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

CAP. VII.

The Guide discovers his sincere and upright Intentions

I Cannot relate how much this devote person was over-joyed to hear this welcome language, but the Reply which he made him, did give no small indi∣cations of a great contentment which he took in the Answer he had received. You cannot think it (said he) a greater happiness to be instructed by me, than I do to find a person both so desirous, and so capable of instruction. It gratifies me very much, I assure you, to find such a good will in you (which is no small step in your way to Jerusalem) especially since I see it so unmoveable, that it is not like by any thing which may happen to be so much as shaken. Your resolution truly is admirable; and I cannot tell you what pleasant emotions I felt within me to behold so little amazement appear in your soul at the dreadful noise of trouble, pains and danger. You are excel∣lently

qualified, I see, for this undertaking; and without flattery I tell you, there never was any in my opinion better appointed for this journey, if you can but maintain so much courage and patience as you promise; and will, without quarrelling, murmuring or troubling your self about the affronts which may be put upon you, pass on your way, as if you met with nothing that did displease you. But above all, it highly pleases me to hear you say, That the place whither you would go, is so much in your heart, that you think of it more than any thing else; For something relating to that, contains the greatest part of the Advice which I am to give you. And as for my self, since you will not be prepossessed and forestalled with the common opinions, and the voice of fame, I will be so just as to let you know the very worst of me.* 1.1 I remember that Furius Cresinius, a Peasant that lived near to Rome, was defamed in ancient times by many people of that City, and ac∣cused for bewitching the Lands of his neighbours, which though of larger extent, were not wont to yield so fair a Crop as his few Acres. To such an height did their jealousies and envy arise, that a charge was drawn up against him, and standing in∣dicted of such unlawful means to inrich himself, and undo others, a day of hearing was appointed, where∣in he was to receive a publick trial. What course do you think now the poor man took to confute their calumnies, and justifie his own innocence? Truly no other but this would he resolve upon; to bring along with him on the day of his appearance all the Instru∣ments of Husbandry, whereby he used to cultivate the ground, and spread them before his judges. So he did, and made his defence in this sort. If I be

guilty of any inchantment, behold I here set before you all the Tools of that wicked practice, and I call all the gods to witness, that I have not concealed one of them. If there be any faith in man you may be∣lieve me, that I never used any other Wizzardy to make my Land better than my neighbours, but what you will find to lye in these Spades, Ploughs, and Oxen, together with this my good Daughter. Unless you will reckon a great deal of pains, long watchings, and much sweat to be such unlawful druggs and poisons, that none but Witches use them; and these I must confess I cannot produce in open Court, nor find any means to shew them to you. He said no more, but it was enough; for he was presently absolved by the suffrage of all the Judges, and dismissed with those commen∣dations of a good Husband, which he had well deser∣ved. This, Sir, is the very picture of my self, who intend now to make you my Judge, and hope for as favourable a sentence from you before whom I have been accused, and as much mis-reported as this honest man whom I now named. I am, it is true, a person of small capacity, and less learning. There are many of my neighbours, to whom I freely yield the precedence, who enjoy far greater measures of wisdom and know∣ledge, and exceed me as much in such Talents as the compass of Furius his Land was exceeded by theirs that bordered upon it. But yet, so it is, that by the blessing of God upon my labours, there are many vir∣tuous Minds and Souls truly large and generous, that acknowledge themselves to stand indebted for what they are to my care; and that are esteemed by those that know them to be of a more excellent temper than those who have been managed by many of my litigi∣ous neighbours. This hath gained me too many evil

eyes, and I am thought to use some Arts of Fascination whereby to allure the best dispositions into my ac∣quaintance and society. Then they will have it, that I mingle subtil potions for them, and that they imbibe such crafty Doctrines from me, as teach them all waies of rendring themselves more fair and plausible than any others in their whole behaviour, in order to the be∣witching of more men to become their Disciples. This is the best language they will allow to the good man∣ners wherein I study to educate them; for their envy and vexation will not suffer them to give their holy life the name of Piety, though all acknowledge it car∣ries the shew of better fruit than is brought forth by the lazy and idle pretenders to Faith and Devotion. But God knows how far I am from teaching any thing but the naked and undisguised practice of real Godliness. And you shall know also how little I am guilty of evil design, or sinister method of winning to my self Disciples. For I will lay before you the plain, simple and unartificial Rules that I give unto them; which will appear to be as far remote from all subtil∣ty and craft, as the Plough, the Spade, and the Har∣row are from incantation, spells, and society with in∣fernal spirits. All that I beg of you to the making of you profit under my hand, and to reap an abundant fruit by my labour to instruct you, is that you will con∣tribute some of your own pains to be joyned with mine; and that you will use your best diligence both to receive and understand those seeds of knowledge that I shall sow in your mind; and to keep them safe, that they may not be lost when they are entertained. A little more patience also I must not forget to require of you then Cresinius demanded (for I cannot so soon produce, as he did all the instruments I must use for

your good) and then I nothing doubt; but if you pur∣sue your design according to those directions and marks that I shall give you, they will not fail at last to bring you to the Blessed place, on which you have set your heart.

Notes

• * 1.1

  ••lin. l. 18. cap. 6.