The advantages and disadvantages of the marriage-state, as entered into with religious or irreligious persons. Represented under the similitude of a dream. / By the Reverend Mr. John Johnson.

THE Advantages and Disadvantages OF THE MARRIAGE-STATE, &c.

SINCE Vision and Prophecy are sealed up, and no Man has Liberty to add any Thing to the Words of the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ; all Dreams, Omens, Signs, Tokens, pretended Visions, and Revelations, or any kind of Prognostications whatsoever, and Observa∣tions upon them, are to be esteemed nothing at all but Delusions of the Devil; whereby the Prince of Darkness deceives weak Minds, who are seeking more after the Chaff than the Wheat.

But tho' the most High God severely reproves all such as pretend to Predictions or Knowledge of Secrets, by Interpretations of Dreams; yet as Men dream, they may lawfully tell their Dreams to one another, without any Design to deceive by them. I shall therefore take Liberty to relate the following one.

I fancied myself travelling in the Eastern Parts of the World; and, at last, coming to the City

of Old Babylon, where I was much amused in view∣ing the Curiosities of the Place, as the Tower, the Wall, the Gates, the Streets, the Palace, the River, the Images in the Plain of Dura, &c. I observed the City, and it appeared in different Views. In one Part the People were entirely taken up in Re∣vellings, Feastings, Diversions, splendid Appearan∣ces, and enjoying themselves. In the other Part they were more reserved, and were much taken up in a demure Dress and Behaviour; in the Decency of their Houses and Streets, and in the Regularity of their Towers and Fortifications, &c. But without any Appearance of Dangers, Alarms, or Molesta∣tions, they seemed all entirely at Ease.

Howbeit, when I had almost satiated myself with gazing at the particular Shows; I thought to take a Prospect of the whole City together. So I walk'd to a rising Ground belonging to it, but a little retired from the Croud; where I saw a Booth, which I took to be built on purpose for the Conveniency of taking Prospects, and I went directly to it; and at the Door I saw an old Man, of whom I enquir'd if he had ever a Prospect-Glass, whereby I might be favour'd with a full View of that royal City, which I supposed to be the Me∣tropolis of the World. He told me if I pleased to take a deliberate Observation, I might perhaps have different Apprehensions of that splendid City, than I had at present. For he assured me it was so full of intestine Perplexity, caused by Envy, Malice, Excess, and Corruption, that the Inhabitants had no real Satisfaction in themselves; and it was only by those Extravagancies and Amusements which

had seen, they kept themselves from perpetual ••istraction. He then fetch'd out his Pro∣tective, and told me if I pleas'd he would shew ••e the Situation of the Place; whereby I might ••e convinc'd that its Condition was not so happy, ••or its Glory so majestick as I imagined. So I ••ook a distinct View on the South Side; and the Foundation of the Place appeared to be built upon nothing but Bogs and Quick-sands, which could not possibly sustain the Buildings; but ere long they must inevitably sink. I again took a View on the North Side; and I found the Foundation was all bituminous and sulphurous Matter, interspers'd with subterraneous Fire, which appeared ready in a Moment to break forth into Flames. He then bid me look to the East; and I saw a very formi∣dable Army approaching the City, with full Power and Commission to destroy it; and they spread themselves around with Fury, like the roaring of the Sea. And there was a Trembling upon all the Hills, the Rivers, the Trees, and all the Fields round about; but all the Inhabitants of the City continued in a Stupefaction.

When I had beheld and deliberated on these Things, it filled me with such Astonishment as almost caused my Bowels to turn within me. Such was my Disappointment, and the Horror that seized me, that I thought I was neither able to bear the Sight, nor fly from i••, nor stand my Ground. And I asked the old Man if I might lodge all Night in that Booth. But he told me it was not a Place for Lodging, nor would any Per∣son in his right Mind think it safe to sleep so near

the City; but if I pleas'd, I might come in and rest myself a little. And when I enter'd, I found four young Men very carefully perusing a Map; seeming to make very particular Remarks, and dili∣gent Observations, and would some times earnestly enquire the old Man's Judgment, to inform them of the Meaning of some Things. Whereupon I enquired what Piece it was that so much attracted their Attention. They told me it was the Map of Babylon and Canaan, with all the Roads between the two Places. And they having had a full Prospect of the same Things which I had just now be∣held; and being determined to leave their native Country, and travel to the latter Place, was the Reason of their present Enquiries. And the old Man being a native of Canaan, and acquainted with both Countries, as well as the Roads from one to the other, they frequently applied to him for Instruction in Things difficult.

