beggars lying at the temple-gate4 ,this porch was large1 and so should the charity of the churches be4 ,it was for length the breadth of the temple1 and of the same size with 'the ,holiest of all' 7#a ,kings #f3c2 #b ,chron #c3d74 ,the first might be to teach us in charity we should not be niggardly1 but1 according to the breadth of our ability1 we should extend it to all the house2 and that in our so doing1 the very emblem of heaven is upon us1 of which the holiest was a figure4 ',as we have therefore opportunity1 let us do good unto all1' c4 7,gal #f3aj74 ,it is a fine ornament to a true church to have a large church-porch1 or a wide bosom1 for reception of all that come thither to worship4#aj ,this was commanded to the ,jews1 and their glory shone when they did accordingly3 ',and it shall come to pass1 that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth1 there shall ye give him his inheritance1 saith the ,lord ,god' 7,eze #dg3bc74 ,this porch was1 as ,i said1 not only for length the breadth of the temple1 and so the length and breadth of the holiest2 but it was1 if ,i mistake not1 for height far higher than them both3 for the holy place was but thirty cubits high1 and the most holy but twenty2 but the porch was in height an hundred and twenty cubits4 ,this beautiful porch1 therefore1 was four times as high as was the oracle in temple itself 7#a ,kings #f3b1bj2 #b ,chron #c3d74 ,one excellent ornament1 therefore1 of this temple was1 for that it had a porch so high1 that is1 so famous for height2 hence he says1 ',this house that is so high1' that is so famous for height4 ,so high as to be seen afar off4 ,charity1 if it be rich1 runs up from the church like a steeple1 and will be seen afar off2 ,i say1 if it be rich1 large1 and abounds4 ,christ's charity was blazed abroad2 it was so high no man could hide it3 and the charity of the churches will be seen from church to church1 yea1 and will be spoken of to their commendations in every place1 if it be warm1 fervent1 and high 7,mark #g3cf-dd2 #b ,cor #h3bd1 #i3b1ac1ad74 ,,xxi4 ,of the ornaments of the porch of the ,temple4 ,there were three things belonging to the porch1 besides its height1 that were ornaments unto it4 #a4 ,it was overlaid within with gold4 #b4 ,it had the pillars adjoined unto it4 #c4 ,it was the inlet into the temple4 ,first4 ,it was overlaid with gold4 ,gold ofttimes was a type of grace1 and particularly of the grace of love4 ,that in ,solomon's chariot called gold is yet again mentioned by the name love 7,cant #c3i1aj74 ,as it is in the church1 the grace of love is as gold4 ,it is the greatest1 the richest of graces1 and that which abides for ever4 ,hence they that show much love to saints are said to be rich 7#a ,tim #f3ag-ai74 ,and hence charity is called a treasure1 a treasure in the heavens 7,luke #ab3cc1cd74 ,love is a golden grace2 let then the churches1 as the porch of the temple was1 be inlaid with love1 as gold4 ,second4 ,it had the pillars adjoined to it1 the which1 besides their stateliness1 seem to be there typically to example4 ,for there was seen1 by the space of four cubits1 their lily-work in the porch 7#a ,kings #g3ai74 ,of their lily-work ,i spake before4 ,now that they were so placed that they might be seen in the porch of the house1 it seems to be for example1 to teach the church1 that she should live without worldly care1 as did the apostles1 the first planters of the church4 ,and let ministers do this2 they are now the pillars of the churches1 and they stand before the porch of the house2 let them also show their lily-work to the house1 that the church may learn of them to be without carefulness as to worldly things1 and also to be rich in love and charity towards the brethren4 ,a covetous minister is a base thing1 a pillar more symbolizing ,lot's wife than an holy apostle of ,jesus ,christ2 let them1 since they stand at the door1 and since the eyes of all in the porch are upon them1 be patterns and examples of good works 7#a ,tim #f3aj-ab2 ,titus #b3g74 ,third4 ,another ornament unto this porch was1 that it was an inlet into the temple4 ,charity is it which receiveth orphans1 that receiveth the poor and afflicted into the church4 ,worldly love1 or that which is carnal1 shuts up bowels1 yea1 and the church-doors too1 against the poor of the flock2 wherefore look that this kind of love be never countenanced by you4 ,crave that rather which is a fruit of the ,spirit4 ,o churches1 let your ministers be beautified with your love1 that they may beautify you with their love2 and also be an ornament unto you1 and to that ,gospel they minister to you1 for ,jesus ,christ's sake4 ,,xxii4 ,of the ascent by which they went up into the porch of the ,temple4 #a4 ,this porch also had certain steps1 by which they went up into the house of the ,lord4 ,i know not directly the number of them2 though ,ezekiel speaks something about it 7,eze #dj3ch1ci74 ,hence1 when men went to worship in the temple1 they were said to go ,,up into the house of the ,lord 7,isa #ch3bb74 ,these steps1 which were the ascent to the temple1 were so curiously set1 and also so finely wrought1 that they were amazing to behold4 ,wherefore1 when the queen of ,sheba1 who came to prove ,solomon's wisdom1 saw 'the house which he had built1--and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the ,lord1 she had no more spirit in her4' ,she was by that sight quite drowned1 and overcome 7#a ,kings #aj3d1e74 #b4 ,these steps1 whether cedar1 gold1 or stone1 yet that which added to their adornment was the wonderment of a queen4 ,and whatever they were made of1 to be sure they were a shadow of those steps which we should take to and in the house of ,god4 ,steps of ,god 7,psa #he3ac74 ,steps ordered by him 7,psa #cg3bc74 ,steps ordered in his word 7,psa #aai3acc74 ,steps of faith 7,rom #d3ab7 ,steps of the ,spirit 7#b ,cor #ab3ah7 ,steps of truth 7#c ,john #d74 ,steps washed with butter 7,job #bi3f74 ,steps taken before1 or in the presence of1 ,god4 ,steps butted and bounded by a divine rule4 ,these are steps indeed4 #c4 ,there are therefore no such steps as these to be found any where in the world4 ,a step to honour1 a step to riches1 a step to worldly glory1 these are everywhere2 but what are these to the steps by which men do ascend or go up to the house of the ,lord6 ,he then that entereth into the house of the ,lord is an ascending man2 as it is said of ,moses1 he went up into the mount of ,god4 ,it is ascending to go into the house of ,god4 ,the world believe not this2 they think it is going downward to go up to the house of ,god2 but they are in a horrible mistake4 ,the steps then by which men went up into the temple are1 and ought to be1 opposed to those which men take to their lusts and empty glories4 ,hence such steps are said not only to decline from ,god1 but to take hold of the path to death and hell 7,psa #dd3ah2 ,prov #b3ah1 #e3e1 #g3be-bg74 ,the steps1 then1 by which men went up to the house of the ,lord1 were significative of those steps which men take when they go to ,god1 to heaven1 and glory3 for these steps were the way to ,god1 to ,god in his holy temple4 ,but how few are there that1 as the queen of the south1 are taken with these goodly steps6 ,do not most rather seek to push away our feet from taking hold of the path of life1 or else lay snares for us in the way8 ,but all these notwithstanding1 the ,lord guide us in the way of his steps3 they are goodly steps1 they are the best4 ,,xxiii4 ,of the gate of the porch of the ,temple4 #a4 ,the porch1 at which was an ascent to the temple1 had a gate belonging to it4 ,this gate1 according to the prophet ,ezekiel1 was six cubits wide4 ,the leaves of this gate were double1 one folding this way1 the other folding that 7,eze #dj3dh74 ,now here some may object1 and say1 ,since the way to ,god by these door were so wide1 why doth ,christ say the way and gate is narrow8 ,answ4 ,the straitness1 the narrowness1 must not be understood of the gate simply1 but because of that cumber that some men carry with them1 that pretend to be going to heaven4 ,six cubits6 ,what is sixteen cubits to him who would enter in here with all the world on his back8 ,the young man in the gospel1 who made such a noise for heaven1 might have gone in easy enough2 for in six cubits breadth there is room3 but1 poor man1 he was not for going in thither1 unless he might carry in his houses upon his shoulder too1 and now the gate was strait 7,mark #aj3ag-bg74 ,wherefore he that will enter in at the gate of heaven1 of which this gate into the temple was a type1 must go in by himself1 and not with his bundles of trash on his back2#aa and if he will go in thus1 he need not fear there is room4 ',the righteous nation that keepeth the truth1 they shall enter in' 7,isa #bf3b74 #b4 ,they that enter in at the gate of the inner court must be clothed in fine linen3 how then shall they go into the temple that carry the clogs of the dirt of this world at their heels8 ',thus saith the ,lord ,god2 ,no stranger uncircumcised in heart1 nor uncircumcised in flesh1 shall enter into my sanctuary' 7,eze #dd3i74 #c4 ,the wideness therefore of this gate is for this cause here made mention of1 to wit1 to encourage them that would gladly enter thereat1 according to the mind of ,god1 and not to flatter them that are not for leaving of all for ,god4 #d4 ,wherefore let such as would go in remember that here is room1 even a gate to enter in at six cubits wide4 ,we have been all this while but on the outside of the temple1 even in the courts of the house of the ,lord1 to see the beauty and glory that is there4 ,the beauty hereof made men cry out1 and say1 ',how amiable are thy tabernacles1 ,o ,lord of hosts6 my soul longeth1 yea1 even fainteth for the courts of the ,lord'2 and to say1 'a day in thy courts is better than a thousand' 7,psa #hd3a1b1;c474 ,,xxiv4 ,of the pinnacles of the ,temple4 #a4 ,there were also several pinnacles belonging to the temple4 ,these pinnacles stood on the top aloft in the air1 and were sharp1 and so difficult to stand upon3 what men say of their number and length ,i wave1 and come directly to their signification4 #b4 ,i therefore take those pinnacles to be types of those lofty airy notions with which some men delight themselves1 while they hover1 like birds1 above the solid and godly truths of ,christ4 ,satan attempted to entertain ,christ ,jesus with this type1 and antitype1 at once1 when he set him on one of the pinnacles of the temple1 and offered to thrust him upon a false confidence in ,god1 by a false and unsound interpretation of a text 7,matt #d3e1f2 ,luke #d3i-aa74 #c4 ,you have some men cannot be content to worship ,,in the temple1 but must be aloft2 no place will serve them but pinnacles1 pinnacles2 that they may be speaking in and to the air1 that they may be promoting their heady notions1 instead of solid truth2 not considering that now they are where the devil would have them be2 they strut upon their points1 their pinnacles2 but let them look to it1 there is difficulty standing upon pinnacles2 their neck1 their soul1 is in danger4 ,we read1 ,god is in his temple1 not upon these pinnacles 7,psa #aa3d2 ,hab #b3bj74 #d4 ,it is true1 ,christ was once upon one of these2 but the devil set him there1 with intent to have dashed him in pieces by a fall2 and yet even then told him1 if he would venture to tumble down1 he should be kept from dashing his foot against a stone4 ,to be there1 therefore1 was one of ,christ's temptations2 consequently one of ,satan's stratagems2 nor went he thither of his own accord1 for he knew that there was danger2 he loved not to clamber pinnacles4 #e4 ,this should teach ,christians to be low and little in their own eyes1 and to forbear to intrude into airy and vain speculations1 and to take heed of being puffed up with a foul and empty mind4#ab ,,xxv4 ,of the porters of the ,temple4 #a4 ,there were porters belonging to the temple4 ,in ,david's time their number was four thousand men 7#a ,chron #bc3e74 #b4 ,the porters were of the ,levites1 and their work was to watch at every gate of the house of the ,lord2 at the gate of the outer court1 at the gates of the inner court1 and at the door of the temple of the ,lord 7#b ,chron #ce3ae74 #c4 ,the work of the porters1 or rather the reason of their watching1 was to look that none not duly qualified entered into the house of the ,lord4 ',he set1' saith the text1 'the porters at the gates of the house of the ,lord1 that none which was unclean in any thing should enter in' 7#b ,chron #bc3ai74 #d4 ,the excellency of the porters lay in these three things1 their watchfulness1 diligence1 and valour1 to make resistance to those that1 as unfit1 would attempt to enter those courts and the house of ,god 7#a ,chron #bf3f2 ,mark #ac3cd74 #e4 ,these porters were types of our gospel ministers1 as they are set to be watchmen in and over the church1 and the holy things of ,god4 ,therefore as ,christ gives to every man in the church his work1 so he commands 'the porter to watch' 7,isa #ba3aa2 ,eze #c3ag1 #cc3g2 ,acts #bj3bg-ca2 #b ,tim #d3e2 ,rev #b3b1c74 #f4 ,sometimes every awakened ,christian is said to be a porter1 and such at ,christ's first knock open unto him immediately 7,luke #ab3ce-dj74 #g4 ,the heart of a ,christian is also sometimes called the porter2 for that when the true shepherd comes to it1 to him this porter openeth also 7,john #aj3c74 #h4 ,this last has the body for his watch-house2 the eyes and ears for his port-holes2 the tongue therewith to cry1 ,who comes there8 as also to call for aid1 when anything unclean shall attempt with force and violence to enter in1 to defile the house4 ,,xxvi4 ,of the charge of the porters of the ,temple more particularly4 #a4 ,the charge of the porters was1 to keep their watch1 in four square1 even round about the temple of ,god4 ,thus it was ordained by ,david1 before him by ,moses1 and after him by ,solomon his son 7#a ,chron #i3bd2 ,num #c2 #b ,chron #bc3ai1 #ce3ae74 #b4 ,the porters had some of them the charge of the treasure-chambers2 some of them had the charge of the ministering vessels1 even to bring them in and out by tale2 also the opening and shutting of the gates of the house of the ,lord was a part of their calling and office4 #c4 ,i told you1 the porters were types of our gospel ministers1 as they are watchmen in and over the house of ,god2 and therefore in that they were thus to watch round about the temple1 what is it but to show how diligent ,satan is1 to see if he may get in somewhere1 by some means1 to defile the church of ,god2 he goes round and round and round us1 to see if he can find a hog-hole for that purpose4 #d4 ,this also showeth that the church of itself1 without its watchmen1 is a weak1 feeble1 and very helpless thing4 ,what can the lady or mistress do to defend herself against thieves and sturdy villains1 if there be none but she at home8 ,it is said1 when the shepherd is smitten1 the sheep shall be scattered4 ,what could the temple do without its watchmen8 #e4 ,again1 in that the porters had charge of the treasure-chambers as it is 7#a ,chron #i3bf71 it is to intimate1 that the treasures of the gospel are with the ministers of our ,god1 and that the church1 next to ,christ1 should seek them at their mouth4 ',we have this treasure in earthen vessels1' saith ,paul1 and they are 'stewards of the' manifold 'mysteries of ,god' 7#a ,cor #d3a2 #b ,cor #d3g2 #a ,peter #d3aj2 ,eph #d3aa-ac74 #f4 ,these are ,god's true scribes1 and bring out of their treasury things new and old2 or1 as he saith in another place1 ',at our gates1' that is1 where our porters watch1 'are all manner of pleasant fruits1 which ,i have laid up for thee1 ,o my beloved' 7,cant #g3ac2 ,matt #ac3eb74 #g4 ,further1 some of them had charge of the ministering vessels1 and they were to bring them in and out by tale 7#a ,chron #i3bh74 7#a47 ,if by ministering vessels you understand gospel ordinances1 then you see who has the charge of them1 to wit1 the watchmen and ministers of the word 7,luke #a3ab2 #b ,thess #b3ae2 #b ,tim #b3b74 7#b47 ,if by ministering vessels you mean the members of the church1 for they are also ministering vessels1 then you see who has the care of them1 to wit1 the pastors1 the gospel ministers4 ,therefore 'obey them that have the rule over you--for they watch for your souls1 as they that must give account2 that they may do it with joy1 and not with grief1 for that is unprofitable for you' 7,heb #ac3ag74 #h4 ,the opening of the gates did also belong to the porters1 to show that the power of the keys1 to wit1 of opening and shutting1 of letting in and keeping out of the church1 doth ministerially belong to these watchmen 7,matt #af3ai2 ,heb #ab3ae74 #i4 ,the conclusion is1 then let the churches love their pastors1 hear their pastors1 be ruled by their pastors1 and suffer themselves to be watched over1 and to be exhorted1 counselled1 and if need be1 reproved1 and rebuked by their pastors4#ac ,and let the ministers not sleep1 but be watchful1 and look to the ordinances1 to the souls of the saints1 and the gates of the churches4 ,watchman1 watchman1 watch6 ,,xxvii4 ,of the doors of the ,temple4 ,now we are come to the gate of the temple2 namely1 to that which let out of the porch into the holy place4 #a4 ,these doors or gates were folding1 and they opened by degrees4 ,first1 a quarter1 and then a half1 after that three quarters1 and last of all the whole4 ,these doors also hanged upon hinges of gold1 and upon posts made of the goodly olive tree 7#a ,kings #f3cc1cd2 ,eze #da3bc1bd74 #b4 ,these doors did represent ,christ1 as he is the way to the ,father1 as also did the door of the tabernacle1 at which the people were wont to stand when they went to inquire of ,god4 ,wherefore1 ,christ saith1 ',i am the door1' alluding to this1 'by me if any man enter he shall be saved1 and shall go in and out1 and find pasture' 7,exo #cc3i1aj1 #ch3h1 #dj3ab2 ,lev #a3c1d1 #h3c1d1cc1 #ae3ad2 ,num #f3ac1ah1 #aj3c1 #be3f1 #bg3b2 #a ,sam #b3bb2 ,john #aj3i74 7#a47 ',i am the door4' ,the door into the court1 the door into the porch1 the door into the temple1 the door into the holiest1 the door to the ,father4 ,but now we are at the door of the temple4 7#b47 ,and observe it1 this door by ,solomon was not measured as the door of the porch was3 for though the door into the court1 and the door into the porch were measured1 to show that the right to ordinances and the inlet into the church is to be according to a prescript rule1 yet this door was not measured2 to show that ,christ1 as he is the inlet to saving grace1 is beyond all measure1 and unsearchable4 ,hence his grace is called 'unsearchable riches1' and that above all we can ask or think1 for that it passeth knowledge 7,eph #c3h1ai1bj74 #c4 ,it is1 therefore1 convenient that we put a note upon this1 that we may distinguish rule and duty from grace and pardoning mercy2 for as ,i said1 though ,christ1 as the door to outward privileges1 is set forth by rule and measure2 yet1 as he is the door to grace and favour1 never creature1 as yet1 did see the length and breadth of him 7,eph #c3ag1ai74ad #d4 ,therefore1 ,i say1 this gate was not measured2 for what should a rule do here1 where things are beyond all measure8 #e4 ,this gate being also to open by degrees1 is of signification to us2 for it will be opening first by one fold1 then by another1 and yet will never be set wide1 wide open1 until the day of judgment4 ,for then1 and not till then1 will the whole of the matter be open4 ',for now we see through a glass1 darkly2 but then face to face3 now ,i know in part1 but then shall ,i know even as also ,i am known' 7#a ,cor #ac3ab74 ,,xxviii4 ,of the leaves of this gate of the ,temple4 ,the leaves of this gate or door1 as ,i told you before1 were folding1 and so1 as was hinted1 has something of signification in them4 ,for by this means a man1 especially a young disciple1 may easily be mistaken2 thinking that the whole passage1 when yet but a part was open2 whereas1 three parts might be yet kept undiscovered to him4 ,for these doors1 as ,i said before1 were never yet set wide open2 ,i mean1 in the antitype2 never man yet saw all the riches and fulness which is in ,christ4 ,so that ,i say1 a new comer1 if he judged by present sight1 especially if he saw but little1 might easily be mistaken2 wherefore such1 for the most part1 are most horribly afraid that they shall never get in thereat4 ,how sayest thou1 young comer1 is not this the case with thy soul8 ,so it seems to thee that thou art too big1 being so great1 so tun-bellied a sinner4 ,but1 ,o thou sinner1 fear not1 the doors are folding-doors1 and may be opened wider1 and wider again after that2 wherefore1 when thou comest to this gate1 and imaginest there is not space enough for thee to enter1 knock1 and it shall be wider opened unto thee1 and thou shalt be received 7,luke #aa3i2 ,john #f3cg74 ,so1 then1 whoever thou art that art come to the door1 of which the temple door was a type1 trust not to thy first conceptions of things1 but believe there is grace abundant4 ,thou knowest not yet what ,christ can do1 the doors are folding-doors4 ,he can 'do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think' 7,eph #c3bj74 ,the hinges on which these doors do hang were1 as ,i told you1 gold2 to signify that they both turned upon motives and motions of love1 and also that the openings thereof were rich4 ,golden hinges the gate to ,god doth turn upon1 ,the posts on which these doors did hang were of the olive tree1 that fat and oily tree1 to show that they do never open with lothness or sluggishness1 as doors do whose hinges want oil4 ,they are always oily1 and so open easily and quickly to those who knock at them4 ,hence you read1 that he that dwells in this house gives freely1 loves freely1 and doth us good with all his heart4 ',yea1' saith he1 ',i will rejoice over them to do them good1 and ,i will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart1 and with my whole soul' 7,jer #c3ab1ad1bb1 #cb3da2 ,rev #ba3f1 #bb3ag74 ,wherefore1 the oil of grace1 signified by this oily tree1 or these olive-posts1 on which these doors do hang1 do cause that they open glibly or frankly to the soul4 ,,xxix4 ,what the doors of the ,temple were made of4 #a4 ,the doors of the temple were made of fir2 that is so sweet scented1 and pleasant to the smell 7#a ,kings #f3cd74 #b4 ,mankind is also often compared to the fir tree4 ,as ,isaiah #da3ai1 #ee3ac1 #fj3ac-ag1 #ad3h4 #c4 ,now1 since the doors of the temple were made of the same1 doth it not show that the way into ,god's house1 and into his favour1 is by the same nature which they are of that thither enter1 even through the veil1 his flesh8 7,heb #aj3bj74 ,for this door1 ,i mean the antitype1 doth even say of himself1 ',i ,am like a green fir tree1 from me is thy fruit found' 7,hosea #ad3h74 #d4 ,this fir tree is ,christ2 ,christ as man1 and so as the way to the ,father4 ,the doors of the temple are also1 as you see here1 made of the fir tree2 even of that tree which was a type of the humanity of ,jesus ,christ4 ,consider ,hebrews #b3ad4 #e4 ,the fir tree is also the house of the stork1 that unclean bird1 even as ,christ is a harbour and shelter for sinners4 ,as for the stork1 saith the text1 the fir tree is her house2 and ,christ saith to the sinners that see their want of shelter1 ',come unto me1 and ,i will give you rest4' ,he is a refuge for the oppressed1 a refuge in time of trouble 7,deut #ad3ah2 ,lev #aa3ai2 ,psa #ajd3ag1 #hd3b1c2 ,matt #aa3bg1bh2 ,heb #f3ag-bj74 ,he is1 as the doors of fir of the temple1 the inlet to ,god's house1 to ,god's presence1 and to a partaking of his glory4 ,thus ,god did of old1 by similitudes1 teach his people his way4 ,,xxx4 ,how the doors of the ,temple were adorned4 ,and ,solomon carved upon the doors 'cherubims1 and palm trees1 and open flowers1 and covered them with gold' 7#a ,kings #f3ce2 ,eze #da3be74 ,first4 ,he carved cherubims thereon4 ,these cherubims were figures or types of angels1 and forasmuch as they were carved here upon the door1 it was to show1 #a4 ,what delight the angels take in waiting upon the ,lord1 and in going at his bidding1 at his beck4 ,they are always waiting like servants at the door of their ,lord's house4 #b4 ,it may be also to show how much pleased they are to be where they may see sinners come to ,god4 ,for 'there is joy in the presence of the angels of ,god over one sinner that repenteth1' and comes to ,god by ,christ for mercy 7,luke #ae3aj74 #c4 ,they may be also placed here to behold with what reverence or irreverence those that come hither to worship do behave themselves4 ,hence ,solomon cautions those that come to ,god's house to worship1 that they take heed to their feet1 because of the angels4 ,paul also says1 ,women must take heed that they behave themselves in the church as they should1 and that because of the angels 7,eccl #e3a1b1f2 #a ,cor #aa3e1f1aj74 #d4 ,they may also be carved upon the temple doors1 to show us how ready they are1 so soon as any poor creature comes to ,christ for life to take the care and charge of its conduct through this miserable world4 ',are they not all ministering spirits1 sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation8' 7,heb #a3ad74 #e4 ,they may also be carved here1 to show that they are ready1 at ,christ's command1 to take vengeance for him upon those that despise his people and hate his person4 ,hence he bids the world take heed what they do to his 'little ones1' for 'their angels do always behold the face of their ,father which is in heaven1' and are ready at the door to run at his bidding 7,matt #ah3aj74 #f4 ,or lastly1 they may be carved upon these doors1 to show that ,christ ,jesus is the very supporter and upholder of angels1 as well as the ,saviour of sinful man4 ,for as he is before all things1 so by him all things consist2 angels stand by ,christ1 men are saved by ,christ1 and therefore the very cherubims themselves were carved upon these doors1 to show they are upheld and subsist by him 7#a ,cor #h3f2 ,col #a3ag2 ,heb #a3c74 ,second4 ,again1 as the cherubims are carved here1 so there were palm trees carved here also4 ,the palm tree is upright1 it twisteth not itself awry 7,jer #aj3e74 #a4 ,apply this to ,christ1 and then it shows us the uprightness of his heart1 word1 and ways with sinners4 ',good and upright is the ,lord1 therefore will he teach sinners in the way'2 in at the door to life 7,psa #be3h1 #ib3ae74 #b4 ,the palm or palm tree is also a token of victory2 and as placed here1 it betokeneth the conquest that ,christ1 the door1 should get over sin1 death1 the devil1 and hell for us 7,rom #g3bd1 #h3cg2 #a ,cor #ae3ed-eg2 ,rev #g3i-aa74 #c4 ,if we apply the palm tree to the church1 as we may1 for she also is compared thereto 7,cant #g3h-aj71 then the palm tree may be carved here to show1 that none but such as are upright of heart and life shall dwell in the presence of ,god4 ',the hypocrite1' says ,job1 'shall not come before him4' ',the upright1' says ,david1 'shall not dwell in thy presence' 7,job #ac3af2 ,psa #adj3ac74 ,they are they that are clothed in white robes1 which signifies uprightness of life1 that stand before the ,lamb with 'palms in their hands' 7,rev #g3i74 ,third4 ,there were also carved upon these doors open flowers2 and that to teach us that here is the sweet scent and fragrant smell2 and that the coming soul will find it so in ,christ1 this door4 ',i ,,am1' saith he1 'the rose of ,sharon1 and the lily of the valleys4' ,and again1 ',his cheeks are as a bed of spices1 as sweet flowers3 his lips like lilies1 dropping sweet smelling myrrh' 7,cant #b3a1 #e3ac74 ,open flowers4 ,open flowers are the sweetest1 because full grown1 and because1 as such1 they yield their fragrancy most freely4 ,wherefore1 when he saith upon the doors are open flowers1 he setteth ,christ ,jesus forth in his good savours1 as high as by such a similitudes he could2 and that both in name and office4 ,for open flowers lay1 by their thus opening themselves before us1 all their beauty also most plainly before our faces4 ,there are varieties of beauty in open flowers1 the which they also commend to all observers4 ,now1 upon these doors1 you see1 are open flowers1 flowers ripe1 and spread before us1 to show that his name and offices are savoury to them that by him do enter his house to ,god his ,father 7,cant #a3a-d74 ',all these were overlaid with fine gold4' ,gold is the most rich of all metals2 and here it is said the doors1 the cherubims1 the palm trees1 and open flowers1 were overlaid therewith4 ,and this shows1 that as these things are rich in themselves1 even so they should be to us4 ,we have a golden door to go to ,god by1 and golden angels to conduct us through the world3 we have golden palm trees as tokens of our victory1 and golden flowers to smell on all the way to heaven4 ,,xxxi4 ,of the wall of the ,temple4 ,the wall of the temple was 'ceiled with fir tree1 which he overlaid with fine gold1 and set thereon palm trees and chains' 7#b ,chron #c3e-g74 ,the walls were as the body of the house1 unto which ,christ alluded when he said1 ',destroy this temple1 and in three days ,i will raise it up' 7,john #b3ai74 ,hence to be1 and worship in the temple1 was a type of being in ,christ1 and worshipping ,god by him4 ,for ,christ1 as was said1 is the great temple of ,god1 in the which all the elect meet1 and in whom they do service to and for his ,father4 ,hence again the true worshippers are said to be in him1 to speak in him1 to walk in him1 to obey in him 7#b ,cor #b3ad1 #ab3ai2 ,col #b3f74 ,for1 as of old1 all true worship was to be found at the temple1 so now it is only found with ,christ1 and with them that are in him4 ,the promise of old was made to them that worshipped within these walls4 ',unto them1' saith he1 'will ,i give in my house1 and within my walls1' to them that worship there in truth1 'a place1 and a name1 better than of sons and of daughters' 7,isa #ef3e74 ,but now1 in ,new ,testament times1 'all the promises of ,god in him are yea1 and in him1 amen unto the glory of ,god by us' 7#b ,cor #a3bj74 ,this is yet further hinted to us in that it is said these wall s are ceiled with fir2#ae which1 as was showed before1 was a figure of the humanity of ,jesus ,christ4 ,a wall is for defence1 and so is the humanity of ,jesus ,christ4 ,it is1 was1 and will be1 our defence for ever4 ,for it was that which underwent and overcame the curse of the law1 and that in which our everlasting righteousness is found4 ,had he not in that interposed1 we had perished for ever4 ,hence we are said to be reconciled to ,god in the body of his flesh through death 7,col #a3ai1bj2 ,rom #e3h-aj74 ,now1 this wall was overlaid with fine gold4 ,gold here is a figure of the righteousness of ,christ1 by which we are justified in the sight of ,god4 ,therefore you read1 that his church1 as justified1 is said to stand at his right hand in cloth of gold4 ',upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of ,ophir4' ,and again1 ',her clothing is of wrought gold' 7,psa #de3i1ac74 ,this the wall was overlaid with2 this the body of ,christ was filled with4 ,men1 while in the temple1 were clothed with gold1 even with the gold of the temple2 and men in ,christ are clothed with righteousness1 the righteousness of ,christ4 ,wherefore this consideration doth yet more illustrate the matter4 ,in that the palm trees were set on this wall1 it may be to show that the elect are fixed in ,jesus1 and so shall abide for ever4 ,chains were also carved on these walls1 yea1 and they were golden chains2 there were chains on the pillars1 and now also we find chains upon the walls4 #a4 ,chains were used to hold one captive1 and such ,paul did wear at ,rome1 but he called them 'his bands in ,christ4' #b4 ,chains sometimes signify great afflictions1 which ,god lays on us for our sins 7,psa #ajg3i-aa2 ,lam #a3ad1 #c3g74 #c4 ,chains also may be more mystically understood1 as of those obligations which the love of ,god lays upon us1 to do and suffer for him 7,acts #bj3bb74 #d4 ,chains do sometimes signify beauty and comely ornaments4 ',thy neck1' saith ,christ to his spouse1 'is comely with chains of gold4' ,and again1 ',i put bracelets upon thy hands1 and a chain on thy neck' 7,cant #a3aj2 ,eze #af3h-aa2 ,prov #a3i74 #e4 ,chains also do sometimes denote greatness and honour1 such as ,daniel had when the king made him the third ruler in the kingdom 7,dan #e3g1af1bi74 ,now all these are temple-chains1 and are put upon us for good2 some to prevent our ruin1 some to dispose our minds the better1 and some to dignify and to make us noble4 ,temple-chains are brave chains4 ,none but temple-worshippers must wear temple-chains4 ,,xxxii4 ,of the garnishing of the ,temple with precious stones4 ',and he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty' 7#b ,chron #c3f1g74 #a4 ,this is another ornament to the temple of the ,lord2 wherefore1 as he saith1 it was garnished with them2 he saith it was garnished with them for beauty4 ,the line#af saith1 garnished2 the margin saith1 covered4 #b4 ,wherefore1 ,i think1 they were fixed as stars1 or as the stars in the firmament1 so they were set in the ceiling of the house1 as in the heaven of the holy temple4 #c4 ,and thus fixed1 they do the more aptly tell us of what they were a figure2 namely1 of the ministerial gifts and officers in the church4 ,for ministers1 as to their gifts and office1 are called stars of ,god1 and are said to be in the hand of ,christ 7,rev #a3bj74 #d4 ,wherefore1 as the stars glitter and twinkle in the firmament of heaven1 so do true ministers in the firmament of his church 7#a ,chron #bi3b2 ,john #e3ce2 ,dan #ab3c74 #e4 ,so that it is said again these gifts come down from above1 as signifying they distil their dew from above4 ,and hence1 again1 the ministers are said to be set over us in the ,lord1 as placed in the firmament of his heaven to give a light upon his earth4 ',there is gold and a multitude of rubies1 but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel' 7,prov #bj3ae74 ,verily1 it is enough to make a man in this house look always upward2 since the ceiling above head doth thus glitter with precious stones4 ,precious stones1 all manner of precious stones1 stones of all colours4 ,for there are divers gifts1 differences of administrations1 and diversities of operations1 'but it is the same ,god which worketh all in all' 7#a ,cor #ab3d-f74 ,thus had the ceiling of this house a pearl here1 and there a diamond2 here a jasper1 and there a sapphire2 here a sardius1 and there a jacinth2 here a sardonyx1 and there an amethyst4 ',for to one is given by the ,spirit the word of wisdom1 to another the word of knowledge'2 to one the gift of healing1 to another faith2 to this man to work miracles1 to that a spirit of prophecy2 to another the discerning of spirits1 to another divers kinds of tongues 7#a ,cor #ab3h-aa74 ,he also overlaid the house1 beams1 posts1 walls1 doors1 c41 and all with gold4 ,o what a beautiful house the temple was2 how full of glory was it6 ,and yet all was but a shadow1 a shadow of things to come1 and which was to be answered in the church of the living ,god1 the pillar and ground of truth1 by better things than these4 ,,xxxiii4 ,of the windows of the ,temple4 ',and for the house1 he made windows of narrow lights' 7#a ,kings #f3d74 ,there were windows of this house1 windows for the chambers and windows round about 7,eze #dj3af1bb-be1bi1cc1cf74 ,these windows were of several sizes1 but all narrow1 narrow without1 but wide within2 they also were finely wrought1 and beautified with goodly stones 7,isa #ed3ab74 #a4 ,windows1 as they are to a house an ornament1 so also to it they are a benefit4 ',truly the light is sweet1 and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun' 7,eccl #aa3g74 ,the window is that which ,christ looks forth at1 the window is that which the sun looks in at 7,cant #b3i74 #b4 ,by the light which shines in at the window we also see to make and keep the house clean1 and also to do what business is necessary there to be done4 ',in thy light shall we see light'2 light to do our duty1 and that both to ,god and man4 #c4 ,these windows therefore were figures of the written word1 by and through which ,christ shows himself to his1 and by which we also apprehend him4 ,and hence the ,word of ,god is compared to a glass through which the light doth come1 and by which we see not only the beams of the sun1 but our own smutches also 7#b ,chron #cj3ah2 ,james #a3bc-be74 #d4 ,the lights indeed were narrow1 wherefore we see also through their antitype but darkly and imperfectly4 ',now we see through a glass darkly1' or1 as in a riddle1 now we know but in part 7#a ,cor #ac3ab74 #e4 ,their windows and their light are but of little service to those that are without2 the world sees but little of the beauty of the church by the light of the written ,word1 though the church1 by that light1 can see the dismal state of the world1 and also how to avoid it4 ,,xxxiv4 ,of the chambers of the ,temple4 ,in the temple ,solomon made chambers 7#a ,kings #f3e74 #a4 ,the chambers were of several sizes2 some little1 some large2 some higher1 some lower2 some more inward1 and some outward4 #b4 ,these chambers were for several services2 some were for rests1 some to hide in1 some to lay up treasure in1 and some for solace and delight 7#b ,chron #c3i2 ,eze #dj3g1 #da3e1i-aa2 #b ,chron #ca3aa1ab74 ,they were for resting-places4 ,here the priests and porters were wont to lodge4 ,they were for hiding-places4 ,here ,jehoshabeath hid ,joash from ,athaliah the term of six years 7#b ,kings #aa3c74 ,they were also to lay the temple treasure1 or dedicated things in1 that they might be safely kept there for the worshippers 7,ezra #h3bi74 ,and some of them were for solace and delight2 and1 ,i must add1 some for durable habitation4 ,wherefore in some of them some dwelt always1 yea1 their names dwelt there when they were dead4 7#a47 ,those of them which were for rest1 were types of that rest which by faith we have in the ,son of ,god1 and of that eternal rest which we shall have in heaven by him 7,matt #aa3bh2 ,heb #d3c74 7#b47 ,those chambers which were for hiding and security1 were types of that safety which we have in ,christ from the rage of the world 7,isa #bf3bj74 7#c47 ,those chambers which were for the reception of the treasures and dedicated things were types of ,christ1 as he is the common store-house of believers4 ',for it pleased the ,father1 that in him should all fulness dwell'2 'and of his fulness we all receive1 and grace for grace' 7,john #a3af2 ,col #a3ai74 7#d47 ,those chambers that were for solace and delight1 were types of those retirements and secret meetings of ,christ with the soul1 where he gives it his embraces1 and delights her with his bosom and ravishing delights4 ',he brought me1' said she1 'into his chambers1' 'into the chamber of her that conceived me1' and there he gave her his love 7,cant #a3d1 #c3d74 ,the chambers which were for durable dwelling-places were types of those eternal dwelling-places which are in the heavens1 prepared of ,christ and the ,father1 for them that shall be saved 7,john #ad3a-d2 #b ,cor #e3a-d74 ,this it is to 'dwell on high1' and to be safe from fear of evil6 ,here therefore you see are chambers for rest1 chambers for safety1 chambers for treasure1 chambers for solace1 and chambers for durable habitations4 ,o the rest and peace that the chambers of ,god's high house will yield to its inhabitants in another world6 ,here they will 'rest from their labours1' 'rest in their beds1' rest with ,god1 rest from sin1 temptation1 and all sorrow 7,rev #ad3ac2 ,isa #eg3a1b2 #b ,thess #a3g74 ,god therefore then shall wipe all tears from our eyes1 even when he comes out of his chamber as a bridegroom1 to fetch his bride1 his wife unto him thither1 to the end they may have eternal solace together4 ,o these are far better than the chambers of the south6 ,,xxxv4 ,of the stairs by which they went up into the chambers of the ,temple4 ,there were stairs by which men went up into these chambers of the temple1 and they were but one pair1 and they went from below to the first1 and so to the middle1 and thence to the highest chambers in the temple 7#a ,kings #f3h2 ,eze #da3g74 #a4 ,these stairs were winding2 so that they turned about1 that did go up them4 ,so then1 he that assayed to go into these chambers1 must turn with the stairs1 or he could not go up1 no1 not into the lowest chambers4 #b4 ,these stairs therefore were a type of a two-fold repentance4 ,that by which we turn from nature to grace1 and that by which we turn from the imperfections which attend a state of grace to glory4 ,hence true repentance1 or the right going up these turning stairs1 is called repentance to salvation2 for true repentance stoppeth not at the reception of grace2 for that is but a going up these stairs to the middle chambers 7#b ,cor #g3aj74 ,thus1 therefore1 the soul1 at its going up these stairs1 turns and turns1 till it enters the doors of the highest chambers4 ,it groans1 though in a state of grace1 because that is not the state of glory4 ,i count then1 that from the first to the middle chambers may be a type of turning from nature to grace4 ,but from the middle to the highest1 these stairs may signify a turning still from the imperfections and temptations that attend a state of grace1 to that of immortality and glory 7#b ,cor #e3a-i74 ,for as there are turning stairs1 form the lowest to the middle chambers1 so the stairs from thence still turn1 and so will do1 till you come to the highest chambers4 ,i do not say that they that have received grace1 do repent they received grace2 but ,i say they that have received grace1 are yet sorry that grace is not consummate in glory2 and hence they are for going up thither still1 by these turning stairs2 yea1 they cannot rest below1 as they would1 till they ascend to the highest chambers4 ',o wretched man that ,i am6' ,and 'in this we groan earnestly1' is the language of gracious souls 7,rom #g3bd2 #b ,cor #e3a-c74 ,true1 every one doth not do thus that comes into the temple of ,god2 many rest below stairs1 they like not to go turning upward4 ,nor do ,i believe that all that bid fair for ascending to the middle chambers1 get up to the highest stories1 to his stories in the heavens4 ,many in churches1 who seem to be turned from nature to grace1 have not the grace to go up1 turning still2 but rest in that show of things1 and so die below a share in the highest chambers4 ,all these things are true in the antitype1 and1 as ,i think1 prefigured by these turning stairs to the chambers of the temple4 ,but this turning1 and turning still1 displeases some much2 they say it makes them giddy2 but ,i say1 there is no way like this1 to make a man stand steady2 stedfast in the faith1 and with boldness in the day of judgment4 ,for he has this seated in his heart2 ,i went up by the turning stairs1 till ,i came to the highest chambers4 ,a strait pair of stairs are like that ladder by which men ascend to the gallows2 they are the turning ones that lead us to the heavenly mansion-houses4 ,look1 therefore1 you that come into the temple of ,god to worship1 that you stay not at the foot of these turning stairs1 but go up thence2 yea1 up them1 and up them1 and up them1 till you come to the view of the heavens2 yea1 till you are possessed of the highest chambers6 ,how many times has ,god1 by the ,scripture1 called upon you to ,,turn1 and told you1 you must turn or die6 and now here he has added to his call a figure1 by placing a pair of turning stairs in his temple1 to convict your very senses1 that you must ,,turn1 if you mean to go up into his holy chambers1 and so into his eternal mansion-houses2 and look that you turn to purpose2 for every turning will not serve4 ,some turn1 but not to the ,most ,high2 and so turn to no purpose4 ,,xxxvi4 ,of the molten sea that was in the ,temple4 ,there was also a molten sea in the temple2 it was made of brass1 and contained three thousand baths 7#b ,chron #d3b-aj74 #ag ,this sea was for the priests to wash in when they came into the temple to accomplish the service of ,god2 to wash their hands and feet at1 that they might not1 when they came thither1 die for their unpreparedness4 ,the laver also which was in the wilderness was of the same use there 7,exo #cj74 #a4 ,it was1 as may be supposed1 called a sea1 for that it was large to contain2 and a sea of brass1 for that it was made thereof4 ,it is called in ,revelation a sea of glass1 alluding to that in the wilderness1 which was made of the brazen looking-glasses of women that came to worship at the door of the tabernacle 7,rev #d3f1 #ae3b2 ,exo #ch3h74 #b4 ,it was also said to be molten1 because it was made of that fashion1 by fire2 and its antitype therefore is said to be a sea of glass mingled with fire 7,rev #ae3b74 7#a47 ,this sea was a figure of the word of the gospel1 in the cleansing virtue of it2 which virtue then it has when mingled with the fire of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,and to this ,christ alludes1 when he saith1 ',now ye are clean through the word which ,i have spoken unto you' 7,john #ae3c74 7#b47 ,it was a figure of the word1 without mixture of men's inventions2 hence it is called 'pure water4' ,having your 'bodies washed with pure water4' ,and again1 ,he sanctifies and cleanseth his church 'with the washing of water by the word' 7,eph #e3bf2 ,titus #c3e74 ,all these places are an allusion to the molten sea1 at which of old they washed when they went into the temple to worship4 ,therefore1 saith he1 being washed1 let us draw near to ,god 7,heb #aj3bb74 #c4 ,this sea from brim to brim was complete ten cubits2 perhaps to show that there is as much in the word of the gospel to save1 as there is in the ten#ah words to condemn4 #d4 ,from under this sea round about appeared oxen1 ten in a cubit did compass it round about 7#b ,chron #d3c74 ,understand by these oxen ministers1 for to them they are compared in #a ,corinthians #i3h-aj4 ,and then we are taught whence true ministers come2 to wit1 from under the power of the gospel1 for this sea breeds gospel ministers1 as the waters breed fish4 #e4 ,it is also said in the text1 that these oxen were cast when the sea was cast2 insinuating that when ,god ordained a word of grace to save us1 he also in his decree provided ministers to preach it to us to that end4 ,paul tells us1 that he was made a minister of the gospel1 'according to ,god's eternal purpose which he purposed in ,christ ,jesus our ,lord' 7,eph #c3i-aa2 ,col #a3be74 #f4 ,this sea is said to have a brim like the brim of a cup4 ,to invite us as well to drink of its grace1 as to wash in its water4 ,for the word and ,spirit when mixed1 has not only a cleansing1 but a saving quality in it 7#b ,chron #d3a-e2 #a ,cor #ae3a1b74 #g4 ,this brim was wrought with lilies1 or was like a lily flower2 to show how they should grow and flourish1 and with what beautiful robes they should be adorned1 who were washed1 and did drink of this holy water4 ,yea1 that ,god would take care of them1 as he also did of lilies1 and would not fail to bestow upon them what was necessary for the body1 as well as for the soul 7,matt #f3bh-cd74 ,,xxvii4 ,upon what the molten sea stood in the ,temple4 #a4 ,this molten sea stood upon the backs of twelve brazen bulls or oxen 7#b ,chron #d3d74 #b4 ,these oxen1 as they thus stood1 looked three towards the north1 three towards the west1 three towards the east1 and three towards the south4 #c4 ,these twelve oxen were types of the twelve apostles of the ,lamb1 who1 as these beasts1 stood looking into the four corners of the earth1 and were bid to go preach the gospel in all the world4 #d4 ,they were compared to oxen1 because they were clean2 for the ox was a clean beast4 ,hence the apostles are called holy4 ,they were compared to oxen1 because the ox is strong2 and they also were mighty in the word 7,prov #ad3d2 #b ,cor #ab3ab74 #e4 ,the ox will not lose what he has got by drawing2 he will not let the wheels go back2 so the apostles were set to defend1 and not let that doctrine go back1 which they had preached to others2 nor did they1 they delivered it pure to us4 #f4 ,one of the cherubs of which you read in the vision had a face like an ox1 to show that the apostles1 these men of the first order1 are most like the angels of ,god 7,eze #a3aj74 #g4 ,in that they stood with their faces every way1 it was1 as ,i said1 to show how the apostles should carry the gospel into all the world 7,matt #bh3ai1bj2 ,mark #af3ae-ah74 #h4 ,and observe1 just as these oxen were placed looking in the temple every way1 even so stand open the gates of the ,new ,jerusalem to receive those that by their doctrine should be brought into it4 ',and they shall come from the east1 and from the west1 and from the north1 and from the south1 and shall sit down in the kingdom of ,god' 7,luke #ac3bi2 ,rev #ba3ac1ad74 #i4 ,these oxen bear this molten sea upon their backs1 to show that they should be the foundation workmen of the gospel1 and that it ought not to be removed1 as was the molten sea of old1 from that basis to another4 #aj4 ,it is also said concerning those oxen that thus did bear this molten sea1 that all their hinder parts were inwards1 that is1 covered by that sea that was set upon their backs2 their hinder parts1 or1 as the apostle has it1 'our uncomely parts' 7#a ,cor #ac3bc1bd74 #aa4 ,and1 indeed1 it becomes a gospel minister to have his uncomely parts covered with that grace which by the gospel he preached unto others4 ,as ,paul exhorts ,timothy to take heed unto himself1 and to his doctrine 7#a ,tim #d3f74 #ab4 ,but alas6 there are too1 too many who1 can they but have their hands covered with a few gospel notions1 care not though their hinder parts are seen of all the world4 ,but such are false ministers2 the prophet calls them 'the tail4' ',the prophet that speaketh lies1 either by word or with his feet1 he is the tail' 7,isa #i3ae2 ,prov #f3ab1ac74 #ac4 ,but what a shame is it to hide his head under this molten sea1 while his hinder parts hang out4 ,such an one is none of ,christ's oxen2 for they1 with honour to their ,master1 show their heads before all the world1 for that their hinder parts are inward1 covered4 #ad4 ,look to thy hinder parts1 minister1 lest1 while thy mouth doth preach the gospel1 thy nakedness and shame be seen of those which hear thee4 ,for they that do not observe to learn this lesson themselves1 will not teach others to believe the ,word1 nor to live a holy life2 they will learn of them to show their shame1 instead of learning to be holy4 ,,xxxviii4 ,of the lavers of the ,temple4 ,besides this molten sea1 there were ten lavers in the temple2 five of which were put on the right side1 and five also on the left 7#b ,chron #d3f74 #a4 ,of their fashion and their furniture1 you may see 7#a ,kings #g3ch74 ,these lavers1 as the molten sea1 were vessels which contained water2 but they were not of the same use with it4 ,true1 they were both to wash in2 the sea to wash the worshippers1 but the lavers to wash the sacrifice4 ',he made the ten lavers to wash in them such things as they offered for the burnt-offering1 but the sea was for the priests to wash in' 7#b ,chron #d3f74 #b4 ,the burnt-offering was a type of the body of ,christ1 which he once offered for our sins2 and the fire on which the sacrifice was burned1 a type of the curse of the law which seized on ,christ when he gave himself a ransom for us4 ,for1 therefore1 that under the law was called the burnt-offering1 because of the burning upon the altar 7,lev #f3i74 ,but what1 then1 must we understand by these lavers1 and by this sacrifice being washed in them1 in order to its being burned upon the altar8 ,i answer1 ,verily1 ,i think that the ten lavers were a figure of the ten commandments2 in the purity and perfection of ,christ's obedience to which he became capable of being made a burnt-offering1 acceptable to ,god for the sins of the people4 ,christ was made under the law1 and all his acts of obedience to ,god for us were legal1 and his living thus a perfect legal life was his washing his offering in these ten lavers1 in order to his presenting it upon the altar for our sins4 ,the lavers went upon wheels1 to signify walking feet2 and ,christ walked in the law1 and so became a clean offering to ,god for us4 ,the wheels were of the very same as were the lavers1 to show that ,christ's obedience to the law was of the same1 as to length and breadth1 with its commands and demands to their utmost tittle and extent4 ,the inwards and legs of the burnt-offering were to be washed in these lavers 7,lev #a3i1ac2 #b ,chron #d3f72 to show that ,christ should be pure and clean in heart and life4 ,we know that obedience1 whether ,christ's or ours1 is called 'a walking in the way1' typified by the lavers walking upon their wheels4 ,but ,i mean not by ,christ1 his washing of his offering1 that he had any filthiness cleaving to his nature or obedience2 yet this ,i say1 that so far as our guilt laid upon him could impede1 so far he wiped it off by washing in these lavers4 ,for his offering was to be without blemish1 and without spot to ,god4 ,hence it is said1 he sanctified himself in order to his suffering4 ',and being made perfect1 he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him' 7,john #ag3ai2 ,heb #e3f-aj74 ,for albeit he came holy into the world1 yet that holiness was but preparatory to that by which he sanctified himself1 in order to his suffering for sin4 ,that1 then1 which was his immediate preparation for his suffering was his obedience to the law1 his washing in these lavers4 ,he1 then1 first yielded complete obedience to the law on our behalf1 and then1 as so qualified1 offered his washed sacrifice for our sins without spot to ,god4 ,thus1 therefore1 he was our burnt-offering washed in the ten lavers1 that he might1 according to law1 be accepted of the ,lord4 ,and he set five of the lavers on the right side of the house1 and five of them on the left4 ,thus were the ten divided1 as the tables of the law1 one showing our duty towards ,god1 the other our duty towards our neighbour2 in both which the burnt-offering was washed1 that it might be clean in both respects4 ,they might also be thus placed1 the better to put the people in mind of the necessity of the sanction of ,christ according to the law1 in order to his offering of himself an offering to ,god for us4 ,,xxxix4 ,of the tables in the ,temple4 ',he made also ten tables1 and placed them in the temple1 five on the right hand1#ai and five on the left' 7#b ,chron #d3h74 ,some1 if not all of these tables1 so far as ,i can see1 were they on which the burnt-offering was to be cut in pieces1 in order to its burning4 ,these tables were made of stone1 of hewn stones1 on which this work was done 7,eze #dj3dj-dc74 ,now1 since the burnt-offering was a figure of the body of ,christ1 the tables on which this sacrifice was slain must needs1 ,i think1 be a type of the heart1 the stony heart1 of the ,jews4 ,for had they not had hearts hard as an adamant1 they could not have done that thing4 ,upon these tables1 therefore1 was the death of ,christ contrived1 and this horrid murder acted2 even upon these tables of stone4 ,in that they are called tables of hewn stone1 it may be to show that all this cruelty was acted under smooth pretences1 for hewn stones are smooth4 ,the tables were finely wrought with tools1 even as the heart of the ,jews were with hypocrisy4 ,but alas1 they were stone still2 that is1 hard and cruel2 else they could not have been an anvil for ,satan to forge such horrid barbarism upon4 ,the tables were in number the same with the lavers1 and were set by them to show what are the fruits of being devoted to the law1 as the ,jews were1 in opposition to ,christ and his holy gospel4 ,there flows nothing but hardness and a stony heart from thence4 ,this was showed in its first writing2 it was writ on tables of stone1 figures of the heart of man2 and on the same tables1 or hearts1 was the death of ,jesus ,christ compassed4 ,one would think that the meekness1 gentleness1 or good deeds of ,jesus ,christ might have procured in them some relentings when they were about to take away his life2 but alas1 their hearts were tables of stone6 ,what feeling or compassion can a stone be sensible of8 ,here were stony hearts1 stony thoughts1 stony counsels1 stony contrivances1 a stony law1 and stony hands2 and what could be expected hence but barbarous cruelty indeed8 ',if ,i ask you1' said ,christ1 'ye will not answer me1 nor let me go' 7,luke #bb3fh74 ,in that these stony tables were placed about the temple1 it supposeth that they were temple-men1 priests1 scribes1 rulers1 lawyers1 c41 that were to be the chief on whose hearts this murder was to be designed1 and by them enacted to their own damnation without repentance4 ,,xl4 ,of the instruments wherewith this sacrifice was slain1 and of the four tables they were laid on in the ,temple4 ,the instruments that were laid upon the tables in the temple were not instruments of music1 but those with which the burnt-offering was slain4 ',and the four tables were of hewn stone for the burnt-offering3 whereupon also they laid the instruments wherewith they slew the burnt-offering and the sacrifice' 7,eze #dj3db1dc74 ,here we are to take notice that the tables are the same1 and some of them of which we spake before4 ,that the instruments with which they slew the sacrifice were laid upon these tables4 ,the instruments with which they slew the sacrifices1 what were they but a bloody axe1 bloody knives1 bloody hooks1 and bloody hands8 ,for these we need no proof2 matter of fact declares it4 ,but what were those instruments a type of8 ,answ4 ,doubtless they were a type of our sins4 ,they were the bloody axe1 the knife1 and bloody hands that shed his precious blood4 ,they were the meritorious ones1 without which he could not have died4 ,when ,i say ours1 ,i mean the sins of the world4 ,though1 then1 the hearts of the ,jews were the immediate contrivers1 yet they were our sins that were the bloody tools or instruments which slew the ,son of ,god4 ',he was wounded for our transgressions1 he died for our sins' 7,isa #ec2 #a ,cor #ae2 ,gal #a74 ,o the instruments of us churls1 by which this poor man was taken from off the earth6 7,isa #cb3g2 ,prov #cj3ad74 ,the whip1 the buffetings1 the crown of thorns1 the nails1 the cross1 the spear1 with the vinegar and gall1 were all nothing in comparison of our sins4 ',for the transgression of my people was he stricken' 7,isa #ec3h74 ,nor were the flouts1 taunts1 mocks1 scorns1 derisions1 c41 with which they followed him from the garden to the cross1 such cruel instruments as these4 ,they were our sins then1 our cursed sins1 by1 with1 and for the sake of which the ,lord ,jesus became a bloody sacrifice4 ,but why must the instruments be laid upon the tables8 #a4 ,take the tables for the hearts of the murderers1 and the instruments for their sins1 and what place more fit for such instruments to be laid upon8 ,it is ,god's command that these things should be laid to heart1 and he complains of those that do not do it 7,isa #db3be1 #eg3aa74 #b4 ,nor are men ever like to come to good1 until these instruments with which the ,son of ,god was slain indeed be laid to heart4 ,and they were eminently laid to heart even by them soon after2 the effect of which was the conversion of thousands of them 7,acts #b3cf1cg74 #c4 ,wherefore when it says these instruments must be laid upon the stony tables1 he insinuates1 that ,god would take a time to charge the murder of his ,son home upon the consciences of them that did that murder1 either to their conversion or condemnation4 ,and is it not reason that they who did this horrid villany1 should have their doings laid before their faces upon the tables of their heart8 ,that they may look upon him whom they have pierced1 and mourn 7,zech #ab3aj2 ,rev #a3g74 #d4 ,but these instruments were laid but upon some of the tables1 and not upon all the ten1 to show that not all1 but some of those1 so horrid1 should find mercy of the ,lord4 #e4 ,but we must not confine these tables only to the hearts of the bloody ,jews2 they were our sins for the which he died4 ,wherefore these instruments should be laid upon our tables too1 and the ,lord lay them there for good1 that we also may see our horrid doings1 and come bending to him for forgiveness6 #f4 ,these instruments thus lying on the tables in the temple1 became a continual motive to ,god's people to repentance2 for so oft as they saw these bloody and cruel instruments1 they were put in mind how their sins should be the cause of the death of ,christ4 #g4 ,it would be well also1 if these instruments were at all times laid upon our tables1 for our more humbling for our sins in every thing we do1 especially upon the ,lord's table1 when we come to eat and drink before him4 ,i am sure the ,lord ,jesus doth more than intimate1 that he expects that we should do so1 where he saith1 ,when ye eat that bread1 and drink that cup1 do this in remembrance of me4 ,in remembrance that ,i died for your sins1 and consequently that they were the meritorious cause of the shedding of my blood4 ,to conclude4 ,let all men remember1 that these cruel instruments are laid upon the table of their hearts1 whether they see them there or no4 ',the sin of ,judah is written with a pen of iron1 and with the point of a diamond--upon the table of their heart' 7,jer #ag3a74 ,a pen of iron will make letters upon a table made of stone1 and the point of a diamond will make letters upon glass4 ,wherefore in this saying1 ,god informs us that if we shall forbear to read these lines to our conversion1 ,god will one day read them against us unto our condemnation4 ,,xli4 ,of the candlesticks of the ,temple4 ',and he made ten candlesticks of gold1 according to their form1 and set them in the temple1 five on the right hand1 and five on the left' 7#b ,chron #d3g74 ,these candlesticks were made of gold1 to show the worth and value of them4 ,they were made after the form1 or exact1 according to rule1 like those that were made in the tabernacle1 or according to the pattern which ,david gave to ,solomon to make them by4 ,observe1 there was great exactness in these2 and need there was of this hint1 that men might see that every thing will not pass for a right ordered candlestick with ,god 7,exo #be3ca-dj2 #a ,chron #bh3ae74 ,these candlesticks are said sometimes to be ten1 sometimes seven1 and sometimes one2 ten here2 seven1 ,revelation #a3ab1 #ac1 and one in ,zechariah #d4bj ,ten is a note of multitude1 and seven a note of perfection1 and one a note of unity4 ,now1 as the precious stones with which the house was garnished were a type of ministerial gifts1 so these candlesticks were a type of those that were to be the churches of the ,new ,testament2 wherefore he says1 ',the candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches' 7,rev #a3ab-bj74 #a4 ,the candlesticks were here in number ten1 to show that ,christ under the ,new ,testament would have as many gospel-churches4 ',and ,i1 if ,i be lifted up from the earth1' saith he1 'will draw all men unto me'2 that is1 abundance4 ,for the children of the desolate1 that is1 of the ,new ,testament church1 shall be many more than they of the ,jews were 7,john #ab3cb2 ,gal #d3bg74 #b4 ,in that the candlesticks were set by the lavers and stony tables1 it might be to show us1 that ,christ's churches should be much in considering1 that ,christ1 though he was righteous1 yet died for our sins2 though his life was according to the holy law1 yet our stony hearts caused him to die4 ,yea1 and that the candlesticks are placed there1 it is to show us also1 that we should be much in looking on the sins by which we caused him to die2 for the candlesticks were set by those tables whereon they laid the instruments with which they slew the sacrifice4 #c4 ,these candlesticks being made according to form1 seem not only to be exact as to fashion1 but also as to work4 ,for that in ,exodus1 with its furniture1 was made precisely of one talent of gold1 perhaps to show1 that ,christ's true spouse is not to be a grain more1 nor a dram less1 but just the number of ,god's elect4 ,this is ,christ's completeness1 his fulness2 one more1 one less1 would make his body a monster4 #d4 ,the candlestick was to hold the light1 and to show it to all the house2 and the church is to let her light so shine that they without may see the light 7,matt #e3ae1af2 ,luke #h3af1 #aa3cc1 #ab3ce74 #e4 ,to this end the candlesticks were supplied with oil-olive1 a type of the supply that the church hath1 that her light may shine1 even of the spirit of grace4 ,,xlii4 ,of the lamps belonging to the candlesticks of the ,temple4 ,to these candlesticks belonged several lamps1 with their flowers and their knops 7,exo #be3cc2 #b ,chron #d3ba74 #a4 ,these lamps were types of that profession that the members of the church do make of ,christ1 whether such members have saving grace or not 7,matt #be3a-g74 #b4 ,these lamps were beautified with knops and flowers1 to show how comely and beautiful that professor is1 that adorns his profession with a suitable life and conversation4 #c4 ,we read that the candlestick in ,zechariah had seven lamps belonging to it1 and a bowl of golden oil#ba on the top2 and that by golden pipes this golden oil emptied itself into the lamps1 and all1 doubtless1 that the lamps might shine 7,zech #d3b1ab74 #d4 ,christ1 therefore1 who is the high-priest1 and to whom it belongs to dress the lamps1 doth dress them accordingly4 ,but now there are a lamp-carriers of two sorts2 such as have only oil in their lamps1 and such as have oil in their lamps and vessels too1 and both these belong to the church1 and in both these ,christ will be glorified3 and they should have their proper places at last4 ,they that have the oil of grace in their hearts1 as well as a profession of ,christ in their hands1 they shall go in with him to the wedding2 but they who only make a profession1 and have not oil in their vessels1 will surely miscarry at last 7,matt #be74 #e4 ,wherefore1 ,o thou professor6 thou lamp-carrier6 have a care and look to thyself2 content not thyself with that only that will maintain thee in a profession1 for that may be done without saving grace4 ,but ,i advise thee to go to ,aaron1 to ,christ1 the trimmer of our lamps1 and beg thy vessel full of oil of him--that is1 grace--for the seasoning of thy heart1 that thou mayest have wherewith1 not only to bear thee up now1 but at the day of the bridegroom's coming1 when many a lamp will go out1 and many a professor be left in the dark2 for that will to such be a woeful day 7,lev #bd3b2 ,matt #be74 ,some there are that are neither for lamps nor oil for themselves2 neither are they pleased if they think they see it in others4 ,but they that have lamps and they that have none1 and they which would blow out other folk's light1 must shortly appear to give an account of all their doings to ,god4 ,and then they shall see what it is to have oil in their vessels and lamps3 and what it is to be without in their vessels1 though it is in their lamps2 and what a dismal thing it is to be a malignant#bb to either2 but at present let this suffice4 ,,xliii4 ,of the shew-bread on the golden table in the ,temple4 ,there was also shew-bread set upon a golden table in the temple 7#a ,kings #g3dh74 ,the shew-bread consisted of twelve cakes made of fine flour1 two tenth deals#bc were to go to one cake1 and they were to be set in order in two rows upon the pure table 7,lev #bd3e-i74 #a4 ,these twelve loaves to me do seem to be a type of the twelve tribes under the law1 and of the children of ,god under the gospel1 as they present themselves before ,god1 in and by his ordinances through ,christ4 ,hence the apostle says1 ',for we being many are one bread1' c4 7#a ,cor #aj3ag74 ,for so were the twelve cakes1 though twelve2 and so are the gospel-saints1 though many2 for 'we1 being many1 are one body in ,christ' 7,rom #ab3e74 #b4 ,but they were a type of the true church1 not of the false4 ,for ,ephraim1 who was the head of the ten tribes in their apostacy1 is rejected1 as 'a cake not turned4' ,indeed he is called a cake1 as a false church may be called a church3 but he is called 'a cake not turned1' as a false church is not prepared for ,god1 nor fit to be set on the golden table before him 7,hosea #g3h74 #c4 ,these cakes or shew-bread were to have frankincense strewed upon them1 as they stood upon the golden table1 which was a type of the sweet perfumes of the sanctifications of the ,holy ,ghost2 to which ,i think ,paul alludes1 when he says1 ',the offering up of the ,gentiles might be acceptable' to ,god1 'being sanctified by the ,holy ,ghost' 7,rom #ae3af74 #d4 ,they were to be set upon the pure table1 new and hot2 to show that ,god delighted in the company of new and warm believers4 ',i remember thee1 the kindness of thy youth'3 'when ,israel was a child1 then ,i loved him' 7,jer #b3b2 ,hosea #aa3a74 ,men at first conversion are like to a cake well baked1 and new taken from the oven2 they are warm1 and cast forth a very fragrant scent1 especially when1 as warm1 sweet incense is strewed upon them4 #e4 ,when the shew-bread was old and stale1 it was to be taken away1 and new and warm put in its place1 to show that ,god has but little delight in the service of his own people when their duties grow stale and mouldy4 ,therefore he removed his old1 stale1 mouldy church of the ,jews from before him1 and set in their rooms upon the golden table the warm church of the ,gentiles4 #f4 ,the shew-bread1 by an often remove and renewing1 was continually to all them before the ,lord in his house1 to show us1 that always1 as long as ordinances shall be of use1 ,god will have a new1 warm1 and sanctified people to worship him4 #g4 ,aaron and his sons were to eat the old shew-bread1 to show that when saints have lived in the world as long as living is good for them1 and when they can do no more service for ,god in the world1 they shall yet be accepted of ,jesus ,christ2 and that it shall be as meat and drink to him to save them from all their unworthinesses4 #h4 ,the new shew-bread was to be set even on the ,sabbath before the ,lord1 to show with what warmth of love and affections ,god's servants should approach his presence upon his holy day4 ,,xliv4 ,of the snuffers belonging to the candlesticks and lamps of the ,temple4 ,as there were candlesticks and lamps1 so there were snuffers also prepared for these in the temple of the ,lord4 'and the snuffers were snuffers of gold' 7#a ,kings #g3ej74 #a4 ,snuffers4 ,the use of snuffers is to trim the lamps and candles1 that their lights may shine the brighter4 #b4 ,snuffers1 you know1 are biting1 pinching things2 but use them well1 and they will prove not only beneficial to those within the house1 but profitable to the lights4 ,snuffers1 you may say1 of what were they a type8 ,answ4 ,if our snuffs are our superfluities of naughtiness1 our snuffers then are those righteous reproofs1 rebukes1 and admonitions1 which ,christ has ordained to be in his house for good2 or1 as the apostle hath it1 for our edification2 and perhaps ,paul alludes to these when he bids ,titus to rebuke the ,cretians sharply1 that they might be sound in the faith 7,titus #a3ab1ac74 ,as who should say1 they must use the snuffers of the temple to trim their lights withal1 if they burn not well4 ,these snuffers therefore are of great use in the temple of ,god2 only1 as ,i said1 they must be used wisely4 ,it is not for every fool to handle snuffers at or about the candles1 lest perhaps1 instead of mending the light1 they put the candle out4 ,and therefore ,paul bids them that are spiritual do it 7,gal #f3a74 ,my reason tells me1 that if ,i use these snuffers as ,i should1 ,i must not only endeavour to take the superfluous snuff away1 but so to do it1 that the light thereby may be mended2 which then is done if1 as the apostle saith1 ,i use sharpness to edification1 and not for destruction 7#a ,cor #e3d1e2 #b ,cor #ac3aj74 ,are not the seven churches in ,asia called by name of candlesticks8 ,and why candlesticks1 if they were not to hold the candles8 ,and candles must have snuffers therewith to trim the lights4 ,and ,christ1 who is our true ,aaron1 in those rebukes which he gave those churches1 alluding to these snuffers1 did it that their lights might shine the brighter 7,rev #b1 #c74 ,wherefore1 as he used them1 he did it still with caution to their light1 that it might not be impaired4 ,for as he still thus trimmed these lamps1 he yet encouraged what he saw would shine if helped4 ,he only nipt the snuff away4 ,thus1 therefore1 he came to them with these snuffers in his hand1 and trimmed their lamps and candlesticks 7,rev #b3d1bj1 #c3b1ae74 ,this should teach ministers1 to whom it belongs under ,christ to use the snuffers well4 ,strike at the snuff1 not at the light1 in all your rebukes and admonitions2 snuff not your lamps of a private revenge1 but of a design to nourish grace and gifts in churches4 ,thus our ,lord himself says he did1 in his using of these snuffers about these candlesticks4 ',as many1' saith he1 'as ,i love1 ,i rebuke and chasten2 be zealous therefore1 and repent' 7,rev #c3ai74 ,to conclude2 ,watchman1 watch1 and let not your snuffs be too long1 nor pull them off with your fingers1 or carnal reasonings1 but with godly admonitions1 c4 ,use your snuffers graciously1 curb vice1 nourish virtue2 so you will use them well1 and so your light will shine to the glory of ,god4#bd ,,xlv4 ,of the snuff-dishes that were with the snuffers in the ,temple4 ,as there were snuffers1 so there were also snuff-dishes in the temple2 'and they were also made of gold' 7,exo #be3ch2 #cg3bc2 ,num #d3i74 ,the snuff-dishes were those in which the snuffs were put when snuffed off1 and by which they were carried forth of the temple4 ,they therefore1 as the snuffers are1 are of great use in the temple of ,god4 #a4 ,by them the golden floor of the temple is kept from being daubed by the snuffs4 #b4 ,by them also the clean hands of those that worship there are kept from being defiled4 #c4 ,by them also the stinks of the snuffs are soonest suppressed in the temple2 and consequently the tender noses of them that worship there preserved from being offended4 ,snuffs1 you know1 are daubing things1 stinking things1 nauseous things2 therefore we must take heed that they touch not this floor on which we walk1 nor defile the hands which we lift up to ,god1 when we come to worship him4 ,but how must this be done1 but as we take them off with the snuffers1 and put them in these snuff-dishes8 ,some are for being at the snuffs with their fingers1 and will also cast them at their feet1 and daub the floor of ,god's holy house2 but usually such do burn as well as defile themselves4 ,but is it not a shame for a man to defile himself with that vice which he rebuketh in another8 ,let us then1 while we are taking away the snuffs of others1 hate even the garment spotted by the flesh1 and labour to carry such stink with the snuff-dishes out of the temple of ,god4 ,snuff-dishes1 you may say1 what are they8 ,i answer1 ,if sins are the snuffs1 and rebukes and admonitions the snuffers2 then1 methinks1 repentance1 or1 in case that be wanting1 the censures of the church1 should be the snuff-dishes4 ,hence1 repentance is called a church-cleansing grace1 and the censures of the church a purging out of the old leaven1 and making it a new lump 7#a ,cor #e3b2 #b ,cor #g3aa74 ,ah6 were these snuff-dishes more of use in the churches1 we should not have this man's snuff defile that man's fingers as it doth4 ,nor would the temple of ,god be so besmeared with these snuffs1 and be daubed as it is4 ,ah6 snuffs pulled off1 lie still in the temple-floor1 and there stink1 and defile both feet and fingers1 both the callings and conversations of temple-worshippers1 to the disparaging of religion1 and the making of religious worship but of low esteem with men2 and all1 ,i say1 for want of the due use of these snuffers1 and these snuff-dishes1 there4 ,nay1 are not whole churches now defiled with those very snuffs1 that long since were plucked off1 and all for want of the use of these snuff-dishes1 according to the ,lord's commandment4 ,for you must know1 that reproof and admonitions are but of small use1 where repentance1 or church-censures1 are not thereto annexed4 ,when ministers use the snuffers1 the people should hold the snuff-dishes4 ,round reproofs for sin1 when they light upon penitent hearts1 then brave work is in the church3 then the snuff is not only pulled away1 but carried out of the temple of ,god aright1 c4 ,and now the worship and worshippers shine like gold4 ',as an ear-ring of gold1 and an ornament of fine gold1 so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear' 7,prov #be3ab74 ,ministers1 it appertains to you to use the snuffers1 and to teach the people to hold the snuff-dishes right 7,acts #bj3bj1ba2 #b ,tim #d3b74 ,we must often be snuffed with these snuffers1 or our light will burn but dimly1 our candle will also waste4 ,pray1 therefore1 ,o men of ,god1 look diligently to your people4 ,snuff them as you see there is need2 but touch not their snuff with your white fingers2 a little smutch on ,,you will be seen a great way4 ,remember also that you leave them nowhere1 but with these snuff-dishes1 that the temple may be cleared of them4 ,do with the snuff as the neat housewife doth with the toad which she finds in her garden4 ,she takes the fork1 or a pair of tongs1 and therewith doth throw it over the pales4 ,cast them away1 ,i say1 with fear1 zeal1 care1 revenge1 and with great indignation1 and then your church1 your conversation1 your fingers1 and all1 will be kept white and clean 7#b ,cor #g3aa74 ,,xlvi4 ,of the golden tongs belonging to the ,temple4 ,there were also tongs of gold used in the temple of old 7#a ,kings #g3di74 #a4 ,these tongs were used about the altar1 to order the fire there4 #b4 ,they were used too about the candlestick1 and are therefore called ,,his tongs4 #c4 ,perhaps there were tongs for both these services2 but of that the word is silent4 ,but what were they used about the candlestick to do8 ,answ4 ,to take holy fire from off the altar to light the lamps withal4 ,for the fire of the temple was holy fire1 such as at first was kindled from heaven1 and when kindled1 maintained by the priests1 and of that the lamps were lighted 7,lev #i3bd2 #b ,chron #g3a74 ,nor was there1 upon pain of death1 any other fire to be used there 7,lev #aj3a1b74 ,these tongs1 therefore1 were used to take fire from off the altar to light the lamps and candlesticks withal4 ,for to trim the lights1 and to dress the lamps1 was ,aaron's work day by day4 ,he shall light and order the lamps upon the pure candlestick before the ,lord1 and ,aaron did so4 ,he lighted the seven lamps thereof1 as the ,lord commanded ,moses 7,exo #aj3bd1be2 ,lev #bd3b1c2 ,num #h3c74 ,what is a lamp or candlestick to us1 if there be not light thereon2 and how lighted without fire1 and how shall we take up coals to light the lamps withal1 if we have not tongs prepared for that purpose8 ,with these tongs fire also was taken from off the altar1 and put into the censers to burn sweet incense with1 before the ,lord4 ,the tongs then were of great use in the temple of the ,lord4 ,but what were the tongs a type of8 ,the altar was a type of ,christ2 the fire of the ,holy ,ghost2 and these tongues were a type of that holy hand of ,god's grace1 by which the coals1 or several dispensations and gifts of the ,holy ,ghost1 are taken and given to the church1 and to her members1 for her work and profit in this world4 ,tongs1 we know1 are used instead of fingers2 wherefore ,aaron's golden tongs were a type of ,christ's golden fingers 7,can #e3ad74 ,isaiah saith that one of the seraphims flew to him with 'a live coal in his hand1 which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar4' ,here the type and antitype1 to wit1 tongs and hand1 are put together 7,isa #f3f74 ,but the prophet ,ezekiel1 treating of like matters1 quite waives the type1 the tongs1 and speaketh only of this holy land2 ',and he spake unto the man clothed with linen1 and said1 ,go in between the wheels under the cherub'--where the mercy-seat stood1 where ,god dwelt 7,exo #be2 ,psa #hj3a7--';and fill thy hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims' 7,eze #aj3b74 ,thus you see our golden tongs are now turned into a golden hand2 into the golden hand of the man clothed in linen1 which is ,jesus ,christ1 who at his ascension received of ,god the ,father the ,spirit in all fulness1 to give1 as his divine wisdom knew was best1 the several coals or dispensations thereof unto his church1 for his praise1 and her edification 7,matt #c3aa2 ,acts #b74 ,it is by this hand also that this holy fire is put into our censers4 ,it is this hand also that takes this coal1 therewith to touch the lips of ministers1 that their words may warm like fire2 and it is by this hand that the ,spirit is given to the churches1 as returns of their holy prayers 7,luke #aa3i-ac2 ,rom #h3bf2 ,rev #h3e74 ,it was convenient that the fire in the temple should be disposed of by golden tongs2 but the ,holy ,ghost1 by the golden hand of ,christ's grace1 for that can wittingly dispose of it1 according as men and things are placed1 and to do and be done in the churches2 wherefore he adds1 ',and one cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims1 unto the fire that was between the cherubims1 and took thereof1 and put it into the hands of him that was clothed with linen1 who took it and went out' 7,eze #aj3g74 ,by this hand1 then1 by this ,man's hand1 the coals of the altar are disposed of1 both to the lamps1 the candlesticks1 the censers1 and the lips of ministers1 according to his own good pleasure4 ,and of all this were the tongs in the temple a type4 ,,xlvii4 ,of the altar of incense in the ,temple4 ,the altar of incense was made first for the tabernacle1 and that of shittim wood2 but it was made for the temple of cedar1 and it was to be set before the veil1 that is1 by the ark of the testimony1 before the mercy-seat2 that is1 at the entering of the holiest1 but not within4 ,and the priest was to approach it every morning1 which1 as to the holiest1 he might not do4 ,besides1 when he went in to make an atonement1 he was to take fire from off that altar to burn his incense within the holy place 7,exo #cj3a-aj2 ,lev #af3ah74 #a4 ,it was called the golden altar1 because it was overlaid with pure gold4 ,this altar was not for burnt-offering1 as the brazen altar was2 nor for the meat-offering1 nor the drink-offering1 but to burn incense thereon 7,exo #cj3g74 ,which sweet incense was a type of grace and prayer 7,psa #aab3b74 #b4 ,incense1 or that called incense here1 was not a simple but a compound1 made up of sweet spices called stacte1 onycha1 and galbanum2 and these three1 may answer to these three parts of this duty1 to wit1 prayer1 supplication1 and intercession 7,exo #cj3cd-cg1 #cg3bi2 #a ,tim #b3a74 #c4 ,this incense was to be burned upon the altar every morning2 upon that altar which was called the altar of incense1 which was before the veil2 to show that it is our duty every morning to make our prayer to ,god by ,jesus ,christ before the veil2 that is1 before the door of heaven1 and there to seek1 knock1 and ask for what we need1 according to the word 7,luke #aa3i-ac74 #d4 ,this incense was to be kindled every morning1 to show how ,,he continueth interceding for us1 and also that all true praise of men to ,god is by the work1 the renewed work1 of the ,holy ,ghost upon our hearts 7,rom #h3bf74 #e4 ,incense1 as you see1 was made of sweet spices1 such as were gummy1 and so apt to burn with a smoke1 to show1 that not cold and flat1 but hot and fervent1 is the prayer that flows from the spirit of faith and grace 7,zech #ab3aj2 ,jer #e3af74 #f4 ,the smoke of this incense was very sweet and savoury1 like pleasant perfume1 to show how delightful and acceptable the very sound and noise of right prayer is unto the nostrils of the living ,god1 because it comes from a broken heart 7,psa #ea3ag2 ,cant #b3ad74 #g4 ,this incense was to be offered upon the golden altar1 to show us that no prayer is accepted but what is directed to ,god in the name of his holy and blessed ,son our ,saviour 7#a ,peter #b3e2 ,heb #ac3ae74 #h4 ,they were commanded to burn incense every morning upon this altar1 to show that ,god is never weary of the godly prayers of his people4 ,it also showeth that we need every day to go to ,god for fresh supplies of grace to carry us through this evil world4 #i4 ,this altar1 though it stood without the veil1 to teach us to live by faith1 and to make use of the name of ,christ1 as we find it recorded in the first temple1 yet was placed so nigh unto the holiest1 that the smell of the smoke might go in thither2 to show that it is not distance of place that can keep the voice of true prayer from our ,god1 the ,god of heaven2 but that he will be taken with what we ask for according to his word4 ,it stood1 ,i say1 nigh the veil1 nigh the holiest2 and he that burnt incense there1 did make his approach to ,god4 ,hence the ,psalmist1 when he spake of praying1 saith1 ',it is good for me to draw near to ,god' 7,psa #gc3bh2 ,heb #aj3bb74 #aj4 ,this altar thus placed did front the ark within the veil2 to put us in mind that the law is kept therein from hurting us2 to let us know also that the mercy-seat is above1 upon the ark1 and that ,god doth sit thereon1 with his pardon in his hand to save us4 ,o6 what speaking things are types1 shadows1 and parables1 had we but eyes to see1 had we but ears to hear6 ,he that did approach the altar with incense of old aright--and then he did so when he approached it by ,aaron1 his high-priest--pleased ,god2 how much more shall we have both person and prayers accepted1 and a grant of what we need1 if indeed we come as we should to ,god by ,jesus ,christ4 ,but take heed you approach not to a wrong altar2 take heed also that you come not with strange fire2 for they are dangerous things1 and cause the worshippers to miss of what they would enjoy4 ,but more of this in the next particular4 ,,xlviii4 ,of the golden censers belonging to the ,temple4 ,there were also golden censers belonging to the temple1 and they were either such as belonged to the sons of ,levi in general1 or that were for ,aaron and his sons in special 7,num #af3f1ag1ah74 ,the censers of the ,levites were a type of ours2 but the censer of ,aaron was a type of ,christ's4 ,the censers1 as was hinted before1 were for this use in the temple1 namely1 to hold the holy fire in1 on which incense was to be burned before the ,lord 7,lev #aj3a1b74 ,these censers then were types of hearts4 ,aaron's golden one was a type of ,christ's golden heart1 and the censers of the ,levites were types of other worshippers' hearts4 ,the fire also which was put therein was a type of that ,spirit by which we pray1 and the incense that burnt thereon1 a type of our desires4 ,of ,christ's censer we read1 ,revelation the eighth1 which is always filled with much incense2 that is1 with continual intercessions1 which he offereth to ,god for us2 and from whence also there always goes a cloud of sweet savour1 covering the mercy-seat 7,lev #af3ac2 ,heb #g3be2 ,rev #h3c1d74 ,but to speak of the censers1 and fire1 and incense of the worshippers2 for albeit they were all put under one rule1 that is1 to be according to law1 yet oftentimes1 as were the worshippers1 such were the censers1 fire1 and incense4 #a4 ,hence the two hundred and fifty censers with which ,korah and his company offered1 are called the censers of sinners2 for they came with wicked hearts then to burn incense before the ,lord 7,num #af3ag1cg74 #b4 ,again1 as the censers of these men were called the censers of sinners1 showing they came at that time to ,god with naughty hearts1 so the fire that was in ,nadab and ,abihu's censers is called strange fire1 which the ,lord commanded them not 7,lev #aj3a74 #c4 ,this strange fire was a type of that strange spirit opposed to the ,spirit of ,god1 in and by which1 notwithstanding1 some adventure to perform worship to ,god4 #d4 ,again1 as these censers are called the censers of sinners1 and this fire called strange fire1 so the incense of such is also called strange1 and is said to be an abomination unto ,god 7,exo #cj3i2 ,isa #a3ac1 #ff3c74 ,thus you see that both the censers1 fire1 and incense of some is rejected1 even as the heart1 spirit1 and prayer of sinners are an abomination unto ,god 7,hosea #g3ad1 #d3ab1 #e3d2 ,prov #bh3i74 ,but there were besides these true censers1 holy fire and sweet incense among the worshippers in the temple1 and their service was accepted by ,aaron their high-priest2 for that was through the faith of ,christ1 and these were a type of our true gospel worshippers1 who come with holy hearts1 the holy spirit1 and holy desires before their ,god1 by their ,redeemer4 ,these are a perfume in his nose4 ',the prayer of the upright is his delight' 7,prov #ae3h74 ,their prayers went up like 'incense1 and the lifting up of their hands as the evening sacrifice' 7,psa #ada3b74 ,let them then that pretend to worship before ,god in his holy temple look to it1 that both their censers1 fire1 and incense1 heart1 spirit1 and desires1 be such as the word requires2 lest1 instead of receiving of gracious returns from the ,god of heaven1 their censers be laid up against them2 lest the fire of ,god devours them1 and their incense become an abomination to him1 as it happened to those made mention of before4 ,but it is said the censers of ,korah and his company was hallowed4 ,answ4 ,so is ,god's worship1 which is so his by his ordination1 yet even that very worship may be spoiled by man's transgression4 ,prayer is ,god's ordinance1 but all prayer is not accepted of ,god4 ,we must then distinguish between the thing commanded1 and our using of that thing4 ,the temple was ,god's house1 but was abused by the irreverence of those that worshipped there1 even to the demolishing of it4 ,a golden censer is a gracious heart1 heavenly fire is the ,holy ,ghost1 and sweet incense the effectual fervent prayer of faith4 ,have you these8 ,these ,god expects1 and these you must have if ever your persons or performances be of ,god accepted4 ,,xlix4 ,of the golden spoons of the ,temple4 #a4 ,the golden spoons belonging to the temple were in number1 according to ,moses1 twelve2 answering to the twelve tribes 7,num #g3hf74 ,but when the temple was built1 ,i suppose they were more1 because of the number of the basins4 #b4 ,the spoons1 as ,i suppose1 were for the worshippers in the temple to eat that broth withal1 wherein the trespass-offerings were boiled3 for which purpose there were several cauldrons hanged in the corners of that court called the priest's to boil them in 7#a ,sam #b3ac1ad2 ,eze #df3ai1bj74 #c4 ,now1 in that he saith here were spoons1 what is it but that there are also babes in the temple of the ,lord4 ,there was broth for babes as well as meat for men1 and spoons to eat the broth withal4 #d4 ,true1 the gospel being more excellent than the law1 doth change the term1 and instead of broth1 saith1 ,there is milk for babes4 ,but in that he saith milk1 he insinuates there are spoons for children in the church4 #e4 ',i could not1' saith ,paul to them at ,corinth1 'speak to you as unto spiritual1 but as unto carnal1 even as unto babes in ,christ4 ,i have fed you with milk and not with meat2 for hitherto ye were not able to bear it1 neither yet now are ye able' 7#a ,cor #c3a1b74 #f4 ,see1 here were need of spoons1 milk is spoon meat2 for here were those which could not feed themselves with milk1 let them then that are men eat the strong meat4 ',for every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness1 for he is a babe4 ,but strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age1 even those who1 by reason of use1 have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil' 7,heb #e3ac1ad74 #g4 ,spoons1 you know1 are to feed us with weak and thin food1 even with that which best suiteth with weak stomachs1 or with a babyish temper4 ,hence1 as the strong man is opposed to the weak1 so the milk is opposed to the strong meat4 #h4 ,so then1 though the babe in ,christ is weaker than the man in ,christ1 yet is he not by ,christ left unprovided for2 for here is milk for babes1 and spoons to eat it with4 ,all this is taught us by the spoons2 for what need is there of spoons where there is nothing to eat but strong meat8 #i4 ,babes1 you know1 have not only babyish stomachs1 but also babyish tricks1 and must be dealt withal as babes2 their childish talk and frompered carriages must be borne withal4 #aj4 ,sometimes they cry for nothing1 yea1 and count them for their foes which rebuke their childish toys and ways4 ,all which the church must bear1 because they are ,god's babes2 yea1 they must feed them too3 for if he has found them milk and spoons1 it is that they may be fed therewith1 and live3 yea1 grown ministers are ,god's nurses1 wherefore they must have a lap to lay them in1 and knees to dandle them upon1 and spoons to feed them with4#be #aa4 ,nor are the babes but of use in the church of ,god2 for he commands that they may be brought to cry with the congregation before the ,lord for mercy for the land 7,joel #b3af74 #ab4 ,incense1 ,i told you1 was a type of prayers1 and the spoons1 in the time of ,moses1 were presented at the temple full of it4 ,perhaps to show that ,god will1 with the milk which he has provided for them1 give it to them as a return of their crying to him1 even as the nurse gives the child the teat and milk4 #ac4 ,you know the milk is called for when the child is crying1 as we say1 to stop its mouth with it4 ,o babes6 did you but cry soundly1 ,god would give you yet more milk4 #ad4 ,but what were these golden spoons a type of8 ,i answer1 if the milk is the juice and consolations of the ,word1 then the spoons must be those soft sentences and golden conclusions with which the ministers feed their souls by it4 ',i have fed you1' saith ,paul1 'with the milk of the ,word'2 saith ,peter1 'even as you have been able to bear it4' ,compare these two or three texts--#a ,peter #b3a-c2 #a ,corinthians #c3b2 #a ,thessalonians #b3g4 #ae4 ,and this is the way to strengthen the weak hands1 and to confirm the feeble knees4 ,this is the way to make them grow to be men who now are but as infants of days4 ',thus a little one shall become a thousand1 and a small one a strong nation4' ,yea1 thus in time you may make a little child to jostle it with a leopard2 yea1 to take a lion by the beard2 yea1 thus you may embolden him to put his hand to the hole of the asp1 and to play before the den of the cockatrice 7,isa #aa3f-h1 #fj3bb74 ,who is most stout was once a babe2 he that can now eat meat was sometimes glad of milk1 and to be fed with the spoon4 ,babes in ,christ1 therefore1 must not be despised nor overlooked2 ,god has provided them milk and spoons to eat it with1 that they may grow up to be men before him4 ,l4 ,of the bowls and basins belonging to the ,temple4 ,as there were spoons1 so there were bowls and basins belonging to the temple4 ,some of these were of gold1 and some of silver2 and when they were put together1 their number was four hundred and forty4 ,these you read of1 ,ezra #a3aj4 ,the bowls or basins were not to wash in1 as was the sea and lavers of the temple2 they were rather to hold the messes in1 which the priests at their holy feasts did use to set before the people4 ,this being so1 they were types of that proportion of faith by which1 or by the measure of which1 every man received of the holy food for the nourishment of his soul4 ,for1 as a man1 had he a thousand messes set before him1 he eating for his health1 cannot go beyond what his stomach will bear2 so neither can the child of ,god1 when he comes to worship in the temple of ,god1 receive of the good things that are there1 beyond the 'proportion of his faith' 7,rom #ab3f74 ,or1 as it is in another place1 according to 'the ability which ,god giveth' 7#a ,peter #d3aa74 ,and hence it is1 at the self-same ordinance1 some receive three times as much as others do2 for that their bowl1 ,i mean their faith1 is able to receive it4 ,yea1 ,benjamin's mess was five times as big as was the mess of any of his brethren2 and so it is with some saints while they eat with their brother ,joseph in the house of the living ,god4 ,there are three go to the same ordinance1 and are all of them believers2 who1 when they come home1 and compare notes1 do find their receivings are not of the same quantity4 ,one says1 ,i got but little2 the other says1 ,it was a pretty good ordinance to me2 the third says1 ,i was exceeding well there4 ,why1 to be sure1 he that had but little there1 had there but little faith2 for great faith in him would have received more4 ,he had it then according to the largeness of his bowl1 even according to his faith1 'as ,god hath dealt to every man the measure of faith' 7,rom #ab3c74 ,mark1 faith is a certain measure1 and that not only as to its degree1 but for that it can receive1 retain1 or hold what is put into it4 ,so then1 here it is no matter how much milk or holy broth there is2 but how big is thy bowl1 thy faith4 ,little bowls hold but little1 nor canst thou receive but as thy faith will bear2 ,i speak now of ,god's ordinary dealing with his people1 for so he saith in his ,word1 ',according to your faith be it unto you' 7,matt #i3bi74 ,if a man goeth to the ocean sea for water1 let him carry but an egg-shell with him1 and with that he shall not bring a gallon home4 ,i know1 indeed1 that our little pots have a promise of being made like the bowls of the altar2 but still our mess must be according to our measure1 be that small1 or be it great4 ,the same prophet saith again1 the saints shall be 'filled like bowls1 and as the corners of the altar'2 which1 though it supposes an enlargement1 yet it must be confined to that measure of faith which is provided for its reception 7,zech #i3ae1 #ad3bj74 ,and suppose these bowls should signify the promises1 though the saints1 not the promises1 are compared to them1 because they1 not promises1 are the subjects of faith2 yet it is the promise by our measure of faith in that1 that is nourishing to our souls4 ,when ,ahasuerus made a feast to his subjects1 they drank their wine in bowls4 ,they did not drink it by the largeness of the vessel whence they drew it1 but according to their health1 and as their stomachs would so receive it 7,esth #a3g1h74 ,thy faith1 then1 is one of the bowls or basins of the temple1 by1 or according to which1 thou receivest thy mess1 when thou sittest feasting at the table of ,god4 ,and observe1 all the bowls were not made of gold1 as all faith is not of a saving sort4 ,it is the golden faith that is right2 the silver bowls were of an inferior sort 7,rev #c3ah74 ,some1 ,i say1 have golden faith2 all faith is not so4 ,wherefore look to it1 soul1 that thy bowl1 thy faith1 be golden faith1 or of the best kind4 ,look1 ,i say1 after a good faith1 and great1 for a great faith receives a great mess4 ,of old1 beggars did use to carry their bowls in their laps1 when they went to a door for an alms4#bf ,consequently1 if their bowls were but little1 they ofttimes came off by the loss1 though the charity of the giver was large4 ,yea1 the greater the charity1 the larger the loss1 because the beggar's bowl was too little4 ,mark it well1 it is ofttimes thus in the matters of our ,god4 ,art thou a beggar1 a beggar at ,god's door1 be sure thou gettest a great bowl2 for as thy bowl is1 so will be thy mess4 ',according to your faith1' saith he1 'be it unto you' 7,matt #i3bi74 ,,li4 ,of the flagons and cups of the ,temple4 ,the next thing to be considered is the flagons and cups of the temple2 of these we read1 #a ,chronicles #bh3ag2 ,jeremiah #eb3ai2 ,isaiah #bb3bd4 ,these were of great use among the ,jews1 especially on their feasting days2 as of their sabbaths1 new-moons1 and the like 7,lev #bc3ac2 ,num #bh3g2 #a ,chron #af3c2 ,isa #be3f1 #fb3h1i74 ,for instance1 the day that ,david danced before the ark1 'he dealt among all the people1 even among the whole multitude of ,israel1 as well to the women as men1 to every one a cake of bread1 and a good piece of flesh1 and a flagon of wine' 7#b ,sam #f3ai2 #a ,chron #af3c74 ',in this mountain1' that is1 in the temple typically1 saith the prophet1 'shall the ,lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things1 a feast of wines on the lees1 of fat things full of marrow1 of wines on the less well refined' 7,isa #be3f74 ,these are feasting times2 the times in which our ,lord used to have his spouse into his wine-cellar1 and in which he used to display with delight his banner over her head in love 7,cant #b3d1e74 ,the church of ,christ1 alas6 is of herself a very sickly puely thing2 a woman2 a weaker vessel2 but how much more must she needs be so weak1 when the custom of women is upon her1 or when she is sick of love8 ,then she indeed has need of a draught1 for she now sinks1 and will not else be supported4 ',stay me with flagons1' saith she1 'and comfort me with apples1 for ,i am sick of love' 7,can #b3e74 ,these flagons1 therefore1 were types of those feastings1 and of those large draughts of ,divine love1 that the ,lord ,jesus draweth for and giveth to his spouse in those days that he feasteth with them4 ,for then he saith1 ',drink1 yea1 drink abundantly1 ,o beloved4' ,this he does to cheer her up under her hours of sadness and dejection2 for now new 'corn shall make the young men cheerful1 and new wine the maids' 7,prov #ca3f1g2 ,psa #aaf3ac2 ,jer #af3g2 ,cant #e2 ,zech #i3ag74 ,as there were flagons1 so there were cups2 and they are called cups of consolation1 and cups of salvation1 because1 as ,i said1 they were they by which ,god at his feastings with his people1 or when he suppeth with them1 giveth out the more large draughts of his love unto his saints1 to revive the spirits of the humble1 and to revive the hearts of the contrite ones4 ,at these times ,god made ,david's cup run over4 ,for we are now admitted1 if our faith will bear it1 to drink freely into this grace1 and to be merry with him 7,psa #bc3e2 ,luke #ae3bb-bd2 ,cant #e3a1 #g3aa1ab2 ,john #ad3bc2 ,rev #c3bj74 ,this is that to which the apostle alludeth1 when he saith1 ',be not drunk with wine1 wherein is excess1 but be filled with the ,spirit2 speaking to yourselves in psalms1 and hymns1 and spiritual songs1 singing and making melody in your heart unto the ,lord' 7,eph #e3ah1ai74 ,for the cups1 as to their use in the general1 understand them as of the bowls made mention of before4 ,for assurances are the blooms and flowers of faith1 not always on it1 though usually on feasting days it is so4 ,so the degree of the one is still according to the measure of the other 7,james #e2 ,rom #ae3ac74 ,,lii4 ,of the chargers of the ,temple4 ,in the tabernacle they had but twelve of them1 and they were made of silver2 but in the temple they had in all a thousand and thirty4 ,the thirty were made of gold1 the rest were made of silver 7,ezra #a3i2 ,num #g3hd74 ,these chargers were not for uses common or profane1 but1 as ,i take it1 they were those in which the passover1 and other meat-offerings1 were drest up1 when the people came to eat before ,god in his holy temple4 ,the meat1 you know1 ,i told you1 was opposite to milk2 and so are these chargers to the bowls1 and cups1 and flagons of the temple4 ,the meat was of two sorts1 roast or boiled4 ,of that which was roasted was the passover1 and of that which was boiled were the trespass-offerings4 ,wherefore1 concerning the passover1 he saith1 ',eat not of it raw1 nor sodden at all with water1 but roast with fire2 his head with his legs1 and with the purtenance thereof' 7,exo #ab3i74 ,this roast meat was a type of the body of ,christ as suffering for our sins1 the which1 when it was roast1 was1 and is as dressed up in chargers1 and set before the congregations of the saints4 ,but what were the chargers a type of8 ,i also ask1 in what charger our gospel passover is now dressed up and set before the people8 ,is it not in the four evangelists1 the prophets1 and epistles of the apostles8 ,they therefore are the chargers and the ordinance of the supper2 in these also are the trespass-offerings1 with what is fried in pans1 mystically prepared for the children of the ,highest4 ,and why might they not be a type of gospel sermons8 ,i answer1 ,i think not so fitly2 for1 alas6 the best of sermons in the world are but as thin slices cut out of those large dishes4 ,our ministers are the carvers1 good doctrine is the meat1 and the charger in which this meat is found are the holy canonical ,scriptures1 c41 though1 as ,i said1 most properly the ,new ,testament of our ,lord and ,saviour ,jesus ,christ4 ,in these is ,christ most truly1 lively1 and amply set before us as crucified1 or roasted at the fire of ,god's law for our sins1 that we might live by him through faith1 feeding upon him 7#b ,cor #c3ab2 ,gal #c3ab2 ,acts #c3ah-bb1 #ac3b-e1 #bf3bb2 #a ,peter #a3aj2 ,acts #g3eb1 #ae3ae1 #bh3bc2 ,rom #af3bf2 ,rev #aj3g74 ,there is in these chargers not only meat1 but sauce1 if you like it1 to eat the meat withal2 for the passover there are bitter herbs1 or sound repentance2 and for other1 as the thank-offerings1 their is holy cheerfulness and prayers to ,god for grace4 ,all these are set forth before in the holy ,scriptures1 and presented to us thereby1 as in the gold chargers of the temple4 ,he that will scoff at this1 let him scoff4 ,the chargers were a type of something2 and he that can show a fitter antitype than is here proposed to consideration1 let him do it1 and ,i will be thankful to him4 ,christians1 here is your meat before you1 and get your carvers to slice it out for you1 and this know1 the deeper you dip it in the sauce1 the better it will relish4 ,but let not unbelief teach you such manners as to make you leave the best bits behind you4 ,for your liberty is to eat freely of the best1 of the fat1 and of the sweet4 ,,liii4 ,of the goings out of the ,temple4 ,as to the comings into the temple1 of them we have spoken already2 namely1 of the outer and inner court1 as also of the doors of the porch and temple4 ,the coming in was but one strait course1 and that a type of ,jesus ,christ2 but the goings out were many 7,john #aj3i1 #ad3f74 ,now1 as ,i said1 it is insinuated that the goings out are many1 answerable to the many ways which the children of men have invented to apostatize in from ,god4 ,christ is the way into2 but sin the way out of the temple of ,god4 ,true1 ,i read not of a description of the goings out of this house1 as ,i read of the comings in4 ,only when they had ,athaliah out thence1 she is said to go out by the way by which the horses come into the king's stables1 and there she was slain1 as it were upon the horse dung-hill 7#b ,kings #aa3af2 #b ,chron #bc3ae74 ,when ,uzziah also went out of this house for his transgression1 he was cast out of all society1 and made to dwell in a kind of a pest-house1 even to the day of his death 7#b ,chron #bf3ba74 ,thus1 therefore1 though these goings out are not particularly described1 the judgments that followed them that have for their transgressions been thrust out thence1 have been both remarkable and tremendous3 for to die upon a dung-hill1 or in a pest-house1 and that for wicked actions1 is a shameful1 a disgraceful thing4 ,and ,god will still be spreading dung upon the faces of such2 no greatness shall prevent it 7,mal #b3c74 ,yea1 and will take them away with it4 ',i will drive them out of my house1' says he1 ',i will love them no more' 7,hosea #i3ae74 ,but what are we to understand in gospel days1 by going out of the house of the ,lord1 for or by sin8 ,i answer1 if it be done voluntarily1 then sin leads you out3 if it be done by the holy compulsion of the church1 then it is done by the judicial judgment of ,god2 that is1 they are cut off1 and cast out from thence1 as a just reward for their transgressions 7,lev #bj1 #ba3c2 ,eze #ad3h2 #a ,cor #e3ac74bg ,well1 but whither do they go1 that are thus gone out of the temple or church of ,god8 ,i answer1 not to the dunghill with ,athaliah1 nor to the pest-house with ,uzziah1 but to the devil1 that is the first step1 and so to hell1 without repentance4 ,but if their sin be not unpardonable1 they may by repentance be recovered1 and in mercy tread these courts again4 ,now the way to this recovery is to think seriously what they have done1 or by what way they went out from the house of ,god4 ,hence the prophet is bid to show to the rebellious house1 first the goings out of the house1 and then the comings in4 ,but1 ,i say1 first he bids show them the goings out thereof 7,eze #dc3aj1aa74 ,and this is of absolute necessity for the recovering of the sinner4 ,for until he that has sinned himself out of ,god's house shall see what danger he has incurred to himself by this his wicked going out1 he will not unfeignedly desire to come in thither again4 ,there is another thing as to this point to be taken notice of4 ,there is a way by which ,god also doth depart from this house1 and that also is by sin1 as the occasion4 ,the sin of a man will thrust him out1 and the sin of men will drive ,god out of his own house4 ,of this you read1 ,ezekiel #aa3bb1 #bc4 ,for this1 he saith1 ',i have forsaken mine house1 ,i have left mine heritage1 ,i have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies' 7,jer #ab3g74 ,and this also is dreadful4 ,the great sentence of ,christ upon the ,jews lay much in these words1 ',your house is left unto you desolate'2 that is1 ,god has left you to bare walls1 and to lifeless traditions4 ,consider1 therefore1 of this going out also4 ,alas6 a church1 a true church1 is but a poor thing if ,god leaves1 if ,god forsakes it4 ,by a true church ,i mean one that is congregated according to outward rule1 that has sinned ,god away1 as she had almost quite done that was of ,laodicea 7,rev #c74 ,he that sins himself out1 can find no good in the world2 and they that have sinned ,god out1 can find no good in the church4 ,a church that has sinned ,god away from it1 is a sad lump indeed4 ,you therefore that are in ,god's church1 take heed of sinning yourselves out thence2 also take heed1 that while you keep in1 you sin not ,god away1 for thenceforth no good is there4 ',yea1 woe to them when ,i depart from them6' saith ,god 7,hosea #i3ab74 ,,liv4 ,of the singers belonging to the ,temple4 ,having thus far passed through the temple1 ,i now come to the singers there4 ,the singers were many1 but all of the church1 either ,jews or proselytes2 nor was there any1 as ,i know of1 under the ,old ,testament worship1 admitted to sing the songs of the church1 and to celebrate that part of worship with the saints1 but they who1 at least in appearance1 were so4 ,the song of ,moses1 of ,deborah1 and of those that danced before ,david1 with others that you read of1 they were all performed1 either by ,jews by nature1 or by such as were proselyted to their religion 7,exo #ae3a2 ,jude #e3a1b2 #a ,sam #ah3f74 ,and such worship then was occasioned by ,god's great appearance for them1 against the power of the ,gentiles their enemies4 ,but we are confined to the songs of the temple1 a more distinct type of ours in the church under the gospel4 #a4 ,the singers then were many1 but the chief of them1 in the days of ,david1 were ,david himself1 ,asaph1 ,jeduthun1 and ,heman1 and their sons4 #b4 ,in ,david's time the chief of these singers were two hundred fourscore and eight 7#a ,chron #be74 ,these singers of old were to sing their songs over the burnt-offering1 which were types of the sacrificed body of ,christ2 a memorial of which offering we have at the ,lord's table1 the consummation of which ,christ and his disciples celebrated with a hymn 7,matt #bf3cj74 ,and as of old they were the church that did sing in the temple1 according to institution1 to ,god1 so also they are by ,god's appointment to be sung in the church by the new4 ,hence1 #a4 ,they are said to be the redeemed that sin4 #b4 ,the songs that they sing are said to be the 'songs of their redemption' 7,rev #e3i1aj74 #c4 ,they were and are songs that no man can learn but they4 ,but let us run a little in the parallel4 #a4 ,they were of old appointed to sin1 that were cunning and skilful in songs4 ,and answerable to that it is said1 ,that no man could learn our ,new ,testament songs1 but the hundred and forty and four thousand which were redeemed from the earth 7#a ,chron #ae3bb2 ,rev #ad3c74 #b4 ,these songs were sung with harps1 psalteries1 cymbals1 and trumpets2 a type of our singing with spiritual joy1 from grace in our hearts 7#a ,chron #be3f2 #b ,chron #bi3bf-bh2 ,col #c3af74 #c4 ,the singers of old were to be clothed in fine linen2 which fine linen was a type of innocency1 and an upright conversation4 ,hence the singers under the ,new ,testament are said to be virgins1 such in whose mouth was no guile1 and that were without 'fault before the throne of ,god' 7#a ,chron #ae3bg2 ,rev #ad3a-e4 ,see also #g3i-af2 ,psa #cc3a74 #d4 ,the songs sung in the temple were new1 or such as were compiled after the manner of repeated mercies that the church of ,god had received1 or were to receive4 ,and answerable to this1 is the church to sing now new songs1 with new hearts1 for new mercies 7,psa #cc3c1 #dj3c1 #if1 #add3i2 ,rev #ad3c74 ,new songs1 ,i say1 are grounded on new matter1 new occasions1 new mercies1 new deliverances1 new discoveries of ,god to the soul1 or for new frames of heart2 and are such as are most taking1 most pleasing1 and most refreshing to the soul4 #e4 ,these songs of old1 to distinguish them from heathenish ones1 were called ,god's songs1 the ,lord's songs3 because taught by him1 and learned of him1 and enjoined to them1 to be sung to his praise4 ,hence ,david said1 ,god had put a new song in his mouth1 'even praise unto our ,god' 7#a ,chron #be3g2 ,psa #dg3f1g1 #acg3d1 #dj3c74 #f4 ,these songs also were called 'the songs of ,zion1' and 'the songs of the temple' 7,psa #acg3c2 ,amos #h3c74 ,and they are so called as they were theirs to sing there2 ,i say1 of them of ,zion1 and the worshippers in the temple4 ,i say1 to sing in the church1 by the church1 to him who is the ,god of the church1 for the mercies1 benefits1 and blessings which she has received from him4 ,sion-songs1 temple-songs1 must be sung by ,sion's sons1 and temple-worshippers4 ,the redeemed of the ,lord shall return1 and come to ,zion with songs1 and everlasting joy upon their heads1 they shall obtain joy and gladness2 and sorrow and sighing shall fly away4 ,therefore they shall come and sing in the height1 or upon the mountain of ,zion2 and shall flow together thither1 to the goodness of the ,lord4 ',break forth into singing1 ye mountains1' and let the inhabitants of the rock sing 7,isa #dd3bc1 #db3aa1 #ea3aa74 ,to sing to ,god1 is the highest worship we are capable of performing in heaven2 and it is much if sinners on earth1 without grace1 should be capable of performing it1 according to his institution1 acceptably4 ,i pray ,god it be done by all those that now-a-days get into churches1 in spirit and with understanding4#bh ,,lv4 ,of the union of the holy and most holy ,temple4 ,that commonly called the temple of ,god at ,jerusalem1 considered as standing of two parts1 was called the outward and inward temple1 or1 the holy and most holy place4 ,they were built upon one and the same foundation2 neither could one go into the holiest1 but as through the holy place 7#a ,kings #c3a1 #f3a2 #b ,chron #e3a1ac1 #g3b74 ,the first house1 namely1 that which we have been speaking of1 was a type of the church-militant1 and the place most holy a type of the church-triumphant2 ,i say1 of the church-triumphant1 as it now is4 ,so1 then1 the house standing of these two parts1 was a shadow of the church both in heaven and earth4 ,and for that they are joined together by one and the same foundation1 it was to show1 that they above1 and we below1 are yet one and the self-same house of ,god4 ,hence they1 and we together1 are called1 ',the whole family in heaven and earth' 7,eph #c3ad1ae74 ,and hence it is said again1 that we who believe on earth 'are come unto mount ,zion1 and unto the city of the living ,god1 the heavenly ,jerusalem1 and to an innumerable company of angels1 to the general assembly and church of the first-born1 which are written in heaven1 and to ,god the judge of all1 and to the spirits of just men made perfect1 and to ,jesus the ,mediator of the new covenant1 and to the blood of sprinkling1 that speaketh better things than that of ,abel' 7,heb #ab3bb-bd74 ,the difference1 then1 betwixt us and them is1 not that we are really two1 but one body in ,christ1 in divers places4 ,true1 we are below stairs1 and they above2 they in their holiday1 and we in our working-day clothes2 they in harbour1 but we in the storm2 they at rest1 and we in the wilderness2 they singing1 as crowned with joy2 we crying1 as crowned with thorns4 ,but1 ,i say1 we are all of one house1 one family1 and are all the children of one ,father4 ,this1 therefore1 we must not forget1 lest we debar ourselves of much of that which otherwise1 while here1 we have a right unto4 ,let us1 therefore1 ,i say1 remember1 that the temple of ,god is but one1 though divided1 as one may say into kitchen and hall1 above stairs and below2 or holy and most holy place4 ,for it stands upon the same foundation1 and is called but one1 the temple of ,god2 which is built upon the ,lord our ,saviour4 ,i told you before1 that none of old could go into the most holy1 but by the holy place1 even by the veil that made the partition between 7,exo #bf3cc2 ,lev #af3b1ab1ae2 ,heb #i3g1h1 #aj3ai74 ,wherefore1 they are deceived that think to go into the holiest1 which is heaven1 when they die1 who yet abandon and hate the holy place1 while they live4 ,nay1 ,sirs1 the way into the holiest is through the holy place2 the way into heaven is through the church on earth2 for that ,christ is there by his word to be received by faith1 before he can by us in person be received in the beatical vision4 ,the church on earth is as the house of the women1 spoken of in the book of ,esther1 where we must be dieted1 perfumed1 and made fit to go into the bridegroom's chamber1 or as ,paul says1 'made meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light' 7,esth #b2 ,col #a3ab74 ,,lvi4 ,of the holiest or inner ,temple4 ,the most holy place was1 as ,i said1 a figure of heaven itself1 consequently a type of that where the most special presence of ,god is1 and where his face is most clearly seen1 and the gladness of his countenance most enjoyed 7,heb #i3bc1bd2 ,exo #be3bb2 ,num #g3hi74 ,the most holy place was dark1 it had no windows in it1 though there were such round the chambers2 the more special presence of ,god1 too1 on ,mount ,sinai1 was in the thick darkness there 7#a ,kings #h3ab2 #b ,chron #g3a2 ,exo #ai3i1 #bj3ba74 #a4 ,this holiest1 therefore1 being thus made1 was to show that ,god1 as in heaven1 to us on earth is altogether invisible1 and not to be reached otherwise than by faith4 ,for1 ,i say1 in that this house had no windows1 nothing therein could be seen by the highest light of this world4 ,things there were only seen by the light of the fire of the altar1 which was a type of the shinings of the ,holy ,ghost 7#a ,cor #b74 ,and hence it is said1 notwithstanding this darkness1 ',he dwelleth in the light1 which no man can approach unto'2 none but the high-priest1 ,christ 7#a ,tim #f3af2 #a ,peter #c3ba1bb74 #b4 ,the holiest1 therefore1 was thus built1 to show how different our state in heaven will be from this our state on earth4 ,we walk here by one light1 by the light of a written word2 for that is now a light to our feet1 and a lantern to our path4 ,but that place1 where there will be no written word1 nor ordinances as here1 will yet to us shine more light and clear1 than if all the lights that are in the world were put together1 to light one man4 ',for ,god is light1 and in him is no darkness at all' 7#a ,john #a3e74 ,and in his light1 and in the light of the ,lamb immediately1 we shall live1 and walk1 and rejoice all the days of eternity4 #c4 ,this also was ordained thus1 to show that we1 while in the first temple1 should live by faith1 as to what there was1 or as to what was done in the second4 ,hence it is said1 as to that1 'we walk by faith1 not by sight' 7#b ,cor #e3i74 ,the things that are there we are told of1 even of the ark of the testimony1 and mercy-seat1 and the cherubims of glory1 and the presence of ,christ1 and of ,god3 we are1 ,i say1 told of them by the word1 and believe1 and are taken therewith1 and hope to go to them hereafter2 but otherwise we see them not4 ,therefore we are said to 'look1 not at the things which are seen1 but at the things which are not seen2 for the things which are seen are temporal1 but the things which are not seen are eternal' 7#b ,cor #d3ah74 #d4 ,the people of old were not to look into the holiest1 lest they died1 save only their high-priest1 he might go into it 7,num #ag3ac74 ,to show that we1 while here1 must have a care of vain speculations1 for there is nothing to be seen1 by us while here1 in heaven1 otherwise than by faith in ,god's eternal testament4 ,true1 we may now come to the holiest1 even as nigh as the first temple will admit us to come2 but it must be by blood and faith1 not by vain imagination1 sense1 or carnal reason 7,heb #aj3ai74 #e4 ,this holiest of all was four square every way1 both as to height1 length1 and breadth4 ,to be thus1 is a note of perfection1 as ,i have showed elsewhere2 wherefore it was on purpose thus built1 to show us that all fulness of blessedness is there1 both as to the nature1 degree1 and duration4 ,so 'when that which is perfect is come1 then that which is in part shall be done away' 7#a ,cor #ac3h-aj2 ,heb #aj3ai-bb74 ,,lvii4 ,of the veil of the ,temple4 ,the veil of the temple was a hanging made of 'blue and purple1 and scarlet1 and fine twined linen1' and there were cherubims wrought thereon 7,exo #bf3ca74 #a4 ,this veil was one partition1 betwixt the holy and most holy place2 and ,i take it1 it was to keep from the sight of the worshippers the things most holy1 when the high-priest went in thither1 to accomplish the service of ,god 7,exo #bf3cc2 #b ,chron #c3ad2 ,heb #i3h74 #b4 ,the veil was a type of two things4 7#a47 ,of these visible heavens through which ,christ passed when he went to make intercession for us4 ,and as by the veil1 the priest went out of the sight of the people1 when he went into the holiest of all1 so ,jesus ,christ when he ascended1 was by the heavens1 that great and stretched out curtain1 received out of the sight of his people here4 ,also by the same curtain1 since it is become as a tent for him to dwell in1 he is still received1 and still kept out of our sight2 for now we see him not1 nor shall1 until these heavens be rolled together as a scroll1 and pass away like a thing rolled together 7,isa #dj3bb2 ,acts #a3i-aa1 #c3ai-ba2 #a ,peter #a3h74 7#b47 ,this is that veil through which the apostle saith1 ,jesus is1 as a forerunner for us1 entered into the presence of ,god4 ,for by veil here also must be meant the heavens1 or outspread firmament thereof2 as both ,mark and ,peter say1 ,he 'is gone into heaven1 and is on the right hand of ,god' 7,mark #af3ai2 #a ,peter #c3bb74 #c4 ,the veil of the temple was made of blue1 the very colour of the heaven4 ,of purple and crimson1 and scarlet also1 which are the colours of many of the clouds1 because of the reflections of the sun4 ,but again1 #d4 ,the veil was also a type of the body of ,christ4 ,for as the veil of the temple1 when whole1 kept the view of the things of the holiest from us1 but when rent1 gave place to man to look in unto them2 even so the body of ,christ1 while whole1 kept the things of the holiest from that view1 we1 since he was pierced1 have of them4 ,hence we are said to enter into the holiest1 by faith1 through the veil1 that is to say1 his flesh 7,heb #aj3ai-bb74 ,but yet1 ,i say1 all is by faith2 and1 indeed1 the rending of the veil that day that ,christ was crucified1 did loudly preach this to us4 ,for no sooner was the body of ,christ pierced1 but the veil of the temple rent in twain from the top to the bottom2 and so a way was made for a clearer sight of what was there beyond it1 both in the type and antitype 7,matt #bg3ej-ec2 ,heb #aj3ai1bj74 ,thus you see that the veil of the temple was a type of these visible heavens1 and also of the body of ,christ2 of the first1 because he passed through it unto the ,father2 of the second1 because we by it have boldness to come to the ,father4 ,i read also of two other veils1 as of that spread over the face of ,moses1 to the end that the children of ,israel should not stedfastly behold2 and of the first veil of the tabernacle4 ,but of these ,i shall not in this place speak4 ,upon the veil of the temple there were also the figures of cherubims wrought1 that is1 of angels2 to show1 that as the angels are with us here1 and wait upon us all the days of our pilgrimage in this world2 so when we die1 they stand ready1 even at the veil1 at the door of these heavens1 to come when bid1 to fetch us1 and carry us away into ,abraham's bosom 7,luke #af3bb74 ,the veil1 then1 thus understood1 teaches us first where ,jesus is1 namely1 not here1 but gone into heaven1 from whence we should wait for him4 ,it also teaches us1 that if we would even now discern the glories that are in the holiest of all1 we must look through ,jesus to them1 even through the veil1 'that is to say1 his flesh4' ,yea1 it teaches us that we may1 by faith through him1 attain to a kind of a presence1 at least of the beauty and sweetness of them4 ,,lviii4 ,of the doors of the inner ,temple4 #a4 ,besides the veil1 there was a door to the inner temple1 and that door was made of olive tree2 'and for the entering of the oracle1 he made doors of olive tree4 ,the two doors also of olive tree1 and he carved upon them--cherubims1 and palm trees1 and open flowers1 and overlaid them with gold1 and spread gold upon the cherubims1 and upon the palm trees' 7#a ,kings #f3ca74 #b4 ,these doors were a type of the gate of heaven1 even of that which lets into the eternal mansion-house that is beyond that veil4 ,i told you before that the veil was a type of the visible heavens1 which ,god has spread out as a curtain1 and through which ,christ went when he ascended to the right hand of the ,father4 #c4 ,now1 beyond this veil1 as ,i said1 ,i find a door1 a gate opening with two leaves1 as afore we found at the door of the outward temple4 ,these are they which the ,psalmist calls to1 when he saith1 ',lift up your heads1 ,o ye gates1 even lift them up1 ye everlasting doors1 and the ,king of glory shall come in' 7,psa #bd3g1i74 #d4 ,the doors of the temple were made of fire1 but these1 as you see1 were made of olive2 to show us by that fat tree1 that rich type1 with what glory we shall be met1 who shall be counted worthy to enter at these gates4 ,the olive tree has its name from the oil and fatness of its nature1 and the doors that let into the holiest were made of this olive tree 7,rom #aa3af-ah74bi #e4 ,cherubims were also carved upon these doors to show1 that as the angels met us at the temple door1 and as they wait upon us in the temple1 and stand also ready at the veil1 so even at the gate of the mansion-house1 they will be also ready to give us a welcome thither1 and to attend us into the presence chamber4 #f4 ,palm trees also1 as they were carved upon the temple doors1 so we also find them here before the oracle1 upon the doors that let in thither2 to show1 that as ,christ gave us the victory at our first entering into faith1 so he will finish that victory1 by giving of us eternal salvation4 ,thus is he the author and finisher of our faith4 ,for as sure as at first we received the palm branch by faith1 so surely shall we wear it in our hands1 as a token of his faithfulness in the heaven of heavens1 for ever 7,rev #g3i74 #g4 ,open flowers are also carved here1 to show that ,christ1 who is the door to glory1 as well as the door to grace1 will be precious to us at our entering in thither1 as well as at the first step we took thitherward in a sinful and miserable world4 ,christ will never lose his sweet scent in the nostrils of his church4 ,he is most sweet now1 will be so at death1 and sweetest of all1 when by him we shall enter into that mansion-house prepared for us in heaven4 #h4 ,the palm trees and open flowers may also be a type of the precious ones of ,god1 who shall be counted worthy of his kingdom2 the one1 of the uprightness of their hearts2 the other1 of the good favour of their lives4 ',the upright shall dwell in thy presence2 and to him that ordereth his conversation aright1 ,i will show the salvation of ,god' 7,psa #adj3ac74 #i4 ,thus sweet on earth1 sweet in heaven2 and he that yields the fruit of the gospel here1 shall find it for himself1 and his eternal comfort1 at the gates of glory4 #aj4 ,all these were overlaid with gold1 as you may say1 and so they were at the door of the first house4 ,true1 but observe here we have an addition4 ,here is gold upon gold4 ,gold laid on them1 and then gold spread upon that4 ,he overlaid them with gold1 and then spread gold upon them4 ,the ,lord gives grace and glory 7,psa #hd3aa74 ,gold and gold4 ,gold spread upon gold4 ,grace is gold in the leaf1 and glory is gold in plates4 ,grace is thin gold1 glory is gold that is thick4 ,here is gold laid on1 and gold spread upon that3 and that both upon the palm trees and the cherubims4 ,gold upon the palm trees1 that is1 on the saints2 gold upon the cherubims1 that is1 upon the angels4 ,for ,i doubt not but that the angels themselves shall receive additional glory for the service which they have served ,christ and his church on earth4 #aa4 ,the angels are ,god's harvest men1 and doubtless he will give them good wages1 even glory upon their glory then 7,matt #ac3ch1ci1 #bd3ca2 ,john #d3cf74 #ab4 ,you know harvest men use to be paid well for gathering in the corn1 and ,i doubt not but so shall these1 when the great ingathering is over4 ,but what an entrance into life is here8 ,here is gold upon gold at the door1 at our first step into the kingdom4 ,,lix4 ,of the golden nails of the inner ,temple4 ,i shall not concern myself with all the nails of the temple1 as of those made of iron1 c4 7#a ,chron #bb3c74 ,but only with the golden ones1 of which you read1 where he saith1 ',and the weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold' 7#b ,chron #c3i74 ,these nails1 as ,i conceive1 were all fastened to the place most holy1 and of form most apt to that of which they were a figure4 #a4 ,some of them represented ,christ ,jesus our ,lord as fixed in his mediatory office in the heavens2 wherefore in one place1 when the ,holy ,ghost speaks of ,christ1 as he sprang from ,judah to be a mediator1 saith1 ',out of him came the corner1' the corner stone1 'out of him the nail' 7,zech #aj3d74 ,now1 since he is compared to a nail1 a golden nail1 it is to show1 that as a nail1 by driving1 is fixed in his place2 so ,christ1 by ,god's oath1 is made an everlasting priest 7,heb #g3be74 ,therefore1 as he saith again1 the nail1 the ,aaronical priesthood1 that was fastened in a sure place1 should be removed1 be cut down1 and fall2 so he who has the key of ,david1 which is ,christ 7,rev #c3g71 shall by ,god1 as a nail1 be fastened in a sure place1 and abide2 therefore he says again1 ',and he shall be for a glorious throne1' or mercy-seat1 'to his ,father's house4' ,and moreover1 ,that 'they shall hang upon him1' as on a nail1 'all the glory of his ,father's house1 the offspring1 and the issue1 all vessels of small quantity1 from the vessels of cups1 even to all the vessels of flagons' 7,isa #bb3bj-be74 ,according to that which is written1 ',and they sang a new song' to the ,lamb that was slain1 'saying1 ,thou art worthy1' c4 7,rev #e3i-ab74 ,and therefore it is again that ,christ1 under the similitude of a nail1 is accounted by saints indeed their great pledge or hope1 as he is in heaven1 of their certain coming thither4 ,hence they said of old1 ,god has given us 'a nail in his holy place'2 a nail1 says the line1 'a pin1 a constant and sure abode1' says the margin 7,ezra #i3h74 ,now1 this nail in his holy place1 as was showed before1 is ,christ2 ,christ1 as possessed of heaven1 and as abiding1 and ever living therein for us4 ,hence he is called1 as there1 our head1 our life1 and our salvation2 and also we are said there to be set down together in him 7,eph #a2 ,col #c3c2 ,eph #b3e1f74 #b4 ,some of these nails were types of the holy words of ,god1 which for ever are settled in heaven4 ,types1 ,i say1 of their 'yea and amen4' ,hence ,solomon1 in another place1 compares the words of the wise ,god1 'to goads and nails1 fastened by the masters of assemblies1 which are given from one shepherd' 7,eccl #ab3aa74 ,they are called goads1 because1 as such prick the oxen on in their drawing1 so ,god's words prick ,christians on in their holy duties4 ,they are called nails1 to show1 that as nails1 when fastened well in a sure place1 are not easily removed2 so ,god's words1 by his will1 stand firm for ever4 ,the masters of the assemblies are first1 the apostles4 ,the one shepherd is ,jesus ,christ4 ,hence the gospel of ,christ is said to be everlasting1 to abide for ever1 and to be more stedfast than heaven and earth 7,isa #dj3f-h2 #a ,peter #a3bd1be2 ,heb #ac3bj2 ,rev #ad3f2 ,matt #bd3ce74 ,the ,lord ,jesus then1 and his holy words1 are the golden nails of the temple1 and the fixing of thess nails in the temple1 was to show that ,christ is the same today1 yesterday1 and for ever2 and that his words abide1 and remain the same for ever and ever4 ,he then that hath ,christ1 has a nail in the holiest2 he that hath a promise of salvation hath also a nail in heaven1 a golden nail in heaven6 ,,lx4 ,of the floor and walls of the inner ,temple4 #a4 ,the floor of the oracle was overlaid with cedar1 and so also were the walls of this house4 ',he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house1 both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar4 ,he even built for it within1 for the oracle1 for the most holy place' 7#a ,kings #f3af74 #b4 ,in that he doth tell us with what it was ceiled1 and doth also thus repeat1 saying1 'for the oracle1 for it within1 even for the most holy place1' it is because he would have it noted1 that this only is the place that thus was done4 #c4 ,twenty cubits1 that was the length1 and breadth1 and height of the house2 so that by his thus saying he teacheth that thus it was built round about4 #d4 ,the cedar is1 if ,i mistake not1 the highest of the trees 7,eze #ca3c-h74 ,now in that it is said the house1 the oracle1 was ceiled round about therewith1 it may be to show1 that in heaven1 and no where else1 is the height of all perfections4 ,perfection is in the church on earth1 but not such as is in heaven4 7#a47 ,there is a natural perfection1 and so a penny is as natural silver as is a shilling4 7#b47 ,there is a comparative perfection1 and so one thing may be perfect and imperfect at the same time2 as a half-crown is more than a shilling1 yet less than a crown4 7#c47 ,there is also that which we call the utmost perfection1 and that is it which cannot be added to1 or taken from him2 and so ,god only is perfect4 ,now1 heavenly glory is that which goes beyond all perfection on the earth1 as the cedar goes beyond all trees for height4 ,hence ,god1 when he speaks of his own excellency1 sets it forth by its height4 ,the high ,god1 the most ,high1 and the high and lofty ,one2 and the ,highest 7,psa #ib3i1 #ach3f2 ,gen #ad3ai-ba2 ,dan #c3bf1 #e3ah2 ,psa #ah3ac1 #hg3e2 ,luke #a3cb1 #f3ce2 ,isa #eg3ae2 ,psa #i3b1 #ef3b1 #ib3a2 ,isa #ad3ad74 ,these terms also are ascribed to this house1 for that it was the place where utmost perfection dwelt4 ,i take1 therefore1 the cedar in this place to be a note of perfection1 even the cedar with which this house was ceiled4 ,for since it is the wisdom of ,god to speak to us ofttimes by trees1 gold1 silver1 stones1 beasts1 fowls1 fishes1 spiders1 ants1 frogs1 flies1 lice1 dust1 c41 and here by wood2 how should we by them understand his voice1 if we count there is no meaning in them8 ',and the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers2 all was cedar2 there was no stone seen' 7#a ,kings #f3ah74 ,knops and flowers were they with which the golden candlestick was adorned1 as you read1 ,exodus #be3cc1 #ce1 #cg3aj1 #ba4 ,the candlestick was a type of the church1 and the knops and flowers a type of her ornaments4 ,but what6 must heaven be hanged round about with the ornaments of saints6 with the fruits of their graces6 ,well1 it is certain that something more than ordinary must be done with them1 since they are admitted to follow them into the holy place 7,rev #ad3ac72 and since1 it is said1 they shall have a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory bestowed on them1 for them in the heavens' 7#b ,cor #d3af1ag74 ',all was cedar2 there was no stone seen4' ,take stone in the type for that which was really so1 and in the antitype for that which is so mystically1 and then it may import to us1 that in heaven1 the antitype of this holiest1 there shall never be anything of hardness of heart in them that possess it for ever4 ,all imperfection ariseth from the badness of the heart1 but there will be no bad hearts in glory4 ,no shortness in knowledge1 no crossness of disposition1 no workings of lusts1 or corruptions will be there2 no1 not throughout the whole heavens4 ,here1 alas6 they are seen1 and that in the best of saints1 because here our light is mixed with darkness2 but there will be no night there1 nor any stone seen4 ',and the floor of the house was overlaid with gold' 7#a ,kings #f3cj74 ,this is like that of which we read of the ,new ,jerusalem that is to come from ,god out of heaven2 says the text1 ',the street of the city was pure gold'2 and like that of which you read in ,exodus1 ',they saw the ,god of ,israel1 and under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone1 and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness' 7,rev #ba3ba2 ,exo #bd3aj74 ,all the visions were rich1 but this the richest1 that the floor of the house should be covered or overlaid with gold4 ,the floor and street are walking-places1 and how rich will our steps be then6 ,alas6 here we sometimes fall into the mire1 and then again stumble upon blocks and stones4 ,here we sometimes fall into holes1 and have our heel oft catched in a snare2 but there will be none of these4 ,gold6 gold6 all will be gold1 and golden perfections1 when we come into the holy place6 ,job at best took but his steps in butter1 but we then shall take all our steps in the gold of the sanctuary4 ,,lxi4 ,of the ark of the covenant which was placed in the inner ,temple4 ,in the ,word ,i read of three arks2 to wit1 ,noah's ark1 that in which ,moses was hid1 and the ark of the covenant of ,god 7,gen #f3ad2 ,exo #b3c1e74 ,but it is the ark of the covenant of which ,i shall now speak4 ,the ark was made 'of shittim-wood1 two cubits and a half was the length thereof1 and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof1 and a cubit and a half the height thereof4' ,it was overlaid 'with pure gold within and without1' and 'a crown of gold' was made for it 'round about' 7,exo #be3aj1aa74 #a4 ,this ark was called 'the ark of the covenant1' as the first that you read of was called ',noah's1' because as he in that was kept from being drowned1 so the tables of the covenant were kept in this from breaking4 #b4 ,this ark1 in this1 was a type of ,christ2 for that in him only1 and not in the hand of ,moses1 these tables were kept whole4 ,moses brake them1 the ark keeps them4 #c4 ,not only that wrote on two tables of stone1 but that also called 'the ceremonial1' was put into the ark to be kept4 ,the two tables were put into the midst of the ark1 to answer to this--thy law is within my heart to do it4 ,but the ceremonial was put into the side of the ark1 to show that out of the side of ,christ must come that which must answer that1 for out thence came blood and water2 blood1 to answer the blood of the ceremonies2 and water1 to answer the purifyings and rinsings of that law4 ,the ceremonies1 therefore1 were lodged in the side of the ark1 to show that they should be answered out of the side of ,jesus ,christ 7,exo #be3af1ag2 ,deut #aj3e2 ,psa #dj3h2 ,john #ai3cd2 ,heb #aj3g74 #d4 ,the ark had the name of ,god put upon it2 yea1 it was called the strength of ,god1 and his glory1 though made of wood4 ,and ,christ is ,god both in name and nature1 though made flesh2 yea more1 made to be sin for us 7#b ,sam #f3b2 #a ,chron #ac3f2 #b ,chron #f3a2 ,john #a3ad2 ,rom #i3e2 #b ,cor #e3ba74 #e4 ,the ark was carried upon men's shoulders this way and that1 to show how ,christ should be carried and preached by his apostles and ministers into all parts of the world 7,exo #be3ad2 #a ,chron #ae3ae2 ,matt #bh3ai1bj2 ,luke #bd3df1dg74 #f4 ,the ark had those testimonies of ,god's presence accompanying it1 as had no other ceremony of the law2 and ,christ had those signs and tokens of his presence with him1 as never had man either in law or gospel4 ,this is so apparent it needs no proof4 ,and now for a few comparisons more4 7#a47 ,it was at that that ,god answered the people1 when they were wont to come to inquire of him2 and in these last days ,god has spoken to us by his ,son 7#a ,chron #ac3c2 #a ,sam #ad3ah2 ,heb #a3b2 ,john #af3bc1bd74 7#b47 ,at the presence of the ark the waters of ,jordan stood still till ,israel1 the ransomed of the ,lord1 passed over from the wilderness to ,canaan2 and it is by the power and presence of ,christ that we pass over death1 ,jordan's antitype1 from the wilderness of this world to heaven 7,josh #c3ae-ag2 ,john #aa3be2 ,rom #h3cg-ci2 #a ,cor #ae3ed-eg74 7#c47 ,before the ark the walls of ,jericho fell down2 and at the presence of ,christ shall all high towers1 and strongholds1 and hiding places for sinners be razed1 and dissolved at his coming 7,josh #f3bj2 ,isa #cj3be1 #b3aj1af2 #b ,peter #c3aj2 ,rev #bj3aa-ac74 7#d47 ,before the ark ,dagon fell1 that idol of the ,philistines2 and before ,christ ,jesus devils fell1 those gods of all those idols4 ,and he must reign till all his enemies be put under his feet1 and until they be made his footstool 7#a ,sam #e3a-d2 ,mark #e3ab2 #a ,cor #ae3be2 ,heb #aj3ac74 7#e47 ,the ,philistines were also plagued for meddling with the ark1 while they abode uncircumcised2 and the wicked will one day be most severely plagued for their meddling with ,christ1 with their uncircumcised hearts 7#a ,sam #e3f-ac2 ,psa #ej3f2 ,matt #bd3ea1 #be3aa1ab2 ,luke #ac3be-bi74 7#f47 ,god's blessing was upon those that entertained the ark as they should2 and much more is1 and will his blessing be upon those that so embrace and entertain his ,christ1 and profess his name sincerely 7#b ,sam #f3aa2 ,acts #c3bf2 ,gal #c3ac1ad2 ,matt #ai3bg-bi2 ,luke #bb3bh1bi74 7#g47 ,when ,uzzah put forth his hand to stay the ark1 when the oxen shook it1 as despairing of ,god's protecting of it without a human help1 he died before the ,lord2 even so will all those do1 without repentance1 who use unlawful means to promote ,christ's religion1 and to support it in the world 7#a ,chron #ac3i1aj2 ,matt #bf3eb2 ,rev #ac3aj74 7#h47 ,the ark1 though thus dignified1 was of itself but low--but a cubit and a half high2 also ,christ--though he was the glory of heaven and of ,god--yet made himself of no reputation1 and was found in the likeness of a man 7,exo #be3aj-ab2 ,phil #b3f-aa74 7#i47 ,the ark had a crown of gold round about upon it1 to show how ,christ is crowned by his saints by faith1 and shall be crowned by them in glory1 for all the good he hath done for them2 as also how all crowns shall one day stoop to him1 and be set upon his head4 ,this is showed in the type 7,zech #f3aa1ad74 ,and in the antitype 7,rev #d3aj1 #ai3ab74 7#aj47 ,the ark was overlaid with gold within and without1 to show that ,christ was perfect in inward grace and outward life1 in spirit and in righteousness 7,john #a3ad2 #a ,peter #b3bb74 7#aa47 ,the ark was placed under the mercy-seat1 to show that ,jesus ,christ1 as ,redeemer1 brings and bears1 as it were1 upon his shoulders1 the mercy of ,god to us1 even in the body of his flesh1 through death 7,exo #be3ba2 ,eph #d3bb2 #e3a1b74 7#ab47 ,when the ark was removed far from the people1 the godly went mourning after it2 and when ,christ is hid1 or taken from us1 then we mourn in those days 7#b ,sam #g3b2 ,mark #b3ai1bj2 ,luke #e3cd1ce2 ,john #af3bj-bb74 7#ac47 ,all ,israel had the ark again1 after their mourning-time was over2 and ,christ1 after his people have sorrowed for him a while1 will see them again1 'and their hearts shall rejoice' 7,john #af3a-c1bj-bb74 ,by all these things1 and many more that might be mentioned1 it is most evident that the ark of the testimony was a type of ,jesus ,christ2 and take notice a little of that which follows1 namely1 that the ark at last arrived to the place most holy 7,heb #i3c1d74 ,that is1 after its wanderings2 for the ark was first made to wander1 like a non-inhabitant1 from place to place2 now hither1 and then thither2 now in the hands of enemies1 and then abused by friends2 yea1 it was caused to rove from place to place1 as that of which the world was weary4 ,i need instance to you for proof hereof none other place than the fifth1 sixth1 and seventh chapters of the first ,book of ,samuel2 and1 answerable to this1 was our dear ,lord ,jesus posted backwards and forwards1 hither and thither1 by the force of the rage of his enemies4 ,he was hunted into ,egypt so soon as he was born 7,matt #b74 ,then he was driven to live in ,galilee the space of many years4 ,also1 when he showed himself to ,israel1 they drove him sometimes into the wilderness1 sometimes into the desert1 sometimes into the sea1 and sometimes into the mountains1 and still in every of these places he was either haunted or hunted by new enemies4 ,and at last of all1 the ,pharisees plot for his life2 ,judas sells him1 the priests buy him1 ,peter denies him1 his enemies mock1 scourge1 buffet1 and much abuse him4 ,in fine1 they get him condemned1 and crucified1 and buried2 but at last ,god commanded1 and took him to his place1 even within the veil1 and sets him to bear up the mercy-seat1 where he is to this very day1 being our ark to save us1 as ,noah's did him1 as ,moses' did him2 yea1 better1 as none but ,christ doth save his own4 ,,lxii4 ,of the placing of the ark in the holiest1 or inner ,temple4 #a4 ,the ark1 as we have said1 and as the text declares1 when carried to its rest1 was placed in the inner temple1 or in the most holy place1 'even under the wings of the cherubims4' ',and the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the ,lord unto his place1 to the oracle of the house1 into the most holy place1 even under the wings of the cherubims' 7,exo #bf3cc1 #ci3ce2 #a ,kings #h3c2 #b ,chron #e3g74 #b4 ,before this1 as was said afore1 the ark was carried from place to place1 and caused to dwell in a tent under curtains1 as all our fathers did2 to show that ,christ1 as we1 was made for a time to wander in the world1 in order to his being possessed of glory 7#b ,sam #g3a1c1f2 ,heb #aa3i2 ,john #a3aj1 #af3bh1 #c3ac74 #c4 ,but now1 when the ark was brought into the holiest1 it is said to be brought into its place4 ,this world then was not ,christ's place1 he was not from beneath1 he came from his ,father's house2 wherefore while here1 he was not at his place1 nor could until he ascended up where he was before 7,john #h3bc1 #af3bh1 #f3fb1 #c3ac74 #d4 ,christ's proper place1 therefore1 is the holiest4 ,his proper place1 as ,god1 as ,priest1 as ,prophet1 as ,king1 and as the ,advocate of his people4 ,here1 with us1 he has no more to do1 in person1 as mediator4 ,if he were on earth1 he should not be a priest1 c4 ,his place and work is now above with his ,father1 and before the angels 7,acts #e3ca2 #a ,peter #c3bb2 ,heb #d3ad1 #h3d2 #i3bd2 #a ,john #b3a1b2 ,rev #a3d1e74 #e4 ,it is said the ark was brought 'to the oracle of the house1' ,solomon was not content to say it was brought into the holiest2 but he saith1 his place was the oracle1 the holy oracle1 that is1 the place of hearing4 ,for he1 when he ascended1 had somewhat to say to ,god on the behalf of his people4 ,to the oracle1 that is1 to the place of revealing4 ,for he also was there to receive1 and from thence to reveal to his church on earth1 something that could not be made manifest but from this holy oracle4 ,there therefore he is with the two tables of testimony in his heart1 as perfectly kept2 he also is there with the whole fulfulling of the ceremonial law in his side1 showing and pleading the perfection of his righteousness1 and the merit of his blood with his ,father1 and to receive and to do us good1 who believe in him1 how well pleased the ,father is with what he has done in our behalf4 #f4 ',into the most holy place4' ,by these words is showed1 whither also the ark went1 when it went to take up its rest4 ,and in that this ark was a type of ,christ in this1 it is to show or further manifest1 that what ,christ doth now in heaven1 he doth it before his ,father's face4 ,yea1 it intimates1 that ,christ even there makes his appeals to ,god1 concerning the worth of what he did on earth2 to ,god the ,judge of all1 ,i say1 whether he ought not for his suffering-sake to have granted to him his whole desire1 as ,priest and ,advocate for his people8 ',wilt thou1' said ,festus to ,paul1 'go up to ,jerusalem1 and there be judged of these things before me8' 7,acts #be3i74 ,why1 this our blessed ,jesus was willing1 when here1 to go up to ,jerusalem to be judged2 and being misjudged of there1 he made his appeal to ,god1 and is now gone thither1 even into the holy place1 even to him that is ,judge of all1 for his verdict upon his doing2 and whether the souls for whom he became undertaker1 to bring them to glory1 have not by him a right to the kingdom of heaven4 #g4 ',under the wings of the cherubims4' ,this doth further confirm our words2 for having appealed from earth to heaven1 as the ark was set under the wings of the cherubims1 so he1 in his interceding with ,god and pleading his merits for us1 doth it in the presence and hearing of all the angels in heaven4 ,and thus much of the ark of the covenant1 and of its antitype4 ,we come next to speak of the mercy-seat4 ,,lxiii4 ,of the mercy-seat1 and how it was placed in the holy ,temple4 ,the mercy-seat was made in the wilderness1 but brought up by ,solomon1 after the temple was built1 with the rest of the holy things 7#b ,chron #e3b-aj74 ,the mercy-seat1 as ,i have showed of the ark1 was but low4 ',two cubits and a half was the length1 and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof'2 but the height thereof 'was without measure4' #a4 ,the length and breadth of the mercy-seat is the same with that of the ark3 perhaps to show us1 that the length and breadth of the mercy of ,god to his elect1 is the same with the length and breadth of the merits of ,christ 7,exo #be3aj1ag74 ,therefore1 we are said to be justified in him1 blessed in him1 even according to the purpose which ,god purposed in him4 #b4 ,but in that the mercy-seat is without measure1 as to height1 it is to show1 that would ,god extend it1 it is able to reach even them that fall from heaven1 and to save all that ever lived on earth1 even all that are now in hell4 ,for there is not only breadth enough for them that shall be saved1 but 'bread enough and to spare' 7,luke #ae3ag74 ',and thou shalt1' says ,god1 'put the mercy-seat above upon the ark4' ,thus he said to ,moses1 and this was the place which ,david assigned for it 7,exo #be3ba2 #a ,chron #bh3aa74 ,now1 its being by ,god's ordinance placed thus1 doth teach us many things4 7#a47 ,that mercy's foundation to us is ,christ4 ,the mercy-seat was set upon the ark of the testimony1 and there it rested to usward4 ,justice would not1 could not have suffered us to have had any benefit by mercy1 had it not found an ark1 a ,christ to rest upon4 ',deliver him1' saith ,god1 'from going down to the pit1 ,i have found a ransom' 7,job #cc3bd74 7#b47 ,in that it was placed above1 it doth show also that ,christ was1 of mercies1 ordaining a fruit of mercy4 ,mercy is above1 is the ordainer2 ,god is love1 and sent of love his ,son to be the ,saviour and propitiation for our sins 7,john #c3af2 #a ,john #d3aj74 7#c47 ,in that the mercy-seat and ark were thus joined together1 it also shows1 that without ,christ mercy doth not act4 ,hence1 when the priest came of old to ,god for mercy1 he did use to come into the holy place with blood2 yea1 and did use to sprinkle it upon the mercy-seat1 and before it1 seven times4 ,take away the ark1 and the mercy-seat will fall1 or come greatly down at least4 ,so take away ,christ1 and the flood-gate of mercy is let down1 and the current of mercy stopped4 ,this is true1 for so soon as ,christ shall leave off to mediate1 will come the eternal judgment4 7#d47 ,again1 in that the mercy-seat was set above upon the ark1 it teacheth us to know1 that mercy can look down from heaven1 though the law stand by and looks on2 but then it must be in ,christ1 as kept there1 and fulfilled by him for us4 ,the law out of ,christ is terrible as a lion2 the law in him is meek as a lamb4 ,the reason is1 for that it finds in him enough to answer for all their faults1 that come to ,god for mercy by him4 ',christ is the end of the law for righteousness'2 and if that be true1 the law for that can look no further upon whoever comes to ,god by him4 ,the law did use to sentence terribly1 until it was put into the ark to be kept4#cj 7#e47 ,let them then that come to ,god for mercy be sure to come to him by the ark1 ,christ4 ,for grace1 as it descends to us from above the mercy-seat1 so that mercy-seat doth rest upon the ark4 ,wherefore1 sinner1 come thou for mercy that way3 for there if thou meetest with the law1 it can do thee no harm2 nor can mercy1 shouldst thou elsewhere meet it1 do thee good4 ,come1 therefore1 and come boldly to the throne of grace1 this mercy-seat1 thus borne up by the ark1 and 'obtain mercy1 and find grace to help in time of need' 7,heb #d3af74 ,wherefore the thus placing of things in the holiest1 is admirable to behold in the word of ,god4 ,for that indeed is the glass by and through which we must behold this glory of the ,lord4 ,here we see the reason of things2 here we see how a just ,god can have to do1 and that in a way of mercy1 with one that has sinned against him4 ,it is because the law has been kept by the ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 for as you see1 the mercy-seat stands upon the ark of the covenant1 and there ,god acts in a way of grace towards us 7,exo #be3ag-bc74 ,,lxiv4 ,of the living waters of the inner ,temple4 ,although in the holy relation of the building of the temple no mention is made of these waters1 but only of the mount on which1 and the materials with which the king did build it1 yet it seems to me that in that mount1 and there too where the temple was built1 there was a spring of living water4 ,this seems more than probable1 by ,ezekiel #dg3a1 where he saith1 ',he brought me again unto the door of the house1 and behold1 waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward1 for the fore-front of the house stood toward the east1 and the waters came down from under1 from the right side of the house1 at the south side of the altar4' ,so again1 ',and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the ,lord1 and shall water the valley of ,shittim' 7,joel #c3ah74 ,nor was the spring1 wherever was the first appearance of thess holy waters1 but in the sanctuary1 which is the holiest of all 7,eke #dg3ab71 where the mercy-seat stood1 which in ,revelation is called ',the throne of ,god1 and of the ,lamb' 7,rev #bb3a1b74 ,this also is that which the prophet ,zechariah means1 when he says1 ',living waters shall go out from ,jerusalem1 half of them toward the former sea1 and half of them toward the hinder sea1' c4 7,zech #ad3h74 ,they are said to go forth from ,jerusalem1 because they came down to the city from out of the sanctuary which stood in ,jerusalem4 ,this is that which in another place is called a river of water of life1 because it comes forth from the throne1 and because it was at the head of it1 as ,i suppose1 used in and about temple-worship4 ,it was with this1 ,i think1 that the molten sea and the ten lavers were filled1 and in which the priests washed their hands and feet when they went into the temple to do service2 and that also in which they washed the sacrifices before they offered them to ,god2 yea1 ,i presume1 all the washings and rinsings about their worship was with this water4 ,this water is said in ,ezekiel and ,revelation to have the tree of life grow on the banks of it1 and was a type of the word and ,spirit of ,god1 by which1 both ,christ himself sanctified himself1 in order to his worship as high-priest 7,eze #dg2 ,rev #bb74 ,and also this water is that which heals all those that shall be saved2 and by which1 they being sanctified thereby also1 do all their works of worship and service acceptably1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,this water therefore is said to go forth into the sea1 the world1 and to heal its fish1 the sinners therein2 yea1 this is that water of which ,christ ,jesus our ,lord saith1 ,whosoever shall drink thereof shall live for ever 7,eze #dg3h-aj2 ,zech #ad3h2 ,john #d3ad74 ,,lxv4 ,of the chains which were in the oracle or inner ,temple4 ,as there were chains on the pillars that stood before the porch of the temple1 and in the first house2 so1 like unto them1 there were chains in the holiest1 here called the oracle4 ,these chains were not chains in show1 or as carved on wood1 c41 but chains indeed1 and that of gold2 and they were prepared to make a partition 'before the oracle' within 7#a ,kings #f3ba2 #b ,chron #c3af74 ,i told you before that the holiest was called the oracle1 not because in a strict sense the whole of it was so1 but because such answer of ,god was there1 as was not in the outward temple1 but ,i think that the ark and mercy-seat were indeed more especially that called the oracle2 'for there ,i will meet with thee1' saith ,god1 and from above that ',i will commune with thee' 7,exo #be3bb74 ,when ,david said1 ',i lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle1' he meant not so much towards the holiest house1 as toward the mercy-seat that was therein4 ,or1 as he saith in the margin1 ',toward the oracle of thy sanctuary' 7,psa #bh3b74 ,when therefore he saith1 'before the oracle1' he means1 these chains were put in the most holy place1 before the ark and mercy-seat1 to give to ,aaron and his sons to understand that an additional glory was there4 ,for the ark and mercy-seat were preferred before that holy house itself1 even as ,christ and the grace of ,god is preferred before the highest heavens4 ',the ,lord is high above all nations1 and his glory above the heavens' 7,psa #aac3d74 ,so then1 the partition that was made in this house by these chains1 these golden chains1 was not so much to divide the holy from the place most holy1 as to show that there is in the holiest house that which is yet more worthy than it4 ,the holiest was a type of heaven1 but the ark and mercy-seat were a type of ,christ1 and of the mercy of ,god to us by him2 and ,i trow any man will conclude1 if he knows what he says1 that the ,god and ,christ of heaven are more excellent than the house they dwell in4 ,hence ,david said again1 ',whom have ,i in heaven but thee8' ,for thou art more excellent than they 7,psa #gc3be74 ,for though that which is called heaven would serve some2 yea1 though ,god himself was out of it1 yet none but the ,god of heaven will satisfy a truly gracious man3 it is ,god that the soul of this man thirsteth for2 it is ,god that is his exceeding joy 7,psa #eb3b1 #fc3a1 #adc3f1 #ag3ae1 #dc3d74 ,these chains then1 as they made this partition in the most holy place1 may teach us1 that when we shall be glorified in heaven1 we shall yet1 even then1 and there1 know that there will continue an infinite disproportion between ,god and us4 ,the golden chains that are there will then distinguish or separate the ,creator from the creature4 ,for we1 even we which shall be saved1 shall yet retain our own nature1 and shall still continue finite beings2 yea1 and shall there also see a disproportion between our ,lord1 our head1 and us2 for though now we are1 and also then shall be like him as to his manhood2 yea1 and shall be like him also1 as being glorified with his glory2 yet he shall transcend and go beyond us1 as to degree and splendour1 as far as ever the highest king on earth did shine above the meanest subject that dwelt in his kingdom4 ,chains have of old been made use of as notes of distinction1 to show us who are bond men1 and who free4 ,yea1 they shall at the day of judgment be a note of distinction of bad and good2 even as here they will distinguish the heavens from ,god1 and the creature from the ,creator 7#b ,peter #b3d2 ,jude #f2 ,matt #bb3ac74 ,true1 they are chains of sin and wrath1 but these chains of gold2 yet these chains1 even these also will keep creatures in their place1 that the ,creator may have his glory1 and receive those acknowledgments there from them1 which is due unto his ,majesty 7,rev #d1 #e3aa-ad74 ,,lxvi4 ,of the high-priest1 and of his office in the inner ,temple4 ,when things were thus ordained in the house 'most holy1' then went the high-priest in thither1 according as he was appointed1 to do his office1 which was to burn incense in his golden censer1 and to sprinkle with his finger the blood of his sacrifice1 for the people1 upon and above the mercy-seat 7,exo #cj3g-aj2 ,lev #af3aa-ad74 ,now for this special work of his1 he had peculiar preparations4 #a4 ,he was to be washed in water4 #b4 ,then he was to put on his holy garments4 #c4 ,after that he was to be anointed with holy oil4 #d4 ,then an offering was to be offered for him1 for the further fitting of him for his office4 #e4 ,the blood of this sacrifice must be put1 some of it upon his right ear1 some on the thumb of his right hand1 and some on the great toe of his right foot4 ,this done1 some more of the blood1 with the anointing oil1 must be sprinkled upon him1 and upon his garment2 for after this manner must he be consecrated to his work as high-priest 7,exo #bi74 ,his being washed in water was to show the purity of ,christ's humanity4 ,his curious robes were a type of all the perfections of ,christ's righteousness4 ,the holy oil that was poured on his head was to show how ,christ was anointed with the ,holy ,ghost unto his work1 as priest4 ,the sacrifice of his consecration was a type of that offering ,christ offered in the garden when he mixed his sweat with his own blood1 and tears1 and cries1 when he prayed to him that was able to save him2 'and was heard in that he feared'2 for with his blood1 as was ,aaron with the blood of the bullock that was slain for him1 was this blessed one besmeared from head to foot1 when his sweat1 as great drops or clodders of blood1 fell down from head and face1 and whole body1 to the ground 7,luke #bb3dd2 ,heb #aj3bj74 ,when ,aaron was thus prepared1 then he offered his offering for the people1 and carried the blood within the veil 7,lev #af74 ,the which ,christ ,jesus also answered1 when he offered his own body without the gate1 and then carried his blood into the heavens1 and sprinkled it before the mercy-seat 7,heb #ac3aa1ab1 #i3aa1ab1bd74 ,for ,aaron was a type of ,christ2 his offering1 a type of ,christ's offering his body2 the blood of the sacrifice1 a type of the blood of ,christ2 his garments1 a type of ,christ's righteousness2 the mercy-seat1 a type of the throne of grace2 the incense1 a type of ,christ's praise2 and the sprinkling of the blood of the sacrifice upon the mercy-seat1 a type of ,christ's pleading the virtue of his sufferings for us in the presence of ,god in heaven 7,heb #i3aj-bh74 ',wherefore1 holy brethren1 partakers of the heavenly calling1 consider the apostle and high priest of our profession1 ,christ ,jesus' 7,heb #c3a74 ',seeing then that we have a great high priest1 that is passed into the heavens1 ,jesus the ,son of ,god1 let us hold fast our profession4 ,for we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities2 but was in all points tempted like as we are1 yet without sin4 ,let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace1 that we may obtain mercy1 and find grace to help in time of need4 ,for every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to ,god1 that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins3 who can have compassion on the ignorant1 and on them that are out of the way2 for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity' 7,hosea #d3ad-af1 #e3a1b74 ,this then is our high priest2 and this was made so 'not after the law of a carnal commandment1 but after the power of an endless life4' ,for ,aaron and his sons were made priests without an oath1 'but this with an oath by him that said unto him1 ,the ,lord sware and will not repent1 ,thou art a priest for ever after the order of ,melchisedec4 ,by so much was ,jesus made a surety of a better testament4' ',and they truly were many priests1 because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death4 ,but this man1 because he continueth ever1 hath an unchangeable priesthood4 ,wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto ,god by him1 seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them4 ,for such an high priest became us1 who is holy1 harmless1 undefiled1 separate from sinners1 and made higher than the heavens2 who needeth not daily1 as those high priests1 to offer up sacrifice1 first for his own sins1 and then for the people's3 for this he did once1 when he offered up himself4 ,for the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity2 but the word of the oath1 which was since the law1 maketh the ,son1 who is consecrated for evermore4 ,now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum3 ,we have such an high priest1 who is set on the right hand of the throne of the majesty in the heavens2 a minister of the sanctuary1 and of the true tabernacle1#ca which the ,lord pitched1 and not man4 ,for every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices3 wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer4 ,for if he were on earth1 he should not be a priest1 seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law3 who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things1 as ,moses was admonished of ,god when he was about to make the tabernacle3 for1 ,see1 saith he1 that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount' 7,heb #g3af-h3e74 ',but ,christ being come an high priest of good things to come1 by a greater and more perfect tabernacle1 not made with hands1 that is to say1 not of this building2 neither by the blood of goats and calves1 but by his own blood1 he entered in once into the holy place1 having obtained eternal redemption for us4 ,for if the blood of bulls and of goats1 and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean1 sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh3 how much more shall the blood of ,christ1 who through the eternal ,spirit offered himself without spot to ,god1 purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living ,god4 ',for ,christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands1 which are the figures of the true2 but into heaven itself1 now to appear in the presence of ,god for us3 ,nor yet that he should offer himself often1 as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others2 for then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world3 but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself4 ,and as it is appointed unto men once to die1 but after this the judgment3 so ,christ was once offered to bear the sins of many2 and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation' 7,heb #i3aa-ad1bd-bh74 ,,lxvii4 ,of the high-priest's going into the ,holiest alone4 ,as it was the privilege of the high-priest to go into the holiest alone1 so there was something of mystery also1 to which ,i shall speak a little3 ',there shall1' says ,god1 'be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation1 when he ,aaron goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place1 until he come out1 and have made an atonement for himself1 and for his household1 and for all the congregation of ,israel' 7,lev #afg3ag74 ,the reason is1 for that ,christ is mediator alone2 he trod the winepress alone2 and of the people there was none with him to help him there 7,isa #fc3c2 #a ,tim #b3e74 ,of the people there was none to help him to bear his cross1 or in the management of the first part of his priestly office4 ,why then should there be any to share with him in his executing of the second part thereof8 ,besides1 he that helps an intercessor must himself be innocent1 or in favour1 upon some grounds not depending on the worth of the intercession4 ,but as to the intercession of ,christ1 who can come in to help upon the account of such innocency or worth8 ,not the highest angel2 for there is none such but one1 wherefore he must do that alone4 ,hence it is said1 ,he went in alone1 is there alone1 and there intercedes alone4 ,and this is manifest not only in the type ,aaron1 but in the antitype ,christ ,jesus 7,heb #f3ai1bj1 #i3g-aa1ba1bc1bd74 ,i do not say that there is no man in heaven but ,jesus ,christ2 but ,i say1 he is there to make intercession for us alone4 ,yea1 the holy text says more4 ',i go1' saith ,christ1 'to prepare a place for you2 and if ,i go and prepare a place for you1 ,i will come again and receive you unto myself1 that where ,i am there ye may be also' 7,john #ad3a-c74 ,this text seems to insinuate that ,christ is in the holiest or highest heavens alone2 and that he there alone must be1 until he has finished his work of intercession2 for not till then he comes again to take us to himself4 ,let us grant ,christ the pre-eminency in this1 as also in all other things2 for he is intercessor for his church1 and makes it for them in the holiest alone4 ,it is said he is the light that no man can approach unto4 ,,lxviii4 ,of the high-priest's going in thither but once a year4 ,as the high-priest went into the holiest when he went in thither alone2 so to do that work1 he went in thither but once a year4 ,thou shalt not come 'at all times1' said ,god to him1 'into the holy place1 within the veil1 before the mercy-seat1 which is upon the ark1 that thou die not' 7,lev #af3b74 ,and as he was to go in thither but 'once a year1' so not then neither1 unless clothed and adorned1 with his ,aaronical holy robes 7,lev #af3cb-cd74 ,then he was to be clothed1 as ,i hinted before1 with the holy robes1 the frontlet of gold upon his forehead1 the names of the twelve tribes upon his breast1 and the jingling bells upon the skirts of his garment8 nor would all this do1 unless he went in thither with blood 7,exo #bh2 ,lev #af74 ,now1 this once a year the apostle taketh special notice of1 and makes great use of it4 ',once a year1' saith he1 this high-priest went in thither3 once a year1 that is1 to show1 that ,christ should once in the end of the world1 go into heaven itself1 to make intercession there for us4 ,for by this word 'year1' he shows the term and time of the world is meant2 and by 'once' in that year1 he means once in the end of the world4 ',not1' saith he1 'that he should offer himself often3 as the high-priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others4 ,for then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world3 but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself 7,heb #i3be1bf74 ,and having thus once offered his sacrifice without the veil1 he is now gone into the holiest1 to perfect his work of mediation for us4 ,not into the holy places made with hands1 which are the figures of the true1 but into heaven itself1 now to appear in the presence of ,god for us4 ,now if our ,lord ,jesus is gone indeed1 now to appear in the presence of ,god for us2 and if this now be the once a year that the type speaks of2 the once in the end of the world1 as our apostle says2 then it follows1 that the people of ,god should all stand waiting for his benediction that to them he shall bring with him when he shall return from thence4 ,wherefore he adds1 ',christ was once offered to bear the sins of many2 and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation' 7v #bh74 ,this1 therefore1 shows us the greatness of the work that ,christ has to do at the right hand of ,god1 for that he stays there so long4 ,he accomplished all the first part of his priesthood in less than forty years1 if you take in the making of his holy garments and all2 but about this second part thereof1 he has been above in heaven above sixteen hundred years1 and yet has not done4 ,this therefore calls for faith and patience in saints1 and by this he also tries the world2 so that they1 in mocking manner1 being to say already1 ',where is the promise of his coming8' 7#b ,peter #c3d74 ,but ,i say again1 ,we must look and wait4 ,if the people waited for ,zacharias1 and wondered that he staid so long1 because he staid in the holy place somewhat longer than they expected1 no marvel if the faith of the world about ,christ's coming is fled and gone long ago1 yea1 and that the children also are put to it to wait1 since a scripture 'little while' doth prove so long4 ,for that which the apostle saith1 'yet a little while1' doth prove to some to be a very long little 7,john #af3af2 ,heb #aj3cg74 ,true1 ,zacharias had then to do with angels1 and that made him stay so long4 ,o but ,jesus is with ,god1 before him1 in his presence1 talking with him1 swallowed up in him1 and with his glory1 and that is one cause he stays so long4 ,he is there also pleading his blood for his tempted ones1 and interceding for all his elect1 and waits there till all his be fitted for1 and ready to enter into glory4 ,i say1 he is there1 and there must be till then2 and this is another reason why he doth stay the time we count so long4 ,and1 indeed1 it is a wonder to me1 that ,jesus ,christ our ,lord should once think now he is there1 of returning higher again1 considering the ill treatment he met with here before4 ,but what will not love do8 ,surely he would never touch the ground again1 had he not a people here that cannot be made perfect but by his coming to them4 ,he also is made judge of quick and dead1 and will get him glory in the ruin of them that hath him4 ,his people are as himself to him4 ,can a loving husband abide to be always from a beloved spouse8 ,besides1 as ,i said1 he is to pay the wicked off1 for all their wickedness1 and that in that very plat where they have committed it4 ,wherefore the day appointed for this is set1 and he will1 and shall come quickly to do it4 ,for however the time may seem long to us1 yet1 according to the reckoning of ,god1 it is but a little while since he went into the holiest to intercede4 ',a thousand years with the ,lord is as one day'2 and after this manner of counting1 he has not been gone yet full two days into the holiest4 ',the ,lord is not slack concerning his promise1 as some men count slackness'2 'he will come quickly1 and will not tarry' 7#b ,peter #c2 ,heb #aj3cg74 ,,lxix4 ,of the cherubims1 and of their being placed over the mercy-seat in the inner ,temple4 ,there were also cherubims in the most holy place1 which were set on high above the mercy-seat4 ,see #a ,kings #f3bc-bh4 #a4 ,these are called by the apostles1 'the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy-seat' 7,heb #i3e74 #b4 ,these cherubims were figures of the angels of ,god1 as in other places we have proved4 #c4 ,it is said these cherubims were made of image work1 and that in such manner1 as that they could1 as some think1 move their wings by art2 wherefore it is said1 'they stretched forth their wings'2 the wings of the 'cherubims spread themselves'2 and that the 'cherubims spread forth their wings over the place of the ark1--and the staves thereof above' 7#a ,kings #f3bg2 #b ,chron #c3ac1 #e3h74 #d4 ,i read also of these cherubims1 that they had chariots and wheels2 by which is taught us how ready and willing the angels are to fetch us when commanded1 unto the paradise of ,god2 for these chariots were types of the bosoms of the angels2 and these wheels1 of the quickness of their motion to come for us when sent4 ',the chariots of ,god are twenty thousand1 even thousands of angels2 the ,lord is among them1 as in ,sinai1 in the holy place' 7#a ,chron #bh3ah2 ,eze #aj3i1ae1af1ah-bj2 #b ,kings #f3ag2 ,psa #fh3ag2 #b ,kings #b3aa2 ,dan #i3b74 #e4 ,what difference1 if any1 there is between cherubims and seraphims1 into that ,i shall not now inquire2 though ,i believe that there are diverse orders and degrees of angels in the heavens1 as there are degrees and diverse orders among men in the world4 ,but that these cherubims were figures of the holy angels1 their being thus placed in the holy oracle doth declare2 for their dwelling-place is heaven1 though they1 for our sakes1 are conversant in the world 7,heb #a74 #f4 ,it is said that these cherubims1 in this holy place1 did stand upon their feet1 to show1 7#a47 ,that the angels of heaven are not fallen from their station1 as the other angels are4 7#b47 ,to show also that they are always ready1 at ,god's bidding1 to run with swiftness to do his pleasure4 7#c47 ,to show also that they shall continue in their station1 being therein confirmed by ,jesus ,christ1 'by whom all things consist' 7,col #a3ag74 #g4 ,it is said 'their faces were inward1' looking one to another1 yet withal somewhat ascending1 to show that the angels both behold and wonder at the mysteries of grace1 as it is displayed to usward from off the mercy-seat4 ,the faces of the cherubims 'shall look one to another2 towards the mercy-seat shall the faces of the cherubims be' 7,exo #be3bj2 #b ,chron #c3ac2 #a ,peter #a3ab2 ,eph #c3aj74 7#a47 ',towards the mercy-seat4' ,they are desirous to see it1 and how from hence1 ,i say1 mercy doth look towards us4 7#b47 ',they look one towards another1' to show that they agree to rejoice in the salvation of our souls 7,luke #ae3aj74 7#c47 ,they are said to stand above the mercy-seat1 perhaps to show that the angels have not need of those acts of mercy and forgiveness as we have1 who stand below1 and are sinners4 ,they stand above it2 they are holy4 ,i do not say they have no need that the goodness of ,god should be extended to them1 for it is by that they have been and are preserved2 but they need not to be forgiven1 for they have committed no iniquity4 7#d47 ,they stand there also with wings stretched out1 to show how ready1 if need be1 the angels are to come from heaven to preach this gospel to the world 7,luke #b3i-ad74 7#e47 ,it is said in this1 that thus standing1 their wings did reach from wall to wall2 from one side of this holy house to the other2 to show that all the angels within the boundaries of the heavens1 with one consent and one mind1 are ready to come down to help and serve1 and do for ,god's elect at his command4 ,it is said1 also1 that their wings are stretched on high1 to show that they are only delighted in those duties which are enjoined them by the high and lofty ,one1 and not inclined1 no not to serve the saints in their sensual or fleshly designs4 ,it may be also to show that they are willing to take their flight from one end of heaven to the other1 to serve ,god and his church for good 7,matt #ac3da1di1 #bd3ca1 #be3ca2 #b ,thess #a3g1h74 ,,lxx4 ,of the figures that were upon the walls of the inner ,temple4 ,the wall of the inner temple1 which was a type of heaven1 was1 as ,i have already told you1 ceiled with cedar from the bottom to the top4 ,now by the vision of ,ezekiel1 it is said this wall was carved with cherubims and palm trees4 ',so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub1 and every cherub had two faces2 so that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side1 and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other4 ,it was made through all the house round about2 from the ground unto above the door were cherubims and palm trees made' 7,eze #da3ah-bj74 #a4 ,as to these cherubims and palm trees1 ,i have already told you what ,i think them to be figures of4 ,the cherubims are figures of the holy angels1 and the palm trees of upright ones2 we therefore here are to discourse only of the placing of them in the heavens4 #b4 ,now you see the palm trees in the holiest are placed between a cherub and a cherub1 round about the house1 which methinks should be to signify that the saints shall not there live by faith and hope1 as here1 but in the immediate enjoyment of ,god2 for to be placed between the cherubims1 is to be placed where ,god dwells2 for ,holy ,writ says plainly1 ,he dwells between the cherubims1 even where here it is said these palm trees1 or upright ones are placed 7#a ,sam #d3d2 #b ,kings #ai3ae2 #a ,chron #ac3f2 ,psa #hj3a2 ,isa #cg3af74 ,the church on earth is called ,god's house1 and he will dwell in it for ever2 and heaven itself is called ,god's house1 and we shall dwell in it for ever1 and that between the cherubims4 ,this is more than grace1 this is grace and glory1 glory indeed4 #c4 ,to dwell between the cherubims may be also to show that there we shall be equal to the angels4 ,mark1 here is a palm tree and a cherub1 a palm tree and a cherub4 ,here we are a little lower1 but there we shall not be a whit behind the very chief of them4 ,a palm tree and a cherub1 an upright one between the cherubs1 will then be round about the house2 we shall be placed in the same rank2 'neither can they die any more1 for they are equal unto the angels' 7,luke #bj3cf74 #d4 ,the palm trees thus placed1 may be also to show us that the elect of ,god shall there take up the vacancies of the fallen angels2 they for sin were cast down from the holy heavens1 and we by grace shall be caught up thither1 and be placed between a cherub and a cherub4 ,when ,i say their places1 ,i do not mean the fickleness of that state1 that they for want of electing love did stand in while in glory2 for the heavens1 by the blood of ,christ1 is now to us become a purchased possession2 wherefore1 as we shall have their place in the heavenly kingdom1 so1 by virtue of redeeming blood1 we shall there abide1 and go no more out2 for by that means that kingdom will stand to us unshaken 7,heb #i3ab1 #ab3bb-bd1bh2 ,rev #c3ab74 #e4 ,these palm trees1 ,i say1 seem to take their places who for sin were cast from thence4 ,the elect therefore take that place in possession1 but a better crown for ever4 ,thus ',israel possessed that of the ,canaanites'2 and ,david1 ,saul's kingdom2 and ,matthias1 the place1 the apostleship of ,judas 7,acts #a3bj-bf74 #f4 ,nor were the habitations which the fallen angels lost1 excepting that which was excepted before1 at all inferior to theirs that stood2 for their captain and prince is called son of the morning1 for he was the antitype there 7,isa #ad3ab74 #g4 ,thus1 you see1 they were placed from the ground up to above the door2 that is1 from the lowest to the highest angel there4 ,for as there are great saints and small ones in the church on earth1 so there are angels of divers degrees in heaven1 some greater than some2 but the smallest saint1 when he gets to heaven1 shall have an angel's dignity1 an angel's place4 ,from the ground you find a palm tree between a cherub and a cherub4 #h4 ,and every cherub had two faces--so here2 but ,i read in ,ezekiel #aj3ad1 that they had four faces apiece4 ,the first was the face of a cherubim2 the second1 the face of a man2 the third1 the face of a lion2 and the fourth1 the face of an eagle4 #i4 ,they had two faces apiece2 not to show that they were of a double heart1 for 'their appearances and themselves' were the same1 and 'they went every one straight forward' 7,eze #aj3bb74 ,these two faces1 then1 were to show here the quickness of their apprehension1 and their terribleness to execute the mind of ,god4 ,the face of a man signifies them masters of reason2 the face of a lion1 the terribleness of their presence 7#a ,cor #ac3ab2 ,judg #ac3f74 ,in another place ,i read of their wheels2 yea1 that themselves1 'their whole bodies1 and their backs1 and their hands1 and their wings1 and the wheels were full of eyes round about' 7,eze #a3ah1 #aj3ab74 ,and this is to show us how knowing and quick-sighted they are in all providences and dark dispensations1 and how nimble in apprehending the mischievous designs of the enemies of ,god's church1 and so how able they are to undermine them4 ,and forasmuch also as they have the face of a lion1 we by that are showed how full of power they are to kill and to destroy1 when ,god says1 ,go forth and do so4 ,now1 with these we must dwell and cohabit1 a palm tree and a cherub2 a palm tree and a cherub must be from the ground to above the door1 round about the house--the heavens4 ',so that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side1 and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side4' ,by these two faces may be also showed that we in the heavens shall have glory sufficient to familiarize us to the angels4 ,their lion-like looks1 with which they used to fright the biggest saint on earth1 as you have it1 ,genesis #cb3cj2 ,judges #ac3ae1bb1 shall then be accompanied with the familiar looks of a man4 ,then angels and men shall be fellows1 and have to do with each as such4 ,thus you see something of that little that ,i have found in the temple of ,god4 ,,footnotes3 ,advertisement by ,editor footnotes #a ,lee's ,solomon's ,temple portrayed by ,scripture ,light4 ,dedication4 #b ,job #e3g1 literally translated from the ,hebrew4 #c ,lee's ,solomon's ,temple1 p4 #agc4 #d ,lee's ,solomon's ,temple1 p4 #bcb4 ,to the courteous reader footnotes #a ,legal terms to define the boundaries of an estate1 butted upon a common or high road or river1 and bounded by the property of another person4--,ed4 #b ,heaven is a type of sin and grace4 ,had there been no sin1 we should have been limited to an earthly paradise2 but sin and the grace of a ,saviour's purchase opens heaven to our wondering hearts4--,ed4 ,main ,text ,,footnotes #a ,one of the types or signs4--,ed #b ,how universal is this feeling among ,christians6 ',why was ,i made to hear thy voice1' while so many more amiable and less guilty 'make a wretched choice8' ,all are equally encouraged--',whosoever will1 let him take the water of life freely4'--,ed #c ',to oppose the customs of heathens1 who made their chief gates towards the west1 that these stupid worshippers1 drawing nigh to their blind1 deaf1 and dumb deities1 might have their idols1 as it were1 arising upon them out of the east4'--,lee's ,solomon's ,temple1 p4 #bdb4--;,ed4 #d ',there were two pillars1 which some resemble to the two states of the church--,jewish and ,christian2 others understand magistracy and ministry4'--,lee's ,temple1 #afei1 p4 #bha4--;,ed4 #e ,the height of these pillars was thirty-five cubits each1 including the base and chapiter4 ,the base1 ornamented with lines or net-work1 twelve cubits2 the column eighteen cubits1 and the chapiter five cubits1 making the height thirty-five cubits2 while the column or pillar1 cast by itself1 was only eighteen4 ,this reconciles the apparent discrepancy between #a ,kings #g3ae and #b ,chronicles #c3ae4--;,ed4 #f ,immediately1 or by ,christ himself4--,ed4 #g ,pummil1 or pommel1 round like an apple4--,ed4 #h ,in all the editions of this book published since the author's death1 these words are altered to 'their preaching4'--,ed4 #i ,frowish1 or frowzy1 fetid1 musty4 ,alas6 how many ministers there are who are afflicted with this unsavoury smell4--,ed4 #aj ,this is a valuable lesson to the ministers and members of churches1 to be ever ready to welcome the returning prodigal4 ,the porch is never to be shut against the poor fugitive2 and the only proper inquiry as to opening the door of the church1 is1 ',if thou believest with all thine heart1 thou mayest freely enter4'--,ed4 #aa ,wealth and honours1 when sanctified1 are valuable aids to ,christian usefulness2 but unutterable woes will fall upon him who attempts to enter heaven with temporal or ecclesiastical pomps vain-gloriously carried upon his shoulders4--,ed4 #ab ,every ,christian pilgrim1 if he journeys aright1 must be entirely guided by prayerful personal inquiries at the holy oracles as to his way to heaven4 ,how do sin and ,satan strive to mislead him in this essential duty4--,ed4 #ac ,the simple-minded nature of ,bunyan here appears conspicuously4 ,he measures others by his own bushel1 as if every pastor had as single an eye to the welfare of their flocks as he had over the ,church at ,bedford4 ,how tenderly ought the churches of ,christ to cherish such pastors as ,bunyan1 while they prayerfully watch over their ministrations4--,ed4 #ad ,this is one of those beautiful gems which sparkle all through ,bunyan's works1 ',as the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of ,god6'--,ed4 #ae ,ceiled is now only used with reference to the top of a room--the ceiling4 ,it is an old ,english word1 and means overlaid or lined with wood1 wainscot1 or plank1 either roof1 sides1 or floor4--,ed4 #af ,the line means the text4 ,the marginal reading agrees with the puritan version 'overlayed4' ,tyndale renders it1 ',and he paved the house with precious stones goodly4' ,coverdale1 ',and overlayed the house with precious stones to beautify it4'--,ed4 #ag ,a bath was a ,hebrew measure containing about seven gallons and a half4--,ed4 #ah ,the moral law of ten commandments4--,ed4 #ai ,this is from the ,genevan or puritan versions4 ,our translation has 'on the right side4'--,ed4 #bj ,the candlesticks mentioned in #b ,chronicles #d3g1 ,zechariah #d1 and ,revelation #a1 appear to have been of one pattern4 ,a stem1 with a bowl bearing a centre and six branches--three on each side4 ,of these there were ten in the temple4 ,the prophets ,zechariah and ,john1 in their holy visions1 saw but one1 with its seven lamps secretly supplied by living olive trees4 ,these lights 'are the eyes of the ,lord1 which run to and fro through the whole earth'2 the seven lamps 'are the seven churches4' ,what a source for reflection is here opened4--,ed4 #ba ,oil called golden1 from its representing that which is better than thousands of gold and silver4 ,so pure that1 in the golden bowl1 it would look like liquid gold4--,ed4 #bb ,a malignant was a term of reproach given to those who1 in the civil wars1 opposed ,divine truth1 and promoted popery and arbitrary domination4 ,clarendon calls it 'a term imposed upon those that the puritans wished to render odious to the people4'--,ed4 #bc ,a tenth deal is the tenth part of a ,hebrew measure1 called the ephah1 containing about a bushel4--,ed4 #bd ,daniel ,burgess published a curious sermon1 in #afig1 on the golden snuffers1 showing that they are a type or emblem of spiritual snuffing or reproving2 and of pure gold1 to show that reprovers should be holy and unblameable4 ,his directions and cautions are valuable1 but ,bunyan says much more in his few lines than ,burgess does in his eighty pages4--,ed4 #be ,great was the fatherly care felt by ,bunyan for his own children1 especially for his blind ,mary2 and judging by the lessons he draws from the temple spoons1 those feelings extended to his church4 ,it must be a severe trial to a minister's temper1 when teased with babes in religion at three score and ten years of age1 especially if they are old professors4 ,thus ,bunyan1 in addressing the readers of his emblems1 says-- ',we now have boys with beards1 and girls that be ',huge as old women wanting gravity4'--,ed4 #bf ,the degraded state of the poor1 when the religious houses 7so called7 distributed food to all comers1 was long felt after the suppression of those hot-beds of vice1 from the encouragement they gave to idleness1 pauperism1 and the most vicious habits4 ,even in ,bunyan's days the beggar1 carrying a bowl to receive the fruit of their industrious neighbours' toil1 was still remembered4 ,at intervals1 plague and famine swept away the helpless wretches1 to the terror of all classes4 ,how severely is this curse still felt in ,ireland4--,ed4 #bg ,how careful ought churches to be in casting out an offending member1 seeing that their sentence should be as 'the judicial judgment of ,god4' ,it is not revenge1 hatred1 malice1 or the mere exercise of power1 that is to lead to it2 it is the good of the