The travels of true godliness, from the beginning of the world to this present day in an apt and pleasant allegory ... / by B.K., author of War with the Devil, and Sion in distress.

CHAP. III. (Book 3)

Shewing how Godliness having received a Commission to Travel, and vis••t the Chil∣dren of Men, comes to a certain Town on the Confines of Babylon, where one Riches dwelt, and of his usage and e∣vil intreatment there.

THE Great and Mighty Jehovah, the God and Father of true Grace and Godliness, out of his great Mercy and Infinite Goodness to Mankind, graciously was pleased to send them a Saviour, yea, a great and mighty Saviour, or one able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him, * 1.1 and to the end that they might have the know∣ledge of this Blessed Saviour, he hath sent the Gos∣pel amongst them, but in his eternal Wisdom hath so decreed and ordained it, that no Man should have any saving benefit by this Glorious Saviour but he who doth receive, entertain: and kindly embrace True Godliness whensoever he is sent to visit them; and to the end therefore that they might not miss of so great a Blessing which Godliness brings along with him. I may safely adventure to say according to my present Method, and to pursue my Allegorical Discourse; Godliness hath received Commission from the King of Heaven and Earth, to travel to see who would embrace and entertain him. Moreover, it appears his Commission was very large, he was not limitted to the small Confines of Jury, nor to

ttravel only in the Land of Canaan, but to go in∣to all the World, or to travel into all Nations Countries, and Kingdoms of the Earth, * 1.2 and to visit the Rich and Poor,* 1.3 the Old and Young, as well the King on the Throne as the Beg∣gar on the Dung-hill, even all, Bond and Free, Male and Female; nor was he sent to travel alone, but had a very rich and glorious Re∣tinue alwaies with him; neither did he come o a∣ny man's House empty handed, but brought along with him most rich and glorious Presents of the choi∣cest things of Heaven, the worth of which is infinite, or beyond computation. But since I perceive he is come to a certain Town, where one Riches dwells, and is now at his Door, let us see what Entertainment he meets with at this place,

Now Godliness knock'd very hard and often before any within would give an Answer,* 1.4 Riches being full of business, for either he was tell∣ing of his money, or casting up his Accounts, to see what his Neighbours owed him, or else consulting new Projects to encrease his store, for I perceive he is a person never satisfied; besides the Times being ve∣ry perillous, his mind was filled with perplexing and vexatious thoughts, how to save and keep what he had already gotten; so that he had no leasure nor time to listen to the continual knocking of True God∣liness at his Door, insomuch that Godliness was for∣ced to stay there a long time, and that which grieved this High-born Prince most of all, was this (viz.) he perceived that no sooner than some other Guests came to his Door (who were persons much interiour, as to Birth and Quality, to him, and indeed not wor∣thy of the least regard, and not having business of

that great weight and moment with him as Godliness had) yet he opened his Door immediately to them, but before this Renowned Hero and Darling of Hea∣ven could get in, Riches had so many base and ill∣bred Servants in his House, that they clapp'd to the Door, so that he could not get so much as one foot in. Now, the Guests he so readily opened unto, were (as I take them) these following (viz.) The Lust of the Flesh, the Lust of the Eyes, and the Pride of Life. * 1.5 These be took much delight in, & kept company with continually; sometimes they had him to the Tavern, sometimes to the Play-Houses, and sometimes to recre∣ate him at Bowls, Cards and Dice, and with divers o∣ther Sensual Sports and Pleasures; but at last it so fell out, that he was taken very sick, and Godliness still waiting at his Door, it happened at this time one was in his House, who forced him to listen to this earnest and continual knocking, his name was Mr. Fearful, he is one that Riches doth not at all love, but when sickness comes he is grievously troubled with him; and he made him at this season to cry out, who is there? who is at my Door.

Godly,

I am here, and have a long time waited at your Door.

Riches,

What is your Name?

Godly,

My name is True Godliness, one that you have a little reason to slight, neglect and contemn as you have done, for there is none you stand more in need of, nor can you do that good as I can, and will do you if you please but to open your Door and let me in.

Riches,

Sir I am troubled I have not minded you all this while, for I have a great reverence and re∣spect for Godliness, God forbid I should keep you out any longer.