These four young Men appeared so like each other in their Apparel, their Speech, and Beha∣viour, as well as some of their Features, that I verily took them all to have been own brothers; and knew not any thing to the contrary, until I became acquainted with a certain Person who had some Knowledge of the Places where they were born, and of the Register-books. He informed me that two of them were Sons of the Bond-Woman, but the other two were Sons of the Free-Woman.

So I observed them, and they all made Prepara∣tion with seeming vigorous Resolution for their proposed Journey. And amongst other Consulta∣tions

with the old Man (their Instructor) they ••arnestly crav'd his Advice, whether it were ex∣pedient for each of them to take along with him a Female Companion? Which he very chearfully encourag'd them to do, provided they were such as were dispos'd to go the same Way, and had their Hearts engaged to seek the same Country along with them. But otherwise he admonished them (by all Means) to avoid such Companions as had no Knowledge of or Delight in the Way they designed to travel.

He pointed out to them many Difficulties in the Way where the Company of Strangers would be of very dangerous Consequence; told them the Need they would find of strengthening and encour∣aging in the Way, rather than hindering and dis∣couraging; and reason'd much upon the Evil that would attend (in many Respects) such Com∣panions as took no Delight in the Way; and com∣pared it with the Advantages they might expect in the Company of such as took Pleasure, and would endeavour to animate them therein. He further informed them in many Instances, what bad Effects Travellers, who had formerly gone that Way, had found from disagreable Companions. And that (to prevent the like Inconveniencies) the King of the Country had made a Law that none of his Subjects should join with Strangers to be Companions in that Journey. And therefore he earnestly caution'd (whatever they did) to be ex∣ceeding careful in their Choice.

I waited to see what Influence this Advice would have upon the Minds of these young Men.

But I observ'd, that (at the first) none of them seem'd to relish his Counsel; for they had all either contracted some Acquaintance with, or placed their Fancy upon Maids who were Natives of Ba∣bylon, to whom their Hearts were very inclinable. But the more they appeared engaged in their Af∣fections, the more their Instructor insisted on the Dangers and pernicious Consequences which were most certain to attend their having such Com∣panions. And withal told them the King had ap∣pointed one to attend them in their Journey, whose Name was Self-Denial, without whose Company it would be impossible ever to reach the Borders of Canaan. And that to chuse a Stranger for a Com∣panion, would be such an Insult to him (at the first setting out) as might cause Misunderstanding all the Way. For his Part, he told them, that to pretend to travel to Canaan, and to choose a Baby∣lonia•••• or a Companion, was such a Contradiction, that he could not but very much doubt the Sin∣cerity of their Hearts. For if it was possible at all for a sincere Traveller to choose such a Compan∣ion; (as he would not be too bold in his Asser∣tions) yet he was very certain it could not be so long as they continued in the right Use of their Reason. And he must discharge his Conscience in giving them timely Admonition, &c.

I observed the Event of these Consultations; and I found the eldest Son of the Bond-Woman could not be moved by all these Arguments. But resolutely chose one who was an utter Stranger to the Paths, nor hall any Delight or Desire thereto. And when he had covenanted with her, she

proved so averse to going along with him, and so ••••uctant to his pursuing his intended Journey, ••••at she prevailed upon him to desist from his ••••rpose. So he settled with her in Babylon; and ••••ey were both there when the City was destroy'd, ••••d perished together in the Ruins.

But the younger Brother (Son of the Bond-••oman) took a little more Regard to the Counsel ••••ven him, and seemed more heedful in his Choice; ••••d (in a slight Manner) sought to get a Compani∣••••n that would be willing to go along with him. ••o at last he met with one who appeared complia∣••••e to his Desire, though she had no knowledge 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Way, nor any Desire to it, only it seemed a ••atter indifferent; and therefore as he was incli∣••ed to undertake the Journey, she would conde∣••••end to compliment him with her Company. ••his pleased the young Man very well, as he ••••ought he should both gratify himself in the ••hoice of a Companion, and also act conformable 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Directions. But he did not consider, that ••hile her Mind was possess'd with such Indiffer∣••••cy, her Company must needs be very unpro∣••••able: However, they joined Hands. And she 〈◊〉〈◊〉 good as her Word) complimented him with her ••••mpany; and they set out both together, as if ••••ey would proceed on the Journey, But her in∣••••fferent Mind soon prevailed so as to cool his warm ••••fections, and caused their Advances to be very ••••••w. They would frequently sit down in the ••••••ade, and sometimes divert themselves with Tri∣••••••s, and often turn aside out of the Way, which ••••••ade their Progress very small. And this manner

of loitering prevailed more and more, until at last they came to a low Valley, by the Brink of the River Euphrates, where they turned aside and fell asleep; and while they slept, there arose a Swell in the River, and the Flood swept them both away.