individual that is to be pursued and sought4 ,while the church endeavours to remain pure1 its aim and object should be mainly to correct and reform the offender1 that his spirit may be saved4 ,when discipline is undertaken from any other motive than this2 and when it is pursued from private pique1 or rivalship1 or ambition1 or the love of power1 it is wrong4 ,the salvation of the offender1 and the glory of ,god1 should prompt to all the measures which should be taken in the case4 ',restore such an one in the spirit of meekness2 considering thyself1 lest thou also be tempted' 7,gal #f3a74--;,ed4 #bh ,in ,bunyan's 'now-a-days1' it was much debated whether singing ought to be introduced in a mixed assembly4 ,it was contended that a voice and talent for singing does not accompany the new birth2 that it might tend to hypocrisy and vanity2 and that it was not expressly commanded4 ,the ,quakers rejected it1 but all other sects adopted that delightful part of public worship4 ,see ,keach's ,breach ,repaired4--,ed4 #bi ,the olive wood is used1 with ivory and mother of pearl1 in ornamenting the most sumptuous apartments in oriental palaces4 ,it is exceedingly durable and elegant4 ',the choosing olive out of every other kind of wood1 for the adorning these sumptuous apartments1 shows the elegance and grandeur of the taste in which ,solomon's temple was built1 where the doors of the oracle1 and some other parts1 were of olive wood4'--,harmer1 ,scheuzer1 ,lady ,m4 ,w4 ,montague4--,ed4 #cj ,as the mercy-seat covered the law deposited in the ark1 so ,christ covers the transgressions of his people2 while ,christ sits upon the mercy-seat1 the law cannot rise up in judgment against them4--,jennings4 #ca ,in ,bunyan's edition this is called the 'new tabernacle1' a typographical error which is corrected by restoring the true reading4--,ed 999999 ,a ,,discourse ,,of ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,the ,,forest ,,of ,,lebanon4 ,,advertisement ,,by ,,the ,,editor4 ,that part of ,palestine in which the celebrated mountains of ,lebanon are situated1 is the border country adjoining ,syria1 having ,sidon for its seaport1 and ,land1 nearly adjoining the city of ,damascus1 on the north4 ,this metropolitan city of ,syria1 and capital of the kingdom of ,damascus1 was strongly fortified2 and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the ,assyrian army4 ,bunyan1 with great reason1 supposes that1 to keep them in check1 ,solomon built a tower house and palace1 well furnished with munitions of war1 called the house in the forest of ,lebanon4 ,as the magnificent temple at ,jerusalem was the seat of public worship appointed by ,god1 it was considered typical of the gospel dispensation1 which was intended to supersede it4 ,all its parts and utensils1 sacrifices and services1 have been described1 in their typical meaning1 in ,solomon's ,temple ,spiritualized2 but as the lovely system of the gospel had1 with slow and irresistible steps1 to conquer the prejudices1 passions1 and wickedness of mankind1 those who bore the brunt of this battle were considered as the church militant in the wilderness3 and ,bunyan has1 in this treatise1 endeavoured to show that this palace and fortress was typical of the churches of ,christ while in a state of holy warfare1 defending their ,divine dispensation1 and extending the line of defence by progressive spiritual conquests4 ,while the churches are surrounded by enemies1 they have inexhaustible internal comfort1 strength1 and consolation4 ,like the house in the forest of ,lebanon1 they are also pleasantly1 nay1 beautifully situated4 ,if ,mount ,zion was the joy of the whole earth1 the mountains of ,damascus were a picture of the earthly paradise4 ,so beautiful is the scenery1 and balmy the air1 that one part is called ,eden1 or the garden of the ,lord4 ,it is described by ,arabian poets as always bearing winter far above upon his head1 spring on its shoulders1 and autumn in his bosom1 while perpetual summer lies sleeping at his feet4 ,it was upon this beautiful spot1 called by ,isaiah 'the glory of ,lebanon1' that ,solomon built his house in the forest4 ,this is the plain matter of fact which ,bunyan establishes from the sacred ,scriptures1 but he was1 as to lettered lore1 an unlearned man2 at all events1 no man could say of him that 'much learning has made thee mad4' ,bunyan's is the plain common-sense scriptural account of this building2 but he differs greatly from almost all our learned commentators--they imagining that this house was near the temple of ,jerusalem4 ,the ,assembly of ,divines1 in their valuable annotations1 suggest that it was so called 'because great store of trees1 as in ,lebanon1 were planted about it2 and gardens1 orchards1 and all manner of delightful things were added thereto'3 to aid this conjecture1 they quote ,ecclesiastes #b3d1 #f4 ,poole says that it was 'a house so called1 either1 first1 because it was built in the mountain and forest of ,lebanon1 for recreation in summer time2 but generally held to have been near ,jerusalem2 or rather1 secondly1 from some resemblance it had with ,lebanon for its pleasant shades and groves4' ,diodati considers it the same with ,solomon's palace1 but called the house of ,lebanon by reason of the groves planted about it2 or of the great number of cedar columns brought from ,lebanon1 and used in its construction4 ,even ,bunyan's favourite translation1 made at ,geneva by the ,puritans1 while it gives two wood-cuts of ',the ,king's house ,,in the wood of ,lebanon1' a marginal note is added--',for the beauty of the place1 and great abundance of cedar trees that went to the building thereof1 it was compared to ,mount ,lebanon4' ,calmet1 in his very valuable translation1 accompanied by the ,vulgate ,latin1 gives the same idea3 ',il batit encore le palais appelle la maison du ,leban1 a cause de la quantite prodigeuse de cedres qui entraient dans la structure de cet edifice4' ,translation3 ',another thing he did was build the palace which was called the house of ,lebanon because of the prodigious quantity of cedars used in its construction4' ,bishop ,patrick places this house in or near to ,jerusalem1 ',in a cool1 shady mountain1 which made it resemble ,mount ,lebanon4' ,dr4 ,gill was of opinion that this house was near ,jerusalem2 because it was a magazine of arms1 and a court of judicature1 and had its name from being built of the cedars of ,lebanon1 and among groves of trees4 ,josephus1 in his ,antiquities of the ,jews1 book #h1 chapter #f1 section #e1 states that when the ,queen of ,sheba came to ,judea1 she was amazed at the wisdom of ,solomon1 and surprised at the fineness and largeness of his royal palace2 'but she was beyond measure astonished at the house which was called the forest of ,lebanon4' ,matthew ,henry follows the opinion of ,bunyan2 ',i rather incline to think it was a house built in the forest of ,lebanon itself1 whither1 though far distant from ,jerusalem1 ,solomon having so many chariots and horses1 and those dispersed into chariot cities1 which probably were his stages1 he might frequently retire with ease4' ,express notice is taken of ,lebanon1 as the place of a warlike building1 in #b ,kings #ai1 and in ,canticles #g3d4 ,the tower of ,lebanon is described as looking towards ,damascus4 ,the ruins of this house and tower1 in the forest of ,lebanon1 are probably those seen by ,benjamin of ,tudela1 who describes the stones of which it was built as twenty palms long1 and twelve wide4 ,gabriel ,sionits describes the tower as an hundred cubits high1 and fifty broad4 ,maundrel saw the ruins in the mountains of ,lebanon at a distance4 ,the objections made by our commentators to the plain testimony of the ,scriptures are1 that ,solomon would not have built this beautiful house at so great a distance from the capital--that he would not have risked so much treasure nor the munitions of war in a forest--and that he would not1 on the extreme border of the kingdom of ,judea1 have set up a throne1 or seat of judgment4 ,the answer to these objections appears to me to be conclusive4 ,lebanon possessed the most commanding sites for a border fortress1 and therefore an admirable depot for arms1 to enable the ,jewish warriors to keep out their most vigilant and dangerous enemies1 the ,assyrians4 ,the wealth that was deposited in this house was calculated to excite greater vigilance to protect so important a pass1 while it would divert the attention of an enemy from the still more wealthy temple and fortress at ,jerusalem4 ,a throne of justice was well placed there1 to save a long journey to the capital1 for the trial of offenders1 and the settlement of disputes on the borders of the empire4 ,it appears to me that common sense and the soundest evidence supports the view which ,bunyan took1 which was far in advance of the age in which he lived4 ,the way in which this building1 with the purposes for which it was intended1 is spiritualized1 is very ingenious1 and admirably carried through in the following treatise4 ,whether it was intended by the ,holy ,ghost to be typical1 must be left to the judgment of the impartial reader4 ,that ,lebanon is used figuratively by the inspired writers there can be no doubt4 ',lebanon is ashamed and hewn down1' must be intended as a type of the church1 when under the malice of her enemies4 ,so also when ,babylon1 a type of ,antichrist1 fell1 'the cedars of ,lebanon rejoiced'2 doubtless referring to the joy of ,god's saints when relieved from the oppressor4 ,whether the fine old trees1 or the splendid house built as a defence to prevent the approach of enemies to the temple1 is intended as a type of the ,christian warfare1 is left to the impartial consideration of the reader4 ,there is very little reason to doubt but that we shall adopt ,bunyan's view2 if we consider the temple to be typical1 we shall consider the house in the forest of ,lebanon to be typical also4 ,it has been said1 by an author of very great repute 7,addison71 that had ,bunyan lived in the times of the ,christian fathers1 he would have been as great a father as the best of them4 ,he stands unrivalled for most extraordinary mental powers for allegory and for spiritualizing1 but to compare him with the best of the fathers is faint praise indeed4 ,he was as much their superior1 as the blaze of the noon-day sun excels the glimmer of a rushlight4 ,in this treatise we find many very admirable illustrations of two important subjects4 ,one is1 that temporal governors have nothing to fear from the spread of vital godliness3 the other is upon the nature of the strife and antipathy felt by the world against ,christ and his spiritual seed4 ,they are sweet-scented2 the fragrant smell of their graces excites the enmity of ,satan and his followers1 who would burn these cedars1 because they are pillars of1 and angels for1 the truth4 ',reason1 history1 and experience all confirm this truth2 that a people1 whose profession is directly in opposition to the devil1 and antichrist1 and to all debauchery1 inhumanity1 profaneness1 superstition1 and idolatry1' will be hated1 persecuted1 and1 if possible destroyed by ,satan and his adherents4 ,the secret is1 that the world cannot bear such 'living epistles1 known and read of all men1' which reflect so severely by their conduct upon the vice and profligacy of the worldling4 ,this was a stinging censure upon the profligate court of ,charles ,,ii1 and therefore the ,nonconformists were hated and persecuted2 while conformity to soul-benumbing rites and ceremonies was cherished and rewarded4 ,to render persecution perfectly unjustifiable1 ,bunyan scripturally and plainly exhibits the harmlessness of the ,christian character bearing with meekness the injuries heaped upon it2 followers of him who1 when reviled1 reviled not again1 but suffered patiently4 ,it is a grievous mistake to suppose that vital godliness caused the great rebellion1 and consequent beheading of ,king ,charles ,i4 ,it was frightful and most insupportable tyranny that drove a nation1 headed by their parliament1 to arms4 ,the ,king levied severe taxes without the consent of the people's representatives2 he perverted justice by the abominable decisions of the ,king's judges in the court of ,star ,chamber2 and attempted to introduce ,popery through the medium of the ,queen and her licentious court1 composed principally of the worst class of foreign ,papists4 ,and when ,leighton1 ,prynne1 ,bastwick1 and some of the most virtuous and enlightened citizens1 justly but firmly remonstrated1 they were seized and tortured in a way that the heart sickens with the narrative4 ,it was an attempt to reduce the whole nation to the most abject slavery of both body and soul1 that roused the spirit of the people to resistance4 ,the solemn league and covenant was taken1 ,cromwell appeared1 and the country was1 by ,divine aid1 saved from utter desolation4 ,it was not a war of religious sects2 the ,presbyterians1 ,independents1 ,baptists1 and others1 could never have coalesced2 it was a war for liberty or despotism1 and the principal of the warriors on both sides were attached to the religion that was by law established4 ,it is true that many ,episcopalians1 in the reign of ,charles ,,ii1 charged the ,puritans1 not only as being the mainspring1 but as possessing the overwhelming force in that awful struggle1 forgetting that the ,nonconformists were then but a handful of men1 neither possessed of wealth nor influence4 ,to attribute victory to so small a band1 must refer it to the immediate interposition of the ,most ,high1 as in the case of ,gideon in his victory over the ,assyrians4 ,but it was no sectarian fight1 except those two great sects of freemen against despots4 ,bunyan fully proves that no state has anything to fear from religion3 ',she moveth no sedition1 she abideth in her place2 let her temple-worshippers but alone1 and she will be as if she were not in the world'2 'neither she nor her ,jesus are for doing them any hurt4' ',god's armour is no burthen to the body1 nor clog to the mind1 and it being only spiritual1 the slaughter must needs be spiritual also4' ',all her privileges are soul concerns1 they make no infringement upon any man's liberties4 ,let but faith and holiness walk the streets without control1 and you may be as happy as the world can make you4' ',let not kings1 and princes1 and potentates be afraid2 the saints that are such indeed1 know their places1 and are of a peaceable deportment2 the earth ,god hath given to the children of men1 and his kingdom to the sons of ,god4' ,the ,christian is a pilgrim bound to a far more glorious inheritance3 with so bright and glorious a prospect1 he may well apply the encouraging language of ,bunyan to his own soul2 ',i have a bad master1 but ,i have only a year to serve under him1 and that makes me serve him with patience4 ,i have but a mile to go in this dirty way1 and then ,i shall have my path pleasant and green1 and this makes me tread the dirty way with patience4' ,this treatise is one of the ten 'excellent manuscripts' which ,bunyan had prepared for the press1 when his unexpected decease prevented his publishing them4 ,it first appeared in the folio volume of his works1 printed under the care of ,charles ,doe1 in #afib4 ,it has since been re-published in every edition of ,bunyan's work1 but with the omission of the ,scripture references1 and many errors4 ,it is now accurately corrected by the first edition4 ,,geo4 ,,offor4 ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,the ,,forest ,,of ,,lebanon4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,as ,solomon built a house for ,pharaoh's daughter1 and that called the temple of the ,lord2 so he built a house in ,lebanon1 called 'the house of the forest of ,lebanon' 7#a ,kings #g3b74 ,some1 ,i perceive1 have thought that this house1 called 'the house of the forest of ,lebanon1' was none other than that called the temple at ,jerusalem1 and that that was called ',the house of the forest of ,lebanon1' because built of the wood that grew there4 ,but that ,solomon built another than that1 even one in ,lebanon1 called 'the house of the forest of ,lebanon1' is evident1 and that from these reasons3-- ,first1 ,that in the forest of ,lebanon is mentioned as another1 besides that called the temple of the ,lord2 and that too when the temple and its finishing is spoken of2 yea1 it is mentioned with an 'also1' as an additional house1 besides the temple of the ,lord4 ',in the fourth year1' saith the text1 'was the foundation of the house of the ,lord laid in the month ,zif2#a and in the eleventh year in the month ,bul1 which is the eighth month1 was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof1 and according to all the fashion of it2 so he was seven years in building it4' ',but ,solomon was building his own house thirteen years1 and he finished all his house4 ,he built also the house of the forest of ,lebanon1' c4 7#a ,kings #f3cg1ch2 #g3a1b74 ,can there now be any thing more plain8 ,is not here the house of the forest of ,lebanon mentioned as another besides the temple8 he built the temple1 he built his own house1 he built also the house of the forest of ,lebanon4 ,second4 ,it is evident by the difference of their measures and dimensions4 ,the length of the temple was threescore cubits2 but the length of the house of the forest of ,lebanon was an hundred cubits2 so that the house of the forest of ,lebanon was forty cubits more than was that called ,solomon's temple3 ,the breadth of ,solomon's temple was twenty cubits1 but the breadth of the house of the forest of ,lebanon was fifty cubits3 ,and as there is odds between threescore and fivescore1 so there is also between twenty and fifty4 ,as to their height1 they were both alike2 but equality in height can no more make them the same1 than can a twenty years' age in two1 make them one and the same person4 ,their porches also differed greatly2 the porch of the temple was in length but twenty cubits1 but the length of that of the house of the forest of ,lebanon was fifty cubits4 ,so that here also is thirty odds4#b ,the porch of the temple was but ten cubits broad2 but the porch of the house of the forest of ,lebanon thirty cubits4 ,now1 ,i say1 who that considereth these disproportions1 can conclude that the house of the forest of ,lebanon was none other than that called the temple of ,jerusalem4 ,for all this compare #a ,kings #f3b1 #c with #g3b1 #f4 ,third4 ,if you add to these the different makes of the houses1 it will sufficiently appear that they were not one4 ,the house of the forest of ,lebanon was built upon four rows of cedar pillars2 but we read of no such pillars upon which the temple stood4 ,the windows of the house of the forest of ,lebanon stood in three rows1 light against light2 but we read of no such thing in the temple4 ,the temple had two pillars before the door of its porch1 but we read not of them before the door of the porch of the house of the forest of ,lebanon4 ,in the sixth and seventh chapters of the first book of ,kings1 these two houses1 as to their make1 are exactly set forth2 so that he that listeth may search and see1 if as to this ,i have not said the truth4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,of ,,what ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,the ,,forest ,,of ,,lebanon ,,was ,a ,,type4 ,that the house of the forest of ,lebanon was a house significant1 ,i think is clear2 also1 if it had not1 we should not have had so particular an account thereof in the holy ,word of ,god3 ,i read but of four buildings wherein1 in a particular manner1 the houses or fabrics are1 as to their manner of building1 distinctly handled4 ,the tabernacle is one1 the temple another2 the porch which he built for his throne1 his throne for judgment2 and this house of the forest of ,lebanon is the fourth4 ,now the three first1 to wit1 the tabernacle1 the temple1 the porch and throne1 wise men will say are typical2 and therefore so is this4 ,first4 ,i will therefore take it for granted that the house of the forest of ,lebanon is a significative thing1 yea1 a figure of the church1 as the temple at ,jerusalem was1 though not under the same consideration4 ,the temple was a figure of the church under the gospel1 as she relateth to worship2 but the house of the forest of ,lebanon was a figure of that church as she is assaulted for her worship1 as she is persecuted for the same4 ,or take it more expressly thus3 ,i take this house of the forest of ,lebanon to be a type of the church in the wilderness1 or as she is in her sackcloth state4 ,we read1 before this house was built1 that there was a church in the wilderness2 and also1 after this house was demolished1 that there would be a church in the wilderness 7,acts #g3ch2 ,rev #ab3ad74 ,but we now respect that wilderness state that the church of the ,new ,testament is in1 and conclude that this house of the forest of ,lebanon was a type and figure of that2 that is1 of her wilderness state4 ,and1 methinks1 the very place where this house was built does intimate such a thing2 for this house was not built in a town1 a city1 c41 as was that called the temple of the ,lord1 but was built in a kind of a wood1 a wilderness2 it was built in the forest of ,lebanon1 unto which that saying seems directly to answer4 ',and to the woman1' the church1 'were given two wings of a great eagle1 that she might fly into the wilderness into her place' 7,rev #ab3ad74 ,a wilderness state is a desolate1 a tempted1 an afflicted1 a persecuted state 7,jer #b3f74 ,all which is more than intimated by the witnesses wearing of1 and prophesying in sackcloth1 and also expressed of by that ,revelation #ab4 ,answerable to this is that of the prophet concerning this house of the forest of ,lebanon1 where he says1 ',open thy doors1 ,o ,lebanon6 that the fire may devour thy cedars4' ,and again1 ',howl1 fir-tree2 for the cedar is fallen' 7,zech #aa3a1b74 ,what can be more express8 ,the prophet here knocks at the very door of the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 and tells her that her cedars are designed for fire2 unto which also most plainly answer the flames to which so many of the cedars of ,lebanon1#c ,god's saints1 ,i mean1 for many hundred years1 have been delivered for their profession2 and by which1 as another prophet has it1 for many days they have fallen 7,dan #aa3cc74 ,also when the king of ,assyria came up with his army against ,jerusalem1 this was his vaunting1 ',i am come--to the sides of ,lebanon1 and ,i will cut down the tall cedars thereof' 7,isa #cg3bd74 ,what was this king of ,assyria but a type of the beast made mention of in the ,new ,testament8 ,now1 saith he1 ,i will cut down the cedars of ,lebanon2 who are1 in our gospel times1 the tall ones of the church of ,god4 ,and ,i say again1 in that he particularly mentions ,lebanon1 he intends that house which ,solomon built there1 the which was built as a fortification to defend the religion of the temple1 as the saints now in the wilderness of the people are set for the defence of the gospel4 ,but more of this anon4 ,this house therefore was built to make assaults1 and to be assaulted1 as the church in the wilderness is2 and hence the state of this house is compared to the condition of a woman in travail1 struggling with her pains1 as also we find the state of the church in the wilderness is--',o inhabitant of ,lebanon1 that makest thy nest in the cedars1 how gracious shalt thou be when pangs come upon thee1 the pain as of a woman in travail6' 7,jer #bb3bc74 ,and again1 ',verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 ,that ye shall weep and lament1' and have sorrow1 as a woman in travail 7,john #af3bj-bb74 ,much answering her case who1 in her travails1 and while 'pained to be delivered1' was said even in this case to stand before the dragon1 who with open mouth sought to destroy her fruit1 so 'soon as it was born' 7,rev #ab3a-f74 ,hence1 again1 when ,christ calls his spouse out to suffer1 he calls or draws her out of his house in ,lebanon1 to look 'from the lions' dens1 from the mountains of the leopards1' to the things that are invisible2 even as ,paul said when he was in affliction1 ',we look not at the things which are seen' 7,cant #d3h2 #b ,cor #d3ah74 ,he draws them out thence1 ,i say1 as sheep appointed for the slaughter2 yea1 he goeth before them1 and they follow him thither4 ,also1 when the prophet foretells the affliction of the church1 he expresses it by the fall of the cedars of ,lebanon1 saying1 ,the ,lord shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron2 a little afore called the axe and saw4 ,and ,lebanon shall fall by a mighty one 7,isa #aj3ae1cd74 ,and again1 ',the earth mourneth and languisheth3 ,lebanon is ashamed and hewn down' 7,isa #cc3i74 ,do we think that the prophet prophesieth here against trees1 against the natural cedars of ,lebanon8 ,no1 no1 it is a prophecy touching the afflicted state of the church in the wilderness1 of which ,lebanon1 ,i mean this house of the forest of ,lebanon1 was a figure4 ,when ,god also threateneth the enemies of his church in the wilderness with his judgments1 for their cruel dealing with her in the day of her desertion1 he calls those judgments the violence of ,lebanon4 ,that is1 by way of comparison1 such as the violence done to ,lebanon was4 ',the violence of ,lebanon shall cover thee2 and the spoil of beasts which made them ,lebanon afraid1 because of men's blood1 and for the violence of the land1 of the city1 and of all that dwell therein' 7,habb #b3ag74 ,this is like that1 ',reward her1 even as she rewarded you1 and double unto her double according to her works' 7,rev #ah3f74 ,this the church doth by her prayers4 ',the violence done to me and to my flesh be upon ,babylon1 shall the inhabitant of ,zion say2 and my blood upon the inhabitants of ,chaldea1 shall ,jerusalem say' 7,jer #ea3ce74 ,and then shall be fulfilled that which is written1 ,look what they did unto ,lebanon shall be done unto them 7,oba #ae2 ,eze #ce3ad1ae74 ,god has his time to return the evil that the enemies do to his church1 and he will do it when his time is come upon their own head2 and this return is called the covering of them with the violence of ,lebanon1 or that violence showed to her in the day of her distress4 ,it is yet further evident that this house of the forest of ,lebanon was a type of the church in the wilderness3-- #a4 ,for that she is called a tower1 or place of fortification and defence2 the same term that is given to the church in a captivated state 7,can #g3d2 ,micah #d3h-aj74 ,for as the church in the wilderness is compared to a woman in travail1 to show her fruitfulness to ,god-ward in her most afflicted condition2 so she is called a tower1 to show her fortitude and courage1 for ,god and his truth1 against antichrist4 ,i say therefore1 unto both these is she compared in that scripture last cited1 the which you may peruse if you please4 ,a tower is a place of receipt for the afflicted1 and so is the church under the rage of antichrist2 yea1 and though it is the only place designed by the enemy for ruin and destruction1 yet it is the only place of safety in the world4#d #b4 ,this tower1 this house of the forest of ,lebanon1 it seems to be so built as to confront ,damascus1 the chief city of the king of ,assyria2 and in so doing it was a most excellent type of the spirit and design of the church in the wilderness1 who is raised up1 and built to confront antichrist4 ,hence ,christ calls some of the features of his church1 and compares them to this4 ',thy neck1' says he 'is as a tower of ivory2 thine eyes like the fish-pools in ,heshbon1 by the gate of ,bath-rabbim2 thy nose is as the tower of ,lebanon which looketh toward ,damascus' 7,cant #g3d74 ,thy nose1 that great ornament of thy lovely countenance1 is as a tower looking that way2 so set1 as ,christ says of his1 as a flint4 ,and this is a comely feature in the church1 that her nose stands like a tower1 or as he says in another place1 like a fenced brazen wall against ,damascus1 the metropolitan of her enemy3 'for the head of ,syria is ,damascus' 7,isa #g3h74 ,and as ,christ thus compares his church1 so she again returns1 or compares the face of her ,lord to the same1 saying1 ',his legs are as pillars of marble1 set upon sockets of fine gold3 his countenance is as ,lebanon1 excellent as the cedars' 7,can #e3ae74 ,thus in ,lebanon1 in this brave house1 is found the excellency of the church1 and the beauty of ,christ1 for that they are both as a rock1 with glory and majesty1 bended against the enemies of the truth4 ',the face of the ,lord is against them that do evil4' ,pillars his legs are here compared to1 and pillars were they that upheld this house1 this tower1 which thus bravely was built with its face confronting the enemy's country4 ,second4 ,that this house of the forest of ,lebanon was a type of the church in affliction1 yet further appears1 for that at the fall of ,babylon her cedars are said to rejoice in special4 ',the fir-trees rejoice at thee1 and the cedars of ,lebanon1 saying1 ,since thou art laid down1 no feller is come up against us' 7,isa #ad3h74 ,this is at the destruction of ,babylon1 the type of that called antichrist4 ,but why should ,lebanon1 the cedars in ,lebanon1 in an especial manner here1 be said to rejoice at his downfall3 doubtless to show that as the enemy made his inroad upon ,jerusalem2 so in a particular manner ,lebanon1 and the house there1 were made to smoke for it 7,isa #cg3bd2 ,jer #bb3bc2 ,zech #aa3a74 ,this answereth to that1 ',rejoice over her thou heaven2 and ye holy apostles and prophets1 for ,god hath avenged you of her4' ,hence again1 when he speaks of giving glory to his afflicted church1 for all the sorrow which she hath sustained in her bearing witness for the truth against antichrist1 he calls it the glory of ,lebanon4 ,that is1 as ,i take it1 the glory that belongs to her1 for the afflictions which she underwent for his name4 ',the glory of ,lebanon shall be given unto it' 7,isa #ce3b74 ,and again1 ',the glory of ,lebanon shall come unto thee' 7,isa #fj3ac74 ,these are promises to the church for her suffering of affliction1 and they are made unto her as she bears the name of ,lebanon1 who or which was her type in those havocs made in it1 when the enemy1 as ,i said1 assaulted the church of old4 ,thus by these few lines ,i have showed you that there was a similitude betwixt this house in the forest of ,lebanon1 and our gospel church in the wilderness4 ,nor need we stumble because this word house is not subjoined in every particular place1 where this sorrow or joy of ,lebanon is made mention of2 for it is an usual thing with the ,holy ,ghost1 when he directs his speech to a man1 to speak as if he spake to a tree2 and when he directs his voice to a king1 to speak as if he intended the kingdom2 so when he speaks of the house1 to speak as to the forest of ,lebanon4 ,instances many might be given4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,of ,,the ,,largeness ,,of ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,the ,,forest ,,of ,,lebanon4 ,the house of the forest of ,lebanon was forty cubits longer than was the temple at ,jerusalem1 to show that the church in the wilderness would increase more1 and be far larger than she that had peace and prosperity4 ,and as it was forty cubits longer1 so it was thirty cubits wider1 still showing that every way she would abound4 ,hence they that came out of great tribulation1 when compared with others1 are said to be a numberless number1 or a multitude which no man could number1 of all nations1 and kindreds1 and people1 and tongues4 ',these1' saith one1 'are they which came out of the great tribulation1 and have washed their robes1 and made them white in the blood of the ,lamb2 therefore are they before the throne of ,god' 7,rev #g3ad1ae74 ,the church1 as it respected temple-worship1 was confined to the land of ,canaan2 but our ,new ,testament persecuted one is scattered among the nations1 as a flock of sheep are scattered in a wood or wilderness4 ,hence they are said to be in 'the wilderness of the people1' fitly answering to this house of the forest of ,lebanon 7,eze #bj3ce-cg74 ,but though the house exceeded in length and breadth the temple of ,jerusalem1 yet as to their height they were the same1 to show that what acts that in the wilderness doth1 above what they have been capable to do1 that have not been in that condition2 yet the nature of their grace is the same 7,rom #ae3bg2 #a ,peter #a3a74 ,but1 ,i say1 as for length and breadth1 the church in the wilderness exceeds more than the house of the forest of ,lebanon did that of the temple at ,jerusalem1 as it is written2 ',more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife1 saith the ,lord4' ,and again3 ',thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left2 and thy seed shall inherit the ,gentiles1 and make the desolate cities to be inhabited' 7,isa #ed3a-c74 ,this is spoken of the church in the wilderness1 that was made up chiefly of the ,gentiles1 of which the house of the forest of ,lebanon was a figure2 and how she at last shall recover herself from the yoke and tyranny of antichrist4 ,and then she shall shoulder it with her adversary1 saying1 ',give place to me1 that ,i may dwell' 7,isa #di3bj74 ,and ,i will add1 it was not only thus magnificent for length and breadth1 but for terror2 it was compacted after the manner of a castle1 or stronghold1 as was said before4 ,it was a tower built for an armoury1 for ,solomon put there his two hundred targets and three hundred shields of gold 7#b ,chron #i3ae1af74 ,this place therefore was a terror to the heathen1 on that side of the church especially1 because she stood with her nose so formidable against ,damascus3 no marvel therefore if the implacable cried out against them1 ,help1 'men of ,israel1 help6' ,and1 ',will ye rebel against the king8' 7,acts #ba3bh2 ,neh #b3ai74 ,for it is the terror1 or majesty and fortitude1 which ,god has put upon the church in the wilderness1 that makes the ,gentiles so bestir them to have her under foot4 ,besides1 they misapprehend concerning her1 as if she was for destroying kings1 for subverting kingdoms1 and for bringing all to desolation1 and so they set themselves against her1 'crying1 ,these that have turned the world upside down are come hither also2 whom ,jason hath received3 and these all do contrary to the decrees of ,caesar1 saying that there is another king1 one ,jesus' 7,acts #ag3e-g74 ,indeed1 the very name of ,jesus is the very tower of the ,christian church1 and that by which she frights the world1 but not designedly1 but through their misunderstanding2 for neither she1 nor her ,jesus1 is for doing them any hurt2 however1 this is that which renders her yet in their eye 'terrible as an army with banners' 7,cant #f3aj74 ,how then could she escape persecution for a time1 for it was the policy of ,jeroboam 7#a ,kings #ab3bf-bh74 ,and it is yet the policy of the nations to secure themselves against this their imagined danger1 and therefore to use all means1 as ,pharaoh did1 to keep this people low enough1 saying1 ',come on1 let us deal wisely with them1 lest they multiply1 and it come to pass that when there falleth out any war1 they join also to our enemies1 and fight against us1 and so get them up out of the land' 7,exo #a3aj74 ,but could the house of ,lebanon1 though a fortified place1 assault ,damascus8 ,could it remove from the place on which ,god had set it8 ,it only was a place of defence for ,judah1 or for the worship of the temple4 ,and had the adversary let the temple-worship and worshippers alone1 the shields and targets in the house of the forest of ,lebanon had not been uncovered1 had not been made bare against them4 ,the same may now be said of the church in the wilderness1 she moveth no sedition1 she abideth in her place2 let her temple-worshippers but alone1 and she will be as if she were not in the world2 but if you afflict her1 ',fire proceedeth out of their mouth and devoureth their enemies2 and if any man will hurt them1 he must in this manner be killed' 7,rev #aa3e74 ,and so die by the sword of the ,spirit4 ,but because the weapons of the church1 though none of them are carnal1 be so talked of in the world1 the blind are yet more afraid of her than they in this manner are like to be hurt by her1 and therefore they of old have peeled1#e and polled1 and endeavoured to spoil her all along1 sending their servants1 and saying to their bailiffs and sheriffs1 ',go--to a nation scattered and peeled1 to a people terrible from their beginning1--a nation meted out and trodden down1 whose land the rivers have spoiled6' 7,isa #ah3b74 ,but this people shall prevail1 though not by worldly force2 her ,god will deliver her4 ,and then1 or at 'that time1 shall the present be brought to the ,lord of hosts of a people scattered and peeled1 and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto2 a nation meted out and trodden under foot1 whose land the rivers have spoiled1 to the place of the name of the ,lord of hosts1 the ,mount ,zion' 7,isa #ah3g74 ,now thus did the house of the forest of ,lebanon provoke2 it was built defensively1 it had a tower1 it had armour2 its tower confronted the enemy's land4 ,no marvel then1 if the king of ,assyria so threatened to lay his army on the sides of ,lebanon and to cut down the tall cedars thereof 7,isa #cg3bd74 ,the largeness1 therefore1 and prowess of the church1 by reason of her inherent fortitude and the valorous acts that she hath done by suffering1 by prayer1 by faith1 and a constant enduring of hardship for the truth1 doth force into the world a belief1 through their own guilt and clamours of conscience against them for their debaucheries1 that this house of the forest of ,lebanon will destroy them all when she shall be delivered from her servitude4 ',come now1 therefore1' saith ,balak to ,balaam1 and 'curse me this people1' if peradventure ,i may overcome them3 when he might have let them pass peaceably by1 and they would not have lifted up a finger against him4 ,wherefore1 from all these things it appears that the house of the forest of ,lebanon was a type of the church in the wilderness4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,of ,,the ,,materials ,,of ,,which ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,the ,,forest ,,of ,,lebanon ,,was ,,made4 ,the foundation of the house of the forest of ,lebanon was of the same great stones which were laid in the foundation of the temple of the ,lord 7#a ,kings #g3b-aa74 ,and this shows that the church in the wilderness has the same foundation and support as had the temple that was at ,jerusalem1 though in a state of sackcloth1 tears1 and affliction1 the lot of the church in the wilderness2 for she1 while there1 is to howl 7,zech #aa3b74 ,now since the foundation is the same1 what is it but to show also that she1 though in an afflicted condition1 shall certainly stand2 ',the gates of hell shall not prevail against it' 7,matt #af3ah74 ,her confronting idolatrous nations is therefore a sign of her troubles1 not any prediction of a fall4 ,her rock is steadfast1 not like the rock of her adversaries1 the enemy being judges 7,deut #cb3ca74 ,but that which in special ,i take notice of is1 that ,i find1 in a manner1 in this house of the forest of ,lebanon1 nothing but pillars1 and beams1 great timber1 and thick beams1 and of those was the house builded2 pillars to hold up1 and thick beams to couple together1 and thus was the house finished4 ,i read not here of any garnishing1 either of the pillars1 beams1 doors1 posts1 walls1 or any part of the house2 all was plain1 without garnish1 fitly representing the state of the church in the wilderness1 which was clothed with sackcloth1 covered with ashes1 wearing her mourning weeds1 with her tears upon her cheeks1 and a yoke or band about her neck 7,isa #eb3a1b1 #fa3c74 ,by this kind of description we may also note with what kind of members this house1 this church is furnished4 ,here1 as ,i said1 that is1 in the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 you find pillars1 pillars1 so in the church in the wilderness4 ,o the mighty ones of which this church was compacted6 they were all pillars1 strong1 bearing up the house against wind and weather2 nothing but fire and sword could dissolve them4 ,as therefore this house was made up of great timber1 so this church in the wilderness was made up of giants in grace4 ,these men had the faces of lions2 no prince1 no king1 no threat1 no terror1 no torment1 could make them yield2 they loved not their lives unto the death4 ,they have laughed their enemies in the face1 they have triumphed in the flames4 ,they were pillars1 they were pillars of cedar3 the cedar is the highest tree in the world2#f wherefore in that this house was made of cedar1 it may be to denote that in the church in the wilderness1 however contemned by men1 was the highest perfection of goodness1 as of faith1 love1 prayer1 holy conversation1 and affection for ,god and his truth4 ,for indeed none ever showed the like1 none ever showed higher cedars than those that were in ,lebanon4 ,none ever showed higher saints than were they in the church in the wilderness4 ,others talked1 these have suffered2 others have said1 these have done2 these have voluntarily taken their lives in their hands1 for they loved them not to the death2 and have fairly1 and in cool blood1 laid them down before the world1 ,god1 angels1 and men1 for the confirming of the truth which they have professed 7,acts #ae3bf2 ,rev #ab3aa74 ,these are pillars1 these are strong ones indeed4 ,it is meet1 therefore1 that the church in the wilderness1 since she was to resemble the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 should be furnished with these mighty ones4 ,cedars6 the same that the holiest of all in the temple was covered within1 and that house was a figure of heaven1 to show that the church of ,god in the wilderness1 how base and low soever in the judgment of the world1 is yet the only heaven that ,god hath among the children of men4 ,here are many nations1 many kingdoms1 many countries1 and many cities1 but the church in the wilderness was but one1 and she was the heaven that ,god has here2 hence she is called1 ',thou heaven4 ,rejoice over her thou heaven' 7,rev #ah3bj74 ,and again1 when the combustion for religion is in the church in the wilderness it is said to be in heaven--',and there was war in heaven4 ,michael and his angels fought against the dragon2 and the dragon fought1 and his angels' 7,rev #ab3g74 ,the church therefore loseth not all her titles of honour1 no1 not when at the lowest1 she is ,god's heaven still2 though she may not be called now a crown of glory1 yet she is still ,god's lily amongst thorns2 though she may not be called the church of ,jerusalem1 yet she may the church in the wilderness2 and though she may not be called ,solomon's temple1 yet she may the house of the forest of ,lebanon4 ,cedars6 cedars are tall and sweet1 and so are the members of the church in the wilderness4 ,o their smell1 their scent1 it hath been 'as the wine of ,lebanon' 7,hosea #ad3e-g74 ,they that have gone before have left this smell still in the nostrils of their survivors1 as that both fragrant and precious4 ,this house of the forest of ,lebanon was builded 'upon four rows of cedar pillars' 7#a ,kings #g3b74 ,these four rows were the bottom pillars1 those upon which the whole weight of the house did bear4 ,the ,holy ,ghost saith here four rows1 but says not how many were in a row4 ,but we will suppose them to allude to the twelve apostles1 or to the apostles and prophets1 upon whose foundation the church in the wilderness is said to be built 7,eph #b3bj74 ,and if so1 then it shows that as the house of the forest of ,lebanon stood upon these four rows of pillars1 as the names of the twelve tribes stood in four rows of precious stones upon ,aaron's breastplate when he went into the holiest1 so this house1 or church in the wilderness1 stands upon the doctrine of the apostles and prophets 7,exo #bh3ag1 #bi3aj74 ,but because it only saith it stood upon four rows1 not specifying any number1 therefore as to this we may say nothing certain1 yet ,i think such a conjecture hath some show of truth in it1 however1 ,i will leave it to wiser judgments4 ',and it was covered with cedar above1 upon the beams that lay on forty-five pillars1 fifteen in a row' 7#a ,kings #g3c74 ,these pillars1 as the others1 are such upon which the house did also bear2 this is clear1 because the beams that lay upon the four rows of pillars afore-mentioned lay also upon these forty-five4 ,it seems1 therefore1 that these four rows of pillars were they that were the more outside ones2 that is1 two rows on this side of the house and two rows also on that2 and that those forty-five pillars1 fifteen in a row1 stood in three rows more inward1 and so did bear up with the other the beams that were laid upon them1 much like to those inner pillars that usually stand in our parish churches4 ,if so1 then the first four rows did seem to be a guard to these1 for that1 as they stood more to the outsides of the house1 so more to the weather1 and nearer to the first approach of the enemy4 ,and this may show that the apostles in their doctrine are not only a foundation to the forty-five pillars1 but a protection and defence2 ,i say a protection and defence to all the pillars that ever were besides in the church in the wilderness4 ,and it is to be considered that the four rows are mentioned as placed first1 and so were those upon which the thick beams that first were for coupling of the house were laid2 the which most fitly teacheth that the office and graces of the apostles were first in the church in the wilderness1 according to #a ,corinthians #ab3ah4 ,these forty-five pillars standing in the midst1 by the others1 may also be to show that in the time of the trouble of the church in her wilderness state1 there will be those that will stand by and maintain her apostolical doctrine1 though for so doing they bear the burthen of the whole4 ,but ,i read of no chambers for ease or rest in this house1 here is no room for chambering4 ,they that were for being members in the church in the wilderness1 must not look for rest until their ,lord shall come 7,rom #ac3ac1ad2 #b ,thess #a3e-i74 ,here therefore was but hard lodging2 the house of the forest of ,lebanon was not made for tender skins and for those that cannot lie out of down beds1 but for those that were war-like men1 and that were willing to endure hardness for that religion that ,god had set up in his temple1 and is fitly answered by that of the apostle3 ',thou1 therefore1' my son1 'endure hardness as a good soldier of ,jesus ,christ4 ,no man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life1 that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier' 7#b ,tim #b3c1d74 ,forty-five pillars6 ,it was forty-five years that the church was of old in a bewildered and warlike condition before she enjoyed her rest in ,canaan 7,josh #ad3aj74 ,now1 as there were forty-five years of trouble1 so here are forty-five pillars for support1 perhaps to intimate that ,god will have in his church in the wilderness a sufficient succession of faithful men that1 like pillars1 shall bear up the truth above water all the time of ,antichrist's reign and rage4 ,the thick beams that lay over-thwart to couple this house of the forest of ,lebanon together1 did bear upon these forty-five pillars1 to show that1 by the burden-bearers that have and shall be in the church of ,god in the wilderness1 the unity of that house is through the ,spirit maintained4 ,and indeed1 had it not been for these pillars1 the sufferers1 these burden-bearers in the church1 our house in the forest of ,lebanon1 or1 more properly1 our church in the wilderness1 had before this been but in a poor condition4 ,thus therefore this church1 which in her time is the pillar and ground of truth in the world1 has been made to stand and abide it4 ',when the blast of the terrible ones has been as a storm against the wall' 7,isa #be3d2 #a ,tim #c3ae74 ',many a time have they afflicted me from my youth1 may ,israel now say3 many a time have they afflicted me from my youth3 yet they have not prevailed against me' 7,psa #abi3a1b74 ,thus you see how the house of the forest of ,lebanon was a type of the church in the wilderness2 and you see also by this the reason why the house of the forest of ,lebanon had its inward glory lying more in great pillars and thick beams than in other ornaments4 ,and indeed1 here had need be pillars and pillars and beams and beams too1 since it was designed for assaults to be made upon it1 since it was set for a butt for the marksman1 and to be an object for furious heathens to spend their rage against its walls4 ,the glory therefore of the temple lay in one thing1 and the glory of this house lay in another3 the glory of the temple lay in that she contained the true form and modes of worship1 and the glory of the house of the forest of ,lebanon lay in her many pillars and thick beams1 by which she was made capable1 through good management1 to give check to those of ,damascus when they should attempt to throw down that worship4 ,and as ,i said before1 these pillars were sweet-scented pillars1 for that they were made of cedar2 but what cared the enemy for that1 they were offensive to him1 for that they were placed as a fortification against him4 ,nor is it any allurement to ,satan to favour the mighty ones in the church in the wilderness for the fragrant smell of their sweet graces1 nay1 both he and his angels are the more bent to oppose them because they are so sweet-scented4 ,the cedars therefore got nothing because they were cedars at the hands of the barbarous ,gentiles--for they would burn the cedars--as the angels or pillars get nothing of favour at the hands of ,antichrist because they are pillars of and angels for the truth1 yea1 they so much the more by her are abhorred4 ,well1 but they are pillars for all that1 yea1 pillars to the church in the wilderness1 as the others were in the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 and pillars they will abide there1 dead and alive1 when the enemy has done what he can4 ,the pillars were set in three rows1 for so are forty-five when they are set fifteen in a row4 ,and they were set in three rows to bear4 ,this manner also of their standing thus was also doubtless significant4 ,but again1 they1 these pillars1 may be set1 or placed thus in three rows in the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 to show that the three offices of ,christ are the great things that the church in the wilderness must bear up before the world4 ,the three offices of ,christ1 they are his priestly1 his prophetical1 and his kingly offices4 ,these are those in which ,god's glory and the church's salvation are most immediately concerned1 and they that have been most opposed by the devil and his angels4 ,all heresies1 errors1 and delusions with which ,christ's church has been assaulted in all ages1 have bent themselves against some one or all of these 7,rev #af3ac1af74 ,christ is a priest to save1 a prophet to teach1 and a king to rule his church 7,isa #cc3bb74 ,but this ,antichrist cannot bear1 therefore he attempts to get up into the throne himself1 and to act as if he were one above all that is called ,god1 or that is worshipped 7#b ,thess #b3c1d2 ,rev #ai3ai-ba74 ,but behold6 here are pillars in three rows1 mighty pillars to bear up ,christ in these his offices before the world and against all falsehood and deceit4 ,fifteen in a row1 ,i can say no further than ,i can see2 what the number of fifteen should signify ,i know not1 ,god is wiser than man2 but yet methinks their standing thus should signify a reserve2 as suppose the first three that the enemy comes at should be destroyed by their hands1 there are three times fourteen behind2 suppose again that they should serve the next three so1 yet there is a reserve behind4 ,when that fine one1 ,jezebel1 had done what she could against the afflicted church in her time1 yet there was left a reserve1 a reserve of seven thousand that were true worshippers of ,god 7#a ,kings #ai3ah2 ,rom #aa3d74 ,always when ,antichrist made his inroads upon the church in the wilderness1 to slay1 to cut off1 and to kill1 yet some of the pillars stood1 they were not all burnt in the fire1 nor cut down4 ,they said indeed1 ',come and let us cut them off from being a nation1 that the name of ,israel may be no more in remembrance' 7,psa #hc3d74 ,but what then8 there is a difference betwixt saying and doing2 the bush was not therefore consumed because it was set on fire2 the church shall not be consumed although she be afflicted 7,exo #c3c74 ,and this reason is1 because ,god has still his fifteens2 therefore if ,abel falls by the hand of ,cain1 ,seth is put in his place 7,gen #d3be74 ,if ,moses is taken away1 ,joshua shall succeed him 7,josh #a3b1c74 ,and if the devil break the neck of ,judas1 ,matthias is at hand to take his office 7,acts #a3af-bf74 ,god has1 ,i say1 a succession of pillars in his house2 he has to himself a reserve4 ,yet again1 methinks that there should be forty-five pillars1 and besides them four rows of pillars1 and all this to bear up an invisible burden1 for we read of nothing upon the pillars but the heavens and roof4 ,it should be to show that it is impossible that a carnal heart should conceive of the weight that truth lays upon the conscience of a believer4 ,they see1 nothing1 alas1 nothing at all1 but a beam1 a truth1 and1 say they1 are you such fools to stand groaning to bear up that1 or what is contained therein8 ,they1 ,i say1 see not the weight1 the glory1 the weight of glory that is in a truth of ,god1 and therefore they laugh at them that will count it worth the while to endure so much to support it from falling to the ground4#g ,great pillars and beams1 great saints and great truths1 are in the church of ,god in the wilderness2 and the beams lie upon the pillars1 or the truth upon the saints4 ,the tabernacle and ark formerly were to be borne upon men's shoulders1 even as these great beams are borne up by these pillars4 ,and as this tabernacle and ark were to be carried hither and thither1 according to the appointment of ,god1 so were these beams to be by these pillars borne up1 that therewith the house might be girt together1 kept uniform1 and made to stand fast1 notwithstanding the wind and storm4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,,of ,,the ,,windows ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,the ,,forest ,,of ,,lebanon4 ,the house of the forest of ,lebanon had many windows in it2 ',and there were windows in three rows1 and light was against light in three ranks' 7#a ,kings #g3d74 ,windows are to let the light in at1 and the eye out at1 to objects at a distance from the house1 and from those that are therein4 ,the windows here are figures of the ,word of ,god1 by which light the light of life is let into the heart2 through that1 the glass of these windows1 the beams of the ,sun of righteousness shine into the church4 ,hence the word is compared to glass1 through which the glorious face of ,christ is seen 7#b ,cor #c3ah74 ,this1 therefore1 this house of the forest of ,lebanon had2 it had windows1 a figure of that ,word of ,god1 through1 and by which1 the church in the wilderness sees the mind of ,god1 and so what while there she ought to believe1 do1 and leave undone in the world4 ,this house had plenty of windows--three rows of windows on both sides the house4 ,in three rows2 by these windows in three rows perhaps was prefigured how into the church in the wilderness was to shine the doctrine of the ,trinity3 yea1 to signify that she was to be possessed with that in her most low state1 and when under her greatest clouds4 ,the doctrine of the ,trinity6 that is the substance1 that is the ground and fundamental of all 7#a ,john #b3bb1bc1 #d3b-d2 #b ,john #i1aj74 ,for by this doctrine1 and by this only1 the man is made a ,christian2 and he that has not this doctrine1 his profession is not worth a button4 ,you must know that sometimes the church in the wilderness has but little light1 but the diminution of her light is not then so much in or as to substantials1 as it is as to circumstantial things2 she has then the substantials with her1 in her darkest day1 even windows in three rows4 ,the doctrine of the ,trinity6 ,you may ask me what that is8 ,i answer4 ,it is that doctrine that showeth us the love of ,god the ,father1 in giving of his ,son3 the love of ,god the ,son1 in giving of himself2 and the love of the ,lord the ,spirit1 in his work of regenerating of us1 that we may be made able to lay hold of the love of the ,father by his ,son1 and so enjoy eternal life by grace4 ,this doctrine was always let in at these windows into the church in the wilderness1 for to make her sound in faith1 and hearty in obedience2 as also meek and patient in temptation and tribulation4 ,and as to the substance of ,christianity1 this doctrine is sufficient for any people1 because it teaches faith1 and produceth a good moral life4 ,these therefore1 if these doctrines shine upon us1 through these windows of heaven1 so as that we see them1 and receive them1 they make us fit to glorify ,god here1 and meet to be glorified of1 and with him hereafter4 ,these lights1 therefore1 cause that the inhabitants of this church in the wilderness see their way through the dark pitch night of this world4 ,for as the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 this church of ,god in the wilderness had always her lights1 or windows in these three rows1 to guide1 to solace1 and comfort her4 ,this house therefore1 is thus discriminated and distinguished from all other houses in the world2 no house1 that we read of in the ,bible1 was thus adorned with light1 or had windows in three rows1 but this2 and answerable hereunto1 no congregation or church1 but the true church of ,god1 has the true antitype thereof4 ,light6 windows6 ,a sufficiency of windows was of great use to a people that dwelt in a forest1 or wood1 as the inhabitants of the house of the forest of ,lebanon did4 ,but how solitary had this house been1 had it had no light at all6 ,to be in a wood1 and that without windows1 is one of the worst of conditions4 ,this also is the relief that the church in the wilderness had2 true1 she was in a wood1 but had light1 called in another place ,god's rod1 or his ,word1 which giveth instruction4 ',feed thy people with thy rod1 the flock of thine heritage1 which dwell solitary in the wood1' c4 7,micah #g3ad74 ,to be1 as was said1 in a wood1 and without light too1 is a condition very desolate3 the ,egyptians found it so1 for all they were in their houses 7,exo #aj3ba1bc74 ,but how much more then is that people's case to be lamented that are under persecution1 but have not light in three rows to guide them4 ,but this is not the state of the church in the wilderness2 she has her windows in three rows1 to wit1 the light of the face of the ,father1 the light of the face of the ,son1 and the light of the face of the ,holy ,ghost2 all shining through the windows or glass of the ,word1 to her comfort and consolation1 though now in the forest of ,lebanon4 ',and light was against light in three ranks4' ,this is an additional account of the windows that were in the house of the forest of ,lebanon4 ,before he said she had windows in three rows1 but now he adds that there was light against light1 light opposite to light1 and that also in three ranks4 ,in that he saith they were in ranks1 he either means in order1 or insinuates a military posture1 for in both these ways is this word taken 7,num #b3af1bd2 #a ,chron #ab3cc1ch2 ,mark #f3dj74 ,nor need any smile because ,i say the lights were set in a military posture2 we read of potsherds striving with potsherds2 and why may it not as well be said1 'light was against light' 7,isa #de3i74 ,but we will pursue our design4 ,here is opposition insinuated2 in the margin it is 'sight against sight'2 wherefore the lights thus placed in the house of the forest of ,lebanon give me another encouragement1 to think that this house was a type of the church in the wilderness1 and that she is the seat of spiritual war also 7,rev #ab3g74 ,for as this house of the forest of ,lebanon was that which was the object of the rage of the king of ,assyria1 because it stood in his way to hinder his ruining ,jerusalem2 so the spirit and faithfulness of the church of ,god in the wilderness stands in the way1 and hinders ,antichrist's bringing of the truth to the ground4 ,and as the enemy brake into ,lebanon1 and did set fire to her cedars1 so the boar1 the ,antichrist1 the dragon1 and his angels1 got into the church in the wilderness 7,psa #hj3ac2 #b ,thess #b3d2 ,rev #ab3g74 ,this being so1 here must needs be war2 and since the war is not carnal but spiritual1 it must be made by way of controversy1 contention1 disputation1 argument1 reasonings1 c4 which were the effect of opposite apprehensions1 fitly set out in this house of the forest of ,lebanon1 for that there was 'light against light1' 'sight against sight1' in three ranks4 ,wherefore in that he saith 'light was against light in three ranks1' he suggesteth1 to the life1 how it would be in the church in the wilderness4 ,and suppose they were the truly godly that made the first assault1 can they be blamed8 ,for who can endure a boar in a vineyard2 a man of sin in a holy temple2 or a dragon in heaven8 ,what then if the church made the first assault8 ,who bid the boar come there8 ,what had he to do in ,god's house8 ,the church1 as the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 would have been content with its own station2 and bread and water will serve a man1 that may with peace enjoy his delights in other things4 ,but when privilege1 property1 life1 delight1 heaven1 and salvation1 comes to be intruded1 no marvel if the woman1 though but a woman1 cries out1 and set her light against them2 had she seen the thief1 and said nothing1 she had been far worse4 ,i told you before that by the windows is meant the ,word1 which is compared to glass 7#a ,cor #ac3ab2 #b ,cor #c3ah2 ,james #a3bc-be74 ,what1 then1 is the ,word against the ,word8 ,no1 verily1 it is therefore not the ,word1 but opposite apprehensions thereabout1 that the ,holy ,ghost now intends2 for he saith not that window was against window1 respecting the true sense of the ,word1 but light was against light1 respecting the divers notions and apprehensions that men of opposite spirits would have about the ,word4 ,nor are we to take this word light1 especially in the antitype1 in a proper but in a metaphorical sense1 that is1 with respect to the judgment of both parties4 ,here is the true church1 and she has the true light2 here also is the boar1 the man of sin1 and the dragon2 and they see by their way1 and yet1 as ,i said1 all by the self-same windows4 ,they that are the church do1 in ,god's light1 see light2 but they that are not1 do in their own way see4 ,and let a man1 and a beast1 look out at the same window1 the same door1 the same casement1 yet the one will see like a man1 and the other but like a beast4 ,no marvel then1 though they have the same windows1 that 'light is against light1' and sight against sight in this house4 ,for there are that known nothing but what they know naturally as brutes 7,psa #ib3f2 ,jer #aj3h1ad1ba2 ,jude #aj74 ,no marvel then if there is here a disagreement2 the beast can but see as a beast1 but the church is resolved not to be guided by the eye of a beast1 though he pretends to have his light by that very window by which the church has hers4 ,the beast is moon-eyed1 and puts darkness for light1 yea1 and hates the light that is so indeed2#h but the saints will not hear him1 for they know the voice of their ,lord 7,isa #e3bj2 ,john #c3bj74 ,how then can it be but that light should be against light in this house1 and that in a military posture8 ,and how can it be but that here 'every battle of the warrior' should be 'with confused noise1 and garments rolled in blood' 7,isa #i3e74 ,and in that he saith1 'light was against light in three ranks1' it shows their preparations one against another2 also that they on both sides are resolved to stand by their way4 ,the church is confident1 the man of sin is confident2 they both have the same windows to see by1 and so they manage their matters2 yet not so simply by the windows1 as by their divers judgments they make of that which shineth in at them4 ,each one therefore hath the true and false profession1 will be confident of his own way2 he that was right1 knew he was right2 and he that was wrong1 thought he was right1 and so the battle began4 ',there is a way that seemeth right unto a man1 but the end thereof are the ways of death' 7,prov #ad3ab74 ,nor is it in man to help it2 there has been reasoning1 there has been disputing1 there has blood also been spilt on both sides1 through the confidence that each had of the goodness of his own way2 but no reconciliation is made1 the enmity is set here of ,god2 iron and clay cannot mix 7,gen #c3ae2 ,dan #b3db1dc74 ,god will have things go on thus in the world1 till his words shall be fulfilled3 ',the deceived1 and the deceiver1 are his' 7,job #ab3af74 ,things therefore must have their course in the church in the wilderness1 till the mystery of ,god shall be fulfilled 7,rev #ag3ag74 ,hence it is said ,god will bring ,gog against his people of ,israel1 'as a cloud to cover the land' 7,eze #ch3af74 ,but for what cause8 ,why1 that he may contend a while with them1 and then fall by their light to the ground4 ,therefore he says also1 that he 'will give unto ,gog a place there of graves in ,israel1 and it shall be called the valley of ,hamon-gog' 7,eze #ci3aa74 ,god will get himself great glory by permitting the boar1 the man of sin1 and the dragon1 to revel it in the church of ,god2 for they1 by setting up and contending for their darkness and calling of it the light1 and by setting of it against that light1 which is light in very deed1 do not only prove the power of truth where it is1 but illustrate it so much the more4 ,for as black sets off white1 and darkness light1 so error sets off truth4 ,he that calls a man a horse1 doth in conclusion but fix the belief of his humanity#i so much the more in the apprehension of all rational creatures4 ',light against light in three ranks4' ,the three ranks on the church's side signify her light in the ,trinity1 as was said1 and in the three offices of ,christ2 and the ranks against these three ranks be to signify the opposite apprehensions of the enemy4 ,they differ also about the authority of the ,word1 and ordinances1 about the offices1 officers1 and executions of office1 in the church1 c4 ,there is an opposition everywhere1 even round about the house2 there was 'light against light in three ranks4' ,this house of the forest of ,lebanon was therefore a significative thing1 wisely built and fit for the purpose for which it was designed1 which was to show what afterward would be the state of the church in the wilderness4 ,nor could anything in the temple more aptly express itself in a typical way1 as to any of the things concerning ,new ,testament matters1 than doth this house of the forest of ,lebanon1 as to the things designed to be signified thereby4 ,it speaks1 can we but hear3 it points to things1 as it were with a finger1 have we but eyes to see4 ,it is not therefore to be wondered at that we hear both parties plead so much for their authority1 crying out against each other1 as those that destroy religion4 ,so doth the church1 so doth the man of sin4 ,the living child is mine1 saith one2 nay1 but the dead child is thine1 and the living child is mine1 says the other4 ,and thus they spake before the king 7#a ,kings #c3af-bb74 ,now this could not be1 were there not different apprehensions here2 light against light then is the cause of all this2 and here is 'light against light in three ranks'2 and so will be until the beast is dead4 ,the church will not give place1 for she knows she has the truth2 the dragon and his angels1 they will not give place1 but as beaten back by the power of the truth2 for thus it is said of the dragon and his angels1 they fought and prevailed not4 ,therefore there will1 there must1 there cannot but be a spiritual warfare here1 and that until one of the two are destroyed1 and their body given to the burning flame 7,dan #g3aa2 ,rev #ai3bj74 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,of ,,the ,,doors ,,and ,,posts1 ,,and ,,their ,,square1 ,,with ,,the ,,windows ,,of ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,the ,,forest ,,of ,,lebanon4 ',and all the doors and posts were square1 with the windows4' ,the doors1 they were for entrance1 the posts were the support of the doors1 and the windows were1 as was hinted before1 for light4 ,now here they are said to be all square2 square is a note of perfection2 but this word square may be taken two ways4 #a4 ,either as to the fashion of the things themselves2 or1 #b4 ,with reference to the uniform order of the whole4 ,in the first sense was the altar of burnt-offering1 the altar of incense1 and the breastplate of judgment1 square 7,exo #bg3a1 #bh3af2 #cj3b74 ,and so also it is said of our ,new ,testament ,new ,jerusalem 7,rev #ba3af74 ,but the square in the text is not thus to be understood1 but if ,i mistake not1 as is signified under the second head1 that is for an uniform order4 ,the whole fabric1 as the doors1 posts1 and windows1 presented themselves to beholders in an exact uniform order1 and so right delectable to behold4 ,hence we may gather that this house of the forest of ,lebanon was so exactly built1 and consequently so complete to view1 that it was alluring to the beholders2 and that the more1 for that so pretty a fabric should be found in a forest or wood4 ,a lily among thorns1 a pearl on a dunghill1 and beauty under a veil1 will make one turn aside to look on it4 ,answerable to this1 the church1 even in the wilderness1 or under persecution1 is compared not only to a woman1 but to a comely and delicate woman4 ,and who1 that shall meet such a creature in a wood1 unless he feared ,god1 but would seek to ravish and defile her4 ,therefore ,i say1 that which is here said to be square1 must be understood to be so1 as to prospect and view1 or right taking to the eye4 ,thus therefore they are allured1 and think to defile her in the bed of love2 but coming to her1 and finding of her chaste1 and filled with nothing but armour1 and men at arms1 to maintain her chastity1 nolens volens--their fleshly love is turned into cruel rage1 and so they go to variance4 ',i have likened1' says ,god1 ',the daughter of ,zion to a comely and delicate woman' 7,jer #f3b74 ,but where is she8 ,o6 she is in the field1 in the forest among the shepherds4 ,but what will they do with her8 ,why1 because she complies not with their desires1 they 'prepare war against her1' saying1 ',arise1 let us go up at noon4 ,arise1 and let us go by night1 and let us destroy her palaces' 7,jer #f3d1e74 ,wherefore the beauty of the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 as well as the fortitude thereof1 was a temptation to the enemy to come to take it into their possession2 especially since it stood1 as it were1 on the borders of ,israel1 and so faced the enemy's country4 ,thus the church1 though in her weeds of widowhood1 is become the desire of the eyes of the nations2 for indeed her features are such1 considering who is her head1 where mostly to the eye beauty lies1 that whoso sees but the utmost glimpse of her1 is easily ravished with her beauties4 ,see how the prophet words it--',many nations are gathered together against thee1 that say1 ,let her be defiled1 and let our eye look upon ,zion' 7,micah #d3aa74 ,the church1 the very name of the church of ,god1 is beautiful in the world2 and1 as among women1 she that has beauty has her head desired1 if it might be1 to stand upon another woman's shoulders2 so this1 and that1 and every nation that beholds the beauty of the church1 would fain be called by that name4 ,the church1 one would think1 was but in a homely dress when she was coming out of captivity2 and yet then the people of the countries desired to be one with her4 ',let us said they to ,zerubbabel1 and to the fathers of the church build with you1 for we seek your ,god as ye do' 7,ezra #d3b74 ,the very name of the church1 as ,i said1 is striven for of the world1 but that is the church which ,christ has made so2 her features also remain with herself1 as this comely prospect of the house of the forest of ,lebanon abode with it1 whoever beheld or wished for it4 ,the beauty therefore of this house1 though it stood in the forest1 was admirable2 even as is the beauty of the church in the wilderness1 though in a bewildered state4 ,hear the relation that the ,holy ,ghost gives of the intrinsic beauty of the church1 when she was to go to be in a persecuted state2 she was 'clothed with the sun1 and the moon under her feet1 and upon her head a crown of twelve stars' 7,rev #ab3a74 ,and yet now the dragon stood by her 7,rev #ab3d74 ,but ,i say1 ,here is a woman6 let who will attempt it1 show such another in the world1 if he can4#aj ,they therefore that have any regard to morality1 civility1 or to ceremonial comeliness1 covet to be of the church of ,god1 or to appropriate that glorious title to themselves4 ,and here1 indeed1 ,antichrist came in2 she took this name to herself2 and though she could not come at the sun1 nor moon1 nor stars1 to adorn herself with them1 yet she has found something that makes her comely in her followers' eyes4 ,see how the ,holy ,ghost sets her forth4 ,she 'was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour1 and decked with gold and precious stones1 and pearls1 having a golden cup in her hand1' c4 7,rev #ag3d74 ,hence she is called1 ',the well-favoured harlot1' 'the lady of kingdoms1' c4 7,nahum #c3d2 ,isa #dg3e1g74 ,but because the chaste matron1 the spouse of ,christ1 would not allow this slut to run away with this name1 therefore she gets upon the back of her beast1 and by him pushes this woman into the dirt2 but because her faith and love to her husband remains1 she turns again1 and pleads by her titles1 her features1 and ornaments1 that she1 and she only1 is she whose square answereth to the square of her figure1 and to the character which her ,lord hath given of his own1 and so the game began4 ,for so soon as this mistress became a dame in the world1 and found that she had her stout abettors1 she attempts to turn all things topsy-turvy1 and to set them and to make of them what she lists4 ,and now she will have an altar like that which was ,tiglath-pileser's4 ,now must the ,lord's brazen altar be removed from its place1 the borders of the basis must be cut off1 and the laver removed from off them2 the molten sea must also now be taken off the backs of the brazen oxen1 where ,solomon set it1 and be set on a pavement of stone 7#b ,kings #af3aj-ag74 ,solomon6 alas1 ,solomon's nobody now2 this woman is wiser in her own conceit than seven men that can render a reason4 ,now also the covert for the ,sabbath must be turned to the use of the king of ,assyria1 c4 7#b ,kings #af3ah74 ,thus has the beauty of ,god's church betrayed her into the hands of her lovers1 who loved her for themselves1 for the devil1 and for the making of her a seat1 a throne for the man of sin4 ,and poor woman1 all her struggling and striving1 and crying out under the hands of these ravishers1 has not1 as yet1 delivered her1 though it has saved her life 7,deut #bb3be-bg74 ,but though thus it has been with ,christ's true church1 and will be as long as his enemy ,antichrist reigns1 yet the days will come when her ,god will give her her ornaments1 and her bracelets1 and her liberty1 and her joy1 that she had in the day of her espousals4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,of ,,the ,,repetition ,,of ,,light ,,against ,,light ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,the ,,forest ,,of ,,lebanon4 ,to be sure it was not superfluously done of the ,holy ,ghost to make repetition of these words1 ',and light was against light in three ranks1' therefore something is intended in the adding of them again that was not intended by the first mentioning of them 7#a ,kings #g3d1e74 ,i have told you what ,i thought was intended by the first rehearsal of them1 namely1 to show how ,antichrist got in with his sensuality1 and opposed it to the true light of the ,word of ,god1 exalting himself above ,god1 and also above all ,divine revelation2 this was his light against light4 ,but1 ,i say1 why is it repeated8 ,for he saith1 ',light was against light in three ranks' again4 ,truly1 ,i think it is repeated to show the evil effects the first antichristian opposition would have in the church of ,god1 towards the end of her wilderness state4 ,for1 'light against light' now1 for that it is here repeated1 is to show us some new thing1 or1 as far as wood and windows can speak1 to let us understand what would be the consequence of those antichristian figments#aa that were brought into the church at first by him4 ,for can it be imagined but that1 since so much confusion was brought into the church1 some of the truly godly themselves would be much damnified thereby8 ,the apostle says1 ',evil communication corrupts good manners' 7#a ,cor #ae3cc74 ,and that 'their word will eat as doth a canker' 7#a ,tim #b3ag74 ,mischief therefore must needs follow this ugly deed of the man of sin4 ,if a house be on fire1 though it is not burnt down1 the smell of the flame may long remain there2 also we count it no wonder to see some of the effects upon the rafters1 beams1 and some of the principal posts thereof4 ,the calf that was set up at ,dan defiled that people until the captivity of the land 7,judg #ah3cj74 ,and ,i say again1 since light against light was so early in the church in the wilderness1 and has also been there so long1 and again1 since many in this church were both born and bred there under these oppositions of light1 it is easy to conclude that something of the enemy's darkness might be also called light by the sincere that followed after4 ,for by antichristian darkness1 though they might call it light1 the true light was darkened1 and so the eye made dim1 even the eye of the truly godly4 ,also the ,holy ,ghost did much withdraw itself from the church1 so the doctrines1 traditions1 and rudiments of the world took more hold there1 and spread themselves more formidably over the face of that whole church4 ,for after the first angel had sounded1 and the star was fallen from heaven to the earth1 and had received the key of the bottomless pit1 and had opened the mouth thereof1 the smoke came out amain4 ,this angel was one of the first dads of antichristianism1 and this smoke was that which they call light1 but it was 'light against light4' ',and he opened the bottomless pit1 and there arose a smoke out of the pit1 as the smoke of a great furnace1 and the sun and the air were darkened1 by reason of the smoke of the pit' 7,rev #i3a1b74 ,the sun ,i take to be the gospel of ,god1 and the air a type of the breathings of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,the smoke ,i take to be the doctrines and traditions of ,antichrist2 that which was1 as ,i said before1 put for light against the true light of the ,word4 ,now1 since the sun and the air were darkened by this smoke1 yea1 and so darkened as that the sun1 nor moon1 nor stars1 nor day1 nor night1 could shine for a third part of them2 no marvel though the true worshippers here were benighted1 or1 at least1 had but little light to walk by2 yea1 ,i have known some that have been born and bred up in smokey holes1 that have been made1 both in smell and sight1 to carry the tokens of their so being bred about them4 ,and ,i say again1 as to what is now under our consideration1 no marvel if they that breathed in this church in the wilderness1 after the smoke came out of this pit1 sucked in the smoke with the air until it became natural to them4 ,a house annoyed with smoke is a great offence to the eyes1 whose light being thereby impaired1 the judgment also1 since that1 as to visibles1 is guided by the eye1 must needs be in danger of being in part misled4 ,and this being the effect of light against light at first1 is the cause of what to this day we see in the church among the true brotherhood4 ,for as a cause produceth an effect1 so oftentimes an effect sets on foot another cause4 ,now1 therefore1 we have light against light among the godly1 as afore there was antichristian against the ,christian light4 ,not that light against light is now godly in the all of it4 ,it is antichristian that opposes the ,christian light still4 ,but1 as before1 the darkness that opposed the light was in the antichristians1 now that darkness is got into the ,christians1 and has set them against one another4 ,light therefore against light now is in the ,christians1 truly prefigured by that which was in the house of the forest of ,lebanon4 ,witness the jars1 the oppositions1 the contentions1 emulations1 strifes1 debates1 whisperings1 tumults1 and condemnations that1 like cannon-shot1 have so frequently on all sides been let fly against one another4 ,shall ,i need to mention particularly contests many years past1 and presented to us in print8 ,words and papers now in print1 as also the many petty divisions and names amongst us1 sufficiently make this manifest4 ,wherefore light against light in this last place1 or where it is thus repeated1 cannot1 ,i think1 be more fitly applied than to that now under our consideration2 that is to say1 than to the opposite persuasions1 different apprehensions1 and thwart conclusions1 that are constantly drawn from the same texts to maintain a diverse practice4 ,though we are to acknowledge with thankfulness that this opposition lies not so much in fundamentals as in things of a lesser import4 ,the godly all hold the head1 for there ,antichrist could never divide them2 their divisions therefore are1 as ,i said1 only about smaller things4 ,i do not say that the antichristian darkness has done nothing in the church as to the hurting it in the great things of ,god4 ,but1 ,i say1 it has not been able to do that which could sever their ,head from them1 otherwise there appears even too much of the effect of his doings there4 ,for even1 as to the offices of our ,lord1 some will have his authority more large1 some more strait4 ,some confine his rules to themselves and to their more outward qualification1 and some believe they are extended further4 ,some will have his power in his church purely spiritual1 others again would have it mixed4 ,some count his ,word perfect and sufficient to guide in all religious matters1 others again hold that an addition of something human is necessary4 ,some are for confining of his benefits1 in the saving effects of them1 only to the elect1 others are for a stretching of them further4 ,i might here multiply things1 but that light against light is now among the godly as light against light was in the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 is not at all to be questioned4 ,this therefore may stand for another argument to prove that the house of the forest of ,lebanon was a type of the church in the wilderness4 ,as to the number here1 that is to say1 in three ranks1 it is also1 as ,i think1 to show that1 though1 as was said afore1 this darkness could not sever the true church from her ,head1 yet it has eclipsed the glory of things4 ,by two lights a man cannot see this or that thing so exactly as by one single light2 no1 they both make all confused though they make not all invisible 7,matt #f3bb1bc74 ,as1 for instance1 sun-light and moon-light together1 fire-light and sun-light together1 candle-light and moon-light together1 make things more obscure than to look on them by a single light4 ,the ,word reflecting upon the understanding1 without the interposing of man's traditions1 makes the mind of ,god to a man more clear than when attended with the other4 ,how much more then when light shall be against light in three ranks8 ,christ in his offices1 blessed be ,god1 is to this day known in his church1 notwithstanding there is yet with us light against light in three ranks4 ,but in these things he is not so distinctly1 fully1 and completely known1 as he was before the church went into the wilderness4 ,no1 that knowledge is lost to a 'third part' of it1 as was also showed before 7,rev #h3ab74 ,things therefore will never be well in the church of ,god so long as there is thus light against light therein4 ,when there is but one ,lord among us and his name ,one1 and when divisions1 by the consent of the whole1 are banished1 ,i mean1 not persecuted1 but abandoned in all by a joint consent1 and when every man shall submit his own single opinion to those truths1 that by their being retained are for the health of all1 then look for good days1 and not until then4 ,for this house of the forest of ,lebanon1 in which1 as you see1 there is 'light against light in three ranks1' was not built to prefigure the church in her primitive state1 but to show us how we should be while standing before the face of the dragon1 and while shifting for ourselves in the wilderness4 ,and although by her pillars1 and beauty1 and tower1 aye1 and by her facing the very metropolitan of her enemies1 she showeth that the true grace of ,god is in her1 and a strength and courage that is invincible1 yet for that she has also affixed to her station ',light against light in three ranks4' ,it is evident her eye is not so single1 and consequently that her body is not so full of light1 as she will be when her sackcloth is put off1 and as when she has put on her beautiful garments4 ,for then it is that her moon is to shine as the sun1 and that the light of her sun is to be sevenfold1 even as the light of seven days1 then1 ,i say1 ',when the ,lord bindeth up the breach of his people1 and healeth the stroke of their wound' 7,isa #cj3bf74 ,you know that a kingdom flourishes not so long as it is the seat of war1 but when that is over peace and prosperity flourishes4 ,this house1 as has been hinted1 was a type of the church in a wood1 a forest1 a wilderness4 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,of ,,the ,,shields ,,and ,,targets ,,that ,,were ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,the ,,forest ,,of ,,lebanon4 ,as this house of the forest of ,lebanon was that which1 in the general1 prefigured the state of the church in the wilderness1 so it was accoutered with such military materials as suited her in such a condition1 that is to say1 with shields1 and targets2 consequently with other warlike things4 ',and king ,solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold1 six hundred shekels of gold went to one target1 and he made three hundred shields of beaten gold2 three pound or three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield4 ,and the king put them in the house of the forest of ,lebanon' 7#a ,kings #aj3af1ag2 #b ,chron #i3ae1af74 ,this supposes that the house of the forest of ,lebanon would be attacked by the enemy4 ,and good reason there was for such a supposition1 since it was built for defence of that worship that was set up in the church4 ,hence it is said1 when the enemy used to come with his chariots and horsemen against them1 that they 'did look in that day to the armour of the house of the forest' 7,isa #bb3g1h74 ,that was1 to see how they were prepared at ,lebanon1 to make resistance against their foes1 and to secure themselves and their religion from that destruction that by the enemy was designed should be made upon both4 ,and thus again1 or in this thing1 the house of the forest of ,lebanon shows that it was a figure of the church of the wilderness2 for she also is furnished with such weapons as were counted by the wisdom of ,god necessary for the security of the soul1 and ,christian religion1 to wit1 'the weapons of our warfare1' 'the whole armour of ,god' 7#b ,cor #aj3d74 ,for though this house of the forest of ,lebanon was a place of defence1 yet her armour is described and directed too1 both as to matter and to measure4 ,it was armour made of gold1 such armour1 and so much of it4 ,and it was made by direction of ,solomon1 who was a type of ,christ1 by the power of whose grace and working our armour is also provided for us1 as in the texts afore-mentioned may appear4 ,by this description1 therefore1 of the armour of the house of the forest of ,lebanon we are confined1 that being a type to the armour of ,god1 in the antitype thereto for the defence of the ,christian religion4 ,we then may make use of none but the armour of ,god for defence of our souls1 and the worship of ,god2 this alone is the golden armour provided by our ,solomon1 and put in the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 or rather in the church in the wilderness1 for her to resist the enemy withal4 ,two hundred targets4 ,there is but little mention made of targets in the ,bible1 nor at all expressly how they were used1 but once2 and that was when ,goliah came to defy ,israel1 he came1 as with other warlike furniture1 so 'with a target of brass between his shoulders' 7#a ,sam #ag3f74 ,a target1 that is1 saith the margin1 a gorget4 ,a gorget is a thing wore about the neck1 and it serveth in that place instead of a shield4 ,wherefore in some of your old ,bibles1 that which in one place is called a target1 in another is called a shield4#ab ,a shield for that part4 ,this piece of armour1 ,i suppose1 was worn in old time by them that used spears1 and it was to guard the upper part of the back and shoulders from the arrows of their enemies1 that were shot into the air1 to the intent they might fall upon the upper part of the body4 ,the shields were for them which drew bows1 and they were to catch or beat off those arrows that were levelled at them by the enemy before4 ',asa had' at one time 'an army of men that bare targets and spears1 out of ,judah three hundred thousand1 and out of ,benjamin that bare shields1 and drew bows1 two hundred and fourscore thousand' 7#b ,chron #ad3h74 ,i cannot tell what the target should signify here1 unless it was to show that those in the type were more weak and faint-hearted than those in the antitype3 for in that this gorget was prepared for some back part of the body1 it supposed the wearers subject to run away1 to flee4 ,but in the description of the ,christian armour1 we have no provision for the back2 so our men in the church in the wilderness are supposed to be more stout4 ,their face is made strong against the face of their enemies1 and their foreheads strong against their foreheads 7,eze #c3h1i74 ,the shield was a type of the ,christian faith1 and so the apostle applies it4 ,the which he also counteth a principal piece of our ,christian armour when he saith1 ',above all taking the shield of faith1 wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked' 7,eph #f3af74 ,these targets and shields were made of gold1 to show the excellent worth of this armour of ,god2 to wit1 that it is not carnal but spiritual1 not human but divine2 nor common or mean1 but of an infinite value4 ,wherefore ,james1 alluding to this1 saith1 ',hearken1 my beloved brethren1 ,hath not ,god chosen the poor of this world rich in faith1' 7hath he not given them this golden shield7 and made them 'heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him8' 7,james #b3e74 ,faith6 ,peter saith1 faith1 in the very trial of it1 is much more precious than is gold that perisheth4 ,if so1 then what is that worth1 or value1 that is in the grace itself8 7#a ,peter #a3g74 ,this also is that which ,christ intends when he says1 'buy of me gold tried in the fire1 that thou mayest be rich' 7,rev #c3ah74 ,and methinks the apostles and the ,lord ,jesus ,christ do in all these places allude to the shields1 the shields of gold1 that ,solomon made1 and put in the house of the forest of ,lebanon2 which house1 as ,i have showed1 was that which indeed prefigured the state of the church in the wilderness2 and these shields a type of faith4 ,obj4 ,but here is mention made of nothing but shields and targets4 ,answ4 ,true1 and that perhaps to show us that the war that the church makes with ,antichrist is rather defensive than offensive4 ,shields and targets are weapons defensive1 weapons provided for self-preservation1 not to hurt others with4 ,a ,christian also1 if he can but defend his soul in the sincere profession of the true religion1 doth what by duty1 as to this1 he is bound4 ,wherefore though the ,new ,testament admits him to put on the whole armour of ,god1 yet the whole and every part thereof is spiritual1 and only defensive4 ,true1 there is mention made of the sword1 but that sword 'is the ,word of ,god' 7,eph #f3ag74 ,a weapon that hurteth none1 none at all but the devil and sin1 and those that love it4 ,indeed it was made for ,christians to defend themselves1 and their religion with1 against hell and the angels of darkness4 ,these two pieces of armour then that ,solomon the king did put into the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 were types of the spiritual armour that the church in the wilderness should make use of4 ,and as we read of no more that was put there1 at least to be typical1 so we read of1 and must use no more than we are bid to put on by the apostle1 for the defence of true religion4 ,obj4 ,but he that shall use none other than this1 must look to come off a loser4 ,answ4 ,in the judgment of the world this is true2 but not in the judgment of them that have skill1 and a heart to use it4 ,for this armour is not ,saul's1 which ,david refused1 but ,god's1 by which the lives of all those have been secured that put it on1 and handled it well4 ,you read of some of ,david's mighty men of valour1 that their 'faces were like the faces of lions1 and' that they 'were as swift' of foot 'as the roes upon the mountains' 7#a ,chron #ab3h74 ,being expert in handling spear and shield4 ,why1 ,god's armour makes a man's face look thus1 also it makes him that useth it more lively and active than before4 ,god's armour is no burden to the body1 nor clog to the mind1 but rather a natural1 instead of an artificial1 fortification4 ,but this armour comes not to any but out of the king's hand2 ,solomon put these targets and shields into the house of the forest of ,lebanon4 ,so ,christ distributeth his armour to his church4 ,hence it is said it is given to his to suffer for him4 ,it is given to his by himself1 and on his behalf 7,phil #a3bi74 ,that is1 that they might with it fight those battles which he shall manage against ,antichrist4 ,hence they are called the armies in heaven1 and are said to follow their ,lord 'upon white horses clothed in fine linen1 white and clean4' ,but1 as ,i said1 still their war was but defensive4 ,for a little further do but observe1 and you shall find the beast fall upon him4 ',and ,i saw the beast1 and the kings of the earth1 and their armies gathered together1 to make war against him that sat on the horse1 and against his army' 7,rev #ai3ad1ai74 ,it is they that fall on1 it is they that pick the quarrel1 and give the onset4 ,besides1 the armour1 as ,i said1 is only spiritual2 wherefore the slaughter must needs be spiritual also4 ,hence as here it is said the ,lamb did slay his enemies1 by the sword1 spirit1 or breath of his mouth2 so his army also slays them by the fire that proceedeth out of his mouth 7,rev #a3af1 #ai3ba74 ,here is therefore no man's person in danger by this war4 ,and ,i say again1 so far as any man's person is in danger1 it is by wrong managing of this war4 ,true1 the persons of the ,christians are in danger1 but that is because of the bloody disposition of an antichristian enemy4 ,but we speak now with reference to the ,lamb and the army that follows him2 and as to them1 no man's person is in danger simply as such4 ,wherefore1 it is not men but sin2 not men1 but the man of sin1 that wicked one1 that the ,son of ,god makes war against1 in and by his church 7#b ,thess #b3h2 ,heb #ab3d74 ,let us therefore state the matter right2 no man needs be afraid to let ,jesus ,christ be chief in the world1 he envies nobody1 he designs the hurt of none3 his kingdom is not of this world1 nor doth he covet temporal matters2 let but his wife1 his church alone1 to enjoy her purchased privileges1 and all shall be well4 ,which privileges of hers1 since they are soul concerns1 make no infringement upon any man's liberties4 ,let but faith and holiness walk the streets without control1 and you may be as happy as the world can make you4 ,i speak now to them that contend with him4 ,but if seasonable counsel will not go down1 if hardness of heart and blindness of mind1 and so perishing from the way1 shall overtake you1 it is but what you of old have been cautioned of4 ',be wise now therefore1 ,o ye kings2 be instructed1 ye judges of the earth4 ,serve the ,lord with fear1 and rejoice with trembling4 ,kiss the ,son1 lest he be angry1 and ye perish from the way1 when his wrath is kindled but a little4 ,blessed are all they that put their trust in him' 7,psa #b3aj-ab74 ,now let this also that has been said upon this head1 be another argument to prove that the house of the forest of ,lebanon was a type of the church in the wilderness4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,,of ,,the ,,vessels ,,which ,,solomon ,,put ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,the ,,forest ,,of ,,lebanon4 ,solomon did also put vessels into the house of the forest of ,lebanon4 ',and all king ,solomon's drinking-vessels were of gold1 and all the vessels of the house of the forest of ,lebanon were of' gold1 'pure gold1 none were of silver2 it was nothing accounted of in the days of ,solomon' 7#a ,kings #aj3ba2 #b ,chron #i3bj74 ,since it is not expressed what those vessels of pure gold were which ,solomon put in the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 therefore1 as to the affirmative1 no man can be absolute2 vessels of gold1 vessels of pure gold1 the ,holy ,ghost says they were1 and so leaves it to the prudent to make their conjectures2 and although ,i may not put myself among the number of those prudent ones1 yet let me take leave to say what ,i think in the case4 ,first then1 negatively1 they were not vessels ordained for ,divine worship1 for as that was confined to the temple1 so the vessels and materials and circumstances for worship were there4 ,i say1 the whole uniform worship of the ,jews now was confined to the temple 7#a ,chron #b3d1 #g3ab1ae1af74 ,wherefore the vessels here mentioned could not be such as was in order to set up worship here1 for to ,jerusalem they were to bring their sacrifices2 true1 they had synagogues where ordinary service was done1 there the law was read1 and there the priests taught the people how they should serve the ,lord2 but for that which stood in carnal ordinances1 as sacrificings1 washings1 and using vessels for that purpose1 that was performed at ,jerusalem4 ,this house1 therefore1 to wit1 the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 was not built to slay or to offer burnt-offerings or sacrifices in1 but as that altar was which the two tribes and an half1 built by ,jordan1 when they went each to their inheritance1 namely1 to be a witness of the people's resolutions to preserve true religion in the church1 to themselves1 and to their posterity 7,josh #bb3ba-bi74 ,since this house therefore was designed for defensive war1 it was not requisite that the formalities of worship should be there4#ac ,the church in the wilderness also1 so far as she is concerned in contention1 so far she is not taken up in the practical parts of religion 7#a ,thess #b3b72 for religion is not to be practised in the church in the moments of contention4 ,let us practise then our religion in peace1 and in all peaceable ways1 and vindicate it by way of contention1 that is1 when asked or required by opposites to render a reason thereof 7,phil #a3g1ag2 ,acts #bb3a74 ,but my contention must be1 not in pragmatic languages or in striving about words to no profit1 but by words of truth and soberness1 with all meekness and fear 7,acts #bf3bd1be2 ,titus #c3a1b2 #a ,peter #c3ae74 ,to practise and defend a practice you know are two things2 ,i practise religion in my closet1 in my family1 in the congregation1 but ,i defend this practice before the magistrate1 the king1 and the judge4 ,now the temple was prepared for the practice of religion1 and the house of the forest of ,lebanon for defence of the same 7,rev #aa3a74 ,so far then as the church in the wilderness worships1 so far she is compared to the temple1 and so far as she defends that worship1 so far she is called an army 7,rev #ai3ad74 ,an army terrible with banners 7,cant #f3d74 ,for ,god has given a banner to them that fear him1 that it may be displayed because of the truth 7,psa #fj3d74 ,hence she says to ,god1 ',we will rejoice in thy salvation1 and in the name of our ,god1 we will set up our banners' 7,psa #bj3e74 ,but here is in all this no hurt to the world1 the kingdom1 the worship1 the war is spiritual1 even as the armour is4#ad ,i have spoken this to distinguish worship from contending for worship1 and to make way for what is yet to be said4 ,if the vessels of the forest of ,lebanon1 or those put in that house1 were not such as related to worship1 to worship simply as such1 then it should seem-- ,these vessels therefore were for some other use than for formal worship in the house of the forest of ,lebanon4 ,the best way then1 that ,i know of1 to find out what they were is first to consider to what they are joined in the mention of them4 ,now ,i find them joined in the mention of them with ,solomon's drinking vessels1 and since as they were made of fine or pure gold1 ,i take them also to be vessels of the same kind1 namely1 vessels to drink in4 ,now if we join to this the state of the church in the wilderness1 of which1 as we have said1 this house of the forest of ,lebanon was a type1 then we must understand that by these vessels were prefigured such draughts as the church has1 when in a bewildered or persecuted state2 and they are of two sorts1 either1 ,first1 ,such as are exceeding bitter2 or1 ,second1 ,such as are exceeding sweet2 for both these attend a state of war4 ,first4 ,such as are exceeding bitter4 ,these are called cups of red wine1 signifying blood2 also1 the cup of the ,lord's fury1 the cup of trembling1 the cup of astonishment1 c4 7,psa #ge3h2 ,isa #ea3ag1bb2 ,jer #be3ae2 ,eze #bc3cc74 ,nor is there anything more natural to the church1 while in a wilderness condition1 than such cups and draughts as these4 ,hence she1 as there1 is said to be clothed1 as was said afore1 in sackcloth1 to mourn1 to weep1 to cry out1 and to be in pain1 as is a woman in travail4 ,see the ,lamentations and you will find all this verified4 ,see also ,revelation #aa3c1 #ab3b4 ,and whoso considers what has already been said as to what the house of the forest of ,lebanon met with1 will find that what is here inferred is not foreign but natural4 ,for1 can it be imagined1 that when the king of ,assyria laid down his army by the sides of ,lebanon1 and when the fire was to devour her cedars1 also when ,lebanon was to be cut down and languish1 that these vessels1 these cups1 were not then put into her hand4 ,and ,i say again1 since the church in the wilderness1 ,lebanon's antitype1 has been so persecuted1 so distressed1 so oppressed1 and made the seat of so much war1 so much blood1 of so many murders of her children within her1 c41 can it be imagined that she drank of none of these cups8 ,yes1 yes1 she has drank the red wine at the ,lord's hand1 even the cup of blood1 of fury1 of trembling1 and of astonishment2 witness her own cries1 sighs1 tears1 and tremblings1 with the cries of widows1 children1 and orphans within her 7,lam #a1 #b1 #d1 #e74 ,but what do ,i cite particular texts1 since reason1 histories1 experience1 anything that is intelligible1 will confirm this for a truth2 namely1 that a people whose profession is directly in opposition to the devil and ,antichrist1 and to all debauchery1 inhumanity1 profaneness1 superstition1 and idolatry1 when suffered to be invaded by the dragon1 the beast1 the false prophet1 and whore1 must needs taste of these cups1 and drink thereof1 to their astonishment4 ,but all these are of pure gold4 ,they are of ,god's ordaining1 appointing1 filling1 timing1 and also sanctified by him for good to those of his that drink them4 ,hence ,moses chose rather to drink a brimmer of these1 'than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season' 7,heb #aa3be74 ,the sourness1 bitterness1 and wormwood of them1 therefore1 is only to the flesh that loveth neither ,god1 nor ,christ1 nor grace 7,psa #ge3h2 ,phil #a3bh74 ,the afflictions1 therefore1 that the church in the wilderness hath met with1 these cups of gold1 are of more worth than are all the treasures of ,egypt2 they are needful and profitable1 and praiseworthy also1 and tend to the augmenting of our glory when the next world is come 7#a ,thess #c3c2 ,rev #b3aj2 #a ,peter #a3f74 ,besides they are signs1 tokens1 and golden marks of love1 and jewels that set off the beauty of the church in the sight of ,god the more 7,gal #f3ag2 ,rev #c3ai2 ,heb #ab3f74 ,they are also a means by which men are proved sound1 honest1 faithful1 and true lovers of ,god1 as also such whose graces are not counterfeit1 feigned1 or unsound1 but true1 and such as will be found to praise1 and honour1 and glory1 at the appearing of ,jesus ,christ 7,isa #bg3i2 ,heb #ab3g-aj2 #a ,peter #b3ai2 #b ,cor #d3ag1ah2 #b ,thess #a3e74 ,and this has been the cause that the men of our church in the wilderness have gloried in tribulation1 taking pleasure in reproaches1 in necessities1 in persecutions1 and in distresses for ,christ's sake 7,rom #e3c2 #b ,cor #ab3i1aj74 ,yea1 this is the reason why they have bidden one another rejoice when they fell into divers temptations1 saying1 ,happy is the man that endureth temptations1 and behold we count them happy that endure 7,james #a3b1ab1 #e3aa74 ,and again1 'if ye be reproached for the name of ,christ1 happy are ye' 7#a ,peter #d3ad74 ,these therefore are vessels of pure gold1 though they contain such bitter draughts1 and though such as at which we make so many wry faces before we can get their liquor down4 ,do you think that a ,christian1 having even this cup in his hand to drink it1 would change it for a draught of that which is in the hand of the woman that sits on the back of the scarlet-coloured beast8 7,rev #ag3c1d74 ,no1 verily1 for he knows that her sweet is poison1 and that his bitter is to purge his soul1 body1 life1 and religion1 of death 7#b ,tim #b3aa1ab74 ,god sends his love tokens to his church two ways1 sometimes by her friends1 sometimes by her enemies4 ,when they come by the hand of a friend1 as by a minister1 a brother1 or by the ,holy ,ghost1 then they come smoothly1 sweetly1 and are taken1 and go down like honey4 ,but when these love tokens come to them by the hand of an enemy1 then they are handed to them roughly2 ,pharaoh handed love tokens to them roughly2 the king of ,babylon handed these love tokens to them roughly4 ,they bring them of malice1 ,god sends them of love2 they bring them and give them to us1 hoping they will be our death2 they give us them therefore with many a foul curse1 but ,god blesses them still4 ,did not ,haman lead ,mordecai in his state by the hand of anger8 ,nor is this cup so bitter but that our ,lord himself drank deep of it before it was handed to his church2 he did as loving mothers do1 drink thereof himself to show us it is not poison1 also to encourage us to drink it for his sake and for our endless health 7,matt #bj3bb1 #bf3ci1db74 ,and1 as ,i told you before1 ,i think ,i do not vary from the sense of the text in calling them cups2 because1 though there they have no name1 they are joined with king ,solomon's drinking vessels1 and because as so joined in the type1 so they are also joined here2 therefore the cup here is called ,christ's cup4 ',are ye able to drink of the cup that ,i shall drink of8' ',ye shall drink indeed of my cup' 7,matt #bj3bb1bc74 ,here you see they are joined in a communion in this cup of affliction1 as the cups in one and the same breath are joined with those king ,solomon drank in1 which he put in the house of the forest of ,lebanon4 ,second4 ,such as are exceeding sweet4 ,but these are not all the cups that belong to the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 or rather to the church in the wilderness2 there is also a cup1 out of which1 at times1 is drunk what is exceeding sweet4 ,it is called the cup of consolation1 the cup of salvation2 a cup in the which ,god himself is 7,psa #aaf3ac2 ,jer #af3g74 ,as he said1 the ,lord is the portion of my cup4 ,or rather1 ',the ,lord is the portion of mine inheritance1 and my cup' 7,psa #af3e74 ,this cup1 they that are in the church in the wilderness have usually for an after-draught to that bitter one that went before4 ,thus1 as tender mothers give their children plumbs or sugar1 to sweeten their palate after they have drank a bitter potion1 so ,god gives his the cups of salvation and consolation1 after they have suffered awhile4 ',for as the sufferings of ,christ abound in us1 so our consolation also aboundeth by ,christ' 7#b ,cor #a3e74 ,hence the apostle assureth himself concerning the affliction of them at ,corinth2 yea1 and also promiseth them1 that as they were partakers of the sufferings1 so should they be of the consolation 7#b ,cor #a3g74 ,some of these cups are filled until they run over1 as ,david said his did1 when the valley of the shadow of death was before him4 ',thou preparest a table before me1' said he1 'in the presence of mine enemies3 thou anointest my head with oil2 my cup runneth over' 7,psa #bc3e74 ,this is that which the apostle calls exceeding2 that is1 that which is beyond measure4 ',i am1' says he1 'filled with comfort1 ,i am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation' 7#b ,cor #g3d74 ,now he has one answering the other4 ,thou hast made summer and winter4 ,thou hast made the warm beams of thy sun answerable to the cold of the dark night4 ,this may be also yet signified by the building of this house1 this type of the church in the wilderness1 in so pleasant a place as the forest of ,lebanon was 7,cant #d3h74 ,lebanon6 ,lebanon was one of the sweetest places in all the land of ,canaan4 ,therefore we read of the fruit of ,lebanon1 of the streams from ,lebanon2 the scent1 the smell1 the glory of ,lebanon2 and also of the wine and flowers of ,lebanon 7,psa #gb3af2 ,hosea #ad3f1g2 ,isa #ce3b1 #i3ac2 ,nahum #a3d74 ,lebanon6 ,that was one thing that wrought with ,moses to desire that he might go over ,jordan2 namely1 that he might see that goodly mountain1 and ,lebanon4 ,the glory and excellent beauty of the church1 ,christ also setteth forth1 by comparing of her to ,lebanon4 ',thy lips1 ,o my spouse1' says he1 'drop as the honey-comb3 honey and milk are under thy tongue1 and the smell of thy garment is like the smell of ,lebanon' 7,cant #d3aa1ae74 ,this house1 therefore1 being placed here1 might be to show how blessed a state ,god could make the state of his church by his blessed grace and presence1 even while she is in a wilderness condition4 ,we will add to this1 for further demonstration1 that letter of that godly man1 ,pomponius ,algerius1 an ,italian martyr2 some of the words of which are these3-- ',let1' saith he1 'the miserable worldly man answer me2 what remedy or safe refuge can there be unto him if he lack ,god1 who is the life and medicine of all men3 and how can he be said to fly from death1 when he himself is already dead in sin4 ,if ,christ be the way1 verity1 and life1 how can there be any life then without ,christ8 ',the sooly#ae heat of the prison to me is coldness2 the cold winter to me is a fresh spring-time in the ,lord4 ,he that feareth not to be burned in the fire1 how will he fear the heat of weather8 ,or what careth he for the pinching frost1 which burneth with the love of the ,lord8 ',the place is sharp and tedious to them that be guilty2 but to the innocent and guiltless it is mellifluous4 ,here droppeth the delectable dew2 here floweth the pleasant nectar2 here runneth the sweet milk2 here is plenty of all good things4 ,and although the place itself be desert and barren1 yet to me it seemeth a large walk1 and a valley of pleasure2 here to me is the better and more noble part of the world4 ,let the miserable worldling say1 and confess1 if there be any plot1 pasture1 or meadow1 so delightful to the mind of man1 as here4 ,here ,i see kings1 princes1 cities1 and people2 here ,i see wars1 where some be overthrown1 some be victors1 some thrust down1 some lifted up4 ,here is ,mount ,sion2 here ,i am already in heaven itself4 ,here standeth first ,christ ,jesus in the front2 about him stand the old fathers1 prophets1 and evangelists1 apostles1 and all the servants of ,god2 of whom some do embrace and cherish me1 some exhort me1 some open the sacraments unto me1 some comfort me1 other some are singing about me3 and how then shall ,i be thought to be alone1 among so many1 and such as these be1 the beholding of whom to me is both solace and example4 ,for here ,i see some crucified1 some slain1 some stoned1 some cut asunder1 and some quartered1 some roasted1 some broiled1 some put in hot caldrons1 some having their eyes bored through1 some their tongues cut out1 some their skin plucked over their heads1 some their hands and feet chopped off1 some put in kilns and furnaces1 some cast down headlong1 and given to the beasts and fowls of the air to feed upon4 ,it would1' said he1 'ask a long time1 if ,i should recite all4 ',to be short1 divers ,i see with divers and sundry torments excruciate2 yet notwithstanding1 all living and all safe4 ,one plaster1 one salve cureth all their wounds1 which also giveth to me strength and life2 so that ,i sustain all these transitory anguishes and small afflictions with a quiet mind1 having a greater hope laid up in heaven4 ,neither do ,i fear mine adversaries which here persecute me and oppress me1 for he that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn1 and the ,lord shall deride them4 ,i fear not thousands of people which compass me about4 ,the ,lord my ,god shall deliver me1 my hope1 my supporter1 my comforter1 who exalteth up my head4 ,he shall smite all them that stand up against me without cause2 and shall dash the teeth and jaws of sinners asunder1 for he only is all blessedness and majesty4 ',the rebukes for ,christ's cause make us jocund2 for so it is written3 if ye be rebuked and scorned for the name of ,christ1 happy be you2 for the glory and spirit of ,god resteth upon you 7#a ,peter #d74 ,be ye therefore certified 7said he1 by this his letter to his friends7 that our rebukes1 which are laid upon us1 redound to the shame and harm of the rebukers4 ,in this world there is no mansion firm to me2 and therefore ,i will travel up to the ,new ,jerusalem which is in heaven1 and which offereth itself to me1 without paying any fine or income4 ,behold ,i have entered already in my journey1 where my house standeth for me prepared1 and where ,i shall have riches1 kinsfolks1 delights1 honours1 never-failing4 ',as for these earthly things here present1 they are transitory shadows1 vanishing vapours1 and ruinous walls4 ,briefly all is but very vanity of vanities1 whereas hope1 and the substance of eternity to come1 are wanting2 which the merciful goodness of the ,lord hath given1 as companions to accompany me1 and to comfort me2 and now do the same begin to work1 and to bring forth fruits in me4 ,i have travelled hitherto1 laboured and sweat early and late1 watching day and night1 and now my travails begin to come to effect4 ,days and hours have ,i bestowed upon my studies4 ,behold the true countenance of ,god is sealed upon me1 the ,lord hath given mirth in my heart3 and therefore in the same will ,i lay me down in peace and rest 7,psa #d74 ,and who then shall dare to blame this our age consumed2 or say that our years be cut off8 ,what man can now cavil that these our labours are lost1 which have followed1 and found out the ,lord and maker of the world1 and which have changed death with life8 ,my portion is the ,lord1 saith my soul1 and therefore1 ,i will seek and wait for him4 ',now then1 if to die in the ,lord be not to die but live most joyfully1 where is this wretched worldly rebel1 which blameth us of folly1 for giving away our lives to death8 ,o how delectable is this death to me6 to taste the ,lord's cup1 which is an assured pledge of true salvation2 for so hath the ,lord himself forewarned us1 saying1 the same that they have done to me1 they will also do unto you4 ,wherefore let the doltish world1 with his blind worldlings 7who in the bright sunshine1 yet go stumbling in darkness1 being as blind as beetles71 cease thus unwisely to carp against us for our rash suffering1 as they count it4 ,to whom1 thus1 we answer again1 with the holy apostle1 that neither tribulation1 nor anguish1 nor hunger1 nor nakedness1 nor jeopardy1 nor persecution1 nor sword1 shall be able ever to separate us from the love of ,christ2 we are slain all the day long2 we are made like sheep ordained to the shambles 7,rom #h74 ',thus1' saith he1 'do we resemble ,christ our ,head1 which said that the disciple cannot be above his master1 nor the servant about his ,lord4 ,the same ,lord hath also commanded that every one shall take up his cross and follow him 7,luke #i74 ,rejoice1 rejoice1 my dear brethren and fellow-servants1 and be of good comfort1 when ye fail into sundry temptations2 let your patience be perfect in all parts4 ,for so it is foreshowed us before1 and is written1 that they which shall kill you shall think to do ,god good service4 ,therefore1 afflictions and death be as tokens and sacraments of our election and life to come4 ,let us then be glad and sing unto the ,lord1 when as we1 being clear from all just accusations1 are persecuted and given to death2 for better it is that we in doing well do suffer1 if it so be the will of ,god1 than doing evil 7#a ,peter #c74 ,we have for our example ,christ and the prophets which spake in the name of the ,lord1 whom the children of iniquity did quell#af and murder4 ,and now we bless and magnify them that then suffered4 ,let us be glad and joyous in our innocency and uprightness2 the ,lord shall reward them that persecute us2 let us refer all revengement to him4 ',i am accused of foolishness1 for that ,i do not shrink from the true doctrine and knowledge of ,god1 and do not rid myself out of these troubles1 when with one word ,i may4 ,o the blindness of man1 which seeth not the sun shining1 neither remembereth the ,lord's words4 ,consider therefore what he saith1 you are the light of the world4 ,a city built on the hill cannot be hid2 neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel1 but upon a candlestick1 that it may shine1 and give light to them in the house4 ,and in another place he saith you shall be led before kings and rulers4 ,fear ye not them which kill the body1 but him which killeth both body and soul4 ,whosoever shall confess me before men1 him will ,i also confess before my ,father which is in heaven2 and he that denieth me before men1 him will ,i also deny before my heavenly ,father4 ',wherefore1 seeing the words of the ,lord be so plain1 how1 or by what authority1 will this wise counsellor then approve this his counsel which he doth give8 ,god forbid that ,i should relinquish the commandments of ,god and follow the counsels of men4 ,for it is written1 ,blessed is the man that hath not gone in the way of sinners1 and hath not stood in the counsels of the ungodly1 and hath not sit in the chair of pestilence 7,psa #a74ag ,god forbid that ,i should deny ,christ where ,i ought to confess him2 ,i will not set more by my life than by my soul1 neither will ,i exchange the life to come for this world here present4 ,o how foolishly speaketh he which argueth me of foolishness6' ,and a little farther he saith1 ',and now let this carnal politic counsellor1 and disputer of this world1 tell wherein have they to blame me4 ,if in mine examinations ,i have not answered so after their mind and affection as they required of me1 seeing it is not ourselves that speak1 but the ,lord that speaketh in us1 as he himself doth fore-witness1 saying1 ,when you shall be brought before rulers and magistrates1 it is not you yourselves that speak1 but the ,spirit of my ,father that shall be in you 7,matt #aj74 ,wherefore1 if the ,lord be true and faithful of his word1 as it is most certain1 then there is no blame in me2 for he gave the words that ,i did speak1 and who was ,i that could resist his will8 ',if any man shall reprehend the things that ,i said1 let him then quarrel with the ,lord1 whom it pleased to work so in me2 and if the ,lord be not to be blamed1 neither am ,i herein to be accused1 which did that ,i purposed not1 and that ,i fore-thought not of4 ,the things that there ,i did utter and express he means when he was before the magistrates1 if they were otherwise than well1 let them show it1 and then will ,i say that they were my words1 and not the ,lord's4 ,but if they were good and approved1 and such as cannot justly be accused1 then must it needs be granted1 spite of their teeth1 that they proceeded of the ,lord2 and then who be they that shall accuse me--people of prudence8 ,or who shall condemn me--just judges8 ,and though they so do1 yet1 nevertheless1 the word shall not be frustrate1 neither shall the gospel be foolish or therefore decay1 but rather the kingdom of ,god shall the more prosper and flourish unto the ,israelites1 and shall pass the sooner unto the elect of ,christ ,jesus1 and they which shall so do shall prove the grievous judgment of ,god4 ,neither shall they escape without punishment that be persecutors and murderers of the just4 ',my well-beloved1' saith he1 'lift up your eyes and consider the counsels of ,god4 ,he showed unto us a late an image of his plague1 which was to our correction2 and if we shall not receive him he will draw out his sword and strike with sword1 pestilence1 and famine1 the nation that shall rise against ,christ4' ,this1 as ,i said1 is part of a letter writ by ,pomponius ,alerius1 an ,italian martyr1 who1 when he wrote it1 was in prison1 in1 as he calls it1 his delectable orchard1 the prison of ,leonine1 #ab calend4 ,august1 anno #aeee4 ,as is to be seen in the second volume of the book of martyrs4#ah ,this man was1 when he wrote this letter1 in the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 in the church in the wilderness1 in the place and way of contending for the truth of ,god1 and he drank of both these bitter cups of which ,i spake before1 to wit1 of that which was exceeding bitter1 and of that which was exceeding sweet1 and the reason why he complained not of the bitter was because the sweet had overcome it--as his afflictions abounded for ,christ1 so did his consolations by him4 ,so1 did ,i say8 they abounded much more4 ,but was not this man1 think you1 a giant1 a pillar in this house8 ,had he not also now hold of the shield of faith8 ,yea1 was he not now in the combat8 ,and did he not behave himself valiantly8 ,was not his mind elevated a thousand degrees beyond sense1 carnal reasons1 fleshly love1 self-concerns1 and the desires of embracing temporal things8 ,this man had got that by the end that pleased him2 neither could all the flatteries1 promises1 threats1 or reproaches1 make him one listen to or desire to inquire after what the world or the glory of it could afford4 ,his mind was captivated with delights invisible2 he coveted to show his love to his ,lord by laying down his life for his sake2 he longed to be there where there shall be no more pain1 nor sorrow1 nor sighing1 nor tears1 nor troubles2 he was a man of a thousand 7,eccl #g3bh74 ,but to return again to our text4 ,you know we are now upon the vessels of the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 which1 ,i have told you1 could not be vessels for worship1 for that worship that was ordained to be performed at the temple was also confined to that1 and to the vessels that were there4 ,therefore they must be1 in all probability1 the vessels that ,i have mentioned1 the which you see how we have expounded and applied4 ,if ,i am out ,i know it not2 if others can give me better light here about for it ,i will be thankful4 ,there was also added to this house of the forest of ,lebanon1 store-cities1 chariot-cities1 and cities of horsemen1 unto which king ,jotham added castles and towers 7#b ,chron #h3d-f1 #bg3c1d74 ,these might be to signify by what ways and means ,god would at times revenge the quarrel of his church1 even in this world1 upon them that1 without cause1 should1 for their faith and worship1 set themselves against them4 ,for here is a face of threatening revenge1 they were store-houses1 chariot-cities1 cities of horsemen1 with castles and towers4 ,and they stood on the same ground that this house was builded upon1 even in the forest of ,lebanon4 ,we know that in ,israel ,god stirred up kings who at times suppressed idolatry there1 and plagued the persecutors too1 as ,jehu1 ,hezekiah1 ,josiah1 c4 ,and he has promised that1 even in gospel times1 kings 'shall hate the whore1--make her desolate and naked1 and shall eat her flesh and burn her with fire' 7,rev #ag3ab1af74 ,here now are the store-houses1 chariot-cities1 cities of horsemen1 with towers and castles1 for the help to the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 for the help of the church in the wilderness1 or1 as you have it in another place1 as the serpent cast floods of water out of his mouth after the woman1 'that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood4 ,and the earth helped the woman1 and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth' 7,rev #ab3ae1af74 ,thus the ,medes and ,persians helped to deliver the church from the clutches and strong hand of the king of ,babylon4 ,this ,lebanon1 therefore1 was a place considerable and a figure of great things2 the countenance of the ,lord ,jesus is compared to it1 and so is the face of his spouse1 and also the smell of her garment 7,cant #d3aa1 #e3ae1 #g3d74 ,,chapter ,x4 ,,of ,,the ,,porch ,,of ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,the ,,forest ,,of ,,lebanon4 ,solomon also made a porch to this house of the forest of ,lebanon4 ,he made several porches1 as one for the temple1 one for the house which he dwelt in1 one for the throne of the kingdom1 and this that was for the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 of all which this last is that mentioned4 ',and he made a porch of pillars1 the length thereof was fifty cubits1 and the breadth thereof thirty cubits2 and the porch was before them1 and the other pillars1 and the thick beam were before them' 7#a ,kings #g3f74 ,this porch was famous both for length1 and breadth1 and strength1 it was able to contain a thousand men4 ,it was like that of the tower of ,david1 otherwise called the stronghold1 the castle of ,zion1 which is the city of ,david 7#b ,sam #e3g2 #a ,chron #aa3e2 ,micah #d3h74 ,this tower of ,david was built for an armoury1 whereon there hanged a thousand bucklers1 all shields of mighty men4 ,it was fifty cubits long and thirty broad1 a spacious place1 a large receptable for any that liked to take shelter there4 ,it was made of pillars1 even as the house within was1 or it stood upon pillars4 ,the pillars1 you know ,i told you before1 were to show us what mighty men1 or what men of mighty grace1 ,god would have in his church in the wilderness furnished with4 ,and it is worth your observing here also we have pillars1 pillars4 ,and he made the porch of pillars1 that is1 of pillars of cedar1 as the rest of the pillars of the house were4 ',and the porch was before them4' ,that is1 as ,i take it1 an entering porch1 less than the space within1 so that the pillars1 neither as to number nor bigness1 could be seen without1 until at least they that had a mind to see entered the mouth of the porch4 ,and by this was fitly prefigured how unseen the strength of the church under persecution is of all that are without her4 ,alas6 they think that she will be run down with a push1 or1 as they said1 ',what do these feeble ,jews8 ,will they fortify themselves8 ,will they sacrifice8 ,will they make an end in a day8 ,will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are bunt8' ,alas6 'if a fox go up he shall even break down their stone wall' 7,neh #d3b1c74 ,but do you think these men saw the strength of the ,jews now8 ,no1 no1 their pillars were within1 and so were shadowed from their eyes4 ,david himself could not tell what judgment to make of the way of the world against the people of ,god1 until he went into the sanctuary of ,god 7,psa #gc3af1ag74 ,how then can the world judge of the condition of the saints8 ,alas1 had they known the church's strength1 surely they would not1 as they have1 so furiously assaulted the same4 ,but what have they got by all they have done1 either against the head or body of the same8 ,she yet has being in the world1 and will have1 shall have1 though all the nations on earth should gather themselves together against it4 ,nor is it the cutting off of many that will make her cease to flourish4 ,alas1 were she not sometimes pruned and trimmed her boughs would stand too thick4 ,those therefore that are taken away with ,god's pruning-hooks are removed1 that the under branches may grow the better4#ai ,but1 ,i say1 to extinguish her it is in vain for any to hope for that4 ,she stands upon pillars1 on rocks1 on the munition of rocks2 stand therefore she must1 whether the world believes it or no4 ',and the other pillars--were before them1' or1 as the margin has it1 'according to them4' ,the other pillars1 that is1 they more inward1 those that were in the body of the house4 ,christ doth not1 as the poor world doth1 that is1 set the best leg before2 the pillars that were more inward in the house were as good as those in the front4 ,it is true some are appointed to death to show to the world the strength of grace1 not that he can help nobody to that strength but they4 ,the most feeble of his flock1 when ,christ shall stand by and strengthen them1 are able to do and bear what the strong have underwent4 ,for so he saith4 ,and 'the other pillars and the thick beams were' according to them2 nay1 'before them4' ,indeed1 they that are left seem weak and feeble if compared to them that have already been tried with fire and sword and all the tortures of men4 ,but that grace by which they were helped that have done such mighty acts already1 can help those who seem more weak yet to go beyond them4 ,god strengtheneth 'the spoiled against the strong1 so that the spoiled shall come against the fortress' 7,amos #e3i74 ,or1 as another scripture has it1 ',the lame take the prey' 7,isa #cc3bc74 ,so that you see here is all substance4 ,all here are pillars and thick beams1 both in the house and in the porch4 ,the conclusion therefore is3--,the true members of the church in the wilderness are strong1 mighty1 being made able by the grace of ,god for their standing1 and being also coupled and compacted together with the biggest bands or thickest beams that the ,holy ,ghost puts forth to bind and hold this church together4 ,and there is reason for it4 ,the church is ,god's tower or battery by which he beateth down ,antichrist1 or if you will have it in the words of the prophet1 ',thou art my battle-axe and weapons of war2 for with thee saith ,god will ,i break in pieces1' c4 7,jer #ea3ai1bj74 ,wherefore1 since the church is set for defence of religion1 and to be as a battery to beat down ,antichrist1 it is requisite that she should be made up of pillars of strong and staunch materials4#bj ,the largeness of the porch was commodious2 it was the next shelter1 or the place whereunto they of the house of the forest of ,lebanon1 when pursued1 might resort or retreat with the less difficulty4 ,thus the church in the wilderness has her porch1 her place1 her bosom1 whereunto her discouraged may continually resort1 and take up and be refreshed4 ,as ,abiathar thrust in to ,david and his men in the wilderness1 in the day when ,saul had slain his father1 and of his brethren1 even 'four-score and five persons that did wear a linen ephod' 7#a ,sam #bb3ag-bc74 ,when the apostles were persecuted 'they went to their own company1' because the ,lord was there 7,acts #d3bc74 ,there we find the pillars1 and have both solace and example4 ,there1 as ,pomponius said of his person1 stands ,christ ,jesus in the front as ,captain of the ,lord's host1 and round about him the old fathers1 prophets1 apostles1 and martyrs4 ,this porch1 therefore1 ,i take to be a figure of those cordial and large affections which the church in the wilderness has to all1 and for all them that love the truth1 and that suffer and are afflicted for the sincere profession thereof4 ,this porch was bigger than that which belonged to the temple by much1 to show that those that are made the objects of the enemies' rage most are usually most prepared with affection for them that are in the same condition4 ,fellow-feeling is a great matter4 ,it is said of the poor afflicted people that were in ,macedonia 'in a great trial of affliction1 the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality2#ba for to their power1--yea1 and beyond their power1' they showed their charity to the destroyed church of ,jerusalem 7#b ,cor #h3a-d74 ,and a porch in a forest1 or a bosom in a wilderness1 is seasonable to them that in the wilderness are faint and weary4 ,nabal shut up his doors against ,david1 and therefore he died like a beast4 ,poor ,david6 thou wast bewildered1 but this churl had no compassion for thee 7#a ,sam #be3e-ac1 #be-ci74 ,blest ,obadiah1 thou hadst a bosom1 and bread1 and hiding-places for the church1 when rent and torn by the fury of ,jezebel1 and thou hast for it thy reward in heaven 7#a ,kings #ah3c1d2 ,matt #aj3db74 ,ebedmelech1 because he had compassion on ,jeremiah when he was in the dungeon1 ,god did not only give him his life for a prey1 but promised him the effects of putting his trust in the ,lord 7,jer #ch3g-aa1 #ci3ae-ah74 ,and he made a porch of pillars4 ,the porch is but the entrance of the house1 whither many go that yet step not into the house1 but make their retreat from thence2 but it is because they are non-residents1 they only come to see2 or else1 if they pretended more1 it was not from the heart4 ',they went out from us1' said ,john1 'but they were not of us2 for if they had been of us they would1 no doubt1 have continued with us2 but they went out that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us' 7#a ,john #b3ai74 ,and forasmuch as this porch was fifty cubits long1 men may take many a step straight forward therein and be but in the porch yet4#bb ,even as we have seen men go1 as one would think1 till they are out of view in the porch of this church in the wilderness1 but presently you have them without the door again4 ,true1 this porch was made of pillars1 and so to every one1 at first entrance1 it showed the power of the place2 the church in the wilderness also is so builded that men may see it is ordained for defence4 ,men also1 at their first offer to step over the threshold there1 with mouth profess that they will dwell as soldiers there4 ,but words are but wind2 when they see the storm a-coming they will take care to shift for themselves4 ,this house1 or church in the wilderness1 must see to itself for all them4 ,as the house therefore is a figure of the church in the wilderness1 so1 so great a porch belonging to it may be also to show that numbers may there be entertained that1 if need be1 will quickly whip out again4 ,although therefore the porch was made of pillars1 yet every one that walked there were not such4 ,the pillars was to show them1 not what they were1 but what they should be that entered into this house4 ,the church also in the wilderness1 even in her porch or first entrance into it1 is full of pillars1 apostles1 prophets1 and martyrs of ,jesus4 ,there also hang up the shields that the old warriors have used1 and are plastered upon the walls the brave achievements which they have done4 ,there are also such encouragements there for those that stand1 that one would think none that came thither with pretence to serve there would1 for very shame1 attempt to go back again2 and yet1 not to their credit be it spoken1 they will forsake the place without blushing1 yea1 and plead for this their so doing4 ,but ,i have done with the explicatory part1 and conclude that from these ten particulars thus handled in this book1 the house of the forest of ,lebanon was a type1 or figure1 of the church in the wilderness4 ,nor do ,i know1 if this be denied1 how so fitly to apply some of these texts which speak to the church1 to support her under her troubles1 of the comforts that afterwards she shall enjoy1 since they are presented to her under such metaphors as clearly denote she was once in a wilderness1 for instance1 #a4 ',sing1 ,o ye heavens2 for the ,lord hath done it that is1 redeemed his servant ,jacob from his sins and from the hand of the enemy3 shout1 ye lower parts of the earth or church once trampled under feet3 break forth into singing1 ye mountains1 ,o forest1 and every tree therein here is comfort for the church under the name of a forest1 that in which the house we have been speaking of was built3 for the ,lord hath redeemed ,jacob1 and glorified himself in ,israel' 7,isa #dd3bc74 ,to what1 ,i say1 can this text more fitly be applied1 than to the church in the wilderness1 put here under the name of a forest as well as under the title of heaven8 ,yea1 methinks it is cried here to her1 ',o forest1' on purpose to intimate to us that the house in the forest of ,lebanon was the figure of the church in this condition4 #b4 ,again1 ',is it not yet a very little while1 and ,lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field1 and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest8 ,and in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book1 and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity1 and out of darkness4 ,the meek also shall increase their joy in the ,lord1 and the poor among men shall rejoice in the holy ,one of ,israel4 ,for the terrible one is brought to nought1 and the scorner is consumed1 and all that watch for iniquity are cut off' 7,isa #bi3ag-bj74 ,lebanon was a forest1 but now she must be a fruitful field4 ,what means he here by ,lebanon but the church under persecution1 and the fruitful field8 ,mistress ,babylon shall become as a forest1 that is1 as the church under distress4 ,but when shall this be8 ,why1 when the terrible one is brought low and the scorner is consumed1 c4 ,what can be more plain than this to prove that ,lebanon1 even the house in the forest of ,lebanon1 for that is here intended1 was a figure of the church in the wilderness1 or in a tempted and persecuted state4 ,for to be turned into a fruitful field signifies the recovering of the afflicted church into a state most quiet and fruitful2 fruitful fields are quiet because they are fenced1 and so shall the church be in that day4 #c4 ',the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them2 and the desert shall rejoice1 and blossom as the rose' 7,isa #ce3a74 ,what are we to understand by these words if they be not a prophecy of the flourishing state of ,christ's kingdom1 who1 in the days of her persecution1 is compared to a wilderness1 to a desert1 and to solitary places4 ,and she 'shall be glad for them'2 for what8 for that she is rid of the dragons1 wild beasts1 satyrs1 screech owls1 great owl1 and vulture1 types of the beasts and unclean birds of ,antichrist 7,isa #cd3ac-ae74 ,she shall be glad for them that they are taken away from her and placed far away1 for then no lion shall be there nor any ravenous beast2 yea1 it is the habitation of dragons1 where each lay1 shall be grass1 with reeds and rushes1 as it is1 ,isaiah #ce4 ,and now 'the lame man shall leap as a hart1 and the tongue of the dumb sing2 for in the wilderness shall waters break out1 and streams in the desert4' ,read the whole chapter4 ,for that the desert and wilderness is thus mentioned1 and that to express the state of the church in trouble by1 it is clear that ,lebanon is not excluded1 nor the thing that is signified thereby1 which1 ,i say1 is the church in her low estate1 in her forest1 or wilderness condition4 #d4 ',i will plant in the wilderness the cedar1 the shittah-tree1 and the myrtle1 and the oil-tree2 ,i will set in the desert the fir-tree1 and the pine1 and the box-tree together' 7,isa #da3ai74 ,can any think that trees are the things taken care of here8 ,they are the men that ,antichrist has murdered in his heat and rage against ,christ1 the which ,god will restore again to his church1 when ,antichrist is dead and buried in the sides of the pit's mouth4 ,and that you may the better understand he meaneth so1 he expresseth again the state of the church as like to a wilderness condition1 and promiseth that in that very church1 now so like a wilderness1 to plant it again with ,christians1 flourishing with variety of gifts and graces1 signified by the various nature and name of the trees spoken of here4 #e4 ',behold1 ,i will do a new thing2 now it shall spring forth2 shall ye not know it8 ,i will even make a way in the wilderness1 and rivers in the desert4 ,the beast of the field shall honour me1 the dragons and the owls3 because ,i give waters in the wilderness1 and rivers in the desert1 to give drink to my people1 my chosen' 7,isa #dc3ai1bj74 ,here ,god alludes to the condition of the children of ,israel in the wilderness of old1 and implies they shall be in a wilderness again2 and as then he gave them water1 and delivered them from serpents1 cockatrices1 vipers1 dragons1 so he will do now1 now to his people1 his chosen4 #f4 ',the ,lord shall comfort ,zion3 he will comfort all her waste places2 and he will make her wilderness like ,eden1 and her desert like the garden of the ,lord2 joy and gladness shall be found therein1 thanksgiving1 and the voice of melody' 7,isa #ea3c74 ,see here are ,zion's waste places1 ,zion's wilderness1 forest1 or ,lebanon4 ,next here is a promise that he will comfort her2 and what doth this suppose but that she was in her wilderness state1 uncomfortable at least as to her outward peace1 her liberty1 and gospel privileges and beauties8 ,then here is the comparison1 by which he illustrates his promise as to what degree and pitch he will comfort her4 ',he will make her wilderness like ,eden1 and her desert like the garden of the ,lord4' ,the effects of all which will be she will have joy and gladness2 she will be thankful1 and be melodious in her voice1 in her soul to the ,lord4 ,this1 ,i say1 will follow upon her deliverance from her desert1 her wilderness1 her desolate1 and comfortless state3 all which is more fully expressed by her repeated hallelujahs 7,rev #ai3a-f74 ,which hallelujahs there are the effect of her deliverance from the rage of the beast and great whore1 of whose greatness and ruin you read in the two foregoing chapters4 ,now1 ,i say1 since the church was to be in a wilderness condition under the gospel2 and since we have this house of the forest of ,lebanon so particularly set forth in the ,scriptures2 and also since this house1 its furniture1 its troubles1 and state1 do so paint out this church in this wilderness state1 ,i take it to be for that very thing designed1 that is to say1 to prefigure this church in this her so solitary and wilderness state4 ,,conclusion4 ,we will now therefore here make a brief conclusion of all4 ,first4 ,this may inform us of the reason of the deplorable state of a professing people4 ,it is allotted to them in this world to be so4 ,the world1 and men of the world1 must have their tranquility here1 and must be possest of all2 this was foreshown in ,esau1 who had of his sons many that were dukes and kings before there was any king in ,israel 7,gen #cf3ca74 ,god so disposing of things that all may give place when his ,son shall come to reign in ,mount ,zion1 and before his ancients gloriously1 which coming of his will be at the resurrection1 and end of this world1 and then shall his saints reign with him2 'when ,christ1 who is our life1 shall appear1 then shall ye also appear with him in glory' 7,col #c3d74 ,let not therefore kings1 and princes1 and potentates be afraid2 the saints that are such indeed1 know their places1 and are of a peaceable deportment2 'the earth ,god hath given to the children of men1' and his kingdom to the sons of ,god 7,psa #aae3af2 ,matt #be3cd2 ,luke #ab3cb74 ,i know there are extravagant opinions in the world about the kingdom of ,christ1 as if it consisted in temporal glory in part1 and as if he would take it to him by carnal weapons1 and so maintain it in its greatness and grandeur2 but ,i confess myself an alien to these notions1 and believe and profess the quite contrary1 and look for the coming of ,christ to judgment personally1 and betwixt this and that1 for his coming in ,spirit1 and in the power of his word to destroy ,antichrist1 to inform kings1 and so give quietness to his church on earth2 which shall assuredly be accomplished1#bc when the reign of the beast1 the whore1 the false prophet1 and of the man of sin is out 7#b ,thess #b3h2 ,isa #di3bc1 #eb3ae1 #fj3c1aj1aa1af1 #fb3b2 ,rev #ba3bd74 ,second4 ,let this teach men not to think that the church is cursed of ,god1 because she is put in a wilderness state4 ,alas1 that is but to train her up in a way of solitariness1 to make her ,canaan the more welcome to her4 ,rest is sweet to the labouring man4 ,yea1 this condition is the first step to heaven2 yea1 it is a preparation to that kingdom4 ,god's ways are not as man's4 ',i have chosen thee1' saith he1 'in the furnace of affliction4' ,when ,israel came out of ,egypt1 they were led of ,god into the wilderness2 but why8 ,that he might have them to a land1 that he had espied for them1 that he might bring them to a city of habitation 7,eze #bj3f2 ,psa #ajg3a-g74 ,the world know not the way of the ,lord1 nor the judgment of our ,god4 ,do you think that saints that dwell in the world1 and that have more of the mind of ,god than the world1 would1 could so rejoice in ,god1 in the cross1 in tribulations and distresses1 were they not assured that through many tribulations is the very roadway to heaven 7,acts #ad3bb74 ,let this then encourage the saints to hope1 and to rejoice in hope of the glory of ,god1 notwithstanding present tribulations4 ,this is our seed-time1 our winter2 afflictions are to try us of what mettle we are made2 yea1 and to shake off worm-eaten fruit1 and such as are rotten at core4 ,troubles for ,christ's sake are but like the prick of an awl in the tip of the ear1 in order to hang a jewel there4 ,let this also put the saints upon patience3 when we know that a trial will have an end1 we are by that knowledge encouraged to exercise patience4 ,i have a bad master1 but ,i have but a year to serve under him1 and that makes me serve him with patience2 ,i have but a mile to go in this dirty way1 and then ,i shall have my path pleasant and green1 and this makes me tread the dirty way with patience4 ,i am now in my rags1 but by that a quarter of a year is come and gone1 two hundred a year comes into my hand1 wherefore ,i will wait1 and exercise patience4 ,thus might ,i multiply comparisons4 ,be patient then1 my brethren2 but how long8 to the coming of the ,lord4 ,but when will that be8 the coming of the ,lord draws nigh4 ',be patient1' my brethren1 be long patient1 even 'unto the coming of the ,lord4 ,behold1 the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth1 and hath long patience for it1 until he receive the early and latter rain4 ,be ye also patient2 stablish your hearts3 for the coming of the ,lord draweth nigh' 7,james #e3g1h74 ,,footnotes3 #a4 ,the second month in the ,hebrew calendar began ,april #g4--;,ed4 #b4 ,a common expression for difference4--',what's the odds between us8'--,ed4 #c4 ,the churches of ,christ have suffered under bitter persecution1 and been in a wilderness state1 from the primitive times1 through ,popish days1 and under the relentless cruelties suffered by the ,covenanters and ,nonconformists from the ,church of ,england4 ,as the gospel spreads1 it humanizes and softens the hearts even of the rebellious4 ,the dread fire no longer consumes the cedars of ,lebanon4 ,still there remains the contemptuous sneer1 the scorn1 the malice of the soul1 against ,christ and his spiritual seed4 ,not many years since the two daughters of an evangelical clergyman1 a ,d4,d41 came out1 from strong and irresistible conviction1 and united with one of the straitest sects of ,dissenters--the ,plymouth ,brethren4 ,the unhappy parent could not brook the insult to his order1 and died insane4--,ed4 #d4 ,bunyan not only experienced the richest enjoyments in jail1 but it is very probable that his life was saved for a few years by his having lain in prison during the violent heat and storm of persecution which raged in the early part of the reign of ,charles ,,ii4 ,thus ,god mysteriously restrains the wrath of man1 and makes it to praise him4 ,the damp unwholesome dungeon1 intended for his destruction1 crowned him with peculiar honour1 because1 as in his ,patmos1 he there wrote his immortal book4--,ed4 #e4 ,pill1 to rob2 poll1 to exact1 to extort4 ',the church is pilled and polled by its own flocks4'--,south1 ,ser4 #aa4 v4 #e4--;,ed4 #f4 ,maundrel measured a cedar which was thirty-six feet six inches in girth1 and one hundred and eleven feet in the spread of its boughs2 the foliage is ever green1 and it mounts up to an enormous height4--,ed4 #g4 ,it is one of the strongest proofs that the human mind is disordered by sin1 that man is by nature senseless to the sublime truths of ,christianity--the beam1 the truth which saves the world from utter moral desolation4 ,what wonders open before the eyes of the young convert1 stretching far away into that heavenly and eternal felicity which had been shut out from his vision by the gloom of death6 ,life and immortality is brought to light4 ,his life1 and all other things1 become but dross1 that he may win ,christ1 and maintain his cause in the world4--,ed4 #h4 ,all men have the same ,bible1 but all have not sought for spiritual discernment4 ,the ,beast1 whether of ,rome1 ,greece1 or ,england1 that looks through the ,word to find some plausible means of tyrannising over the soul1 by preventing man from using his own eyes in seeking salvation1 whether it be by church canons or acts of ,parliament interfering with the exercise of private judgment1 is an enemy to1 and hater of1 the true light4--,ed4 #i4 ,humanity1 in its usual acceptation1 means the inferiority of man to the divine or angelic nature1 but superiority to the mere animal or brute creation4 ',the nature of man1 wherein he is lesse than ,god ,almighty1 and excellynge not withstandyng al other creatures in erth1 is called humanitie4'--,sir ,t4 ,eliot4 ,bunyan's illustration of the word is curious4--,ed4 #aj4 ,a common mode of picturing the virgin ,mary for the devotee of ,popery to worship1 is a whole length beautiful woman1 with rays as of the sun shooting out all round her1 standing upon the moon1 and upon her head a splendid crown ornamented with twelve stars4 ,under such a disguise1 who would expect to find 'the well-favoured harlot establishing a throne for ,satan8'--,ed4 #aa4 ,inventions1 fictions1 fables4--,ed4 #ab4 ,the ,hebrew words translated in the authorized version of the ,bible1 ',and a target' or gorget 'of brass1' are rendered1 in all the earlier versions1 ',and a shield of brass4' ,perhaps a cuirass2 it was evidently defensive brass armour1 worn between the shoulders4--,ed4 #ac4 ,no formal service such as that of the temple4 ,while the churches are in the wilderness1 suffering under the fangs of ,antichrist1 religious services must be adapted to their circumstances4 ,at times fervent silent prayer1 unheard on earth1 but recorded in heaven2 at other times in an upper chamber or a forest1 afraid to sin1 lest it should bring the enemy upon them4 ,how ought we to bless ,god for giving us the full enjoyment of public worship1 even while in the wilderness4--,ed4 #ad4 ,one of the popular delusions of our day is1 that all sects have been intolerant and persecutors when they had the opportunity4 ,this is a gross falsehood4 ,who can charge the ,waldenses1 ,albigenses1 or ,lollards with that spirit of ,antichrist8 ,who dares charge the ,quakers with a persecuting spirit8 ,they had the full opportunity when governing ,pennsylvania4 ,who can accuse the ,baptists with injuring those who differed from them when ,roger ,williams and his ,baptist brethren obtained the charter of ,rhode ,island1 with full power to rule themselves by any form of government they preferred8 ,his magna charta concludes with these words1 ',and let the saints of the ,most ,high walk in this colony without molestation1 in the name of ,jehovah their ,god1 for ever and ever4' ,and it has never been violated4 ,persecution has never sullied its annals4 ,freedom to worship ,god was the desire of its founder--for himself and of all2 and he nobly endured till it was accomplished4--,ed4 #ae4 ,this word was used by ,fox in translating the letter of ,algerius2 ,i cannot find it in any dictionary4 ,it probably refers to this poor prisoner for ,christ being confined in a 'soler1' or room1 close under the roof of his prison1 in which an ,italian sun must have rendered the heat intense4 ,the word 'sooly' may be derived from the ,anglo-,saxon 'swool1' sultry2 the ,dutch use swoel1 zoel1 and zoelheid1 for heat and sultry heat4--,ed4 #af4 ,the obsolete verb1 to kill4--,ed4 #ag4 ,this is a curious mode of expressing the awful gradation of a sinner4 #a4 ,to go in the way of sinners4 #b4 ,to enter into their counsels4 #c4 ,to sit in the scorner's seat1 here called 'the chair of pestilence4' ,this is from the vulgate ,latin1 which renders it pestilentiae4--,ed4 #ah4 ,pomponius ,algerius1 born in ,capua1 a young man of great learning1 was student in the ,university of ,padua1 where he1 not being able to conceal the verity of ,christ's gospel which he learned by the heavenly teaching of ,god's grace1 ceased not1 both by doctrine and example of life1 to inform as many as he could in the same doctrine1 and to bring them to ,christ2 for which he was accused of heresy1 and brought to ,rome1 where he was burned alive4 ,he wrote this letter while in prison at ,venice4--,see ,fox's ,acts and ,monuments1 edit4 #afca4 vol4 ii4 p4 #aha4 ,mr4 ,southey thought that this letter gave ,bunyan some germ of his ,pilgrim's ,progress66 ,he takes it from the words1 ',in this world there is no mansion firm for me1 and therefore ,i will travel up to the ,new ,jerusalem1 which is in heaven4'--,life of ,bunyan1 p4 xc4--,ed4 #ai4 ,thus the blood of the martyrs was the seedtime of the church1 and it produced an abundant harvest4 ,that ,god suffered the choicest of his saints to pass through such dreadful sufferings in their way to glory1 is a proof that ,god's ways are not our ways1 but they are infinite in wisdom and mercy4--,ed4 #bj4 ,consult ,bunyan's admirable treatise1 ,of ,antichrist and his ,ruin4 #ba4 ,how easily is this riddle resolved by those who visit the afflicted4 ,the ,christian poor beat the rich out and out in charity4 ,the poor mother rises long before her usual time1 and having fitted her own children for school1 runs to her sick neighbour to do the same for her little ones1 frequently sharing with them her own children's food2 and then1 like an angel of mercy1 watches over and comforts her sick neighbour4 ,such is the unostentatious ,christian charity found among the ,christian poor4 ,o that it may more and more abound4--,ed4 #bb4 ,these home-thrusts at conscience1 so constantly met with in ,bunyan's works1 should have the effect of exciting us to solemn self-examination4 ,may we never be contented with the porch1 but enter and enjoy the riches of ,divine grace4--,ed4 #bc4 ,the gradual spread of the gospel1 like the leaven1 must eventually leaven the whole4 ,how astonishing has been its progress since ,bunyan entered the celestial city4 ,if his happy spirit hovers as a guardian angel about the saints at ,bedford1 how must he rejoice in the change4 ,the iron hand of despotic oppression laid low2 his old prison swept away2 the meetings in dells1 and woods1 and barns1 exchanged for large and commodious places of worship4 ,how he must wonder at our want of gratitude1 and love1 and zeal1 in return for such mercies4--,ed4 999999 ,,the ,,water ,,of ,,life2 ,,or1 ,a ,,discourse ,,showing ,,the ,,richness ,,and ,,glory ,,of ,,the ,,grace ,,and ,,spirit ,,of ,,the ,,gospel1 ,,as ,,set ,,forth ,,in ,,scripture ,,by ,,this ,,term1 ,,the ,,water ,,of ,,life4 ,,by ,,john ,,bunyan4 ',and whosoever will1 let him take the water of life freely4'--,revelation #bb3ag ,london3 ,printed for ,nathanael ,ponder1 at the ,peacock in the ,poultry1 #afhh4 ,,advertisement ,,by ,,the ,,editor4 ,often1 and in every age1 the children of ,god have dared to doubt the sufficiency of divine grace2 whether it was vast enough to reach their condition--to cleanse them from the guilt of all their sins--and to fit their souls to dwell with infinite holiness in the mansions of the blessed4 ,to solve these doubts--to answer these anxious inquiries1 ,bunyan wrote many of his works2 for although he was a ,boanerges1 or son of thunder1 to awaken the impenitent1 he was eminently a ,barnabas--a son of consolation--an evangelist to direct the trembling inquirer to ,christ the way1 the truth1 and the life4 ,he proclaims first1 from his own experience1 that there is ',grace abounding to the ,chief of ,sinners'2 then he proclaims ',good ,news for the ,vilest of ,men1 the ,jerusalem ,sinner is ,saved'--',christ is an ,advocate'--',christ is a complete ,saviour4' ,every one is invited with a ',come and welcome to ,jesus ,christ4' ,there is ',justification by his ,righteousness'--',salvation by his ,grace4' ',he is a ,throne of ,grace' to which all are freely invited4 ,even ',the ,broken ,heart is an acceptable sacrifice4' ,there is ',the ,holy ,city1 ,new ,jerusalem1' to receive such at the end of their pilgrimage1 and directions amply given to the pilgrim to guide him in his progress to the celestial city2 and he now introduces us to a majestic overflowing river1 ',the ,water of ,life1' sufficient for the refreshment and solace of the myriads of ,god's saints who have lived from the creation1 and will live until the final consummation of all things1 when the prophet in holy vision saw 'a great multitude which no man could number1 of all nations1 and kindreds1 and people1 stand before the throne1 and before the ,lamb4' ,this work was the result of the author's mature experience1 being published by him during the last year of his eventful life4 ,in it he refers to one of those ten excellent manuscripts left by him at his decease1 prepared for the press1 and afterwards published by ,mr4 ,doe4 ,it is called1 ,the ,saint's ,privilege and ,profit4 ,the way in which he alludes to this1 as if it had been printed1 shows that he had fully determined to publish it shortly1 and this1 if it was needed1 would confirm our confidence in those treatises4 ,he thus refers to it3 ',because ,i have spoken of this thing1 more particularly upon that text1 ',let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace1' ,i shall therefore here say no more4' ,two things are rather extraordinary with regard to this valuable treatise on the ,water of ,life4 ,one is1 that although inserted in every list of our author's works1 both published by himself and by his friends after his decease1 it escaped the researches of ,doe1 ,wilson1 ,chandler1 ,whitfield1 and others who collected and published ,bunyan's works1 excepting only the edition with ,mason's notes1 printed for ,a4 ,hogg about #aghe4 ,the other singular circumstance is1 that although the separate treatises of ,bunyan were all most wretchedly and inaccurately printed1 the ,water of ,life has in this respect suffered more than any other of his works4 ,a modern edition of this book1 published at ,derby by ,thomas ,richardson1 is1 without exception1 the most erroneously printed of all books that have come under my notice4 ,the ,scriptures are misquoted--words are altered so as to pervert the sense--whole sentences and paragraphs1 and even whole pages in three or four places1 and1 in one instance1 four consecutive pages1 are left out666 ,i should be grieved if more penal enactments were added to our statutes1 but surely there should be some punishment for such a crime as this4 ,the other editions are more reputable1 but very incorrect4 ,one of them bears the imprint of ',london1 for ,james ,bunyan1 #agfj4' ,another has ',london1 sold by ,baxter1 ,doolittle1 ,burkit1' evidently fictitious names1 adopted from those three great authors4 ,the ,pilgrim's ,progress was twice published by ,d4 ,bunyan1 in ,fleet ,street1 #agfc and #agfh2 and the ,heavenly ,footman1 ',london1 sold by ,j4 ,bunyan1 above the ,monument4' ,all these are wretchedly printed1 and with cuts that would disgrace an old ,christmas carol4 ,thus the public have been imposed upon1 and thus the revered name of ,bunyan has been sacrificed to the cupidity of unprincipled men4 ,had his works been respectably printed they would have all been very popular and useful1 and his memory have been still more venerated4 ,to attract his readers to come personally1 and partake the blessings imparted by the water of life1 ,bunyan shows that1 as a medicine1 it alone is the specific to cure the sin-sick soul--all other applications must fail most fatally--'all other remedies come from and return to the ,dead ,sea'--while the water of life issues from1 and leads the soul to1 the throne of ,god4 ,it cleanseth from the old leaven4 ,the ,divine ,physician is ever ready to administer to the wearied soul4 ,be not misled by worldly-wisemen to take advice of the doctor's boy1 but go direct to ,jesus2 he is ready--he is willing to cure and save to the uttermost4 ,his medicine may be sharp1 but merely so as to effect the cure 'where bad humours are tough and churlish4' ',it revives where life is1 and gives life where it is not4 ,take man from this river1 and nothing can make him live3 let him have this water and nothing can make him die4' ,the river of water of life allegorically represents the ,spirit and grace of ,god2 thus the truth is mercifully set before us1 for 'what is more free than water1 and what more beneficial and more desirable than life8' ,vast and majestic rivers convey but a faint idea of the immensity of ,divine grace2 in comparison with which 'the most mighty mountain dwindles into the least ant's egg or atom in the world4' ,a stream of grace issued from the same source during the patriarchal dispensation1 and then mankind were directed to it by immediate revelation1 or by the tradition of their fathers4 ,it extended under the ,jewish or ,levitical law1 in its course passing through the temple1 issuing from under the threshold of ,god's house1 revealed by types1 and shadows1 and an earthly priesthood1 and then 'grace ran but slowly because ,jesus was not glorified4' ,now it flows like a majestic river from the throne of ,god1 open to all1 without limit of family or nation1 revealed to every creature by the volume of inspiration4 ,this water admits no mixture--it is pure and perfect as its origin--free as the air we breathe to sustain life4 ',there is no grudge1 or a piece of an upbraiding speech heard therein4' ,any attempt to mix with it human merits destroys all its efficacy4 ,in it1 and in it only1 spiritual life1 exciting to works of mercy1 and giving sure hopes of immortal bliss1 is to be found4 ,god's children can no more live separated from this river than fish can live out of water4 ,as a fish1 by natural instinct1 avoids foul and unwholesome water1 so a ,christian has spiritual powers to judge of the purity of doctrine4 ,like the manna from heaven1 and our daily bread1 it must be supplied day by day4 ,no church cistern of works of supererogation can supply this pure water4 ,all such pretended supplies are poisonous4 ,it must come direct from heaven without human interference4 ,those only who spiritually thirst will seek it4 ,some prefer wine that perisheth in the using1 while this water1 once received1 becomes a well-spring of living waters1 springing up into everlasting life4 ,how marvellous that river which swallows up all the impurities of the myriads of the redeemed1 so that they are seen no more for ever4 ,these are the truths pressed upon our attention in this treatise4 ,well may our venerated ,bunyan say1 while richly enjoying the blessings of this river of grace1 just before he waded through the black river which absorbs our earthly bodies--',o grace6 ,o happy church of ,god6 all things that happen to thee are1 for ,christ's sake1 turned into grace6' ,it is a river that so reflects the splendour of ,god1 that the first sight of it was to ,paul above the brightness of the sun2 a light that did1 by the glory of it1 make dark to him all the things in the world4 ,reader1 may your soul and mine be abundantly refreshed from this inexhaustible river1 the streams whereof make glad the city of ,god4 ,,geo4 ,,offor4 ,,the ,,epistle ,,to ,,the ,,reader4 ,,courteous ,,reader1 ,i have now presented thee with something of a discourse of the water of life and its virtues2 therefore1 thou mayest1 if thou wilt1 call this book ,bunyan's ,bill of his ,master's ,water of ,life4 ,true1 ,i have not set forth at large the excellent nature and quality thereof1 nor can that so be done by the pen or tongue of men or angels4 ,yet this ,i have said1 and so saying1 said truly1 that whosoever shall drink of this water shall find it in him a well of water2 and not only so1 but a well springing up in him to everlasting life1 let his disease be what it will4 ,and as men1 in their bills for conviction to readers1 do give an account to the country of the persons cured1 and the diseases that have been removed by liquors and preparations1 they have made for that end1 so could ,i1 were it not already 7by ,holy ,writ7 done by an infallible pen to my hand1 give you accounts of numberless numbers that have not only been made to live1 but to live for ever1 by drinking of this water1 this pure water of life4 ,many of them indeed are removed from hence1 and live where they cannot be spoken with was yet2 but abundance of them do still remain here1 and have their abode yet with men4 ,only1 if thou wouldst drink it1 drink it by itself1 and that thou mayest not be deceived by that which is counterfeit1 know it is as it comes from the hand of our ,lord1 without mixture1 pure and clear as crystal4 ,i know there are many mountebanks in the world1 and every of them pretend they have this water to sell2 but my advice is1 that thou go directly to the throne thyself 7,heb #d3af72 or as thou art bidden come to the waters 7,isa #ee3a71 and there thou shalt be sure to have that which is right and good1 and that which will certainly make thee well1 let thy disease1 or trouble1 or pain1 or malady1 be what it will4 ,for the price1 care not for that1 it is cheap enough1 this is to be had without money or price4 ',i will give1' saith ,god and the ,lamb1 'unto him that is athirst1 of the fountain of the water of life freely' 7,rev #ba3f74 ,hence he says again1 ',whosoever will1 let him take the water of life freely' 7,rev #bb3ag74 ,so that thou hast no ground to keep back because of thy poverty2 nay1 for the poor it is prepared and set open1 to the poor it is offered1 the poor and needy may have it of free cost 7,isa #da3ag1ah74a ,but let it not be slighted because it is offered to thee upon terms so full1 so free4 ,for thou art sick1 and sick unto death1 if thou drinkest not of it1 nor is there any other than this that can heal thee1 and make thee well4 ,farewell4 ,the ,lord be thy physician6 ,so prays thy friend1 ,,john ,,bunyan4 ,,the ,,water ,,of ,,life4 ',,and ,,he ,,showed ,,me ,a ,,pure ,,river ,,of ,,water ,,of ,,life1 ,,clear ,,as ,,crystal1 ,,proceeding ,,out ,,of ,,the ,,throne ,,of ,,god ,,and ,,of ,,the ,,lamb4' ,revelation #bb3a ,these words are part of that description that one of the seven angels1 which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues1 gave unto ,john of the ,new ,jerusalem1 or of the state of that gospel church1 that shall be in the latter days 7,rev #ba3i74 ,wherefore he saith1 ',and he showed me'2 ,,he1 the angel1 showed me it4 ,in the text we have these things to consider of1 ,,first4 ,the matter1 the subject matter of the text1 and that is the water of life4 ',he showed me the water of life4' ,,second4 ,we have also here the quantity of this water showed to him1 and that is under the notion of a river3 ',he showed me a river of water of life4' ,,third4 ,he shows him also the head1 or well-spring1 from whence this river of water of life proceeds1 and that is1 'the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb4' ',he showed me a river of water of life1 proceeding out of the throne of ,god1 and of the ,lamb4' ,,fourth4 ,we have also here the nature and quality of this water2 it is pure1 it is clear as crystal3 ',and he showed me a pure river of water of life1 clear as crystal1 proceeding out of the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb4' ,,the ,,water ,,of ,,life4 ,,first4 ,we will begin with the first of these1 to wit1 with the matter1 the subject matter of the text1 which is1 ,,the ,,water ,,of ,,life4 ,these words1 water of life1 are metaphorical1 or words by which a thing most excellent is presented to and amplified before our faces2 and that thing is the ,spirit of grace1 the ,spirit and grace of ,god4 ,and the words1 water of life1 are words most apt to present it to us by2 for what is more free than water1 and what more beneficial and more desirable than life8 ,therefore ,i say it is compared to1 or called1 the water of life4 ,he showed me the water of life4 ,that it is the ,spirit of grace1 or the ,spirit and grace of ,god1 that is here intended3 consider1 ,,first1 the ,spirit of grace is in other places compared to water3 and1 ,,second1 it is also called the ,spirit of life4 ,just as here it is presented unto us1 ',he showed me the water of life4' ,,first4 ,the spirit of grace is compared to water4 ',whosoever1' saith the ,lamb1 'drinketh of the water that ,i shall give him1 shall never thirst2 but the water that ,i shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life' 7,john #d3ad74 ,what can here by water be intended1 but the ,spirit of grace that this poor harlot1 the woman of ,samaria1 wanted1 although she was ignorant of her want1 as also of the excellency thereof8 ,which water also is here said to be such as will spring up1 in them that have it1 as a well into everlasting life4 ,again1 ',in the last day1 that great day of the feast1 ,jesus stood and cried1 saying1 ,if any man thirst1 let him come unto me and drink4' ,but of what8 ,why of his rivers of living waters4 ,but what are they8 ,why he answers1 ',this spake he of the ,spirit1 which they that believe on him should receive' 7,john #g3cg-ci74 ,yes1 the prophets and servants of ,god in the ,old ,testament1 did take this water of life for the ,spirit of grace that should in the latter days be poured out into the church4 ,hence1 ,isaiah calls water ,god's ,spirit and blessing1 and ,zechariah1 the ,spirit of grace4 ',i will pour water upon him that is thirsty1 and floods upon the dry ground3 ,i will pour my ,spirit upon thy seed1 and my blessing upon thine offspring' 7,isa #dd3c74 ,and ,zechariah saith1 ',i will pour upon the house of ,david1 and upon the inhabitants of ,jerusalem1 the spirit of grace and of supplication1--and they shall mourn1' c4 7,zech #ab3aj74 ,behold1 in all these places the ,spirit of grace is intended1 and for our better understanding it is compared to water1 to a well of water1 to springs of water1 and to floods of water4 ,,second4 ,it is also called the ,spirit of life1 either more closely1 or more openly4 ,more closely1 where it is called 'living water1' 'that living water1' and 'water springing up into everlasting life' 7,john #d3aj1aa1ad1 #g3ch74 ,then more openly or expressly it is called 'the ,spirit of life4' ',and after three days and an half1 the ,spirit of life from ,god entered into them1 and they stood upon their feet' 7,rev #aa3aa74 ,from hence1 therefore1 ,i conclude1 that by these terms1 water of life1 is meant the ,spirit of grace1 or the ,spirit and grace of the gospel4 ,and the terms are such as are most apt to set forth the ,spirit and grace of the gospel by3 for1 ,first4 ,the term ,,water4 #a4 ,by this term1 ,,water1 an opposition to sin is presented unto us4 ,sin is compared to water1 to deadly waters1 and man is said to drink it1 as one that drinketh waters4 ',how much more abominable and filthy is man1 which drinketh iniquity like water8' 7,job #ae3af74 ,so1 then1 that grace and the ,spirit of grace is compared to water1 it is to show what an antidote grace is against sin2 it is1 as ,i may call it1 counter poison to it4 ,it is that ,,only thing by the virtue of which sin can be forgiven1 vanquished1 and overcome4 #b4 ,by this term ,,water1 you have an opposition also to the curse1 that is due to sin1 presented unto you4 ,the curse1 is compared to water2 the remedy is compared to water4 ,let the curse come into the bowels of the damned1 saith the psalmist1 like water 7,psa #aji3ah74 ,the grace of ,god also1 as you see1 is compared to water4 ,the curse is burning2 water is cooling3 the curse doth burn with hell-fire2 cooling is by the grace of the holy gospel3 but they that overstand the day of grace1 shall not obtain to cool their tongues so much of this water as will hang on the tip of one's finger 7,luke #af3bd1be74b #c4 ,water is also of a spreading nature1 and so is sin2 wherefore sin may for this also be compared to water4 ,it overspreads the whole man1 and infects every member2 it covereth all as doth water4 ,grace for this cause may be also compared to water2 for that it is of a spreading nature1 and can1 if ,god will1 cover the face of the whole earth2 of body and soul4 #d4 ,sin is of a fouling1 defiling nature2 and grace is of a washing1 cleansing nature2 therefore grace1 and the ,spirit of grace1 is compared to water4 ',i will1' saith ,god1 'sprinkle clean water upon you1 my ,spirit1 v #bg and ye shall be clean3 from all your filthiness1 and from all your idols1 will ,i cleanse you' 7,eze #cf3be74 #e4 ,water2 the element of water naturally descends to and abides in low places1 in valleys and places which are undermost2 and the grace of ,god and the ,spirit of grace is of that nature also2 the hills and lofty mountains have not the rivers running over the tops of them2 no1 though they may run 'among them4' ,but they run among the valleys3 and ',god resisteth the proud1 and giveth grace unto the humble1' 'to the lowly' 7,john #d3f2 #a ,peter #e3e2 ,prov #c3cd74 #f4 ,the grace of ,god is compared to water1 for that it is it which causeth fruitfulness2 water causeth fruitfulness1 want of water is the cause of barrenness2 and this is the reason why the whole world is so empty of fruit to ,godward1 even because so few of the children of men have the ,spirit of grace in their hearts4 ,but1 ,second4 ,the term ,,life4 ,as there is a great special signification in this term ,,water1 so there is in this term ,,life1 water of life4 ',he showed me the water of life4' ,in that1 therefore1 there is added to this word water1 that of life1 it is1 in the general1 to show what excellent virtue and operation there is in this water4 ,it is aquae vitae1 water of life1 or water that hath a health and life in it4 ,and this term shows us1 #a4 ,that the world of graceless men are dead2 dead in trespasses and sins 7,john #e3ba1be2 ,eph #b3a2 ,col #b3ac74 ,dead1 that is1 without life and motion ,godward1 in the way of the testament of his ,son4 #b4 ,it also shows us that there is not any thing in the world1 or in the doctrine of the world1 the law1 that can make them live4 ,life is only in this water1 death is in all other things4#c ,the law1 ,i say1 which is that that would1 if anything in the whole world1 give life unto the world1 but that yet killeth1 condemneth1 and was added that the offence might abound2 wherefore there is no life either in the world or in the doctrine of the world4 ,it is only in this water1 in this grace of ,god1 which is here called the after of life1 or ,god's aquae vitae4#d #c4 ,it is also called the water of life to show that by the grace of ,god men may live1 how dead soever their sins have made them4 ,when ,god will say to a sinner1 'live1' though he be dead in his sins1 'he shall live4' ',when thou wast in thy blood1 ,i said unto thee1 ,live2 yea1 when thou wast in thy blood1 ,i said1 ,live' 7,eze #af3f74 ,and again1 ',the dead shall hear the voice of the ,son of ,god2 and they that hear shall live' 7,john #e3be74 ,that is1 when he speaks words of grace1 and mixeth those words with the ,spirit and grace of the gospel1 then men shall live2 for such words so attended1 and such words only1 are spirit and life4 ',the words that ,i speak unto you1' saith ,christ1 'they are spirit1 and they are life' 7,john #f3fc74 #d4 ,in that this grace of ,god is here presented unto us under the terms of water of life1 it is to show that some are sick of that disease that nothing can cure but that4 ,there are many diseases in the world1 and there are also remedies for those diseases2 but there is a disease that nothing will1 can1 or shall cure1 but a dram of this bottle1 a draught of this aquae vitae1 this water of life4 ,this is intimated by the invitation1 'let him take the water of life freely' 7,rev #bb3ag74 ,and again1 ',i will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely' 7,rev #ba3f74 ,this is spoken to the sick1 to them that are sick of the disease that only ,christ1 as a physician1 with his water of life1 can cure 7,mark #b3ag74 ,but few are sick of this disease1 but few know what it is to be made sick of this disease4#e ,there is nothing can make sick of this disease but the law and sin1 and nothing can cure but the grace of ,god by the gospel1 called here the water of life4 ,,the ,,greatness ,,and ,,abundance ,,of ,,the ,,water ,,of ,,life4 ,,second4 ,we come now to discourse of the second thing with which we are presented by the text1 and that is1 the quantity that there is of this water of life4 ,it is a ,,river--',he showed me a river of water of life4' ,waters that are cordial1 and that have in them a faculty to give life to them that want it1 and to maintain life where it is1 are rare and scarce1 and to be found only in close places and little quantities2 but here you see there is abundance1 a great deal1 a ,,river1 a river of water of life4 ,in my handling of this point ,i will show you1 ,,first4 ,what a river of water of life this is4 ,,second4 ,and then draw some inferences therefrom4 ,,first4 ,what a river this is1 this river of water of life4#f ,first4 ,it is a deep river4 ,it is a river that is not shallow1 but deep1 with an ',o the depth6' 7,rom #aa3cc74 ',i will make their waters deep1 saith ,god' 7,eze #cb3ad74 ,and again1 they 'have drunk of the deep waters' 7,eze #cd3ah74 ,a river of water of life is much1 but a deep river is more4 ,why1 soul-sick sinner1 sin-sick sinner1 thou that art sick of that disease that nothing can cure but a potion of this river of the water of life1 here is a river for thee1 a deep river for thee4 ,those that at first are coming to ,god by ,christ for life1 are of nothing so inquisitive as of whether there is grace enough in him to save them4 ,but1 for their comfort1 here is abundance1 abundance of grace1 a river1 a deep river of the water of life1 for them to drink of4 ,second4 ,as this river is deep1 so it is wide and broad 7,eph #c3ah2 ,job #aa3i74 ,wherefore1 as thou art to know the depth1 that is1 that it is deep1 so thou art to know its breadth1 that is1 that it is broad2 it is broader than the sea1 a river that cannot be passed over 7,eze #dg3e74 ,never did man yet go from one side of this river to the other when the waters indeed were risen2 and now they are risen1 even now they proceed out of the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb too4 ,hence this grace is called 'the unsearchable riches of ,christ' 7,eph #c3h74 ,sinner1 sick sinner1 what sayest thou to this8 ,wouldst thou wade8 wouldst thou swim8 here thou mayest swim1 it is deep1 yet fordable at first entrance4 ,and when thou thinkest that thou hast gone through and through it1 yet turn again and try once more1 and thou shalt find it deeper than hell1 and a river that cannot be passed over4 ,if thou canst swim1 here thou mayest roll up and down as the fishes do in the sea4#g ,nor needest thou fear drowning in this river1 it will bear thee up1 and carry thee over the highest hills1 as ,noah's waters did carry the ark4 ,but1 ,third4 ,as this river of water of life is deep and large1 so it is a river that is full of waters4 ,a river may be deep and not full4 ,a river may be broad and not deep4 ,aye1 but here is a river deep and broad1 and full too4 ',thou waterest it2 thou greatly enrichest it with the river of ,god1 which is full of water' 7,psa #fe3i74 ,full of grace and truth4 ,fill the water-pots1 saith ,christ1 up to the brim4 ,the waters of a full cup the wicked shall have2 and a river full of the water of life is provided for those who indeed have a desire thereto4 ,fourth4 ,as this river is deep1 broad1 and full1 so it still aboundeth with water4 ,the waters1 says the prophet1 'were risen' 7,eze #dg3d74 ,hence1 the ,holy ,ghost saith1 ,god causeth the waters to flow 7,psa #adg3ah74 ,and again1 ',and it shall come to pass in that day the day of the gospel that the mountains shall drop down new wine1 and the hills shall flow with milk1 and all the rivers of ,judah shall flow with waters1 and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the ,lord1 and shall water the valley of ,shittim' 7,joel #c3ah74 ,when a river overflows it has more water than its banks can bound3 it has water4 ',behold1 he smote the rock1 that the waters gushed out1 and the streams overflowed' 7,psa #gh3bj74 ,this river of water of life1 which is also signified by these waters1 is a river that abounds and that overflows its banks in an infinite and unspeakable manner4 ,thus much for the river1 to wit1 what a river of water of life it is4 ,it is a river deep1 broad1 full1 and abounding with this water1 with this ,spirit and grace of the gospel4 ,inferences to be drawn from this term ,,river4 ,,second4 ,now ,i shall come to draw some inference from it1 that is1 from this term1 a river4 ,a river of water of life4 ,first4 ,then1 a river is water that is common1 common in the streams1 though otherwise in the head4 ,this river proceeds out of the throne1 and so1 as to its rise1 it is special2 it is also called the water of life1 and as it is such1 it is special2 but as it is a river it is common1 and of common use1 and for common good4 ,hence the grace of ,god is called the common salvation 7,jude #c71 for that by the word there is no restraint1 no denial to or forbidding of any that will1 from receiving thereof4 ,and whosoever will1 let him take the water of life freely 7,rev #bb3ag74 ,what can more fully declare the commonness of a thing8 ,yea1 this river is called1 at the very head of it1 an 'open fountain1' a fountain opened to the house of ,david and to the inhabitants of ,jerusalem 7,zech #ac3a74 ,and by ,david or ,judah and ,jerusalem is comprehended every soul that would drink of the water of life or living water4 ,and hence it is that this river is said to 'go down into the desert and go into the sea1' where all kinds of fishes are 7,eze #dg3h74 ,by sea is meant the world1 and by fish the people1 and thither shall run this river of water of life4 ,but1 ,second4 ,though a river1 in the streams of it1 is common1 yet a river1 as it passes through a country or province1 will choose its own way1 it will run in the valleys1 in the plains1 not over steeples and hills4 ,it will also fetch its compasses and circuits2 it will go about and reach hither and thither1 and according to its courses it will miss by its turnings what places and people it lists1 yet it is common1 for that it lies open1 yet it is common for all the beasts of the field4 ,there is1 therefore1 a difference to be put betwixt the commonness of a thing and its presence4 ,a thing may be common1 yet far enough off of thee4 ,epsom1 ,tunbridge waters1 and the ,bath1 may be common1 but yet a great way off of some that have need thereof4#h ,the same may be said of this river1 it is common in the streams1 but it runs its own circuit1 and keeps its own water-courses4 ',he sendeth the springs into the valleys which run among the hills' 7,psa #ajd3aj74 ,indeed1 he openeth his river in high places1 in his throne1 and of the ,lamb1 but still they run in the midst of the valleys to water the humble and the lowly4 ,wherefore1 they that thirst and would drink are bid to come down to the waters--',ho1 every one that thirsteth1 come ye to the waters1 and he that hath no money1 come ye1 buy1' c4 7,isa #ee3a74 ,and again1 ',if any man thirst1 let him come unto me and drink' 7,john #g3cg74 ,the waters are common1 but you must come to them1 to them where they are1 or you will be nothing the better for them4 ',come ye to the waters4' ,third4 ,this water of life is called a river1 to intimate to you by what store of the same it is supplied4 ,all rivers have the sea for their original3 ',all the rivers run into the sea1 yet the sea is not full2 unto the place from whence the rivers come1 thither they return again' 7,eccl #a3g74i ,and so this river of water of life is said to proceed out of the throne1 as out of a place where it breaketh out1 but the original is the sea1 the ocean of grace1 which is an infinite ,deity4 ',thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea1 into the depth of the sea of thy grace' 7,micah #g3ai74 ,rivers1 when they are broken up1 do with their gliding streams carry away a great deal of the filth1 which from all parts of the countries through which they run1 is conveyed into them2 and they carry it away into the sea1 where it is everlastingly swallowed up4#aj ,and1 ,o6 the filth that is cast into this river of ,god6 and1 ,o6 how many dirty sinners are washed white therein1 for by its continual gliding away1 it carrieth that filth into the midst of the sea4 ,a river will take away the very stink of a dead dog3 nor doth all the soil and draught that is cast into the rivers1 cause that those that can should be afraid to make use thereof3 all that have need do betake themselves to this river notwithstanding4 ,but how much more virtue is there in this sweet river of grace that is designed1 yea1 opened on purpose1 to wash away sin and uncleanness in1 to carry away all our filth1 and to remain as virtuous still6 ,fourth4 ,it is called a river1 to show that it yields a continual supply1 as ,i may call it1 of new and fresh grace4 ,rivers yield continually fresh and new water4 ,for though the channel or watercourse in which the water runs is the same1 yet the waters themselves are always new4 ,that water that but one minute since stood in this place or that of the river1 is now gone1 and new and fresh is come in its place4 ,and thus it is with the river of ,god1 which is full of water2 it yieldeth continually fresh supplies1 fresh and new supplies of grace to those that have business in those waters4 ,and this is the reason that when sin is pardoned1 it seems as if it were carried away4 ,those waters have1 with their continual streams1 carried away the filth of the sinner form before his face4 ,it is not so with ponds1 pools1 and cisterns2 they will be foul and stink1 if they be not often emptied1 and filled again with fresh water4 ,we must then put a difference between the grace that dwelleth in us1 and this river of water of life4 ,we are but as ponds1 pools1 and cisterns1 that can hold but little1 and shall also soon stink1 notwithstanding the grace of ,god is in us1 if we be not often emptied from vessel to vessel1 and filled with fresh grace from this river 7,jer #dh3aa74 ,but the river is always sweet1 nor can all the filth that is washed out of the world make it stink1 or infect it3 its water runs with a continual gliding stream1 and so carries away all annoyance1 as was said1 into the depth of the sea4 ,fifth4 ,the grace of ,god is called a river1 to show that it is only suited to those who are capable of living therein4 ,water1 though it is that which every creature desireth1 yet it is not an element in which every creature can live4 ,who is it that would not have the benefit of grace1 of a throne of grace8 ,but who is it that can live by grace8 ,even none1 but those whose temper and constitution is suited to grace4 ,hence1 as the grace of ,god is compared to a ,,river1 so those that live by grace are compared to ,,fish3 for that as water is that element in which the fish liveth1 so grace is that which is the life of the saint4 ',and there shall be a very great multitude of fish1 because these waters shall come thither2 for they shall be healed1 and everything shall live whither the river cometh' 7,eze #dg3i74 ,art thou a fish1 ,o man1 art thou a fish8 ,canst thou live in the water2 canst thou live always1 and nowhere else1 but in the water8 ,is grace thy proper element8 ,the fish dieth if she be taken out of the water1 unless she be timely put in again2 the saint dieth if he be not in this river4 ,take him from this river1 and nothing can make him live2 let him have water1 water of life enough1 and nothing can make him die4 ,i know that there are some things besides fish1 that can make a shift to live in the water2 but the water is not their proper1 their only proper element4 ,the frog can live in the water1 but not in the water only2 the otter can live in the water1 but not in the water only4 ,give some men grace and the world1 grace and sin2 admit them to make use of their lusts for pleasure1 and of grace to remove their guilt1 and they will make a pretty good shift1 as we say2 they will finally scrabble on in a profession2 but hold them to grace only1 confine their life to grace1 put them into the river1 and let them have nothing but river1 and they die2 the word1 and way1 and nature of grace1 is to them as light bread1#aa and their soul can do no other but loath it1 for they are not suited and tempered for that element4 ,they are fish1 not frogs1 that can live in the river1 as in their only proper element4 ,wherefore1 the grace of ,god1 and ,spirit of grace1 is compared to a river1 to show that none but those can live thereby whose souls and spirits are suited and fitted thereto4 ,sixth4 ,the grace1 and ,spirit of grace of ,god1 is called or compared to a river1 to answer those unsatiable desires1 and to wash away those mountainous doubts that attend those that indeed do thirst for that drink4 ,the man that thirsteth with spiritual thirst1 fears nothing more than that there is not enough to quench his thirst4 ,all the promises and sayings of ,god's ministers to such a man seem but as thimbles instead of bowls 7,psa #fc3a1 #adc3f74 ,i mean so long as his thirst and doubts walk hand in hand together4 ,there is not enough in this promise2 ,i find not enough in that promise to quench the drought of my thirsting soul4 ,he that thirsteth aright1 nothing but ,god can quench his thirst4 ',my soul thirsteth for ,god1 for the living ,god' 7,psa #db3b1 #fc3a1 #adc3f74 ,well1 what shall be done for this man8 ,will his ,god humour him1 and answer his desires8 ,mark what follows3 ',when the poor and needy seek water1 and there is none1' 7and they can find none1 when all the promises seem to be dry1 and like clouds that return after the rain71 'and their tongue faileth for thirst1 ,i1 the ,lord1 will hear them4' ,aye1 but ,lord1 what wilt thou do to quench their thirst8 ',i will open rivers1' saith he1 'in high places1 and fountains in the midst of the valleys4 ,i will make the wilderness a pool of water1 and the dry land springs of water' 7,isa #da3ag1ah74 ,behold6 here are rivers and fountains1 a pool1 and springs1 and all to quench the thirst of them that thirst for ,god4 ,wherefore1 as ,i said1 such provision for the thirsty intimates their fears of want and the craving appetite of their souls after ,god4 ,right