Upon this, the whole House was in an uproar, for he had (as I told you before) divers loose, ill-bred, or rather Hell-bred Servants, all bitter Enemies to True Godliness, their Names were Presumption, Pride, Ʋnbelief, Ignorance, Malice, Vain-hope, and Covetous∣ness, &c. These and several other base companions of like quality (whom he had brought up, and a long time cherished in his House (seemed mightily concerned that the least heed or attention should be given to True Godliness; they also enquired who was the cause of it; at last they understood it was Mr. Fearful, they then presently joyned together to fall upon Fearful, and turn him out of the House. Pre∣sumption struck the first blow, and spake also to this purpose.

Presump.

Are not you a base Fellow, thus to di∣sturb my Master, as to cause him in the least to doubt of the strength of his strong and impregnable forti∣fication, * 1.6 wherein he hath placed his long confidence, and now to force him to incline to open unto True Godliness, who is our utter Eemy? Is he not an honest man? what can you charge him with? What cause or ground is there for this disturbance? Hath he not done much good in the Parish where he lives, and given many a piece of Bread at his Door? I warrant you it will go well with him, Fearful, what do you say?

Fearf.

Truly, Sir, I seeing him very sick, thought he might die.

Presumpt.

Thou Fool, what and if he should, did not Jesus Christ die for sinners? God is merciful, and will forgive men their sins at any time, even at the very last hour, if they do but call upon him. Be∣sides, Fearful, are you mad to give way, much more to force him to encline to open to True Godliness, for

if once he is let into the House, you will be im∣mediately turned out, and hardly, if ever, have one Meals-meat more, nor the least countenance.

Fearf.

Truly, Presumption, the fault was not prin∣cipally mine: I was partly forced to do what I did.

Presumpt.

Forced by whom? who forced you?

Fearf. 'Twas the Steward of the House, who keeps the Records, or an Accompt of all that is done, whose name is Conscience; he finding much guilt ly∣ing upon him through his cruelty, hard-heartedness and debauched life, stirred me up to what I have done; nay, Conscience told him he had been such a vile and graceless wretch, that if he died he would go immediately to Hell; therefore you cannot blame me for disquieting of him.

Pride,

Hearken to me a little; Is it not, my Ma∣sters, below such a brave and Heroick Spirit that al∣waies attends Riches, to be troubled about sin, or to give way to a bawlling Conscience, and this ill-bred fellow Fearful, I hate the thoughts of it; this is the way to bring him to reproach and shame amongst his Neighbours, and to make great men to laugh at him and contemn him, who have been his companions. My great Prince Lucifer sent me into his service, and I will not betray my trust, ever to give way that this unwelcom and hateful Traveller true Godliness should be let in, who would beguile my Prince of his right.

Ʋnbelief,

Alas Sirs, there is no danger; I agree with my Friend and dearest Brother Presumption, that hss condition is good enough, let Conscience say what he will (for if there be a Hell, for I much question it) yet he will go, should he die, I will assure you, to Heaven.

Ignorance,

What a stir is here? if our Master was poor, and had not so many Bags of Gold and Silver, there might be some ground for this base Fel∣low

Fearful, to disquiet him. ▪But I can give as good counsel as any of you: Do you not know, if he does but send for a Romish Priest, with a good piece of Money, he may have a full pardon for all his sins, for there are many, they say, just now come over fresh out of the Mint from his Holiness; this being done, if he should die, he will I will warrant you, be sa∣ved, nay and directly to Heaven without calling in at Purgotory.

Vain-hope,

I am of the mind with my Brother Ʋn∣belief; and 'twas I also you know who have kept up his Spirits all along, and did what I could to stop Steward Conscience's Mouth from giving way to Mr. Fearful to open the Door, let him therefore but put his trust in me, and I warrant you he will fear no∣thing.

Presumpt.

Come, cease this noise, all is well e∣nough yet, Godliness is not let in, and our Master is much better than he was, and though Conscience in∣cline to embrace this our Enemy, yet you will find he will not be regarded e'er a little while: Pray let us all agree at present to stir up Riches eldest Son, whose name is Honour, the Father's Darling, and the hopes of all the Family, to see what he can do in order to keep our Enemy Godliness out. Now, our Friend Pride is the fittest to be employed in this Work, for he is much in favour with our Masters el∣dest Son, and his own Child too—After a short time thus it fell out, Riches being recovered, he consul∣ted with Worldly Honour, a great Enemy to True God∣liness, which was one reason why the Father and true Image of Godliness said a great while ago, how can ye believe that receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God alone. * 1.7 Now, Pride, Ambition and Honour, being all three the Natural Off-spring

