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

CAP. VI.

The Acceptance which he found with him: and how plain∣ly the Guide dealt with him about the difficulties of the way.

NOw the Inquirer appearing in habit like a Pil∣grim, having a very innocent countenance, an humble behaviour, and using such language as signi∣fied that it was not curiosity, or a mind to try the skill which the other had in foreign parts, but a real desire to travel, which had brought him thither; Answer was returned by him, to whom he made his applica∣tion, that he was heartily glad to meet with any man that would ask the way to Jerusalem; and that he

thought he read in his face so much of the serenity of his mind, and the sincerity of his heart, that he might be confident he came with a real desire to receive sa∣tisfaction about it. But, said he, though I must needs grant that I am furnished with some knowledge of the way to that City, yet perhaps I may spare my pains of giving you any directions in it, because there is some reason to think you will not be at the pains to follow them. For if you will give any credit to my words, I must let you know, that the way is both long, and also full of many and great difficulties; and that there are many waies also which will seem to you to lead straight to it, & which many men will ponyt you unto as the next rode; which if you should take, will lead you into great danger, and not only carry you a great deal about, but perchance conduct you to the quite contrary place, and end in your utter undoing. I would wish you therefore to consider a while, whe∣ther it be an adviseable thing to undertake such a jour∣ney wherein there are so many hardships, and so many cross paths. A journey which is so tedious also, and wherein I cannot promise you security from frights, theeves, beatings, and such ill usages as have made many men possessed with such intentions as you seem now to have, quite to lay aside all thoughts of it, and to sit down contented at their own homes. And after all this, I know not whether you will yield your belief to all that I shall tell you of the way; if you have heard some of the reports which are spread of me, and have received any prejudice at all against me, which I am sure will be increased by some of the Precepts that I must give you.

The Pilgrim was so far from shewing any tokens of disgust at this discourse, that he rather discovered an

inward pleasure that he had conceived in the freedom and prudence of it. And after he had rendred him his thanks for dealing with him so impartially, he be∣seeched him that he would not think it fit to spare his pains which he had already with no small success be∣gun to bestow; but that he would make a poor soul so happy as to let it know from that mouth which he perceived would not deceive or mis guide it; that dif∣ficult, long, and dangerous way which leads to Jeru∣salem. I am not ignorant indeed (continued he) how much many men are wont to startle and boggle at those terrible words; but I thank my God they strike no terrour at all into my heart, nor move me one jot from the resolution which I hope is immoveably set∣led in it, of going to that blessed place. For so much have I heard of the glory of it, that I am apt to think of nothing else; and so I may but come in safety thi∣ther at the last, I matter not at all what the way may be which carries me unto it. Oblige me therefore I beseech you so much as to be my Guide, and to chalk out the way for me. I am confident you will not re∣pent of your labour, when you shall see your directions observed with as much faithfulness and care as they are by you delivered. And as for the trust which I repose in your skill and sincerity, I am as confident by what I discern already, that I shall as little repent of it, as you will of your taking me into your tuition. I doubt not at all but I shall be better taught than yet I have ever been; and if the world judge otherwise, I beseech you do not take me for one that measures mens worth by their esteem with the vulgar sort, or by the favour they have obtained to be commended by the mouth of common fame. The Vulgar themselves have whipt her about the world as a lewd Strumpet;

and we have a plain saying, That the common report hath too often a blister upon her tongue. Therefore speak Sir, I intreat you, and let me know what you are from your own mouth, and not from other mens. For as I never intended to trust my neighbour to chuse my opinions for me, and to dispose of my belief; so do I never mean to resign my mind to be stamped with those Characters that they shall please to make of men, and of their qualities. I never yet beheld so many Saints as they have created and worshipped; nor can I take all those for Devils, whom they are pleased to defie and abominate.