The parable of the pilgrim written to a friend by Symon Patrick ...

CAP. V.

The Opinion which others conceived of that Guide: and his address to him.

YOu cannot imagine how much it pleased our Traveller (for so he was in his resolution) to hear this news, and how much he thought himself be∣holden to God for bringing him so fortunately into this company which he studied rather to avoid. With∣out any complements therefore, or waiting to hear what others would reply, he immediately offered himself to be conducted to the society of this excellent Person; adding withall, that if the rest pleased not now to go along, they might hear from him when he should be able to make a judgment of him, in what esteem he was to be held. To this they all gave their assent, and were not a little glad of this expedient to keep out of the acquaintance of him whose Character they nothing liked. But the stranger to whom he commit∣ed himself, would not stir from that place, till he had taken him a little aside to speak with him: Where he let him know how unworthy a thing he held it to de∣ceive any mans expectations with partial relations, which made him that he could not endure to conceal from his notice a matter that he might think most worthy his consideration, though he did not judge it fit before to declare it. This person (said he) to whom you are about to repair, I must tell you, is generally

decry'd by all parties, as no friend to Truth, because he is no great stickler about the Questions that have vexed our unhappy daies. Some say that he is indif∣ferent and lukewarm in Religion. Others will have the world believe, that he is only indued with a great measure of Moral Prudence, but hath nothing of the Spirit in him. And there are some who do not stick to brand him with the mark of Heresie, though (to tell you the truth) I verily think the only reason is, be∣cause they imagine he doth believe whatsoever he doth not fiercely oppose. His life indeed is so holy, and without blame, his carriage so sweet and courteous, his conversation so profitable, that I am inclined to think such good things cannot spring from a bad root; but yet there are that say, The poison is the more dange∣rous which is so finely gilded, and I must leave you to judge for your self, and either to stop or pursue your resolution of going to him as those things well weigh∣ed, you shall see cause to incline. Here the good man made a pause, and seemed to be in a very pendu∣lous condition, till the stranger added, I must be so just, as to remember to subjoyn this to the rest that I have said; That indeed all Parties next to themselves are wont to commend him as the best of all. Now I thank you, presently replied the other, that you did not omit to relate that observation, for it brings to my mind the story of Themistocles, which I have often heard our Preacher use in the Pulpit, to whom every one of the Captains yielded the second place after they had preferred themselves to the first, and was there∣fore concluded to be the most worthy of all, if any thing but self-love might be admitted to give the judg∣ment. Let us go, I beseech you, with all speed, to this brave man, and not stay to deliberate any longer. For

I remember also, that I have heard very wise men ob∣serve, That there was never any person that advanced excellent things in the World, but his credit and repu∣tation was blasted by those who were unable or unwil∣ling to be so good themselves. I have a very great hope that this is the man whom Heaven hath designed to unscale my eyes, and make me see the way to Jeru∣salem. Or if it otherwise please, yet I nothing doubt, but being wholly bent to lead a pious life, God will have so much kindness for me, as not to let me be dan∣gerously deceived, nor to suffer a greater film to grow over my sight. These words he uttered with that ve∣hemency and resolution of mind, that the stranger thought it was not fit to hold him in any longer con∣sultation about it, especially since he saw his purpose founded upon so good an understanding. Taking leave therefore of the rest, who were but too glad to be rid of them, he directed him to the house of this Guide, where he found, as he had been told before, that he was at home, and had not one creature in his company. After a very few civilities passed between them, and some excuses that the Country-man made for his boldness in interrupting his Meditations, he plain∣ly told him (for he would not permit any long Apolo∣gies) what the cause was of this address, and of the trouble he was come to give him. I am, said he, a true Lover of Jerusalem, and have made a vow to take a journey to that place; but about the way thither I am so perplexed, that I account it a great blessing that I have not lost my wits, and am not become unable to find my way to your house. One cries to me, Lo here, another, Lo there lyes the path of life. Some would have me go thorow the water, and be baptized again, telling me the Israelites passed thorow the Sea to go to

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Canaan; others seem to draw me thorow the air, and teach me to fly aloft in towring speculations; and there are not wanting those who would turn me into a stone, and render me at once as humble, and as lumpish and melancholy too as the earth it self. But every one of these, me thought, did lead me into the fire, and I felt in the water it self the flames of strife and contention about my ears, which made me that I durst not com∣mit my self to the hands of these, or any of their fel∣low-guides. But hearing, Sir, that you are of great abilities to direct me, and that you are a man of peace, and more than that, a man of good will, who hath a strong propension to do good; I am come to make it my humble request unto you, that if it be true which is reported of you, you will do me the favour to afford me some charitable instructions about the most passable way to Jerusalem.