of Riches, got so much into his Affection, that God∣liness was kept out (making good that word, The Wicked through the Pride of his Countenance will not seek after God; God is not in all his Thoughts) and Conscience being at this time almost stitled, Fearful was forc'd to flie and hide himself in some Hole till another season: But Godliness remained at his Door for a long time, even till he waxed Old, and Consci∣ence having recovered a little strength (by reason of his going now and then to hear a Sermon) stir∣red up Mr. Fearful again to open the Door, and had almost prevail'd, had not a Cursed Servant of Riches, who, I take, was his Purse-keeper, bestirr'd himself, whose Name was Covetousness, an impla∣cable Enemy to True Godliness, who when he per∣ceived Godliness was like to meet with some seem∣ing Entertainment, spake to Riches after this sort.

Covet.

Sir, will you be so foolish now in your Old Age, as to open your Door to this Stranger and factious Person, Godliness? It will be to your great loss and injury, if you do, I will assure you: And besides, I who have been a true Drudge to you all along, and by the means of whom you have got most of your Estate, shall at the very instant you receive him into your House, be turn'd out; nay, and not only so, but also be brought under a se∣vere Sentence, and be condemned to die for Ido∣latry, and then your Money will fly, for you will find him a chargeable Gentleman, for he teaches a Doctrine that I am sure you hate, and I cannot blame you, for 'tis very destructive to your In∣terest.

Riches.

What Doctrine is that, prethee inform me, for I have a very good esteem for thee; and intruth, for a long time have been sensible of the

gainful service thou hast done me, for when I kept my old Servant Prodigality to be my Purse-keeper, I could never thrive; but since I met with thee, I have increased my Substance exceedingly.

Covet.

Why, Sir, then I will tell you, he teaches Riches to sell all that he hath, and give it to the Poor, and to follow a new Master who had not one foot of Land in all the World, nor a House to dwell in; no, nor one penny of Money in his pocket, whose Disciples were generally poor, illiterate and contemptible people, &c. Sir in a word, if you open to this Godliness, you will be undone, for tho' you are not put upon the selling all you have pre∣sently, yet you will be forc'd by him to give to the poor Saints (as they call them) not a little, but according to what your Estate and their necessity is; nay, you will not know when you have done, for he will find out for you every day new objects of Charity; he will tell you there are so many poor Parish-Children to be put out, and so much you must give with them; and so many aged Widdows, who must be relieved; and who should do it, he will say, but Riches; nay, 'tis a thousand to one if he doth not put you to Build an Hospital for them: Besides, when you have done this, he will not let you rest, but will tell you, whensoever Christ in his Members is sick, you must visit them; and when Hungry, Feed them; when Naked, Cloath them; and when in Prison, you must Relieve them; take notice that he will send you to this Prison, and to that Prison, to see if Christ be not there, I mean some of his poor Children who lie there for his sake; if there be; though they may not in all Points of Religion agree with you, yet he will tell you, you must not let them want whilst you have enough to supply their Necessity, and if you do, he will

tell you, Go ye Cursed will be your portion at last. Besides all this, you do not think what a deal of Money he will tell you is your Duty, to give to Pa∣stors and Ministers of the Gospel, who are his great Agents and Promoters in the World; nay, Sir, he positively affirms, you ought not only to give to them just so much as will supply their Necessities but that 'tis your Duty to give, and their Right, Jure Divino, to have a plentiful Allowance, so that, they may be freed from all the perplexing Cares of this Life; and not only so, but also be put themselves into a capacity to provide for their Wives and Children, that they may not be expo∣sed to Want and Necessities after they themselves are dead, and to have so much out of your Estate, as to be able to give to others also, that so they may be examples of Charity (and indeed I cannot deny but that the Scripture does say they ought to be Men given to Hospitality, Tit. 1.8.) and many of them are poor, and therefore how they should do this, Godliness, says is impossible, unless they are capacitated so to do by Riches. More∣over, I will tell you more (now I am about it) this Godliness is so unhappy, and in truth hath al∣ways been, that he hath many great and Potent E∣nemies, so that they who receive and entertain him have been exposed to great Troubles and Persecu∣tions in the World; nay, and let me tell you be∣tween you and I, your whole Estate will be in danger of being taken away if you entertain him, for I have heard of very severe Laws made for∣merly, and of late Times too, in one Nation or another, against such who do own and will adhere to him; yea, such Laws that will, if prosecuted▪ soon bring you to Beggery; so that from the whole▪ you may perceive, will not be for your Interest to open to him.