spiritual thirst is not to be satisfied without abundance of grace4 ,and 'they shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house1 and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures' 7,psa #cf3h74 ,seventh4 ,the grace of ,god is compared to a river1 to show the greatness of the family of ,god4 ,he has a family1 a great family1 and1 therefore1 it is not a little that must be provided for them4 ,when ,israel went out of ,egypt1 and thirsted by the way1 ,god provided for them a river2 he made it gush out of the rock2 for1 alas6 what less than a river could quench the thirst of more than six hundred thousand men1 besides women and children8 7,psa #gh3bj74 ,i say1 what less than a river could do it8 ,when the people lusted for flesh1 ,moses said1 ',shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them to suffice them8 or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them to suffice them8' 7,num #aa3bb74 ,even so could not less than a river sustain and suffice that great people4 ,now his people in gospel days are not to be diminished1 but increased2 and if then they had need of a river1 surely now of a sea2 but the river is deep and broad1 full1 and abounds1 or rises with water1 so it will suffice4 ,eighth4 ,the grace of ,god is compared to a river1 perhaps to show of what a low esteem it is with the rich and the full4 ,the destitute indeed embrace the rock instead of a shelter1 and the poor and needy1 they seek water3 but they that can drink wine in bowls1 that can solace themselves with1 as they think1 better things1 they come not to this river to drink2 they never say they shall die if they drink not of this water4 ,it is1 therefore1 for the poor and needy1 ,god will lead ,,them to his 'living fountains of waters1' and will 'wipe away all tears from ,,their eyes' 7,rev #g3ag74 ,and thus ,i pass the second and come to the third particular1 and that is1 to show the head and spring from whence this river proceeds1 or springs4 ,,the ,,head ,,or ,,well-,,spring ,,of ,,the ,,water ,,of ,,life4 ,,third4 ,rivers have their heads from whence they rise1 out of which they spring1 and so1 accordingly1 we read this river has2 wherefore he saith1 ',he showed me a pure river of water of life1 clear as crystal1 proceeding out of the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb4' ,,god4 ,god is here to be taken for the whole ,godhead1 ,father1 ,son1 and ,spirit1 for that grace proceeds from them all2 the grace of the ,father1 the grace of the ,son1 and the grace of the ,spirit is here included4 ,hence1 as the ,father is called 'the ,god of grace' 7#a ,peter #e3aj73 so the ,son is said to be full of grace1 grace to be communicated 7,john #a3ad-af71 and the ,holy ,ghost is called 'the ,spirit of grace' 7,heb #aj3bi74 ,so then by this we perceive whence grace comes4 ,were all the world gracious1 if ,god were not gracious1 what was man the better8 ,if the ,father1 or the ,son1 or the ,holy ,ghost1 are gracious1 if they were not all gracious1 what would it profit8 ,but now ,god is gracious1 the three persons in the ,godhead are gracious1 and so long they that seek grace are provided for2 for that1 there proceeds from them a river1 or grace like a flowing stream2 indeed the original of grace to sinners is the good will of ,god2 none can imagine how loving ,god is to sinful man4 ,a little of it is seen1 but they that see most1 see but a little4 ,,the ,,lamb4 ,but there is added1 'and of the ,lamb4' ,the ,lamb is1 ,jesus as sacrificed1 ,jesus as man1 and suffering4 ,hence you have the ,lamb1 at the first vision of the throne1 set forth unto us1 that is1 as slain4 ',and ,i beheld1 and lo1 in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts1 and in the midst of the elders1 stood a ,lamb as it had been slain' 7,rev #e3f74 ,wherefore1 by this word ,lamb1 we are to understand who1 or by what means1 grace doth now run from the throne of ,god1 like a river1 to the world4 ,it is because of1 or through the ,lamb4 ,we are 'justified freely by the grace of ,god through the redemption that is in ,christ ,jesus1 whom ,god hath set forth to be a propitiation1 through faith in his blood' 7,rom #c3bd74 ,and again1 ',we have redemption through his blood1' even 'the forgiveness of sins1 according to the riches of ,god's grace' 7,eph #a3g74 ,nor doth the ,lamb of ,god1 by becoming a means1 through death1 of the conveyance of grace to us1 at all darken the nature or glory of grace1 but rather doth set it off the more4 ,for wherein can grace or love more appear than in his laying down his life for us8 ,i speak now of the grace of the ,son4 ,and wherein could the nature and glory of grace of the ,father more appear than in giving his ,son to death for us1 that grace might1 in a way of justice as well as mercy1 be bestowed upon the world8 ,wherefore1 as he saith here1 that the river of water of life proceedeth from ,god1 so he adds that the ,lamb1 because he would have us while we are entangled and overcome with this river of ,god's pleasure1 not forget what it cost the ,lamb of ,god that this grace might come unto us4 ,for the riches of grace and of wisdom are1 that grace comes to us not only in a way of mercy and compassion1 but in a way of justice and equity2 but that could be by no other means but by redeeming blood4 ,which redeeming blood came not from us1 nor yet through our contrivance or advice2 wherefore1 whatever it is to the ,lamb1 still all is of grace to us4 ,yea1 the higher1 the greater1 the richer is grace1 by how much the more it cost the ,father and the ,lamb1 that we might enjoy it4 ,when a man shall not only design me a purse of gold1 but shall venture his life to bring it to me1 this is grace indeed4 ,but1 alas6 what are a thousand such short comparisons to the unsearchable love of ,christ4 ,the ,lamb1 then1 is he from whom1 by1 or through whom the grace of ,god doth come to us4 ,it proceeds from the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb4 ,and it proceeds from him now as a donator3 from him1 not only as a means of conveyance1 but as one that has power to give grace2 power1 as he is the ,son of ,man4 ,for as the ,son of ,man he is the ,lamb1 and as he is the ,lamb it cometh from him4 ',the ,son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins' 7,matt #i3f74 ,and that before he had actually paid to ,god the price of our redemption4 ,but how much more now8 ,wherefore ,paul1 in his prayer for grace and peace for saints1 supplicates both ,god and the ,lamb--',grace be to you1 from ,god our ,father1 and from the ,lord ,jesus ,christ' 7,eph #a3b2 #a ,cor #a3c2 #b ,cor #a3b2 ,gal #a3c74 ',proceeding out of the throne4' ,formerly this river of water is said to come from under the threshold of the house of the ,lord 7,eze #dg3a74 ,and it is1 said again1 they 'shall go out from ,jerusalem1' that is1 the church or house of ,god still 7,zech #ad3h74 ,in that they are said to come out from under the threshold1 it may be to intimate that they ran but low formerly1 if compared to what they do now4 ,which might also be signified by this1 that they 'issued out1' that that issues out ordinarily comes forth but slowly4 ,also the prophet saith1 the first time he went through the waters1 they were but up to the ankles 7,eze #dg3c1d74 ,but what is ankle-deep to that which followeth after8 ,it is said also to come out from ,jerusalem1 where1 ,i perceive1 were no great rivers1 to intimate1 that as long as the first priesthood1 first temple1 and type1 were in their splendour1 only the shadow of heavenly things were in use1 and that then grace ran but slowly1 nor would run much faster1 because ,jesus was not yet glorified4 ,for the ,spirit and abundance of grace was to be given not before but after his ascension4 ,wherefore1 now ,jesus is ascended1 now he is glorified1 now grace proceeds from the throne1 not from the threshold of the house4 ',he shewed me a pure river of water of life1 clear as crystal1 proceeding out of the throne of ,god1 and of the ,lamb4' ,,the ,,throne4 ,that of which the mercy-seat was a type1 that which is called the throne of grace 7,exo #be3ag2 ,heb #d3af74 ,and it is called the throne of grace1 even1 therefore1 because it is that from or out of which proceeds this river of water of life1 this overflowing grace of ,god4 ,now1 it may be asked what is the throne of grace8 and ,i shall answer it is the humanity of ,christ4 ,he is the throne1 he is the ,jacob in which ,god sitteth 7,isa #bb3bb1bc74 ,and he shall be for a glorious throne to his ,father's house 7,rev #c3g74 ,the fulness of the ,godhead dwells in him bodily2 and ,god was in ,christ reconciling the world unto himself1 nor can grace come to men but by ,christ1 nor can ,god rest as to our salvation but in him4 ,but because ,i have spoken of this thing more particularly upon that text1 ',let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace1' c41 ,i shall1 therefore1 here say no more4 ,only1 methinks1 it is a glorious title that the ,holy ,ghost has given to the humanity of ,christ1 in that he calls it the throne of ,god2 and methinks he gives it the highest preference in that he saith1 out thence proceeds a pure river of water of life3 we will a little1 therefore1 speak something to this word--the throne1 the throne of ,god4 ,first4 ,a throne is the seat of majesty and greatness2 it is not for things of an inferior quality to ascend or assume a throne4 ,now1 then1 since this river of water of life proceeds from the throne1 it intimates1 that in grace and mercy there is great majesty2 for grace1 as it proceeds1 has a voice from the throne4 ,and1 indeed1 there is nothing in heaven or earth that can so ,,awe the heart as the grace of ,god 7,hosea #c3e74 ,it is that which makes a man fear1 it is that which makes a man tremble1 it is that which makes a man bow and bend1 and break to pieces 7,jer #cb3i74 ,nothing has that majesty and commanding greatness in and upon the hearts of the sons of men as has the grace of ,god4 ,so that1 ,i say1 when he saith that this river of grace proceeds out of the throne of ,god1 it is to show us what a majesty1 what a commanding greatness1 there is in grace4 ,the love of ,christ constraineth us4 ,when ,moses went up to the mount the first time to receive the law1 he did exceedingly fear and quake4 ,why8 because of the fire and smoke1 thick darkness and thunder1 c4 ,but when he went up the second time thither1 'he made haste and bowed his head toward the earth1 and worshipped4' ,but why8 because it was before proclaimed that 'the ,lord was merciful and gracious1 long-suffering1 and abundant in goodness and truth2 keeping mercy for thousands1 forgiving iniquity1 and transgression1 and sin1' c4 7,exo #cd3f-i74 ,there is nothing overmastereth the heart like grace1 and so obligeth to sincere and unfeigned obedience as that4 ',examine me1 ,o ,lord1' said ,david1 'and prove me2 try my reins and my heart4 ,for thy loving kindness is before mine eyes3 and ,i have walked in thy truth' 7,psa #bf3b1c74 ,therefore1 he saith again1 ,o ,lord our ,god1 'how excellent is thy loving kindness' in all the earth6 and that loving kindness is marvellous2 for it has that majesty and that excellent glory in it as to command the heart and subdue sin4 ,and1 therefore1 grace has given to it the title of sovereignty1 or of one that reigns4 ,the throne is called 'the throne of grace' 7,heb #d3af71 that on which it sits and reigns1 as well as that from whence it proceeds3 ',grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life by ,jesus ,christ our ,lord' 7,rom #e3ba74 ,second4 ,as a throne is a seat of majesty and greatness1 and so can awe1 so it is the seat of authority and legislative power1 and so will awe2 this is confirmed from what was said but now1 'grace reigns4' ,wherefore it is expected that they that hear the word of ,god's grace should submit thereto1 and that at their peril4 ',he that believes not shall be damned1' is a word of power1 of law1 and of authority1 and the contemner shall find it so4 ,grace proceeds from the throne1 from the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb4 ,wherefore1 sinner1 here is laid a necessity upon thee1 one of the two must be thy lot2 either thou must accept of ,god's grace1 and be content to be saved freely thereby1 notwithstanding all thy undeservings and unworthiness1 or else thou must be damned for thy rebellion and for thy rejecting of this grace4 ,wherefore1 consider with thyself and think what is best to be done4 ,is it better that thou submit to the grace and mercy of ,god1 and that thou acceptest of grace to reign for thee1 in thee1 and over thee1 than that thou shouldst run the hazard of eternal damnation because thou wouldst not be saved by grace8 ,consider of this1 ,i say1 for grace is now in authority1 it reigns and proceeds from the ,,throne4 ,now1 you know1 it is dangerous opposing1 rejecting1 despising1 or disowning of them in authority2 better speak against twenty than against one that is in authority4 ,if 'the wrath of a king is as messengers of death' 7,prov #af3ad71 if the wrath of the king 'is as the roaring of a lion1' what is the wrath of ,god8 7,prov #ai3ab74 ,and you know1 to despise grace1 to refuse pardon1 to be unwilling to be saved from the guilt and punishment due to treasons1 the king's way1 since that also is the best way1 how will that provoke8 how hot will that make wrath8 ,but to accept of grace1 especially when it is free grace1 grace that reigns1 grace from the throne1 how sweet is it8 ',his favour is as dew upon the grass4' ,this1 therefore1 calls for thy most grave and sedate thoughts4 ,thou art in a strait1 wilt thou fly before ,moses1 or with ,david fall into the hands of the ,lord8 wilt thou go to hell for sin1 or to life by grace8 ,one of the two1 as was said before1 must be thy lot3 for grace is king1 is upon the throne1 and will admit of no other way to glory4 ,in and by it thou must stand1 if thou hast any hope1 or canst at all 'rejoice in hope of the glory of ,god' 7,rom #e3b74 ,third4 ,as the throne is the seat of majesty and authority1 so it is the highest seat of authority4 ,there is none above the throne1 there is no appeal from the throne4 ,there are inferior courts of judicature1 there are under-governors1 and they may sometimes1 perhaps1 be faulty2 wherefore in some cases an appeal from such may be lawful or permitted2 but from the throne none can appeal4 ,now grace is upon the throne1 reigns upon the throne1 proceeds from the throne4 ,a man may appeal from the law to the throne1 from ,moses to ,christ1 from him that spake on earth to him that speaks from heaven2 but from heaven to earth1 from ,christ to ,moses1 none can appeal1 ,moses himself has forbid it4 ,for ',moses truly said unto the fathers1 ,a prophet shall the ,lord your ,god raise up unto you1 of your brethren like1 unto me2 him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you4 ,and it shall come to pass1 that every soul1 which will not hear that prophet1 shall be destroyed from among the people' 7,acts #c3bb1bc74 ,see here1 this ,,new prophet judges in the highest court2 he is master of grace1 the throne by which grace reigns2 and even ,moses admits that from himself an appeal may be made to this prophet2 yea1 he allows that men may flee from himself to this prophet for refuge2 but there must be no appeal from him4 ,thou must hear him or die4 ,how shall we escape1 'if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven8' 7,heb #ab3be74 ,this1 therefore1 is to be duly weighed and deeply considered by us4 ,it is not a saint1 nor a minister1 nor a prophet1 nor an angel that speaks1 for all these are but servants1 but inferiors2 no1 it is a voice from the throne1 from authority1 from the highest authority2 it is the ,lord from heaven4 ,this grace proceeds from the throne1 and1 therefore1 men must stand and fall by what shall come from hence4 ,he that comes not hither to drink shall die for thirst4 ,he that refuses this water now1 shall not have so much as will hang upon the tip of his finger1 if it would save his soul1 hereafter4 ',how shall we escape1 if we neglect so great salvation' 7,heb #b3c74 ,apostates will1 therefore1 from hence find gripping pangs and burning coals1 for they have turned themselves away from this throne1 and from the grace that proceeds therefrom2 nor is it to any purpose whatever they plead for themselves4 ,they are fallen from grace1 and what can help them8 ,christ is become of none effect unto such1 whosoever is1 that is1 seeks to be1 justified by the law2 they 'are fallen from grace' 7,gal #e3d74 ,fourth4 ,the throne is the seat of glory1 ',when the ,son of man shall come in his glory1 and all the holy angels with him2 then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory' 7,matt #be3ca74 ,and if the throne of judgment is the seat of glory1 much more the throne of grace4 ,we will venture then to say that the throne of grace is the throne of ,god's glory1 as the throne of judgment will be the throne of ,christ's glory1 and that grace proceedeth from his throne1 that both it and he might have glory2 glory in a way of mercy4 #a4 ,that it might have glory2 therefore has he designed that grace shall be effectual in1 and to the salvation of some1 even 'to the praise of the glory of his grace1 wherein he hath made us accepted in his ,beloved' 7,eph #a3f74 ,he has designed1 not the glory of man's works1 but the glory of his own grace2 and1 therefore1 has put man's works1 as to justification before ,god1 under his feet1 and counts them as filthy rags2 but has set his grace up above1 has made it a king1 given it authority to reign1 has provided for it a throne1 and called that throne the throne of grace1 from whence it also proceeds to its own praise and glory1 in and by the effectual salvation of those that receive it1 and receive it not in vain4 #b4 ,as grace is exalted1 and made to proceed out of the throne1 to its own praise1 to its own glory2 so is it also thus exalted and made flow to us like a river1 that we should be the praise of the glory of him that hath exalted it4 ,we that receive it1 and submit unto the throne whence it proceeds1 have thereby 'obtained an inheritance1 being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will1 that we should be to the praise of his glory' 7,eph #a3aa1ab74 ,so that this throne is a throne of glory4 ',a glorious high throne1 from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary' 7,jer #ag3ab74 ,now what follows from this1 but that they that accept of this grace give glory to ,god1 to his grace1 and to the word of his grace2 such1 ,i say1 'glorify ,god for his mercy' 7,rom #ae3i74 ',they glorify ,god for your professed subjection to the gospel of ,christ' 7#b ,cor #i3ac71 which is the gospel or good tidings 'of the grace of ,god' 7,acts #bj3bd74 ,they1 with ,abraham1 believe1 and give glory to ,god 7,rom #d3bj74 ,and with the ,gentiles they glorify the word of the ,lord 7,acts #ac3dh74 ,but to slight grace1 to do despite to the ,spirit of grace1 to prefer our own works to the derogating from grace1 what is it but to contemn ,god8 to contemn him when he is on the throne1 when he is on the throne of his glory8 ,i say1 it is to spit in his face1 even then when he commands thee to bow before him1 to subject unto him1 and to glorify the grace of his glory1 that proceeds from the throne of his glory4 ,if men in old time were damned because they glorified him not as ,god1 shall not they be more than damned1 if more than damned can be1 who glorify him not for his grace8 ,and1 to be sure1 none glorify him for his grace but those that close in therewith1 and submit themselves thereto4 ,talkers of grace are but mockers of ,god1 but flatterers of ,god4 ,those that only talk highly of grace1 and submit not themselves unto it1 are but like to those that praise a look1 or flatter him in his own conceits4 ,grace ,god has exalted1 has set it upon the throne1 and so made it a king1 and given it authority to reign2 and thou goest by1 and hearest thereof1 but wilt not submit thyself thereto1 neither thy soul nor thy life2 why1 what is this more than to flatter ,god with thy lips1 and than to lie unto him with thy tongue8 what is this but to count him less wise than thyself8 while he seeks glory by that by which thou wilt not glorify him2 while he displays his grace before thee in the world from the throne1 and as thou goest by1 with a nod thou callest it a fine thing1 but followest that which leadeth therefrom8 ,tremble1 tremble1 ye sinners1 that have despised the richness of his goodness2 the day is coming when ye shall behold1 and wonder1 and perish1 if grace prevaileth not with you to be content to be saved by it to the praise of its glory1 and to the glory of him who hath set it upon the throne 7,acts #ac3ch-da74 ,fifth4 ,the throne is the seat of wisdom4 ,hence1 he is called 'the ,ancient of ,days1' that sits on this throne1 the throne of ,god 7,dan #g3i74 ,infinite in wisdom1 whose garments were white as snow1 and the hair of his head like pure wool4 ,by ,ancient of ,days1 and in that it is said the hair of his head is like the pure wool1 his wisdom is set forth unto us4 ,wherefore1 when we read that out of the throne proceeds a river of grace2 when we read this proceedeth out of the throne of ,god1 it is as much as to say the wise ,god1 who most perfectly knoweth all ways1 counteth1 in his wisdom1 that to save men by grace is the best1 most safe1 and sure way3 ',therefore it is of faith1 that it might be by grace1 to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed' 7,rom #d3af74 ,and1 again1 forgiveness is according to the riches of his grace1 wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence 7,eph #a3g1h74--,wherefore1 to set grace upon the throne1 to let grace proceed out of the throne as a river1 is by the wise ,god1 the only wise ,god1 counted the best way1 the safest way1 the way that doth best suit the condition of a sinful man1 and that tends most to the utter disappointment of the devil1 and death1 and hell4 ,grace can justify freely1 when it will1 who it will1 from what it will4 ,grace can continue to pardon1 favour1 and save from falls1 in falls1 out of falls4 ,grace can comfort1 relieve1 and help those that have hurt themselves4 ,and grace can bring the unworthy to glory4 ,this the law cannot do1 this man cannot do1 this angels cannot do1 this ,god cannot do1 but only by the riches of his grace1 through the redemption that is in ,jesus ,christ4 ,wherefore1 seeing ,god has set grace on the throne1 and ordered that it should proceed from this throne to the world2 yea1 seeing he has made it king1 and granted to it1 to it only1 the authority and sovereignty of saving souls1 he has magnified not only his love1 but his wisdom and his prudence before the sons of men4 ,this1 then1 is his great device1 the master-piece of all his witty inventions2 and1 therefore1 it is said1 as was hinted before1 in this thing he hath proceeded towards us in ,,all wisdom and prudence 7#b ,sam #ad3ad2 ,prov #h3aa1ab74 ,so then1 he that comes to1 and drinks of this water1 glorifies ,god for his wisdom1 praises ,god for his wisdom4 ,such an one saith that ,god is only wise1 and1 bowing his head1 saith again1 'to ,god only wise1 be glory both now and for ever4 ,amen4' ,but he that shall contemn this grace1 confronts the highest wisdom1 even wisdom upon the throne2 he saith to himself1 ,i am wiser than ,daniel1 than the judgment of ,god4 ,i could have found out a more safe way to heaven myself2 and had ,i been of ,god's council1 ,i would have told him so4 ,all this1 so horrible blasphemy1 naturally proceeds from him that liketh not that grace should be king on the throne1 and should proceed out of the throne to the world2 but 'shall he that contendeth with the ,almighty instruct him8' ,he that reproveth ,god1 let him answer it 7,job #dj3b74 ,the text says1#ab that this very doctrine to the ,greeks1 to the wise1 is foolishness1 and the preaching of it a foolish thing to them2 but it will appear even then1 when the conclusion of all things is come1 and when these wise ones1 by their wisdom1 have fooled themselves to hell1 that this 'foolishness of ,god is wiser than men1 and the weakness of ,god is stronger than men' 7#a ,cor #a3ba-be74 ,christ ,jesus1 because he was low in the world1 is trampled upon by some1 but he is a glorious throne to his ,father's house3 for since his humility was the lowest of all1 now he is exalted to be the throne of ,god1 yea1 is made the fountain whence grace continually flows1 like the rivers1 and comes down to us like a mighty stream4 ,wherefore1 ,i will conclude this with both comfort and caution3 with comfort1 and that because of the security that they are under that indeed have submitted themselves to grace2 'sin shall not have dominion over you2 for ye are not under the law1 but under grace4' ,and let it be a caution to those that despise4 ,take heed1 it is dangerous affronting of the wisdom of ,god4 ,now here is the wisdom of ,god1 even wisdom upon the throne4 ,it pleased ,god1 for the glory of his wisdom1 to make this the way3 to wit1 to set up grace to reign4 ,i have often thought1 and sometimes said1 if ,god will be pleased with any way1 surely he will be pleased with his own4 ,now this is the way of his own devising1 the fruit and effect of his own wisdom2 wherefore1 sinner1 please him1 please him in that wherein he is well pleased4 ,come to the waters1 cast thyself into them1 and fear not drowning2 let ,god alone to cause them to carry thee into his paradise1 that thou mayest see his throne4 ,sixth4 ,the throne is the seat of faithfulness1 the place of performing of engagements and promises4 ',when ,i shall receive the congregation1' saith ,christ1 ',i will judge uprightly1' that is faithfully 7,psa #ge3b74 ,and now he has received it1 and is made head over all things to it 7,eph #a3bb1bc74 ,and for this cause is he upon the throne1 yea1 is the throne1 from whence proceeds all this grace1 that like a river doth flow1 and glide from heaven into the world4 ,this river1 then1 is nothing else but the fulfilling of promises2 the faithful fulfilling of promises4 ',if ,i go not away1 the ,comforter will not come unto you2 but if ,i depart1 ,i will send him unto you' 7,john #af3g74 ',this is that which was spoken by the prophet ,joel2 ,and it shall come to pass in the last days1 saith ,god1 ,i will pour out of my ,spirit upon all flesh1' c4 7,acts #b3af-ah74 ,now this river is the ,spirit1 the ,spirit and grace of ,god1 which was promised by the ,father and the ,son1 and now it comes running from the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb4 ,for 'being by the right hand of ,god exalted1 and having received of the ,father the promise of the ,holy ,ghost1 he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear' 7,acts #b3cc74 ,behold1 then1 how mindful1 how careful1 how faithful our ,father and the ,lamb of ,god is6 ,it is not exaltation1 nor glory1 nor a crown1 nor a kingdom1 nor a throne1 that shall make him neglect his poor ones on earth4 ,yea1 therefore1 even because he is exalted and on the throne1 therefore it is that such a river1 with its golden streams1 proceeds from the throne to come unto us4 ,and it shall proceed to be far higher than ever was the swellings of ,jordan4 ,true1 it runs not so high now as in former days1 because of the curse of ,god upon ,antichrist1 by whose means the land of ,god's people is full of briers and thorns 7,isa #cb3ac-ag74 ,but when the tide is at the lowest1 then it is nearest the rising2 and this river will rise1 and in little time be no more so low as but ankle-deep2 it will be up to the knees1 to the loins1 and be a broad river to swim in 7,eze #dg74 ,for 'there the glorious ,lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams' 7,isa #cc3ba74 ',and there shall be no more curse' in the church1 'but the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb shall be in it1 and his servants shall serve him' without molestation 7,rev #bb3c-f74 ',these sayings are faithful and true1' and in faithfulness shall they1 from the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb1 be performed to the church4 ,faithfulness in him that rules1 is that which makes ,sion rejoice2 because thereby the promises yield milk and honey4 ,for now the faithful ,god1 that keepeth covenant1 performs to his church that which he told her he would4 ,wherefore1 our rivers shall run1 and our brooks yield honey and butter 7,job #bj3ag74 ,let this teach all ,god's people to expect1 to look1 and wait for good things from the throne4 ,but1 ,o6 methinks this throne1 out of which good comes like a river6 who would not be a subject to it8 who would not but worship before it8 ,but1 ,seventh4 ,a throne is 'the seat of justice4' ',justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne' 7,psa #hi3ad74 ,and it is also from justice that this river of grace flows to us3 justice to ,christ1 and justice to those that are found in him 7,rom #c3bd74 ,god declares that he can justly justify1 and justly forgive 7#a ,john #a3i74 ,now1 if he can justly justify and justly forgive1 then can he give grace1 and cause that it should proceed to1 yea1 flow after us as a river 7#a ,cor #aj3d74 ,the river that gushed out of the rock in the wilderness ran after the people there1 wherefore they wandered therein4 ,they drank of the rock that followed them2 the rock was not removed out of his place1 but the flood followed them whither they went4 ',he opened the rock and the waters gushed out2 they ran in the dry places like a river' 7,psa #aje3da74 ,this rock1 saith he1 was ,christ1 that is1 figuratively3 and this throne is ,christ really3 and the water gushing out of the rock1 and following of them in the wilderness1 was to show how1 when ,christ became a throne1 grace and goodness should follow us in the wilderness from thence so long as here we abide4 ,wherefore ,david1 considering this1 said1 ',surely goodness and mercy shall ,,follow me all the days of my life1 and ,i will dwell in the house of the ,lord for ever' 7,psa #bc3f74 ,but whence must this come8 ,the text says from the throne2 from the throne1 the seat of justice2 for from thence1 by reason of what ,,he hath found in ,christ for us1 he1 in a way of righteousness and justice1 lets out to us rivers of his pleasures2 whose original is that great and wide sea of mercy that flows in his infinite heart beyond thought4 ,all is paid for both ,,us and grace 7,john #g3ci74 ,we are bought with a price 7#a ,cor #f3bj74 ,he has obtained eternal redemption for us 7,heb #i3ab74 ,yea1 and as we are made his1 and heaven made ours thus1 so this river of grace has been also obtained by him for us 7,john #g3ch74 ,wherefore1 all comes to us in a way of justice and righteousness4 ,hence we are said to obtain 'faith through the righteousness of ,god' 7#b ,peter #a3a71 that is1 through the justice of ,god1 and of ,jesus our ,lord4 ,mark1 here is the justice of ,god1 and the justice of ,jesus our ,lord2 and we have our faith from the justice of ,god1 because of the righteousness of ,jesus our ,lord2 that is1 ,jesus answered with works of justice the demands of justice2 and therefore1 in a way of justice1 grace reigns1 and comes to us like a river1 as is signified1 for that it is said to come to us out of the throne4 ,again1 grace is said 'to reign through righteousness unto eternal life' 7,rom #e3ba74 ,through what righteousness8 the righteousness or justice of ,god by ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,by ,jesus ,christ1 or for his sake4 ,for for his sake1 as ,i said1 we are forgiven2 and for his sake have all things pertaining to life and godliness4 ,which all things come to us1 through1 or down1 the stream of this river in a way of justice2 and1 therefore1 it is said to come from the throne4 ,eighth4 ,this throne is the seat of grace and mercy2 and1 therefore1 it is called the mercy-seat and throne of grace4 ,this throne turns all into grace1 all into mercy4 ,this throne makes all things work together for good4 ,it is said of ,saul's sons1 they were not buried after they were hanged1 until water dropped upon them out of heaven 7#b ,sam #ba3aj1ad74 ,and it may be said of us there is nothing suffered to come near us1 until it is washed in that water that proceeds from the throne of grace4 ,hence afflictions flow from grace 7,psa #aai3fg71 persecutions flow from grace2 poverty1 sickness1 yea1 death itself is now made ours by the grace of ,god through ,christ 7#a ,cor #c3bb2 ,rev #c3ai2 ,heb #ab3e-g74 ,o grace1 ,o happy church of ,god6 all things that happen to thee are1 for ,christ's sake1 turned into grace4 ,they talk of the philosopher's stone1 and how1 if one had it1 it would turn all things into gold4 ,o6 but can it turn all things into grace8 can it make all things work together for good8 ,no1 no1 this quality1 virtue1 excellency1 what shall ,i call it1 nothing has in it1 but the grace that reigns on the throne of grace1 the river that proceeds from the throne of ,god4 ,this1 this turns majesty1 authority1 the highest authority1 glory1 wisdom1 faithfulness1 justice1 and all into grace4 ,here is a throne6 ,god let us see it4 ,john had the honour to see it1 and to see the streams proceeding from it4 ,o sweet sight6 ,o heart-ravishing sight6 ',he showed me a pure river of water of life proceeding out of the throne of ,god4' ,indeed1 as was hinted before1 in the days of the reign of ,antichrist there are not those visions of this throne1 nor of the river that proceedeth therefrom4 ,now he holdeth back the face of his throne1 and spreadeth a cloud upon it2 but the preserving1 saving benefits thereof we have1 as also have all the saints1 in the most cloudy and dark day4 ,and since we can see so little1 we must believe the more2 and by believing1 give glory to ,god4 ,we must also labour for more clear ,scripture knowledge of this throne2 for the holy ,word of ,god is the perspective glass by which we may1 and the magnifying glass that will cause us to behold1 'with open face1 the glory of the ,lord' 7#b ,cor #c3ah74 ,but1 methinks1 ,i have yet said nothing of this throne1 which is indeed none other but the spotless and glorified humanity of the ,son of ,god4 ,this throne is the ,lord ,jesus1 this grace comes from the ,divine ,majesty1 as dwelling bodily in the ,lord ,jesus4 ,wherefore let us fall down before the throne1 and cast our crowns at the foot of the throne1 and give thanks to him that sits upon the throne1 and to the ,lamb for ever and ever4 ,o how should ,jesus be esteemed of6 ,the throne of the king is a royal seat3 it is said of ,solomon's1 'there was not the like made in any kingdom' 7#a ,kings #aj3bj74 ,but of this it may be said there is not its like in heaven and earth4 ,at the setting up of this throne1 the angels flocked round about it1 and the beasts and the elders gathered together to see it 7,rev #d74 ,when this throne was set in heaven1 there was silence1 all the heavenly host had no leisure to talk2 they were surprised with sight and wonder4 ,when this throne was set in heaven1 what talk there was6 it was as the music of the trumpet4#ac ',and behold1' says ,john1 'a door was opened in heaven2 and the first voice which ,i heard was1 as it were1 of a trumpet talking with me1 which said1 ,come up hither1 and ,i will show thee things which must be hereafter4 ,and immediately ,i was in the ,spirit1 and behold a ,,throne ,,was ,,set ,,in ,,heaven1 and one sat upon the throne4' ,this throne was ,jesus ,christ exalted1 ,,set1 that is1 lifted up1 not as upon the cross to the contempt and scorn of his person1 but1 as ,i said1 to the wonderment of the four beasts1 and the elders1 and all the angels in heaven4 ',a throne was set in heaven1 and one sat upon the throne'2 that is1 ,god4 ,and this intimates his desirable rest for ever3 for to sit is to rest1 and ,christ is his rest for ever4 ,was it not1 therefore1 well worth the seeing8 ,yea1 if ,john had taken the pains to go up thither upon his hands and knees1 ,i say1 to see the ,lord ,jesus as a throne set in heaven1 and the glory of ,god resting and abiding upon him1 and giving out by him all things1 not only his ,word1 but all his dispensations and providences1 to the end of the world2 and this blessed thing among the rest1 even 'a pure river of water of life1 clear as crystal1' how richly would he have been rewarded for his pains4 ,,the ,,nature ,,and ,,quality ,,of ,,this ,,water4 ,,fourth4 ,but ,i leave this1 and proceed to the fourth and last thing1 namely1 to the nature and quality of this water4 ,it is said to be pure and clear2 pure and clear as crystal4 ',and he showed me a pure river of water of life1 clear as crystal4' ,i know that there is a two-fold quality in a thing1 one with respect to its nature1 and the other with respect to its operation4 ,the first of these is inherent1 and remaineth in the subject being as such1 and so for the most part useless4 ,the other is put forth then when it meeteth with fit matter on which it may freely work4 ,as to instance aquae vitae1 the very metaphor here made use of1 hath a quality inherent in it1 but keep it stopped up in a bottle1 and then who will may faint notwithstanding2 but apply it1 apply it fitly1 and to such as have need thereof1 and then you may see its quality by the operation4 ,this water1 or river of grace1 is called1 ,i say1 the water of life1 and so1 consequently1 has a most blessed inherent quality2 but its operation is seen by its working1 the which it doth only then when it is administered and received for those ends for which it is administered4 ,for then it revives where life is1 and gives life where it is not4 ,and thus far1 in the general1 have we spoken to it already4 ,we will1 therefore1 in this place more particularly1 though briefly1 speak a few words unto it4 ,the operative quality of this water4 ,,first4 ,then this water of life is the very groundwork of life in us1 though not the groundwork of life for us4 ,the groundwork of life for us is the passion and merits of ,christ1 this is that for the sake of which grace is given unto us1 as it is intimated by the text2 it proceeds from the throne of ,god1 who is ,christ4 ,christ then having obtained grace for us1 must needs be precedent1 as to his merit1 to that grace he hath so obtained4 ,besides1 it is clear that the ,spirit and grace come from ,god through him2 therefore1 as to the communications of grace to us1 it is the fruit of his merit and purchase4 ,but1 ,i say1 in us grace is the groundwork of life2 for though we may be said before to live virtually in the person of ,christ before ,god1 yet we are dead in ourselves1 and so must be until the ,spirit be poured upon us from on high2 for the ,spirit is life1 and its graces are life1 and when that is infused by ,god from the throne1 then we live1 and not till then4 ,and hence it is called1 as before1 living water1 the water of life springing up in us to everlasting life4 ,the ,spirit1 then1 and graces of the ,spirit1 which is the river here spoken of1 is that1 and that only1 which can cause us to live2 that being life to the soul1 as the soul is life to the body4 ,all men1 therefore1 as was said before1 though elect1 though purchased by the blood of ,christ1 are dead1 and must be dead1 until the ,spirit of life from ,god and his throne shall enter into them2 until they shall drink it in by vehement thirst1 as the parched ground drinks in the rain4#ad ,now when this living water is received1 it takes up its seat in the heart1 whence it spreads itself to the awakening of all the powers of the soul4 ,for1 as in the first creation1 the ,spirit of ,god moved upon the face of the waters1 in order to putting of that creature into that excellent fashion and harmony which now we behold with our eyes2 even so the new creation1 to wit1 the making of us new to ,god1 is done by the overspreading of the same ,spirit also4 ,for the ,spirit1 as ,i may so say1 sitteth and broodeth upon the powers of the soul1 as the hen doth on cold eggs1 till they wax warm and receive life4 ,the ,spirit1 then1 warmeth us1 and bringeth the dead and benumbed soul--for so it is before conversion--to a godly sense and understanding of states1 of states both natural and spiritual2 and this is the beginning of the work of the ,spirit1 by which the soul is made capable of understanding what ,god and himself is4 ,and this drinking in of the ,spirit is rather as the ground drinks in rain1 than as a rational soul does through sense of the want thereof4 ,the ,spirit also garnisheth the soul with such things as are proper for it1 to the making of it live that life that by the ,word of ,god is called for4 ,it implanteth light1 repentance1 faith1 fear1 love1 desires after ,god1 hope1 sincerity1 and what else is necessary for the making the man a saint2 these things1 ,i say1 are the fruits and effects of this ,spirit which1 as a river of water of life1 proceedeth forth of the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb4 ,hence the ,spirit is called the ,spirit of faith1 the ,spirit of love1 and the ,spirit of a sound mind2 for that the ,spirit is the root and original of all these things1 by his operations in1 and upon1 the face of the soul 7#b ,cor #d3ac2 ,gal #e3bb2 #b ,tim #a3g74 ,but1 again1 as this living water1 this ,spirit and the grace thereof1 doth thus1 so it also maintains these things once planted in the soul1 by its continual waterings of them in the soul4 ,hence he saith1 ',i will water it every moment'2 water ,,it--his vineyard1 the soul of the church1 the graces of the church2 and so the soul and graces of every godly man 7,isa #bg3c74 ,and because it so happeneth sometimes1 that some of those things wherewith the ,holy ,ghost has beautified the soul may languish to a being1 if not quite dead1 yet 'ready to die' 7,rev #c3b71 therefore he doth not only refresh and water our souls1 but renews the face thereof1 by either quickening to life that which remains1 or by supplying of us with that which is new1 to our godly perseverance and everlasting life4 ,thus 'thou visitest the earth1 and waterest it2 thou greatly enrichest it with the river of ,god' 7,psa #fe3i74 ,for this must be remembered1 that as the herb that is planted1 or seed sown1 needs watering with continual showers of the mountains1 so our graces1 implanted in us by the ,spirit of grace1 must also be watered by the rain of heaven4 ',thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly3 thou settlest the furrows thereof3 thou makes it soft with showers3 thou blessest the springing thereof' 7,psa #fe3aj74 ,hence he says that our graces shall grow4 ,but how8 ',i will be as the dew unto ,israel3 he shall grow as the lily1 and cast forth his roots as ,lebanon4 ,his branches shall spread1 and his beauty shall be as the olive tree1 and his smell as ,lebanon4 ,they that dwell under his shadow shall return2 they shall revive as the corn1 and grow as the vine3 the scent thereof shall be as the wine of ,lebanon' 7,hosea #ad3e-g74 ,or1 as he saith in another place1 ',the ,lord shall guide thee continually1 and satisfy thy soul in drought1 and make fat thy bones3 and thou shalt be like a watered garden1 and like a spring of water1 whose waters fail not' 7,isa #eh3aa74 ,there is1 besides this1 another blessing that comes to us by this living water1 and that is1 the blessing of communion4 ,all the warmth that we have in our communion1 it is the warmth of the ,spirit3 when a company of saints are gathered together in the name of ,christ1 to perform any spiritual exercise1 and their souls be edified1 warmed1 and made glad therein1 it is because this water1 this river of water of life1 has1 in some of the streams thereof1 run into that assembly 7,jer #ca3ab1ac74 ,then are ,christians like those that drink wine in bowls1 merry and glad2 for that they have drank into the ,spirit1 and had their souls refreshed with the sweet gales and strong wine thereof4 ,this is the feast that ,isaiah speaks of1 when he saith1 ',in this mountain shall the ,lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things1 a feast of wines on the lees1 of fat things full of marrow1 of wines on the lees well refined' 7,isa #be3f74 ,this is called in another place1 'the communion of the ,holy ,ghost' 7#b ,cor #ac3ad74 ,now he warmeth spirits1 uniteth spirits1 enlighteneth spirits2 revives1 cherisheth1 quickeneth1 strengtheneth graces2 renews assurances1 brings old comforts to mind1 weakens lusts1 emboldeneth and raiseth a spirit of faith1 of love1 of hope1 of prayer1 and makes the ,word a blessing1 conference a blessing1 meditation a blessing1 and duty very delightful to the soul4 ,without this water of life1 communion is weak1 flat1 cold1 dead1 fruitless1 lifeless2 there is nothing seen1 felt1 heard1 or understood in a spiritual and heart-quickening way4 ,now ordinances are burdensome1 sins strong1 faith weak1 hearts hard1 and the faces of our souls dry1 like the dry and parched ground4 ,this drink also revives us when tempted1 when sick1 when persecuted1 when in the dark1 and when we faint for thirst4 ,the life of religion is this water of life3 where that runs1 where that is received1 and where things are done in this spirit1 there all things are well2 the church thrifty1 the soul thrifty1 graces thrifty1 and all is well4 ,and this hint ,i thought convenient to be given of this precious water of life1 that is1 with reference to the operative quality of it4 ,the other qualities of this water4 ,,second4 ,i shall come1 in the next place1 to speak of it1 as to the other descriptions which ,john doth give us of it4 ,he says it is1 ,first1 pure2 ,second1 clear2 ,third1 clear to a comparison3 ',and he showed me a pure river of water of life1 clear as crystal4' ,first4 ,the purity of this water4 #a4 ,you read here that this water of life is ,,pure1 that is1 alone without mixture1 for so sometimes that word ,,pure is to be understood4 ,as where it saith1 pure1 'pure olive oil' 7,exo #bg3bj74 ',pure frankincense' 7,exo #cj3cd74 ',pure gold' 7,exo #be3aa1ag74 ',pure blood of the grape' 7,deut #cb3ad71 and the like4 ,so then1 when he saith1 'he showed me a pure river of water of life1' it is as if he had said he showed me a river of water that was all living1 all life1 and had nothing in it but life4 ,there was no death1 or deadness1 or flatness in it2 or1 as he saith a little after1 'and there shall be no more curse4' ,a pure river4 ,there is not so much as a grudge1 or a piece of an upbraiding speech found therein4 ,there is in it nothing but heart1 nothing but love1 nothing but grace1 nothing but life4 ',the gifts and calling of ,god are without repentance' 7,rom #aa3bi74 #b4 ,,pure is sometimes set in opposition to show or appearance2 as where he says1 'the stars are not pure' 7,job #be3e74 ,that is1 not so without mixture of darkness1 as they seem to be3 so again1 ',if thou wert pure and upright' 7,job #h3f73 that is1 as thou seemest to be1 or as thou wouldst have us believe thou art4 ,now1 take pure in this sense here1 and then the meaning is1 it is grace without deceit1 without guile2 its show and its substance are the same2 it has nothing but substance in it2 it is indeed what it seems to be in bulk2 it is a river in show and a river indeed4 ,it comes from ,god and from his throne in appearance1 and really it comes from his very heart4 ,the great fear of the tempted is1 that there is not so much grace in ,god1 and that he is not so free of it as some scriptures seem to import4 ,but this word ,,pure is levelled against such objections and objectors1 for the destroying of their doubts1 and the relieving of their souls4 ,there is no fraud1 nor guile1 nor fable in the business2 for though ,god is pleased to present us with his grace under the notion of a river1 it is not to delude our fancies thereby2 but to give us some small illustration of the exceeding riches of his grace1 which as far1 for quantity1 outstrips the biggest rivers1 as the most mighty mountain doth the least ant's egg or atom in the world4 #c4 ,but1 again1 this word ,,pure is set in opposition to that which is hurtful and destructive3 ',i am pure from the blood of all men1' that is1 ,i have hurt nobody 7,acts #bj3bf74 ',the wisdom that is from above is first pure1' it is not hurtful 7,james #c3ag74 ,do you count them pure with the wicked balances8 how can that be1 since they are hurtful8 7,micah #f3aa74 ,now take ,,pure in this sense here1 and then it intimates1 that the grace of ,god1 and the doctrine of grace1 is not a hurtful thing4 ,it is not as wine of an intoxicating nature4 ,if a man be filled with it1 it will do him no harm 7,eph #e3ah74 ,the best of the things that are of this world are some way hurtful4 ,honey is hurtful 7,prov #be3af1bg74 ,wine is hurtful 7,prov #bj3a74 ,silver and gold are hurtful1 but grace is not hurtful 7#a ,tim #f3aj74 ,never did man yet catch harm by the enjoyment and fulness of the grace of ,god4 ,there is no fear of excess or of surfeiting here4 ,grace makes no man proud1 no man wanton1 no man haughty1 no man careless or negligent as to his duty that is incumbent upon him1 either from ,god or man3 no1 grace keeps a man low in his own eyes1 humble1 self-denying1 penitent1 watchful1 savoury in good things1 charitable1 and makes him kindly affectionated to the brethren1 pitiful and courteous to all men4 ,true1 there are men in the world that abuse the grace of ,god1 as some are said to turn it into wantonness and into lasciviousness 7,jude #d74 ,but this is1 not because grace has any such tendency1 or for that it worketh any such effect2 but because such men are themselves empty of grace1 and have only done as death and hell hath done with wisdom1 'heard the fame thereof with their ears' 7,job #bh3bb74 ,it is a dangerous thing for a man to have the notions of grace1 while his heart is void of the spirit and holy principles of grace2 for such a man can do no other than abuse the grace of ,god4 ,alas1 what can be expected of him that has nothing in him to teach him to manage that knowledge of grace which he has1 but his flesh1 his lusts1 and lustful passions8 ,can these teach him to manage his knowledge well8 ,will they not rather put him upon all tricks1 evasions1 irreligious consequences and conclusions1 such as will serve to cherish sin8 ,what ,judas did with ,christ1 that a graceless man will do with grace1 even make it a stalking horse to his fleshly and vile designs2 and rather than fail betray both it1 and the profession of it1 to the greatest enemies it has in the world4 ,and here ,i may say1 though grace is pure1 and not hurtful at all1 yet one altogether carnal1 sinful1 and graceless1 having to do with the doctrine of it1 by the force of his lusts which tamper with it1 he will unavoidably bring himself into the highest ruin thereby4 ,an unwary man may destroy himself by the best of things1 not because there is in such things an aptness to destroy1 but because of the abuse and misuse of them4 ,some know the way of life1 the water of life1 by knowledge that is naked and speculative only2 and it had been better for such if they had not known1 than to know and turn from what they know2 than to know1 and make the knowledge subservient to their lusts 7#b ,peter #b3bj-bb74 ,some receive the rain of ,god1 and the droppings of his clouds1 because they continually sit under the means of his grace4 ,but1 alas6 they receive it as stones receive showers1 or as dunghills receive the rain2 they either abide as hard stones still1 or else return nothing to heaven for his mercy1 but as the dunghills do1 a company of stinking fumes4 ,these are they that drink in the rain that comes often upon them1 and that instead of bringing forth herbs meet for the dresser1 bring forth briers and thorns2 and these are they who are nigh unto cursing1 whose end is to be burned 7,heb #f3g1h74 ,by this word ,,pure ,i understand sometimes the chiefest good1 the highest good4 ,there are many things that may be called good1 but none of them are good as grace is good4 ,all things indeed are pure1 that is1 all creatures in themselves are good and serviceable to man1 but they are not so good as grace 7,rom #ad3bj2 ,gen #a3ca74 ',there is a generation that are pure1' that are good in their own eyes 7,prov #cj3ab74 ,there are good men1 good consciences1 good works1 good days1 good angels1 c41 but none so good as grace1 for it is grace that has made them so4 ,grace1 this water of life1 therefore is good1 superlatively good1 good in the highest degree1 for that it makes all things good1 and preserveth them good4 ,and whatever it be that this water of life washeth not1 it is soil1 and given to the curse1 as the prophet intimates where he saith1 ',but the miry places thereof1 and the marshes thereof1 shall not be healed2 they shall be given to salt' 7,eze #dg3a74 ,but who understands this1 who believes it8 ,its goodness is kept close from the fowls of the air4 ,men1 most men1 are ignorant of the goodness of it1 nor do they care to inquire after the enjoyment of this pure1 this good water of life4 ,the reason is1 because though it is good in itself1 good in the highest degree1 and that which makes all things good1 yet it is not such a good as is suited to a carnal appetite4 ,there is good2 and there is suitable good4 ,now suitable good is of two sorts3 either such as is spiritual1 or such as is temporal4 ,that which is spiritual1 is desired only of them that are spiritual2 for temporal good will satisfy a carnal mind4 ,now grace is a spiritual good2 this river of grace is the goodness of spiritual good4 ,it is the original life of all the grace in our souls4 ,no marvel1 then1 if it be so little set by of those that are carnally minded4 ,they will serve a horse1 and mire will serve a sow2 so things of this life suit best with the men of this world2 for their appetite is gross and carnal1 and they savour not the things that be of the ,spirit of ,god4 ',the natural man receiveth not the things of the ,spirit of ,god1' the things that be of this river of ,god2 'for they are foolishness unto him3 neither can he know them1 because they are spiritually discerned' 7#a ,cor #b3ad74 ,this is the river of ,,oil which the prophet speaks of1 the river of ,,spirit4 ,were it a river of gold and silver1 there would be old fishing on the banks thereof4 ,but it is a river that runs 'like oil1 saith the ,lord ,god' 7,eze #cb3ad74 ,this rock pours us out 'rivers of oil' 7,job #bi3f7--';fresh oil' 7,psa #ib3aj7--'soft oil' 7,psa #ee3ba7--'the oil of joy' 7,isa #fa3c7--'the oil of gladness' 7,psa #de3g7--oil to anoint the head withal 7,eccl #i3h7--oil to make the face to shine 7,psa #ajd3ae7--oil by which thou wilt be made able to honour both ,god and man in some good measure as becomes thee 7,judg #i3i74 ,i might have enlarged upon this head1 and have showed you many more particulars wherein this term of pure might serve for the better setting forth of the excellency of this water of life1 but ,i shall proceed no further upon this1 but will come to that which remains4 ,second4 ,the clearness of this water of life4 ,as this river of water of life is said to be pure1 so it is said to be ,,clear4 ',he shewed me a pure river of water of life1 clear4' ,this term has also its particular signification1 and1 therefore1 ought to be heeded4 #a4 ,,clear is set in opposition to dark2 therefore some are said to be 'clear as the sun' 7,cant #f3aj74 ,and again1 'the light shall not be clear nor dark' 7,zech #ad3f74 ,in both these places1 clear is to be taken for light1 daylight1 sunlight2 for1 indeed1 it is never day nor sunshine with the soul1 until the streams of this river of water of life come gliding to our doors1 into our houses1 into our hearts4 ,hence the beginning of conversion is called illumination 7,heb #aj3cb74 ,yea1 the coming of this river of water of life unto us is called the day-spring from on high1 through the tender mercy of our ,god 7,luke #a3gh74 ,it is also called the dawning of the day 7#b ,peter #a3ai74 ,and hence1 again1 these men unto whom this river of water of life comes not1 are said to be dark1 darkness4 ',ye were sometimes darkness1 but now are ye light in the ,lord' 7,eph #e3h74 ,wherefore1 this water is like ,jonathan's honey2 it hath a faculty to open the eyes1 to make them that sit in darkness see a great light 7#a ,sam #ad3bg2 ,matt #d3af74 ,the light of the knowledge of the glory of ,god in the faith of ,jesus ,christ2 ',god1 who commanded the light to shine out of darkness1 hath shined in our hearts to give the light'2 the ,spirit that enlighteneth and giveth the light1 'of the knowledge of the glory of ,god in the face of ,jesus ,christ' 7#b ,cor #d3f74 ,this river casteth beams where it goes1 like the beams of the sun2 it shines1 it casts out rays of glory unto those that drink thereof4 ,the streams of this grace were they that overtook ,saul when he was going to ,damascus2 they were the waters of this flood that compassed him round about4 ,and if you will believe him1 he saith this light from heaven was a great light1 a light above the brightness of the sun1 a light that did by the glory of it make dark to him all the things in the world 7,acts #i3c1 #bb3f1 #bf3ac74 #b4 ,,clear is set in opposition to that which is not pleasing4 ,for to be clear is to be pleasant4 ,hence it is said1 'truly the light is sweet1 and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun' 7,eccl #aa3g74 ,i read of rivers that looked red as blood1 that stank like the blood of a dead man1 but this is no such river 7,exo #g3ai1bj2 #b ,kings #c3bb1bc74 ,i read of rivers whose streams are like streams of brimstone1 fiery streams1 streams of burning pitch1 but this is none of them 7,isa #cj3bg-cc2 ,david #g3i-aa2 ,isa #cd3i74 ',there is a river' besides all these1 clear and pleasant1 'the streams whereof shall make glad the city of ,god' 7,psa #df3d74 ,there are the waters that the doves love to sit by1 because by the clearness of these streams they can see their pretty selves1 as in a glass 7,cant #e3ab74 ,these are the streams where the doves wash their eyes1 and by which they solace themselves1 and take great content4 ,these streams are instead1 as ,i said1 of a looking-glass2 their clearness presents us with an opportunity of seeing our own features4 ,as in fair waters a man may see the body of the sun1 and of the moon1 and of the stars1 and the very body of heaven2 so he that stands upon the bank of this river1 and that washeth his eyes with this water1 may see the ,son of ,god1 the stars of ,god1 the glory of ,god1 and the habitation that ,god has prepared for his people4 ,and are not these pleasant sights8 is not this excellent water8 has not this river pleasant streams8 #c4 ,,clear is set in opposition to dirty water and muddiness4 ,i read of some waters that are fouled with the feet of beasts1 and with the feet of men1 yea1 and deep waters too4 ,yea1 saith ,god to some1 ye 'have drunk of the deep waters1' and have fouled 'the residue with your feet'2 and again1 ',as for my flock1 they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet1 and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet' 7,eze #cd3ah1ai74 ,these waters are doctrines contained in the text1 muddied and dirtied by the false glosses and sluttish opinions of erroneous judgments1 of which the poor sheep have been made to drink4 ,and1 verily1 this is apparent enough by the very colour and hue of those poor souls2 for though the truth of ,god was in them1 yet the very stain of tradition and superstition might be also seen in their scales4 ,for as the fish of the river receive1 by being there1 the changeable colours of the waters1 so professors1 what doctrine they hear and drink1 do look like that4 ,if their doctrines are muddy1 their notions are muddy2 if their doctrines are bloody1 their notions and tempers are bloody3 but if their doctrines are clear1 so are their notions1 for their doctrine has given them a clear understanding of things4#ae ,now1 here we have a river of water of life that is clear--clear without dirt and mud--clear without the human inventions and muddy conceptions of unsanctified and uninstructed judgments2 yea1 here you have a river the streams whereof lie open to all in the church1 so that they need not those instruments of conveyance that are foul1 and that use to make water stink1 if they receive it to bring it to them that have need4 #d4 ,by clear we sometimes understand purgation2 or that a thing has purged itself1 or is purged from those soils and imputations of evil wherewith sometimes they have been charged4 ',then thou shalt be clear from this my oath'2 or1 ',how shall we clear ourselves8' 7,gen #bd3h-ad1 #dd3af74 ,something of this sense may be in the text2 for if men are not afraid to charge ,god with folly1 which is intimated by 'that thou mightest be clear when thou judgest' 7,psa #ea3d71 will they1 think you1 be afraid to impute evil to his ,word1 and grace1 and ,spirit8 ,no1 verily2 they are bold enough at this work4 ,nay1 more than this1 even from the foundation of the world1 men have cast slanders upon1 and imputed based things into the blessed grace of the gospel4 ,but not to look so far back4 ,paul was one of the pipes through which ,god conveyed this grace to the world2 and what was he counted for his so doing1 but 'a pestilent fellow1 and a mover of sedition--throughout the world' 7,acts #bd3e1f74 ,but1 behold1 no imputation can stick on the grace of ,god--not stick long2 for that1 like honey1 will purge itself of what filth is put upon it1 and of all bad imputations of evil men's springs1 and rivers are of a self-purging quality4 ,now1 here we have to do with a river--a river of water of life2 but a river more slandered than ever did ,naaman the ,syrian slander the waters of ,israel in preferring those of ,abana and ,pharpar1 rivers of ,damascus1 beyond them 7#b ,kings #e3aj-ab74 ,but behold now1 at last1 when all the world have done what they can1 and cast what reproaches and slanders upon it they are able1 it is a river pure and clear4 ,it has purged itself before kings--it has purged itself before princes and judges1 and all the ,naamans in the world2 it is still a river--a river of water of life--a river of water of life ,,clear4 #e4 ,by clear we sometimes understand purity manifest1 or innocency and goodness made known4 ',in all things ye have approved yourselves to be ,,clear in this matter' 7#b ,cor #g3aa74 ,that is1 you have made it appear1 and stand upon your justification1 and are willing to be searched and sounded to the bottom by those that have a desire to undertake that work4 ,so this river of water of life in the fountain1 and in the streams thereof1 offer themselves to the consideration and conscience of all men4 ,to this end how often doth ,god1 the head of this river1 and he out of whose throne it proceeds1 call upon men to challenge him1 if they can1 with any evil or misdoing towards them1 either by presence or doctrine2 hence he says1 ',put me in remembrance2 let us plead together2 declare thou1' if thou canst1 'that thou mayest be justified1' and ,i condemned 7,isa #dc3bf74 ,so again3 ',what iniquity have your fathers found in me1 that they are gone far from me1 and have walked after vanity1 and are become vain8' 7,jer #b3e74 ,so ,christ3 ',which of you convinceth me of sin8' 7,john #h3df74 ,and ',if ,i have spoken evil1 bear witness of the evil' 7,john #ah3bc74 ,so ,paul3 ,we 'have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty1 not walking in craftiness1 nor handling the ,word of ,god deceitfully2 but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of ,god' 7#b ,cor #d3b74 ,all these sentences are chiefly to be applied to doctrine1 and so are1 as it were1 an offer to any1 if they can1 to find a speck1 or a spot1 or a wrinkle1 or any such thing in this river of water of life4 ,some men fly from it as from a bear2 and some are afraid to drink of it1 for fear it should be poison unto them4 ,some1 again1 dare not take it because it is not mixed1 and as they1 poor souls1 imagine1 qualified and made toothsome by a little of that which is called the wisdom of this world4 ,thus one shucks1#af another shrinks1 and another will none of ,god4 ,meanwhile1 whoso shall please to look into this river shall find it harmless and clear2 yea1 offering itself to the consciences of all men to make trial if it be not the only chief good1 the only necessary waters1 the only profitable1 for the health of the soul1 of all the things that are in the world1 and as clear of mischief as is the sun of spots4 ,third4--this river is clear to the most perfect comparison4 ,as ,john saw this river pure and clear1 so he saw it clear to a comparison4 ,clear to the best of comparisons1 clear as crystal4 ,crystal is a very clear stone1 as clear as the clearest glass1 if not clearer2 one may see far into it1 yea1 through it2 it is without those spots1 and streaks1 and smirches that are in other precious stones4 ,wherefore1 when he saith that this river is clear as crystal1 it is as if ,god should say1 ,look1 sinners1 look to the bottom of these my crystal streams4 ,i have heard of some seas that are so pure and clear1 that a man may see to the bottom though they may be forty feet deep4 ,i know this river of water of life is a deep river2 but though it is said to be deep1 it is not said we can see no bottom4 ,indeed1 as to the wideness of it1 it is said to be such as that it cannot be passed over2 but ,i say1 it is nowhere said that we cannot see to the bottom2 nay1 the comparison implies that a man with good eyes may see to the bottom4 ,it is clear1 as clear as crystal4 ,so1 then1 we will a little look down to the bottom1 and see1 through these crystal streams1 what is at the bottom of all4 #a4 ,then the bottom of all is1 ',that we might be saved' 7,john #e3cd74 ',these things ,i say1' saith ,christ1 'that ye might be saved'2 and1 again1 ',i am come that you might have life1 and that you might have it more abundantly' 7,john #aj3aj74 ,this is the bottom of this great river of water of life1 and of its proceeding from the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb3 it is that we might be saved2 it is that we might live4 ,what a good bottom is here6 what a sound bottom is here6 ,but few deep rivers have a good bottom4 ,mud is at the bottom of most waters in the world2 even the sea itself1 when it worketh1 casts up mire and dirt1 and so do the hearts of sinners2 but the bottom of this grace of ,god1 and of the ,spirit and ,word thereof1 is that we might be saved1 consequently a very good bottom4 #b4 ,as the bottom of all is1 'that we may be saved1' so that we may be saved by grace1 and this is a bottom sounder and sounder4 ,our salvation might have been laid upon a more difficult bottom than this4 ,it might have been laid on our works4 ,god might have laid it there1 and have been just1 or he might have left us to have laid it where we would2 and then1 to be sure1 we had laid it there1 and so had made but a muddy bottom to have gone upon to life4 ,but now1 this river of water of life1 it has a better bottom2 the water of life is as clear as crystal1 look down to the bottom and see1 we are 'justified freely by his grace' 7,rom #c3bd74 ',by grace ye are saved1' there is the bottom 7,eph #b3e1h74 ,now1 grace1 as ,i have showed you1 is a firm bottom to stand on2 it is of grace that life might be sure 7,rom #d3af74 ,surely ,david was not here1 or surely this was not the river that he spake of when he said1 ',i sink in deep mire1 where there is no standing3 ,i am come into deep waters1 where the floods overflow me4 ,deliver me out of the mire1 and let me not sink' 7,psa #fi3b1ad74 ,i say1 to be sure this could not be the river4 ,no1 ,david was now straggled out of the way1 was tumbled into some pit1 or into some muddy and dirty hole2 for as for this river it has a good bottom1 a bottom of salvation by grace1 and a man needs not cry out when he is here that he sinks1 or that he is in danger of being drowned in mud or mire4 #c4 ,the bottom of all is1 as ,i said1 that we might be saved1 saved by grace1 and ,i will add1 'through the redemption that is in ,christ4' ,this is still better and better4 ,we read that1 when ,israel came over ,jordan1 the feet of the priests that did bear the ark stood on firm ground in the bottom1 and that they set up great stones for a memorial thereof 7,josh #c3ag1 #d3a-c74 ,but had ,jordan so good a bottom as has this most blessed river of water of life1 or were the stones that ,israel took out thence like this 'tried stone1' this 'sure foundation8' 7,isa #bh3af74 ,o the throne6 this river comes out of the throne1 and we are saved by grace through the redemption that is in him4 ,we read that there is a city that has foundations2 grace is one1 ,christ another1 and the truth of all the prophets and apostles1 as to their true doctrine1 another1 c4 7,heb #aa3aj74 ,and again1 all these are the very bottom of this goodly river of the water of life 7,eph #b3ai1bj74 #d4 ,there is another thing to be seen at the bottom of this holy river1 and that is1 the glory of ,god2 we are saved1 saved by grace1 saved by grace through the redemption that is in ,christ to the praise and glory of ,god4 ,and what a good bottom is here4 ,grace will not fail1 ,christ has been sufficiently tried1 and ,god will not lose his glory4 ,therefore they that drink of this river shall doubtless be saved2 to wit1 they that drink of it of a spiritual appetite to it4 ,and thus much for the explication of the text4 ,,the ,,application ,,of ,,the ,,whole4 ,i now come to make some use of the whole4 ,you know our discourse has been at this time of the water of life1 of its quantity1 head-spring1 and quality2 and ,i have showed you that its nature is excellent1 its quantity abundant1 its head-spring glorious1 and its quality singularly good4 ,,first4 ,let this1 then1 in the first place1 be a provocation to us to be more free in making use of this water4 ,there are many1 now-a-days1 that are for inventing of waters1 to drink for the health of the body2 and to allure those that are ill to buy1 they will praise their waters beyond their worth4 ,yea1 and if they be helpful to one person in a hundred1 they make as if they could cure every one4 ,well1 here you have the great ,physician himself1 with his water1 and he calls it the water of life1 water of life for the soul3 this water is probatum est4#ag ,it has been proved times without number2 it never fails but where it is not taken 7,acts #bf3ah2 ,isa #e3d1e74 ,no disease comes amiss to it2 it cures blindness1 deadness1 deafness1 dumbness4 ,it makes 'the lips of those that are asleep to speak' 7,cant #g3i74 ,this is the right ,,holy ,,water1#ah all other is counterfeit3 it will drive away devils and spirits2 it will cure enchantments and witchcrafts2 it will heal the mad and lunatic 7,gal #c3a-c2 ,mark #af3ag1ah74 ,it will cure the most desperate melancholy2 it will dissolve doubts and mistrusts1 though they are grown as hard as stone in the heart 7,eze #cf3bf74 ,it will make you speak well 7,col #d3f74 ,it will make you have a white soul1 and that is better than to have a white skin 7,eze #cf3be1bf74 ,it will make you taste well2 it will make you disrelish all hurtful meats 7,isa #cj3bb74 ,it will beget in you a good appetite to that which is good2 it will remove obstructions in the stomach and liver4 ,it will cause that what you receive of ,god's bread shall turn to good nourishment1 and make good blood4 ,in a word1 it preserveth life 7,john #d3ad74 ,they that take this water shall live longer than did old ,methuselah1 and yet he lived a great while 7,gen #e3bg74 ,wherefore1 let me continue my exhortation to you4 ,be more free in making use of this water2 it is the wholesomest water in the world2 you may take it at the third1 sixth1 ninth1 or eleventh hour1 but to take it in the morning of your age is best 7,matt #bj3c-f74 ,for then diseases have not got so great a head as when they are of long continuance1 consequently they will be removed with far more ease2 besides1 those that thus do will receive endless life1 and the comfort of it betimes2 and that1 you know1 is a double life to one 7,eccl #aa3a-d74 ,this water gently purges1 and yet more effectually than any others4 ,true1 where bad humours are more tough and churlish1 it will show itself stronger of operation1 for there is no disease can be too hard for it4 ,it will1 as we say1 throw the house out of the windows2 but it will rid us of the plague of those most deadly infections that otherwise will be sure to make us sleep in death1 and bring us1 with the multitude1 down to hell4 ,but it will do no hurt2 it only breaks our sleep in security1 and brings us to a more quick apprehension of the plague of our heart and flesh4 ,it will1 as ,i said before1 provoke to appetite1 but make us only long after that which is wholesome4 ,if any ask why ,i thus allegorize1 ,i answer1 the text doth lead me to it4 ,,second4 ,i advise1 therefore1 in the next place1 that thou get thee a dwelling-place by these waters4 ',the beloved of the ,lord shall dwell in safety by him1 and the ,lord shall cover him all the day long' 7,deut #cc3ab74 ,if thou ask where that dwelling is1 ,i answer1 in the city of ,god1 in and among the tabernacles of the ,most ,high4 ,this river comes from the throne to water the city of ,god2 and to that end it is said to run 'in the midst of the street of it' 7,rev #bb3b74 ,if ye will inquire1 inquire1 return1 come4 ',the seed also of his servants shall inherit it1 and they that love his name shall dwell therein' 7,psa #fi3cf74 ,get thee a dwelling in ,jerusalem1 in the midst of ,jerusalem1 and then thou wilt be seated by this river4 ,in old times1 the ancients had their habitations by the rivers2 yea1 we read of ,aroer that stood upon the brink of the river ,arnon 7,josh #ac3i74 ,balaam also had his dwelling in his city ,pethor1 'by the river of the land of the children of his people' 7,num #bb3e74 ,o6 by a river side is the pleasantest dwelling in the world2 and of all rivers1 the river of the water of life is the best4 ,they that dwell there 'shall not hunger nor thirst2 neither shall the heat nor sun smite them3 for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them1 even by the springs of water shall he guide them' 7,isa #di3aj74 ,trees planted by the rivers1 and that spread out their roots by the rivers1 they are the flourishing trees1 they bring forth their fruit in their season 7,psa #a3c2 ,jer #ag3h74 ,and the promise is that men that take up their dwellings by this river of water of life1 shall be fruitful as such trees4 ,if thou art a ,christian1 thou hast more than an ordinary call and occasion to abide by these waters2 thy things will not grow but by these waters4 ,weeds and the excellencies of most men we may find in the barren wilderness1 they grow under every hedge2 but thine are garden1 and so choice things1 and will not thrive without much water1 no1 without the water of ,god's river4 ,dwell1 therefore1 here2 that thy soul may be as a watered garden 7,jer #ca3ab2 ,isa #ab3a-c74 ,and when thou seest how those that are loath to die1#ai make provision at ,tunbridge1 ,epsom1 the ,bath1 and other places1 and what houses they get that they may have their dwellings by those waters1 then do thou consider of thy spiritual disease1 and how nothing can cure thee but this blessed water of life2 be also much of desires to have a dwelling-place in ,jerusalem1 that thou mayest always be nigh to these waters4 ,be often also in watering thy plants with these waters4 ,i mean the blessed graces of ,god in thy soul2 then shalt thou grow1 and retain thy greenness1 and prove thyself to be a disciple indeed4 ,and herein is ,god1 and thy ,father1 glorified1 that thou bear much fruit 7,john #ae3h74 ,,third4 ,my third word is1 bless ,god for providing for man such waters4 ,these only can make us live2 all others come out of the ,dead ,sea1 and do kill2 there is no living water but this4 ,i say1 show thy acceptation of it with thanksgiving2 if we are not to receive our bread and cheese but with thanksgiving1 how should we bless ,god for this unspeakable gift6 7#b ,cor #i3ae74 ,this is soul life1 life against sin1 life from sin1 life against the curse1 life from the curse1 life beyond hell1 beyond desert1 beyond thought1 beyond desires4 ,life that is pleasing1 life that is profitable1 life everlasting4 ,o my brethren1 bless ,god6 who doth good and gives us such rain1 filling our hearts with food and gladness4#bj ,when ,moses would take the heart of ,israel1 and took in hand to raise up their spirits to thankfulness1 he used to tell them that the land that they were to go to was a land that ,god cared for1 and that was watered with the dew of heaven4 ,yea1 'a land of brooks of water1 of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills2 a land that flowed with milk and honey1 which is the glory of all lands' 7,deut #h3g2 ,exo #c3h1 #ac3e2 ,lev #bj3bd2 ,num #ad3h74 ,but yet in his description he makes no mention of a river of water of life2 a river the streams whereof make glad the city of ,god4 ,this river is the running out of ,god's heart2 the letting out of his very bowels1 for ,god is the living ,god4 ,this is his heart and soul4 ',yea1 ,i will rejoice over them to do them good1 and ,i will plant them in this land assuredly1 with my whole heart1 and with my whole soul' 7,jer #cb3da74 ,i say1 if ever ,god's heart and soul appeared1 it showed itself in giving this water of life1 and the throne from whence it proceeds4 ,wherefore there is all the reason of the world1 that in the reception of it thy heart and soul should run out and flow after him in thanksgiving4 ,see how ,david words it in ,psalm #ajc3a-e1 and do likewise4 ,,fourth4 ,by the characters that are given of this water of life1 thou art capacitated to judge when a notion1 a doctrine1 an opinion1 comes to thine ears1 whether it is right1 good1 and wholesome1 or how4 ,this river is pure1 is clear1 is pure and clear as crystal4 ,is the doctrine offered unto thee so8 or is it muddy1 and mixed with the doctrines of men8 ,look1 man1 and see if the foot of the worshippers of ,bel be not there1 and if the waters be not fouled thereby4 ,what water is fouled is not the water of life1 or at least not the water of life in its clearness4 ,wherefore1 if thou findest it not right1 go up higher to the spring-head1 for always the nearer to the spring1 the more pure and clear is the water4 ,fetch1 then1 thy doctrine from afar1 if thou canst not have it good nearer hand 7,job #cf3c74 ,thy life lies at stake2 the counterfeit of things is dangerous2 everybody that is aware1 is afraid thereof4 ,now a counterfeit here is most dangerous1 is most destructive4 ,wherefore take heed how you hear1 what you hear2 for1 as ,i said before of the fish1 by your colour it will be seen what waters you swim in2 wherefore look you well to yourselves4#ba ,,fifth4 ,doth this water of life run like a river1 like a broad1 full1 and deep river2 then let no man1 be his transgressions never so many1 fear at all1 but there is enough to save his soul1 and to spare4 ,nothing has been more common to many than to doubt of the grace of ,god2 a thing most unbecoming a sinner of any thing in the world4 ,to break the law is a fact foul enough2 but to question the sufficiency of the grace of ,god to save therefrom1 is worse than sin1 if worse can be4 ,wherefore1 despairing soul1 for it is to thee ,i speak1 forbear thy mistrusts1 cast off thy slavish fears1 hang thy misgivings as to this upon the hedge2 and believe thou hast an invitation sufficient thereto1 a river is before thy face4 ,and as for thy want of goodness and works1 let that by no means daunt thee2 this is a river of water of life1 streams of grace and mercy4 ,there is1 as ,i said1 enough therein to help thee1 for grace brings all that is wanting to the soul4 ,thou1 therefore1 hast nothing to do1 ,i mean as to the curing of thy soul of its doubts1 and fears1 and despairing thoughts1 but to drink and live for ever4 ,,sixth4 ,but what is all this to the ,,dead world--to them that love to be dead8 ,they toss their vanities about as the boys toss their shuttlecocks in the air1 till their foot slips1 and themselves descend into the pit4 ,let this suffice for this time4 ,,footnotes3 #a ,as ,god gave us existence1 so1 in his munificence and royal bounty1 he gives us his rich grace4 ,we have nothing to give in return but grateful love4 ,he redeems us from the captivity of sin1 and earth1 and hell4 ',every beast of the forest is mine1 and the cattle upon a thousand hills3 the world is mine1 saith the ,almighty1 with the fulness thereof4' ,o to grace how great a debtor2 freely bestowed to the poor and needy4--,ed4 #b ,water is a curse1 as in the dropsy1 but essential to life with our food4 ,oil is valuable1 properly taken1 but an irritating oil to consume the bones is destructive4 ,how awful the case of the rich man when refused a drop of water to cool that fire which he had created while living1 and into which he had irretrievably plunged himself4--,ed4 #c ,reliance upon an imperfect obedience to ,god's holy law1 united with a hope1 through ,christ or some other means1 of forgiveness for not having kept some parts of that law1 is 'the doctrine of the world1' and of devils4 ,it is a refuge of lies1 which death will fearfully sweep away4 ,we must rely wholly upon ,christ1 or perish4--,ed4 #d ,aquae ,vitae was a cordial-water well known in ,bunyan's time1 and much used in compounding medicines1 but now almost forgotten4 ,it was distilled from brewed beer1 strongly hopped1 and well fermented4 ,the ,french have an intoxicating liquour called eau de vie2 this is distilled from the refuse of the grapes after the wine is made4--,ed4 #e ,although all mankind are fatally diseased1 they only feel it that are made sick of sin2 this is the law work1 and when it takes place1 then comes the new birth and salvation by the efficacy of this water of life4--,ed4 #f ,a ,,river inexhaustible1 to supply the pure and unmixed joys of heaven to all the myriads of happy glorified souls1 and applied by the ,spirit of grace to quench the thirst of the soul on earth4 ,this grace is fixed and permanent1 'springing up into everlasting life4' ,blessed ,jesus1 'give me this water1 that ,i thirst not ever4'--,ed4 #g ,this water of life is as essential to the spiritual-mindedness of the soul1 as natural water is to the life of a fish4 ,the grace of ,god is the element in which only the renewed soul can live and enjoy a little of that heaven into which1 as an ocean of bliss1 this river carries him4--,ed4 #h ,those that are satisfied with the world1 and its enjoyments1 and seek not for happiness in the favour of ,god2 those that depend on the merit of their own works for a righteousness2 these do not thirst--they have no sense of their need1 and will not condescend to come to ,,the ,,fountain4--,ed4 #i ,the rain is taken from the sea by water-spouts or in vapour2 it is wonderfully distilled1 and descends upon the earth in fertilizing showers which supply the rivers4 ,in proportion to the rain or melting of the snow1 is the quantity of water in the rivers4 ,bunyan was taught all this phenomena of nature1 by a single verse in the inspired volume which he quotes4 ,how wonderful is that ,book6--,ed4 #aj ,this is a most astonishing natural phenomenon3 that such a river as the ,thames1 receiving constantly all the filth of a vast metropolis1 containing more than two millions of inhabitants1 buries it all1 and yet purifieth itself4--,ed4 #aa ,light bread is an allusion to ,numbers #ba3e3 'our soul loatheth this light bread4' ,the heavenly manna1 like ,christ1 is despised and rejected of man4--,ed4 #ab ,by 'the text1' in this and other places1 is meant the text of sacred ,scripture2 not the particular passage1 or text1 on which this treatise is founded4--,ed4 #ac ,the solemn silence1 and the sound of the trumpet1 took place in quick succession when the medium of prayer and praise1 from fallen man1 was first exhibited in heaven4 ,when ,christ was revealed to ,john1 as the throne upon which ,god received the prayers of all his saints1 awe1 and wonder1 and silence1 was felt in heaven for the space of half an hour2 then came the sound of the trumpet with dire events to those who had refused to pray in the name of ,christ4--,ed4 #ad ,thus the ,spirit of ,god in regeneration produces light out of darkness1 makes the barren heart fruitful1 and from confusion1 discord1 and enmity1 brings order1 harmony1 and tranquility4 ,the renewed man is actuated by new hopes and fears2 his judgment is enlightened1 his will rectified1 and his heart transformed2 his eyes being divinely opened he sees into eternity2 he has a hope full of immortality2 spiritual appetites are excited in his soul2 his affections are raised to ,god and heaven2 his soul thirsteth for ,god1 for the living ,god6 ,thus the ,spirit giveth life to the dead1 eyes to the blind1 speech to the dumb1 feet to the lame1 and the hand of faith to lay hold on ,christ for complete salvation4--,mason4 #ae ,this is an excellent commentary upon that part of the ,pilgrim's ,progress which describes ,christiana and her company at the foot of the hill ,difficulty4 ,greatheart points out the spring at which ,christian was refreshed before he began the arduous ascent which led him1 in defiance of a persecuting world1 to join in church fellowship1 allegorically represented by the house ,beautiful--',when ,christian drank it was clear and good1 but now it is dirty2 and with the feet of some that are not desirous that pilgrims should here quench their thirst4' ,after the writing of the first part1 and before that of the second1 the ,act of ,uniformity had spread its baleful influence over ,england4 ,to use ,bunyan's words--',the ,romish beasts have corrupted the doctrine by treading it down with their feet1 and have muddied this water with their own dirt and filthiness4'--,see ,holy ,city4--,ed4 #af ',shuck1' to shake2 obsolete as a verb1 but retained as a noun to designate the pea-shell1 after the peas have been shook out4--,ed4 #ag ,probatum est--is proved--a scrap of ,latin commonly used in advertising medical prescriptions1 in ,bunyan's time4--,ed4 #ah ,a ,protestant can have but little idea of the insane superstition of the ,papists in respect to holy water4 ,the following lines1 from ,barnaby ,googe's ,popish ,kingdome1 will shed a little light upon it3-- ',besides1 they do beleeue their sinnes to be forgiven quight1 ,by taking holy water here1 whereof if there do light ,but one small drop1 it driueth out the hellishe deuils all ,then which there can no greater griefe vnto the feend befall4'--#dto4 #aegj1 p4 #db4 ,in the ,editor's library4--,ed4 #ai ,the infatuation1 nay1 madness of human nature1 in its fallen state1 is shown by living to hasten the inroads of death2 and when he appears1 terror-stricken they fly from it to any remedy that is within their reach4 ,how vast the number of suicides by intemperance6--,ed4 #bj ,the real ,christian1 and such only1 are in this blessed case2 they have the promise of the life that now is1 as well as of that which is to come4 ,their ,father1 the ,almighty1 supplies all their wants2 giving joy and peace1 when heart and flesh tremble4--,ed4 #ba ,in proportion to the number of professed ,christians who thus obey the gospel by judging for themselves1 so will be the happiness of the church1 and the hastening on of the kingdom of ,christ4 ,no one is a ,christian that receives his doctrine from a prelate1 priest1 or minister1 without prayerfully comparing it with the written ,word4 ,o man1 take not the water of life as doled out by a fellow-man2 go to the river for yourself--survey yourself as reflected in those crystal streams4 ,christ does not say to the heavy-laden1 sin-burdened soul1 ,go to the church2 but1 ,come unto me1 and find rest4 ,blessed is he who loves the river of water unpolluted by human devices1 forms1 or ceremonies2 who flies to the open bosom of his ,christ1 and finds refuge from every storm4--,ed4 999999 ,,the ,,barren ,,fig-,,tree2 ,,or1 ,,the ,,doom ,,and ,,downfall ,,of ,,the ,,fruitless ,,professor3 ,,showing1 ,,that ,,the ,,day ,,of ,,grace ,,may ,,be ,,past ,,with ,,him ,,long ,,before ,,his ,,life ,,is ,,ended2 ,,the ,,signs ,,also ,,by ,,which ,,such ,,miserable ,,mortals ,,may ,,be ,,known4 ,,by ,,john ,,bunyan ',who being dead1 yet speaketh4'--,hebrews #aa3d ,london3 ,printed for ,j4 ,robinson1 at the ,golden ,lion1 in ,st4 ,paul's ,churchyard1 #afhh4 ,this ,title has a broad ,black ,border4 ,,advertisement ,,by ,,the ,,editor4 ,this solemn1 searching1 awful treatise1 was published by ,bunyan in #afhb2 but does not appear to have been reprinted until a very few months after his decease1 which so unexpectedly took place in #afhh4 ,although we have sought with all possible diligence1 no copy of the first edition has been discovered2 we have made use of a fine copy of the second edition1 in possession of that thorough ,bunyanite1 my kind friend1 ,r4 ,b4 ,sherring1 of ,bristol4 ,the third edition1 #afib1 is in the ,british ,museum4 ,added to these posthumous publications appeared1 for the first time1 ',an ,exhortation to ,peace and ,unity1' which will be found at the end of our second volume4 ,in the advertisement to that treatise are stated1 at some length1 my reasons for concluding that it was not written by ,bunyan1 although inserted in all the editions of his collected works4 ,that opinion is now more fully confirmed1 by the discovery of ,bunyan's own list of his works1 published just before his death1 in #afhh1 and in which that exhortation is not inserted4 ,i was also much pleased to find that the same conclusion was arrived at by that highly intelligent ,baptist minister1 ,mr4 ,robert ,robinson4 ,his reasons are given at some length1 concluding with1 'it is evident that ,bunyan never wrote this piece4'#a ,why it was1 after ,bunyan's death1 published with his ',barren ,fig-tree1' is one of those hidden mysteries of darkness and of wickedness that ,i cannot discover4 ,the beautiful parable from which ,bunyan selected his text1 represents an enclosed ground1 in which1 among others1 a fig-tree had been planted4 ,it was not an enclosure similar to some of the vineyards of ,france or ,germany1 exclusively devoted to the growth of the vine1 but a garden in which fruits were cultivated1 such as grapes1 figs1 or pomegranates4 ,it was in such a vineyard1 thus retired from the world1 that ,nathaniel poured out his heart in prayer1 when our ,lord in spirit witnessed1 unseen1 these devotional exercises1 and soon afterwards rewarded him with open approbation 7,john #a3dh74 ,in these secluded pleasant spots the ,easterns spend much of their time1 under their own vines or fig-trees1 sheltered from the world and from the oppressive heat of the sun--a fit emblem of a church of ,christ4 ,in this vineyard stood a fig-tree--by nature remarkable for fruitfulness--but it is barren4 ,no inquiry is made as to how it came there1 but the order is given1 ',cut it down4' ,the dresser of the garden intercedes1 and means are tried to make it fruitful1 but in vain4 ,at last it is cut down as a cumber-ground and burnt4 ,this vineyard or garden represents a gospel church2 the fig-tree a member--a barren1 fruitless professor4 ',it matters not how he got there1' if he bears no fruit he must be cut down and away to the fire4 ,to illustrate so awful a subject this treatise was written1 and it is intensely solemn4 ,god1 whose omniscience penetrates through every disguise1 himself examines every tree in the garden1 yea1 every bough4 ,wooden and earthy professor1 your detection is sure2 appearances that deceive the world and the church cannot deceive ,god4 ',he will be with thee in thy bed fruits--thy midnight fruits--thy closet fruits--thy family fruits--they conversation fruits4' ,professor1 solemnly examine yourself2 'in proportion to your fruitfulness will be your blessedness4' ',naked and open are all things to his eye4' ,can it be imagined that those 'that paint themselves did ever repent of their pride8' ',how seemingly self-denying are some of these creeping things4' ',is there no place will serve to fit those for hell but the church1 the vineyard of ,god8' ',it is not the place where the worker of iniquity can hide himself or his sins from ,god4' ,may such be detected before they go hence to the fire4 ,while there is a disposition to seek grace all are invited to come2 but when salvation by ,christ is abandoned1 there is no other refuge1 although sought with tears4 ,reader1 may the deeply impressive language of ,bunyan sink profoundly into our hearts4 ,we need no splendid angel nor hideous demon to reveal to us the realities of the world to come4 ',if we hear not ,moses and the prophets1' as set forth by ,bunyan in this treatise1 'neither should we be persuaded though one rose from the dead' to declare these solemn truths 7,luke #af3ca74 ,,geo4 ,,offor4 ,,to ,,the ,,reader4 ,,courteous ,,reader1 ,i have written to thee now about the ,barren ,fig-tree1 or how it will fare with the fruitless professor that standeth in the vineyard of ,god4 ,of what complexion thou art ,i cannot certainly divine2 but the parable tells thee that the cumber-ground must be cut down4 ,a cumber-ground professor is not only a provocation to ,god1 a stumbling-block to the world1 and a blemish to religion1 but a snare to his own soul also4 ',though his excellency mount up to the heavens1 and his head reach unto the clouds1 yet he shall perish for ever1 like his own dung2 they which have seen him shall say1 ,where is he8' 7,job #bj3f1g74 ,now 'they count it pleasure to riot in the daytime4' ,but what will they do when the axe is fetched out8 7#b ,peter #b3ac1ad74 ,the tree whose fruit withereth is reckoned a tree without fruit1 a tree twice dead1 one that must be 'plucked up by the roots' 7,jude #ab74 ,o thou cumber-ground1 ,god expects fruit1 ,god will come seeking fruit shortly4 ,my exhortation1 therefore1 is to professors that they look to it1 that they take heed4 ,the barren fig-tree in the vineyard1 and the bramble in the wood1 are both prepared for the fire4 ,profession is not a covert to hide from the eye of ,god2 nor will it palliate the revengeful threatening of his justice2 he will command to cut it down shortly4 ,the church1 and a profession1 are the best of places for the upright1 but the worst in the world for the cumber-ground4 ,he must be cast1 as profane1 out of the mount of ,god3 cast1 ,i say1 over the wall of the vineyard1 there to wither2 thence to be gathered and burned4 ',it had ben better for them not to have known the way of righteousness' 7#b ,peter #b3ba74 ,and yet if they had not1 they had been damned2 but it is better to go to hell without1 than in1 or from under a profession4 ,these 'shall receive greater damnation' 7,luke #bj3dg74 ,if thou be a professor1 read and tremble3 if thou be profane1 do so likewise4 ,for if the righteous scarcely be saved1 where shall the ungodly and sinners appear8 ,cumber-ground1 take heed of the axe6 ,barren fig-tree1 beware of the fire6 ,but ,i will keep thee no longer out of the book4 ,christ ,jesus1 the dresser of the vineyard1 take care of thee1 dig about thee1 and dung thee1 that thou mayest bear fruit2 that when the ,lord of the vineyard cometh with his axe to seek for fruit1 or pronounce the sentence of damnation on the barren fig-tree1 thou mayest escape that judgment4 ,the cumber-ground must to the wood-pile1 and thence to the fire4 ,farewell4 ,grace be with all them that love our ,lord ,jesus in sincerity4 ,amen4 ,,john ,,bunyan ,,the ,,barren ,,fig-,,tree1 ,,or ,,the ,,doom ,,and ,,downfall ,,of ,,the ,,fruitless ,,professor4 ',a ,,certain ,,man ,,had ,a ,,fig-,,tree ,,planted ,,in ,,his ,,vineyard2 ,,and ,,he ,,came ,,and ,,sought ,,fruit ,,thereon1 ,,and ,,found ,,none4 ,,then ,,said ,,he ,,unto ,,the ,,dresser ,,of ,,his ,,vineyard1 ,,behold1 ,,these ,,three ,,years ,i ,,come ,,seeking ,,fruit ,,on ,,the ,,fig-,,tree1 ,,and ,,find ,,none3 ,,cut ,,it ,,down2 ,,why ,,cumbereth ,,it ,,the ,,ground8 ,,and ,,he ,,answering ,,said ,,unto ,,him1 ,,lord1 ,,let ,,it ,,alone ,,this ,,year ,,also1 ,,till ,i ,,shall ,,dig ,,about ,,it1 ,,and ,,dung ,,it3 ,,and ,,if ,,it ,,bear ,,fruit1 ,,well3 ,,and ,,if ,,not1 ,,then ,,after ,,that ,,thou ,,shalt ,,cut ,,it ,,down4'--,,luke #ac3f-i4 ,at the beginning of this chapter we read how some of the ,jews came to ,jesus ,christ1 to tell him of the cruelty of ,pontius ,pilate1 in mingling the blood of the ,galileans with their sacrifices4 ,a heathenish and prodigious act2 for therein he showed1 not only his malice against the ,jewish nation1 but also against their worship1 and consequently their ,god4 ,an action1 ,i say1 not only heathenish1 but prodigious also2 for the ,lord ,jesus1 paraphrasing upon this fact of his1 teacheth the ,jews1 that without repentance 'they should all likewise perish4' ',likewise1' that is by the hand and rage of the ,roman empire4 ,neither should they be more able to avoid the stroke1 than were those eighteen upon whom the tower of ,siloam fell1 and slew them 7,luke #ac3a-e74 ,the fulfilling of which prophecy1 for their hardness of heart1 and impenitency1 was in the days of ,titus1 son of ,vespasian1 about forty years after the death of ,christ4 ,then1 ,i say1 were these ,jews1 and their city1 both environed round on every side1 wherein both they and it1 to amazement1 were miserably overthrown4 ,god gave them sword and famine1 pestilence and blood1 for their outrage against the ,son of his love4 ,so wrath 'came upon them to the uttermost' 7#a ,thess #b3af74b ,now1 to prevent their old and foolish salvo1 which they always had in readiness against such prophecies and denunciations of judgment1 the ,lord ,jesus presents them with this parable1 in which he emphatically shows them that their cry of being the temple of the ,lord1 and of their being the children of ,abraham1 c41 and their being the church of ,god1 would not stand them in any stead4 ,as who should say1 ,it may be you think to help yourselves against this my prophecy of your utter and unavoidable overthrow1 by the interest which you have in your outward privileges4 ,but all these will fail you2 for what think you8 ',a certain man had a fig-tree planted in his vineyard1 and he came and sought fruit thereon1 and found none4' ,this is your case6 ,the ,jewish land is ,god's vineyard2 ,i know it2 and ,i know also1 that you are the fig-trees4 ,but behold1 there wanteth the main thing1 fruit2 for the sake1 and in expectation of which1 he set this vineyard with trees4 ,now1 seeing the fruit is not found amongst you1 the fruit1 ,i say1 for the sake of which he did at first plant this vineyard1 what remains but that in justice he command to cut you down as those that cumber the ground1 that he may plant himself another vineyard8 ',then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard1 ,behold1 these three years ,i come seeking fruit on this fig-tree1 and find none2 cut it down1 why cumbereth it the ground8' ,this therefore must be your end1 although you are planted in the garden of ,god2 for the barrenness and unfruitfulness of your hearts and lives you must be cut off1 yea1 rooted up1 and cast out of the vineyard4 ,in parables there are two things to be taken notice of1 and to be inquired into of them that read4 ,first1 ,the metaphors made use of4 ,second1 ,the doctrine or mysteries couched under such metaphors4 ,the metaphors in this parable are1 #a4 ,a certain man2 #b4 ,a vineyard2 #c4 ,a fig-tree1 barren or fruitless2 #d4 ,a dresser2 #e4 ,three years2 #f4 ,digging and dunging1 c4 ,the doctrine1 or mystery1 couched under these words is to show us what is like to become of a fruitless or formal professor4 ,for1 #a4 ,by the man in the parable is meant ,god the ,father 7,luke #ae3aa74 #b4 ,by the vineyard1 his church 7,isa #e3g74 #c4 ,by the fig-tree1 a professor4 #d4 ,by the dresser1 the ,lord ,jesus4 #e4 ,by the fig-tree's barrenness1 the professor's fruitlessness4 #f4 ,by the three years1 the patience of ,god that for a time he extendeth to barren professors4 #g4 ,this calling to the dresser of the vineyard to cut it down1 is to show the outcries of justice against fruitless professors4 #h4 ,the dresser's interceding is to show how the ,lord ,jesus steps in1 and takes hold of the head of his ,father's axe1 to stop1 or at least to defer1 the present execution of a barren fig-tree4 #i4 ,the dresser's desire to try to make the fig-tree fruitful1 is to show you how unwilling he is that even a barren fig-tree should yet be barren1 and perish4 #aj4 ,his digging about it1 and dunging of it1 is to show his willingness to apply gospel helps to this barren professor1 if haply he may be fruitful4 #aa4 ,the supposition that the fig-tree may yet continue fruitless1 is to show1 that when ,christ ,jesus hath done all1 there are some professors will abide barren and fruitless4 #ab4 ,the determination upon this supposition1 at last to cut it down1 is a certain prediction of such professor's unavoidable and eternal damnation4 ,but to take this parable into pieces1 and to discourse more particularly1 though with all brevity1 upon all the parts thereof4 ',a certain ,,man had a fig-tree planted in his vineyard4' ,the ,,man1 ,i told you1 is to present us with ,god the ,father2 by which similitude he is often set out in the ,new ,testament4 ,observe then1 that it is no new thing1 if you find in ,god's church barren fig-trees1 fruitless professors2 even as here you see is a tree1 a fruitless tree1 a fruitless fig-tree in the vineyard4#c ,fruit is not so easily brought forth as a profession is got into2 it is easy for a man to clothe himself with a fair show in the flesh1 to word it1 and say1 ,be thou warmed and filled with the best4 ,it is no hard thing to do these with other things2 but to be fruitful1 to bring forth fruit to ,god1 this doth not every tree1 no not every fig-tree that stands in the vineyard of ,god4 ,those words also1 ',every branch in me that beareth not fruit1 he taketh away1' assert the same thing 7,john #ae3b74 ,there are branches in ,christ1 in ,christ's body mystical1 which is his church1 his vineyard1 that bear not fruit1 wherefore the hand of ,god is to take them away3 ,i looked for grapes1 and it brought forth wild grapes1 that is1 no fruit at all that was acceptable with ,god 7,isa #e3d74 ,again1 ',israel is an empty vine1 he bringeth forth fruit unto himself1' none to ,god2 he is without fruit to ,god 7,hosea #aj3a74 ,all these1 with many more1 show us the truth of the observation1 and that ,god's church may be cumbered with fruitless fig-trees1 with barren professors4 ,had a ,,fig-,,tree4 ,although there be in ,god's church that be barren and fruitless2 yet1 as ,i said1 to see to1 they are like the rest of the trees1 even a fig-tree4 ,it was not an oak1 nor a willow1 nor a thorn1 nor a bramble2 but a ,,fig-,,tree4 'they come unto thee as the people cometh' 7,eze #cc3ca74 ',they delight to know my ways1 as a nation that did righteousness1 and forsook not the ordinance of their ,god4 ,they ask of me the ordinances of justice1 they take delight in approaching to ,god1' and yet but barren1 fruitless1 and unprofitable professors 7,isa #eh3b-d74 ,judas also was one of the twelve1 a disciple1 an apostle1 a preacher1 an officer1 yea1 and such a one as none of the eleven mistrusted1 but preferred before themselves1 each one crying out1 ',is it ,i8 ,is it ,i8' 7,mark #ad3ai74 ,none of them1 as we read of 7,john #f3gj71 mistrusting ,judas2 yet he in ,christ's eye was the barren fig-tree1 a devil1 a fruitless professor4 ,the foolish virgins also went forth of the world with the other1 had lamps1 and light1 and were awakened with the other2 yea1 had boldness to go forth1 when the midnight cry was made1 with the other2 and thought that they could have looked ,christ in the face1 when he sat upon the throne of judgment1 with the other2 and yet but foolish1 but barren fig-trees1 but fruitless professors4 ',many1' saith ,christ1 'will say unto me in that day1' this and that1 and will also talk of many wonderful works2 yet1 behold1 he finds nothing in them but the fruits of unrighteousness 7,matt #g3bb1bc74 ,they were altogether barren and fruitless professors4 ,had a fig-tree ,,planted4 ,this word ,,planted doth also reach far2 it supposeth one taken out of its natural soil1 or removed from the place it grew in once2 one that seemed to be called1 awakened2 and not only so1 but by strong hand carried from the world to the church2 from nature to grace2 from sin to godliness4 ',thou hast brought a vine out of ,egypt2 thou hast cast out the heathen1 and planted it' 7,psa #hj3h74 ,of some of the branches of this vine were there unfruitful professors4 ,it must be concluded1 therefore1 that this professor1 that remaineth notwithstanding fruitless1 is1 as to the view and judgment of the church1 rightly brought in thither1 to wit1 by confession of faith1 of sin1 and a show of repentance and regeneration2 thus false brethren creep in unawares6#d ,all these things this word planted intimateth2 yea1 further1 that the church is satisfied with them1 consents they should abide in the garden1 and counteth them sound as the rest4 ,but before ,god1 in the sight of ,god1 they are graceless professors1 barren and fruitless fig-trees4 ,therefore it is one thing to be in the church1 or in a profession2 and another to be of the church1 and to belong to that kingdom that is prepared for the saint1 that is so indeed4 ,otherwise1 ',being planted1 shall it prosper8 shall it not utterly wither1 when the east-wind toucheth it8 ,it shall wither in the furrows where it grew' 7,eze #ag3aj74 ,had a fig-tree planted in ,,his vineyard4 ,in ,,his vineyard4 ,hypocrites1 with rotten hearts1 are not afraid to come before ,god in ,sion4 ,these words therefore suggest unto us a prodigious kind of boldness and hardened fearlessness4 ,for what presumption higher1 and what attempt more desperate1 than for a man that wanteth grace1 and the true knowledge of ,god1 to crowd himself1 in that condition1 into the house or church of ,god2 or to make profession of1 and desire that the name of ,god should be called upon him8 ,for the man that maketh a profession of the religion of ,jesus ,christ1 that man hath1 as it were1 put the name of ,god upon himself1 and is called and reckoned now1 how fruitless soever before ,god or men1 the man that hath to do with ,god1 the man that ,god owneth1 and will stand for4 ,this man1 ,i say1 by his profession1 suggesteth this to all that know him to be such a professor4 ,men merely natural1 ,i mean men that have not got the devilish art of hypocrisy1 are afraid to think of doing thus4 ',and of the rest durst no man join himself to them2 but the people magnified them' 7,acts #e3ac74 ,and1 indeed1 it displeaseth ,god4 ',ye have brought1' saith he1 'men uncircumcised into my sanctuary' 7,eze #dd3g74 ,and again1 ',when ye come to appear before me1 who hath required this at your hand1 to tread my courts8' saith ,god 7,isa #a3ab74 ,they have therefore learned this boldness of none in the visible world1 they only took it of the devil1 for he1 and he only1 with these his disciples1 attempt to present themselves in the church before ,god4 ',the tares are the children of the wicked one4' ,the tares1 that is1 the hypocrites1 that are ,satan's brood1 the generation of vipers1 that cannot escape the damnation of hell4 ,,had a fig-tree planted in his vineyard4 ,he doth not say1 ,he planted a fig-tree1 but there was a fig-tree there2 he ,,had1 or found a fig-tree planted in his vineyard4 ,the great ,god will now acknowledge the barren fig-tree1 or barren professor1 to be his workmanship1 or a tree of his bringing in1 only the text saith1 he had one there4 ,this is much like that in ,matthew #ae3ac--';,every plant which my heavenly ,father hath not planted1 shall be rooted up4' ,here again are plants in his vineyard which ,god will not acknowledge to be of his planting2 and he seems to suggest that in his vineyard are many such4 ,every plant1 or all those plants or professors1 that are got into the assembly of the saints1 or into the profession of their religion1 without ,god and his grace1 'shall be rooted up4' ',and when the ,king came in to see the guests1 he saw there a man which had not on the wedding-garment4 ,and he saith unto him1 ,friend1 how camest thou in hither1 not having a wedding-garment8' 7,matt #bb3aa1ab74 ,here is one so cunning and crafty that he beguiled all the guests2 he got and kept in the church even until the ,king himself came in to see the guests2 but his subtilty got him nothing2 it did not blind the eyes of the ,king2 it did not pervert the judgment of the righteous4 ',friend1 how camest thou in hither8' did overtake him at last2 even a public rejection2 the ,king discovered him in the face of all present4 ',how camest thou in hither8' ,my ,father did not bring thee hither2 ,i did not bring thee hither2 my ,spirit did not bring thee hither2 thou art not of the heavenly ,father's planting4 ',how camest thou in hither8' ,he that 'entereth not by the door1 but climbeth up some other way1 the same is a thief and a robber' 7,john #aj3a74 ,this text also is full and plain to our purpose2 for this man came not in by the door1 yet got into the church2 he got in by climbing2 he broke in at the windows2 he got something of the light and glory of the gospel of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ in his head2 and so1 hardy wretch that he was1 he presumed to crowd himself among the children4 ,but how is this resented8 ,what saith the ,king of him8 ,why1 this is his sign1 'the same is a thief and a robber4' ,see ye here also1 if all they be owned as the planting of ,god that get into his church or profession of his name4 ',had a fig-tree4' ,had one without a wedding-garment1 had a thief in his garden1 at his wedding1 in his house4 ,these climbed up some other way4 ,there are many ways to get into the church of ,god1 and profession of his name1 besides1 and without an entering by the door4 #a4 ,there is the way of lying and dissembling1 and at this gap the ,gibeonites got in 7,josh #i c74 #b4 ,there is sometimes falseness among some pastors1 either for the sake of carnal relations1 or the like2 at this hole ,tobiah1 the enemy of ,god1 got in 7,neh #ac3d-i74 #c4 ,there is sometimes negligence1 and too much uncircumspectness in the whole church2 thus the uncircumcised got in 7,eze #dd3g1h74 #d4 ,sometimes1 again1 let the church be never so circumspect1 yet these have so much help from the devil that they beguile them all1 and so get in4 ,these are of the sort of thieves that ,paul complains of1 ',false brethren1 that are brought in unawares' 7,gal #b3d74 ,jude also cries out of these1 ',certain men crept in unawares' 7,jude #d74 ,crept in6 ,what1 were they so lowly8 ,a voluntary humility1 a neglecting of the body1 not in any humour 7,col #b3bc74e ,o6 how seemingly self-denying are some of these 'creeping things1' that yet are to be held1 7as we shall know them7 an abomination to ,israel 7,lev #aa3dc1dd74 ,but in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver1 but also of wood and of earth2 and some to honour1 and some to dishonour 7#b ,tim #b3bj74 ,by these words the apostle seems to take it for granted1 that as there hath been1 so there still will be these kind of fig-trees1 these barren professors in the house1 when all men have done what they can2 even as in a great house there are always vessels to dishonour1 as well as those to honour and glory2 vessels of wood and of earth1 as well as of silver and gold4 ,so1 then1 there must be wooden professors in the garden of ,god1 there must be earthy1 earthen professors in his vineyard2 but that methinks is the biting word1 'and some to dishonour' 7,rom #i3ba1bb74 ,that to the ,romans is dreadful1 but this seems to go beyond it2 that speaks but of the reprobate in general1 but this of such and such in particular2 that speaks of their hardening but in the common way1 but this that they must be suffered to creep into the church1 there to fit themselves for their place1 their own place1 the place prepared for them of this sort only 7,acts #a3be74 ,as the ,lord ,jesus said once of the ,pharisees1 ,these 'shall receive greater damnation' 7,luke #bj3dg74 ,barren fig-tree1 fruitless professor1 hast thou heard all these things8 ,hast thou considered that this fig-tree is not acknowledged of ,god to be his1 but is denied to be of his planting1 and of his bringing unto his wedding8 ,dost not thou see that thou art called a thief and a robber1 that hast either climbed up to1 or crept in at another place than the door8 ,dost thou not hear that there will be in ,god's house wooden and earthly professors1 and that no place will serve to fit those for hell but the house1 the church1 the vineyard of ,god8 ,barren fig-tree1 fruitless ,christian1 do not thine ears tingle8 ,and ,,he came and sought fruit thereon4 ,when a man hath got a profession1 and is crowded into the church and house of ,god1 the question is not now1 ,hath he life1 hath he right principles8 but1 ,hath he fruit8 ,,he came seeking fruit thereon4 ,it mattereth not who brought thee in hither1 whether ,god or the devil1 or thine own vain-glorious heart2 but hast thou fruit8 ,dost thou bring forth fruit unto ,god8 ,and1 ',let every one that nameth the name of' the ,lord ,jesus ',christ depart from iniquity' 7#b ,tim #b3ai74 ,he doth not say1 ,and let every one that hath grace1 or let those that have the ,spirit of ,god2 but1 ',let every one that nameth the name of' the ,lord ,jesus ',christ depart form iniquity4' ,what do men meddle with religion for8 ,why do they call themselves by the name of the ,lord ,jesus1 if they have not the grace of ,god1 if they have not the ,spirit of ,christ8 ,god1 therefore1 expecteth fruit4 ,what do they do in the vineyard8 ,let them work1 or get them out2 the vineyard must have labourers in it4 ',son1 go ,,work to-day in my vineyard' 7,matt #ba3bh74 ,wherefore1 want of grace and want of ,spirit will not keep ,god from seeking fruit4 ',and he came and sought fruit thereon' 7,luke #ac3f1 #h3h74 ,he requireth that which he seemeth to have4 ,every man in the vineyard and house of ,god promiseth himself1 professeth to others1 and would have all men take it for granted1 that a heavenly principle is in him1 why then should not ,god seek fruit8 ,as for them1 therefore1 that will retain the name of ,christians1 fearing ,god1 and yet make no conscience of bringing forth fruit to him1 he saith to such1 ,away6 ',as for you1--,go ye1 serve ye every one his idols1 and hereafter also1 if ye will not hearken unto me1' c4 7,eze #bj3ci74 ,barren fig-tree1 dost thou hear8 ,god expecteth fruit1 ,god calls for fruit1 yea1 ,god will shortly come seeking fruit on this barren fig-tree4 ,barren fig-tree1 either bear fruit1 or go out of the vineyard2 and yet then thy case will be unspeakably damnable4 ,yea1 let me add1 if thou shalt neither bear fruit nor depart1 ,god will take his name out of thy mouth 7,jer #dd3bf74 ,he will have fruit4 ,and ,i say further1 if thou wilt do neither1 yet ,god in justice and righteousness will still come for fruit4 ,and it will be in vain for thee to count this austerity4 ,he will reap where he hath not sowed1 and gather where he hath not strewed 7,matt #be3bd-bf74 ,barren fig-tree1 dost thou hear8 ,quest4 ,what if a man have no grace8 ,answ4 ,yes1 seeing he hath a profession4 ,and he came and sought fruit ,,thereon4 ,a church1 then1 and a profession1 are not places where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves and sins from ,god4 ,some of old thought that because they could cry1 ',the temple of the ,lord1 the temple of the ,lord6' that therefore they were delivered1 or had a dispensation to do the abominations which they committed1 as some in our days2 for who1 say they1 have a right to the creatures1 if not ,christians1 if not professors1 if not church members8 ,and1 from this conclusion1 let go the reins of their inordinate affections after pride1 ambition1 gluttony2 pampering themselves without fear 7,jude #ab71 daubing themselves with the lust-provoking fashions of the times2 to walk with stretched out necks1 naked breasts1 frizzled fore-tops1 wanton gestures1 in gorgeous apparel1 mixed with gold and pearl1 and costly array4#f ,i will not here make inspection into their lives1 their carriages at home1 in their corners and secret holes2 but certainly1 persons thus spirited1 thus principled1 and thus inclined1 have but empty boughs1 boughs that want the fruit that ,god expects1 and that ,god will come down to seek4 ,barren fig-tree1 thou art not licensed by thy profession1 nor by the ,lord of the vineyard1 to bear these clusters of ,gomorrah2 neither shall the vineyard1 nor thy being crowded among the trees there1 shelter thee from the sight of the eye of ,god4 ,many make religion their cloak1 and ,christ their stalking-horse1 and by that means cover themselves and hide their own wickedness from men2 but ,god seeth their hearts1 hath his print upon the heels of their feet1 and pondereth all their goings2 and at last1 when their iniquity is found to be hateful1 he will either smite them with hardness of heart1 and so leave them1 or awaken them to bring forth fruit4 ,fruit he looks for1 seeks1 and expects1 barren fig-tree6 ,but what6 come into the presence of ,god to sin6 ,what6 come into the presence of ,god to hide thy sin6 ,alas1 man6 the church is ,god's garden1 and ,christ ,jesus is the great ,apostle and ,high-priest of our profession4 ,what6 come into the house that is called by my name6 into the place where mine honour dwelleth6 7,psa #bf3h74 ,where mine eyes and heart are continually6 7#a ,kings #i3c74 ,what6 come there to sin1 to hide thy sin1 to cloak thy sin6 ,his plants are an orchard with pleasant fruits 7,cant #d3ac74 ,and every time he goeth into his garden1 it is to see the fruits of the valley1 and to 'see if the vine flourished1 and the pomegranates budded4' ,yea1 saith he1 he came seeking fruit on this fig-tree4 ,the church is the place of ,god's delight1 where he ever desires to be3 there he is night and day4 ,he is there to seek for fruit1 to seek for fruit of all and every tree in the garden4 ,wherefore1 assure thyself1 ,o fruitless one1 that thy ways must needs be open before the eyes of the ,lord4 ,one black sheep is soon espied1 although in company with many2 that is taken with the first cast of the eye2 its different colour still betrays it4 ,i say1 therefore1 a church and a profession are not places where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves from ,god that seeks for fruit4 ',my vineyard1' saith ,god1 'which is mine1 is before me' 7,cant #h3ab74 ,and he came and sought fruit thereon1 ,,and ,,found ,,none4 ,barren fig-tree1 hearken2 the continual non-bearing of fruit is a dreadful sign that thou art to come to a dreadful end1 as the winding up of this parable concludeth4 ',,and ,,found ,,none4' ,none at all1 or none to ,god's liking2 for when he saith1 ',he came seeking fruit thereon1' he means 'fruit meet for ,god1' pleasant fruit1 fruit good and sweet 7,heb #f74 ,alas6 it is not any fruit will serve2 bad fruit is counted none4 ',every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down1 and cast into the fire' 7,matt #c3aj74 ,first4 ,there is a fruit among professors that withers1 and so never comes to be ripe2 a fruit that is smitten in the growth1 and comes not to maturity2 and this is reckoned no fruit4 ,this fruit those professors bear that have many fair beginnings1 or blossoms2 that make many fair offers of repentance and amendment2 that begin to pray1 to resolve1 and to break off their sins by righteousness1 but stop at those beginnings1 and bring not fruit forth to perfection4 ,this man's fruit is withered1 wrinkled1 smitten fruit1 and is in effect no fruit at all4 ,second4 ,there is a hasty fruit1 such as is the 'corn upon the house-top' 7,psa #abi3f72 or that which springs up on the dung-hill1 that runs up suddenly1 violently1 with great stalks and big show1 and yet at last proves empty of kernel4 ,this fruit is to be found in those professors that on a sudden are so awakened1 so convinced1 and so affected with their condition that they shake the whole family1 the endship1#g the whole town4 ,for a while they cry hastily1 vehemently1 dolefully1 mournfully1 and yet all is but a pang1 an agony1 a fit1 they bring not forth fruit with patience4 ,these are called those hasty fruits that 'shall be a fading flower' 7,isa #bh3d74 ,third4 ,there is a fruit that is vile and ill-tasted1 how long soever it be in growing2 the root is dried1 and cannot convey a sufficiency of sap to the branches1 to ripen the fruit 7,jer #bd74 ,these are the fruits of such professors whose hearts are estranged from communion with the ,holy ,ghost1 whose fruit groweth from themselves1 from their parts1 gifts1 strength of wit1 natural or moral principles4 ,these1 notwithstanding they bring forth fruit1 are called empty vines1 such as bring not forth fruit to ,god4 ',their root is dried up1 they shall bear no fruit2 yea1 though they bring forth1 yet will ,i slay even the beloved fruit of their womb' 7,hosea #i3af74 ,fourth4 ,there is a fruit that is wild4 ',i looked for grapes and it brought forth wild grapes' 7,isa #e3d74 ,i observe1 that as there are trees and herbs that are wholly right and noble1 fit indeed for the vineyard2 so there are also their semblance1 but wild2 not right1 but ignoble4 ,there is the grape1 and the wild grape2 the vine1 and the wild vine2 the rose1 and canker rose2 flowers and wild flowers2 the apple1 and the wild apple which we call the crab4 ,now1 fruit from these wild things1 however they may please the children to play with1 yet the prudent and grave count them of little or no value4 ,there are also in the world a generation of professors that1 notwithstanding their profession1 are wild by nature2 yea1 such as were never cut out1 or off1 from the wild olive-tree1 nor never yet planted into the good olive-tree4 ,now1 these can bring nothing forth but wild olive berries1 they cannot bring forth fruit unto ,god4 ,such are all those that have lightly taken up a profession1 and crept into the vineyard without a new birth1 and the blessing of regeneration4 ,fifth4 ,there is also untimely fruit3 ',even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs' 7,rev #f1 #ac74 ,fruit out of season1 and so no fruit to ,god's liking4 ,there are two sorts of professors subject to bring forth untimely fruit3 #a4 ,they that bring forth fruit too soon2 #b4 ,they that bring forth fruit too late4 #a4 ,they that bring forth too soon4 ,they are such as at present receive the ,word with joy2 and anon1 before they have root downwards1 they thrust forth upwards2 but having not root1 when the sun ariseth1 they are smitten1 and miserably die without fruit4 ,these professors are those light and inconsiderate ones that think nothing but peace will attend the gospel2 and so anon rejoice at the tidings1 without foreseeing the evil4 ,wherefore1 when the evil comes1 being unarmed1 and so not able to stand any longer1 they die1 and are withered1 and bring forth no fruit4 ',he that received the seed into stony places1 the same is he that heareth the ,word1 and anon with joy receiveth it2 yet hath he not root in himself1 but dureth for a while2 for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the ,word1 by and by he is offended' 7,matt #ac3bj1ba74 ,there is1 in ,isaiah #bh3d1 mention made of some 'whose glorious beauty shall be a fading flower1' because it is 'fruit before the summer4' ,both these are untimely fruit4 #b4 ,they also bring forth untimely fruit that stay till the season is over4 ,god will have his fruit in his season2 ,i say1 he will receive them of such men as shall render them to him in their seasons 7,matt #ba3da74 ,the missing of the season is dangerous2 staying till the door is shut is dangerous 7,matt #be3aj1aa74 ,many there be that come not till the flood of ,god's anger is raised1 and too deep for them to wade through2 ',surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him' 7,psa #cb3f74 ,esau ,,afterwards is fearful3 ',for ye know how that afterward1 when he would have inherited the blessing1 he was rejected2 for he found no place of repentance1 though he sought it carefully with tears' 7,heb #ab3ag74 ,so the children of ,israel1 they brought to ,god the fruits of obedience too late2 their ',lo1 we be here' came too late 7,num #ad3dj-db72 their ',we will go up' came too late 7,num #ad3dj-dd74 ,the ,lord had sworn before1 'that they should not possess the land' 7,matt #be3aj1 #bg3e74 ,all these are such as bring forth untimely fruit 7,heb #ab3ag2 ,luke #ac3be-bg74 ,it is the hard hap of the reprobate to do all things too late2 to be sensible of his want of grace too late2 to be sorry for sin too late2 to seek repentance too late2 to ask for mercy1 and to desire to go to glory too late4 ,thus you see1 #a4 ,that fruit smitten in the growth1 that withereth1 and that comes not to maturity1 is no fruit4 #b4 ,that hasty fruit1 such as 'the grass upon the house-top1' withereth also before it groweth up1 and is no fruit 7,psa #abi3f74 #c4 ,that the fruit that is vile1 and ill-tasted1 is no fruit4 ,that wild fruit1 wild grapes1 are no fruit 7,rev #f74 ,that untimely fruit1 such as comes too soon1 or that comes too late1 such as come not in their season1 are no fruit4 ,and he came and sought ,,fruit thereon1 and found none4 ,nothing will do but fruit2 he looked for grapes4 ',when the time of the fruit drew near1 he sent his servants to the husbandmen1 that they might receive the fruits of it' 7,matt #ba3cd74 ,quest4 ,but what fruit doth ,god expect8 ,answ4 ,good fruit4 ',every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit1 is hewn down' 7,matt #g3ai74 ,now1 before the fruit can be good1 the tree must be good2 for good fruit makes not a good tree1 but a 'good tree bringeth forth good fruit4 ,do men gather grapes of thorns1 or figs of thistles8' ,a man must be good1 else he can bring forth no good fruit2 he must have righteousness imputed1 that he may stand good in ,god2's sight from the curse of his law2 he must have a principle of righteousness in his soul1 else how should he bring forth good fruits8 and hence it is1 that a ,christian's fruits are called 'the fruits of the ,spirit1 the fruits of righteousness1 which are by ,jesus ,christ' 7,gal #e3bb1bc2 ,phil #a3aa74 ,the fruits of the ,spirit1 therefore the ,spirit must be there2 the fruits of righteousness1 therefore righteousness must first be there4 ,but to particularize in a few things briefly3-- ,first4 ,god expecteth fruit that will answer1 and be worthy of the repentance which thou feignest thyself to have4 ,every one in a profession1 and that hath crowded into the vineyard1 pretendeth to repentance2 now of every such soul1 ,god expecteth that the fruits of repentance be found to attend them4 ',bring forth1 therefore1 fruits meet for repentance1' or answerable to thy profession of the doctrine of repentance 7,matt #c3h74 ,barren fig-tree1 seeing thou art a professor1 and art got into the vineyard1 thou standest before the ,lord of the vineyard as one of the trees of the garden2 wherefore he looketh for fruit from thee1 as from the rest of the trees in the vineyard2 fruits1 ,i say1 and such as may declare thee in heart and life one that hath made sound profession of repentance4 ,by thy profession thou hast said1 ,i am sensible of the evil of sin4 ,now then1 live such a life as declares that thou art sensible of the evil of sin4 ,by thy profession thou hast said1 ,i am sorry for my sin4 ,why1 then1 live such a life as may declare this sorrow4 ,by thy profession thou hast said1 ,i am ashamed of my sin2 yea1 but live such a life1 that men by that may see thy shame for sin 7,psa #ch3ah2 ,jer #ca3ai74 ,by thy profession thou sayest1 ,i have turned from1 left off1 and am become an enemy to every appearance of evil 7#a ,thess #e3bb74 ,ah6 but doth thy life and conversation declare thee to be such an one8 ,take heed1 barren fig-tree1 lest thy life should give thy profession the lie4 ,i say again1 take heed1 for ,god himself will come for fruit4 ',and he sought fruit thereon4' ,you have some professors that are only saints before men when they are abroad1 but are devils and vipers at home2 saints by profession1 but devils by practice2 saints in word1 but sinners in heart and life4 ,these men may have the profession1 but they want the fruits that become repentance4#h ,barren fig-tree1 can it be imagined that those that paint themselves did ever repent of their pride8 or that those that pursue this world did ever repent of their covetousness8 or that those that walk with wanton eyes did ever repent of their fleshly lusts8 ,where1 barren fig-tree1 is the fruit of these people's repentance8 ,nay1 do they not rather declare to the world that they have repented of their profession8 ,their fruits look as if they had4 ,their pride saith they have repented of their humility4 ,their covetousness declareth that they are weary of depending upon ,god2 and doth not thy wanton actions declare that thou abhorrest chastity8 ,where is thy fruit1 barren fig-tree8 ,repentance is not only a sorrow1 and a shame for1 but a turning from sin to ,god2 it is called 'repentance from dead works' 7,heb #f3a74 ,hast thou that 'godly sorrow' that 'worketh repentance to salvation1 not to be repented of8' 7#b ,cor #g3aj1aa74 ,how dost thou show thy carefulness1 and clearing of thyself2 thy indignation against sin2 they fear of offending2 thy vehement desire to walk with ,god2 thy zeal for his name and glory in the world8 ,and what revenge hast thou in thy heart against every thought of disobedience8 ,but where is the fruit of this repentance8 ,where is thy watching1 thy fasting1 thy praying against the remainders of corruption8 ,where is thy self-abhorrence1 thy blushing before ,god1 for the sin that is yet behind8 ,where is thy tenderness of the name of ,god and his ways8 ,where is thy self-denial and contentment8 ,how dost thou show before men the truth of thy turning to ,god8 ,hast thou 'renounced the hidden things of dishonesty1 not walking in craftiness8' ,canst thou commend thyself 'to every man's conscience in the sight of ,god8' 7#b ,cor #d3b74 ,second4 ,god expecteth fruits that shall answer that faith which thou makest profession of4 ,the professor that is got into the vineyard of ,god doth feign that he hath the faith1 the faith most holy1 the faith of ,god's elect4 ,ah6 but where are thy fruits1 barren fig-tree8 ,the faith of the ,romans was 'spoken of throughout the whole world' 7,rom #a3h74 ,and the ,thessalonians' faith grew exceedingly 7#b ,thess #a3c74 ,thou professest to believe thou hast a share in another world3 hast thou let got ,,this1 barren fig-tree8 ,thou professest thou believest in ,christ3 is he thy joy1 and the life of thy soul8 ,yea1 what conformity unto him1 to his sorrows and sufferings8 ,what resemblance hath his crying1 and groaning1 and bleeding1 and dying1 wrought in thee8 ,dost thou 'bear about in thy body the dying of the ,lord ,jesus8' and is also the life of ,jesus 'made manifest in thy mortal body8' 7#b ,cor #d3aj1aa74 ,barren fig-tree1 'show me thy faith by thy works4' ',show out of a good conversation thy works with meekness of wisdom' 7,james #b3ah1 #c3ac74 ,what fruit1 barren fig-tree1 what degree of heart holiness8 for faith purifies the heart 7,acts #ae3i74 ,what love to the ,lord ,jesus8 for 'faith worketh by love' 7,gal #e3f74 ,third4 ,god expecteth fruits according to the seasons of grace thou art under1 according to the rain that cometh upon thee4 ,perhaps thou art planted in a good soil1 by great waters1 that thou mightest bring forth branches1 and bear fruit2 that thou mightest be a goodly vine or fig-tree4 ,shall he not therefore seek for fruit1 for fruit answerable to the means8 ,barren fig-tree1 ,god expects it1 and will find it too1 if ever he bless thee4 ',for the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it1 and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed1 receiveth blessing from ,god3 but that which beareth thorns and briars is rejected1 and is nigh unto cursing1 whose end is to be burned' 7,heb #f3g1h74 ,barren soul1 how many showers of grace1 how many dews from heaven1 how many times have the silver streams of the city of ,god run gliding by thy roots1 to cause thee to bring forth fruit6 ,these showers and streams1 and the drops that hang upon thy boughs1 will all be accounted for2 and will they not testify against thee that thou oughtest1 of right1 to be burned8 ,hear and tremble1 ,o thou barren professor6 ,fruits that become thy profession of the gospel1 the ,god of heaven expecteth4 ,the gospel hath in it the forgiveness of sins1 the kingdom of heaven1 and eternal life2 but what fruit hath thy profession of a belief of these things put forth in thy heart and life8 ,hast thou given thyself to the ,lord8 and is all that thou hast to be ventured for his name in this world8 ,dost thou walk like one that is bought with a price1 even with the price of precious blood8 ,fourth4 ,the fruit that ,god expecteth is such as is meet for himself2 fruit that may glorify ,god4 ,god's trees are trees of righteousness1 the planting of the ,lord1 that he may be glorified2 fruit that tasteth of heaven1 abundance of such fruit4 ,for 'herein1' saith ,christ1 'is my ,father glorified1 that ye bear much fruit' 7,john #ae3h74 ,fruits of all kinds1 new and old2 the fruits of the ,spirit are in all goodness1 and righteousness1 and truth4 ,fruits before the world1 fruits before the saints1 fruits before ,god1 fruits before angels4 ,o my brethren1 'what manner of persons ought we to be1' who have subscribed to the ,lord1 and have called ourselves by the name of ,israel8 ',one shall say ,i am the ,lord's2 and another shall call himself by the name of ,jacob2 and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the ,lord1 and surname himself by the name of ,israel' 7,isa #dd3e74 ,barren fig-tree1 hast thou subscribed1 hast thou called thyself by the name of ,jacob1 and surnamed thyself by the name of ,israel8 ,all this thou pretendest to1 who art got into the vineyard1 who art placed among the trees of the garden of ,god4 ,god doth therefore look for such fruit as is worthy of his name1 as is meet for him2 as the apostle saith1 'we should walk worthy of ,god'2 that is1 so as we may show in every place that the presence of ,god is with us1 his fear in us1 and his majesty and authority upon our actions4 ,fruits meet for him1 such a dependence upon him1 such trust in his word1 such satisfaction in his presence1 such a trusting of him with all my concerns1 and such delight in the enjoyment of him1 that may demonstrate that his fear is in my heart1 that my soul is wrapped up in his things1 and that my body1 and soul1 and estate1 and all1 are in truth1 through his grace1 at his dispose1 fruit meet for him4 ,hearty thanks1 and blessing ,god for ,jesus ,christ1 for his good word1 for his free grace1 for the discovery of himself in ,christ to the soul1 secret longing after another world1 fruit meet for him4 ,liberality to the poor saints1 to the poor world2 a life in word and deed exemplary2 a patient and quiet enduring of all things1 till ,i have done and suffered the whole will of ,god1 which he hath appointed for me4 ',that on the good ground are they which1 in an honest and good heart1 having heard the word1 keep it1 and bring forth fruit with patience' 7,luke #h3ae74 ,this is bringing forth fruit unto ,god2 having our 'fruit unto holiness1 and the end everlasting life' 7,rom #g3d1 #f3bb1 #ad3h74 ,fifth4 ,the ,lord expects fruit becoming the vineyard of ,god4 ',the vineyard1' saith he1 'in a very fruitful hill'3 witness the fruit brought forth in all ages 7,isa #e3a74 ,the most barren trees that ever grew in the wood of this world1 when planted in this vineyard by the ,god of heaven1 what fruit to ,godward have they brought forth6 ',abel offered the more excellent sacrifice' 7,heb #aa3d74 ,enoch walked with ,god three hundred years 7,heb #aa3e74 ,noah1 by his life of faith1 'condemned the world1 and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith' 7,heb #aa3g74 ,abraham left his country1 and went out after ,god1 not knowing whither he went 7,heb #aa3h74 ,moses left a kingdom1 and run the hazard of the wrath of the king1 for the love he had to ,god and ,christ4 ,what shall ,i say of them who had trials1 'not accepting deliverance1 that they might obtain a better resurrection8 ,they were stoned2 they were sawn asunder2 were tempted2 were slain with the sword2 they wandered about in sheep-skins and goat-skins1 being destitute1 afflicted1 tormented' 7,heb #aa3ce-cg74 ,peter left his father1 ship1 and nets 7,matt #d3ah-bj74 ,paul turned off from the feet of ,gamaliel4 ,men brought their goods and possessions 7the price of them7 and cast it down at the apostle's feet 7,acts #ai3ah-bj74 ,and others brought their books together1 and burned them2 curious books1 though they were worth fifty thousand pieces of silver4 ,i could add how many willingly offered themselves in all ages1 and their all1 for the worthy name of the ,lord ,jesus1 to be racked1 starved1 hanged1 burned1 drowned1 pulled in pieces1 and a thousand calamities4#i ,barren fig-tree1 the vineyard of ,god hath been a fruitful place4 ,what dost thou there8 ,what dost thou bear8 ,god expects fruit according to1 or becoming the soil of the vineyard4 ,sixth4 ,the fruit which ,god expecteth is such as becometh ,god's husbandry and labour4 ,the vineyard is ,god's husbandry1 or tillage4 ',i am the true vine1' saith ,christ1 'and my ,father is the husbandman' 7,john #ae3a74 ,and again1 ',ye are ,god's husbandry1 ye are ,god's building' 7#a ,cor #c3i74 ,the vineyard2 ,god fences it1 ,god gathereth out the stones1 ,god builds the tower1 and the wine-press in the midst thereof4 ,here is labour1 here is protection1 here is removing of hindrances1 here is convenient purgation1 and all that there might be fruit4 ,barren fig-tree1 what fruit hast thou8 ,hast thou fruit becoming the care of ,god1 the protection of ,god1 the wisdom of ,god1 the patience and husbandry of ,god8 ,it is the fruit of the vineyard that is either the shame or the praise of the husbandman4 ',i went by the field of the slothful1' saith ,solomon1 'and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding2 and lo1 it was all grown over with thorns1 and nettles had covered the face thereof' 7,prov #cd3cj-cb74 ,barren fig-tree1 if men should make a judgment of the care1 and pains1 and labour of ,god in his church1 by the fruit that thou bringest forth1 what might they say8 ,is he not slothful1 is not he careless1 is he not without discretion8 ,o6 thy thorns1 thy nettles1 thy barren heart and barren life1 is a continual provocation to the eyes of his glory1 as likewise a dishonour to the glory of his grace4 ,barren fig-tree1 hast thou heard all these things8 ,i will add yet one more4 ',and he came and sought fruit thereon4' ,the question is not now1 ,what thou thinkest of thyself1 nor what all the people of ,god think of thee1 but what thou shalt be found in that day when ,god shall search thy boughs for fruit8 ,when ,sodom was to be searched for righteous men1 ,god would not1 in that matter1 trust his faithful servant ,abraham2 but still1 as ,abraham interceded1 ,god answered1 ',if ,i find fifty1--or forty and five there1 ,i will not destroy the city' 7,gen #ah3bj-bh74 ,barren fig-tree1 what sayest thou8 ,god will come down to see1 ,god will make search for fruit himself4 ',and he came and sought fruit thereon1 and found none4 ,then said he unto the dresser of the vineyard1 ,behold1 these three years ,i come seeking fruit on this fig-tree1 and find none2 cut it down1 why cumbereth it the ground8' ,these words are the effects of ,god's search into the boughs of a barren fig-tree2 he sought fruit1 and found none--none to his liking1 none pleasant and good4 ,therefore1 first1 he complains of the want thereof to the dresser2 calls him to come1 and see1 and take notice of the tree2 then signifieth his pleasure3 he will have it removed1 taken away1 cut down from cumbering the ground4 ,observe1 ,the barren fig-tree is the object of ,god's displeasure2 ,god cannot bear with a fruitless professor4 ,,then said he1 c4 ,,then1 after this provocation2 then1 after he had sought and found no fruit1 then4 ,this word1 ,,then1 doth show us a kind of an inward disquietness2 as he saith also in another place1 upon a like provocation4 ',,then the anger of the ,lord1 and his jealousy1 shall smoke against that man1 and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him1 and the ,lord shall blot out his name from under heaven' 7,deut #bi3ah-bj74 ,,then2 it intimateth that he was now come to a point1 to a resolution what to do with this fig-tree4 ',then said he to the dresser of this vineyard1' that is1 to ,jesus ,christ1 'behold1' as much as to say1 come hither1 here is a fig-tree in my vineyard1 here is a professor in my church1 that is barren1 that beareth no fruit4 ,observe1 ,however the barren professor thinks of himself on earth1 the ,lord cries out in heaven against him4 ',and now go to1 ,i will tell you what ,i will do to my vineyard3 ,i will take away the hedge thereof1 and it shall be eaten up2 and ,i will break down the wall thereof1 and it shall be trodden down' 7,isa #e3e74 ',behold1 ,,these ,,three ,,years ,i come seeking fruit4' ,observe1 ',,these ,,three ,,years4' ,god cries out that this patience is abused1 that his forbearance is abused4 ,behold1 these three years ,i have waited1 forborne2 these three years ,i have deferred mine anger4 ',therefore will ,i stretch out my hand against thee1 and destroy thee2 ,i am weary with repenting' 7,jer #ae3f74 ',these three years4' ,observe1 ,god layeth up all the time2 ,i say1 a remembrance of all the time that a barren fig-tree1 or a fruitless professor1 misspendeth in this world4 ,as he saith also of ,israel of old1 'forty years long was ,i grieved with this generation' 7,psa #ie3aj74 ',these three years1' c4 ,these three seasons3 ,observe1 ,god remembers how many seasons thou hast misspent3 for these three years signify so many seasons4 ,and when the time of fruit drew nigh1 that is1 about the season they begin to be ripe1 or that according to the season might so have been4 ,barren fig-tree1 thou hast had time1 seasons1 sermons1 ministers1 afflictions1 judgments1 mercies1 and what not2 and yet hast not been fruitful4 ,thou hast had awakenings1 reproofs1 threatenings1 comforts1 and yet hast not been fruitful4 ,thou hast had patterns1 examples1 citations1 provocations1 and yet has not been fruitful4 ,well1 ,god hath laid up thy three years with himself4 ,he remembers every time1 every season1 every sermon1 every minister1 affliction1 judgment1 mercy1 awakening1 pattern1 example1 citation1 provocation2 he remembers all4 ,as he said of ,israel of old1 ',they have tempted me now these ten times1 and have not hearkened to my voice' 7,num #ad3bb74 ,and again1 ',i remember all their wickedness' 7,hosea #g3b74 ',these three years1' c4 ,he seeks for the fruit of every season4 ,he will not that any of his sermons1 ministers1 afflictions1 judgments1 or mercies1 should be lost1 or stand for insignificant things2 he will have according to the benefit bestowed4 7#b ,chron #cb3bd1be74 ,he hath not done without a cause all that he hath done1 and therefore he looketh for fruit 7,eze #ad3bc74 ,look to it1 barren fig-tree4#aj ,i came ',,seeking' fruit4 ,observe1 ,this word ',,seeking' signifies a narrow search2 for when a man seeks for fruit on a tree1 he goes round it and round it2 now looking into this bough1 and then into that2 he peeks into the inmost boughs1 and the lowermost boughs1 if perhaps fruit may be thereon4 ,barren fig-tree1 ,god will look into all thy boughs1 he will be with thee in thy bed-fruits1 thy midnight-fruits1 thy closet-fruits1 thy family-fruits1 thy conversation-fruits1 to see if there be any among all these that are fit for1 or worthy of the name of the ,god of heaven4 ,he sees 'what the ancients of the house of ,israel do in the dark' 7,eze #h3ab74 ',all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do' 7,heb #d3ab1ac74 ,seeking fruit on ',,this' fig-tree4 ,i told you before1 that he keeps in remembrance the times and seasons that the barren professor had wickedly misspent4 ,now1 forasmuch as he also pointeth out the fig-tree1 ,,this fig-tree1 it showeth that the barren professor1 above all professors1 is a continual odium in the eyes of ,god4 ,this fig-tree1 'this man ,coniah' 7,jer #bb3bh74 ,this people draw nigh me with their mouth1 but have removed their hearts far from me4 ,god knows who they are among all the thousands of ,israel that are the barren and fruitless professors2 his lot will fall upon the head of ,achan1 though he be hid among six hundred thousand men4 ',and he brought his household1 man by man1 and ,achan1 the son of ,carmi1 the son of ,zabdi1 the son of ,zera1 of the tribe of ,judah1 was taken' 7,josh #g3ag1ah74 ,this is the ,achan1 this is the fig-tree1 this is the barren professor6 ,there is a man hath a hundred trees in his vineyard1 and at the time of the season1 he walketh into his vineyard to see how the trees flourish2 and as he goes1 and views1 and prys1 and observes how they are hanged with fruit1 behold1 he cometh to one where he findeth naught but leaves4 ,now he makes a stand2 looks upon it again and again2 he looks also here and there1 above and below2 and if after all this seeking1 he finds nothing but leaves thereon1 then he begins to cast in his mind1 how he may know this tree next year2 what stands next it1 or how far it is off the hedge8 ,but if there be nothing there that may be as a mark to know it by1 then he takes his hook1 and giveth it a private mark--',and the ,lord set a mark upon ,cain' 7,gen #d71 saying1 ,go thy ways1 fruitless fig-tree1 thou hast spent this season in vain4 ,yet doth he not cut it down1 ,i will try it another year3 may be this was not a hitting#aa season4 ,therefore he comes again next year1 to see if now it have fruit2 but as he found it before1 so he finds it now1 barren1 barren1 every year barren2 he looks again1 but finds no fruit4 ,now he begins to have second thoughts1 ,how6 neither hit last year nor this8 ,surely the barrenness is not in the season2 sure the fault is in the tree2 however1 ,i will spare it this year also1 but will give it a second mark2 and it may be he toucheth it with a hot iron1 because he begins to be angry4 ,well1 at the third season he comes again for fruit1 but the third year is like the first and second2 no fruit yet2 it only cumbereth the ground4 ,what now must be done with this fig-tree8 ,why1 the ,lord will lop its boughs with terror2 yea1 the thickets of those professors with iron4 ,i have waited1 saith ,god1 these three years2 ,i have missed of fruit these three years2 it hath been a cumber-ground these three years2 cut it down4 ,precept hath been upon precept1 and line upon line1 one year after another1 for these three years1 but no fruit can be seen2 ,i find none1 fetch out the axe6 ,i am sure ,,this is the fig-tree1 ,i know it from the first year2 barrenness was its sign then1 barrenness is its sign now2 make it fit for the fire6 ,behold1 'now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees3 therefore1 every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit1 is hewn down1 and cast into the fire' 7,matt #c3aj74 ,observe1 my brethren1 ,god's heart cannot stand towards a barren fig-tree4 ,you know thus it is with yourselves4 ,if you have a tree in your orchard or vineyard that doth only cumber the ground1 you cannot look upon that tree with pleasure1 with complacency and delight4 ,no2 if you do but go by it1 if you do but cast your eye upon it3 yea1 if you do but think of that tree1 you threaten it in your heart1 saying1 ,i will hew thee down shortly2 ,i will to the fire with thee shortly3 and it is in vain for any to think of persuading of you to show favour to the barren fig-tree2 and if they should persuade1 your answer is irresistible1 ,it yields me no profit1 it takes up room and doth no good2 a better may grow in its room4 ,cut it down4 ,thus1 when the godly among the ,jews made prayers that rebellious ,israel might not be cast out of the vineyard1 what saith the answer of ,god8 7,jer #ad3ag74 ',though ,moses and ,samuel stood before me1 yet my mind could not be toward this people'3 wherefore 'cast them out of my sight1 and let them go forth' 7,jer #ae3a74 ,what a resolution is here6 ,moses and ,samuel could do almost anything with ,god in prayer4 ,how many times did ,moses by prayer turn away ,god's judgments from even ,pharaoh himself6 yea1 how many times did he by prayer preserve ,israel1 when in the wilderness1 from the anger and wrath of ,god6 7,psa #ajf3bc74 ,samuel is reckoned excellent this way1 yea1 so excellent1 that when ,israel had done that fearful thing as to reject the ,lord1 and choose them another king1 he prayed1 and the ,lord spared1 and forgave them 7#a ,sam #ab74 ,but yet neither ,moses nor ,samuel can save a barren fig-tree4 ,no2 though ,moses and ,samuel stood before me1 that is1 pleading1 arguing1 interceding1 supplicating1 and beseeching1 yet could they not incline mine heart to this people4 ,cut it down4 ',ay1 but ,lord1 it is a fig-tree1 a fig-tree6' ,if it was a thorn1 or a bramble1 or a thistle1 the matter would not be much2 but it is a fig-tree1 or a vine4 ,well1 but mark the answer of ,god1 ',son of man1 ,what is the vine-tree more than any tree1 or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest8 ,shall wood be taken thereof to do any work8 or will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon8' 7,eze #ae3b1c74 ,if trees that are set1 or planted for fruit1 bring not forth that fruit1 there is betwixt them and the trees of the forest no betterment at all1 unless the betterment lieth in the trees of the wood1 for they are fit to build withal2 but a fig-tree1 or a vine1 if they bring not forth fruit1 yea1 good fruit1 they are fit for nothing at all1 but to be cut down and prepared for the fire2 and so the prophet goes on1 ',behold1 it is cast into the fire for fuel4' ,if it serve not for fruit it will serve for fuel1 and so 'the fire devoureth both the ends of it1 and the midst of it is burnt4' ,ay1 but these fig-trees and vines are church-members1 inhabiters of ,jerusalem4 ,so was the fig-tree mentioned in the text4 ,but what answer hath ,god prepared for these objections8 ,why1 ',thus saith the ,lord ,god1 ,as the vine-tree among the trees of the forest1 which ,i have given to the fire for fuel2 so will ,i give the inhabitants of ,jerusalem2 and ,i will set my face against them1 they shall go out from one fire1 and another fire shall devour them' 7,eze #ae3f1g74 ,cut it down4 ,the woman that delighteth in her garden1 if she have a slip there1 suppose1 if it was fruitful1 she would not take five pounds for it2 yet if it bear no fruit1 if it wither1 and dwindle1 and die1 and turn cumber-ground only1 it may not stand in her garden4 ,gardens and vineyards are places for fruit1 for fruit according to the nature of the plant or flowers4 ,suppose such a slip as ,i told you of before should be in your garden1 and there die1 would you let it abide in your garden8 ,no2 away with it1 away with it6 ,the woman comes into her garden towards the spring1 where first she gives it a slight cast with her eye1 then she sets to gathering out the weeds1 and nettles1 and stones2 takes a besom and sweeps the walks2 this done1 she falls to prying into her herbs and slips1 to see if they live1 to see if they are likely to grow4 ,now1 if she comes to one that is dead1 that she is confident will not grow1 up she pulls that1 and makes to the heap of rubbish with it1 where she despisingly casts it down1 and valueth it no more than a nettle1 or a weed1 or than the dust she hath swept out of her walks4 ,yea1 if any that see her should say1 ,why do you so8 the answer is ready4 ,it is dead1 it is dead at root2 if ,i had let it stand it would but have cumbered the ground4 ,the strange slips1 and also the dead ones1 they must be 'a heap in the day of grief1 and of desperate sorrow' 7,isa #ag3aj1aa74 ,cut it down4 ,there are two manner of cuttings down2 ,first4 ,when a man is cast out of the vineyard4 ,second4 ,when a man is cast out of the world4 ,first4 ,when a man is cast out of the vineyard4 ,and that is done two ways2 #a4 ,by an immediate hand of ,god4 #b4 ,by the church's due execution of the laws and censures which ,christ for that purpose has left with his church4 #a4 ,god cuts down the barren fig-tree by an immediate hand1 smiting his roots1 blasting his branches1 and so takes him away from among his people4 ',every branch1' saith ,christ1 'that beareth not fruit in me1 he1' my ,father1 'taketh away' 7,john #ae3b74 ,he taketh him out of the church1 he taketh him away from the godly4 ,there are two things by which ,god taketh the barren professor from among the children of ,god3 7#a47 ,strong delusions4 7#b47 ,open profaneness4 74#a74 ,by strong delusion2 such as beguile the soul with damnable doctrines1 that swerve from faith and godliness1 ',they have chosen their own ways1' saith ,god1 'and their soul delighteth in their abominations4 ,i also will choose their delusions1 and will bring their fears upon them' 7,isa #ff3c1d74 ,i will smite them with blindness1 and hardness of heart1 and failing of eyes2 and will also suffer the tempter to tempt and affect his hellish designs upon them4 ',god shall send them strong delusion1 that they should believe a lie3 that they all might be damned who believed not the truth1 but had pleasure in unrighteousness' 7#b ,thess #b3aj-ab74 7#b47 ,sometimes ,god takes away a barren professor by open profaneness4 ,there is one hath taken up a profession of that worthy name1 the ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 but this profession is but a cloak2 he secretly practiseth wickedness4 ,he is a glutton1 a drunkard1 or covetous1 or unclean4 ,well1 saith ,god1 ,i will loose the reins of this professor2 ,i will give him up to his vile affections2 ,i will loose the reins of his lusts before him2 he shall be entangled with his beastly lusts2 he shall be overcome of ungodly company4 ,thus they that turn aside to their own crooked ways 'the ,lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity' 7,psa #abe3e74 ,this is ,god's hand immediately2 ,god is now dealing with this man himself4 ,barren fig-tree1 hearken6 ,thou art crowded into a profession1 art got among the godly1 and there art a scandal to the holy and glorious gospel2 but withal so cunning that1 like the sons of ,zeruiah1 thou art too hard for the church2 she knows not how to deal with thee4 ,well1 saith ,god1 ,i will deal with that man myself1 ',i will answer that man by myself4' ,he that sets up his idols in his heart1 and puts the stumbling-block of his iniquity before his face1 and yet comes and appears before me1 ',i will set my face against that man1 and will make him a sign and a proverb3 and ,i will cut him off from the midst of my people2 and ye shall know that ,i am the ,lord' 7,eze #ad3g1h74 ,but1 #b4 ,god doth sometimes cut down the barren fig-tree by the church1 by the church's due execution of the laws and censures which ,christ for that purpose hath left with his church4 ,this is the meaning of that in ,matthew #ah2 #a ,corinthians #e3 and that in #a ,timothy #a3bj upon which now ,i shall not enlarge1 ,but which way soever ,god dealeth with thee1 ,o thou barren fig-tree1 whither by himself immediately1 or by his church1 it amounts to one and the same2 for if timely repentance prevent not1 the end of that soul is damnation4 ,they are blasted1 and withered1 and gathered by men1 ,god's enemies2 and at last being cast into the fire burning must be their end4 ',that which beareth thorns and briars is nigh unto cursing1 whose end is to be burned' 7,heb #f3h74 ,second4 ,and1 again1 sometimes by ',cut it down' ,god means1 cast it out of the world4 ,thus he cut down ,nadab and ,abihu1 when he burned them up with fire from heaven4 ,thus he cut down ,korah1 ,dathan1 and ,abiram1 when he made the earth to swallow them up 7,num #c3d1 #af3ca-cc74 ,thus he cut down ,saul1 when he gave him up to fall upon the edge of his own sword1 and died 7#a ,sam #ca3d74 ,thus he cut down ,ananias1 with ,sapphira his wife1 when he struck them down dead in the midst of the congregation 7,acts #e3e1aj74 ,i might here also discourse of ,absalom1 ,ahithophel1 and ,judas1 who were all three hanged3 the first by ,god's revenging hand1 the others were given up of ,god to be their own executioners4 ,these were barren and unprofitable fig-trees1 such as ,god took no pleasure in1 therefore he commanded to cut them down4 ,the ,psalmist saith1 ',he shall take them away as with a whirlwind1 both living1 and in his wrath' 7,psa #eh3i74 ,barren fig-tree1 hearken6 ,god calls for the axe1 his sword2 bring it hither2 here is a barren professor4 ,cut him down1 why cumbereth he the ground8 ,why cumbereth it the ground8 ,by these words the ,lord suggesteth reasons of his displeasure against the barren fig-tree2 it cumbereth the ground4 ,the ,holy ,ghost doth not only take an argument from its barrenness1 but because it is a cumber-ground1 therefore cut it down2 wherefore it must needs be a provocation4 #a4 ,because1 as much as in him lieth1 he disappointeth the design of ,god in planting his vineyard2 ,i looked that it should bring forth fruit4 #b4 ,it hath also abused his patience1 his long-suffering1 his three years' patience4 #c4 ,it hath also abused his labour1 his pains1 his care1 and providence of protection and preservation3 for he hedges his vineyard1 and walls it about4 ,cumber-ground1 all these things thou abusest6 ,he waters his vineyard1 and looks to it night and day2 but all these things thou hast abused4 ,further1 there are other reasons of ,god's displeasure2 as1 ,first4 ,a cumber-ground is a very mock and reproach of religion1 a mock and reproach to the ways of ,god1 to the people of ,god1 to the ,word of ,god1 and to the name of religion4 ,it is expected of all hands1 that all the trees in the garden of ,god should be fruitful3 ,god expects fruit1 the church expects fruit1 the world1 even the world1 concludes that professors should be fruitful in good works2 ,i say1 the world expecteth that professors should be better than themselves4 ,but1 barren fig-tree1 thou disappointest all4 ,nay1 hast thou not learned the wicked ones thy ways8 ,hast thou not learned them to be more wicked by thy example8--but that is by the by4 ,barren fig-tree1 thou hast disappointed others1 and must be disappointed thyself6 ',cut it down1 why cumbereth it the ground8' ,second4 ,the barren fig-tree takes up the room where a better tree might stand2 ,i say1 it takes up the room1 it keeps1 so long as it stand where it doth2 a fruitful tree out of that place1 and therefore it must be cut down4 ,barren fig-tree1 dost thou hear8 ,because the ,jews stood fruitless in the vineyard1 therefore1 saith ,god1 ',the kingdom of ,god shall be taken from you1' and given to a nation that shall render him their fruits in their season 7,matt #ba3cc-da74 ,the ,jews for their barrenness were cut down1 and more fruitful people put in their room4 ,as ,samuel also said to barren ,saul1 ',the ,lord hath rent the kingdom from thee1 and hath given it to a neighbour of thine that is better than thou' 7#a ,sam #ae3bh74 ,the unprofitable servant must be cast out1 must be cut down 7,matt #be3bg74 ,cumber-ground1 how many hopeful1 inclinable1 forward people1 hast thou by thy fruitless and unprofitable life1 kept out of the vineyard of ,god8 ,for thy sake have the people stumbled at religion2 by thy life have they been kept from the love of their own salvation4 ,thou hast been also a means of hardening others1 and of quenching and killing weak beginnings4 ,well1 barren fig-tree1 look to thyself1 thou wilt not go to heaven thyself1 and them that would1 thou hinderest2 thou must not always cumber the ground1 nor always hinder the salvation of others4 ,thou shalt be cut down1 and another shall be planted in thy room4 ,third4 ,the cumber-ground is a sucker2 he draws away the heart and nourishment from the other trees4 ,were the cumber ground cut down1 the others would be more fruitful2 he draws away that fatness of the ground to himself1 that would make the others more hearty and fruitful4 ',one sinner destroyeth much good' 7,eccl #i3ah74 ,the cumber-ground is a very drone in the hive1 that eats up the honey that should feed the labouring bee2 he is a thief in the candle1 that wasteth the tallow1 but giveth no light2 he is the unsavoury salt1 that is fit for nought but the dunghill4 ,look to it1 barren fig-tree6 ,and he answering1 said unto him1 ,lord1 let it alone this year also1 till ,i shall dig about it1 and dung it2 and if it bear fruit1 well2 and if not1 then after that1 thou shalt cut it down 7vv #h1i74 ,these are the words of the dresser of the vineyard1 who1 ,i told you1 is ,jesus ,christ1 for he made intercession for the transgressors4 ,and they contain a petition presented to an offended justice1 praying1 that a little more time and patience might be exercised towards the barren cumber-ground fig-tree4 ,in this petition there are six things considerable3 #a4 ,that justice might be deferred4 ,o that justice might be deferred6 ',lord1 let it alone1' c41 a while longer4 #b4 ,here is time prefixed1 as a space to try if more means will cure a barren fig-tree4 ',lord1 let it alone this year also4' #c4 ,the means to help it are propounded1 'until ,i shall dig about it1 and dung it4'#ab #d4 ,here is also an insinuation of a supposition1 that1 by thus doing1 ,god's expectation may be answered2 'and if it bear fruit1 well4' #e4 ,here is a supposition that the barren fig-tree may yet abide barren1 when ,christ hath done what he will unto it2 'and if it bear fruit1' c4 #f4 ,here is at last a resolution1 that if thou continue barren1 hewing days will come upon thee2 'and if it bear fruit1 well2 and if not1 then after that thou shalt cut it down4' ,but to proceed according to my former method1 by way of exposition4 ,lord1 let it alone this year also4 ,here is astonishing grace indeed6 astonishing grace1 ,i say1 that the ,lord ,jesus should concern himself with a barren fig-tree2 that he should step in to stop the blow from a barren fig-tree6 ,true1 he stopped the blow but for a time2 but why did he stop it at all8 ,why did not he fetch out the axe8 ,why did he not do execution8 ,why did not he cut it down8 ,barren fig-tree1 it is well for thee that there is a ,jesus at ,god's right hand1 a ,jesus of that largeness of bowels1 as to have compassion for a barren fig-tree1 else justice had never let thee alone to cumber the ground as thou hast done6 ,when ,israel also had sinned against ,god1 down they had gone1 but that ,moses stood in the breach4 ',let me alone1' said ,god to him1 'that ,i may consume them' in a moment1 'and ,i will make of thee a great nation' 7,exo #cb3aj74 ,barren fig-tree1 dost thou hear8 ,thou knowest not how oft the hand of ,divine justice hath been up to strike1 and how many years since thou hadst been cut down1 had not ,jesus caught hold of his ,father's axe4 ,let me alone1 let me fetch my blow1 or ',cut it down1 why cumbereth it the ground8' ,wilt thou not hear yet1 barren fig-tree8 ,wilt thou provoke still8 ,thou hast wearied men1 and provoked the justice of ,god6 ,and 'will ye weary my ,god also8' 7,isa #g3ac74 ,lord1 let it alone this year4 ,lord1 a little longer6 let us not lose a soul for want of means4 ,i will try1 ,i will see if ,i can make it fruitful1 ,i will not beg a long life1 nor that it might still be barren1 and so provoke thee4 ,i beg1 for the sake of the soul1 the immortal soul2 ,lord1 spare it one year only1 one year longer1 this year also4 ,if ,i do any good to it1 it will be in little time4 ,thou shalt not be over wearied with waiting2 one year and then4 ,barren fig-tree1 dost thou hear what a striving there is between the vine-dresser and the husbandman1 for thy life8 ',cut it down1' says one2 ',lord1 spare it1' saith the other4 ,it is a cumber-ground1 saith the ,father2 one year longer1 prays the ,son4 ',let it alone this year also4' ,till ,i shall dig about it1 and dung it4 ,the ,lord ,jesus by these words supposeth two things1 as causes of the want of fruit in a barren fig-tree2 and two things he supposeth as a remedy4 ,the things that are a cause of want of fruit are1 ,first4 ,it is earth-bound4 ,lord1 the fig-tree is earth-bound4 ,second4 ,a want of warmer means1 of fatter means4 ,wherefore1 accordingly1 he propoundeth to loosen the earth2 to dig about it4 ,and then to supply it with dung4 ',to dig about it1 and dung it4 ,lord1 let it alone this year also1 until ,i shall dig about it4' ,i doubt it is too much ground-bound4 ,the love of this world1 and the deceitfulness of riches lie too close to the roots of the heart of this professor 7,luke #ad74 ,the love of riches1 the love of honours1 the love of pleasures1 are the thorns that choke the word4 ',for all that is in the world1 the lust of the flesh1 and the lust of the eyes1 and the pride of life1 is not of the ,father1' but enmity to ,god2 how then1 where these things bind up the heart1 can there be fruit brought forth to ,god8 7#a ,john #b3ae1af74 ,barren fig-tree1 see how the ,lord ,jesus1 by these very words1 suggesteth the cause of thy fruitfulessness of soul6 ,the things of this world lie too close to thy heart2 the earth with its things have bound up thy roots2 thou art an earth-bound soul1 thou art wrapped up in thick clay4 ',if any man love the world1 the love of the ,father is not in him'2 how then can he be fruitful in the vineyard8 ,this kept ,judas from the fruit of caring for the poor 7,john #ab3f74 ,this kept ,demas from the fruit of self-denial 7#b ,tim #d3aj74 ,and this kept ,ananias and ,sapphira his wife from the goodly fruit of sincerity and truth 7,acts #e3e1aj74 ,what shall ,i say8 ,these are 'foolish and hurtful lusts1 which drown men in destruction and perdition2 for the love of money is the root of all evil4' ,how then can good fruit grow from such a root1 the root of all evil8 ',which while some coveted after1 they have erred from the faith1 and pierced themselves through with many sorrows' 7#a ,tim #f3i1aj74 ,it is an evil root1 nay1 it is the root of all evil4 ,how then can the professor that hath such a root1 or a root wrapped up in such earthly things1 as the lusts1 and pleasures1 and vanities of this world1 bring forth fruit to ,god8 ,till ,i shall ',,dig' about it4 ,lord1 ,i will loose his roots1 ,i will dig up this earth1 ,i will lay his roots bare2 my hand shall be upon him by sickness1 by disappointments1 by cross providences2 ,i will dig about him until he stands shaking and tottering2 until he be ready to fall2 then1 if ever1 he will seek to take faster hold4 ,thus1 ,i say1 deals the ,lord ,jesus ofttimes with the barren professor2 he diggeth about him1 he smiteth one blow at his heart1 another blow at his lusts1 a third at his pleasures1 a fourth at his comforts1 another at his self-conceitedness4 ,thus he diggeth about him2 this is the way to take bad earth from his roots1 and to loosen his roots from the earth4 ,barren fig-tree1 see here the care1 the love1 the labour1 and way1 which the ,lord ,jesus1 the dresser of the vineyard1 is fain to take with thee1 if haply thou mayest be made fruitful4#ac ,till ,i shall dig about it1 and ',,dung' it4 ,as the earth1 by binding the roots too closely1 may hinder the tree's being fruitful1 so the want of better means may be also a cause thereof4 ,and this is more than intimated by the dresser of the vineyard2 ',till ,i shall dig about it and dung it4' ,i will supply it with a more fruitful ministry1 with a warmer word2 ,i will give them pastors after mine own heart2 ,i will dung them4 ,you know dung is a more warm1 more fat1 more hearty1 and succouring matter than is commonly the place in which trees are planted4 ',i will dig about it1 and dung it4' ,i will bring it under a heart-awakening ministry2 the means of grace shall be fat and good3 ,i will also visit it with heart-awakening1 heart-warming1 heart-encouraging considerations2 ,i will apply warm dung to his roots2 ,i will strive with him by my ,spirit1 and give him some tastes of the heavenly gift1 and the power of the world to come4 ,i am loth to lose him for want of digging4 ',lord1 let it alone this year also1 till ,i shall dig about it and dung it4' ,and if it bear fruit1 ,,well4 ,and if the fruits of all my labour doth make this fig-tree fruitful1 ,i shall count my time1 my labour1 and means1 well bestowed upon it2 and thou also1 ,o my ,god1 shalt be therewith much delighted2 for thou art gracious1 and merciful1 and repentest thee of the evil which thou threatenest to bring upon a people4 ,these words1 therefore1 inform us1 that if a barren fig-tree1 a barren professor1 shall now at last bring forth fruit to ,god1 it shall go well with that professor1 it shall go well with that poor soul4 ,his former barrenness1 his former tempting of ,god1 his abuse of ,god's patience and long-suffering1 his mis-spending year after year1 shall now be all forgiven him4 ,yea1 ,god the ,father1 and our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 will not pass by and forget all1 and say1 ',well done1' at the last4 ,when ,i say to the wicked1 ,o wicked man1 thou shalt surely die2 if he then do that which is lawful and right1 if he walk in the statutes of life1 without committing iniquity1 he shall surely live1 he shall not die 7,eze #cc74 ,barren fig-tree1 dost thou hear8 the axe is laid to thy roots1 the ,lord ,jesus prays ,god to spare thee4 ,hath he been digging about thee8 ,hath he been dunging of thee8 ,o barren fig-tree1 now thou art come to the point2 if thou shalt now become good1 if thou shalt1 after a gracious manner1 suck in the gospel-dung1 and if thou shalt bring forth fruit unto ,god1 well2 but if not1 the fire is the last6 fruit1 or the fire2 fruit1 or the fire1 barren fig-tree6 ',if it bear fruit1 well4'#ad ,and if not1 ,,then after that thou shalt cut it down4 ,the ,lord ,jesus1 by this if1 giveth us to understand that there is a generation of professors in the world that are incurable1 that will not1 that cannot repent1 nor be profited by the means of grace4 ,a generation1 ,i say1 that will retain a profession1 but will not bring forth fruit2 a generation that will wear out the patience of ,god1 time and tide1 threatenings and intercessions1 judgments and mercies1 and after all will be unfruitful4 ,o the desperate wickedness that is in thy heart6 ,barren professor1 dost thou hear8 the ,lord ,jesus stands yet in doubt about thee2 there is an ,,if stands yet in the way4 ,i say1 the ,lord ,jesus stands yet in doubt about thee1 whether or no1 at last1 thou wilt be good2 whether he may not labour in vain2 whether his digging and dunging will come to more than lost labour2 ',i gave her space to repent1--and she repented not' 7,rev #b3ba74 ,i digged about it1 ,i dunged it2 ,i gained time1 and supplied it with means2 but ,i laboured herein in vain1 and spent my strength for nought1 and in vain6 ,dost thou hear1 barren fig-tree8 there is yet a question1 ,whether it may be well with thy soul at last8 ,and if not1 ,,then after that thou shalt cut it down4 ,there is nothing more exasperating to the mind of a man than to find all his kindness and favour slighted2 neither is the ,lord ,jesus so provoked with anything1 as when sinners abuse his means of grace2 if it be barren and fruitless under my gospel2 if it turn my grace into wantonness1 if after digging and dunging1 and waiting1 it yet remain unfruitful1 ,i will let thee cut it down4 ,gospel means1 applied1 is the last remedy for a barren professor2 if the gospel1 if the grace of the gospel1 will not do1 there can be nothing expected but cut it down4 ',then after that thou shalt cut it down4' ',o ,jerusalem1 ,jerusalem1 thou that killest the prophets1 and stonest them which are sent unto thee1 how often would ,i have gathered thy children together1 even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings1 and ye would not6' ,therefore 'your house is left unto you desolate' 7,matt #bc3cg1ch74 ,yet it cannot be1 but that this ,lord ,jesus1 who at first did put a stop to the execution of his ,father's justice1 because he desired to try more means with the fig-tree2 ,i say1 it cannot be1 but that a heart so full of compassion as his is should be touched1 to behold this professor must now be cut down4 ',and when he was come near1 he beheld the city1 and wept over it1 saying1 ,if thou hadst known1 even thou1 at least in this thy day1 the things which belong unto thy peace6 but now they are hid from thine eyes' 7,luke #ai3da1db74 ,after that thou shalt cut it down4 ,when ,christ giveth thee over1 there is no intercessor1 no mediator1 no more sacrifice for sin1 all is gone but judgment1 but the axe1 but a 'certain fearful looking for of judgment1 and fiery indignation1 which shall devour the adversaries' 7,heb #aj3bf1bg74 ,barren fig-tree1 take heed that thou comest not to these last words1 for these words are a give up1 a cast up1 a cast up of a cast away2 ',after that thou shalt cut it down4' ,they are as much as if ,christ had said1 ,father1 ,i begged for more time for this barren professor2 ,i begged until ,i should dig about it1 and dung it4 ,but now1 ,father1 the time is out1 the year is ended1 the summer is ended1 and no good done6 ,i have also tried with my means1 with the gospel1 ,i have digged about it2 ,i have laid also the fat and hearty dung of the gospel to it1 but all comes to nothing4 ,father1 ,i deliver up this professor to thee again2 ,i have done2 ,i have done all2 ,i have done praying and endeavouring2 ,i will hold the head of thine axe no longer4 ,take him into the hands of justice2 do justice2 do the law2 ,i will never beg for him more4 ',after that thou shalt cut it down4' ',woe also to them when ,i depart from them6' 7,hosea #i3ab74 ,now is this professor left naked indeed2 naked to ,god1 naked to ,satan1 naked to sin1 naked to the law1 naked to death1 naked to hell1 naked to judgment1 and naked to the gripes of a guilty conscience1 and to the torment of that worm that never dies1 and to that fire that never shall be quenched4 ',see that ye refuse not him that speaketh4 ,for if they escaped not1 who refused him that spake on earth1 much more shall not we escape1 if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven' 7,heb #ab3be74 ,from this brief pass through this parable1 you have these two general observations3--,first4 ,that even then when the justice of ,god cries out1 ,i cannot endure to wait on this barren professor any longer1 then ,jesus ,christ intercedes for a little more patience1 and a little more striving with this professor1 if possible he may make him a fruitful professor4 ',lord1 let it alone this year also1 till ,i shall dig about it1 and dung it2 and if it bear fruit1 well1' c4 ,second4 ,there are some professors whose day of grace will end with1 ,cut it down1 with judgment2 when ,christ1 by his means1 hath been used for their salvation4 ,first4 ,the first of these observations ,i shall pass1 and not meddle at all therewith2 but shall briefly speak to the ,second1 to wit1 that there are some professors whose day of grace will end with1 ,cut it down1 with judgment1 when ,christ1 by his means1 hath been used for their salvation4 ,this the apostle showeth in that third chapter of his ,epistle to the ,hebrews1 where he tells us that the people of the ,jews1 after a forty years' patience and endeavour to do them good by the means appointed for that purpose1 their end was to be cut down1 or excluded the land of promise1 for their final incredulity4 ',so we see that they could not enter in1 because of unbelief4' ',wherefore1' saith he1 ',i was grieved with that generation1 and said1 ,they do alway err in their heart1 and they have not known my ways2 so ,i sware in my wrath1 ,they shall not enter into my rest4' ,as who should say1 ,i would they should have entered in1 and for that purpose ,i brought them out of ,egypt1 led them through the sea1 and taught them in the wilderness1 but they did not answer my work nor designs in that matter2 wherefore they shall not1 ,i swear they shall not4 ',i sware in my wrath1 they shall not enter into my rest4' ,here is cutting down with judgment4 ,so again1 he saith1 ',as ,i have sworn in my wrath1 ,if they shall enter into my rest2 although the works were finished from the foundation of the world' 7,heb #d3d1e74 ,this word 'if' is the same with 'they shall not1' in the chapter before4 ,and where he saith1 ',although the works were finished from the foundation of the world1' he giveth us to understand that what preparations soever are made for the salvation of sinners1 and of how long continuance soever they are1 yet the ,god-tempting1 ,god-provoking and fruitless professor1 is like to go without a share therein1 'although the works were finished from the foundation of the world4' ',i will therefore put you in remembrance1 though ye once knew this1 how that the ,lord having saved the people out of the land of ,egypt1 afterward destroyed them that believed not4 ,and the angels that kept not their first estate1 but left their own habitation1 he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness1 unto the judgment of the great day' 7,jude #e1f74 ,here is an instance to purpose1 an instance of men and angels3 men saved out of the land of ,egypt1 and in their journey towards ,canaan1 the type of heaven1 cut down2 angels created and placed in the heavens in great estate and principality2 yet both these1 because unfruitful to ,god in their places1 were cut down--the men destroyed by ,god1 for so saith the text1 and the 'angels reserved in everlasting chains under darkness1 unto the judgment of the great day4' ,now1 in my handling of this point1 ,i shall discourse of the cutting down1 or the judgment here denounced1 as it respecteth the doing of it by ,god's hand immediately1 and that too with respect to his casting them out of the world1 and not as it respecteth an act of the church1 c4 ,and as to this cutting down1 or judgment1 it must be concluded1 that it cannot be before the day of grace be past with the fig-tree2 but according to the observation1 there are some professors whose day of grace will end with1 ,cut it down2 and according to the words of the text1 ',then1' after that1 'thou shalt cut it down4' ',after that1' that is1 after all my attempts and endeavours to make it fruitful1 after ,i have left it1 given it over1 done with it1 and have resolved to bestow no more days of grace1 opportunities of grace1 and means of grace upon it1 then1 'after that1' thou shalt cut it down4 ,besides1 the giving up of the fig-tree is before the execution4 ,execution is not always presently upon the sentence given2 for1 after that1 a convenient time is thought on1 and then is cutting down4 ,and so it is here in the text4 ,the decree1 that he shall perish1 is gathered from its continuing fruitless quite through the last year--from its continuing fruitless at the end of all endeavours4 ,but cutting down is not yet1 for that comes with an afterward4 ',then1 after that1 thou shalt cut it down4' ,so then1 that ,i may orderly proceed with the observation1 ,i must lay down these two propositions3--,,proposition ,,first4 ,that the day of grace ends with some men before ,god takes them out of this world4 ,and1 ,,proposition ,,second4 ,the death1 or cutting down of such men1 will be dreadful4 ,for this ',cut it down1' when it is understood in the largest sense1 as here indeed it ought1 it showeth not only the wrath of ,god against a man's life in this world1 but his wrath against him1 body and soul2 and is as much as to say1 ,cut him off from all the privileges and benefits that come by grace1 both in this world and that which is to come4 ,but to proceed3 ,,proposition ,,first4--,the day of grace ends with some men before ,god taketh them out of the world4 ,i shall give you some instances of this1 and so go on to the last proposition4 ,first4 ,i shall instance ,cain4 ,cain was a professor1 a sacrificer1 a worshipper of ,god1 yea1 the first worshipper that we read of after the fall2 but his grapes were wild ones4 ,his works were evil2 he did not do what he did from true gospel motives1 therefore ,god disallowed his work 7,gen #d3c-h74 ,at this his countenance falls1 wherefore he envies his brother1 disputes him1 takes his opportunity1 and kills him4 ,now1 in that day that he did this act were the heavens closed up against him1 and that himself did smartingly and fearfully feel when ,god made inquisition for the blood of ,abel4 ',and now art thou cursed1' said ,god1 'from the earth2 which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand1' c4 ',and ,cain said1 ,my punishment is greater than ,i can bear4' ,mine iniquity is greater than that it may be forgiven4 ',behold thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth1 and from thy face shall ,i be hid' 7,gen #d3i-ad74 ,now thou art cursed1 saith ,god4 ,thou hast driven me out this day1 saith ,cain1 and from thy face shall ,i be hid4 ,i shall never more have hope in thee1 smile from thee1 nor expect mercy at thy hand4 ,thus1 therefore1 ,cain's day of grace ended2 and the heavens1 with ,god's own heart1 were shut up against him2 yet after this he lived long4 ,cutting down was not come yet2 after this he lived to marry a wife1 to beget a cursed brood1 to build a city1 and what else ,i know not2 all which could not be quickly done2 wherefore ,cain might live after the day of grace was past with him several hundred of years 7,gen #d3aj-ag74 ,second4 ,i shall instance ,ishmael4 ,ishmael was a professor1 was brought up in ,abraham's family1 and was circumcised at thirteen years of age 7,gen #af3ab1 #ag3be1bf74 ,but he was the son of the bond-woman1 he brought not forth good fruit2 he was a wild professor4 ,for all his religion1 he would scoff at those that were better than himself4 ,well1 upon a day his brother ,isaac was weaned1 at which time his father made a feast1 and rejoiced before the ,lord1 for that he had given him the promised son2 at this ,ishmael mocked them1 their son1 and godly rejoicing4 ,then came the ,spirit of ,god upon ,sarah1 and she cried1 ,cast him out1 'cast out this bond-woman and her son2 for the son of this bond-woman shall not be heir with my son1 with ,isaac' 7,gen #ba3i-aa74 ,now ,paul to the ,galatians makes this casting out to be1 not only a casting out of ,abraham's family1 but a casting out also from a lot with the saints in heaven 7,gal #d3bi-ca74 ,also ,moses giveth us a notable proof thereof1 in saying1 that when he died he was gathered to his people--his people by his mother's side2 for he was reckoned from her1 the son of ,hagar1 the son of the bond-woman 7,gen #be3ag74 ,now1 she came of the ,egyptians1 so that he was gathered when he died1 notwithstanding his profession1 to the place that ,pharaoh and his host were gathered to1 who were drowned in the ,red ,sea2 these were his people1 and he was of them1 both by nature and disposition1 by persecuting as they did 7,gen #ba3i74ae ,but now1 when did the day of grace end with this man8 ,observe1 and ,i will show you4 ,ishmael was thirteen years old when he was circumcised1 and then was ,abraham ninety years old and nine 7,gen #ag3bd-bf74 ,the next year ,isaac was born2 so that ,ishmael was now fourteen years of age4 ,now1 when ,isaac was weaned1 suppose he sucked four years1 by that account1 the day of grace must be ended with ,ishmael by that time he was eighteen years old 7,gen #be3ab1 c474 ,for that day he mocked2 that day it was said1 ',cast him out'2 and of that casting out the apostle makes what ,i have said4 ,beware1 ye young barren professors6 ,now1 ,ishmael lived a hundred and nineteen years after this1 in great tranquility and honour with men4 ,after this he also begat twelve princes1 even after his day of grace was past4 ,third4 ,i shall instance ,esau 7,gen #be3bg1 c474 ,esau also was a professor2 he was born unto ,isaac1 and circumcised according to the custom4 ,but ,esau was a gamesome professor1 a huntsman1 a man of the field2 also he was wedded to his lusts1 which he did also venture to keep1 rather than the birthright4 ,well1 upon a day1 when he came from hunting1 and was faint1 he sold his birthright to ,jacob1 his brother4 ,now the birthright1 in those days1 had the promise and blessing annexed to it4 ,yea1 they were so entailed in this1 that the one could not go without the other2 wherefore the apostle's caution is here of weight4 ,take heed1 saith he1 'lest there be any fornicator1 or profane person1 as ,esau1 who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright4 ,for ye know how that afterward1 when he would have inherited the blessing1 he was rejected2 for he found no place of repentance1 though he sought it carefully with tears' 7,heb #ab3af1ag74 ,now1 the ending of ,esau's day of grace is to be reckoned from his selling of his birthright2 for there the apostle points it1 lest there be among you any that1 like ,esau1 sells his birthright3 for then goes hence the blessing also4 ,but ,esau sold his birthright long before his death4 ,twenty years after this ,jacob was with ,laban1 and when he returned home1 his brother ,esau met him 7,gen #ca3da1 #cb3d74 ,further1 after this1 when ,jacob dwelt again some time with his father1 then ,jacob and ,esau buried him4 ,i suppose he might live above forty1 yea1 for ought ,i know1 above fourscore years after he had sold his birthright1 and so consequently had put himself out of the grace of ,god 7,gen #ce3bh1bi74af ,three things ,i would further note upon these three professors4 #a4 ,cain1 an angry professor2 ,ishmael1 a mocking one2 ,esau1 a lustful1 gamesome one4 ,three symptoms of a barren professor2 for he that can be angry1 and that can mock1 and that can indulge his lusts1 cannot bring forth fruit to ,god4 #b4 ,the day of grace ended with these professors at that time when they committed some grievous sin4 ,cain's1 when he killed his brother2 ,ishmael's1 when he mocked at ,isaac2 and ,esau's1 when1 out of love to his lusts1 he despised and sold his birthright4 ,beware1 barren professor6 thou mayest do that in half a quarter of an hour1 from the evil of which thou mayest not be delivered for ever and ever4#ag #c4 ,yet these three1 after their day of grace was over1 lived better lives1 as to outward things1 than ever they did before4 ,cain1 after this1 was lord of a city 7,gen #d3ag74 ,ishmael was1 after this1 father of twelve princes 7,gen #be3af74 ,and ,esau1 after this1 told his brother1 ',i have enough1 my brother1 keep that thou hast unto thyself' 7,gen #cc3h1i74 ,ease and peace1 and a prosperous life in outwards1 is no sign of the favour of ,god to a barren and fruitless professor1 but rather of his wrath2 that thereby he may be capable to treasure up more wrath against the day of wrath1 and revelation of the righteous judgment of ,god4 ,let this much serve for the proof of the first proposition1 namely1 ,that the day of grace ends with some men before ,god takes them out of the world4 ,,signs ,,of ,,being ,,past ,,grace4 ,now1 then1 to show you1 by some signs1 how you may know that the day of grace is ended1 or near to ending1 with the barren professor2 and after that thou shalt cut it down4 ,he that hath stood it out against ,god1 and that hath withstood all those means for fruit that ,god hath used for the making of him1 if it might have been1 a fruitful tree in his garden1 he is in this danger2 and this indeed is the sum of the parable4 ,the fig-tree here mentioned was blessed with the application of means1 had time allowed it to receive the nourishment2 but it outstood1 withstood1 overstood all1 all that the husbandman did1 all that the vine-dresser did4 ,but a little distinctly to particularize in four or five particulars4 ,first sign4 ,the day of grace is like to be past1 when a professor hath withstood1 abused1 and worn out ,god's patience1 then he is in danger2 this is a provocation2 then ,god cries1 ',cut it down4' ,there are some men that steal into a profession nobody knows how1 even as this fig-tree was brought into the vineyard by other hands than ,god's2 and there they abide lifeless1 graceless1 careless1 and without any good conscience to ,god at all4 ,perhaps they came in for the loaves1 for a trade1 for credit1 for a blind2 or it may be to stifle and choke the checks and grinding pangs of an awakened and disquieted conscience4 ,now1 having obtained their purpose1 like the sinners of ,sion1 they are at ease and secure2 saying like ,agag1 ',surely the bitterness of death is past' 7#a ,sam #ae3bb72 ,i am well1 shall be saved1 and go to heaven4 ,thus in these vain conceits they spend a year1 two1 or three2 not remembering that at every season of grace1 and at every opportunity of the gospel the ,lord comes seeking fruit4 ,well1 sinner1 well1 barren fig-tree1 this is but a coarse beginning3 ,god comes for fruit4 #a4 ,what have ,i here8 saith ,god2 what a fig-tree is this1 that hath stood this year in my vineyard1 and brought me forth no fruit8 ,i will cry unto him1 ,professor1 barren fig-tree1 be fruitful6 ,i look for fruit1 ,i expect fruit1 ,i must have fruit2 therefore bethink thyself6 ,at these the professor pauses2 but these are words1 not blows1 therefore off goes this consideration from the heart4 ,when ,god comes the next year1 he finds him still as he was1 a barren1 fruitless cumber-ground4 ,and now again he complains1 here are two years gone1 and no fruit appears2 well1 ,i will defer mine anger4 ',for my name sake will ,i defer mine anger1 and for my praise will ,i refrain for thee1 that ,i cut thee not off1' as yet 7,isa #dh3i74 ,i will wait1 ,i will yet wait to be gracious4 ,but this helps not1 this hath not the least influence upon the barren fig-tree4 ,tush1 saith he1 here is no threatening3 ,god is merciful1 he will defer his anger1 he waits to be gracious1 ,i am not yet afraid 7,isa #cj3ah74 ,o6 how ungodly men1 that are at unawares crept into the vineyard1 how do they turn the grace of our ,god into lasciviousness6 ,well1 he comes the third year for fruit1 as he did before1 but still he finds but a barren fig-tree2 no fruit4 ,now1 he cries out again1 ,o thou dresser of my vineyard1 come hither2 here is a fig-tree hath stood these three years in my vineyard1 and hath at every season disappointed my expectation2 for ,i have looked for fruit in vain2 ',cut it down1' my patience is worn out1 ,i shall wait on this fig-tree no longer4 #b4 ,and now he begins to shake the fig-tree with his threatenings3 ,fetch out the axe6 ,now the axe is death2 death therefore is called for4 ,death1 come smite me this fig-tree4 ,and withal the ,lord shakes this sinner1 and whirls him upon a sick-bed1 saying1 ,take him1 death1 he hath abused my patience and forbearance1 not remembering that it should have led him to repentance1 and to the fruits thereof4 ,death1 fetch away this fig-tree to the fire1 fetch this barren professor to hell6 ,at this death comes with grim looks into the chamber2 yea1 and hell follows with him to the bedside1 and both stare this professor in the face1 yea1 begin to lay hands upon him2 one smiting him with pains in his body1 with headache1 heart-ache1 back-ache1 shortness of breath1 fainting1 qualms1 trembling of joints1 stopping at the chest1 and almost all the symptoms of a man past all recovery4 ,now1 while death is thus tormenting the body1 hell is doing with the mind and conscience1 striking them with its pains1 casting sparks of fire in thither1 wounding with sorrows1 and fears of everlasting damnation1 the spirit of this poor creature4#ah ,and now he begins to bethink himself1 and to cry to ,god for mercy2 ,lord1 spare me6 ,lord1 spare me6 ,nay1 saith ,god1 you have been a provocation to me these three years4 ,how many times have you disappointed me8 ,how many seasons have you spent in vain8 ,how many sermons and other mercies did ,i1 of my patience1 afford you8 but to no purpose at all4 ,take him1 death6 ,o6 good ,lord1 saith the sinner1 spare me but this once2 raise me but this once4 ,indeed ,i have been a barren professor1 and have stood to no purpose at all in thy vineyard2 but spare6 ,o spare this one time1 ,i beseech thee1 and ,i will be better6 ,away1 away you will not2 ,i have tried you these three years already2 you are naught2 if ,i should recover you again1 you would be as bad as you were before4 ,and all this talk is while death stands by4 ,the sinner cries again1 ,good ,lord1 try me this once2 let me get up again this once1 and see if ,i do not mend4 ,but will you promise me to mend8 ,yes1 