Riches.

I must confess thou hast said enough to make me sot ever out of Love with True Godliness, I cannot bear the thoughts of entertaining such a Guest as this in my House, but what shall I do with my bawling Steward, Conscience, for▪ he every now and then tells me I must give away to him, and stirs up Mr. Fearful my Lodger (one that I hate, but cann't be rid of let me do what I can) to terrifie me with the thoughts of Hell and Damnation, for without Holi∣ness (I must confess I have read) no man shall see the Lord; and 'tis said too, Whoever will live Godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer Persecution.

Covet.

Why truly, Sir, I see no Remedy but you must resolve to stitle him; for I perceive he is the chief cause of all the disturbance and trouble that is in your House, and not only so, but in part of all the Confusions and Divisions which are this day in the World; but which way this shall be done, I must refer you to that worthy Gentleman and under∣standing Servant of yours, Dr. Self-love, for in this Case I am not fit to give Counsel, being not brought up in Learning, but he and Sir Worldly Wiseman, be∣ing both able Divines, will be sure to find out a ready way to do it, so that you shall not be troubled with him any more; and this I will assure you, if I can be any ways helpful to them in the business, I will be at your Command as long as you please to en∣tertain me.

Dr. Self-love and Sir Worldly Wiseman being at hand, Riches called for them, to whom he addres∣sed himself after this manner.

Riches.

Gentlemen, you having both great Learn∣ing and Experience in the Laws, both Divine and Humane, I pray be pleased to give me a little of your Counsel, my Case is this: There is one who calls himself True Godliness, at my Door, and pres∣ses

hard for Entertainment, but by means of a De∣scription I have lately had of his Manners and At∣tendance, I perceive it will be dangerous at this time for me to receive him, or shew him the least kindness. But I having a troublesome Steward in House, whom I cannot be rid of: Now, he here of late too much adheres to him, and is ready ve∣ry often to give way to open the Door, so that by his means and one Mr. Fearful, a Timorous Fellow, whom he stirs up, I have of late had but very little quiet: Now, what will you advise me to do in this sad Condition?

Dr. Self-love.

You must not give way to him, for I know him well enough, his Name is Consci∣ence. Sir, if you follow his Dictates and embrace this Godliness, you will be undone, and your Wife and Children soon will be brought to a piece of Bread, notwithstanding your great Estate: But alas, he is grown Old, and is in his Dotage, and for want of good Eye-sight errs exceedingly; nay, is so er∣roneous, that you do well to advise with us; come, doubt not but we shall inform him better. Sir, your great fault have been this (I perceive it clearly) you have read too much of late, why should you con∣cern your self with the Bible, I think it had been well if it had never been Translated into our Mo∣ther Tongue, this hath given him Opportunity to disturb your Mind; come, give over this in the first place: The Cause, you know, of a Distemper must be first removed, or no effectual Cure can be ex∣pected; 'tis enough for you to mind your Secular Affairs, things of Religion belong to Religious Men; and when Conscience for any Sin gripes you, divert your self amongst the brave Heroes you used to keep Company with, get to the Tavern, or to some Play-House, but be sure at no time you read any

Book besides your Books of Accompts, and Roman∣ces, or such like: And for Religion, can any suit better with you than the Old Roman Catholick Re∣ligion? And it may come into Fashion again too for all this. I do not say you should not be Religious at all, no, God forbid I should give you such Coun∣sel, but there is no need to entertain strict Godliness, because you may be saved without it, else Lord, what will become of the greatest part of the World! go to Church and hear Prayers, but be sure forbear to go to such Churches, where any bawling Preacher endeavours to reach your Conscience, but be sure what times so ever happen, do not expose your self to suffer any thing for Religion; you must do what∣soever your superiours require. Can any man per∣swade me his soul cannot be saved, unless he ve∣nture the loss of his Estate, and so bring distress and ruine upon his body; is not each man to provide for his Family; and he that doth it not, is worse than an Infidel, and hath denied the Faith.

Sir Worldly Wiseman.

Mr. Riches, the counsel which my Brother hath given is very good, be sure you are never led by the dictates of your Steward Conscience, to expose your self to any loss or danger for Religion, you hear you may be, nay ought to be Religious; and what is Religion, but to live an honest and sober life, to fear God, honour the King, say our Prayers, and pay our Debts. But the truth is, would it be amiss if you did adhere to the good old Religion, that Religion which, your Fore-fa∣thers before Luther's time were of, for you having store of Money may have a pardon there at any time for all your sins. But I will leave you to your liberty, because I remember 'tis dangerous to per∣swade any to cleave to that Religion. But I have just now thought of a way that will do, you having

a great Estate, you shall get another Servant into' your House; pray keep a Reader in your Family this done, you will find all will be well, and you will hear no more complaints from within nor with∣out, for you will be taken by all your Servants, and others too, for a godly man.

Riches

Having thanked them for their good Coun∣sel, with a great deal of joy, retires himself, being very well satisfied with the advice Dr. Self-love and Sir Worldly Wiseman had given him. and indeed this is the misery of most rich men, (viz.) if they lie under any convictions of sin, from that little light Conscience hath at any time got, then presently (being stirr'd up thereto by Covetousness) they con∣sult with flesh and blood, and then Dr. Self-love and Sir Worldly Wiseman are their great Counsellers. But to proceed, Riches got now a Reader, and in∣stead of opening to True Godliness, he opens to counterfeit Godliness, * 1.8 which was occasioned through Ignorance, and those other foolish Counsellers he hearkened to. Now, this Reader, as it appears, proved a sad Fellow, for though he was a Scholar, being brought up in some Foreign University, yet he never car'd to read the Bible, but (as some say, would now and then curse it) lov'd to read Romances and Song Books. But poor Conscience being stifled, in a little time he gave content to the whole Family, in that he could mumble over a few Prayers out of a Book. And that in rhe second place, he could Bowl, drink Healths, be Drunk, and cry God damn him with any of them; and there was indeed never a one in all the Family, that hated True Godliness more than he, for he made songs of him and scoffed, jeered and derided him continually, and made himself and others merry with his mean, low and distressed con∣dition,

and also stirr'd up all the Neighbourhood, to find fault, and quarrel with all those who were friends and true lovers of him.

Godliness

now perceived he was like to have but cool Entertainment at this House, having waited at Riches Gate till his patience was almost worn out. began to think of a removal, and to Travel to some other place; but before he took his final farewel, he was resolved to speak his mind freely to him, thereby to leave him without any kind of excuse whatsoever, and therefore addrest him∣self to him after this manner, being at door ready to depart.

Godli.

Well Riches, I see now very plainly, you did but flatter me when you began to hearken to your poor Steward Conscience, in order to the letting me into your House; for evident it is, you are grown far worse than before, and have blinded his eyes by entertaining another, who calls himself by my name instead of me, but before I do depart, I will shew you the great danger you are in; and the cause of it, the truth is, you have got such a Crew of lose, base and deceitful Servants, that they will utterly undo you, and bring upon you the eternal ru∣ine of your poor soul, which I design'd by my coming to you, to save and make happy for ever; for in∣deed (whether you will believe it or no) there was never any who entertained these graceless Villains and enemies of God, but were for ever ruin'd by them at last; nay, and not only eternally hereafter in the World to come, but many times externally here in this World; therefore I advise you to do what you can to get rid of them, and I will help you to far better Servants in their stead. For first of all, can you think it will be safe for you to keep Presumption still in your House, since there is scarce

a more deceitful and bloody Wretch in the World; how many thousands of poor souls hath he impu∣dently destroy'd, by causing them to presume on the mercy of God, and the death of Christ, and yet live in Sin, Pride and Covetousness, and in a vile man∣ner, hating and contemning me, that is to say True Godliness. Doth not God say it is harder for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; and yet you are perswaded by him to think it is an easie thing; and doth not the Scripture say, Except your righteous∣ness do exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pha∣risees, ye shall in no wise enter into the Kingdom of God. * 1.9 And yet he tells you that by doing a few good deeds, or by giving a little of your great abundance to the Poor, your state is good enough; whereas many of the Pharisees did, as to acts of Charity, exceeding∣ly out-do you; nay doth not St. Paul say, Though he gave all his goods to feed the Poor, and his Body to be burned, yet without Charity (that is to say, true love to God and Godliness) he was nothing * 1.10; and yet you,* 1.11 though you slight and contem God and Godliness, are taught to presume on God's Mercy, who hath notwithstanding positively said concerning you, and such as you are; He that made them, will not save them; and he that form'd them, will shew them no fa∣vour, Isa. 27.11.