indeed1 ,lord1 and vow it too2 ,i will never be so bad again2 ,i will be better4 ,well1 saith ,god1 death1 let this professor alone for this time2 ,i will try him a while longer2 he hath promised1 he hath vowed1 that he will amend his ways4 ,it may be he will mind to keep his promises4 ,vows are solemn things2 it may be he may fear to break his vows4 ,arise from off they bed4 ,and now ,god lays down his axe4 ,at this the poor creature is very thankful1 praises ,god1 and fawns upon him1 shows as if he did it heartily1 and calls to others to thank him too4 ,he therefore riseth1 as one would think1 to be a new creature indeed4 ,but by that he hath put on his clothes1 is come down from his bed1 and ventured into the yard or shop1 and there sees how all things are gone to sixes and sevens1 he begins to have second thoughts1 and says to his folks1 ,what have you all been doing8 ,how are all things out of order8 ,i am ,i cannot tell what behind hand4 ,one may see1 if a man be but a little a to side1 that you have neither wisdom nor prudence to order things4#ai ,and now1 instead of seeking to spend the rest of his time to ,god1 he doubleth his diligence after this world4 ,alas6 all must not be lost2 we must have provident care4 ,and thus1 quite forgetting the sorrows of death1 the pains of hell1 the promises and vows which he made to ,god to be better2 because judgment was not now speedily executed1 therefore the heart of this poor creature is fully set in him to do evil4 #c4 ,these things proving ineffectual1 ,god takes hold of his axe again1 sends death to a wife1 to a child1 to his cattle1 ',your young men have ,i slain1--and taken away your horses' 7,amos #d3i1aj74 ,i will blast him1 cross him1 disappoint him1 and cast him down1 and will set myself against him in all that he putteth his hand unto4 ,at this the poor barren professor cries out again1 ,lord1 ,i have sinned2 spare me once more1 ,i beseech thee4 ,o take not away the desire of mine eyes2 spare my children1 bless me in my labours1 and ,i will mend and be better4 ,no1 saith ,god1 you lied to me last time1 ,i will trust you in this no longer2 and withal he tumbleth the wife1 the child1 the estate into a grave4 ,and then returns to his place1 till this professor more unfeignedly acknowledgeth his offence 7,hosea #e3ad1ae74 ,at this the poor creature is afflicted and distressed1 rends his clothes1 and begins to call the breaking of his promise and vows to mind2 he mourns and prays1 and like ,ahab1 awhile walks softly at the remembrance of the justness of the hand of ,god upon him4 ,and now he renews his promises3 ,lord1 try me this one time more2 take off thy hand and see2 they go far that never turn4 ,well1 ,god spareth him again1 sets down his axe again4 ',many times he did deliver them1 but they provoked him with their counsel1 and were brought low for their iniquity' 7,psa #ajf3dc74 ,now they seem to be thankful again1 and are as if they were resolved to be godly indeed4 ,now they read1 they pray1 they go to meetings1 and seem to be serious a pretty while1 but at last they forget4 ,their lusts prick them1 suitable temptations present themselves2 wherefore they turn to their own crooked ways again4 ',when he slew them1 then they sought him1 and they returned and inquired early after ,god'2 'nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth1 and they lied unto him with their tongue' 7,psa #gh3cd-cf74 #d4 ,yet again1 the ,lord will not leave this professor1 but will take up his axe again1 and will put him under a more heart-searching ministry1 a ministry that shall search him1 and turn him over and over2 a ministry that shall meet with him1 as ,elijah met with ,ahab1 in all his acts of wickedness1 and now the axe is laid to the roots of the trees4 ,besides1 this ministry doth not only search the heart1 but presenteth the sinner with the golden rays of the glorious gospel2 now is ,christ ,jesus s set forth evidently1 now is grace displayed sweetly2 now1 now are the promises broken like boxes of ointment1 to the perfuming of the whole room6 ,but1 alas6 there is yet no fruit on this fig-tree4 ,while his heart is searching1 he wrangles2 while the glorious grace of the gospel is unveiling1 this professor wags and is wanton1 gathers up some scraps thereof2 ',tastes the good ,word of ,god1 and the powers of the world to come'2 'drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon him' 7,heb #f3c-h2 ,jude #d74 ,but bringeth not forth fruit meet for him whose gospel it is2 ',takes no heed to walk in the law of the ,lord ,god of ,israel with all his heart' 7#b ,kings #aj3ca74 ,but counteth that the glory of the gospel consisteth in talk and show1 and that our obedience thereto is a matter of speculation2 that good works lie in good words2 and if they can finely talk1 they think they bravely please ,god4 ,they think the kingdom of ,god consisteth only in word1 not in power2 and thus proveth ineffectual this fourth means also4 #e4 ,well1 now the axe begins to be heaved higher1 for now indeed ,god is ready to smite the sinner2 yet before he will strike the stroke1 he will try one way more at the last1 and if that misseth1 down goes the fig-tree6 ,now this last way is to tug and strive with this professor by his ,spirit4 ,wherefore the ,spirit of the ,lord is now come to him2 but not always to strive with man 7,gen #f3c74 ,yet a while he will strive with him1 he will awaken1 he will convince1 he will call to remembrance former sins1 former judgments1 the breach of former vows and promises1 the misspending of former days2 he will also present persuasive arguments1 encouraging promises1 dreadful judgments1 the shortness of time to repent in2 and that there is hope if he come4 ,further1 he will show him the certainty of death1 and of the judgment to come2 yea1 he will pull and strive with this sinner2 but1 behold1 the mischief now lies here1 here is tugging and striving on both sides4 ,the ,spirit convinces1 the man turns a deaf ear to ,god2 the ,spirit saith1 ,receive my instruction and live1 but the man pulls away his shoulder2 the ,spirit shows him whither he is going1 but the man closeth his eyes against it2 the ,spirit offereth violence1 the man strives and resists2 they have 'done despite unto the ,spirit of grace' 7,heb #aj3bi74 ,the ,spirit parlieth a second time1 and urgeth reasons of a new nature1 but the sinner answereth1 ,no1 ,i have loved strangers1 and after them ,i will go 7,amos #d3f-ab74 ,at this ,god's fury comes up into his face3 now he comes out of his holy place1 and is terrible2 now he sweareth in his wrath they shall never enter into his rest 7,heb #c3aa74 ,i exercised towards you my patience1 yet you have not turned unto me1 saith the ,lord4 ,i smote you in your person1 in your relations1 in your estate1 yet you have not returned unto me1 saith the ,lord4 ',in thy filthiness is lewdness1 because ,i have purged thee1 and thou wast not purged2 thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more1 till ,i cause my fury to rest upon thee' 7,eze #bd3ac74 ',cut it down1 why doth it cumber the ground8' ,the second sign4 ,that such a professor is almost1 if not quite1 past grace1 is1 when ,god hath given him over1 or lets him alone1 and suffers him to do anything1 and that without control1 helpeth him not either in works of holiness1 or in straits and difficulties4 ',ephraim is joined to idols2 let him alone' 7,hosea #d3ag74 ,woe be to them when ,i depart from them4 ,i will laugh at their calamities1 and will mock when their fear cometh 7,prov #a3bd-bi74 ,barren fig-tree1 thou hast heretofore been digged about1 and dunged2 ,god's mattock hath heretofore been at thy roots2 gospel-dung hath heretofore been applied to thee2 thou hast heretofore been strove with1 convinced1 awakened1 made to taste and see1 and cry1 ,o the blessedness6 ,thou hast heretofore been met with under the word2 thy heart hath melted1 thy spirit hath fallen1 thy soul hath trembled1 and thou hast felt something of the power of the gospel4 ,but thou hast sinned1 thou hast provoked the eyes of his glory1 thy iniquity is found to be hateful1 and now perhaps ,god hath left thee1 given thee up1 and lets thee alone4 ,heretofore thou wast tender2 thy conscience startled at the temptation to wickedness1 for thou wert taken off from 'the pollutions of the world1 through the knowledge of the ,lord and ,saviour ,jesus ,christ' 7#b ,peter #b3bj-bb74 ,but that very vomit that once thou wert turned from1 now thou lappest up--with the dog in the proverb--again2 and that very mire that once thou seemedst to be washed from1 in that very mire thou now art tumbling afresh4 ,but to particularize1 there are three signs of a man's being given over of ,god4 #a4 ,when he is let alone in sinning1 when the reins of his lusts are loosed1 and he given up to them4 ',and even as they did not like to retain ,god in their knowledge1 ,god gave them over to a reprobate mind1 to do those things which are not convenient3 being filled with all unrighteousness' 7,rom #a3bh1bi74 ,seest thou a man that heretofore had the knowledge of ,god1 and that had some awe of ,majesty upon him3 ,i say1 seest thou such an one sporting himself in his own deceivings1 turning the grace of our ,god into lasciviousness1 and walking after his own ungodly lusts8 7,rom #a3cj-ca74 ,his 'judgment now of a long time lingereth not1 and his damnation slumbereth not' 7#b ,peter #b3ac74 ,dost thou hear1 barren professor8 ,it is astonishing to see how those that once seemed 'sons of the morning1' and were making preparations for eternal life1 now at last1 for the rottenness of their hearts1 by the just judgment of ,god1 to be permitted1 being past feeling1 to give 'themselves over unto lasciviousness1 to work all uncleanness with greediness' 7,eph #d3ah1ai74 ,a great number of such were in the first gospel-days2 against whom ,peter1 and ,jude1 and ,john1 pronounce the heavy judgment of ,god4 ,peter and ,jude couple them with the fallen angels1 and ,john forbids that prayer be made for them1 because that is happened unto them that hath happened to the fallen angels that fell1 who1 for forsaking their first state1 and for leaving 'their own habitation1' are 'reserved in everlasting chains under darkness1 unto the judgment of the great day' 7,jude #e1f2 #b ,peter #b3c-h74 ,barren fig-tree1 dost thou hear8 7#a47 ,these are beyond all mercy6 7#b47 ,these are beyond all promises6 7#c47 ,these are beyond all hopes of repentance6 7#d47 ,these have no intercessor1 nor any more share in a sacrifice for sin6 7#e47 ,for these there remains nothing but a fearful looking for of judgment6 7#f47 ,wherefore these are the true fugitives and vagabonds1 that being left of ,god1 of ,christ1 of grace1 and of the promise1 and being beyond all hope1 wander and straggle to and fro1 even as the devil1 their associate1 until their time shall come to die1 or until they descend in battle and perish6 #b4 ,wherefore they are let alone in hearing4 ,if these at any time come under the word1 there is for them no ,god1 no savour of the means of grace1 no stirrings of heart1 no pity for themselves1 no love to their own salvation4 ,let them look on this hand or that1 there they see such effects of the word in others as produceth signs of repentance1 and love to ,god and his ,christ4 ,these men only have their backs bowed down alway 7,rom #aa3aj74 ,these men only have the spirit of slumber1 eyes that they should not see1 and ears that they should not hear1 to this very day4 ,wherefore as they go to the place of the ,holy1 so they come from the place of the ,holy1 and soon are forgotten in the places where they so did 7,eccl #h3aj74 ,only they reap this damage1 ',they treasure up wrath against the day of wrath1 and revelation of the righteous judgment of ,god' 7,rom #b3c-e74 ,look to it1 barren professor6 #c4 ,if he be visited after the common way of mankind1 either with sickness1 distress1 or any mind of calamity1 still no ,god appeareth1 no sanctifying hand of ,god1 no special mercy is mixed with the affliction4 ,but he falls sick1 and grows well1 like the beast2 or is under distress1 as ,saul1 who when he was engaged by the ,philistines was forsaken and left of ,god1 ',and the ,philistines gathered themselves together1 and came and pitched in ,shunem1 and ,saul gathered all ,israel together1 and they pitched in ,gilboa4 ,and when ,saul saw the host of the ,philistines he was afraid1 and his heart greatly trembled4 ,and when ,saul inquired of the ,lord1 the ,lord answered him not1 neither by dreams1 nor by ,urim1 nor by prophets' 7#a ,sam #bh3d-f74 ,the ,lord answered him no more2 he had done with him1 cast him off1 and rejected him1 and left him to stand and fall with his sins1 by himself4 ,but of this more in the conclusion3 therefore ,i here forbear4 #d4 ,these men may go whither they will1 do what they will2 they may range from opinion to opinion1 from notion to notion1 from sect to sect1 but are steadfast nowhere2 they are left to their own uncertainties1 they have not grace to establish their hearts2 and though some of them have boasted themselves of this liberty1 yet ,jude calls them 'wandering stars1 to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever' 7,jude #ac74 ,they are left1 as ,i told you before1 to be fugitives and vagabonds in the earth1 to wander everywhere1 but to abide nowhere1 until they shall descend to their own place1 with ,cain and ,judas1 men of the same fate with themselves 7,acts #a3be74 ,a third sign that such a professor is quite past grace is1 when his heart is grown so hard1 so stony1 and impenetrable1 that nothing will pierce it4 ,barren fig-tree1 dost thou consider8 a hard and impenitent heart is the curse of ,god6 ,a heart that cannot repent1 is instead of all plagues at once2 and hence it is that ,god said of ,pharaoh1 when he spake of delivering him up in the greatness of his anger1 ',i will at this time1' saith he1 'send all my plagues upon thine heart' 7,exo #i3ad74 ,to some men that have grievously sinned under a profession of the gospel1 ,god giveth this token of his displeasure2 they are denied the power of repentance1 their heart is bound1 they cannot repent2 it is impossible that they should ever repent1 should they live a thousand years4 ,it is impossible for those fall-aways to be renewed again unto repentance1 'seeing they crucify to themselves the ,son of ,god afresh1 and put him to an open shame' 7,heb #f3d-f74 ,now1 to have the heart so hardened1 so judicially hardened1 this is as a bar put in by the ,lord ,god against the salvation of this sinner4 ,this was the burden of ,spira's complaint1 ',i cannot do it6 ,o6 how ,i cannot do it6'#bj ,this man sees what he hath done1 what should help him1 and what will become of him2 yet he cannot repent2 he pulled away his shoulder before1 he stopped his ears before1 he shut up his eyes before1 and in that very posture ,god left him1 and so he stands to this very day4 ,i have had a fancy1 that ,lot's wife1 when she was turned into a pillar of salt1 stood yet looking over her shoulder1 or else with her face towards ,sodom2 as the judgment caught her1 so it bound her1 and left her a monument of ,god's anger to after generations 7,gen #ai3bf74 ,we read of some that are seared with a hot iron1 and that are past feeling2 for so seared persons in seared parts are4 ,their conscience is seared 7#a ,tim #d3b74 ,the conscience is the thing that must be touched with feeling1 fear1 and remorse1 if ever any good be done with the sinner4 ,how then can any good be done to those whose conscience is worse than that8 that is1 fast asleep in sin 7,eph #d3ai74 ,for that conscience that is fast asleep1 may yet be effectually awakened and saved2 but that conscience that is seared1 dried1 as it were1 into a cinder1 can never have sense1 feeling1 or the least regret in this world4 ,barren fig-tree1 hearken1 judicial hardening is dreadful6 ,there is a difference betwixt that hardness of heart that is incident to all men1 and that which comes upon some as a signal or special judgment of ,god4 ,and although all kinds of hardness of heart1 in some sense may be called a judgment1 yet to be hardened with this second kind1 is a judgment peculiar only to them that perish2 hardness that is sent as a punishment for the abuse of light received1 for a reward of apostacy4 ,this judicial hardness is discovered from that which is incident to all men1 in these particulars3-- #a4 ,it is a hardness that comes after some great light received1 because of some great sin committed against that light1 and the grace that gave it4 ,such hardness as ,pharaoh had1 after the ,lord had wrought wondrously before him2 such hardness as the ,gentiles had1 a hardness which darkened the heart1 a hardness which made their minds reprobate4 ,this hardness is also the same with that the ,hebrews are cautioned to beware of1 a hardness that is caused by unbelief1 and a departing from the living ,god2 a hardness completed through the deceitfulness of sin 7,heb #c3g1 c74 ,such as that in the provocation1 of whom ,god sware1 that they should not enter into his rest4 ,it was this kind of hardness also1 that both ,cain1 and ,ishmael1 and ,esau1 were hardened with1 after they had committed their great transgressions4 #b4 ,it is the greatest kind of hardness2 and hence they are said to be harder than a rock1 or than an adamant1 that is1 harder than flint2 so hard1 that nothing can enter 7,jer #e3c2 ,zech #g3ab74 #c4 ,it is a hardness given in much anger1 and that to bind the soul up in an impossibility of repentance4 #d4 ,it is a hardness1 therefore1 which is incurable1 of which a man must die and be damned4 ,barren professor1 hearken to this4 ,a fourth sign that such a professor is quite past grace1 is1 when he fortifies his hard heart against the tenor of ,god's word 7,job #i3d1 c47 ,this is called hardening themselves against ,god1 and turning of the ,spirit against them4 ,as thus1 when after a profession of faith in the ,lord ,jesus1 and of the doctrine that is according to godliness1 they shall embolden themselves in courses of sin1 by promising themselves that they shall have life and salvation notwithstanding4 ,barren professor1 hearken to this6 ,this man is called1 'a root that beareth gall and wormwood1' or a poisonful herb1 such an one as is abominated of ,god1 yea1 the abhorred of his soul4 ,for this man saith1 ',i shall have peace1 though ,i walk in the imagination' or stubbornness 'of mine heart1 to add drunkenness to thirst'2 an opinion flat against the whole ,word of ,god1 yea1 against the very nature of ,god himself 7,deut #bi3ah1ai74 ,wherefore he adds1 ',then the anger of the ,lord1 and his jealousy1 shall smoke against that man1 and all the curses that are written in ,god's book shall lie upon him1 and the ,lord shall blot out his name from under heaven' 7,deut #ai3bj74 ,yea1 that man shall not fail to be effectually destroyed1 saith the text3 ',the ,lord shall separate that man unto evil1 out of all the tribes of ,israel1 according to all the curses of the covenant' 7,deut #ai3ba74 ,he shall separate him unto evil2 he shall give him up1 he shall leave him to his heart2 he shall separate him to that or those that will assuredly be too hard for him4 ,now this judgment is much effected when ,god hath given a man up unto ,satan1 and hath given ,satan leave1 without fail1 to complete his destruction4 ,i say1 when ,god hath given ,satan leave effectually to complete his destruction2 for all that are delivered up unto ,satan have not1 nor do not come to this end4 ,but that is the man whom ,god shall separate to evil1 and shall leave in the hands of ,satan1 to complete1 without fail1 his destruction4 ,thus he served ,ahab1 a man that sold himself to work wickedness in the sight of the ,lord4 ',and the ,lord said1 ,who shall persuade ,ahab1 that he may go up and fall at ,ramoth-,gilead8 ,and one said on this manner1 and another said on that manner4 ,and there came forth a spirit1 and stood before the ,lord1 and said1 ,i will persuade him4 ,and the ,lord said unto him1 ,wherewith8 ,and he said1 ,i will go forth1 and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets4 ,and he said1 ,thou shalt persuade him1 and prevail also2 go forth1 and do so' 7#a ,kings #ba3be1 #bb3bj-bb74 ,thou shalt persuade him1 and prevail2 do thy will1 ,i leave him in thy hand1 go forth1 and do so4 ,wherefore1 in these judgments the ,lord doth much concern himself for the management thereof1 because of the provocation wherewith they have provoked him4 ,this is the man whose ruin contriveth1 and bringeth to pass by his own contrivance3 ',i also will choose their delusions' for them2 ',i will bring their fears upon them' 7,isa #ff3d74 ,i will choose their devices1 or the wickednesses that their hearts are contriving of4 ,i1 even ,i1 will cause them to be accepted of1 and delightful to them4 ,but who are they that must thus be feared8 ,why1 those among professors that have chosen their own ways1 those whose soul delighteth in their abominations4 ,because they received not the love of the truth1 that they might be saved3 for this cause ,god shall send them strong delusions1 that they should believe a lie1 that they all might be damned1 who believed not the truth1 but had pleasure in unrighteousness4 ',god shall send them4' ,it is a great word6 ,yea1 ,god shall send them strong delusions2 delusions that shall do3 that shall make them believe a lie4 ,why so8 ',that they all might be damned1' every one of them1 'who believed not the truth1 but had pleasure in unrighteousness' 7#b ,thess #b3aj-ab74 ,there is nothing more provoking to the ,lord1 than for a man to promise when ,god threateneth2 for a man to delight of conceit that he shall be safe1 and yet to be more wicked than in former days1 this man's soul abhorreth the truth of ,god2 no marvel1 therefore1 if ,god's soul abhorreth him2 he hath invented a way contrary to ,god1 to bring about his own salvation2 no marvel1 therefore1 if ,god invent a way to bring about this man's damnation3 and seeing that these rebels are at this point1 we shall have peace2 ,god will see whose word will stand1 his or theirs4 ,a fifth sign of a man being past grace is1 when he shall at this scoff1 and inwardly grin and fret against the ,lord1 secretly purposing to continue his course1 and put all to the venture1 despising the messengers of the ,lord4 ',he that despised ,moses' law1 died without mercy2--of how much sorer punishment1 suppose ye1 shall he be thought worthy1 who hath trodden under foot the ,son of ,god8' c4 7,heb #aj3bh74 ,wherefore1 against these despisers ,god hath set himself1 and foretold that they shall not believe1 but perish3 ',behold1 ye despisers1 and wonder1 and perish3 for ,i work a work in your days1 a work which ye shall in nowise believe1 though a man declare it unto you' 7,acts #ac3da74 ,after that thou shalt cut it down4 ,thus far we have treated of the barren fig-tree1 or fruitless professor1 with some signs to know him by2 whereto is added also some signs of one who neither will nor can1 by any means1 be fruitful1 but they must miserably perish4 ,now1 being come to the time of execution1 ,i shall speak a word to that also2 ',after that thou shalt cut it down4' ,,proposition ,,second4 ,the death or cutting down of such men will be dreadful4 ,christ1 at last1 turns the barren fig-tree over to the justice of ,god1 shakes his hands of him1 and gives him up to the fire for his unprofitableness4 ',after that thou shalt cut it down4' ,two things are here to be considered3 ,first4 ,the executioner2 thou1 the great1 the dreadful1 the eternal ,god4 ,these words1 therefore1 as ,i have already said1 signify that ,christ the ,mediator1 through whom alone salvation comes1 and by whom alone execution hath been deferred1 now giveth up the soul1 forbears to speak one syllable more for him1 or to do the least act of grace further1 to try for his recovery2 but delivereth him up to that fearful dispensation1 'to fall into the hands of the living ,god' 7,heb #aj3ca74 ,second4 ,the second to be considered is1 ,the instrument by which this execution is done1 and that is death1 compared here to an axe2 and forasmuch as the tree is not felled at one blow1 therefore the strokes are here continued1 till all the blows be struck at it that are requisite for its felling3 for now cutting time1 and cutting work1 is come2 cutting must be his portion till he be cut down4 ',after that thou shalt cut it down4' ,death1 ,i say1 is the axe1 which ,god often useth1 therewith to take the barren fig-tree out of the vineyard1 out of a profession1 and also out of the world at once4 ,but this axe is now new ground1 it cometh well-edged to the roots of this barren fig-tree4 ,it hath been whetted by sin1 by the law1 and by a formal profession1 and therefore must1 and will make deep gashes1 not only in the natural life1 but in the heart and conscience also of this professor3 ',the wages of sin is death1' 'the sting of death is sin' 7,rom #f3bc2 #a ,cor #ae3ef74 ,wherefore death comes not to this man as he doth to saints1 muzzled1 or without his sting1 but with open mouth1 in all his strength2 yea1 he sends his first-born1 which is guilt1 to devour his strength1 and to bring him to the king of terrors 7,job #ah3ac1ad74 ,but to give you1 in a few particulars1 the manner of this man's dying4 #a4 ,now he hath his fruitless fruits beleaguer him round his bed1 together with all the bands and legions of his other wickedness4 ',his own iniquities shall take the wicked himself1 and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins' 7,prov #e3bb74 #b4 ,now some terrible discovery of ,god is made out unto him1 to the perplexing and terrifying of his guilty conscience4 ',god shall cast upon him1 and not spare'2 and he shall be 'afraid of that which is high' 7,job #bg3bb2 ,eccl #ab3e74 #c4 ,the dark entry he is to go through will be a sore amazement to him2 for 'fears shall be in the way' 7,eccl #ab3e74 ,yea1 terrors will take hold on him1 when he shall see the yawning jaws of death to gape upon him1 and the doors of the shadow of death open to give him passage out of the world4 ,now1 who will meet me in this dark entry8 how shall ,i pass through this dark entry into another world8 #d4 ,for by reason of guilt1 and a shaking conscience1 his life will hang in continual doubt before him1 and he shall be afraid day and night1 and shall have no assurance of his life 7,deut #bh3ff1fg74 #e4 ,now also want will come up against him2 he will come up like an armed man4 ,this is a terrible army to him that is graceless in heart1 and fruitless in life4 ,this ,,want will continually cry in thine ears1 ,here is a new birth wanting1 a new heart1 and a new spirit wanting2 here is faith wanting2 here is love and repentance wanting2 here is the fear of ,god wanting1 and a good conversation wanting3 ',thou art weighed in the balances1 and art found wanting' 7,dan #e3bg74 #f4 ,together with these standeth by the companions of death1 death and hell1 death and evils1 death and endless torment in the everlasting flames of devouring fire4 ',when ,god cometh up unto the people he will invade them with his troops' 7,hab #c3af74 ,but how will this man die8 ,can his heart now endure1 or can his hands be strong8 7,eze #bb3ad74 7#a47 ,god1 and ,christ1 and pity1 have left him4 ,sin against light1 against mercy1 and the long-suffering of ,god1 is come up against him2 his hope and confidence now lie a-dying by him1 and his conscience totters and shakes continually within him6 7#b47 ,death is at his work1 cutting of him down1 hewing both bark and heart1 both body and soul asunder4 ,the man groans1 but death hears him not2 he looks ghastly1 carefully1 dejectedly2 he sighs1 he sweats1 he trembles1 but death matters nothing4 7#c47 ,fearful cogitations haunt him1 misgivings1 direful apprehensions of ,god1 terrify him4 ,now he hath time to think what the loss of heaven will be1 and what the torments of hell will be3 now he looks no way but he is frighted4 7#d47 ,now would he live1 but may not2 he would live1 though it were but the life of a bed-rid man1 but he must not4 ,he that cuts him down sways him as the feller of wood sways the tottering tree2 now this way1 then that1 at last a root breaks1 a heart-string1 an eye-string1 sweeps asunder4 7#e47 ,and now1 could the soul be annihilated1 or brought to nothing1 how happy would it count itself1 but it sees that may not be4 ,wherefore it is put to a wonderful strait2 stay in the body it may not1 go out of the body it dares not4 ,life is going1 the blood settles in the flesh1 and the lungs being no more able to draw breath through the nostrils1 at last out goes the weary trembling soul1 which is immediately seized by devils1 who lay lurking in every hole in the chamber for that very purpose4 ,his friends take care of the body1 wrap it up in the sheet or coffin1 but the soul is out of their thought and reach1 going down to the chambers of death4 ,i had thought to have enlarged1 but ,i forbear4 ,god1 who teaches man to profit1 bless this brief and plain discourse to thy soul1 who yet standest a professor in the land of the living1 among the trees of his garden4 ,amen4 ,,footnotes3 #a;,general ,doctrine of ,toleration1 #hvo1 #agha4 #b ,this awful destruction of ,jerusalem by the ,romans is narrated by ,josephus in his sixth book of the ,jewish ,wars1 in language that makes nature shudder4 ,multitudes had assembled to celebrate the passover when the invading army beleaguered the city2 a frightful famine soon filled it with desolation3 this1 with fire and sword1 miserably destroyed one million1 three hundred and thirty-seven thousand1 four hundred and ninety ,jews1 while the ,christians fled before the siege1 and escaped to the mountains4 ,well might the sun vail his face at that atrocious deed1 which was so quickly followed by such awful punishment4--,ed4 #c ,reader1 do not imagine that this was peculiar to ,bunyan's days2 look not upon your neighbours to find an example1 but search your own heart--',lord1 is it ,i8' and strive and pray that you may bring forth more fruit4--,ed4 #d ,the mode of admitting a member to church-fellowship1 among the ,baptists1 was and now is by introducing the trembling convert to a private meeting of the whole church1 that they may hear why the union is sought1 how the soul became alarmed1 and fled for refuge to ,christ1 with the grounds of hope2 inquiries having been previously made into ,christian character and godliness4 ,if1 with all these precautions1 a barren professor gains admittance1 the punishment is not upon the garden1 but upon the barren tree4--,ed4 #e ',humour1' the temper or disposition of mind4 ,not out of love to humility1 but these creeping things pretend to be humble1 to gain some sinister end4--,ed4 #f ,however strange it may appear1 it is true that the ,ranters1 in ,bunyan's time1 used these arguments1 and those so graphically put into the mouth of ,bye-ends1 in the ,pilgrim1 to justify their nonconformity to ,christ4 ,the tom-fooleries and extravagancies of dress introduced by ,charles ,,ii1 are here justly and contemptuously described4 ,the ladies' head-dresses1 called 'frizzled fore-tops1' became so extravagant1 that a barber used high steps to enable him to dress a lady's head6--,ed4 #g ,a word not to be found in our dictionaries1 being local and almost obsolete4 ,it means a division1 end1 or border of a town or village4--,ed4 #h ,see the character of ,talkative1 in the ,pilgrim's ,progress4 ',his house is as empty of religion as the white of an egg is of savour4 ,there is in his house neither prayer1 nor sign of repentance for sin4 ,he is the very stain1 reproach1 and shame of religion4 ,thus say the common people that know him1 ,a saint abroad and a devil at home4'--,ed4 #i ,how great is the mercy that those horrid barbarities1 perpetrated upon peaceful ,christians1 are now only heard of in those distance parts of ,satan's empire1 ,china and ,madagascar6 ,has the enmity of the human heart by nature changed8 ,no2 but the number of ,christians has so vastly increased with a civilizing influence1 as to change the face of society4 ,what a paradise will this earth become when ,christ shall reign in every heart6--,ed4 #aj ,in the midst of these faithful admonitions1 we venture to remark that1 according to ,lightfoot1 so valuable was the fig-tree that it was never destroyed until means were carefully used to restore its fruitfulness1 and that the use of these means occupied a period of three years4 ,this illustrates the wisdom of our ,lord in selecting the fig-tree as the principal object presented to view in his parable4 ,it is a most valuable tree--capable of bearing much fruit2 still1 after every trial1 if it remains barren1 it must be cut down as a cumber-ground1 and sent to the fire4--,ed4 #aa ,a 'hit1' in some parts of the country1 is used to express a good crop4 ,a 'hitting season' means a fruitful season4--,ed4 #ab ,this mode of infusing new vigour into plants and trees is thus described in the ,gemara--',they lay dung in their gardens1 to soften the earth4 ,they dig about the roots of their trees1 and sprinkle ashes1 and pluck up suckers1 and make a smoke beneath to kill vermin4'--,ed4 #ac ,among the superstitions of the ancients1 ,michaelis states that both the ,greeks and ,asiatics had a superstition that a tree might be rendered fruitful by striking it1 at the intercession of a friend1 three times with the back of an axe4--,ed4 #ad ,however painfully unpleasant these terms may appear to eyes or ears polite1 it is a homely but just representation1 and calculated to make a lasting impression on every reader4 ,afflictions1 trials1 crosses1 are used as a means of creating or reviving spiritual life1 as manure is applied to vegetation4--,ed4 #ae ,mahomet professed descent from ,ishmael1 and that he came to revive the religion which ,god had revealed to ,abraham1 who taught it to ,ishmael4 ,mahometanism is the religion of the outcast of ,god4--,ed4 #af ,bunyan had been haunted with the temptation 'to sell and part with ,christ1' and1 under a fear that he had fallen under that temptation1 the case of ,esau made a dreadful impression upon his soul2 extreme horror and anguish seized upon his spirit2 'he was like a man bereft of life and bound over to eternal punishment1' for two years4 ,at length1 after an awful storm1 he found peace in the promise1 'his blood cleanseth from ,,all sins1' and a proof that he had not sold ,christ4--,see ,grace ,abounding1 ,no4 #aci-afj4 #ag ,how solemn a thought6 ,what an appeal to perpetual watchfulness4 ,why have ,i not made shipwreck of faith8 ,most emphatically may we reply1 ,because ,god has sustained my soul4--,ed4 #ah ,bunyan's tongue and pen are here fired by his vivid imagination of eternal realities4 ,with such burning words1 we need no messenger from the invisible world to alarm the consciences of sinners4 ,what angel could arouse more powerfully1 alarmingly1 convincingly1 the poor sinner1 than the whole of this chain of reasoning4--,ed4 #ai ,this picture is drawn by a master hand3 the master is laid by for a season2 or1 as ,bunyan quaintly expresses it1 'a little a to side'3 when raised from affliction earthly affairs absorb his attention1 and he forgets his good resolves4 ,according to the old rhyme3-- ',the devil was sick1 the devil a saint would be ,the devil to well1 the devil a saint was he4'--,ed4 #bj ,this is referred to in the ,pilgrim1 at the ,interpreter's house1 by the representation of a man in an iron cage1 who says1 ',i cannot get out1 ,o now ,i cannot6' ,the awful account of ,spira's despair must have made a strong impression upon ,bunyan's mind4 ,it commences with a poem4 ',here see a soul that's all despair2 a man ,all hell2 a spirit all wounds2 who can ,a wounded spirit bear8 ,reader1 would'st see1 what may you never feel ,despair1 racks1 torments1 whips of burning steel6 ,behold1 the man's the furnace1 in whose heart ,sin hath created hell2 ,o in each part ,what flames appear3 ,his thoughts all stings2 words1 swords2 ,brimstone his breath2 ,his eyes flames2 wishes curses1 life a death2 ,a thousand deaths live in him1 he not dead2 ,a breathing corpse in living1 scalding lead4' --,fearful ,estate of ,francis ,spira4--,ed4 999999 ,the ,life and ,death of ,mr4 ,badman1 ,presented to the ,world in a ,familiar ,dialogue ,between ,mr4 ,wiseman and ,mr4 ,attentive4 ,by ,john ,bunyan ,,advertisement ,,by ,,the ,,editor4 ,the life of ,badman is a very interesting description1 a true and lively portraiture1 of the demoralized classes of the trading community in the reign of ,king ,charles ,,ii2 a subject which naturally led the author to use expressions familiar among such persons1 but which are now either obsolete or considered as vulgar4 ,in fact it is the only work proceeding from the prolific pen and fertile imagination of ,bunyan1 in which he uses terms that1 in this delicate and refined age1 may give offence4 ,so1 in the venerable translation of the holy oracles1 there are some objectionable expressions1 which1 although formerly used in the politest company1 now point to the age in which it was written4 ,the same ideas or facts would now be expressed by terms which could not give offence2 and every reader must feel great pleasure in the improvement of our language1 as seen in the contrast between the two periods1 and especially in the recollection that the facts might be stated with equal precision1 and reflections made with equal force1 in terms at which the most delicate mind could not be offended4 ,those who read the writings of ,bunyan must feel continually reminded of his ardent attachment to his ,saviour1 and his intense love to the souls of sinners4 ,he was as delicate in his expressions as any writer of his age1 who addressed the openly vicious and profane--calling things by their most forcible and popular appellations4 ,a wilful untruth is1 with him1 'a lie4' ,to show the wickedness and extreme folly of swearing1 he gives the words and imprecations then commonly in use2 but which1 happily for us1 we never hear1 except among the most degraded classes of society4 ,swearing was formerly considered to be a habit of gentility2 but now it betrays the blackguard1 even when disguised in genteel attire4 ,those dangerous diseases which are so surely engendered by filth and uncleanness1 he calls not by ,latin but by their plain ,english names4 ,in every case1 the ,editor has not ventured to make the slightest alteration2 but has reprinted the whole in the author's plain and powerful language4 ,the life of ,badman forms a third part to the ,pilgrim's ,progress1 not a delightful pilgrimage to heaven1 but1 on the contrary1 a wretched downward journey to the infernal realms4 ,the author's object is to warn poor thoughtless sinners1 not with smooth words1 to which they would take no heed2 but to thunder upon their consciences the peril of their souls1 and the increasing wretchedness into which they were madly hurrying4 ,he who is in imminent1 but unseen danger1 will bless the warning voice if it reach his ears1 however rough and startling the sound may be4 ,the life of ,badman was written in an age when profligacy1 vice1 and debauchery1 marched like a desolating army through our land1 headed by the king1 and officered by his polluted courtiers2 led on with all the pomp and splendour which royalty could display4 ,the king and his ministers well knew that the most formidable enemies to tyranny1 oppression1 and misgovernment1 were the piety and stern morality of the ,puritans1 ,nonconformists1 and the small classes of virtuous citizens of other denominations2 and therefore every effort was made by allurements and intimidation to debauch and demoralize their minds4 ,well does ,bunyan say that 'wickedness like a flood is like to drown our ,english world4 ,it has almost swallowed up all our youth1 our middle age1 old age1 and all are almost carried away of this flood4 ,it reels to and fro like a drunkard1 it is like to fall and rise no more4' ',it is the very haunts and walks of the infernal spirits4' ',england shakes and makes me totter for its transgressions4' ,the gradations of a wicked man in that evil age1 from his cradle to his grave1 are graphically set before the reader2 it is all drawn from reality1 and not from efforts of imagination4 ,every example is a picture of some real occurrence1 either within the view of the author1 or from the narratives of credible witnesses4 ',all the things that here ,i discourse of1 have been acted upon the stage of this world1 even many times before mine eyes4' ,badman is represented as having had the very great advantage of pious parents1 and a godly master1 but run riot in wickedness from his childhood4 ,lying and pilfering mark his early days2 followed in after life by swearing1 cheating1 drunkenness1 hypocrisy1 infidelity and atheism4 ,his conscience became hardened to that awful extent1 that he had no bands in his death4 ,the career of wickedness has often been so pictured1 as to encourage and cherish vice and profanity--to excite the unregenerate mind 'to ride post by other men's sins4'#a ,not so the life of ,badman4 ,the ugly1 wretched1 miserable consequences that assuredly follow a vicious career1 are here displayed in biting words--alarming the conscience1 and awfully warning the sinner of his destiny1 unless happily he finds that repentance that needeth not to be repented of4 ,no debauchee ever read the life of ,badman to gratify or increase his thirst for sin4 ,the tricks which in those days so generally accompanied trading1 are unsparingly exposed2 becoming bankrupt to make money1 a species of robbery1 which ought to be punished as felony2 double weights1 too heavy for buying1 and light to sell by1 overcharging those who take credit1 and the taking advantage of the necessities of others1 with the abuse of evil gains in debauchery1 and its ensuing miseries1 are all faithfully displayed4 ,in the course of the narrative1 a variety of awful examples of divine vengeance are introduced2 some from that singular compilation1 ,clarke's looking-glass for ,saints and ,sinners2 others from ',beard's theatre of ,god's ,judgments' and many that happened under the author's own immediate knowledge4 ,the faithfulness of his extracts from books has been fully verified4 ,the awful death of ,dorothy ,mately1 of ,ashover1 in ,derbyshire1 mentioned1 ,i had an opportunity of testing1 by the aid of my kind friend1 ,thomas ,bateman1 ,esq41 of ,yolgrave4 ,he sent me the following extract from the ,ashover ,register for #affj3--';,dorothy ,mately1 supposed wife to ,john ,flint of this parish1 forswore herself2 whereupon the ground opened1 and she sunk over head1 ,march #bc1 and being found dead1 she was buried1 ,march #be4' ,thus fully confirming the facts1 as stated by ,bunyan4 ,solemn providences1 intended1 in the inscrutable wisdom of ,god1 for wise purposes1 must not be always called 'divine judgments4' ,a ship is lost1 and the good with the bad1 sink together2 a missionary is murdered2 a pious ,malay is martyred2 still no one can suppose that these are instances of divine vengeance4 ,but when the atrocious bishop ,bonner1 in his old age1 miserably perishes in prison1 it reminds us of our ,lord's saying1 'with what measure ye mete1 it shall be measured to you again4' ,bunyan's pictures1 of which the life of ,badman is a continued series1 are admirably painted from life4 ,the extraordinary depths of hypocrisy1 used in gaining the affections of a pious wealthy young woman1 and entrapping her into a marriage1 are admirably drawn1 as is its companion or counterpart1 when ,badman1 in his widower-hood1 suffers an infamous strumpet to inveigle him into a miserable marriage1 as he so richly deserved4 ,the death-bed scene of the pious broken-hearted ,mrs4 ,badman1 is a masterpiece4 ,in fact the whole is a series of pictures drawn by a most admirable artist1 and calculated to warn and attract the sinner from his downward course4 ,in comparison with the times of ,bunyan1 ,england has now become wonderfully reformed from those grosser pollutions which disgraced her name4 ,persons of riper age1 whose reminiscences go back to the times of the slave trade1 slavery1 and war1 will call to mind scenes of vice1 brutality1 open debauchery and profligacy1 which1 in these peaceful and prosperous times1 would be instantly repressed and properly punished4 ,should peace be preserved1 domestic1 social1 and national purity and happiness must increase with still greater and more delightful rapidity4 ,civilization and ,christianity will triumph over despotism1 vice1 and false religions1 and the time be hastened on1 in which the divine art of rendering each other happy will engross the attention of all mankind4 ,much yet remains to be done for the conversion of the still numerous family connections of ,mr4 ,badman2 but the leaven of ,christianity must1 in spite of all opposition1 eventually spread over the whole mass4 ,homely proverbs abound in this narrative1 all of which are worthy of being treasured up in our memories4 ,is nothing so secret but it will be revealed8 we are told that ',hedges have eyes and pitchers have ears4' ,they who encourage evil propensities are 'nurses to the devil's brats4' ,it is said of him who hurries on in a career of folly and sin1 ',the devil rides him off his legs4' ',as the devil corrects vice1' refers to those who pretend to correct bad habits by means intended to promote them4 ',the devil is a cunning schoolmaster4' ,satan taking the wicked into his foul embraces is 'like to like1 as the devil said to the collier4' ,in two things the times have certainly improved4 ,bunyan describes all 'pawnbrokers' to have been 'vile wretches1' and1 in extortion1 the women to be worse than the men4 ,happily for our days1 good and even pious pawnbrokers may be found1 who are honourable exceptions to ,mr4 ,bunyan's sweeping rule2 nor do our women in any respect appear to be greater extortioners than our men4 ,the instructions1 exhortations1 and scriptural precepts and examples to enforce honest dealing1 interspersed as reflections throughout this narrative1 are invaluable1 and will1 ,i trust1 prove beneficial to every reader4 ,i have taken the liberty of dividing this long-continued dialogue into chapters1 for the greater facility of reference1 and as periods in the history1 where the reader may conveniently rest in his progress through this deeply interesting narrative4 ,,geo4 ,,offor4 ,,the ,,author ,,to ,,the ,,reader4 ,,courteous ,,reader1 ,as ,i was considering with myself what ,i had written concerning the ,progress of the ,pilgrim from this world to glory1 and how it had been acceptable to many in this nation1 it came again into my mind to write1 as then1 of him that was going to heaven1 so now1 of the life and death of the ungodly1 and of their travel from this world to hell4 ,the which in this ,i have done1 and have put it1 as thou seest1 under the name and title of ,mr4 ,badman1 a name very proper for such a subject4 ,i have also put it into the form of a dialogue1 that ,i might with more ease to myself1 and pleasure to the reader1 perform the work4 ,and although1 as ,i said1 ,i have put it forth in this method1 yet have ,i as little as may be gone out of the road of mine own observation of things4 ,yea1 ,i think ,i may truly say that to the best of my remembrance1 all the things that here ,i discourse of1 ,i mean as to matter of fact1 have been acted upon the stage of this world1 even many times before mine eyes4 ,here therefore1 courteous reader1 ,i present thee with the life and death of ,mr4 ,badman indeed2 yea1 ,i do trace him in his life1 from his childhood to his death2 that thou mayest1 as in a glass1 behold with thine own eyes the steps that take hold of hell2 and also discern1 while thou art reading of ,mr4 ,badman's death1 whether thou thyself art treading in his path thereto4 ,and let me entreat thee to forbear quirking#b and mocking1 for that ,i say ,mr4 ,badman is dead2 but rather gravely inquire concerning thyself by the ,word1 whether thou art one of his lineage or no2 for ,mr4 ,badman has left many of his relations behind him2 yea1 the very world is overspread with his kindred4 ,true1 some of his relations1 as he1 are gone to their place and long home1 but thousands of thousands are left behind2 as brothers1 sisters1 cousins1 nephews1 besides innumerable of his friends and associates4 ,i may say1 and yet speak nothing but too much truth in so saying1 that there is scarce a fellowship1 a community1 or fraternity of men in the world1 but some of ,mr4 ,badman's relations are there2 yea1 rarely can we find a family or household in a town1 where he has not left behind him either a brother1 nephew1 or friend4 ,the butt#c therefore1 that at this time ,i shoot at1 is wide2 and it will be as impossible for this book to go into several families1 and not to arrest some1 as for the king's messenger to rush into a house full of traitors1 and find none but honest men there4#d ,i cannot but think that this shot will light upon many1 since our fields are so full of this game2 but how many it will kill to ,mr4 ,badman's course1 and make alive to the ,pilgrim's ,progress1 that is not in me to determine2 this secret is with the ,lord our ,god only1 and he alone knows to whom he will bless it to so good and so blessed an end4 ,however1 ,i have put fire to the pan1#e and doubt not but the report will quickly be heard4 ,i told you before that ,mr4 ,badman had left many of his friends and relations behind him1 but if ,i survive them1 as that is a great question to me1 ,i may also write of their lives2 however1 whether my life be longer or shorter1 this is my prayer at present1 that ,god will stir up witnesses against them1 that may either convert or confound them2 for wherever they live1 and roll in their wickedness1 they are the pest and plague of that country4 ,england shakes and totters already1 by reason of the burden that ,mr4 ,badman and his friends have wickedly laid upon it4 ,yea1 our earth reels and staggereth to and fro like a drunkard1 the transgression thereof is heavy upon it4 ,courteous reader1 ,i will treat thee now1 even at the door and threshold of this house1 but only with this intelligence1 that ,mr4 ,badman lies dead within4 ,be pleased therefore1 if thy leisure will serve thee1 to enter in1 and behold the state in which he is laid1 betwixt his death-bed and the grave4 ,he is not buried as yet1 nor doth he stink1 as is designed he shall1 before he lies down in oblivion4 ,now as others have had their funerals solemnized1 according to their greatness and grandeur in the world1 so likewise ,mr4 ,badman1 forasmuch as he deserveth not to go down to his grave with silence1 has his funeral state according to his deserts4 ,four things are usual at great men's funerals1 which we will take leave1 and ,i hope without offence1 to allude to1 in the funeral of ,mr4 ,badman4 ,first4 ,they are sometimes1 when dead1 presented to their friends1 by their completely wrought images1 as lively as by cunning men's hands they can be2 that the remembrance of them may be renewed to their survivors1 the remembrance of them and their deeds2 and this ,i have endeavoured to answer in my discourse of ,mr4 ,badman1 and therefore ,i have drawn him forth in his features and actions from his childhood to his grey hairs4 ,here therefore1 thou hast him lively set forth as in cuts2 both as to the minority1 flower1 and seniority of his age1 together with those actions of his life1 that he was most capable of doing1 in and under those present circumstances of time1 place1 strength2 and the opportunities that did attend him in these4 ,second4 ,there is also usual at great men's funerals1 those badges and escutcheons of their honour1 that they have received from their ancestors1 or have been thought worthy of for the deeds and exploits they have done in their life2 and here ,mr4 ,badman has his1 but such as vary from all men of worth1 but so much the more agreeing with the merit of his doings4 ,they all have descended in state1 he only as an abominable branch4 ,his deserts are the deserts of sin1 and therefore the escutcheons of honour that he has1 are only that he died without honour1 'and at his end became a fool4' ',thou shalt not be joined with them in burial4' ',the seed of evil doers shall never be renowned' 7,isa #ad3bj74 ,the funeral pomp therefore of ,mr4 ,badman1 is to wear upon his hearse the badges of a dishonourable and wicked life2 since 'his bones are full of the sin of his youth1 which shall lie down1' as ,job says1 'with him in the dust4' ,nor is it fit that any should be his attendants1 now at his death1 but such as with him conspired against their own souls in their life2 persons whose transgressions have made them infamous to all that have or shall know what they have done4 ,some notice therefore ,i have also here in this little discourse given the reader1 of them who were his confederates in his life1 and attendants at his death2 with a hint1 either of some high villainy committed by them1 as also of those judgments that have overtaken and fallen upon them from the just and revenging hand of ,god4 ,all which are things either fully known by me1 as being eye and ear-witness thereto1 or that ,i have received from such hands1 whose relation1 as to this1 ,i am bound to believe4 ,and that the reader may know them from other things and passages herein contained1 ,i have pointed at them in the margin4 ,third4 ,the funerals of persons of quality have been solemnized with some suitable sermon at the time and place of their burial2 but that ,i am not come to as yet1 having got no further than to ,mr4 ,badman's death2 but forasmuch as he must be buried1 after he hath stunk out his time before his beholders1 ,i doubt not but some such that we read are appointed to be at the burial of ,gog1 will do this work in my stead2 such as shall leave him neither skin nor bone above ground1 but shall set a sign by it till the buriers have buried it in the valley of ,hamon-gog 7,eze #ci74 ,fourth4 ,at funerals there does use to be mourning and lamentation1 but here also ,mr4 ,badman differs from others2 his familiars cannot lament his departure1 for they have not sense of his damnable state2 they rather ring him1 and sing him to hell in the sleep of death1 in which he goes thither4 ,good men count him no loss to the world1 his place can well be without him1 his loss is only his own1 and it is too late for him to recover that damage or loss by a sea of bloody tears1 could he shed them4 ,yea1 ,god has said he will laugh at his destruction2 who then shall lament for him1 saying1 ,ah6 my brother4 ,he was but a stinking weed in his life2 nor was he better at all in his death2 such may well be thrown over the wall without sorrow1 when once ,god has plucked them up by the roots in his wrath4 ,reader1 if thou art of the race1 lineage1 stock1 or fraternity of ,mr4 ,badman1 ,i tell thee1 before thou readest this book1 thou wilt neither brook the author nor it1 because he hath writ of ,mr4 ,badman as he has4 ,for he that condemneth the wicked that die so1 passeth also the sentence upon the wicked that live4 ,i therefore expect neither credit of1 nor countenance from thee1 for this narration of thy kinsman's life4 ,for thy old love to thy friend1 his ways1 doings1 c41 will stir up in thee enmity rather in thy very heart against me4 ,i shall therefore incline to think of thee1 that thou wilt rend1 burn1 or throw it away in contempt2 yea1 and wish also1 that for writing so notorious a truth1 some mischief may befal me4 ,i look also to be loaded by thee with disdain1 scorn1 and contempt2 yea1 that thou shouldest railingly and vilifyingly say ,i lie1 and am a bespatterer of honest men's lives and deaths4 ,for4 ,mr4 ,badman1 when himself was alive1 could not abide to be counted a knave1 though his actions told all that went by1 that indeed he was such an one4 ,how then should his brethren that survive him1 and that tread in his very steps1 approve of the sentence that by this book is pronounced against him8 ,will they not rather imitate ,korah1 ,dathan1 and ,abiram's friends1 even rail at me for condemning him1 as they did at ,moses for doing execution8 ,i know it is ill puddling in the cockatrice's den1 and that they run hazards that hunt the wild boar4 ,the man also that writeth ,mr4 ,badman's life had need be fenced with a coat of mail1 and with the staff of a spear1 for that his surviving friends will know what he doth2 but ,i have adventured to do it1 and to play1 at this time1 at the hole of these asps2 if they bite1 they bite2 if they sting1 they sting4 ,christ sends his lambs in the midst of wolves1 not to do like them1 but to suffer by them for bearing plain testimony against their bad deeds4 ,but had one not need to walk with a guard1 and to have a sentinel stand at one's door for this8 ,verily1 the flesh would be glad of such help2 yea1 a spiritual man1 could he tell how to get it 7,acts #bc74 ,but ,i am stript naked of these1 and yet am commanded to be faithful in my service for ,christ4 ,well then1 ,i have spoken what ,i have spoken1 and now 'come on me what will' 7,job #ac3ac74 ,true1 the text say1 ,rebuke a scorner and he will hate thee2 and that he that reproveth a wicked man getteth himself a blot and shame4 ,but what then8 ,open rebuke is better than secret love1 and he that receives it shall find it so afterwards4 ,so then1 whether ,mr4 ,badman's friends shall rage or laugh at what ,i have writ1 ,i know that the better end of the staff#f is mine4 ,my endeavour is to stop a hellish course of life1 and to 'save a soul from death' 7,james #e3bj74 ,and if for so doing ,i meet with envy from them1 from whom in reason ,i should have thanks1 ,i must remember the man in the dream1#g that cut his way through his armed enemies1 and so got into the beauteous palace2 ,i must1 ,i say1 remember him1 and do myself likewise4 ,yet four things ,i will propound to the consideration of ,mr4 ,badman's friends before ,i turn my back upon them4 #a4 ,suppose that there be a hell in very deed2 not that ,i do question it any more than ,i do whether there be a sun to shine1 but ,i suppose it for argument sake with ,mr4 ,badman's friends4 ,i say1 suppose there be a hell1 and that too such an one as the ,scripture speaks of1 one at the remotest distance from ,god and life eternal1 one where the worm of a guilty conscience never dies1 and where the fire of the wrath of ,god is not quenched4 ,suppose1 ,i say1 that there is such a hell1 prepared of ,god--as there is indeed--for the body and soul of the ungodly world after this life to be tormented in2 ,i say1 do but with thyself suppose it1 and then tell me is it not prepared for thee1 thou being a wicked man8 ,let thy conscience speak1 ,i say1 is it not prepared for thee1 thou being an ungodly man8 ,and dost thou think1 wast thou there now1 that thou art able to wrestle with the judgment of ,god8 why then do the fallen angels tremble there8 ,thy hands cannot be strong1 nor can thy heart endure1 in that day when ,god shall deal with thee 7,eze #bb3ad74 #b4 ,suppose that some one that is now a soul in hell for sin1 was permitted to come hither again to dwell1 and that they had a grant also1 that1 upon amendment of life1 next time they die1 to change that place for heaven and glory4 ,what sayst thou1 ,o wicked man8 ,would such an one1 thinkest thou1 run again into the same course of life as before1 and venture the damnation that for sin he had already been in8 ,would he choose again to lead that cursed life that afresh would kindle the flames of hell upon him1 and that would bind him up under the heavy wrath of ,god8 ,o6 he would not1 he would not2 ,luke #af insinuates it2 yea1 reason itself awake would abhor it1 and tremble at such a thought4 #c4 ,suppose again1 that thou that livest and rollest in thy sin1 and that as yet hast known nothing but the pleasure thereof1 shouldest be by an angel conveyed to some place1 where1 with convenience1 from thence thou mightest have a view of heaven and hell1 of the joys of the one and the torments of the other2 ,i say1 suppose that from thence thou mightest have such a view thereof as would convince thy reason that both heaven and hell are such realities as by the ,word they are declared to be2 wouldest thou1 thinkest thou1 when brought to thy home again1 choose to thyself thy former life1 to wit1 to return to thy folly again8 ,no2 if belief of what thou sawest remained with thee thou wouldest eat fire and brimstone first4 #d4 ,i will propound again4 ,suppose that there was amongst us such a law1 and such a magistrate to inflict the penalty1 that for every open wickedness committed by thee1 so much of thy flesh should with burning pincers be plucked from thy bones1 wouldest thou then go on in thy open way of lying1 swearing1 drinking1 and whoring1 as thou with delight doest now8 ,surely1 surely1 no4 ,the fear of the punishment would make thee forbear2 yea1 would make thee tremble1 even then when thy lusts were powerful1 to think what a punishment thou wast sure to sustain so soon as the pleasure was over4 ,but ,o6 the folly1 the madness1 the desperate madness that is in the hearts of ,mr4 ,badman's friends1 who1 in despite of the threatenings of a holy and sin-revenging ,god1 and of the outcries and warnings of all good men1 yea1 that will1 in despite of the groans and torments of those that are now in hell for sin1 go on in a sinful course of life1 yea1 though every sin is also a step of descent down to that infernal cave 7,luke #af3bd1bh74 ,o how true is that saying of ,solomon1 ',the heart of the sons of men is full of evil1 and madness is in their heart while they live1 and after that they go to the dead' 7,eccl #i3c74 ,to the dead6 that is1 to the dead in hell1 to the damned dead1 the place to which those that have died bad men are gone1 and that those that live bad men are like to go to1 when a little more sin1 like stolen waters1 hath been imbibed by their sinful souls4 ,that which has made me publish this book is1 #a4 ,for that wickedness1 like a flood1 is like to drown our ,english world4 ,it begins already to be above the tops of the mountains2 it has almost swallowed up all2 our youth1 middle age1 old age1 and all1 are almost carried away of this flood4 ,o debauchery1 debauchery1 what hast thou done in ,england6 ,thou hast corrupted our young men1 and hast made our old men beasts2 thou hast deflowered our virgins1 and hast made matrons bawds4 ,thou hast made our earth 'to reel to and fro like a drunkard'2 it is in danger to 'be removed like a cottage1' yea1 it is1 because transgression is so heavy upon it1 like to fall and rise no more 7,isa #bd3bj74 ,o6 that ,i could mourn for ,england1 and for the sins that are committed therein1 even while ,i see that1 without repentance1 the men of ,god's wrath are about to deal with us1 each having his 'slaughtering weapon in his hand' 7,eze #i3a1b74 ,well1 ,i have written1 and by ,god's assistance shall pray that this flood may abate in ,england2 and could ,i but see the tops of the mountains above it1 ,i should think that these waters were abating4 #b4 ,it is the duty of those that can to cry out against this deadly plague1 yea1 to lift up their voice as with a trumpet against it1 that men may be awakened about it1 fly from it1 as from that which is the greatest of evils4 ,sin pulled angels out of heaven1 pulls men down to hell1 and overthroweth kingdoms4 ,who1 that sees a house on fire1 will not give the alarm to them that dwell therein8 ,who1 that sees the land invaded1 will not set the beacons on a flame4 ,who1 that sees the devils as roaring lions1 continually devouring souls1 will not make an out-cry8 ,but above all1 when we see sin1 sinful sin1 a swallowing up a nation1 sinking of a nation1 and bringing its inhabitants to temporal1 spiritual1 and eternal ruin1 shall we not cry out and cry1 ,they are drunk1 but not with wine2 they stagger1 but not with strong drink2 they are intoxicated with the deadly poison of sin1 which will1 if its malignity be not by wholesome means allayed1 bring soul and body1 and estate1 and country1 and all1 to ruin and destruction8 #c4 ,in and by this outcry ,i shall deliver myself from the ruins of them that perish2 for a man can do no more in this matter--,i mean a man in my capacity--than to detect and condemn the wickedness1 warn the evil doer of the judgment1 and fly therefrom myself4 ,but ,o6 that ,i might not only deliver myself6 ,o that many would hear1 and turn at this my cry from sin6 that they may be secured from the death and judgment that attend it4 ,why ,i have handled the matter in this method is best known to myself4 ,and why ,i have concealed most of the names of the persons whose sins or punishments ,i here and there in this book make relation of is1 7#a47 ,for that neither the sins nor judgments were all alike open2 the sins of some were committed1 and the judgments executed for them1 only in a corner4 ,not to say that ,i could not learn some of their names1 for could ,i1 ,i should not have made them public1 for this reason1 7#b47 ,because ,i would not provoke those of their relations that survive them2 ,i would not justly provoke them2 and yet1 as ,i think1 ,i should1 should ,i have entailed their punishment to their sins1 and both to their names1 and so have turned them into the world4 7#c47 ,nor would ,i lay them under disgrace and contempt1 which would1 as ,i think1 unavoidably have happened unto them had ,i withal inserted their names4 ,as for those whose names ,i mention1 their crimes or judgments were manifest2 public almost as anything of that nature that happeneth to mortal men4 ,such therefore have published their own shame by their sin1 and ,god his anger1 by taking of open vengeance4 ,as ,job says1 ,god has struck 'them as wicked men in the open sight of others' 7,job #cd3bf74 ,so that ,i cannot conceive1 since their sin and judgment was so conspicuous1 that my admonishing the world thereof should turn to their detriment4 ,for the publishing of these things are1 so far as relation is concerned1 intended for remembrances1 that they may also bethink themselves1 repent and turn to ,god1 lest the judgments for their sins should prove hereditary4 ,for the ,god of heaven hath threatened to visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the children1 if they hate him1 to the third and fourth generation 7,exo #bj3e74 ,nebuchadnezzar's punishment for his pride being open--for he was for his sin driven from his kingly dignity1 and from among men too1 to eat grass like an ox1 and to company with the beasts--,daniel did not stick to tell ,belshazzar his son to his face thereof2 nor to publish it that it might be read and remembered by the generations to come4 ,the same may be said of ,judas and ,ananias1 c41 for their sin and punishment were known to all the dwellers at ,jerusalem 7,acts #a3ai74 ,nor is it a sign but of desperate impenitence and hardness of heart1 when the offspring or relations of those who have fallen by open1 fearful1 and prodigious judgments1 for their sin1 shall overlook1 forget1 pass by1 or take no notice of such high outgoings of ,god against them and their house4 ,thus ,daniel aggravates ,belshazzar's crime1 for that he hardened his heart in pride1 though he knew that for that very sin and transgression his father was brought down from his height1 and made to be a companion for asses4 ',and thou his son1 ,o ,belshazzar1' says he1 'hast not humbled thine heart1 though thou knewest all this' 7,dan #e3bb74 ,a home reproof1 indeed1 but home reproof is most fit for an open and a continued in transgression4 ,let those1 then1 that are the offspring or relations of such1 who by their own sin1 and the dreadful judgments of ,god1 are made to become a sign 7,deut #af3i-ab71 having been swept as dung from off the face of the earth1 beware1 lest when judgment knocks at their door1 for their sins1 as it did before at the door of their progenitors1 it falls also with as heavy a stroke as on them that went before them 7,num #af3ch-dj74 ,lest1 ,i say1 they in that day1 instead of finding mercy1 find for their high1 daring1 and judgment-affronting sins1 judgment without mercy4 ,to conclude2 let those that would not die ,mr4 ,badman's death1 take heed of ,mr4 ,badman's ways2 for his ways bring to his end4 ,wickedness will not deliver him that is given to it2 though they should cloak all with a profession of religion4 ,if it was a transgression of old for a man to wear a woman's apparel1 surely it is a transgression now for a sinner to wear a ,christian profession for a cloak4 ,wolves in sheep's clothing swarm in ,england this day2 wolves both as to doctrine and as to practice too4 ,some men make a profession1 ,i doubt1 on purpose that they may twist themselves into a trade2 and thence into an estate2 yea1 and if need be1 into an estate knavishly1 by the ruins of their neighbour4 ,let such take heed1 for those that do such things have the greater damnation4 ,christian1 make thy profession shine by a conversation according to the gospel2 or else thou wilt damnify religion1 bring scandal to thy brethren1 and give offence to the enemies2 and it would be better that a millstone was hanged about thy neck1 and that thou1 as so adorned1 was cast into the bottom of the sea1 than so to do4 ,christian1 a profession according to the gospel is1 in these days1 a rare thing2 seek then after it1 put it on1 and keep it without spot1 and1 as becomes thee1 white1 and clean1 and thou shalt be a rare ,christian4 ,the prophecy of the last times is1 that professing men1 for so ,i understand the text1 shall be many of them base 7#b ,tim #c72 but continue thou in the things that thou hast learned1 not of wanton men1 nor of licentious times1 but of the ,word and doctrine of ,god1 that is1 according to godliness2 and thou shalt walk with ,christ in white4 ,now1 ,god ,almighty gave his people grace1 not to hate or malign sinners1 nor yet to choose any of their ways1 but to keep themselves pure from the blood of all men1 by speaking and doing according to that name and those rules that they profess to know and love2 for ,jesus ,christ's sake4 ,,john ,,bunyan4 ,,contents4 ,,chap4 ,i4 ,badman's death and its awful consequences1 ,this leads to the discourse of his life4 ,,chap4 ,,ii4 ,badman's wicked behavior in childhood1 ,,chap4 ,,iii4 ,badman's apprenticeship to a pious master1 ,,chap4 ,,iv4 ,he gets a new master bad as himself1 ,,chap4 ,v4 ,badman in business2 the tricks of a wicked tradesman1 ,,chap4 ,,vi4 ,his hypocritical courtship and marriage to a pious1 rich1 young lady1 ,,chap4 ,,vii4 ,he throws off the mask and cruelly treats his wife4 ,bunyan's rules for such as think of marriage1 ,,chap4 ,,viii4 ,badman is a bankrupt1 and gets by it hat-fulls of money1 ,,chap4 ,,ix4 ,badman's fraudulent dealings to get money1 ,,chap4 ,x4 ,the simple ,christian's views of extortion1 ,,chap4 ,,xi4 ,instructions for righteous trading1 ,,chap4 ,,xii4 ,badman's pride1 atheism1 infidelity1 and envy1 ,,chap4 ,,xiii4 ,he gets drunk and breaks his leg4 ,god's judgments upon drunkards1 ,,chap4 ,,xiv4 ,his pretended repentings and promises of reform when death grimly stares at him1 ,,chap4 ,,xv4 ,death leaves him for a season1 and he returns to his sins1 like a sow that has been washed to her wallowing in the mire1 ,,chap4 ,,xvi4 ,his pious wife dies broken-hearted4 ,her deathbed charge to her family1 ,,chap4 ,,xvii4 ,he is tricked into a second marriage by a woman as bad as himself1 ,,chap4 ,,xviii4 ,he parts from his wife1 diseases attack him under ,captain ,consumption2 he rots away and dies in sinful security1 ,,chap4 ,,xix4 ,future happiness not to be hoped from a quiet1 hardened death4 ,some remarkable instances1 ,,chap4 ,,xx4 ,without godly repentance1 the wicked man's hopes and life die together4 ,,the ,,life ,,and ,,death ,,of ,,mr4 ,,badman1 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,badman',s ,,death ,,and ,,its ,,awful ,,consequences4 ,,wiseman4 ,good morrow1 my good neighbour1 ,mr4 ,attentive2 whither are you walking so early this morning8 ,methinks you look as if you were concerned about something more than ordinary4 ,have you lost any of your cattle1 or what is the matter8 ,,attentive4 ,good ,sir1 good morrow to you1 ,i have not as yet lost aught1 but yet you give a right guess of me1 for ,i am1 as you say1 concerned in my heart1 but it is because of the badness of the times4 ,and1 ,sir1 you1 as all our neighbours know1 are a very observing man1 pray1 therefore1 what do you think of them8 ,,wise4 ,why1 ,i think1 as you say1 to wit1 that they are bad times1 and bad they will be1 until men are better2 for they are bad men that make bad times2 if men1 therefore1 would mend1 so would the times4 ,it is a folly to look for good days so long as sin is so high1 and those that study its nourishment so many4 ,god bring it down1 and those that nourish it1 to repentance1 and then1 my good neighbour1 you will be concerned1 not as you are now2 now you are concerned because times are so bad1 but then you will be so because times are so good2 now you are concerned so as to be perplexed1 but then you will be concerned so as to lift up your voice with shouting1 for ,i dare say1 could you see such days1 they would make you shout4 ,,atten4 ,ay1 so they would2 such times ,i have prayed for1 such times ,i have longed for2 but ,i fear they will be worse before they be better4 ,,wise4 ,make no conclusions1 man2 for he that hath the hearts of men in his hand can change them from worse to better1 and so bad times into good4 ,god give long life to them that are good1 and especially to those of them that are capable of doing him service in the world4 ,the ornament and beauty of this lower world1 next to ,god and his wonders1 are the men that spangle and shine in godliness4 ,now as ,mr4 ,wiseman said this1 he gave a great sigh4 ,,atten4 ,amen1 amen4 ,but why1 good ,sir1 do you sigh so deeply2 is it for ought else than that for the which1 as you have perceived1 ,i myself am concerned8 ,,wise4 ,i am concerned1 with you1 for the badness of the times2 but that was not the cause of that sigh1 of the which1 as ,i see1 you take notice4 ,i sighed at the remembrance of the death of that man for whom the bell tolled at our town yesterday4 ,,atten4 ,why1 ,i trow1 ,mr4 ,goodman your neighbour is not dead4 ,indeed ,i did hear that he had been sick4 ,,wise4 ,no1 no1 it is not he4 ,had it been he1 ,i could not but have been concerned1 but yet not as ,i am concerned now4 ,if he had died1 ,i should only have been concerned for that the world had lost a light2 but the man that ,i am concerned for now was one that never was good1 therefore such an one who is not dead only1 but damned4 ,he died that he might die1 he went from life to death1 and then from death to death1 from death natural to death eternal4 ,and as he spake this1 the water stood in his eyes4#h ,,atten4 ,indeed1 to go from a deathbed to hell is a fearful thing to think on4 ,but1 good neighbour ,wiseman1 be pleased to tell me who this man was1 and why you conclude him so miserable in his death8 ,,wise4 ,well1 if you can stay1 ,i will tell you who he was1 and why ,i conclude thus concerning him4 ,,atten4 ,my leisure will admit me to stay1 and ,i am willing to hear you out4 ,and ,i pray ,god your discourse may take hold on my heart1 that ,i may be bettered thereby4 ,so they agreed to sit down under a tree4 ,then ,mr4 ,wiseman proceeded as followeth3-- ,,wise4 ,the man that ,i mean is one ,mr4 ,badman2 he has lived in our town a great while1 and now1 as ,i said1 he is dead4 ,but the reason of my being so concerned at his death is1 not for that he was at all related to me1 or for that any good conditions died with him1 for he was far from them1 but for that1 as ,i greatly fear1 he hath1 as was hinted before1 died two deaths at once4 ,,atten4 ,i perceive what you mean by two deaths at once2 and to speak truth1 it is a fearful thing thus to have ground to think of any3 for although the death of the ungodly and sinners is laid to heart but of few1 yet to die in such a state is more dreadful and fearful than any man can imagine4 ,indeed if a man had no soul1 if his state was not truly immortal1 the matter would not be so much2 but for a man to be so disposed of by his ,maker1 as to be appointed a sensible being for ever1 and for him too to fall into the hands of revenging justice1 that will be always1 to the utmost extremity that his sin deserveth1 punishing of him in the dismal dungeon of hell1 this must needs be unutterably sad1 and lamentable4 ,,wise4 ,there is no man1 ,i think1 that is sensible of the worth of one soul1 but must1 when he hears of the death of unconverted men1 be stricken with sorrow and grief3 because1 as you said well1 that man's state is such that he has a sensible being for ever4 ,for it is sense that makes punishment heavy4 ,but yet sense is not all that the damned have1 they have sense and reason too2 so then1 as sense receiveth punishment with sorrow1 because it feels1 and bleeds under the same1 so by reason1 and the exercise thereof1 in the midst of torment1 all present affliction is aggravated1 and that three manner of ways3--#a4 ,reason will consider thus with himself4 ,for what am ,i thus tormented8 and will easily find it is for nothing but that base and filthy thing1 sin2 and now will vexation be mixed with punishment1 and that will greatly heighten the affliction4 #b4 ,reason will consider thus with himself4 ,how long must this be my state8 ,and will soon return to himself this answer3 ,this must be my state for ever and ever4 ,now this will greatly increase the torment4 #c4 ,reason4 will consider thus with himself4 ,what have ,i lost more than present ease and quiet by my sins that ,i have committed8 ,and will quickly return himself this answer3 ,i have lost communion with ,god1 ,christ1 saints1 and angels1 and a share in heaven and eternal life3 and this also must needs greaten the misery of poor damned souls4 ,and this is the case of ,mr4 ,badman4 ,,atten4 ,i feel my heart even shake at the thoughts of coming into such a state4 ,hell6 who knows that is yet alive1 what the torments of hell are8 ,this word ,,hell gives a very dreadful sound4 ,,wise4 ,ay1 so it does in the ears of him that has a tender conscience4 ,but if1 as you say1 and that truly1 the very name of hell is so dreadful1 what is the place itself1 and what are the punishments that are there inflicted1 and that without the least intermission1 upon the souls of damned men1 for ever and ever4 ,,atten4 ,well1 but passing this2 my leisure will admit me to stay1 and therefore pray tell me what it is that makes you think that ,mr4 ,badman is gone to hell4 ,,wise4 ,i will tell you4 ,but first1 do you know which of the ,badmans ,i mean8 ,,atten4 ,why1 was there more of them than one8 ,,wise4 ,o yes1 a great many1 both brothers and sisters1 and yet all of them the children of a godly parent1 the more a great deal is the pity4 ,,atten4 ,which of them therefore was it that died8 ,,wise4 ,the eldest1 old in years1 and old in sin2 but the sinner that dies an hundred years old shall be accursed4 ,,atten4 ,well1 but what makes you think he is gone to hell8 ,,wise4 ,his wicked life1 and fearful death1 especially since the manner of his death was so corresponding with his life4 ,,atten4 ,pray let me know the manner of his death1 if yourself did perfectly know it4 ,,wise4 ,i was there when he died2 but ,i desire not to see another such man1 while ,i live1 die in such sort as he did4 ,,atten4 ,pray therefore let me hear it4 ,,wise4 ,you say you have leisure and can stay1 and therefore1 if you please1 we will discourse even orderly of him4 ,first1 we will begin with his life1 and then proceed to his death3 because a relation of the first may the more affect you1 when you shall hear of the second4 ,,atten4 ,did you then so well know his life8 ,,wise4 ,i knew him of a child4 ,i was a man1 when he was but a boy1 and ,i made special observation of him from first to last4 ,,atten4 ,pray then let me hear from you an account of his life2 but be as brief as you can1 for ,i long to hear of the manner of his death4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,badman',s ,,wicked ,,behaviour ,,in ,,childhood4 ,,wise4 ,i will endeavour to answer your desires1 and first1 ,i will tell you1 that from a child he was very bad2 his very beginning was ominous1 and presaged that no good end was1 in likelihood1 to follow thereupon4 ,there were several sins that he was given to1 when but a little one1 that manifested him to be notoriously infected with original corruption2 for ,i dare say he learned none of them of his father and mother2 nor was he admitted to go much abroad among other children that were vile1 to learn to sin of them3 nay1 contrariwise1 if at any time he did get abroad amongst others1 he would be as the inventor of bad words1 and an example in bad actions4 ,to them all he used to be1 as we say1 the ringleader1 and master-sinner from a child4 ,,atten4 ,this was a bad beginning indeed1 and did demonstrate that he was1 as you say1 polluted1 very much polluted with original corruption4 ,for to speak my mind freely1 ,i do confess that it is mine opinion that children come polluted with sin into the world1 and that ofttimes the sins of their youth1 especially while they are very young1 are rather by virtue of indwelling sin1 than by examples that are set before them by others4 ,not but that they learn to sin by example too1 but example is not the root1 but rather the temptation unto wickedness4 ,the root is sin within2 'for from within1 out of the heart of men1' proceedeth sin 7,mark #g3ba74 ,,wise4 ,i am glad to hear that you are of this opinion1 and to confirm what you have said by a few hints from the ,word4 ,man in his birth is compared to an ass1 an unclean beast1 and to a wretched infant in its blood 7,job #aa3ab2 ,eze #af74 ,besides1 all the first-born of old that were offered unto the ,lord1 were to be redeemed at the age of a month1 and that was before they were sinners by imitation 7,exo #ac3ac1 #cd3bj74 ,the scripture also affirmeth1 that by the sin of one1 judgment came upon all2 and renders this reason1 'for that all have sinned' 7,rom #e3ab74 ,nor is that objection worth a rush1 that ,christ by his death hath taken away original sin4 ,first4 ,because it is scriptureless4 ,secondly4 ,because it makes them incapable of salvation by ,christ2 for none but those that in their own persons are sinners are to have salvation by him4 ,many other things might be added1 but between persons so well agreed as you and ,i are1 these may suffice at present4 ,but when an antagonist comes to deal with us about this matter1 then we have for him often other strong arguments1 if he be an antagonist worth the taking notice of4 ,,atten4 ,but1 as was hinted before1 he used to be the ring-leading sinner1 or the master of mischief among other children2 yet these are but generals2 pray therefore tell me in particular which were the sins of his childhood4 ,,wise4 ,i will so4 ,when he was but a child1 he was so addicted to lying that his parents scarce knew when to believe he spake true2 yea1 he would invent1 tell1 and stand to the lies that he invented and told1 and that with such an audacious face1 that one might even read in his very countenance the symptoms of a hard and desperate heart this way4 ,,atten4 ,this was an ill beginning indeed1 and argueth that he began to harden himself in sin betimes4 ,for a lie cannot be knowingly told and stood in1 and ,i perceive that this was his manner of way in lying1 but he must as it were force his own heart unto it4 ,yea1 he must make his heart hard1 and bold to do it4 ,yea1 he must be arrived to an exceeding pitch of wickedness thus to do1 since all this he did against that good education1 that before you seemed to hint he had from his father and mother4 ,,wise4 ,the want of good education1 as you have intimated1 is many times a cause why children do so easily1 so soon1 become bad2 especially when there is not only a want of that1 but bad examples enough1 as1 the more is the pity1 there is in many families2 by virtue of which poor children are trained up in sin1 and nursed therein for the devil and hell4 ,but it was otherwise with ,mr4 ,badman1 for to my knowledge this his way of lying was a great grief to his parents1 for their hearts were much dejected at this beginning of their son2 nor did there want counsel and correction from them to him if that would have made him better4 ,he wanted not to be told1 in my hearing1 and that over and over and over1 that 'all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone'2 and that 'whosoever loveth and maketh a lie1' should not have any part in the new and heavenly ,jerusalem 7,rev #ba3h1bg1 #bb3ae74 ,but all availed nothing with him2 when a fit1 or an occasion to lie came upon him1 he would invent1 tell1 and stand to his lie as steadfastly as if it had been the biggest of truths that he told1 and that with that hardening of his heart and face1 that it would be to those who stood by1 a wonder4 ,nay1 and this he would do when under the rod of correction1 which is appointed by ,god for parents to use1 that thereby they might keep their children from hell 7,prov #bb3ae1 #bc3ac1ad74i ,,atten4 ,truly it was1 as ,i said1 a bad beginning1 he served the devil betimes2 yea1 he became nurse to one of his brats1 for a spirit of lying is the devil's brat1 'for he is a liar and the father of it' 7,john #h3dd74 ,,wise4 ,right1 he is the father of it indeed4 ,a lie is begot by the devil as the father1 and is brought forth by the wicked heart as the mother2 wherefore another scripture also saith1 ',why hath ,satan filled thine heart to lie1' c4 7,acts #e3c1d74 ,yea1 he calleth the heart that is big with a lie1 an heart that hath conceived1 that is1 by the devil4 ',why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart8 thou hast not lied unto men1 but unto ,god4' ,true1 his lie was a lie of the highest nature1 but every lie hath the same father and mother as had the lie last spoken of4 ',for he is a liar1 and the father of it4' ,a lie then is the brat of hell1 and it cannot be in the heart before the person has committed a kind of spiritual adultery with the devil4 ,that soul therefore that telleth a known lie1 has lien with1 and conceived it by lying with the devil1 the only father of lies4 ,for a lie has only one father and mother1 the devil and the heart4 ,no marvel therefore if the hearts that hatch and bring forth lies be so much of complexion with the devil4 ,yea1 no marvel though ,god and ,christ have so bent their word against liars4#aj ,a liar is wedded to the devil himself4 ,,atten4 ,it seems a marvellous thing in mine eyes1 that since a lie is in the offspring of the devil1 and since a lie brings the soul to the very den of devils1 to wit1 the dark dungeon of hell1 that men should be so desperately wicked as to accustom themselves to so horrible a thing4 ,,wise4 ,it seems also marvellous to me1 especially when ,i observe for how little a matter some men will study1 contrive1 make1 and tell a lie4 ,you shall have some that will lie it over and over1 and that for a penny profit4 ,yea1 lie and stand in it1 although they know that they lie4 ,yea1 you shall have some men that will not stick to tell lie after lie1 though themselves get nothing thereby4 ,they will tell lies in their ordinary discourse with their neighbours1 also their news1 their jests1 and their tales1 must needs be adorned with lies2 or else they seem to bear no good sound to the ear1 nor show much to the fancy of him to whom they are told4 ,but alas6 what will these liars do1 when1 for their lies they shall be tumbled down into hell1 to that devil that did beget those lies in their heart1 and so be tormented by fire and brimstone1 with him1 and that for ever and ever1 for their lies8 ,,atten4 ,can you not give one some example of ,god's judgments upon liars1 that one may tell them to liars when one hears them lie1 if perhaps they may by the hearing thereof1 be made afraid1 and ashamed to lie4 ,,wise4 ,examples6 why ,ananias#aa and his wife are examples enough to put a stop1 one would think1 to a spirit addicted thereto1 for they both were stricken down dead for telling a lie1 and that by ,god himself1 in the midst of a company of people 7,acts #e74 ,but if ,god's threatening of liars with hell-fire1 and with the loss of the kingdom of heaven1 will not prevail with them to leave off to lie and make lies1 it cannot be imagined that a relation of temporal judgments that have swept liars out of the world heretofore1 should do it4 ,now1 as ,i said1 this lying was one of the first sins that ,mr4 ,badman was addicted to1 and he could make them and tell them fearfully4 ,,atten4 ,i am sorry to hear this of him1 and so much the more1 because1 as ,i fear1 this sin did not reign in him alone2 for usually one that is accustomed to lying1 is also accustomed to other evils besides2 and if it were not so also with ,mr4 ,badman1 it would be indeed a wonder4 ,,wise4 ,you say true1 the liar is a captive slave of more than the spirit of lying2 and therefore this ,mr4 ,badman1 as he was a liar from a child1 so he was also much given to pilfer and steal1 so that what he could1 as we say1 handsomely lay his hands on1#ab that was counted his own1 whether they were the things of his fellow-children1 or if he could lay hold of anything at a neighbour's house1 he would take it away2 you must understand me of trifles2 for being yet but a child1 he attempted no great matter1 especially at first4 ,but yet as he grew up in strength and ripeness of wit1 so he attempted to pilfer and steal things still of more value than at first4 ,he took at last great pleasure in robbing of gardens and orchards2 and as he grew up1 to steal pullen#ac from the neighbourhood4 ,yea1 what was his father's could not escape his fingers1 all was fish that came to his net1 so hardened1 at last1 was he in this mischief also4 ,,atten4 ,you make me wonder more and more4 ,what1 play the thief too6 ,what1 play the thief so soon6 ,he could not but know1 though he was but a child1 that what he took from others was none of his own4 ,besides1 if his father was a good man1 as you say1 it could not be but he must also hear from him that to steal was to transgress the law of ,god1 and so to run the hazard of eternal damnation4 ,,wise4 ,his father was not wanting to use the means to reclaim him1 often urging1 as ,i have been told1 that saying in the law of ,moses1 ',thou shalt not steal' 7,exo #bj3ae74 ,and also that1 ',this is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth2 for every one that stealeth shall be cut off'1 c4 7,zech #e3c74 ,the light of nature also1 though he was little1 must needs show him that what he took from others was not his own2 and that he would not willingly have been served so himself4 ,but all was to no purpose1 let father and conscience say what they would to him1 he would go on1 he was resolved to go on in his wickedness4 ,,atten4 ,but his father would1 as you intimate1 sometimes rebuke him for his wickedness2 pray how would he carry it then8 ,,wise4 ,how6 why like to a thief that is found4 ,he would stand gloating1#ad and hanging down his head in a sullen1 pouching manner2 a body might read1 as we used to say1 the picture of ill-luck in his face2 and when his father did demand his answer to such questions concerning his villainy1 he would grumble and mutter at him1 and that should be all he could get4 ,,atten4 ,but you said that he would also rob his father1 methinks that was an unnatural thing4 ,,wise4 ,natural or unnatural1 all is one to a thief4 ,besides1 you must think that he had likewise companions to whom he was1 for the wickedness that he saw in them1 more firmly knit1 than either of father or mother4 ,yea1 and what had he cared if father and mother had died for grief for him4 ,their death would have been1 as he would have counted1 great release and liberty to him2 for the truth is1 they and their counsel were his bondage2 yea1 and if ,i forget not1 ,i have heard some say that when he was1 at times1 among his companions he would greatly rejoice to think that his parents were old1 and could not live long1 and then1 quoth he1 ,i shall be mine own man1 to do what ,i list1 without their control4 ,,atten4 ,then it seems he counted that robbing of his parents was no crime4 ,,wise4 ,none at all2 and therefore he fell directly under that sentence1 ',whoso robbeth his father or his mother1 and saith it is no transgression1 the same is the companion of a destroyer' 7,prov #bh3bd74 ,and for that he set so light by them as to their persons and counsels1 it was a sign that at present he was of a very abominable spirit1 and that some judgment waited to take hold of him in time to come 7#a ,sam #b3be74 ,,atten4 ,but can you imagine what it was1 ,i mean1 in his conceit1 for ,i speak not now of the suggestions of ,satan1 by which doubtless he was put on to do these things2 ,i say what it should be in his conceit1 that should make him think that this his manner of pilfering and stealing was no great matter4 ,,wise4 ,it was for that the things that he stole were small2 to rob orchards1 and gardens1 and to steal pullen1 and the like1 these he counted tricks of youth1 nor would he be beat out of it by all that his friends could say4 ,they would tell him that he must not covet1 or desire1 and yet to desire is less than to take1 even anything1 the least thing that was his neighbour's2 and that if he did1 it would be a transgression of the law2 but all was one to him2 what through the wicked talk of his companions1 and the delusion of his own corrupt heart1 he would go on in his pilfering course1 and where he thought himself secure1 would talk of1 and laugh at it when he had done4 ,,atten4 ,well ,i heard a man once1 when he was upon the ladder with the rope about his neck1 confess1 when ready to be turned off by the hangman1 that that which had brought him to that end was his accustoming of himself1 when young1 to pilfer and steal small things4 ,to my best remembrance he told us1 that he began the trade of a thief by stealing of pins and points2#ae and therefore did forewarn all the youth that then were gathered together to see him die1 to take heed of beginning1 though but with little sins2 because by tampering at first with little ones1 way is made for the commission of bigger4#af ,,wise4 ,since you are entered upon stories1 ,i also will tell you one2 the which1 though ,i heard it not with mine own ears1 yet my author ,i dare believe4 ,it is concerning one old ,tod1 that was hanged about twenty years ago1 or more1 at ,hertford1 for being a thief4 ,the story is this3-- ,at a summer assizes holden at ,hertford1 while the judge was sitting upon the bench1 comes this old ,tod into court1 clothed in a green suit1 with his leathern girdle in his hand1 his bosom open1 and all on a dung sweat1 as if he had run for his life2 and being come in1 he spake aloud as follows3--,my lord1 saith he1 here is the veriest rogue that breathes upon the face of the earth4 ,i have been a thief from a child4 ,when ,i was but a little one1 ,i gave myself to rob orchards1 and to do other such like wicked things1 and ,i have continued a thief ever since4 ,my lord1 there has not been a robbery committed these many years1 within so many miles of this place1 but ,i have either been at it1 or privy to it4 ,the judge thought the fellow was mad1 but after some conference with some of the justices1 they agreed to indict him2 and so they did of several felonious actions2 to all which he heartily confessed guilty1 and so was hanged1 with his wife at the same time4 ,,atten4 ,this is a remarkable story indeed1 and you think it is a true one4 ,,wise4 ,it is not only remarkable1 but pat to our purpose4 ,this thief1 like ,mr4 ,badman1 began his trade betimes2 he began too where ,mr4 ,badman began1 even at robbing of orchards1 and other such things1 which brought him1 as you may perceive1 from sin to sin1 till at last it brought him to the public shame of sin1 which is the gallows4 ,as for the truth of this story1 the relater told me that he was1 at the same time1 himself in the court1 and stood within less than two yards of old ,tod1 when he heard him aloud to utter the words4 ,,atten4 ,these two sins1 of lying and stealing1 were a bad sign of an evil end4 ,,wise4 ,so they were1 and yet ,mr4 ,badman came not to his end like old ,tod2 though ,i fear to as bad1 nay1 worse than was that death of the gallows1 though less discerned by spectators2 but more of that by and by4 ,but you talk of these two sins as if these were all that ,mr4 ,badman was addicted to in his youth4 ,alas1 alas1 he swarmed with sins1 even as a beggar does with vermin1 and that when he was but a boy4 ,,atten4 ,why1 what other sins was he addicted to1 ,i mean while he was but a child8 ,,wise4 ,you need not ask to what other sins was he1 but to what other sins was he not addicted2 that is1 of such as suited with his age2 for a man may safely say that nothing that was vile came amiss to him1 if he was but capable to do it4 ,indeed1 some sins there be that childhood knows not how to be tampering with2 but ,i speak of sins that he was capable of committing1 of which ,i will nominate two or three more4 ,and1 ,first1 ,he could not endure the ,lord's day1 because of the holiness that did attend it2 the beginning of that day was to him as if he was going to prison1 except he could get out from his father and mother1 and lurk in by-holes among his companions1 until holy duties were over4 ,reading the ,scriptures1 hearing sermons1 godly conference1 repeating of sermons and prayers1 were things that he could not away with2 and1 therefore1 if his father on such days1 as often he did1 though sometimes1 notwithstanding his diligence1 he would be sure to give him the slip1 did keep him strictly to the observation of the day1 he would plainly show1 by all carriages1 that he was highly discontent therewith4 ,he would sleep at duties1 would talk vainly with his brothers1 and1 as it were1 think every godly opportunity seven times as long as it was1 grudging till it was over4 ,,atten4 ,this his abhorring of that day1 was not1 ,i think1 for the sake of the day itself2 for as it is a day1 it is nothing else but as other days of the week4 ,but ,i suppose that the reason of his loathing of it was for that ,god hath put sanctity and holiness upon it2 also1 because it is the day above all the days of the week that ought to be spent in holy devotion1 in remembrance of our ,lord's resurrection from the dead4 ,,wise4 ,yes1 it was therefore that he was such an enemy to it2 even because more restraint was laid upon him on that day1 from his own ways1 than were possible should be laid upon him on all others4 ,,atten4 ,doth not ,god1 by instituting of a day unto holy duties1 make great proof how the hearts and inclinations of poor people do stand to holiness of heart1 and a conversation in holy duties8 ,,wise4 ,yes1 doubtless2 and a man shall show his heart and his life what they are1 more by one ,lord's day than by all the days of the week besides4 ,and the reason is1 because on the ,lord's day there is a special restraint laid upon men as to thoughts and life1 more than upon other days of the week besides4 ,also1 men are enjoined on that day to a stricter performance of holy duties1 and restraint of worldly business1 than upon other days they are2 wherefore1 if their hearts incline not naturally to good1 now they will show it1 now they will appear what they are4 ,the ,lord's day is a kind of an emblem of the heavenly ,sabbath above1 and it makes manifest how the heart stands to the perpetuity of holiness1 more than to be found in a transient duty does4 ,on other days1 a man may be in and out of holy duties1 and all in a quarter of an hour2 but now1 the ,lord's day is1 as it were1 a day that enjoins to one perpetual duty of holiness4 ',remember that thou keep holy the ,sabbath day'2 which1 by ,christ1 is not abrogated1 but changed1 into the first of the week1 not as it was given in particular to the ,jews1 but as it was sanctified by him from the beginning of the world 7,gen #b3b2 ,exo #ca3ac-ag2 ,mark #af3a2 ,acts #bj3g2 #a ,cor #af3a1b2 ,mark #b3bg1bh2 ,rev #a3aj72 and therefore is a greater proof of the frame and temper of a man's heart1 and does more make manifest to what he is inclined1 than doth his other performance of duties4 ,therefore1 ,god puts great difference between them that truly call1 and walk in1 this day as holy1 and count it honourable1 upon the account that now they have an opportunity to show how they delight to honour him2 in that they have not only an hour1 but a whole day1 to show it in 7,isa #eh3ac74 ,i say1 he puts great difference between these1 and that other sort that say1 ,when will the ,sabbath be gone1 that we may be at our worldly business8 7,amos #h3e74 ,the first he calleth a blessed man1 but brandeth the other for an unsanctified worldling4 ,and1 indeed1 to delight ourselves in ,god's service upon his holy days1 gives a better proof of a sanctified nature than to grudge at the coming1 and to be weary of the holy duties of such days1 as ,mr4 ,badman did4#ag ,,atten4 ,there may be something in what you say1 for he that cannot abide to keep one day holy to ,god1 to be sure he hath given a sufficient proof that he is an unsanctified man2 and1 as such1 what should he do in heaven8 ,that being the place where a perpetual ,sabbath is to be kept to ,god2 ,i say1 to be kept for ever and ever 7,heb #d3i74 ,and1 for ought ,i know1 one reason why one day in seven hath been by our ,lord set apart unto holy duties for men1 may be to give them conviction that there is enmity in the hearts of sinners to the ,god of heaven1 for he that hateth holiness1 hateth ,god himself4 ,they pretend to love ,god1 and yet love not a holy day1 and yet love not to spend that day in one continued act of holiness to the ,lord4 ,they had as good say nothing as to call him ,lord1 ,lord1 and yet not do the things that he says4 ,and this ,mr4 ,badman was such a one1 he could not abide this day1 nor any of the duties of it4 ,indeed1 when he could get from his friends1 and so spend it in all manner of idleness and profaneness1 then he would be pleased well enough2 but what was this but a turning the day into night1 or other than taking an opportunity at ,god's forbidding1 to follow our callings1 to solace and satisfy our lusts and delights of the flesh8 ,i take the liberty to speak thus of ,mr4 ,badman1 upon a confidence of what you1 ,sir1 have said of him is true4 ,,wise4 ,you needed not to have made that apology for your censoring of ,mr4 ,badman1 for all that knew him will confirm what you say of him to be true4 ,he could not abide either that day1 or anything else that had the stamp or image of ,god upon it4 ,sin1 sin1 and to do the thing that was naught1 was that which he delighted in1 and that from a little child4 ,,atten4 ,i must say again ,i am sorry to hear it1 and that for his own sake1 and also for the sake of his relations1 who must needs be broken to pieces with such doings as these4 ,for1 for these things' sake comes the wrath of ,god upon the children of disobedience 7,eph #e3f74 ,and1 doubtless1 he must be gone to hell1 if he died without repentance2 and to beget a child for hell is sad for parents to think on4 ,,wise4 ,of his dying1 as ,i told you1 ,i will give you a relation anon2 but now we are upon his life1 and upon the manner of his life in his childhood1 even of the sins that attended him then1 some of which ,i have mentioned already2 and1 indeed1 ,i have mentioned but some1 for yet there are more to follow1 and those not at all inferior to what you have already heard4 ,,atten4 ,pray what were they8 ,,wise4 ,why he was greatly given1 and that while a lad1 to grievous swearing and cursing2 yea1 he then made no more of swearing and cursing than ,i do of telling my fingers4 ,yea1 he would do it without provocation thereto4 ,he counted it a glory to swear and curse1 and it was as natural to him as to eat1 and drink1 and sleep4 ,,atten4 ,o what a young villain was this6 ,here is1 as the apostle says1 a yielding of 'members1 as instruments of righteousness unto sin1' indeed6 7,rom #f3ac74 ,this is proceeding from evil to evil with a witness4 ,this argueth that he was a black-mouthed young wretch indeed4 ,,wise4 ,he was so2 and yet1 as ,i told you1 he counted above all this kind of sinning to be a badge of his honour2 he reckoned himself a man's fellow when he had learned to swear and curse boldly4 ,,atten4 ,i am persuaded that many do think as you have said1 that to swear is a thing that does bravely become them1 and that it is the best way for a man1 when he would put authority or terror into his words1 to stuff them full of the sin of swearing4 ,,wise4 ,you say right1 else1 as ,i am persuaded1 men would not so usually belch out their blasphemous oaths as they do2 they take a pride in it2 they think that to swear is gentleman-like2 and1 having once accustomed themselves unto it1 they hardly leave it all the days of their lives4#ah ,,atten4 ,well1 but now we are upon it1 pray show me the difference between swearing and cursing2 for there is a difference1 is there not8 ,,wise4 ,yes2 there is a difference between swearing and cursing4 ,swearing1 vain swearing1 such as young ,badman accustomed himself unto4 ,now1 vain and sinful swearing is a light and wicked calling of ,god1 c41 to witness to our vain and foolish attesting of things1 and those things are of two sorts4 #a4 ,things that we swear1 are or shall be done4 #b4 ,things so sworn to1 true or false4 #a4 ,things that we swear1 are or shall be done4 ,thou swearest thou hast done such a thing1 that such a thing is so1 or shall be so2 for it is no matter which of these it is that men swear about1 if it be done lightly1 and wickedly1 and groundlessly1 it is vain1 because it is a sin against the third commandment1 which says1 ',thou shalt not take the name of the ,lord thy ,god in vain' 7,exo #bj3g74 ,for this is a vain using of that holy and sacred name1 and so a sin for which1 without sound repentance1 there is not1 nor can be rightly expected1 forgiveness4 ,,atten4 ,then it seems1 though as to the matter of fact1 a man swears truly1 yet if he sweareth lightly and groundlessly1 his oath is evil1 and he by it under sin4 ,,wise4 ,yes1 a man may say1 ',the ,lord liveth1' and that is true1 and yet in so saying 'swear falsely'2 because he sweareth vainly1 needlessly1 and without a ground 7,jer #e3b74 ,to swear groundedly and necessarily1 which then a man does when he swears as being called thereto of ,god1 that is tolerated by the ,word4#ai ,but this was none of ,mr4 ,badman's swearing1 and therefore that which now we are not concerned about4 ,,atten4 ,i perceive by the prophet that a man may sin in swearing to a truth4 ,they therefore must needs most horribly sin that swear to confirm their jests and lies2 and1 as they think1 the better to beautify their foolish talking4 ,,wise4 ,they sin with a high hand2 for they presume to imagine that ,god is as wicked as themselves1 to wit1 that he is an avoucher of lies to be true4 ,for1 as ,i said before1 to swear is to call ,god to witness2 and to swear to a lie is to call ,god to witness that that lie is true4 ,this1 therefore1 must needs offend2 for it puts the highest affront upon the holiness and righteousness of ,god1 therefore his wrath must sweep them away 7,zech #e3c74 ,this kind of swearing is put in with lying1 and killing1 and stealing1 and committing adultery2 and therefore must not go unpunished 7,jer #g3i2 ,hosea #d3b1c74 ,for if ,god 'will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain1' which a man may do when he swears to a truth1 as ,i have showed before1 how can it be imagined that he should hold such guiltless1 who1 by swearing1 will appeal to ,god for lies that be not true1 or that swear out of their frantic and bedlam madness4 ,it would grieve and provoke a sober man to wrath1 if one should swear to a notorious lie1 and avouch that that man would attest it for a truth2 and yet thus do men deal with the holy ,god4 ,they tell their jestings1 tales1 and lies1 and then swear by ,god that they are true4 ,now1 this kind of swearing was as common with young ,badman1 as it was to eat when he was an hungered1 or to go to bed when it was night4 ,,atten4 ,i have often mused in my mind1 what it should be that should make men so common in the use of the sin of swearing1 since those that be wise will believe them never the sooner for that4 ,,wise4 ,it cannot be anything that is good1 you may be sure2 because the thing itself is abominable4 #a4 ,therefore it must be from the promptings of the spirit of the devil within them4 #b4 ,also it flows sometimes from hellish rage1 when the tongue hath set on fire of hell even the whole course of nature 7,james #c3f-i74 #c4 ,but commonly1 swearing flows from that daring boldness that biddeth defiance to the law that forbids it4 #d4 ,swearers think1 also1 that by their belching of their blasphemous oaths out of their black and polluted mouths1 they show themselves the more valiant men4 #e4 ,and imagine also1 that by these outrageous kind of villainies1 they shall conquer those that at such a time they have to do with1 and make them believe their lies to be true4 #f4 ,they also swear frequently to get gain thereby1 and when they meet with fools they overcome them this way4 ,but if ,i might give advice in this matter1 no buyer should lay out one farthing with him that is a common swearer in his calling2 especially with such an oath-master that endeavoureth to swear away his commodity to another1 and that would swear his chapman's money into his own pocket4 ,,atten4 ,all these causes of swearing1 so far as ,i can perceive1 flow from the same root as do the oaths themselves1 even from a hardened and desperate heart4 ,but1 pray1 show me now how wicked cursing is to be distinguished from this kind of swearing4 ,,wise4 ,swearing1 as ,i said1 hath immediately to do with the name of ,god1 and it calls upon him to be witness to the truth of what is said2 that is1 if they that swear1 swear by him4 ,some1 indeed1 swear by idols1 as by the mass1 by our lady1 by saints1 beasts1 birds1 and other creatures2#bj but the usual way of our profane ones in ,england is to swear by ,god1 ,christ1 faith1 and the like4 ,but1 however1 or by whatever they swear1 cursing is distinguished from swearing thus4 ,to curse1 to curse profanely1 it is to sentence another or ourself1 for or to evil2 or to wish that some evil might happen to the person or thing under the curse unjustly4 ,it is to sentence for or to evil1 that is1 without a cause4 ,thus ,shimei cursed ,david2 he sentenced him for and to evil unjustly1 when he said to him1 ',come out1 come out1 thou bloody man1 and thou man of ,belial4 ,the ,lord hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of ,saul1 in whose stead thou hast reigned1 and the ,lord hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of ,absalom thy son2 and1 behold1 thou art taken in thy mischief1 because thou art a bloody man' 7#b ,sam #af3g1h74 ,this ,david calls 'a grievous curse4' ',and behold1' saith he to ,solomon his son1 'thou hast with thee ,shimei1--a ,benjamite1--which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when ,i went to ,mahanaim' 7#a ,kings #b3h74 ,but what was this curse8 ,why1 ,first1 ,it was a wrong sentence past upon ,david2 ,shimei called him bloody man1 man of ,belial1 when he was not4 ,secondly1 ,he sentenced him to the evil that at present was upon him for being a bloody man1 that is1 against the house of ,saul1 when that present evil overtook ,david for quite another thing4 ,and we may thus apply it to the profane ones of our times1 who in their rage and envy have little else in their youths but a sentence against their neighbour for and to evil unjustly4 ,how common is it with many1 when they are but a little offended with one1 to cry1 ,hang him1 ,damn him1 ,rogue6 ,this is both a sentencing of him for and to evil1 and is in itself a grievous curse4 #b4 ,the other kind of cursing is to wish that some evil might happen to1 and overtake this or that person or thing4 ,and this kind of cursing ,job counted a grievous sin4 ',neither have ,i suffered says he my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul'2 or consequently to body or estate 7,job #ca3cj74 ,this then is a wicked cursing1 to wish that evil might either befall another or ourselves4 ,and this kind of cursing young ,badman accustom himself unto4 #a4 ,he would wish that evil might befall others2 he would wish their necks broken1 or that their brains were out1 or that the pox or plague was upon them1 and the like2 all which is a devilish kind of cursing1 and is become one of the common sins of our age4 #b4 ,he would also as often wish a curse to himself1 saying1 ,would ,i might be hanged1 or burned1 or that the devil might fetch me1 if it be not so1 or the like4 ,we count the ,damn-me-blades to be great swearers1 but when in their hellish fury they say1 ,god damn me1 ,god perish me1 or the like1 they rather curse than swear2 yea1 curse themselves1 and that with a wish that damnation might light upon themselves2 which wish and curse of theirs in a little time they will see accomplished upon them1 even in hell fire1 if they repent them not of their sins4 ,,atten4 ,but did this young ,badman accustom himself to such filthy kind of language8 ,,wise4 ,i think ,i may say that nothing was more frequent in his mouth1 and that upon the least provocation4 ,yea1 he was so versed in such kind of language1 that neither father1 nor mother1 nor brother1 nor sister1 nor servant1 no1 nor the very cattle that his father had1 could escape these curses of his4 ,i say that even the brute beasts1 when he drove them or rid upon them1 if they pleased not his humour1 they must be sure to partake of his curse4 ,he would wish their necks broke1 their legs broke1 their guts out1 or that the devil might fetch them1 or the like2 and no marvel1 for he that is so hardy to wish damnation or other bad curses to himself1 or dearest relations1 will not stick to wish evil to the silly beast in his madness4 ,,atten4 ,well1 ,i see still that this ,badman was a desperate villain4 ,but pray1 ,sir1 since you have gone thus far1 now show me whence this evil of cursing ariseth1 and also what dishonour it bringeth to ,god2 for ,i easily discern that it doth bring damnation to the soul4 ,,wise4 ,this evil of cursing ariseth in general from the desperate wickedness of the heart1 but particularly from1 #a4 ,envy1 which is1 as ,i apprehend1 the leading sin to witchcraft4 #b4 ,it also ariseth from pride1 which was the sin of the fallen angels4 #c4 ,it ariseth too1 from scorn and contempt of others4 #d4 ,but for a man to curse himself1 must needs arise from desperate madness 7,job #ae2 ,eccl #g3bb74 ,the dishonour that it bringeth to ,god is this4 ,it taketh away from him his authority1 in whose power it is only to bless and curse2 not to curse wickedly1 as ,mr4 ,badman1 but justly and righteously1 giving by his curse1 to those that are wicked1 the due reward of their deeds4 ,besides1 these wicked men1 in their wicked cursing of their neighbour1 c41 do even curse ,god himself in his handiwork 7,james #c3i74 ,man is ,god's image1 and to curse wickedly the image of ,god is to curse ,god himself4 ,therefore as when men wickedly swear1 they rend1 and tear ,god's name1 and make him1 as much as in them lies1 the avoucher and approver of all their wickedness2 so he that curseth and condemneth in this sort his neighbour1 or that wisheth him evil1 curseth1 condemneth1 and wisheth evil to the image of ,god1 and1 consequently judgeth and condemneth ,god himself4 ,suppose that a man should say with his mouth1 ,i wish that the king's picture was burned2 would not this man's so saying render him as an enemy to the person of the king8 ,even so it is with them that1 by cursing1 wish evil to their neighbour1 or to themselves1 they contemn the image1 even the image of ,god himself4 ,,atten4 ,but do you think that the men that do thus1 do think that they do so vilely1 so abominably8 ,,wise4 ,the question is not what men do believe concerning their sin1 but what ,god's ,word says of it4 ,if ,god's ,word says that swearing and cursing are sins1 though men should count them for virtues1 their reward will be a reward for sin1 to wit1 the damnation of the soul4 ,to curse another1 and to swear vainly and falsely1 are sins against the light of nature4 #a4 ,to curse is so1 because whoso curseth another1 knows that at the same time he would not be so served himself4 #b4 ,to swear also is a sin against he same law2 for nature will tell me that ,i should not lie1 and therefore much less swear to confirm it4 ,yea1 the heathens have looked upon swearing to be a solemn ordinance of ,god1 and therefore not to be lightly or vainly used by men1 though to confirm a matter of truth 7,gen #ca3dc-ee74 ,,atten4 ,but ,i wonder1 since cursing and swearing are such evils in the eyes of ,god1 that he doth not make some examples to others1 for their committing such wickedness4 ,,wise4 ,alas6 so he has1 a thousand times twice told1 as may be easily gathered by any observing people in every age and country4 ,i could present you with several myself2 but waving the abundance that might be mentioned1 ,i will here present you with two4 ,one was that dreadful judgment of ,god upon one ,n4 ,p4 at ,wimbleton in ,surrey2 who1 after a horrible fit of swearing at and cursing of some persons that did not please him1 suddenly fell sick1 and in little time died raving1 cursing1 and swearing4 ,but above all1 take that dreadful story of ,dorothy ,mately1 an inhabitant of ,ashover1 in the county of ,derby4 ,this ,dorothy ,mately1 saith the relater1 was noted by the people of the town to be a great swearer1 and curser1 and liar1 and thief2 just like ,mr4 ,badman4 ,and the labour that she did usually follow was to wash the rubbish that came forth of the lead mines1 and there to get sparks of lead ore2 and her usual way of asserting of things was with these kind of imprecations3 ,i would ,i might sink into the earth if it be not so2 or1 ,i would ,god would make the earth open and swallow me up4 ,now upon the #bc;d of ,march1 #affj1 this ,dorothy was washing of ore upon the top of a steep hill1 about a quarter of a mile from ,ashover1 and was there taxed by a lad for taking of two single pence out of his pocket1 for he had laid his breeches by1 and was at work in his drawers2 but she violently denied it2 wishing that the ground might swallow her up if she had them3 she also used the same wicked words on several other occasions that day4 ,now one ,george ,hodgkinson1 of ,ashover1 a man of good report there1 came accidentally by where this ,dorothy was1 and stood still awhile to talk with her1 as she was washing her ore2 there stood also a little child by her tub-side1 and another a distance form her1 calling aloud to her to come away2 wherefore the said ,george took the girl by the hand to lead her away to her that called her3 but behold1 they had not gone above ten yards from ,dorothy1 but they heard her crying out for help2 so looking back1 he saw the woman1 and her tub1 and sieve twirling round1 and sinking into the ground4 ,then said the man1 ,pray to ,god to pardon thy sin1 for thou are never like to be seen alive any longer4 ,so she and her tub twirled round and round1 till they sunk about three yards into the earth1 and then for a while staid4 ,then she called for help again2 thinking1 as she said1 she should stay there4 ,now the man1 though greatly amazed1 did begin to think which way to help her2 but immediately a great stone which appeared in the earth1 fell upon her head1 and broke her skull1 and then the earth fell in upon her1 and covered her4 ,she was afterwards digged up1 and found about four yards within ground1 with the boy's two single pence in her pocket1 but her tub and sieve could not be found4 ,,atten4 ,you bring to my mind a sad story1 the while ,i will relate unto you4 ,the thing is this3--,about a bow-shot from where ,i once dwelt1 there was a blind ale-house1#ba and the man that kept it had a son1 whose name was ,edward4 ,this ,edward was1 as it were1 a half fool1 both in his words and manner of behaviour4 ,to this blind ale-house certain jovial companions would once or twice a week come1 and this ,ned1 for so they called him1 his father would entertain his guests withal2 to wit1 by calling for him to make them sport by his foolish words and gestures4 ,so when these boon blades came to this man's house1 the father would call for ,ned4 ,ned1 therefore1 would come forth2 and the villain was devilishly addicted to cursing1 yea1 to cursing his father and mother1 and any one else that did cross him4 ,and because1 though he was a half fool1 he saw that his practice was pleasing1 he would do it with the more audaciousness4 ,well1 when these brave fellows did come at their times to this tippling-house1 as they cal lit1 to fuddle and make merry1 then must ,ned be called out2 and because his father was best acquainted with ,ned1 and best knew how to provoke him1 therefore he would usually ask him such questions1 or command him such business1 as would be sure to provoke him indeed4 ,then would he1 after his foolish manner1 curse his father most bitterly2 at which the old man would laugh1 and so would the rest of the guests1 as at that which pleased them best1 still continuing to ask that ,ned still might be provoked to curse1 that they might still be provoked to laugh4 ,this was the mirth with which the old man did use to entertain his guests4 ,the curses wherewith this ,ned did use to curse his father1 and at which the old man would laugh1 were these1 and such like2 the devil take you--the devil fetch you2 he would also wish him plagues and destructions many4 ,well1 so it came to pass1 through the righteous judgment of ,god1 that ,ned's wishes and curses were in a little time fulfilled upon his father2 for not many months passed between them after this manner1 but the devil did indeed take him1 possess him1 and also in a few days carried him out of this world by death2 ,i say ,satan did take him and possess him2 ,i mean1 so it was judged by those that knew him1 and had to do with him in that his lamentable condition4 ,he could feel him like a live thing go up and down in his body2 but when tormenting time was come1 as he had often tormenting fits1 then he would lie like an hard bump in the soft place of his chest1 ,i mean ,i saw it so1 and so would rent and tear him1 and make him roar till he died away4 ,i told you before that ,i was an ear and eye-witness of what ,i here say2 and so ,i was4 ,i have heard ,ned in his roguery cursing his father1 and his father laughing thereat most heartily2 still provoking of ,ned to curse1 that his mirth might be increased4 ,i saw his father also1 when he was possessed1 ,i saw him in one of his fits1 and saw his flesh1 as it was thought1 by the devil gathered up on a heap1 about the bigness of half an egg1 to the unutterable torture and affliction of the old man4 ,there was also one ,freeman1 who was more than an ordinary doctor1 sent for1 to cast out this devil2 and ,i was there when he attempted to do it2 the manner thereof was this3--,they had the possessed into an out-room1 and laid him on his belly upon a form1 with his head hanging over the form's end4 ,then they bound him down thereto2 which done1 they set a pan of coals under his mouth1 and put something therein which made a great smoke2 by this means1 as it was said1 to fetch out the devil4 ,there1 therefore1 they kept the man till he was almost smothered in the smoke1 but no devil came out of him2 at which ,freeman was somewhat abashed1 the man greatly afflicted1 and ,i made to go away wondering and fearing4#bb ,in a little time1 therefore1 that which possessed the man1 carried him out of the world1 according to the cursed wishes of his son4 ,and this was the end of this hellish mirth4 ,,wise4 ,these were all sad judgments4 ,,atten4 ,these were dreadful judgments indeed4 ,,wise4 ,ay1 and they look like the threatening of that text1 though chiefly it concerned ,judas1 ',as he loved cursing1 so let it come unto him2 as he delighteth not in blessing1 so let it be far from him4 ,as he clothed himself with cursing1 like as with a garment1 so let it come into his bowels like water1 and like oil into his bones' 7,psa #aji3ag1ah74 ,,atten4 ,it is a fearful thing for youth to be trained up in a way of cursing and swearing4 ,,wise4 ,trained up in them6 that ,i cannot say ,mr4 ,badman was1 for his father hath ofttimes in my hearing bewailed the badness of his children1 and of this naughty boy in particular4 ,i believe that the wickedness of his children made him1 in the thoughts of it1 go many a night with heavy heart to bed1 and with as heavy a one to rise in the morning4 ,but all was one to his graceless son1 neither wholesome counsel1 nor fatherly sorrow1 would make him mend his manners4 ,there are some indeed that do train up their children to swear1 curse1 lie1 and steal1 and great is the misery of such poor children whose hard hap it is to be ushered into the world by1 and to be under the tuition too of such ungodly parents4 ,it had been better for such parents had they not begat them1 and better for such children had they not been born4 ,o6 methinks for a father or a mother to train up a child in that very way that leadeth to hell and damnation1 what things so horrible6 ,but ,mr4 ,badman was not by his parents so brought up4 ,,atten4 ,but methinks1 since this young ,badman would not be ruled at home1 his father should have tried what good could have been done of him abroad1 by putting him out to some man of his acquaintance1 that he knew to be able to command him1 and to keep him pretty hard to some employ2 so should he1 at least1 have been prevented of time to do those wickednesses that could not be done without time to do them in4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,badman',s ,,apprenticeship ,,to ,a ,,pious ,,master4 ,,wise4 ,alas6 his father did so2 he put him out betimes to one of his own acquaintance1 and entreated him of all love that he would take care of his son1 and keep him for extravagant ways4 ,his trade also was honest and commodious2 he had besides a full employ therein1 so that this young ,badman had no vacant seasons nor idle hours yielded him by his calling1 therein to take opportunities to do badly2 but all was one to him1 as he had begun to be vile in his father's house1 even so he continued to be when he was in the house of his master4 ,,atten4 ,i have known some children1 who1 though they have been very bad at home1 yet have altered much when they have been put out abroad2 especially when they have fallen into a family where the governors thereof have made conscience of maintaining of the worship and service of ,god therein2 but perhaps that might be wanting in ,mr4 ,badman's master's house4 ,,wise4 ,indeed some children do greatly mend when put under other men's roofs2 but1 as ,i said1 this naughty boy did not so2 nor did his badness continue because he wanted a master that both could and did correct it4 ,for his master was a very good man1 a very devout person2 one that frequented the best soul means1 that set up the worship of ,god in his family1 and also that walked himself thereafter4 ,he was also a man very meek and merciful1 one that did never over-drive young ,badman in business1 nor that kept him at it at unseasonable hours4 ,,atten4 ,say you so6 ,this is rare4 ,i for my part can see but few that can parallel1 in these things1 with ,mr4 ,badman's master4 ,,wise4 ,nor ,i neither1 yet ,mr4 ,badman had such an one2 for1 for the most part1 masters are now-a-days such as mind nothing but their worldly concerns1 and if apprentices do but answer their commands therein1 soul and religion may go whither they will4 ,yea1 ,i much fear that there have been many towardly lads put out by their parents to such masters1 that have quite undone them as to the next world4 ,,atten4 ,the more is the pity4 ,but1 pray1 now you have touched upon this subject1 show me how many ways a master may be the ruin of his poor apprentice4 ,,wise4 ,nay1 ,i cannot tell you of all the ways1 yet some of them ,i will mention4 ,suppose1 then1 that a towardly lad be put to be an apprentice with one that is reputed to be a godly man1 yet that lad may be ruined many ways2 that is1 if his master be not circumspect in all things that respect both ,god and man1 and that before his apprentice4 #a4 ,if he be not moderate in the use of his apprentice2 if he drives him beyond his strength2 if he holds him to work at unseasonable hours2 if he will not allow him convenient time to read the ,word1 to pray1 c4 ,this is the way to destroy him2 that is1 in those tender beginning of good thoughts1 and good beginnings about spiritual things4 #b4 ,if he suffers his house to be scattered with profane and wicked books1 such as stir up to lust1 to wantonness1 such as teach idle1 wanton1 lascivious discourse1 and such as have a tendency to provoke to profane drollery and jesting2 and lastly1 such as tend to corrupt and pervert the doctrine of faith and holiness4 ,all these things will eat as doth a canker1 and will quickly spoil1 in youth1 c4 those good beginnings that may be putting forth themselves in them4 #c4 ,if there be a mixture of servants1 that is1 if some very bad be in the same place1 that is a way also to undo such tender lads2 for they that are bad and sordid servants will be often1 and they have an opportunity too1 to be distilling and fomenting of their profane and wicked words and tricks before them1 and these will easily stick in the flesh and minds of youth1 to the corrupting of them4 #d4 ,if the master have one guise for abroad1 and another for home2 that is1 if his religion hangs by in his house as his cloak does1 and he be seldom in it1 except he be abroad2 this young beginners will take notice of1 and stumble at4 ,we say1 hedges have eyes1 and little pitchers have ears2#bc and1 indeed1 children make a greater inspection into the lives of fathers1 masters1 c41 than ofttimes they are aware of4 ,and therefore should masters be careful1 else they may so destroy good beginnings in their servants4 #e4 ,if the master be unconscionable in his dealing1 and trades with lying words2 or if bad commodities be avouched to be good1 or if he seeks after unreasonable gain1 or the like2 his servant sees it1 and it is enough to undo him4 ,eli's sons being bad before the congregation1 made men despise the sacrifices of the ,lord 7#a ,sam #b74 ,but these things1 by the by1 only they may serve for a hint to masters to take heed that they take not apprentices to destroy their souls4 ,but young ,badman had none of these hindrances2 his father took care1 and provided well for him1 as to this4 ,he had a good master1 he wanted not good books1 nor good instruction1 nor good sermons1 nor good examples1 no nor good fellow-servants neither2 but all would not do4 ,,atten4 ,it is a wonder that in such a family1 amidst so many spiritual helps1 nothing should take hold of his heart6 ,what6 not good books1 nor good instructions1 nor good sermons1 nor good examples1 nor good fellow-servants1 nor nothing do him good6 ,,wise4 ,you talk1 he minded none of these things2 nay1 all these were abominable to him4 #a4 ,for good books1 they might lie in his master's house till they rotted from him1 he would not regard to look into them2 but contrariwise1 would get all the bad and abominable books that he could1 as beastly romances1 and books full of ribaldry1 even such as immediately tended to set all fleshly lusts on fire4#bd ,true1 he durst not be known to have any of these to his master2 therefore would he never let them be seen by him1 but would keep them in close places1 and peruse them at such times as yielded him fit opportunities thereto4 #b4 ,for good instruction1 he liked that much as he liked good books2 his care was to hear but little thereof1 and to forget what he heard as soon as it was spoken4 ,yea1 ,i have heard some that knew him then say1 that one might evidently discern by the show of his countenance and gestures that good counsel was to him like little ease1 even a continual torment to him2 nor did he ever count himself at liberty but when farthest off of wholesome words 7,prov #ae3ab74 ,he would hate them that rebuked him1 and count them his deadly enemies 7,prov #i3h74 #c4 ,for good example1 which was frequently set him by his master1 both in religious and civil matters1 these young ,badman would laugh at1 and would also make a by-word of them when he came in place where he with safety could4 #d4 ,his master indeed would make him go with him to sermons1 and that here he thought the best preachers were1 but this ungodly young man1 what shall ,i say1 was1 ,i think1 a master of art in all mischief1 he had these wicked ways to hinder himself of hearing1 let the preacher thunder never so loud4 #a4 ,his way was1 when come into the place of hearing1 to sit down in some corner and then to fall fast asleep4 #b4 ,or else to fix his adulterous eyes upon some beautiful object that was in the place1 and so all sermon-while therewith to be feeding of his fleshly lusts4 #c4 ,or1 if he could get near to some that he had observed would fit his humour1 he would be whispering1 giggling1 and playing with them till such time as sermon was done4 ,,atten4 ,why6 he was grown to a prodigious height of wickedness4 ,,wise4 ,he was so1 and that which aggravates all was1 this was his practice as soon as he was come to his master--he was as ready at all these things as if he had1 before he came to his master1 served an apprenticeship to learn them4 ,,atten4 ,there could not but be added1 as you relate them1 rebellion to his sin4 ,methinks it is as if he had said1 ,i will not hear1 ,i will not regard1 ,i will not mind good1 ,i will not mend1 ,i will not turn1 ,i will not be converted4 ,,wise4 ,you say true1 and ,i know not to whom more fitly to compare him than to that man who1 when ,i myself rebuked him or his wickedness1 in this great huff replied1 ,what would the devil do for company if it was not for such as ,i8 ,,atten4 ,why1 did you ever hear any man say so8 ,,wise4 ,yes1 that ,i did1 and this young ,badman was as like him as an egg is like an egg4 ,alas6 the ,scripture makes mention of many that by their actions speak the same1 ',they say unto ,god1 ,depart from us1 for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways' 7,job #ba3ad74 ,again1 ',they refused to hearken1 and pulled away the shoulder1 and stopped their ears4 ,yea1 they make their hearts' hard 'as an adamant-stone1 lest they should hear the law1 and the words which the ,lord of hosts hath sent' 7,zech #g3aa1ab74 ,what are all these but such as ,badman1 and such as the young man but now mentioned8 ,that young man was my play-fellow when ,i was solacing myself in my sins2 ,i may make mention of him to my shame1 but he has a great many fellows4 ,,atten4 ,young ,badman was like him indeed1 and he trod his steps as if his wickedness had been his very copy3 ,i mean as to his desperateness1 for had he not been a desperate one he would never have made you such a reply when you was rebuking of him for his sin4 ,but when did you give him such a rebuke8 ,,wise4 ,a while after ,god had parted him and ,i1 by calling of me1 as ,i hope1 by his grace1 still leaving him in his sins2 and so far as ,i could ever gather1 as he lived1 so he died1 even as ,mr4 ,badman did2 but we will leave him and return again to our discourse4 ,,atten4 ,ha6 poor obstinate sinners6 ,do they think that ,god cannot be even with them8 ,,wise4 ,i do not know what they think1 but ,i know that ,god hath said1 ',that as he cried1 and they would not hear2 so they cried and ,i would not hear1 saith the ,lord' 7,zech #g3ac74 ,doubtless there is a time coming when ,mr4 ,badman will cry for this4 ,,atten4 ,but ,i wonder that he should be so expert in wickedness so soon6 ,alas1 he was but a stripling1 ,i suppose he was as yet not twenty4 ,,wise4 ,no1 nor eighteen either2 but1 as with ,ishmael1 and with the children that mocked the prophet1 the seeds of sin did put forth themselves betimes in him 7,gen #ba3i1aj2 #b ,kings #b3bc1bd74 ,,atten4 ,well1 he was as wicked a young man as commonly one shall hear of4 ,,wise4 ,you will say so when you know all4 ,,atten4 ,all1 ,i think1 here is a great all2 but if there is more behind1 pray let us hear it4 ,,wise4 ,why then1 ,i will tell you1 that he had not been with his master much above a year and a half1 but he came acquainted with three young villains1 who here shall be nameless1 that taught him to add to his sin much of like kind1 and he as aptly received their instructions4 ,one of them was chiefly given to uncleanness1 another to drunkenness1 and the third to purloining1 or stealing from his master4 ,,atten4 ,alas6 poor wretch1 he was bad enough before1 but these1 ,i suppose1 made him much worse4 ,,wise4 ,that they made him worse you may be sure of1 for they taught him to be an arch1 a chief one in all their ways4 ,,atten4 ,it was an ill hap that he ever came acquainted with them4 ,,wise4 ,you must rather word it thus--it was the judgment of ,god that he did1 that is1 he came acquainted with them through the anger of ,god4 ,he had a good master1 and before him a good father2 by these he had good counsel given him for months and years together1 but his heart was set upon mischief1 he loved wickedness more than to do good1 even until his iniquity came to be hateful1 therefore1 from the anger of ,god it was that these companions of his and he did at last so acquaint together4 ,says ,paul1 ',they did not like to retain ,god in their knowledge'2 and what follows8 wherefore ',god gave them over1' or up to their own hearts' lusts 7,rom #a3bh74 ,and again1 ',as for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways1 the ,lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity' 7,psa #abe3e74 ,this therefore was ,god's hand upon him1 that he might be destroyed1 be damned1 'because he received not the love of the truth that he might be saved' 7#b ,thess #b3aj74 ,he chose his delusions and deluders for him1 even the company of base men1 of fools1 that he might be destroyed 7,prov #ab3bj74 ,,atten4 ,i cannot but think indeed that it is a great judgment of ,god for a man to be given up to the company of vile men2 for what are such but the devil's decoys1 even those by whom he draws the simple into his net8 ,a whoremaster1 a drunkard1 a thief1 what are they but the devil's baits by which he catcheth others8 ,,wise4 ,you say right2 but this young ,badman was no simple one1 if by simple you mean one uninstructed2 for he had often good counsel given him2 but1 if by simple you mean him that is a fool as to the true knowledge of1 and faith in ,christ1 then he was a simple one indeed2 for he chose death rather than life1 and to live in continual opposition to ,god1 rather than to be reconciled unto him2 according to that saying of the wise man1 ',the fools hated knowledge1 and did not choose the fear of the ,lord' 7,prov #a3bi74 ,and what judgment more dreadful can a fool be given up to1 than to be delivered into the hands of such men1 that have skill to do nothing but to ripen sin1 and hasten its finishing unto damnation8 ,and1 therefore1 men should be afraid of offending ,god1 because he can in this manner punish them for their sins4 ,i knew a man that once was1 as ,i though1 hopefully awakened about his condition2 yea1 ,i knew two that were so awakened1 but in time they began to draw back1 and to incline again to their lusts2 wherefore1 ,god gave them up to the company of three or four men1 that in less than three years' time1 brought them roundly to the gallows1 where they were hanged like dogs1 because they refused to live like honest men4 ,,atten4 ,but such men do not believe that thus to be given up of ,god is in judgment and anger2 they rather take it to be their liberty1 and do count it their happiness2 they are glad that their cord is loosed1 and that the reins are on their neck2 they are glad that they may sin without control1 and that they may choose such company as can make them more expert in an evil way4 ,,wise4 ,their judgment is1 therefore1 so much the greater1 because thereto is added blindness of mind1 and hardness of heart in a wicked way4 ,they are turned up to the way of death1 but must not see to what place they are going4 ,they must go as the ox to the slaughter1 'and as a fool to the correction of the stocks1 till a dart strike through his liver1' not knowing 'that it is for his life' 7,prov #g3bb1bc74 ,this1 ,i say1 makes their judgment double2 they are given up of ,god for a while1 to sport themselves with that which will assuredly make them 'mourn at the last1 when their flesh and their body are consumed' 7,prov #e3aa74 ,these are those that ,peter speaks1 that shall utterly perish in their own corruptions2 these1 ,i say1 who 'count it pleasure to riot in the day-time1' and that sport 'themselves with their own deceivings1' are 'as natural brute beasts1 made to be taken and destroyed' 7#b ,peter #b3ab1ac74 ,,atten4 ,well1 but ,i pray now concerning these three villains that were young ,badman's companions2 tell me more particularly how he carried it then4 ,,wise4 ,how he carried it8 why1 he did as they4 ,i intimated so much before1 when ,i said they made him an arch1#be a chief one in their ways4 ,first1 he became a frequenter of taverns and tippling-houses1 and would stay there until he was even as drunk as a beast4 ,and if it was so that he could not get out by day1 he would1 be sure1 get out by night4 ,yea1 he became so common a drunkard at last1 that he was taken notice of to be a drunkard even by all4 ,,atten4 ,this was swinish1 for drunkenness is so beastly a sin1 a sin so much against nature1 that ,i wonder that any that have but the appearance of men can give up themselves to so beastly1 yea1 worse than beastly1 a thing4 ,,wise4 ,it is a swinish vanity indeed4 ,i will tell you another story4 ,there was a gentleman that had a drunkard to be his groom1 and coming home one night very much abused with beer1 his master saw it4 ,well1 quoth his master within himself1 ,i will let thee alone to night1 but to-morrow morning ,i will convince thee that thou art worse than a beast by the behaviour of my horse4 ,so1 when morning was come1 he bids his man go and water his horse1 and so he did2 but1 coming up to his master1 he commands him to water him again2 so the fellow rode into the water the second time1 but his master's horse would now drink no more1 so the fellow came up and told his master4 ,then1 said his master1 thou drunken sot1 thou art far worse than my horse2 he will drink but to satisfy nature1 but thou wilt drink to the abuse of nature2 he will drink but to refresh himself1 but thou to thy hurt and damage2 he will drink that he may be more serviceable to his master1 but thou till thou art incapable of serving either ,god or man4 ,o thou beast1 how much art thou worse than the horse that thou ridest on6 ,,atten4 ,truly1 ,i think that his master served him right2 for1 in doing as he did1 he showed him plainly1 as he said1 that he had not so much government of himself as his horse had of himself2 and1 consequently1 that his beast did live more according to the law of his nature by far than did his man4 ,but1 pray1 go on with what you have further to say4 ,,wise4 ,why1 ,i say1 that there are four things1 which1 if they were well considered1 would make drunkenness to be abhorred in the thoughts of the children of men4 #a4 ,it greatly tendeth to impoverish and beggar a man4 ',the drunkard1' says ,solomon1 'shall come to poverty' 7,prov #bc3ba74 ,many that have begun the world with plenty1 have gone out of it in rags1 through drunkenness4 ,yea1 many children that have been born to good estates1 have yet been brought to a flail and a rake1 through this beastly sin of their parents4 #b4 ,this sin of drunkenness it bringeth upon the body many1 great1 and incurable diseases1 by which men do1 in little time1 come to their end1 and none can help them4 ,so1 because they are overmuch wicked1 therefore they die before their time 7,eccl #g3ag74 #c4 ,drunkenness is a sin that is oftentimes attended with abundance of other evils4 ',who hath woe8 ,who hath sorrow8 ,who hath contentions8 ,who hath babbling8 ,who hath wounds without cause8 ,who hath redness of eyes8 ,they that tarry long at the wine1 they that go to seek mixed wine'2 that is1 the drunkard 7,prov #bc3bi1cj74 #d4 ,by drunkenness1 men do oftentimes shorten their days2 go out of the ale-house drunk1 and break their necks before they come home4 ,instances1 not a few1 might be given of this1 but this is so manifest a man need say nothing4 ,,atten4 ,but that which is worse than all is1 it also prepares men for everlasting burnings 7#a ,cor #f3aj74 ,,wise4 ,yea1 and it so stupefies and besots the soul1 that a man that is far gone in drunkenness is hardly ever recovered to ,god4 ,tell me1 when did you see an old drunkard converted8 ,no1 no1 such an one will sleep till he dies1 though he sleeps on the top of a mast2 let his dangers be never so great1 and death and damnation never so near1 he will not be awaked out of his sleep 7,prov #bc3cd1ce74 ,so that if a man have any respect either to credit1 health1 life1 or salvation1 he will not be a drunken man4 ,but the truth is1 where this sin gets the upper hand1 men are1 as ,i said before1 so intoxicated and bewitched with the seeming pleasures and sweetness thereof1 that they have neither heart nor mind to think of that which is better in itself2 and would1 if embraced1 do them good4 ,,atten4 ,you said that drunkenness tends to poverty1 yet some make themselves rich by drunken bargains4 ,,wise4 ,i said so1 because the ,word says so4 ,and as to some men's getting thereby1 that is indeed but rare and base2 yea1 and base will be the end of such gettings4 ,the ,word of ,god is against such ways1 and the curse of ,god will be the end of such doings4 ,an inheritance may sometimes thus be hastily gotten at the beginning1 but the end thereof shall not be blessed4 ,hark what the prophet saith1 ',woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness1 that he may set his nest on high' 7,hab #b3e1i-ab1ae74 ,whether he makes drunkenness1 or ought else1 the engine and decoy to get it2 for that man doth but consult the shame of his own house1 the spoiling of his family1 and the damnation of his soul2 for that which he getteth by working of iniquity is but a getting by the devices of hell2 therefore he can be no gainer neither for himself or family1 that gains by an evil course4 ,but this was one of the sins that ,mr4 ,badman was addicted to after he came acquainted with these three fellows1 nor could all that his master could do break him off this beastly sin4 ,,atten4 ,but where1 since he was but an apprentice1 could he get money to follow this practice2 for drunkenness1 as you have intimated1 is a very costly sin4 ,,wise4 ,his master paid for all4 ,for1 as ,i told you before1 as he learned of these three villains to be a beastly drunkard1 so he learned of them to pilfer and steal from his master4 ,sometimes he would sell off his master's goods1 but keep the money1 that is1 when he could2 also1 sometimes he would beguile his master by taking out of his cash box2 and when he could do neither of these1 he would convey away of his master's wares1 what he thought would be least missed1 and send or carry them to such and such houses1 where he knew they would be laid up to his use2 and then appoint set times there1 to meet and make merry with these fellows4 ,,atten4 ,this was as bad1 nay1 ,i think1 worse than the former2 for by thus doing he did not only run himself under the wrath of ,god1 but has endangered the undoing of his master and his family4 ,,wise4 ,sins go not alone1 but follow one the other as do the links of a chain2 he that will be a drunkard1 must have money1 either of his own or of some other man's2 either of his father's1 mother's1 master's1 or at the highway1 or some way4 ,,atten4 ,i fear that many an honest man is undone by such kind of servants4 ,,wise4 ,i am of the same mind with you1 but this should make the dealer the more wary what kind of servants he keeps1 and what kind of apprentices he takes4 ,it should also teach him to look well to his shop himself2 also to take strict account of all things that are bought and sold by his servants4 ,the master's neglect herein may embolden his servant to be bad1 and may bring him too in short time to rags and a morsel of bread4 ,,atten4 ,i am afraid that there is much of this kind of pilfering among servants in these bad days of ours4 ,,wise4 ,now while it is in my mind1 ,i will tell you a story4 ,when ,i was in prison1 there came a woman to me that was under a great deal of trouble4#bf ,so ,i asked her1 she being a stranger to me1 what she had to say to me4 ,she said she was afraid she should be damned4 ,i asked her the cause of those fears4 ,she told me that she had1 some time since1 lived with a shopkeeper at ,wellingborough1 and had robbed his box in the shop several times of money1 to the value of more than now ,i will say2 and pray1 says she1 tell me what ,i shall do4 ,i told her ,i would have her go to her master1 and make him satisfaction4 ,she said she was afraid2 ,i asked her1 why8 ,she said1 she doubted he would hang her4 ,i told her that ,i would intercede for her life1 and would make use of other friends too to do the like2 but she told me she durst not venture that4 ,well1 said ,i1 shall ,i send to your master1 while you abide out of sight1 and make your peace with him1 before he sees you2 and with that ,i asked her her master's name4 ,but all that she said1 in answer to this1 was1 ,pray let it alone till ,i come to you again4 ,so away she went1 and neither told me her master's name nor her own4 ,this is about ten or twelve years since1 and ,i never saw her again4 ,i tell you this story for this cause2 to confirm your fears that such kind of servants too many there be2 and that ,god makes them sometimes like old ,tod1 of whom mention was made before1 through the terrors that he lays upon them1 to betray themselves4 ,i could tell you of another1 that came to me with a like relation concerning herself1 and the robbing of her mistress2 but at this time let this suffice4 ,,atten4 ,but what was that other villain addicted to2 ,i mean young ,badman's third companion4 ,,wise4 ,uncleanness2 ,i told you before1 but it seems you forgot4 ,,atten4 ,right1 it was uncleanness4 ,uncleanness is also a filthy sin4 ,,wise4 ,it is so2 and yet it is one of the most reigning sins in our day4#bg ,,atten4 ,so they say1 and that too among those that one would think had more wit1 even among the great ones4 ,,wise4 ,the more is the pity2 for usually examples that are set by them that are great and chief1 spread sooner1 and more universally1 than do the sins of other men2 yea1 and when such men are at the head in transgressing1 sin walks with a bold face through the land4 ,as ,jeremiah saith of the prophets1 so may it be said of such1 ',from them is profaneness gone forth into all the land'3 that is1 with bold and audacious face 7,jer #bc3ae74 ,,atten4 ,but pray let us return again to ,mr4 ,badman and his companions4 ,you say one of them was very vile in the commission of uncleanness4 ,,wise4 ,yes1 so ,i say2 not but that he was a drunkard and also thievish1 but he was most arch in this sin of uncleanness3 this roguery was his masterpiece1 for he was a ringleader to them all in the beastly sin of whoredom4 ,he was also best acquainted with such houses where they were1 and so could readily lead the rest of his gang unto them4 ,the strumpets also1 because they knew this young villain1 would at first discover themselves in all their whorish pranks to those that he brought with him4 ,,atten4 ,that is a deadly thing3 ,i mean1 it is a deadly thing to young men1 when such beastly queens shall1 with words and carriages that are openly tempting1 discover themselves unto them2 it is hard for such to escape their snare4 ,,wise4 ,that is true1 therefore the wise man's counsel is the best3 ',come not nigh the door of her house' 7,prov #e3h74 ,for they are1 as you say1 very tempting1 as is seen by her in the ,proverbs4 ',i looked1' says the wise man1 'through my casement1 and behold among the simple ones ,i discerned a young man void of understanding1 passing through the street near her corner1 and he went the way to her house1 in the twilight1 in the evening1 in the black and dark night4 ,and1 behold1 there met him a women with the attire of an harlot1 and subtle of heart2 she is loud and stubborn2 her feet abide not in her house2 now is she without1 now in the streets1 and lieth in wait at every corner4 ,so she caught him1 and kissed him1 and1 with an impudent face1 said unto him1 ,i have peace-offerings with me2 this day have ,i paid my vows4 ,therefore came ,i forth to meet thee diligently to seek thy face1 and ,i have found thee4 ,i have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry1 with carved works1 with fine linen of ,egypt4 ,i have perfumed my bed with myrrh1 aloes1 and cinnamon4 ,come1 let us take our fill of love until the morning2 let us solace ourselves with loves' 7,prov #g3f-ah74 ,here was a bold beast4 ,and1 indeed1 the very eyes1 hands1 words1 and ways of such1 are all snares and bands to youthful1 lustful fellows4 ,and with these was young ,badman greatly snared4 ,,atten4 ,this sin of uncleanness is mightily cried out against both by ,moses1 the prophets1 ,christ1 and his apostles2 and yet1 as we see1 for all that1 how men run headlong to it6 ,,wise4 ,you have said the truth1 and ,i will add1 that ,god1 to hold men back from so filthy a sin1 has set such a stamp of his indignation upon it1 and commanded such evil effects to follow it1 that1 were not they that use it bereft of all fear of ,god1 and love to their own health1 they could not but stop and be afraid to commit it4 ,for besides the eternal damnation that doth attend such in the next world1 for these have no 'inheritance in the kingdom of ,christ and of ,god' 7,eph #e3e71 the evil effects thereof in this world are dreadful4 ,,atten4 ,pray show me some of them1 that as occasion offereth itself1 ,i may show them to others for their good4 ,,wise4 ,so ,i will4 #a4 ,it bringeth a man1 as was said of the sin before1 to want and poverty2 ',for by means of a whorish woman1 a man is brought to a piece of bread' 7,prov #f3bf74 ,the reason is1 for that a whore will not yield without hire2 and men1 when the devil and lust is in them1 and ,god and his fear far away from them1 will not stick1 so they may accomplish their desire1 to lay their signet1 their bracelets1 and their staff to pledge1 rather than miss of the fulfilling of their lusts 7,gen #ch3ah74 #b4 ,again1 by this sin men diminish their strength1 and bring upon themselves1 even upon the body a multitude of diseases4 ,this ,king ,lemuels' mother warned him of4 ',what1 my son8' said she1 'and what the son of my womb8 ,and what the son of my vows8 ,give not thy strength unto women1 nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings' 7,prov #ca3b1c74 ,this sin is destructive to the body4 ,give me leave to tell you another story4 ,i have heard of a great man that was a very unclean person1 and he had lived so long in that sin that he had almost lost his sight4 ,so his physicians were sent for1 to whom he told his disease2 but they told him that they could do him no good1 unless he would forbear his women4 ,nay then1 said he1 farewell sweet sight4 ,whence observe1 that this sin1 as ,i said1 is destructive to the body2 and also1 that some men be so in love therewith1 that they will have it1 though it destroy their body4#bh ,,atten4 ,paul says also1 that he that sins this sin1 sins against his own body4 ,but what of that8 ,he that will run the hazard of eternal damnation of his soul1 but he will commit this sin1 will for it run the hazard of destroying his body4 ,if young ,badman feared not the damnation of his soul1 do you think that the consideration of impairing of his body would have deterred him therefrom8 ,,wise4 ,you say true4 ,but yet1 methinks1 there are still such bad effects follow1 often upon the commission of it1 that if men would consider them1 it would put1 at least1 a stop to their career therein4 ,,atten4 ,what other evil effects attend this sin8 ,,wise4 ,outward shame and disgrace1 and that in these particulars3-- ,first1 ,there often follows this foul sin the foul disease1 now called by us the pox4 ,a disease so nauseous and stinking1 so infectious to the whole body1 and so entailed to this sin1 that hardly are any common with unclean women1 but they have more or less a touch of it to their shame4 ,,atten4 ,that is a foul disease indeed6 ,i knew a man once that rotted away with it2 and another that had his nose eaten off1 and his mouth almost quite sewed up thereby4 ,,wise4 ,it is a disease1 that where it is it commonly declares that the cause thereof is uncleanness4 ,it declares to all that behold such a man1 that he is an odious1 a beastly1 unclean person4 ,this is that strange punishment that ,job speaks of1 that is appointed to seize on these workers of iniquity 7,job #ca3a-c74 ,,atten4 ,then it seems you think1 that the strange punishment that ,job there speaks of should be the foul disease4 ,,wise4 ,i have thought so indeed1 and that for this reason4 ,we see that this disease is entailed1 as ,i may say1 to this most beastly sin1 nor is there any disease so entailed to any other sin as this to this4 ,that this is the sin to which the strange punishment is entailed1 you will easily perceive when you read the text4 ',i made a covenant with mine eyes1' said ,job1 'why then should ,i think upon a maid8 ,for what portion of ,god is there1' for that sin1 'from above1 and what inheritance of the ,almighty from on high8' ,and then he answers himself3 ',is not destruction to the wicked1 and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity8' ,this strange punishment is the pox4 ,also1 ,i think that this foul disease is that which ,solomon intends when he saith1 speaking of this unclean and beastly creature1 ',a wound and dishonour shall he get1 and his reproach shall not be wiped away' 7,prov #f3cc74 ,a punishment ,job calls it2 a wound and dishonour ,solomon calls it2 and they both do set it as a remark upon this sin2 ,job calling it a 'strange punishment1' and ,solomon a 'reproach that shall not be wiped away1' from them that are common in it4 ,,atten4 ,what other things follow upon the commission of this beastly sin8 ,,wise4 ,why1 oftentimes it is attended with murder1 with the murder of the babe begotten on the defiled bed4 ,how common it is for the bastard-getter and bastard-bearer to consent together to murder their children1 will be better known at the day of judgment1 yet something is manifest now4 ,i will tell you another story4 ,an ancient man1 one of mine acquaintance1 a man of good credit in our country1 had a mother that was a midwife1 who was mostly employed in laying great persons4 ,to this woman's house1 upon a time1 comes a brave young gallant on horseback1 to fetch her to lay a young lady4 ,so she addresses herself to go with him1 wherefore he takes her up behind him1 and away they ride in the night4 ,now they had not rid far1 but the gentleman lit of his horse1 and1 taking the old midwife in his arms from the horse1 turned round with her several times1 and then set her up again1 then he got up and away they went till they came at a stately house1 into which he had her1 and so into a chamber where the young lady was in her pains4 ,he then bid the midwife do her office1 and she demanded help1 but he drew out his sword1 and told her if she did not make speed to do her office without1 she must look for nothing but death4 ,well1 to be short1 this old midwife laid the young lady1 and a fine sweet babe she had4 ,now there was made in a room hard by a very great fire2 so the gentleman took up the babe1 went and drew the coals from the stock1 cast the child in and covered it up1 and there was an end of that4 ,so when the midwife had done her work he paid her well for her pains1 but shut her up in a dark room all day1 and when night came took her up behind him again1 and carried her away till she came almost at home1 then he turned her round and round as he did before1 and had her to her house1 set her down1 bid her farewell1 and away he went1 and she could never tell who it was4 ,this story the midwife's son1 who was a minister1 told me1 and also protested that his mother told it him for a truth4 ,,atten4 ,murder doth often follow indeed1 as that which is the fruit of this sin4 ,but sometimes ,god brings even these adulterers and adulteresses to shameful ends4 ,i heard of one1 ,i think a doctor of physic1 and his whore1 who had three or four bastards betwixt them and had murdered them all1 but at last themselves were hanged for it1 in or near to ,colchester4 ,it came out after this manner1--the whore was so afflicted in her conscience about it that she could not be quiet until she had made it known4 ,thus ,god many times makes the actors of wickedness their own accusers1 and brings them1 by their own tongues1 to condign punishment for their own sins4 ,,wise4 ,there has been many such instances1 but we will let that pass4 ,i was once in the presence of a woman1 a married woman1 that lay sick of the sickness whereof she died1 and being smitten in her conscience for the sin of uncleanness1 which she had often committed with other men1 ,i heard her1 as she lay upon her bed1 cry out thus1 ,i am a whore1 and all my children are bastards1 and ,i must go to hell for my sin1 and look1 there stands the devil at my bed's feet to receive my soul when ,i die4 ,,atten4 ,these are sad stories1 tell no more of them now1 but if you please show me yet some other of the evil effects of this beastly sin4 ,,wise4 ,this sin is such a snare to the soul1 that1 unless a miracle of grace prevents1 it unavoidably perishes in the enchanting and bewitching pleasures of it4 ,this is manifest by these and such like texts--',the adulteress will hunt for the precious life' 7,prov #f3bf74 ',whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding4 ,he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul' 7,prov #f3cb74 ',a whore is a deep ditch1 and a strange woman is a narrow pit' 7,prov #bc3bg74 ',her house inclineth unto death1 and her paths unto the dead4 ,none that go under her return again1 neither take they hold of the paths of life' 7,prov #b3ah1ai74 ',she hath cast down many wounded2 yea1 many strong men have been slain by her4 ,her house is the way to hell1 going down to the chambers of death' 7,prov #g3bf1bg74 ,,atten4 ,these are dreadful sayings1 and do show the dreadful state of those that are guilty of this sin4 ,,wise4 ,verily so they do4 ,but yet that which makes the whole more dreadful is1 that men are given up to this sin because they are abhorred of ,god1 and because abhorred1 therefore they shall fall into the commission of it1 and shall live there4 ',the mouth1' that is1 the flattering lips1 'of strange women is a deep pit1 he that is abhorred of the ,lord shall fall therein' 7,prov #bb3ad74 ,therefore it saith again of such1 that they have none 'inheritance in the kingdom of ,christ and of ,god' 7,eph #e3e74 ,,atten4 ,put all together1 and it is a dreadful thing to live and die in this transgression4 ,,wise4 ,true1 but suppose that instead of all these judgments this sin had attending of it all the felicities of this life1 and no bitterness1 shame1 or disgrace mixed with it1 yet one hour in hell will spoil all4 ,o6 ,this hell1 hell-fire1 damnation in hell1 it is such an inconceivable punishment that1 were it but thoroughly believed1 it would nip this sin1 with others1 in the head4 ,but here is the mischief1 those that give up themselves to these things do so harden themselves in unbelief and atheism about the things1 the punishments that ,god hath threatened to inflict upon the committers of them1 that at last they arrive to almost an absolute and firm belief that there is no judgment to come hereafter2 else they would not1 they could not1 no not attempt to commit this sin by such abominable language as some do4 ,i heard of one that should say to his miss when he tempted her to the committing of this sin1 ,if thou wilt venture thy body ,i will venture my soul4 ,and ,i myself heard another say1 when he was tempting of a maid to commit uncleanness with him--it was in ,oliver's days--that if she did prove with child he would tell her how she might escape punishment--and that was then somewhat severe--,say1 saith he1 when you come before the judge1 that you are with child by the ,holy ,ghost4 ,i heard him say thus1 and it greatly afflicted me2 ,i had a mind to have accused him for it before some magistrate1 but he was a great man1 and ,i was poor and young1 so ,i let it alone1 but it troubled me very much4 ,,atten4 ,it was the most horrible thing that ever ,i heard in my life4 ,but how far off are these men from that spirit and grace that dwelt in ,joseph 7,gen #ci3aj74 ,,wise4 ,right2 when ,joseph's mistress tempted him1 yea1 tempted him daily1 yea1 she laid hold on him and said1 with her whore's forehead1 ,come1 'lie with me1' but he refused2 he hearkened not to lie with her or to be with her4 ,mr4 ,badman would have taken the opportunity4 ,and a little to comment upon this of ,joseph4 #a4 ,here is a miss1 a great miss1 the wife of the captain of the guard1 some beautiful dame ,i'll warrant you4 #b4 ,here is a miss won1 and in her whorish affections come over to ,joseph without his speaking of a word4 #c4 ,here is her unclean desire made known1 ,come1 'lie with me1' said she4 #d4 ,here was a fit opportunity1 there was none of the men of the house there within4 #e4 ,joseph was a young man1 full of strength1 and therefore the more in danger to be taken4 #f4 ,this was to him a temptation from her that lasted days4 #g4 ,and yet ,joseph refused1 7#a47 ,her daily temptation2 7#b47 ,her daily solicitation2 7#c47 ,her daily provocation1 heartily1 violently1 and constantly4 ,for when she got him by the garment1 saying1 ',lie with me1' he left his garment in her hand and gat him out4 ,ay1 and although contempt1 treachery1 slander1 accusation1 imprisonment1 and danger of death followed--for a whore careth not what mischief she does when she cannot have her end--yet ,joseph will not defile himself1 sin against ,god1 and hazard his own eternal salvation4 ,,atten4 ,blessed ,joseph6 ,i would thou hadst more fellows6 ,,wise4 ,mr4 ,badman has more fellows than ,joseph1 else there would not be so many whores as there are2 for though ,i doubt not but that that sex is bad enough this way1 yet ,i verily believe that many of them are made whores at first by the flatteries of ,badman's fellows4 ,alas6 there is many a woman plunged into this sin at first even by promises of marriage4 ,i say by these promises they are flattered1 yea1 forced into a consenting to these villainies1 and so being in1 and growing hardened in their hearts1 they at last give themselves up1 even as wicked men do1 to act this kind of wickedness with greediness4#bi ,but ,joseph you see1 was of another mind1 for the fear of ,god was in him4 ,i will1 before ,i leave this1 tell you here two notable stories2 and ,i wish ,mr4 ,badman's companions may hear of them4 ,they are found in ,clark's ,looking-glass for ,sinners2 and are these3--,mr4 ,cleaver1 says ,mr4 ,clark1 reports of one whom he knew that had committed the act of uncleanness1 whereupon he fell into such horror of conscience that he hanged himself1 leaving it thus written in a paper3--',indeed1' saith he1 ',i do acknowledge it to be utterly unlawful for a man to kill himself1 but ,i am bound to act the magistrate's part1 because the punishment of this sin is death4' ,clark doth also1 in the same page1 make mention of two more1 who1 as they were committing adultery in ,london1 were immediately struck dead with fire from heaven1 in the very act4 ,their bodies were so found1 half burned up1 and sending out a most loathsome savour4 ,,atten4 ,these are notable stories indeed4 ,,wise4 ,so they are1 and ,i suppose they are as true as notable4 ,,atten4 ,well1 but ,i wonder if young ,badman's master knew him to be such a wretch1 that he would suffer him in his house4 ,,wise4 ,they liked one another even as fire and water do4 ,young ,badman's ways were odious to his master1 and his master's ways were such as young ,badman could not endure4 ,thus1 in these two1 were fulfilled that saying of the ,holy ,ghost3 ',an unjust man is an abomination to the just2 and he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked' 7,prov #bi3bg74 ,the good man's ways1 ,mr4 ,badman could not abide1 nor could the good man abide the bad ways of his base apprentice4 ,yet would his master1 if he could1 have kept him1 and also have learned him his trade4 ,,atten4 ,if he could6 ,why1 he might1 if he would1 might he not8 ,,wise4 ,alas1 ,badman ran away from him once and twice1 and would not at all be ruled4 ,so the next time he did run away from him1 he did let him go indeed4 ,for he gave him no occasion to run away1 except it was by holding of him as much as he could1 and that he could do but little1 to good and honest rules of life4 ,and had it been one's own case1 one should have let him go4 ,for what should a man do that had either regard to his own peace1 his children's good1 or the preservation of the rest of his servant's from evil1 but let him go8 ,had he staid1 the house of correction had been most fit for him1 but thither his master was loth to send him1 because of the love that he bore to his father4 ,a house of correction1 ,i say1 had been the fittest place for him1 but his master let him go4 ,,atten4 ,he ran away1 you say1 but whither did he run8 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,he ,,gets ,a ,,new ,,master ,,bad ,,as ,,himself4 ,,wise4 ,why1 to one of his own trade1 and also like himself4 ,thus the wicked joined hand in hand1 and there he served out his time4 ,,atten4 ,then1 sure1 he had his heart's desire when he was with one so like himself4 ,,wise4 ,yes1 so he had1 but ,god gave it him in his anger4 ,,atten4 ,how do you mean8 ,,wise4 ,i mean as before1 that for a wicked man to be by the providence of ,god turned out of a good man's doors1 into a wicked man's house to dwell1 is a sign of the anger of ,god4 ,for ,god by this1 and such judgments1 says thus to such an one4 ,thou wicked one1 thou lovest not me1 my ways1 nor my people2 thou castest my law and good counsel behind thy back4 ,come1 ,i will dispose of thee in my wrath2 thou shalt be turned over to the ungodly1 thou shalt be put to school to the devil1 ,i will leave thee to sink and swim in sin1 till ,i shall visit thee with death and judgment4 ,this was1 therefore1 another judgment that did come upon this young ,badman4 ,,atten4 ,you have said the truth1 for ,god by such a judgment as this1 in effect says so indeed2 for he take them out of the hand of the just1 and binds them up in the hand of the wicked1 and whither they then shall be carried a man may easily imagine4 ,,wise4 ,it is one of the saddest tokens of ,god's anger that happens to such kind of persons3 and that for several reasons4 #a4 ,such a one1 by this judgment1 is put out of the way1 and from under the means which ordinarily are made use of to do good to the soul4 ,for a family1 where godliness is professed1 and practised1 is ,god's ordinance1 the place which he has appointed to teach young ones the way and fear of ,god 7,gen #ah3ah1ai74 ,now1 to be put out of such a family1 into a bad1 a wicked one1 as ,mr4 ,badman was1 must needs be in judgment1 and a sign of the anger of ,god4 ,for in ungodly families men learn to forget ,god1 to hate goodness1 and to estrange themselves from the ways of those that are good4#cj #b4 ,in bad families they have continually fresh examples1 and also incitements to evil1 and fresh encouragements to it too4 ,yea1 moreover1 in such places evil is commended1 praised1 well-spoken of1 and they that do it are applauded2 and this1 to be sure1 is a drowning judgment4 #c4 ,such places are the very haunts and walks of the infernal spirits1 who are continually poisoning the cogitations and minds of one or other in such families1 that they may be able to poison others4 ,therefore observe it1 usually in wicked families1 some one or two are more arch for wickedness than are any other that are there4 ,now such are ,satan's conduit pipes1 for by them he conveys of the spawn of hell1 through their being crafty in wickedness1 into the ears and souls of their companions4 ,yea1 and when they have once conceived wickedness1 they travail with it1 as doth a woman with child1 till they have brought it forth2 ',behold1 he travaileth with iniquity1 and hath conceived mischief1 and brought forth falsehood' 7,psa #g3ad74 ,some men1 as here is intimated in the text1 and as was hinted also before1 have a kind of mystical but hellish copulation with the devil1 who is the father1 and their soul the mother of sin and wickedness2 and they1 so soon as they have conceived by him1 finish1 by bringing forth sin1 both it and their own damnation 7,james #a3ae74 ,,atten4 ,how much then doth it concern those parents that love their children1 to see1 that if they go from them1 they be put into such families as be good1 that they may learn there betimes to eschew evil1 and to follow that which is good6 ,,wise4 ,it doth concern them indeed2 and it doth also concern them that take children into their families1 to take heed what children they receive4 ,for a man may soon1 by a bad boy1 be damaged both in his name1 estate1 and family1 and also hindered in his peace and peaceable pursuit after ,god and godliness2 ,i say1 by one such vermin as a wicked and filthy apprentice4 ,,atten4 ,true1 for one sinner destroyeth much good1 and a poor man is better than a liar4 ,but many times a man cannot help it2 for such as at the beginning promise very fair are by a little time proved to be very rogues1 like young ,badman4 ,,wise4 ,that is true also2 but when a man has done the best he can to help it1 he may with the more confidence expect the blessing of ,god to follow1 or he shall have the more peace if things go contrary to his desire4 ,,atten4 ,well1 but did ,mr4 ,badman and his master agree so well8 ,i mean his last master1 since they were birds of a feather1 ,i mean since they were so well met for wickedness4 ,,wise4 ,this second master was1 as before ,i told you1 bad enough2 but yet he would often fall out with young ,badman1 his servant1 and chide1 yea and sometimes beat him too1 for his naughty doings4 ,,atten4 ,what6 for all he was so bad himself6 ,this is like the proverb1 ,the devil corrects vice4 ,,wise4 ,i will assure you it is as ,i say4 ,for you must know that ,badman's ways suited not with his master's gains4 ,could he have done as the damsel that we read of1 ,acts #af3af1 did1 to wit1 fill his master's purse with his badness1 he had certainly been his white-boy1 but it was not so with young ,badman2 and1 therefore1 though his master and he did suit well enough in the main1 yet in this and that point they differed4 ,young ,badman was for neglecting of his master's business1 for going to the whore-house1 for beguiling of his master1 for attempting to debauch his daughters1 and the like4 ,no marvel then if they disagreed in these points4 ,not so much for that his master had an antipathy against the fact itself1 for he could do so when he was an apprentice2 but for that his servant by his sin made spoil of his commodities1 c41 and so damnified his master4 ,had1 as ,i said before1 young ,badman's wickedness had only a tendency to his master's advantage1 as could he have sworn1 lied1 cozened1 cheated1 and defrauded customers for his master--and indeed sometimes he did so--but had that been all that he had done1 he had not had1 no1 not a wry word from his master2 but this was not always ,mr4 ,badman's way4 ,,atten4 ,that was well brought in1 even the maid that we read of in the ,acts1 and the distinction was as clear betwixt the wickedness and wickedness of servants4 ,,wise4 ,alas6 men that are wicked themselves1 yet greatly hate it in others1 not simply because it is wickedness1 but because it opposeth their interest4 ,do you think that that maid's master would have been troubled at the loss of her1 if he had not lost1 with her1 his gain8 ,no1 ,i'll warrant you2 she might have gone to the devil for him2 but 'when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone1' then1 then he fell to persecuting ,paul 7,acts #af3ag-bj74 ,but ,mr4 ,badman's master did sometimes lose by ,mr4 ,badman's sins1 and then ,badman and his master were at odds4 ,,atten4 ,alas1 poor ,badman6 ,then it seems thou couldest not at all times please thy like4 ,,wise4 ,no1 he could not1 and the reason ,i have told you4 ,,atten4 ,but do not bad masters condemn themselves in condemning the badness of their servants8 ,,wise4 ,yes2 in that they condemn that in another which they either have1 or do allow in themselves 7,rom #ad3bb74 ,and the time will come when that very sentence that hath gone out of their own mouths against the sins of others1 themselves living and taking pleasure in the same1 shall return with violence upon their own pates4 ,the ,lord pronounced judgment against ,baasha1 as for all his evils in general1 so for this in special1 because he was 'like the house of ,jeroboam and' yet 'killed him' 7#a ,kings #af3g74 ,this is ,mr4 ,badman's master's case2 he is like his man1 and yet he beats him4 ,he is like his man1 and yet he rails at him for being bad4 ,,atten4 ,but why did not young ,badman run away from this master1 as he ran away from the other8 ,,wise4 ,he did not4 ,and if ,i be not mistaken1 the reason why was this4 ,there was godliness in the house of the first1 and that young ,badman could not endure4 ,for fare1 for lodging1 for work1 and time1 he had better1 and more by this master's allowance1 than ever he had by his last2 but all this would not content1 because godliness was promoted there4 ,he could not abide this praying1 this reading of ,scriptures1 and hearing1 and repeating of sermons2 he could not abide to be told of his transgressions in a sober and godly manner4 ,,atten4 ,there is a great deal in the manner of reproof2 wicked men both can and cannot abide to hear their transgressions spoken against4 ,,wise4 ,there is a great deal of difference indeed4 ,this last master of ,mr4 ,badman's would tell ,mr4 ,badman of his sins in ,mr4 ,badman's own dialect2 he would swear1 and curse1 and damn1 when he told him of his sins1 and this he could bear better1 than to be told of them after a godly sort4 ,besides1 that last master would1 when his passions and rage were over1 laugh at and make merry with the sins of his servant ,badman2 and that would please young ,badman well4 ,nothing offended ,badman but blows1 and those he had but few of now1 because he was pretty well grown up4 ,for the most part when his master did rage and swear1 he would give him oath for oath1 and curse for curse1 at least secretly1 let him go on as long as he would4 ,,atten4 ,this was hellish living4 ,,wise4 ,it was hellish living indeed2 and a man might say1 that with this master1 young ,badman completed himself yet more and more in wickedness1 as well as in his trade3 for by that he came out of his time1 what with his own inclination to sin1 what with his acquaintance with his three companions1 and what with this last master1 and the wickedness he saw in him2 he became a sinner in grain4#ca ,i think he had a bastard laid to his charge before he came out of his time4 ,,atten4 ,well1 but it seems he did live to come out of his time1 but what did he then8 ,,wise4 ,why1 he went home to his father1 and he1 like a loving and tender-hearted father1 received him into his house4 ,,atten4 ,and how did he carry it there8 ,,wise4 ,why1 the reason why he went home1 was1 for money to set up for himself2 he stayed but a little at home1 but that little while that he did stay1 he refrained himself as well as he could1 and did not so much discover himself to be base1 for fear his father should take distaste1 and so should refuse1 or for a while forbear to give him money4 ,yet even then he would have his times1 and companions1 and the fill of his lusts with them1 but he used to blind all with this1 he was glad to see his old acquaintance1 and they as glad to see him1 and he could not in civility but accommodate them with a bottle or two of wine1 or a dozen or two of drink4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,,badman ,,in ,,business1 ,,the ,,tricks ,,of ,a ,,wicked ,,tradesman4 ,,atten4 ,and did the old man give him money to set up with8 ,,wise4 ,yes1 above two hundred pounds4 ,,atten4 ,therein1 ,i think1 the old man was out4 ,had ,i been his father1 ,i would have held him a little at staves-end1 till ,i had had far better proof of his manners to be good2 for ,i perceive that his father did know what a naughty boy he had been1 both by what he used to do at home1 and because he changed a good master for a bad1 c4 ,he should not therefore have given him money so soon4 ,what if he had pinched a little1 and gone to journey-work for a time1 that he might have known what a penny was1 by his earning of it8 ,then1 in all probability1 he had known better how to have spent it3 yea1 and by that time perhaps1 have better considered with himself1 how to have lived in the world4 ,ay1 and who knows but he might have come to himself with the prodigal1 and have asked ,god and his father forgiveness for the villainies that he had committed against them4 ,,wise4 ,if his father could also have blessed this manner of dealing to him1 and have made it effectual for the ends that you have propounded1 then ,i should have thought as you4 ,but alas1 alas1 you talk as if you never knew1 or had at this present forgot what the bowels and compassions of a father are4 ,why1 did you not serve your own son so8 ,but it is evident enough that we are better at giving good counsel to others1 than we are at taking good counsel ourselves4 ,but mine honest neighbour1 suppose that ,mr4 ,badman's father had done as you say1 and by so doing had driven his son to ill courses1 what had he bettered either himself or his son in so doing8 ,,atten4 ,that is true1 but it doth not follow that if the father had done as ,i said1 the son would have done as you suppose4 ,but if he had done as you have supposed1 what had he done worse than what he hath done already8 ,,wise4 ,he had done bad enough1 that is true4 ,but suppose his father had given him no money1 and suppose that young ,badman had taken a pet thereat1 and in an anger had gone beyond sea1 and his father had neither seen him1 nor heard of him more4 ,or suppose that of a mad and headstrong stomach1 he had gone to the highway for money1 and so had brought himself to the gallows1 and his father and family to great contempt1 or if by so doing he had not brought himself to that end1 yet he had added to all his wickedness such and such evils besides2 and what comfort could his father have had in this8 ,besides1 when his father had done for him what he could1 with desire to make him an honest man1 he would then1 whether his son had proved honest or no1 have laid down his head with far more peace than if he had taken your counsel4 ,,atten4 ,nay ,i think ,i should not have been forward to have given advice in the cause2 but truly you have given me such an account of his villainies1 that the hearing thereof has made me angry with him4 ,,wise4 ,in an angry mood we may soon outshoot ourselves1 but poor wretch as he is1 he is gone to his place4 ,but1 as ,i said1 when a good father hath done what he can for a bad child1 and that child shall prove never the better1 he will lie down with far more peace1 than if through severity1 he had driven him to inconveniences4 ,i remember that ,i have heard of a good woman1 that had1 as this old man1 a bad and ungodly son1 and she prayed for him1 counselled him1 and carried it motherly to him for several years together2 but still he remained bad4 ,at last1 upon a time1 after she had been at prayer1 as she was wont1 for his conversion1 she comes to him1 and thus1 or to this effect1 begins again to admonish him4 ,son1 said she1 thou hast been and art a wicked child1 thou hast cost me many a prayer and tear1 and yet thou remainest wicked4 ,well1 ,i have done my duty1 ,i have done what ,i can to save thee2 now ,i am satisfied1 that if ,i shall see thee damned at the day of judgment1 ,i shall be so far off from being grieved for thee1 that ,i shall rejoice to hear the sentence of thy damnation at that day2 and it converted him4 ,i tell you that if parents carry it lovingly towards their children1 mixing their mercies with loving rebukes1 and their loving rebukes with fatherly and motherly compassions1 they are more likely to save their children1 than by being churlish and severe towards them3 but if they do not save them1 if their mercy do them no good1 yet it will greatly ease them at the day of death1 to consider2 ,i have done by love as much as ,i could1 to save and deliver my child from hell4 ,,atten4 ,well ,i yield4 ,but pray let us return again to ,mr4 ,badman4 ,you say1 that his father gave him a piece of money that he might set up for himself4#cb ,,wise4 ,yes1 his father did give him a piece of money1 and he did set up1 and almost as soon set down again2 for he was not long set up1 but by his ill managing of his matters at home1 together with his extravagant expenses abroad1 he was got so far into debt1 and had so little in his shop to pay1 that he was hard put to it to keep himself out of prison4 ,but when his creditors understood that he was about to marry1 and in a fair way to get a rich wife1 they said among themselves1 ,we will not be hasty with him2 if he gets a rich wife he will pay us all4 ,,atten4 ,but how could he so quickly run out1 for ,i perceive it was in little time1 by what you say8 ,,wise4 ,it was in little time indeed1 ,i think he was not above two years and a half in doing of it2 but the reason is apparent1 for he being a wild young man1 and now having the bridle loose before him1 and being wholly subjected to his lusts and vices1 he gave himself up to the way of his heart1 and to the sight of his eye1 forgetting that for all these things ,god would bring him to judgment 7,eccl #aa3i74 ,and he that doth thus1 you may be sure1 shall not be able long to stand on his legs4 ,besides he had now an addition of new companions2 companions you must think most like himself in manners1 and so such that cared not who sunk1 if they themselves might swim4 ,these would often be haunting of him1 and of his shop too when he was absent4 ,they would commonly egg#cc him to the alehouse1 but yet make him jack-pay-for-all2 they would also be borrowing money of him1 but take no care to pay again1 except it was with more of their company1 which also he liked very well2 and so his poverty came like 'one that travelleth1 and his want as an armed man' 7,prov #f3aa74 ,but all the while they studied his temper2 he loved to be flattered1 praised1 and commended for wit1 manhood1 and personage2 and this was like stroking him over the face4 ,thus they colleagued with him1 and got yet more and more into him1 and so1 like horse leeches1 they drew away that little that his father had given him1 and brought him quickly down1 almost to dwell next door to the beggar4 ,,atten4 ,then was the saying of the wise man fulfilled1 ',he that keepeth company with harlots1' and 'a companion of fools1 shall be destroyed' 7,prov #bi3c1 #ac3bj74 ,,wise4 ,ay1 and that too1 ',a companion of riotous persons shameth his father' 7,prov #bh3g74cd ,for he1 poor man1 had both grief and shame1 to see how his son1 now at his own hand1 behave himself in the enjoyment of those good things1 in and under the lawful use of which he might have lived to ,god's glory1 his own comfort1 and credit among his neighbours4 ',but he that followeth after vain persons1 shall have poverty enough' 7,prov #bh3ai74 ,the way that he took1 led him directly into this condition2 for who can expect other things of one that follows such courses8 ,besides1 when he was in his shop1 he could not abide to be doing2 he was naturally given to idleness4 ,he loved to live high1 but his hands refused to labour2 and what else can the end of such an one be but that which the wise man saith8 ',the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty1 and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags' 7,prov #bc3ba74ce ,,atten4 ,but now1 methinks1 when he was brought thus low1 he should have considered the hand of ,god that was gone out against him1 and should have smote upon the breast1 and have returned4 ,,wise4 ,consideration1 good consideration1 was far from him1 he was as stout and proud now as ever in all his life1 and was as high too in the pursuit of his sin1 as when he was in the midst of his fulness2 only he went now like a tired jade1 the devil had rid him almost off of his legs4 ,,atten4 ,well1 but what did he do when all was almost gone8 ,,wise4 ,two things were now his play4 #a4 ,he bore all in hand by swearing1 and cracking1 and lying1 that he was as well to pass as he was the first day he set up for himself1 yea that he had rather got than lost2 and he had at his beck some of his companions that would swear to confirm it as fast as he4 ,,atten4 ,this was double wickedness1 it was a sin to say it1 and another to swear it4 ,,wise4 ,that is true1 but what evil is that that he will not do1 that is left of ,god1 as ,i believe ,mr4 ,badman was8 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,his ,,hypocritical ,,courtship ,,and ,,marriage ,,to ,a ,,pious ,,rich ,,young ,,lady4 ,,atten4 ,and what was the other thing8 ,,wise4 ,why that which ,i hinted before1 he was for looking out for a rich wife3 and now ,i am come to some more of his invented1 devised1 designed1 and abominable roguery1 such that will yet declare him to be a most desperate sinner4 ,the thing was this3 a wife he wanted1 or rather money2 for as for a woman1 he could have whores enow at his whistle4 ,but1 as ,i said1 he wanted money1 and that must be got by a wife or no way2 nor could he so easily get a wife neither1 except he became an artist at the way of dissembling2 nor would dissembling do among that people that could dissemble as well as he4 ,but there dwelt a maid not far from him1 that was both godly1 and one that had a good portion1 but how to get her1 there lay all the craft4 ,well1 he calls a council of some of his most trusty and cunning companions1 and breaks his mind to them2 to wit1 that he had a mind to marry3 and he also told them to whom2 but1 said he1 how shall ,i accomplish my end2 she is religious1 and ,i am not8 ,then one of them made reply1 saying1 ,since she is religious1 you must pretend to be so likewise1 and that for some time before you go to her4 ,mark therefore whither she goes daily to hear1 and do you go thither also2 but there you must be sure to behave yourself soberly1 and make as if you liked the ,word wonderful well2 stand also where she may see you1 and when you come home1 be sure that you walk the street very soberly1 and go within sight of her4 ,this done for a while1 then go to her1 and first talk of how sorry you are for your sins1 and show great love to the religion that she is of1 still speaking well of her preachers and of her godly acquaintance1 bewailing your hard hap that it was not your lot to be acquainted with her and her fellow-professors sooner2 and this is the way to get her4 ,also you must write down sermons1 talk of scriptures1 and protest that you came a-wooing to her1 only because she is godly1 and because you should count it your greatest happiness if you might but have such a one4 ,as for her money1 slight it1 it will be never the further off1 that is the way to come soonest at it1 for she will be jealous at first that you come for her money2 you know what she has1 but make not a word about it4 ,do this1 and you shall see if you do not entangle the lass4 ,thus was the snare laid for this poor honest maid1 and she was quickly catched in his pit4 ,,atten4 ,why1 did he take this counsel8 ,,wise4 ,did he6 yes1 and after a while1 went as boldly to her1 and that under a vizard of religion1 as if he had been for honesty and godliness one of the most sincere and upright-hearted in ,england4 ,he observed all his points1 and followed the advice of his counsellors1 and quickly obtained her too2 for natural parts he had2 he was tall1 and fair1 and had