And then as touching your Servant Ʋnbelief, he is such a bloody and devouring Monster, that he hath sent Millions to Hell, by hindring them from believing what God hath said in his Word, touch∣ing his Grace and Clemency to the truly penitent, and of his wroth and vengeance to the Impenitent and unbelieving Soul; he will not suffer you to believe nor give credit to that word, If any man

loves the World, the love of the Father is not in him, 1 John 1.15. Nor to that word neither, Except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God, John 3.3. And he that believes not shall be dam∣ned, Mark 16.16. And many like dreadful Sen∣tences, which he will not suffer you to regard, nor give the least credit to; and thus he teaches you to make God a Lyar, for he hath said, you shall without Repentance be damned and perish in your sins, but he says, ye shall be saved though ye live in your sins.

Thirdly, as to what Ignorance says of getting Par∣don of Sins for a piece of Money, by sending for a Popish Priest, he deserves to be cheated of his Soul that will hearken to such a blind Sot; who can for∣give Sin but God? Shall any believe that Pardon, which is the gift of God, can be bought with Mo∣ney: Sure his Holiness never learn'd this Doctrine of St. Peter, whose Successor he says he is, for St. Peter said to such a one as thou art, Thy money perish with thee, Acts 8.20.

Fourthly, As concerning Pride, whom you en∣tertain and hug in your bosom as a sweet and beloved Friend, he hath been the ruine of many Souls like∣wise; nay, and not only Men, but Angels also, for 'tis thought he was the principal Agent who wrought their eternal destruction, and from Heaven cast them down to Hell, and of Angels of Light made them Devils. But, Sir, pray remember that word, Pride goes before Destruction, and a haughty Spirit before a Fall. What became of the great King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, for entertaining this Fel∣low, was it not Pride that brought him down with a vengeance, and turned him a grazing to eat straw like Oxen, Dan. 3.4. Moreover, what became of Herod the Great, who was so fond of this Com∣panion?

Did he not bring God's heavy wrath upon him in such a fearful manner, that a blessed Angel was sent to smite him with Death immediately, and he was eaten of Worms, Acts 12.23. Have you not read, that the day cometh which shall burn as an Oven, and all the proud, and all that do wickedly shall be stubble, Mal. 4.1. This haughty Villain, Pride, is one of those seven things, as Solomon shews which God hates, Prov. 6.16. If you will not, Riches, be perswaded from hence to turn him out of your House, even take what will follow.

Fifthly, Vain-hope I know is one that hath kept up your spirits, and spoke peace to you all along, but he is fitly so called, for he will leave you like a deceitful, false-hearted, and treacherous Friend, when you come to fall into distress. You hope to be saved (and so did many thousands that are now in Hell) but alas, what ground have you to build your hope upon? The Hypocrites hope shall perish, whose hope shall be cut off; and whose trust shall be as a Spiders Web, Job 18.13, 14.

Ah, Sir, what will your hope avail you though you have gain'd the World, when God taketh away your Soul? Job 27.8.

Sixthly, and Lastly, as touching your sweet Dar∣ling Covetousness, he is made up with Idolatry, and what can be more detestable to Jehovah? so long as you Entertain and love him you adore an Idol; he is indeed the Ring-leader to almost all manner of Wickedness; nay, there is scarcely a viler and more abominable Wretch breathing on Gods Earth, therefore justly called, The Root of all Evil. * 1.12 he hath taught many to play the Thief, others to commit Treason, and others to Murther Innocents for their Inheritance; he is guilty of Bribery, Ʋsary,

Extorttion, and Oppression: It was he as made poor Achan lose his sweet Life, he also contrived the death of Naboth and his Sons; and more than all, he tempted Judas to Sell, and basely to betray my dear Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, for Thirty pieces of Silver: Do not blame me therefore if I bear so hard against him; moreover, I can scarce∣ly ever get one Foot, into any rich mans House through his means; 'tis he and his Companions who keep me out, he hath through his hard-heart∣edness, almost famished to death all the Poor, both in City and Countrey, and hath also of late very near betrayed my whole interest that I have in the world into the Enemies hands: he hath also grievous∣ly corrupted many who profess kindness to me by in∣cumbring their minds so with the Affairs of this Life, that they cannot find the way to the Church; when they should be hearing of God's Word; he forces them to abide in their Shops, nor will he suffer ma∣ny of them to take a little time to pray in their Fa∣milies, nor in their Closets: He has also exposed ma∣ny of my poor Ministers to many great straits and ne∣cessities, by which means their heads have been so filled with the cares of this Life, that they have been out of capacity to preach the Gospel as they ought to preach it, nor can they get such helps that are neces∣sary, and all long of him: Nay, he hath almost un∣done every Nation, Kingdom and Commonwealth; First, by corrupting the Law, and subverting Justice, causing Judges to judg for Reward, and Lawyers to plead more for Fees than Equity. And then second¦ly, by spoiling Commerce, for he hath Monopolized Trades and Commodities so into his own hands, and inhanced the prizes of things, that many men have been undone by him. I cann't, Sir, reckon up all his horrible Crimes, and is this he you so dearly love,