plain1 but very good clothes on his back2 and his religion was the more easily attained2 for he had seen something in the house of his father1 and first master1 and so could the more readily put himself into the form and show thereof4 ,so he appointed his day1 and went to her1 as that he might easily do1 for she had neither father nor mother to oppose4 ,well1 when he was come1 and had given her a civil compliment1 to let her understand why he was come1 then he began and told her that he had found in his heart a great deal of love to her person2 and that of all the damsels in the world he had pitched upon her1 if she thought fit1 to make her his beloved wife4 ,the reasons1 as he told her1 why he had pitched upon her were her religious and personal excellencies2 and therefore entreated her to take his condition into her tender and loving consideration4 ,as for the world1 quoth he1 ,i have a very good trade1 and can maintain myself and family well1 while my wife sits still on her seat2 ,i have got thus and thus much already1 and feel money come in every day1 but that is not the thing that ,i aim at2 it is an honest and godly wife4 ,then he would present her with a good book or two1 pretending how much good he had got by them himself4 ,he would also be often speaking well of godly ministers1 especially of those that he perceived she liked1 and loved most4 ,besides he would be often telling of her what a godly father he had1 and what a new man he was also become himself2 and thus did this treacherous dealer deal with this honest and good girl1 to her great grief and sorrow1 as afterward you shall hear4 ,,atten4 ,but had the maid no friend to look after her8 ,,wise4 ,her father and mother were dead1 and that he knew well enough1 and so she was the more easily overcome by his naughty lying tongue4 ,but if she had never so many friends1 she might have been beguiled by him4 ,it is too much the custom of young people now1 to think themselves wise enough to make their own choice2 and that they need not ask counsel of those that are older1 and also wiser than they2 but this is a great fault in them1 and many of them have paid dear for it4 ,well1 to be short1 in little time ,mr4 ,badman obtains his desire1 gets this honest girl1 and her money1 is married to her1 brings her home1 makes a feast1 entertains her royally1 but her portion must pay for all4 ,,atten4 ,this was wonderful deceitful doings1 a man shall seldom hear of the like4 ,,wise4 ,by this his doing1 he showed how little he feared ,god1 and what little dread he had of his judgments4 ,for all this carriage1 and all these words were by him premeditated evil2 he knew he lied1 he knew he dissembled2 yea1 he knew that he made use of the name of ,god1 of religion1 good men1 and good books1 but as a stalking-horse1 thereby the better to catch his game4 ,in all this his glorious pretence of religion1 he was but a glorious painted hypocrite1 and hypocrisy is the highest sin that a poor carnal wretch can attain unto2 it is also a sin that most dareth ,god1 and that also bringeth the greater damnation4 ,now was he a whited wall1 now was he a painted sepulchre 7,matt #bc3bg74 ,now was he a grave that appeared not 7,luke #aa3dd74 ,for this poor1 honest1 godly damsel1 little thought that both her peace and comfort1 and estate1 and liberty1 and person1 and all1 were going to her burial1 when she was going to be married to ,mr4 ,badman2 and yet so it was1 she enjoyed herself but little afterwards2 she was as if she was dead and buried to what she enjoyed before4 ,,atten4 ,certainly some wonderful judgment of ,god must attend and overtake such wicked men as these4 ,,wise4 ,you may be sure that they shall have judgment to the full1 for all these things1 when the day of judgment is come4 ,but as for judgment upon them in this life1 it doth not always come1 no not upon those that are worthy thereof4 'they that tempt ,god are delivered1 and they that work wickedness are set up' 7,mal #c3ae74 ,but they are reserved to the day of wrath2 and then1 for their wickedness1 ,god will repay them to their faces4 ',the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction2 they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath4 ,who shall declare his way to his face8 and who shall repay him what he hath done8 ,yet shall he be brought to the grave1 and shall remain in the tomb' 7,job #ba3cj-cb74 ,that is1 ordinarily they escape ,god's hand in this life1 save only a few examples are made1 that others may be cautioned1 and take warning thereby4 ,but at the day of judgment they must be rebuked for their evil with the lashes of devouring fire4 ,,atten4 ,can you give me no examples of ,god's wrath upon men that have acted this tragical wicked deed of ,mr4 ,badman4 ,,wise4 ,yes2 ,hamor and ,shechem1 and all the men of their city1 for attempting to make ,god and religion the stalking-horse to get ,jacob's daughters to wife1 were together slain with the edge of the sword4 ,a judgment of ,god upon them1 no doubt1 for their dissembling in that matter 7,gen #cd3a74 ,all manner of lying and dissembling is dreadful1 but to make ,god and religion a disguise1 therewith to blind thy dissimulation from others' eyes1 is highly provoking to the ,divine majesty4 ,i knew one that dwelt not far off from our town1 that got him a wife as ,mr4 ,badman got his2 but he did not enjoy her long2 for one night as he was riding home from his companions1 where he had been at a neighbouring town1 his horse threw him to the ground1 where he was found dead at break of day2 frightfully and lamentably mangled with his fall1 and besmeared with his own blood4 ,,atten4 ,well1 but pray return again to ,mr4 ,badman2 how did he carry it to his wife1 after he was married to her8 ,,wise4 ,nay1 let us take things along as we go4 ,he had not been married but a little while1 but his creditors came upon him for their money4 ,he deferred them a little while1 but at last things were come to that point that pay he must1 or must do worse2 so he appointed them a time1 and they came for their money1 and he payed them down with her money1 before her eyes1 for those goods that he had profusely spent among his whores long before1 besides the portion that his father gave him1 to the value of two hundred pounds4 ,,atten4 ,this beginning was bad1 but what shall ,i say8 ,it was like ,mr4 ,badman himself4 ,poor woman6 this was but a bad beginning for her2 ,i fear it filled her with trouble enough1 as ,i think such a beginning would have done one perhaps much stronger than she4 ,,wise4 ,trouble1 aye1 you may be sure of it1 but now it was too late to repent2 she should have looked better to herself when being wary would have done her good2 her harms may be an advantage to others that will learn to take heed thereby1 but for herself1 she must take what follows1 even such a life now as ,mr4 ,badman her husband will lead her1 and that will be bad enough4 ,,atten4 ,this beginning was bad1 and yet ,i fear it was but the beginning of bad4 ,,wise4 ,you may be sure that it was but the beginning of badness1 for other evils came on apace2 as1 for instance1 it was but a little while after he was married1 but he hangs his religion upon the hedge1 or rather dealt with it as men deal with their old clothes1 who cast them off1 or leave them to others to wear2 for his part he would be religious no longer4 ,now therefore he had pulled off his vizard1 and began to show himself in his old shape1 a base1 wicked1 debauched fellow2 and now the poor woman saw that she was betrayed indeed1 now also his old companions begin to flock about him1 and to haunt his house and shop as formerly4 ,and who with them but ,mr4 ,badman8 ,and who with him again but they8 ,now those good people that used to company with his wife began to be amazed and discouraged1 also he would frown and glout#cf upon them as if he abhorred1 the appearance of them1 so that in little time he drove all good company from her1 and made her sit solitary by herself4 ,he also began now to go out a-nights to those drabs who were his familiars before1 with whom he would stay sometimes till midnight1 and sometimes till almost morning1 and then would come home as drunk as a swine3 and this was the course of ,mr4 ,badman4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,he ,,throws ,,off ,,the ,,mask ,,and ,,cruelly ,,treats ,,his ,,wife4 ,now when he came home in this case1 if his wife did but speak a work to him about where he had been and why he had so abused himself1 though her words were spoken in never so much meekness and love1 then she was whore1 and bitch1 and jade6 and it was well if she missed his fingers and heels4 ,sometimes also he would bring his punks home to his house1 and woe be to his wife when they were gone if she did not entertain them with all varieties possible1 and also carry it lovingly to them4 ,thus this good woman was made by ,badman1 her husband1 to possess nothing but disappointments as to all that he had promised her1 or that she hoped to have at his hands4 ,but that that added pressing weight to all her sorrow was that1 as he had cast away all religion himself1 so he attempted1 if possible1 to make her do so too4 ,he would not suffer her to go out to the preaching of the word of ,christ1 nor to the rest of his appointments1 for the health and salvation of her soul4 ,he would now taunt at and reflectingly speak of her preachers1 and would receive1 yea1 raise scandals of them1 to her very great grief and affliction4 ,now she scarce durst go to an honest neighbour's house1 or have a good book in her hand1 especially when he had his companions in his house1 or had got a little drink in his head4 ,he would also1 when he perceived that she was dejected1 speak tauntingly and mockingly to her in the presence of his companions1 calling of her his religious wife1 his demure dame1 and the like1 also he would make a sport of her among his wanton ones abroad4 ,if she did ask him1 as sometimes she would1 to let her go out to a sermon1 he would in a churlish manner reply1 ,keep at home1 keep at home and look to your business1 we cannot live by hearing of sermons4 ,if she still urged that he would let her go1 then he would say to her1 ,go if you dare4 ,he would also charged her with giving of what he had to her ministers1 when1 vile wretch1 he had spent it on his vain companions before4 ,this was the life that ,mr4 ,badman's good wife lived1 within few months after he had married her4 ,,atten4 ,this was a disappointment indeed4 ,,wise4 ,a disappointment indeed1 as ever ,i think poor woman had4 ,one would think that the knave might a little let her have had her will since it was nothing but to be honest1 and since she brought him so sweet1 so lumping a portion--for she brought hundreds into his house--,i say1 one would think he should have let her had her own will a little1 since she desired it only in the service and worship of ,god2 but could she win him to grant her that8 ,no1 not a bit1 if it would have saved her life4 ,true1 sometimes she would steal out when he was from home1 or on a journey1 or among his drunken companions1 but with all privacy imaginable2 and1 poor woman1 this advantage she had she carried it so to all her neighbours that1 though many of them were but carnal1 yet they would not betray her1 or tell of her going out to the ,word if they saw it1 but would rather endeavor to hide it from ,mr4 ,badman himself4 ,,atten4 ,this carriage of his to her was enough to break her heart4 ,,wise4 ,it was enough to do it indeed1 yea1 it did effectually do it4 ,it killed her in time1 yea1 it was all the time a killing of her4 ,she would oftentimes1 when she sat by herself1 thus mournfully bewail her condition3--',woe is me that ,i sojourn in ,meshech1' and 'that ,i dwell in the tents of ,kedar6 ,my soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace4' ,o 'what shall be given unto thee1' thou 'deceitful tongue8' 'or what shall be done unto thee1 thou false tongue8' 7,psa #abj74 ,i am a woman grieved in spirit1 my husband has bought me and sold me for his lusts4 ,it was not me1 but my money that he wanted2 ,o that he had had it1 so ,i had had my liberty6 ,this she said1 not of contempt of his person1 but of his conditions1#cg and because she saw that1 by his hypocritical tongue1 he had brought her not only almost to beggary1 but robbed her of the ,word of ,god4 ,,atten4 ,it is a deadly thing1 ,i see1 to be unequally yoked with unbelievers4 ,if this woman had had a good husband1 how happily might they have lived together6 ,such an one would have prayed for her1 taught her1 and also would have encouraged her in the faith and ways of ,god2 but now1 poor creature1 instead of this there is nothing but the quite contrary4 ,,wise4 ,it is a deadly thing indeed1 and therefore1 by the ,word of ,god1 his people are forbid to be joined in marriage with them4 ',be ye not1' saith it1 'unequally yoked together with unbelievers3 for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness8 and what communion hath light with darkness8 ,and what concord hath ,christ with ,belial8 or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel8 and what agreement hath the temple of ,god with idols8' 7#b ,cor #f3ad-af74 ,there can be no agreement where such matches are made2 even ,god himself hath declared the contrary from the beginning of the world4 ',i1' says he1 'will put enmity between thee and the woman1 and between thy seed and her seed' 7,gen #c3ae74 ,therefore he saith in another place they can mix no better than iron and clay 7,dan #b3dc74 ,i say they cannot agree1 they cannot be one1 and therefore they should be aware at first1 and not lightly receive such into their affections4 ,god has often made such matches bitter1 especially to his own4 ,such matches are1 as ,god said of ,eli's sons that were spared1 to consume the eyes and to grieve the heart4 ,o6 the wailing and lamentation that they have made that have been thus yoked1 especially if they were such as would be so yoked against their light and good counsel to the contrary4 ,,atten4 ,alas6 he deluded her with his tongue1 and feigned reformation4 ,,wise4 ,well1 well1 she should have gone more warily to work4 ,what if she had acquainted some of her best1 most knowing1 and godly friends therewith8 ,what if she had engaged a godly minister or two to have talked with ,mr4 ,badman8 ,also1 what if she had laid wait round about him1 to espy if he was not otherwise behind her back than he was before her face8 ,and besides ,i verily think--since in the multitude of counsellors there is safety--that if she had acquainted the congregation with it1 and desired them to spend some time in prayer to ,god about it1 and if she must have had him1 to have received him as to his godliness upon the judgment of others1 rather than her own--she knowing them to be godly and judicious and unbiased men--she had had more peace all her life after1 than to trust to her own poor1 raw1 womanish judgment as she did4 ,love is blind1 and will see nothing amiss where others may see a hundred faults4 ,therefore ,i say she should not have trusted to her own thoughts in the matter of his goodness4 ,as to his person1 there she was fittest to judge1 because she was to be the person pleased1 but as to his godliness1 there the ,word was the fittest judge1 and they that could best understand it1 because ,god was therein to be pleased4 ,i wish that all young maidens will take heed of being beguiled with flattering words1 with feigning and lying speeches1 and take the best way to preserve themselves from being bought and sold by wicked men as she was1 lest they repent with her1 when1 as to this1 repentance will do them no good1 but for their unadvisedness go sorrowing to their graves4 ,,atten4 ,well things are past with this poor woman and cannot be called back1 let others beware by her misfortunes1 lest they also fall into her distress4 ,,wise4 ,that is the thing that ,i say1 let them take heed1 lest for their unadvisedness they smart1 as this poor woman has done4 ,and ah6 methinks1 that they that yet are single persons1 and that are tempted to marry to such as ,mr4 ,badman1 would1 to inform and warn themselves in this matter before they entangle themselves1 but go to some that already are in the snare1 and ask them how it is with them1 as to the suitable or unsuitableness of their marriage1 and desire their advice4 ,surely they would ring such a peal in their ears about the unequality1 unsuitableness1 disadvantages1 and disquietments1 and sins that attend such marriages1 that would make them beware as long as they live4 ,but the bird in the air knows not the notes of the bird in the snare until she comes thither herself4 ,besides1 to make up such marriages1 ,satan and carnal reason1 and lust1 or at least inconsiderateness1 has the chiefest hand2 and where these things bear sway1 designs1 though never so destructive1 will go headlong on2 and therefore ,i fear that but little warning will be taken by young girls at ,mr4 ,badman's wife's affliction4 ,,atten4 ,but are there no dissuasive arguments to lay before such1 to prevent their future misery8 ,,wise4 ,yes3 there is the law of ,god1 that forbiddeth marriage with unbelievers4 ,these kind of marriages also are condemned even by irrational creatures4 #a4 ,it is forbidden by the law of ,god1 both in the ,old ,testament and in the ,new4 #a4 ,in the ,old4 ,thou shalt not 'make marriages with them2 thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son1 nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son' 7,deut #g3c74 #b4 ,in the ,new ,testament it is forbidden4 ',be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers1' let them marry to whom they will1 'only in the ,lord' 7#b ,cor #f3ad-af2 #a ,cor #g3ci74 ,here now is a prohibition1 plainly forbidding the believer to marry with the unbeliever1 therefore they should not do it4 ,again1 these unwarrantable marriages are1 as ,i may so say1 condemned by irrational creatures1 who will not couple but with their own sort4 ,will the sheep couple with a dog1 the partridge with a crow1 or the pheasant with an owl8 ,no1 they will strictly tie up themselves to those of their own sort only4 ,yea1 it sets all the world a wondering1 when they see or hear the contrary4 ,man only is most subject to wink at1 and allow of these unlawful mixtures of men and women2 because man only is a sinful beast1 a sinful bird1 therefore he1 above all1 will take upon him1 by rebellious actions1 to answer1 or rather to oppose and violate the law of his ,god and ,creator2 nor shall these or other interrogatories1 ,what fellowship8 what concord8 what agreement8 what communion can there be in such marriages8 be counted of weight or thought worth the answering by him1 ,but further1 the dangers that such do commonly run themselves into1 should be to others a dissuasive argument to stop them from doing the like3 for besides the distresses of ,mr4 ,badman's wife1 many that have had very hopeful beginnings for heaven1 have1 by virtue of the mischiefs that have attended these unlawful marriages1 miserably and fearfully miscarried4 ,soon after such marriages1 conviction1 the first step towards heaven1 hath ceased2 prayer1 the next step towards heaven1 hath ceased2 hungerings and thirstings after salvation1 another step towards the kingdom of heaven1 hath ceased4 ,in a word1 such marriages have estranged them from the ,word1 from their godly and faithful friends1 and have brought them again into carnal company1 among carnal friends1 and also into carnal delights1 where1 and with whom1 they have in conclusion both sinfully abode1 and miserably perished4 ,and this is one reason why ,god hath forbidden this kind of unequal marriages4 ',for they1' saith he1 meaning the ungodly1 'will turn away thy son from following me1 that they may serve other gods2 so will the anger of the ,lord be kindled against you1 and destroy thee suddenly' 7,deut #g3d74 ,now mark1 there were some in ,israel1 that would notwithstanding this prohibition1 venture to marry to the heathens and unbelievers4 ,but what followed8 ',they served their idols1 they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils4 ,thus were they defiled with their own works1 and went a whoring with their own inventions2 therefore was the wrath of the ,lord kindled against his people1 insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance' 7,psa #ajf3cf-dj74 ,,atten4 ,but let us return again to ,mr4 ,badman2 had he any children by his wife8 ,,wise4 ,yes1 seven4 ,,atten4 ,i doubt they were but badly brought up4 ,,wise4 ,one of them loved its mother dearly1 and would constantly hearken to her voice4 ,now that child she had the opportunity to instruct in the principles of ,christian religion1 and it became a very gracious child4 ,but that child ,mr4 ,badman could not abide1 he would seldom afford it a pleasant word1 but would scowl and frown upon it1 speak churlishly and doggedly to it1 and though1 as to nature1 it was the most feeble of the seven1 yet it oftenest felt the weight of its father's fingers4 ,three of his children did directly follow his steps1 and began to be as vile as1 in his youth1 he was himself4 ,the other that remained became a kind of mongrel#ch professors1 not so bad as their father1 nor so good as their mother1 but were betwixt them both4 ,they had their mother's notions1 and their father's actions1 and were much like those that you read of in the book of ,nehemiah2 these children were half of ,ashdod1 'and could not speak in the ,jews' language1 but according to the language of each people' 7,neh #ac3bd74 ,,atten4 ,what you say in this matter is observable1 and if ,i take not my mark amiss1 it often happeneth after this manner where such unlawful marriages are contracted4 ,,wise4 ,it sometimes doth so1 and the reason1 with respect to their parents1 is this4 ,where the one of the parents is godly1 and the other ungodly and vile1 though they can agree in begetting of children1 yet they strive for their children when they are born4 ,the godly parent strives for the child1 and by prayers1 counsel1 and good examples1 labours to make it holy in body and soul1 and so fit for the kingdom of heaven2 but the ungodly would have it like himself1 wicked1 and base1 and sinful2 and so they both give instructions accordingly4 ,instructions did ,i say8 yea1 and examples too according to their minds4 ,thus the godly1 as ,hannah1 is presenting her ,samuel unto the ,lord3 but the ungodly1 like them that went before them1 are for offering their children to ,moloch1 to an idol1 to sin1 to the devil1 and to hell4 ,thus one hearkeneth to the law of their mother and is preserved from destruction1 but as for the other1 as their fathers did1 so do they4 ,thus did ,mr4 ,badman and his wife part some of their children betwixt them2 but as for the other three that were1 as it were1 mongrels1 betwixt both1 they were like unto those that you read of in ,kings1 they feared the ,lord1 but served their own idols 7#b ,kings #ag74 ,they had1 as ,i said1 their mother's notions1 and ,i will add1 profession too2 but their father's lusts1 and something of his life4 ,now their father did not like them1 because they had their mother's tongue2 and the mother did not like them because they had still their father's heart and life2 nor were they indeed fit company for good or bad4 ,the good would not trust them because they were bad1 the bad would not trust them because they were good2 namely1 the good would not trust them because they were bad in their lives1 and the bad would not trust them because they were good in their words4 ,so they were forced with ,esau to join in affinity with ,ishmael2 to wit1 to look out a people that were hypocrites like themselves1 and with them they matched1 and lived1 and died4 ,,atten4 ,poor woman1 she could not but have much perplexity4 ,,wise4 ,yea1 and poor children1 that ever they were sent into the world as the fruit of the loins1 and under the government of such a father as ,mr4 ,badman4 ,,atten4 ,you say right1 for such children lie almost under all manner of disadvantages3 but we must say nothing1 because this also is the sovereign will of ,god4 ,,wise4 ,we may not by any means object against ,god2 yet we may talk of the advantages and disadvantages that children have by having for their parents such as are either godly or the contrary4 ,,atten4 ,you say right1 we may so1 and pray now1 since we are about it1 speak something in brief unto it1 that is1 unto this3 what advantage those children have above others1 that have for their parents such as indeed are godly8 ,,wise4 ,so ,i will1 only ,i must first premise these two or three things4 #a4 ,they have not the advantage of election for their fathers' sakes4 #b4 ,they are born as others1 the children of wrath1 though they come of godly parents4 #c4 ,grace comes not unto them as an inheritance1 because they have godly parents4 ,these things premised ,i shall now proceed4 #a4 ,the children of godly parents are the children of many prayers4 ,they are prayed for before1 and prayed for after they are born2 and the prayer of a godly father and godly mother doth much4 #b4 ,they have the advantage of what restraint is possible1 from what evils their parents see them inclinable to1 and that is a second mercy4 #c4 ,they have the advantage of godly instruction1 and of being told which be and which be not the right ways of the ,lord4 #d4 ,they have also those ways commended unto them1 and spoken well of in their hearing1 that are good4 #e4 ,such are also1 what may be kept out of evil company1 from evil books1 and from being taught the way of swearing1 lying1 and the like1 as sabbath-breaking1 and mocking at good men and good things1 and this is a very great mercy4 #f4 ,they ave also the benefit of a godly life set before them doctrinally by their parents1 and that doctrine backed with a godly and holy example4 ,and all these are very great advantages4 ,now all these advantages the children of ungodly parents want2 and so are more in danger of being carried away with the error of the wicked4 ,for ungodly parents neither pray for their children1 nor do nor can they heartily instruct them2 they do not after a godly manner restrain them from evil1 nor do they keep them from evil company4 ,they are not grieved at1 nor yet do they forewarn their children to beware of such evil actions that are abomination to ,god and to all good men4 ,they let their children break the sabbath1 swear1 lie1 be wicked and vain4 ,they commend not to their children a holy life1 nor set a good example before their eyes4 ,no1 they do in all things contrary3 estranging of their children what they can1 from the love of ,god and all good men1 so soon as they are born4 ,therefore it is a very great judgment of ,god upon children1 to be the offspring of base and ungodly men 7,job #cj3h74 ,,atten4 ,well1 but before we leave ,mr4 ,badman's wife and children1 ,i have a mind1 if you please1 to inquire a little more after one thing1 the which ,i am sure you can satisfy me in4 ,,wise4 ,what is that8 ,,atten4 ,you said a while ago that this ,mr4 ,badman would not suffer his wife to go out to hear such godly ministers as she liked1 but said1 if she did1 she had as good never come home any more4 ,did he often carry it thus to her8 ,,wise4 ,he did say so1 he did often say so4 ,this ,i told you then1 and had also then told you more1 but that other things put me out4 ,,atten4 ,well said2 pray1 therefore1 now go on4 ,,wise4 ,so ,i will4 ,upon a time1 she was1 on a ,lord's day1 for going to hear a sermon1 and ,mr4 ,badman was unwilling she should2 but she at that time1 as it seems1 did put on more courage than she was wont2 and1 therefore1 after she had spent upon him a great many fair words and entreaties1 if perhaps she might have prevailed by them1 but all to no purpose at all1 at last she said she would go1 and rendered this reason for it3 ,i have a husband1 but also a ,god2 my ,god has commanded me1 and that upon pain of damnation1 to be a continual worshipper of him1 and that in the way of his own appointments4 ,i have a husband1 but also a soul1 and my soul ought to be more unto me than all the world besides4 ,this soul of mine ,i will look after1 care for1 and1 if ,i can1 provide it a heaven for its habitation4 ,you are commanded to love me1 as you love your own body1 and so do ,i love you2 but ,i tell you true1 ,i prefer my soul before all the world1 and its salvation ,i will seek 7,eph #e3bh74ci ,at this1 first he gave her an ugly wish1 and then fell into a fearful rage1 and sware moreover that if she did go1 he would make both her and all her damnable brotherhood1 for so he was pleased to call them1 to repent their coming thither4 ,,atten4 ,but what should he mean by that8 ,,wise4 ,you may easily guess what he meant4 ,he meant he would turn informer1#dj and so either weary out those that she loved from meeting together to worship ,god1 or make them pay dearly for their so doing1 the which1 if he did1 he knew it would vex every vein of her tender heart4 ,,atten4 ,but do you think ,mr4 ,badman would have been so base8 ,,wise4 ,truly he had malice and enmity enough in his heart to do it1 only he was a tradesman2 also he knew that he must live by his neighbours1 and so he had that little wit in his anger1 that he refrained himself and did it not4 ,but1 as ,i said1 he had malice and envy enough in his heart to have made him to do it1 only he thought it would worst him in his trade2 yet these three things he would be doing3 #a4 ,he would be putting of others on to molest and abuse her friends4 #b4 ,he would be glad when he heard that any mischief befel them4 #c4 ,and would laugh at her when he saw her troubled for them4 ,and now ,i have told you ,mr4 ,badman's way as to this4 ,,atten4 ,but was he not afraid of the judgments of ,god that did fly about at that time8 ,,wise4 ,he regarded not the judgment nor mercy of ,god1 for had he at all done that he could not have done as he did4 ,but what judgments do you mean8 ,,atten4 ,such judgments1 that if ,mr4 ,badman himself had taken but sober notice of1 they might have made him a hung down his ears4 ,,wise4 ,why1 have you heard of any such persons that the judgments of ,god have overtaken4 ,,atten4 ,yes1 and so1 ,i believe1 have you too1 though you make so strange about it4 ,,wise4 ,i have so indeed1 to my astonishment and wonder4 ,,atten4 ,pray1 therefore1 if you please1 tell me what it is1 as to this1 that you know2 and then1 perhaps1 ,i may also say something to you of the same4 ,,wise4 ,in our town there was one ,w4 ,s41 a man of a very wicked life2 and he1 when there seemed to be countenance given to it1 would needs turn informer4 ,well1 so he did1 and was as diligent in his business as most of them could be2 he would watch of nights1 climb trees1 and range the woods of days1 if possible1 to find out the meeters1 for then they were forced to meet in the fields2 yea1 he would curse them bitterly1 and swear most fearfully what he would do to them when he found them4 ,well1 after he had gone on like a bedlam in his course awhile1 and had done some mischiefs to the people1 he was stricken by the hand of ,god1 and that in this manner3 #a4 ,although he had his tongue naturally at will1 now he was taken with a flattering in his speech1 and could not for weeks together speak otherwise than just like a man that was drunk4 #b4 ,then he was taken with a drauling1 or slabbering at his mouth1 which slabber sometimes would hang at his mouth well nigh half-way down to the ground4 #c4 ,then he had such a weakness in the back sinews of his neck1 that ofttimes he could not look up before him1 unless he clapped his hand hard upon his forehead1 and held up his head that way1 by strength of hand4 #d4 ,after this his speech went quite away1 and he could speak no more than a swine or a bear4 ,therefore1 like one of them1 he would gruntle and make an ugly noise1 according as he was offended1 or pleased1 or would have anything done1 c4 ,in this posture he continued for the space of half a year or thereabouts1 all the while otherwise well1 and could go about his business1 save once that he had a fall from the bell as it hangs in our steeple1 which it was a wonder it did not kill him4 ,but after that he also walked about1 until ,god had made a sufficient spectacle of his judgment of his sin1 and then on a sudden he was stricken1 and died miserably2 and so there was an end of him and his doings4 ,i will tell you of another4 ,about four miles from ,st4 ,neots1 there was a gentleman had a man1 and he would needs be an informer1 and a lusty young man he was4 ,well1 an informer he was1 and did much distress some people1 and had perfected his informations so effectually against some1 that there was nothing further to do but for the constables to make distress on the people1 that he might have the money or goods2 and1 as ,i heard1 he hastened them much to do it4 ,now1 while he was in the heat of his work1 as he stood one day by the fire-side1 he had1 it should seem1 a mind to a sop in the pan1 for the spit was then at the fire1 so he went to make him one2 but behold1 a dog1 some say his own dog1 took distaste at something1 and bit his master by the leg2 the which bite1 notwithstanding all the means that was used to cure him1 turned1 as was said1 to a gangrene2 however1 that wound was his death1 and that a dreadful one too4 ,for my relator said that he lay in such a condition by this bite1 as the beginning1 until his flesh rotted from off him before he went out of the world4 ,but what need ,i instance in particular persons2 when the judgment of ,god against this kind of people was made manifest1 ,i think ,i may say1 if not in all1 yet in most of the counties in ,england where such poor creatures were4 ,but ,i would1 if it had been the will of ,god1 that neither ,i nor anybody else1 could tell you more of these stories2 true stories1 that are neither lie nor romance4 ,,atten4 ,well1 ,i also heard of both these myself1 and of more too1 as remarkable in their kind as these1 if ,i had any list to tell them2 but let us leave those that are behind to others1 or to the coming of ,christ1 who then will justify or condemn them1 as the merit of their work shall require2 or if they repented1 and found mercy1 ,i shall be glad when ,i know it1 for ,i wish not a curse to the soul of mine enemy4 ,,wise4 ,there can be no pleasure in the telling of such stories1 though to hear of them may do us a pleasure4 ,they may put us in mind that there is a ,god that judgeth in the earth1 and that doth not always forget nor defer to hear the cry of the destitute2 they also carry along with them both caution and counsel to those that are the survivors of such4 ,let us tremble at the judgments of ,god1 and be afraid of sinning against him1 and it shall be our protection4 ,it shall go well with them that fear ,god1 that fear before him4 ,,atten4 ,well1 ,sir1 as you have intimated1 so ,i think we have1 in this place1 spoken enough about these kind of men2 if you please1 let us return again to ,mr4 ,badman himself1 if you have any more to say of him4 ,,wise4 ,more6 we have yet scarce thoroughly begun with anything that we have said4 ,all the particulars are in themselves so full of badness1 that we have rather only looked in them1 than indeed said anything to them2 but we will pass them and proceed4 ,you have heard of the sins of his youth1 of his apprenticeship1 and how he set up1 and married1 and what a life he hath led his wife2 and now ,i will tell you some more of his pranks4 ,he had the very knack for knavery2 had he1 as ,i said before1 been bound to serve an apprenticeship to all these things1 he could not have been more cunning1 he could not have been more artificial at it4 ,,atten4 ,nor perhaps so artificially neither4 ,for as none can teach goodness like to ,god himself1 so1 concerning sin and knavery1 none can teach a man it like the devil1 to whom1 as ,i perceive1 ,mr4 ,badman went to school from his childhood to the end of his life4 ,but1 pray1 ,sir1 make a beginning4 ,,wise4 ,well1 so ,i will4 ,you may remember that ,i told you what a condition he was in for money before he did marry1 and how he got a rich wife1 with whose money he paid his debts4 ,how1 when he had paid his debts1 he having some money left1 he sets up again as briskly as ever1 keeps a great shop1 drives a great trade1 and runs again a great way into debt2 but now not into the debt of one or two1 but into the debt of many1 so that at last he came to owe some thousands1 and thus he went on a good while4 ,and1 to pursue his ends the better1 he begun now to study to please all men1 and to suit himself to any company2 he could now be as they1 say as they1 that is1 if he listed2 and then he would list1 when he perceived that by so doing he might either make them his customers or creditors for his commodities4 ,if he dealt with honest men1 as with some honest men he did1 then he would be as they1 talk as they1 seem to be sober as they1 talk of justice and religion as they1 and against debauchery as they2 yea1 and would too seem to show a dislike of them that said1 did1 or were otherwise than honest4 ,again1 when he did light among those that were bad1 then he would be as they1 but yet more close and cautiously1 except they were sure of his company4 ,then he would carry it openly1 be as they1 say1 damn them and sink them#da as they4 ,if they railed on good men1 so could he2 if they railed on religion1 so could he2 if they talked beastly1 vainly1 idly1 so would he2 if they were for drinking1 swearing1 whoring1 or any the like villainies1 so was he4 ,this was now the path he trod in1 and could do all artificially as any man alive4 ,and now he thought himself a perfect man1 he thought he was always a boy till now4 ,what think you now of ,mr4 ,badman8 ,,atten4 ,think6 why ,i think he was an atheist2 for no man but an atheist can do this4 ,i say it cannot be but that the man that is such as this ,mr4 ,badman must be a rank and stinking atheist1 for he that believes that there is either ,god or devil1 heaven or hell1 or death and judgment after1 cannot do as ,mr4 ,badman did2 ,i mean if he could do these things without reluctancy and check of conscience1 yea1 if he had not sorrow and remorse for such abominable sins as these4 ,,wise4 ,nay1 he was so far off from reluctances and remorse of conscience for these things1 that he counted them the excellency of his attainments1 the quintessence of his wit1 his rare and singular virtues1 such as but few besides himself could be the masters of4 ,therefore1 as for those that made boggle and stop at things1 and that could not in conscience1 and for fear of death and judgment1 do such things as he1 he would call them fools and noddies1#db and charge them for being frighted with the talk of unseen bugbears1 and would encourage them1 if they would be men indeed1 to labour after the attainment of this his excellent art4 ,he would oftentimes please himself with the thoughts of what he could do in this matter1 saying within himself1 ,i can be religious and irreligious1 ,i can be anything or nothing2 ,i can swear1 and speak against swearing2 ,i can lie1 and speak against lying2 ,i can drink1 wench1 be unclean1 and defraud1 and not be troubled for it4 ,now ,i enjoy myself1 and am master of mine own ways1 and not they of me4 ,this ,i have attained with much study1 great care1 and more pains4 ,but this his talk should be only with himself1 to his wife1 who he knew durst not divulge it1 or among his intimates1 to whom he knew he might say any thing4 ,,atten4 ,did ,i call him before an atheist8 ,i may call him now a devil1 or a man possessed with one1 if not with many4 ,i think that there cannot be found in every corner such a one as this4 ,true1 it is said of king ,ahaz that he sinned more and more 7#b ,chron #bh3bb74 ,and of ,ahab1 that he sold 'himself to work wickedness' 7#a ,kings #ba3be74 ,and of the men of ,sodom1 that they 'were sinners before the ,lord exceedingly' 7,gen #ac3ac74 ,,wise4 ,an atheist he was no doubt1 if there be such a thing as an atheist in the world2 but for all his brags of perfection and security in his wickedness1 ,i believe that at times ,god did let down fire from heaven into his conscience 7,job #ba3ag74 ,true1 ,i believe he would quickly put it out again1 and grow more wicked and desperate afterward1 but this also turned to his destruction1 as afterward you may hear4 ,but ,i am not of your mind to think that there are but few such in the world1 except you mean as to the degree of wickedness unto which he had attained4 ,for otherwise1 no doubt1 there is abundance of such as he2 men of the same mind1 of the same principles1 and of the same conscience too1 to put them into practice4 ,yea1 ,i believe that there are many that are endeavouring to attain to the same pitch of wickedness1 and all them are such as he in the judgment of the law1 nor will their want of hellish wit to attain thereto excuse them at the day of judgment4 ,you know that in all science some are more arch than some1 and so it is in the art as well as in the practice of wickedness1 some are two-fold and some seven-fold more the children of hell than others--and yet all the children of hell--else they would all be masters1 and none scholars in the school of wickedness4 ,but there must be masters1 and there must be learners2 ,mr4 ,badman was a master in this art1 and therefore it follows that he must be an arch and chief one in that mystery4 ,,atten4 ,you are in the right1 for ,i perceive that some men1 though they desire it1 are not so arch in the practice thereof as others1 but are1 as ,i suppose they call them1 fools and dunces to the rest1 their heads and capacities will not serve them to act and do so wickedly4 ,but ,mr4 ,badman wanted not a wicked head to contrive1 as well as a wicked heart to do his wickedness4 ,,wise4 ,true1 but yet ,i say such men shall at the day of judgment be judged1 not only for what they are1 but also for what they would be4 ,for if 'the thought of foolishness is sin1' doubtless the desire of foolishness is more sin2 and if the desire be more1 the endeavour after it must needs be more and more 7,psa #bd3i74 ,he then that is not an artificial atheist and transgressor1 yet if he desires to be so1 if he endeavoureth to be so1 he shall be judged and condemned to hell for such a one4 ,for the law judgeth men1 as ,i said1 according to what they would be4 ,he that 'looketh on a woman to lust after her1 hath committed adultery with her already in his heart' 7,matt #e3bh74 ,by the same rule1 he that would steal doth steal he that would cheat1 doth cheat2 he that would swear1 doth swear2 and he that would commit adultery1 doth do so4 ,for ,god judgeth men according to the working of their minds1 and saith1 ',as he thinketh1 so is he' 7,prov #bc3g74 ,that is1 so is he in his heart1 in his intentions1 in his desires1 in his endeavours2 and ,god's law1 ,i say1 lays hold of the desires1 intentions1 and endeavours1 even as it lays hold of the act of wickedness itself 7,matt #e2 ,rom #g3g74 ,a man then that desires to be as bad as ,mr4 ,badman1 and desires to be so wicked have many in their hearts1 though he never attains to that proficiency in wickedness as he1 shall be judged for as bad a man as he1 because it was in his desires to be such a wicked one4 ,,atten4 ,but this height of wickedness in ,mr4 ,badman will not yet out of my mind4 ,this hard1 desperate1 or1 what shall ,i call it1 diabolical frame of heart1 was in him a foundation1 a ground-work to all acts and deeds that were evil4 ,,wise4 ,the heart1 and the desperate wickedness of it1 is the foundation and ground-work of all4 ,atheism1 professed and practical1 spring both out of the heart1 yea1 and all manner of evil besides4 ,for they be not bad deeds that make a bad man1 but he is already a bad man that doth bad deeds4 ,a man must be wicked before he can do wickedness4 ',wickedness proceedeth form the wicked' 7#a ,sam #bd3ac74 ,it is an evil tree that bars evil fruit4 ,men gather no grapes of thorns2 the heart therefore must be evil before the man can do evil1 and good before the man doth good 7,matt #g3af-ah74 ,,atten4 ,now ,i see the reason why ,mr4 ,badman was so base as to get a wife by dissimulation1 and to abuse her so like a villain when he had got her1 it was because he was before1 by a wicked heart1 prepared to act wickedness4 ,,wise4 ,you may be sure of it1 ',for from within1 out of the heart of men1 proceed evil thoughts1 adulteries1 fornications1 murders1 thefts1 covetousness1 wickedness1 deceit1 lasciviousness1 an evil eye1 blasphemy1 pride1 foolishness3 all these things come from within and defile the man' 7,mark #g3bj-bc74 ,and a man1 as his naughty mind inclines him1 makes use of these1 or any of these1 to gratify his lust1 to promote his designs1 to revenge his malice1 to enrich1 or to wallow himself in the foolish pleasures and pastimes of this life4 ,and all these did ,mr4 ,badman do1 even to the utmost1 if either opportunity1 or purse1 or perfidiousness1 would help him to the obtaining of his purpose4 ,,atten4 ,purse6 why he could not but have purse to do almost what he would1 having married a wife with so much money4 ,,wise4 ,hold you there2 some of ,mr4 ,badman's sins were costly1 as his drinking1 and whoring1 and keeping other bad company2 though he was a man that had ways too many to get money1 as well as ways too many to spend it4 ,,atten4 ,had he then such a good trade1 for all he was such a bad man8 ,or was his calling so gainful to him as always to keep his purse's belly full1 though he was himself a great spender8 ,,wise4 ,no1 it was not his trade that did it1 though he had a pretty trade too4 ,he had another way to get money1 and that by hatfuls and pocketfuls at a time4 ,,atten4 ,why ,i trow he was no highwayman1 was he8 ,,wise4 ,i will be sparing in my speech as to that1 though some have muttered as if he could ride out now and then1 about nobody but himself knew what1 over night1 and come home all dirty and weary next morning4 ,but that is not the thing ,i aim at4 ,,atten4 ,pray let me know it1 if you think it convenient that ,i should4 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,badman ,,is ,a ,,bankrupt1 ,,and ,,gets ,,by ,,it ',,hatfuls ,,of ,,money4' ,,wise4 ,i will tell you2 it was this1 he had an art to break1 and get hatfuls of money by breaking4 ,,atten4 ,but what do you mean by ,mr4 ,badman's breaking8 ,you speak mystically1 do you not8 ,,wise4 ,no1 no1 ,i speak plainly4 ,or1 if you will have it in plainer language1 it is this2--when ,mr4 ,badman had swaggered and whored away most of his wife's portion1 he began to feel that he could not much longer stand upon his legs in this course of life and keep up his trade and repute--such as he had--in the world1 but by the new engine of breaking4 ,wherefore upon a time he gives a great and sudden rush into several men's debts1 to the value of about four or five thousand pounds1 driving at the same time a very great trade1 by selling many things for less than they cost him1 to get him custom1 therewith to blind his creditors' eyes4 ,his creditors therefore seeing that he had a great employ1 and dreaming that it must needs at length turn to a very good account to them1 trusted him freely without mistrust1 and so did others too1 to the value of what was mentioned before4 ,well1 when ,mr4 ,badman had well feathered his nest with other men's goods and money1 after a little time he breaks4 ,and by and by it was noised abroad that ,mr4 ,badman had shut up shop1 was gone1 and could trade no longer4 ,now by that time his breaking was come to his creditors' ears1 he had by craft and knavery made so sure of what he had1 that his creditors could not touch a penny4 ,well1 when he had done1 he sends his mournful sugared letters to his creditors1 to let them understand what had happened unto him1 and desired them not to be severe with him1 for he bore towards all men an honest mind1 and would pay so far as he was able4 ,now he sends his letters by a man confederate with him1 who could make both the worst and best of ,mr4 ,badman's case2 the best for ,mr4 ,badman and the worst for his creditors4 ,so when he comes to them he both bemoans them and condoles ,mr4 ,badman's condition1 telling of them that1 without a speedy bringing of things to a conclusion1 ,mr4 ,badman would be able to make them no satisfaction1 but at present he both could and would1 and that to the utmost of his power1 and to that end he desired that they would come over to him4 ,well1 his creditors appoint him a time and come over1 and he1 meanwhile1 authorizes another to treat with them1 but will not be seen himself1 unless it was on a ,sunday1 lest they should snap him with a writ4 ,so his deputed friend treats with them about their concern with ,mr4 ,badman1 first telling them of the great care that ,mr4 ,badman took to satisfy them and all men for whatsoever he owed1 as far as in him lay1 and how little he thought a while since to be in this low condition4 ,he pleaded also the greatness of his charge1 the greatness of taxes1 the badness of the times1 and the great losses that he had by many of his customers2 some of which died in his debt1 others were run away1 and for many that were alive he never expected a farthing from them4 ,yet nevertheless he would show himself an honest man1 and would pay as far as he was able2 and if they were willing to come to terms1 he would make a composition with them1 for he was not able to pay them all4 ,the creditors asked what he would give8 ,it was replied1 ,half-a-crown in the pound4 ,at this they began to huff1 and he to renew his complaint and entreaty1 but the creditors would not hear1 and so for that time their meeting without success broke up4 ,but after his creditors were in cool blood1 and admitting of second thoughts1 and fearing lest delays should make them lose all1 they admit of a second debate1 come together again1 and1 by many worlds and great ado1 they obtained five shillings in the pound4 ,so the money was produced1 releases and discharges drawn1 signed1 and sealed1 books crossed1 and all things confirmed2 and then ,mr4 ,badman can put his head out a doors again1 and be a better man than when he shut up shop1 by several thousands of pounds4#dc ,,atten4 ,and did he do thus indeed8 ,,wise4 ,yes1 once and again4 ,i think he brake twice or thrice4 ,,atten4 ,and did he do it before he had need to do it8 ,,wise4 ,need6 ,what do you mean by need8 ,there is no need at any time for a man to play the knave4 ,he did it of a wicked mind1 to defraud and beguile his creditors4 ,he had wherewithal of his father1 and also by his wife1 to have lived upon1 with lawful labour1 like an honest man4 ,he had also1 when he made this wicked break1 though he had been a profuse and prodigal spender1 to have paid his creditors their own to a farthing4 ,but had he done so1 he had not done like himself1 like ,mr4 ,badman2 had he1 ,i say1 dealt like an honest man1 he had then gone out of ,mr4 ,badman's road4 ,he did it therefore of a dishonest mind1 and to a wicked end2 to wit1 that he might have wherewithal1 howsoever unlawfully gotten1 to follow his cups and queans1#dd and to live in the full swing of his lusts1 even as he did before4 ,,atten4 ,why this was a mere cheat4 ,,wise4 ,it was a cheat indeed4 ,this way of breaking1 it is nothing else but a more neat way of thieving1 of picking of pockets1 of breaking open of shops1 and of taking from men what one has nothing to do with4 ,but though it seem easy1 it is hard to learn2 no man that has conscience to ,god or man1 can ever be his crafts-master in this hellish art4 ,,atten4 ,o6 ,sir6 ,what a wicked man was this6 ,,wise4 ,a wicked man indeed4 ,by this art he could tell how to make men send their goods to his shop1 and then be glad to take a penny for that which he had promised1 before it came thither1 to give them a groat3 ,i say1 he could make them glad to take a crown for a pound's worth1 and a thousand for that for which he had promised before to give them four thousand pounds4 ,,atten4 ,this argueth that ,mr4 ,badman had but little conscience4 ,,wise4 ,this argued that ,mr4 ,badman had no conscience at all2 for conscience1 the least spark of a good conscience1 cannot endure this4 ,,atten4 ,before we go any further in ,mr4 ,badman's matters1 let me desire you1 if you please1 to give me an answer to these two questions4 #a4 ,what do you find in the ,word of ,god against such a practice as this of ,mr4 ,badman's is8 #b4 ,what would you have a man do that is in his creditor's debt1 and can neither pay him what he owes him1 nor go on in a trade any longer8 ,,wise4 ,i will answer you as well as ,i can4 ,and first1 to the first of your questions2 to wit1 ,what ,i find in the ,word of ,god against such a practice as this of ,mr4 ,badman's is4 ,the ,word of ,god doth forbid this wickedness2 and to make it the more odious in our eyes1 it joins it with theft and robbery4 ',thou shalt not1' says ,god1 'defraud thy neighbour1 neither rob him' 7,lev #ai3ac74 ,thou shalt not defraud1 that is1 deceive or beguile4 ,now thus to break1 is to defraud1 deceive and beguile2 which is1 as you see1 forbidden by the ,god of heaven3 ',thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour1 neither rob him4' ,it is a kind of theft and robbery1 thus to defraud1 and beguile4 ,it is a vilely robbing of his shop1 and picking of his pocket2 a thing odious to reason and conscience1 and contrary to the law of nature4 ,it is a designed piece of wickedness1 and therefore a double sin4 ,a man cannot do this great wickedness on a sudden1 and through a violent assault of ,satan4 ,he that will commit this sin1 must have time to deliberate1 that by invention he may make it formidable1 and that with lies and high dissimulations4 ,he that commits this wickedness1 must first hatch it upon his bed1 beat his head about it1 and lay his plot strong4 ,so that to the completing of such a wickedness1 there must be adjoined many sins1 and they too must go hand in hand until it be completed4 ,but what saith the scripture8 ',let no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter3 because that the ,lord is the avenger of all such' 7#a ,thess #d3f74 ,but this kind of breaking is a going beyond my brother2 this is a compassing of him about1 that ,i may catch him in my net2 and as ,i said1 an art to rob my brother1 and to pick his pocket1 and that with his consent4 ,which doth not therefore mitigate1 but so much the more greaten1 and make odious the offence4 ,for men that are thus wilily abused1 cannot help themselves2 they are taken in a deceitful net4 ,but ,god will here concern himself1 he will be the avenger1 he will be the avenger of all such either here1 or in another world4 ,and this1 the apostle testifies again1 where he saith1 ',but he that doeth wrong1 shall receive for the wrong which he hath done2 and there is no respect of persons' 7,col #c3be74 ,that is1 there is no man1 be he what he will1 if he will be guilty of this sin1 of going beyond1 of beguiling of1 and doing wrong to his brother1 but ,god will call him to an account for it1 and will pay him with vengeance for it too2 for 'there is no respect of persons4' ,i might add1 that this sin of wronging1 of going beyond1 and defrauding of my neighbour1 it is like that first prank that the devil played with our first parents1 as the altar that ,uriah built of ,ahaz1 was taken from the fashion of that that stood at ,damascus1 to be the very pattern of it4 ,the serpent beguiled me1 says ,eve2 ,mr4 ,badman beguiles his creditors4 ,the serpent beguiled ,eve with lying promises of gain2 and so did ,mr4 ,badman beguile his creditors4 ,the serpent said one thing and meant another1 when he beguiled ,eve2 and so did ,mr4 ,badman when he beguiled his creditors4 ,that man therefore that doth thus deceive and beguile his neighbour1 imitateth the devil2 he taketh his examples from him1 and not from ,god1 the ,word1 or good men2 and this did ,mr4 ,badman4 ,and now to your second question2 to wit1 what ,i would have a man do that is in his creditor's debt1 and that can neither pay him1 nor go on in a trade any longer8 ,answ4 ,first of all4 ,if this be his case1 and he knows it1 let him not run one penny further in his creditors' debt1 for that cannot be done with good conscience4 ,he that knows he cannot pay1 and yet will run into debt2 does knowingly wrong and defraud his neighbour1 and falls under that sentence of the ,word of ,god1 ',the wicked borroweth1 and payeth not again' 7,psa #cg3ba74 ,yea1 worse1 he borrows1 though at the very same time he knows that he cannot pay again4 ,he doth also craftily take away what is his neighbour's4 ,that is therefore the first thing that ,i would propound to such2 let him not run any farther into his creditors' debt4 ,secondly1 ,after this1 let him consider1 how1 and by what means he was brought into such a condition that he could not pay his just debts4 ,to wit1 whether it was by his own remissness in his calling1 by living too high in diet or apparel1 by lending too lavishingly that which was none of his own1 to his loss2 or whether by the immediate hand and judgment of ,god4 ,if by searching he finds that this is come upon him through remissness in his calling1 extravagancies in his family1 or the like2 let him labour for a sense of his sin and wickedness1 for he has sinned against the ,lord4 ,first1 in his being slothful in business1 and in not providing1 to wit1 of his own1 by the sweat of his brow1 or other honest ways1 for those of his own house 7,rom #ab3aa2 #a ,tim #e3h74 ,and1 secondly1 in being lavishing in diet and apparel in the family1 or in lending to others that which was none of his own4 ,this cannot be done with good conscience4 ,it is both against reason and nature1 and therefore must be a sin against ,god4 ,i say therefore1 if thus this debtor hath done1 if ever he would live quietly in conscience1 and comfortably in his condition for the future1 let him humble himself before ,god1 and repent of this his wickedness4 ,for 'he that is slothful in his work1 is brother to him that is a great waster' 7,prov #ah3i74 ,to be slothful and a waster too1 is to be as it were a double sinner4 ,but again1 as this man should inquire into these things1 so he should also into this1 ,how came ,i into this way of dealing in which ,i have now miscarried8 ,is it a way that my parents brought me up in1 put me apprentice to1 or that by providence ,i was first thrust into8 ,or is it a way into which ,i have twisted myself1 as not being contented with my first lot1 that by ,god and my parents ,i was cast into8 ,this ought duly to be considered1 and if upon search a man shall find that he is out of the place and calling into which he was put by his parents1 or the providence of ,god1 and has miscarried in a new way1 that through pride and dislike of his first state he has chose rather to embrace2 his miscarriage is his sin1 the fruit of his pride1 and a token of the judgment of ,god upon him for his leaving of his first state4 ,and for this he ought1 as for the former1 to be humble and penitent before the ,lord1 ,but if by search1 he finds that his poverty came by none of these2 if by honest search1 he finds it so1 and can say with good conscience1 ,i went not out of my place and state in which ,god by his providence had put me2 but have abode with ,god in the calling wherein ,i was called1 and have wrought hard1 and fared meanly1 been civilly apparelled1 and have not directly nor indirectly made away with my creditors' goods2 then has his fall come upon him by the immediate hand of ,god1 whether by visible or invisible ways4 ,for sometimes it comes by visible ways1 to wit1 by fire1 by thieves1 by loss of cattle1 or the wickedness of sinful dealers1 c4 ,and sometimes by means invisible1 and then no man knows how2 we only see things are going1 but cannot see by what way they go4 ,well1 now suppose that a man1 by an immediate hand of ,god1 is brought to a morsel of bread1 what must he do now8 ,i answer3 ,his surest way is still to think1 that this is the fruit of some sin1 though possibly not sin in the management of his calling1 yet of some other sin4 ',god casteth away the substance of the wicked' 7,prov #aj3c74 ,therefore let him still humble himself before his ,god1 because his hand is upon him1 and say1 ,what sin is this1 for which this hand of ,god is upon me8 7#a ,peter #e3f74 ,and let him be diligent to find it out1 for some sin is the cause of this judgment2 for ,god 'doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men' 7,lam #c3cc74 ,either the heart is too much set upon the world1 or religion is too much neglected in thy family1 or something4 ,there is a snake in the grass1 a worm in the gourd2 some sin in thy bosom1 for the sake of which ,god doth thus deal with thee4 ,thirdly1 ,this thus done1 let that man again consider thus with himself3 perhaps ,god is now changing of my condition and state in the world2 he has let me live in fashion1 in fulness1 and abundance of worldly glory2 and ,i did not to his glory improve1 as ,i should1 that his good dispensation to me4 ,but when ,i lived in full and fat pasture1 ,i did there lift up the heel 7,deut #cb3ae74 ,therefore he will now turn me into hard commons1 that with leanness1 and hunger1 and meanness1 and want1 ,i may spend the rest of my days4 ,but let him do this without murmuring and repining2 let him do it in a godly manner1 submitting himself to the judgment of ,god4 ',let the rich rejoice in that he is made low' 7,james #a3i1aj74 ,this is duty1 and it may be privilege to those that are under this hand of ,god4 ,and for thy encouragement to this hard work1 for this is a hard work1 consider of these four things4 #a4 ,this is right lying down under ,god's hand1 and the way to be exalted in ,god's time4 ,when ,god would have ,job embrace the dunghill1 he embraces it1 and says1 ',the ,lord gave1 and the ,lord hath taken away1 blessed be the name of the ,lord' 7,job #a3ba74 #b4 ,consider1 that there are blessings also that attend a low condition1 more than all the world are aware of4#de ,a poor condition has preventing mercy attending of it4 ,the poor1 because they are poor1 are not capable of sinning against ,god as the rich man does 7,psa #di3f74 #c4 ,the poor can more clearly see himself preserved by the providence of ,god than the rich1 for he trusteth in the abundance of his riches4 #d4 ,it may be ,god has made thee poor1 because he would make thee rich4 ',hearken1 my beloved brethren1 hath not ,god chosen the poor of this world1 rich in faith1 and heirs of the kingdom which ,god hath promised to them that love him8' 7,james #b3e74 ,i am persuaded if men upon whom this hand of ,god is1 would thus quietly lie down and humble themselves under it1 they would find more peace1 yea more blessing of ,god attending them in it1 than the most of men are aware of4 ,but this is a hard chapter1 and therefore ,i do not expect that many should either read it with pleasure1 or desire to take my counsel4 ,having thus spoken to the broken man1 with reference to his own self1 ,i will now speak to him as he stands related to his creditors4 ,in the next place therefore1 let him fall upon the most honest way of dealing with his creditors1 and that ,i think must be this3 ,first1 ,let him timely make them acquainted with his condition1 and also do to them these three things4 #a4 ,let him heartily and unfeignedly ask them forgiveness for the wrong that he has done them4 #b4 ,let him proffer them ,,all1 and the whole ,,all that ever he has in the world2 let him hide nothing1 let him strip himself to his raiment for them2 let him not keep a ring1 a spoon1 or anything from them4 #c4 ,if none of these two will satisfy them1 let him proffer them his body1 to be at their dispose1 to wit1 either to abide imprisonment at their pleasure1 or to be at their service1 till by labour and travel he hath made them such amends as they in reason think fit1 only reserving something for the succour of his poor and distressed family out of his labour1 which in reason1 and conscience1 and nature1 he is bound also to take care of4 ,thus shall he make them what amends he is able1 for the wrong that he hath done them in wasting and spending of their estates4 ,by thus doing1 he submits himself to ,god's rod1 commits himself to the dispose of his providence2 yea1 by thus doing1 he casteth the lot of his present and future condition into the lap#df of his creditors1 and leaves the whole dispose thereof to the ,lord1 even as he shall order and incline their hearts to do with him 7,prov #af3cc74 ,and let that be either to forgive him1 or to take that which he hath for satisfaction1 or to lay his body under affliction1 this way or that1 according to law2 can he1 ,i say1 thus leave the whole dispose to ,god1 let the issue be what it will1 that man shall have peace in his mind afterward4 ,and the comforts of that state1 which will be comforts that attend equity1 justice1 and duty1 will be more unto him1 because more according to godliness1 than can be the comforts that are the fruits of injustice1 fraudulency1 and deceit4 ,besides1 this is the way to engage ,god to favour him by the sentence of his creditors2 for ,,he can entreat them to use him kindly1 and he will do it when his ways are pleasing in his sight 7,jer #ae3aj1aa74 ,when a man's ways please the ,lord1 he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him 7,prov #af3g74 ,and surely1 for a man to seek to make restitution for wrongs done to the utmost of his power1 by what he is1 has1 and enjoys in this world1 is the best way1 in that capacity1 and with reference to that thing1 that a man can at this time be found active in4 ,but he that doth otherwise1 abides in his sin1 refuses to be disposed of by the providence of ,god1 chooseth an high estate1 though not attained in ,god's way2 when ,god's will is that he should descend into a low one4 ,yea1 he desperately saith in his heart and actions1 ,i will be mine own chooser1 and that in mine own way1 whatever happens or follows thereupon4 ,,atten4 ,you have said well1 in my mind4 ,but suppose now that ,mr4 ,badman was here1 could he not object as to what you have said1 saying1 ,go and teach your brethren1 that are professors1 this lesson1 for they as ,i am are guilty of breaking2 yea1 ,i am apt to think1 of that which you call my knavish way of breaking1 to wit1 of breaking before they have need to break4 ,but if not so1 yet they are guilty of neglect in their calling1 of living higher1 both in fare and apparel1 than their trade or income will maintain4 ,besides that they do break all the world very well knows1 and that they have the art to plead for a composition1 is very well known to men2 and that is usual with them to hide their linen1 their plate1 their jewels1 and it is to be thought1 sometimes money and goods besides1 is as common as four eggs a penny4#dg and thus they beguile men1 debauch their consciences1 sin against their profession1 and make1 it is to be feared1 their lusts in all this1 and the fulfilling of them their end4 ,i say1 if ,mr4 ,badman was here to object thus unto you1 what would be your reply8 ,,wise4 ,what8 ,why ,i would say1 ,i hope no good man1 no man of good conscience1 no man that either feareth ,god1 regardeth the credit of religion1 the peace of ,god's people1 or the salvation of his own soul1 will do thus4 ,professors such1 perhaps1 there may be1 and who upon earth can help it8 ,jades there be of all colours4 ,if men will profess1 and make their profession a stalking-horse to beguile their neighbours of their estates1 as ,mr4 ,badman himself did1 when he beguiled her that now is with sorrow his wife1 who can help it8 ,the churches of old were pestered with such1 and therefore no marvel if these perilous difficult times be so4 ,but mark how the apostle words it3 ',nay1 ye do wrong1 and defraud1 and that your brethren4 ,know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of ,god8 ,be not deceived1 neither fornicators1 nor idolators1 nor adulterers1 nor effeminate1 nor abusers of themselves with mankind1 nor thieves1 nor covetous1 nor drunkards1 nor revilers1 nor extortioners1 shall inherit the kingdom of ,god' 7#a ,cor #f3h-aj2 #b ,tim #c3a-e74 ,none of these shall be saved in this state1 nor shall profession deliver them from the censure of the godly1 when they shall be manifest such to be4 ,but their profession we cannot help4 ,how can we help it1 if men should ascribe to themselves the title of holy ones1 godly ones1 zealous ones1 self-denying ones1 or any other such glorious title8 and while they thus call themselves1 they should be the veriest rogues for all evil1 sin1 and villainy imaginable1 who could help it8 ,true1 they are a scandal to religion1 a grief to the honest-hearted1 an offence to the world1 and a stumbling-stone to the weak1 and these offences have come1 do come1 and will come1 do what all the world can2 but woe be to them through whom they come 7,matt #ah3f-h74 ,let such professors therefore be disowned by all true ,christians1 and let them be reckoned among those base men of the world1 which1 by such actions1 they most resemble4 ,they are ,mr4 ,badman's kindred4 ,for they are a shame to religion1 ,i say1 these slithy1#dh rob-shop1 pick-pocket men1 they are a shame to religion1 and religious men should be ashamed of them4 ,god puts such an one among the fools of the world1 therefore let not ,christians put them among those that are wise for heaven4 ',as the partridge sitteth on eggs1 and hatcheth them not1 so he that getteth riches1 and not by right1 shall leave them in the midst of his days1 and at his end shall be a fool' 7,jer #ag3aa74 ,and the man under consideration is one of these1 and therefore must look to fall by this judgment4 ,a professor6 and practice such villainies as these6 such a one is not worthy to bear that name any longer4 ,we may say to such as the prophet spake to their like1 to wit1 to the rebellious that were in the house of ,israel3 ',go ye1 serve ye every one his idols' 7,eze #bj3ci74 ,if ye will not hearken to the law and testament of ,god1 to lead your lives hereafter3 'but pollute ,god's holy name no more with your gifts1 and with your idols4' ,go1 professors1 go2 leave off profession1 unless you will lead your lives according to your profession4 ,better never profess1 than to make profession a stalking-horse to sin1 deceit1 to the devil1 and hell4 ,the ground and rules of religion allow not any such thing3 'receive us1' says the apostle1 'we have wronged no man1 we have corrupted no man1 we have defrauded no man' 7#b ,cor #g3b74 ,intimating that those that are guilty of wronging1 corrupting1 or defrauding of any1 should not be admitted to the fellowship of saints1 no1 nor into the common catalogue of brethren with them4 ,nor can men with all their rhetoric1 and eloquent speaking1 prove themselves fit for the kingdom of heaven1 or men of good conscience on earth4 ,o that godly plea of ,samuel3 ',behold here ,i am1' says he1 'witness against me1 before the ,lord1 and before his anointed1 whose ox have ,i taken8 or whose ass have ,i taken8 or whom have ,i defrauded8 whom have ,i oppressed8' c4 7#a ,sam #ab3c74 ,this was to do like a man of good conscience indeed 7,matt #aj3ai74 ,and in this his appeal1 he was so justified in the consciences of the whole congregation1 that they could not but with one voice1 as with one mouth1 break out jointly1 and say1 ',thou hast not defrauded us1 nor oppressed us' 7,matt #aj3d74 ,a professor1 and defraud1 away with him6 ,a professor should not owe any man anything but love4 ,a professor should provide things1 not of other men's but of his own1 of his own honest getting1 and that not only in the sight of ,god1 but of all men2 that he may adorn the doctrine of ,god our ,saviour in all things4 ,,atten4 ,but suppose ,god should blow upon a professor in his estate and calling1 and he should be run out before he is aware1 must he be accounted to be like ,mr4 ,badman1 and lie under the same reproach as he8 ,,wise4 ,no3 if he hath dutifully done what he could to avoid it4 ,it is possible for a ship to sink at sea1 notwithstanding the most faithful endeavour of the most skilful pilot under heaven4 ,and thus1 as ,i suppose1 it was with the prophet1 that left his wife in debt1 to the hazarding the slavery of her children by the creditors 7#b ,kings #d3a1b74 ,he was no profuse man1 nor one that was given to defraud1 for the text says he feared ,god2 yet1 as ,i said1 he was run out more than she could pay4 ,if ,god would blow upon a man1 who can help it8 7,hagg #a3i74 ,and he will do so sometimes1 because he will change dispensations with me1 and because he will try their graces4 ,yea1 also1 because he will overthrow the wicked with his judgments2 and all these things are seen in ,job4 ,but then the consideration of this should bid men have a care that they be honest1 lest this comes upon them for their sin4 ,it should also bid them beware of launching further into the world1 than in an honest way1 by ordinary means1 they can godlily make their retreat2 for the further in the greater fall4 ,it should also teach them to beg of ,god his blessing upon their endeavours1 their honest and lawful endeavours4 ,and it should put them upon a diligent looking to their steps1 that if in their going they should hear the ice crack1 they may timely go back again4 ,these things considered1 and duly put in practice1 if ,god will blow upon a man1 then let him be content1 and with ,job embrace the dunghill4 ,let him give unto all their dues1 and not fight against the providence of ,god1 but humble himself rather under his mighty hand1 which comes to strip him naked and bare3 for he that doth otherwise fights against ,god2 and declares that he is a stranger to that of ,paul2 ',i know both how to be abased1 and ,i know how to abound2 everywhere and in all things ,i am instructed both to be full and to be hungry1 both to abound and to suffer need' 7,phil #d3ab74 ,,atten4 ,but ,mr4 ,badman would not1 ,i believe1 have put this difference betwixt things feigned and those that fall of necessity4 ,,wise4 ,if he will not1 ,god will1 conscience will3 and that not thine own only1 but the consciences of all those that have seen the way1 and that have known the truth of the condition of such a one4 ,,atten4 ,well3 let us at this time leave this matter1 and return again to ,mr4 ,badman4 ,,wise4 ,with all my heart will ,i proceed to give you a relation of what is yet behind of his life1 in order to our discourse of his death4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,,badman',s ,,fraudulent ,,dealings ,,to ,,get ,,money4 ,,atten4 ,but pray1 do it with as much brevity as you can4 ,,wise4 ,why1 are you weary of my relating of things8 ,,atten4 ,no3 but it pleases me to hear a great deal in few words4 ,,wise4 ,i profess myself not an artist that way1 but yet1 as briefly as ,i can1 ,i will pass through what of his life is behind2 and again ,i shall begin with his fraudulent dealing1 as before ,i have showed with his creditors1 so now with his customers1 and those that he had otherwise to deal withal4 ,he dealt by deceitful weights and measures4 ,he kept weights to buy by1 and weights to sell by2 measures to buy by1 and measures to sell by3 those he bought by were too big1 those he sold by were too little4 ,besides1 he could use a thing called slight of hand1 if he had to do with other men's weights and measures1 and by that means make them whether he did buy or sell1 yea though his customer or chapman looked on1 turn to his own advantage4 ,moreover1 he had the art to misreckon men in their accounts1 whether by weight1 or measure1 or money1 and would often do it to his worldly advantage1 and their loss4 ,what say you to ,mr4 ,badman now8 ,and if a question was made of his faithful dealing1 he had his servants ready1 that to his purpose he had brought up1 that would avouch and swear to his book or word4 ,this was ,mr4 ,badman's practice4 ,what think you of ,mr4 ,badman now8 ,,atten4 ,think6 ,why ,i can think no other but that he was a man left to himself1 a naughty man2 for these1 as his other1 were naughty things2 if the tree1 as indeed it may1 ought to be judged1 what it is1 by its fruits1 then ,mr4 ,badman must needs be a bad tree4 ,but pray1 for my further satisfaction1 show me now1 by the ,word of ,god1 the evil of this his practice2 and first of his using false weights and measures4 ,,wise4 ,the evil of that6 ,why the evil of that appears to every eye4 ,the heathens1 that live like beasts and brutes in many things1 do abominate and abhor such wickedness as this4 ,let a man but look upon these things as he goes by1 and he shall see enough in them from the light of nature to make him loathe so base a practice1 although ,mr4 ,badman loved it4 ,,atten4 ,but show me something out of the ,word against it1 will you8 ,,wise4 ,i will willingly do it4 ,and first1 look into the ,old ,testament3 ',ye shall1' saith ,god there1 'do no unrighteousness in judgment1 in mete-yard1 in weight1 or in measure2 just balances1 just weights1 a just ephah and a just hin shall you have' 7,lev #ai3ce1cf74 ,this is the law of ,god1 and that which all men1 according to the law of the land1 ought to obey4 ,so again3 ',ye shall have just balances1 and a just ephah1' c4 7,eze #de3aj74 ,now having showed you the law1 ,i will also show you how ,god takes swerving therefrom4 ',a false balance is not good' 7,prov #bj3bc74 ',a false balance is abomination to the ,lord' 7,prov #aa3a74 ,some have just weights1 but false balances2 and by virtue of these false balances1 by their just weights1 they deceive the country4 ,wherefore ,god first of all commands that the balance be made just4 ,a just balance shalt thou have2 else they may be1 yea are1 deceivers1 notwithstanding their just weights4 ,now1 having commanded that men have a just balance1 and testifying that a false one is an abomination to the ,lord1 he proceedeth also unto weight and measure4 ,thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights1 a great and a small2 that is1 one to buy by1 and another to sell by1 as ,mr4 ,badman had4 ',thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures1 a great and a small4 7,and these had ,mr4 ,badman also47 ,but thou shalt have a perfect and just weight2 a perfect and just measure shalt thou have1 that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the ,lord thy ,god giveth thee4 ,for all that do such things that is1 that use false weights and measures1 and all that do unrighteously1 are an abomination unto the ,lord' 7,deut #be3ac-af74 ,see now both how plentiful1 and how punctual the ,scripture is in this matter4 ,but perhaps it may be objected1 that all this is old law1 and therefore hath nothing to do with us under the ,new ,testament4 ,not that ,i think you1 neighbour1 will object thus4 ,well1 to this foolish objection1 let us make an answer4 ,first1 he that makes this objection1 if he doth it to overthrow the authority of those texts1 discovereth that himself is first cousin to ,mr4 ,badman4 ,for a just man is willing to speak reverently of those commands4 ,that man therefore hath1 ,i doubt1 but little conscience1 if any at all that is good1 that thus objecteth against the text4 ,but let us look into the ,new ,testament1 and there we shall see how ,christ confirmeth the same2 where he commandeth that men make to others good measure1 including also that they make good weight2 telling such that do thus1 or those that do it not1 that they may be encouraged to do it3 ',good measure1 pressed down1 and shaken together1 and running over1 shall men give into your bosom4 ,for with the same measure that ye mete withal1 it shall be measured to you again' 7,luke #f3ch74 ,to wit1 both from ,god and man4 ,for as ,god will show his indignation against the false man1 by taking away even that he hath1 so he will deliver up the false man to the oppressor1 and the extortioner shall catch from him1 as well as he hath catched from his neighbour2 therefore1 another scripture saith1 ',when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously1 they shall deal treacherously with thee' 7,isa #cc3a74 ,that the ,new ,testament also hath an inspection into men's trading1 yea1 even with their weights and measures1 is evident from these general exhortations1 ',defraud not'2 'lie not one to another4' ',let no man go beyond his brother in any matter1 for the ,lord is the avenger of all such4' ',whatsoever ye do1 do it heartily1 as to the ,lord1' 'doing all in his name1' 'to his glory'2 and the like4 ,all these injunctions and commandments do respect our life and conversation among men1 with reference to our dealing1 trading1 and so1 consequently1 they forbid false1 deceitful1 yea1 all doings that are corrupt4 ,having thus in a word or two showed you that these things are bad1 ,i will next1 for the conviction of those that use them1 show you where ,god saith they are to be found4 #a4 ,they are not to be found in the house of the good and godly man1 for he1 as his ,god1 abhors them2 but they are to be found in the house of evil doers1 such as ,mr4 ,badman's is4 ',are there1' saith the prophet1 'yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked1 and the scant measure that is abominable6' 7,micah #f3aj74 ,are they there yet1 notwithstanding ,god's forbidding1 notwithstanding ,god's tokens of anger against those that do such things6 ,o how loth is a wicked man to let go a sweet1 a gainful sin1 when he hath hold of it6 ,they hold fast deceit1 they refuse to let it go4 #b4 ,these deceitful weights and measures are not to be found in the house of the merciful1 but in the house of the cruel2 in the house of them that love to oppress4 ',the balances of deceit are in his hand2 he loveth to oppress' 7,hosea #ab3g74 ,he is given to oppression and cruelty1 therefore he useth such wicked things in his calling4 ,yea1 he is a very cheat1 and1 as was hinted before concerning ,mr4 ,badman's breaking1 so ,i say now1 concerning his using these deceitful weights and measures1 it is as bad1 as base1 as to take a purse1#di or pick a pocket2 for it is a plain robbery2 it takes away from a man that which is his own1 even the price of his money4 #c4 ,the deceitful weights and measures are not to be found in the house of such as relieve the belly1 and that cover the loins of the poor1 but of such as indeed would swallow them up4 ',hear this1 ,o ye that swallow up the needy1 even to make the poor of the land to fail1 saying1 ,when will the new moon be gone1 that we may sell corn8 and the ,sabbath1 that we may set forth wheat1 making the ephah small1 and the shekel great making the measure small1 and the price great1 and falsifying the balances by deceit8 ,that ye may buy the poor for silver1 and the needy for a pair of shoes1 and sell the refuse of the wheat4 ,the ,lord hath sworn by the excellency of ,jacob1 ,surely ,i will never forget any of their works' 7,amos #h3d-h74 ,so detestable and vile a things is this in the sight of ,god4 #d4 ,god abominates the thoughts of calling of those that use false weights and measures1 by any other term than that they be impure ones1 or the like3 ',shall ,i count them pure1' saith he1 'with the bag of deceitful weights8' 7,micah #f3aa74 ,no1 by no means1 they are impure ones2 their hands are defiled1 deceitful gain is in their houses1 they have gotten what they have by coveting an evil covetousness1 and therefore must and shall be counted among the impure1 among the wicked of the world4 ,thus you see how full and plain the ,word of ,god is against this sin1 and them that use it4 ,and therefore ,mr4 ,badman1 for that he used by these things thus to rook and cheat his neighbours1 is rightly rejected from having his name in and among the catalogue of the godly4 ,,atten4 ,but ,i am persuaded that the using of these things1 and the doing by them thus deceitfully1 is not counted so great an evil by some4 ,,wise4 ,whether it be counted an evil or a virtue by men1 it mattereth not2 you see by the ,scriptures the judgment of ,god upon it4 ,it was not counted an evil by ,mr4 ,badman1 nor is it by any that still are treading in his steps4 ,but1 ,i say1 it is no matter how men esteem of things1 let us adhere to the judgment of ,god4 ,and the rather1 because when we ourselves have done weighing and measuring to others1 then ,god will weigh and measure both us and our actions4 ,and when he doth so1 as he will do shortly1 then woe be to him to whom1 and of whose actions it shall be thus said by him1 ',,tekel1 thou art weighed in the balances1 and are found wanting' 7,dan #e3bg74 ,god will then recompense their evil of deceiving upon their own head1 when he shall shut them out of his presence1 favour1 and kingdom1 for ever and ever4 ,,atten4 ,but it is a wonder1 that since ,mr4 ,badman's common practice was to do thus1 that some one or more did not find him out1 and blame him for this his wickedness4 ,,wise4 ,for the generality of people he went away clever with his knavery4 ,for what with his balance1 his false balance1 and good weight1 and what with his slight of hand to boot1 he beguiled sometimes a little1 and sometimes more1 most that he had to deal with2 besides1 those that use this naughty trade are either such as blind men with a show of religion1 or by hectoring the buyer out by words4 ,i must confess ,mr4 ,badman was not so arch at the first2 that is1 to do it by show of religion2 for now he began to grow threadbare1 though some of his brethren are arch enough this way1 yea1 and of his sisters too1 for ,i told you at first that there were a great many of them1 and never a one of them good2 but for hectoring1 for swearing1 for lying1 if these things would make weight and measure1 they should not be wanting to ,mr4 ,badman's customers4 ,,atten4 ,then it seems he kept good weights and a bad balance2 well that was better than that both should be bad4 ,,wise4 ,not at all4 ,there lay the depth of his deceit2 for if any at any time found fault that he used them hardly1 and that they wanted their weight of things1 he would reply1 ,why1 did you not see them weighted8 will you not believe your own eyes8 if you question my weights1 pray carry them whither you will1 ,i will maintain them to be good and just4 ,the same he would say of his scales1 so he blinded all by his balance4 ,,atten4 ,this is cunning indeed2 but as you say1 there must be also something done or said to blind therewith1 and this ,i perceive ,mr4 ,badman had4 ,,wise4 ,yes1 he had many ways to blind1 but he was never clear at it by making a show of religion1 though he cheated his wife therewith2 for he was1 especially by those that dwelt near him1 too well known to do that1 though he would bungle at it as well as he could4 ,but there are some that are arch villains this way2 they shall to view live a whole life religiously1 and yet shall be guilty of these most horrible sins4 ,and yet religion in itself is never the worse1 nor yet the true professors of it4 ,but1 as ,luther says1 in the name of ,god begins all mischief4#ej ,for hypocrites have no other way to bring their evils to maturity but by using and mixing the name of ,god and religion therewith4 ,thus they become whited walls2 for by this white1 the white of religion1 the dirt of their actions is hid4 ,thus also they become graves that appear not1 and they that go over them1 that have to do with them1 are not aware of them1 but suffer themselves to be deluded by them4 ,yea1 if there shall1 as there will sometimes1 rise a doubt in the heart of the buyer about the weight and measure he should have1 why1 he suffereth his very senses to be also deluded1 by recalling of his chapman's religion to mind1 and thinks verily that not his good chapman but himself is out2 for he dreams not that his chapman can deceive4 ,but if the buyer shall find it out1 and shall make it apparent1 that he is beguiled1 then shall he be healed by having amends made1 and perhaps fault shall be laid upon servants1 c4 ,and so ,mr4 ,cheat shall stand for a right honest man in the eye of his customer1 though the next time he shall pick his pocket again4 ,some plead custom for their cheat1 as if that could acquit them before the tribunal of ,god4 ,and others say it came to them for so much1 and1 therefore1 another must take it for so much1 though there is wanting both as to weight and measure2 but in all these things there are juggles2 or if not1 such must know that 'that which is altogether just1' they must do 7,deut #af3bj74 ,suppose that ,i be cheated myself with a brass half-crown1 must ,i therefore cheat another therewith8 if this be bad in the whole1 it is also bad in the parts4 ,therefore1 however thou art dealt withal in thy buying1 yet thou must deal justly in selling1 or thou sinnest against thy soul1 and art become as ,mr4 ,badman4 ,and know1 that a pretence to custom is nothing worth4 ,it is not custom1 but good conscience that will help at ,god's tribunal4 ,,atten4 ,but ,i am persuaded that that which is gotten by men this way doth them but little good4 ,,wise4 ,i am of your mind for that1 but this is not considered by those thus minded4 ,for if they can get it1 though they get1 as we say1 the devil and all1 by their getting1 yet they are content1 and count that their getting is much4#ea ,little good6 why do you think they consider that8 ,no2 no more than they consider what they shall do in the judgment1 at the day of ,god ,almighty1 for their wrong getting of what they get1 and that is just nothing at all4 ,but to give you a more direct answer4 ,this kind of getting is so far off from doing them little good1 that it doth them no good at all2 because thereby they lose their own souls2 ',what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world1 and lose his own soul8' 7,mark #h3cf74 ,he loseth then1 he loseth greatly that getteth after this fashion4 ,this is the man that is penny-wise and pound-foolish2 this is he that loseth his good sheep for a half-penny-worth of tar2#eb that loseth a soul for a little of the world4 ,and then what doth he get thereby but loss and damage8 ,thus he getteth or rather loseth about the world to come4 ,but what doth he get in this world1 more than travail and sorrow1 vexation of spirit1 and disappointment8 ,men aim at blessedness in getting1 ,i mean1 at temporal blessedness2 but the man that thus getteth1 shall not have that4 ,for though an inheritance after this manner may be hastily gotten at the beginning1 yet the end thereof shall not be blessed4 ,they gather it indeed1 and think to keep it too1 but what says ,solomon8 ,god casteth it away4 ',the ,lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish2 but he casteth away the substance of the wicked' 7,prov #aj3c2 ,jer #ae3ac1 #ag3c74 ,the time1 as ,i said1 that they do enjoy it1 it shall do them no good at all2 but long1 to be sure1 they must not have it4 ,for ,god will either take it away in their lifetime1 or else in the generation following1 according to that of ,job3 ',he1' the wicked1 'may prepare it1 but the just shall put it on1 and the innocent shall divide the silver' 7,job #bg3ag74 ,consider that also that it is written in the ,proverbs2 ',a good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children1 and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just' 7,prov #ac3bb74 ,what then doth he get thereby1 that getteth by dishonest means8 ,why he getteth sin and wrath1 hell and damnation1 and now tell me how much he doth get4 ,this1 ,i say1 is his getting2 so that as ,david says1 we may be bold to say too2 ,i beheld the wicked in great prosperity1 and presently ,i cursed his habitation2 for it cannot prosper with him 7,psa #gc74 ,fluster and huff1 and make ado for a while he may1 but ,god hath determined that both he and it shall melt like grease1 and any observing man may see it so4 ,behold the unrighteous man1 in a way of injustice1 getteth much1 and loadeth himself with thick clay1 but anon it withereth1 it decayeth and even he1 or the generation following decline1 and return to beggary4 ,and this ,mr4 ,badman1 notwithstanding his cunning and crafty tricks to get money1 did die1 nobody can tell whether worth a farthing or no4 ,,atten4 ,he had all the bad tricks1 ,i think1 that it was possible for a man to have1 to get money2 one would think that he should have been rich4 ,,wise4 ,you reckon too fast1 if you count these all his bad tricks to get money2 for he had more besides4 ,if his customers were in his books1 as it should go hard but he would have them there2 at least1 if he thought he could make any advantage of them1 then1 then would he be sure to impose upon them his worst1 even very bad commodity1 yet set down for it the price that the best was sold at2 like those that sold the refuse wheat2 or the worst of the wheat2 making the shekel great1 yet hoisting up the price 7,amos #h74 ,this was ,mr4 ,badman's way4 ,he would sell goods that cost him not the best price by far1 for as much as he sold his best of all for4 ,he had also a trick to mingle his commodity1 that that which was bad might go off with the least mistrust4 ,besides1 if his customers at any time paid him money1 let them look to themselves1 and to their acquaintances1 for he would usually attempt to call for that payment again1 especially if he thought that there were hopes of making a prize thereby1 and then to be sure if they could not produce good and sufficient ground of the payment1 a hundred to one but they paid it again4 ,sometimes the honest chapman would appeal to his servants for proof of the payment of money1 but they were trained up by him to say after his mind1 wright or wrong2 so that1 relief that way1 he could get none4 ,,atten4 ,it is a bad1 yea1 an abominable thing for a man to have such servants4 ,for by such means a poor customer may be undone1 and not know how to help himself4 ,alas6 if the master be so unconscionable1 as ,i perceive ,mr4 ,badman was1 to call for his money twice1 and if his servant will swear that it is a due debt1 where is any help for such a man8 ,he must sink1 there is no remedy4 ,,wise4 ,this is very bad1 but this has been a practice1 and that hundreds of years ago4 ,but what saith the ,word of ,god8 ',i will punish all those that leap on the threshold1 which till their masters' houses with violence and deceit' 7,zeph #a3i74 ,mr4 ,badman also had this art2 could he get a man at advantage1 that is1 if his chapman durst not go from him1 or if the commodity he wanted could not for the present be conveniently had elsewhere1 then let him look to himself1 he would surely make his purse-strings crack2 he would exact upon him without any pity or conscience4 ,,atten4 ,that was extortion1 was it not8 ,i pray let me hear your judgment of extortion1 what it is1 and when committed8 ,,wise4 ,extortion is a screwing from men more than by the law of ,god or men is right2 and it is committed sometimes by them in office1 about fees1 rewards1 and the like3#ec but it is most commonly committed by men of trade1 who without all conscience1 when they have the advantage1 will make a prey of their neighbour4 ,and thus was ,mr4 ,badman an extortioner2 for although he did not exact1 and force away1 as bailiffs and clerks have used to do1 yet he had his opportunities1 and such cruelty to make use of them1 that he would often1 in his way1 be extorting and forcing of money out of his neighbour's pocket4 ,for every man that makes a prey of his advantage upon his neighbour's necessities1 to force from him more than in reason and conscience1 according to the present prices of things such commodity is worth1 may very well be called an extortioner1 and judged for one that hath no inheritance in the kingdom of ,god 7#a ,cor #f3i1aj74 ,,atten4 ,well1 this ,badman was a sad wretch4 ,,chapter ,x4 ,,the ,,simple ,,christian',s ,,views ,,of ,,extortion4 ,,wise4 ,thus you have often said before4 ,but now we are in discourse of this1 give me leave a little to go on4 ,we have a great many people in the country too that live all their days in the practice1 and so under the guilt of extortion2 people1 alas6 that think scorn to be so accounted4 ,as for example3 ,there is a poor body that dwells1 we will suppose1 so many miles from the market2 and this man wants a bushel of grist1 a pound of butter1 or a cheese for himself1 his wife1 and poor children2 but dwelling so far from the market1 if he goes thither1 he shall lose his day's work1 which will be eightpence or tenpence damage to him1 and that is something to a poor man4#ed ,so he goeth to one of his masters or dames for what he wanteth1 and asks them to help him with such a thing2 yes1 say they1 you may have it2 but withal they will give him a gripe1 perhaps make him pay as much or more for it at home1 as they can get when they have carried it five miles to a market1 yea1 and that too for the refuse of their commodity4 ,but in this the women are especially faulty1 in the sale of their butter and cheese1 c4 ,now this is a kind of extortion1 it is a making a prey of the necessity of the poor1 it is a grinding of their faces1 a buying and selling of them4 ,but above all1 your hucksters1 that buy up the poor man's victuals by wholesale1 and sell it to him again for unreasonable gains1 by retail1 and as we call it by piecemeal2 they are got into a way1 after a stinging rate1 to play their game upon such by extortion3 ,i mean such who buy up butter1 cheese1 eggs1 bacon1 c4 by wholesale1 and sell it again1 as they call it1 by pennyworths1 two pennyworths1 a halfpennyworth1 or the like1 to the poor1 all the week after the market is past4 ,these1 though ,i will not condemn them all1 do1 many of them1 bite and pinch the poor by this kind of evil dealing4 ,these destroy the poor because he is poor1 and that is a grievous sin4 ',he that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches1 and he that giveth to the rich1 shall surely come to want4' ,therefore he saith again1 ',rob not the poor because he is poor1 neither oppress the afflicted in the gate3 for the ,lord will plead their cause1 and spoil the soul of them that spoiled them' 7,prov #bb3af1bb1bc74 ,o that he that gripeth and grindeth the face of the poor1 would take notice of these two scriptures6 ,here is threatened the destruction of the estate1 yea and of the soul too1 of them that oppress the poor4 ,their soul we shall better see where1 and in what condition that is in1 when the day of doom is come2 but for the estates of such1 they usually quickly moulder2 and that sometimes all men1 and sometimes no man knows how4 ,besides1 these are usurers1 yea1 they take usury for victuals1 which thing the ,lord has forbidden 7,deut #bc3ai74 ,and because they cannot so well do it on the market-day1 therefore they do it1 as ,i said1 when the market is over2 for then the poor fall into their mouths1 and are necessitated to have1 as they can1 for their need1 and they are resolved they shall pay soundly for it4 ,perhaps some will find fault for my meddling thus with other folks' matters1 and for my thus prying into the secrets of their iniquity4 ,but to such ,i would say1 since such actions are evil1 it is time they were hissed out of the world4 ,for all that do such things offend against ,god1 wrong their neighbour1 and like ,mr4 ,badman do provoke ,god to judgment4 ,,atten4 ,god knows there is abundance of deceit in the world6 ,,wise4 ,deceit6 ,ay1 but ,i have not told you the thousandth part of it2 nor is it my business now to rake to the bottom of that dunghill4 ,what would you say1 if ,i should anatomize some of those vile wretches called pawnbrokers1 that lend money and goods to poor people1 who are by necessity forced to such an inconvenience2 and will make1 by one trick or other1 the interest of what they so lend amount to thirty1 forty1 yea sometimes fifty pound by the year2 notwithstanding the principal is secured by a sufficient pawn2 which they will keep too at last1 if they find any shift to cheat the wretched borrower4 ,,atten4 ,say6 ,why such miscreants are the pest and vermin of the commonwealth1 not fit for the society of men2 but methinks by some of those things you discoursed before1 you seem to import that it is not lawful for a man to make the best of his own4 ,,wise4 ,if by making the best1 you mean to sell for as much as by hook or crook he can get for his commodity2 then ,i say it is not lawful4 ,and if ,i should say the contrary1 ,i should justify ,mr4 ,badman and all the rest of that gang2 but that ,i never shall do1 for the ,word of ,god condemns them4 ,but that it is not lawful for a man at all times to sell his commodity for as much as he can1 ,i prove by these reasons3-- ,first1 ,if it be lawful for me alway to sell my commodity as dear1 or for as much as ,i can1 then it is lawful for me to lay aside in my dealing with others good conscience to them and to ,god2 but it is not lawful for me1 in my dealing with others1 to lay aside good conscience1 c4 ,therefore it is not lawful for me always to sell my commodity as dear1 or for as much as ,i can4 ,that it is not lawful to lay aside good conscience in our dealings has already been proved in the former part of our discourse2 but that a man must lay it aside that will sell his commodity always as dear1 or for as much as he can1 is plainly manifest thus4 #a4 ,he that will1 as is mentioned afore1 sell his commodity as dear as he can1 must sometimes make a prey of the ignorance of his chapman4 ,but that he cannot do with a good conscience1 for that is to overreach1 and to go beyond my chapman1 and is forbidden 7#a ,thess #d3f74 ,therefore he that will sell his commodity as afore1 as dear1 or for as much as he can1 must of necessity lay aside good conscience4 #b4 ,he that will sell his commodity always as dear as he can1 must needs sometimes make a prey of his neighbour's necessity2 but that he cannot do with a good conscience1 for that is to go beyond and defraud his neighbour1 contrary to #a ,thessalonians #d3f4 ,therefore he that will sell his commodity1 as afore1 as dear1 or for as much as he can1 must needs cast off and lay aside a good conscience4 #c4 ,he that will1 as afore1 sell his commodity as dear1 or for as much as he can1 must1 if need be1 make a prey of his neighbour's fondness2 but that a man cannot do with a good conscience1 for that is still a going beyond him1 contrary to #a ,thessalonians #d3f4 ,therefore1 he that will sell his commodity as dear1 or for as much as he can1 must needs cast off1 and lay aside good conscience4 ,the same also may be said for buying2 no man may always buy as cheap as he can1 but must also use good conscience in buying2 the which he can by no means use and keep1 if he buys always as cheap as he can1 and that for the reasons urged before4 ,for such will make a prey of the ignorance1 necessity1 and fondness of their chapman1 the which they cannot do with a good conscience4 ,when ,abraham would buy a burying-place of the sons of ,heth1 thus he said unto them3 ',intreat for me to ,ephron the son of ,zohar1 that he may give me the cave of ,macphelah1 which he hath--in the end of his field2 for as much--as it is worth' shall he give it me 7,gen #bc3h1i74 ,he would not have it under foot1 he scorned it1 he abhorred it2 it stood not with his religion1 credit1 nor conscience4 ,so also1 when ,david would buy a field of ,ornan the ,jebusite1 thus he said unto him1 ',grant me the place of this thrashing-floor1 that ,i may build an altar therein unto the ,lord2 thou shalt grant it me for the full price' 7#a ,chron #ba3bb74 ,he also1 as ,abraham1 made conscience of this kind of dealing4 ,he would not lie at catch#ee to go beyond1 no1 not the ,jebusite1 but will give him his full price for his field4 ,for he knew that there was wickedness1 as in selling too dear1 so in buying too cheap1 therefore he would not do it4#ef ,there ought therefore to be good conscience used1 as in selling so in buying2 for it is also unlawful for a man to go beyond or to defraud his neighbour in buying2 yea1 it is unlawful to do it in any matter1 and ,god will plentifully avenge that wrong1 as ,i also before have forewarned and testified4 ,see also the text1 ,leviticus #be3ad4 ,but1 ,secondly4 ,if it be lawful for me always to sell my commodity as dear1 or for as much as ,i can1 then it is lawful for me to deal with my neighbour without the use of charity4 ,but it is not lawful for me to lay aside1 or to deal with my neighbour without the use of charity1 therefore it is not lawful for me always to sell my commodity to my neighbour for as much as ,i can4 ,a man in dealing should as really design his neighbour's good1 profit1 and advantage1 as his own1 for this is to exercise charity in his dealing4 ,that ,i should thus use1 or exercise charity towards my neighbour in my buying and selling1 c41 with him1 is evident from the general command--',let all your things be done with charity' 7#a ,cor #af3ad74 ,but that a man cannot live in the exercise of charity that selleth as afore1 as dear1 or that buyeth as cheap as he can1 is evident by these reasons3-- #a4 ,he that sells his commodity as dear1 or for as much money always as he can1 seeks himself1 and himself only4 ,but charity seeketh not her own1 not her own only 7#a ,cor #ac74 ,so then he that seeks himself1 and himself only1 as he that sells1 as afore1 as dear as he can1 does1 maketh not use of1 nor doth he exercise charity in his so dealing4 #b4 ,he that selleth his commodity always for as much as he can get1 hardeneth his heart against all reasonable entreaties of the buyer4 ,but he that doth so cannot exercise charity in his dealing2 therefore it is not lawful for a man to sell his commodity1 as afore1 as dear as he can4 #c4 ,if it be lawful for me to sell my commodity1 as afore1 as dear as ,i can1 then there can be no sin in my trading1 how unreasonably soever ,i manage my calling1 whether by lying1 swearing1 cursing1 cheating1 for all this is but to sell my commodity as dear as ,i can 7,eph #d3be74 ,but that there is sin in these is evident1 therefore ,i may not sell my commodity always as dear as ,i can4 #d4 ,he that sells1 as afore1 as dear as he can1 offereth violence to the law of nature1 for that saith1 ,do unto all men even as ye would that they should do unto you 7,matt #g3ab74 ,now1 was the seller a buyer1 he would not that he of whom he buys should sell him always as dear as he can1 therefore he should not sell so himself when it is his lot to sell and others to buy of him4 #e4 ,he that selleth1 as afore1 as dear as he can1 makes use of that instruction that ,god hath not given to others1 but sealed up in his hand1 to abuse his law1 and to wrong his neighbour withal1 which indeed is contrary to ,god 7,job #cg3g74 ,god hath given thee more skill1 more knowledge and understanding in thy commodity1 than he hath given to him that would buy of thee4 ,but what6 canst thou think that ,god hath given thee this that thou mightest thereby make a prey of thy neighbour8 that thou mightest thereby go beyond and beguile thy neighbour8 ,no1 verily1 but he hath given thee it for his help1 that thou mightest in this be eyes to the blind1 and save thy neighbour from that damage that his ignorance1 or necessity1 for fondness#eg would betray him into the hands of 7#a ,cor #aj3ac74 #f4 ,in all that a man does he should have an eye to the glory of ,god1 but that he cannot have that sells his commodity always for as much as he can1 for the reasons urged before4 #g4 ,all that a man does he should do 'in the name of the ,lord ,jesus' ,christ1 that is1 as being commanded and authorized to do it by him 7,col #c3ag74 ,but he that selleth always as dear as he can1 cannot so much as pretend to this without horrid blaspheming of that name1 because commanded by him to do otherwise4 #h4 ,and lastly1 in all that a man does he should have an eye to the day of judgment1 and to the consideration of how his actions will be esteemed of in that day 7,acts #bd3ae1af74 ,therefore there is not any man can1 or ought to sell always as dear as he can1 unless he will1 yea1 he must say in so doing1 ,i will run the hazard of the trial of that day4 ',if thou sell aught unto thy neighbour1 or buyest aught of thy neighbour's hand1 ye shall not oppress one another' 7,lev #be3ad74 ,,atten4 ,but why do you put in these cautionary words1 ,they must not sell always as dear1 nor buy always as cheap as they can8 ,do you not thereby intimate that a man may sometimes do so8 ,,wise4 ,i do indeed intimate that sometimes the seller may sell as dear1 and the buyer buy as cheap as he can2 but this is allowable only in these cases3 when he that sells is a knave1 and lays aside all good conscience in selling1 or when the buyer is a knave1 and lays aside all good conscience in buying4 ,if the buyer therefore lights of a knave1 or if the seller lights of a knave1 then let them look to themselves2 but yet so as not to lay aside conscience1 because he that thou dealest with doth so1 but how vile or base soever the chapman is1 do thou keep thy commodity at a reasonable price2 or1 if thou buyest1 offer reasonable gain for the thing thou wouldst have1 and if this will not do with the buyer or seller1 then seek thee a more honest chapman4 ,if thou objectest1 ,but ,i have not skill to know when a pennyworth is before me1 get some that have more skill than thyself in that affair1 and let them in that matter dispose of thy money4 ,but if there were no knaves in the world these objections need not be made4#eh ,and thus1 my very good neighbour1 have ,i given you a few of my reasons why a man that hath it should not always sell too dear nor buy as cheap as he can1 but should use good conscience to ,god and charity to his neighbour in both4 ,,atten4 ,but were some men here to hear you1 ,i believe they would laugh you to scorn4 ,,wise4 ,i question not that at all1 for so ,mr4 ,badman used to do when any man told him of his faults2 he used to think himself wiser than any1 and would count1 as ,i have hinted before1 that he was not arrived to a manly spirit that did stick or boggle at any wickedness4 ,but let ,mr4 ,badman and his fellows laugh1 ,i will bar it1 and still give them good counsel 7,luke #af3ac-ae74 ,but ,i will remember also1 for my further relief and comfort1 that thus they that were covetous of old served the ,son of ,god himself4 ,it is their time to laugh now1 that they may mourn in time to come 7,luke #f3be74 ,and ,i say again1 when they have laughed out their laugh1 he that useth not good conscience to ,god and charity to his neighbour in buying and selling1 dwells next door to an infidel1 and is near of kin to ,mr4 ,badman4 ,,atten4 ,well1 but what will you say to this question8 ,you know that there is no settled price set by ,god upon any commodity that is bought or sold under the sun1 but all things that we buy and sell do ebb and flow1 as to price1 like the tide2 how then shall a man of a tender conscience do1 neither to wrong the seller1 buyer1 nor himself1 in buying and selling of commodities8 ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,,instructions ,,for ,,righteous ,,trading4 ,,wise4 ,this question is thought to be frivolous by all that are of ,mr4 ,badman's way1 it is also difficult in itself1 yet ,i will endeavour to shape you an answer1 and that first to the matter of the question1 to wit1 how a tradesman should1 in trading1 keep a good conscience2 a buyer or seller either4 ,secondly1 how he should prepare himself to this work and live in the practice of it4 ,for the first1 he must observe what hath been said before1 to wit1 he must have conscience to ,god1 charity to his neighbour1 and1 ,i will add1 much moderation in dealing4 ,let him therefore keep within the bounds of the affirmative of those eight reasons that before were urged to prove that men ought not1 in their dealing1 but to do justly and mercifully betwixt man and man1 and then there will be no great fear of wronging the seller1 buyer1 or himself4 ,but particularly to prepare or instruct a man to this work3-- #a4 ,let the tradesman or others consider that there is not that in great gettings and in abundance which the most of men do suppose2 for all that a man has over and above what serves for his present necessity and supply1 serves only to feed the lusts of the eye4 ,for 'what good is there to the owners thereof1 saving the beholding of them with their eyes8' 7,eccl #e3aa74 ,men also1 many times1 in getting of riches1 get therewith a snare to their soul 7#a ,tim #f3g-i74 ,but few get good by getting of them4 ,but his consideration ,mr4 ,badman could not abide4 #b4 ,consider that the getting of wealth dishonestly--as he does that getteth it without good conscience and charity to his neighbour--is a great offender against ,god4 ,hence he says1 ',i have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made' 7,eze #bb3ac74 ,it is a manner of speech that shows anger in the very making of mention of the crime4 ,therefore1 #c4 ,consider that a little1 honestly gotten1 though it may yield thee but a dinner of herbs at a time1 will yield more peace therewith than will a stalled ox ill gotten 7,prov #ae3ag74 ',better is a little with righteousness1 than great revenues without right' 7,prov #af3h2 #a ,sam #b3e74 #d4 ,be thou confident that ,god's eyes are upon all thy ways1 and 'that he pondereth all thy goings1' and also that he marks1 them1 writes them down1 and seals them p in a bag against the time to come 7,prov #e3ba2 ,job #ad3ag74 #e4 ,be thou sure that thou rememberest that thou knowest not the day of thy death4 ,remember also that when death comes ,god will give thy substance1 for the which thou hast laboured1 and for the which perhaps thou hast hazarded thy soul1 to one thou knowest not who1 nor whether he shall be a wise man or a fool4 ,and then1 'what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind8' 7,eccl #e3af74 ,besides1 thou shalt have nothing that thou mayest so much as carry away in thine hand4 ,guilt shall go with thee if thou hast got it thy substance dishonestly1 and they also to whom thou shalt leave it shall receive it to their hurt4 ,these things duly considered and made use of by thee to the preparing of thy heart to thy calling of buying and selling1 ,i come1 in the next place1 to show thee how thou shouldst live in the practick part of this art4 ,art thou to buy or sell8 #a4 ,if thou sellest1 do not commend2 if thou buyest1 do not dispraise2 any otherwise but to give the thing that thou hast to do with its just value and worth2 for thou canst not do otherwise1 knowingly1 but of a covetous and wicked mind4 ,wherefore else are commodities overvalued by the seller1 and also undervalued by the buyer4 ',it is naught1 it is naught1 saith the buyer1' but when he hath got his bargain he boasteth thereof 7,prov #bj3ad74 ,what hath this man done now1 but lied in the dispraising of his bargain8 and why did he dispraise it1 but of a covetous mind to wrong and beguile the seller8 #b4 ,art thou a seller1 and do things grow dear8 ,set not thy hand to help or hold them up higher2 this cannot be done without wickedness neither1 for this is a making of the shekel great 7,amos #h3e74 ,art thou a buyer1 and do things grow dear8 use no cunning or deceitful language to pull them down1 for that cannot be done but wickedly too4 ,what then shall we do1 will you say8 ,why ,i answer1 leave things to the providence of ,god1 and do thou with moderation submit to his hand4 ,but since1 when they are growing dear1 the hand that upholds the price is1 for the time1 more strong than that which would pull it down2 that being the hand of the seller1 who loveth to have it dear1 especially if it shall rise in his hand4 ,therefore ,i say1 do thou take heed and have not a hand in it1 the which thou mayest have to thine own and thy neighbour's hurt1 these three ways3-- #a4 ,by crying out scarcity1 scarcity1 beyond the truth and state of things2 especially take heed of doing of this by way of a prognostic for time to come4 ,it was for this for which he was trodden to death in the gate of ,samaria1 that you read of in the second book of ,kings 7#b ,kings #g3ag74 ,this sin hath a double evil in it4 7#a47 ,it belieth the present blessing of ,god among us2 and 7#b47 ,it undervalueth the riches of his goodness1 which can make all good things to abound towards us4 #b4 ,this wicked thing may be done by hoarding up when the hunger and necessity of the poor calls for it4 ,now1 that ,god may show his dislike against this1 he doth1 as it were1 license the people to curse such a hoarder up--',he that withholdeth corn1 the people shall curse him1 but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it' 7,prov #aa3bf74 #c4 ,but if things will rise1 do thou be grieved1 be also moderate in all thy sellings1 and be sure let the poor have a pennyworth1 and sell thy corn to those in necessity4 ,which then thou wilt do when thou showest mercy to the poor in thy selling to him1 and when thou1 for his sake because he is poor1 undersellest the market4 ,this is to buy and sell with good conscience2 thy buyer thou wrongest not1 thy conscience thou wrongest not1 thyself thou wrongest not1 for ,god will surely recompense thee 7,isa #eg3f-h74 ,i have spoken concerning corn1 but thy duty is to 'let your moderation' in all things 'be known unto all men1 the ,lord is at hand' 7,phil #d3e74 ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,,badman',s ,,pride1 ,,atheism1 ,,infidelity1 ,,and ,,envy4 ,,atten4 ,well1 ,sir1 now ,i have heard enough of ,mr4 ,badman's naughtiness1 pray now proceed to his death4 ,,wise4 ,why1 ,sir1 the sun is not so low1 we have yet three hours to night4 ,,atten4 ,nay1 ,i am not in any great haste1 but ,i thought you had even now done with his life4 ,,wise4 ,done6 no1 ,i have yet much more to say4 ,,atten4 ,then he has much more wickedness than ,i thought he had4 ,,wise4 ,that may be4 ,but let us proceed4 ,this ,mr4 ,badman added to all his wickedness this1 he was a very proud man1 a very proud man4 ,he was exceeding proud and haughty in mind2 he looked that what he said ought not1 must not be contradicted or opposed4 ,he counted himself as wise as the wisest in the country1 as good as the best1 and as beautiful as he that had most of it4 ,he took great delight in praising of himself1 and as much in the praises that others gave him4 ,he could not abide that any should think themselves above him1 or that their wit or personage should by others be set before his4 ,he had scarce a fellowly carriage for his equals4 ,but for those that were of an inferior rank1 he would look over them in great contempt4 ,and if at any time he had any remote occasion of having to do with them1 he would show great height and a very domineering spirit4 ,so that in this it may be said that ,solomon gave a characteristical note of him when he said1 ',proud and haughty scorner is his name1 who dealeth in proud wrath' 7,prov #ba3bd74 ,he never thought his diet well enough dressed1 his clothes fine enough made1 or his praise enough refined4 ,,atten4 ,this pride is a sin that sticks as close to nature1 ,i think1 as most sins4 ,there is uncleanness and pride1 ,i know not of any two gross sins that stick closer to men than they4 ,they have1 as ,i may call it1 an interest in nature2 it likes them because they most suit its lust and fancies2 and therefore no marvel though ,mr4 ,badman was tainted with pride1 since he had so wickedly given up himself to work all iniquity with greediness4 ,,wise4 ,you say right2 pride is a sin that sticks close to nature1 and is one of the first follies wherein it shows itself to be polluted4 ,for even in childhood1 even in little children1 pride will first of all show itself2 it is a hasty1 an early appearance of the sin of the soul4 ,it1 as ,i may say1 is that corruption that strives for predominancy in the heart1 and therefore usually comes out first4 ,but though children are so incident to it1 yet methinks those of more years should be ashamed thereof4 ,i might at the first have begun with ,mr4 ,badman's pride1 only ,i think it is not the pride in infancy that begins to make a difference betwixt one and another1 as did1 and do those wherewith ,i began my relation of his life1 therefore ,i passed it over1 but now1 since he had no more consideration of himself1 and of his vile and sinful state1 but to be proud when come to years1 ,i have taken the occasion in this place to make mention of his pride4 ,,atten4 ,but pray1 if you can remember them1 tell me of some places of scripture that speak against pride4 ,i the rather desire this because that pride is now a reigning sin1 and ,i happen sometimes to fall into the company of them that in my conscience are proud1 very much1 and ,i have a mind also to tell them of their sin1 now when ,i tell them of it1 unless ,i bring ,god's ,word too1 ,i doubt they will laugh me to scorn4 ,,wise4 ,laugh you to scorn6 the proud man will laugh you to scorn bring to him what text you can1 except ,god shall smite him in his conscience by the ,word4 ,mr4 ,badman did use to serve them so that did use to tell him of his2 and besides1 when you have said what you can1 they will tell you they are not proud1 and that you are rather the proud man1 else you would not judge1 nor so malapertly#ei meddle with other men's matters as you do4 ,nevertheless1 since you desire it1 ,i will mention two or three texts2 they are these3--',pride and arrogancy--do ,i hate' 7,prov #h3ac74 ',a man's pride shall bring him low' 7,prov #bi3bc74 ',and he shall bring down their pride' 7,isa #be3aa74 ',and all the proud1 yea1 and all that do wickedly1 shall be stubble1 and the day that cometh shall burn them up' 7,mal #d3a74 ,this last is a dreadful text1 it is enough to make a proud man shake4 ,god1 saith he1 will make the proud ones as stubble2 that is1 as fuel for the fire1 and the day that cometh shall be like a burning oven1 and that day shall burn them up1 saith the ,lord4 ,but ,mr4 ,badman could never abide to hear pride spoken against1 nor that any should say of him1 ,he is a proud man4 ,,atten4 ,what should be the reason of that8 ,,wise4 ,he did not tell me the reason2 but ,i suppose it to be that which is common to all vile persons4 ,they love this vice1 but care not to bear its name4 ,the drunkard loves the sin1 but loves not to be called a drunkard4 ,the thief loveth to steal1 but cannot abide to be called a thief2 the whore loveth to commit uncleanness1 but loveth not to be called a whore4 ,and so ,mr4 ,badman loved to be proud1 but could not abide to be called a proud man4 ,the sweet of sin is desirable to polluted and corrupted man1 but the name thereof is a blot in his escutcheon4#fj ,,atten4 ,it is true that you have said2 but pray how many sorts of pride are there8 ,,wise4 ,there are two sorts of pride3 pride of spirit1 and pride of body4 ,the first of these is thus made mention of in the scriptures4 ',every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the ,lord' 7,prov #af3e74 ',a high look1 and a proud heart1 and the ploughing of the wicked1 is sin' 7,prov #ba3d74 ',the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit' 7,eccl #g3h74 ,bodily pride the scriptures mention4 ',in that day the ,lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet1 and their cauls1 and their round tires like the moon1 the chains and the bracelets1 and the mufflers1 the bonnets1 and the ornaments of the legs1 and the headbands1 and the tablets1 and the earrings1 the rings1 and nose jewels4#fa the changeable suits of apparel1 and the mantles1 and the wimples1 and the crisping pins1 the glasses1 and the fine linen1 and the hoods1 and the vails' 7,isa #c3ah-bc74 ,by these expressions it is evident that there is pride of body1 as well as pride of spirit1 and that both are sin1 and so abominable to the ,lord4 ,but these texts ,mr4 ,badman could never abide to read2 they were to him as ,micaiah was to ,ahab1 they never spake good of him1 but evil4 ,,atten4 ,i suppose that it was not ,mr4 ,badman's case alone even to malign those texts that speak against their vices2 for ,i believe that most ungodly men1 where the scriptures are1 have a secret antipathy against those words of ,god that do most plainly and fully rebuke them for their sins4 ,,wise4 ,that is out of doubt2 and by that antipathy they show that sin and ,satan are more welcome to them than are wholesome instructions of life and godliness4 ,,atten4 ,well1 but not to go off from our discourse of ,mr4 ,badman4 ,you say he was proud2 but will you show me now some symptoms of one that is proud8 ,,wise4 ,yes1 that ,i will2 and first ,i will show you some symptoms of pride of heart4 ,pride of heart is seen by outward things1 as pride of body in general is a sign of pride of heart2 for all proud gestures of the body flow from pride of heart2 therefore ,solomon saith1 ',there is a generation1 ,o how lofty are their eyes1 and their eye-lids are lifted up' 7,prov #cj3ac74 ,and again1 there is 'that exalteth his gait1' his going 7,prov #ag3ai74 ,now1 these lofty eyes1 and this exalting of the gait1 is a sign of a proud heart2 for both these actions come from the heart4 ,for out of the heart comes pride1 in all the visible appearances of it 7,mark #g74 ,but more particularly-- #a4 ,heart pride is discovered by a stretched-out neck1 and by mincing as they go4 ,for the wicked1 the proud1 have a proud neck1 a proud foot1 a proud tongue1 by which this their going is exalted4 ,this is that which makes them look scornfully1 speak ruggedly1 and carry it huffingly among their neighbours4 #b4 ,a proud heart is a persecuting one4 ',the wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor' 7,psa #aj3b74 #c4 ,a prayerless man is a proud man 7,psa #aj3d74 #d4 ,a contentious man is a proud man 7,prov #ac3aj74 #e4 ,the disdainful man is a proud man 7,psa #aai3ea74 #f4 ,the man that oppresses his neighbour is a proud man 7,psa #aai3abb74 #g4 ,he that hearkeneth not to ,god's word with reverence and fear is a proud man 7,jer #ac3ae1ag74 #h4 ,and he that calls the proud happy is1 be sure1 a proud man4 ,all these are proud in heart1 and this their pride of heart doth thus discover itself 7,jer #dc3b2 ,mal #c3ae74 ,as to bodily pride1 it is discovered that is something of it1 by all the particulars mentioned before2 for though they are said to be symptoms of pride of heart1 yet they are symptoms of that pride1 by their showing of themselves in the body4 ,you know diseases that are within are seen ofttimes by outward and visible signs1 yet by these very signs even the outside is defiled also4 ,so all those visible signs of heart pride are signs of bodily pride also4 ,but to come to more outward signs4 ,the putting on of gold1 and pearls1 and costly array2 the plaiting of the hair1 the following of fashions1 the seeking by gestures to imitate the proud1 either by speech1 looks1 dresses1 goings1 or other fools' baubles1 of which at this time the world is full1 all these1 and many more1 are signs1 as of a proud heart1 so of bodily pride also 7#a ,tim #b3i2 #a ,peter #c3c-e74 ,but ,mr4 ,badman would not allow1 by any means1 that this should be called pride1 but rather neatness1 handsomeness1 comeliness1 cleanliness1 c41 neither would he allow that following of fashions was anything else1 but because he would not be proud1 singular1 and esteemed fantastical by his neighbours4 ,,atten4 ,but ,i have been told that when some have been rebuked for their pride1 they have turned it again upon the brotherhood of those by whom they have been rebuked1 saying1 ,physician1 heal thy friends1 look at home among your brotherhood1 even among the wisest of you1 and see if you yourselves be clear1 even you professors4 ,for who is prouder than you professors8 scarcely the devil himself4 ,,wise4 ,my heart aches at this answer1 because there is too much cause for it4 ,this very answer would ,mr4 ,badman give his wife when she1 as she would sometimes1 reprove him for his pride4 ,we shall have1 says he1 great amendments in living now1 for the devil is turned a corrector of vice2 for no sin reigneth more in the world1 quoth he1 than pride among professors4 ,and who can contradict him8 ,let us give the devil his due1 the thing is too apparent for any man to deny4 ,and ,i doubt not but the same answer is ready in the mouths of ,mr4 ,badman's friends2 for they may and do see pride display itself in the apparel and carriages of professors1 one may say1 almost as much1 as among any people in the land1 the more is the pity4 ,ay1 and ,i fear that even their extravagancies in this hath hardened the heart of many a one1 as ,i perceive it did somewhat the heart of ,mr4 ,badman himself4 ,for my own part1 ,i have seen many myself1 and those church members too1 so decked and bedaubed with their fangles#fb and toys1 and that when they have been at the solemn appointments of ,god in the way of his worship1 that ,i have wondered with what face such painted persons could sit in the place where they were without swooning4 ,but certainly the holiness of ,god1 and also the pollution of themselves by sin1 must need be very far out of the minds of such people1 what profession soever they make4 ,i have read of a whore's forehead1 and ,i have read of ,christian shamefacedness 7,jer #c3c2 #a ,tim #b3i74 ,i have read of costly array1 and of that which becometh women professing godliness1 with good works 7#a ,peter #c3a-c74 ,but if ,i might speak1 ,i know what ,i know1 and could say1 and yet do no wrong1 that which would make some professors stink in their places2 but now ,i forbear 7,jer #bc3ae74 ,,atten4 ,sir1 you seem greatly concerned at this1 but what if ,i shall say more8 ,it is whispered that some good ministers have countenanced their people in their light and wanton apparel1 yea1 have pleaded for their gold and pearls1 and costly array1 c4 ,,wise4 ,i know not what they have pleaded for1 but it is easily seen that they tolerate1 or at leastwise1 wink and connive at such things1 both in their wives and children4 ,and so 'from the prophets of ,jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land' 7,jer #bc3ae74 ,and when the hand of the rulers are chief in a trespass1 who can keep their people from being drowned in that trespass8 7,ezra #i3b74 ,,atten4 ,this is a lamentation1 and must stand for a lamentation4 ,,wise4 ,so it is1 and so it must4 ,and ,i will add1 it is a shame1 it is a reproach1 it is a stumbling block to the blind2 for though men be as blind as ,mr4 ,badman himself1 yet they can see the foolish lightness that must needs be the bottom of all these apish and wanton extravagancies4 ,but many have their excuses ready2 to wit1 their parents1 their husbands1 and their breeding calls for it1 and the like2 yea1 the examples of good people prompt them to it2 but all these will be but the spider's web1 when the thunder of the word of the great ,god shall rattle from heaven against them1 as it will at death or judgment2 but ,i wish it might do it before4 ,but alas6 these excuses are but bare pretences1 these proud ones love to have it so4 ,i once talked with a maid by way of reproof for her fond and gaudy garment4 ,but she told me1 ,the tailor would make it so2 when alas6 poor proud girl1 she gave order to the tailor so to make it4 ,many make parents1 and husbands1 and tailors1 c41 the blind to others2 but their naughty hearts1 and their giving of way thereto1 that is the original cause of all these evils4 ,,atten4 ,now you are speaking of the cause of pride1 pray show me yet further why pride is now so much in request4 ,,wise4 ,i will show you what ,i think are the reasons of it4 #a4 ,the first is1 because1 such persons are led by their own hearts1 rather than by the ,word of ,god 7,mark #g3ba-bc74 ,i told you before that the original fountain of pride is the heart4 ,for out of the heart comes pride2 it is1 therefore1 because they are led by their hearts1 which naturally tend to lift them up in pride4 ,this pride of heart tempts them1 and by its deceits overcometh them2 yea1 it doth put a bewitching virtue into their peacock's feathers1 and then they are swallowed up with the vanity of them 7,oba #c74 #b4 ,another reason why professors are so proud for those we are talking of now1 is because they are more apt to take example by those that are of the world1 than they are to take example of those that are saints indeed4 ,pride is of the world4 ',for all that is in the world1 the lust of the flesh1 and the lust of the eyes1 and the pride of life1 is not of the ,father but of the world' 7#a ,john #b3af74 ,of the world1 therefore1 professors learn to be proud4 ,but they should not take them for example4 ,it will be objected1 ,no1 nor your saints neither1 for you are as proud as others2 well1 let them take shame that are guilty4 ,but when ,i say professors should take example for their life by those that are saints indeed1 ,i mean as ,peter says2 they should take example of those that were in old time the saints2 for sin at of old time were the best1 therefore to these he directed us for our pattern4 ,let the wives' conversation be chaste and also coupled with fear4 ',whose adorning1' saith ,peter1 'let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair1 and of wearing of gold1 or of putting on of apparel2 but let it be the hidden man of the heart1 in that which is not corruptible even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit1 which is in the sight of ,god of great price4 ,for after this manner1 in the old time1 the holy women also who trusted in ,god1 adorned themselves1 being in subjection to their own husbands' 7#a ,peter #c3a-e74 #c4 ,another reason is1 because they have forgotten the pollution of their nature4 ,for the remembrance of that must needs keep us humble1 and being kept humble1 we shall be at a distance from pride4 ,the proud and the humble are set in opposition2 ',god resisteth the proud1 but giveth grace unto the humble4' ,and can it be imagined that a sensible ,christian should be a proud one2 sense of baseness tends to lay us low1 not to lift us up with pride2 not with pride of heart1 nor pride of life4 ,but when a man begins to forget what he is1 then he1 if ever1 begins to be proud4 ,methinks it is one of the most senseless and ridiculous things in he world that a man should be proud of that which is given him on purpose to cover the shame of his nakedness with4 #d4 ,persons that are proud have gotten ,god and his holiness out of their sight4 ,if ,god was before them1 as he is behind their back4 ,and if they saw him in his holiness1 as he sees them in their sins and shame1 they would take but little pleasure in their apish knacks4 ,the holiness of ,god makes the angels cover their faces1 crumbles ,christians1 when they behold it1 into dust and ashes4 ,and as his majesty is1 such is his ,word 7,isa #f74 ,therefore they abuse it that bring it to countenance pride4 ,lastly4 ,but what can be the end of those that are proud in the decking of themselves after their antic manner8 ,why are they for going with their bull's foretops1#fc with their naked shoulders1 and paps hanging out like a cow's bag8 ,why are they for painting their faces1 for stretching out their neck1 and for putting of themselves unto all the formalities which proud fancy leads them to8 ,is it because they would honour ,god8 because they would adorn the gospel8 because they would beautify religion1 and make sinners to fall in love with their own salvation8 ,no1 no1 it is rather to please their lusts1 to satisfy their wild and extravagant fancies2 and ,i wish none doth it to stir up lust in others1 to the end they may commit uncleanness with them4 ,i believe1 whatever is their end1 this is one of the great designs of the devil and ,i believe also that ,satan has drawn more into the sin of uncleanness by the spangling show of fine cloths1 than he could possibly have drawn unto it without them4 ,i wonder what it was that of old was called the attire of a harlot2 certainly it could not be more bewitching and tempting than are the garments of many professors this day4 ,,atten4 ,i like what you say very well1 and ,i wish that all the proud dames in ,england that profess were within the reach and sound of your words4 ,,wise4 ,what ,i have said ,i believe is true2 but as for the proud dames in ,england that profess1 they have ,moses and the prophets1 and if they will not hear them1 how then can we hope that they should receive good by such a dull-sounding ram's-horn as ,i am8#fd ,however1 ,i have said my mind1 and now1 if you will1 we will proceed to some other of ,mr4 ,badman's doings4 ,,atten4 ,no2 pray1 before you show me anything else of ,mr4 ,badman1 show me yet more particularly the evil effects of this sin of pride4 ,,wise4 ,with all my heart ,i will answer your request4 #a4 ,then3 ,it is pride that makes poor man so like the devil in hell1 that he cannot in it be known to be the image and similitude of ,god4 ,the angels1 when they became devils1 it was through their being lifted or puffed up with pride 7#a ,tim #c3f74 ,it is pride also that lifteth or puffeth up the heart of the sinner1 and so makes him to bear the very image of the devil4 #b4 ,pride makes a man so odious in the sight of ,god1 that he shall not1 must not1 come nigh his majesty4 ',though the ,lord be high1 yet hath he respect unto the lowly2 but the proud he knoweth afar off' 7,psa #ach3f74 ,pride sets ,god and the soul at a distance2 pride will not let a man come nigh ,god1 nor ,god will not let a proud man come nigh unto him4 ,now this is a dreadful thing4 #c4 ,as pride seest1 so it keeps ,god and the soul at a distance4 ',god resisteth the proud' 7,james #d3f74 ,resists1 that is1 he opposes him1 he trusts him from him1 he contemneth his person and all his performances4 ,come unto ,god's ordinances the proud man may2 but come into his presence1 have communion with him1 or blessing from him1 he shall not4 ,for the high ,god doth resist him4 #d4 ,the ,word saith that ',the ,lord will destroy the house of the proud' 7,prov #ae3be74 ,he will destroy his house2 it may be understood he will destroy him and his4 ,so he destroyed proud ,pharaoh1 so he destroyed proud ,korah1 and many others4 #e4 ,pride1 where it comes1 and is entertained1 is a certain forerunner of some judgment that is not far behind4 ,when pride goes before1 shame and destruction will follow after4 ',when pride cometh1 then cometh shame' 7,prov #aa3b74 ',pride goeth before destruction1 and a haughty spirit before a fall' 7,prov #af3ah74 #f4 ,persisting in pride makes the condition of a poor man as remediless as is that of the devils themselves 7#a ,tim #c3f74 ,and this1 ,i fear1 was ,mr4 ,badman's condition1 and that was the reason that he died so as he did2 as ,i shall show you anon4 ,but what need ,i thus talk of the particular actions1 or rather the prodigious sins of ,mr4 ,badman1 when his whole life1 and all his actions1 went1 as it were1 to the making up one massy body of sin8 ,instead of believing that there was a ,god1 his mouth1 his life and actions1 declared that he believed no such thing4#fe ,his 'transgression saith within my heart1 that there was no fear of ,god before his eyes' 7,psa #cf3a74 ,instead of honouring of ,god1 and of giving glory to him for any of his mercies1 or under any of his good providences toward him1 for ,god is good to all1 and lets his sun shine1 and his rain fall upon the unthankful and unholy1 he would ascribe the glory to other causes4 ,if they were mercies1 he would ascribe them1 if the open face of the providence did not give him the lie1 to his own wit1 labour1 care1 industry1 cunning1 or the like4 ,if they were crosses1 he would ascribe them1 or count them the offspring of fortune1 ill luck1 chance1 the ill management of matters1 the ill will of neighbours1 or to his wife's being religious1 and spending1 as he called it1 too much time in reading1 praying1 or the like4 ,it was not in his way to acknowledge ,god1 that is1 graciously1 or his hand in things4 ,but1 as the prophet saith1 ',let favour be showed to the wicked1 yet will he not learn righteousness' 7,isa #bf3aj74 ,and again1 ,they returned not to him that smote them1 nor did they seek the ,lord of hosts 7,isa #i3ac74 ,this was ,mr4 ,badman's temper1 neither mercies nor judgment would make him seek the ,lord4 ,nay1 as another scripture says1 ',he would not see the works of ,god1 nor regard the operations of his hands either in mercies or in judgments' 7,isa #bf3aa2 ,psa #bi3e74 ,but farther1 when by providence he has been cast under the best means for his soul--for1 as was showed before1 he having had a good master1 and before him a good father1 and after all a good wife1 and being sometimes upon a journey1 and cast under the hearing of a good sermon1 as he would sometimes for novelty's sake go to hear a good preacher--he was always without heart to make use thereof 7,prov #ag3f74 ,in this land of righteousness he would deal unjustly1 and would not behold the majesty of the ,lord 7,isa #bf3aj74 ,instead of referencing the ,word1 when he heard it preached1 read1 or discoursed of1 he would sleep1 talk of others business1 or else object against the authority1 harmony1 and wisdom of the scriptures2 saying1 ,how do you know them to be the ,word of ,god8 ,how do you know that these sayings are true8 ,the scriptures1 he would say1 were as a nose of wax1 and a man may turn them whithersoever he lists4 ,one scripture says one thing1 and another says the quite contrary2 besides1 they make mention of a thousand impossibilities2 they are the cause of all dissensions and discords that are in the land4 ,therefore you may1 would he say1 still think what you will1 but in my mind they are best at ease that have least to do with them4 ,instead of loving and honouring of them that did bear in their foreheads the name1 and in their lives the image of ,christ1 they should be his song1 the matter of his jests1 and the objects of his slanders4 ,he would either make a mock at their sober deportment1 their gracious language1 quiet behavior1 or else desperately swear that they did all in deceit and hypocrisy4 ,he would endeavour to render godly men as odious and contemptible as he could2 any lies that were made by any1 to their disgrace1 those he would avouch for truth1 and would not endure to be controlled4 ,he was much like those that the prophet speaks of1 that would sit and slander his mother's son 7,psa #ej3ai1bj74 ,yea1 he would speak reproachfully of his wife1 though his conscience told him1 and many would testify1 that she was a very virtuous woman4 ,he would also raise slanders of his wife's friends himself1 affirming that their doctrine tended to lasciviousness1 and that in their assemblies they acted and did unbeseeming men and women1 that they committed uncleanness1 c4 ,he was much like those that affirmed the apostle should say1 ',let us do evil that good may come' 7,rom #c3g1h74 ,or1 like those of whom it is thus written2 ',report1 say they1 and we will report it' 7,jer #bj3aj74 ,and if he could get any thing by the end that had scandal in it1 if it did but touch professors1 how falsely soever reported1 ,o6 then he would glory1 laugh1 and be glad1 and lay it upon the whole party2 saying1 ,hang them rogues1 there is not a barrel better herring of all the holy brotherhood of them4 ,like to like1 quoth the devil to the collier1 this is your precise crew4 ,and then he would send all home with a curse4 ,,atten4 ,if those that make profession of religion be wise1 ,mr4 ,badman's watchings and words will make them the more wary1 and careful in all things4 ,,wise4 ,you say true4 ,for when we see men do watch for our halting1 and rejoice to see us stumble and fall1 it should make us so much abundantly the more careful4 ,i do think it was as delightful to ,mr4 ,badman to hear1 raise1 and tell lies1 and lying stories of them that fear the ,lord1 as it was for him to go to bed when a weary4 ,but we will at this time let these things pass4 ,for as he was in these things bad enough1 so he added to these many more the like4 ,he was an angry1 wrathful1 envious man1 a man that knew not what meekness or gentleness meant1 nor did he desire to learn4 ,his natural temper was to be surly1 huffy1 and rugged1 and worse2 and he so gave way to his temper1 as to this1 that it brought him to be furious and outrageous in all things1 especially against goodness itself1 and against other things too1 when he was displeased4 ,,atten4 ,solomon saith1 ,he is a fool that rageth 7,prov #ad3af74 ,,wise4 ,he doth so2 and says moreover1 that ',anger resteth in the bosom of fools' 7,eccl #g3i74 ,and1 truly1 if it be a sign of a fool to have anger rest in his bosom1 then was ,mr4 ,badman1 notwithstanding the conceit that he had of his own abilities1 a fool of no small size4 ,,atten4 ,fools are mostly most wise in their own eyes4 ,,wise4 ,true2 but ,i was a saying1 that if it be a sign that a man is a fool1 when anger rests in his bosom2 then what is it a sign of1 think you1 when malice and envy rests there8 ,for1 to my knowledge ,mr4 ,badman was as malicious and as envious a man as commonly you can hear of4 ,,atten4 ,certainly1 malice and envy flow from pride and arrogancy1 and they again from ignorance1 and ignorance from the devil4 ,and ,i thought1 that since you spake of the pride of ,mr4 ,badman before1 we should have something of these before we had done4 ,,wise4 ,envy flows from ignorance indeed4 ,and this ,mr4 ,badman was so envious an one1 where he set against1 that he would swell with it as a toad1 as we say1 swells with poison4#ff ,he whom he maligned1 might at any time even read envy in his face wherever he met with him1 or in whatever he had to do with him4 ,his envy was so rank and strong1 that if it at any time turned its head against a man1 it would hardly ever be pulled in again2 he would watch over that man to do him mischief1 as the cat watches over the mouse to destroy it2 yea1 he would wait seven years1 but he would have an opportunity to hurt him1 and when he had it1 he would make him feel the weight of his envy4 ,envy is a devilish thing1 the scripture intimates that none can stand before it3 ',a stone is heavy1 and the sand weighty2 but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both4 ,wrath is cruel1 and anger is outrageous2 but who is able to stand before envy8' 7,prov #bg3c1d74 ,this envy1 for the foulness of it1 is reckoned among the foulest villainies that are1 as adultery1 murder1 drunkenness1 revellings1 witchcrafts1 heresies1 seditions1 c4 7,gal #e3ai1bj74 ,yea1 it is so malignant a corruption1 that it rots the very bones of him in whom it dwells4 ',a sound heart is the life of the flesh2 but envy the rottenness of the bones' 7,prov #ad3cj74 ,,atten4 ,this envy is the very father and mother of a great many hideous and prodigious wickednesses4 ,i say1 it is the very father and mother of them2 it both begets them1 and also nourishes them up1 till they come to their cursed maturity in the bosom of him that entertains them4 ,,wise4 ,you have given it a very right description1 in calling of it the father and mother of a great many other prodigious wickednesses2 for it is so venomous and vile a thing that it puts the whole course of nature out of order1 and makes it fit for nothing but confusion1 and a hold for every evil thing3 ',for where envying and strife is1 there is confusion1 and every evil work' 7,james #c3af74 ,wherefore1 ,i say1 you have rightly called it the very father and mother of a great many other sins4 ,and now for our further edification1 ,i will reckon up of some of the births of envy4 #a4 ,envy1 as ,i told you before1 it rotteth the very bones of him that entertains it4 ,and1 #b4 ,as you have also hinted1 it is heavier than a stone1 than sand2 yea1 and ,i will add1 it falls like a millstone upon the head4 ,therefore1 #c4 ,it kills him that throws it1 and him at whom it is thrown4 ',envy slayeth the silly one' 7,job #e3b74 ,that is1 him in whom it resides1 and him who is its object4 #d4 ,it was that also that slew ,jesus ,christ himself2 for his adversaries persecuted him through their envy 7,matt #bg3ah2 ,mark #ae3aj74 #e4 ,envy was that1 by virtue of which ,joseph was sold by his brethren into ,egypt 7,acts #g3i74 #f4 ,it is envy that hath the hand in making of variance among ,god's saints 7,isa #aa3ac74 #g4 ,it is envy in the hearts of sinners1 that stirs them up to trust ,god's ministers out of their coasts 7,acts #ac3ej1 #ad3f74 #h4 ,what shall ,i say8 ,it is envy that is the very nursery of whisperings1 debates1 backbitings1 slanders1 reproaches1 murders1 c4 ,it is not possible to repeat all the particular fruits of this sinful root4 ,therefore1 it is no marvel that ,mr4 ,badman was such an ill-natured man1 for the great roots of all manner of wickedness were in him unmortified1 unmaimed1 untouched4 ,,atten4 ,but it is a rare case1 even this of ,mr4 ,badman1 that he should never in all his life be touched with remorse for his ill-spent life4 ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,,he ,,gets ,,drunk ,,and ,,breaks ,,his ,,leg--,,god',s ,,judgments ,,upon ,,drunkards4 ,,wise4 ,remorse1 ,i cannot say he ever had1 if by remorse you mean repentance for his evils4 ,yet twice ,i remember he was under some trouble of mind about his condition4 ,once when he broke his leg as he came home drunk from the ale-house2 and another time when he fell sick1 and thought he should die4 ,besides these two times1 ,i do not remember any more4 ,,atten4 ,did he break his leg then8 ,,wise4 ,yes2 once as he came home drunk from the ale-house4 ,,atten4 ,pray how did he break it8 ,,wise4 ,why upon a time he was at an ale-house1 that wicked house about two or three miles from home1 and having there drank hard the greatest part of the day1 when night was come1 he would stay no longer1 but calls for his horse1 gets up and like a madman1 as drunken persons usually ride1 away he goes1 as hard as horse could lay legs to the ground4 ,thus he rid1 till coming to a dirty place1 where his horse flouncing in1 fell1 threw his master1 and with his fall broke his leg4 ,so there he lay4 ,but you would not think how he swore at first4 ,but after a while1 he coming to himself1 and feeling by his pain1 and the uselessness of his leg1 what case he was in1 and also fearing that this bout might be his death2 he began to cry out after the manner of such1 ,lord help me1 ,lord have mercy upon me1 good ,god deliver me1 and the like4 ,so there he lay1 till some came by1 who took him up1 carried him home1 where he lay for some time1 before he could go abroad again4 ,,atten4 ,and then you say he called upon ,god4 ,,wise4 ,he cried out in his pain1 and would say1 ,o ,god1 and1 ,o ,lord1 help me4 ,but whether it was that his sin might be pardoned1 and his soul saved1 or whether to be rid of his pain1 ,i will not positively determine2 though ,i fear it was but for the last2 because when his pain was gone1 and he had got hopes of mending1 even before he could go abroad1 he cast off prayer1 and began his old game2 to wit1 to be as bad as he was before4#fg ,he then would send for his old companions2 his sluts also would come to his house to see him1 and with them he would be1 as well as he could for his lame leg1 as vicious as they could be for their hearts4 ,,atten4 ,it was a wonder he did not break his neck4 ,,wise4 ,his neck had gone instead of his leg1 but that ,god was long-suffering towards him2 he had deserved it ten thousand times over4 ,there have been many1 as ,i have heard1 and as ,i have hinted to you before1 that have taken their horses when drunk as he2 but they have gone from the pot to the grave2 for they have broken their necks betwixt the ale-house and home4 ,one hard by us also drunk himself dead2 he drank1 and died in his drink4 ,,atten4 ,it is a sad thing to die drunk4 ,,wise4 ,so it is2 but yet ,i wonder that no more do so4 ,for considering the heinousness of that sin1 and with how many others sins it is accompanied1 as with oaths1 blasphemies1 lies1 revellings1 whorings1 brawlings1 c41 it is a wonder to me that any that live in that sin should escape such a blow from ,heaven1 that should tumble them into their graves4 ,besides1 when ,i consider also how1 when they are as drunk as beasts1 they1 without all fear of danger1 will ride like bedlams and madmen1 even as if they did dare ,god to meddle with them if he durst1 for their being drunk4 ,i say1 ,i wonder that he doth not withdraw his protecting providences from them1 and leave them to those dangers and destructions that by their sin they have deserved1 and that by their bedlam madness they would rush themselves into4 ,only ,i consider again1 that he has appointed a day wherein he will reckon with them1 and doth also commonly make examples of some1 to show that he takes notice of their sin1 abhors their way1 and will count with them for it at the set time 7,acts #ag3cj1ca74 ,,atten4 ,it is worthy of our remark1 to take notice how ,god1 to show his dislike of the sins of men1 strikes some of them down with a blow2 as the breaking of ,mr4 ,badman's leg1 for doubtless that was a stroke from heaven4 ,,wise4 ,it is worth our remark1 indeed4 ,it was an open stroke1 it fell upon him while he was in the height of his sin2 and it looks much like to that in ,job--',therefore he knoweth their works1 and overturneth them in the night1 so that they are destroyed4 ,he striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others4' ,or1 as the margin reads it1 'in the place of beholders' 7,job #cd3be1bf74 ,he lays them1 with his stroke1 in the place of beholders4 ,there was ,mr4 ,badman laid2 his stroke was taken notice of by every one1 his broken leg was at this time the town talk4 ,mr4 ,badman has broken his leg1 says one4 ,how did he break it8 says another4 ,as he came home drunk from such an ale-house1 said a third4 ,a judgment of ,god upon him1 said a fourth4 ,this his sin1 his shame1 and punishment1 are all made conspicuous to all that are about him4 ,i will here tell you another story or two4 ,i have read1 in ,mr4 ,clark's ,looking-glass for ,sinners1 that upon a time a certain drunken fellow boasted in his cups that there was neither heaven nor hell2 also he said he believed that man had no soul1 and that1 for his own part1 he would sell his soul to any that would buy it4 ,then did one of his companions buy it of him for a cup of wine1 and presently the devil1 in man's shape1 bought it of that man again at the same price2 and so1 in the presence of them all1 laid hold on the soul-seller1 and carried him away through the air1 so that he was never more heard of4#fh ,he tells us also1 that there was one at ,salisbury1 in the midst of his health1 drinking and carousing in a tavern2 and he drank a health to the devil1 saying that if the devil would not come and pledge him1 he would not believe that there was either ,god or devil4 ,whereupon his companions1 stricken with fear1 hastened out of the room2 and presently after1 hearing a hideous noise1 and smelling a stinking savour1 the vintner ran up into the chamber2 and coming in he missed his guest1 and found the window broken1 the iron bar in it bowed1 and all bloody4 ,but the man was never heard of afterwards4#fi ,again1 he tells us of a bailiff of ,hedley1 who1 upon a ,lord's day1 being drunk at ,melford1 got upon his horse1 to ride through the streets1 saying that his horse would carry him to the devil4 ,and presently his horse threw him1 and broke his neck4 ,these things are worse than the breaking of ,mr4 ,badman's leg2 and should be a caution to all of his friends that are living1 lest they also fall by their sin into these sad judgments of ,god4 ,but1 as ,i said1 ,mr4 ,badman quickly forgot all2 his conscience was choked before his leg was healed4 ,and1 therefore1 before he was well of the fruit of one sin1 he tempts ,god to send another judgment to seize upon him4 ,and so he did quickly after4 ,for not many months after his leg was well1 he had a very dangerous fit of sickness1 insomuch that now he began to think he must die in very deed4 ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,,his ,,pretended ,,repentings ,,and ,,promises ,,of ,,reform ,,when ,,death ,,grimly ,,stares ,,at ,,him4 ,,atten4 ,well1 and what did he think and do then8 ,,wise4 ,he thought he must go to hell2 that ,i know1 for he could not forbear but say so4 ,to my best remembrance1 he lay crying out all one night for fear2 and at times he would so tremble that he would make the very bed shake under him4 ,but ,o6 how the thoughts of death1 of hell-fire1 and of eternal judgment1 did then wrack his conscience4 ,fear might be seen in his face1 and in his tossings to and fro2 it might also be heard in his words1 and be understood by his heavy groans4 ,he would often cry1 ,i am undone1 ,i am undone2 my vile life has undone me6 ,,atten4 ,then his former atheistical thoughts and principles were too weak now to support him from the fears of eternal damnation4 ,,wise4 ,ay6 they were too weak indeed4 ,they may serve to stifle conscience1 when a man is in the midst of his prosperity2 and to harden the heart against all good counsel1 when a man is left of ,god1 and given up to his reprobate mind4 ,but1 alas1 atheistical thoughts1 notions1 and opinions must shrink and melt away1 when ,god sends1 yea1 comes with sickness to visit the soul of such a sinner for his sin4 ,there was a man dwelt about twelve miles off from us1 that had so trained up himself in his atheistical notions1 that at last he attempted to write a book against ,jesus ,christ1 and against the ,divine authority of the scriptures4 ,but ,i think it was not printed4 ,well1 after many days1 ,god struck him with sickness1 whereof he died4 ,so1 being sick1 and musing upon his former doings1 the book that he had written came into his mind1 and with it such a sense of his evil in writing of it1 that it tore his conscience as a lion would tear a kid4 ,he lay1 therefore1 upon his deathbed in sad case1 and much affliction of conscience2 some of my friends also went to see him2 and as they were in his chamber one day1 he hastily called for pen1 ink1 and paper2 which when it was given him1 he took it and writ to this purpose3--,i1 such a one1 in such a town1 must go to hell-fire1 for writing a book against ,jesus ,christ1 and against the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,and would also have leaped out of the window of his house1 to have killed himself1 but was by them prevented of that2 so he died in his bed1 such a death as it was4 ,it will be well if others take warning by him4#gj ,,atten4 ,this is a remarkable story4 ,,wise4 ,it is as true as remarkable4 ,i had it from them that ,i dare believe1 who also themselves were eye and ear witnesses2 and also that catched him in their arms1 and saved him1 when he would have leaped out of his chamber window1 to have destroyed himself6 ,,atten4 ,well1 you have told me what were ,mr4 ,badman's thoughts now1 being sick1 of his condition2 pray tell me also what he then did when he was sick8 ,,wise4 ,did6 he did many things which1 ,i am sure1 he never thought to have done2 and which1 to be sure1 was not looked for of his wife and children4 ,in this fit of sickness1 his thoughts were quite altered about his wife2 ,i say his thoughts1 so far as could be judged by his words and carriages to her4 ,for now she was his good wife1 his godly wife1 his honest wife1 his duck and dear1 and all4 ,now he told her that she had the best of it2 she having a good life to stand by her1 while his debaucheries and ungodly life did always stare him in the face4 ,now he told her the counsel that she often gave him was good2 though he was so bad as not to take it4 ,now he would hear her talk to him1 and he would lie sighing by her while she so did4 ,now he would bid her pray for him1 that he might be delivered from hell4 ,he would also now consent that some of her good ministers might come to him to comfort him2 and he would seem to show them kindness when they came1 for he would treat them kindly with words1 and hearken diligently to what they said2 only he did not care that they should talk much of his ill-spent life1 because his conscience was clogged with that already4 ,he cared not now to see his old companions1 the thoughts of them were a torment to him2 and now he would speak kindly to that child of his that took after its mother's steps1 though he could not at all abide it before4 ,he also desired the prayers of good people1 that ,god of his mercy would spare him a little longer2 promising that if ,god would but let him recover this once1 what anew1 what a penitent man he would be toward ,god1 and what a loving husband he would be to his wife2 what liberty he would give her1 yea1 how he would go with her himself1 to hear her ministers1 and how they should go hand in hand in the way to heaven together4 ,,atten4 ,here was a fine show of things2 ,i'll warrant you1 his wife was glad for this4 ,,wise4 ,his wife6 ay1 and a many good people besides4 ,it was noised all over the town what a great change there was wrought upon ,mr4 ,badman2 how sorry he was for his sins1 how he began to love his wife1 how he desired good men should pray to ,god to spare him2 and what promises he now made to ,god1 in his sickness1 that if ever he should raise him from his sick bed to health again1 what a new penitent man he would be towards ,god1 and what a loving husband to his good wife4 ,well1 ministers prayed1 and good people rejoiced1 thinking verily that they now had gotten a man from the devil2 nay1 some of the weaker sort did not stick to say that ,god had begun a work of grace in his heart2 and his wife1 poor woman1 you cannot think how apt she was to believe it so2 she rejoiced1 and she hoped as she would have it4 ,but1 alas6 alas6 in little time things all proved otherwise4 ,after he had kept his bed a while1 his distemper began to abate1 and he to feel himself better2 so he in a little time was so finely mended1 that he could walk about the house1 and also obtained a very fine stomach to his food2 and now did his wife and her good friends stand gaping to see ,mr4 ,badman fulfil his promise of becoming new towards ,god1 and loving to his wife2 but the contrary only showed itself4 ,for1 so soon as ever he had hopes of mending1 and found that his strength began to renew1 his trouble began to go off his heart1 and he grew as great a stranger to his frights and fears1 as if he never had them4 ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,,death ,,leaves ,,him ,,for ,a ,,season1 ,,and ,,he ,,returns ,,to ,,his ,,sin ,,like ,a ,,sow ,,that ,,has ,,been ,,washed ,,to ,,her ,,wallowing ,,in ,,the ,,mire4 ,but verily1 ,i am apt to think that one reason of his no more regarding or remembering of his sick-bed fears1 and of being no better for them was some words that the doctor that supplied him with physic said to him when he was mending4 ,for as soon as ,mr4 ,badman began to mend1 the doctor comes and sits him down by him in his house1 and there fell into discourse with him about the nature of his disease2 and among other things they talked of ,badman's trouble1 and how he would cry out1 tremble1 and express his fears of going to hell when his sickness lay pretty hard upon him4 ,to which the doctor replied1 that those fears and outcries did arise from the height of his distemper2 for that disease was often attended with lightness of the head1 by reason the sick party could not sleep1 and for that the vapours disturbed the brain3 but you see1 ,sir1 quoth he1 that so soon as you got sleep and betook yourself to rest1 you quickly mended1 and your head settled1 and so those frenzies left you4 ,and it was so indeed1 thought ,mr4 ,badman2 was my troubles only the effects of my distemper1 and because ill vapours got up into my brain8 ,then surely1 since my physician was my saviour1 my lust again shall be my god4 ,so he never minded religion more1 but betook him again to the world1 his lusts and wicked companions3 and there was an end of ,mr4 ,badman's conversion4 ,,atten4 ,i thought1 as you told me of him1 that this would be the result of the whole2 for ,i discerned1 by your relating of things1 that the true symptoms of conversion were wanting in him1 and that those that appeared to be anything like them1 were only such as reprobates may have4 ,,wise4 ,you say right1 for there wanted in him1 when he was most sensible1 a sense of the pollution of his nature2 he only had guilt for his sinful actions1 the which ,cain1 and ,pharaoh1 and ,saul1 and ,judas1 those reprobates1 have had before him 7,gen #d3ac1ad2 ,exo #i3bg2 #a ,sam #ae3bd2 ,matt #bg3c-e74 ,besides1 the great things that he desired1 were to be delivered from going to hell1 and who would1 willingly8 and that his life might be lengthened in this world4 ,we find not1 by all that he said or did1 that ,jesus ,christ the ,saviour was desired by him1 from a sense of his need of his righteousness to clothe him1 and of his ,spirit to sanctify him4 ,his own strength was whole in him1 he saw nothing of the treachery of his own heart3 for had he1 he would never have been so free to make promises to ,god of amendment4 ,he would rather have been afraid1 that if he had mended1 he should have turned with the dog to his vomit1 and have begged prayers of the saints1 and assistance from heaven upon that account1 that he might have been kept from doing so4 ,it is true he did beg prayers of good people1 and so did ,pharaoh of ,moses and ,aaron1 and ,simon ,magus of ,simon ,peter 7,exo #i3bh2 ,acts #h3bd74 ,his mind also seemed to be turned to his wife and child2 but1 alas6 it was rather from conviction that ,god had given him concerning their happy estate over his1 than for that he had any true love to the work of ,god that was in them4 ,true1 some shows of kindness he seemed to have for them1 and so had rich ,dives when in hell1 to his five brethren that were yet in the world3 yea1 he had such love as to wish them in heaven1 that they might not come thither to be tormented 7,luke #af3bg1bh74 ,,atten4 ,sick-bed repentance is seldom good for anything4 ,,wise4 ,you say true1 it is very rarely good for anything indeed4 ,death is unwelcome to nature1 and usually when sickness and death visit the sinner2 the first taking of him by the shoulder1 and the second standing at the bed-chamber door to receive him2 then the sinner begins to look about him1 and to bethink with himself1 these will have me away before ,god2 and ,i know that my life has not been as it should1 how shall ,i do to appear before ,god6 ,or if it be more the sense of the punishment1 and the place of the punishment of sinners1 that also is starting to a defiled conscience1 now roused by death's lumbering at the door4 ,and hence usually is sick-bed repentance1 and the matter of it2 to wit1 to be saved from hell1 and from death1 and that ,god will restore again to health till they mend1 concluding that it is in their power to mend1 as is evident by their large and lavishing promises to do it4 ,i have known many that1 when they have been sick1 have had large measures of this kind of repentance1 and while it has lasted1 the noise and sound thereof has made the town to ring again4 ,but1 alas6 how long has it lasted8 ofttimes scarce so long as until the party now sick has been well4 ,it has passed away like a mist or a vapour1 it has been a thing of no continuance4 ,but this kind of repentance is by ,god compared to the howling of a dog4 ',and they have not cried unto me with their heart1 when they howled upon their beds' 7,hosea #g3ad74 ,,atten4 ,yet one may see by this the desperateness of man's heart2 for what is it but desperate wickedness to make promise to ,god of amendment1 if he will but spare them2 and yet1 so soon as they are recovered1 or quickly after1 fall to sin as they did before1 and never to regard their promise more4 ,,wise4 ,it is a sign of desperateness indeed2 yea1 of desperate madness 7,deut #a3cd1ce74 ,for1 surely1 they must needs think that ,god took notice of their promise1 that he heard the words that they spake1 and that he hath laid them up against the time to come2 and will then bring out1 and testify to their faces1 that they flattered him with their mouth1 and lied unto him with their tongue1 when they lay sick1 to their thinking1 upon their death-bed1 and promised him that if he would recover them they would repent and amend their ways 7,psa #gh3cd-cg74 ,but thus1 as ,i have told you1 ,mr4 ,badman did4 ,he made great promises that he would be a new man1 that he would leave his sins and become a convert1 that he would love1 c4 his godly wife1 c4 ,yea1 many fine words had ,mr4 ,badman in his sickness1 but no good actions when he was well4 ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,,his ,,pious ,,wife ,,dies ,,broken-,,hearted4--,,her ,,death-,,bed ,,charge ,,to ,,her ,,family4 ,,atten4 ,and how did his good wife take it1 when she saw that he had no amendment1 but that he returned with the dog to his vomit1 to his old courses again8 ,,wise4 ,why1 it broke her heart1 it was a worse disappointment to her than the cheat that he gave her in marriage4 ,at least she laid it more to heart1 and could not so well grapple with it4 ,you must think that she had put up many a prayer to ,god for him before1 even all the time that he had carried it so badly to her1 and now1 when he was so affrighted in his sickness1 and so desired that he might live and mend2 poor woman1 she thought that the time was come for ,god to answer her prayers2 nay1 she did not let#ga with gladness1 to whisper it out amongst her friends1 that it was so3 but when she saw herself disappointed by her husband turning rebel again1 she could not stand up under it1 but falls into a languishing distemper1 and in a few weeks gave up the ghost4 ,,atten4 ,pray how did she die8 ,,wise4 ,die6 she died bravely2 full of comfort of the faith of her interest in ,christ1 and by him1 of the world to come4 ,she had many brave expressions in her sickness1 and gave to those that came to visit her many signs of her salvation2 the thoughts of the grave1 but especially of her rising again1 were sweet thoughts to her4 ,she would long of death1 because she knew it would be her friend4 ,she behaved herself like to some that were making of them ready to go meet their bridegroom4 ,now1 said she1 ,i am going to rest from my sorrows1 my sighs1 my tears1 my mournings1 and complaints3 ,i have heretofore longed to be among the saints1 but might by no means be suffered to go1 but now ,i am going1 and no man can stop me1 to the great meeting1 'to the general assembly1 and church of the first born which are written in heaven' 7,heb #ab3bb-bd74 ,there ,i shall have my heart's desire2 there ,i shall worship without temptation or other impediment2 there ,i shall see the face of my ,jesus1 whom ,i have loved1 whom ,i have served1 and who now ,i know will save my soul4 ,i have prayed often for my husband1 that he might be converted1 but there has been no answer of ,god in that matter4 ,are my prayers lost8 are they forgotten8 are they thrown over the bar8 ,no3 they are hanged upon the horns of the golden altar1 and ,i must have the benefit of them myself1 that moment that ,i shall enter into the gates1 in at which the righteous nation that keepeth truth shall enter3 ,i say1 ,i shall have the benefit of them4 ,i can say as holy ,david2 ,i say1 ,i can say of my husband1 as he could of his enemies3 ',as for me1 when they were sick1 my clothing was sackcloth2 ,i humbled my soul with fasting1 and my prayer returned into mine own bosom' 7,psa #ce3ac74 ,my prayers are not lost1 my tears are yet in ,god's bottle2 ,i would have had a crown1 and glory for my husband1 and for those of my children that follow his steps2 but so far as ,i can see yet1 ,i must rest in the hope of having all myself4 ,,atten4 ,did she talk thus openly8 ,,wise4 ,no3 this she spake but to one or two of her most intimate acquaintance1 who were permitted to come and see her1 when she lay languishing upon her death-bed4 ,,atten4 ,well1 but pray go on in your relation1 this is good2 ,i am glad to hear it1 this is as a cordial to my heart while we sit thus talking under this tree4 ,,wise4 ,when she drew near her end1 she called for her husband1 and when he was come to her she told him that now he and she must part1 and1 said she1 ,god knows1 and thou shalt know1 that ,i have been a loving1 faithful wife unto thee2 my prayers have been many for thee2 and as for all the abuses that ,i have received at thy hand1 those ,i freely and heartily forgive1 and still shall pray for thy conversion1 even as long as ,i breathe in this world4 ,but husband1 ,i am going thither1 where no bad man shall come1 and if thou dost not convert1 thou wilt never see me more with comfort2 let not my plain words offend thee2 ,i am thy dying wife1 and of my faithfulness to thee1 would leave this exhortation with thee2 break off thy sins1 fly to ,god for mercy while mercy's gate stands open2 remember that the day is coming1 when thou1 though now lusty and well1 must lie at the gates of death as ,i do2 and what wilt thou then do1 if thou shalt be found with a naked soul1 to meet with the cherubims with their flaming swords8 ,yea1 what wilt thou then do1 if death and hell shall come to visit thee1 and thou in thy sins1 and under the curse of the law8 ,,atten4 ,this was honest and plain2 but what said ,mr4 ,badman to her8 ,,wise4 ,he did what he could to divert her talk1 by throwing in other things2 he also showed some kind of pity to her now1 and would ask her what she would have8 and with various kind of words put her out of her talk2 for when she saw that she was not regarded1 she fetched a deep sigh1 and lay still4 ,so he went down1 and then she called for her children1 and began to talk to them4 ,and first she spake to those that were rude1 and told them the danger of dying before they had grace in their hearts4 ,she told them also that death might be nearer them than they were aware of2 and bid them look when they went through the churchyard again1 if there were not little graves there4 ,and1 ah children1 said she1 will it not be dreadful to you if we only shall meet at the day of judgment1 and then part again1 and never see each other more8 ,and with that she wept1 the children also wept3 so she held on her discourse4 ,children1 said she1 ,i am going from you2 ,i am going to ,jesus ,christ1 and with him there is neither sorrow1 nor sighing1 nor pain1 nor tears1 nor death 7,rev #g3af1 #ba3c1d74 ,thither would ,i have you go also1 but ,i can neither carry you nor fetch you thither2 but if you shall turn from your sins to ,god1 and shall beg mercy at his hands by ,jesus ,christ1 you shall follow me1 and shall1 when you die1 come to the place where ,i am going1 that blessed place of rest2 and then we shall be for ever together1 beholding the face of our ,redeemer1 to our mutual and eternal joy4 ,so she bid them remember the words of a dying mother when she was cold in her grave1 and themselves were hot in their sins1 if perhaps her words might put check to their vice1 and that they might remember and turn to ,god4 ,then they all went down but her darling1 to wit1 the child that she had most love for1 because it followed her ways4 ,so she addressed herself to that4 ,come to me1 said she1 my sweet child1 thou art the child of my joy2 ,i have lived to see thee a servant of ,god2 thou shalt have eternal life4 ,i1 my sweet heart1#gb shall go before1 and thou shalt follow after1 if thou shalt 'hold the beginning of thy confidence stedfast unto the end' 7,heb #c3ad74 ,when ,i am gone1 do thou still remember my words4 ,love thy ,bible1 follow my ministers1 deny ungodliness still1 and if troublesome times shalt come1 set a higher price upon ,christ1 his word1 and ways1 and the testimony of a good conscience1 than upon all the world besides4#gc ,carry it kindly and dutifully to thy father1 but choose none of his ways4 ,if thou mayest go to service1 choose that rather than to stay at home2 but then be sure to choose a service where thou mayest be helped forwards in the way to heaven2 and that thou mayest have such a service1 speak to my minister1 he will help thee1 if possible1 to such a one4 ,i would have thee also1 my dear child1 to love thy brothers and sisters1 but learn none of their naughty tricks4 ',have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness1 but rather reprove them' 7,eph #e3aa74 ,thou hast grace1 they have none2 do thou therefore beautify the way of salvation before their eyes1 by a godly life and conformable conversation to the revealed will of ,god1 that thy brothers and sisters may see and be the more pleased with the good ways of the ,lord4 ,if thou shalt live to marry1 take heed of being served as ,i was2 that is1 of being beguiled with fair words and the flatteries of a lying tongue4 ,but first be sure of godliness1 yea1 as sure as it is possible for one to be in this world4 ,trust not thine own eyes1 nor thine own judgment1 ,i mean as to that person's godliness that thou art invited to marry4 ,ask counsel of good men1 and do nothing therein1 if he lives1 without my minister's advice4 ,i have also myself desired him to look after thee4 ,thus she talked to her children1 and gave them counsel2 and after she had talked to this a little longer1 she kissed it1 and bid it go down4 ,well1 in short1 her time drew on1 and the day that she must die4 ,so she died1 with a soul full of grace1 a heart full of comfort1 and by her death ended a life full of trouble4 ,her husband made a funeral for her1 perhaps because he was glad he was rid of her1 but we will leave that to the manifest at judgment4 ,,atten4 ,this woman died well4 ,and now we are talking of the dying of ,christians1 ,i will tell you a story of one that died some time since in our town4 ,the man was a godly old ,puritan1 for so the godly were called in time past4 ,this man1 after a long and godly life1 fell sick1 of the sickness whereof he died4 ,and as he lay drawing on1 the woman that looked to him thought she heard music1 and that the sweetest that ever she heard in her life1 which also continued until he gave up the ghost4 ,now when his soul departed from him the music seemed to withdraw1 and to go further and further off from the house1 and so it went until the sound was quite gone out of hearing4 ,,wise4 ,what do you think that might be8 ,,atten4 ,for ought ,i know the melodious notes of angels1 that were sent of ,god to fetch him to heaven4 ,,wise4 ,i cannot say but that ,god goes out of his ordinary road with us poor mortals sometimes4 ,i cannot say this of this woman1 but yet she had better music in her heart than sounded in this woman's ears4 ,,atten4 ,i believe so2 but pray tell me1 did any of her other children hearken to her words1 so as to be bettered in their souls thereby8 ,,wise4 ,one of them did1 and became a very hopeful young man4 ,but for the rest ,i can say nothing4 ,,atten4 ,and what did ,badman do after his wife was dead8 ,,wise4 ,why1 even as he did before2 he scarce mourned a fortnight for her1 and his mourning then was1 ,i doubt1 more in fashion than in heart4 ,,atten4 ,would he not sometimes talk of his wife when she was dead8 ,,wise4 ,yes1 when the fit took him1 and could commend her too extremely1 saying she was a good1 godly1 virtuous woman4 ,but this is not a thing to be wondered at4 ,it is common with wicked men to hate ,god's servants while alive1 and to commend them when they are dead4 ,so served the ,pharisees the prophets4 ,those of the prophets that were dead they commended1 and those of them that were alive they condemned4 7,matt #bc74 ,,chapter ,,xvii4 ,,he ,,is ,,tricked ,,into ,a ,,second ,,marriage ,,by ,a ,,woman ,,as ,,bad ,,as ,,himself4 ,,atten4 ,but did not ,mr4 ,badman marry again quickly8 ,,wise4 ,no1 not a good while after2 and when he was asked the reason he would make this slighty answer1 ,who would keep a cow of their own that can have a quart of milk for a penny8 ,meaning1 who would be at the charge to have a wife that can have a whore when he listeth8 ,so villainous1 so abominable did he continue after the death of his wife4 ,yet at last there as one was too hard for him4 ,for getting of him to her upon a time1 and making of him sufficiently drunk1 she was so cunning as to get a promise of marriage of him1 and so held him to it1 and forced him to marry her4 ,and she1 as the saying is1 was as good as he at all his vile and ranting tricks4 ,she had her companions as well as he had his1 and she would meet them too at the tavern and ale-house more commonly than he was aware of4 ,to be plain1 she was a very whore1 and had as great resort came to her1 where time and place was appointed1 as any of them all4 ,ay1 and he smelt it too1 but could not tell how to help it4 ,for if he began to talk1 she could lay in his dish the whores that she knew he haunted1 and she could fit him also with cursing and swearing1 for she would give him oath for oath1 and curse for curse4 ,,atten4 ,what kind of oaths would she have8 ,,wise4 ,why1 damn her1 and sink her1 and the like4 ,,atten4 ,these are provoking things4 ,,wise4 ,so they are2 but ,god doth not altogether let such things go unpunished in this life4 ,something of this ,i have showed you already1 and will here give you one or two instances more4 ,there lived1 saith one1 in the year #aeea1 in a city of ,savoy1 a man who was a monstrous curser and swearer1 and though he was often admonished and blamed for it1 yet would he by no means mend his manners4 ,at length a great plague happening in the city1 he withdrew himself with his wife and a kinswoman into a garden1 where being again admonished to give over his wickedness1 he hardened his heart more1 swearing1 blaspheming ,god1 and giving himself to the devil4 ,and immediately the devil snatched him up suddenly1 his wife and kinswoman looking on1 and carried him quite away4 ,the magistrates1 advertised hereof1 went to the place and examined the women1 who justified the truth of it4 ,also at ,oster1 in the duchy of ,magalapole1 saith ,mr4 ,clark1 a wicked woman used in her cursing to give herself body and soul to the devil1 and being reproved for it1 still continued the same2 till1 being at a wedding-feast1 the devil came in person1 and carried her up into the air1 with most horrible outcries and roarings2 and in that sort carried her round about the town1 that the inhabitants were ready to die for fear4 ,and by and by he tore her in four pieces1 leaving her four quarters in four several highways2 and then brought her bowels to the marriage-feast1 and threw them upon the table before the mayor of the town1 saying1 ,behold these dishes of meat belong to thee1 whom the like destruction waiteth for if thou dost not amend thy wicked life4 ,,atten4 ,though ,god forbears to deal thus with all men that thus rend and tear his name1 and that immediate judgments do not overtake them1 yet he makes their lives by other judgments bitter to them1 does he not8 ,,wise4 ,yes1 yes1 and for proof1 ,i need go no farther than to this ,badman and his wife2 for their railing1 and cursing1 and swearing ended not in words4 ,they would fight and fly at each other1 and that like cats and dogs4 ,but it must be looked upon as the hand and judgment of ,god upon him for his villainy2 he had an honest woman before1 but she would not serve his turn1 and therefore ,god took her away1 and gave him one as bad as himself4 ,thus that measure that he meted to his first wife1 this last did mete to him again4 ,and this is a punishment wherewith sometimes ,god will punish wicked men4 ,so said ,amos to ,amaziah1 ',thy wife shall be a harlot in the city' 7,amos #g3ag74 ,with this last wife ,mr4 ,badman lived a pretty while2 but1 as ,i told you before1 in a most sad and hellish manner4 ,and now he would bewail his first wife's death2 not of love that he had to her godliness1 for that he could never abide1 but for that she used always to keep home1 whereas this would go abroad2 his first wife was also honest1 and true to that relation1 but this last was a whore of her body4 ,the first woman loved to keep things together1 but this last would whirl them about as well as he4 ,the first would be silent when he chid1 and would take it patiently when he abused her2 but this would give him word for word1 blow for blow1 curse for curse2 so that now ,mr4 ,badman had met with his match4 ,god had a mind to make him see the baseness of his own life in the wickedness of his wife's4 ,but all would not do with ,mr4 ,badman1 he would be ,mr4 ,badman still4 ,this judgment did not work any reformation upon him1 no1 not to ,god nor man4 ,,atten4 ,i warrant you that ,mr4 ,badman thought when his wife was dead1 that next time he would match far better4 ,,wise4 ,what he thought ,i cannot tell1 but he could not hope for it in this match4 ,for here he knew himself to be catched1 he knew that he was by this woman entangled1 and would therefore have gone back again1 but could not4 ,he knew her1 ,i say1 to be a whore before1 and therefore could not promise himself a happy life with her4 ,for he or she that will not be true to their own soul1 and therefore could not expect she should be true to him4 ,but ,solomon says1 ',a whore is a deep ditch1' and ,mr4 ,badman found it true4 ,for when she had caught him in her pit1 she would never leave him till she had got him to promise her marriage2 and when she had taken him so far1 she forced him to marry indeed4 ,and after that1 they lived that life that ,i have told you4 ,,atten4 ,but did not the neighbours take notice of this alteration that ,mr4 ,badman had made8 ,,wise4 ,yes2 and many of his neighbours1 yea1 many of those that were carnal said1 ,it is a righteous judgment of ,god upon him for his abusive carriage and language to his other wife3 for they were all convinced that she was a virtuous woman1 and that he1 vile wretch1 had killed her1 ,i will not say with1 but with the want of kindness4 ,,chapter ,,xviii4 ,,he ,,parts ,,from ,,his ,,wife--,,diseases ,,attack ,,him ,,under ,,captain ,,consumption1 ,,he ,,rots ,,away1 ,,and ,,dies ,,in ,,sinful ,,security4 ,,atten4 ,and how long1 ,i pray1 did they live thus together4 ,,wise4 ,some fourteen or sixteen years1 even until1 though she also brought something with her1 they had sinned all away1 and parted as poor as howlets4 ,and1 in reason1 how could it be otherwise8 he would have his way1 and she would have hers2 he among his companions1 and she among hers2 he with his whores1 and she with her rogues2 and so they brought their#gd noble to ninepence4 ,,atten4 ,pray of what disease did ,mr4 ,badman die1 for now ,i perceive we are come up to his death8 ,,wise4 ,i cannot so properly say that he died of one disease1 for there were many that had consented1 and laid their heads together to bring him to his end4 ,he was dropsical1 he was consumptive1 he was surfeited1 was gouty1 and1 as some say1 he had a tang of the pox in his bowels4 ,yet the captain of all these men of death that came against him to take him away1 was the consumption1 for it was that that brought him down to the grave4#ge ,,atten4 ,although ,i will not say but the best men may die of a consumption1 a dropsy1 or a surfeit2 yea1 that these may meet upon a man to end him2 yet ,i will say again1 that many times these diseases come through man's inordinate use of things4 ,much drinking brings dropsies1 consumptions1 surfeits1 and many other diseases2 and ,i doubt that ,mr4 ,badman's death did come by his abuse of himself in the use of lawful and unlawful things4 ,i ground this my sentence upon that report of his life that you at large have given me4 ,,wise4 ,i think verily that you need not call back your sentence2 for it is thought by many that by his cups and his queans he brought himself to this his destruction3 he was not an old man when he died1 nor was he naturally very feeble1 but strong and of a healthy complexion4 ,yet1 as ,i said1 he moultered away1 and went1 when he set agoing1 rotten to his grave4 ,and that which made him stink when he was dead1 ,i mean1 that made him stink in his name and fame1 was1 that he died with a spice of the foul disease upon him4 ,a man whose life was full of sin1 and whose death was without repentance4 ,,atten4 ,these were blemishes sufficient to make him stink indeed4 ,,wise4 ,they were so1 and they did do it4 ,no man could speak well of him when he was gone4 ,his name rotted above ground1 as his carcase rotted under4 ,and this is according to the saying of the wise man1 ',the memory of the just is blessed1 but the name of the wicked shall rot' 7,prov #aj3g74 ,this text1 in both the parts of it1 was fulfilled upon him and the woman that he married first4 ,for her name still did flourish1 though she had been dead almost seventeen years2 but his began to stink and rot before he had been buried seventeen days4 ,,atten4 ,that man that dieth with a life full of sin1 and with a heart void of repentance1 although he should die of the most golden disease1 if there were any thing that might be so called1 ,i will warrant him his name shall stink1 and that in heaven and earth4 ,,wise4 ,you say true2 and therefore doth the name of ,cain1 ,pharaoh1 ,saul1 ,judas1 and the ,pharisees1 though dead thousands of years ago1 stink as fresh in the nostrils of the world as if they were but newly dead4 ,,atten4 ,i do fully acquiesce with you in this4 ,but1 ,sir1 since you have charged him with dying impenitent1 pray let me see how you will prove it2 not that ,i altogether doubt it1 because you have affirmed it1 but yet ,i love to have proof for what men say in such weighty matters4 ,,wise4 ,when ,i said he died without repentance1 ,i meant so far as those that knew him could judge1 when they compared his life1 the ,word1 and his death together4 ,,atten4 ,well said1 they went the right way to find out whether he had1 that is1 did manifest that he had repentance or no4 ,now then show me how they did prove he had none4 ,,wise4 ,so ,i will4 ,and first1 this was urged to prove it4 ,he had not in all the time of his sickness a sight and sense of his sins1 but was as secure1 and as much at quiet1 as if he had never sinned in all his life4 ,,atten4 ,i must needs confess that this is a sign he had none4 ,for how can a man repent of that of which he hath neither sight nor sense8 ,but it is strange that he had neither sight nor sense of sin now1 when he had such a sight and sense of his evil before2 ,i mean when he was sick before4 ,,wise4 ,he was1 as ,i said1 as secure now as if he had been as sinless as an angel2 though all men knew what a sinner he was1 for he carried his sins in his forehead4 ,his debauched life was read and known of all men2 but his repentance was read and known of no man2 for1 as ,i said1 he had none4 ,and for ought ,i know1 the reason why he had no sense of his sins now was1 because he profited not by that sense that he had of them before4 ,he liked not to retain that knowledge of ,god then1 that caused his sins to come to remembrance4 ,therefore ,god gave him up now to a reprobate mind1 to hardness and stupidity of spirit2 and so was that scripture fulfilled upon him1 ',he hath blinded their eyes' 7,isa #f3aj74 ,and that1 ',let their eyes be darkened that they may not see' 7,rom #aa3aj74 ,o1 for a man to live in sin1 and to go out of the world without repentance for it1 is the saddest judgment that can overtake a man4 ,,atten4 ,but1 ,sir1 although both you and ,i have consented that without a sight and sense of sin there can be no repentance1 yet that is but our bare say so2 let us therefore now see if by the scripture we can make it good4 ,,wise4 ,that is easily done4 ,the three thousand that were converted 7,acts #b71 repented not till they had sight and sense of their sins4 ,paul repented not till he had sight and sense of his sins 7,act #i74 ,the jailer repented not till the had sight and sense of his sins2 nor could they 7,act #af74 ,for of what should a man repent8 ,the answer is1 ,of sin4 ,what is it to repent of sin8 ,the answer is1 ,to be sorry for it1 to turn from it4 ,but how can a man be sorry for it1 that has neither sight nor sense of it8 7,psa #ch3ah74 ,david did not only commit sins1 but abode impenitent for them1 until ,nathan the prophet was sent from ,god to give him a sight and sense of them2 and then1 but not till then1 he indeed repented of them 7#b ,sam #ab74 ,job1 in order to his repentance1 cries unto ,god1 ',show me wherefore thou contendest with me8' 7,job #aj3b74 ,and again1 ',that which ,i see not teach thou me1 ,i have borne chastisement1 ,i will not offend any more' 7,job #cd3cb74 ,that is1 not in what ,i know1 for ,i will repent of it2 nor yet in what ,i know not1 when thou shalt show me it4 ,also ,ephraim's repentance was after he was turned to the sight and sense of his sins1 and after he was instructed about the evil of them 7,jer #ca3ah-bj74 ,,atten4 ,these are good testimonies of this truth1 and do1 if matter of fact1 with which ,mr4 ,badman is charged1 be true1 prove indeed that he did not repent1 but as he lived so he died in his sin 7,job #bj3aa74 ,for without repentance a man is sure to die in his sin2 for they will lie down in the dust with him1 rise at the judgment with him1 hang about his neck like cords and chains when he standeth at the bar of ,god's tribunal 7,prov #e3bb74 ,and go with him1 too1 when he goes away from the judgment-seat1 with a ',depart from me1 ye cursed1 into everlasting fire1 prepared for the devil and his angels' 7,matt #be3da74 ,and there shall fret and gnaw his conscience1 because they will be to him a never-dying worm 7,mark #i3dd2 ,isa #ff3bd74 ,,wise4 ,you say well1 and ,i will add a word or two more to what ,i have said4 ,repentance1 as it is not produced without a sight and sense of sin1 so every sight and sense of sin cannot produce it2 ,i mean every sight and sense of sin cannot produce that repentance1 that is repentance unto salvation2 repentance never to be repented of4 ,for it is yet fresh before us1 that ,mr4 ,badman had a sight and sense of sin1 in that fit of sickness that he had before1 but it died without procuring any such godly fruit2 as was manifest by his so soon returning with the dog to his vomit4 ,many people think also that repentance stands in confession of sin only1 but they are very much mistaken2 for repentance1 as was said before1 is a being sorry for1 and returning from transgression to ,god by ,jesus ,christ4 ,now1 if this be true1 that every sight and sense of sin will not produce repentance1 then repentance cannot be produced there where there is no sight and sense of sin4 ,that every sight and sense of sin will not produce repentance1 to wit1 the godly repentance that we are speaking of1 is manifest in ,cain1 ,pharaoh1 ,saul1 and ,judas1 who all of them had sense1 great sense of sin1 but none of them repentance unto life4 ,now ,i conclude that ,mr4 ,badman did die impenitent1 and so a death most miserable4 ,,atten4 ,but pray now1 before we conclude our discourse of ,mr4 ,badman1 give me another proof of his dying in his sins4 ,,wise4 ,another proof is this1 he did not desire a sight and sense of sins1 that he might have repentance for them4 ,did ,i say he did not desire it1 ,i will add1 he greatly desired to remain in his security1 and that ,i shall prove by that which follows4 ,first1 he could not endure that any man now should talk to him of his sinful life1 and yet that was the way to beget a sight and sense of sin1 and so of repentance from it1 in his soul4 ,but ,i say he could not endure such discourse4 ,those men that did offer to talk unto him of his ill-spent life1 they were as little welcome to him1 in the time of his last sickness1 as was ,elijah when he went to meet with ,ahab as he went down to take possession of ,naboth's vineyard4 ',hast thou found me1' said ,ahab1 ',o mine enemy8' 7#a ,kings #ba3ag-ba74 ,so would ,mr4 ,badman say in his heart to and of those that thus did come to him1 though indeed they came even of love to convince him of his evil life1 that he might have repented thereof and have obtained mercy4 ,,atten4 ,did good men then go to see him in his last sickness8 ,,wise4 ,yes4 ,those that were his first wife's acquaintance1 they went to see him1 and to talk with him1 and to him1 if perhaps he might now1 at last1 bethink himself and cry to ,god for mercy4 ,,atten4 ,they did well to try now at last if they could save his soul from hell4 ,but pray how can you tell that he did not care for the company of such8 ,,wise4 ,because of the differing carriage that he had for them from what he had when his old carnal companions came to see him4 ,when his old companions came to see him he would stir up himself as much as he could1 both by words1 and looks1 to signify they were welcome to him2 he would also talk with them freely and look pleasantly upon them1 though the talk of such could be none other but such as ,david said carnal men would offer to him when they came to visit him in his sickness4 ',if he come to see me1' says he1 'he speaketh vanity1 his heart gathereth iniquity to itself' 7,psa #da3f74 ,but these kind of talks1 ,i say1 ,mr4 ,badman better brooked than he did the company of better men4 ,but ,i will more particularly give you a character of his carriage to good men1 and good talk1 when they came to see him4 #a4 ,when they were come he would seem to fail in his spirits at the sight of them4 #b4 ,he would not care to answer them to any of those questions that they would at times put to him1 to feel what sense he had of sin1 death1 hell1 and judgment4 ,but would either say nothing or answer them by way of evasion1 or else by telling of them he was so weak and spent that he could not speak much4 #c4 ,he would never show forwardness to speak to or talk with them1 but was glad when they held their tongues4 ,he would ask them no question about his state and another world1 or how he should escape that damnation that he had deserved4 #d4 ,he had got a haunt#gf at last to bid his wife and keeper1 when these good people attempted to come to see him1 to tell them that he was asleep1 or inclining to sleep1 or so weak for want thereof that he could not abide any noise4 ,and so they would serve them time after time1 till at last they were discouraged from coming to see him any more4 #e4 ,he was so hardened now in this time of his sickness1 that he would talk1 when his companions came unto him1 to the disparagement of those good men1 and of their good doctrine too1 that of love did come to see him1 and that did labour to convert him4 #f4 ,when these good men went away from him he would never say1 ,pray1 when will you be pleased to come again1 for ,i have a desire to more of your company and to hear more of your good instruction8 ,no1 not a word of that1 but when they were going would scarce bid them drink1#gg or say1 ,thank you for your good company and good instruction4 #g4 ,his talk in his sickness with his companions would be of the world1 as trades1 houses1 lands1 great men1 great titles1 great places1 outward prosperity or outward adversity1 or some such carnal thing4 ,by all which ,i conclude that he did not desire a sense and sight of his sin1 that he might repent and be saved4 ,,atten4 ,it must needs be so as you say1 if these things be true that you have asserted of him4 ,and ,i do the rather believe them1 because ,i think you dare not tell a lie of the dead4 ,,wise4 ,i was one of them that went to him and that beheld his carriage and manner of way1 and this is a true relation of it that ,i have given you4 ,,atten4 ,i am satisfied4 ,but pray1 if you can1 show me now1 by the ,word1 what sentence of ,god doth pass upon such men4 ,,wise4 ,why1 the man that is thus averse to repentance1 that desires not to hear of his sins that he might repent and be saved1 is said to be a man that saith unto ,god1 ',depart from me1 for ,i desire not the knowledge of thy ways' 7,job #ba3ad74 ,he is a man that says in his heart and with his actions1 ',i have loved strangers sins and after them will ,i go' 7,jer #b3be74 ,he is a man that shuts his eyes1 stops his ears1 and that turneth his spirit against ,god 7,zech #g3aa1ab2 ,acts #bh3bf1bg74 ,yea1 he is the man that is at enmity with ,god1 and that abhors him with his soul4 ,,atten4 ,what other sign can you give me that ,mr4 ,badman died without repentance8 ,,wise4 ,why1 he did never heartily cry to ,god for mercy all the time of his affliction4 ,true1 when sinking fits1 stitches1 or pains took hold upon him1 then he would say1 as other carnal men used to do1 ,lord1 help me2 ,lord1 strengthen me2 ,lord1 deliver me1 and the like4 ,but to cry to ,god for mercy1 that he did not1 but lay1 as ,i hinted before1 as if he never had sinned4 ,,atten4 ,that is another bad sign indeed1 for crying to ,god for mercy is one of the first signs of repentance4 ,when ,paul lay repenting of his sin upon his bed1 the ,holy ,ghost said of him1 ',behold he prayeth' 7,acts #i3aa74 ,but he that hath not the first signs of repentance1 it is a sign he hath none of the other1 and so indeed none at all4 ,i do not say but there may be crying where there may be no sign of repentance4 ',they cried1' says ,david1 'unto the ,lord1 but he answered them not'2 but that he would have done if their cry had been the fruit of repentance 7,psa #ah3da74 ,but1 ,i say1 if men may cry and yet have no repentance1 be sure they have none that cry not at all4 ,it is said in ,job1 'they cry not when he bindeth them' 7,job #cf3ac72 that is1 because they have no repentance2 no repentance1 no cries2 false repentance1 false cries2 true repentance1 true cries4 ,,wise4 ,i know that it is as possible for a man to forbear crying that hath repentance1 as it is for a man to forbear groaning that feeleth deadly pain4 ,he that looketh into the book of ,psalms1 where repentance is most lively set forth even in its true and proper effects1 shall their find that crying1 strong crying1 hearty crying1 great crying1 and incessant crying1 hath been the fruits of repentance2 but none of this had this ,mr4 ,badman1 therefore he died in his sins4 ,that crying is an inseparable effect of repentance1 is seen in these scriptures--',have mercy upon me1 ,o ,god2 according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies1 blot out my transgressions' 7,psa #ea3a74 ',o ,lord1 rebuke me not in thine anger1 neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure4 ,have mercy upon me1 ,o ,lord1 for ,i am weak3 ,o ,lord1 heal me1 for my bones are vexed4 ,my soul is also sore vexed1 but thou1 ,o ,lord1 how long8 ,return1 ,o ,lord1 deliver my soul3 ,o save me for thy mercies' sake' 7,psa #f3a-d74 ',o ,lord1 rebuke me not in thy wrath1 neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure2 for thine arrows stick fast in me1 and thy hand presseth me sore4 ,there is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger1 neither is there any rest in my bones1 because of my sin4 ,for mine iniquities are gone over mine head2 as a heavy burden they are too heavy for me4 ,my wounds stink and are corrupt1 because of my foolishness4 ,i am troubled1 ,i am bowed down greatly1 ,i go mourning all the day long4 ,my loins are filled with a loathsome disease1 and there is no soundness in my flesh4 ,i am feeble and sore broken2 ,i have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart' 7,psa #ch3a-h74 ,i might give you a great number more of the holy sayings of good men whereby they express how they were1 what they felt1 and whether they cried or no when repentance was wrought in them4 ,alas1 alas1 it is as possible for a man1 when the pangs of guilt are upon him1 to forbear praying1 as it is for a woman1 when pangs of travail are upon her1 to forbear crying4 ,if all the world should tell me that such a man hath repentance1 yet if he is not a praying man ,i should not be persuaded to believe it4 ,,atten4 ,i know no reason why you should1 for there is nothing can demonstrate that such a man hath it4 ,but pray1 ,sir1 what other sign have you by which you can prove that ,mr4 ,badman died in his sins1 and so in a state of damnation8 ,,wise4 ,i have this to prove it4 ,those who were his old and sinful companions in the time of his health1 were those whose company and carnal talk he most delighted in in the time of his sickness4 ,i did occasionally hint this before1 but now ,i make it an argument of his want of grace1 for where there is indeed a work of grace in the heart1 that work doth not only change the heart1 thoughts1 and desires1 but the conversation also2 yea1 conversation and company too4 ,when ,paul had a work of grace in his soul he essayed to join himself to the disciples4 ,he was for his old companions in their abominations no longer4 ,he was now a disciple1 and was for the company of disciples4 ',and he was with them coming in and going out at ,jerusalem' 7,acts #i3bg1bh74 ,,atten4 ,i thought something when ,i heard you make mention of it before4 ,thought ,i1 this is a shrewd sign that he had not grace in his heart4 ,birds of a feather1 thought ,i1 will flock together4 ,if this man was one of ,god's children he would herd with ,god's children1 his delight would be with and in the company of ,god's children4 ,as ,david said1 ',i am a companion of all them that fear thee1 and of them that keep thy precepts' 7,psa #aai3fc74 ,,wise4 ,you say well1 for what fellowship hath he that believeth with an infidel8 ,and although it be true that all that join to the godly are not godly1 yet they that shall inwardly choose the company of the ungodly and open profane1 rather than the company of the godly1 as ,mr4 ,badman did1 surely are not godly men1 but profane4 ,he was1 as ,i told you1 out of his element when good men did come to visit him2 but then he was where he would be1 when he had his vain companions about him4 ,alas6 grace1 as ,i said1 altereth all1 heart1 life1 company1 and all2 for by it the heart and man is made new4 ,and a new heart and a new man must have objects of delight that are new1 and like himself2 ',old things are passed away'2 why8 ,for 'all things are become new' 7#b ,cor #e3bg74 ,now1 if all things are become new1 to wit1 heart1 mind1 thoughts1 desires1 and delights1 it followeth by consequence that the company must be answerable2 hence it is said1 that they 'that believed were together'2 that 'they went to their own company'2 that they were 'added to the church'2 that they 'were of one heart and of one soul'2 and the like 7,acts #b3dd-dg1 #d3bc1cb74 ,now if it be objected that ,mr4 ,badman was sick1 and so could not go to the godly1 yet he had a tongue in his head1 and could1 had he had a heart1 have spoken to some to call or send for the godly to come to him4 ,yea1 he would have done so2 yea1 the company of all others1 especially his fellow-sinners1 would1 even in every appearance of them before him1 have been a burden and a grief unto him4 ,his heart and affection standing bent to good1 good companions would have suited him best4 ,but his companions were his old associates1 his delight was in them1 therefore his heart and soul were yet ungodly4 ,,atten4 ,pray1 how was he when he drew near his end2 for1 ,i perceive1 that what you say of him now hath reference to him and to his actions at the beginning of his sickness8 ,then he could endure company and much talk2 besides1 perhaps then he thought he should recover and not die1 as afterwards he had cause to think1 when he was quite wasted with pining sickness1 when he was at the grave's mouth4 ,but how was he1 ,i say1 when he was1 as we say1 at the grave's mouth1 within a step of death1 when he saw and knew1 and could not but know1 that shortly he must die1 and appear before the judgment of ,god8 ,,wise4 ,why1 there was not any other alteration in him than what was made by his disease upon his body4 ,sickness1 you know1 will alter the body1 also pains and stitches will make men groan2 but for his mind he had no alteration there4 ,his mind was the same1 his heart was the same4 ,he was the self-same ,mr4 ,badman still4 ,not only in name but conditions1 and that to the very day of his death2 yea1 so far as could be gathered to the very moment in which he died4 ,,atten4 ,pray1 how was he in his death8 ,was death strong upon him8 or did he die with ease1 quietly8 ,,wise4 ,as quietly as a lamb4 ,there seemed not to be in it1 to standers by1 so as a strong struggle of nature4 ,and as for his mind1 it seemed to be wholly at quiet4 ,but1 pray1 why do you ask me this question8 ,,atten4 ,not for mine own sake1 but for others4 ,for there is such an opinion as this among the ignorant1 that if a man dies1 as they call it1 like a lamb1 that is1 quietly1 and without that consternation of mind that others show in their death1 they conclude1 and that beyond all doubt1 that such a one is gone to heaven1 and is certainly escaped the wrath to come4 ,,chapter ,,xix4 ,,future ,,happiness ,,not ,,to ,,be ,,hoped ,,from ,a ,,quiet ,,hardened ,,death4 ,,wise4 ,there is no judgment to be made by a quiet death1 of the eternal state of him that so dieth4 ,suppose that one man should die quietly1 another should die suddenly1 and a third should die under great consternation of spirit1 no man can judge of their eternal condition by the manner of any of these kinds of deaths4 ,he that dies quietly1 suddenly1 or under consternation of spirit1 may go to heaven1 or may go to hell2 no man can tell whether a man goes1 by any such manner of death4 ,the judgment1 therefore1 that we make of the eternal condition of a man must be gathered from another consideration1 to wit1 ,did the man die in his sins8 did he die in unbelief8 did he die before he was born again8 then he has gone to the devil and hell1 though he died never so quietly4 ,again1 ,was the man a good man8 had he faith and holiness8 was he a lover and a worshipper of ,god by ,christ according to his word8 ,then he is gone to ,god and heaven1 how suddenly1 or in what consternation of mind soever he died4 ,but ,mr4 ,badman was naught1 his life was evil1 his ways were evil1 evil to his end4 ,he therefore went to hell and to the devil1 how quietly soever he died4 ,indeed there is1 in some cases1 a judgment to be made of a man's eternal condition by the manner of the death he dieth4 ,as1 suppose now a man should murder himself1 or live a wicked life1 and after that die in utter despair2 these men1 without doubt1 do both of them go to hell4 ,and here ,i will take an occasion to speak of two of ,mr4 ,badman's brethren1 for you know ,i told you before that he had brethren1 and of the manner of their death4 ,one of them killed himself1 and the other1 after a wicked life1 died in utter despair4 ,now1 ,i should not be afraid to conclude of both these1 that they went by and through their death to hell4 ,,atten4 ,pray tell me concerning the first1 how he made away with himself8 ,,wise4 ,why1 he took a knife and cut his own throat1 and immediately gave up the ghost and died4 ,now1 what can we judge of such a man's condition1 since the scripture saith1 ',no murderer hath eternal life1' c41 but that it must be concluded that such a one is gone to hell4 ,he was a murderer1 self-murderer2 and he is the worst murderer1 one that slays his own body and soul4#gh ,nor do we find mention made of any but cursed ones that do such kind of deeds4 ,i say1 no mention made in ,holy ,writ of any others1 but such that murder themselves4 ,and this is a sore judgment of ,god upon men1 when ,god shall1 for the sins of such1 give them up to be their own executioners1 or rather to execute his judgment and anger upon themselves4 ,and let me earnestly give this caution to sinners4 ,take heed1 ,sirs1 break off your sins1 lest ,god serves you as he served ,mr4 ,badman's brother2 that is1 lest he gives you up to be your own murderers4 ,,atten4 ,now you talk of this2 ,i did once know a man1 a barber1 that took his own razor and cut his own throat1 and then put his head out of his chamber window1 to show the neighbours what he had done1 and after a little while died4 ,,wise4 ,i can tell you a more dreadful thing than this2 ,i mean as to the manner of doing the fact4 ,there was1 about twelve years since1 a man that lived at ,brafield1 by ,northampton1 named ,john ,cox1 that murdered himself2 the manner of his doing of it was thus4 ,he was a poor man1 and had for some time been sick1 and the time of his sickness was about the beginning of hay-time1 and taking too many thoughts how he should live afterwards1 if he lost his present season of work1 he fell into deep despair about the world1 and cried out to his wife the morning before he killed himself1 saying1 ,we are undone4 ,but quickly after1 he desired his wife to depart the room1 because1 said he1 ,i will see if ,i can get any rest2 so she went out2 but he1 instead of sleeping1 quickly took his razor1 and therewith cut up a great hole in his side1 out of which he pulled and cut off some of his guts1 and threw them1 with the blood1 up and down the chamber4 ,but this not speeding of him so soon as he desired1 he took the same razor and therewith cut his own throat4 ,his wife1 the hearing of him sigh and fetch his wind short1 came again into the room to him1 and seeing what he had done1 she ran out and called in some neighbours1 who came to him where he lay in a bloody manner1 frightful to behold4 ,then said one of them to him1 ,ah6 ,john1 what have you done8 ,are you not sorry for what you have done8 ,he answered roughly1 ,it is too late to be sorry4 ,then1 said the same person to him again1 ,ah6 ,john1 pray to ,god to forgive thee this bloody act of thine4 ,at the hearing of which exhortation he seemed much offended1 and in an angry manner said1 ,pray6 and with that flung himself away to the wall1 and so1 after a few gasps1 died desperately4 ,when he had turned him of his back to the wall1 the blood ran out of his belly as out of a bowl1 and soaked quite through the bed to the boards1 and through the chinks of the boards it ran pouring down to the ground4 ,some said that when the neighbours came to see him1 he lay groping with his hand in his bowels1 reaching upward1 as was thought1 that he might have pulled or cut out his heart4 ,it was said1 also1 that some of his liver had been by him torn out and cast upon the boards1 and that many of his guts hung out of the bed on the side thereof2 but ,i cannot confirm all particulars2 but the general of the story1 with these circumstances above mentioned1 is true4 ,i had it from a sober and credible person1 who himself was one that saw him in this bloody state1 and that talked with him1 as was hinted before4 ,many other such dreadful things might be told you1 but these are enough1 and too many too1 if ,god1 in his wisdom1 had thought necessary to prevent them4 ,,atten4 ,this is a dreadful story4 ,and ,i would to ,god that it might be a warning to others1 to instruct them to fear before ,god1 and pray1 lest he give them up to do as ,john ,cox hath done4 ,for surely self-murderers cannot go to heaven2 and1 therefore1 as you have said1 he that dieth by his own hands1 is certainly gone to hell4 ,but speak a word or two of the other man you mentioned4 ,,wise4 ,what8 of a wicked man dying in despair8 ,,atten4 ,yes1 of a wicked man dying in despair4 ,,wise4 ,well then4 ,this ,mr4 ,badman's other brother was a very wicked man1 both in heart and life2 ,i say in heart1 because he was so in life1 nor could anything reclaim him2 neither good men1 good books1 good examples1 nor ,god's judgments4 ,well1 after he had lived a great while in his sins1 ,god smote him with a sickness1 of which he died4 ,now in his sickness his conscience began to be awakened1 and he began to roar out of his ill-spent life1 insomuch that the town began to ring of him4 ,now1 when it was noised about1 many of the neighbours came to see him1 and to read by him1 as is the common way with some2 but all that they could do1 could not abate his terror1 but he would lie in his bed gnashing of his teeth1 and wringing of his wrists1 concluding upon the damnation of his soul1 and in that horror and despair he died2 not calling upon ,god1 but distrusting in his mercy1 and blaspheming of his name4 ,,atten4 ,this brings to my mind a man that a friend of mine told me of4 ,he had been a wicked liver2 so when he came to die1 he fell into despair2 and having concluded that ,god had no mercy for him1 he addressed himself to the devil for favour1 saying1 ,good devil1 be good unto me4 ,,wise4 ,this is almost like ,saul1 who being forsaken of ,god1 went to the witch of ,endor1 and so to the devil for help 7#a ,sam #bh74 ,but1 alas1 should ,i set myself to collect these dreadful stories1 it would be easy in little time to present you with hundreds of them4 ,but ,i will conclude as ,i began2 they that are their own murderers1 or that die in despair1 after they have lived a life of wickedness1 do surely go to hell4 ,and here ,i would put in a caution4 ,every one that dieth under consternation of spirit2 that is1 under amazement and great fear1 do not therefore die in despair4 ,for a good man may have this for his bands in his death1 and yet go to heaven and glory 7,psa #gc3d74 ,for1 as ,i said before1 he that is a good man1 a man that hath faith and holiness1 a lover and worshipper of ,god by ,christ1 according to his ,word1 may die in consternation of spirit2 for ,satan will not be wanting to assault good men upon their death-bed1 but they are secured by the ,word and power of ,god2 yea1 and are also helped1 though with much agony of spirit1 to exercise themselves in faith and prayer1 the which he that dieth in despair can by no means do4 ,but let us return to ,mr4 ,badman1 and enter further discourse of the manner of his death4 ,,atten4 ,i think you and ,i are both of a mind2 for just now ,i was thinking to call you back to him also4 ,and pray now1 since it is your own motion to return again to him1 let us discourse a little more of his quiet and still death4 ,,wise4 ,with all my heart4 ,you know we were speaking before of the manner of ,mr4 ,badman's death2 how that he died still and quietly2 upon which you made observation that the common people conclude1 that if a man dies quietly1 and as they call it1 like a lamb1 he is certainly gone to heaven2 when1 alas1 if a wicked man died quietly1 if a man that has all his days lived in notorious sin1 dieth quietly2 his quiet dying is so far off from being a sign of his being saved1 that it is an uncontrollable proof of his damnation4 ,this was ,mr4 ,badman's case1 he lived wickedly even to the last1 and then went quietly out of the world2 therefore ,mr4 ,badman is gone to hell4 ,,atten4 ,well1 but since you are upon it1 and also so confident in it1 to wit1 that a man that lives a wicked life till he dies1 and then dies quietly1 is gone to hell2 let me see what show of proof you have for this your opinion4 ,,wise4 ,my first argument is drawn from the necessity of repentance4 ,no man can be saved except he repents1 nor can he repent that sees not1 that knows not that he is a sinner2 and he that knows himself to be a sinner will1 ,i will warrant him1 be molested for the time by that knowledge4 this1 as it is testified by all the scriptures1 so it is testified by ,christian experience4 ,he that knows himself to be a sinner is molested1 especially if that knowledge comes not to him until he is cast upon his death-bed2 molested1 ,i say1 before he can die quietly4 ,yea1 he is molested1 dejected1 and cast down1 he is also made to cry out1 to hunger and thirst after mercy by ,christ1 and if at all he shall indeed come to die quietly1 ,i mean with that quietness that is begotten by faith and hope in ,god's mercy1 to the which ,mr4 ,badman and his brethren were utter strangers1 his quietness is distinguished by all judicious observers by what went before it1 by what it flows from1 and also by what is the fruit thereof4 ,i must confess ,i am no admirer of sick-bed repentance1 for ,i think verily it is seldom good of any thing4 ,but ,i say1 he that hath lived in sin and profaneness all his days1 as ,mr4 ,badman did1 and yet shall die quietly1 that is1 without repentance steps in betwixt his life and death1 he is assuredly gone to hell1 and is damned4 ,,atten4 ,this does look like an argument indeed2 for repentance must come1 or else we must go to hell-fire2 and if a lewd liver shall1 ,i mean that so continues till the day of his death1 yet go out of the world quietly1 it is a sign that he died without repentance1 and so a sign that he is damned4 ,,wise4 ,i am satisfied in it1 for my part1 and that from the necessity and nature of repentance4 ,it is necessary1 because ,god calls for it1 and will not pardon sin without it4 ',except ye repent1 ye shall all likewise perish8' 7,luke #ac3a-g74 ,this is that which ,god hath said1 and he will prove but a foolhardy man that shall yet think to go to heaven and glory without it4 ,repent1 for 'the axe is laid unto the root of the trees1 therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit1' but no good fruit can be where there is not sound repentance1 shall be 'hewn down1 and cast into the fire' 7,matt #c3aj74 ,this was ,mr4 ,badman's case1 he had attending of him a sinful life1 and that to the very last1 and yet died quietly1 that is1 without repentance2 he is gone to hell and is damned4 ,for the nature of repentance1 ,i have touched upon that already1 and showed that it never was where a quiet death is the immediate companion of a sinful life2 and therefore ,mr4 ,badman is gone to hell4 ,secondly4 ,my second argument is drawn from that blessed word of ,christ4 ,while the strong man armed keeps the house1 'his goods are in peace1' till a stronger than he comes 7,luke #aa3ba74 ,but the strong man armed kept ,mr4 ,badman's house1 that is1 his heart1 and soul1 and body1 for he went from a sinful life quietly out of this world4 ,the stronger did not disturb by intercepting with sound repentance betwixt his sinful life and his quiet death4 ,therefore ,mr4 ,badman is gone to hell4 ,the strong man armed is the devil1 and quietness is his security4 ,the devil never fears losing of the sinner1 if he can but keep him quiet4 ,can he but keep him quiet in a sinful life1 and quiet in his death1 he is his own4 ,therefore he saith1 'his goods are in peace'2 that is1 out of danger4 ,there is no fear of the devil's losing such a soul1 ,i say1 because ,christ1 who is the best judge in this matter1 saith1 'his goods are in peace1' in quiet1 and out of danger4 ,,atten4 ,this is a good one too2 for1 doubtless1 peace and quiet with sin is one of the greatest signs of a damnable state4 ,,wise4 ,so it is4 ,therefore1 when ,god would show the greatness of his anger against sin and sinners in one word1 he saith1 ,they are 'joined to idols2 let them alone' 7,hosea #d3ag74 ,let them alone1 that is1 disturb them not2 let them go on without control2 let the devil enjoy them peaceably1 let him carry them out of the world unconverted quietly4 ,this is one of the sorest of judgments1 and bespeaketh the burning anger of ,god against sinful men4 ,see also when you come home1 the fourteenth verse of the fourth chapter of ,hosea1 ',i will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom4' ,i will let them alone1 they shall live and die in their sins4 ,but1 ,thirdly4 ,my third argument is drawn from that saying of ,christ1 ',he hath blinded their eyes1 and hardened their heart2 that they should not see with their eyes1 nor understand with their heart1 and be converted1 and ,i should heal them' 7,john #ab3dj74 ,there are three things that ,i will take notice of from these words4 #a4 ,the first is1 that there can be no conversion to ,god where the eye is darkened1 and the heart hardened4 ,the eye must first be made to see1 and the heart to break and relent under and for sin1 or else there can be no conversion4 ',he hath blinded their eyes1 and hardened their heart1 lest they should see1 and understand and' so 'be converted4' ,and this was clearly ,mr4 ,badman's case2 he lived a wicked life1 and also died with his eyes shut1 and heart hardened1 as is manifest1 in that a sinful life was joined with a quiet death2 and all for that he should not be converted1 but partake of the fruit of his sinful life in hell-fire4 #b4 ,the second thing that ,i take notice of from these words is1 that this is a dispensation and manifestation of ,god's anger against a man for his sin4 ,when ,god is angry with men1 ,i mean1 when he is so angry with them1 this among many is one of the judgments that he giveth them up unto1 to wit1 to blindness of mind1 and hardness of heart1 which he also suffereth to accompany them till they enter in at the gates of death4 ,and then1 and there1 and not short of then and there1 their eyes come to be opened4#gi ,hence it is said of the rich man mentioned in ,luke1 ',he died1 and in hell he lifted up his eyes' 7,luke #af3bb74 ,implying that he did not lift them up before2 he neither saw what he had done1 nor whither he was going1 till he came to the place of execution1 even into hell4 ,he died asleep in his soul2 he died besotted1 stupefied1 and so consequently for quietness like a child or lamb1 even as ,mr4 ,badman did4 ,this was a sign of ,god's anger2 he had a mind to damn him for his sins1 and therefore would not let him see nor have a heart to repent for them1 lest he should convert2 and his damnation1 which ,god had appointed1 should be frustrate4 ',lest they should be converted1 and ,i should heal them4' #c4 ,the third thing ,i take notice of from hence is1 that a sinful life and a quiet death annexed to it is the ready1 the open1 the beaten1 the common highway to hell3 there is no surer sign of damnation than for a man to die quietly after a sinful life4 ,i do not say that all wicked men that are molested at their death with a sense of sin and fears of hell do therefore go to heaven1 for some are also made to see1 and are left to despair1 not converted by seeing1 that they might go roaring out of this world to their place4 ,but ,i say there is no surer sign of a man's damnation than to die quietly after a sinful life2 than to sin and die with his eyes shut2 than to sin and die with an heart that cannot repent4 ',he hath blinded their eyes and hardened their heart1 that they should not see with their eyes1 nor understand with their heart' 7,john #ab3dj74 ,no not so long as they are in this world1 ',lest they should see with their eyes1 and understand with their heart1 and should be converted1 and ,i should heal them' 7,acts #bh3bf1bg2 ,rom #b3a-e74 ,god has a judgment for wicked men2 ,god will be even with wicked men4 ,god knows how to reserve the ungodly to the day of judgment to be punished 7#b ,peter #b74 ,and this is one of his ways by which he doth it4 ,thus it was with ,mr4 ,badman4 #d4 ,fourthly1 it is said in the book of ,psalms1 concerning the wicked1 ',there are no bands in their death1 but their strength is firm' 7,psa #gc3d-f74 ,by no bands he means no troubles1 no gracious chastisements1 no such corrections for sin as fall to be the lot of ,god's people for theirs2 yea1 that many times falls to be theirs at the time of their death4 ,therefore he adds concerning the wicked1 ',they are not in trouble then as other men1 neither are they plagued like other men'2 but go as securely out of the world as if they had never sinned against ,god1 and put their own souls into danger of damnation4 ',there is no bands in their death4' ,they seem to go unbound1 and set at liberty out of this world1 though they have lived notoriously wicked all their days in it4 ,the prisoner that is to die at the gallows for his wickedness1 must first have his irons knocked off his legs2 so he seems to go most at liberty1 when indeed he is going to be executed for his transgressions4 ,wicked men also have no bands in their death1 they seem to be more at liberty when they are even at the wind-up of their sinful life1 than at any time besides4 ,hence you shall have them boast of their faith and hope in ,god's mercy when they lie upon their death-bed2 yea1 you shall have them speak as confidently of their salvation as if they had served ,god all their days2 when the truth is1 the bottom of this their boasting is because they have no bands in their death4 ,their sin and base life comes not into their mind to correct them1 and bring them to repentance2 but presumptuous thoughts1 and a hope and faith of the spider's1 the devil's1 making1 possesseth their soul1 to their own eternal undoing 7,job #h3ac1ad74 ,,chapter ,,xx4 ,,without ,,godly ,,repentance1 ,,the ,,wicked ,,man',s ,,hope ,,and ,,life ,,die ,,together4 ,hence wicked men's hope is said to die1 not before1 but with them2 they give up the ghost together4 ,and thus did ,mr4 ,badman4 ,his sins and his hope went with him to the gate1 but there his hope left him1 because he died there2 but his sins went in with him1 to be a worm to gnaw him in conscience for ever and ever4 ,the opinion1 therefore of the common people concerning this kind of dying is frivolous and vain2 for ,mr4 ,badman died like a lamb1 or1 as they call it1 like a chrisom-child1#hj quietly and without fear4 ,i speak not this with reference to the struggling of nature with death1 but as to the struggling of the conscience with the judgment of ,god4 ,i know that nature will struggle with death4 ,i have seen a dog and sheep die hardly4 ,and thus may a wicked man do1 because there is an antipathy betwixt nature and death4 ,but even while1 even then1 when death and nature are struggling for mastery1 the soul1 the conscience1 may be as besotted1 as benumbed1 as senseless and ignorant of its miserable state1 as the block or bed on which the sick lies4 ,and thus they may die like a chrisom-child in show1 but indeed like one who by the judgment of ,god is bound over to eternal damnation2 and that also by the same judgment is kept from seeing what they are1 and whither they are going1 till they plunge down among the flames4 ,and as it is a very great judgment of ,god on wicked men that so die1 for it cuts them off from all possibility of repentance1 and so of salvation1 so it is as great a judgment upon those that are their companions that survive them1 for by the manner of their death1 they dying so quietly1 so like unto chrisom-children1 as they call it1 they are hardened1 and take courage to go on in their course4 ,for comparing their life with their death1 their sinful1 cursed lives1 with their childlike1 lamblike death1 they think that all is well1 that no damnation is happened to them2 though they lived like devils incarnate1 yet they died like harmless ones4 there was no whirlwind1 no tempest1 no band or plague in their death4 ,they died as quietly as the most godly of them all1 and had as great faith and hope of salvation1 and would talk as boldly of salvation as if they had assurance of it4 ,but as was their hope in life1 so was their death2 their hope was without trial1 because it was none of ,god's working1 and their death was without molestation1 because so was the judgment of ,god concerning them4 ,but ,i say1 at this their survivors take heart to tread their steps1 and to continue to live in the breach of the law of ,god2 yea1 they carry it stately in their villainies2 for so it follows in the ,psalm2 ',there are no bands in their death1 but their strength is firm1' c4 'therefore pride compasseth them1' the survivors1 'about as a chain1 violence covereth them as a garment' 7,psa #gc3f74 ,therefore they take courage to do evil1 therefore they pride themselves in their iniquity4 ,therefore1 wherefore8 ,why1 because their fellows died1 after they had lived long in a most profane and wicked life1 as quietly and as like to lambs as if they had been innocent4 ,yea1 they are bold1 by seeing this1 to conclude that ,god either does not1 or will not1 take notice of their sins4 ,they 'speak wickedly1 and speak loftily' 7,psa #gc3h74 ,they speak wickedly of sin1 for that they make it better than by the ,word it is pronounced to be4 ,they speak wickedly concerning oppression that they commend1 and count it a prudent act4 ,they also speak loftily4 ',they set their mouth against the heavens1' c4 ',and they say1 ,how doth ,god know8 and is there knowledge in the ,most ,high8' 7,psa #gc3aa74 ,and all this1 so far as ,i can see1 ariseth in their hearts from the beholding of the quiet and lamblike death of their companions4 ',behold these are the ungodly who prosper in the world1' that is1 by wicked ways2 'they increase in riches' 7,psa #gc3ab74 ,this therefore is a great judgment of ,god1 both upon that man that dieth in his sins1 and also upon his companion that beholdeth him so to die4 ,he sinneth1 he dieth in his sins1 and yet dieth quietly4 ,what shall his companion say to this8 ,what judgment shall he make how ,god will deal with him1 by beholding the lamblike death of his companion8 ,be sure he cannot1 as from such a sight1 say1 ,woe be to me1 for judgment is before him4 ,he cannot gather that sin is a dreadful and a bitter thing1 by the childlike death of ,mr4 ,badman4 ,but must rather1 if he judgeth according to what he sees1 or according to his corrupted reason1 conclude with the wicked ones of old1 that 'every one that doth evil is good in the sight of the ,lord1 and he delighteth in them2 or1 ,where is the ,god of judgment8' 7,mal #b3ag74 ,yea1 this is enough to puzzle the wisest man4 ,david himself was put to a stand by beholding the quiet death of ungodly men4 ',verily1' says he1 ',i have cleansed my heart in vain1 and washed my hands in innocency' 7,psa #gc3ac74 ,they1 to appearance1 fare better by far than ,i3 ',their eyes stand out with fatness1' they have more than heart could wish4 ,but all the day long have ,i been plagued1 and chastened every morning4 ,this1 ,i say1 made ,david wonder1 yea1 and ,job and ,jeremiah too4 ,but he goeth into the sanctuary1 and then he understands their end1 nor could he understand it before4 ',i went into the sanctuary of ,god4' ,what place was that8 ,why there where he might inquire of ,god1 and by him he resolved of this matter2 ',then1' says he1 'understood ,i their end4' ,then ,i saw that thou hast 'set them in slippery places1' and that 'thou castedst them down to destruction4' ,castedst them down1 that is1 suddenly1 or1 as the next words say1 ',as in a moment they are utterly consumed with terrors'2 which terrors did not seize#ha them on their sick-bed1 for they had 'no bands' in their death4 ,the terrors1 therefore1 seized them there1 where also they are holden in them for ever4 ,this he found out1 ,i say1 but not without great painfulness1 grief1 and pricking in his reins2 so deep1 so hard1 and so difficult did he find it rightly to come to a determination in this matter4 ,and1 indeed1 this is a deep judgment of ,god towards ungodly sinners2 it is enough to stagger a whole world1 only the godly that are in the world have a sanctuary to go to1 where the oracle and ,word of ,god is1 by which his judgments1 and a reason of many of them are made known to1 and understood by them4 ,,atten4 ,indeed this is a staggering dispensation4 ,it is full of the wisdom and anger of ,god4 ,and ,i believe1 as you have said1 that it is full of judgment to the world4 ,who would have imagined1 that had not known ,mr4 ,badman1 and yet had seen him die1 but that he had been a man of an holy life and conversation1 since he died so stilly1 so quietly1 so like a lamb or a chrisom-child8 ,would they not1 ,i say1 have concluded that he was a righteous man8 or that if they had known him and his life1 yet to see him die so quietly1 would they not have concluded that he had made his peace with ,god8 ,nay farther1 if some had known that he had died in his sins1 and yet that he had died so like a lamb1 would they not have concluded that either ,god doth not know our sins1 or that he likes them2 or that he wants power1 or will1 or heart1 or skill1 to punish them2 since ,mr4 ,badman himself went from a sinful life so quietly1 so peaceable1 and so like a lamb as he did8 ,,wise4 ,without controversy1 this is a heavy judgment of ,god upon wicked men2 one goes to hell in peace1 another goes to hell in trouble2 one goes to hell1 being sent thither by his own hands2 another goes to hell1 being sent thither by the hand of his companion2 one goes thither with his eyes shut1 and another goes thither with his eyes open2 one goes thither roaring1 and another goes thither boasting of heaven and happiness all the way he goes 7,job #ba3bc74 ,one goes thither like ,mr4 ,badman himself1 and others go thither as did his brethren4 ,but above all1 ,mr4 ,badman's death1 as to the manner of dying1 is the fullest of snares and traps to wicked men2 therefore1 they that die as he are the greatest stumble to the world4 ,they go1 and go1 they go on peaceably from youth to old age1 and thence to the grave1 and so to hell1 without noise4 ',they go as an ox goeth to the slaughter1 or as a fool to the correction of the stocks'2 that is1 both senselessly and securely4 ,o6 but being come at the gates of hell4 ,o6 but when they see those gates set open for them4 ,o6 but when they see that that is their home1 and that they must go in thither1 then their peace and quietness flies away for ever4 ,then they roar like lions1 yell like dragons1 howl like dogs1 and tremble at their judgment1 as do the devils themselves4 ,o6 when they see they must shoot the gulf and throat of hell6 when they shall see that hell hath shut her ghastly jaws upon them1 when they shall open their eyes and find themselves within the belly and bowels of hell6 ,then they will mourn1 and weep1 and hack1 and gnash their teeth for pain4 ,but his must not be1 or if it must1 yet very rarely1 till they are gone out of the sight and hearing of those mortals whom they do leave behind them alive in the world4 ,,atten4 ,well1 my good neighbour ,wiseman1 ,i perceive that the sun grows low1 and that you have come to a conclusion with ,mr4 ,badman's life and death2 and1 therefore1 ,i will take my leave of you4 ,only first1 let me tell you1 ,i am glad that ,i have met with you to-day1 and that our hap was to fall in with ,mr4 ,badman's state4 ,i also thank you for your freedom with me1 in granting of me your reply to all my questions4 ,i would only beg your prayers that ,god will give me much grace1 that ,i may neither live nor die as did ,mr4 ,badman4 ,,wise4 ,my good neighbour ,attentive1 ,i wish your welfare in soul and body2 and if aught that ,i have said of ,mr4 ,badman's life and death may be of benefit unto you1 ,i shall be heartily glad2 only ,i desire you to thank ,god for it1 and to pray heartily for me1 that ,i with you may be kept by the power of ,god through faith unto salvation4 ,,atten4 ,amen4 ,farewell4 ,,wise4 ,i wish you heartily farewell4 ,,footnotes3 #a ,reynolds' preface to ,god's ,revenge against ,murder4 #b ,quirk1 an artful or subtle evasion of a truthful home-thrust4--,ed4 #c ,butt1 a mark set up to shoot at4 ',some are always exposed to the wit and raillery of their well-wishers1 pelted by friends and foes1 in a word1 stand as butts4'--,spectator1 ,no4 #dg4--;,ed4 #d ,the office of a ,christian minister is like that of a king's messenger1 not only to comfort and reward the king's friends1 but to arrest his enemies4 ,england was then overrun with the latter 'game4' ,alas6 there are too many of them now4 ,may the revival of this shot 'light upon many4'--,ed4 #e ',fire to the pan1' alluding to the mode of using fire-arms1 by applying a lighted match to the pan1 before the fire-lock was invented4--,ed4 #f ,in the single combat of quarter-staff1 he who held the best end of the staff usually gained the victory4--,ed4 #g3 ,pilgrim's ,progress1 ,interpreter's ,house4 ,this is a remarkable illustration of a difficult part of the allegory--faithful admonitions repaid by murderous revenge1 but overcome by ,christian courage4--,ed4 #h ',the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of ,god' 7#a ,cor #f3i74 ,instead of ,christ1 the ,prince of peace1 being theirs1 the prince of the power of the air is theirs2 instead of the comforts of the gospel1 the curses of the law are theirs2 instead of heaven1 hell is theirs and an exclusion from ,god and happiness for ever6 ,sinner1 think ,,now on these things4--,mason4 #i3 ,these ,scriptures have often been perverted to justify the most cruel punishments inflicted on helpless children4 ,the word translated 'a rod1' is derived from the ,hebrew verb 'to govern1' and1 as a noun1 signifies a sceptre1 a pen1 or a staff1 the emblems of government4 ,brutal punishments1 as practised in our army1 navy1 and schools1 are not only inhuman and indecent1 but have one direct tendency1 that of hardening the mind and instilling a vindictive ferocious disposition4 ,after bringing up a very large family1 who are a blessing to their parents1 ,i have yet to learn what part of the human body was created to be beaten4 ,there are infinitely better modes of instructing1 correcting1 and governing children1 than that of bruising their flesh1 or breaking their bones1 or even of a box on the ear4--,ed4 #aj ,peculiarly awful are the denunciations of the ,scriptures against the crime of lying4 ,the liar and the murderer are joined together to receive the curse4 ',thou shalt destroy them that speak lies--the man of blood and of deceit are abhorred of the ,lord' 7,psa #e3f74 #aa ,the first edition has ',saphhira and his wife4' ,it is not noticed in the errata1 but was corrected in the later copies4--,ed4 #ab ,the solemn importance of instilling right principles into the mind1 from the first dawn of reason1 cannot be too strongly enforced4 ,many a wretched midnight burglar commenced his career of vice and folly by stealing fruit1 followed by thieving anything that he could ,,handsomely4 ,pilfering1 unless severely checked1 is a hotbed for the foulest crimes4--,ed4 #ac ,poultry4--,ed4 #ad ',gloating1' staring sulkily2 or with an evil eye4--,ed4 #ae ,point1 a tag or metal point fixed on the end of a lace4 ,fox narrates that a martyr1 brought to the stake in his shirt1 took a point from his hose1 and trussed in his shirt between his legs4--,ed4 #af3 ',sin will at first1 just like a beggar1 crave ,one penny or one halfpenny to have2 ,and if you grant its first suit1 'twill aspire ,from pence to pounds1 and so will still mount higher ,to the whole soul4'--,bunyan's ,caution against ,sin4 #ag ,christian assemblies are the life1 food1 and nourishment of our souls2 consequently the forsaking of them1 and the profanation of the ,sabbath1 are usually the forerunners of apostacy4--,mason4 #ah ,profane swearers use the language of hell before they arrive at their awful destination4 ,were ,god to answer their imprecations they would be miserable beyond conception4 ',because of swearing the land mourneth4'--,ed4 #ai ,profane cursing and swearing was awfully fashionable in ,bunyan's days4 ,this led many pious persons to denounce oaths altogether2 and the time is fast coming when the world will agree with the ,quakers that an affirmation is the best test of truth4 ,it is like the controversy of the teetotallers2 some who would be ashamed of taking intoxicating liquors1 except as medicine1 will soon throw such physics to the dogs or on the dunghill4--,ed4 #bj ,this is one of ,bunyan's home-thrusts at ,popery4 ,classing the mass1 our lady-saints1 and beasts1 among the idols or objects of divine worship4 ,he omits an oath very common among ,irish labourers1 which much puzzled me when a boy1 'bloodunoons1' meaning the bleeding wounds of the ,saviour4 ,how thankful ought we to be that1 in our days1 profane swearing stamps1 upon any one who uses it1 the character of a blackguard4--,,ed #ba ,out of public view--obscure1 contemptible4 ,see ,imperial ,dictionary4--,ed4 #bb ,thank ,heaven such enormous brutalities have fled before the benign enlightening influence of the gospel4 ,to suffocate a man1 in order to drive out an imaginary evil spirit1 was like the popular trial for witchcraft4 ,the poor woman1 if cross1 and old1 and ugly1 her hands and legs being tied together1 was thrown into deep water2 if she floated1 it was a proof of guilt to hang her1 if she sunk and was drowned1 she was declared to be innocent6--,ed4 #bc ,parallels to these important proverbs are found in all languages derived from the ,hebrew4 ',there is nothing hid from ,god1' and ',there is nothing hid that shall not be known' 7,jer #cb2 ,matt #aj74 ,in ,french1 ',leo murailles ont des oreilles--,walls have ears4' ,shakespeare1 alluding to a servant bringing in a pitcher1 as a pretence to enable her to overhear a conversation1 uses this proverb1 'pitchers have ears and ,i have many servants4' ,may that solemn truth be impressed upon every heart1 that however screened from human observation1 ',thou ,god seest me4'--,ed4 #bd ,no period in ,english history was so notorious for the publication of immoral books1 calculated to debauch the mind1 as the reign of ,charles ,,ii4 ,it must have been more painfully conspicuous to ,bunyan1 who had lived under the moral discipline of the ,commonwealth4--,ed4 #be3 ,from chief1 'my worthy arch and patron4'--,king ,lear2 or from the ,teutonic 'arg1' a rogue4 ,it usually denotes roguish1 knavish1 sly1 artful4--,ed4 #bf ,this is one among a multitude of proofs of the popularity and high esteem in which ,bunyan was held1 even while a prisoner for ,christ's sake4--,ed4 #bg ,reader1 bless ,god that you live in a happier day than that of ,bunyan4 ,the reign of ,charles ,,ii was pre-eminently distinguished for licentiousness and debauchery4 ,still there were some who crucified the flesh1 with its lusts1 and held every obscene word in detestation and abhorrence2 because it is written 'be ye holy1 for ,i am holy4' ,such must have sorely dazzled the owls of debauchery4 ,can we wonder that they tormented and imprisoned them8--,ed4 #bh ,how often is suicide committed without poison1 suffocation1 the knife1 or firearms4 ,about forty years ago one of my neighbours was told by his doctor that1 unless he gave up the bottle1 it would send him into another world4 ,he called his servant and ordered wine1 saying1 ,i had rather die than give up all my enjoyments4 ,in about six months ,i saw his splendid funeral4--,ed4 #bi ,the remorse and stings of conscience seducers will feel in the next life1 for being the instruments of so much wickedness and desolation in others1 will prove to them a thousand hells4--,mason4 #cj ,ungodly1 ,christless1 prayerless families are little hells--filthy fountains1 whose waters cast up mire and dirt2 they are the blind and willing captives of sin and ,satan1 going down to the chambers of death and endless despair4--,ed4 #ca ',in grain1' material dyed before it is manufactured1 so that every grain receives the colour1 which becomes indelible4--,ed4 #cb ,by 'a piece of money' is here meant two hundred pounds4 ,it probably means a portion or piece of his fortune4--,ed4 #cc ,from the ,anglo-,saxon ',eggian1' to incite1 urge4--,ed4 #cd ,the ,genevan or ,puritan version of this passage is very striking3 'he that feedeth the gluttons1 shameth his father4'--,ed4 #ce ,this is one of the numerous passages of ,holy ,writ which are more expressive without than with the words supplied in italics3 women are not exempt from the 'rags' which must ever follow drowsiness4--,ed4 #cf ',glout1' to pout or look sulky2 obsolete4--,ed4 #cg ,this is one of the hardest lessons a disciple has to learn in the school of ,christ2 not to hate the sinner1 but the sin2 especially under circumstances of such cruel deception4--,ed4 #ch ,mixed1 impure4 '',tis true1 the cause is in the lurch ,between the right and mongrel church4'--,hudibras4--,ed4 #ci ,such were the sound reasons which animated the martyrs to resist unjust human laws1 interfering with or directing the mode of divine worship2 and such are the reasons which prevent conformity to national religions1 to the payment of church rates1 and similar ungodly impositions4--,ed4 #dj ,the ,quakers braved the storm1 met in public1 and appeared to court persecution4 ,not so the ,baptists2 they met in woods and caves1 and with such secrecy that it was not possible to detect them1 unless by an informer4 ,william ,penn taunted them in these words3 'they resolve to keep their old haunt of creeping into garrets1 cheese-lofts1 coalholes1 and such like nice walks4' ,and so would ,i1 rather than be disturbed by constables4--,ed4 #da ,sink them is an unusual kind of oath1 wishing that body or mind might be depressed4 ,shakespeare uses the word in reference to mental suffering3 ',if ,i have a conscience1 let it sink me4'--,ed4 #db ,noddy1 a simpleton2 see ,imperial ,dictionary4--,ed4 #dc ,fraudulent bankruptcy is a sore and prevailing evil4 ,it is thieving under the protection of the law4 ,how many live in state1 until their creditors get a few shillings in the pound1 and the bankrupt gets the curse of ,god upon his soul6--,ed4 #dd ,quean1 a slut1 a strumpet2 see ,imperial ,dictionary4--,ed4 #de ,witness the shepherd boy's song in the ,pilgrim3-- ,he that is down need fear no fall1 ,he that is low1 no pride2 ,he that is humble ever shall ,have ,god to be his guide4 ,this poor boy1 in his very mean clothes1 carried more heart's ease in his bosom1 than he that was clad in silk and velvet4--,ed4 #df ,for this use of the word lap1 see ,proverbs #af3cc4--;,ed4 #dg ,in the reign of ,edward ,,ii1 the price of provisions was regulated by ,act of ,parliament4 ,twenty-four eggs were ordered to be sold for one penny1 but the penny of that period contained as much silver as the threepenny piece of ,bunyan's1 and of our time4 ,i have bought1 within the last forty years1 the finest eggs at four a penny in ,normandy4--,ed4 #dh ',slither1' slippery1 deceitful2 obsolete1 except in ,lincolnshire4--,ed4 #di ,purses were worn1 in ,bunyan's time1 hanging to the girdle1 or slung over the shoulder1 as they now are in some parts of ,germany4 ,a pickpocket was then called 'a cut-purse4'--,ed4 #ej ,many ecclesiastical instruments of terror1 spoliation1 and death1 began with1 ',in the name of ,god4 ,amen4' ,that sacred name has been1 and now is1 awfully profaned and prostituted to the vilest purposes4--,ed4 #ea ,this is a sad mistake2 such getting is a curse3 ',cursed is the deceiver'3 ',i will curse your blessings1' saith ,jehovah by his prophet ,malachi4--,ed4 #eb ,modern editors1 not so well aware as ,bunyan of the value of tar as a medicine for sheep1 altered the word to ship4 ,a halfpenny worth of tar will serve a sheep1 but not a ship4--,ed4 #ec ,this was attempted when ,bunyan was released from his cruel imprisonment by the ,king's pardon1 which one instrument included the names of nearly five hundred suffers2 and because the fees upon a pardon were twenty pounds1 'the covetous clerks did strive to exact upon us1' says ,whitehead1 'by demanding that sum upon every name4' ,further application to the ,king put an end to this exaction4--,ed4 #ed ,when the labourer's wages were eightpence or tenpence per day1 in #afhc1 wheat averaged forty-five shillings per quarter4 ,how comparatively happy is the present state of our agricultural labourers2 and so would be that of the farmer1 if rent was as low now as it was at that period4--,ed4 #ee ,to lie at catch1 to watch for an opportunity to take an unfair advantage4 ,see the conversation between ,faithful and ,talkative in the ,pilgrim's ,progress4--,ed4 #ef ,augustine had so strong a sense of fair dealing1 that when a bookseller asked for a book far less than it was worth1 he1 of his own accord1 gave him the full value thereof66 ,see ,clark's ,looking-glass1 edit4 #afeg4--;,ed4 #eg ',fondness1' an inordinate desire to possess4 ',i have such a fond fantasy of my own4'--,sir4 ,t4 ,more4--,ed4 #eh ,cheating1 either in quality1 weight1 or price of commodities1 is not common in ,mahometan countries1 where the punishment is very severe2 that of nailing the dealer's ears to his door-posts4 ,it is a foul disgrace to ,christian countries that these crimes are so common4--,ed4 #ei ,malapert1 dexterous in evil-speaking4 ',it is blasphemous to say that ,god will not hear us for our presumptuous malapertness unless we invoke the saints4'--,tyndale4 #fj ,this is a phrase in heraldry to signify that the armorial bearings are marked with some sign of disgrace4 ,thus ,john de ,aveones having reviled his mother in the ,king's presence1 he ordered that the tongue and claw of the lion which he bore in his arms should be defaced4 ,in many cases a baton is inserted as a mark of illegitimacy4--,ed4 #fa ,from a fine ,persian drawing in the editor's cabinet1 it appears that the nose jewel lies on the right cheek1 and is fixed by a ring cut through to form a spring2 one edge of the cut going inside1 and the other meeting outside the nostril1 so as to be readily removed as occasion required4--,ed4 #fb ,an attempt at something new1 a foolish innovation1 generally used with the word new2 as1 ',in holiday gown1 and my new fangled hat4'--,cunningham4--,ed4 #fc ,a tuft of hair worn on a man's forehead1 or a projecting conspicuous part of the women's caps worn by the fashionables of that time4--,ed4 #fd ,no one1 except he has blown a ram's horn1 or attended the ,jewish ceremony of the ,new-year1 ,tizri #a 7,sept471 can imagine the miserable sounding of a ram's horn4 ,bunyan1 with all his powers and popularity1 was1 to an extraordinarily degree1 'a humble man4'--,ed4 #fe ,a professor of ,christianity who indulges in sin1 is the worst of ,atheists4 ,such conduct is practical hypocrisy and ,atheism4--,ed4 #ff ,the general opinion1 to a late period1 was1 that the frog or toad was poisonous4 ,bartolomeus calls the frog 'venomous1' and that in proportion to the number of his spots4 ,bunyan1 who was far in advance of his age1 throws a doubt upon it1 by the words 'as we say4'--,ed4 #fg ,outward reformation without inward grace is like washing a sow1 which you may make clean1 but never can make cleanly2 it will soon return to the mire1 and delight in filth more than ever4--,mason4 #fh ,mr4 ,clark relates this singular story on the authority of ',disci de ,temp4' ,the writers in the ,middle ,ages are full of such narrations2 see especially the first ,english book of homilies called ,the ,festival4--,ed4 #fi ,clark's authority for this account is ,beard's ,theatre of ,god's ,judgments4--,ed4 #gj ,see the account of an ,atheist in his pride in ,pilgrim's ,progress and notes4 #ga ,to let1 prevent1 or hinder4 ,see ,isaiah #dc3ac4--;,ed4 #gb ,terms of endearment3 thus ,shakespeare1 in ,henry ,,iv1 represents the hostess calling her maid1 ,doll ,tear-sheet1 sweet-heart4 ,it is now more restricted to lovers while courting4--,ed4 #gc ,uncertain was the liberty occasionally enjoyed by our pilgrim forefathers1 who were always expecting 'troublesome times4' ,we ought to be more thankful for the mercies we enjoy2 and to pray that the state may soon equally recognize and cherish every good subject1 without reference to sect1 or authorizing persecution4--,ed4 #gd ,the noble was a gold coin of ,henry ,,viii2 value six shillings and eightpence4--,ed4 #ge ,bunyan's allegorical spirit appears in nearly all his writings4 ,diseases lay their heads together to bring ,badman to the grave1 making ,consumption their captain or leader of these men of death4--,ed4 #gf ',haunt1' an ,anglo-,norman word4 ,custom1 practice2 more commonly used as a verb1 to haunt1 or frequently visit4--,ed4 #gg ,an old tippling custom1 more honoured in the breach than in the observance4--,ed4 #gh ,the dialogues between ,hopeful and ,christian in ,doubting ,castle admirably prove the wickedness of suicide4 ,the unlettered tinker triumphs over all the subtleties of the ,dean of ,st4 ,paul's4 ,see ,pilgrim's ,progress4--,ed4 #gi ,this is the most awful of all delusions4 ,it is exemplified in the character of ,ignorance1 in the ,pilgrim's ,progress1 who was ferried over death by ,vain ,confidence1 but found 'that there was a way to hell1 even from the gates of heaven4'--,ed4 #hj ,chrisom is a consecrated unguent1 or oil1 used in the baptism of infants in the ,romish ,church4 ,it is prepared with great ceremony on ,holy ,thursday4 ,a linen cloth anointed with this oil1 called a chrisom cloth1 is laid upon the baby's face4 ,if it dies within a month after these ceremonies1 it was called a chrisom child4 ,these incantations and charms are supposed to have power to save its soul1 and ease the pains of death4 ,bishop ,jeremy ,taylor mentions the phantasms that make a chrisom child to smile at death4 ,holy ,dying1 chap4 i41 sect4 #b4--;,ed4 #ha ,these two words are 'cease' and 'ceased' in the first edition2 they were corrected to 'seize' and 'seized' in ,bunyan's second edition4--,ed4 999999 ,a ,few ,sighs ,from ,hell2 or1 ,the ,groans of the ,damned ,soul3 or1 ,an ,exposition of those ,words in the ,sixteenth of ,luke1 ,concerning the ,rich ,man and the ,beggar ,,wherein ,,is ,,discovered ,,the ,,lamentable ,,state ,,of ,,the ,,damned2 ,,their ,,cries1 ,,their ,,desires ,,in ,,their ,,distresses1 ,,with ,,the ,,determination ,,of ,,god ,,upon ,,them4 ,a ,,good ,,warning ,,word ,,to ,,sinners1 ,,both ,,old ,,and ,,young1 ,,to ,,take ,,into ,,consideration ,,betimes1 ,,and ,,to ,,seek1 ,,by ,,faith ,,in ,,jesus ,,christ1 ,,to ,,avoid1 ,,lest ,,they ,,come ,,into ,,the ,,same ,,place ,,of ,,torment4 ,also1 a ,brief ,discourse touching the profitableness of the ,scriptures for our instruction in the way of righteousness1 according to the tendency of the said parable4 ,,by ,,that ,,poor ,,and ,,contemptible ,,servant ,,of ,,jesus ,,christ1 ,,john ,,bunyan4 ',the wicked shall be tuned into hell1 and all the nations that forget ,god4'--,psalm #i3ag ',and whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire4'--,revelation #bj3ae ,london3 ,printed by ,ralph ,wood1 for ,m4 ,wright1 at the ,king's ,head in the ,old ,bailey1 #afeh4a ,,advertisement ,,by ,,the ,,editor ,how awful is that cry of anguish which has reached us from beyond the tomb1 even from the infernal realms1 and on which ,bunyan1 with his singular and rare ability1 fixes our attention4 ,it is the voice of one who had received his good things in this fleeting life2 who had fared sumptuously every day1 without providing for eternity1 and now cries for a drop of water to cool his parched tongue4 ,plunged into unutterable1 inconceivable1 and eternal torments1 he pleads that the poor afflicted beggar1 who had lain at his gate1 might be sent from the dead to warn his relatives1 that they might escape1 and not aggravate his misery1 by upbraiding him as a cause of their destruction1 by having neglected to set them a pious example4 ,he knows that there is no hope for his own wretched soul1 and expresses no wish that his family should pay for masses to ease his pangs4 ,no1 such tomfooleries are limited to this insane world4 ,his poor request is one drop of water1 and a warning messenger to his relatives4 ,the answer is most decisive--there is a great1 an eternal gulf fixed--none can pass between heaven and hell2 and as to your father's house1 ',they have ,moses and the prophets'2 and now it may be added1 ,they have ,jesus and his apostles2 if they hear not them1 'neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead4' ,no2 if ,isaiah1 with his mighty eloquence1 again appeared among mortals1 again would his cry be heard1 ',who hath believed our report8' ',what6 seek the living among the dead8 ,to the law1 and to the testimony1 saith ,god4' ,reader1 these are solemn realities4 ,he who came from the unseen world--from the bosom of the ,father--reveals them unto us4 ,o6 that we may not mistake that voice for thunder1 which called upon a trembling world to ',,hear ,,him4' ,the rich man personates all the thoughtless and uncoverted who die in their sins1 his wealth can neither bribe death nor hell2 he is stricken1 and descends to misery with the bitter1 but unavailing regret of having neglected the great salvation4 ,he had taken no personal1 prayerful pains to search the sacred ,scriptures for himself2 he had disobeyed the gospel1 lived in revelry1 and carelessness of his soul2 he had ploughed iniquity and sown wickedness1 and reaps the same4 ',by the blast of ,god he perishes1 and is consumed by the breath of his nostrils4' ',they have sown the wind1 and they shall reap the whirlwind4' ,the opinion universally prevails1 although the voice of infinite wisdom has declared it false1 that miracles1 or a messenger from the invisible world could awake the dead in sin4 ,the world's eyes are shut1 and its ears are stopped from seeing and hearing that most illustrious celestial messenger of mercy--',god manifest in the flesh'--who still speaks to us in his words4 ,he revealed1 and he alone could have revealed1 these solemn1 these heart-stirring facts--,he performed the most astonishing miracles--,his doctrines were truth--,he required holiness of life to fit the soul for heaven2 therefore ,he was despised1 tortured1 murdered4 ,in the face of all this1 the poor wretch cries1 'send ,lazarus4' ,what refined cruelty6 ,he had borne the cross and received the crown4 ,uncrown him1 and send him back to lie at my brother's gate1 and if he dares to tell him the truth1 that my soul was in hell1 even while the splendid funeral was carrying my body to the tomb1 he will hurry him to death4 ,poor fool6 are not thy kindred as hardened as thou wast8 ,send ,lazarus from the dead6 ,that1 as ,bunyan justly says1 would be to make a new ,bible1 to improve the finished salvation4 ,no1 if they will not hear ,moses and the prophets1 our ,lord and his apostles1 they must all likewise perish4 ,this is a very meagre outline of this solemn treatise2 it is full of striking illustrations1 eminently calculated to arouse the thoughtless1 and to convey solid instruction to the thoughtful4 ,this was the third volume that ,bunyan published1 and1 with modest timidity1 he shelters himself under a strong recommendatory preface by his pastor1 who1 in the ,grace ,abounding1 he calls 'holy ,mr4 ,gifford4' ,so popular was it1 as to pass through nine editions in the author's lifetime4#b ,the preface1 by ,john ,gifford1 was printed only with the first edition4 ,as it gives a very interesting account of ,bunyan1 and his early labours in the ministry1 which has never been noticed by any of his biographers1 and is extremely rare1 it is here reprinted from a fine copy in the ,british ,museum1 and must prove interesting to every admirer of ,john ,bunyan4 ,i close with two short extracts--may they leave an abiding impression upon our minds4 ',god will have a time to meet with them that now do not seek after him4' ',o6 regard1 regard1 for the judgment day is at hand1 the graves are ready to fly open1 the trumpet is near the sounding1 the sentence will ere long be passed1 and then1' it will be seen whether we belong to the class of ,dives1 who preferred the world1 or to that of ,lazarus1 who preferred ,christ2 and then1 ,o then6 time cannot be recalled4 ,,geo4 ,,offor4 ,,preface1 ,,by ,,the ,,rev4 ,,john ,,gifford1 ,,pastor ,,of ,,the ,,church ,,of ,,christ ,,at ,,bedford1 ,,of ,,which ,,john ,,bunyan ,,was ,a ,,member4 ,,to ,,the ,,reader4 ,it is sad to see how the most of men neglect their precious souls1 turning their backs upon the glorious gospel1 and little minding a crucified ,jesus1 when1 in the meanwhile1 their bodies are well provided for1 their estates much regarded1 and the things of this present life are highly prized1 as if the darling was of less value than a clod of earth2 an immortal soul1 than a perishing body2 a precious ,saviour1 than unsatisfying creatures4 ,yea1 though they have been often wooed with gracious entreaties1 glorious promises1 and fresh bleeding wounds1 to make choice of the better part1 that shall never be taken from them2 yet1 alas6 such influence hath this world1 and the pleasures of it1 and such is the blindness of their understandings1 that they continue still to hunt after those things which cannot profit1 nor be a help to them in the worst hour4 ,yea1 that will prove no better than poison to their souls1 and refuse that would be 7if embraced7 their happiness here1 and their glory hereafter4 ,such a strange stupidity hath seized upon the hearts of men1 that they will venture the loss of their immortal souls for a few dying comforts1 and will expose themselves to endless misery for a moment's mirth1 and short-lived pleasures4 ,but1 certainly1 a barn well fraught1 a bag well filled1 a back well clothed1 and a body well fed1 will prove but poor comforts when men come to die1 when death shall not only separate their souls from their bodies1 but both from their comforts4 ,what will it then avail them that they have gained much8 ,or what will they give in exchange for their souls8 ,be wise1 then 7,o reader1 to whose sight this may come71 before it be too late1 and thou repent1 when repentance shall be hid from thine eyes2 also it will be as a dagger to thine heart one day1 to remember what a ,christ1 what a soul1 what a heaven thou hast lost for a few pleasures1 a little mirth1 a short enjoyment of this present world2 yea1 and that after many warnings against many reproofs1 and1 notwithstanding the many tenders of a full ,christ1 instead of those empty vanities which thy soul closed with1 hunted after1 and would by no means be persuaded to part withal4 ,no1 but thou wouldst take thy time1 and swim in this world's delights1 though thy soul thereby was drowned in perdition and destruction 7#a ,tim #f3i74 ,true1 few there are that will be persuaded that this course they take1 though their daily conversations do bear witness to it2 for how much time is spent1 and how much care is the hearts of men filled withal1 after attaining1 keeping1 and increasing these things8 ,and how seldom do they trouble their heads1 to have their minds taken up with thoughts of the better8 ,cumbering themselves with many things1 but wholly neglecting the one thing necessary2 yea1 whereby do they measure their own or other men's happiness1 but by the large incomes of this world's good1 accounting this the greatest1 if not the only blessedness1 to have their corn1 wine1 and oil increase in abundance1 and reckoning those that are most serious about1 and earnest after the world to come1 men of foolish spirits1 giddy brains1 and worthy to be branded in the forehead for simple deluded ones4 ,but surely he is the most fool that will be one at last2 and he that ,god calls so 7,luke #ab3bj7 will pass for one in the end2 yea1 within a short time1 they themselves shall change their notes4 ,ask the rich man spoken of in the ensuing treatise1 who was the fool--he or ,lazarus8 and he will soon resolve the question1 that he now sees1 and by woeful experience finds 7whatsoever his former thoughts were71 that he1 not ,lazarus1 was the silly deluded one2 for he1 fool-like1 preferred the worse things before the better1 and refused that which once might have been had2 but now he hath slipped the time1 it cannot be gained1 when this poor man1 knowing the day of his visitation1 was making sure of that glory which he now enjoys1 and shall enjoy for evermore4 ,so that in this parable 7if ,i may so call it7 thou shalt find that ,scripture confirmed1 ',that the triumphing of the wicked is short' 7,job #bj3e74 ,together with that1 ',that the temptations 7or afflictions7 of the righteous1 which cause heaviness1 are but for a season' 7#a ,peter #a3f74 ,and in this treatise1 both of these are largely opened and explained4 ,behold1 here a rich man clothed in silks1 fed with delicates1 and faring deliciously every day2 but look a little farther1 and lo6 this man clothed with vengeance1 roaring under torments1 and earnestly begging for a drop of water to cool his tongue2 a sad change4 ,on the other hand1 here thou shalt see a poor1 but a gracious man1 with a pinched belly1 naked back1 and running sores1 begging at the rich man's gate for a morsel to feed his belly1 a sad state1 yet but short2 for look again1 and behold this beggar gloriously carried1 as in a chariot of triumph1 by the angels into ,abraham's bosom1 shining in glory1 clothed with beautiful garments1 and his soul set down with ,abraham1 ,isaac1 and ,jacob1 in the kingdom of the ,father2 his rags are gone1 his sores healed1 and his soul filled with joy unspeakable1 and full of glory2 the one carried not his costly fare1 and his gorgeous apparel with him into hell2 nor the other his coarse diet1 mouldy bread1 filthy rags1 and ulcerous body into heaven2 but the happiness of the one1 and the misery of the other1 took their leaves at the grave2 the worldly man's portion was but for his life1 and the godly man's afflictions lasted no longer2 ',for mark the perfect1 and behold the upright1 for the end of that man is peace2 but the end of the wicked shall be cut off' 7,psa #cg3cg1ch74 ,his present comforts1 his future hopes1 and his cursed soul together2 yea1 though he lives many days1 and rejoices in them all1 yet the days of darkness will overtake him1 and his eye shall see no more good2 in his life time he enjoyed his good things1 and1 at the hour of death1 legions of devils will beset him1 innumerable evils will befal him2 and then shall he pay full dear for all the pleasures of sin1 that have carried away his heart from closing with1 and following the ,lord in the day of his prosperity4 ,ungodly men1 because they feel no changes now1 they fear none hereafter1 but flatter themselves with dying as the godly1 though their life is consumed in wickedness1 and their strength in providing for and satisfying the lusts of the flesh4 ,but as it fared with wicked ,balaam1 so shall it fare with these1 and their vain hopes will prove a feeding upon ashes through their deceived heart1 that hath turned them aside 7,isa #dd3bj74 ',for they that sow to the flesh1 shall of the flesh reap corruption' 7,gal #f3h74 ',and they that plough iniquity1 and sow wickedness1 shall reap the same' 7,job #d3h2 ,hosea #h3g74 ,but they that sow to the ,spirit1 shall of the ,spirit reap life everlasting4 ,say ye then to the righteous1 ',it shall go well with him2 however it goes with him now1 a few days will produce a happy change4' ',it shall go well with him that feareth the ,lord' 7,eccl #h3ab74 ,go on then1 ,o soul1 thou that hast set thy face towards heaven1 though the east wind beats upon thee1 and thou find trouble and sorrow2 these shall endure but for a night1 joy will undoubtedly come in the morning2 besides those sweet visits thou shalt have from thy precious ,saviour1 in this thy day of darkness1 wait but a while1 and thy darkness shall be turned into light4 ',when the light of the wicked shall be put out1 and the spark of his fire1 wherewith he warmed himself1 shall not shine' 7,job #ah3e74 ',grudge not to see the wicked prosper1 and their steps washed with butter1 but rather put on bowels of mercy and pity1 as the elect of ,god1 knowing that they are set in slippery places' 7,psa #gc3ah74 ,and their day is coming1 when fearful horror shall surprise them1 and hell be opened to receive them2 nor yet be disquieted in thy mind1 that troubles and afflictions do beset thee round2 for1 as a worser thing is reserved for them1 so a better is prepared for thee4 ,do they drink wine in bowls8 and dost thou mingle thy tears with thy drink8 ,do they live in pleasures1 and spend their days in wealth8 and dost thou sigh and mourn in secret8 ,well1 there is a cup for them in the hand of the ,lord1 the wine whereof is red1 and full of mixture1 which they must drink up the dregs 7,psa #ge3h74 ,and the ,lord hath a bottle for thy tears 7,psa #ef3h74 ,and a book for thy secret sighs1 and ere long thy brinish tears shall be turned into the sweetest wine1 which thou shalt drink new in the kingdom of the ,father1 and thy secret sighs into glorious praises2 when thy mouth shall be filled with laughter1 and thy eyes see the ,king in his glory4 ,now1 considering that these lines may be brought to the sight both of the one sort and the other1 ,i shall lay a few things before the thought of each2 and first to the worser sort4 ,first4 ,consider what an ill bargain thou wilt make1 to sell thy precious soul for short continuance in thy sins and pleasures4 ,if that man drives but an ill trade1 who1 to gain the world1 should lose his soul 7,matt #af3bf71 then1 certainly1 thou art far worse that sells thy soul for a very trifle4 ,o it is pity that so precious a thing should be parted withal1 to be made a prey for the devouring lion1 for that which is worse than nothing6 ,if they were branded for desperate wretches that caused their children to pass through the fire to ,moloch1 surely thou much more that gives thy soul to devouring flames1 to be fuel for the everlasting fire1 upon so unfit terms2 what meanest thou1 ,o man1 to truck with the devils8 ,is there no better merchandise to trade in than what comes from hell1 or out of the bowels of the earth8 and to be had upon no lower rates than thy immortal soul8 ,yes1 surely the merchandise of wisdom1 which is better than the merchandise of silver1 and the gain thereof than fine gold 7,prov #c3ad1 #h3ai71 is exposed to sale 7,rev #c3ah71 and to be had without money or price2 and if thou shouldest part with anything for it1 it is such that it is better to part withal than to keep4 ,the wise merchant that sought a goodly pearl1 having found one1 sold all that he had1 not himself1 not his soul1 and all that he sold was in itself not worth a farthing1 and yet obtained the pearl 7,matt #ac3de1df74 ,paul made the like exchange when he threw away his own righteousness1 which was but rags1 yea1 filthy rags 7,isa #fd3f71 and put on the garment of salvation1 and cast away to the dunghill that which was once his gain1 and won ,christ 7,phil #c3h74 ,thou needest not cast away thy soul for puddle pleasures2 behold the fountain of living water is set open1 and thou invited to it1 to take and drink thy belly1 thy soul full1 without price or money 7,isa #ee3b74 ,secondly4 ,take a short 7yet let it not be a slight7 view of the best of the things men prize so high1 that for the love of1 they lose their souls3 what are they8 ,even painted nothings1 promising vanities 7like the apples of ,sodom1 fair to the eye1 but being touched1 turn to dust2 or like our mother ,eve's1 that had a beautiful look1 but1 being tasted1 brings forth death71 which1 from the most part1 have proved snares to the owners1 and always miserable comforters at the parting2 they cannot satisfy in life1 for the more of these things are had1 the more 7with a disquieted spirit7 are they reached after1 and what comes in serves but to whet up the greedy unsatisfied appetite after more4 ,the world passeth away1 and the lust thereof 7#a ,john #b3ag74 ,though most men content themselves with these1 yet it is not in these to satisfy them1 and had they but one glimpse of the world to come1 one cranny of light to discern the riches of ,christ1 and the least taste of the pleasures that are at the right hand of ,god 7,psa #af3aa71 they would be as little satisfied without a share in them1 as they are now with what of worldly things they enjoy2 much less can they ease from pain at death4 ,clap a bag of gold 7as one once did7 to thy sinking spirit1 pained body1 and tormented conscience1 and it can neither cheer up the one1 nor appease the other1 least of all can they deliver from1 or yield comfort after death2 those cannot serve as a bribe to death to pass thee by1 nor yet bring comfort to thy soul when thou art gone4 ,the rich fool's large crop and great increase could not procure one night's respite1 nor one moment's comfort4 ,besides1 ,god regards them so little1 that frequently he gives the largest share of them to whom he hateth most 7,psa #ag3ad71 and the least to them who are the excellent in the earth1 in whom his soul delights1 although he hath made them heirs of the kingdom 7,james #b3e74 ,yet doth he bestow such a small portion of these worldly things upon them1 hereby declaring to all how little he sets by those things which most set so much by1 and to draw up our hearts1 minds1 and affections to the things above2 yea1 ,his own ,son that he appointed heir of all things 7,heb #a3b7 shall come forth neither of rich kindred1 nor attended with gallants1 nor yet accoutered with the world's glory1 but in a low1 mean1 and abject condition1 at whose birth a manger received him2 and through his life sorrows1 wants1 and sufferings did attend1 and at the end a shameful death1 in the world's esteem1 befals him1 and by all this he shows his contempt of the worldly man's darling4 ,cast not away thy soul then1 ,o man1 in seeking after1 solacing thyself in1 and contenting thyself with this present world2 for though thou mayest make gold thy hope1 and put thy confidence in thy wealth1 yet when this thy hope shall fail1 and thy confidence slip from thee 7as sure it will ere long71 glad wouldst thou be of the least drop of the water of life1 and the least filing of that precious gold 7that thou art now called upon to drink of1 and to buy for thyself72 but1 alas1 they shall not be had4 ,then1 ,o then1 what profit will thy treasures of wickedness yield thee2 and whereto will thy thick clay that thou hast hoarded up1 and thy carnal pleasures which thou hast drunk down1 as the fish drinks down water2 whereto1 ,i say1 will they serve1 unless to weigh thee the deeper into hell1 and increase the fire1 when it shall be kindled upon thee8 ,thirdly4 ,look upon thy loss1 too1 which is such that ten thousand worlds cannot repair--thy soul1 thy body1 thy comforts1 thy hopes1 thy share in a crucified ,jesus1 the crown of life1 and everlasting communion with the ,father1 ,son1 and ,spirit1 blessed angels1 and glorified saints1 and a soul-satisfying1 soul-saving ,christ1 who came from the bosom of love1 and gave himself to open a way to everlasting glory1 by the sacrifice of himself1 to whom thou art called1 invited1 and persuaded to come2 whose heart is open1 arms spread1 and who hath room enough in his bosom to receive thee1 grace enough to pardon thee1 blood enough to justify thee1 treasures enough to enrich thee1 pleasures enough to delight thee 7,psa #cf3h71 and glory enough to crown thee2 in whom it hath pleased the ,father that in him should all fulness dwell 7,col #a3ai72 to make them perfectly blessed that come to him1 so that there is no need to seek happiness among the creatures1 which most do1 and thereby lose true happiness1 and their souls too4 ,turn in hither1 and thou shalt eat of his bread1 and drink of the wine which he hath mingled 7,prov #i3d1e74 ,wouldst thou fare deliciously every day1 and have thy soul delight itself in fatness8 7,isa #ee3b74 ,hearken diligently1 and come to the wedding2 the oxen and fatlings are killed1 and all things are ready 7,matt #bb3e74 ,i tell thee1 whatsoever food thou feedest upon else1 will prove no better to thee than the prodigal's husks 7,luke #ae3af74 ,that will starve thee whilst thou feedest on them2 and if thou drinkest of other wine1 it will prove as a cup of wine mixed with poison1 which though it be pleasant to the taste1 it will be the death of thy soul4 ,wilt thou1 then1 lose this ,christ1 this food1 this pleasure1 this heaven1 this happiness1 for a thing of nought8 ,wilt thou drink out of a puddle1 a broken cistern which leaks out the water1 and holds nothing but mud1 and refuse the fountain of living water1 which1 whosoever tastes of1 shall live for ever8 ,fourthly4 ,beware of persuading thyself into a conceit of the poor man's end1 if thou livest the rich man's life1 and diest his death4 ,it is strange to see how many run swift by the very way to hell1 yet are full of confidence of going to heaven1 though ,scripture everywhere shuts them out1 and ,christ at last will certainly shut them out for ever hereafter1 living and dying in their present state4 ,let none1 therefore1 deceive you1 neither deceive yourselves1 for none such can enter into the kingdom of heaven4 ,but for these things' sake cometh the wrath of ,god on the children of disobedience 7#a ,cor #f3i2 ,eph #e3e1f74 ,and how sad will thy disappointment be1 that goest on securely fearing nothing1 being fully1 yet falsely1 persuaded of eternal life at last1 and then drop down into the bottomless pit6 ,like wicked ,haman1 that dreamed of greater honour1 but behold a gallows2 or our mother ,eve1 who conceited to be as ,god1 but became a cursed creature4 ,though the devil may persuade thee thou mayest live as in hell here1 yet in heaven hereafter1 believe him not1 for he endeavours to keep thee in his snares1 that he may drag thee to hell with him2 and the better to effect his devilish design upon thee1 he will present 7and through his cursed subtlety knows how to do it7 thy sins and this world in as lovely and taking a guise as may be1 but will hide the evil consequences from thine eyes1 that thou mightest be inveigled by gazing on the one1 and not be affrighted by beholding the other2 his bait shall be pleasant1 but his hook hid1 like the strumpet in ,proverbs #g1 that entices the simple with fair words1 but conceals that the way to her house leads to the chambers of death2 nothing appears but a bed richly furnished1 and a promise of solacing him with loves2 but he that followeth after her1 goeth as an ox to the slaughter1 and as a fool to the correction of the stocks4 ,fifthly4 ,this is thy day to prevent the loss of the one1 and to get an interest in the other2 this is the day of salvation1 the accepted day of the ,lord 7#b ,cor #f3b74 ,let the sun of this day be set before this work be done1 and an everlasting night of darkness will close thee in1 wherein thou1 thou shalt have time enough indeed to bemoan thy folly1 but none to learn to grow wiser4 ,it is a sad thing1 especially in soul concernments1 to be wise too late1 and to cry out when time is past1 ,o that ,i had improved it when it was present4 ,then will the remembrance of thy former misspent time1 and thy despair of ever gaining more1 be like poisoned arrows drinking up they spirit4 ,amongst all the talents ,god hath entrusted man withal1 this is not the least1 because on it depends eternity2 and according to the use we make of this1 will our eternal condition be1 though the most of men live at such a rate as if it was given them to no other end than to waste in wickedness1 and consume in pleasures4 ,what means else their spending days1 weeks1 months1 years1 yea1 their whole life1 in whoring1 swearing1 playing1 coveting1 and fulfilling the lusts of the flesh1 so that when they come to die1 the great work that they were sent to do is then to be done2 their souls1 ,christ1 eternity1 was scarce thought on before2 but now1 when merciless death begins to gripe them1 then do they begin to bethink themselves of those things which they should have got in readiness before1 and that is the reason why we so often hear many that lie upon their death-beds to cry out for a little longer time2 and no wonder1 for they have the salvation of their souls to seek4 ,o sad case6 to have their work to do when the night is come1 and a ,christ to seek when death hath found them2 take therefore the counsel of the ,holy ,ghost 7,heb #c3g71 ',to-day1 if you will hear his voice1 harden not your hearts4' ,mark1 it is the ,spirit's counsel4 ,true1 the devil and thine own heart will tell thee another tale1 and be ready to whisper in thine ears1 ,thou mayest have time enough hereafter2 what need of so much haste1 another day may serve as well2 let thy soul be filled with pleasure a little longer1 and thy bags filled a little more2 thou mayest have time for this and that too4 ,o1 but this is the suggestion of an enemy1 that would cause thee to defer so long1 that thy heart may grow too hard1 and thine ear too heavy to hear at all2 but1 certainly1 this being the greatest business1 challengeth the first and greatest care 7,matt #f3cc74 ,and let this be done2 then1 if thou shalt either have so much time to spare1 or a heart to do it1 take thy time for the other4 ,sixthly4 ,this day of thy mercy and ,christ's importunity will not last long2 it is but a day1 and that a day of visitation4 ,indeed it is rich grace that there should be a day1 but dally not because it is but a day4 ,jerusalem had her day1 but because therein she did not know the things of her peace1 a pitch night did overtake 7,luke #ai3db1dc74 ,it is a day of patience1 and if thou despisest the riches of ,god's goodness1 patience1 and long-suffering towards thee1 and art not thereby led to repentance 7,rom #b3e71 a short time will make it a day of vengeance4 ,though now ,christ calls1 because he is willing to save sinners1 yet he will not always call2 see then that thou refuse not him that speaks from heaven in this gospel day 7,heb #ab3be74 ,but seek him while he may be found1 and call upon him while he is near 7,isa #ee3f71 lest thou criest after him hereafter1 and he refuse thee4 ,it is not crying1 ,lord1 ,lord1 when the day of grace is past1 that will procure the least crumb of mercy 7,matt #g3ba74 ,no1 if thou comest not when called1 but stayest while supper is ended1 thou shalt not taste thereof 7,luke #ad3bd71 though a bit would save thy life1 thy soul2 if thou drinkest not of the fountain while it is opened1 thou shalt not when it is shut1 though thou beggest with tears of blood for one drop to cool thy scorching flaming heart2 thou that mightest have had thy vessel full1 and welcome1 shall not now have so much as will hang on the tip of a finger4 ,o6 remember1 the axe is laid to the root of the tree 7,matt #c3aj74 ,and although three years' time may be granted1 through the vine-dresser's importunity1 that will soon be expired1 and then the axe that is now laid1 shall cut up the tree by its roots1 if it bring not forth good fruit4 ,seest thou not that many of late have been snatched away1 on each side of thee 7by that hand that hath been stretched out and is so still78 and though thou mayest escape a while1 yet hast thou no assurance that the destroying angel will long pass by thy door4 ,o then1 neglect thy soul no longer1 but consider time is short1 and uncertain1 eternity long1 thy work great1 thy soul immortal1 this world vanishing1 ,christ precious1 hell hot1 and heaven desirable4 ,and if thou beest a ,christian 7to whom this may come7 that hast not only had a prize in thy hands1 but wisdom given thee from above to make use of it1 and art one who 7whilst others are seeking to make this world and hell together sure to themselves7 spendest thy time1 and makest it thy only business1 to make sure of the one thing necessary1 and heaven to thy soul1 ,i shall lay two or three things before thy thoughts4 ,first4 ,walk with a fixed eye upon the world to come4 ,look not at the things that are seen1 that are temporal1 but at the things which are not seen1 that are eternal 7#b ,cor #d3ah74 ,a ,christian's eye should be upon his journey's end1 as our ,lord ,jesus1 who for the joy that was set before him1 endured the cross 7,heb #ab3b74 ,when the stones flew about ,stephen's ears1 his eyes were lifted up to heaven1 and saw the glory of ,god1 and ,jesus standing on the right hand of ,god 7,acts #g3ee1ef74 ,what though thou at present mayest lie at the rich man's gates1 yet a few days will translate thee into ,abraham's bosom4 ,though ,israel had a sharp voyage through the wilderness1 yet ,caleb and ,joshua1 men of excellent spirits1 had their eye upon the good land they were going to4 ,though graceless souls are too dull sighted to see afar off 7#b ,peter #a3i71 yet thou that hast received the unction from above1 dost in some measure know what is the hope of thy calling1 and what is the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints4 ,secondly4 ,be satisfied with thy present condition1 though it be afflictive1 for it shall not last always4 ,thy sorrows shall be short1 and thy joys long2 roll thyself upon the ,lord1 for there is a heaven will pay for all2 ,christ first endured the cross before he wore the crown4 ,david1 before he was a king1 was a shepherd4 ,the poor man spoken of in this ensuing treatise1 before he was carried into heaven1 had experiences of sorrow and sufferings on earth4 ,let the flesh be silent in passing judgment on the dispensations of ,god towards thee1 and the men of this world1 in this present life4 ,david1 by prying too far herein with his own wisdom1 had almost caught a fall 7,psa #gc74 ,though ,god's judgments may be too deep for our reason to dive into1 yet are they always righteous1 and his paths mercy and truth to those that keep his covenants 7,psa #be3aj74 ,when ,jeremiah would debate with the ,lord concerning his judgments in the wicked's prosperity1 he would lay this down as an indubitable truth1 that his judgments were righteous 7,jer #ab3a74 ,and his end was not to charge ,god1 but to learn understanding of him in the way of his judgments2 and although the ways of his providence may be dark to his people1 that they cannot discern his footsteps1 yet are they always consistent with his everlasting covenant1 and the results of the favour he bears to them4 ,if the wicked flourish like the grass1 it is that they should be destroyed for ever 7,psa #ib3g74 ,and if the godly have many a wave beating upon them1 yet will the ,lord command his loving-kindness in the day time 7,psa #db3g1h74 ,and1 after a little while being tossed to and fro in these boisterous waves1 they shall arrive at the heavenly haven1 this world being not their resting-place1 but there remains one for them 7,heb #d3i74 ,thirdly4 ,let the faith and hopes of a glorious deliverance get thy heart up above thy present sufferings1 that thou mayest glory in tribulation who hast ground of rejoicing in hope of the glory of ,god 7,rom #e3b1c74 ,for whatsoever thy present grievances are1 whether outward afflictions1 or inward temptations1 this may be thy consolation that a few days will rid thee of them2 when thou shalt sigh no more1 complain no more1 but those shall be turned into praises4 ,thou hast 7if ,i may so call it7 all thy hell here2 let thy life be expired1 and thy misery is ended2 thy happiness begins1 where wicked men's end2 and when thine is once began1 it shall have no more end4 ,reader1 ,i have an advertisement to thee concerning the following discourse1 and the author of it4 ,thou hast in the discourse many things of choice consideration presented to thee in much plainness1 evidence1 and authority2 the replications are full1 the applications are natural4 ,be not offended at his plain and downright language1 it is for the discharge of the author's conscience1 and thy profit1 besides the subject necessarily leads him to it4 ,it is a mercy to be dealt thoroughly and plainly with in the matters of thy soul4 ,we have too many that sow pillows under men's elbows1 and too few who1 dealing plainly1 divide to every man his portion4 ,read it not to pick quarrels with it1 but to profit by it2 and let not prejudice either against the author1 or manner of delivery1 cause thee to stumble and fall at the truth4 ,prejudice will both blind the eye that it shall not see the truth1 and close it in with it1 and make them too quick-sighted1 either to make faults where there is none1 or to greaten them where they are2 and so cause the reader to turn the edge against the author or his work1 that should be turned upon his own heart4 ,it is marvellous to see how the truth is quarrelled at that comes from one1 that would be easily received it if did drop from another2 and ,i doubt not1 if this book had some other hand at it1 there is scarce any expression that may be now carpt at by some1 but would have been swallowed without straining4 ,we are now fallen into such an age 7the good ,lord help us7 that truth1 upon its own account1 can challenge but little acceptance1 except the author be liked1 or his lines painted with his own wit4 ,but certainly truth is of so excellent a nature1 of such singular advantage1 and of so royal a descent1 that it deserves entertainment for itself1 and that not in our houses or heads only1 but in our hearts too4 ,whatsoever the hand is that brings it1 or the form that it appears in1 men account gold worth receiving1 whatsoever the messenger is that brings it1 or the vessel that holds it4 ,if thou meetest 7reader7 with any passage that seems doubtful unto thee1 let love that thinks no evil put the best construction upon it1 and do not hastily condemn what thou canst not presently yield to2 or if any expression thou meetest with may 7haply7 offend thee1 do not throw aside the whole1 and resolve to read of it no more2 for though some one may offend thee1 yet others 7,i hope7 may affect thee2 or if there be that which some may call tautology1 be not displeased at it2 for that word that may not fasten upon thy heart in one page1 may in another2 and although it may be grievous to thy eye 7if thou beest nice and curious71 yet bear with it1 if it may be profitable to thy soul4 ,concerning the author 7whatsoever the censures and reports of many are7 ,i have this to say1 that ,i verily believe ,god hath counted him faithful1 and put him into the ministry2 and though his outward condition and former employment was mean1 and his human learning small1 yet is he one that hath acquaintance with ,god1 and taught by his ,spirit1 and hath been used in his hand to do souls good2 for to my knowledge there are divers who have felt the power of the word delivered by him2 and ,i doubt not but that many more may1 if the ,lord continue him in his work2 he is not like unto your drones1 that will suck the sweet1 but do no work4 ,for he hath laid forth himself to the utmost of his strength1 taking all advantages to make known to others what he himself hath received of ,god1 and ,i fear this is one reason why the archers have shot so sorely at him2 for by his and others' industry in their ,master's work1 their slothfulness hath been reproved1 and the eyes of many have been opened to see a difference between those that are sent of ,god and those that run before they are sent4 ,and that he is none of those light fanatic spirits that our age abounds withal1 this following discourse1 together with his former1 that have been brought to public view1 will testify2 for among other things that may bear record to him herein1 you shall find him magnifying and exalting the ,holy ,scriptures1 and largely showing the worth1 excellency1 and usefulness of them4 ,and yet surely if thou shalt 7notwithstanding this7 stumble at his meanness and want of human learning1 thou wilt declare thine unacquaintance with ,god's declared method1 who to perfect his own praise1 and to still the enemy and avenger1 makes choice of babes and sucklings1 and in their mouths ordaineth strength 7,psa #h3b74 ,though men that have a great design1 do1 and must make use of those that in reason are most likely to effect it1 yet must the ,lord do so too8 ,then instruments 7not himself7 would carry away the praise2 but that no flesh should glory in his presence1 he hath chosen the foolish things of the world1 to confound the wise1 and base things of the world1 and things that are despised1 hath ,god chosen 7#a ,cor #a3bg-bi74 ,cast thine eye back to the beginning of the gospel dispensation 7which surely1 if at any time1 should have come forth in the wisdom and glory of the world71 and thou shalt see what method the ,lord did take at the first to exalt his son ,jesus3 he goes not amongst the ,jewish rabbis1 nor to the schools of learning1 to fetch out his gospel preachers1 but to the trades1 and those most contemptible too2 yet let not any from hence conceive that ,i undervalue the gifts and graces of such who have been1 or now are endued with them1 nor yet speak against learning being kept in its place2 but my meaning is1 that those that are learned should not despise those that are not2 or those that are not1 should not despise those that are1 who are faithful in the ,lord's work3 and therefore being about to leave thee1 ,i shall leave with thee two ,scriptures to be considered of4 ,the one is ,john #ac3bj1 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 he that receiveth whomsoever ,i send 7mark whomsoever7 receiveth me2 and he that receiveth me1 receiveth him that sent me4 ,the other is ,luke #aj3af1 ,he that heareth you1 heareth me2 and he that despiseth you1 despiseth me2 and he that despiseth me1 despiseth him that sent me4 ,j4 ,g4 ,,the ,,author ,,to ,,the ,,reader4 ,friend1 because it is a dangerous thing to be walking towards the lace of darkness and anguish2 and again1 because it is 7notwithstanding7 the journey that most of the poor souls in the world are taking1 and that with delight and gladness1 as if ,,there was the only happiness to be found1 ,i have therefore thought it my duty1 being made sensible of the danger that will befal those that fall therein1 for the preventing of thee1 ,o thou poor man or woman6 to tell thee1 by opening this parable1 what sad success those souls have had1 and are also like to have1 that have been1 or shall be found persevering therein4 ,we use to count him a friend that will forewarn his neighbour of the danger1 when he knoweth thereof1 and doth also see that the way his neighbour is walking in doth lead right thereto1 especially when we think that our neighbour may be either ignorant or careless of his way4 ,why friend1 it may be1 nay twenty to one1 but thou hast been1 ever since thou didst come into the world1 with thy back towards heaven1 and thy face towards hell2 and thou1 it may be1 either through ignorance or carelessness1 which is as bad1 if not worse1 hast been running full hastily that way ever since4 ,why friend8 ,i beseech thee put a little stop to thy earnest race1 and take a view of what entertainment thou art like to have1 if thou do in deed and in truth persist in this thy course4 ,friend1 thy way leads 'down to death1' and thy 'steps take hold on hell' 7,prov #e3e74 ,it may be the path indeed is pleasant to the flesh1 but the end thereof will be bitter to thy soul4 ,hark1 dost thou not hear the bitter cries of them that are but newly gone before1 saying1 ,let him 'dip the tip of his finger in water1 and cool my tongue2 for ,i am tormented in this flame8' 7,luke #af3bd74 ,dost thou not hear them say1 ,send out from the dead1 to prevent my father1 my brother1 and my father's house1 from coming 'into this place of torment8' ,shall not then these mournful groans pierce thy flinty heart8 ,wilt thou stop thine ears1 and shut thy eyes8 ,and wilt thou not regard8 ,take warning and stop thy journey before it be too late4 ,wilt thou be like the silly fly1 that is not quiet unless she be either entangled in the spider's web1 or burned in the candle8 ,wilt thou be like the bird that hasteth to the snare of the fowler8 ,wilt thou be like that simple one named in the seventh of ,proverbs1 that will be drawn to the slaughter by the cord of a silly lust8 ,o sinner1 sinner1 there are better things than hell to be had1 and at a cheaper rate by the thousandth part6 ,o6 there is no comparison1 there is heaven1 there is ,god1 there is ,christ1 there is communion with an innumerable company of saints and angels4 ,hear the message then that ,god doth send1 that ,christ doth send1 that saints do bring1 nay1 that the dead do send unto thee3 ',i pray thee1 therefore1 that thou wouldst send him to my father's house'2 'if one went unto them from the dead they would repent4' ',how long1 ye simple ones1 will ye love simplicity8 ,and the scorners delight in their scorning8 ,and fools hate knowledge8' ',turn you at my reproof3 behold1' saith ,god1 ',i will pour out my ,spirit unto you1 ,i will make known my words unto you4' ,i say1 hear this voice1 ,o silly one1 and turn and live1 thou sinful soul1 lest he make thee hear that other saying1 ,but1 'because ,i have called1 and ye refused1 ,i have stretched out my hand1 and no man regarded2 ,i also will laugh at your calamity1 ,i will mock when your fear cometh' 7,prov #a3bb-bf74 ,o poor soul1 ,if ,god and ,christ did thus with thee for thine harm1 it would be another matter2 then if thou didst refuse1 thou mightest have some excuse to make1 or fault to find1 and ground to make delays4 ,but this is for thy profit1 for thy advantage1 for the pardoning of thy sins1 the salvation of thy soul1 the delivering of thee from hell fire1 from the wrath to come1 from everlasting burnings1 into favor with ,god1 ,christ1 and communion with all happiness1 that is so indeed4 ,but it may be thou wilt say1 ,all that hath been spoken to in this discourse is but a parable1 and parables are no realities4 ,i could put thee off with this answer1 ,that though it be a parable1 yet it is a truth1 and not a lie2 and thou shalt find it so too1 to thy cost1 if thou shalt be found a slighter of ,god1 ,christ1 and the salvation of thy own soul4 ,but secondly1 know for certain1 that the things signified by parables are wonderful realities4 ,o what a glorious reality was there signified by that parable1 ',the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net that was cast into the sea1' c4 ,signifying1 that sinners of all sorts1 of all nations1 should be brought into ,god's kingdom1 by the net of the gospel4 ,and ,o6 how real a thing shall the other part thereof be1 when it is fulfilled1 which saith1 ,and 'when it was full they drew to shore1 and gathered the good into vessels1 but cast the bad away' 7,matt #ac3dg1dh74 ,signifying the mansions of glory that the saints should have1 and also the rejection that ,god will give to the ungodly1 and to sinners4 ,and also that parable1 what a glorious reality is there in it1 which saith1 ',except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die1 it abideth alone2 but if it die1 it bringeth forth much fruit' 7,john #ab3bd74 ,to signify that unless ,jesus ,christ did indeed spill his blood1 and die the cursed death1 he should abide alone2 that is1 have never a soul into glory with him2 but if he died1 he should bring forth much fruit2 that is1 save many sinners4 ,and also how real a truth there was in that parable concerning the ,jews putting ,christ to death1 which the poor dispersed ,jews can best experience to their cost2 for they have been almost ever since a banished people1 and such as have had ,god's sore displeasure wonderfully manifested against them1 according to the truth of the parable 7,matt #ba3cc-da74 ,o therefore1 for ,jesus ,christ's sake1 do not slight the truth1 because it is discovered in a parable6 ,for by this argument thou mayest also1 nay1 thou wilt slight almost all the things that our ,lord ,jesus ,christ did speak2 for he spake them for the most part1 if not all1 in parables4 ,why should it be said of thee as it is said of some1 ,these things are spoken to them that are without 'in parables1 that seeing they might not see1 and hearing they might not understand8' 7,luke #h3aj74 ,i say1 take heed of being a quarreller against ,christ's parables1 lest ,christ also object against the salvation of thy soul at the judgment day4 ,friend1 ,i have no more to say to thee now4 ,if thou dost love me pray for me1 that my ,god would not forsake me1 nor take his ,holy ,spirit from me2 and that ,god would fit me to do and suffer what shall be from the world or devil inflicted upon me4 ,i must tell thee1 the world rages1 they stamp and shake their heads1 and fain they would be doing2 the ,lord help me to take all they shall do with patience2 and when they smite the one cheek1 to turn the other to them1 that ,i may do as ,christ hath bidden me2 for then the ,spirit of ,god1 and of glory1 shall rest upon me4 ,farewell4 ,i am thine1 if thou be not ashamed to own me1 because of my low and contemptible descent in the world4#c ,,john ,,bunyan ,a ,few ,sighs from ,hell2 ,,or ,the ,groans of a ,damned ,soul44 ,luke #af3ai-ca4 ',there was a certain rich man which was clothed in purple and fine linen1 and fared sumptuously every day4 ,and there was a certain beggar1 named ,lazarus1 which was laid at his gate1 full of sores1 ,and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table3 moreover the dogs came and licked his sores4 ,and it came to pass that the beggar died1 and was carried by the angels into ,abraham's bosom3 the rich man also died1 and was buried2 ,and in hell he lifted up his eyes1 being in torments1 and seeeth ,abraham afar off1 and ,lazarus in his bosom4 ,and he cried and said1 ,father ,abraham1 have mercy on me1 and send ,lazarus1 that he may dip the tip of his finger in water1 and cool my tongue2 for ,i am tormented in this flame4 ,but ,abraham said1 ,son1 remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things1 and likewise ,lazarus evil things3 but now he is comforted1 and thou art tormented4 ,and1 beside all this1 between us and you there is a great gulf fixed2 so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot2 neither can they pass to us that would come from thence4 ,then he said1 ,i pray thee therefore1 father1 that thou wouldst send him to my father's house2 ,for ,i have five brethren2 that he may testify unto them1 lest they also come into this place of torment4 ,abraham saith unto him1 ,they have ,moses and the prophets2 let them hear them4 ,and he said1 ,nay1 father ,abraham3 but if one went unto them from the dead1 they will repent4 ,and he said unto him1 ,if they hear not ,moses and the prophets1 neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead4' ,this ,scripture was not spoken by our ,lord ,jesus ,christ to show you the state of two single persons only1 as some1 through ignorance of the drift of ,christ in his parables1 do dream2 but to show you the state of the godly and ungodly to the world's end2 as is clear to him that is of an understanding heart4 ,for he spake them to the end that after generations should take notice thereof1 and fear1 lest they also fell into the same condition4 ,now in my discourse upon these words ,i shall not be tedious2 but as briefly as ,i may1 ,i shall pass through the several verses1 and lay you down some of the several truths contained therein4 ,and the ,lord grant that they may be profitable1 and of great advantage to those that read them1 or hear them read4 ,the #aith and #bjth verses also1 ,i shall not spend much time upon1 only give you three or four short hints1 and so pass to the next verses2 for they are the words ,i do intend most especially to insist upon4 ,the #aith1 #bjth1 and #bast verses run thus3--',there was a certain rich man which was clothed in purple and fine linen1 and fared' deliciously or 'sumptuously every day4 ,and there was a certain beggar1 named ,lazarus1 which was laid at his gate full of sores4' ,first4 ,if these verses had been spoken by ,jesus ,christ1 and no more1 all the world would have gone near to have cast a wrong interpretation on them4 ,i say1 if ,jesus had said only thus much1 ',there was a certain rich man' which 'fared sumptuously daily1 and a certain beggar laid at his gate full of sores'2 the world would have made this conclusion of them--the rich man was the happy man2 for1 at the first view1 it doth represent such a thing2 but take all together1 that is1 read the whole parable1 and you shall find that there is no man in a worse condition than he2 as ,i shall clearly hold forth afterward4 ,second4 ,again1 if a man would judge of men according to outward appearance1 he shall ofttimes take his mark amiss4 ,here is a man to outward appearance appears the only blessed man1 better by half than the beggar1 inasmuch as he is rich1 the beggar poor2 he is well clothed1 but peradventure the beggar is naked2 he hath good food1 but the beggar would be glad of dog's meat4 ',and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table4' ,the rich man fares well every day1 but the beggar must be glad of a bit when he can get it4 ,o6 who would not be in the rich man's state8 ,a wealthy man1 sorts of new suits and dainty dishes every day2 enough to make one who minds nothing but his belly1 and his back1 and his lusts1 to say1 ,o that ,i were in that man's condition6 ,o that ,i had about me as that man has6 ,then ,i should live a life indeed2 then should ,i have heart's-ease good store2 then ,i should live pleasantly1 and might say to my soul1 ',soul1' be of good cheer1 'eat1 drink1 and be merry' 7,luke #ab3ai74 ,thou hast everything plenty1 and art in a most blessed condition4 ,i say1 this might be1 aye1 and is1 the conclusion with them that judge according to outward appearance4 ,but if the whole parable be well considered1 you will see 7,luke #af3ae71 that which is had in high estimation with men is an abomination in the sight of ,god4 ,and again 7,john #af3bj-bb71 that condition1 that is the saddest condition1 according to outward appearance1 is ofttimes the most excellent2 for the beggar had ten thousand degrees the best of it1 though1 to outward appearance1 his state was the saddest2#d from whence we shall observe thus much3--#a4 ,that those who judge according to outward appearance1 do for the most part judge amiss 7,john #g3bd74 #b4 ,that they who look upon their outward enjoyments to be token of ,god's special grace unto them1 are also deceived 7,rev #c3ag74 ,for as it is here in the parable1 a man of wealth and a child of the devil may make but one person2 or a man may have abundance of outward enjoyments1 and yet be carried by the devils into eternal burnings 7,luke #ab3bj74 ,but this is the trap in which the devil hath caught many thousands of poor souls1 namely1 by getting them to judge according to outward appearance1 or according to ,god's outward blessings4 ,do but ask a poor1 carnal1 covetous wretch1 how we should know a man to be in a happy state1 and he will answer1 those that ,god blesseth1 and giveth abundance of this world unto2 when1 for the most part1 they are they that are the cursed men4 ,alas6 poor men1 they are so ignorant as to think that because a man is increased in outward things1 and that by a small stock1 therefore ,god doth love that man with a special love1 or else he would never do so much for him1 never bless him so1 and prosper the work of his hands4 ,ah6 poor soul1 it is the rich man that goes to hell4 ,and 'the rich man died1' and in hell1 mark1 'in hell he lift up his eyes1' c4 ,methinks to see how the great ones of the world will go strutting up and down the streets sometimes1 it makes me wonder4 ,surely they look upon themselves to be the only happy men2 but it is because they judge according to outward appearance2 they look upon themselves to be the only blessed men1 when the ,lord knows the generality are left out of that blessed condition4 ',not many wise men after the flesh1 not many mighty1 not many noble are called' 7#a ,cor #a3bf74 ,ah6 did they that do now so brag1 that nobody dare scarce look on them1 but believe this1 it would make them hang down their heads and cry1 ,o give me a ,lazarus' portion4 ,i might here enlarge very much1 but ,i shall not2 only thus much ,i shall say to you that have much of this world1 ,have a care that you have not your portion in this world4 ,take heed that it be not said to you hereafter1 when you would very willingly have heaven1 ,remember in your lifetime you had your portion 7,psa #ag3ad74 ,and friend1 thou that seekest after this world1 and desirest riches1 let me ask this question1 ,wouldst thou be content that ,god should put thee off with a portion in this life8 ,wouldst thou be glad to be kept out of heaven with a back well clothed1 and a belly well filled with the dainties of this world8 ,wouldst thou be glad to have all thy good things in thy lifetime1 to have thy heaven to last no longer than while thou dost live in this world8 ,wouldst thou be willing to be deprived of eternal happiness and felicity8 ,if you say no1 then have a care of the world and thy sins2 have a care of desiring to be a rich man1 lest thy table be made a snare unto thee 7,psa #ai3bb74 ,lest the wealth of this world do bar thee out of glory4 ,for1 as the apostle saith1 ',they that will be rich1 fall into temptation and a snare1 and into many foolish and hurtful lusts1 which drown men in destruction and perdition' 7#a ,tim #f3i74 ,thus much in general2 but now more particularly4 ,these two men here spoken of1 as ,i said1 do hold forth to us that state of the godly and ungodly2 the beggar holdest forth the godly1 and the rich man the ungodly4 ',there was a certain rich man4' ,but why are the ungodly held forth under the notion of a rich man8 #a4 ,because ,christ would not have them look too high1 as ,i said before1 but that those who have riches should have a care that they be not all their portion 7,james #a3aj-ab2 #a ,tim #f3ag74 #b4 ,because rich men are most liable to the devil's temptations2 are most ready to be puffed up with pride1 stoutness1 cares of this world1 in which things they spend most of their time in lusts1 drunkenness1 wantonness1 idleness1 together with the other works of the flesh2 for which things sake1 the wrath of ,god cometh on the children of disobedience 7,col #c3f74 #c4 ,because he would comfort the hearts of his own1 which are most commonly of the poorer sort2 but ,god hath chosen the poor1 despised1 and base things of this world 7#a ,cor #a3bf74 ,should ,god have set the rich man in the blessed state1 his children would have concluded1 being poor1 that they had no share in the life to come4 ,and again1 had not ,god given such a discovery of the sad condition of those that are for the most part rich men1 we should have had men concluded absolutely that the rich are the blessed men4 ,nay1 albeit the ,lord himself doth so evidently declare that the rich ones of the world are1 for the most part1 in the saddest condition1 yet they1 through unbelief1 or else presumption1 do harden themselves1 and seek for the glory of this world as though the ,lord ,jesus ,christ did not mean as he said1 or else that he will say more than shall assuredly come to pass2 but let them know that the ,lord hath a time to fulfil that he had a time to declare1 for the scripture cannot be broken 7,john #aj3ce74 ,but again1 the ,lord by this word doth not mean those are ungodly who are rich in the world1 and no other1 for then must all those that are poor1 yet graceless and vain men1 be saved and delivered from eternal vengeance1 which would be contrary to the ,word of ,god1 which saith that together with the kings of the earth1 and the great men1 and the chief captains1 and the mighty men1 there are bondmen or servants1 and slaves1 that cry out at the appearance of the ,almighty ,god1 and his ,son ,jesus ,christ1 to judgment 7,rev #f3ae74 ,so that though ,christ doth say1 ',there was a certain rich man1' yet you must understand he meaneth all the ungodly1 rich or poor4 ,nay1 if you will not understand it so now1 you shall be made to understand it to be so meant at the day of ,christ's second coming1 when all that are ungodly shall stand at the left hand of ,christ1 with pale faces and guilty consciences1 with the vials of the ,almighty's wrath ready to be poured out upon them4 ,thus much in brief touching the #aith verse4 ,i might have observed other things from it1 but now ,i forbear1 having other things to speak of at this time4 ,verse #bj4--';,and there was a certain beggar1 named ,lazarus1 which was laid at his gate1 full of sores4' ,this verse doth chiefly hold forth these things2 #a4 ,that the saints of ,god are a poor contemptible people2 ',there was a certain beggar4' ,if you understand the word beggar to hold forth outward poverty1 or scarcity in outward things1 such are saints#e of the ,lord1 for they are for the most part a poor1 despised1 contemptible people4 ,but if you allegorize it and interpret it thus1 ,they are such as beg earnestly for heavenly food2 this is also the spirit of the children of ,god1 and it may be1 and is a truth in this sense1 though not so naturally gathered from this scripture4 #b4 ,that 'he was laid at his gate1 full of sores4' ,these words hold forth the distempers of believers1 saying he was 'full of sores1' which may signify the many troubles1 temptations1 persecutions1 and afflictions in body and spirit which they meet withal while they are in the world1 but also the entertainment they find at the hands of those ungodly ones who live upon the earth4 ,whereas it is said1 he was 'laid at his gate1 full of sores4' ,mark1 he was laid at his gate1 not in his house--that was thought too good for him--but he was laid at his gate1 full of sores4 ,from whence observe1 7#a47 ,that the ungodly world do not desire to entertain and receive the poor saints of ,god into their houses4 ,if they must needs be somewhere near unto them1 yet they shall not come into their houses2 shut them out of doors2 if they will needs be near us1 let them be at the gate4 ,and he 'was laid at his gate1 full of sores4' 7#b47 ,observe that the world are not at all touched with the afflictions of ,god's children for all they are full of sores2 a despised1 afflicted1 tempted1 persecuted people the world doth not pity1 no1 but rather labour to aggravate their trouble by shutting them out of doors2 sink or swim1 what cares the world8 ,they are resolved to disown them2 they will give them no entertainment3 if the lying in the streets will do them any good1 if hard usage will do them any good1 if to be disowned1 rejected1 and shut out of doors by the world will do them any good1 they shall have enough of that2 but otherwise no refreshment1 no comfort from the world4 ,and he 'was laid at his gate1 full of sores4' ,verse #ba4--';,and he desired to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table3 the dogs came also and licked his sores4' ,by these words our ,lord ,jesus doth show us the frame of a ,christian's heart1 and also the heart and carriage of worldly men towards the saints of the ,lord4 ,the ,christian's heart is held forth by this1 that anything will content him while he is on this side glory4 ,and 'he desired to be fed with the crumbs'2 the dogs' meat1 anything4 ,i say a ,christian will be content with anything1 if he have but to keep life and soul together2 as we used to say1 he is content1 he is satisfied2 he hath learned--if he hath learned to be a ,christian--to be content with anything2 as ,paul saith1 ',i have learned in whatsoever state ,i am1 therewith to be content' 7,phil #d3aa74 ,he learns in all conditions to study to love ,god1 to walk with ,god1 to give up himself to ,god2 and if the crumbs that fall from the rich man's table will but satisfy nature and give him bodily strength1 that thereby he may be the more able to walk in the way of ,god1 he is contented4 ,and he 'desired to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table4'#f ,but mark1 he had them not2 you do not find that he had so much as a crumb1 or a scrap allowed unto him4 ,no1 then the dogs will be beguiled1 ,,that must be preserved for the dogs4 ,from whence observe that the ungodly world do love their dogs better than the children of ,god4#g ,you will say that is strange4 ,it is so indeed1 yet it is true1 as will be clearly manifested2 as1 for instance1 how many pounds do some men spend in a year on their dogs1 when in the meanwhile the poor saints of ,god may starve for hunger8 ,they will build houses for their dogs1 when the saints must be glad to wander1 and lodge in dens and caves of the earth 7,heb #aa3ch74 ,and if they be in any of their houses for the hire thereof1 they will warn them out or eject them1 or pull down the house over their heads1 rather than not rid themselves of such tenants4#h ,again1 some men cannot go half a mile from home but they must have dogs at their heels1 but they can very willingly go half a score miles without the society of a ,christian4 ,nay1 if when they are busy with their dogs they should chance to meet a ,christian1 they would willingly shift him if they could4 ,they will go on the other side the hedge or the way rather than they will have any society with him2 and if at any time a child of ,god should come into a house where there are but two or three ungodly wretches1 they do commonly wish either themselves or the saint out of doors2 and why so8 because they cannot down#i with the society of a ,christian2 though if there come in at the same time a dog1 or a drunken swearing wretch1 which is worse than a dog1 they will make him welcome2 he shall sit down with them and partake of their dainties4 ,and now tell me1 you that love your sins and your pleasures1 had you not rather keep company with a drunkard1 a swearer1 a strumpet1 a thief1 nay1 a dog1 than with an honest-hearted ,christian8 ,if you say no1 what means your sour carriage to the people of ,god8 ,why do you look on them as if you would eat them up8 ,yet at the very same time if you can but meet your dog1 or a drunken companion1 you can fawn upon them1 take acquaintance with them1 to the tavern or ale house with them1 if it be two or three times in a week4 ,but if the saints of ,god meet together1 pray together1 and labour to edify one another1 you will stay till doomsday before you will look into the house where they are4 ,ah6 friends1 when all comes to all1 you will be found to love drunkards1 strumpets1 dogs1 anything1 nay1 to serve the devil1 rather than to have loving and friendly society with the saints of ,god4 ,moreover1 'the dogs came and licked his sores4' ,here again you may see1 not only the afflicted state of the saints of ,god in this world1 but also that even dogs themselves1 according to their kind1 are more favourable to the saints than the sinful world2 though the ungodly will have no mercy on the saints1 yet it is ordered so that these creatures1 dogs1 lions1 c4 will4 ,though the rich man would not entertain him into his house1 yet his dogs will come and do him the best good they can1 even to lick his running sores4 ,it was thus with ,daniel when the world was mad against him1 and would have him thrown to the lions to be devoured1 the lions shut their mouths at him1 or rather the ,lord did shut them up1 so that there was not that hurt befel to him as was desired by the adversaries 7,dan #f74 ,and this ,i am persuaded of1 that would the creatures do as some men would have them1 the saints of ,god should not walk so quietly up and down the streets and other places as they do4 ,and as ,i said before1 so ,i say again1 ,i am persuaded that1 at the day of judgment1 many men's conditions and carriages will be so laid open1 that it will evidently appear they have been very merciless and mad against the children of ,god1 insomuch1 that when the providence of ,god did fall out so as to cross their expectation1 they have been very much offended thereat1 as is very evidently seen in them who set themselves to study how to bring the saints into bondage1 and to thrust them into corners1 as in these late years 7,psa #ca3ac74 ,and because ,god hath in his goodness ordered things otherwise1 they have gnashed their teeth thereat4#aj ,hence then let the saints learn not to commit themselves to their enemies2 'beware of men' 7,matt #aj3ag74 ,they are very merciless men1 and will not so much favour you1 if they can help it1 as you may suppose they may4 ,nay1 unless the overruling hand of ,god in goodness do order things contrary to their natural inclination1 they will not favour you so much as a dog4 ,verse #bb4--';,and it came to pass that the beggar died1 and was carried by the angels into ,abraham's bosom3 the rich man also died1 and was buried4' ,the former verses do briefly hold forth the carriage of the ungodly in this life toward the saints4 ,now this verse doth hold forth the departure1 both of the godly and ungodly1 out of this life4 ,where he said1 ',and it came to pass1 that the beggar died1 and was carried--into ,abraham's bosom1' and 'the rich man also died'2--the beggar died1 that represents the godly2 and the rich man died1 that represents the ungodly4 ,from whence observe1 neither godly nor ungodly must live always without a change1 either by death or judgment2 the good man died and the bad man died4 ,that scripture doth also back this truth1 that good and bad must die1 marvellous well1 where it is said1 ',and it is appointed unto men once to die1 but after this the judgment' 7,heb #i3bg74 ,mark1 he doth not say it is so that men by chance may die2 which might beget1 in the hearts of the ungodly especially1 some hope to escape the bitterness of it4 ,but he saith it is a thing most certain1 it is appointed2 mark1 'it is appointed unto men once to die1 but after this the judgment4' ,god hath decreed it1 that since men have fallen from that happy estate that ,god at the first did set them in1 they shall die 7,rom #f3bc74 ,now when it is said the beggar died and the rich man died1 part of the meaning is they ceased to be any more in this world2 ,i say partly the meaning1 but not altogether4 ,though it be altogether the meaning when some of the creatures die1 yet it is but in part the meaning when it is said that men1 women1 or children die2 for there is to them something else to be said1 more than barely agoing out of the world4 ,for if when unregenerate men and women die there were an end of them1 not only in this world but also in the world to come1 they would be happy over they will be now1 for when ungodly men and women die there is that to come after death that will be very terrible to them1 namely1 to be carried by the angels of darkness from their death-beds to hell1 there to be reserved to the judgment of the great day1 when both body and soul shall meet and be united together again1 and made capable to undergo the uttermost vengeance of the ,almighty to all eternity4 ,this is that1 ,i say1 which doth follow a man that is not born again1 after death1 as is clear from that in #a ,peter #c3ah1 #ai1 where1 before speaking of ,christ being raised again1 by the power of his eternal ,spirit1 he saith1 ,by which1 that is1 by that ,spirit1 'he went and preached unto the spirits in prison4' ,but what is the meaning of this8 ,why1 thus much1 that those souls who were once alive in the world in the time or days in which ,noah lived1 being disobedient in their times to the calls of ,god by his ,spirit in ,noah1 for so ,i understand it1 was1 according to that which was foretold by that preacher1 deprived of life and overcome by the flood1 and are now in prison4 ,mark1 he preached to the spirits in prison2 he doth not say1 who were in prison1 but to them in1 that is1 now in prison1 under chains of darkness1 reserved1 or kept there in that prison1 in which now they are1 ready1 like villains in the jail1 to be brought before the judgment-seat of ,christ at the great day4 ,but of this ,i shall speak further by and by4 ,now if this one truth1 that men must die and depart this world1 and either enter into joy or else into prison1 to be reserved to the day of judgment1 were believed1 we should not have so many wantons walk up and down the streets as there do1 at least it would put a mighty check to their filthy carriages1 so that they would not1 could not walk so basely and sinfully as they do4 ,belshazzar1 notwithstanding he was so far from the fear of ,god as he was1 yet when he did but see that ,god was offended and threatened him for his wickedness1 it made him hang down his head and knock his knees together 7,dan #e3e1f74 ,if you read the verses before you will find he was careless1 and satisfying his lusts in drinking and playing the wanton with his concubines4 ,but so soon as he did perceive the finger of a hand-writing1 'then1' saith the scripture1 'the king's countenance was changed1 and his thoughts troubled him1 so that the joints of his loins were loosed1 and his knees smote one against another4' ,and when ,paul told ,felix of righteousness1 temperance1 and judgment to come1 it make him tremble4 ,and let me tell thee1 soul1 whosoever thou art1 that if thou didst but verily believe that thou must die and come into the judgment1 it would make thee turn over a new leaf4 ,but this is the misery1 the devil doth labour by all means as to keep out other things that are good1 so to keep out of the heart1 as much as in him lies1 the thoughts of passing from this life into another world2 for he knows1 if he can but keep them from the serious thoughts of death1 he shall the more easily keep them in their sins1 and so from closing with ,jesus ,christ2 as ,job saith1 ',their houses are safe from fear1 neither is the rod of ,god upon them4' ,which makes them say to ,god1 ',depart from us1 for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways' 7,job #ba3ad74 ,because there is no fear of death and judgment to come1 therefore they do put off ,god and his ways1 and spend their days in their sins1 and in a moment1 that is1 before they are aware1 go down to the grave 7,job #ba3ag74 ,and thus it fared also with the man spoken of in ,luke #ab3bj4 ,the man1 instead of thinking of death1 he thought how he might make his barns bigger4 ,but1 in the midst of his business in the world1 he lost his soul before he was aware1 supposing that death had been many years off4 ,but ,god said unto him1 ',thou fool1' thou troublest thyself about things of this life1 thou puttest off the thoughts of departing this world1 when this night thy soul shall be taken from thee2 or1 this night1 they1 that is1 the devil1 will fetch away thy soul from thee4 ,and here it comes to pass1 men's not being exercised with the thoughts of departing this life1 that they are1 so unexpectedly to themselves and their neighbours1 taken away from the pleasures and profits1 yea1 and all the enjoyments they busy themselves withal while they live in this world4 ,and hence it is again1 that you have some in your towns and cities that are so suddenly taken away1 some from haunting the ale-houses1 others from haunting the whore-houses1 others from playing and gaming1 others from the cares and covetous desires after this world1 unlooked for as by themselves or their companions4 ,hence it is also that men do so wonder at such tidings as this4 ,there is such a one dead1 such a one is departed2 it is because they do so little consider both the transitoriness of themselves and their neighbours4 ,for had they but their thoughts well exercised about the shortness of this life1 and the danger that will befall such as do miss of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 it would make them more wary and sober1 and spend more time in the service of ,god1 and be more delighted and diligent in inquiring after the ,lord ,jesus1 who is the deliverer 'from the wrath to come' 7#a ,thess #a3aj74 ,for1 as ,i said before1 it is evident1 that they who live after the flesh in the lusts thereof1 do not really and seriously think on death1 and the judgment that doth follow after3 neither do they indeed endeavour so to do2 for did they1 it would make them say with holy ,job1 ',all the days of my appointed time will ,i wait till my change come' 7,job #ad3ad74 ,and as ,i said before1 that not only the wicked1 but also the godly have their time to depart this life4 ,and the beggar died4 ,the saints of the ,lord1 they must be deprived of this life also1 they must yield up the ghost into the hands of the ,lord their ,god2 they must also be separated from their wives1 children1 husbands1 friends1 goods1 and all that they have in the world4 ,for ,god hath decreed it2 it is appointed1 namely1 by the ,lord1 for men once to die1 and 'we must all appear before the judgment-seat of ,christ1' as it is1 #b ,corinthian #e3aj1 #aa4 ,but it may be objected1 if the godly do die as well as the wicked1 and if the saints must appear before the judgment-seat as well as the sinners1 then what advantage have the godly more than the ungodly1 and how can the saints be in a better condition than the wicked8 ,answ4 ,read the #bb;d verse over again1 and you will find a marvellous difference between them1 as much as is between heaven and hell1 everlasting joy and everlasting torments2 for you find1 that when the beggar died1 which represents the godly1 he was carried by the angels into ,abraham's bosom1 or into everlasting joy 7,psa #a74 ,but the ungodly are not so1 but are hurried by the devils into the bottomless pit1 drawn away in their wickedness 7,prov #ad3cb71 for he saith1 ',and in hell he lifted up his eyes4' ,when the ungodly do die1 their misery beginneth1 for then appear the devils1 like so many lions1 waiting every moment till the soul depart from the body4 ,sometimes they are very visible to the dying party1#aa but sometimes more invisible2 but always this is certain1 they never miss of the soul if it do die out of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 but do hale it away to the prison1 as ,i said before1 there to be tormented and reserved until that great and general day of judgment1 at which day they must1 body and soul1 receive a final sentence from the righteous ,judge1 and from that time be shut out from the presence of ,god into everlasting woe and distress4 ,but the godly1 when the time of their departure is at hand1 then also are the angels of the ,lord at hand2 yea1 they are ready waiting upon the soul to conduct it safe into ,abraham's bosom4 ,i do not say but the devils are ofttimes very busy doubtless1 and attending the saints in their sickness3 ay1 and no question but they would willingly deprive the soul of glory4 ,but here is the comfort1 as the devils come from hell to devour the soul1 if it be possible1 at its departure1 so the angels of the ,lord come from heaven1 to watch over and conduct the soul1 in spite of the devil1 safe into ,abraham's bosom4 ,david had the comfort of this1 and speaks it forth for the comfort of his brethren 7,psa #cd3g71 saying1 ',the angel of the ,lord encampeth round about them that fear him1 and delivereth them4' ,mark1 the angel of the ,lord encampeth round about his children1 to deliver them4 ,from what8 ,from their enemies1 of which the devil is not the least4 ,this is an excellent comfort at any time1 to have the holy angels of ,god to attend a poor man or woman2 but especially it is comfortable in the time of distress1 at the time of death1 when the devils beset the soul with all the power that hell can afford them4 ,but now it may be1 that the glorious angels of ,god do not appear at the first1 to the view of the soul2 nay1 rather hell stands before it1 and the devils ready1 as if they would carry it thither4 ,but this is the comfort1 the angels do always appear at the last1 and will not fail the soul1 but will carry it safe into ,abraham's bosom4 ,ah friends1 consider1 here is an ungodly man upon his death-bed1 and he hath none to speak for him1 none to speak comfort unto him2 but it is not so with the children of ,god1 for they have the ,spirit to comfort them4 ,here is the ungodly1 and they have no ,christ to pray for their safe conduct to glory2 but the saints have an intercessor 7,john #ag3i74 ,here is the world1 when they die1 they have none of the angels of ,god to attend upon them2 but the saints have their company4 ,in a word1 the unconverted person1 when he dieth1 he sinks into the bottomless pit2 but the saints1 when they die1 do ascend with1 and by the angels1 into ,abraham's bosom1 or into unspeakable glory 7,luke #bc3dc74 ,again1 it is said1 that the rich man when he died was buried or put into the earth2 but when the beggar died1 he was carried by the angels into ,abraham's bosom4 ,the one is a very excellent style1 where he saith he was carried by angels into ,abraham's bosom3 it denotes the excellent condition of the saints of ,god1 as ,i said before2 and not only so1 but also the preciousness of the death of the saints in the eyes of the ,lord 7,psa #aaf3ae74 ,that after-generations may see how precious in the sight of the ,lord the death of his saints is1 when he saith they are carried by the angels into ,abraham's bosom4 ,thus many times the ,lord adorneth the death and departure of his saints1 to hold forth unto after-generations1 how excellent they are in his eyes4 ,it is said of ,enoch1 that ,god took him2 of ,abraham1 that he died in a good old age2 of ,moses1 that the ,lord buried him2 of ,elijah1 that he was taken up into heaven2 that the saints sleep in ,jesus2 that they die in the ,lord2 that they rest from their labour1 that their works follow them2 that they are under the altar2 that they are with ,christ2 that they are in light2 that they are to come with the ,lord ,jesus to judge the world4 ,all which sayings signify thus much1 that to die a saint is very great honour and dignity4 ,but the ungodly are not so4 ,the rich or ungodly die and are buried2 he is carried from his dwelling to the grave1 and there he is buried1 hid in the dust2 and his body doth not so fast moulder and come to nought there1 but his name doth stink as fast in the world1 as saith the holy scripture3 ',the name of the wicked shall rot' 7,prov #aj3g74 ,and indeed1 the names of the godly are not in so much honour after their departure1 but the wicked and their names do as much rot4 ,what a dishonour to posterity was the death of ,balaam1 ,agag1 ,ahithophel1 ,haman1 ,judas1 ,herod1 with the rest of their companions8 ,thus the wicked have their names written in the earth1 and they do perish and rot1 and the name of the saints do cast forth a dainty savour to following generations2 and that the ,lord ,jesus doth signify where he saith the godly are 'carried by the angels into ,abraham's bosom'2 and that the wicked are nothing worth1 where he saith the ungodly die and are buried4 ,verse #bc4--';,and in hell he lifted up his eyes1 being in torments1 and seeth ,abraham afar off1 and ,lazarus in his bosom4' ,the former verse speaks only of the departure of the ungodly out of this life1 together with the glorious conduct#ab that the godly have into the kingdom of their ,father4 ,now our ,lord doth show1 in this verse1 partly what doth and shall befal to the reprobate after this life is ended1 where he saith1 ',and in hell he lifted up his eyes4' ,that is1 the ungodly1 after they depart this life1 do lift up their eyes in hell4 ,from these words may be observed these things1 ,first4 ,that there is a hell for souls to be tormented in1 when this life is ended4 ,mark1 after he was dead and buried1 ',in hell he lifted up his eyes4' ,second4 ,that all that are ungodly1 and do live and die in their sins1 so soon as ever they die1 they go into hell3 he died and was buried2 ',and in hell he lifted up his eyes4' ,third4 ,that some are so fast asleep1 and secure in their sins1 that they scarce know well where they are till they come into hell2 and that ,i gather from these words1 ',in hell he lifted up his eyes4' ,he was asleep before1 but hell makes him lift up his eyes4 ,first4 ,as ,i said before1 it is evident that there is a hell for souls1 yea1 and bodies too1 to be tormented in after they depart this life1 as is clear1 first1 because the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 that cannot lie1 did say that after the sinner was dead and buried1 ',in hell he lifted up his eyes4' ,now if it be objected that by hell is here meant the grave1 that ,i plainly deny3 #a4 ,because there the body is not sensible of torment or ease2 but in that hell into which the spirits of the damned depart1 they are sensible of torment1 and would very willingly be freed from it1 to enjoy ease1 which they are sensible of the want of2 as is clearly discovered in this parable1 ',send ,lazarus1 that he may dip the tip of his finger in water1 and cool my tongue4' #b4 ,it is not meant the grave1 but some other place1 because the bodies1 so long as they lie there1 are not capable of lifting up their eyes1 to see the glorious condition of the children of ,god1 as the souls of the damned do4 ',in hell he lifted up his eyes4' #c4 ,it cannot be the grave1 for then it must follow that the soul was buried there with the body1 which cannot stand with such a dead state as is here mentioned2 for he saith1 ',the rich man died'2 that is1 his soul was separated from his body4 ',and in hell he lifted up his eyes4' ,if it be again objected that there is no hell but in this life2 that ,i do also deny1 as ,i said before3 after he was dead and buried1 ',in hell he lifted up his eyes4' ,and let me tell thee1 ,o soul1 whoever thou art1 that if thou close not in savingly with the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and lay hold on what he hath done and is doing in his own person for sinners1 thou wilt find such a hell after this life is ended1 that thou wilt not get out of again for ever and ever4 ,and thou that art wanton1 and dost make but a mock at the servants of the ,lord1 when they tell thee of the torments of hell1 thou wilt find that when thou departest out of this life1 that hell1 even the hell which is after this life1 will meet thee in thy journey thither2 and will1 with its hellish crew1 give thee such a sad salutation that thou wilt not forget it to all eternity4 ,when that scripture comes to be fulfilled on thy soul1 in ,isaiah #ad3i1 #aj1 ',hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming3 it stirreth up the dead for thee1 even all the chief ones of the earth2 it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations4 ,all they1' that is1 that are in hell1 shall say1 ',art thou also become weak as we8 art thou become like unto us8' ,o sometimes when ,i have had but thoughts of going to hell1 and consider the everlastingness of their ruin that fall in thither1 it hath stirred me up rather to seek to the ,lord ,jesus ,christ to deliver me from thence1 than to slight it1 and make a mock at it4 ',and in hell he lifted up his eyes4' ,second4 ,the second thing ,i told you was this1 that all the ungodly that live and die in their sins1 so soon as ever they depart this life1 do descend into hell4 ,this is also verified by the words in this parable1 where ,christ said1 ,he 'died and was buried1 and in hell he lifted up his eyes4' ,as the tree falls1 so it shall be1 whether it be to heaven or hell 7,eccl #aa3c74 ,and as ,christ said to the thief on the cross1 ',today thou shalt be with me in paradise4' ,even so the devil in the like manner may say unto thy soul1 ,to-morrow shalt thou be with me in hell4 ,see then what a miserable case he that dies in an unregenerate state is in2 he departs from a long sickness to a longer hell2 from the gripings of death1 to the everlasting torments of hell4 ',and in hell he lifted up his eyes4' ,ah friends6 ,if you were but yourselves1 you would have a care of your souls2 if you did but regard1 you would see how mad they are that slight the salvation of their souls4 ,o what will it profit thy soul to have pleasure in this life1 and torments in hell8 7,mark #h3cf74 ,thou hadst better part with all thy sins1 and pleasures1 and companions1 or whatsoever thou delightest in1 than to have soul and body to be cast into hell4 ,o then do not now neglect our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 lest thou drop down to hell 7,heb #b3c74 ,consider1 would it not wound thee to thine heart to come upon thy death-bed1 and instead of having the comfort of a well spent life1 and the merits of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 together with the comforts of his glorious ,spirit3 to have1 first1 the sight of an ill-spent life1 thy sins flying in thy face1 thy conscience uttering itself with thunder-claps against thee1 the thoughts of ,god terrifying of thee1 death with his merciless paw seizing upon thee1 the devils standing ready to scramble for thy soul1 and hell enlarging herself1 and ready to swallow thee up2 and an eternity of misery and torment attending upon thee1 from which there will be no release4 ,for mark1 death doth not come alone to an unconverted soul1 but with such company1 as wast thou but sensible of it would make thee tremble4 ,i pray consider that scripture 7,rev #f3h71 ',and ,i looked and behold a pale horse1 and his name that sat on him was ,death1 and hell followed with him4' ,mark1 death doth not come alone to the ungodly1 no1 but hell goeth with him4 ,o miserable comforters6 ,o miserable society6 ,here comes death and hell unto thee4 ,death goeth into thy body1 and separates body and soul asunder2 hell stands without1 as ,i may say1 to embrace1 or rather1 to crush thy soul between its everlasting grinders4 ,then thy mirth1 thy joy1 thy sinful delights will be ended when this comes to pass4 ,lo it will come4 ,blessed are all those that through ,christ ,jesus his merits1 by faith1 do escape these soul-murdering companions4 ',and in hell he lifted up his eyes4' ,third4 ,the third thing you know that we did observe from these words was this1 ,that some are so fast asleep1 and secure in their sins1 that they scarce know where they are1 until they come into hell4 ,and that ,i told you ,i gather by these words1 ',in hell he lifted up his eyes4' ,mark1 it was in hell that he lift up his eyes4 ,now some do understand by these words that he came to himself1 or began to consider with himself1 or to think with himself in what an estate he was1 and what he was deprived of2 which is still a confirmation of the thing laid down by me4 ,there it is that they come to themselves1 that is1 there they are sensible where they are indeed4 ,thus it fares with some men that they scarce know where they are1 till they lift up their eyes in hell4 ,it is with those people as with those that fall down in a swoon2 you know if a man do fall down in a swoon in one room1 though you take him up and carry him into another1 yet he is not sensible where he is till he cometh unto himself1 and lifteth up his eyes4 ,truly thus1 it is to be feared1 it is with many poor souls1 they are so senseless1 so hard1 so seared in their conscience 7#a ,tim #d3b71 that they are very ignorant of their state2 and when death comes it strikes them as it were into a swoon1 especially if they die suddenly1 and so they are hurried away1 and scarce know where they are till in hell they lift up their eyes3 this is he who 'dieth in his full strength1 being wholly at ease and quiet' 7,job #ba3bc74 ,of this sort are they spoken of in ,psalm #gc1 where he saith1 ',there are no bands in their death3 but their strength is firm4' ',they are not in trouble as other men1 neither are they plagued like other men4' ,and again1 'they spend their days in wealth1 and in a moment1' mark1 'in a moment1' before they are aware1 they 'go down to the grave' 7,job #ba3ac74 ,indeed this is too much known by woeful and daily experience2 sometimes when we go to visit them that are sick in the towns and places where we live1 ,o how senseless1 how seared in their consciences are they6 ,they are neither sensible of heaven nor of hell1 of sin nor of a ,saviour2 speak to them of their condition1 and the state of their souls1 and you shall find them as ignorant as if they had no souls to regard4 ,others1 though they lie ready to die1 yet they are busying themselves about their outward affairs1 as though they should certainly live here1 even to live and enjoy the same for ever4 ,again1 come to others1 speak to them about the state of their souls1 though they have no more experience of the new birth than a beast1 yet will they speak as confidently of their eternal state1 and the welfare of their souls1 as if they had the most excellent experience of any man or woman in the world1 saying1 ',i shall have peace' 7,deut #bi3ai74 ,when1 as ,i said even now1 the ,lord knows they are as ignorant of the new birth1 of the nature and operation of faith1 of the witness of the ,spirit1 as if there were no new birth1 no faith1 no witness of the ,spirit of ,christ in any of the saints in the world4 ,nay1 thus many of them are1 even an hour or less before their departure4 ,ah1 poor souls6 though they may go away here like a lamb1 as the world says1 yet1 if you could but follow them a little1 to stand and listen soon after their departure1 it is to be feared1 you should hear them roar like a lion at their first entrance into hell1 far worse than even did ,korah1 c41 when they went down quick into the ground 7,num #af3ca-ce74 ,now1 by this one thing doth the devil take great advantage on the hearts of the ignorant1 suggesting unto them that because the party deceased departed so quietly1 without all doubt they are gone to rest and joy2 when1 alas6 it is to be feared the reason why they went away so quietly1 was rather because they were senseless and hardened in their consciences2 yea1 dead before in sins and trespasses4 ,for1 had they had but some awakenings on their death-beds1 as some have had1 they would have made all the town to ring of their doleful condition2 but because they are seared and ignorant1 and so depart quietly1 therefore the world takes heart at grass1#ac as we use to say1 and make no great matter of living and dying they cannot tell how2 'therefore pride compasseth them as a chain' 7,psa #ge3f74 ,but let them look to themselves1 for if they have not an interest in the ,lord ,jesus now1 while they live in the world1 they will1 whether they die raging or still1 go unto the same place2 'and lifted up their eyes in hell4' ,o1 my friends1 did you but know what a miserable condition they are in that go out of this world without an interest in the ,son of ,god1 it would make you smite upon your thigh1 and in the bitterness of your souls cry out1 ',men and brethren1 what shall we do to be saved8' 7,acts #af3bi-ca74 ,and not only so1 but thou wouldst not be comforted until thou didst find a rest for thy soul in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,verse #bc4 ',and in hell he lifted up his eyes1 being in torments1 and seeth ,abraham afar off1 and ,lazarus in his bosom4' ,something1 in brief1 ,i have observed from the first part of this verse1 namely1 from these words1 ',and in hell he lifted up his eyes4' ,and1 indeed1 ,i have observed but something1 for they are very full of matter1 and many things might be taken notice of in them4 ,there is one thing more that ,i might touch upon1 as touched in this saying1 and that is this3--,methinks the ,lord ,jesus ,christ doth hereby signify that men are naturally unwilling to see or take notice of their sad state1 ,i say by nature2 but though now they are willingly ignorant1 yet in hell they shall lift up their eyes4 ,that is1 in hell they shall see and understand their miserable condition2 and1 therefore1 to these words3 ',in hell he lifted up his eyes1' he adds1 'being in torments4' ,as if he had said1 though once they shut their eyes1 though once they were willingly ignorant 7#b ,peter #c3e71 yet1 when they depart into hell1 they shall be so miserably handled and tormented1 that they shall be forced to lift up their eyes4 ,while men live in this world1 and are in a natural state1 they will have a good conceit of themselves1 and of their condition--they will conclude that they are ,christians1 that ,abraham is their father1 and their state to be as good as the best 7,matt #c3g-i74 ,they will conclude they have faith1 the ,spirit1 a good hope1 and an interest in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 but then1 when they drop into hell1 and lift up their eyes there1 and behold first their soul to be in extreme torments2 their dwelling to be the bottomless pit2 their company thousands of damned souls2 also the innumerable company of devils2 and the hot scalding vengeance of ,god1 not only to drop1 but to fall very violently upon them2 then they will begin to be awakened1 who all their lifetime where in a dead sleep4 ,i say1 when this comes to pass1 lo it will2 then in hell they shall lift up their eyes1 in the midst of torments they shall lift up their eyes4 ,again1 you may observe in these words1 ',and in hell he lifted up his eyes1 being in torments1' that the time of the ungodly men's smarting for their sins will be in the torments of hell4 ,now here ,i am put to a stand1 when ,i consider the torments of hell into which the damned do fall4 ,o unspeakable torments6 ,o endless torments6 ,now that thy soul might be made to flee from those intolerable torments into which the damned do go1 ,i shall show you briefly what are the torments of hell4 ,first4 ,by the names of it4 ,second4 by the sad state thou wilt be in1 if thou comest there4 ,first4 ,the names4 ,it is called a never-dying worm 7,mark #i74 ,it is called an oven fire1 hot 7,mal #d3a74 ,it is called a furnace1 a fiery-furnace 7,matt #ac74 ,it is called the bottomless pit1 the unquenchable fire1 fire and brimstone1 hell fire1 the lake of fire1 devouring fire1 everlasting fire1 eternal fire1 a stream of fire 7,rev #ba74 ,second4 ,by the sad state thou wilt be in1 if thou comest there4 #a4 ,one part of thy torments will be this1 thou shalt have a full sight of all thy ill spent life1 from first to last2 though here thou canst sin today and forget it by to-morrow1 yet there thou shalt be made to remember how thou didst sin against ,god at such a time1 and in such a place1 for such a thing1 and with such a one1 which will be a hell unto thee4 ,god will 'set them in order before thine eyes' 7,psa #ea3ba74 #b4 ,thou shalt have the guilt of them all lie heavy on thy soul1 not only the guilt of one or two1 but the guilt of them all together1 and there they shall lie in thy soul1 as if thy belly were full of pitch1 and set on a light fire4 ,here men can sometimes think on their sins with delight1 but there with unspeakable torment2 for that ,i understand to be the fire that ,christ speaketh of1 which shall never be quenched 7,mar #i3dc-di74 ,while men live here1 ,o how doth the guilt of one sin sometimes crush the soul6 ,it makes a man in such plight that he is weary of his life1 so that he can neither rest at home nor abroad1 neither up nor in bed4#ad ,nay1 ,i do know that they have been so tormented with the guilt of one sinful thought1 that they have been even at their wits' end1 and have hanged themselves4 ,but now when thou comest into hell1 and hast not only one or two1 or an hundred sins1 with the guilt of them all on thy soul and body1 but all the sins that ever thou didst commit since thou camest into the world1 altogether clapped on thy conscience at one time1 as one should clap a red hot iron to thy breasts1 and there to continue to all eternity3 this is miserable4 #c4 ,again1 then thou shalt have brought into thy remembrance the slighting of the gospel of ,christ2 here thou shalt consider how willing ,christ was to come into the world to save sinners1 and for what a trifle thou didst reject him4 ,this is plainly held forth in ,isaiah #bh1 where1 speaking of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 the foundation of salvation1 verse #af1 he saith of them that reject the gospel1 that1 when the overflowing scourge doth pass through the earth1 which ,i understand to be at the end of the world1 then1 saith he1 it shall take you morning by morning1 by day and by night shall it pass over you2 that is1 continually1 without any intermission4 ',and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report4' ',a vexation1' that is1 a torment1 or a great part of hell only to understand the report1 to understand the good tidings that came into the world by ,christ's death for poor sinners4 ,and you will find this verily to be the mind of the ,spirit1 if you compare it with ,isaiah #ec3a1 where he speaks of men's turning their backs upon the tenders of ,god's grace in the gospel1 he saith1 ',who hath believed our report8' or the gospel declared by us8 ,now this will be a mighty torment to the ungodly1 when they shall understand the goodness of ,god was so great that he even sent his ,son out of his bosom to die for sinners1 and yet that they should be so foolish as to put him off from one time to another2 that they should be so foolish as to lose heaven and ,christ1 and eternal life in glory1 for the society of a company of drunkards2 that they should lose their souls for a little sport1 for this world1 for a strumpet1 for that which is lighter than vanity and nothing2 ,i say this will be a very great torment unto thee4 #d4 ,another part of thy torment will be this3 ,thou shalt see thy friends1 thy acquaintance1 they neighbours2 nay1 it may be thy father1 thy mother1 thy wife1 thy husband1 thy children1 thy brother1 thy sister1 with others1 in the kingdom of heaven1 and thyself thrust out 7,luke #ac3bh74 ',there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth1 when ye shall see ,abraham 7your father71 and ,isaac1 and ,jacob1 7together with your brethren71 and all the prophets in the kingdom of heaven1 and you yourselves thrust out4' ,nay1 saith he1 'they shall come from the east1 and from the west'--that is1 those that thou didst never see in all thy life before1 and they shall sit down with thy friends1 and thy neighbours1 thy wife and thy children1 in the kingdom of heaven1 and thou1 for thy sins and disobedience1 shall be shut1 nay1 thrust out4 ,o wonderful torment6 #e4 ,again1 thou shalt have none but a company of damned souls1 with an innumerable company of devils1 to keep company with thee4 ,while thou art in this world1 the very thoughts of the devils appearing to thee makes thy flesh to tremble1 and thine hair ready to stand upright on thy head4 ,but ,o6 what wilt thou do1 when not only the supposition of the devils appearing1 but the real society of all the devils in hell will be with thee howling and roaring1 screeching and roaring in such a hideous manner1 that thou wilt be even at thy wits' end1 and be ready to run stark mad again for anguish and torment8 #f4 ,again1 that thou mightest be tormented to purpose1 the mighty ,god of heaven will lay as great wrath and vengeance upon thee as ever he can1 by the might of his glorious power4 ,as ,i said before1 thou shalt have his wrath1 not by drops1 but by whole showers shall it come1 thunder1 thunder1 upon thy body and soul so fast1 and so thick1 that thou shalt be tormented out of measure4 ,and so saith the ,scripture 7#b ,thess #a3i71 speaking of the wicked1 ',who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the ,lord1 and from the glory of his power1' when the saints shall be admiring his goodness and glory4 ,again1 this thou shalt have1 as ,i said before1 without any intermission2 thou shalt not have any ease so long as while a man may turn himself round2 thou shalt have it always every hour1 day and night2 for their worm never dies1 but always gnaws1 and their fire is never quenched2 as it is written in ,mark #i4 #g4 ,again1 in this condition thou must be for ever1 and that is as sad as all the rest4 ,for if a man were to have all his sins laid to his charge1 and communion with the devils1 and as much wrath as the great ,god of heaven can inflict unto him2 ,i say1 if it were but for a time1 even ten thousand years1 and so end1 there would be ground of comfort1 and hopes of deliverance2 but here is thy misery1 this is thy state for ever1 here thou must be for ever3 when thou lookest about thee1 and seest what an innumerable company of howling devils thou art amongst1 thou shalt think this again1 this is my portion for ever4 ,when thou hast been in hell so many thousand years as there are stars in the firmament1 or drops in the sea1 or sands on the sea-shore1 yet thou hast to lie there for ever4 ,o this one word ,,ever1 how will it torment thy soul6 ,friends1 ,i have only given a very short touch of the torments of hell4 ,o6 ,i am set1 ,i am set1 and am not able to utter what my mind conceives of the torments of hell4 ,yet this let me say to thee1 accept of ,god's mercy through our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 lest thou feel ,,that with thy conscience which ,i cannot express with my tongue1 and say1 ,i am sorely tormented in this flame4 ',and seeth ,abraham afar off1 and ,lazarus in his bosom4' ,when the damned are in this pitiful state1 surrounded with fears1 with terrors1 with torment and vengeance1 one thing they shall have1 which is this1 they shall see the happy and blessed state of ,god's children4 ,he seeth ,abraham afar off1 and ,lazarus in his bosom2 which1 as ,i said before1 is the happy state of the saints when this life is ended4 ,this now shall be so far from being an ease unto them1 that it shall most wonderfully aggravate or heighten their torment1 as ,i said before4 ,there shall be weeping1 or cause of lamentation1 when they shall see ,abraham1 and ,isaac1 and ,jacob1 in the kingdom of heaven1 and themselves thrust out4 #a4 ,observe1 ,those that die in their sins are far from going to heaven2 he seeth ,abraham afar off1 and ,lazarus in his bosom4 ,and1 indeed1 it is just with ,god to deal with them that die in their sins according to what they have done2 and to make them who are far from righteousness now1 to stand far from heaven to all eternity4 ,hearken to this1 ye stout-hearted1 that are far from righteousness1 and that are resolved to go on in your sins1 when you die you will be far from heaven2 you will see ,lazarus1 but it will be afar off4 ,again1 he 'seeth ,abraham afar off1 and ,lazarus in his bosom4' ,these are some of the things the damned do behold1 so soon as they come into torment4 ,mark1 and he 'seeth ,lazarus in ,abraham's bosom4' ,lazarus1 who was he8 ,why even he that was so slighted1 so disregarded1 so undervalued by this ungodly one while he was in the world1 he seeth ,lazarus in ,abraham's bosom4 ,from whence observe1 ,that those who live and die the enemies of the saints of ,god1 let them be never so great1 or stout1 let them bear never so much sway while they are in the world1 let them brag and boast never so much while they are here1 they shall1 in spite of their teeth1 see the saints1 yea1 the poor saints1 even the ,lazaruses or the ragged ones that belong to ,jesus1 to be in a better condition than themselves4 ,o6 who do you think was in the best condition8 who do you think saw themselves in the best condition8 ,he that was in hell1 or he that was in heaven8 ,he that was in darkness1 or he that was in light8 ,he that was in everlasting joy1 or he that was in everlasting torments8 ,the one with ,god1 ,christ1 saints1 angels1 the other in tormenting flames1 under the curse of ,god's eternal hatred1 with the devils and their angels1 together with an innumerable company of howling1 roaring1 cursing1 ever-burning reprobates8 ,certainly1 this observation will be easily proved to be true here in this world1 by him that looks upon it with an understanding heart1 and will clear itself to be true in the world to come1 by such as shall go either to heaven or to hell4 #b4 ,the second observation from these words1 ',and seeth ,abraham afar off1 and ,lazarus in his bosom1' is this2 they that are the persecutors of the saints of the ,lord now in this world1 shall see the ,lord's persecuted ones to be they that are so highly esteemed by the ,lord1 as to sit or to be in ,abraham's bosom1 in everlasting glory1 though they1 the enemies to the children of ,god1#ae did so lightly esteem them1 that they scorned to let them gather up the dog's meat that falls under their table4 ,this is also verified1 and held forth plainly by this parable4 ,and therefore be not grieved1 ,o you that are the tempted1 persecuted1 afflicted1 sighing1 praying saints of the ,lord1 though your adversaries look upon you now with a disdainful1 surly1 rugged1 proud1 and haughty countenance1 yet the time shall come when they shall spy you in ,abraham's bosom6 ,i might enlarge upon these things1 but shall leave them to the ,spirit of the ,lord1 which can better by ten thousand degrees enlarge them on thy heart and conscience1 than ,i can upon a piece of paper4 ,therefore1 leaving these to the blessing of the ,lord1 ,i shall come to the next verse1 and shall be brief in speaking to that also1 and so pass to the rest4 ,verse #bd4--';,and he cried1 and said1 ,father ,abraham1 have mercy on me1 and send ,lazarus1 that he may dip the tip of his finger in water1 and cool my tongue2 for ,i am tormented in this flame4' ,you know ,i told you that verse #bb is a discovery of the departure of the godly and the ungodly out of this life2 where he saith the beggar died1 and the rich man also died4 ,the #bc;d verse is a discovery of the proper places1 both of the godly and the ungodly after death2 one being in ,abraham's bosom1 or in glory1 the other in hell4 ,now this #bdth verse is a discovery of part of the too late repentance of the ungodly1 when they are dropped down into hell2 ',and he cried1 and said1 ,father ,abraham1 have mercy on me4' ,from these words1 ',and he cried1' we may observe1 ,first4 ,what a change the ungodly will have when they come into hell4 ',he cried4' ,it is like he was laughing1 jesting1 jeering1 drinking1 mocking1 swearing1 cursing1 prating1 persecuting of the godly in his prosperity1 among his filthy companions4 ,but now the case is otherwise1 now he is in another frame1 now his proud1 stout1 currish carriage1 is come down2 ',and he cried4' ,the laughter of the ungodly will not last always1 but will be sure to end in a cry2 ',the triumphing of the wicked is short' 7,job #bj3e74 ,consider1 you must have a change either here or in hell4 ,if you be not new creatures1 regenerate persons1 new-born babes1 in this world1 before you go hence1 your note will be changed1 your conditions will be changed2 for if you come into hell1 you must cry4 ,o did but the singing drunkards1 when they are making merry on the ale bench1#af think on this1 it would make them change their note1 and cry1 ,what shall ,i do8 ,whither shall ,i go when ,i die8 ,but1 as ,i said before1 the devil1 as he labours to get poor souls to follow their sins1 so he labours also to keep the thoughts of eternal damnation out of their minds2 and1 indeed1 these two things are so nearly linked together1 that the devil cannot well get the soul to go on in sin with delight unless he can keep the thoughts of that terrible after clap out of their minds4 ,but let them know that it shall not always be thus with them2 for if1 when they depart1 they drop down into eternal destruction1 they shall have such a sense of their sins1 and the punishment due to the same1 that it shall make them to cry2 ',and he cried4' ,o what an alteration will there be among the ungodly when they go out of this world8 ,it may be a fortnight1 or a month before their departure1 they were light1 stout1 surly1 drinking themselves drunk1 slighting ,god's people1 mocking at goodness1 and delighting in sin1 following the world1 seeking after riches1 faring deliciously1 keeping company with the bravest2#ag but now1 they are dropped down into hell1 they cry4 ,a little while ago they were painting their faces1 feeding their lusts1 following their whores1 robbing their neighbours1 telling of lies1 following of plays and sports1 to pass away the time2 but now they are in hell1 they do cry4 ,it may be last year they heard some good sermons1 were invited to receive heaven1 were told their sins should be pardoned if they closed in with ,jesus2 but1 refusing his proffers1 and slighting the grace that was once tendered1 they are now in hell1 and do cry4 ,before1 they had so much time1 they thought that they could not tell how to spend it1 unless it were in hunting1 and whoring1 in dancing1 and playing1 and spending whole hours1 yea1 days1 nay1 weeks1 in the lusts of the flesh2 but when they depart into another place1 and begin to lift up their eyes in hell1 and consider their miserable and irrecoverable condition1 they will cry4 ,o what a condition wilt thou fall into1 when thou dost depart this world2 if thou depart unconverted1 and not born again1 thou hadst better have been smothered the first hour thou wast born2 thou hadst better have been plucked one limb from another2 thou hadst better have been made a dog1 a toad1 a serpent1 nay1 any other creature in the visible world1 than to die unconverted2#ah and this thou wilt find to be true1 when in hell thou dost lift up thine eyes1 and dost cry4 ,here then1 before we go any further1 you may see that it is not without good ground that these words are here spoken by our ,lord1 that when any of the ungodly do depart into hell1 they will cry4 ,cry1 why so8 #a4 ,they will cry to think that they should be cut off from the land of the living1 never more to have any footing therein4 #b4 ,they will cry to think that the gospel of ,christ should be so often proffered them1 and yet they are not profited by it4 #c4 ,they will cry to think that now1 though they would never so willingly repent and be saved1 yet they are past all recovery4 #d4 ,they will cry to think that they should be so foolish as to follow their pleasures1 when others were following of ,christ 7,luke #ac3bh74 #e4 ,they will cry to think that they must be separated from ,god1 ,christ1 and the kingdom of heaven1 and that for ever4 #f4 ,to think that their crying will now do them no good4 #g4 ,to think that1 at the day of judgment1 they must stand at the left hand of ,christ1 among an innumerable company of the damned ones4 #h4 ,they will cry to think that ,lazarus1 whom once they slighted1 must be of them that must sit down with ,christ to judge2 or together with ,christ1 to pass a sentence of condemnation on their souls for ever and ever 7#a ,cor #f3b1c74 #i4 ,cry to think that when the judgment is over1 and others are taken into the everlasting kingdom of glory1 then they must depart back again into that dungeon of darkness from whence they came out1 to appear before the terrible tribunal4 ,there they shall be tormented so long as eternity lasts1 without the least intermission or ease4 ,how sayest thou1 ,o thou wanton1 proud1 swearing1 lying1 ungodly wretch1 whether this be to be slighted and made a mock at4 ,and again tell me now1 if it be not better to leave sin1 and to close in with ,christ ,jesus1 notwithstanding that reproach thou shalt meet with for so doing1 than to live a little while in this world in pleasures and feeding thy lusts1 in neglecting the welfare of thy soul1 and refusing to be justified by ,jesus2 and in a moment to drop down to hell and to cry8 ,o6 consider1 ,i say1 consider betimes1 and put not off the tenders of the grace of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 lest you lift up your eyes in hell1 and cry for anguish of spirit4 ',and he cried and said1 ,father ,abraham1 have mercy on me1 and send ,lazarus1' c4 ,second4 ,these words do not only hold forth the lamentable condition of the damned1 and their lamentable howling and crying out under their anguish of spirit1 but also they do signify to us1 as ,i said before1 their too late repentance2 and also that they would very willingly1 if they might1 be set at liberty from that everlasting misery that by their sins they have plunged themselves into4 ,i say1 these words do hold forth a desire that the damned have1 to be delivered from those torments that they now are in3 ,o ',father ,abraham1' saith he1 'have mercy on me1 and send ,lazarus1 that he may dip the tip of his finger in water1 and cool my tongue1 for ,i am tormented in this flame4' ,these words1 ',father ,abraham1' may have some difficulty in them4 ,it is possible that some may think them to be meant of ,abraham2 and those1 or him that crieth out here1 to be the ,jews4 ,or it may be some may understand it to be ,god1 or ,jesus ,christ his ,son1 which ,i rather suppose it may be1 that is here cried out unto2 because you find the same cry to him as it were uttered by the ungodly in other places of the ,scripture2 as in ,luke #ac3be1 #bf4 ,then shall they say1 ',lord1 ,lord1 we have eaten and drunk in thy presence1 and thou hast taught in our streets4' ,nay more1 ',in thy name have cast out devils1 and in thy name done many wonderful works' 7,matt #g3bb74 ,this was just at their rejection4 ,and again1 in ,matthew #be3aa1 they cry again to him1 even to ,jesus1 ',lord1 ,lord1 open to us4' ,and he there again gives them a repulse1 as also in this parable4 ,but however or whosoever ,abraham is1 yet these truths may be observed from the words4 #a4 ,that the damned1 when in an irrecoverable estate1 will seek for1 or desire deliverance from the wrath that they are and shall be in for eternity4 ',surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him' 7,psa #cb3f74 #b4 ,that they will pray1 if ,i may so call it1 earnestly for deliverance from their miserable estate4 ,these two things are clear from the words4 ,for mark1 he not only said1 ',father ,abraham1 have mercy on me'2 but 'he ,,cried1' and said1 ',father ,abraham1 have mercy on me4' #c4 ,from whence take a third observation2 and that is1 there is a time coming wherein1 though men shall both cry and pray1 yet they are like to have no mercy at the hands of ,god2 for so was this man served1 as ,i shall further show by and by when ,i come to it4 ,some people are so deluded by the devil as to think that ,god is so merciful as to own or regard anything for prayer2 they think anything will go for current and good satisfaction1 while they are here in this world1 through ignorance of the true nature of the mercy of ,god1 and the knowledge in what way ,god is satisfied for sinners4 ,now ,i say1 through ignorance they think1 that if they do but mutter over some form of prayers1#ai though they know not what they say1 nor what they request1 yet ,god is satisfied1 yea1 very well satisfied with their doings2 when1 alas6 there is nothing less4 ,o friends1 ,i beseech you to look about you1 and seek in good earnest for the ,spirit of ,christ so to help you now1 to strive and pray1 and to enable you to lay hold of ,christ1 that your souls may be saved1 lest the time come that though you cry and pray1 and wish also that you had laid hold on the ,lord ,jesus1 yet you must and shall be damned4 ,then again1 you may see that though ,god be willing to save sinners at some time1 yet this time doth not always last4 ,no1 he that can find in his heart to turn his back upon ,jesus ,christ now1 shall have the back turned upon him hereafter1 when he may cry and pray for mercy1 and yet go without it4 ,god will have a time to meet with them that now do not seek after him4 ,they shall have a time1 yea time enough hereafter to repent their folly1 and to befool themselves1 for turning their backs upon the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ',i will laugh at your calamity1' saith he1 and 'mock when your fear cometh' 7,prov #a3bf74 ,again1 this should admonish us to take time while it is proffered1 lest we repent us of our unbelief and rebellion when we are deprived of it4 ,ah friends6 ,time is precious1 an hour's time to hear a sermon is precious4 ,i have sometimes thought thus with myself1 ,set the case1 the ,lord should send two or three of his servants1 the ministers of the gospel1 to hell among the damned1 with this commission2 ,go ye to hell1 and preach my grace to those that are there4 ,let your sermon be an hour long1 and hold forth the merits of my ,son's birth1 righteousness1 death1 resurrection1 ascension1 and intercession1 with all my love in him1 and proffer it to them1 telling them that now once more1 and but once1 do ,i proffer the means of reconciliation to them4 ,they who are now roaring1 being past hope1 would then leap at the least proffer of mercy4 ,o they that could spend whole days1 weeks1 nay1 years1 in rejecting the ,son of ,god1 would now be glad of one tender of that mercy4 ',father1' saith he1 'have mercy on me4' ,again1 from these words you may observe1 that mercy would be welcome when souls are under judgment4 ,now his soul is in the fire1 now he is under the wrath of ,god1 now he is in hell1 there to be tormented2 now he is with the devils and damned spirits2 now he feels the vengeance of ,god4 ,now1 ,o now1 have mercy on me6 ,here you may see1 that mercy is prized by them that are in hell1 they would be glad if they could have it4 ,father1 have mercy on me2 for my poor soul's sake1 send me a little mercy4 ',and send ,lazarus1 that he may dip the tip of his finger in water1 and cool my tongue4' ,third4 ,these words do not only hold forth that the ungodly have a desire of mercy1 but what those mercies are1 what these poor creatures would be glad of4 ,as1 #a4 to have the company of a ,lazarus granted to them4 ,father ,abraham1 have mercy on me1 and send ,lazarus4 ,now ,lazarus was he that was beloved of ,god1 and also he that was hated of them4 ,therefore1 #b4 ,observe1 that those saints1 that the world in their lifetime could not endure1 now they are departed1 they would be glad to have society with them4 ,o now send ,lazarus6 ,though the time was when ,i cared not for him1 yet now let me have some society with him4 ,though the world disregard the society of ,god's children now1 yet there is a time coming in which they would be glad to have the least company with them4 ,nay1 do but observe1 those of the saints that are now most rejected by them1 even from them shall they be glad of comfort1 if it might be4 ,send ,lazarus2 he that ,i slighted more than my dogs1 he that ,i could not endure should come into my house1 but must lie at my gate1 send him4 ,now ,lazarus shall be welcome to me1 now do ,i desire some comfort from him2 but he shall go without it4 ,from whence again observe1 that there is a time coming1 ,o ye surly dogged persecutors of the saints1 that they shall slight you as much as ever you slighted them4 ,you have given them many an hard word1 told many a lie of them1 given them many a blow4 ,and now in your greatest need and extremity they shall not pity you1 the righteous shall rather 'rejoice when he seeth the vengeance' of ,god upon thee 7,psa #eh3aj74 ,again1 ,send ,lazarus4 ,from whence observe1 that any of the saints shall then be owned by you to be saints4 ,now you look upon them to be the sect with ,hymeneus and ,philetus1 but then you shall see them to be the ,lazaruses of ,god1 even ,god's dear children4 ,though now the saints of the ,lord will not be owned by you1 because they are beggarly1 low1 poor1 contemptible among you2 yet the day is coming that you shall own them1 desire their company1 and wish for the least courtesy from them4 ',send ,lazarus1 that he may dip the tip of his finger in water1 and cool my tongue2 for ,i am tormented in this flame4' ,thus shall the souls that abide in their sins cry out in the bitterness of their spirits1 with wonderful anguish and torment of conscience1 without intermission2 ',that he may dip the tip of his finger in water1 and cool my tongue4' ,that he1 namely1 the man who before ,i scorned should eat with the dogs of my flock1 that before ,i slighted and had no regard of1 that ,i shut out of door2 send him1 'that he may dip the tip of his finger in water1 and cool my tongue4' ,now these words1 'that he may dip the tip of his finger in water1' c41 do hold forth the least friendship or favour2 as if he should have said1 ,now ,i would be glad of the least mercy1 now ,i would be glad of the least comfort1 though it be but one drop of cold water on the tip of his finger4 ,one would have thought that this had been a small request1 a small courtesy--,,one ,,drop ,,of ,,water--what is that8 ,take a pail full of it if that will do thee any good4 ,but mark1 he is not permitted to have so much as one drop1 not so much as a man may hold upon the tip of his finger2 this signifies that they that fall short of ,christ shall be tormented even as long as eternity lasteth1 and shall not have so much as the least ease1 no not so long as while a man may turn himself round1 not so much leave as to swallow his spittle1 not a drop of cold water4 ,o that these things did take place in your hearts1 how would it make you to seek after rest for your souls before it be too late1 before the sun of the gospel be set upon you6 ,consider1 ,i say1 the misery of the ungodly that they shall be in1 and avoid their vices1 by closing in with the tenders of mercy2 lest you partake of the same portion with them1 and cry out in the bitterness of your souls1 ,one drop of cold water to cool my tongue4 ',for ,i am tormented in this flame4' ,indeed1 the reason why the poor world does not so earnestly desire for mercy1 is partly because they do not so seriously consider the torment that they must certainly fall into if they die out of ,christ4 ,for let me tell you1 did but poor souls indeed consider that wrath1 that doth by right fall to their shares because of their sins against ,god1 they would make more haste to ,god through ,christ for mercy than they do2 then we should have them say1 ,it is good closing with ,christ to-day1 before we fall into such distress4 ,but why is it said1 ,let him 'dip the tip of his finger in water1 and cool my tongue8' ,because that1 as the several members in the body have their share in sin1 and committing of that1 so the several members of the body shall at that time be punished for the same4 ,therefore1 when ,christ is admonishing his disciples1 that they should not turn aside from him1 and that they should rather fear and dread the power of their ,god than any other power1 he saith1 ',fear him1' therefore1 that can cast both body and soul into hell 7,luke #ab3d74 ,and again1 ',fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell' 7,matt #aj3bh74 ,here is not one member only1 but all the body1 the whole body of which the hands1 feet1 eyes1 ears1 and tongue are members4 ,and ,i am persuaded1 that though this may be judged carnal by some now1 yet it will appear to be a truth then1 to the greater misery of those who shall be forced to undergo that which ,god1 in his just judgment1 shall inflict upon them4 ,o then they will cry1 ,one dram of ease for my cursing1 swearing1 lying1 jeering tongue4 ,some ease for my bragging1 braving1 flattering1 threatening1 dissembling tongue4 ,now men can let their tongues run at random1 as we used to say2 now they will be apt to say1 ,our tongues are our own1 who shall control them8 7,psa #ab3d74 ,but then they will be in another mind4 ,then1 ,o that ,i might have a little ease for my deceitful tongue8 ,methinks sometimes to consider how some men do let their tongues run at random1 it makes me marvel4 ,surely they do not think they shall be made to give an account for their offending with their tongue4 ,did they but think they shall be made to give an account to him who is ready to judge the quick and the dead1 surely they would be more wary of1 and have more regard unto their tongue4 ',the tongue1' saith ,james1 'is an unruly evil1 full of deadly poison'2 'it setteth on fire the course of nature1 and it is set on fire of hell' 7,james #b74 ,the tongue1 how much mischief will it stir up in a very little time6 ,how many blows and wounds doth it cause6 ,how many times doth it1 as ,james saith1 curse man6 ,how oft is the tongue made the conveyer of that hellish poison that is in the heart1 both to the dishonour of ,god1 the hurt of its neighbours1 and the utter ruin of its own soul6 ,and do you think the ,lord will sit still1 as ,i may say1 and let thy tongue run as it lists1 and yet never bring you to an account for the same8 ,no1 stay4 ,the ,lord will not always keep silence1 but will reprove thee1 and set thy sins in order before thine eyes1 ,o sinner4 ,yea1 and thy tongue1 together with the rest of thy members1 shall be tormented for sinning4 ,and ,i say1 ,i am very confident1 that though this be made light of now1 yet the time is coming when many poor souls will rue the day that ever they did speak with a tongue4 ,o1 will one say1 that ,i should so disregard my tongue6 ,o that ,i1 when ,i said so and so1 had before bitten off my tongue6 ,that ,i had been born without a tongue6 my tongue1 my tongue1 a little water to cool my tongue1 for ,i am tormented in this flame2 even in that flame that my tongue1 together with the rest of my members1 by sinning1 have brought me to4 ,poor souls now will let their tongues say anything for a little profit1 for two-pence or three-pence gain4 ,but1 ,o what a grief will this be at that day when they1 together with their tongue1 must smart for that which they by their tongues have done while they were in this world4 ,then1 you that love your souls1 look to your tongues1 lest you bind yourselves down so fast to hell with the sins of your tongues1 that you will never be able to get loose again to all eternity4 ',for by thy words thou shalt be condemned1' if thou have not a care of thy tongue4 ,for ',i say unto you1 ,that every idle word that men shall speak1 they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment' 7,matt #ab3cf74 ,verse #be4--';,but ,abraham said1 ,son1 remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things1 and likewise ,lazarus evil things2 but now he is comforted1 and thou art tormented4' ,these words are the answer to the request of the damned4 ,the verse before1 as ,i told you1 is a discovery of the desires they have after they depart this world4 ,here is the answer1 ',son1 remember1' c4 ,the answer signifies this much1 that1 instead of having any relief or ease they are hereby the more tormented1 and that by fresh recollections1 or by bringing afresh their former ill-spent life1 while in the world1 into their remembrance4 ,son1 remember thou hadst good things in thy lifetime2 as much as if he had said1 ,thou art now sensible what it is to lose thy soul2 thou art now sensible what it is to put off repentance2 thou art now sensible that thou hast befooled thyself1 in that thou didst spend that time in seeking after outward1 momentary1 earthly things1 which thou shouldest have spent in seeking to make ,jesus ,christ sure to thy soul2 and now1 through thy anguish of spirit1 in the pains of hell thou wouldst enjoy that which in former time thou didst make light of2 but alas6 thou art here beguiled and altogether disappointed1 thy crying will now avail thee nothing at all2 this is not the acceptable time 7#b ,cor #f3b74 ,this is not a time to answer the desires of damned reprobates2 if thou hadst cried out in good earnest whilst grace was offered1 much might have been2 but then thou wast careless1 and didst turn the forbearance and goodness of ,god into wantonness4 ,wast thou not told1 that those who would not hear the ,lord when he did call1 should not be heard1 if they turned away from him1 when they did call4 ,but contrariwise he would laugh at their calamity1 and mock when their fear did come 7,prov #a3bd-bh74 ,now1 therefore1 instead of expecting the least drop of mercy and favour1 call into thy mind how thou didst spend those days which ,god did permit thee to live2 ,i say1 remember that in thy lifetime thou didst behave thyself rebelliously against the ,lord1 in that thou wert careless of his word and ordinances1 yea1 and of the welfare of thine own soul also4 ,therefore1 now ,i say1 instead of expecting or hoping for any relief1 thou must be forced to call to remembrance thy filthy ways1 and feed upon them1 to thine everlasting astonishment and confusion4 ,from these words1 therefore1 which say1 ',remember that thou in thy life-time receivedst ,,thy ,,good ,,things1' there are these things to be taken notice of1 ,first4 ,they that1 by putting off repentance and living in their sins1 lose their souls1 shall1 instead of having the least measure of comfort when they come into hell1 have their ill-spent life always very fresh in their remembrance4 ,while they live here they can sin and forget it1 but when they depart they shall have it before them2 they shall have a remembrance1 or their memory notably enlightened1 and a clearer1 and a continual sight of all their wicked practices that they wrought and did while they were in the world4 ',son1 remember1' saith he2 then you will be made to remember3 #a4 ,how you were born in sin1 and brought up in the same4 #b4 ,remember how thou hadst many a time the gospel preached to thee for taking away of the same1 by him whom the gospel doth hold forth4 #c4 ,remember that out of love to thy sins and lusts1 thou didst turn thy back on the tenders of the same gospel of good tidings and peace4 #d4 ,remember that the reason why thou didst lose thy soul1 was because thou didst not close in with free grace1 and the tenders of a loving and free-hearted ,jesus ,christ4 #e4 ,remember how near thou wast to turning at such and such a time1 only thou wast willing to give way to thy lusts when they wrought2 to drunkards when they called2 to pleasures when they proffered themselves2 to the cares and incumbrances of the world1 which1 like so many thorns1 did choke that or those convictions that were set on thy heart4 #f4 ,remember how willing thou wast to satisfy thyself with a hypocrite's hope1 and with a notion of the things of ,god1 without the real power and life of the same4 #g4 ,remember how thou1 when thou wast admonished to turn1 didst put off turning and repenting till another time4 #h4 ,remember how thou didst dissemble at such a time1 lie at such a time1 cheat thy neighbour at such a time1 mock1 flout1 scoff1 taunt1 hate1 persecute1#bj the people of ,god at such a time1 in such a place1 among such company4 #i4 ,remember that while others were met together in the fear of the ,lord to seek him1 thou wast met with a company of vain companions to sin against him2 whilst the saints were a praying1 thou wert a cursing2 while they were speaking good of the name of ,god1 thou wast speaking evil of the saints of ,god4 ,o then thou shalt have a scalding hot remembrance of all thy sinful thoughts1 words1 and actions1 from the very first to the last of them that ever thou didst commit in all thy life-time4 ,then thou wilt find that scripture to be a truth1 ',the ,lord shall give thee there a trembling heart1 and failing of eyes1 and sorrow of mind4 ,and thy life shall hang in doubt before thee1 and thou shalt fear day and night1 and shalt have none assurance of thy life4 ,in the morning thou shalt say1 ,would ,god it were even6 for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear1 and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see' 7,deut #bh3fe-fg74 ,nay1 thou wilt find worse things to thy woe than this scripture doth manifest4 ,for1 indeed1 there is no tongue able to express the horror1 terror1 torment1 and eternal misery that those poor souls shall undergo1 without the least mitigation of ease1 and a very great part of it shall come from that quick1 full1 and continual remembrance of their sins that they shall have4 ,and1 therefore1 there is much weight in these words1 ',son1 remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things4' ,from these words you see this is to be observed1 ,that the ungodly shall remember1 or have in remembrance1 the misspending their lives2 ',remember that in thy lifetime thou receivedst thy good things4' ,you may take these words1 good things1 either simply for the things of this world1 which in themselves are called1 and may be called good things2 or else with these words1 namely1 the things of this life1 all the pleasures1 delights1 profits1 and vanities1 which the ignorant people of the world do count their good things1 and do very much cheer themselves therewith4 ,soul1 soul1 eat1 drink1 and be merry2 for thou hast much goods laid up for many years 7,luke #ab3ai1bj74 ,now ,i say1 ,god1 according to his glorious power and wisdom1 will make poor creatures have always in their minds a fresh and clear remembrance of their ill-spent life2 he will say unto them1 ,remember1 remember1 that in thy lifetime it was thus and thus with thee1 and in thy lifetime thy carriage was so and so4 ,if sinners might have their choice1 they would not have their sins and transgressions so much in the remembrance1 as it is evident by their carriages here in this world2 for they will not endure to entertain a serious thought of their filthy life1 they 'put far away the evil day' 7,amos #f3c2 ,eze #ab3bg72 but will labour by all means to put the thoughts of it out of their mind2 but there they shall be made to remember to purpose1 and to think continually of their ungodly deeds4 ,and therefore it is said1 that when our ,lord ,jesus ,christ comes to judgment1 it will be to convince the ungodly world of their wicked and ungodly deeds2 mark1 'to convince' them 7,jude #ad1ae74 ,they will not willingly take notice of them now4 ,but then they shall hereafter1 in spite of their teeth4 ,and also1 between this and then1 these that die out of ,christ shall be made to see1 acknowledge1 and confess1 do what they can1 when they lift up their eyes in hell1 and remember their transgressions4 ,god will be a swift witness against them 7,mal #c3e71 and will say1 ,remember that thou didst in thy lifetime1 how thou didst live in thy lifetime4 ,ha1 friend6 if thou dost not in these days of light 'remember the days of darkness' 7,eccl #aa3h71 the days of death1 hell1 and judgment1 thou shalt be made in the days of darkness1 death1 hell1 and at the judgment too1 to remember the days of the gospel1 and how thou didst disregard them too1 to thy own destruction1 and everlasting misery4 ,this is intimated in that #beth of ,st4 ,matthew4 ',remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things4' ,the great ,god1 instead of giving the ungodly any ease1 will even aggravate their torments2 first1 by slighting their perplexities1 and by telling of them what they must be thinking of4 ,remember1 saith he1 ,o ye lost souls1 that you had your joy in your lifetime1 your peace in your lifetime1 your comforts1 delights1 ease1 wealth1 health1 your heaven1 your happiness1 and your portion in your lifetime4 ,o miserable state6 ,thou wilt then be in a sad condition indeed1 when thou shalt see that thou hast had thy good things1 thy best things1 thy pleasant things2 for that is clearly signified by these words1 ',remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things1' or all the good things thou art like to have4 ,second4 ,from whence take notice of another truth1 though it be a dreadful one1 which is this2 there are many poor creatures1 who have all their good1 sweet1 and comfortable things in this life1 or while they are alive in this world2 ',remember1' saith he1 'that in thy lifetime thou receivedst thy good things' 7,psa #ag3ad74 ,the wicked's good things will shortly have an end2 they will last no longer with them than this life1 or their lifetime4 ,that scripture was not written in vain2 it is like the crackling of thorns under a pot1 make a little blaze for a sudden1 a little heat for a while2 but come and consider them by and by1 and instead of a comfortable heat1 you will find nothing but a few dead ashes2 and instead of a flaming fire1 nothing but a smell of smoke4 ,there is a time coming1 that the ungodly would be glad of a better portion1 when they shall see the vanity of this1 that is1 when they shall see what a poor thing it is for a man to have his portion in this world4 ,it is true1 while they are here on this side hell1 they think there is nothing to be compared with riches1 honours1 and pleasures in this world2 which makes them cry out1 ',who will shew us any good8' 7,psa #d3f74 ,that is comparable to the pleasures1 profits1 and glory of this world8 ,but then they will see there is another thing that is better1 and of more value than ten thousand worlds4 ,and seriously1 friends1 will it not grieve you1 trouble1 perplex1 and torment you1 when you shall see that you lost heaven for a little pleasure and profit in your lifetime8 ,certainly1 it will grieve you and perplex you exceedingly1 to see what a blessed heaven you left for a dunghill-world4 ,o6 that you did but believe this6 that you did but consider this1 and say within yourselves1 ,what6 shall ,i be contented with my portion in this world6 what6 shall ,i lose heaven for this world6 ,i say1 consider it while you have day-light1 and gospel-light1 while the ,son of ,god doth hold out terms of reconciliation to you1 lest you be made to hear such a voice as this is1 ',son1 remember that in thy lifetime thou receivedst thy good things'2 thy comforts1 thy joys1 thy ease1 thy peace1 and all the heaven thou art like to have4 ,o poor heaven6 ,o short pleasures6 ,what a pitiful thing it is to be left in such a case8 ,soul1 consider1 is it not miserable to lose heaven for twenty1 thirty1 or forty years' sinning against ,god8 ,when thy life is done1 thy heaven is also done8 when death comes to separate thy soul and body1 in that day also thou must have thy heaven and happiness separated from thee1 and thou from that4 ,consider these things betimes1 lest thou have thy portion in thy lifetime4 ',for if in this life only we have hope1' our portion1 'we are of all men most miserable' 7#a ,cor #ae3ai74 ,again consider1 that when other men1 the saints1 are to receive their good things1 then thou hast had thine4 ,when others are to enter into joy1 then thou art to leave and depart from thy joy4 ,when others are to go to ,god1 thou must go to the devil4 ,o miserable6 ,thou hadst better thou hadst never been born1 than to be an heir of such a portion2 therefore1 ,i say1 have a care it be not thy condition4 ',remember that thou receivedst thy good things1 and ,,lazarus ,,evil ,,things4' ,these words do not only hold forth the misery of the wicked in this life1 but also great consolation to the saints2 where he saith1 ',and ,lazarus evil things'2 that is1 ,lazarus had his evil things in his lifetime1 or when he was in the world4 ,from whence observe1 #a4 ,that the life of the saints1 so long as they are in this world1 is attended with many evils or afflictions2 which may be discovered to be of divers natures2 as saith the ,scripture1 ',many are the troubles#ba of the righteous1 but the ,lord delivereth him out of them all' 7,psa #cd3ai74 #b4 ,take notice1 that the afflictions or evils that accompany the saints1 may continue with them their lifetime1 so long as they live in this vale of tears2 yea1 and they may be divers1 that is1 of several sorts2 some outward1 some inward1 and that as long as they shall continue here below1 as hath been the experience of all saints in all ages2 and this might be proved at large1 but ,i only hint in these things1 although ,i might enlarge much upon them4 #c4 ,the evils that do accompany the saints will continue with them no longer than their lifetime2 and here indeed lies the comfort of believers1 the ,lazaruses1 the saints1 they must have all their bitter cup wrung out to them in their lifetime4 ,here must be all their trouble1 here must be all their grief2 ,behold1 saith ,christ1 'the world shall rejoice1 but ye shall lament2 but your mourning' shall1 mark1 it 'shall be turned into joy' 7,john #af3bj74 ,you shall lament1 you shall be sorrowful1 you shall weep in your lifetime2 but your sorrow shall be turned into joy1 and your joy no man1 let him be what he will1 no man shall take away from you4 ,now if you think1 when ,i say the saints have all their evil things in their lifetime1 that ,i mean1 they have nothing else but trouble in this their lifetime1 this is your mistake4 ,for let me tell you1 that though the saints have all their evil things in their lifetime1 yet even in their lifetime they have also joy unspeakable1 and full of glory1 while they look not at the things that are seen1 but at the things which are not seen4 ,the joy that the saints have sometimes in their heart1 by a believing consideration of the good things to come1 when this life is ended1 doth fill them fuller of joy1 than all the crosses1 troubles1 temptations1 and evils1 that accompany them in this life can fill them with grief 7#b ,cor #d74 ,but some saints may say1 ,my troubles are such as are ready to overcome me4 ,answ4 ,yet be of good comfort1 they shall last no longer than thy lifetime4 ,but my trouble is1 ,i am perplexed with a heart full of corruption and sin1 so that ,i am much hindered in walking with ,god4 ,answ4 ,it is like so1 but thou shalt have these troubles no longer than thy lifetime4 ,but ,i have a cross husband1 and that is a great grief to me4 ,well1 but thou shalt be troubled with him no longer than thy lifetime1 and therefore be not dismayed1 be not discomforted1 thou shalt have no trouble longer than this lifetime4 ,art thou troubled with cross children1 cross relations1 cross neighbours8 ,they shall trouble thee no longer than this lifetime4 ,art thou troubled with a cunning devil1 with unbelief2 yea1 let it be what it will1 thou shalt take thy farewell of them all1 if thou be a believer1 after thy lifetime is ended4 ,o6 excellent6 ',then ,god shall wipe away all tears from your eyes2 and there shall be no more death nor sorrow1 neither crying1 nor any more pain2 for the former things are passed away' 7,rev #ba3d74 ,but now on the contrary1 if thou be not a right and sound believer2 then1 though thou shouldest live a thousand years in this world1 and meet with sore afflictions every day1 yet these afflictions1 be they never so great and grievous1 they are nothing to that torment that will come upon thee1 both in soul and in body1 after this life is ended4 ,i say1 be what thou wilt1 if thou be found in unbelief1 or under the first covenant1 thou are sure to smart for it at the time when thou dost depart this world4 ,but the thing to be lamented is1 for all this is so sad a condition to be fallen into1 yet poor souls are1 for the most part1 senseless of it1 yea1 so senseless1 at some times1 as though there was no such misery to come hereafter4 ,because the ,lord doth not immediately strike with his sword1 but doth bear long with his creature1 waiting that he might be gracious4 ,therefore1 ,i say1 the hearts of some of the sons of men are wholly set upon it to do mischief 7,eccl #h3aa74 ,and that forbearance and goodness of ,god1 that one would think should lead them to repentance2 the devil hardening of them1 by their continuing in sin1 and by blinding their eyes1 as to the end of ,god's forbearance towards then1 they are led away with a very hardened and senseless heart1 even until they drop into eternal destruction4 ,but poor hearts1 they must have a time in which they must be made sensible of their former behaviors1 when the just judgments of the ,lord shall flame about their ears1 insomuch1 that they shall be made to cry out again with anguish1 ,i am sorely 'tormented in this flame4' ',but now he is comforted1 and thou art tormented4' ,as if he should say1 ,now hath ,god recompensed both ,lazarus and you1 according to what you sought after while you were in this world4 ,as for your part1 you did neglect the precious mercy and goodness of ,god1 you did turn your back on the ,son of ,god1 that came into the world to save sinners2 you made a mock of preaching the gospel2 you was admonished over and over1 to close in with the loving kindness of the ,lord1 in his ,son ,jesus ,christ4 ,the ,lord let you live twenty1 thirty1 forty1 fifty1 sixty years2 all which time you1 instead of spending it 'to make your calling and election sure' 7#b ,peter #a3aj71 did spend it in making of eternal damnation sure to thy soul 7,job #ba3bi1cj74 ,and also ,lazarus1 he in his lifetime did make it his business to accept of my grace and salvation in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,when thou wast in the ale-house1 he frequented the word preached2 when thou wert jeering at goodness1 he was sighing to the sins of the times 7,eccl #i3d-f74 ,while thou wert swearing1 he was praying2 in a word1 while thou wert making sure of eternal ruin1 he1 by faith in the blood of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 was making sure of eternal salvation4 ,therefore1 ',now he is comforted1 and thou art tormented4' ,here1 then1 you may see1 that as the righteous shall not be always void of comfort and blessedness2 so neither shall the ungodly go always without their punishment4 ,as sure as ,god is in heaven1 it will be thus4 ,they must have their several portions4 ,and1 therefore1 you that are the saints of the ,lord1 follow on1 be not dismayed1 forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the ,lord 7#a ,cor #ae3eh74 ,your portion is eternal glory4 ,and you that are so loth now to close in with ,jesus ,christ1 and to leave your sins to follow him1 your 'day is coming' 7,psa #cg3ac71 in which you shall know1 that your sweet morsels of sin1 that you do so easily take down 7,job #bj3ab-ad71 and it scarce troubles you1 will have a time so to work within you to your eternal ruin1 that you will be in a worse condition than if you had ten thousand devils tormenting of you4 ,nay1 you had better have been plucked limb from limb a thousand times1 if it could be1 than to be partakers of this torment that will1 assuredly without mercy1 lie upon you4 ,verse #bf4--';,and beside all this1 between us and you there is a great gulf fixed2 so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot2 neither can they pass to us1 that would come from thence4' ,these words are still part of that answer1 that the souls in hell shall have for all their sobbings1 sighings1 grievous cries1 tears1 and desires1 that they have1 to be released out of those intolerable pains they feel1 and are perplexed with4 ,and ,o6 methinks the words at the first view1 if rightly considered1 are enough to make any hard-hearted sinner in the world to fall down dead4 ,the verse ,i last spake to was and is a very terrible one1 and aggravates the torments of poor sinners wonderfully4 ,where he saith1 ',remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things1 and ,lazarus evil things1' c4 ,i say1 these words are very terrible to those poor souls that die out of ,christ4 ,but these latter words do much more hold out their sorrow4 ,they were spoken as to the present condition then upon the sinner4 ,these do not only back the former1 but do yet further aggravate their misery1 holding forth that which will be more intolerable4 ,the former verse is enough to smite any sinner into a swoon1 but this is to make him fall down dead4 ,where he saith1 ',and beside all this4' ,there is still something to aggravate thy misery yet far more abundantly4 ,i shall briefly speak to the words as they have relation to the terror spoken of in the verses before4 ,as if he had said1 ,thou thinkest thy present state unsupportable1 it makes thee sob and sigh1 it makes thee to rue the time that ever thou wert born4 ,now thou findest the want of mercy2 now thou wouldst leap at the least dram of it3 now thou feelest what it is to slight the tenders of the grace of ,god2 now it makes thee to sob1 sigh1 and roar exceedingly for the anguish that thou art in4 ',but beside all this1' ,i have other things to tell thee of1 that will break thine heart indeed4 ,thou art now deprived of a being in the world2 thou art deprived of hearing the gospel2 the devil hath been too hard for thee1 and hath made thee miss of heaven2 thou art now in hell among an innumerable company of devils1 and all thy sins beset thee round2 thou art all over wrapped in flames1 and canst not have one drop of water to give thee any ease2 thou criest in vain1 for nothing will be granted4 ,thou seest the saints in heaven1 which is no small trouble to thy damned soul2 thou seest that neither ,god nor ,christ takes any care to ease thee1 or speak any comfort unto thee4 ',but beside all this1' there thou art1 and there thou art like to lie1 never think of any ease1 never look for any comfort2 repentance now will do thee no good1 the time is past1 and can never be called again1 look what thou hast now1 thou must have for ever4 ,it is true1 ,i spoke enough before to break thine heart asunder2 ',but beside all this1' there lie and swim in flames for ever4 ,these words1 ',beside all this1' are terrible words indeed4 ,i will give you the scope of them in a similitude4 ,set the case you should take a man1 and tie him to a stake1 and with red-hot pinchers1 pinch off his flesh by little pieces for two or three years together1 and at last1 when the poor man cries out for ease and help1 the tormentors answer1 ,nay1 'but beside all this1' you must be handled worse4 ,we will serve you thus these twenty years together1 and after that we will fill your mangled body full of scalding lead1 or run you through with a red-hot spit2 would not this be lamentable8 ,yet this is but a flea-biting to the sorrow of those that go to hell2 for if a man were served so there would1 ere it were long1 be an end of him4 ,but he that goes to hell shall suffer ten thousand times worse torments than these1 and yet shall never be quite dead under them4 ,there they shall be ever whining1 pining1 weeping1 mourning1 ever tormented without ease2 and yet never dissolved into nothing4 ,if the biggest devil in hell might pull thee all to pieces1 and rend thee small as dust1 and dissolve thee into nothing1 thou wouldst count this a mercy4 ,but here thou mayst lie and fry1 scorch1 and broil1 and burn for ever4 ,for ever1 that is a long while1 and yet it must be so long4 ',depart from me1 ye cursed1' saith ,christ1 'into everlasting fire1' into the fire that burns for ever1 'prepared for the devil and his angels' 7,matt #be3da74 ,o6 thou that wast loth to foul thy foot if it were but dirty1 or did but rain2 thou that was loth to come out of the chimney-corner1 if the wind did but blow a little cold2 and was loth to go half-a-mile1 yea1 half-a-furlong to hear the word of ,god1 if it were but a little dark2 thou that wast loth to leave a few vain companions1 to edify thy soul2 thou shalt have fire enough1 thou shalt have night enough1 and evil company enough1 thy bellyfull1 if thou miss of ,jesus ,christ2 and 'beside all this1' thou shalt have them for ever1 and for ever4 ,o thou that dost spend whole nights in carding and dicing1 in rioting and wantonness2 thou that countest it a brave thing to swear as fast as the bravest1 to spend with the greatest spendthrift in the country2 thou that lovest to sin in a corner when nobody sees thee6 ,o thou that for bye-ends dost carry on the hypocrite's profession1 because thou wouldst be counted somebody among the children of ,god1#bb but art an enemy to the things of ,christ in thine heart4 ,thou that dost satisfy thyself1 either with sins1 or a bare profession of godliness1 thy soul will fall into extreme torment and anguish1 so soon as ever thou dost depart this world1 and there thou shalt be weeping and gnashing thy teeth 7,matt #h3ab74 ',and beside all this1' thou art like never to have any ease or remedy1 never look for any deliverance1 thou shalt die in thy sins1 and be tormented as many years as there are stars in the firmament1 or sands on the seashore2 'and beside all this1' thou must abide it for ever4 ',and beside all this1 between us and you there is a great gulf fixed1 so that they which would pass from hence to you1 cannot2 neither can they pass to us that would come from thence4' ',there is a great gulf fixed4' ,you will say1 what is that8 ,answ4 ,it is a nice question2 therefore1 #a4 ,see thou rather to enter in at the strait gate1 than curiously to inquire what this gulf is4 ,but1 #b4 ,if thou wouldst needs know if thou do fall short of heaven1 thou wilt find it this1 namely1 the everlasting decree of ,god2 that is1 there is decree gone forth from ,god1 that those who fall short of heaven in this world1 ,god is resolved they shall never enjoy it in the world to come4 ,and thou wilt find this gulf so deep1 that thou shalt never be able to wade through it as long as eternity lasts4 ,as ,christ saith1 ',agree with thine adversary quickly1 whiles thou art in the way with him' 7,matt #e3be72 'lest he hale thee to the judge1 and the judge deliver thee to the officer1 and thou be cast into prison4 ,i tell thee thou shalt by no means come out thence1' there is the gulf1 the decree1 'thou shalt not depart thence till thou hast paid the' utmost farthing1 or 'very last mite' 7,luke #ab3eh1ei74 ,these words therefore1 'there is a great gulf fixed1' ,i do understand to be the everlasting decree of ,god4 ,god hath decreed that those who go to heaven shall never go from thence again into a worse place2 and also those that go to hell1 and would come out1 they shall not come out thence again4 ,and friend1 this is such a gulf1 so fixed by him that cannot lie1 that thou wilt find it so1 which way soever thou goest1 whether it be to heaven or hell4 ,here therefore thou seest how secure ,god will make those who die in the faith2 ,god will keep them in heaven2 but those that die in their sins1 ,god will throw them to hell and keep them there2 so that they that would go from heaven to hell1 cannot2 neither can they come from hell that would go to heaven4 ,mark1 he doth not say1 they would not--for1 ,o how fain would these who have lost their souls for a lust1 for two-pence1 for a jug of ale1 for a strumpet1 for this world1 come out of that hot scalding fiery furnace of ,god's eternal vengeance1 if they might--but here is their misery1 they that would come from you to us1 that is1 from hell to heaven1 cannot1 they must not1 they shall not2 they cannot1 ,god hath decreed it1 and is resolved the contrary2 here therefore lies the misery1 not so much that they are in hell1 but there they must lie for ever and ever4 ,therefore1 if thy heart would at any time tempt thee to sin against ,god1 cry out1 ,no1 for then ,i must go to hell1 and lie there for ever4 ,if the drunkards1 swearers1 liars1 and hypocrites did but take this doctrine soundly down1 it would make them tremble when they think of sinning4 ,but poor souls1 now they will 'make a mock of sin' 7,prov #ad3i71 and play with it as a child doth play with a rattle2 but the time is coming1 that these rattles that now they play with will make such a noise in their ears and consciences1 that they shall find1 that if all the devils in hell were yelling at their heels1 the noise would not be comparable to it4 ,friend1 thy sins1 as so many bloodhounds1 will first hunt thee out 7,num #cb3bc71 and then take thee and bind thee1 and hold thee down for ever 7,prov #e3bb74 ,they will gripe thee and gnaw thee as if thou hadst a nest of poisonous serpents in thy bowels 7,job #bj3ad74 ,and this will not be for a time1 but1 as ,i have said1 for ever1 for ever1 for ever4 ,verse #bg4--',then he said1 ,i pray thee therefore1 father1 that thou wouldst send him to my father's house4' ,the verses before1 ,i told you1 were spoken partly to hold forth the desire that the damned have to be freed of their endless misery4 ,now this verse still holds forth the cries of those poor souls very vehement1 they would very fain have something granted to them1 but it will not be2 as will more clearly appear afterward4 ',then he said1 ,i ,,pray ,,thee ,,therefore1 ,,father1' c4 ,as if he should say1 seeing ,i have brought myself into such a miserable condition1 that ,god will not regard me1 that my exceeding loud and bitter cries will not be heard for myself2 seeing ,i must not be admitted to have so much as one drop of cold water1 nor the least help from the poorest saints4 ,and seeing1 'beside all this1' here my soul must lie to all eternity1 broiling and frying2 seeing ,i must1 whether ,i will or no1 undergo the hand of eternal vengeance1 and the rebukes of devouring fire2 seeing my state is such1 that ,i would not wish a dog in my condition1 'send him to my father's house4' ,it is worthy to be taken notice of1 again1 who it is he desired to be sent1 namely1 ,lazarus4 ,o friend1 see here how the stout hearts and stomachs of poor creatures will be humbled1 as ,i said before1 they will be so brought down1 that those things that they disdained and made light of in this world1 they would be glad of in the life to come4 ,he who by this man was so slighted1 as that he thought it a dishonour that he should eat with the dogs of his flock4 ,what1 shall ,i regard ,lazarus1 scrubbed1 beggarly ,lazarus6 what1 shall ,i so far dishonour my fair1 sumptuous1 and gay house1 with such a scabbed creep-hedge as he6 ,no1 ,i scorn he should be entertained under my roof4 ,thus in his lifetime1 while he was in his bravery2 but now he is come into another world1 now he is parted from his pleasures1 now he sees his fine house1 his dainty dishes1 his rich neighbours and companions1 and he1 are parted asunder2 now he finds instead of pleasures1 torments2 instead of joys1 heaviness2 instead of heaven1 hell2 instead of the pleasures of sin1 the horror and guilt of sin2 ,o now send ,lazarus6 ,lazarus1 it may be1 might have done him some good1 if he might have been entertained in time past1 and might have persuaded him1 at least not to have gone on so grievously wicked1 but he slights him1 he will not regard him1 he is resolved to disown him1 though he lose his own soul for so doing4 ,ay1 but now send ,lazarus1 if not to me1 yet to my father's house1 and let him tell them1 from me1 that if they run on in sin1 as ,i have done1 they must and shall receive the same wages that ,i have received4 ,take notice of this1 you that are despisers of the least of the ,lazaruses of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 it may be now you are loth to receive these little ones of his1 because they are not gentlemen1 because they cannot1 with ,pontius ,pilate1 speak ,hebrew1 ,greek1 and ,latin4#bc ,nay1 they must not1 shall not speak to them1 to admonish them1 and all because of this4 ,though now the gospel of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ may be preached to them freely1 and for nothing2 nay1 they are now desired to hear and receive it3 though now they will not own1 regard1 or embrace these ,christian proffers of the glorious truth of ,jesus1 because they come out of some of the basest earthen vessels2 yet the time is coming1 when they will both sigh and cry1 ,send him to my father's house 7#a ,cor #a3bf74 ,i say1 remember this1 ye that despise the day of small things2 the time is coming1 when you would be glad1 if you might enjoy from ,god1 from ,christ1 or his saints1 one small drop of cold water1 though now you are unwilling to receive the glorious distilling drops of the gospel of our ,lord ,jesus4 ,again1 see here the lamentable state they are in1 that go to hell from their fathers1 mothers1 sisters1 brothers1 c4 ,while they are in this world1 men delight to set their children ill examples2 and also children love to follow the wicked steps of their ungodly parents2 but when they depart this life1 and drop down into hell1 and find themselves in irrecoverable misery1 then they cry1 send some body to my father's house1 to my brother's house4 ,tell them my state is miserable1 tell them ,i am undone for ever2 and tell them also1 that if they will be walking in these ungodly steps wherein ,i left them1 they will assuredly fall into this place of torments4 ',i pray thee--,,send ,,him ,,to ,,my ,,father',s ,,house4' ,ah1 friends and neighbours1 it is like you little think of this1 that some of your friends and relations are crying out in hell1 ,lord1 send some body to my father's house1 to preach the gospel to them1 lest they also come into these torments4 ,here1 men while they live1 can willingly walk together in the way of sin1 and when they are parted by death1 they that are living1 seldom or never consider of the sad condition that they that are dead are descended into4 ,but ye ungodly fathers1 how are your ungodly children roaring now in hell8 ,and you ungodly children1 how are your ungodly parents that lived and died ungodly1 now in the pains of hell also8 ,and one drunkard is singing on the ale bench1 and another roaring under the wrath of ,god1 saying1 ,o that ,i was with him1 how would ,i rebuke him1 and persuade him by all means to leave off these evil courses4 ,o6 that they did but consider what ,i now suffer for pride1 covetousness1 drunkenness1 lying1 swearing1 stealing1 whoring1 and the like4 ,o6 did they but feel the thousandth part thereof1 it would make them look about them1 and not buy sin at so dear a rate as ,i have done2 even with the loss of my precious soul4 ',send him to my father's house4' ,not to my father1 but to my 'father's house4' ,it may be there is ungodly children1 there is ungodly servants1 wallowing in their ungodliness2 send him therefore to my father's house4 ,it is like they are still the same that ,i left them2 ,i left them wicked1 and they are wicked still2 ,i left them slighters of the gospel1 saints1 and ways of ,god1 and they do it still2 'send him to my father's house1' it is like there is but a little between them and the place where ,i am2 send him to-day1 before to-morrow1 'lest they also come into the same place of torment4 ,i pray thee that thou wouldst send him4' ,i beg it on my bended knee1 with crying and with tears1 in the agony of my soul4 ,it may be they will not consider1 if thou do not send him4 ,i left them sottish enough1 hardened as well as ,i2 they have the same devil to tempt them1 the same lusts and world to overcome them2 ',i pray thee therefore1 that thou wouldst send him to my father's house'2 make no delay1 lest they lose their souls1 lest they come hither3 if they do1 they are like never to return again4 ,o6 little do they think how easily they may lose their souls2 they are apt to think their condition to be as good as the best1 as ,i once through ignorance did2 but send him1 send him without delay1 'lest they also come into this place of torment4' ,o that thou wouldst give him commission1 do thou send him thyself2 the time was when ,i1 together with them1 slighted those that were sent of ,god2 though we could not deny but that he spake the word of ,god1 and was sent of him1 as our consciences told us2 yet we preferred the calls of men before the calls of ,god4 ,for though they had the one1 yet because they had not the other in that antichristian way which we thought meet1 we could not1 would not1 either hear him ourselves1 nor yet give consent that others should4 ,but now a call from ,god is worth all4 ,do ,,thou 'therefore send him to my father's house4' ,the time was1 when we did not like it1 except it might be preached in the synagogue2 we thought it a low thing to preach and pray together in houses4 ,we were too high-spirited1 too superstitious2 the gospel would not down with us1 unless we had it in such a place1 by such a man2 no1 nor then neither effectually4 ,but now1 ,o that ,i was to live in the world again2 and might have that privilege to have some acquaintance with blessed ,lazarus1 some familiarity with that holy man2 what attendance would ,i give unto his wholesome words6 ,how would ,i affect his doctrine1 and close in with it6 ,how would ,i square my life thereby6 ,now therefore1 as it is better to hear the gospel under a hedge than to sit roaring in a tavern1 it is better to welcome ,god's begging ,lazaruses than the wicked companions of this world4 ,it is better to receive a saint in the name of a saint1 a disciple in the name of a disciple1 than to do as ,i have done 7,luke #aj3af74 ,o6 it is better to receive a child of ,god1 that can by experience deliver the things of ,god1 his free love1 his tender grace1 his rich forbearance1 and also the misery of man1 if without it1 than to be 'daubed with untempered mortar' 7,eze #ac3aj74 ,o6 ,i may curse the day that ever ,i gave way to the flatteries and fawning of a company of carnal clergymen1#bd but this my repentance is too late2 ,i should have looked about me sooner1 if ,i would have been saved from this woeful place4 ,therefore send him1 not only to the town ,i lived in1 and unto some of my acquaintance1 but to my father's house4 ,in my lifetime ,i did not care to hear that word that cut me most1 and showed me mine estate aright4 ,i was vexed to hear my sins mentioned1 and laid to my charge2 ,i loved him best that deceived me most--that said1 ,peace1 peace1 when there was no such thing 7,jer #e3cj1ca74 ,but now1 ,o that ,i had been soundly told of it6 ,o that it had pierced both mine ears and heart1 and had stuck so fast that nothing could have cured me1 saving the blood of ,christ6 ,it is better to be dealt plainly with1 than that we should be deceived2 they had better see their lost condition in the world1 than stay while they be damned1 as ,i have done4 ,therefore send ,lazarus1 send him to my father's house4 ,let him go and say ,i saw your son1 your brother1 in hell1 weeping and wailing1 and gnashing his teeth4 ,let him bear them down in it1 and tell them plainly it is so1 and that they shall see their everlasting misery1 if they have not a special care4 ',send him to my father's house4' ,verse #bh4--';,for ,i have five brethren2 that he may testify unto them1 lest they also come into this place of torment4' ,these words are1 if ,i may so say1 a reason given by those in hell why they are so restless and do cry so loud2 it is that their companions might be delivered from those intolerable torments which they must and shall undergo if they fall short of everlasting life by ,jesus ,christ4 ',send him to my father's house2 for ,i have five brethren4' ,though1 while they lived among them in the world1 they were not so sensible of their ruin1 yet now they are passed out of the world1 and do partake of that which before they were warned of2 they can1 ,i say1 then cry out1 ,now ,i find that to be true indeed1 which was once and again told and declared to me that it would certainly come to pass4 ',,for ,i ,,have ,,five ,,brethren4' ,here you may see that there may be1 and are1 whole households in a damnable state and condition1 as our ,lord ,jesus doth by this signify4 ',send him to my father's house1' for they are all in one state1 ,i left all my brethren in a pitiful case4 ,people1 while they live here1 cannot endure to hear that they should be all in a miserable condition2 but when they are under the wrath of ,god they see it1 they know it1 and are very sure of it2 for they themselves1 when they were in the world1 lived as they do1 but they fell short of heaven1 and therefore1 if they go on1 so shall they4 ,o1 therefore1 send him quickly to my father's house1 for all the house is in an undone condition1 and must be damned if they continue so4 ,the thing observable is this1 namely1 that those that are in hell do not desire that their companions should come thither2 nay rather1 saith he1 send him to my father's house1 and let him testify to them that are therein1 lest they also come1 c4 ,quest4 ,but some may say1 ,what should be the reason that the damned should desire not to have their companions come into the same condition that they are fallen into1 but rather that they might be kept from it1 and escape that dreadful state8 ,answ4 ,i do believe there is scarce so much love in any of the damned in hell as really to desire the salvation of any4 ,but in that there is any desire in them that are damned1 that their friends and relations should not come into that place of torment1 it appears to me to be rather for their own ease than for their neighbour's good2 for1 let me tell you1 this ,i do believe1 that it will aggravate the grief and horror of them to see their ungodly neighbours in the like destruction with them4 ,for where the ungodly do live and die1 and descend into the pit together1 the one is rather a vexation to the other than any thing else4 ,and it must needs be so1 because there are no ungodly people that do live ungodly together but they do learn ill examples one of another1 as thus3 ,if there live one in the town that is very expert and cunning for the world1 why now the rest that are of the same mind with him1 they will labour to imitate and follow his steps3 this is commonly seen4 ,again1 if there be one given to drunkenness1 others of the town1 through his means1 run the more into that sin with him1 and do accustom themselves the more unto it because of his enticing them1 and also by setting such an ill example before them4 ,and so if there be any addicted to pride1 and must needs be in all the newest fashions1 how do their example provoke others to love and follow the same vanity2 spending that upon their lusts which should relieve their own and others' wants4 ,also if there be any given to jesting1 scoffing1 lying1 whoring1 backbiting1 junketing1#be wantonness1 or any other sin1 they that are most expert in these things do ofttimes entangle others1 that peradventure would not have been so vile as now they are1 had they not had such an example1 and hence they are called corrupters 7,isa #a3d74 ,now these will1 by their doings1 exceedingly aggravate the condemnation of one another4 ,he that did set his neighbor an ill example1 and thereby caused him to walk in sin1 he will be found one cause of his friend's destruction1 insomuch that he will have to answer for his own sins and for a great part of his neighbour's too1 which will add to his destruction2 as that scripture in ,ezekiel showeth1 where1 speaking of the watchman that should give the people warning1 if he did not1 though the man did die in his sins1 yet his blood shall be required at the watchman's hand 7,eze #cc74 ,so here let me tell thee that if thou shouldst be such a one1 as by thy conversation and practices shall be a trap and a stumbling-block to cause thy neighbour to fall into eternal ruin--though he be damned for his own sins--yet ,god may1 nay he will charge thee as being guilty of his blood1 in that thou didst not content thyself to keep from heaven thyself1 but didst also1 by thy filthy conversation1 keep away others1 and cause them to fall with thee4 ,o1 therefore1 will not this aggravate thy torment8 ,yea1 if thou shouldst die and go to hell before thy neighbour or companions1 besides the guilt of thine own sins1 thou wouldst be so loaden with the fear of the damnation of others to be laid to thy charge1 that thou wouldst cry out1 ,o send one from the dead to this companion and that companion with whom ,i had society in my lifetime1 for ,i see my cursed carriage will be one cause of his condemnation1 if he fall short of glory4 ,i left him living in foul and heinous offences2 but ,i was one of the first instruments to bring him to them4 ,o6 ,i shall be guilty both of my own and his damnation too6 ,o that he might be kept out hence1 lest my torment be aggravated by his coming hither6 ,for where ungodly people do dwell together1 they being a snare and stumbling-block one to another by their practices1 they must needs be a torment one to another1 and an aggravation of each other's damnation4 ,o cursed be thy face1 saith one1 that ever ,i set mine eyes on thee4 ,it was long of thee4 ,i may thank thee4 ,it was thee that did entice me and ensnare me4 ,it was your filthy conversation that was a stumbling-block to me4 ,it was your covetousness1 it was your pride1 your haunting the ale-house1 your gaming and whoring4 ,it was long of you that ,i fell short of life2 if you had set me a good example1 as you did set me an ill one1 it may be ,i might have done better than now ,i do2 but ,i learned of you1 ,i followed your steps1 ,i took counsel of you4 ,o that ,i had never seen thy face6 ,o that thou hadst never been born to do my soul this wrong1 as you have done6 ,o1 saith the other1 and ,i may as much blame you1 for do not you remember how at such a time1 and at such a time1 you drew me out1 and drew me away1 and asked me if ,i would go with you1 when ,i was going about other business1 about my calling2 but you called me away1 you sent for me1 you are as much in the fault as ,i2 though ,i were covetous1 you were proud2 and if you learned covetousness of me1 ,i learned pride and drunkenness of you4 ,though ,i learned you to cheat1 you learned me to whore1 to lie1 to scoff at goodness4 ,though ,i1 base wretch1 did stumble you in some things1 yet you did as much stumble me in others4 ,i can blame you as you blame me2 and if ,i have to answer for some of your most filthy actions1 you have to answer for some of mine4 ,i would you had not come hither1 the very looks of you do wound my soul1 by bringing my sins afresh into my mind1 the time when1 the manner how1 the place where1 the persons with whom4 ,it was with you1 you6 ,grief to my soul6 ,since ,i could not shun thy company there1 ,o that ,i had been without thy company here6 ,i say1 therefore1 for those that have sinned together to go to hell together1 it will very much perplex and torment them both2 therefore ,i judge this is one reason why they that are in hell do desire that their friends or companions do not come thither into the same place of torment that they are in4 ,and therefore where ,christ saith that these damned souls cry out1 ,send to our companions1 that they may be warned and commanded to look to themselves1 ,o send to my five brethren6 it is because they would not have their own torments heightened by their company2 and a sense1 yea1 a continual sense of their sins1 which they did cause them to commit when they were in the world with them4 ,for ,i do believe that the very looks of those that have been beguiled of their fellows1 ,i say their very looks will be a torment to them3 for thereby will the remembrance of their own sins be kept1 if possible1 the fresher on their consciences1 which they committed with them2 and also they will wonderfully have the guilt of the others sins upon them1 in that they were partly the cause of his committing them1 being instruments in the hands of the devil to draw them in too4 ,and1 therefore1 lest this come to pass1 ',i pray thee send him to my father's house4' ,for if they might not come hither1 peradventure my torment might have some mitigation2 that is1 if they might be saved1 then their sins will be pardoned1 and not so heavily charged on my soul4 ,but if they do fall into the same place where ,i am1 the sins that ,i have caused them to commit will lie so heavy1 not only on their souls1 but also on mine1 that they sin me into eternal misery1 deeper and deeper4 ,o therefore send him to my father's house1 to my five brethren1 and let him testify to them1 lest they come into this place of torment4 ,these words being thus understood1 what a condition doth it show them to be in then1 that now much delight in being the very ringleaders of their companions into sins of all sorts whatsoever8 ,while men live here1 if they can be counted the cunningest in cheating1 the boldest for lying1 the archest for whoring1 the subtilest for coveting and getting the world2 if they can but cunningly defraud1 undermine1 cross1 and anger their neighbours1 yea1 and hinder them from the means of grace1 the gospel of ,christ1 they glory in it1 take a pride in it1 and think themselves pretty well at ease1 and their minds are somewhat quiet1 being beguiled with sin4 ,but1 friend1 when thou hast lost this life1 and dost begin to lift up thine eyes in hell1 and seest what thy sins have brought thee to2 and not only so1 but that thou1 by thy filthy sins1 didst cause others1 devil-like1 to fall into the same condemnation with thee2 and that one of the reasons of their damnation was this1 that thou didst lead them to the commission of those wicked practices of this world1 and the lusts thereof2 then1 ,o that somebody would stop them from coming1 lest they also come into this place of torment1 and be damned as ,i am6 ,how ill it torment me6 ,balaam could not be contented to be damned himself1 but also he must1 by his wickedness1 cause others to stumble and fall4 ,the ,scribes and ,pharisees could not be contented to keep out of heaven themselves1 but they must labour to keep out others too4 ,therefore theirs is the greater damnation4 ,the deceived cannot be content to be deceived himself2 but he must labour to deceive others also4 ,the drunkard cannot be content to go to hell for his own sins1 but he must labour to cause others to fall into the same furnace with him4 ,but look to yourselves1 for here will be damnation upon damnation1 damned for thy own sins1 and damned for thy being a partaker with others in their sins2 and damned for being guilty of the damnation of others4 ,o how will the drunkards cry for leading their neighbours into drunkenness6 ,how will the covetous person howl for setting his neighbour1 his friend1 his brother1 his children and relations1 so wicked an example6 by which he hath not only wronged his own soul1 but also the souls of others4 ,the liar1 by lying1 learned others to lie2 the swearer learned others to swear2 the whoremonger learned others to whore4 ,now all these1 with others of the like sort1 will be guilty1 not only of their own damnation1 but also of the damnation of others4 ,i tell you1 that some men have so much been the authors of the damnation of others1 that ,i am ready to think that the damnation of them will trouble them as much as their own damnation4 ,some men1 it is to be feared1 at the day of judgment1 will be found to be the authors of destroying whole nations4 ,how many souls do you think ,balaam1 with his deceit1 will have to answer for8 ,how many ,mahomet8 ,how many the ,pharisees1 that hired the soldiers to say the disciples stole away ,jesus8 7,matt #ah3aa-ae72 and by that means stumbled their brethren to this day2 and was one means of hindering them from believing the things of ,god and ,jesus ,christ1 and so the cause of the damnation of their brethren to this very day4 ,how many poor souls hath ,bonner to answer for1 think you1 and several filthy blind priests8 ,how many souls have they been the means of destroying by their ignorance and corrupt doctrine8 ,preaching1 that was no better for their souls than ratsbane to the body1 for filthy lucre's sake 7,o ye priests1 this word is for you74 ,they shall see1 that they1 many of them it is to be feared1 will have whole towns to answer for2 whole cities to answer for4 ,ah1 friend1 ,i tell thee1 thou that hast taken in hand to preach to the people1 it may be thou hast taken in hand thou canst not tell what4 ,will it not grieve thee to see thy whole parish come bellowing after thee to hell1 crying out1 ,this we may thank thee for1 this is long of thee1 thou didst not teach us the truth2 thou didst lead us away with fables1 thou wast afraid to tell us of our sins1 lest we should not put meat fast enough in thy mouth4 ,o cursed wretch1 that ever thou shouldst beguile us thus1 deceive us thus1 flatter us thus6 ,we would have gone out to hear the word abroad1 but that thou didst reprove us1 and also tell us that that which we see now is the way of ,god was heresy1 and a deceivable doctrine2 and wast not contented1 blind guide as thou wert1 to fall into the ditch thyself1 but hast also led us thither with thee4#bf ,i say1 look to thyself1 lest thou cry out when it is too late1 ,send ,lazarus to my people1 my friends1 my children1 my congregation to whom ,i preached1 and beguiled through my folly4 ,send him to the town in which ,i did preach last1 lest ,i be the cause of their damnation4 ,send him to my friends from whence ,i came1 lest ,i be made to answer for their souls and mine own too 7,eze #cc3a-f74 ,o send him therefore1 and let him tell them1 and testify unto them1 lest they also come into this place of torment4 ,consider this1 ye that live thus in the world1 while ye are in the land of the living1 lest you fall into this condition4 ,set the case thou shouldest by thy carriage destroy but a soul1 but one poor soul1 by one of thy carriages or actions1 by thy sinful works2 consider it now1 ,i say1 lest thou be forced to cry1 ',i pray thee therefore1 that thou wouldst send him to my father's house1 for ,i have five brethren1 that he may testify unto them1 lest they also come into this place of torment4' ,if so1 then ,i shall not only say to the blind guides1 ,look you to yourselves1 and shut not#bg out others2 no1 but this doth reach unto all those that do not only keep souls from heaven by preaching and the like1 but speaks forth the doom of those that shall any ways be instrumental to hinder others from closing in with ,jesus ,christ4 ,o what red lines will those be against all those rich ungodly landlords1 that so keep under their poor tenants that they dare not go out to hear the word1 for fear their rent should be raised1 or they turned out of their houses6 ,what sayest thou1 landlord1 will it not cut thy soul1 when thou shalt see that thou couldest not be content to miss of heaven thyself1 but thou must labour to hinder others also8 ,will it not give thee an eternal wound in thy heart1 both at death and judgment1 to be accused of the ruin of thy neighbour's soul1 thy servant's soul1 thy wife's soul1 together with the ruin of thy own8 ,think on this1 you drunken1 proud1 rich1 and scornful landlords2 think on this1 you mad-brained blasphemous husbands1 that are against the godly and chaste conversation of your wives2 also you that hold your servants so hard to it that you will not spare them time to hear the word1 unless it be where and when your lusts will let you4 ,if you love your own souls1 your tenants' souls1 your wives' souls1 your servants' souls1 your children's souls2 if you would not cry1 if you would not howl1 if you would not bear the burden of the ruin of others for ever1 then ,i beseech you to consider this doleful story1 and labour to avoid the soul-killing torment that this poor wretch groaneth under1 when he saith1 ',i pray thee therefore1 that thou wouldst send him to my father's house1#bh ,for ,i have five brethren1 ,,that ,,he ,,may ,,testify1' mark1 'that he may testify ,,unto ,,them1 lest they also come into this place of torment4' ,these words have still something more in them than ,i have yet observed from them2 there are one or two things more that ,i shall briefly touch upon1 and therefore1 mark1 he saith1 ',that he may testify unto them1' c4 ,mark1 ,i pray you1 and take notice of the word ,,testify4 ,he doth not say1 ,and let him go unto them1 or speak with1 or tell them such and such things4 ,no1 but let him testify1 or affirm it constantly1 in case any should oppose it4 ',let him testify unto them4' ,it is the same word the ,scripture uses to set forth the vehemency of ,christ1 his telling of his disciples of him that should betray him4 ,and he testified1 saying1 ,one of you shall betray me4 ,and he testified1 that is1 he spake it so as to dash or overcome any that should have said it shall not be4 ,it is a word that signifies1 that in case any should oppose the thing spoken of1 yet that the party speaking should still continue constant in his saying4 ,and he commanded them to preach1 'and to testify1 that it is he which was ordained of ,god to be the judge of quick and dead4' ,to testify1 mark1 that is1 to be constant1 irresistible1 undaunted1 in case it should be opposed and objected against4 ,so here1 let him testify to them1 lest they come into this place of torment4 ,from whence observe1 that it is not an easy matter to persuade them who are in their sins alive in this world1 that they must and shall be damned if they turn not1 and be converted to ,god4 ',let him testify to them1' let him speak confidently1 though they frown upon him1 or dislike his way of speaking4 ,and how is this truth verified and cleared by the carriages of almost all men now in the world toward them that do preach the gospel2 and show their own miserable state plainly to them1 if they close not with it8 ,if a man do but indeed labour to convince sinners of their sins and lost condition by nature1 though they must be damned if they live and die in that condition1 ,o how angry are they at it6 ,look how he judges1 say they1 hark how he condemns us2 he tells us we must be damned if we live and die in this state4 ,we are offended at him1 we cannot abide to hear him1 or any such as he2 we will believe none of them all1 but go on in the way we are agoing4 ',forbear1 why shouldest thou be smitten1' said the ungodly king to the prophet1 when he told him of his sins 7#b ,chron #be3af74 ,i say1 tell the drunkard he must be damned if he leaves not his drunkenness1 the swearer1 liar1 cheater1 thief1 covetous1 railers1 or any ungodly persons1 they must and shall lie in hell for it1 if they die in this condition2 they will not believe you1 not credit you4 ,again1 tell others that there are many in hell that have lived and died in their conditions1 and so are they like to be1 if they convert not to ,jesus ,christ1 and be found in him1 or that there are others that are more civil and sober men1 who1 although we know that their civility will not save them1 if we do but tell them plainly of the emptiness and unprofitableness of that1 as to the saving of their souls1 and that ,god will not accept them1 nor love them1 notwithstanding these things1 and that if they intend to be saved1 they must be better provided than with such a righteousness as this2 they will either fling away1 and come to hear no more1 or else if they do come1 they will bring such prejudice with them in their hearts1 that the word preached shall not profit them1 it being mixed not with faith1 but with prejudice in them that hear it 7,heb #d3a1b74 ,nay1 they will some of them be so full of anger that they will break out and call1 even those that speak the truth1 heretics2 yea1 and kill them 7,luke #d3be-bi74 ,and why so8 ,because they tell them1 that if they live in their sins that will damn them2 yet if they turn and live a righteous life1 according to the holy1 and just1 and good law of ,god1 that will not save them4 ,yea1 because we tell them plainly that unless they leave their sins and self righteousness too1 and close in with a naked ,jesus ,christ1 his blood and merits1 and what he hath done1 and is now doing for sinners1 they cannot be saved2 and unless they do eat the flesh of the ,son of man1 and drink his blood1 they have no life abiding in them1 they gravel#bi presently1 and are offended at it1 as the ,jews were with ,christ for speaking the same thing to them 7,john #f3ec1fj74 ,and fling away themselves1 their souls and all1 by quarrelling against the doctrine of the ,son of ,god1 as indeed they do1 though they will not believe they do2 and therefore1 he that is a preacher of the ,word1 had need not only tell them1 but testify to them1 again and again1 that their sins1 if they continue in them1 will damn them1 and damn them again4 ,and tell them again1 their living honestly according to the law1 their paying every one their own1 their living quietly with their neighbours1 their giving to the poor1 their notion of the gospel1 and saying they do believe in ,christ1 will do them no good at the general day of judgment4 ,ha1 friends6 ,how many of you are there at this very day1 that have been told once and again of your lost undone condition1 because you want the right1 real1 and saving work of ,god upon your souls6 ,i say1 hath not this been told you1 yea1 testified unto you from time to time1 that your state is miserable1 that yet you are never the better1 but do still stand where you did2 some in an open ungodly life1 and some drowned in a self-conceited holiness of ,christianity8 ,therefore1 for ,god's sake1 if you love your souls1 consider1 and beg of ,god for ,jesus ,christ's sake1 that he would work such a work of grace in your hearts1 and give you such a faith in his ,son ,jesus ,christ1 that you may not only have rest here1 as you think1 not only think your state safe while you live here1 but that you may be safe indeed1 not only here1 but also when you are gone1 lest you do cry in the anguish and perplexity of your souls1 ,send one to my companions that have been beguiled by ,satan as ,i have been1 and so1 by going on1 come into this place of torment as ,i have done4 ,again1 one thing more is to be observed from these words1 ,let him 'testify to them1 ,,lest ,,they ,,also ,,come ,,into ,,this ,,place ,,of ,,torment4' ,mark1 lest they come in4 ,as if he had said1 ,or else they will come into this place of torment1 as sure as ,i am here4 ,from whence observe1 that though some souls do for sin fall into the bottomless pit of hell before their fellows1 because they depart this world before them1 yet the other1 abiding in the same course1 are as sure to go to the same place as if they were there already4 ,how so8 ,because that all are condemned together1 they have all fallen under the same law1 and have all offended the same justice1 and must for certain1 if they die in that condition1 drink as deep1 if not deeper1 of the same destruction4 ,mark1 ,i pray you1 what the ,scriptures say1 ',he that believeth not1 is condemned already' 7,john #c3ah74 ,he is condemned as well as they1 having broken the same law with them2 if so1 then what hinders but they will partake of the same destruction with them8 ,only the one hath not the law yet so executed upon them1 because they are here2 the other have had the law executed upon them1 they are gone to drink that which they have been brewing1 and thou art brewing that in this life which thou must certainly drink4#cj ,the same law1 ,i say1 is in force against you both1 only he is executed and thou art not4 ,just as if there were a company of prisoners at the bar1 and all condemned to die2 what1 because they are not all executed in one day1 therefore shall they not be executed at all8 ,yes1 the same law that executed its severity upon the parties now deceased1 will for certain be executed on them that are alive in its appointed time4 ,even so it is here1 we are all condemned by nature2 if we close not in with the grace of ,god by ,jesus ,christ1 we must and shall be destroyed with the same destruction2 and 'therefore send him1' saith he1 ',,lest1' mark1 'lest they also come into this place of torment4 ,again1 ',send him to my father's house1' and let him 'testify unto them1 lest they also come into this place of torment4' ,as if he had said1 ,it may be he may prevail with them1 it may be he may win upon them1 and so they may be kept from hence1 from coming into this grievous place of torment4 ,observe again1 that there is a possibility of obtaining mercy1 if now1 ,i say1 now in this day of grace1 we turn from our sins to ,jesus ,christ2 yea1 it is more than possible4 ,and therefore1 for thy encouragement1 do thou know for certain1 that if thou shalt in this thy day accept of mercy upon ,god's own terms1 and close with him effectually1 ,god hath promised1 yea1 made many promises1 that thy soul shall be conducted safe to glory1 and shall for certain escape all the evils that ,i have told thee of2 aye1 and many more than ,i can imagine4 ,do but search the ,scriptures1 and see how full of consolation they are to a poor soul that is minded to close in with ,jesus ,christ4 ',him that cometh to me1' saith ,christ1 ',i will in no wise cast out4' ,though he be an old sinner1 ',i will in no wise cast him out'2 mark1 in no wise1 though he be a great sinner1 ,i will in no wise cast him out1 if he come to me4 ,though he have slighted me neve so many times1 and not regarded the welfare of his own soul1 yet let him now come to me1 and notwithstanding this1 ',i will in no wise cast him out1' nor throw away his soul 7,john #f3cg74 ,again1 saith the apostle1 ',now1' mark now1 'is the accepted time1 now is the day of their salvation4' ,now here is mercy in good store1 now ,god's heart is open to sinners2 now he will make you welcome2 now he will receive anybody if they do but come to ,christ4 ',he that cometh to me1' saith ,christ1 ',i will in no wise cast out4' ,and why8 ,because ',,now is the accepted time1 now is the day of salvation' 7#b ,cor #f3b74 ,as if the apostle had said1 ,if you will have mercy1 have it now1 receive it now1 close in with it now4 ,god hath a certain day to hold out his grace to sinners4 ,now is the time1 now is the day4 ,it is true1 there is a day of damnation1 but this is a day of salvation4 ,there is a day coming1 wherein sinners must cry to the mountains to fall on them1 to the hills to cover them from the wrath of ,god2 but now1 now is the day in which he doth hold out his grace4 ,there is a day coming1 in which you will not be admitted to have the privilege of one drop of water to cool your tongue1 if now1 ,i say1 if now you slight his grace and goodness which he holds out to you4 ,ah1 friends1 consider there is now hopes of mercy1 but then there will not2 now ,christ holds forth mercy unto you1 but then he will not 7,matt #g3bc74 ,now there are his servants that do beseech you to accept of his grace1 but if thou lose the opportunity that is put into thine hand1 thou thyself mayest beseech hereafter1 and no mercy be given thee4 ',and he cried and said1 ,father ,abraham1 have mercy on me1 and send ,lazarus1 that he may dip the tip of his finger in water1 and cool my tongue4' ,and thee was none given4 ,therefore let it never be said of thee1 as it will be said of some1 ',wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool1 seeing he hath no heart to it8' ,seeing he hath no heart to make a good use of it 7,prov #ag3af74 ,consider therefore with thyself1 and say1 ,it is better going to heaven than hell2 it is better to be saved than damned2 it is better to be with saints than with damned souls2 and to go to ,god is better than to go to the devil4 ,therefore 'seek ye the ,lord while he may be found1 and call ye upon him while he is near' 7,isa #ee3f74 ,lest in thy trouble he leave thee to thyself1 and say unto thee plainly1 ,where ,i am1 thither 'ye cannot come' 7,john #h3ba74 ,o if they that are in hell might but now again have one such invitation as this1 how would they leap for joy6 ,i have thought sometimes should ,god send but one of his ministers to the damned in hell1 and give him commission to preach the free love of ,god in ,christ extended to them1 and held out to them1 if now while it is proffered to them they will accept of his kindness2 ,o how welcome would they make this news1 and close in with it on any terms6 ,certainly they would say1 we will accept of grace on any terms in the world1 and thank you too1 though it cost life and limbs to boot2 we will spare no cost nor charge1 if mercy may be had4 ,but poor souls1 while they live here they will not part from sin1 with hell-bred devilish sin4 ,no1 they will rather lose their souls than lose their filthy sins4 ,but1 friend1 thou wilt change thy note before it be long1 and cry1 ,o simple wretch that ,i am that ,i should damn my soul by sin6 ,it is true1 ,i have had the gospel preached to me1 and have been invited in4 ,i have been preached to1 and have been warned of this2 but 'how have ,i hated instruction1 and my heart despised reproof2 and have not obeyed the voice of my teachers1 nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me' 7,prov #e3ab1ac74 ,o therefore1 ,i say1 poor soul6 ,is there hope8 ,then lay thine hand upon thy mouth1 and kiss the dust1 and close in with the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and make much of his glorious mercy2 and invite also thy companions to close in with the same ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 lest one of you do go to hell beforehand1 and expect with grief of heart your companions to come after2 and in the mean time1 with anguish of heart1 do sigh and say1 ,o send him to my companions1 and let him testify to them1 lest they also come into this place of torment4 ,,use ,,and ,,application ,of the ,preceding portion of the ,parable4 #ca,now then1 from what hath been said1 there might many things be spoken by way of use and application2 but ,i shall be very brief1 and but touch some things1 and so wind up4 ,and1 ,first1 ,i shall begin with the sad condition of those that die out of ,christ1 and speak something to that4 ,secondly1 ,to the latter end of the parable1 which more evidently concerns the ,scripture1 and speak somewhat to that4 ,first4 ,i shall begin with the sad condition of those that die out of ,christ4 #a4 ,therefore you see that the former part of the parable contains a sad declaration of the state of one living and dying out of ,christ2 how that they lose heaven for hell1 ,god for the devil1 light for darkness1 joy for sorrow4 #b4 ,how that they have not so much as the least comfort from ,god1 who in the time they live here below neglect coming to him for mercy2 not so much as one drop of cold water4 #c4 ,that such souls will repent of their folly1 when repentance will do them no good1 or when they shall be past recovery4 #d4 ,that all the comfort such souls are like to have1 they have it in this world4 #e4 ,that all their groanings and sighs will not move ,god to mitigate in the least his heavy hand of vengeance that is upon them1 for the transgression they have committed against him4 #f4 ,that their sad state is irrecoverable1 or they must never1 mark1 never come out of that condition4 #g4 ,their desires will not be hard for their ungodly neighbours4 ,from these things then1 ,i pray you consider the state of those that die out of ,christ ,jesus2 yea1 ,i say1 consider their miserable state2 and think thus with thyself1 ,well1 if ,i neglect coming to ,christ1 ,i must go to the devil1 and he will not neglect to fetch me away into those intolerable torments4 ,think thus with thyself1 ,what1 shall ,i lose a long heaven for short pleasure8 ,shall ,i buy the pleasures of this world at so dear a rate as to lose my soul for the obtaining of that8 ,shall ,i content myself with a heaven that will last no longer than my lifetime8 ,what advantage will these be to me when the ,lord shall separate soul and body asunder1 and send one to the grave1 the other to hell1 and at the judgment-day1 the final sentence of eternal ruin must be passed upon me8 #a4 ,consider1 that the profits1 pleasures1 and vanities of this world will not last for ever1 but the time is coming1 yea1 just at the doors1 when they will give thee the slip1 and leave thee in the suds1#cb and in the brambles of all that thou hast done4 ,and therefore to prevent this1 #b4 ,consider thy dismal state1 think thus with thyself1 ,it is true1 ,i do love my sins1 my lusts and pleasures2 but what good will they do me at the day of death and of judgment8 ,will my sins do me good then8 ,will they be able to help me when ,i come to fetch my last breath8 ,what good will my profits do me8 ,and what good will my vanities do1 when death says he will have no nay8 ,what good will all my companions1 fellow-jesters1 jeerers1 liars1 drunkards1 and all my wantons do me8 ,will they help to ease the pains of hell8 ,will these help to turn the hand of ,god from inflicting his fierce anger upon me8 ,nay1 will not they rather cause ,god to show me no mercy1 to give me no comfort2 but rather to thrust me down in the hottest place of hell1 where ,i may swim in fire and brimstone4 #c4 ,consider thus with thyself1 ,would ,i be glad to have all1 every one of my sins to come in against me1 to inflame the justice of ,god against me8 ,would ,i be glad to be bound up in them as the three children were bound in their clothes1 and to be as really thrown into the fiery furnace of the wrath of ,almighty ,god as they were into ,nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace8 #d4 ,consider thus1 ,would ,i be glad to have all1 and every one of the ten commandments1 to discharge themselves against my soul8 ,the first saying1 ,damn him1 for he hath broken me2 the second saying1 ,damn him1 for he hath broken me1 c4 ,consider how terrible this will be1 yea1 more terrible than if thou shouldest have ten of the biggest pieces of ordnance in ,england to be discharged against thy body1 thunder1 thunder1 one after another6 ,nay1 this would not be comparable to the reports that the law1 for the breach thereof1 will give against thy soul2 for those can but kill the body1 but these will kill both body and soul2 and that not for an hour1 a day1 a month1 or a year1 but they will condemn thee for ever4 ,mark1 it is for ever1 for ever4 ,it is into everlasting damnation1 eternal destruction1 eternal wrath and displeasure from ,god1 eternal gnawings of conscience1 eternal continuance with devils4 ,o consider1 it may be the thought of seeing the devil doth now make thine hair to stand right up on thine head4 ,o but this1 to be damned1 to be among all the devils1 and that not only for a time1 as ,i said before1 but for ever1 to all eternity6 ,this is wonderfully miserable1 ever miserable2 that no tongue of man1 no1 nor of angels1 is able to express it4 #e4 ,consider much with thyself1 ,not only my sins against the law will be laid to my charge1 but also the sins ,i have committed in slighting the gospel1 the glorious gospel4 ,these also must come with a voice against me4 ,as thus1 ,nay1 he is worthy to be damned1 for he rejected the gospel1 he slighted the free grace of ,god tendered in the gospel2 how many times was thou1 damned wretch1 invited1 intreated1 beseeched to come to ,christ1 to accept of mercy1 that thou mightest have heaven1 thy sins pardoned1 thy soul saved1 and body and soul glorified1 and all this for nothing but the acceptance1 and through faith forsaking those imps of ,satan1 which by their embracements have drawn thee downward toward the gulf of ,god's eternal displeasure8 ,how often didst thou read the promises1 yea1 the free promises of the common salvation6 ,how oft didst thou read the sweet counsels and admonitions of the gospel1 to accept of the grace of ,god6 ,but thou wouldst not1 thou regardest it not1 thou didst slight all4 ,second4 ,as ,i would have thee to consider the sad and woeful state of those that die out of ,christ1 and are past all recovery1 so would ,i have thee consider the many mercies and privileges thou enjoyest above some1 peradventure1 of thy companions that are departed to their proper place4 ,as1 #a4 ,consider1 thou hast still the thread of thy life lengthened1 which for thy sins might seven years ago1 or more1 have been cut asunder1 and thou have dropped down amongst the flames4 #b4 ,consider the terms of reconciliation by faith in ,christ are still proffered unto thee1 and thou invited1 yea1 entreated to accept of them4 #c4 ,consider the terms of reconciliation are but--bear with me though ,i say but--only to believe in ,jesus ,christ1 with that faith that purifies the heart1 and enables thy soul to feed on him effectually1 and be saved from this sad state4 #d4 ,consider the time of thy departure is at hand1 and the time is uncertain1 and also that for ought thou knowest the day of grace may be past to thee before thou diest1 not lasting so long as thy uncertain life in this world4 ,and if so1 then know for certain that thou art as sure to be damned as if thou wast in hell already2 if thou convert not in the meanwhile4 #e4 ,consider it may be some of thy friends are giving all diligence to make their calling and election sure1 being resolved for heaven1 and thou thyself endeavourest as fast to make sure of hell1 as if resolved to have it2 and together with this1 consider how it will grieve thee that while thou wast making sure of hell thy friends were making sure of heaven2 but more of this by and by4 #f4 ,consider what a sad reflection this will have on thy soul1 to see thy friends in heaven1 and thyself in hell2 thy father in heaven1 and thou in hell2 thy mother in heaven1 and thou in hell2 thy brother1 thy sister1 thy children in heaven1 and thou in hell4 ,as ,christ said to the ,jews of their relations according to the flesh1 so may ,i say to thee concerning thy friends1 ',there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth1' when you shall see your fathers and mothers1 brethren and sisters1 husbands and wives1 children and kinsfolk1 with your friends and neighbours in the kingdom of heaven1 and thou thyself thrust out 7,luke #ac3bg-bi74 ,but again1 because ,i would not only tell thee of the damnable state of those that die out of ,christ1 but also persuade thee to take hold of life1 and go to heaven1 take notice of these following things4 7#a47 ,consider that whatever thou canst do1 as to thy acceptance with ,god1 is not worth the dirt of thy shoes1 but is all 'as filthy rags' 7,isa #ed3f74 7#b47 ,consider that all the conditions of the new covenant1 as to salvation1 are and have been completely fulfilled by the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and that for sinners4 7#c47 ,consider that the ,lord calls to thee1 for to receive whatsoever ,christ hath done1 and that on free cost 7,rev #bb3ag74 7#d47 ,consider that thou canst not honour ,god more than to close in with his proffers of grace1 mercy1 and pardon of sin 7,rom #d74 ,again1 that which will add to all the rest1 thou shalt have the very mercy of ,god1 the blood of ,christ1 the preachers of the word1 together with every sermon1 all the promises1 invitations1 exhortations1 and all the counsels and threatenings of the blessed word of ,god4 ,thou shalt have all thy thoughts1 words1 and actions1 together with all thy food1 thy raiment1 thy sleep1 thy goods1 and also all hours1 days1 weeks1 months and years1 together with whatsoever else ,god hath given thee4 ,i say1 thy abuse of all these shall come up in judgment against thy soul2 for ,god will reckon with thee for everything1 whether it be good or bad 7,eccl #ab3ad74 7#e47 ,nay further1 it is so unreasonable a thing for a sinner to refuse the gospel1 that the very devils themselves will come in against thee1 as well as ,sodom1 that damned crew4 ,may not they1 ,i say1 come in against thee1 and say1 ,o thou simple#cc man6 ,o vile wretch6 ,that had not so much care of thy soul1 thy precious soul1 as the beast hath of its young1 or the dog of the very bone that lieth before him4 ,was thy soul worth so much1 and didst thou so little regard it8 ,were the thunder-claps of the law so terrible1 and didst thou so slight them8 ,besides1 was the gospel so freely1 so frequently1 so fully tendered to thee1 and yet hast thou rejected all these things8 ,hast thou valued sin at a higher rate than thy soul1 than ,god1 ,christ1 angels1 saints1 and communion with them in eternal blessedness and glory8 ,wast thou not told of hell-fire1 those intolerable flames8 ,didst thou never hear of the intolerable roarings of the damned ones that are therein8 ,didst thou never hear or read that doleful saying in ,luke #af1 how the sinful man cries out among the flames1 ',one drop of water to cool my tongue8' ,thus1 ,i say1 may the very devils1 being ready to go with thee into the burning furnace of fire and brimstone1 though not for sins of so high a nature as thine1 trembling say1 ,o that ,christ had died for devils1 as he died for man6 ,and1 ,o that the gospel had been preached to us as it hath been to thee6 ,how would we have laboured to have closed in with it6 ,but woe be to us1 for we might never have it proffered2 no1 not in the least1 though we would have been glad of it4 ,but you1 you have it proffered1 preached1 and proclaimed unto you 7,prov #h3d74 ,besides1 you have been intreated1 and beseeched to accept of it1 but you would not4 ,o simple fools6 that might have escaped wrath1 vengeance1 hell-fire1 and that to all eternity1 and had no heart at all to do it4 7#f47 ,may not the messengers of ,jesus ,christ also come in with a shrill and terrible note against thy soul1 when thou standest at the bar of ,god's justice1 saying1 ,nay1 thou ungodly one1 how often hast thou been forewarned of this day8 ,did we not sound an alarm in thine ears1 by the trumpet of ,god's word day after day8 ,how often didst thou hear us tell thee of these things8 ,did we not tell thee sin would damn thy soul8 ,did we not tell thee that without conversion there was no salvation8 ,did we not tell thee that they who loved their sins should be damned at this dark and gloomy day1 as thou art like to be8 ,yea1 did we not tell thee that ,god1 out of his love to sinners1 sent ,christ to die for them1 that they might1 by coming to him1 be saved8 ,did not we tell thee of these things8 ,did we not run1 ride1 labour1 and strive abundantly1 if it might have been1 for the good of thy soul1 though now a damned soul8 ,did we not venture our goods1 our names1 our lives8 ,yea1 did we not even kill ourselves with our earnest intreaties of thee to consider of thine estate1 and by ,christ to escape this dreadful day8 ,o sad doom6 ,when thou shalt be forced full sore against thy will to fall under the truth of this judgment1 saying1 ,o ',how have ,i hated instruction1 and how hath my heart despised reproof6' for1 indeed1 ',i have not obeyed the voice of my teachers1 nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me' 7,prov #e3ab1ac74 7#g47 ,may not thy father1 thy mother1 thy brother1 thy sister1 thy friend1 c41 appear with gladness against thee at the terrible day1 saying1 ,o thou silly wretch6 how rightly hath ,god met with thee6 ,o how righteously doth his sentence pass upon thee6 ,remember thou wouldst not be ruled nor persuaded in thy lifetime4 ,as thou didst not care for us and our admonitions then1 so neither do we care for thy ruin1 terror1 and damnation now4 ,no1 but we will stand on ,god's side in sentencing of thee to that portion which the devils must be partakers of4 ',the righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance1 he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked' 7,psa #eh3aj74 ,o sad6 ,it is enough to make mountains tremble1 and the rocks rend in pieces1 to hear this doleful sound4 ,consider these things1 and if thou wouldst be loth to be in this condition1 then have a care of living in sin now4 ,how loth wilt thou be to be thrust away from the gates of heaven6 ,and how loth wilt thou be to be deprived of the mercy of ,god6 ,how unwillingly wilt thou set foot forward towards the lake of fire6 ,never did malefactor so unwillingly turn off the ladder when the halter was about his neck1 as thou will turn from ,god to the devil1 from heaven to hell1 when the sentence is passed upon thy soul4 ,o how wilt thou sigh and groan6 ,how willingly wouldst thou hide thyself1 and run away from justice6 ,but alas6 as it is with them that are on the ladder ready to be executed1 so it will be with thee4 ,they would fain run away1 but there are many halbert-men#cd to stay them4 ,and so the angels of ,god will beset thee round1 ,i say round on every side2 so that thou mayest indeed look1 but run thou canst not4 ,thou mayest wish thyself under some rock1 or mountain 7,rev #f3ae1af71 but how to get under1 thou knowest not4 ,o how unwilling wilt thou be to let thy father go to heaven without thee6 thy mother or friends1 c41 go to heaven without thee6 ,how willingly wouldst thou hang on them1 and not let them go6 ,o father6 cannot you help me8 ,mother1 cannot you do me some good8 ,o how loth am ,i to burn and fry in hell1 while you are singing in heaven6 ,but alas6 the father1 mother1 or friends reject them1 slight them1 and turn their backs upon them1 saying1 ,you would have none of heaven in your lifetime1 therefore you shall have none of it now4 ,you slighted our counsels then1 and we slight your tears1 cries1 and condition now4 ,what sayest thou1 sinner8 ,will not this persuade thine heart1 nor make thee bethink thyself8 ,this is now before thou fall into that dreadful place1 that fiery furnace4 ,but ,o consider how dreadful the place itself1 the devils themselves1 the fire itself will be6 ,and this at the end of all1 ,here thou must lie for ever6 ,here thou must fry for ever1 and for ever6 ,this will be more to thee than any man with tongue can express1 or with pen can write4 ,there is none that can1 ,i say1 by the ten thousandth part1 discover the state and condition of such a soul4 ,i shall conclude this1 then1 with ,a ,,few ,,considerations ,,of ,,encouragement4 ,first ,encouragement4 ,consider1 for ,i would fain have thee come in1 sinner1 that there is way made by ,jesus ,christ for them that are under the curse of ,god1 to come to this comfortable and blessed state of ,lazarus ,i was speaking of4 ,see ,ephesians #b4 ,second ,encouragement4 ,consider what pains ,christ ,jesus took for the ransoming of thy soul from all the curses1 thunder-claps1 and tempests of the law2 from all the intolerable flames of hell2 from that soul-sinking appearance of thy person1 on the left hand1 before the judgment-seat of ,christ ,jesus1 from everlasting fellowship1 with innumerable companies of yelling and soul-amazing devils1 ,i say1 consider what pains the ,lord ,jesus ,christ took in bringing in redemption for sinners from these things4 ',in that though he was rich1 yet he became poor1 that ye1 through his poverty1 might be' made 'rich' 7#b ,cor #h3i74 ,he laid aside his glory 7,john #ag71 and became a servant 7,phil #b3g74 ,he left the company of angels1 and encountered with the devil 7,luke #d2 ,matt #d74 ,he left heaven's ease for a time1 to lie upon hard mountains 7,luke #f3ab2 ,john #h3a74 ,in a word1 he became poorer than they that go with flail and rake2 yea1 than the very birds or foxes1 and all to do thee good4 ,besides1 consider a little of these unspeakable and intolerable slightings and rejections1 and the manifold abuses that came from men upon him4 ,how he was falsely accused1 being a sweet1 harmless1 and undefiled lamb4 ,how he was undervalued1 so that a murderer was counted less worthy of condemnation than he4 ,besides1 how they mocked him1 spit on him1 beat him over the head with staves1 had the hair plucked from his cheeks4 ',i gave my back to the smiters1' saith he1 'and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair2 ,i hid not my face from shame and spitting' 7,isa #ej3f74 ,his head crowned with thorns1 his hands pierced with nails1 and his side with a spear2 together with how they used him1 scourged him1 and so miserably misusing him1 that they had even spent him in a great measure before they did crucify him2 insomuch that there was another fain to carry his cross4 ,again1 ,third ,encouragement4 ,not only this1 but lay to heart a little what he received from ,god1 his dear ,father1 though he were his dear and tender ,son4 #a4 ,in that he did reckon#ce him the greatest sinner and rebel in the world4 ,for he laid the sins of thousands1 and ten thousands1 and thousands of thousands of sinners to his charge 7,isa #ec74 ,and caused him to drink the terrible cup that was due to them all2 and not only so1 but did delight in so doing4 ',for it pleased the ,,lord to bruise him4' ,god dealt indeed with his son1 as ,abraham would have deal with ,isaac2 ay1 and more terribly by ten thousand parts4 ,for he did not only tear his body like a lion1 but made his soul an offering for sin4 ,and this was not done feignedly1 but really--for justice called for it1 he standing in the room of sinners4 ,witness that horrible and unspeakable agony that fell on him suddenly in the garden1 as if all the vials of ,god's unspeakable scalding vengeance had been cast upon him all at once1 and all the devils in hell had broken loose from thence at once to destroy him1 and that for ever2 insomuch that the very pangs of death seized upon him in the same hour4 ,for1 saith he1 ',my soul is exceeding sorrowful' and 'sore amazed1' even 'unto death' 7,mark #ad3cd74 #b4 ,witness also that strange kind of sweat that trickled down his most blessed face1 where it is said3 ',and he sweat1 as it were1 great drops' or clodders 'of blood1' trickling 'down to the ground4' ,o ,lord ,jesus6 what a load didst thou carry6 ,what a burden didst thou bear of the sins of the world1 and the wrath of ,god6 ,o thou didst not only bleed at nose and mouth with the pressure that lay upon thee1 but thou wast so pressed1 so loaden1 that the pure blood gushed through the flesh and skin1 and so ran trickling down to the ground4 ',and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood1' trickling or 'falling down to the ground' 7,luke #bb3dd74 ,canst thou read this1 ,o thou wicked sinner1 and yet go on in sin8 ,canst thou think of this1 and defer repentance one hour longer8 ,o heart of flint6 yea1 harder4 ,o miserable wretch6 ,what place in hell will be hot enough for thee to have thy soul put into1 if thou shalt persist or go on still to add iniquity to iniquity4 #c4 ,besides1 his soul went down to hell1 and his body to the bars of the grave 7,psa #af3aj2 ,acts #b3ca74 ,and had hell1 death1 or the grave1 been strong enough to hold him1 then he had suffered the vengeance of eternal fire to all eternity4 ,but1 ,o blessed ,jesus6 how didst thou discover thy love to man in thy thus suffering6 ,and1 ,o ,god the ,father6 how didst thou also declare thy purity and exactness of thy justice1 in that1 though it was thine only1 holy1 innocent1 harmless1 and undefiled ,son ,jesus1 that did take on him our nature1 and represent our persons1 answering for our sins1 instead of ourselves6 ,thou didst so wonderfully pour out thy wrath upon him1 to the making of him cry out1 ',my ,god1 my ,god1 why hast thou forsaken me8' ,and1 ,o ,lord ,jesus6 what a glorious conquest hast thou made over the enemies of our souls1 even wrath1 sin1 death1 hell1 and devils1 in that thou didst wring thyself from under the power of them all6 ,and not only so1 but hast led them captive which would have led us captive2 and also hast received for us that glorious and unspeakable inheritance that 'eye hath not seen1 nor ear heard1 neither have entered into the heart of man' to conceive2 and also hast given thine some discovery thereof through thy ,spirit4 ,and now1 sinner1 together with this consider1 #d4 ,that though ,jesus ,christ hath done all these things for sinners1 yet the devils make it their whole work1 and continually study how they may keep thee and others from enjoying of these blessed privileges that have been thus obtained for sinners by this sweet ,jesus4 ,he labours1 ,i say1 7#a47 ,to keep thee ignorant of thy state by nature4 7#b47 ,to harden thy heart against the ways of ,god4 7#c47 ,to inflame they heart with love to sin and the ways of darkness4 ,and1 7#d47 ,to get thee to continue herein4 ,for that is the way1 he knows1 to get thee to be a partaker with him of flaming hell-fire1 even the same that he himself is fallen into1 together with the rest of the wicked world1 by reason of sin4 ,look to it therefore4 ,fourth ,encouragement4 ,but now1 in the next place1 a word of encouragement to you that are the saints of the ,lord4 #a4 ,consider what a happy state thou art in that hast gotten the faith of the ,lord ,jesus into thy soul2 but be sure thou have it1 ,i say1 how safe1 how sure1 how happy art thou6 ,for when others go to hell1 thou must go to heaven2 when others go to the devil1 thou must go to ,god2 when as others go to prison1 thou must be set at liberty1 at ease1 and at freedom2 when others must roar for sorrow of heart1 then thou shalt also sing for the joy of heart4 #b4 ,consider thou must have all thy well-spent life to follow thee instead of all thy sins and the glorious blessings of the gospel instead of the dreadful curses and condemnations of the law2 the blessing of the father1 instead of a fiery sentence from the judge4 #c4 ,let dissolution come when it will1 it can do thee no harm2 for it will be but only a passage out of a prison into a palace2 out of a sea of troubles into a haven of rest2 out of a crowd of enemies1 to an innumerable company of true1 loving1 and faithful friends2 out of shame1 reproach1 and contempt1 into exceeding great and eternal glory4 ,for death shall not hurt thee with his sting1 nor bite thee with his soul-murdering teeth2 but shall be a welcome guest to thee1 even to thy soul1 in that it is sent to free thee from thy troubles which thou art in whilst here in this world dwelling in the tabernacle of clay4 #d4 ,consider however it goes with friends and relations1 yet it will go well with thee 7,eccl #h3ab74 ,however it goes with the wicked1 yet 'surely ,i know'2 mark1 'yet surely ,i know1' saith he1 'that it shall be well with them that fear ,god1 which fear before him4' ,and therefore let this1 7#a47 ,in the first place1 cause thee cheerfully to exercise thy patience under all the calamities1 crosses1 troubles1 and afflictions that may come upon thee2 and1 by patient continuance in well-doing1 to commit both thyself and thine affairs and actions into the hands of ,god1 through ,jesus ,christ1 as to a faithful ,creator1 who is true in his word1 and loveth to give unto thee whatsoever he hath promised to thee4 7#b47 ,and1 therefore1 to encourage thee while thou art here with comfort to hold on for all thy crosses in this thy journey1 be much in considering the place that thou must go into so soon as dissolution comes4 ,it must be into heaven1 to ,god the judge of all1 to an innumerable company of angels1 to the spirits of just men made perfect1 to the general assembly and church of the first-born1 whose names are written in heaven1 and to ,jesus1 to the redeemer1 who is the mediator of the new covenant1 and to the blood of sprinkling1 that speaks better things for thee than ,abel's did for ,cain 7,heb #aa3bb-bd74 7#c47 ,consider that when the time of the dead that they shall be raised is come1 then shall thy body be raised out of the grave and be glorified1 and be made like to ,jesus ,christ 7,phil #c3ba74 ,o excellent condition6 7#d47 ,when ,jesus ,christ shall sit on the throne of his glory you also shall sit with him1 even when he shall sit on the throne of his glory4 ,o will not this be glorious1 that when thousands1 and thousands of thousands shall be arraigned before the judgment-seat of ,christ1 then for them to sit with him upon the throne1 together with him to pass the sentence upon the ungodly 7#a ,cor #f3b1c74 ,will it not be glorious to enjoy those things that eye hath not seen1 nor ear heard1 neither hath entered into the heart of man to conceive8 ,will it not be glorious to have this sentence1 ',come1 ye blessed of my ,father1 inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world8' ,will it not be glorious to enter then with the angels and saints into that glorious kingdom8 ,will it not be glorious for thee to be in glory with them1 while others are in unutterable torments8 ,o then1 how will it comfort thee to see thou hast not lost that glory2 to think that the devil hath not got thy soul1 that thy soul should be saved1 and that not from a little1 but from an exceeding danger2#cf not with a little1 but a great salvation4 ,o1 therefore1 let the saints be joyful in glory1 let them triumph over all their enemies4 ,let them begin to sing heaven upon earth1 triumph before they come to glory1 salvation1 even when they are in the midst of their enemies1 for 'this honour have all his saints' 7,psa #adi3i74 ,verse #bi4--';,abraham said unto him1 ,they have ,moses and the prophets1 let them hear them4' ,in the verses foregoing you see there is a discovery of the lamentable state of the poor soul that dies out of ,christ1 and the special favour of ,god4 ,and also how little the glorious ,god of heaven doth regard and take notice of their most miserable condition4 ,now in this verse he doth magnify the word which was spoken to the people by the prophets and apostles1 ',they have ,moses and the prophets1 let them hear them4' ,as if he should say1 thou askest me that ,i should send ,lazarus back again into the world to preach to them that live there1 that they might escape that doleful place that thou art in4 ,what needs that8 ,have they not ,moses and the prophets8 ,have they not had my ministers and servants sent unto them and coming as from me8 ,i sent ,enoch and ,noah1 ,moses and ,samuel4 ,i sent ,david1 ,isaiah1 ,jeremiah1 ,ezekiel1 ,daniel1 ,hosea1 and the rest of the prophets1 together with ,peter1 ,paul1 ,john1 ,matthew1 ,james1 ,jude1 with the rest2 ',let them hear them4' ,what they have spoken by divine inspiration ,i will own1 whether it be for the damnation of those that reject1 or the saving of them that receive their doctrine4 ,and1 therefore1 what need have they that one should be sent unto them in another way8 ',they have ,moses and the prophets1 let them hear them4' ,let them receive their word1 close in with the doctrine declared by them4 ,i shall not at this time speak anything to that word ',abraham1' having touched upon it already2 but shall tell you what is to be understood by these words1 ',they have ,moses and the prophets1 let them hear them4' ,the things that ,i shall observe from hence are these3-- ,first4 ,that the scriptures spoken by the holy men of ,god are a sufficient rule to instruct to salvation them that do assuredly believe and close in with what they hold forth4 ',they have ,moses and the prophets1 let them hear them4' ,that is1 if they would escape that doleful place1 and be saved indeed from the intolerable pains of hell-fire1 as they desire1 they have that which is sufficient to counsel them4 ',they have ,moses and the prophets'2 let them be instructed by them1 ',let them hear them4' ,for 'all scripture is given by inspiration of ,god1 and is profitable for doctrine1 for reproof1 for correction1 for instruction in righteousness'2 why8 ',that the man of ,god may be perfect1 thoroughly furnished unto all good works' 7#b ,tim #c3af1ag74 ,do but mark these words1 ',all scripture is profitable4' ,,all2 take it where you will1 and in what place you will1 ',all is profitable'3 ,for what8 ',that the man of ,god1' or he that is bound for heaven1 and would instruct others in their progress thither4 ,it is profitable to instruct him1 in case he be ignorant2 to reprove him1 in case he transgress2 to correct him1 if he hath need of it2 to confirm him1 if he be wavering4 ,it is profitable for doctrine1 and all this in a very righteous way--that the poor soul may not only be helped1 but thoroughly furnished1 not only to some1 but to all good works4 ,and when ,paul would counsel ,timothy to stick close to the things that are sound and sure1 presently he puts him upon the scripture1 saying1 ',from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures1 which are able to make thee wise unto salvation1 through faith which is in ,christ ,jesus4' ,the scripture holds forth ,god's mind and will1 of his love and mercy towards man1 and also the creature's carriage towards him from first to last2 so if thou wouldst know the love of ,god in ,christ to sinners1 then 'search the scriptures1 for they are they which testify of him4' ,wouldst thou know what thou art1 and what is in thine heart8 ,then search the ,scriptures and see what is written in them 7,rom #a3bi-ca1 #c3i-ah2 ,jer #ag3i2 ,gen #f3e1 #h3ba2 ,eph #d3ah1 with many others74 ,the ,scriptures1 ,i say1 they are able to give a man perfect instruction into any of the things of ,god necessary to faith and godliness1 if he hath but an honest heart seriously to weigh and ponder the several things contained in them4 ,as to instance in things more particular for the further clearing up of this4 ,and first1 if we come to the creation of the world4 ,wouldst thou know somewhat concerning that8 ,then read ,genesis #a and #b1 and compare them with ,psalm #cc3f2 also ,isaiah #ff3b2 ,proverbs #h towards the end4 ,wouldst thou know whether he made them of something or nothing8 ,read ,hebrews #aa3c4 ,wouldst thou know whether he put forth any labour in making them1 as we do in making things8 ,read ,psalm #cc3i4 ,if thou wouldst know whether man was made by ,god corrupt or upright1 read ,ecclesiastes #g3bi2 ,genesis #a3aj1 #ah1 #be1 #ca4 ,wouldst thou know where ,god did place man after he had made him8 ,read ,genesis #b3ae4 ,wouldst thou know whether that man did live there all his time or not8 ,then read ,genesis #c3bc1 #bd4 ,if thou wouldst know whether man be still in that state by nature that ,god did place him in8 ,then read ,ecclesiastes #g3bi1 and compare it with ,romans #e3af2 ,ephesians #b3a-c4 ',god made men upright1 but they have sought out many inventions4' ,if thou wouldst know whether the man were first beguiled1 or the woman that ,god made an help-mate for him8 ,read ,genesis #c3f1 and compare with #a ,timothy #b3ad4 ,wouldst thou know whether ,god looked upon ,adam's eating the fruit of the forbidden tree to be sin or no8 ,read ,romans #e3ab-ae1 and compare it with ,genesis #c3ag4 ,wouldst thou know whether it were the devil who beguiled them1 or whether it was a natural serpent1 such as do haunt the desolate places8 ,read ,genesis #c3ac1 with ,revelation #bj3a-c4 ,wouldst thou know whether that sin be imputed to us8 ,read ,romans #e3ab-ae1 and compare it with ,ephesians #b3b4 ,wouldst thou know whether man was cursed for his sin8 ,read ,galatians #c3aj2 ,romans #e3ae4 ,wouldst thou know whether the curse did fall on man1 or on the whole creation with him8 ,compare ,genesis #c3ag1 with ,romans #h3bj-bb4 ,wouldst thou know whether man be defiled in every part of him by the sin he hath committed8 ,then read ,isaiah #a3f4 ,wouldst thou know man's inclination so soon as he is born8 ,read ,psalm #eh3c4 ',the wicked are estranged from the womb2 they go astray as soon as they be born4' ,wouldst thou know whether man once fallen from ,god by transgression1 can recover himself by all he can do8 ,then read ,romans #c3bj1bc4 ,wouldst thou know whether it be the desire of the heart of man by nature1 to follow ,god in his own way or no8 ,compare ,genesis #f3e1 and ,genesis #h3ba1 with ,hosea #aa3g4 ,wouldst thou know how ,god's heart stood affected toward man before the world began8 ,compare ,ephesians #a3d1 with #b ,timothy #a3i4 ,wouldst thou know whether sin were sufficient to draw ,god's love from his creatures8 ,compare ,jeremiah #c3g1 and ,micah #g3ah1 with ,romans #e3f-h4 ,wouldst thou know whether ,god's love did still abide towards his creatures for anything they could do to make him amends8 ,then read ,deuteronomy #aa3e-h4 ,wouldst thou know how ,god could still love his creatures1 and do his justice no wrong8 ,read ,romans #c3bd-bf4 ',being justified freely by his grace1 through the redemption that is in ,christ ,jesus2 whom ,god hath set forth to be a propitiation' for sin1 'through faith in his blood1 to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past1 through the forbearance of ,god4 ,to declare1 ,i say1 at this time his righteousness1 that he might be just1 and the justifier of him which believeth in ,jesus4' ,that is1 ,god having his justice satisfied in the blood1 and righteousness1 and death of his own ,son ,jesus ,christ for the sins of poor sinners1 he can now save them that come to him1 though never so great sinners1 and do his justice no wrong1 because it hath had a full and complete satisfaction given it by that blood 7#a ,john #a3g1h74 ,wouldst thou know who he was1 and what he was1 that did out of his love die for sinners1 then compare ,john #c3af1 #ag12 ,romans #e3h1 with ,isaiah #i3f4 ,wouldst thou know whether this ,saviour had a body of flesh and bones before the world was1 or took it from the ,virgin ,mary8 ,then read ,galatians #d3d4 ,wouldst thou know whether he did in that body bear all our sins1 and where8 ,then read #a ,peter #b3bd4 ',who bare our sins in his own body on the tree4' ,wouldst thou know whether he did rise again after he was crucified1 with the very same body8 ,then read ,luke #bd3ch-da4 ,wouldst thou know whether he did eat or drink with his disciples after he rose out of the grave8 ,then read ,luke #bd3db1 and ,acts #aj3da4 ,if thou wouldst be persuaded of the truth of this1 that that very body is now above the clouds and stars1 read ,acts #a3i-aa1 and ,luke #bd toward the end4 ,if thou wouldst know that the ,quakers hold an error that say the body of ,christ is within them2#cg consider the same scripture4 ,wouldst thou know what that ,christ that died for sinners is doing in that place whither he is gone8 ,then read ,hebrews #g3bd4 ,wouldst thou know who shall have life by him1 read #a ,timothy #a3ad1 #ae1 and ,romans #e3f-h1 which say1 ',christ died' for sinners1 'for the ungodly4' ,wouldst thou know whether they that live and die in their sins shall go to heaven or not8 ,then read #a ,corinthians #f3aj2 ,revelation #ba3h1 #bg1 which saith1 ',they shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone4' ,wouldst thou know whether man's obedience will obtain that ,christ should die for them1 or save them8 ,then read ,mark #b3ag2 ,romans #e3f1 #g4 ,wouldst thou know whether righteousness1 justification1 and sanctification do come through the virtue of ,christ's blood8 ,compare ,romans #e3i with ,hebrews #ab3ab4 ,wouldst thou know whether natural man can abstain from the outward act of sin against the law1 merely by a principle of nature8 ,then compare well ,romans #b3ad1 with ,philippians #c3f4 ,wouldst thou know whether a man by nature may know something of the invisible things of ,god8 ,compare seriously ,romans #a3bj1 #ba with #b3ad1 #ae4 ,wouldst thou know how far a man may go on in a profession of the gospel1 and yet fall away8 ,then read ,hebrews #f3d-f4 ',they may taste the good ,word of ,god1 and the powers of the world to come4' ,they may taste 'the heavenly gift1 and be partakers of the ,holy ,ghost1' and yet so fall as never to be recovered1 or renewed again unto repentance4 ,see also ,luke #ac4 ,wouldst thou know how hard it is to go to heaven8 ,read ,matthew #g3ac1 #ad2 ,luke #ac3bd4 ,wouldst thou know whether a man by nature be a friend to ,god1 or an enemy8 ,then read ,romans #e3aj2 ,colossians #a3ba4 ,wouldst thou know what1 or who they are that shall go to heaven8 ,then read ,john #c3c-g1 and #b ,corinthians #e3ag4 ,also1 wouldst thou know what a sad thing it is for any to turn their backs upon the gospel of ,jesus ,christ8 then read ,hebrews #aj3bh1 #bi1 and ,mark #af3af4 ,wouldst thou know what is the wages of sin8 ,then read ,romans #f3bc4 ',the wages of sin is death4' ,wouldst thou know whither those do go that die unconverted to the faith of ,christ8 ,then read ,psalm #i3ag1 and ,isaiah #ad3i4 ,reader1 here might ,i spend many sheets of paper1 yea1 ,i might upon this subject write a very great book1 but ,i shall now forbear1 desiring thee to be very conversant in the ,scriptures1 'for they are they which testify of ,jesus ,christ' 7,john #e3ci74 ,the ,bereans were counted noble upon this account3 ',these were more noble than those in ,thessalonica1 in that they received the ,word with all readiness of mind1 and searched the scriptures daily1' c4 7,acts #ag3aa74 ,but here let me give thee one caution1 that is1 have a care that thou do not satisfy thyself with a bare search of them1 without a real application of him whom they testify of to thy soul1 lest instead of faring the better for thy doing this work1 thou dost fare a great deal the worse1 and thy condemnation be very much heightened1 in that though thou didst read so often the sad state of those that die in sin1 and the glorious estate of them that close in with ,christ1 yet thou thyself shouldest be such a fool as to lose ,jesus ,christ1 notwithstanding thy hearing1 and reading so plentifully of him4 ',they have ,moses and the prophets1 let them hear them4' ,as if he should say1 what need have they that one should be sent to them from the dead8 ,have they not ,moses and the prophets8 ,hath not ,moses told them the danger of living in sin8 7,deut #bg3ae-bf1 #bh3ae-fh1 #bi3ah-bb74 ,hath he not there told them1 what a sad state those persons are in that deceive themselves with the deceit of their hearts1 saying they shall have peace though they follow their sins1 in these words3 ',and when he heareth the words of this curse1 he blesseth himself in his heart1 saying1 ,i shall have peace though ,i' go on1 or 'walk in the imagination of mine heart1 to add drunkenness to thirst4 ,the ,lord will not spare him1 but then the anger of the ,lord and his jealousy shall smoke against that man1 and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him1 and the ,,lord shall blot out his name from under heaven4' ,again1 ,did not ,moses write of the ,saviour that was to come afterwards into the world8 7,deut #ah3ah74 ,nay1 have not all the prophets from ,samuel1 with all those that follow after1 prophesied1 and foretold these things8 ,therefore what need have they that ,i should work such a miracle1 as to send one from the dead unto them8 ',they have ,moses and the prophets1 let them hear them4' ,second4 ,from whence observe again1 that ,god doth honour the writings of ,moses and the prophets1 as much1 nay more1 than if one should rise from the dead3 ',should not a people seek unto their ,god8' ,what1 seek 'for the living among the dead8 ,to the law1 and to the testimony1' saith ,god1 'if they speak not according to this word1 it is because there is no light in them' 7,isa #h3ai1bj74 ,and let me tell you plainly1 ,i do believe that the devil knows this full well1 which makes him labour to beget in the hearts of his disciples and followers light thoughts of them2 and doth persuade them1 that even a motion from their own beguiled conscience1 or from his own wicked spirit1 is to be observed and obeyed before them4 ,when the very apostle of ,jesus ,christ1 though he heard a voice from the excellent glory1 saying1 ',this is my beloved ,son1' c41 yet writing to the churches1 he commends1 the writing of the prophets before it1 saying1 ',we have also a more sure word of the prophets1 to which ye do well to take heed1' c4 7#b ,peter #a3ag-ai74ch ,now if thou doubtest whether that place be meant the scriptures1 the words of the prophets or no1 read but the next verse1 where he addeth for a certain confirmation thereof1 these words1 ',knowing this first1 that no prophecy of the ,scripture is of any private interpretation4 ,for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man1 but holy men of ,god spake as they were moved by the ,holy ,ghost4' ,and therefore what a sad thing is it for those that go about to disown the ,scriptures6 ,i tell you1 however they may slight them now1 yet when they come into hell1 they will see their folly3 ',they have ,moses and the prophets1 let them hear them4' ,further1 who are they that are so tossed to and fro1 with the several winds of doctrine that have been broached in these days1 but such for the most part1 as have had a light esteem of the scriptures2 for the ground of error1 as ,christ saith1 is because they know not them 7,mark #ab3bd74 ,and indeed1 it is just with ,god to give them over to follow their own dark blinded consciences1 to be led into errors1 that they might be damned into hell1 who did not believe that the things contained in the ,scripture were the truth1 that they might be saved and go to heaven4 ,i cannot well tell how to have done speaking for1 and on the ,scriptures' side2 only this ,i consider1 a word is enough to the wise2 and therefore ,i shall commit these things into the hands of them that are of ,god2 and as for the rest1 ,i shall say to them1 rather than ,god will save them from hell with the breach of his holy ,word1 if they had a thousand souls apiece1 ,god would destroy them all2 for 'the ,scripture cannot be broken' 7,john #aj3ce74 ,verse #cj4--';,and he said1 ,nay1 ,father ,abraham2 but if one went unto them from the dead1 they will repent4' ,the verse before1 you know1 as ,i told you1 it was part of an answer to such as lose their souls2 so it is a vindication of the ,scriptures of ,moses and the prophets1 ',they have ,moses and the prophets1 let them hear them4' ,now this verse is an answer to what was said in the former2 and such an one as hath in it a rejection of the former answer4 ',nay1 father ,abraham4' ,nay1 saith he1 do not say so1 do not put them off with this2 send one from the dead1 and then there will be some hopes4 ,it is true thou speakest of the ,scripture1 of ,moses and the prophets1 and sayest1 'let them hear them'2 but these things are not so well as ,i could wish1 ,i had rather thou wouldst send one from the dead4 ,in these words therefore1 ,nay1 father ,abraham1 there is a repulse given2 nay1 let it not be so2 nay1 ,i do not like of that answer4 ,hear ,moses and the prophets1 nay4 ,the same expression is used by ,christ1 ,luke #ac3b1 #c4 ,think you that they upon whom the tower of ,siloam fell1 were sinners above others8 ',i tell you nay2 but except ye repent1 ye shall all likewise perish4' ,so here1 ,nay1 father ,abraham1 c4 ,by this word ,nay1 therefore1 is signified a rejecting the first answer4 ,now observe1 ,i pray you1 the reason why he says ,nay1 is1 because ,god doth put over all those that will be saved1 to observe and receive the truth contained in ,scripture1 and believe that4 ,to have a high esteem of them1 and to love and search them1 as ,christ saith1 ',search the ,scriptures1' for 'they are they which testify of me' 7,john #e3ci74 ,but the damned say1 ,nay2 as if he had said1 ,this is the thing4 ,to be short1 my brethren are unbelievers1 and do not regard the ,word of ,god4 ,i know it by myself1 for when ,i was in the world1 it was so with me2 many a good sermon did ,i hear1 many a time was ,i admonished1 desired1 entreated1 beseeched1 threatened1 forewarned of what ,i now suffer2 but alas6 ,i was ignorant1 self-conceited1 surly1 obstinate1 and rebellious4 ,many a time the preacher told hell would be my portion1 the devil would wreck his malice on me2 ,god would pour on me his sore displeasure2 but he had as good have preached to the stock1 to the post1 to the stones ,i trod on2 his words rang in mine ears1 but ,i kept them from mine heart4 ,i remember he alleged many a ,scripture1 but those ,i valued not2 the ,scriptures1 thought ,i1 what are they8 ,a dead letter1 a little ink and paper1 of three or four shillings' price4#ci ,alas6 ,what is the ,scripture8 ,give me a ballad1 a news-book1 ,george on horseback1 or ,bevis of ,southampton2 give me some book that teaches curious arts1 that tells of old fables2#dj but for the holy ,scriptures ,i cared not4 ,and as it was with me then1 so it is with my brethren now1 we were all of one spirit1 loved all the same sins1 slighted all the same counsels1 promises1 encouragements and threatenings of the ,scriptures2 and they are still1 as ,i left them1 still in unbelief1 still provoking ,god1 and rejecting good counsel1 so hardened in their ways1 so bent to follow sin1 that let the ,scriptures be showed to them daily1 let the messengers of ,christ preach till their hearts ache1 till they fall down dead with preaching1 they will rather trample it under foot1 and swine-like rend them1 than close in with those gentle and blessed proffers of the gospel4 ',nay1 father ,abraham1 but if one should rise from the dead1 they would repent4' ,though they have ,moses and the prophets1 the ,scriptures1 they will not repent and close in with ,jesus ,christ1 though the ,scriptures do witness against them4 ,if therefore there be any good done to them1 they must have it another way4 ,i think1 saith he1 it would work much on them 'if one should rise from the dead4' ,and this truth indeed is so evident1 that ungodly ones have a light esteem of the ,scriptures1 that it needs not many strong arguments to prove it1 being so evidently manifested by their every day's practice1 both in words and actions1 almost in all things they say and do4 ,yet for the satisfaction of the reader1 ,i shall show you by a scripture or two1 though ,i might show many1 that this was and is true1 with the generality of the world4 ,see the words of ,nehemiah in his #ith chapter concerning the children of ,israel1 who though the ,lord offered them mercy upon mercy1 as it is from verse #ai-be1 yet verse #bf1 saith he1 ',nevertheless they were disobedient' for all thy goodness towards them1 'and rebelled against thee4' ,but how8 ',and cast thy law behind their backs2 slew thy prophets which testified against them1 to turn them to thee1 and they wrought great provocations4' ,observe1 #a4 ,they sinned against mercy4 ,and then1 #b4 ,they slighted the law1 or ,word of ,god4 #c4 ,they slew the prophets that declared it unto them4 #d4 ,the ,lord counts it a great provocation4 ,see ,hebrews #c3aj-ai2 ,zechariah #g3aa1 #ab4 ',but they refused to hearken1' saith he1 there of the wicked1 'and pulled away the shoulder1 and stopped their ears1 that they should not hear' the law4 ',yea1 they made their hearts' hard as 'an adamant stone1 lest they should hear the law1 and the words which the ,lord of hosts hath sent' unto them 'in his ,spirit by the former prophets1' c4 ,mark1 ,i pray you1 here is also1 7#a47 ,a refusing to hearken to the words of the prophets4 7#b47 ,that they might so do1 they stopped their ears4 7#c47 ,if anything was to be done1 they pulled away their shoulder4 7#d47 ,to effect his1 they labour to make their hearts hard as an adamant stone4 7#e47 ,and all this1 lest they should hear and close in with ,jesus1 and live1 and be delivered from the wrath to come4 ,all which things do hold out an unwillingness to submit to1 and embrace the words of ,god1 and so ,jesus ,christ which is testified of by them4 ,many other scriptures ,i might bring in for confirmation of the thing1 as that in ,amos #g3ab1 #ac2 also #a ,samuel #b3bd1 #be2 #b ,chronicles #be3ae1 #af2 ,jeremiah #g3bc-bh1 #af3ab4 ,read also seriously that saying in #b ,chronicles #cf3ae1 where he saith1 ',and the ,lord ,god of their fathers sent to them by his messengers1 rising up betimes1 because he had compassion on his people1 and on his dwelling-place4' ,and did they make them welcome8 ,no1 but they mocked the messengers of ,god1 and despised his words4 ,and was that all8 ,no1 they 'misused his prophets4' ,how long8 ',until the wrath of the ,lord arose against them4 ,till there was no remedy4' ,see also ,jeremiah #bi3ai1 #be3c-g2 ,luke #aa3di4 ,and besides1 the conversion of almost all men doth bear witness to the same1 both religious and profane persons1 in that they daily neglect1 reject1 and turn their backs upon the plain testimony of the ,scriptures4 ,as1 ,first4 ,take the ,,threatenings laid down in holy writ1 and how are they disregarded8 ,there are but a few places in the ,bible but there are threatenings against one sinner or other2 against drunkards1 swearers1 liars1 proud persons1 strumpets1 whoremongers1 covetous1 railers1 extortioners1 thieves1 lazy persons4 ,in a word1 all manner of sins are reproved1 and without faith in the ,lord ,jesus1 there is a sore punishment to be executed on the committers of them2 and all this made mention of in the ,scriptures4 ,but for all this1 how thick1 and by heaps1 do these wretches walk up and down our streets8#da ,do but go into the alehouses1 and you shall see almost every room besprinkled with them1 so foaming out their own shame1 that it is enough to make the heart of a saint to tremble1 insomuch that they would not be bound to have society with them any long while for all the world4 ,for as the ways of the godly are not liked of by the wicked1 even so the ways of the wicked 'are an abomination to the just' 7,prov #bi3bg2 ,psa #abj3e1f74 #a4 ,the ,scripture says1 ',cursed is the man that trusteth in man1 and maketh flesh his arm1 and whose heart departeth from the ,,lord' 7,jer #ag3e74 ,and yet how many poor souls are there in the world1 that stand in so much awe and dread of men1 and do so highly esteem their favour1 that they will rather venture their souls in the hands of the devil with their favour1 than they will fly to ,jesus ,christ for the salvation of their souls8 ,nay1 though they be convinced in their souls1 that the way is the way of ,god2 yet how do they labour to stifle conviction1 and turn their ears away from the truth1 and all because they will not lose the favour of an opposite neighbour8 ,o6 ,i dare not for my master1 my brother1 my landlord1 ,i shall lose his favour1 his house of work1 and so decay my calling4 ,o1 saith another1 ,i would willingly go in this way1 but for my father1 he chides and tells me he will not stand my friend when ,i come to want2 ,i shall never enjoy a pennyworth of his goods2 he will disinherit me4 ,and ,i dare not1 saith another1 for my husband1 for he will be a railing1 and tells me he will turn me out of doors1 he will beat me1 and cut off my legs4 ,but ,i tell you1 if any of these1 or any other things be so prevalent with thee now1 as to keep thee from seeking after ,christ in his ways1 they will also be so prevalent with ,god against thee1 as to make him cast off thy soul1 because thou didst rather trust man than ,god2 and delight in the embracing of man rather than in the favour of the ,lord4#db #b4 ,again1 the ,scripture saith1 ',he that being often reproved1 hardeneth his neck1 shall suddenly be destroyed1 and that without remedy' 7,prov #bi3a74 ,yet many are so far from turning1 though they have been convinced of their wretched state a hundred times1 that when convictions or trouble for sin comes on their consciences1 they go on still in the same manner resisting and choking the same1 though remediless destruction be hard at their heels4 #c4 ,again thou hast heard say1 ',except a man be born again1' 'he cannot enter into the kingdom of ,god' 7,john #c3c-g74 ,and yet thou goest on in a natural state1 an unregenerate condition2 nay1 thou dost resolve never to turn nor be changed1 though hell be appointed on purpose to swallow up such 7,isa #ad3i74 ',the wicked shall be turned into hell1 and all the nations that forget ,god' 7,psa #i3ag74 #d4 ,again1 the ,scripture saith plainly that he that loveth and maketh a lie shall have his part 'in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone' 7,rev #ba3h1bg74 ,and yet thou art so far from dreading it1 that it is thy delight to jest and jeer1 and lie for a penny1 or twopence1 or sixpence1 again4 ,and also if thou canst make the rest of thy companions merry1 by telling things that are false1 of them that are better than thyself1 thou dost not care a straw4 ,or if thou hearest a lie from1 or of another1 thou wilt tell it1 and swear to the truth of it1 ,o miserable6 #e4 ,thou hast heard and read1 that ',he that believeth not shall be damned' 7,mark #af3af74 ,and that 'all men have not faith' 7#b ,thess #c3b74 ,and yet thou dost so much disregard these things1 that it is like thou didst scarce ever so much as examine seriously whether thou wast in the faith or no2 but dost content thyself with the hypocrite's hope1 which at the last ,god will cut off1 and count it not better than the spider's web 7,job #h3ac1ad71 or the house that is builded on the sands 7,luke #f3di74 ,nay1 thou peradventure dost flatter thyself1 and thinkest that thy faith is as good as the best of them all2 when1 alas1 poor soul1 thou mayest have no saving faith at all2 which thou hast not1 if thou be not born again1 and made a new creature 7#b ,cor #b3ag74 #f4 ,thou hast heard1 that he that neglects ,god's great salvation shall never escape his great damnation 7,heb #b3c1 compared with ,luke #ad3bd1 and ,rev #ad3ai1bj74 ,and yet when thou art invited1 intreated1 and beseeched to come in1 thou wilt make any excuse to serve the turn 7,luke #ad3ag1ah2 ,rom #ab3a2 #b ,cor #e3ai1bj74 ,nay1 thou wilt be so wicked as to put off ,christ time after time1 notwithstanding he is so freely proffered to thee2 a little ground1 a few oxen1 a farm1 a wife1 a twopenny matter1 a play2 nay1 the fear of a mock1 a scoff or a jeer1 is of greater weight to draw thee back1 than the salvation of thy soul to draw thee forward4 #g4 ,and thou hast heard1 that whosoever will be a friend of the world is the enemy of ,god 7,james #d3d74 ,but thou regardest not these things1 but contrariwise2 rather than thou wilt be out of the friendship and favour of this world1 thou wilt sin against thine own conscience1 and get thyself into favour by fawning and flattering of the world4 ,yea1 rather than thou wilt go without it1 thou wilt dissemble1 lie1 backbite thy neighbour1 and an hundred other tricks thou wilt have4 #h4 ,you have heard that the day of judgment is near1 in which you and ,i1 all of us1 must appear before the tribunal of ,jesus ,christ1 and there be made to give an account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead2 even of all that ever we did1 yea1 of all our sins in thought1 word1 and deed1 and shall certainly be damned for them too1 if we close not in with our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and what he hath done and suffered for eternal life2 and that not notionally or traditionally1 but really and savingly1 in the power1 and by the operation of the ,spirit1 through faith 7,eccl #aa3i1 #ab3ad2 ,acts #aj3db1 #ag3cj1ca2 #b ,cor #e3aj2 ,heb #i3bg2 ,rev #bj3ab74 ',and ,i saw the dead1 small and great1 stand before ,god2 and the books were opened3 and another book was opened1 which is the book of life1 and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books4' ,there is the book of the creatures1 the book of conscience1 the book of the ,lord's remembrance1 the book of the law1 the book of the gospel 7,rom #a3bj1 compare with ,rom #b3ab1ae2 ,rev #f3ag2 ,john #ab3dh74dc ,then 'he shall separate them one from another1 as a shepherd divideth his sheep on the right hand1 but the goats on his left' 7,matt #be3cj-cb74 ',and shall say to them on his right hand1 ,come1 ye blessed' 7v #cd74 ,but to the other1 go1 or ',depart1 ye cursed' 7v #da74 ,yet1 notwithstanding the ,scriptures do so plainly and plentifully speak of these things1 alas6 who is there that is weaned from the world1 and from their sins and pleasures1 to fly from the wrath to come8 7,matt #c3g74 ,notwithstanding the ,scripture saith also that heaven and earth shall pass away1 rather than one jot1 or one tittle of the word shall fail1 'till all be fulfilled1' they are so certain 7,luke #ba3cc2 ,matt #e3ah74 ,second ,,promises4 ,but leaving the threatenings1 let us come to ,,the ,,promises1 and speak somewhat of them1 and you may see how light men make of them1 and how little they set by them1 notwithstanding the mouth of the ,lord hath spoken them4 ,as #a4 ',turn1' ye fools1 ye scorners1 ye simple ones1 'at my reproof'2 and 'behold ,i will pour out my ,spirit unto you' 7,prov #a3bc74 ,and yet persons had rather be in their foolishness and scorning still1 and had rather embrace some filthy lust1 than the holy1 undefiled1 and blessed ,spirit of ,christ1 through the promise1 though by it1 as many as receive it1 'are sealed unto the day of redemption' 7,eph #d3cj71 and although he that lives and dies without it1 is none of ,christ's 7,rom #h3i74 #b4 ,god hath said1 if thou do but come to him in ,christ1 ',though your sins be as' red as 'scarlet1 they shall be as white as snow'2 and he will by no means cast thee away4 ,compare ,isaiah #a3ah with ,john #f3cg4 ,yet poor souls will not come to ,christ that they might have life 7,john #e3dj71 but rather after their hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto themselves wrath against the day of wrath1 and revelation of the righteous judgment of ,god 7,rom #b3e74 #c4 ,christ ,jesus hath said in the ,word of truth that if any man will serve and follow him1 where he is1 'there shall also his servant be' 7,john #ab3bf74 ,but yet poor souls choose rather to follow sin1 ,satan1 and the world1 though their companions be the devils and damned souls for ever 7,matt #be3da74 #d4 ,he hath also said1 ',seek ye first the kingdom of ,god1 and all' other 'things shall be added4' ,but let whoso will seek after the kingdom of heaven first for them2 for they will take the first time1 while time serves to get the things of this life4 ,and if it be so1 that they must needs seek after heaven1 or else be damned1 they will stay till they have more leisure1 or till they can better attend to it2 or till they have other things handsome about them1 or till they are older2 when they have little else to do1 or when they come to be sick1 and to die4 ,then1 ,lord1 have mercy upon them6 though it be ten thousand to one but they perish for ever4 ,for commonly the ,lord hath this way to deal with such sinners1 who put him off when he is striving with them1 either to laugh at their calamity1 and mock when their fear cometh 7,prov #a3bf1bh74 ,or else send them to the gods they have served1 which are the devils 7,judg #aj3ac1ad74 ,go to the gods you have served1 and 'let them deliver you1' saith he2 compare this with ,john #h3dd4 #e4 ,he hath said1 ',there is no man that forsaketh father1 or mother1 wife1 or children1 or lands1 for his sake and the gospel's1 but shall have a hundred fold in this world1 with persecution1 and in the world to come life everlasting' 7,mark #aj3bi1cj74 ,but men1 for the most part1 are so far off from believing the certainty of this1 that they will scarce lose the earning of a penny to hear the ,word of ,god1 the gospel of salvation4 ,nay1 they will neither go themselves1 nor suffer others to go1 if they can help it1 without threatening to do them a mischief1 if it lie in their way4 ,nay1 further1 many are so far from parting from any worldly gain for ,christ's sake1 and the gospel's1 that they are still striving1 by hook and by crook1 as we say1 by swearing1 lying1 cozening1 stealing1 covetousness1 extortion1 oppression1 forgery1 bribery1 flattery1 or any other way to get more1 thou they get together with these1 death1 wrath1 damnation1 hell1 the devil1 and all the plagues that ,god can pour upon them4 ,and if any do not run with them to the same excess of riot1 but rather for all their threats will be so bold and careless1 as they call it1 as to follow the ways of ,god2 if they can do no more1 yet they will whet their tongues like a sword to wound them1 and do them the greatest mischief they can1 both in speaking against them to neighbours1 to wives1 to husbands1 to landlords1 and raising false reports of them4 ,but let such take heed lest they be in such a state1 and woeful condition as he was in1 who said1 in vexation and anguish of soul1 ,one drop of cold water to cool my tongue4 ,thus might ,i add many things out of the holy ,writ1 both threatenings and promises1 besides those heavenly counsels1 loving reproofs1 free invitations to all sorts of sinners1 both old and young1 rich and poor1 bond and free1 wise and unwise4 ,all which have been1 now are1 and is to be feared1 as long as this world lasts1 will be trampled under the feet of those swine1 ,i call them not men1 who will continue in the same4 ,but take a review of some of them3-- #a4 ,counsel4 ,what heavenly counsel is that where ,christ saith1 'buy of me gold tried by the fire1 that thou mayest be rich1 and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed1 and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear' 7,rev #c3ah74 ,also that1 ',ho1 every one that thirsteth1 come ye to the waters2 yea1 come1 buy wine and milk without money and without price' 7,isa #ee3a74 ',hear1 and your soul shall live' 7v #c74 ',take hold of my strength1 that you may make peace with me1 and you shall make peace with me' 7,isa #bg3e74 #b4 ,instruction4 ,what instruction is here8 ',hear instruction and be wise1 and refuse it not4 ,blessed is the man that heareth me1' saith ,christ1 'watching daily at my gates1 waiting at the posts of my doors4 ,for whoso findeth me1 findeth life1 and shall obtain favour of the ,lord' 7,prov #h3cc-ce74 ,take heed that no man deceive you by any means4 ',labour not for the meat which perisheth1 but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life' 7,john #f3bg74 ',strive to enter in at the strait gate' 7,luke #ac3bd74 ',believe on the ,lord ,jesus1 and thou shalt be saved' 7,acts #af3ca74 ',believe not every spirit1 but try the spirits4' ',quench not the ,spirit4' ',lay hold on eternal life4' ',let your light so shine before men1 that they may see your good works1 and glorify your ,father which is in heaven' 7,matt #e3af74 ,take heed1 and beware of hypocrisy2 'watch and be sober1' 'learn of me1' saith ,christ1 'come unto me4' #c4 ,forewarning4 ,what forewarning is here8 ',because there is wrath1 beware lest he take thee away with his stroke1 then a great ransom cannot deliver thee' 7,job #cf3ah74 ',be ye not mockers1 lest your hands be made strong1 for ,i have heard from the ,lord ,god of hosts1 a consumption even determined upon the whole earth' 7,isa #bh3bb74 ',beware1 therefore1 lest that come upon you that is written1 ,behold1 ye despisers1 and wonder and perish4 ,for ,i work a work in your days1 which ye shall in no wise believe1 though a man declare it unto you' 7,acts #ac3dj1da74 ',let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall' 7#a ,cor #aj3ab74 ',watch and pray1 that you enter not into temptation' 7,matt #bf3da74 ',let us therefore fear lest a promise being' made1 and 'left us of entering into his rest1 any of you should seem to come short of it' 7,heb #d3a74 ',i will therefore put you in remembrance1 though you once knew this1 how that the ,lord having saved the people out of ,egypt1 afterward destroyed them that believed not' 7,jude #e74 ',hold that fast which thou hast1 that no man take thy crown' 7,rev #c3aa74 #d4 ,comfort4 ,what comfort is here8 ',him that cometh to me1 ,i will in no wise cast out' 7,john #f3cg74 ',come unto me1 all ye that labour1 and are heavy laden1 and ,i will give you rest' 7,matt #aa3bh74 ',be of good cheer1 thy sins be forgiven thee' 7,matt #i3b74 ',i will never leave1 nor forsake thee1' for ',i have loved thee with an everlasting love' 7,jer #ca3c74 ',i lay down my life for the sheep4' ,i lay down my life that they may have life4 ',i am come that they might have life1 and that they might have it more abundantly4' ',i have heard thee in a time accepted1 and in the day of salvation have ,i succoured thee' 7#b ,cor #f3b74 ',though your sins be as scarlet1 they shall be as white as snow1 though they be red like crimson1 they shall be as wool4' ',for ,i have blotted out as a thick cloud thy transgression1 and as a cloud thy sins2 return unto me1 for ,i have redeemed thee' 7,isa #dd3bb74 #e4 ,grief to those that fall short4 ,o sad grief6 ',how have ,i hated instruction1 and my heart despised reproof1 and have not obeyed the voice of my teachers1 nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me' 7,prov #e3aa-ac74 ,they shall 'curse their king and their ,god1 and look upward4 ,and they shall look unto the earth1 and behold trouble and darkness1 dimness of anguish1 and they shall be driven to darkness' 7,isa #h3ba1bb74 ',he hath dispersed' abroad1 'he hath given to the poor1 his righteousness endureth for ever4--,the wicked shall see it1 and be grieved1 he shall gnash his teeth1 and melt away2 the desire of the wicked shall perish' 7,psa #aab3i1aj74 ',there shall be weeping1--when ye shall see ,abraham1 and ,isaac1 and ,jacob1 and all the prophets in the kingdom of ,god1 and you yourselves thrust out' 7,luke #ac3bh74 ,all which things are slighted by the world4 ,thus much1 in short1 touching this1 ,that ungodly men undervalue the ,scriptures1 and give no credit to them1 when the truth that is contained in them is held forth in simplicity unto them1 but rather cry out1 ,nay1 but if one should rise from the dead then they think something might be done2 when alas1 though signs and wonders were wrought by the hands of those that preach the gospel1 these poor creatures would never the sooner convert1 though they suppose they should1 as is evident by the carriages of their forerunners1 who albeit the ,lord ,jesus ,christ himself did confirm his doctrine by miracles1 as opening blind eyes1 casting out of devils1 and raising the dead1 they were so far from receiving either him or his doctrine1 that they put him to death for his pains6 ,though he had done so many miracles among them1 yet they believed not in him 7,john #ab3cg74 ,but to pass this1 ,i shall lay down some of the grounds of their rejecting and undervaluing the ,scriptures1 and so pass on4 #a4 ,ground4 ,because they do not believe that they are the ,word of ,god1 but rather suppose them to be the inventions of men1 written by some politicians1 on purpose to make poor ignorant people to submit to some religion and government4#dd ,though they do not say this1 yet their practices testify the same2 as he that when he hears the words of the curse1 yet blesseth himself in his heart1 and saith he shall have peace1 though ,god saith he shall have none 7,deut #bi3ah-bj74 ,and this must needs be1 for did but men believe this1 that it is the ,word of ,god1 then they must believe that he that speak it is true1 therefore shall every word and tittle be fulfilled4 ,and if they come once to this1 unless they be stark mad1 they will have a care how they do throw themselves under the lash of eternal vengeance4 ,for the reason why the ,thessalonians received the ,word1 was1 because they believed it was the ,word of ,god1 and not the word of man1 which did effectually work in them by their thus believing4 ',when ye received the ,word of ,god which ye heard of us1' saith he1 'ye received it not as the word of man1 but1 as it is in truth1 the ,word of ,god1 which effectually worketh also in you that believe' 7#a ,thess #b3ac74 ,so that did a man but receive it in hearing1 or reading1 or meditating1 as it is the ,word of ,god1 they would be converted4 ',but the ,word preached did not profit1--not being mixed with faith in them that heard it' 7,heb #d3b74 #b4 ,ground4 ,because they do not indeed see themselves by nature heirs of that exceeding wrath and vengeance that the ,scriptures testify of4 ,for did they but consider what ,god intends to do with those that live and die in a natural state1 it would either sink them into despair1 or make them fly for refuge to the hope that is set before them4 ,but if there be never such sins committed1 and never so great wrath denounced1 and the time of execution be never so near1 yet if the party that is guilty be senseless1 and altogether ignorant thereof1 he will be careless1 and regards it nothing at all4 ,and that man1 by nature1 is in this condition1 it is evident4 ,for1 take the same man that is senseless1 and ignorant of that misery he is in by nature1 ,i say1 take him at another time when he is a little awakened1 and then you shall hear him roar1 and cry out so long as trouble is upon him1 and a sense of the wrath of ,god hanging over his head1 ,good sirs1 what must ,i do to be saved8 ,though the same man at another time1 when his conscience is fallen asleep1 and grown hard1 will lie like the smith's dog at the foot of the anvil1 though the fire-sparks fly in his face4 ,but1 as ,i said before1 when any one is a little awakened1 ,o what work will one verse1 one line1 nay1 one word of the holy ,scriptures make in his heart4#de ,he cannot eat1 sleep1 work1 keep company with his former companions1 and all because he is afraid that the damnation spoken of in ,scripture will fall to his share1 like ,balaam1 who said1 ',i cannot go beyond the word of the ,lord' 7,num #bb3ah74 ,so long as he had something of the word of the ,lord with authority1 severity1 and power on his heart2 but at another time he could teach ',balak to cast a stumbling-block before the children of ,israel' 7,rev #b3ad74 #c4 ,ground4 ,because the carnal priests do tickle the ears of their hearers with vain philosophy and deceit1 and thereby harden their hearts against the simplicity of the gospel and ,word of ,god1 which things the apostle admonished those that have a mind to close in with ,christ to avoid1 saying1 ',beware lest any man1' be he what he will1 'spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit1 after the traditions of men1 and rudiments of the world1 and not after ,christ' 7,col #b3h74 ,and you who muzzle up your people in ignorance with ,aristotle1 ,plato1 and the rest of the heathenish philosophers1 and preach little1 if anything1 of ,christ rightly2 ,i say unto you1 that you will find you have sinned against ,god1 and beguiled your hearers1 when ,god shall1 in the judgment-day1 lay the cause of the damnation of many thousands of souls to your charge1 and say1 ,he will require their blood at your hands 7,eze #cc3f74 #d4 ,ground4 ,another reason why the carnal unbelieving world do so slight the ,scriptures and ,word of ,god1 is1 because the judgment spoken of in the ,scripture is not presently executed on the transgressors4 ',because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily1 therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil' 7,eccl #h3aa74 ,because ,god doth not presently strike the poor wretch as soon as he sins1 but waits1 and forbears1 and is patient1 therefore the world judging ,god to be unfaithful1 go to it again and again1 and every time grow harder and harder1 till at last ,god is forced either to stretch out his mighty power to turn them1 or else send death1 with the devil and hell1 to fetch them4 ',thou thoughtest1' saith ,god1 'that ,i was altogether such an one as thyself1 but ,i will reprove thee1 and set them in order before thine eyes4 ,now consider this1 ye that forget ,god1 lest ,i tear you in pieces1 and there be none to deliver' 7,psa #ej3ba1bb74 #e4 ,ground4 ,another reason why the blind world do slight the authority of ,scripture1 is1 because they give ear to the devil1 who1 through his subtilty1 casteth false evasions and corrupt interpretations on them1 rendering them not so point blank the mind of ,god1 and a rule for direction to poor souls1 persuading them that they must give ear and way to something else besides1 and beyond that2 or else he labours to render it vile and contemptible1 by persuading them that it is a dead letter1 when indeed they know not what they say1 nor whereof they affirm4 ,for the ,scripture is not so dead but that the knowledge of it is able to make any man wise unto salvation1 through faith and love1 which is in ,christ ,jesus 7#b ,tim #c3ae72 and is profitable for instruction1 reproof1 and correction in righteousness1 that the man of ,god may be thoroughly furnished to all good works 7v #ag74 ,and where it is said the letter killeth1 he meaneth the law1 as it is the ministration of damnation1 or a covenant of works1 and so indeed it doth kill1 and must do so1 because it is just1 forasmuch as the party that is under the same is not able to yield to it a complete and continual obedience4 ,but yet ,i will call ,peter and ,paul to witness that the ,scriptures are of a very glorious concernment1 inasmuch as in them is held forth to us the way of life2 and also in that they do administer good ground of hope to us4 ',for whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning1 that we through patience and comfort of the ,scriptures might have hope' 7,rom #ae3d74 ,and again1 ',now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel1 and the preaching of ,jesus ,christ1 according to the revelation of the mystery1 which was kept secret since the world began1 but now is made manifest1 and by the ,scriptures of the prophets1 according to the commandment of the everlasting ,god1 made known to all nations for the obedience of faith' 7,rom #af3be1bf74 ,and therefore whosoever they be that slight the ,scriptures1 they slight that which is no less than the ,word of ,god2 and they who slight that1 slight him that spake it2 and they that do so1 let them look to themselves1 for ,god will be revenged on such4 ,much more might be said to this thing1 but ,i would not be tedious4 ,a word or two more1 so ,i have done with this4 ,consider the danger of slighting the words of the prophets or apostles1 whether they be correction1 reproof1 admonition1 forewarning1 or the blessed invitations and promises contained in them4 #a4 ,consider ,such souls do provoke ,god to anger1 and to execute his vengeance on them4 ',they refused to hearken1 and pulled away the shoulder1 and stopped their ears1 that they should not hear' the law1 and 'they made their hearts as an adamant stone1 lest they should hear the law1 and the words which the ,lord of ,hosts hath sent in his ,spirit by the former prophets2 therefore came a great wrath from the ,lord of ,hosts' 7,zech #g3aa1ab74 #b4 ,consider ,god will not regard in their calamity4 ',because ,i have called1 and ye refused2 ,i have stretched out my hand1 and no man regarded2 but ye have set at nought all my counsel1 and would none of my reproof4 ,i also will laugh at your calamity1 ,i will mock when your fear cometh4 ,when your fear cometh as desolation1 and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind4 ,then shall they call upon me1 but ,i will not answer2 they shall seek me early1 but they shall not find me' 7,prov #a3bd-bh74 #c4 ,consider ,god doth commonly give up such men to delusions1 to believe lies4 ',because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved1' therefore ',god shall send them strong delusion1 that they should believe a lie1 that they all might be damned' 7#b ,thess #b3aj-ab74 #d4 ,consider ,in a word1 they that do continue to reject and slight the ,word of ,god1 they are such1 for the most part1 as are ordained to be damned4 ,old ,eli1 his sons not hearkening to the voice of their father reproving them for their sins1 but disobeying his voice1 it is said1 ,it was 'because the ,lord would slay them' 7#a ,sam #b3be74 ,again see in #b ,chronicles #be3ae1 #af4 ,amaziah having sinned against the ,lord1 he sends to him a prophet to reprove him2 but ,amaziah says1 ',forbear1 why shouldest thou be smitten8' ,he did not hearken to the word of ,god1 ',then the prophet forbare1 saying1 ,i know that ,god hath determined to destroy thee1 because thou hast--not hearkened unto my counsel4' ,read1 therefore1 and the ,lord give thee understanding4 ,for a miserable end will those have that go on sinning against ,god1 rejecting his ,word4 ,other things might have been observed from this verse1 which at this time ,i shall pass by2 partly because the sum of them hath been touched already1 and may be more clearly hinted at in the following verse2 and therefore ,i shall speak a few words to the next verse1 and so draw towards a conclusion4 ,verse #ca4--';,and he said unto him1 ,if they hear not ,moses and the prophets1 neither will they be persuaded1 though one rose from the dead4' ',and he said'2 that is1 and ,god made answer to the words spoken in the verse before1 ',and he said unto him1 ,if they hear not ,moses1' c4 ,as if he had said1 ,moses was a man of great renown1 a man of worthy note1 a man that talked with ,god face to face1 as a man speaketh to his friend4 ,the words that ,moses spake were such as ,i commanded him to speak4 ,let who will question them1 ,i will own them1 credit them1 bless them that close in with them1 and curse those that reject them4 ,i myself sent the prophets1 they did not run of their own heads1 ,i gave them commission1 ,i thrust them out1 and told them what they should say4 ,in a word1 they have told the world what my mind is to do1 both to sinners and to saints2 ',they have ,moses and the prophets1 let them hear them4' ,therefore he that shall reject and turn his back either upon the threatenings1 counsels1 admonitions1 invitations1 promises1 or whatsoever else ,i have commanded them to speak as to salvation and life1 and to directions therein1 shall be sure to have a share in the many curses that they have spoken1 and the destruction#df that is pronounced by them4 ,again1 ',if they hear not ,moses and the prophets1' c4 ,as if he had said1 ,thou wouldst have me send one from the dead unto them2 what needs that8 ,they have my mind already1 ,i have declared unto them what ,i intend to stand to1 both for saving them that believe1 and damning them that do not4 ,that therefore which ,i have said ,i will make good1 whether they hear or forbear4 ,and as for this desire of yours1 you had as good desire me to make a new ,bible1 and so to revoke my first sayings by the mouth of my prophets4 ,but ,i am ,god and not man1 and my ,word is immutable1 unchangeable1 and shall stand as fast as my decrees can make it2 heaven and earth shall pass away1 but one jot or tittle of my ,word shall not pass 7,matt #e3ah74 ,if thou hadst ten thousand brethren1 and every one in danger of losing his soul1 if they did not close in with what is contained and recorded in the ,scriptures of truth1 they must even every one of them perish1 and be for ever damned in hell1 for the ,scriptures cannot be broken4 ,i did not send them so unadvisedly to recall it again by another consideration4 ,no1 for ,i speak in righteousness and in judgment 7,isa #fc3a-c71 and in much wisdom and counsel4 ,it being therefore gone out of my mouth in this manner1 it shall not return in vain1 until it hath accomplished the thing whereto ,i have sent it 7,isa #ee3aa74 ,but again1 thou supposest that miracles and wonders will work more on them1 which makes thee say1 ,send one from the dead4 ,but herein thou art mistaken1 for ,i have proved them with that once and again1 by more than one1 or two1 or three of my servants4 ,how many miracles did my servant ,moses work by commandment from me in the land of ,egypt1 at the ,red ,sea1 and in the wilderness6 ,yet they of that generation were never the sooner converted for that2 but1 notwithstanding1 rebelled and lusted1 and in their hearts turned back into ,egypt 7,acts #g74 ,how many miracles did ,samuel1 ,david1 ,elias1 ,elisha1 ,daniel1 and the prophets1 together with my ,son1 who raised the dead1 cast out devils1 made them to see that were born blind1 gave and restored limbs6 ,yet for all this1 as ,i said before1 they hated him1 they crucified him4 ,i raised him again from the dead1 and he appeared to his disciples1 who were called1 and chosen1 and faithful1 and he gave them commandment and commission to go and testify the truth of this to the world2 and to confirm the same he enabled them to speak with divers tongues1 and to work miracles most plentifully1 yet there was great persecution raised against them1 insomuch that but a few of them died in their beds4 ,and1 therefore1 though thou thinkest that a miracle will do so much with the world1 yet ,i say no4 ,for if they will not believe ,moses and the prophets1 neither will they be persuaded though one should rise from the dead4 ,from these words1 therefore1 take notice of this truth1 namely1 that those who reject and believe not ,moses and the prophets are a very hard-hearted people1 that will not be persuaded though one rise from the dead4 ,they that regard not the holy ,scriptures to turn to ,god1 finding them to testify of his goodness and mercy1 there is but little hopes of their salvation2 for they will not1 mark1 they will not be persuaded though one should rise from the dead4 ,this truth is confirmed by ,jesus ,christ himself4 ,if you read ,john #e1 where the ,lord is speaking of himself that he is the very ,christ1 he brings in four or five witnesses to back what he said4 #a4 ,john ,baptist4 #b4 ,the works that his ,father gave him to do4 #c4 ,his ,father speaking from heaven4 #d4 ,the testimony of the ,scriptures4 ,when all this was done1 seeing yet they would not believe1 he lays the fault upon one of these two things3--7#a47 ,their regarding an esteem among men4 7#b47 ,their not believing of the prophets' writings1 even ,moses and the rest4 ',for had ye believed ,moses1' saith he1 'ye would have believed me2 for he wrote of me4 ,but if ye believe not his writings1 how shall ye believe my words8' ,now1 ,i say1 he that shall slight the ,scriptures1 and the testimony of the prophets in them concerning ,jesus ,christ1 must needs be in great danger of losing his soul1 if he abide in this condition2 because he that slights the testimony doth also slight the thing testified of1 let him say the contrary never so often4 ,for as ,jesus ,christ hath here laid down the reason of men's not receiving him1 so the apostle in another place lays down the reason again with a high and mighty aggravation 7#a ,john #e3aj71 saying1 ',he that believeth on the ,son of ,god hath the witness in himself3 he that believeth not ,god hath made him a liar1 because he believeth not the record1' mark1 'the record that ,god gave of his ,son4' ,the record1 you will say1 what is that8 ,why even the testimony that ,god gave of him by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began 7,acts #c3ah-bj74 ,that is1 ,god sending his holy ,spirit into the hearts of his servants1 the prophets and apostles1 he1 by his ,spirit in them1 did bear witness or record of the truth of salvation by his ,son ,jesus1 both before and after his coming4 ,and thus is that place also to be understood which saith1 ',there are three that bear witness in earth1 the ,spirit1 and the water1 and the blood4' ,that is1 the ,spirit in the apostles which preached him to the world1 as is clear if you read seriously #a ,thessalonians #d3h4 ,the apostle1 speaking of ,jesus ,christ and obedience to ,god through him1 saith thus1 ,now 'he that despiseth1 despiseth not man1 but ,god4' ,but it is you that speak2 true1 but it is by and through the ,spirit1 ',he therefore that despiseth1 despiseth not man1 but ,god1 who hath also given unto us his ,holy ,spirit4' ,this is therefore a mighty confirmation of this truth1 that he that slights the record or testimony that ,god1 by his ,spirit in his prophets and apostles1 hath testified unto us1 slights the testimony of the ,spirit who moved them to speak these things2 and if so1 then ,i would fain know how any man can be saved by ,jesus ,christ that slights the testimony concerning ,christ1 yea1 the testimony of his own ,spirit concerning his own self8 ,it is true men may pretend to have the testimony of the ,spirit1 and from that conceit set a low esteem on the holy ,scriptures2 but that spirit that dwelleth in them and teacheth them so to do1 it is no better than the spirit of ,satan1 though it calls itself by the name of the ,spirit of ,christ4 ',to the law1' therefore1 'and to the testimony1' try them by that2 'if they speak not according to this word1 it is because there is no light in them4' ,the apostle ,peter1 when he speaks of the glorious voice that he had from the excellent majesty1 saying of ,christ1 ',this is my beloved ,son1 hear him1' saith thus to them whom he wrote unto1 ',you have also a more sure word of prophecy1' or of the prophets1 for so you may read it1 'unto which ye do well that ye take heed4' ,that is1 though we tell you that we had this excellent testimony from his own mouth evidently1 yet you have the prophets4 ,we tell you this1 and you need not doubt of the truth of it2 but if you should1 yet you may not1 must not1 ought not to question them4 ,search therefore into them1 until the day dawn1 and the day-star arise in your hearts4 ,that is until by the same ,spirit that gave forth the ,scripture you find the truth confirmed to your souls1 which you have recorded in the ,scriptures--that this word of prophecy1 or of the prophets1 is the ,scriptures4 ,read on2 for1 saith he1 'knowing this first1 that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation1' c4 7#b ,peter #a3bj74 ,object4 ,but1 you will say1 ,what needs all this ado1 and why is all this time and pains spent in speaking to this that is surely believed already8 ,this is a thing received by all1 that they believe the ,scriptures to be the ,word of ,god1 that sure word of prophecy2 and therefore you need not spend your time in proving these things1 and the truth of them1 seeing we grant and confess the truth of it before you being to speak your judgment of them4 ,answ4 ,the truths of ,god cannot be borne witness unto too often2 you may as well say1 #a4 ,you need not preach ,jesus ,christ so much1 seeing he hath been1 and is received for the true ,messias already4 #b4 ,though many may suppose that they do believe the ,scriptures1 yet if they were but well examined1 you will find them either by word of mouth1 or else by conversation1 to deny1 reject1 and slight the holy ,scriptures4 ,it is true1 there is a notional and historical assent in the head4 ,i say1 in the head of many1 or most1 to the truth contained in ,scripture4 ,but try them1 ,i say1 and you shall find but a little1 if any1 of the faith of the operation of ,god in the hearts of poor men1 to believe the ,scriptures1 and things contained in them4 ,many1 yea1 most men believe the ,scriptures as they believe a fable1 a story1 a tale1 of which there is no certainty6 ,but alas6 there are but few do in deed and in truth believe the ,scriptures to be the very ,word of ,god4 ,object4 ,but you will say1 ,this seems strange to me4 ,answ4 ,and it seems as true to me1 and ,i doubt not but to make it manifest1 that there are but few1 yea1 very few1 that do effectually1 for that ,i aim at1 believe the ,scriptures and the truths contained in and spoken of by them4 ,but to make this appear1 and that to purpose1 if ,god will1 ,i shall lay you down the several operations that the ,scriptures have on them who do effectually believe the things contained in them4 ,first4 ,he that doth effectually believe the ,scriptures1 hath in the first place been killed1 ,i say killed by the authority of the holy ,scriptures2 struck stark dead in a spiritual sense1 by the holy ,scriptures1 being set home by that ,spirit1 which gave them forth1 upon the soul4 ',the letter killeth'2 the letter strikes men dead 7#b ,cor #c3f74 ,and this ,paul witnessed and found1 before he could say1 ,i believe all that the prophets have spoken4 ,where he saith1 ',i was alive without the law once4' ,that is1 in my natural state1 before the law was set on my heart with power2 ',but when the commandment came1 sin revived and ,i died' 7,rom #g3i74 ',and that law which was ordained to life1 ,i found to be unto death2 for sin1 taking occasion by the commandment1 deceived me1 and by it slew me' 7v #aa74 ,now that which is called 'the letter' in #b ,corinthians1 is called the law in ,romans #g1 which by its power and operation1 as it is wielded by the ,spirit of ,god1 doth in the first place kill and slay all those that are enabled to believe the ,scriptures4 ,i kill1 saith ,god3 that is1 with my law ,i pierce1 ,i wound1 ,i prick men into the very heart1 by showing them their sins against my law 7,deut #ca3bf2 ,acts #b3cg74 ,and he that is ignorant of this1 is also ignorant of1 and doth not really and effectually believe the ,scripture4 ,but you will say1 ,how doth the law kill and strike dead the poor creatures8 ,answ4 ,the letter or law doth kill thus4 ,it is set home upon the soul1 and discovers to the soul its transgressions against the law1 and shows the soul also1 that it cannot completely satisfy the justice of ,god1 for the breach of his law1 therefore it is condemned 7,john #c3ah74 ,mark1 ',he that believeth not1 is condemned already4' ,to wit1 by the law1 that is1 the law doth condemn him2 yea1 it hath condemned him already for his sins against it2 as it is written1 ',cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them' 7,gal #c3aj74 ,now all men as they come into the world are in this condition1 that is1 condemned by the law4 ,yet not believing their condemnation by the law really1 they do not also believe really and effectually the law that doth condemn them4 ,for as men have but a notion of the one1 that is1 their condemnation1 because of sins against the law3 so they have but a notion of the condemning1 killing1 and destroying power of the law4 ,for1 as the one is1 so in these things always is the other4 ,there is no man that doth really believe the law or gospel1 further than they do feel the power and authority of them in their hearts4 ',ye do err1 not knowing the ,scriptures1 nor the power of ,god4' ,now this letter or law1 is not to be taken in the largest sense1 but is strictly to be tied to the ten commandments1 whose proper work is only by showing the soul its sin against this law1 to kill1 and there leaves him stark dead1 not giving him the least life1 or support1 or comfort1 but leaves the soul in a helpless and hopeless condition1 as from itself1 or any other mere creature4 ,it is true the law hath laid all men for dead1 as they come into the world2 but all men do not see themselves dead1 until they see that law that struck them dead1 striking in their souls1 and having struck them that fatal blow4 ,as a man that is fast asleep in a house1 and that on fire about his ears1 and he not knowing of it because he is asleep2 even so1 because poor souls are asleep in sin1 though the wrath of ,god1 the curse of his law1 and the flames of hell have beset them round about1 yet they do not believe it1 because they are asleep in sin4 ,now1 as he that is awakened and sees this1 sees that through this he is a dead man2 even so they that do see their state by nature1 being such a sad condition1 do also see themselves by that law to be dead men naturally4 ,but now1 when didst thou feel the power of this first part of the ,scripture1 the law1 so mighty as to strike thee dead8 ,if not1 thou dost not so much as verily believe that part of the ,scripture that doth contain the law in it1 to be the truth of ,god4 ,yet if thou shouldest have felt something1 ,i say1 something of the killing power of the law of ,god in thine heart1 this is not an argument to prove that thou believest all the things contained in ,scripture1 for there is gospel as well as law1 and therefore ,i shall speak to that also1 that is1 whether thou hast felt the power of the gospel1 as well as something of the power of the law4 ,second4 ,then thou hast found the power of the gospel1 and so believed it1 thou hast found it thus with thy soul4 #a4 ,thou hast been showed by the ,word or truth of the gospel1 in the light of the ,spirit of ,christ1 that by nature thou wert without the true faith of the ,son of ,god in thy soul4 ,for when ,he1 the ,spirit1 is come1 he shall show men that 'they believe not in me1' saith ,christ 7,john #af3i74 ,mark1 though thou hast1 as ,i said before1 felt somewhat of the power of the law1 letter1 or ten commandments1 yet1 as thou hast not been brought to this1 to see by the ,spirit in the gospel1 that thou art without faith by nature1 thou hast not yet tasted1 much less believed1 any part of the gospel4 ,for the gospel and the law are two distinct covenants4 ,and they that are under the law or first covenant1 and yet in the meantime to be a stranger to the covenant of promise1 that is1 the gospel1 and so have no hope in them 7,eph #b3ab74 ,there is not any promise that can be savingly believed1 until the soul be by the gospel converted to ,jesus ,christ4 ,for though men do think never so much that they believe the things or the ,word of the gospel of our salvation2 yet unless they have the work of grace in their souls1 they do not1 cannot rightly believe the things contained in the ,scriptures4 ,again1 #b4 ,as the law killeth those that believe it1 even so the promises contained in the gospel do1 through faith1 administer comfort to those that believe it aright4 ,my words1 saith ,christ1 ,my words1 'they are ,spirit1 and they are life' 7,john #f3fc74 ,as if he had said1 the words contained in the law as a covenant of works1 they wound1 they kill1 they strike dead those that are under them4 ,but as for me1 ',the words that ,i speak unto you1 they are spirit1 and they are life4' ,that is1 whosoever doth receive them believingly1 shall find them full of operation1 to comfort1 quicken1 and revive their soul4 ,for as ,i did not come into the world to destroy men's lives1 so the words that ,i speak1 as ,i am sent to preach the gospel1 they have no such tendency unto those that believe them4 ,the promises that are in the gospel1 ,o how do they comfort them6 ,such a promise1 and such a promise1 ,o how sweet is it6 ,how comfortable to those that believe them6 ,alas6 there are many poor souls that think they believe the ,scriptures to be the ,word of ,god1 and yet they never enjoyed anything of the life and promises2 they come in upon the heart to quicken1 to revive thee1 to raise thee from the sentence of death that is passed on thee by the law4 ,and through the faith that is wrought in thy soul1 by the operation of ,god's ,holy ,spirit1 though once killed by the law or letter1 thou art made alive in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 who is presented to thy soul in the promises4 ,third4 ,dost thou in deed and in truth believe the ,scriptures to be the ,word of ,god8 ,then the things contained in them1 especially the things of the gospel1 are very excellent to thy soul2 as the birth of ,christ1 the death1 resurrection1 intercession1 and second coming4 ,o how precious and excellent are they to thy soul6 insomuch that thou regardest nothing in comparison of them6 ,o6 it is ,christ's birth1 death1 blood1 resurrection1 c41 according to the ,scriptures1 that thou dost rejoice in exceedingly1 and abundantly desire after6 ',whom having not seen1 ye love2 in whom thou now ye see him not1 yet believing ye rejoice1 with joy unspeakable1 and full of glory' 7#a ,cor #ae3a-f1 compared with ,phil #c3f-h2 #a ,peter #a3h74 ,fourth4 ,dost thou believe the ,scriptures to be the ,word of ,god8 ,then thou standest in awe of1 and dost much reverence them4 ,why1 they are the ,word of ,god1 the true sayings of ,god2 they are the counsel of ,god2 they are his promises and his threatenings4 ,poor souls are apt to think1 if ,i could hear ,god speak to me from heaven with an audible voice1 then sure ,i should be serious and believe it4 ,but truly1 if ,god should speak to thee from heaven1 except thou wert converted1 thou wouldst not regard1 nor really believe him4 ,but if thou dost believe the ,scriptures1 thou seest that they are the truth as really as if ,god should speak to thee from heaven through the clouds1 and therefore never flatter thyself1 foolishly thinking1 that if it were so and so1 then thou couldst believe4 ,i tell thee1 saith ,christ1 ,if they believe 'not ,moses and the prophets1 neither will they believe though one should rise from the dead4' ,but1 ,fifth4 ,dost thou believe the ,scriptures to be the ,word of ,god8 ,then1 through faith in ,christ1 thou endeavourest to have thy life squared according to the ,scriptures1 both in word and practice4 ,nay1 this ,i say1 thou mayest have though thou do not believe them all4 ,my meaning is1 that if thou believe none but the ten commandments1 thy life may be1 according to them1 a legal holy life2 and if thou do believe the gospel too1 then thy life will be the faith of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 that is1 either thou wilt live in the blessed and holy enjoyment of what is testified in the ,scripture concerning the glorious things of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 or else thou wilt be exceedingly panting after them4 ,for the ,scriptures carry such a blessed beauty in them to that soul that hath faith in the things contained in them1 that they do take the heart and captivate the soul of him that believeth them into the love and liking of them1 believing all things that are written in the law and the prophets1 and have hope towards ,god that there shall be a resurrection of the dead1 both of the just and unjust4 ',and herein do ,i exercise myself1 to have always a conscience void of offence toward ,god and toward men' 7,acts #bd3ad-af74 ,sixth4 ,he that believes the ,scriptures to be the ,word of ,god1 if he do but suppose that any one place of ,scripture doth exclude him1 and shut him out of1 and from a share in the promises contained in them1 ,o it will trouble him1 grieve him1 perplex him4 ,yea1 he will not be satisfied until he be resolved1 and the contrary sealed to his soul2 for he knows that the ,scriptures are the word of ,god1 all truth2 and therefore he knows that if any one sentence doth exclude or bar him out for want of this or the other qualification1 he knows also that not the word alone shuts him out1 but he that speaks it1 even ,god himself4 ,and1 therefore1 he cannot1 will not1 dare not be contented until he find his soul and ,scripture together1 with the things contained therein1 to embrace each other1 and a sweet correspondency and agreement between them4 ,for you must know that to him that believes the ,scriptures aright1 the promises1 or threatenings1 are of more power to comfort or cast down1 than all the promises or threatenings of all the men in the world4 ,and this was the cause why the martyrs of ,jesus did so slight both the promises of their adversaries1 when they would have overcome them1 with proffering the great things of this world unto them1 and also their threatenings1 when they told them they would rack them1 hang them1 burn them 7,acts #bj3bd74 ,none of these things could prevail upon them1 or against them2 because they did most really believe the ,scriptures1 and the things contained in them1 as is clearly found1 and to be seen in ,hebrews #aa1 and also in ,mr4 ,fox's records of their brethren4 ,seventh4 ,he that believeth the ,scriptures to be the ,word of ,god1 believeth that men must be born again1 and also be partakers of that faith which is of the operation of ,god1 according as he hath read and believed1 or else he must and shall be damned4 ,and he that believeth this aright will not be contented until1 according as it is written1 he do partake of and enjoy the new birth1 and until he do find1 through grace1 that faith that is wrought by the operation of ,god in his soul4 ,for this is the cause why men do satisfy themselves with so slender a conceited hope that their state is good1 when it is nothing so1 namely1 because they do not credit the ,scripture2 for did they1 they would look into their own hearts1 and examine seriously whether that faith1 that hope1 that grace which they think they have be of that nature1 and wrought by that spirit and power that the ,scripture speaketh of4 ,i speak this of an effectual believing1 without which all other is nothing unto salvation4 ,,five ,,uses ,,by ,,way ,,of ,,self-,,examination4 ,now then1 because ,i would not be too tedious1 ,i shall at this time lay down no more discoveries of such an one as doth savingly believe the ,scriptures1 and the things contained in them1 but shall speak a few words of examination concerning the things already mentioned4 ,as1 ,first ,,use4 ,thou sayest thou dost in deed and in truth effectually believe the ,scriptures3 ,i ask1 therefore1 wast thou ever killed stark dead by the law of works contained in the ,scriptures--killed by the law or letter1 and made to see thy sins against it1 and left in a helpless condition by that law8 ,for1 as ,i said1 the proper work of the law is to slay the soul1 and to leave it dead in a helpless state4 ,for it doth neither give the soul any comfort itself when it comes1 nor doth it show the soul where comfort is to be had2 and therefore it is called 'the ministration of condemnation1' as in #b ,corinthians #c3i1 'the ministration of death1' verse #g4 ,for though men may have a notion of the blessed ,word of ,god1 as the children had1 yet before they be converted it may truly be said of them1 ,ye err1 not knowing the ,scriptures1 nor the power of ,god 7,mark #ab3bd74 ,second ,,use4 ,you say you do believe the ,scriptures to be the ,word of ,god4 ,i say again1 ,examine1 wast thou ever quickened from a dead state by the power of the ,spirit of ,christ1 through the other part of the ,scripture2 that is to say1 by the power of ,god in his ,son ,jesus ,christ1 through the covenant of promise8 ,i tell thee from the ,lord1 if thou hast1 thou hast felt such a quickening power in the words of ,christ 7,john #f7 that thou hast been lifted out of that dead condition that thou before wast in4 ,and that when thou wast under the guilt of sin1 the curse of the law1 and the power of the devil1 and the justice of the great ,god1 thou hast been enabled1 by the power of ,god in ,christ1 revealed to thee by the ,spirit through and by the ,scripture1 to look sin1 death1 hell1 the devil1 and the law1 and all things that are at enmity with thee1 with boldness and comfort in the face1 through the blood1 death1 righteousness1 resurrection1 and intercession of ,christ1 made mention of in the ,scriptures4 ,and1 ,third ,,use4 ,on this account1 ,o how excellent are the ,scriptures to thy soul6 ,o how much virtue dost thou see in such a promise1 in such an invitation6 ,they are so large as to say1 ,christ will in no wise cast me out6 ,my crimson sins shall be white as snow6 ,i tell thee1 friend1 there are some promises that the ,lord hath helped me to lay hold of ,jesus ,christ through and by1 that ,i would not have out of the ,bible for as much gold and silver as can lie between ,york and ,london piled up to the stars2 because through them ,christ is pleased by his ,spirit to convey comfort to my soul4 ,i say1 when the law curses1 when the devil tempts1 when hell-fire flames in my conscience1 my sins with the guilt of them tearing of me1 then is ,christ revealed so sweetly to my poor soul through the promises that all is forced to fly and leave off to accuse my soul4 ,so also1 when the world frowns1 when the enemies rage and threaten to kill me1 then also the precious1 the exceeding great and precious promises do weigh down all1 and comfort the soul against all4 ,this is the effect of believing the ,scriptures savingly2 for they that do so have by and through the ,scriptures good comfort1 and also ground of hope1 believing those things to be its own which the ,scriptures hold forth 7,rom #ae3d74 ,fourth ,,use4 ,examine1 ,dost thou stand in awe of sinning against ,god1 because he hath in the ,scriptures commanded thee to abstain from it8 ,dost thou give diligence to make thy calling and election sure1 because ,god commanded it in ,scripture8 ,dost thou examine thyself whether thou be in the faith or no1 having a command in ,scripture so to do8 ,or dost thou1 notwithstanding what thou readest in the ,scripture1 follow the world1 delight in sin1 neglect coming to ,jesus ,christ1 speak evil of the saints1 slight and make a mock at the ordinance of ,god1 delight in wicked company1 and the like8 ,then know that it is because thou dost not in deed and in truth believe the ,scriptures effectually4 ,for1 as ,i said before1 if a man do believe them1 and that savingly1 then he stands in awe1 he looks to his steps1 he turns his feet from evil1 and endeavours to follow that which is good1 which ,god hath commanded in the ,scriptures of truth2 yet not from a legal or natural principle2 that is1 to seek for life by doing that good thing1 but knowing that salvation is already obtained for him by the blood of that man ,christ ,jesus on the cross because he believes the ,scriptures1 therefore1 mark ,i pray1 therefore1 ,i say1 he labours to walk with his ,god in all well-pleasing and godliness1 because the sweet power of the loves of ,christ1 which he feels in his soul by the ,spirit1 according to the ,scriptures1 constrain him so to do 7#b ,cor #e3ad74 ,fifth ,,use4 ,examine again1 ,dost thou labour after those qualifications that the ,scriptures do describe a child of ,god by8 ,that is1 faith1 yea the right faith1 the most holy faith1 the faith of the operation of ,god4 ,and also1 dost thou examine whether there is a real growth of grace in thy soul1 as love1 zeal1 self-denial1 and a seeking by all means to attain1 if possible1 to the resurrection of the dead8 ,that is1 not to satisfy thyself until thou be dissolved and rid of this body of death1 and be transformed into that glory that the saints shall be in after the resurrection-day4 ,and in the meantime dost labour and take all opportunities to walk as near as may be to the pitch1 though thou know thou canst not attain it perfectly4 ,yet1 ,i say1 thou dost aim at it1 seek after it1 press towards it1 and to hold on in thy race2 thou shunnest that which may any way hinder thee1 and also closest in with what may any way further the same2 knowing that that must be1 or desiring that it should be1 thine eternal frame1 and therefore out of love and liking to it thou dost desire and long after it1 as being the thing that doth most please thy soul4 ,or how is it with thy soul8 ,art thou such an one as regards not these things1 but rather busy thy thoughts about the things here below1 following those things that have no scent of divine glory upon them8 ,if so1 look to thyself1 thou art an unbeliever1 and so under the wrath of ,god1 and wilt for certain fall into the same place of torment that thy fellows have fallen into before thee1 to the grief of thy own soul1 and thy everlasting destruction4 ,consider and regard these things1 and lay them to thy heart before it be too late to recover thyself1 by repenting of the one1 and desiring to close in with the other4 ,o6 ,i say1 regard1 regard1 for hell is hot4 ,god's hand is up1 the law is resolved to discharge against thy soul6 ,the judgment-day is at hand1 the graves are ready to fly open1 the trumpet is near the sounding1 the sentence will ere long be passed1 and then you and ,i cannot call time again4 ,,use ,,and ,,application4 #dg;,but again1 seeing they are so certain1 so sure1 so irrevocable and firm1 and seeing the saving faith of the things contained therein1 is to reform the soul1 and bring it over into the things of ,god1 really conforming to the things contained therein1 both to the point of justification1 and also an impartial walking1 and giving up thy soul and body to a conformity to all the commands1 counsels1 instructions1 and exhortations contained therein2 this then will learn us how to judge of those who give up themselves to walk in the imaginations of their own hearts1 who slight and lay aside the ,scriptures1 counting them but empty and uncertain things1 and will live every day in open contradiction to what is contained1 commanded1 and forbidden therein4 ,as ,,first4 ,this will show us that all your drunkards1 whoremasters1 liars1 thieves1 swearers1 backbiters1 slanderers1 scoffers at goodness1 c4 ,i say1 we may see by this that they that live in such things1 have not the faith of these things contained in their hearts1 seeing they delight to practise those things that are forbidden by and in them4 ,and so1 they continuing living and dying in this state1 we may conclude without fear that these portions of holy ,scripture belong unto them1 and shall for certain be fulfilled upon them3 ',he that believeth not shall be damned' 7,mark #af3af74 ',the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of ,god' 7#a ,cor #f3i1aj74 ',but the abominable1 the unbelieving1 the whoremongers1 and all liars1 shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone' 7,rev #ba3h74 ',depart1 ye cursed1 into everlasting fire1 prepared for the devil and his angels' 7,matt #be3da74 ,depart1 depart from me1 for ,i will not save you4 ,depart1 for my blood shall not at all wash you4 ,depart1 for you shall not set one foot into the kingdom of heaven4 ',depart1 ye cursed1' ye are cursed of ,god1 cursed of his law1 cursed of me1 cursed by the saints1 and cursed by the angels2 cursed all over1 nothing but cursed1 and therefore depart from me2 and whither8 into everlasting fire--fire that will scald1 scorch1 burn1 and flame to purpose4 ',fire that shall never be quenched' 7,mark #i74 ,fire that will last to all eternity4 ,and must we be all alone8 ,no1 you shall have company1 store of company with you4 ,namely1 all the raging1 roaring devils1 together with an innumerable company of fellow-damned sinners1 men1 women1 and children4 ,and if the ,scriptures be true1 as they will one day wonderfully appear to be1 then this must and shall be thy portion1 if thou live and die in this state2 and of all them who continue in sinning against the truth contained in the ,scriptures4 ,as1 ,first4 ,dost thou delight to sin against plain commands8 ,,thou ,,art ,,gone4 ,second4 ,dost thou slight and scorn the counsels contained in the ,scriptures1 and continue in so doing8 ,,then ,,thou ,,art ,,gone4 ,third4 ,dost thou continually neglect to come to ,christ1 and usest arguments in thine own heart to satisfy thy soul with so doing8 ,,then ,,thou ,,art ,,gone4 7,luke #ad3ag1ah1 compared with v #bd1 and ,heb #b3c74 ',how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation8' ,how shall we escape1 that is1 there is no way to escape4 7#a47 ,because ,god hath said we shall not 7,heb #ab3be74 ',see that ye refuse not him that speaketh4 ,for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth1' that was ,moses1 'much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven4' 7#b47 ,because he hath not only said they shall not1 but also hath bound it with an oath1 saying1 ',so ,i sware in my wrath1 ,they shall not enter into my rest' 7,heb #c3aa74 ,to whom did he swear that they should not enter into his rest8 ,answer1 'to them that believed not4' ,so we see1 that they could not enter in because of unbelief 7vv #ah1ai74 ,,second4 ,this will teach us what to think and conclude of such1 who1 though they do not so openly discover their folly by open and gross sins against the law1 yet will give more heed to their own spirits1 and the movings thereof1 though they be neither commanded nor commended for the same in ,scripture2 nay1 though the ,scripture command and commend the contrary1 than they will to the holy and revealed will of ,god 7,isa #h3bj74 ,i say1 such men are in as bad a state as the other to the full1 being disobedient to ,god's will revealed in his ,word1 as well as they1 though in a different manner2 the one openly transgressing against the plain and well-known truths revealed in it2 the other1 though more close and hidden1 yet secretly rejecting and slighting them1 giving more heed to their own spirits1 and the motions thereof1 although not warranted by the ,scriptures4 ,a few words more1 and so ,i shall conclude4 ,and1 ,first4 ,take heed that you content not yourself with a bare notion of the ,scriptures in your heads1 by which you may go far1 even so far as to be able to dispute for the truth1 to preach the gospel1 and labour to vindicate it in opposition to gainsayers1 and yet be found at the left hand of ,christ at the judgment-day1 forasmuch as thou didst content thyself with a notion or traditional knowledge of them4#dh ,second4 ,have a care that thou own the whole ,scripture1 and not own one part and neglect another1 or slight it2 as thus3 ,to own the law1 and slight the gospel2 or to think that thou must be saved by thy good doings and works2 for that is all one1 as if thou didst thrust ,christ away from thee2 or else so to own the gospel1 as if by it thou wert exempted from all obedience to the ten commandments1 and conformity to the law in life and conversation2 for in so doing thou wilt for certain make sure of eternal vengeance4 ,third4 ,have a care that thou put not wrong names on the things contained in the ,scriptures1 as to call the law1 ,christ1 and ,christ1 the law1 for some having done so1 in my knowledge1 have so darkened to themselves the glorious truths of the gospel1 that in a very little time they have been resolved to thwart and oppose them1 and so have made room in their own souls for the devil to inhabit1 and obtained a place in hell for their own souls to be tormented for ever and ever4 ,against this danger therefore in reading and receiving the testimony of ,scripture1 learn to distinguish between the law and the gospel1 and to keep them clear asunder1 as to the salvation of thy soul4 #a4 ,and that thou mayest so do1 in the first place beg of ,god that he would show thee the nature of the gospel1 and set it home effectually with life and power upon thy soul by faith4 ,which is this1 that ,god would show thee1 that as thou being man hast sinned against ,god1 so ,christ1 being ,god-man1 hath bought thee again1 and with his most precious blood set thee free from the bondage thou hast fallen into by thy sins4 ,and that not upon condition that thou wilt do thus and thus1 this and the other good work2 but rather1 that thou1 being first justified freely by mere grace through the blood of ,jesus1 shouldst also receive thy strength from him who hath bought thee1 to walk before him in all well-pleasing4 ,being enabled thereto by virtue of his ,spirit1 which hath revealed to thy soul that thou art delivered already from wrath to come1 by the obedience1 not of thee1 but of another man1 viz41 ,jesus ,christ4 #b4 ,then if the law thou readest of1 tell thee in thy conscience thou must do this and the other good work of the law1 if ever thou wilt be saved2 answer plainly1 that for thy part thou art resolved now not to work for life1 but to believe in the virtue of that blood shed upon the cross1 upon ,mount ,calvary1 for the remission of sins4 ,and yet because ,christ hath justified thee freely by his grace1 thou wilt serve him in holiness and righteousness all the days of thy life1 yet not in a legal spirit1 or in a covenant of works2 but mine obedience1 say thou1 ,i will endeavour to have it free1 and cheerful1 out of love to my ,lord ,jesus4 #c4 ,have a care thou receive not this doctrine in the notion only1 lest thou bring a just damnation upon thy soul1 by professing thyself to be freed by ,christ's blood from the guilt of sin1 while thou remainest still a servant to the filth of sin4 ,for ,i must tell you1 that unless you have the true and saving work of the faith and grace of the gospel in your hearts1 you will either go on in a legal holiness1 according to the tenor of the law2 or else through a notion of the gospel1 the devil bewitching and beguiling thy understanding1 will1 and affections1 thou wilt1 ,ranter-like1 turn the grace of ,god into wantonness1 and bring upon thy soul double1 if not treble damnation1 in that thou couldest not be contented to be damned for thy sins against the law1 but also to make ruin sure to thy soul1 thou wouldst dishonour the gospel1 and turn the grace of ,god1 held forth and discovered to men by that1 into licentiousness4#di ,but that thou mightest be sure to escape these dangerous rocks on the right hand and on the left1 see that thy faith be such as is spoken of in ,scripture4 ,and that thou be not satisfied without that1 which is a faith wrought by the mighty operation of ,god1 revealing ,christ to and in thee1 as having wholly freed thee from thy sins by his most precious blood4 ,which faith1 if thou attain unto1 will so work in thy heart1 that first thou wilt see the nature of the law1 and secondly also the nature of the gospel1 and delight in the glory of it2 and also thou wilt find an engaging of thy heart and soul to ,jesus ,christ1 even to the giving up of thy whole man unto him1 to be ruled and governed by him to his glory1 and thy comfort1 by the faith of the same ,lord ,jesus4 ,,footnotes3 #a ,there were nine editions of this book published during the ,author's life2 all those subsequent to the first have the following title3--',sighs from ,hell1 or the ,groans of a ,damned ,soul2 discovering from the #afth of ,luke the lamentable state of the damned3 and may fitly serve as a warning word to sinners1 both old and young1 by faith in ,jesus ,christ1 to avoid the same place of torment4 ,with a discovery of the usefulness of the ,scriptures as our safe-conduct for avoiding the torments of hell4 ,by ,john ,bunyan4 ,london3 ,printed for ,f4 ,smith1 at the ,elephant and ,castle1 without ,temple-bar4 ,at #as bound4' #b ,in the 'errata' to the first edition1 ,bunyan says--',at the first ,i thought to put out with this a discourage of the two covenants1 which since ,i thought to put forth in a piece by itself4' ,this shows that his great work on the covenants was the fourth volume which he wrote4 ,in the second edition1 the author altered the arrangement of the text1 by placing in his comment on verse #bh a considerable part of what in the first edition formed the 'use and application4' #c ,in the second and subsequent editions1 this was altered to ',i am thine to serve in the ,lord ,jesus4'--,ed4 #d ',sad' frequently occurs in this treatise2 it is from the ,saxon1 saetan--set1 fixed1 gloomy1 grievous1 mournful4--,ed4 #e ,the first and second editions have 'the saints1' instead of 'such are saints4'--,ed4 #f ,in quoting these passages1 ,mr4 ,bunyan has mixed the ,puritan version with that now authorized2 very probably1 quoting from memory4 ,his text is from the present version2 the reader will see1 by comparison1 the different words employed in the two translations4--,ed4 #g ,solemn truth6 ,the heir of heaven and immortality has to trudge the street in the foulest weather1 while the sinner's lap-dog is held up to the carriage window1 taken out for an airing4--,ed4 #h ,reader1 this feeling yet remains4 ,christians have recently1 even in ,scotland1 had to meet in barns1 or in the open air1 for worship1 because no landowner would sell or let a piece of ground on which to build a place of worship4--,ed4 #i ,cannot down2 will not receive1 submit to1 or feel pleasure in4 ',if a boy is hungry1 bread by itself will down4'--,locke on ,education4 ',down and beg mercy of the ,duke4'--,shakespeare4--,ed4 #aj ,alluding to the awful sufferings of ,leighton1 and all ,christians of his time1 under that bigoted demon in human shape1 ,laud4--,ed4 #aa ,it is a very ancient and prevailing opinion1 that man is always attended by invisible spirits1 whose powers or mode of intercourse with our spirits is unknown4 ,these attendants are most active at the hour of death4 ,they cannot be seen unless the eyes are made to possess new or miraculous powers4 ,it may be that1 when dying1 the spirit1 before it entirely quits its mortal habitation1 has a glimpse of spiritual existences4 ,if so1 how awful for the sinner to see the infernal demons ready to drag away his soul2 but most joyful for the ,christian to embrace his celestial guides4 ,this is illustrated in the ,pilgrim's ,progress1 during ,christian's conflict at the hour of death4--,vol4 #c1 p4 #afc4--;,ed4 #ab ,guard1 convoy1 or escort4 ,see ,pilgrim's ,progress1 the entrance into the celestial city4--,ed4 #ac ,this proverb was very probably founded upon ,jeremiah #ej3aa3 ',ye are grown fat as the heifer at grass1 and bellow as bulls4'--,ed4 #ad ,bunyan is here expressing what he had most acutely felt4 ',i blessed the condition of the dog and toad1 because they had no soul to perish under the everlasting weight of hell4 ,i was broken to pieces1' until he found refuge in ,jesus4 ,see ,grace ,abounding1 ,no4 #ajd4--;,ed4 #ae ,the first edition has1 'and the practice of the saints4' ,this was left out in all the subsequent editions4--,ed4 #af ,ale bench1 in ,bunyan's time1 was very similar to a taproom2 more generally the place of resort for the idle tipplers1 but sometimes of refreshment to the weary traveller4--,ed4 #ag ,formerly designated not only a courageous man1 but his counterpart1 a braggart1 a bully1 or a dandy4 ,in these latter senses it is obsolete4--,ed4 #ah ,these feelings appear in awful reality in ,grace ,abounding1 ,nos4 #hg and #ajd4--;,ed4 #ai ,how awfully general is this wretched delusion4 ,the chattering of monkeys or parrots is more acceptable than to mock ,god with a solemn sound upon a thoughtless tongue4 ,jews gabble ,hebrew1 and ,papists ,latin1 and1 alas6 others who ,,never prayed1 have been from childhood in the habit of repeating or reading a form of words1 called1 with devilish subtlety1 'saying prayers4'--,ed4 #bj ,the intelligent reader should notice that these terms are not jumbled together4 ,their selection and arrangement would confer honour upon the most profound doctor of philology2 while from ,bunyan they flowed from native genius1 little inferior to inspiration4 ,to show the enmity of the unconverted to those who bear the image of ,christ1 he descends step by step4 ,they first mock1 or deride them by mimicry2 second1 flout1 or treat them with contemptuous sneers1 both by words and actions2 third1 scoff at them with insolent ridicule1 sometimes accompanied by a push or blow2 fourth1 taunt1 revile1 upbraid1 bully1 and challenge them3 all these produce1 fifth1 hate1 abhorrence1 and detestation1 leading inevitably to1 sixth1 persecution--to pursue with malignity--to afflict1 harass1 and destroy4 ,such are the gradations in the opposition of the carnal mind to the most excellent of the earth2 and such the worldly inheritance of the followers of our once lowly1 but now exalted ,saviour4--,ed4 #ba ',troubles1' see ,puritan translation4--,ed4 #bb ,with what searching truthfulness is the character of ,bye-ends drawn in the ,pilgrim's ,progress1 p4 #acb3 'looking one way and rowing another4'--,ed4 #bc ,this is not intended to convey any