and must I be slighted and disregarded by you through love you bear to him? Alas, Sir, he will bring your Soul, if you follow him to destruction: Pray what became of Achan who harboured him (mentioned before) also what became of Ananias and Sapphira, whom he forced to tell a lie to the Ho∣ly Ghost? Acts 5.1, 2, 3, 4. Who was it that cau∣sed the Young Man in the Gospel to fall short of Hea∣ven, and to go away from Jesus Christ very sorrow∣ful, and Demas to turn Apostate, and to embrace this present evil World; was it not Coveetousness? Ah, Sir, take heed of this abominable Miscreant, for tho' some wicked ones of the Earth may bless you, yet he caused God to hate you. See what David saith, The Wicked boasteth of his hearts desire, and blesseth the Covetous whom the Lord abhorreth, Psal. 10.3. Con∣sider of these things, and be perswaded to put away all these deceitful and Hell-bred Companions, which you have a long time nourished in your House, or it will be worse with you, I do assure you. O that you would now at last, before I leave you, hearken to my Counsel, and receive me into your House, and re∣nounce that Monster you have lately embrac'd, who calls himself by my Name! What do you say Ri∣ches?

Rich.

Do you think I am such a Fool to give En∣tertainment to you, and lose all my great Honour and Credit amongst the brave Heroes of the Earth?

Godli.

Why, Sir, is not the Honour that comes from God better than all the vain honour poor mor∣tals can give you; you have I am sure, a rare Ex∣ample of one to follow in this great Case: Remem∣ber Moses, and the Renowned Galeacius the famous Marquess of Italy, he was not of your mind: Some rich and noble Men have for my sake denied them∣selves of all the glory of this World, and accoun∣ted

the Reproaches of Christ greater Riches than Earthly Honours and Pleasures of Sin which are but for a season.

Rich.

If others were such Fools to disgrace and un∣do themselves, what is that to me, I know what I have to do.

Godli.

Sir, I perceive your condition is miserable, for you seem to be hardened, and whilst you have had gracious means afforded you to bring you to Re∣pentance, you are grown worse and worse; howe∣ver, let me tell you, if you die before you have em∣braced and received me into your House, you will pe∣rish in your sins, and Hell will be your Portion for e∣ver; those who reject me, reject God and Jesus Christ also, and to tell you the truth, all this time that I have been at your door, the Lord Jesus hath stood waiting at your door with me likewise.

Rich.

Leave your Canting, you are a bold and im∣pudent piece; do you begin to threaten me? Am I not my own Master? Would you Lord it over me? I perceive you what you aim at, you would have me entertain you, that so your poor despised Off-spring might have a good fleece out of me. I could find in in my heart to be revenged on you, and set all the Rabble of the Town upon you, Sirrah, I have con∣sidered of the business, and have had advice what to do from two able Counsellors, Dr. Self-love, and Sir Worldly Wiseman.

Godli.

Sir, St. Paul did not take advice of those two shallow, depraved, degraded, disherited Coun∣sellors, he consulted not with flesh and bloud.

Rich.

Will you not leave your prating, you would undo me, you are called Godlidess, but that is not your Name, you are, I understand, a factious Fel∣low, and your Name is Stubbornness, alias Singulari∣ty, alias Sedition, one may know what you are by the