reflection upon human learning1 but to exhibit the contemptuous spirit of learned men1 so generally manifested to the illiterate1 but really learned followers of the ,lamb4 ,they sometimes meet their match1 even in worldly wit4 ,thus1 when three learned gentlemen from ,oxford overtook a pious waggoner1 they ironically saluted him as ,father ,abraham1 ,father ,isaac1 and ,father ,jacob2 he replied1 ,gentlemen1 you are mistaken3 ,i am neither ,abraham1 ,isaac1 nor ,jacob1 but ,saul1 the son of ,kish1 who was sent to find his father's asses1 and so ,i have found them4--,ed4 #bd ,the word 'clergy' is omitted from all the editions published after ,bunyan's death4 ,these words are calculated to fix upon the mind the necessity of a visitation from heaven1 of personal examination of the ,scriptures1 and of solemn1 earnest1 persevering prayer1 without which no clergyman can do a sinner good4 ,but how inexpressibly terrible will be the misery of carnal clergymen1 who1 by precept or example1 have led their hearers to a false hope of heaven4 ,how will such souls gnash their teeth in bitter anguish1 and trample their devoted souls to the hottest hell6--,ed4 #be ,making an entertainment by stealth1 privately indulging in wickedness4--,ed4 #bf ,awful responsibility66 ,a heavy curse on the souls of those who labour to prevent private judgment1 guided simply by the ,bible--who lead poor sinners to rely upon acts of uniformity1 liturgies1 articles1 or creeds1 the groveling inventions of men2 instead of relying wholly on the revealed will of ,god1 which alone is able to make man wise unto salvation4--,ed4 #bg ,the word 'not' is omitted from most of the editions published in ,bunyan's life4--,ed4 #bh ,these times of tyrannizing oppression are fast passing away4 ,it was difficult1 a few years ago1 to hire a room in some of the villages even round ,london1 for a ,sunday school and lecture1 or to admit a missionary into a workhouse4 ,a poor baby has been scornfully driven from the font--the dead body of a dissenter has been refused ,christian burial--the cries of poverty and distress have been disregarded--from bitter sectarianism4 ,the genial influence of ,christianity is fast driving these demoniac feelings to the owls and bats4--,ed4 #bi ,anguish or embarrassment of mind1 derived from the name of a most painful disease4--,ed4 #cj ,this is one of ,bunyan's proverbs1 which1 however homely1 is sure to make a lasting impression on the mind4 ,sin breeds the scorpions which will torment the sinner1 unless they tormented the ,saviour4 ,o for greater hatred of sin6--,ed4 #ca ,from this paragraph to the end of the comment on verse #bh1 was placed by ,bunyan1 in his first edition1 as the first part of the general use and application4--,ed4 #cb ,a familiar phrase1 expressive of embarrassment4 ',there is no comfort in the house upon a washing day4' ,suds1 in this sentence1 would puzzle a foreigner4 ,johnson's dictionary interprets it1 ',a lixivium of soap and water6'--,ed4 #cc ,the word 'simple' is here used as it is by ,solomon in the ,proverbs--silly1 unwise4--,ed #cd ,men armed with halberts or javelins2 now only used at assizes in ,england1 or by officers attending meetings of magistrates in ,scotland4--,ed4 #ce ,modern editors have altered this to1 'did deal with him4'--,ed4 #cf ,altered in the third edition to 'a great exceeding danger4'--,ed4 #cg ,bunyan published this work before the ,quakers were formed into a ,society4 ,many of the wildest enthusiasts called themselves ,quakers4 ,barclay1 in his ,apology1 very clearly defines what the ,society of ,friends mean by1 ',christ within1 the hope of glory4' ',it is a spiritual1 heavenly1 and invisible principle1 in which ,god1 as ,father1 ,son1 and ,spirit1 dwells or reigns4'--,prop4 ,v4 and ,,vi4--,ed4 #ch ,this quotation1 probably made from memory1 is from the ,genevan or ,puritan version of the ,bible4--,ed4 #ci ,how favourable an alteration has been produced by permitting the free publication of the ,bible4 ,in ,bunyan's time1 under the monopoly of church and state1 they were full of typographical errors1 and at a high price4 ,when eggs were four-a-penny1 one hundred and sixty must have been paid for an ordinary copy2 while now a handsome one1 with gilt edges1 may be had for eighteen or twenty4 ,thanks to those good men who brought about this wondrous change4--,ed4 #dj ,the improvement in the whole class of books used by children1 since the ,tract ,society commenced its operations1 is almost incredible4 ,none but antiquarians have seen the books which ,bunyan names1 but they are as inferior to ,who killed ,cock ,robin1 as that is to ,dr4 ,watt's ,divine ,songs4--,ed4 #da ,such was the then state of society1 fostered by the ,book of ,sports and ,pastimes1 authorized by ,charles ,i4 to be used on ,sunday1 and by ,rupert and his cavaliers with the civil war1 notwithstanding the restraints of the ,commonwealth4 ,they are very young1 or dim-sighted1 or badly read1 who do not now see a wonderful improvement in the state of public morals and religion4--,ed4 #db ,these persecutions are fast disappearing4 ,one of my near relatives was locked into a first floor parlour in ,whitechapel1 without hat or shoes1 to prevent his going to hear ,mr4 ,whitefield2 but1 at the risk of being turned out of doors by his parents1 he escaped out of the window1 by clinging to the rain water-pipe1 and enjoyed the public service at the ,tabernacle4--,ed4 #dc ,for an admirable and deeply impressive account of these distinct books1 see ,bunyan on ,the ,resurrection of the ,dead4--,ed4 #dd ,the idea prevails to a vast extent4 ,the splendour1 power1 and intolerance of national hierarchies is mistaken for the humble benignity of the ,bible system of ,christianity or personal religion4 ,antichrist1 tricked out in robes and gewgaws1 is1 by perverted minds1 received as ,christ4--,ed4 #de ,this is exemplified in ,bunyan's experience1 published by him in ,grace ,abounding4 ',that scripture also did tear and rend my soul 7,isa #eg3bb74' ,sec4 #ajd4 ',that scripture did seize upon my soul 7,heb #ab3af1ag74' ,sec4 #ada4--;,ed4 #df ,this word was1 by a typographical error1 printed 'doctrine1' in an edition of #agjg2 this error has been followed in all the after copies4--,ed4 #dg ,a very considerable portion of the use and application as found in the first edition1 was1 in the second and subsequent ones1 removed to the comment on verse #bh2 from the words1 ',now then1 from what hath been said1' to the end of the comment on that verse4 ,i should have preferred ,bunyan's first arrangement1 but dared not alter what he had considered an improvement4--,ed4 #dh ,of all men most miserable must be those clergymen and religious teachers1 who1 in the great day1 will say1 ',lord1 ,lord1 have we not prophesied in thy name1' to whom the ,lord will profess1 ',i never knew you1 depart1 ye cursed4'--,matt #g3ba-bc4--;,ed4 #di ,the ,ranters were a sect of the wildest enthusiasts4 ,it very soon became extinct4 ,an exaggerated account of their sentiments is to be found in ,ross's view of all ,religions4--,ed4 999999 ,,one ,,thing ,,is ,,needful2 or1 ,,serious ,,meditations ,,upon ,,the ,,four ,,last ,,things3 ,,death1 ,,judgment1 ,,heaven1 ,,and ,,hell ,,unto ,,which ,,is ,,added ,,ebal ,,and ,,gerizzim1 ,,or ,,the ,,blessing ,,and ,,the ,,curse1 by ,john ,bunyan4 ,london3 ,printed for ,nath4 ,ponder1 at the ,peacock in the ,poultry1 #afhh4a ,,advertisement ,,by ,,the ,,editor4 ,according to ,charles ,doe1 in that curious sheet called ,the ,struggler for the ,preservation of ,mr4 ,john ,bunyan's ,labours1 these poems were published about the year #affd1 while the author was suffering imprisonment for conscience sake1 very probably in separate sheets or tracts1 to be sold by his wife or children1 to aid in their humble maintenance4 ,they were afterwards united to form a neat little volume1 #cb mo4 ,the editor is the fortunate possessor of the third edition1 being the last that was printed during the author's lifetime1 and with his latest corrections4 ,from this the present edition has been accurately reprinted4 ,the three tracts are distinct as to pages2 a strong indication that they were originally separate little volumes4 ,a copy of the fourth edition of this extremely rare book1 without date1 and somewhat larger in size1 is in the ,british ,museum1 in which the pages are continued throughout the volume4 ,these poems are upon subjects the most solemn and affecting to all mankind1 and1 like all ,bunyan's other works1 were evidently written1 not for display1 but to impress upon the heart those searching realities upon which depend our everlasting destiny4 ,die we must2 yes1 reader1 you and ,i must follow our fathers to the unseen world4 ,heaven forbid that we should be such mad fools1 as to make no provision for the journey2 no inquiries about our prospects in that eternity into which we must so soon enter4 ,true it is1 that unless ,heaven stops us in our mad career1 we shall plunge into irretrievable ruin4 ,in the first of these poems1 many of the minute circumstances attendant on death are pressed upon the memory4 ,very soon1 as ,bunyan awfully expresses the though1 we must look death in the face1 and 'drink with him4' ,soon some kind friend or relative will close our eyelids1 and shut up our glassy eyes for ever2 tie up the fallen jaw1 and prepare the corrupting body for its long1 but not final resting-place4 ,our hour-glass is fast ebbing out2 time stands ready with his scythe to cut us down2 the grave yawns to receive us4 ',man dieth and wasteth away2 yea1 man giveth up the ghost1 and where is he' 7,job #ad3aj74 ,the answer is ready1 sure1 certain--he goes to the judgment of the great day4 ,there every thought that has passed over his mind1 while on earth1 will be manifested and scrutinized2 every action1 every sin1 and every supposed good work1 however private1 will then be published4 ,it is an awful thought4 ,thousands of works which are thought good will be weighed in the unerring balances of truth1 will be found wanting1 and proved to be bad1 not arising from evangelical motives2 while all our thoughts1 words1 and actions will appear in their real colours tainted by sin4 ,those only who are clothed in the ,redeemer's righteousness1 and cleansed by his purifying1 sanctifying sufferings1 can stand accepted1 and will receive the invitation1 ,come1 ye blessed1 inherit the kingdom of your father1 and your ,god1 by adoption into his family2 while an innumerable multitude will be hurried away by the voice of the judge1 ,go1 ye cursed1 into everlasting torment4 ,solemn consideration4 ,reader1 have you fled for refuge to the hope set before you in the gospel8 ,have you felt the alarm in your soul under a sense of sin and judgment8 ,were you dead1 and are you made alive8 ,o1 then1 while you bless the ,saviour for such unspeakable mercies1 seek with all diligence1 as life is prolonged1 to extend the blessing to others4 ,there is no work nor device in the grave1 whither we are all hastening1 that can benefit mortals4 ,the great gulf will be fixed1 and our state be finally decided for eternity4 ,o1 then1 if you have not yet attained that good hope of heavenly felicity1 sure and stedfast--hasten--yes1 ',hasten1 ,o sinner1 to be blest ,and stay not for the morrow's sun2 ,for fear the curse should thee arrest ,before the morrow be begun4' ,,geo4 ,,offor4 ,,one ,,thing ,,is ,,needful1 ,,or ,,serious ,,meditations ,,upon ,,the ,,four ,,last ,,things--,,death1 ,,judgment1 ,,heaven1 ,,and ,,hell ,,an ,,introduction ,,to ,,the ,,ensuing ,,discourse4 #a4 ,these lines ,i at this time present ,to all that will them heed1 ,wherein ,i show to what intent ,god saith1 ,convert#b with speed4 #b4 ,for these four things come on apace1 ,which we should know full well1 ,both death and judgment1 and1 in place ,next to them1 heaven and hell4 #c4 ,for doubtless man was never born ,for this life and no more3 ,no1 in the resurrection morn ,they must have weal or woe4 #d4 ,can any think that ,god should take ,that pains1 to form a man ,so like himself1 only to make ,him here a moment stand8 #e4 ,or that he should make such ado1 ,by justice1 and by grace2 ,by prophets and apostles too1 ,that men might see his face8 #f4 ,or that the promise he hath made1 ,also the threatenings great1 ,should in a moment end and fade8 ,o6 no1 this is a cheat4 #g4 ,besides1 who is so mad1 or worse1 ,to think that ,christ should come ,from glory1 to be made a curse1 ,and that in sinners' room1 #h4 ,if nothing should by us be had ,when we are gone from hence1 ,but vanities1 while here8 ,o mad ,and foolish confidence4 #i4 ,again1 shall ,god1 who is the truth1 ,say there is heaven and hell ,and shall men play that trick of youth ,to say1 ,but who can tell8 #aj4 ,shall he that keeps his promise sure ,in things both low and small1 ,yet break it like a man impure1 ,in matters great'st of all8 #aa4 ,o1 let all tremble at that thought1 ,that puts on ,god the lie1 ,that saith men shall turn unto nought ,when they be sick and die4 #ab4 ,alas1 death is but as the door ,through which all men do pass1 ,to that which they for evermore ,shall have by wrath or grace4 #ac4 ,let all therefore that read my lines1 ,apply them to the heart3 ,yea1 let them read1 and turn betimes1 ,and get the better part4 #ad4 ,mind therefore what ,i treat on here1 ,yea1 mind and weigh it well2 ',tis death and judgment1 and a clear ,discourse of heaven and hell4 ,,of ,,death #a4 ,death1 as a king rampant and stout ,the world he dare engage2 ,he conquers all1 yea1 and doth rout ,the great1 strong1 wise1 and sage4 #b4 ,no king so great1 nor prince so strong1 ,but death can make to yield1 ,yea1 bind and lay them all along1 ,and make them quit the field4 #c4 ,where are the victors of the world1 ,with all their men of might8 ,those that together kingdoms hurl'd1 ,by death are put to flight4 #d4 ,how feeble is the strongest hand1 ,when death begins to gripe6 ,the giant now leaves off to stand1 ,much less withstand and fight4 #e4 ,the man that hath a lion's face ,must here give place and bend1 ,yea1 though his bones were bars of brass1 ',tis vain here to contend4 #f4 ,submit he must to feeble ones1 ,to worms who will enclose ,his skin and flesh1 sinews and bones1 ,and will thereof dispose #g4 ,among themselves1 as merchants do ,the prizes they have got2 ,or as the soldiers give unto ,each man the share and lot1 #h4 ,which they by dint of sword have won1 ,from their most daring foe2 ,while he lies by as still as stone1 ,not knowing what they do4 #i4 ,beauty death turns to rottenness1 ,and youth to wrinkled face2 ,the witty he brings to distress1 ,and wantons to disgrace4 #aj4 ,the wild he tames1 and spoils the mirth ,of all that wanton are1 ,he takes the worldling from his worth1 ,and poor man from his care4 #aa4 ,death favours none1 he lays at all1 ,of all sorts and degree2 ,both old and young1 both great and small1 ,rich1 poor1 and bound1 and free4 #ab4 ,no fawning words will flatter him1 ,nor threat'nings make him start2 ,he favours none for worth or kin1 ,all must taste of his dart4 #ac4 ,what shall ,i say8 the graves declare ,that death shall conquer all2 ,there lie the skulls1 dust1 bones1 and there ,the mighty daily fall4 #ad4 ,the very looks of death are grim ,and ghastly to behold2 ,yea1 though but in a dead man's skin1 ,when he is gone and cold4 #ae4 ,how 'fraid are some of dead men's beds1 ,and others of their bones2 ,they neither care to see their heads1 ,nor yet to hear their groans4 #af4 ,now all these things are but the shade ,and badges of his coat2#c ,the glass that runs1 the scythe and spade1 ,though weapons more remote3 #ag4 ,yet such as make poor mortals shrink ,and fear1 when they are told1 ,these things are signs that they must drink ,with death2 ,o then how cold4 #ah4 ,it strikes them to the heart6 how do ,they study it to shun6 ,indeed who can bear up1 and who ,can from these shakings run8 #ai4 ,but how much more then when he comes ,to grapple with thy heart2 ,to bind with thread thy toes and thumbs1#d ,and fetch thee in his cart8 #bj4 ,then will he cut thy silver cord1 ,and break thy golden bowl2 ,yea1 break that pitcher which the ,lord ,made cabin for thy soul4 #ba4 ,thine eyes1 that now are quick of sight1 ,shall then no way espy ,how to escape this doleful plight1 ,for death will make thee die4 #bb4 ,those legs that now can nimbly run1 ,shall then with faintness fail ,to take one step1 death's dart to shun1 ,when he doth thee assail4 #bc4 ,that tongue that now can boast and brag ,shall then by death be tied ,so fast1 as not to speak or wag1 ,though death lies by thy side4 #bd4 ,thou that didst once incline thine ear ,unto the song and tale1 ,shall only now death's message hear1 ,while he1 with face most pale1 #be4 ,doth reason with thee how thy days ,hath hitherto been spent2 ,and what have been thy deeds and ways1 ,since ,god thee time hath lent4 #bf4 ,then will he so begin to tear ,thy body from thy soul1 ,and both from life1 if now thy care ,be not on grace to roll4 #bg4 ,death puts on things another face ,than we in health do see3 ,sin1 ,satan1 hell1 death1 life and grace ,now great and weighty be4 #bh4 ,yea1 now the sick man's eye is set ,upon a world to come3 ,he also knows too without let#e ,that there must be his home4 #bi4 ,either in joy1 in bliss and light1 ,or sorrow1 woe1 and grief2 ,either with ,christ and saints in white1 ,or fiends1 without relief4 #cj4 ,but1 ,o6 the sad estate that then ,they will be in that die ,both void of grace and life6 poor men6 ,how will they fear and cry4 #ca4 ,ha6 live ,i may not1 though ,i would ,for life give more than all2 ,and die ,i dare not1 though ,i should ,the world gain by my fall4 #cb4 ,no1 here he must no longer stay1 ,he feels his life run out1 ,his night is come1 also the day ,that makes him fear and doubt4 #cc4 ,he feels his very vitals die1 ,all waxeth pale and wan2 ,nay1 worse1 he fears to misery ,he shortly must be gone4 #cd4 ,death doth already strike his heart ,with his most fearful sting ,of guilt1 which makes his conscience start1 ,and quake at every thing4 #ce4 ,yea1 as his body doth decay ,by a contagious grief1 ,so his poor soul doth faint away ,without hope or relief4 #cf4 ,thus while the man is in this scare1 ,death doth still at him lay2 ,live1 die1 sink1 swim1 fall foul or fair1#f ,death still holds on his way4 #cg4 ,still pulling of him from his place1 ,full sore against his mind2 ,death like a sprite stares in his face1 ,and doth with links him bind4 #ch4 ,and carries him into his den1 ,in darkness there to lie1 ,among the swarms of wicked men ,in grief eternally4 #ci4 ,for only he that ,god doth fear ,will now be counted wise3 ,yea1 he that feareth him while here1 ,he only wins the prize4 #dj4 ',tis he that shall by angels be ,attended to that bliss ,that angels have2 for he1 ,o he1 ,of glory shall not miss4 #da4 ,those weapons and those instruments ,of death1 that others fright3 ,those dreadful fears and discontents ,that brings on some that night4 #db4 ,that never more shall have a day1 ,brings this man to that rest ,which none can win but only they ,whom ,god hath called and blest #dc4 ,with the first fruits of saving grace1 ,with faith1 hope1 love1 and fear ,him to offend2 this man his face ,in visions high and clear1 #dd4 ,shall in that light which no eye can ,approach unto1 behold ,the rays and beams of glory1 and ,find there his name enroll'd1 #de4 ,among those glittering starts of light ,that ,christ still holdeth fast ,in his right hand with all his might1 ,until that danger's past1 #df4 ,that shakes the world1 and most hath dropt ,into grief and distress1 ,o blessed then is he that's wrapt ,in ,christ his righteousness4 #dg4 ,this is the man death cannot kill1 ,for he hath put on arms2 ,him sin nor ,satan hath not skill ,to hurt with all their charms4 #dh4 ,a helmet on his head doth stand1 ,a breastplate on his heart3 ,a shield also is in his hand1 ,that blunteth every dart4 #di4 ,truth girds him round the reins1 also ,his sword is on his thigh2 ,his feet in shoes of peace do go ,the ways of purity4 #ej4 ,his heart it groaneth to the ,lord1 ,who hears him at his call1 ,and doth him help and strength afford1 ,wherewith he conquers all4 #ea4 ,thus fortified1 he keeps the field ,while death is gone and fled2 ,and then lies down upon his shield ,till ,christ doth raise the dead4 ,,of ,,judgment4 #a4 ,as 'tis appointed men should die1 ,so judgment is the next ,that meets them most assuredly2 ,for so saith holy text4 #b4 ,wherefore of judgment ,i shall now ,inform you what ,i may1 ,that you may see what 'tis1 and how ',twill be with men that day4 #c4 ,this world it hath a time to stand1 ,which time when ended1 then ,will issue judgment out of hand ,upon all sorts of men4 #d4 ,the ,judge we find1 in ,god's record1 ,the ,son of man1 for he ,by ,god's appointment is made ,lord ,and ,judge of all that be4 #e4 ,wherefore this ,son of man shall come ,at last to count with all1 ,and unto them shall give just doom1 ,whether they stand or fall4 #f4 ,behold ye now the majesty ,and state that shall attend ,this ,lord1 this ,judge1 and ,justice high ,when he doth now descend4 #g4 ,he comes with head as white as snow1 ,with eyes like flames of fire2 ,in justice clad from top to toe1 ,most glorious in attire4 #h4 ,his face is filled with gravity2 ,his tongue is like a sword2 ,his presence awes both stout and high1 ,the world shakes at his word4 #i4 ,he comes in flaming fire1 and ,with angels clear and bright1 ,each with a trumpet in his hand1 ,clothed in shining white4 #aj4 ,the trump of ,god sounds in the air1 ,the dead do hear his voice2 ,the living too run here and there1 ,who made not him their choice4 #aa4 ,thus to his place he doth repair1 ,appointed for his throne1 ,where he will sit to judge1 and where ,he'll count with every one4 #ab4 ,angels attending on his hand ,by thousands on a row2 ,yea1 thousand thousands by him stand1 ,and at his beck do go4 #ac4 ,thus being set1 the books do ope ,in which all crimes are writ4 ,all virtues1 too1 of faith and hope1 ,of love2 and every whit #ad4 ,of all that man hath done or said1 ,or did intend to do2 ,whether they sinn'd1 or were afraid ,evil to come into4 #ae4 ,before this bar each sinner now ,in person must appear2 ,under his judgment there to bow ,with trembling and with fear3 #af4 ,within whose breast a witness then ,will certainly arise1 ,that to each charge will say ,amen1 ,while they seek and devise #ag4 ,to shun the sentence which the ,lord ,against them then will read1 ,out of the books of ,god's record1 ,with majesty and dread4 #ah4 ,but every heart shall opened be ,before this judge most high2 ,yea1 every thought to judgment he ,will bring assuredly4 #ai4 ,and every word and action1 too1 ,he there will manifest2 ,yea1 all that ever thou didst do1 ,or keep within thy breast1 #bj4 ,shall then be seen and laid before ,the world1 that then will stand ,to see thy judge open ev'ry sore1 ,and all thy evils scann'd4 #ba4 ,weighing each sin and wickedness ,with so much equity1 ,proportioning of thy distress ,and woful misery4 #bb4 ,with so much justice1 doing right1 ,that thou thyself shalt say1 ,my sins have brought me to this plight1 ,i threw myself away4 #bc4 ,into that gulph my sins have brought ,me justly to possess1 ,for which ,i blame not ,christ1 ,i wrought ,it out by wickedness4 #bd4 ,but ,o6 how willingly would these ,that thus in judgment be1 ,if that they might have help or ease1 ,unto the mountains flee4 #be4 ,they would rejoice if that they might ,but underneath them creep1 ,to hide them from revenging right1 ,for fear of which they weep4 #bf4 ,but all in vain1 the mountains then ,will all be fled and gone2 ,no shelter will be found for men ,that now are left alone4 #bg4 ,for succour they did not regard ,when ,christ by grace did call ,to them1 therefore they are not heard1 ,no mountains on them fall4 #bh4 ,before this ,judge no one shall shroud ,himself1 under pretence ,of knowledge1 which hath made him proud1 ,nor seeming penitence4 #bi4 ,no high profession here can stand1 ,unless sincerity ,hath been therewith commixed1 and ,brought forth simplicity4#g #cj4 ,no mask nor vizor here can hide ,the heart that rotten is2 ,all cloaks now must be laid aside1 ,no sinner must have bliss4 #ca4 ,though most approve of thee1 and count ,thee upright in thy heart2 ,yea1 though preferred and made surmount ,most men to act thy part1 #cb4 ,in treading where the godly trod1 ,as to an outward show2 ,yet this hold still1 the grace of ,god ,takes hold on but a few1 #cc4 ,so as to make them truly such ,as then shall stand before ,this ,judge with gladness2 this is much ,yet true for evermore4 #cd4 ,the tree of life this paradise ,doth always beautify1 ',cause of our health it is the rise ,and perpetuity4 #ce4 ,here stands the golden throne of grace ,from out of which do run ,those crystal streams that make this place ,far brighter than the sun4 #cf4 ,here stands mount ,zion with her king4 ,jerusalem above1 ,that holy and delightful thing1 ,so beautified with love4 #cg4 ,that1 as a mother succours those ,which of her body be1 ,so she far more1 all such as close ,in with her ,lord2 and she #ch4 ,her grace1 her everlasting doors ,will open wide unto ,them all1 with welcome1 welcome1 poor1 ,rich1 bond1 free1 high and low1 #ci4 ,unto the kingdom which our ,lord ,appointed hath for all ,that hath his name and word ador'd2 ,because he did them call #dj4 ,unto that work1 which also they ,sincerely did fulfil1 ,not shunning always to obey ,his gracious holy will4 #da4 ,besides1 this much doth beautify ,this goodly paradise1 ,that from all quarters1 constantly1 ,whole thousands as the price #db4 ,of precious blood1 do here arrive2 ,as safe escaping all1 ,sin1 hell1 and satan did contrive ,to bring them into thrall4 #dc4 ,each telling his deliverance ,i' th' open face of heaven2 ,still calling to remembrance ,how fiercely they were driven #dd4 ,by deadly foe1 who did pursue ,as swift as eagles fly2 ,which if thou have not1 down thou must ,with those that then shall die ,the second death1 and be accurs'd ,of ,god4 ,for certainly1 #de4 ,the truth of grace shall only here ,without a blush be bold ,to stand1 whilst others quake and fear1 ,and dare not once behold4 #df4 ,that heart that here was right for ,god ,shall there be comforted2 ,but those that evil ways have trod1 ,shall then hang down the head4 #dg4 ,as sore confounded with the guilt ,that now upon them lies1 ,because they did delight in filth ,and beastly vanities4 #dh4 ,or else because they did deceive ,with hypocritical ,disguises1 their own souls1 and leave ,or shun that best of all #di4 ,approved word of righteousness1 ,they were invited to ,embrace1 therefore they no access ,now to him have1 but woe4 #ej4 ,for every one must now receive ,according to their ways2 ,they that unto the ,lord did cleave1 ,the everlasting joys4 #ea4 ,those that did die in wickedness1 ,to execution sent1 ,there still to grapple with distress1 ,which nothing can prevent4 #eb4 ,of which two states ,i next shall write1 ,wherefore ,i pray give ear1 ,and to them bend with all our might ,your heart with filial fear4 ,,of ,,heaven4 #a4 ,heaven is a place1 also a state1 ,it doth all things excel1 ,no man can fully it relate1 ,nor of its glory tell4 #b4 ,god made it for his residence1 ,to sit on as a throne1 ,which shows to us the excellence ,whereby it may be known4 #c4 ,doubtless the fabric that was built ,for this so great a king1 ,must needs surprise thee1 if thou wilt ,but duly mind the thing4 #d4 ,if all that build do build to suit ,the glory of their state1 ,what orator1 though most acute1 ,can fully heaven relate8 #e4 ,if palaces that princes build1 ,which yet are made of clay1 ,do so amaze when much beheld1 ,of heaven what shall we say8 #f4 ,it is the high and holy place2 ,no moth can there annoy1 ,nor make to fade that goodly grace ,that saints shall there enjoy4 #g4 ,mansions for glory and for rest ,do there prepared stand2 ,buildings eternal for the blest ,are there provided1 and #h4 ,the glory and the comeliness ,by deepest thought none may ,with heart or mouth fully express1 ,nor can before that day4 #i4 ,these heav'ns we see1 be as a scroll1 ,or garment folded up1 ,before they do together roll1 ,and we call'd in to sup4 #aj4 ,there with the king1 the bridegroom1 and ,by him are led into ,his palace chambers1 there to stand ,with his prospect to our view4 #aa4 ,and taste and smell1 and be inflam'd1 ,and ravished to see ,the buildings he hath for us fram'd1 ,how full of heaven they be4 #ab4 ,its state also is marvellous1 ,for beauty to behold2 ,all goodness there is plenteous1 ,and better far than gold4 #ac4 ,adorn'd with grace and righteousness1 ,while fragrant scents of love ,o'erflow with everlasting bliss1 ,all that do dwell above4 #ad4 ,the heavenly majesty1 whose face ,doth far exceed the sun1 ,will there cast forth its rays of grace ,after this world is done4 #ae4 ,which rays and beams will so possess ,all things that there shall dwell1 ,with so much glory1 light1 and bliss1 ,that none can think or tell4 #af4 ,that wisdom which doth order all ,shall there be fully shown2 ,that strength that bears the world there shall ,by every one be known4 #ag4 ,that holiness and sanctity ,which doth all thought surpass1 ,shall there in present purity ,outshine the crystal glass4 #ah4 ,the beauty and the comeliness ,of this ,almighty shall ,make amiable with lasting bliss ,those he thereto shall call4 #ai4 ,the presence of this ,god will be ,eternal life in all1 ,and health and gladness1 while we see ,thy face1 ,o immortal6 #bj4 ,here will the ,lord make clear and plain ,how sweetly did agree ,his attributes1 when ,christ was slain ,our ,saviour to be4 #ba4 ,how wisdom did find out the way1 ,how strength did make him stand1 ,how holiness did bear the sway1 ,and answer just demand4 #bb4 ,how all these attributes did bend ,themselves to work our life1 ,through the ,christ whom ,god did send ,to save us by his might4 #bc4 ,all this will sparkle in our eye ,within the holy place1 ,and greatly raise our melody1 ,and flow our hearts with grace4 #bd4 ,the largest thought that can arise ,within the widest heart ,shall then be filled with surprize1 ,and pleas'd in every part4 #be4 ,all mysteries shall here be seen1 ,and every knot1 unty'd2 ,electing love1 that hid hath been1 ,shall shine on every side4 #bf4 ,the ,god of glory here will be ,the life of every one2 ,whose goodly attributes shall we ,possess them as our own4 #bg4 ,by wisdom we all things shall know1 ,by light all things shall see1 ,by strength1 too1 all things we shall do1 ,when we in glory be4 #bh4 ,the ,holy ,lamb of ,god1 also1 ,who for our sakes did die1 ,the holy ones of ,god shall know1 ,and that most perfectly4 #bi4 ,those small and short discoveries ,that we have of him here1 ,will there be seen with open eyes1 ,in visions full and clear4 #cj4 ,those many thousand acts of grace ,that here we feel and find1 ,shall there be real with open face ,upon his heart most kind4 #ca4 ,there he will show us how he was ,our prophet1 priest1 and king2 ,and how he did maintain our cause1 ,and us to glory bring4 #cb4 ,there we shall see how he was touch'd ,with all our grief and pain 7,as in his word he hath avouch'd71 ,when we with him shall reign2 #cc4 ,he'll show us1 also1 how he did ,maintain our faith and love1 ,and why his face sometimes he hid ,from us1 who are his dove2 #cd4 ,these tempting times that here we have1 ,we there shall see were good2 ,also that hidden strength he gave1 ,the purchase of his blood4 #ce4 ,that he should stand for us before ,his ,father1 thus we read4 ,but then shall see1 and shall adore ,him for his gracious deed4 #cf4 ,though we are vile1 he without shame ,before the angels all ,lays out his strength1 his worth1 and name1 ,for us1 who are in thrall4 #cg4 ,this is he who was mock'd and beat1 ,spit on1 and crown'd with thorns2 ,who for us had a bloody sweat1 ,whose heart was broke with scorns4 #ch4 ',tis he who stands so much our friend1 ,as shortly we shall see1 ,with open face1 world without end1 ,and in his presence be4 #ci4 ,that head that once was crown'd with thorns1 ,shall now with glory shine2 ,that heart that broken was with scorns1 ,shall flow with life divine2 #dj4 ,that man that here met with disgrace1 ,we there shall see so bright2 ,that angels can't behold his face ,for its exceeding light4 #da4 ,what gladness will possess our heart ,when we shall see these things6 ,what light and life1 in every part1 ,will rise like lasting springs6 #db4 ,o blessed face and holy grace1 ,when shall we see this day8 ,lord1 fetch us to this goodly place ,we humbly do thee pray4 #dc4 ,next to this ,lamb we shall behold ,all saints1 both more and less1 ,with whit'ned robes in glory roll'd1 ',cause him they did confess4 #dd4 ,each walking in his righteousness ,with shining crowns of gold1 ,triumphing still in heav'nly bliss1 ,amazing to behold4 #de4 ,each person for his majesty ,doth represent a king2 ,yea1 angel-like for dignity1 ,and seraphims that sing4 #df4 ,each motion of their mind1 and so ,each twinkling of their eye2 ,each word they speak1 and step they go1 ,it is in purity4 #dg4 ,immortal are they every one1 ,wrapt up in health and light1 ,mortality from them is gone1 ,weakness is turn'd to might4 #dh4 ,the stars are not so clear as they1 ,they equalize the sun2 ,their glory shines to perfect day1 ,which day will ne'er be done4 #di4 ,no sorrow can them now annoy1 ,nor weakness1 grief or pain2 ,no faintness can abate their joy1 ,they now in life do reign4 #ej4 ,they shall not there1 as here1 be vex'd ,with ,satan1 men1 or sin2 ,nor with their wicked hearts perplex'd1 ,the heavens have cop'd#h them in4 #ea4 ,thus1 as they shine in their estate1 ,so1 too1 in their degree2 ,which is most goodly to relate1 ,and ravishing to see4 #eb4 ,the majesty whom they adore1 ,doth them in wisdom place ,upon the thrones1 and that before ,the angels1 to their grace4 #ec4 ,the saints of the ,old ,testament1 ,full right to their degree2 ,likewise the ,new1 in excellent ,magnificency be4 #ed4 ,each one his badge of glory wears1 ,according to his place2 ,according as was his affairs ,here1 in the time of grace4 #ee4 ,some on the right hand of the ,lamb1 ,likewise some on the left1 ,with robes and golden chains do stand ,most grave1 most sage1 and deft4#i #ef4 ,the martyr here is known from him ,who peaceably did die1 ,both by the place he sitteth in1 ,and by his dignity4 #eg4 ,each father1 saint1 and prophet shall1 ,according to his worth1 ,enjoy the honour of his call1 ,and plainly hold it forth4 #eh4 ,those bodies which sometimes were torn1 ,and bones that broken were ,for ,god's word2 he doth now adorn ,with health and glory fair4 #ei4 ,thus1 when in heav'nly harmony ,these blessed saints appear1 ,adorn'd with grace and majesty1 ,what gladness will be there6 #fj4 ,the light1 and grace1 and countenance1 ,the least of these shall have1 ,will so with terror them advance1 ,and make their face so grave1 #fa4 ,that at them all the world will shake1 ,when they lift up their head2 ,princes and kings will at them quake1 ,and fall before them dead4 #fb4 ,this shall we see1 thus shall we be1 ,o would the day were come1 ,lord ,jesus take us up to thee1 ,to this desired home4 #fc4 ,angels also we shall behold1 ,when we on high ascend1 ,each shining like to men of gold1 ,and on the ,lord attend4 #fd4 ,these goodly creatures1 full of grace1 ,shall stand about the throne1 ,each one with lightning in his face1 ,and shall to us be known4 #fe4 ,these cherubims with one accord ,shall cry continually1 ,ah1 holy1 holy1 holy1 ,lord1 ,and heavenly majesty4 #ff4 ,these will us in their arms embrace1 ,and welcome us to rest1 ,and joy to see us clad with grace1 ,and of the heavens possess'd4 #fg4 ,this we shall hear1 this we shall see1 ,while raptures take us up1 ,when we with blessed ,jesus be1 ,and at his table sup4 #fh4 ,oh shining angels6 what1 must we ,with you lift up our voice8 ,we must2 and with you ever be1 ,and with you must rejoice4 #fi4 ,our friends that lived godly here1 ,shall there be found again2 ,the wife1 the child1 and father dear1 ,with others of our train4 #gj4 ,each one down to the foot in white1 ,fill'd to the brim with grace1 ,walking among the saints in light1 ,with glad and joyful face4 #ga4 ,those ,god did use us to convert1 ,we there with joy shall meet1 ,and jointly shall1 with all our heart1 ,in life each other greet4 #gb4 ,a crown to them we then shall be1 ,a glory and a joy2 ,and that before the ,lord1 when he ,the world comes to destroy4 #gc4 ,this is the place1 this is the state1 ,of all that fear the ,lord2 ,which men nor angels may relate ,with tongue1 or pen1 or word4 #gd4 ,no night is here1 for to eclipse ,its spangling rays so bright2 ,nor doubt1 nor fear to shut the lips1 ,of those within this light4 #ge4 ,the strings of music here are tun'd ,for heavenly harmony1 ,and every spirit here perfum'd ,with perfect sanctity4 #gf4 ,here runs the crystal streams of life1 ,quite through all our veins4 ,and here by love we do unite ,with glory's golden chains4 #gg4 ,now that which sweet'neth all will be ,the lasting of this state2 ,this heightens all we hear or see ,to a transcendant rate4 #gh4 ,for should the saints enjoy all this ,but for a certain time1 ,o1 how would they their mark then miss1 ,and at this thing repine8 #gi4 ,yea1 'tis not possible that they ,who then shall dwell on high1 ,should be content1 unless they may ,dwell there eternally4 #hj4 ,a thought of parting with this place ,would bitter all their sweet1 ,and darkness put upon the face ,of all they there do meet4 #ha4 ,but far from this the saints shall be1 ,their portion is the ,lord1 ,whose face for ever they shall see1 ,as saith the holy word4 #hb4 ,and that with everlasting peace1 ,joy1 and felicity1 ,from this time forth they shall increase ,unto eternity4 ,,of ,,hell1 ,,and ,,the ,,estate ,,of ,,those ,,that ,,perish4 #a4 ,thus1 having show'd you what ,i see ,of heaven1 ,i now will tell ,you also1 after search1 what be ,the damned wights of hell4 #b4 ,and ,o1 that they who read my lines ,would ponder soberly1 ,and lay to heart such things betimes ,as touch eternity4 #c4 ,the sleepy sinner little thinks ,what sorrows will abound ,within him1 when upon the brinks ,of ,tophet he is found4 #d4 ,hell is beyond all though a state ,so doubtful#aj and forlorn1 ,so fearful1 that none can relate ,the pangs that there are born4 #e4 ,god will exclude them utterly ,from his most blessed face1 ,and them involve in misery1 ,in shame1 and in disgrace4 #f4 ,god is the fountain of all bliss1 ,of life1 of light1 and peace2 ,they then must needs be comfortless ,who are depriv'd of these4 #g4 ,instead of life1 a living death ,will there in all be found4 ,dyings will be in every breath1 ,thus sorrow will abound4 #h4 ,no light1 but darkness here doth dwell2 ,no peace1 but horror strange3 ,the fearful damning wights#aa of hell ,in all will make this change4 #i4 ,to many things the damned's woe ,is liked in the word1 ,and that because no one can show ,the vengeance of the ,lord4 #aj4 ,unto a dreadful burning lake1 ,all on a fiery flame1 ,hell is compared1 for to make ,all understand the same4 #aa4 ,a burning lake1 a furnace hot1 ,a burning oven1 too1 ,must be the portion1 share1 and lot1 ,of those which evil sow4 #ab4 ,this plainly shows the burning heat ,with which it will oppress ,all hearts1 and will like burnings eat ,their souls with sore distress4 #ac4 ,this burning lake1 it is ,god's wrath ,incensed by the sin ,of those who do reject his path1 ,and wicked ways walk in4 #ad4 ,which wrath will so perplex all parts ,of body and of soul1 ,as if up to the very hearts ,in burnings they did roll4 #ae4 ,again1 to show the stinking state ,of this so sad a case1 ,like burning brimstone ,god doth make ,the hidings of his face4 #af4 ,and truly as the steam1 and smoke1 ,and flames of brimstone smell1 ,to blind the eyes1 and stomach choke1 ,so are the pangs of hell4 #ag4 ,to see a sea of brimstone burn1 ,who would it not affright8 ,but they whom ,god to hell doth turn ,are in most woful plight4 #ah4 ,this burning cannot quenched be1 ,no1 not with tears of blood2 ,no mournful groans in misery ,will here do any good4 #ai4 ,o damned men6 this is your fate1 ,the day of grace is done1 ,repentance now doth come too late1 ,mercy is fled and gone4 #bj4 ,your groans and cries they sooner should ,have sounded in mine ears1 ,if grace you would have had1 or would ,have me regard your tears4 #ba4 ,me you offended with your sin1 ,instructions you did slight1 ,your sins against my law hath been1 ,justice shall have his right4 #bb4 ,i gave my ,son to do you good1 ,i gave you space and time ,with him to close1 which you withstood1 ,and did with hell combine4 #bc4 ,justice against you now is set1 ,which you cannot appease2 ,eternal justice doth you let ,from either life or ease4 #bd4 ,thus he that to this place doth come ,may groan1 and sigh1 and weep2 ,but sin hath made that place his home1 ,and there it will him keep4 #be4 ,wherefore1 hell in another place ,is call'd a prison too1 ,and all to show the evil case ,of all sin doth undo4 #bf4 ,which prison1 with its locks and bars ,of ,god's lasting decree1 ,will hold them fast2 ,o how this mars ,all thought of being free6 #bg4 ,out at these brazen bars they may ,the saints in glory see2 ,but this will not their grief allay1 ,but to them torment be4 #bh4 ,thus they in this infernal cave ,will now be holden fast ,from heavenly freedom1 though they crave1 ,of it they may not taste4 #bi4 ,the chains that darkness on them hangs ,still ratt'ling in their ears1 ,creates within them heavy pangs1 ,and still augments their fears4 #cj4 ,thus hopeless of all remedy1 ,they dyingly do sink ,into the jaws of misery1 ,and seas of sorrow drink4 #ca4 ,for being cop'd#ab on every side ,with helplessness and grief1 ,headlong into despair they slide ,bereft of all relief4 #cb4 ,therefore this hell is called a pit1 ,prepared for those that die ,the second death1 a term most fit ,to show their misery4 #cc4 ,a pit that's bottomless is this1 ,a gulf of grief and woe1 ,a dungeon which they cannot miss1 ,that will themselves undo4 #cd4 ,thus without stay they always sink1 ,thus fainting still they fail1 ,despair they up like water drink1 ,these prisoners have no bail4 #ce4 ,here meets them now that worm that gnaws1 ,and plucks their bowels out1 ,the pit1 too1 on them shuts her jaws2 ,this dreadful is1 no doubt4 #cf4 ,this ghastly worm is guilt for sin1 ,which on the conscience feeds1 ,with vipers' teeth1 both sharp and keen1 ,whereat it sorely bleeds4 #cg4 ,this worm is fed by memory1 ,which strictly brings to mind1 ,all things done in prosperity1 ,as we in ,scripture find4 #ch4 ,no word1 nor thought1 nor act they did1 ,but now is set in sight1 ,not one of them can now be hid1 ,memory gives them light4 #ci4 ,on which the understanding still ,will judge1 and sentence pass1 ,this kills the mind1 and wounds the will1 ,alas1 alas1 alas6 #dj4 ,o1 conscience is the slaughter shop1 ,there hangs the axe and knife1 ',tis there the worm makes all things hot1 ,and wearies out the life4 #da4 ,here1 then1 is execution done ,on body and on soul2 ,for conscience will be brib'd of none1 ,but gives to all their dole4 #db4 ,this worm1 'tis said1 shall never die1 ,but in the belly be ,of all that in the flames shall lie1 ,o dreadful sight to see6 #dc4 ,this worm now needs must in them live1 ,for sin will still be there1 ,and guilt1 for ,god will not forgive1 ,nor ,christ their burden bear4 #dd4 ,but take from them all help and stay1 ,and leave them to despair1 ,which feeds upon them night and day1 ,this is the damned's share4 #de4 ,now will confusion so possess ,these monuments of ire1 ,and so confound them with distress1 ,and trouble their desire4 #df4 ,that what to think1 or what to do1 ,or where to lay their head1 ,they know not2 'tis the damned's woe ,to live1 and yet be dead4 #dg4 ,these cast-aways would fain have life1 ,but know1 they never shall1 ,they would forget their dreadful plight1 ,but that sticks fast'st of all4 #dh4 ,god1 ,christ1 and heaven1 they know are best1 ,yet dare not on them think1 ,the saints they know in joys do rest1 ,while they their tears do drink4 #di4 ,they cry alas1 but all in vain1 ,they stick fast in the mire1 ,they would be rid of present pain1 ,yet set themselves on fire4 #ej4 ,darkness is their perplexity1 ,yet do they hate the light1 ,they always see their misery1 ,yet are themselves all night4 #ea4 ,they are all dead1 yet live they do1 ,yet neither live nor die4 ,they die to weal1 and live to woe1 ,this is their misery4 #eb4 ,amidst all this so great a scare ,that here ,i do relate1 ,another falleth to their share ,in this their sad estate4 #ec4 ,the legions of infernal fiends ,then with them needs must be1 ,a just reward for all their pains1 ,this they shall feel and see4 #ed4 ,with yellings1 howlings1 shrieks1 and cries1 ,and other doleful noise1 ,with trembling hearts and failing eyes1 ,these are their hellish joys4 #ee4 ,these angels black they would obey1 ,and serve with greedy mind1 ,and take delight to go astray1 ,that pleasure they might find4 #ef4 ,which pleasure now like poison turns ,their joy to heaviness2 ,yea1 like the gall of asps it burns1 ,and doth them sore oppress #eg4 ,now is the joy they lived in ,all turned to brinish tears1 ,and resolute attempts to sin ,turn'd into hellish fears4 #eh4 ,the floods run trickling down their face1 ,their hearts do prick and ache1 ,while they lament their woful case1 ,their loins totter and shake4 #ei4 ,o wetted cheeks1 with bleared eyes1 ,how fully do you show ,the pangs that in their bosom lies1 ,and grief they undergo6 #fj4 ,their dolour in their bitterness ,so greatly they bemoan1 ,that hell itself this to express ,doth echo with their groan4 #fa4 ,thus broiling on the burning grates1 ,they now to wailing go1 ,and say of those unhappy fates ,that did them thus undo4 #fb4 ,alas1 my grief6 hard hap had ,i ,those dolours here to find1 ,a living death1 in hell ,i lie1 ,involv'd with grief of mind4 #fc4 ,i once was fair for light and grace1 ,my days were long and good2 ,i lived in a blessed place ,where was most heav'nly food4 #fd4 ,but wretch ,i am1 ,i slighted life1 ,i chose in death to live2 ,o1 for these days now1 if ,i might1 ,ten thousand worlds would give4 #fe4 ,what time had ,i to pray and read1 ,what time to hear the word6 ,what means to help me at my need1 ,did ,god to me afford6 #ff4 ,examples1 too1 of piety ,i every day did see1 ,but they abuse and slight did ,i1 ,o1 woe be unto me4 #fg4 ,i now remember how my friend ,reproved me of vice1 ,and bid me mind my latter end1 ,both once1 and twice1 and thrice4 #fh4 ,but ,o1 deluded man1 ,i did ,my back upon him turn2 ,eternal life ,i did not heed1 ,for which ,i now do mourn4 #fi4 ,ah1 golden time1 ,i did thee spend ,in sin and idleness1 ,ah1 health and wealth1 ,i did you lend ,to bring me to distress4 #gj4 ,my feet to evil ,i let run1 ,and tongue of folly talk2 ,my eyes to vanity hath gone1 ,thus did ,i vainly walk4 #ga4 ,i did as greatly toil and strain ,myself with sin to please1 ,as if that everlasting grain ,could have been found in these4 #gb4 ,but nothing1 nothing have ,i found ,but weeping1 and alas1 ,and sorrow1 which doth now surround ,me1 and augment my cross4 #gc4 ,ah1 bleeding conscience1 how did ,i ,thee check when thou didst tell ,me of my faults1 for which ,i lie ,dead while ,i live in hell4 #gd4 ,i took thee for some peevish foe1 ,when thou didst me accuse1 ,therefore ,i did thee buffet so1 ,and counsel did refuse4 #ge4 ,thou often didst me tidings bring1 ,how ,god did me dislike1 ,because ,i took delight in sin1 ,but ,i thy news did slight4 #gf4 ,ah1 ,mind1 why didst thou do those things ,that now do work my woe8 ,ah1 ,will1 why was thou thus inclin'd ,me ever to undo8 #gg4 ,my senses1 how were you beguil'd ,when you said sin was good8 ,it hath in all parts me defil'd1 ,and drown'd me like a flood4 #gh4 ,ah1 that ,i now a being have1 ,in sorrow and in pain2 ,mother1 would you had been my grave1 ,but this ,i wish in vain4 #gi4 ,had ,i been made a cockatrice1 ,a toad1 or such-like thing2#ac ,yea1 had ,i been made snow or ice1 ,then had ,i had no sin2 #hj4 ,a block1 a stock1 a stone1 or clot1 ,is happier than ,i2 ,for they know neither cold nor hot1 ,to live nor yet to die4 #ha4 ,i envy now the happiness ,of those that are in light1 ,i hate the very name of bliss1 ',cause ,i have there no right4 #hb4 ,i grieve to see that others are ,in glory1 life1 and well1 ,without all fear1 or dread1 or care1 ,while ,i am racked in hell4 #hc4 ,thus will these souls with watery eyes1 ,and hacking of their teeth1 ,with wringing hands1 and fearful cries1 ,expostulate their grief4 #hd4 ,o set their teeth they will1 and gnash1 ,and gnaw for very pain1 ,while as with scorpions ,god doth lash ,them for their life so vain4 #he4 ,again1 still as they in this muse1 ,are feeding on the fire1 ,to mind there comes yet other news1 ,to screw their torments higher4 #hf4 ,which is the length of this estate1 ,where they at present lie2 ,which in a word ,i thus relate1 ',tis to eternity4 #hg4 ,this thought now is so firmly fix'd ,in all that comes to mind1 ,and also is so strongly mix'd ,with wrath of every kind4 #hh4 ,so that whatever they do know1 ,or see1 or think1 or feel1 ,for ever still doth strike them through ,as with a bar of steel4 #hi4 ,for ,,ever shineth in the fire1 ,,ever is on the chains2 ',tis also in the pit of ire1 ,and tastes in all their pains4 #ij4 ,for ever separate from ,god1 ,from peace1 and life1 and rest2 ,for ever underneath the rod ,that vengeance liketh best4 #ia4 ,o ever1 ever1 this will drown'd ,them quite and make them cry1 ,we never shall get o'er thy bound1 ,o1 great eternity6 #ib4 ,they sooner now the stars may count ,than lose these dismal bands2 ,or see to what the motes#ad among ,or number up the sands4 #ic4 ,then see an end of this their woe1 ,which now for sin they have2 ,o wantons1 take heed what you do1 ,sin will you never save4 #id4 ,they sooner may drink up the sea1 ,than shake off these their fears2 ,or make another in one day ,as big with brinish tears2 #ie4 ,than put an end to misery1 ,in which they now do roar1 ,or help themselves2 no1 they must cry1 ,alas1 for evermore4 #if4 ,when years by thousands on a heap ,are passed o'er their head2 ,yet still the fruits of sin they reap ,among the ghostly dead4 #ig4 ,yea1 when they have time out of mind ,be in this case so ill1 ,for ,,ever1 ,,ever is behind#ae ,yet for them to fulfill4 ,,ebal ,,and ,,gerizzim1 ,,or ,,the ,,blessing ,,and ,,the ,,curse3 ,,being ,a ,,short ,,exhortation ,,to ,,sinners1 ,,by ,,the ,,mercy ,,and ,,severity ,,of ,,god4 ,,from ,,mount ,,gerizzim4 ,besides what ,i said of the ,four ,last ,things1 ,and of the weal and woe that from them springs2 ,an after-word still runneth in my mind1 ,which ,i shall here expose unto that wind ,that may it blow into that very hand ,that needs it4 ,also that it may be scann'd ,with greatest soberness1 shall be my prayer1 ,as well as diligence and godly care2 ,so to present it unto public view1 ,that only truth and peace may thence ensue4 ,my talk shall be of that amazing love ,of ,god we read of2 which1 that it may prove1 ,by its engaging arguments to save ,thee1 ,i shall lay out that poor help ,i have ,thee to entice2 that thou wouldst dearly fall ,in love with thy salvation1 and with all ,that doth thereto concur1 that thou mayst be ,as blessed as the ,blessed can make thee1 ,not only here but in the world to come1 ,in bliss1 which1 ,i pray ,god1 may be thy home4 ,but first1 ,i would advise thee to bethink ,thyself1 how sin hath laid thee at the brink ,of hell1 where thou art lulled fast asleep ,in ,satan's arms1 who also will thee keep ,as senseless and secure as e'er he may1 ,lest thou shouldst wake1 and see't1 and run away ,unto that ,jesus1 whom the ,father sent ,into the world1 for this cause and intent1 ,that such as thou1 from such a thrall as this ,might'st be released1 and made heir of bliss4 ,now that thou may'st awake1 the danger fly1 ,and so escape the death that others die1 ,come1 let me set my trumpet to thine ear1 ,be willing all my message for to hear3 ',tis for thy life1 ,o do it not refuse2 ,wo unto them good counsel do abuse4 ,thou art at present in that very case1 ,which argues thou art destitute of grace3 ,for he that lies where sin hath laid him1 lies ,under the curse1 graceless1 and so he dies ,in body and in soul1 within that range1 ,if ,god his heart in mercy doth not change ,before he goes the way of all the earth1 ,before he lose his spirit and his breath4 ,repentance there is none within the grave1 ,nor ,christ1 nor grace1 nor mercies for to save ,thee from the vengeance due unto thy sin1 ,if now thou dost not truly close with him4 ,thou art like him that sleepeth in the sea ,on broken boards1 which1 without guide or stay1 ,are driven whither winds and water will2 ,while greedy beasts do wait to have their fill ,by feeding on his carcass1 when he shall ,turn overboard1 and without mercy fall ,into the jaws of such as make a prey ,of those whom justice drowneth in the sea4 ,thou art like him that snoring still doth lie ,upon the bed of vain security1 ,whilst all about him into burning flame ,by fire is turned2 yea1 and while the frame ,and building where he lies consuming is1 ,and while himself these burnings cannot miss4 ,thou art like one that hangeth by a thread ,over the mouth of hell1 as one half-dead2 ,and ,o1 how soon this thread may broken be1 ,or cut by death1 is yet unknown to thee6 ,but sure it is1 if all the weight of sin1 ,and all that ,satan1 too1 hath doing been1 ,or yet can do1 can break this crazy thread1 ',twill not be long before1 among the dead1 ,thou tumble do1 as linked fast in chains1 ,with them to wait in fear for future pains4 ,what shall ,i say8 ,wilt thou not yet awake8 ,nor yet of thy poor soul some pity take8 ,among the lions it hood-winked lies2 ,o1 that the ,lord would open once thine eyes ,that thou might'st see it1 then ,i dare say thou1 ,as half-bereft of wits1 wouldst cry out1 ,how ,shall ,i escape8 ,lord help1 ,o6 help with speed1 ,reach down thy hand from heav'n1 for help ,i need1 ,to save me from the lions1 for ,i fear ,this soul of mine they will in pieces tear4 ,come1 then1 and let us both expostulate ,the case betwixt us1 till we animate ,and kindle in our hearts that burning love ,to ,christ1 to grace1 to life1 that we may move ,swifter than eagles to this blessed prey2 ,then shall it be well with us in that day ,the trump shall sound1 the dead made rise1 and stand1 ,then to receive1 for breach of ,god's command1 ,such thunder-claps as these1 ,depart from me ,into hell-fire1 you that the wicked be1 ,prepared for the devil1 and for those ,that with him and his angels rather chose ,to live in filthy sin and wickedness1 ,whose fruit is everlasting bitterness4 ,we both are yet on this side of the grave1 ,we also gospel-privileges have2 ,the word1 and time to pray2 ,god give us hearts1 ,that1 like the wise man1 we may act our parts1 ,to get the pearl of price2 then we shall be ,like godly ,mary1 ,peter1 ,paul1 and we ,like ,jacob1 too1 the blessing shall obtain2 ,while ,esau rides a-hunting for the gain ,of worldly pelf1 which will him not avail ,when death or judgment shall him sore assail4 ,now1 to encourage us for to begin1 ,let us believe the kingdom we may win1 ,and be possess'd thereof1 if we the way ,shall hit into1 and then let nothing stay ,or hinder us2 the crown is at the end1 ,let's run and strive1 and fly1 and let's contend ,with greatest courage it for to obtain2 ',tis life1 and peace1 and everlasting gain4 ,the gate of life1 the new and living way1 ,the promise holdeth open all the day1 ,which thou by ,jacob's ladder must ascend1 ,where angels always wait1 and do attend ,as ministers1 to minister for those ,that do with ,god1 and ,christ1 and glory close4 ,if guilt of sin still lieth at our door1 ,us to discourage1 let us set before ,our eyes a bleeding ,jesus1 who did die ,the death1 and let's believe the reason why ,he did it1 was that we might ever be ,from death and sin1 from hell and wrath set free4 ,yea1 let's remember for that very end ,it was his blessed ,father did him send2 ,that he the law of ,god might here fulfil1 ,that so the mystery of his blessed will ,might be revealed in the blessedness ,of those that fly to ,christ for righteousness4 ,now let us argue with ourselves1 then1 thus ,that ,jesus ,christ our ,lord came to save us1 ,by bearing of our sins upon his back1 ,by hanging on the cross as on a rack1 ,while justice cut him off on every side1 ,while smiles ,divine themselves from him did hide1 ,while earth did quake1 and rocks in pieces rent1 ,and while the sun1 as veiled1 did lament ,to see the innocent and harmless die ,so sore a death1 so full of misery4 ,yea1 let us turn again1 and say1 ,all this ,he did and suffered for love of his4 ,he brought in everlasting righteousness1 ,that he might cover all our nakedness2 ,he wept and wash'd his face with brinish tears ,that we might saved be from hellish fears2 ,blood was his sweat1 too1 in his agony1 ,that we might live in joyful ecstasy2 ,he apprehended was and led away1 ,that grace to us-ward never might decay4 ,with swords1 and bills1 and outrage in the night1 ,that to the peace of heav'n we might have right4 ,condemned he was between two thieves to die1 ,that we might ever in his bosom lie2 ,scourged with whips his precious body were1 ,that we lashes of conscience might not fear2 ,his head was crowned with thorns1 that we might be ,crowned with glory and felicity2 ,he hanged was upon a cursed tree1 ,that we delivered from death might be2 ,his ,father from him hides his smiles and face1 ,that we might have them in the heavenly place2 ,he cry'd1 ,my ,god1 why hast forsaken me8 ,that we forsaken of him might not be4 ,into his side was thrust a bloody spear1 ,that we the sting of death might never fear2 ,he went into the grave after all this1 ,that we might up to heav'n go1 and have bliss4 ,yea1 rise again he did out of the earth1 ,and shook off from him all the chains of death2 ,then at his chariot wheels he captive led ,his foes1 and trod upon the serpent's head2 ,riding in triumph to his ,father's throne1 ,there to possess the kingdom as his own4 ,what say'st thou1 wilt not yet unto him come8 ,his arms are open1 in his heart is room ,to lay thee2 be not then discouraged1 ,although thy sins be many1 great1 and red2 ,unto thee righteousness he will impute1 ,and with the kisses of his mouth salute ,thy drooping soul1 and will it so uphold1 ,as that thy shaking conscience shall be bold ,to come to mercy's seat with great access1 ,there to expostulate with that justice ,that burns like fiery flames against all those ,that do not with this blessed ,jesus close2 ,which unto thee will do no harm1 but good1 ,because thou hast reliance on that blood ,that justice saith hath given him content1 ,for all that do unfeignedly repent ,their ill-spent life1 and roll upon free grace1 ,that they within that bosom might have place1 ,that open is to such1 where they shall lie ,in ease1 and gladness1 and felicity1 ,world without end1 according to that state ,i have1 nay1 better than ,i1 can relate4 ,if thou shalt still object1 thou yet art vile1 ,and hast a heart that will not reconcile ,unto the holy law1 but will rebel1 ,hark yet to what ,i shall thee farther tell4 ,two things are yet behind that help thee will1 ,if ,god should put into thy mind that skill1 ,so to improve them as becometh those ,that would with mercy and forgiveness close4 ,first1 then1 let this sink down into thy heart1 ,that ,christ is not a ,saviour in part1 ,but every way so fully he is made ,that all of those that underneath his shade ,and wing would sit1 and shroud their weary soul1 ,that even ,moses dare it not control1 ,but justify it1 approve of 't1 and conclude ,no man nor angel must himself intrude ,with such doctrine that may oppose the same1 ,on pain of blaspheming that holy name1 ,which ,god himself hath given unto men1 ,to stay1 to trust1 to lean themselves on1 when ,they feel themselves assaulted1 and made fear ,their sin will not let them in life appear4 ,for as ,god made him perfect righteousness1 ,that he his love might to the height express1 ,and us present complete before the throne2 ,sanctification1 too1 of his own ,he hath prepared1 in which do we stand1 ,complete in holiness1 at his right hand4 ,now this sanctification is not ,that holiness which is in us1 but that ,which in the person of this ,jesus is1 ,and can inherently be only his4 ,but is imputed to us for our good4 ,as is his active righteousness and blood2 ,which is the cause1 though we infirm are found1 ,that mercy and forgiveness doth abound ,to us-ward1 and that why we are not shent#af ,and empty1 and away rebuked sent1 ,because that all we do imperfect is4 ,bless ,god1 then1 for this holiness of his1 ,and learn to look by faith on that alone1 ,when thou seest thou hast nothing of thine own2 ,yea1 when thy heart most willing is to do ,what ,god by his good word doth call thee to2 ,and when thou find'st most holiness within1 ,and greatest power over every sin1 ,yet then to ,jesus look1 and thou shalt see ,in him sanctification for thee1 ,far more complete than all that thou canst find ,in the most upright heart and willing mind1 ,that ever man or angels did possess1 ,when most filled with inherent righteousness4 ,besides1 if thou forgettest here to live1 ,and ,satan get thee once into his sieve1 ,he will so hide thy wheat1 and show thy brun#ag ,that thou wilt quickly cry1 ,i am undone4 ,alas1 thy goodliest attainments here1 ,though like the fairest blossoms they appear1 ,how quickly will they lour and decay1 ,and be as if they all were fled away1 ,when once the east-wind of temptations beat ,upon thee1 with their dry and blasting heat6 ,rich men will not account their treasure lies ,in crack'd groats and four-pence half-pennies1#ah ,but in those bags they have within their chests1 ,in staple goods1 which shall within their breasts ,have place accordingly1 because they see ,their substance lieth here4 ,but if that be ,but shaken1 then they quickly fear1 and cry1 ,alas1 'tis not this small and odd money1 ,we carry in our pockets for to spend1 ,will make us rich1 or much will stand our friend4 ,if famine or if want do us assail1 ,how quickly will these little pieces fail6 ,if thou be wise1 consider what ,i say ,and look for all in ,christ1 where no decay ,is like to be2 then though thy present frame ,be much in up-and-down1 yet he the same ,abideth1 yea1 and still at ,god's right hand1 ,as thy most perfect holiness will stand4 ,it is1 ,i say1 not like to that in thee1 ,now high1 then low1 now out1 then in1 but he ,most perfect is1 when thou art at the worst ,the same1 the very same2 ,i said at first1 ,this helpeth much when thou art buffeted1 ,and when thy graces lie in thee as dead2 ,then to believe they are all perfect still ,in ,christ thy head1 who hath that blessed skill1 ,yet to present thee by what is in him ,unto his ,father1 one that hath no sin4 ,yea1 this will fill thy mouth with argument ,against the tempter1 when he shall present ,before thee all thy weakness1 and shall hide ,from thee thy graces1 that thou mayst abide ,under the fretting fumes of unbelief1 ,which never yielded ,christian man relief4 ,nor help thyself thou mayst against him thus3 ,o ,satan1 though my heart indeed be worse ,than 'twas a while ago1 yet ,i perceive ,thou shalt me not of happiness bereave1 ,nor yet of holiness2 for by the ,word ,i find that ,jesus ,christ1 our blessed ,lord1 ,is made sanctification for me ,in his own person1 where all graces be1 ,as water in the fountain2 and that ,i1 ,by means of that1 have yet a sanctity1 ,both personal and perfect every way2 ,and that is ,christ himself1 as ,paul doth say4 ,now1 though my crazy pitcher oft doth leak1 ,by means of which my graces are so weak1 ,and so much spent1 that one ,i cannot find ,able to stay or help my feeble mind2 ,yet then ,i look to ,jesus1 and see all ,in him that wanting is in me1 and shall ,again take courage1 and believe he will ,present me upright in his person1 till ,he humble me for all my foolishness1 ,and then again fill me with holiness4 ,now1 if thou lovest inward sanctity1 ,as all the saints do most unfeignedly1 ,then add1 to what ,i have already said1 ,faith in the promise2 and be not afraid ,to urge it often at the throne of grace1 ,and to expect it in its time and place4 ,then he that true is1 and that cannot lie1 ,will give it unto thee1 that thou thereby ,mayst serve with faith1 with fear1 in truth and love1 ,that ,god that did at first thy spirit move ,to ask it to his praise1 that he might be ,thy ,god1 and that he might delight in thee4 ,if ,i should here particulars relate1 ,methinks it could not but much animate ,thy heart1 though very listless to inquire ,how thou mayst that enjoy1 which all desire ,that love themselves and future happiness2 ,but ,o1 ,i cannot fully it express3 ,the promise is so open and so free1 ,in all respects1 to those that humble be1 ,that want they cannot what for them is good2 ,but there 'tis1 and confirmed is with blood1 ,a certain sign1 all those enjoy it may1 ,that see they want it1 and sincerely pray ,to ,god the ,father1 in that ,jesus' name ,who bled on purpose to confirm the same4 ,,the ,,necessity ,,of ,a ,,new ,,heart4 ,now wouldst thou have a heart that tender is1 ,a heart that forward is to close with bliss2 ,a heart that will impressions freely take ,of the new covenant1 and that will make ,the best improvement of the word of grace1 ,and that to wickedness will not give place2 ,all this is in the promise1 and it may ,obtained be of them that humbly pray4 ,wouldst thou enjoy that spirit that is free1 ,and looseth those that in their spirits be ,oppressed with guilt1 or filth1 or unbelief2 ,that spirit that will1 where it dwells1 be chief2 ,which breaketh ,samson's cord as rotten thread1 ,and raiseth up the spirit that is dead2 ,that sets the will at liberty to choose ,those things that ,god hath promis'd to infuse ,into the humble heart8 ,all this1 ,i say1 ,the promise holdeth out to them that pray4 ,,the ,,spirit ,,of ,,prayer4 ,wouldst thou have that good1 that blessed mind1 ,that is so much to heavenly things inclin'd ,that it aloft will soar1 and always be ,contemplating on blest eternity4 ,that mind that never thinks itself at rest1 ,but when it knows it is for ever blest2 ,that mind that can be here no more content1 ,than he that in the prison doth lament2 ,that blessed mind that counts itself then free ,when it can at the throne with ,jesus be1 ,there to behold the mansions he prepares ,for such as be with him and his co-heirs4 ,this mind is in the covenant of grace1 ,and shall be theirs that truly seek his face4 ,,of ,,godly ,,fear4 ,is godly fear delightful unto thee1 ,that fear that ,god himself delights to see ,bear sway in them that love him8 then he will ,thy godly mind in this request fulfil4 ,by giving thee a fear that tremble shall1 ,at every trip thou takest1 lest thou fall1 ,and him offend1 or hurt thyself by sin1 ,or cause poor souls that always blind have been ,to stumble at thy falls1 and harder be ,against their own salvation and thee4 ,that fear that of itself would rather choose ,the rod1 than to offend or to abuse ,in anything that blessed worthy name1 ,that hath thee saved from that death and shame2 ,that sin would soon have brought thee to1 if he ,had not imputed righteousness to thee4 ,i will love them1 saith ,god1 and not depart ,from them1 but put my fear within their heart1 ,that ,i to them may always lovely be1 ,and that they never may depart from me4 ,,of ,,uprightness ,,and ,,sincerity4 ,wouldst thou be very upright and sincere8 ,wouldst thou be that within thou dost appear1 ,or seem to be in outward exercise ,before the most devout1 and godly wise8 ,yea1 art thou thus when no eye doth thee see ,but that which is invisible8 and be ,the words of ,god in truth thy prop and stay8 ,and do they in thy conscience bear more sway ,to govern thee in faith and holiness1 ,than thou canst with thy heart and mouth express8 ,and do the things that truly are divine1 ,before thee more than gold or rubies shine8 ,and if1 as unto ,solomon1 ,god should ,propound to thee1 ,what wouldst thou have8 how would ,thy heart and pulse beat after heav'nly things1 ,after the upper and the nether springs8 ,couldst1 with unfeigned heart and upright lip1 ,cry1 ,hold me fast1 ,lord1 never let me slip1 ,nor step aside from faith and holiness1 ,nor from the blessed hope of future bliss8 ,lord1 rather cross me anywhere than here2 ,lord1 fill me always with thy holy fear1 ,and godly jealousy of mine own heart1 ,lest ,i1 ,lord1 should at any time depart ,from thy most blessed covenant of grace1 ,where ,jesus rules as ,king1 and where thy face ,is only to be seen with comfort1 and ,where sinners justified before thee stand4 ,if these thy groanings be sincere and true1 ,if ,god doth count thee one that dost pursue ,the things thou cryest after with thy heart1 ,no doubt but in them thou shalt have a part4 ,,how ,,graces ,,are ,,to ,,be ,,obtained4 ,the next word that ,i would unto thee say1 ,is how thou mayst attain without delay1 ,those blessed graces1 and that holiness ,thou dost with so much godly zeal express ,thy love to1 and thy longing to enjoy1 ,that sins and weakness might thee less annoy4 ,know1 then1 as ,i have hinted heretofore1 ,and shall now speak unto a little more1 ,all graces in the person of the ,son ,are by the ,father hid1 and therefore none ,can them obtain but they who with him close2 ,all others graceless are but only those2 ,for of his fulness 'tis that we receive1 ,and grace for grace2 let no man then deceive ,himself or others with a feigned show ,of holiness1 if ,jesus they eschew4 ,when he ascended to his ,father1 then ,it was that he received gifts for men2 ,faith1 hope1 and love1 true zeal1 an upright heart1 ,right humbleness of mind1 and every part ,of what the word of life counts holiness1 ,god then laid up in him1 that we redress ,and help might have1 who do unto him fly ,for righteousness and gospel sanctity4 ,,of ,,imputed ,,righteousness4 ,now1 if thou wouldst inherit righteousness1 ,and so sanctification possess ,in body1 soul1 and spirit1 then thou must ,to ,jesus fly1 as one ungodly first2 ,and so by him crave pardon for thy sin ,which thou hast loved1 and hast lived in2 ,for this cannot at all forgiven be1 ,for any righteousness that is in thee2 ,because the best thou hast is filthy rags1 ,profane1 presumptuous1 and most beastly brags ,of flesh and blood1 which always cross doth lie ,to ,god1 to grace1 and thy felicity4 ,then righteousness imputed thou must have1 ,thee from that guilt and punishment to save ,thou liest under as a sinful man1 ,throughout polluted1 and that never can ,by any other means acquitted be1 ,or ever have true holiness in thee4 ,the reason is1 because all graces are ,only in ,christ1 and be infused where1 ,or into those whom he doth justify1 ,by what himself hath done1 that he thereby ,might be the whole of all that happiness ,the sinner shall enjoy here1 and in bliss4 ,besides1 if holiness should first be found ,in those whom ,god doth pardon1 then the ground ,why we forgiven are would seem to be1 ,he first found holiness in thee and me2 ,but this the holy ,scriptures will refute1 ,and prove that righteousness he doth impute ,without respect to goodness first in man2 ,for1 to speak truth indeed1 no goodness can ,be found in those that underneath the law ,do stand2 for if ,god goodness in them saw1 ,why doth he once and twice say1 ,there is none ,that righteous be2 no1 not so much as one2 ,none understandeth1 none seek after ,god1 ,his ways they have not known1 but have abode ,in wickedness1 unprofitably they ,must needs appear to be then every way4 ,their throats an open sepulchre1 also ,their mouths are full of filthy cursings too2 ,and bitterness1 yea1 underneath their lips ,the asp hath poison4 ,o how many slips ,and falls in sin must such poor people have6 ,now here's the holiness that should them save1 ,or1 as a preparation1 go before1 ,to move ,god to do for them less or more8 ,no1 grace must on thee righteousness bestow1 ,or1 else sin will for ever thee undo4 ,sweet ,paul this doctrine also doth express1 ,where he saith1 ,some may have righteousness1 ,though works they have not2 and it thus may stand1 ,grace by the promise gives what the command ,requireth us to do1 and so are we ,quitted from doing1 and by grace made free4 ,,of ,,holiness ,,of ,,life4 ,now1 then1 if holiness thou wouldst obtain1 ,and wouldst a tender ,christian man remain1 ,keep faith in action1 let that righteousness ,that ,christ fulfilled always have express ,and clear distinction in thy heart1 from all ,that men by ,scripture1 or besides1 it1 call ,inherent gospel holiness1 or what ,terms else they please to give it2 for 'tis that1 ,and that alone1 by which all graces come ,into the heart2 for else there is no room ,for ought but pride1 presumption1 or despair1 ,no love or other graces can be there4 ,received you the ,spirit1 saith ,st4 ,paul1 ,by hearing1 faith1 or works8 not works1 and shall ,no ways retain the same1 except you do ,hear faith1 embrace the same1 and stick thereto4 ,,the ,,operation ,,of ,,faith4 ,the word of faith unto me pardon brings1 ,shows me the ground and reason whence it springs3 ,to wit1 free grace1 which moved ,god to give ,his ,son to die and bleed1 that ,i might live ,this word doth also loudly preach to me1 ,though ,i a miserable sinner be1 ,yet in this ,son of ,god ,i stand complete1 ,whose righteousness is without all deceit2 ',tis that which ,god himself delighteth in1 ,and that by which all his have saved been4 ,,of ,,love ,,to ,,god4 ,when ,i do this begin to apprehend1 ,my heart1 my soul1 and mind1 begins to bend ,to ,god-ward1 and sincerely for to love ,his son1 his ways1 his people1 and to move ,with brokenness of spirit after him ,who broken was1 and killed for my sin4 ,now is mine heart grown holy1 now it cleaves ,to ,jesus ,christ my ,lord1 and now it leaves ,those ways that wicked be2 it mourns because ,it can conform no more unto the laws ,of ,god1 who loved me when ,i was vile1 ,and of sweet ,jesus1 who did reconcile ,me unto justice by his precious blood1 ,when no way else was left to do me good4 ,if you would know how this can operate ,thus on the soul1 ,i shall to you relate ,a little farther what my soul hath seen ,since ,i have with the ,lord acquainted been4 ,the word of grace1 when it doth rightly seize ,the spirit of a man1 and so at ease ,doth set the soul1 the ,spirit of the ,lord ,doth then with might accompany the word2 ,in which it sets forth ,christ as crucified1 ,and by that means the ,father pacified ,with such a wretch was thou1 and by this sight1 ,thy guilt is in the first place put to flight1 ,for thus the ,spirit doth expostulate3 ,behold how ,god doth now communicate 7,by changing of the person7 grace to thee ,a sinner1 but to ,christ great misery1 ,though he the just one was1 and so could not ,deserve this punishment2 behold1 then1 what ,the love of ,god is6 how 'tis manifest1 ,and where the reason lies that thou art blest4 ,this doctrine being spoken to the heart1 ,which also is made yield to every part ,thereof1 it doth the same with sweetness fill1 ,and so doth sins and wickednesses kill2 ,for when the love of ,god is thus reveal'd1 ,and thy poor drooping spirit thereby seal'd1 ,and when thy heart1 as dry ground1 drinks this in ,unto the roots thereof1 which nourish sin1 ,it smites them1 as the worm did ,jonah's gourd1 ,and makes them dwindle of their own accord1 ,and die away2 instead of which there springs ,up life and love1 and other holy things4 ,besides1 the ,holy ,spirit now is come1 ,and takes possession of thee as its home2 ,by which a war maintained always is ,against the old man and the deeds of his4 ,when ,god at first upon mount ,sinai spake1 ,he made his very servant ,moses quake2 ,but when he heard the law the second time1 ,his heart was comforted1 his face did shine4 ,what was the reason of this difference1 ,seeing no change was in the ordinance1 ,although a change was in the manner1 when ,the second time he gave it unto men8 ,at first 'twas given in severity1 ,in thunder1 blackness1 darkness1 tempest high1 ,in fiery flames it was delivered4 ,this struck both ,moses and the host as dead2 ,but ,moses1 when he went into the mount ,the second time1 upon the same account ,no fear1 nor dread1 nor shaking of his mind1 ,do we in all the holy ,scripture find2 ,but rather in his spirit he had rest1 ,and look'd upon himself as greatly blest4 ,he was put in the rock1 he heard the name1 ,which on the mount the ,lord did thus proclaim3 ,the ,lord1 merciful1 gracious1 and more1 ,long-suffering1 and keeping up in store ,mercy for thousands1 pardoning these things1 ,iniquity1 transgressions1 and sins1 ,and holding guilty none but such as still ,refuse forgiveness1 of rebellious will4 ,this proclamation better pleased him ,than all the thunder and the light'ning4 ,which shook the mount1 this rid him of his fear1 ,this made him bend1 make haste1 and worship there4 ,jehoshaphat1 when he was sore opprest ,by ,amnon and by ,moab1 and the rest ,of them that sought his life1 no rest he found1 ,until a word of faith became a ground ,to stay himself upon2 ,o1 then they fell1 ,his very song became their passing-bell4 ,then holiness of heart a consequence ,of faith in ,christ is1 for it flows from thence2 ,the love of ,christ in truth constraineth us1 ,of love sincerely to make judgment thus3 ,he for us died that for ever we ,might die to sin1 and ,christ his servants be4 ,o6 nothing's like to the remembrance ,of what it is to have deliverance ,from death and hell1 which is of due our right1 ,nothing1 ,i say1 like this to work delight ,in holy things2 this like live honey runs1 ,and needs no pressing out of honey-combs4 ,,love ,,inducing ,,christian ,,conduct4 ,then understand my meaning by my words1 ,how sense of mercy unto faith affords ,both grace to sanctify1 and holy make ,that soul that of forgiveness doth partake4 ,thus having briefly showed you what is ,the way of life1 or sanctity1 of bliss1 ,i would not in conclusion have you think1 ,by what ,i say1 that ,christian men should drink ,in these my words with lightness1 or that they ,are now exempted from what every day ,their duty is4 ,no1 ,god doth still expect1 ,yea1 doth command1 that they do not neglect ,to pray1 to read1 to hear1 and not dissent ,from being sober1 grave1 and diligent ,in watching1 self-denial1 and with fear ,to serve him all the time thou livest here4 ,indeed ,i have endeavoured to lay ,before your eyes the right and only way ,pardon to get1 and also holiness1 ,without which never think that ,god will bless ,thee with the kingdom he will give to those ,that ,christ embrace1 and holy lives do choose ,to live1 while here all others go astray1 ,and shall in time to come be cast away4 ,,from ,,mount ,,ebal4 ,thus having heard from ,gerizzim1 ,i shall ,next come to ,ebal1 and you thither call1 ,not there to curse you1 but to let you hear ,how ,god doth curse that soul that shall appear ,an unbelieving man1 a graceless wretch2 ,because he doth continue in the breach ,of ,moses' law1 and also doth neglect ,to close with ,jesus2 him will ,god reject ,and cast behind him2 for of right his due ,is that from whence all miseries ensue4 ,cursed1 saith he1 are thy that do transgress ,the least of my commandments1 more or less4 ,nothing that written is must broken be1 ,but always must be kept unto by thee1 ,and must fulfilled be2 for here no man ,can look ,god in the face1 or ever stand ,before the judgment-seat2 for if they be ,convict1 condemned too assuredly4 ,now keep this law no mortal creature can1 ,for they already do1 as guilty1 stand ,before the ,god that gave it2 so that they ,obnoxious to the curse lie every day1 ,which also they must feel for certainty1 ,if unto ,jesus ,christ they do not fly4 ,hence1 then1 as they for ever shall be blest1 ,that do by faith upon the promise rest1 ,so peace unto the wicked there is none2 ',tis wrath and death that they must feed upon4 ,that what ,i say may some impression make ,on carnal hearts1 that they in time may take ,that course that best will prove when time is done1 ,these lines ,i add to what ,i have begun4 ,first1 thou must know that ,god1 as he is love ,so he is justice1 therefore cannot move1 ,or in the least be brought to favour those ,his holiness and justice doth oppose4 ,for though thou mayst imagine in thy heart ,that ,god is this or that1 yet if thou art ,at all besides the truth of what he is1 ,and so dost build thy hope for life amiss1 ,still he the same abideth1 and will be ,the same1 the same for ever unto thee4 ,as ,god is true unto his promise1 so ,unto his threat'ning he is faithful too4 ,cease to be ,god he must1 if he should break ,one tittle that his blessed mouth did speak4 ,now1 then1 none can be saved but the men ,with whom the ,godhead is contented when ,it them beholds with the severest eye ,of justice1 holiness1 and yet can spy ,no fault nor blemish in them2 these be they ,that must be saved1 as the ,scriptures say4 ,if this be true1 as 'tis assuredly1 ,woe be to them that wicked live and die2 ,those that as far from holiness have been ,all their life long as if no eye had seen ,their doings here1 or as if ,god did not ,at all regard1 or in the least mind what1 ,wherein1 or how they did his law transgress1 ,either by this or other wickedness2 ,but how deceived these poor creatures are1 ,they then shall know when they their burthen bear4 ,alas1 our ,god is a consuming fire2 ,so is his law1 by which he doth require ,that thou submit to him1 and if thou be ,not in that justice found that can save thee ,from all and every sentence which he spake ,upon mount ,sinai1 then as one that brake ,it1 thou the flames thereof shall quickly find ,as scourges thee to lash1 while sins do bind ,thee hand and foot1 for ever to endure ,the strokes of vengeance for thy life impure4 ,what ,i have said will yet evinced be1 ,and manifest abundantly to thee1 ,if what ,i have already spoken to ,be joined with these lines that do ensue4 ,justice discovers its antipathy ,against profaneness and malignity4 ,not only by the law it gave to men1 ,and threatenings thereunto annexed then4 ,but inasmuch as long before that day1 ,he did prepare for such as go astray1 ,that dreadful1 that so much amazing place-- ,hell1 with its torments--for those men that grace ,and holiness of life slight and disdain1 ,there to bemoan themselves with hellish pain4 ,this place1 also1 the pains so dismal be1 ,both as to name and nature1 that in me ,it is not to express the damning wights1 ,the hellish torture1 and the fearful plights ,thereof2 for as intolerable they ,must needs be found1 by those that disobey ,the ,lord1 so can no word or thought express ,unto the full the height of that distress2 ,such miserable caitiffs1 that shall there ,rebukes of vengeance1 for transgressions bear4 ,indeed the holy ,scriptures do make use ,of many metaphors1 that do conduce ,much to the symbolizing of the place1 ,unto our apprehension2 but the case-- ,the sad1 the woful case--of those that lie ,as racked there in endless misery1 ,by all similitudes no mortals may ,set forth in its own nature2 for ,i say ,similitudes are but a shade1 and show ,of those or that they signify to you4 ,the fire that doth within thine oven burn1 ,the prison where poor people sit and mourn1 ,chains1 racks1 and darkness1 and such others1 be ,as painting on the wall1 to let thee see ,by word and figures the extremity ,of such as shall within these burnings lie4 ,but certainly1 if wickedness and sin ,had only foolish toys and trifles been1 ,and if ,god had not greatly hated it1 ,yea1 could he any ways thereof admit1 ,and let it pass1 he would not thus have done4 ,he doth not use to punish any one ,with any place or punishment that is ,above or sharper than the sin of his ,hath merited1 and justice seeth due2 ,read sin1 then1 by the death that doth ensue4 ,most men do judge of sin1 not by the fruits ,it bears and bringeth forth1 but as it suits ,their carnal and deluded hearts1 that be ,with sensual pleasures eaten up2 but he ,that now so judgeth1 shortly shall perceive ,that ,god will judge thereof himself1 and leave ,such men no longer to their carnal lusts1 ,to judge of wickedness1 and of the just ,and righteous punishment that doth of right ,belong thereto2 and will1 too1 in despite ,of all their carnal reason1 justify ,himself1 in their eternal misery4 ,then hell will be no fancy1 neither will ,men's sins be pleasant to them2 but so ill ,and bitter1 yea1 so bitter1 that none can ,fully express the same1 or ever stand ,under the burden it will on them lay1 ,when they from life and bliss are sent away4 ,when ,i have thought how often ,god doth speak ,of their destruction1 who ,,his law do break2 ,and when the nature of the punishment ,i find so dreadful1 and that ,god's intent1 ,yea1 resolution is1 it to inflict ,on every sinner that shall stand convict1 ,i have amazed been1 yet to behold1 ,to see poor sinners yet with sin so bold1 ,that like the horse that to the battle runs1 ,without all fear1 and that no danger shuns1 ,till down he falls4 ,o resolute attempts6 ,o sad1 amazing1 damnable events6 ,the end of such proceedings needs must be1 ,from which1 ,o ,lord1 save and deliver me4 ,but if thou think that ,god thy noble race ,will more respect1 than into such a place ,to put thee2 hold1 though thou his offspring be1 ,and so art lovely1 yet sin hath made thee ,another kind of creature than when thou ,didst from his fingers drop1 and therefore now ,thy first creation stands thee in no stead2 ,thou hast transgressed1 and in very deed ,set ,god against thee1 who is infinite1 ,and that for certain never will forget ,thy sins1 nor favour thee if thou shalt die ,a graceless man2 this is thy misery4 ,when angels sinned1 though of higher race ,than thou1 and also put in higher place1 ,yet them he spared not1 but cast them down ,from heaven to hell2 where also they lie bound ,in everlasting chains1 and no release ,shall ever have1 but wrath1 that shall increase ,upon them1 to their everlasting woe4 ,as for the state they were exalted to1 ,that will by no means mitigate their fear1 ,but aggravate their hellish torment here2 ,for he that highest stands1 if he shall fall1 ,his danger needs must be the great'st of all4 ,now if ,god noble angels did not spare ,because they did transgress1 will he forbear ,poor dust and ashes8 ,will he suffer them ,to break his law1 and sin1 and not condemn ,them for so doing8 ,let not man deceive ,himself or others2 they that do bereave ,themselves by sin of happiness1 shall be ,cut off by justice1 and have misery4 ,witness his great severity upon ,the world that first was planted1 wherein none ,but only eight the deluge did escape1 ,all others of that vengeance did partake2 ,the reason was1 that world ungodly stood ,before him1 therefore he did send the flood1 ,which swept them all away4 ,a just reward ,for their most wicked ways against the ,lord1 ,who could no longer bear them and their ways1 ,therefore into their bosom vengeance pays4 ,we read of ,sodom1 and ,gomorrah too1 ,what judgments they for sin did undergo2 ,how ,god from heaven did fire upon them rain1 ,because they would not wicked ways refrain2 ,condemning of them with an overthrow1 ,and turned them to ashes4 ,who can know ,the miseries that these poor people felt ,while they did underneath those burnings melt8 ,now these1 and many more that ,i could name1 ,that have been made partakers of the flame ,and sword of justice1 ,god did then cut off1 ,and make examples unto all that scoff ,at holiness1 or do the gospel slight2 ,and long it will not be before the night ,and judgment1 painted out by what he did ,to ,sodom and ,gomorrah1 fulfilled ,upon such sinners be1 that they may now ,that ,god doth hate the sin1 and persons too4 ,of such as still rebellious shall abide1 ,although they now at judgment may deride4 ,,footnotes3 #a ,on the reverse of the title-page is the following singular advertisement3--',this author having published many books1 which have gone off very well1 there are certain ballad-sellers about ,newgate1 and on ,london ,bridge1 who have put the two first letters of this author's name1 and his effigies1 to their rhymes and ridiculous books1 suggesting to the world as if they were his4 ,now know1 that this author publisheth his name at large to all his books2 and what you shall see otherwise1 he disowns4'--,ed4 #b ',convert1' for 'be ye converted1' was a common mode of speech in ,bunyan's time4 ,it is so used in ,holy ,writ1 ,isaiah #f3aj4--;,ed4 #c ,armorial bearings as now worn by heralds embroidered on the tabard or coat4--,ed4 #d ,a common custom when death takes place4 ,the two great toes are tied together1 to make the body look decent2 and formerly the hands were placed with the palms together1 as if in the attitude of prayer1 and were kept in that posture by tying the thumbs together4--,ed4 #e ,without fail1 or in spite of all hindrance4--,ed4 #f ,alluding to wrestlers4 ,some modes of throwing each other down are called fair1 others foul or unfair4--,ed4 #g ,sincerity is the fountain and source of all real inquiries after truth1 holiness1 and heaven4 ,it leads to personal examination of ,god's ,word1 which leads us from the complexity of human inventions to the simplicity of the gospel4--,ed #h ,the exact spelling of ,bunyan is here followed2 but whether he meant 'coped1' 'covered1' or 'cooped'--inclosed1 or shut in--must be left to the reader's judgment4 ,i prefer the latter4--,ed4 #i ,fit1 convenient4 ',deft' is now obsolete4--,ed4 #aj ,full of fear and dread4 ,bunyan1 in his ,holy ,war1 brings his immense armies of doubters1 under ,general ,incredulity1 from ,hell-gate ,hill4--,ed4 #aa ,quick1 nimble1 active1 powerful spirits4 ,wight is now obsolete1 except in irony2 see ,imperial ,dictionary4--,ed4 #ab ,see note on verse fifty of the ,meditations on ,heaven4--,ed4 #ac ,this is a common temptation4 ,job felt it1 and murmured at having been born1 ,job #c3c1 and #aj3ah1 #ai4 ,jeremiah passed through the same experience1 ,jeremiah #bj3ad1 #ae4 ,bunyan had the same bitter feelings1 and wished himself a dog or toad2 see ,grace ,abounding1 ,no4 #ajd4 ,colonel ,gardener was similarly tried4 ,how awful is the havoc that sin has made with human happiness4-,ed4 #ad ,the finest particles or atoms of matter-- ',as thick1 as numberless ',as the gay motes that people the sunbeams4'--,milton4--,ed4 #ae ,how does this remind us of the awfully impressive cries of the man in the iron cage--',o1 eternity1 eternity6 how shall ,i grapple with the misery that ,i must meet with in eternity6' ',a thousand deaths live in him1 he not dead4'--,ed4 #af ,from the ,saxon scendan1 to violate1 spoil1 revile2 see ,imperial ,dictionary4--,ed4 #ag ,altered by poetical license from 'bran4' ,chaucer1 in one instance1 spells it 'bren1' to rhyme with men4--,ed4 #ah ,this evidently refers to a coin value four-penny half-penny1 and1 like a cracked groat1 not so much prized as good coin4 ,in ,turner's ,remarkable ,providences1 folio1 #afig1 pages #bh1 is a very singular allusion to one of these coins3--',christian1 the wife of ,r4 ,green1 of ,brenham1 ,somersetshire1 in #affc1 made a covenant with the devil4 ,he pricked the fourth finger off her right hand1 between the middle and upper joint1 and took two drops of her blood on his finger1 giving her four-pence half-penny4 ,he then vanished1 leaving a smell of brimstone behind4'--,ed4 999999 ,a ,book for ,boys and ,girls ,or1 ,temporal ,things ,spritualized4 by ,john ,bunyan1 ,licensed and entered according to order4 ,london3 ,printed for1 and sold by1 ,r4 ,tookey1 at his ,printing ,house in ,st4 ,christopher's ,court1 in ,threadneedle ,street1 behind the ,royal ,exchange1 #agja4 ,advertisement by the ,editor4 ,some degree of mystery hangs over these ,divine ,emblems for children1 and many years' diligent researches have not enabled me completely to solve it4 ,that they were written by ,bunyan1 there cannot be the slightest doubt4 ',manner and matter1 too1 are all his own4'#a ,but no book1 under the title of ,divine ,emblems1 is mentioned in any catalogue or advertisements of ,bunyan's works1 published during his life2 nor in those more complete lists printed by his personal friends1 immediately after his death4 ,in all these lists1 as well as in many advertisement1 both before1 and shortly after ,mr4 ,bunyan's death1 a little book for children is constantly introduced1 which1 judging from the title1 must have been similar to1 if not the same as1 these ,emblems2 but the ,editor has not been able to discover a copy of the first edition1 although every inquiry has been made for it1 both in the ,united ,kingdom and ,america4 ,it was advertised in #afhh1 as ,country ,rhymes for ,children1 upon seventy-four things4#b ,it is also advertised1 in the same year1 as ,a ,book for ,boys and ,girls1 or ,country ,rhymes for ,children1 price #f;d4#c ,in #afib1 it is included in ,charles ,doe's catalogue table of all ,mr4 ,bunyan's books1 appended to ,the ,struggler for their preservation1 ,no4 #cf2 ,meditations on seventy-four things1 published in #afhe1 and not reprinted during the author's life4 ,in ,charles ,doe's second catalogue of all ,mr4 ,bunyan's books1 appended to the first edition of the ,heavenly ,footman1 ,march #afih1 it is ,no4 #cg4 ,a ,book for ,boys and ,girls1 or ,country ,rhymes for ,children1 in verse1 on seventy-four things4 ,this catalogue describes every work1 word for word1 as it is in the several title pages4 ,in #agjg it had reached a third edition1 and was 'ornamented with cuts'2#d and the title is altered to ,a ,book for ,boys and ,girls1 or ,temporal ,things ,spiritualized1 with cuts4 ,in #agbj1 it was advertised1 'price1 bound1 #f;d4'#e ,in ,keach's ,glorious ,lover1 it is advertised by ,marshall1 in #abmo4 price #as4 ,in #agbd1 it assumed its present title1 and from that time was repeatedly advertised as ,divine ,emblems1 or ,temporal ,things ,spiritualized1 fitted for the use of boys and girls1 adorned with cuts4 ,by indefatigable exertions1 my excellent friend and brother collector of old ,english bibles1 ,james ,dix1 ,esq41 ,bristol1 has just discovered and presented to me the second edition of this very rare little volume1 in fine preservation1 from which it appears1 that in #agja1 the title page was altered from ,country ,rhymes and ,meditations1 to ,a ,book for ,boys and ,girls1 or ,temporal ,things ,spiritualized4 ,it has no cuts1 but1 with that exception1 it contains exactly the same subjects as the subsequent editions published under the more popular title of ,divine ,emblems4 ,the only difficulty that remains is to discover seventy-four meditations in the forty-nine ,emblems4 ,this may be readily done1 if the subjects of meditation are drawn out4 ,thus1 the first emblem contains meditations on two things1 the ,barren ,fig-tree1 and ,god's ,vineyard4 ,so the second has a meditation on the ,lark and the ,fowler1 and another on the comparison between the ,fowler and ,satan4 ,upon this plan1 the volume contains exactly seventy-four meditations4 ,under the title of ,divine ,emblems1 it has passed through a multitude of editions1 and many thousand copies have been circulated4 ,it was patronized in those early efforts of the ,religious ,tract ,society1 which have been so abundantly blessed in introducing wholesome food to the young1 instead of the absurd romances which formerly poisoned the infant and youthful mind4 ,among these numerous editions1 two deserve special notice4 ,the first of these was published in #ageg1 'on a curious paper1 and good letter1 with new cuts4' ,it has a singular preface1 signed ,j4 ,d41 addressed 'to the great ,boys1 in folio1 and the little ones in coats4' ,the first eight pages are occupied with a dissertation on the origin of language1 perhaps arising from a line in the dialogue between a sinner and spider1 ',my name entailed is to my creation4' ,in this preface1 he learnedly attempts to prove that language was the gift of ,god by revelation1 and not a gradual acquirement of man as his wants multiplied4 ,the other remarkable edition was published about #agij4f ,it is1 both the text and cuts1 printed from copperplate engravings1 very handsomely executed4 ,this is an honour conferred upon very few authors2#g nor was it ever conferred upon one more worthy the highest veneration of man than is the immortal allegorist4 ,the number of editions which have been printed of these little engaging poems1 is a proof of the high estimation in which they have been held for nearly one hundred and seventy years2 and the great rarity of the early copies shows the eager interest with which they have been read by children until utterly destroyed4 ,the cuts were at first exceedingly coarse and rude1 but were much improved in the more modern copies4 ,those to ,mason's edition are handsome4 ,the engraver has dressed all his actors in the costume of the time of ,george the ,third2 the women with hooped petticoats and high head dresses2 clergymen with five or six tier wigs2 men with cocked hats and queues2 and female servants with mob caps4 ,that to ,emblem ,fifteen1 upon the sacraments1 is peculiarly droll2 the artist1 forgetting that the author was a ,baptist1 represents a baby brought to the font to be christened6 and two persons kneeling before the body of our ,lord6 ,,geo4 ,,offor4 ,,to ,,the ,,reader4 ,,courteous ,,reader1 ,the title page will show1 if there thou look1 ,who are the proper subjects of this book4 ,they're boys and girls of all sorts and degrees1 ,from those of age to children on the knees4 ,thus comprehensive am ,i in my notions1 ,they tempt me to it by their childish motions4 ,we now have boys with beards1 and girls that be ,big#h;as old women1 wanting gravity4 ,then do not blame me1 'cause ,i thus describe them4 ,flatter ,i may not1 lest thereby ,i bribe them ,to have a better judgment of themselves1 ,than wise men have of babies on their shelves4#i ,their antic tricks1 fantastic modes1 and way1 ,show they1 like very boys and girls1 do play ,with all the frantic fopperies of this age1 ,and that in open view1 as on a stage2 ,our bearded men do act like beardless boys2 ,our women please themselves with childish toys4 ,our ministers1 long time1 by word and pen1 ,dealt with them1 counting them not boys1 but men4 ,thunderbolts they shot at them and their toys1 ,but hit them not1 'cause they were girls and boys4 ,the better charg'd1 the wider still they shot1 ,or else so high1 these dwarfs they touched not4 ,instead of men1 they found them girls and boys1 ,addict to nothing as to childish toys4 ,wherefore1 good reader1 that ,i save them may1 ,i now with them the very dotterel#aj play2 ,and since at gravity they make a tush1 ,my very beard ,i cast behind a bush2 ,and like a fool stand fing'ring of their toys1 ,and all to show them they are girls and boys4 ,nor do ,i blush1 although ,i think some may ,call me a baby1 'cause ,i with them play4 ,i do't to show them how each fingle-fangle ,on which they doting are1 their souls entangle1 ,as with a web1 a trap1 a gin1 or snare2 ,and will destroy them1 have they not a care4 ,paul seemed to play the fool1 that he might gain ,those that were fools indeed1 if not in grain2#aa ,and did it by their things1 that they might know ,their emptiness1 and might be brought unto ,what would them save from sin and vanity1 ,a noble act1 and full of honesty4 ,yet he nor ,i would like them be in vice1 ,while by their playthings ,i would them entice1 ,to mount their thoughts from what are childish toys1 ,to heaven1 for that's prepared for girls and boys4 ,nor do ,i so confine myself to these1 ,as to shun graver things2 ,i seek to please ,those more compos'd with better things than toys2 ,though thus ,i would be catching girls and boys4 ,wherefore1 if men have now a mind to look1 ,perhaps their graver fancies may be took ,with what is here1 though but in homely rhymes3 ,but he who pleases all must rise betimes4 ,some1 ,i persuade me1 will be finding fault1 ,concluding1 here ,i trip1 and there ,i halt3 ,no doubt some could those grovelling notions raise ,by fine-spun terms1 that challenge might the bays4 ,but should all men be forc'd to lay aside ,their brains that cannot regulate the tide ,by this or that man's fancy1 we should have ,the wise unto the fool become a slave4 ,what though my text seems mean1 my morals be ,grave1 as if fetch'd from a sublimer tree4 ,and if some better handle#ab can a fly1 ,than some a text1 why should we then deny ,their making proof1 or good experiment1 ,of smallest things1 great mischiefs to prevent8 ,wise ,solomon did fools to piss-ants#ac send1 ,to learn true wisdom1 and their lies to mend4 ,yea1 ,god by swallows1 cuckoos1 and the ass1#ad ,shows they are fools who let that season pass1 ,which he put in their hand1 that to obtain ,which is both present and eternal gain4 ,i think the wiser sort my rhymes may slight1 ,but what care ,i1 the foolish will delight ,to read them1 and the foolish ,god has chose1 ,and doth by foolish things their minds compose1 ,and settle upon that which is divine2 ,great things1 by little ones1 are made to shine4 ,i could1 were ,i so pleas'd1 use higher strains3 ,and for applause on tenters#ae stretch my brains4 ,but what needs that8 the arrow1 out of sight1 ,does not the sleeper1 nor the watchman fright2 ,to shoot too high doth but make children gaze1 ',tis that which hits the man doth him amaze4 ,and for the inconsiderableness ,of things1 by which ,i do my mind express1 ,may ,i by them bring some good thing to pass1 ,as ,samson1 with the jawbone of an ass2 ,or as brave ,shamgar1 with his ox's goad 7,both being things not manly1 nor for war in mode71 ,i have my end1 though ,i myself expose ,to scorn2 ,god will have glory in the close4 ,j4,b4 ,a ,,book ,,for ,,boys ,,and ,,girls1 c4 ,,divine ,,emblems1 ,,or ,,temporal ,,things ,,spiritualized1 c4 ,i4 ,,upon ,,the ,,barren ,,fig-,,tree ,,in ,,god',s ,,vineyard ,what1 barren here6 in this so good a soil8 ,the sight of this doth make ,god's heart recoil ,from giving thee his blessing2 barren tree1 ,bear fruit1 or else thine end will cursed be6 ,art thou not planted by the water-side8 ,know'st not thy ,lord by fruit is glorified8 ,the sentence is1 ,cut down the barren tree3 ,bear fruit1 or else thine end will cursed be4 ,hast thou been digg'd about and dunged too1 ,will neither patience nor yet dressing do8 ,the executioner is come1 ,o tree1 ,bear fruit1 or else thine end will cursed be6 ,he that about thy roots takes pains to dig1 ,would1 if on thee were found but one good fig1 ,preserve thee from the axe3 but1 barren tree1 ,bear fruit1 or else thy end will cursed be6 ,the utmost end of patience is at hand1 ',tis much if thou much longer here doth stand4 ,o cumber-ground1 thou art a barren tree4 ,bear fruit1 or else thine end will cursed be6 ,thy standing nor they name will help at all2 ,when fruitful trees are spared1 thou must fall4 ,the axe is laid unto thy roots1 ,o tree6 ,bear fruit1 or else thine end will cursed be4 ,,ii4 ,,upon ,,the ,,lark ,,and ,,the ,,fowler4 ,thou simple bird1 what makes thou here to play8 ,look1 there's the fowler1 pr'ythee come away4 ,do'st not behold the net8 ,look there1 'tis spread1 ,venture a little further1 thou art dead4 ,is there not room enough in all the field ,for thee to play in1 but thou needs must yield ,to the deceitful glitt'ring of a glass1 ,plac'd betwixt nets1 to bring thy death to pass8 ,bird1 if thou art so much for dazzling light1 ,look1 there's the sun above thee2 dart upright2 ,thy nature is to soar up to the sky1 ,why wilt thou come down to the nets and die8 ,take no heed to the fowler's tempting call2 ,this whistle1 he enchanteth birds withal4 ,or if thou see'st a live bird in his net1 ,believe she's there1 'cause hence she cannot get4 ,look how he tempteth thee with is decoy1 ,that he may rob thee of thy life1 thy joy4 ,come1 pr'ythee bird1 ,i pr'ythee come away1 ,why should this net thee take1 when 'scape thou may8 ,hadst thou not wings1 or were thy feathers pull'd1 ,or wast thou blind1 or fast asleep wer't lull'd1 ,the case would somewhat alter1 but for thee1 ,thy eyes are ope1 and thou hast wings to flee4 ,remember that thy song is in thy rise1 ,not in thy fall2 earth's not thy paradise4 ,keep up aloft1 then1 let thy circuits be ,above1 where birds from fowler's nets are free4 ,comparison4 ,this fowler is an emblem of the devil1 ,his nets and whistle1 figures of all evil4 ,his glass an emblem is of sinful pleasure1 ,and his decoy of who counts sin a treasure4 ,this simple lark's a shadow of a saint1 ,under allurings1 ready now to faint4 ,this admonisher a true teacher is1 ,whose works to show the soul the snare and bliss1 ,and how it may this fowler's net escape1 ,and not commit upon itself this rape4 ,,iii4 ,,upon ,,the ,,vine-,,tree4 ,what is the vine1 more than another tree8 ,nay most1 than it1 more tall1 more comely be4 ,what workman thence will take a beam or pin1 ,to make ought which may be delighted in8 ,its excellency in its fruit doth lie3 ,a fruitless vine1 it is not worth a fly4 ,comparison4 ,what are professors more than other men8 ,nothing at all4 ,nay1 there's not one in ten1 ,either for wealth1 or wit1 that may compare1 ,in many things1 with some that carnal are4 ,good are they1 if they mortify their sin1 ,but without that1 they are not worth a pin4 ,,iv4 ,,meditations ,,upon ,,an ,,egg4 #a4 ,the egg's no chick by falling from the hen2 ,nor man a ,christian1 till he's born again4 ,the egg's at first contained in the shell2 ,men1 afore grace1 in sins and darkness dwell4 ,the egg1 when laid1 by warmth is made a chicken1 ,and ,christ1 by grace1 those dead in sin doth quicken4 ,the egg1 when first a chick1 the shell's its prison2 ,so's flesh to the soul1 who yet with ,christ is risen4 ,the shell doth crack1 the chick doth chirp and peep1 ,the flesh decays1 as men do pray and weep4 ,the shell doth break1 the chick's at liberty1 ,the flesh falls off1 the soul mounts up on high ,but both do not enjoy the self-same plight2 ,the soul is safe1 the chick now fears the kite4 #b4 ,but chicks from rotten eggs do not proceed1 ,nor is a hypocrite a saint indeed4 ,the rotten egg1 though underneath the hen1 ,if crack'd1 stinks1 and is loathsome unto men4 ,nor doth her warmth make what is rotten sound2 ,what's rotten1 rotten will at last be found4 ,the hypocrite1 sin has him in possession1 ,he is a rotten egg under profession4 #c4 ,some eggs bring cockatrices2 and some men ,seem hatch'd and brooded in the viper's den4 ,some eggs bring wild-fowls2 and some men there be ,as wild as are the wildest fowls that flee4 ,some eggs bring spiders1 and some men appear ,more venom'd than the worst of spiders are4#af ,some eggs bring piss-ants1 and some seem to me ,as much for trifles as the piss-ants be4 ,thus divers eggs do produce divers shapes1 ,as like some men as monkeys are like apes4 ,but this is but an egg1 were it a chick1 ,here had been legs1 and wings1 and bones to pick4 ,v4 ,,of ,,fowls ,,flying ,,in ,,the ,,air4 ,methinks ,i see a sight most excellent1 ,all sorts of birds fly in the firmament3 ,some great1 some small1 all of a divers kind1 ,mine eye affecting1 pleasant to my mind4 ,look how they tumble in the wholesome air1 ,above the world of worldlings1 and their care4 ,and as they divers are in bulk and hue1 ,so are they in their way of flying too4 ,so many birds1 so many various things ,tumbling i' the element upon their wings4 ,comparison4 ,these birds are emblems of those men that shall ,ere long possess the heavens1 their all in all4 ,they are each of a diverse shape and kind1 ,to teach we of all nations there shall find4 ,they are some great1 some little1 as we see1 ,to show some great1 some small1 in glory be4#ag ,their flying diversely1 as we behold1 ,do show saints' joys will there be manifold2 ,some glide1 some mount1 some flutter1 and some do1 ,in a mix'd way of flying1 glory too4 ,and all to show each saint1 to his content1 ,shall roll and tumble in that firmament4 ,,vi4 ,,upon ,,the ,,lord',s ,,prayer4 ,our ,father which in heaven art1 ,thy name be always hallowed2 ,thy kingdom come1 thy will be done2 ,thy heavenly path be followed ,by us on earth as 'tis with thee1 ,we humbly pray2 ,and let our bread us given be1 ,from day to day4 ,forgive our debts as we forgive ,those that to us indebted are3 ,into temptation lead us not1#ah ,but save us from the wicked snare4 ,the kingdom's thine1 the power too1 ,we thee adore2 ,the glory also shall be thine ,for evermore4 ,,vii4 ,,meditations ,,upon ,,peep ,,of ,,day4 ,i oft1 though it be peep of day1 don't know ,whether 'tis night1 whether 'tis day or no4 ,i fancy that ,i see a little light1 ,but cannot yet distinguish day from night2 ,i hope1 ,i doubt1 but steady yet ,i be not1 ,i am not at a point1 the sun ,i see not4 ,thus 'tis with such who grace but now#ai possest1 ,they know not yet if they be cursed or blest4 ,,viii4 ,,upon ,,the ,,flint ,,in ,,the ,,water4 ,this flint1 time out of mind1 has there abode1 ,where crystal streams make their continual road4 ,yet it abides a flint as much as 'twere ,before it touched the water1 or came there ,its hard obdurateness is not abated1 ',tis not at all by water penetrated4 ,though water hath a soft'ning virtue in't1 ,this stone it can't dissolve1 for 'tis a flint4 ,yea1 though it in the water doth remain1 ,it doth its fiery nature still retain4 ,if you oppose it with its opposite1 ,at you1 yea1 in your face1 its fire 'twill spit4 ,comparison4 ,this flint an emblem is of those that lie1 ,like stones1 under the ,word1 until they die4 ,its crystal streams have not their nature changed1 ,they are not1 from their lusts1 by grace estranged4 ,,ix4 ,,upon ,,the ,,fish ,,in ,,the ,,water4 #a4 ,the water is the fish's element2 ,take her from thence1 none can her death prevent2 ,and some have said1 who have transgressors been1 ,as good not be1 as to be kept from sin4 #b4 ,the water is the fish's element3 ,leave her but there1 and she is well content4 ,so's he1 who in the path of life doth plod1 ,take all1 says he1 let me but have my ,god4 #c4 ,the water is the fish's element1 ,her sportings there to her are excellent2 ,so is ,god's service unto holy men1 ,they are not in their element till then4 ,x4 ,,upon ,,the ,,swallow4 ,this pretty bird1 ,o6 how she flies and sings1#bj ,but could she do so if she had not wings8 ,her wings bespeak my faith1 her songs my peace2 ,when ,i believe and sing my doubtings cease4 ,,xi4 ,,upon ,,the ,,bee4 ,the bee goes out1 and honey home doth bring1 ,and some who seek that honey find a sting4 ,now would'st thou have the honey1 and be free ,from stinging1 in the first place kill the bee4 ,comparison4 ,this bee an emblem truly is of sin1 ,whose sweet1 unto a many1 death hath been4 ,now would'st have sweet from sin and yet not die1 ,do thou it1 in the first place1 mortify4 ,,xii4 ,,upon ,a ,,lowering ,,morning4 ,well1 with the day ,i see the clouds appear1 ,and mix the light with darkness everywhere2 ,this threatening is1 to travellers that go ,long journeys1 slabby rain they'll have1 or snow4 ,else1 while ,i gaze1 the sun doth with his beams ,belace the clouds1 as 'twere with bloody streams2 ,this done1 they suddenly do watery grow1 ,and weep1 and pour their tears out where they go4 ,comparison4 ,thus 'tis when gospel light doth usher in ,to us both sense of grace and sense of sin2 ,yea1 when it makes sin red with ,christ's blood1 ,then we can weep till weeping does us good4 ,,xiii4 ,,upon ,,over-,,much ,,niceness4 ',tis much to see how over nice some are ,about the body and household affair1 ,while what's of worth they slightly pass it by1 ,not doing1 or doing it slovenly4 ,their house must be well furnished1 be in print1#ba ,meanwhile their soul lies ley1#bb has no good in't4 ,its outside also they must beautify1 ,when in it there's scarce common honesty4 ,their bodies they must have tricked up and trim1 ,their inside full of filth up to the brim4 ,upon their clothes there must not be a spot1 ,but is their lives more than one common blot4 ,how nice1 how coy are some about their diet1 ,that can their crying souls with hogs'-meat quiet4 ,all drest must to a hair be1 else 'tis naught1 ,while of the living bread they have no thought4 ,thus for their outside they are clean and nice1 ,while their poor inside stinks with sin and vice4 ,,xiv4 ,,meditations ,,upon ,a ,,candle4 ,man's like a candle in a candlestick1 ,made up of tallow and a little wick2 ,and as the candle when it is not lighted1 ,so is he who is in his sins benighted4 ,nor can a man his soul with grace inspire1 ,more than can candles set themselves on fire4 ,candles receive their light from what they are not2 ,men grace from ,him for whom at first they care not4 ,we manage candles when they take the fire2 ,god men1 when he with grace doth them inspire4 ,and biggest candles give the better light1 ,as grace on biggest sinners shines most bright4 ,the candle shines to make another see1 ,a saint unto his neighbour light should be4 ,the blinking candle we do much despise1 ,saints dim of light are high in no man's eyes4 ,again1 though it may seem to some a riddle1 ,we use to light our candles at the middle4#bc ,true light doth at the candle's end appear1 ,and grace the heart first reaches by the ear4 ,but 'tis the wick the fire doth kindle on1 ,as 'tis the heart that grace first works upon4 ,thus both do fasten upon what's the main1 ,and so their life and vigour do maintain4 ,the tallow makes the wick yield to the fire1 ,and sinful flesh doth make the soul desire ,that grace may kindle on it1 in it burn2 ,so evil makes the soul from evil turn4#bd ,but candles in the wind are apt to flare1 ,and ,christians1 in a tempest1 to despair4 ,the flame also with smoke attended is1 ,and in our holy lives there's much amiss4 ,sometimes a thief will candle-light annoy1 ,and lusts do seek our graces to destroy4 ,what brackish is will make a candle sputter2 ',twixt sin and grace there's oft' a heavy clutter4 ,sometimes the light burns dim1 'cause of the snuff1 ,sometimes it is blown quite out with a puff2 ,but watchfulness preventeth both these evils1 ,keeps candles light1 and grace in spite of devils4 ,nor let not snuffs nor puffs make us to doubt1 ,our candles may be lighted1 though puffed out4 ,the candle in the night doth all excel1 ,nor sun1 nor moon1 nor stars1 then shine so well4 ,so is the ,christian in our hemisphere1 ,whose light shows others how their course to steer4 ,when candles are put out1 all's in confusion2 ,where ,christians are not1 devils make intrusion4 ,then happy are they who such candles have1 ,all others dwell in darkness and the grave4 ,but candles that do blink within the socket1 ,and saints1 whose eyes are always in their pocket1 ,are much alike2 such candles make us fumble1 ,and at such saints good men and bad do stumble4#be ,good candles don't offend1 except sore eyes1 ,nor hurt1 unless it be the silly flies4 ,thus none like burning candles in the night1 ,nor ought#bf to holy living for delight4 ,but let us draw towards the candle's end3 ,the fire1 you see1 doth wick and tallow spend1 ,as grace man's life until his glass is run1 ,and so the candle and the man is done4 ,the man now lays him down upon his bed1 ,the wick yields up its fire1 and so is dead4 ,the candle now extinct is1 but the man ,by grace mounts up to glory1 there to stand4 ,,xv4 ,,upon ,,the ,,sacraments4 ,two sacraments ,i do believe there be1 ,baptism and the ,supper of the ,lord2 ,both mysteries divine1 which do to me1 ,by ,god's appointment1 benefit afford4 ,but shall they be my ,god1 or shall ,i have ,of them so foul and impious a thought1 ,to think that from the curse they can me save8 ,bread1 wine1 nor water1 me no ransom bought4#bg ,,xvi4 ,,upon ,,the ,,sun',s ,,reflection ,,upon ,,the ,,clouds ,,in ,a ,,fair ,,morning4 ,look yonder1 ah6 methinks mine eyes do see ,clouds edged with silver1 as fine garments be2 ,they look as if they saw that golden face ,that makes black clouds most beautiful with grace4 ,unto the saints' sweet incense1 or their prayer1 ,these smoky curdled clouds ,i do compare4 ,for as these clouds seem edged1 or laced with gold1 ,their prayers return with blessings manifold4 ,,xvii4 ,,upon ,,apparel4 ,god gave us clothes to hide our nakedness1 ,and we by them do it expose to view4 ,our pride and unclean minds to an excess1 ,by our apparel1 we to others show4#bh ,,xviii4 ,,the ,,sinner ,,and ,,the ,,spider4 ,sinner4 ,what black1 what ugly crawling thing art thou8 ,spider4 ,i am a spider------------- ,sinner4 ,a spider1 ay1 also a filthy creature4 ,spider4 ,not filthy as thyself in name or feature4 ,my name entailed is to my creation1 ,my features from the ,god of thy salvation4 ,sinner4 ,i am a man1 and in ,god's image made1 ,i have a soul shall neither die nor fade1 ,god has possessed me#bi with human reason1 ,speak not against me lest thou speakest treason4 ,for if ,i am the image of my ,maker1 ,of slanders laid on me ,he is partaker4 ,spider4 ,i know thou art a creature far above me1 ,therefore ,i shun1 ,i fear1 and also love thee4 ,but though thy ,god hath made thee such a creature1 ,thou hast against him often played the traitor4 ,thy sin has fetched thee down3 leave off to boast2 ,nature thou hast defiled1 ,god's image lost4 ,yea1 thou thyself a very beast hast made1 ,and art become like grass1 which soon doth fade4 ,thy soul1 thy reason1 yea1 thy spotless state1 ,sin has subjected to th' most dreadful fate4 ,but ,i retain my primitive condition1 ,i've all but what ,i lost by thy ambition4 ,sinner4 ,thou venomed thing1 ,i know not what to call thee1 ,the dregs of nature surely did befall thee1 ,thou wast made of the dross and scum of all1 ,man hates thee2 doth1 in scorn1 thee spider call4 ,spider4 ,my venom's good for something1 'cause ,god made it1 ,thy sin hath spoiled thy nature1 doth degrade it4 ,of human virtues1 therefore1 though ,i fear thee1 ,i will not1 though ,i might1 despise and jeer thee4 ,thou say'st ,i am the very dregs of nature1 ,thy sin's the spawn of devils1 'tis no creature4 ,thou say'st man hates me 'cause ,i am a spider1 ,poor man1 thou at thy ,god art a derider2 ,my venom tendeth to my preservation1 ,thy pleasing follies work out thy damnation4 ,poor man1 ,i keep the rules of my creation1 ,thy sin has cast thee headlong from thy station4 ,i hurt nobody willingly1 but thou ,art a self-murderer2 thou know'st not how ,to do what good is2 no1 thou lovest evil2 ,thou fliest ,god's law1 adherest to the devil4#cj ,sinner4 ,ill-shaped creature1 there's antipathy ',twixt man and spiders1 'tis in vain to lie2 ,i hate thee1 stand off1 if thou dost come nigh me1 ,i'll crush thee with my foot2 ,i do defy thee4 ,spider4 ,they are ill-shaped1 who warped are by sin1 ,antipathy in thee hath long time been ,to ,god2 no marvel1 then1 if me1 his creature1 ,thou dost defy1 pretending name and feature4 ,but why stand off8 ,my presence shall not throng thee1 ',tis not my venom1 but thy sin doth wrong thee4 ,come1 ,i will teach thee wisdom1 do but hear me1 ,i was made for thy profit1 do not fear me4 ,but if thy ,god thou wilt not hearken to1 ,what can the swallow1 ant1 or spider do8 ,yet ,i will speak1 ,i can but be rejected1 ,sometimes great things by small means are effected4 ,hark1 then1 though man is noble by creation1 ,he's lapsed now to such degeneration1 ,is so besotted and so careless grown1 ,as not to grieve though he has overthrown ,himself1 and brought to bondage everything ,created1 from the spider to the king4 ,this we poor sensitives do feel and see2 ,for subject to the curse you made us be4 ,tread not upon me1 neither from me go2 ',tis man which has brought all the world to woe1 ,the law of my creation bids me teach thee2 ,i will not for thy pride to ,god impeach thee4 ,i spin1 ,i weave1 and all to let thee see1 ,thy best performances but cobwebs be4 ,thy glory now is brought to such an ebb1 ,it doth not much excel the spider's web2 ,my webs becoming snares and traps for flies1 ,do set the wiles of hell before thine eyes2 ,their tangling nature is to let thee see1 ,thy sins too of a tangling nature be4 ,my den1 or hole1 for that 'tis bottomless1 ,doth of damnation show the lastingness4 ,my lying quiet until the fly is catch'd1 ,shows secretly hell hath thy ruin hatch'd4 ,in that ,i on her seize1 when she is taken1 ,i show who gathers whom ,god hath forsaken4 ,the fly lies buzzing in my web to tell ,thee how the sinners roar and howl in hell4 ,now1 since ,i show thee all these mysteries1 ,how canst thou hate me1 or me scandalize8 ,sinner4 ,well1 well2 ,i no more will be a derider1 ,i did not look for such things from a spider4 ,spider4 ,come1 hold thy peace2 what ,i have yet to say1 ,if heeded1 help thee may another day4 ,since ,i an ugly ven'mous creature be1 ,there is some semblance 'twixt vile man and me4 ,my wild and heedless runnings are like those ,whose ways to ruin do their souls expose4 ,daylight is not my time1 ,i work in th' night1 ,to show they are like me who hate the light4 ,the maid sweeps one web down1 ,i make another1 ,to show how heedless ones convictions smother2 ,my web is no defence at all to me1 ,nor will false hopes at judgment be to thee4 ,sinner4 ,o spider1 ,i have heard thee1 and do wonder ,a spider should thus lighten and thus thunder4 ,spider4 ,do but hold still1 and ,i will let thee see ,yet in my ways more mysteries there be4 ,shall not ,i do thee good1 if ,i thee tell1 ,i show to thee a four-fold way to hell2 ,for1 since ,i set my web in sundry places1 ,i show men go to hell in divers traces4 ,one ,i set in the window1 that ,i might ,show some go down to hell with gospel light4 ,one ,i set in a corner1 as you see1 ,to show how some in secret snared be4 ,gross webs great store ,i set in darksome places1 ,to show how many sin with brazen faces2 ,another web ,i set aloft on high1 ,to show there's some professing men must die4 ,thus in my ways ,god wisdom doth conceal1 ,and by my ways that wisdom doth reveal4 ,i hide myself when ,i for flies do wait1 ,so doth the devil when he lays his bait2 ,if ,i do fear the losing of my prey1 ,i stir me1 and more snares upon her lay3 ,this way and that her wings and legs ,i tie1 ,that1 sure as she is catch'd1 so she must die4 ,but if ,i see she's like to get away1 ,then with my venom ,i her journey stay4 ,all which my ways the devil imitates ,to catch men1 'cause he their salvation hates4 ,sinner4 ,o spider1 thou delight'st me with thy skill6 ,i pr'ythee spit this venom at me still4 ,spider4 ,i am a spider1 yet ,i can possess ,the palace of a king1 where happiness ,so much abounds4 ,nor when ,i do go thither1 ,do they ask what1 or whence ,i come1 or whither ,i make my hasty travels2 no1 not they2 ,they let me pass1 and ,i go on my way4 ,i seize the palace1#ca do with hands take hold ,of doors1 of locks1 or bolts2 yea1 ,i am bold1 ,when in1 to clamber up unto the throne1 ,and to possess it1 as if 'twere mine own4 ,nor is there any law forbidding me ,here to abide1 or in this palace be4 ,yea1 if ,i please1 ,i do the highest stories ,ascend1 there sit1 and so behold the glories ,myself is compassed with1 as if ,i were ,one of the chiefest courtiers that be there4 ,here lords and ladies do come round about me1 ,with grave demeanour1 nor do any flout me ,for this1 my brave adventure1 no1 not they2 ,they come1 they go1 but leave me there to stay4 ,now1 my reproacher1 ,i do by all this ,show how thou may'st possess thyself of bliss3 ,thou art worse than a spider1 but take hold ,on ,christ the door1 thou shalt not be controll'd4 ,by him do thou the heavenly palace enter2 ,none chide thee will for this thy brave adventure2 ,approach thou then unto the very throne1 ,there speak thy mind1 fear not1 the day's thine own2 ,nor saint1 nor angel1 will thee stop or stay1 ,but rather tumble blocks out of the way4 ,my venom stops not me2 let not thy vice ,stop thee2 possess thyself of paradise4 ,go on1 ,i say1 although thou be a sinner1 ,learn to be bold in faith1 of me a spinner4 ,this is the way the glories to possess1 ,and to enjoy what no man can express4 ,sometimes ,i find the palace door uplock'd1 ,and so my entrance thither has upblock'd4 ,but am ,i daunted8 ,no1 ,i here and there ,do feel and search2 so if ,i anywhere1 ,at any chink or crevice1 find my way1 ,i crowd1 ,i press for passage1 make no stay4 ,and so through difficulty ,i attain ,the palace2 yea1 the throne where princes reign4 ,i crowd sometimes1 as if ,i'd burst in sunder2 ,and art thou crushed with striving1 do not wonder4 ,some scarce get in1 and yet indeed they enter2 ,knock1 for they nothing have1 that nothing venture4 ,nor will the ,king himself throw dirt on thee1 ,as thou hast cast reproaches upon me4 ,he will not hate thee1 ,o thou foul backslider6 ,as thou didst me1 because ,i am a spider4 ,now1 to conclude since ,i such doctrine bring1 ,slight me no more1 call me not ugly thing4 ,god wisdom hath unto the piss-ant given1 ,and spiders may teach men the way to heaven4 ,sinner4 ,well1 my good spider1 ,i my errors see1 ,i was a fool for railing upon thee4 ,thy nature1 venom1 and thy fearful hue1 ,both show that sinners are1 and what they do4 ,thy way and works do also darkly tell1 ,how some men go to heaven1 and some to hell4 ,thou art my monitor1 ,i am a fool2 ,they learn may1 that to spiders go to school4 ,,xix4 ,,meditations ,,upon ,,the ,,day ,,before ,,the ,,sun- ,,rising4 ,but all this while1 where's he whose golden rays ,drives night away and beautifies our days8 ,where's he whose goodly face doth warm and heal1 ,and show us what the darksome nights conceal8 ,where's he that thaws our ice1 drives cold away8 ,let's have him1 or we care not for the day4 ,thus 'tis with who partakers are of grace1 ,there's nought to them like their ,redeemer's face4 ,,xx4 ,,of ,,the ,,mole ,,in ,,the ,,ground4 ,the mole's a creature very smooth and slick1 ,she digs i' th' dirt1 but 'twill not on her stick2 ,so's he who counts this world his greatest gains1 ,yet nothing gets but's labour for his pains4 ,earth's the mole's element1 she can't abide ,to be above ground1 dirt heaps are her pride2 ,and he is like her who the worldling plays1 ,he imitates her in her work and ways4 ,poor silly mole1 that thou should'st love to be ,where thou nor sun1 nor moon1 nor stars can see4 ,but ,o6 how silly's he who doth not care ,so he gets earth1 to have of heaven a share6 ,,xxi4 ,,of ,,the ,,cuckoo4 ,thou booby1 say'st thou nothing but ,cuckoo8 ,the robin and the wren can thee outdo4 ,they to us play through their little throats1 ,taking not one1 but sundry pretty taking notes4 ,but thou hast fellows1 some like thee can do ,little but suck our eggs1 and sing ,cuckoo4 ,thy notes do not first welcome in our spring1 ,nor dost thou its first tokens to us bring4 ,birds less than thee by far1 like prophets1 do ,tell us1 'tis coming1 though not by ,cuckoo4 ,nor dost thou summer have away with thee1 ,though thou a yawling bawling ,cuckoo be4 ,when thou dost cease among us to appear1 ,then doth our harvest bravely crown our year4 ,but thou hast fellows1 some like thee can do ,little but suck our eggs1 and sing ,cuckoo4 ,since ,cuckoos forward not our early spring1 ,nor help with notes to bring our harvest in2 ,and since1 while here1 she only makes a noise1 ,so pleasing unto none as girls and boys1 ,the ,formalist we may compare her to1 ,for he doth suck our eggs1 and sing ,cuckoo4 ,,xxii4 ,,of ,,the ,,boy ,,and ,,butterfly4 ,behold how eager this our little boy ,is for this ,butterfly1 as if all joy1 ,all profits1 honours1 yea1 and lasting pleasures1 ,were wrapt up in her1 or the richest treasures1 ,found in her1 would be bundled up together1 ,when all her all is lighter than a feather4 ,he halloos1 runs1 and cries out1 ,here1 boys1 here1 ,nor doth he brambles or the nettles fear4 ,he stumbles at the mole-hills1 up he gets1 ,and runs again1 as one bereft of wits2 ,and all this labour and this large outcry1 ,is only for a silly butterfly4 ,comparison4 ,this little boy an emblem is of those ,whose hearts are wholly at the world's dispose1 ,the butterfly doth represent to me1 ,the world's best things at best but fading be4 ,all are but painted nothings and false joys1 ,like this poor butterfly to these our boys4 ,his running through nettles1 thorns1 and briars1 ,to gratify his boyish fond desires2 ,his tumbling over mole-hills to attain ,his end1 namely1 his butterfly to gain2 ,doth plainly show what hazards some men run4 ,to get what will be lost as soon as won4 ,men seem in choice1 than children far more wise1 ,because they run not after butterflies2 ,when yet1 alas6 for what are empty toys1 ,they follow children1 like to beardless boys4#cb ,,xxiii4 ,,of ,,the ,,fly ,,at ,,the ,,candle4 ,what ails this fly thus desperately to enter ,a combat with the candle8 ,will she venture ,to clash at light8 ,away1 thou silly fly2 ,thus doing thou wilt burn thy wings and die4 ,but 'tis a folly her advice to give1 ,she'll kill the candle1 or she will not live4 ,slap1 says she1 at it2 then she makes retreat1 ,so wheels about1 and doth her blows repeat4 ,nor doth the candle let her quite escape1 ,but gives some little check unto the ape3 ,throws up her heels it doth1 so down she falls1 ,where she lies sprawling1 and for succour calls4 ,when she recovers1 up she gets again1 ,and at the candle comes with might and main1 ,but now behold1 the candle takes the fly1 ,and holds her1 till she doth by burning die4 ,comparison4 ,this candle is an emblem of that light ,our gospel gives in this our darksome night4 ,the fly a lively picture is of those ,that hate and do this gospel light oppose4 ,at last the gospel doth become their snare1 ,doth them with burning hands in pieces tear4#cc ,,xxiv4 ,,on ,,the ,,rising ,,of ,,the ,,sun4 ,look1 look1 brave ,sol doth peep up from beneath1 ,shows us his golden face1 doth on us breathe2 ,he also doth compass us round with glories1 ,whilst he ascends up to his highest stories4 ,where he his banner over us displays1 ,and gives us light to see our works and ways4 ,nor are we now1 as at the peep of light1 ,to question1 is it day1 or is it night8 ,the night is gone1 the shadows fled away1 ,and we now most sure are that it is day4 ,our eyes behold it1 and our hearts believe it2 ,nor can the wit of man in this deceive it4 ,and thus it is when ,jesus shows his face1 ,and doth assure us of his love and grace4 ,,xxv4 ,,upon ,,the ,,promising ,,fruitfulness ,,of ,a ,,tree4 ,a comely sight indeed it is to see ,a world of blossoms on an apple-tree3 ,yet far more comely would this tree appear1 ,if all its dainty blooms young apples were4 ,but how much more might one upon it see1 ,if all would hang there till they ripe should be4 ,but most of all in beauty 'twould abound1 ,if then none worm-eaten should there be found4 ,but we1 alas6 do commonly behold ,blooms fall apace1 if mornings be but cold4 ,they too1 which hang till they young apples are1 ,by blasting winds and vermin take despair1 ,store that do hang1 while almost ripe1 we see ,by blust'ring winds are shaken from the tree1 ,so that of many1 only some there be1 ,that grow till they come to maturity4 ,comparison4 ,this tree a perfect emblem is of those ,which ,god doth plant1 which in his garden grows1 ,its blasted blooms are motions unto good1 ,which chill affections do nip in the bud4 ,those little apples which yet blasted are1 ,show some good purposes1 no good fruits bear4 ,those spoiled by vermin are to let us see1 ,how good attempts by bad thoughts ruin'd be4 ,those which the wind blows down1 while they are green1 ,show good works have by trials spoiled been4 ,those that abide1 while ripe upon the tree1 ,show1 in a good man1 some ripe fruit will be4 ,behold then how abortive some fruits are1 ,which at the first most promising appear4 ,the frost1 the wind1 the worm1 with time doth show1 ,there flows1 from much appearance1 works but few4 ,,xxvi4 ,,upon ,,the ,,thief4 ,the thief1 when he doth steal1 thinks he doth gain2 ,yet then the greatest loss he doth sustain4 ,come1 thief1 tell me thy gains1 but do not falter4 ,when summ'd1 what comes it to more than the halter8 ,perhaps1 thou'lt say1 ,the halter ,i defy2 ,so thou may'st say1 yet by the halter die4 ,thou'lt say1 ,then there's an end2 no1 pr'ythee1 hold1 ,he was no friend of thine that thee so told4 ,hear thou the ,word of ,god1 that will thee tell1 ,without repentance thieves must go to hell4 ,but should it be as thy false prophet says1 ,yet nought but loss doth come by thievish ways4 ,all honest men will flee thy company1 ,thou liv'st a rogue1 and so a rogue will die4 ,innocent boldness thou hast none at all1 ,thy inward thoughts do thee a villain call4 ,sometimes when thou liest warmly on thy bed1 ,thou art like one unto the gallows led4 ,fear1 as a constable1 breaks in upon thee1 ,thou art as if the town was up to stone thee4 ,if hogs do grunt1 or silly rats do rustle1 ,thou art in consternation1 think'st a bustle ,by men about the door1 is made to take thee1 ,and all because good conscience doth forsake thee4 ,thy case is most deplorably so bad1 ,thou shunn'st to think on't1 lest thou should'st be mad4 ,thou art beset with mischiefs every way1 ,the gallows groaneth for thee every day4 ,wherefore1 ,i pr'ythee1 thief1 thy theft forbear1 ,consult thy safety1 pr'ythee1 have a care4 ,if once thy head be got within the noose1 ',twill be too late a longer life to choose4 ,as to the penitent thou readest of1 ,what's that to them who at repentance scoff4 ,nor is that grace at thy command or power1 ,that thou should'st put it off till the last hour4 ,i pr'ythee1 thief1 think on't1 and turn betime2 ,few go to life who do the gallows climb4 ,,xxvii4 ,,of ,,the ,,child ,,with ,,the ,,bird ,,at ,,the ,,bush4 ,my little bird1 how canst thou sit ,and sing amidst so many thorns8 ,let me a hold upon thee get1 ,my love with honour thee adorns4 ,thou art at present little worth1 ,five farthings none will give for thee1 ,but pr'ythee1 little bird1 come forth1 ,thou of more value art to me4 ',tis true it is sunshine to-day1 ,to-morrow birds will have a storm2 ,my pretty one come thou away1 ,my bosom then shall keep thee warm4 ,thou subject are to cold o'nights1 ,when darkness is thy covering2 ,at days thy danger's great by kites1 ,how can'st thou then sit there and sing8 ,thy food is scarce and scanty too1 ',tis worms and trash which thou dost eat2 ,thy present state ,i pity do1 ,come1 ,i'll provide thee better meat4 ,i'll feed thee with white bread and milk1 ,and sugar plums1 if them thou crave4 ,i'll cover thee with finest silk1 ,that from the cold ,i may thee save4 ,my father's palace shall be thine1 ,yea1 in it thou shalt sit and sing2 ,my little bird1 if thou'lt be mine1 ,the whole year round shall be thy spring4 ,i'll teach thee all the notes at court1 ,unthought-of music thou shalt play2 ,and all that thither do resort1 ,shall praise thee for it every day4 ,i'll keep thee safe from cat and cur1 ,no manner o' harm shall come to thee2 ,yea1 ,i will be thy succourer1 ,my bosom shall thy cabin be4 ,but lo1 behold1 the bird is gone2 ,these charmings would not make her yield2 ,the child's left at the bush alone1 ,the bird flies yonder o'er the field4 ,comparison4 ,this child of ,christ an emblem is1 ,the bird to sinners ,i compare1 ,the thorns are like those sins of his ,which do surround him everywhere4 ,her songs1 her food1 and sunshine day1 ,are emblems of those foolish toys1 ,which to destruction lead the way1 ,the fruit of worldly1 empty joys4 ,the arguments this child doth choose ,to draw to him a bird thus wild1 ,shows ,christ familiar speech doth use ,to make's to him be reconciled4 ,the bird in that she takes her wing1 ,to speed her from him after all1 ,shows us vain man loves any thing ,much better than the heavenly call4 ,,xxviii4 ,,of ,,moses ,,and ,,his ,,wife4 ,this ,moses was a fair and comely man1 ,his wife a swarthy ,ethiopian2 ,nor did his milk-white bosom change her sin4 ,she came out thence as black as she went in4 ,now ,moses was a type of ,moses' law1 ,his wife likewise of one that never saw ,another way unto eternal life2 ,there's mystery1 then1 in ,moses and his wife4 ,the law is very holy1 just1 and good1 ,and to it is espoused all flesh and blood2 ,but this its goodness it cannot bestow ,on any that are wedded thereunto4 ,therefore as ,moses' wife came swarthy in1 ,and went out from him without change of skin1 ,so he that doth the law for life adore1 ,shall yet by it be left a black-a-more4 ,,xxix4 ,,of ,,the ,,rose-,,bush4 ,this homely bush doth to mine eyes expose ,a very fair1 yea1 comely ruddy rose4 ,this rose doth also bow its head to me1 ,saying1 ,come1 pluck me1 ,i thy rose will be2 ,yet offer ,i to gather rose or bud1 ,ten to one but the bush will have my blood4 ,this looks like a trapan1#cd or a decoy1 ,to offer1 and yet snap1 who would enjoy2 ,yea1 the more eager on't1 the more in danger1 ,be he the master of it1 or a stranger4 ,bush1 why dost bear a rose if none must have it4 ,who dost expose it1 yet claw those that crave it8 ,art become freakish8 dost the wanton play1 ,or doth thy testy humour tend its way8 ,comparison4 ,this rose ,god's ,son is1 with his ruddy looks4 ,but what's the bush1 whose pricks1 like tenter-hooks1 ,do scratch and claw the finest lady's hands1 ,or rend her clothes1 if she too near it stands8 ,this bush an emblem is of ,adam's race1 ,of which ,christ came1 when he his ,father's grace ,commended to us in his crimson blood1 ,while he in sinners' stead and nature stood4 ,thus ,adam's race did bear this dainty rose1 ,and doth the same to ,adam's race expose2 ,but those of ,adam's race which at it catch1 ,adam's race will them prick1 and claw1 and scratch4 ,,xxx4 ,,of ,,the ,,going ,,down ,,of ,,the ,,sun4 ,what1 hast thou run thy race1 art going down8 ,thou seemest angry1 why dost on us frown8 ,yea1 wrap thy head with clouds and hide thy face1 ,as threatening to withdraw from us thy grace8 ,o leave us not6 ,when once thou hid'st thy head1 ,our horizon with darkness will be spread4 ,tell who hath thee offended1 turn again4 ,alas6 too late1 intreaties are in vain4 ,comparison4 ,our gospel has had here a summer's day1 ,but in its sunshine we1 like fools1 did play2 ,or else fall out1 and with each other wrangle1 ,and did1 instead of work1 not much but jangle4 ,and if our sun seems angry1 hides his face1 ,shall it go down1 shall night possess this place8 ,let not the voice of night birds us afflict1 ,and of our misspent summer us convict4#ce ,,xxxi4 ,,upon ,,the ,,frog4 ,the frog by nature is both damp and cold1 ,her mouth is large1 her belly much will hold2 ,she sits somewhat ascending1 loves to be ,croaking in gardens1 though unpleasantly4 ,comparison4 ,the hypocrite is like unto this frog1 ,as like as is the puppy to the dog4 ,he is of nature cold1 his mouth is wide ,to prate1 and at true goodness to deride4 ,he mounts his head as if he was above ,the world1 when yet 'tis that which has his love4 ,and though he seeks in churches for to croak1 ,he neither loveth ,jesus nor his yoke4 ,,xxxii4 ,,upon ,,the ,,whipping ,,of ,a ,,top4 ',tis with the whip the boy sets up the top1 ,the whip makes it run round upon its toe2 ,the whip makes it hither and thither hop3 ',tis with the whip the top is made to go4 ,comparison4 ,our legalist is like unto this top1 ,without a whip he doth not duty do2 ,let ,moses whip him1 he will skip and hop2 ,forbear to whip1 he'll neither stand nor go4 ,,xxxiii4 ,,upon ,,the ,,pismire4 ,must we unto the pismire go to school1 ,to learn of her in summer to provide ,for winter next ensuing4 ,man's a fool1 ,or silly ants would not be made his guide4 ,but1 sluggard1 is it not a shame for thee ,to be outdone by pismires8 ,pr'ythee hear3 ,their works1 too1 will thy condemnation be ,when at the judgment-seat thou shalt appear4 ,but since thy ,god doth bid thee to her go1 ,obey1 her ways consider1 and be wise2 ,the piss-ant tell thee will what thou must do1 ,and set the way to life before thine eyes4 ,,xxxiv4 ,,upon ,,the ,,beggar4 ,he wants1 he asks1 he pleads his poverty1 ,they within doors do him an alms deny4 ,he doth repeat and aggravate his grief1 ,but they repulse him1 give him no relief4 ,he begs1 they say1 ,begone2 he will not hear1 ,but coughs1 sighs1 and makes signs he still is there2 ,they disregard him1 he repeats his groans2 ,they still say nay1 and he himself bemoans4 ,they grow more rugged1 they call him vagrant2 ,he cries the shriller1 trumpets out his want4 ,at last1 when they perceive he'll take no nay1 ,an alms they give him without more delay4 ,comparison4 ,this beggar doth resemble them that pray ,to ,god for mercy1 and will take no nay1 ,but wait1 and count that all his hard gainsays ,are nothing else but fatherly delays2 ,then imitate him1 praying souls1 and cry3 ,there's nothing like to importunity4 ,,xxxv4 ,,upon ,,the ,,horse ,,and ,,his ,,rider4 ,there's one rides very sagely on the road1 ,showing that he affects the gravest mode4 ,another rides tantivy1 or full trot1 ,to show much gravity he matters not4 ,lo1 here comes one amain1 he rides full speed1 ,hedge1 ditch1 nor miry bog1 he doth not heed4 ,one claws it up-hill without stop or check1 ,another down as if he'd break his neck4 ,now every horse has his especial guider2 ,then by his going you may know the rider4 ,comparison4 ,now let us turn our horse into a man1 ,his rider to a spirit1 if we can4 ,then let us1 by the methods of the guider1 ,tell every horse how he should know his rider4 ,some go1 as men1 direct in a right way1 ,nor are they suffered to go astray2 ,as with a bridle they are governed1 ,and kept from paths which lead unto the dead4 ,now this good man has his especial guider1 ,then by his going let him know his rider4 ,some go as if they did not greatly care1 ,whether of heaven or hell they should be heir4 ,the rein1 it seems1 is laid upon their neck1 ,they seem to go their way without a check4 ,now this man too has his especial guider1 ,and by his going he may know his rider4 ,some again run as if resolved to die1 ,body and soul1 to all eternity4 ,good counsel they by no means can abide2 ,they'll have their course whatever them betide4 ,now these poor men have their especial guider1 ,were they not fools they soon might know their rider4 ,there's one makes head against all godliness1 ,those too1 that do profess it1 he'll distress2 ,he'll taunt and flout if goodness doth appear1 ,and at its countenancers mock and jeer4 ,now this man1 too1 has his especial guider1 ,and by his going he might know his rider4 ,,xxxvi4 ,,upon ,,the ,,sight ,,of ,a ,,pound ,,of ,,candles ,,falling ,,to ,,the ,,ground4 ,but be the candles down1 and scattered too1 ,some lying here1 some there8 ,what shall we do8 ,hold1 light the candle there that stands on high1 ,it you may find the other candles by4 ,light that1 ,i say1 and so take up the pound ,you did let fall and scatter on the ground4 ,comparison4 ,the fallen candles do us intimate ,the bulk of ,god's elect in their laps'd state2 ,their lying scattered in the dark may be ,to show1 by man's lapsed state1 his misery4 ,the candle that was taken down and lighted1 ,thereby to find them fallen and benighted1 ,is ,jesus ,christ2 ,god1 by his light1 doth gather ,who he will save1 and be unto a ,father4 ,,xxxvii4 ,,upon ,a ,,penny ,,loaf4 ,thy price one penny is in time of plenty1 ,in famine doubled1 'tis from one to twenty4 ,yea1 no man knows what price on thee to set ,when there is but one penny loaf to get4 ,comparison4 ,this loaf's an emblem of the ,word of ,god1 ,a thing of low esteem before the rod ,of famine smites the soul with fear of death1 ,but then it is our all1 our life1 our breath4#cf ,,xxxviii4 ,,the ,,boy ,,and ,,watchmaker4 ,this watch my father did on me bestow1 ,a golden one it is1 but 'twill not go1 ,unless it be at an uncertainty3 ,but as good none as one to tell a lie4 ,when 'tis high day my hand will stand at nine2 ,i think there's no man's watch so bad as mine4 ,sometimes 'tis sullen1 'twill not go at all1 ,and yet 'twas never broke nor had a fall4 ,watchmaker4 ,your watch1 though it be good1 through want of skill ,may fail to do according to your will4 ,suppose the balance1 wheels1 and springs be good1 ,and all things else1 unless you understood ,to manage it1 as watches ought to be1 ,your watch will still be at uncertainty4 ,come1 tell me1 do you keep it from the dust1 ,yea1 wind it also duly up you must8 ,take heed1 too1 that you do not strain the spring2 ,you must be circumspect in every thing1 ,or else your watch1 were it as good again1 ,would not with time and tide you entertain4 ,comparison4 ,this boy an emblem is of a convert1 ,his watch of the work of grace within his heart1 ,the watchmaker is ,jesus ,christ our ,lord1 ,his counsel1 the directions of his ,word2 ,then convert1 if thy heart be out of frame1 ,of this watchmaker learn to mend the same4 ,do not lay ope' thy heart to worldly dust1 ,nor let thy graces over-grow with rust1 ,be oft' renewed in the' spirit of thy mind1 ,or else uncertain thou thy watch wilt find4 ,,xxxix4 ,,upon ,a ,,looking-,,glass4 ,in this see thou thy beauty1 hast thou any1 ,or thy defects1 should they be few or many4 ,thou may'st1 too1 here thy spots and freckles see1 ,hast thou but eyes1 and what their numbers be4 ,but art thou blind8 ,there is no looking-glass ,can show thee thy defects1 thy spots1 or face4 ,comparison4 ,unto this glass we may compare the ,word1 ,for that to man advantage doth afford 7,has he a mind to know himself and state71 ,to see what will be his eternal fate4 ,but without eyes1 alas6 how can he see8 ,many that seem to look here1 blind men be4 ,this is the reason they so often read ,their judgment there1 and do it nothing dread4 ,,xl4 ,,of ,,the ,,love ,,of ,,christ4 ,the love of ,christ1 poor ,i6 may touch upon2 ,but 'tis unsearchable4 ,o6 there is none ,its large dimensions can comprehend ,should they dilate thereon world without end4 ,when we had sinned1 in his zeal he sware1 ,that he upon his back our sins would bear4 ,and since unto sin is entailed death1 ,he vowed for our sins he'd lose his breath4 ,he did not only say1 vow1 or resolve1 ,but to astonishment did so involve ,himself in man's distress and misery1 ,as for1 and with him1 both to live and die4 ,to his eternal fame in sacred story1 ,we find that he did lay aside his glory1 ,stepped from the throne of highest dignity1 ,became poor man1 did in a manger lie2 ,yea1 was beholden unto his for bread1 ,had1 of his own1 not where to lay his head2 ,though rich1 he did for us become thus poor1 ,that he might make us rich for evermore4 ,nor was this but the least of what he did1 ,but the outside of what he suffered8 ,god made his blessed son under the law1 ,under the curse1 which1 like the lion's paw1 ,did rent and tear his soul for mankind's sin1 ,more than if we for it in hell had been4 ,his cries1 his tears1 and bloody agony1 ,the nature of his death doth testify4 ,nor did he of constraint himself thus give1 ,for sin1 to death1 that man might with him live4 ,he did do what he did most willingly1 ,he sung1 and gave ,god thanks1 that he must die4 ,but do kings use to die for captive slaves8 ,yet we were such when ,jesus died to save's4 ,yea1 when he made himself a sacrifice1 ,it was that he might save his enemies4 ,and though he was provoked to retract ,his blest resolves for such so good an act1 ,by the abusive carriages of those ,that did both him1 his love1 and grace oppose2 ,yet he1 as unconcerned with such things1 ,goes on1 determines to make captives kings2 ,yea1 many of his murderers he takes ,into his favour1 and them princes makes4 ,,xli4 ,,on ,,the ,,cackling ,,of ,a ,,hen4 ,the hen1 so soon as she an egg doth lay1 7,spreads the fame of her doing what she may47 ,about the yard she cackling now doth go1 ,to tell what 'twas she at her nest did do4 ,just thus it is with some professing men1 ,if they do ought that good is1 like our hen ,they can but cackle on't where e'er they go1 ,what their right hand doth their left hand must know4 ,,xlii4 ,,upon ,,an ,,hour-,,glass4 ,this glass1 when made1 was1 by the workman's skill1 ,the sum of sixty minutes to fulfil4 ,time1 more nor less1 by it will out be spun1 ,but just an hour1 and then the glass is run4 ,man's life we will compare unto this glass1 ,the number of his months he cannot pass2 ,but when he has accomplished his day1 ,he1 like a vapour1 vanisheth away4 ,,xliii4 ,,upon ,a ,,snail4 ,she goes but softly1 but she goeth sure1 ,she stumbles not1 as stronger creatures do4 ,her journey's shorter1 so she may endure ,better than they which do much farther go4 ,she makes no noise1 but stilly seizeth on ,the flower or herb appointed for her food1 ,the which she quietly doth feed upon ,while others range and glare1 but find no good4 ,and though she doth but very softly go1 ,however1 'tis not fast nor slow1 but sure2 ,and certainly they that do travel so1 ,the prize they do aim at they do procure4 ,comparison4 ,although they seem not much to stir1 less go1 ,for ,christ that hunger1 or from wrath that flee1 ,yet what they seek for quickly they come to1 ,though it doth seem the farthest off to be4 ,one act of faith doth bring them to that flower ,they so long for1 that they may eat and live1 ,which1 to attain1 is not in others power1 ,though for it a king's ransom they would give4 ,then let none faint1 nor be at all dismayed ,that life by ,christ do seek1 they shall not fail ,to have it2 let them nothing be afraid2 ,the herb and flower are eaten by the snail4#cg ,,xliv4 ,,of ,,the ,,spouse ,,of ,,christ4 ,who's this that cometh from the wilderness1 ,like smokey pillars thus perfum'd with myrrh1 ,leaning upon her dearest in distress1 ,led into's bosom by the ,comforter8 ,she's clothed with the sun1 crowned with twelve stars1 ,the spotted moon her footstool she hath made4 ,the dragon her assaults1 fills her with jars1 ,yet rests she under her ,beloved's shade1 ,but whence was she8 what is her pedigree8 ,was not her father a poor ,amorite8 ,what was her mother but as others be1 ,a poor1 a wretched1 and a sinful ,hittite4 ,yea1 as for her1 the day that she was born1 ,as loathsome1 out of doors they did her cast2 ,naked and filthy1 stinking and forlorn2 ,this was her pedigree from first to last4 ,nor was she pitied in this estate1 ,all let her lie polluted in her blood3 ,none her condition did commiserate1 ,there was no heart that sought to do her good4 ,yet she unto these ornaments is come1 ,her breasts are fashioned1 her hair is grown2 ,she is made heiress of the best kingdom2 ,all her indignities away are blown4 ,cast out she was1 but now she home is taken1 ,naked 7sometimes71 but now1 you see1 she's cloth'd2 ,now made the darling1 though before forsaken1 ,barefoot1 but now as princes' daughters shod4 ,instead of filth1 she now has her perfumes2 ,instead of ignominy1 her chains of gold3 ,instead of what the beauty most consumes1 ,her beauty's perfect1 lovely to behold4 ,those that attend and wait upon her be ,princes of honour1 clothed in white array2 ,upon her head's a crown of gold1 and she ,eats wheat1 honey1 and oil1 from day to day4 ,for her beloved1 he's the high'st of all1 ,the only ,potentate1 the ,king of kings3 ,angels and men do him ,jehovah call1 ,and from him life and glory always springs4 ,he's white and ruddy1 and of all the chief3 ,his head1 his locks1 his eyes1 his hands1 and feet1 ,do1 for completeness1 out-go all belief2 ,his cheeks like flowers are1 his mouth most sweet4 ,as for his wealth1 he is made heir of all2 ,what is in heaven1 what is on earth is his3 ,and he this lady his joint-heir doth call1 ,of all that shall be1 or at present is4 ,well1 lady1 well1 ,god has been good to thee2 ,thou of an outcast1 now art made a queen4 ,few1 or none1 may with thee compared be1 ,a beggar made thus high is seldom seen4 ,take heed of pride1 remember what thou art ,by nature1 though thou hast in grace a share1 ,thou in thyself dost yet retain a part ,of thine own filthiness2 wherefore beware4 ,,xlv4 ,,upon ,a ,,skilful ,,player ,,of ,,an ,,instrument4 ,he that can play well on an instrument1 ,will take the ear1 and captivate the mind ,with mirth or sadness2 for that it is bent ,thereto1 as music in it place doth find4 ,but if one hears that hath therein no skill1 7,as often music lights of such a chance7 ,of its brave notes they soon be weary will3 ,and there are some can neither sing nor dance4 ,comparison4 ,unto him that thus skilfully doth play1 ,god doth compare a gospel-minister1 ,that rightly preacheth1 and doth godly pray1 ,applying truly what doth thence infer4 ,this man1 whether of wrath or grace he preach1 ,so skilfully doth handle every word2 ,and by his saying doth the heart so reach1 ,that it doth joy or sigh before the ,lord4 ,but some there be1 which1 as the brute1 doth lie ,under the ,word1 without the least advance ,godward2 such do despise the ministry2 ,they weep not at it1 neither to it dance4 ,,xlvi4 ,,of ,,man ,,by ,,nature4 ,from ,god he's a backslider1 ,of ways he loves the wider2 ,with wickedness a sider1 ,more venom than a spider4 ,in sin he's a considerer1 ,a make-bate and divider2 ,blind reason is his guider1 ,the devil is his rider4 ,,xlvii4 ,,upon ,,the ,,disobedient ,,child4 ,children become1 while little1 our delights6 ,when they grow bigger1 they begin to fright's4 ,their sinful nature prompts them to rebel1 ,and to delight in paths that lead to hell4 ,their parents' love and care they overlook1 ,as if relation had them quite forsook4 ,they take the counsels of the wanton's1 rather ,than the most grave instructions of a father4 ,they reckon parents ought to do for them1 ,though they the fifth commandment do contemn2 ,they snap and snarl if parents them control1 ,though but in things most hurtful to the soul4 ,they reckon they are masters1 and that we ,who parents are1 should to them subject be6 ,if parents fain would have a hand in choosing1 ,the children have a heart will in refusing4 ,they'll by wrong doings1 under parents gather1 ,and say it is no sin to rob a father4 ,they'll jostle parents out of place and power1 ,they'll make themselves the head1 and them devour4 ,how many children1 by becoming head1 ,have brought their parents to a piece of bread6 ,thus they who1 at the first1 were parents joy1 ,turn that to bitterness1 themselves destroy4 ,but1 wretched child1 how canst thou thus requite ,thy aged parents1 for that great delight ,they took in thee1 when thou1 as helpless1 lay ,in their indulgent bosoms day by day8 ,thy mother1 long before she brought thee forth1 ,took care thou shouldst want neither food nor cloth4 ,thy father glad was at his very heart1 ,had he to thee a portion to impart4 ,comfort they promised themselves in thee1 ,but thou1 it seems1 to them a grief wilt be4 ,how oft1 how willingly brake they their sleep1 ,if thou1 their bantling1 didst but winch or weep4 ,their love to thee was such they could have giv'n1 ,that thou mightst live1 almost their part of heav'n4 ,but now1 behold how they rewarded are6 ,for their indulgent love and tender care2 ,all is forgot1 this love he doth despise4 ,they brought this bird up to pick out their eyes4 ,,xlviii4 ,,upon ,a ,,sheet ,,of ,,white ,,paper4 ,this subject is unto the foulest pen1 ,or fairest handled by the sons of men4 ',twill also show what is upon it writ1 ,be it wisely1 or nonsense for want of wit1 ,each blot and blur it also will expose ,to thy next readers1 be they friends or foes4 ,comparison4 ,some souls are like unto this blank or sheet1 ,though not in whiteness4 ,the next man they meet1 ,if wise or fool1 debauched or deluder1 ,or what you will1 the dangerous intruder ,may write thereon1 to cause that man to err ,in doctrine or in life1 with blot and blur4 ,nor will that soul conceal from who observes1 ,but show how foul it is1 wherein it swerves4 ,a reading man may know who was the writer1 ,and1 by the hellish nonsense1 the inditer4 ,,xlix4 ,,upon ,,fire4 ,who falls into the fire shall burn with heat2 ,while those remote scorn from it to retreat4 ,yea1 while those in it1 cry out1 ,o6 ,i burn1 ,some farther off those cries to laughter turn4 ,comparison4 ,while some tormented are in hell for sin2 ,on earth some greatly do delight therein4 ,yea1 while some make it echo with their cry1 ,others count it a fable and a lie4#ch ,,footnotes3 #a ,bunyan's poem in the ,holy ,war4 #b ,on the leaf following the title to ,one ,thing is ,needful1 c41 by ,john ,bunyan1 #afhh4 ,a rare little #cbmo1 published by the author1 in possession of the ,editor4 #c ,at the end of ,grace ,abounding1 the sixth edition1 and also in ,the ,work of ,jesus ,christ as an ,advocate1 by ,bunyan1 #afhh4 #d ,advertised in the eighth edition of ,solomon's ,temple ,spiritualized4 #e ,in ,youth ,directed and ,instructed--a curious little book for children4 #f ,square #bdmo41 by ,bennet1 ,gurney1 and others1 without date4 #g ,sturt engraved the ,book of ,common ,prayer2 some ,french artists elegantly etched two of their devotional books2 and ,pyne engraved the texts of ,horace and ,virgil with beautiful vignettes4 #h ,altered to 'huge' in the ,emblems1 #agbd4 #i ,a familiar phrase1 denoting persons who have been always frivolous and childish1 or those who have passed into second childhood4 ',on the shelf' is a common saying of ladies when they are too old to get married4--,ed4 #aj ,the name of a bird that mimics gestures4--,ed4 #aa ,indelible1 as when raw material is dyed before it is wove1 every grain receives the dye4--,ed4 #ab ,for this use of the word 'handle1' see ,jeremiah #b3h4 ',they that handle the law4'--,ed4 #ac ,this word1 with pismire and emmet1 has become obsolete4 ',ant' is the term now universally used4--,ed4 #ad ,see ,psalm #hd3c2 ,leviticus #aa3af2 ,numbers #bj4 #ae ,a machine used in the manufacture of cloth1 on which it is stretched4--,ed4 #af ,spiders being venomous was a vulgar error1 universally believed1 until modern discoveries have proved the contrary1 excepting a few foreign species4--,ed4 #ag ,this is a scriptural idea of the inhabitants of heaven4 ,revelation #aa3h1 saints 'small and great4' ,matthew #ai3bh3 ',the ,son of man on his throne1 and the twelve apostles on their thrones4' ,revelation #d3aj3 ',four and twenty elders on their thrones4' ,revelation #e3aa3 ',an innumerable company of worshippers4'--,ed4 #ah ,in an ancient battledore or horn-book1 and in one of ,henry ,,viii's primers1 both in the editor's possession1 this sentence is translated--',and let us not be led into temptation4'--,ed4 #ai ,when divine light first dawns upon the soul1 and reveals sin1 ,o how difficult is it to conclude that sin is pardoned1 and the sinner blest6--,ed4 #bj ,the swallow is remarkably swift in flight2 'their note is a slight twittering1 which they seldom if ever exert but upon the wing4'--,goldsmith's ,natural ,history4--,ed4 #ba ',be in print'2 a proverbial expression1 to show order and regularity2 like type in print4--,ed4 #bb ',ley'2 barren or fallow1 uncultivated1 generally spelt lea4--,ed4 #bc ,this riddle is solved in the fourth line following4 ,the light of the fear and love of ,god begins in the middle of our bodily frame1 with the heart4 ,bunyan's love of religious riddles is seen in the second part of the ,pilgrimage1 when ,christian is resting at the house of ,gaius4--,ed4 #bd ,convictions of sin make the soul turn from sin4--,ed4 #be ,this character is admirably drawn in the second part of the ,pilgrim's ,progress--,mr4 ,brisk1 a suitor to ,mercy4--,ed4 #bf ,preterite of the verb 'to save1' from the ,saxon agan1 to be held or bound by moral obligation4--,imperial ,dictionary4--,ed4 #bg ,what folly1 nay1 madness1 for man to pretend to make ,god of a little flour1 or to rely for forgiveness of sin on a wafer1 a bit of bread1 or a little wine or water4 ,how degraded is he that pretends to believe such palpable absurdities4--,ed4 #bh ,this is one of ,bunyan's keen1 shrewd1 home thrusts4 ,clothes professedly made to hide what they studiously display66--,ed4 #bi ,possessed me with1 or has given me possession of4--,ed4 #cj ,man's sinfulness1 by nature and practice1 justly1 but awfully described4--,mason4 #ca ,see ,proverbs #cj3bj1 and ,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,there is also a very striking allusion to the subject of this emblem1 in ,bunyan's ,light in ,darkness4 #cb ,he who1 in riper years1 seeks happiness in sensual gratification1 is a child in understanding3 he only changes his toys4--,ed4 #cc ',to the one1 a savour of death unto death2 and to the other1 a savour of life unto life' 7#b ,cor #b3af74 #cd ',trapan' is the ,saxon verb to ensnare1 modernized to trap4--,ed4 #ce ,how agonizing will be the cry of the lost soul--',the harvest is past1 the summer is ended1 and we are not saved' 7,jer #h3bj74--;,ed4 ,upon the brittle thread of life hang everlasting things4--,mason4 #cf ,when the ,word of ,god dwells in us richly in all wisdom1 then will the peace of ,god rule in our hearts1 and we shall be sweetly inclined to every good thought1 word1 and work4--,ed4 #cg ,if the crawling snail finds food1 wherefore do ye doubt1 ,o6 ye of little faith4--,ed4 #ch ,fools make a mock at sin4 ,the scorner occupies a proud1 an elevated seat1 which will sink under him1 and crush him down to everlasting destruction4 ,the threatenings and promises of ,god stand sure for ever4--,ed 999999 ,,the ,,struggler2 ,,containing ,,the ,,chronological ,,order ,,in ,,which ,,mr4 ,,bunyan',s ,,books ,,were ,,published1 ,,and ,,the ,,number ,,of ,,editions ,,they ,,passed ,,through ,,during ,,his ,,life4 ,,thirty ,,reasons ,,why ,,christian ,,people ,,should ,,promote ,,their ,,circulation1 ,,and ,,the ,,struggler ,,for ,,the ,,preservation ,,of ,,these ,,labours4--,,published ,,in #afia4 ,,by ,,charles ,,doe1 ,,one ,,of ,,mr4 ,,bunyan',s ,,personal ,,friends4 ,a ,,catalogue-,,table ,,of ,,mr4 ,,bunyan',s ,,books4 ,,and ,,their ,,succession ,,in ,,publishing1 ,,most ,,according ,,to ,,his ,,own ,,reckoning4 ,note4--,those that are in ,italic letter are them that compose the first folio3 ,and the rest are intended1 when time serves1 for a second folio4#a #a4 ,gospel truths opened1 #afef #b4 ,a vindication of that sm4 #dto #afeg #c4 ,sighs from ,hell 7#i ,impressions71 #afej #d4 ,the #b ,covenants ,law and ,grace #e4 ,i will pray with the ,spirit1 #affc #f4 ,a map of salvation1 c41 ,a broadside #g4 ,the four last things 7#c ,impressions71 #h4 ,mount ,ebal and ,gerizim1 #i4 ,prison ,meditations1 #aj4 ,the ,holy ,city1 c41 #affe #aa4 ,the ,resurrection1 c41 #affe #ab4 ,grace ,abounding 7#f ,impressions71 #afff #ac4 ,justification by ,jesus ,christ1 sm4 #dto #afga #ad4 ,confession of ,faith1 c41 #afgb #ae4 ,difference in ,judgment1 c41 #afgc #af4 ,peaceable principles1 c41 #afgd #ag4 ,election and ,reprobation1 c41 sm4 #dto ,no date #ah4 ,light for them in ,darkness1 #ai4 ,christian ,behaviour 7#d ,impressions71 #bj4 ,instructions for the ,ignorant1 #afge #ba4 ,saved by ,grace1 #bb4 ,the ,strait-,gate1 #afgf #bc4 ,the ,pilgrim's ,progress 7#ab ,impressions71 #afgh #bd4 ,the ,fear of ,god1 #afgi #be4 ,come and ,welcome to ,jesus ,christ 7#d ,impressions7 #bf4 ,the ,holy ,war 7#c ,impressions7 #afhb #bg4 ,the ,barren ,fig ,tree1 #bh4 ,the ,greatness of the ,soul1 c41 #afhc #bi4 ,a case of ,conscience of prayer1 sm4 #dto #afhc #cj4 ,advice to ,sufferers1 #afhd #ca4 ,the #b;d pt4 ,pilgrim's ,progress 7#c ,impressions71 #afhd #cb4 ,life and ,death of ,mr4 ,badman1#b #afhj #cc4 ,holy ,life the beauty of ,christianity1 #cd4 ,the ,pharisee and ,publican1 #afhe #ce4 ,a caution against ,sin1 a sheet #afhd #cf4 ,meditations on #gd things1 #cg4 ,the first-day ,sabbath1 #afhe #ch4 ,the ,jerusalem ,sinner ,saved1 #afhh #ci4 ,jesus ,christ an advocate1 #afhh #dj4 ,the ,house of ,god1 #afhh #da4 ,the ,water of ,life1 #afhh #db4 ,solomon's ,temple ,spiritualized1 #afhh #dc4 ,the ,excell4 of a broken heart1 #afhi #dd4 ,his last ,sermon at ,london1 #afhh ,twelve ,manuscripts part of the first folio #afib #de4 ,exposit4 on #aj first chap4 of ,genesis1 #df4 ,justification by ,imputed ,righteousness1 #dg4 ,paul's departure and crown1 #dh4 ,of the ,trinity and a ,christian1 #di4 ,of the ,law and a ,christian1 #ej4 ,israel's ,hope encouraged1 #ea4 ,desires of the righteous granted1 #eb4 ,the unsearchable riches of ,christ1 #ec4 ,christ ,compleat ,saviour in's ,interest1 #ed4 ,saint's ,knowledge of ,christ's love1 #ee4 ,house of the ,forest of ,lebanon1 #ef4 ,a description of ,antichirst1 ,four ,manuscripts yet unprinted4 #eg4 ,a ,christian ,dialogue4#c #eh4 ,the ,heavenly ,footman4#d #ei4 ,a ,pocket ,concordance4#c #fj4 ,an ,account of his ,imprisonment4#e ,here's sixty pieces of his labours1 and he was sixty years of age4 ,he was born at ,elstow1 nigh ,bedford1 about #afbh4 ,and about #afeb was1 by irresistible grace1 converted3 and in #affj he had preached five years1 and then1 for that1 was thrown into ,bedford ,gaol2 and in #afga was called to the pastoral office at ,bedford1 being the #aath of his twelve years and an half's imprisonment2 and died at ,london1 ,aug4 #ca1 #afhh4 ,where the date is in brackets it is supplied from original copies in the ,editor's possession4 ,,reasons ,,why ,,christian ,,people ,,should ,,promote ,,by ,,subscriptions ,,the ,,printing ,,in ,,folio ,,the ,,labours ,,of ,,mr4 ,,john ,,bunyan1 ,,late ,,minister ,,of ,,the ,,gospel1 ,,and ,,pastor ,,of ,,the ,,congregation ,,at ,,bedford4 ,i4 ,he was a very able and excellent minister of the gospel2 viz41 able to express himself1 and had excellent matter known to all ,christians that have heard him preach4 ,,ii4 ,he became thus able and excellent a minister by a great degree of ,gospel ,grace bestowed upon his own soul1 more than probable for that very end2 for that ,god wrought him from a very great profane sinner1 and an illiterate poor man1 to this profound understanding the true or genuine spiritual meaning of the ,scriptures1 whereby he could experimentally preach to souls with power1 and affection1 and apostolical learning1 the true nature of the gospel4 ,,iii4 ,god's bestowing such great grace1 to turn so great a sinner1 to make such a great gospel labourer1 and thrust him into his harvest1 argues there was great need1 and therefore without question his labours ought to be preserved4 ,,iv4 ,our ,bunyan being so graciously1 by the ,lord of the harvest1 thrust into labour1 clearly shows to us1 7and may by this preservation to future ages71 that ,god is not bound to human means of learned education 7though learning may be useful in its place71 but can1 when he will1 make a minister of the gospel without man's forecast of education1 and in spite of all the men in the world that would oppose it1 though it be above sixteen hundred years after the apostles4 ,v4 ,many thousands had the soul benefit and comfort of his ministry to astonishment1 as if an angel or an apostle had touched their souls with a coal of holy fire from the altar4 ,,vi4 ,this excellent operation of the special grace of ,god in him1 and the gift of utterance when he preached1 confounded the wisdom of his adversaries that heard him1 or heard of him1 he being1 as it is commonly called1 unlearned1 or had not school education4 ,,vii4 ,for all these reasons before-mentioned1 of the spirituality of his preaching1 his labours in writing deserve preservation by printing as much as any other famous man's that have writ since the apostles' time4 ,,viii4 ,moreover he hath been a ,christian sufferer for above twelve years1 by imprisonment1 whereby he sealed to the truth he preached4 ,,ix4 ,yet1 for all that imprisonment1 he preached then1 and there1 and afterwards abroad1 as a faithful labourer for the salvation of souls4 ,x4 ,and he was not a man that preached by way of bargain for money1 for he hath refused a more plentiful income to keep his station4 ,,xi4 ,and his moderation1 or desire of money1 was as the apostle ,paul's practice1 below his privilege2 so that he did not1 when he died1 leave much wealth to his family4 ,,xii4 ,and the ,church that wants such a pastor may find it long before they get one1 and therefore ought to respect our ,bunyan's labours4 ,,xiii4 ,if ,god had not put it into the heart of some ,christians or ,church to preserve the ,epistles of the ,apostle to the ,romans1 ,corinthians1 ,galatians1 and others1 we in this age of the world should in all probability never have known that there ever were any such ,christians and doctrines2 their names and doctrines might have been lost1 and we might have perished1 and that would have been dreadful2 for ,god mostly works by second causes4 ,,xiv4 ,and why should any ,christian people1 that have reason to reckon themselves obliged herein1 set themselves aside from communicating to other ,christians and the ages to come the gospel labours of so eminent a minister as ,god so graciously honoured and assisted them with8 ,,xv4 ,and if these labours 7of1 as ,i may say1 an apostle of our age1 if we have any7 are not preserved by printing thus in folio1 most of them in all probability will be lost1 for there are many of them have been out of print many years1 and will never otherwise be printed again because of the charge1 c4 ,,xvi4 ,by the late ,act for liberty of conscience1 it is lawful now to print the works of dissenters1 though it was not so formerly2 therefore much danger cannot plead excuse4 ,,xvii4 ,it is a good work without controversy1 and therefore there can be no scruple of conscience about its pleasing ,god4 ,,xviii4 ,there is also to the subscribers a further benefit in this folio2 for1 whereas these twenty books would1 if bought single1 cost nigh twenty shillings now1 as printed in folio they will have them for about twelve shillings bound together in one volume1 which conveniency also prevents losing4 ,,xix4 ,these ten manuscripts1 which were never before printed1 would1 if printed in small books1 and bought single1 cost almost the money that these twenty in folio comes for1 which is great odds4 ,,xx4 ,not to preserve his labours and name1 which are so great1 is a disingenuous slighting or despising them1 and serving them no better than a wicked man's that rots4 ,bunyan hath preached1 and freely bestowed many a good and gospel-truth1 and soul-reviving expression2 for which of them doth any of his friends slight him8 ,nay1 do not they rather owe him something for his labour he bestowed on them1 as ,philemon did to ,paul8 ,,xxi4 ,the price of the first part will be an easier purchase than of the whole2 and all in one volume would be somewhat too big in bulk and price4 ,,xxii4 ,there is need of printing these books now1 because errors and superstitions1 like the smoke of the bottomless pit1 darken protestants understanding the purer truths of the gospel4 ,,xxiii4 ,and when this first part is sold off1 we shall endeavour to publish a second part1 whereby he that is wiling may have the whole in folio4 ,,xxiv4 ,this preservation will preserve the name of ,john ,bunyan1 a champion of our age to future ages2 whereby it may be said in the pulpit1 ,the great convert ,bunyan said so and so4 ,,xxv4 ,if the labours of so eminent a minister should not be preserved1 ,i known not whose should4 ,,xxvi4 ,antichristian people are diligent to preserve the works of their eminent men2 and therefore ,christians should be diligent to preserve theirs4 ,,xxvii4 ,the chief reasons we argue from are not common rules1 that therefore every good minister's endeavours ought to be printed in folio4 ,but this case is extraordinary1 as an eminent minister1 made so by abundance of gospel grace1 who has also writ much1 which hath gone off well4 ,i say eminent1 though he was1 when young1 profane1 and had not school education to enable him1 as is apparent to all that knew him4 ,,xxviii4 ,by this printed in folio a man may have recourse for satisfaction in a case of conscience to any of these particular books with the rest1 which otherwise are not to be bought2 and that ,i have proved by often trying most ,london booksellers1 and before that given them above twice the price for a book2 and ,i know not how to get another of those sorts for any price whatsoever4 ,,xxix4 ,all these things1 or half of them1 beside many others that might be given1 being considered1 ,i cannot see but it is an absolute duty4 ,,xxx4 ,and lastly 7pardon me1 if ,i speak too great a word1 as it may seem to some to be borne71 all things considered2 that is1 his own former profaneness1 poverty1 unlearnedness1 together with his great natural parts1 the great change made by grace1 and his long imprisonment1 and the great maturity in grace and preaching he attained to1 ,i say our deceased ,bunyan hath not left in ,england1 or the world1 his equal behind him1 as ,i know of4 ,and this is the unfeigned belief of1 ,your ,christian brother1 ,,charles ,,doe4 ,,the ,,struggler 7,,for ,,the ,,preceding ,,preservation ,,of ,,mr4 ,,john ,,bunyan',s ,,labours ,,in ,,folio7 ,,thinks ,,it ,,may ,,answer ,,the ,,desires ,,of ,,many ,,to ,,give ,,the ,,following ,,relation3-- ,,christian ,,reader1 ,i do here as further duty presume to give you1 according to my understanding1 a relation in three parts1 concerning our eminent author1 ,mr4 ,john ,bunyan1 and his labours4 ,i4 ,the author's parentage1 imprisonment1 times1 and manner of his life and death1 c4 ,,ii4 ,relations and observations upon his labours1 c4 ,,iii4 ,notes on printing this folio and index1 c4 ,first1 ,our excellent author1 by the abundant grace of ,god1 ,mr4 ,john ,bunyan1 was born at ,elstow1 a mile side of ,bedford1 about the year #afbh4 ,his father was mean1 and by trade a mender of pots and kettles1 vulgarly called a tinker1 and of the national religion1 as commonly men of that trade are1 and was brought up to the tinkering trade1 as also were several of his brothers1 whereat he worked about that country1#f being also very profane and poor1 even when married1 c4 ,but it pleased ,god1 by his irresistible grace1 to work in him some convictions and fears of hell1 and also desires of heaven1 which drove him to reading and hearing of religious matters1 so1 controlling grace growing abundantly1 he did not take up religion upon trust1 but grace in him continually struggling with himself and others1 took all advantages he lit on to ripen his understanding in religion1 and so he lit on the dissenting congregation of ,christians at ,bedford1 and was1 upon confession of faith1 baptized about the year #afea1 o #eb1 or #ec4 ,and after a little time1 having a gift of utterance1 and love to the conviction of sinners1 preached about the country the same salvation he found by experience himself stood in need of1 by faith and repentance1 and worked at his tinkering trade for a livelihood1 whereby the reigning grace of ,god appeared the more sovereign and glorious in this choice1 even as it shone in the choice of ,peter1 a fisherman1 and the rest of the apostles1 and others of the eminent saints of old1 most of them tradesmen1 and of whom most excellent things are spoken1 c4 ,in the year #affj1 being the year king ,charles returned to ,england1 having preached about#g five years1 the rage of gospel enemies was so great that1 ,november #ab1 they took him prisoner at a meeting of good people1 and put him in ,bedford jail1 and there he continued about six years1 and then was let out again1 #afff1 being the year of the burning of ,london1 and1 a little after his release1 they took him again at a meeting1 and put him in the same jail1 where he lay six years more4#h ,before they took him his intent was to preach on these words1 ',dost thou believe on the ,son of ,god8' 7,john #i3ce74 ,from whence he intended to show the absolute need of faith in ,jesus ,christ4 ,and after he was released again1 they took him again1 and put him in prison the third time1 but that proved but for about half a year4 ,whilst he was thus twelve years and a half in prison1 he writ several of his published books1 as by many of their epistles appears1 as ',pray by the ,spirit1' ',holy ,city1' ',resurrection1' ',grace ,abounding1' and others1 also ',the ,pilgrim's ,progress1' as himself and many others have said4 ,the pastor of ,bedford congregation died1 and1 after some years' vacancy1 ,john ,bunyan1 though a prisoner1 was1 by the church1 called to the pastoral office1 ,december #ba1 #afga1 and as it pleased the ,lord to rule the rage of men1 it proved in or about the last year of his twelve years' imprisonment4 ,and1 being out1 he preached the gospel publicly at ,bedford1 and about the counties1 and at ,london1 with very great success1 being mightily followed everywhere4 ,and it pleased the ,lord to preserve him out of the hands of his enemies in the severe persecution at the latter end of king ,charles the ,second's reign1 though they often searched and laid wait for him1 and sometimes narrowly missed him4 ,in #afhh1 he published six books1 being the time of king ,james the ,second's liberty of conscience1 and was seized with a sweating distemper1 which1 after his some weeks going about1 proved his death1 at his very loving friend's1 ,mr4 ,strudwick's1 a grocer1 at ,holborn ,bridge1 ,london1 on ,august #ca1 #afhh1 and in the #fjth year of his age1 and was buried in ,finsbury burying-ground1 where many ,london dissenting ministers are laid2 and it proved some days above a month before our great gospel deliverance was begun by the ,prince of ,orange's landing1 whom the ,lord of his continued blessing hath since made our preserving king1 ,william the ,third4 ,and as to his family1 he left his widow1 ,elizabeth1 and three sons1 ,john1 ,thomas1 and ,joseph1 and three daughters1 ,elizabeth1 ,sarah1 and ,mary2 but his blind daughter he writes of in his ',grace ,abounding' died some years before him1 and his widow died #afij-a4 ,secondly1 ,concerning his labours2 ,god did give of his extraordinary grace of the gospel to our author1 ,bunyan1 and it is worthy our observation1 for thereby ,god may have due honour1 his people comfort1 and adversaries confuted in their several corrupt notions1 especially that of only them that have school education are fitly qualified for ministers of the glorious gospel of ,jesus ,christ4 ,and also hereby the superstitious man is confounded in his way of worship1 as were his predecessors1 the rulers of the ,jews1 in the case of ,peter and ,john1 saying1 ,whence had these men this knowledge1 seeing they are unlearned8 but there was and is a reason beyond their false rules of education--for they had been with ,jesus4 ,this is also apt to convince sincere-hearted ,christians that ,god can1 when he will1 make a minister of his gospel1 and send him forth in the power of his ,spirit1 and defend him1 nay1 may ,i say1 it is ,god's prerogative to make his gospel-ministers1 and he makes them effectual to all the ends of his gospel1 to preach1 as the great apostle saith1 in season and out of season1 to abase and abound1 c4 ,he that can make the dry bones live 7as in ,eze #cg71 what can he not do8 yea1 they shall live1 and become a great host1 and antichristian arts must fall2 for the ,lord doth make his servants1 as he did ,jeremiah1 as brazen walls against people and priests4 ,and however some subtilly and vain-gloriously pretend to be the only lawful successors of the apostles1 yet certain ,i am1 from safer reason of faith1 that our author ,bunyan was really1 sincerely1 and effectually a lawful successor of the apostles1 and as lawful as any have been above this thousand years4 ,nay1 may ,i say1 he was a second ,paul2 for that his conversion was in a great measure like that great apostle's1 who1 of a great enemy to godliness1 was1 by strong and irresistible workings of sovereign grace1 made a great minister of1 and sufferer for1 the gospel4 ,thousands of ,christians in country and city1 can testify that their comfort under his ministry has been to admiration1 so that their joy hath showed itself by much weeping4 ,to the eye of carnal reason it may seem that the great apostle ,paul's imprisonment was a contradiction to his commission of effectually preaching the gospel to many countries2 especially considering his commission was strengthened by his miraculous conversion1 from the glory and call of the ,lord ,jesus from heaven1 for the making of him such a great gospel preacher4 ,and yet ,god suffered it so to be1 and we have reason to believe for the best2 because ,god usually works those seeming contrary things to his own end and glory4 ,and the effect was1 the saints were strengthened thereby1 and several epistles were written thereby1 which hath preserved much of the gospel in writing to the ages after1 and even for our very great and needful help4 ,and ,i reckon ,i shall not be out of the way1 if ,i observe and say--,what hath the devil or his agents gotten by putting our great gospel-ministry1 ,bunyan1 in prison8 for in prison1 as before mentioned1 he wrote many excellent books1 that have published to the world his great grace1 and great truth1 and great judgment1 and great ingenuity2 and to instance in one1 the ,pilgrim's ,progress1 he hath suited to the life of a traveler so exactly and pleasantly1 and to the life of a ,christian1 that this very book1 besides the rest1 hath done the superstitious sort of men and their practice more harm1 or rather good1 as ,i may call it1 than if he had been let alone at his meeting at ,bedford1 to preach the gospel to his own auditory1 as it might have fallen out2 for none but priest-ridden people know how to cavil at it1 it wins so smoothly upon their affections1 and so insensibly distils the gospel into them1 and hath been printed in ,france1 ,holland1 ,new ,england1 and in ,welsh1 and about a hundred thousand in ,england1 whereby they are made some means of grace1 and the author become famous2 and may be the cause of spreading his other gospel-books over the ,european and ,american world1 and in process of time may be so to the whole universe4 ,when ,mr4 ,bunyan preached in ,london1 if there were but one day's notice given1 there would be more people come together to hear him preach than the meeting-house would hold4 ,i have seen to hear him preach1 by my computation1 about twelve hundred at a morning lecture1 by seven o'clock1 on a working day1 in the dark winter time4 ,i also computed about three thousand that came to hear him one ,lord's-day1 at ,london1 at a town's end meeting-house2 so that half were fain to go back again for want of room1 and then himself was fain1 at a back door1 to be pulled almost over people to get upstairs to his pulpit4 ,mr4 ,bunyan's dispute with a scholar to this effect4 ,as ,mr4 ,bunyan was upon the road near ,cambridge1 there overtakes him a scholar that had observed him a preacher1 and said to him1 ,how dare you preach1 seeing you have not the original1 being not a scholar8 ,then said ,mr4 ,bunyan1 ,have you the original8 ,yes1 said the scholar4 ,nay1 but1 said ,mr4 ,bunyan1 have you the very self-same original copies that were written by the penmen of the scriptures1 prophets and apostles8 ,no1 said the scholar1 but we have the true copies of those originals4 ,how do you know that8 said ,mr4 ,bunyan4 ,how8 said the scholar4 ,why1 we believe what we have is a true copy of the original4 ,then1 said ,mr4 ,bunyan1 so do ,i believe our ,english ,bible is a true copy of the original4 ,then away rid the scholar4 ,another dispute with a scholar4 ,as ,mr4 ,bunyan was preaching in a barn1 and showing the fewness of those that should be saved1 there stood one of the learned to take advantage of his words2 and having done preaching1 the schoolman said to him1 ,you are a deceiver1 a person of no charity1 and therefore not fit to preach2 for he that in effect condemneth the greatest part of his hearers hath no charity1 and therefore not fit to preach4 ,then ,mr4 ,bunyan answered--,the ,lord ,jesus ,christ preached in a ship to his hearers on the shore 7,matt #ac72 and showed that they were as four sorts of ground--,the high-way1 ,the stony1 ,the thorny1 and ,the good ground2 whereof the good ground was the only persons to be saved4 ,and your position is--,that he that in effect condementh the greatest part of his hearers hath no charity1 and therefore not fit to preach the gospel4 ,but here the ,lord ,jesus ,christ did so2 then your conclusion is--,the ,lord ,jesus ,christ wanted charity1 and therefore not fit to preach the gospel4 ,horrid blasphemy2 away with your hellish logic1 and speak ,scripture4 ,then replied the learned3 ',tis blasphemy to call logic hellish1 which is our reason--the gift of ,god2 for that which distinguisheth a man from a beast is the gift of ,god4 ,but ,mr4 ,bunyan replied3 ,sin doth distinguish a man from a beast2 is sin therefore the gift of ,god8 c4 ,they parted4 ,i once asked him his opinion in a common religious point1 and offered some arguments to prove my opinion for the general of it2 but he answered1 that where the ,scripture is silent we ought to forbear our opinions2 and so he forebore to affirm either for or against1 the ,scripture being altogether silent in this point4 ,thirdly1 concerning this folio1 c4 ,i have struggled to bring about this great good work2 and it had succeeded in ,mr4 ,bunyan's lifetime1 even all his labours in folio1 but that an interested bookseller opposed it2 and notwithstanding the many discouragements ,i have met with in my struggles in this so great a work1 we have--and ,i may believe by the blessing of the ,lord--gotten about four hundred subscriptions1 whereof about thirty are ministers2 which also shows the great esteem our author's labours are in among ,christian people4 ,and that the reasonableness and duty of the preservation of his labours in folio1 by subscription1 may be continued to memory1 ,i have also added my reasons1 which ,i distributed in my late struggles to effect this work4 ,his effigies was cut in copper1#i from an original paint done to the life1 by his very good friend1 a limner2 and those who desire it single1 to put in a frame1 may have it at this bookseller's--,mr4 ,marshall2 and also the catalogue-table4 ,the epistle is writ by two ministers1 ,mr4 ,wilson of ,hichin1 in ,hertfordshire1 and ,mr4 ,chandler1 who succeeds ,mr4 ,bunyan at ,bedford4 ,and ,mr4 ,burton1 that writ the epistle to ,some ,gospel-truths ,opened1 being the first book ,mr4 ,bunyan writ1 was minister at ,bedford4 ,note4--,i would not charge the following running-titles upon our author1 ,bunyan2 because they were added in the proposals1 for want of running titles and the knowledge of them1 and the copies being at ,bedford when the proposals were drawn up at ,london2 and also because1 perhaps1 he designed some other like running-titles3-- ,paul's departure and crown4 ,israel's hope encouraged4 ,the saint's privilege and profit4 ,christ a complete ,saviour4 ,the saint's knowledge of ,christ's love4 ,of the ,trinity and a ,christian4 ,of the ,law and a ,christian4 ,notes upon the ,index1 c4#aj ,i did intend to print a complete table of all the texts of ,scriptures used in our author's labours1 that from thence1 looking into his book1 his sense might be easily found upon any text2 so his labours might have been also in the nature of an exposition upon the whole ,bible2 but ,i have delayed till some other opportunity1 it may be of the next folio1 and whenever it falls ,i intend to give notice4 ,because ,i and other subscribers1 especially ministers1 were willing this folio should be commoded with an index1 ,i have1 as a ,christian1 exposed myself and made one1 and that without money for my labour of writing it1 though ,i confess it might have seemed some other men's duty2 yet being ignorant of the man that had the opportunity1 and would have done it1 unless paid for it1 ,i was necessitated to effect it2 and if the bookseller had paid for it1 he would have lessened the number of #adj sheets of ,mr4 ,bunyan's labours in this folio at ten shillings4 ,excuse this fault in me1 if it be one4 ,i could have collected abundance more of excellent matter in this table2 and ,i have placed an ,italic-lettered word in every paragraph in the table1 to be the guide-word to the same word in the folio1 which is a black-lettered word in the folio1 latter part2 that is1 those books formerly printed1 where the printer hath not failed to make it so1 and also in the manuscripts1 forepart1 a guide-word to the same word under which ,i have drawn a black line1 in as many folios as opportunity and time would permit me to do1 because ,i had not time and convenience before this folio was printed to mark the manuscripts for to be a black-lettered word1 as ,i had time for the formerly printed books4#aa ,also note1 the book1 though marked1 doth not always refer to the table1 but the table to the book1 is the intent2 and because the word in the book doth not always1 though very often1 fall in alphabetical order1 therefore some other like word is put in its place in the table4 ,also note1 sometimes many principal words are in one paragraph1 and then1 though the matter be not to be found in the table by the word1 that some perhaps may expect1 yet it may be found by another word1 because several words are so united that one cannot well part them2 and it would be too large a table to put them all in severally in alphabetical order--as soul1 sinner1 saved1 salvation1 justification1 ,christ1 ,god1 c4 ,also note4 ,when to the table-phrase more than one number is placed1 then expect not that the same black-letter word is always to be found in the book to the last number1 as is to the first number1 but it may be some other black or marked word of like meaning2 as for antichrist the black-lettered word in some places is harlot1 and for apostles the black-letter word sometimes is twelve1 because the word apostle is not in that part of the folio1 though intended by twelve4 ,also note4 ,the phrase in the table is not always the very same1 word for word1 in the book1 because the design of the table is to give matter in short saying1 as well as most commonly a complete sentence2 and1 therefore1 they that would have ,mr4 ,bunyan's entire1 complete1 and full sense of the matter1 let them look out of the table into the book1 and there take all its connection together4 ,also1 ,i have to keep the table as short as ,i well could2 and yet1 to direct well to the matter in the book1 placed one part of the matter under one word1 in alphabetical order1 and another part of the same matter in another following paragraph1 under another word in the table2 so that1 by finding one word in the table1 you may often find in the same paragraph1 in the book1 before or after that word1 other matter thereto relating4#ab ,i had but about two years' acquaintance with our author1 and1 therefore1 have said but little of him1 because of hastening this to the press2 yet if any more comes to my memory1 ,i intend to put it at the end of the index4 ,your ,christian brother1 ,c4 ,d4 ,,footnotes3 #a4 ,difficulties as to copyright prevented this second volume from being published4--,see ,,editor',s ,,preface4 #b4 ,a good copy of this rare volume with the wood-cuts1 having the reverse blank1 in the editor's possession1 and a fine copy1 without the cuts1 at ,mr4 ,pickering's1 agree as to the date of #afhj4 ,it is misplaced in this chronological table2 but the date shows that it was not intended as a third part of the ,pilgrim's ,progress2 the second part of which was not published for four years after the life of ,badman4--,ed4 #c4 ,these ,,mss41 although diligently sought1 cannot be found4 #d4 ,this was published in a separate pocket volume by ,c4 ,doe1 #afih4 #e4 ,published from ,mr4 ,bunyan's ,,ms1 #agfe4 #f4 ,as doth appear by his book of his conversion1 intitled1 ,grace ,abounding1 c4 #g4 ,as in his book intitled1 ,grace ,abounding1 s4 #cai4 #h4 ,as he says in his ,epistle to his ,confession of ,faith4 #i4 ,alluding to the portrait published as a frontispiece to the folio volume1 #afib4--;,ed4 #aj4 ,the ,index accompanying the first folio4--,ed4 #aa4 ,this is as originally printed4 ,mr4 ,doe means1 he had not time to mark in the manuscript such words as the printer should put in black-letter4--,ed4 #ab4 ,the table to which ,charles ,doe here refers is only to twenty of ,mr4 ,bunyan's books4 ,it is diffuse1 and badly arranged4 ,the ,index given with this first complete edition of all the admirable works of our great pilgrim forefather1 is entirely new4 ,it is the result of a careful reading of every treatise1 extracting a notice of such tings as the editor conceived to be most deeply interesting4 ,these extracts were then arranged1 in order to furnish a useful index to all the works of ,bunyan4 ,it has been attended with very great labour1 and some delay to the publication2 but no sacrifice is too great1 in order to render ,bunyan's works as complete as possible4 ,,george ,,offor4