many Names you go by; know ye therefore, Friend, that I have received the true Godliness already, and him I will keep, he is indeed an honourale Person, one whom great men love, and is in favour with the Prin∣ces of the Earth: But as for you, I see no encou∣ragement for any body to respect you, for as most People in all Nations speak against you, and hate you, so you would, I know, soon spoil all my joyes, and bring nothing but sorrow and fear along with you, should I entertain you; I should not so much as tell a lie for my advantage, but you would threaten me with Hell and Damnation, nor go to the Tavern, and by chance be drunk▪ and let now and then an Oath flye, but you would stir up my Steward, Conscience, to fall upon me, and beat me unmercifully (but I praise God I am rid of him) nay, and if I should not give to the poor according to your humour, I should soon be censured and condemned by you as a wicked Per∣son, yea, and every sweet, pleasant, and beloved Lust, which I value as my Life, you say, must be mortified; no, my dearest Darling must not be spa∣red: I perceive what a fool you would make me, be gone from my door, or I will call one of my servants who shall drive you out of the Town; his Name is Malice, alias Envy, before whom you will not be able to stand; and upon this he struck at him with all his might, which did no sooner his Chaplain, Mr. Reader, perceive, but he came into his assistance with cruel rage, being stirred up by Envy, and fell upon Godli∣ness in a most base and inhumane manner, calling him all the vilest Names he could devise, enough to make any ignorant and unthinking man conclude True Ho∣lidess was as hateful a companion as any in the world, and before all things to be eschewed and discounte∣nanced. His Chaplain also would needs challenge to dispute withhim, and confute Godliness by Scripture,

producing that Text, be not righteous overmuch, nei∣ther make thy self overwise; why shouldest thou de∣stroy thy self? Eccl. 7.16. He thought with this one Weapon to have knock'd True Godliness down, and have spoiled his Travelling for ever.

But he soon answered and said, That no man could be truly righteous overmuch, nor have too much of that pure wisdom that is from above; but that a man might, he told him, under pretence of Righte∣ousness, do more than God required of him, and so be righteous overmuch (as the Papists and others are) and thereby destroy himself; sith will-worship was of such an abominable nature; and that a man also might be overwise in his own conceit.

At this answer the Dispute ended; and Riches per∣ceived his Chaplain was worsted, envied True Godli∣ness much more, and raised all the Rabble of the Town upon him; amongst which were these follow∣ing (viz.) Pride, Ignorance, Wilful, Hate-good, Toss-pot, Outsides, Riot, Wastful, Hard-Heart, Belly-God, Giddy-head, Pickthank, Rob-Saint, and more of such like Rustical and ill-bred Fellows; and more∣over, he swore if he would not be gone the sooner, he would send for the two Constables, Oppression and Cruelty to lay him fast enough; at which poor God∣liness was fain to get away and hide himself, or else for certain he had been knock'd ot'h' head, or base∣ly put to death; but he being out of their reach, by the providence of God, escaped without any hurt to himself, but many of his poor friends were sadly a∣bused, who-stood up to spake on his behalf, and put into Prison. Godliness being thus forc'd to leave Ri∣ches Door, Vice and Ʋngodliness took the full possession of his * 1.13 House; and Godliness went on his way, wandring up and down to look entertainment, with a sad heart, being grieved

to see how he had hitherto been slighted and traite∣rously abused, notwithstanding his high Birth, Noble Descent and Pedigree.

Doth Godliness thus wander to and fro, For want of Friends must he a begging go? 'Tis not to seek relief, as if that he Himself was poor, and in necessity; But 'tis to make poor Mortals happy, who By Sin are brought to Sorrow, Grief and Woe: But Riches him rejects with hate and scorn, Though by Christ sent, a Prince and Noble born: Riches are good when sanctifi'd they are, But otherwise a Curse, a Plague, a Snare; Rich men do much mistake; who only measure True Happiness by having worldly Treasure. An Angel hath no Gold, nor Flocks, nor Land, And yet is mighty rich, his wealth doth stand In better things; although the just man's store Is small, he hath enough, a rush for more; God doth Himself instead of Wealth impart Ʋnto that Child of his: O covetous Heart! What wouldst have more? or can there be Ought else, dear Soul, than what's possest by thee? Happy's the poor in whom the Lord doth dwell; The Rich by craving all, get nought but Hell. Be not in love with Gold, a Golden Purse Without a part in God, is but a Curse. Give me not Riches, Lord! nor make me poor; Since Riches against thee does shut his Door.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Hebrews 7.25.
• * 1.2

  Matt. 28.19, 20.
• * 1.3

  Mark 16.15.
• * 1.4

  Godliness knocks at Riches Doors.
• * 1.5

  John 2.16
• * 1.6

  Riches Bags of Gold and Silver.
• * 1.7

  John 5.44.
• * 1.8

  Papistry.
• * 1.9

  Mat. 5.20.
• * 1.10

  Mat. 5.20
• * 1.11

  1 Cor. 13.3.
• * 1.12

  1 Tim. 6.10.
• * 1.13

  Heart