As for the younger Son of the Free-Woman, when he had heard the Admonitions, they made some deep Impressions upon his Mind, and fill'd him with some awful Apprehensions. For he was convinced of the pernicious Consequences, which would attend such Company, and appear'd very solicitous to avoid them. But (how it was, I have now forgotten, whether before these Considerati∣ons, he had contracted a Correspondence, and had not Resolution to deny himself; or whether after∣wards, by Dalliance, and giving Latitude to his Fancy, he forgot himself) some Way or other, he prov'd to be entangled with a Daughter of the Chaldees: which betwixt the Instructions he had receiv'd, and his own unguarded Affections, caus'd some Strugglings in his Mind. For though the Person was of a complacent Disposition; and did not seem at all reluctant to the Things he had in View; yet he plainly perceiv'd, she had no real Taste to them; and that her innate Disposition was more to Babylon than Canaan. She had never been convinced of the Misery and Ruin approaching her native Country; nor had she ever been ac∣quainted with the Pleasures, and Delights of that Land which he was seeking after; nor had she any Desire to the Way. But his strong Inclination stimulated him to reason upon every Thing in the

most advantageous and promising Light; and to ••t the most favourable Construction upon every ••••••cumstance, as thus; "That her Complacence was such that she would not be any Hinderance, or Molestation to him. That by his Example, he might engage her mind, to that which she had no Inclination to at present. That those En∣gagements which he should enter into with her, were of another Nature; and might be perform∣ed without interfering immediately with the Concerns of his Journey. That it was very hard to be prohibited from the Enjoyment of one, who (in all other Respects) appeared so desirable. And that probably he might never find a Companion compleat in every point, &c." 〈◊〉〈◊〉 short, the young Man persisted in these kinds 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Reasoning, until he had almost stupified his ••••••enses. But still, could not free himself from con∣••••••ncing and dreadful Apprehensions of the Evil of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 king so indirect a Step, and the Inconveniencies ••hich ••ere certain to attend it. Until at length a ••solute Passion prevailed, so far that his Eyes were ••rkned, and he scarce perceived the Day from the ••ight. And during this Obstruction of his Senses; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 went one Evening, after both Sun and Moon ••ere gone down; and joined Hands with this Ba∣••ylonian. But when the Sun arose in the Morning, ••••••d he was a little come to himself, he then be∣••••me sensible of the Rashness of his Adventure; ••ut it was too late to recall it. He was now ware, into what Snares he had brought himself; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 what Difficulties he was involved; and ••hat Incommodities must attend his Journey; ••••d that now he had no Way left, but to make

the best he could of the Matter; and to grapple with it, as well as it should please God to enable him.

So after some anxious Thoughts and bitter Re∣flections, he endeavoured to smother his Grief as well as he could, and betook himself to his Jou••∣ney; exerting his utmost Skill, and Power, to take his Companion along with him. But alas, when he attempted to lead her into the Way, he found she had no Feet; she could not move a Step further than he must carry her; and a heavy Bur∣then she proved. So I observed some of his Tra∣vel. And when he met with Dangers, Distresses, or Disappointments, he would begin to express his Grief, and to unbosom his Mind to his Companion; but she had no Ears, no Understanding, nor Heart to sympathize with him; nor was she ca∣pable of being made to know the Nature of his Complaints. If he was beset with Robbers, wild Beasts, Serpents, or any Annoyance, he would sometimes make his Complaint to her; but she could neither assist, nor comfort him. If he want∣ed Direction in any Part of his Way; she could not give him any Counsel. If he was sick, or wound∣ed, and wanted Cordials, or Oil for his Wounds, she had no Hands to administer any Relief. And as she never was capable of yielding him any Suc∣cour, or Comfort in his Sufferings, neither was she ever capable of partaking of any of his Enjoyments. If he met with any Gardens of Spices, or refresh∣ing Springs by the Way, he would offer her to eat, or drink with him; but she had no Taste. If he found sweet Flowers, he would pluck, and

give them to her; but she had no Smell, nor ••••uld have any Delight in them. If he had any ••••elightful Prospects by the Way; he would en∣••eavour to shew them to his Companion; but she ••ad no Eyes. If he met with any Fellow-Travel∣••ers by the Way, he would invite her to enjoy their Company; but she was never sociable with him∣••elf, or any other Person, who spoke the Language ••f Canaan; for it was a Language which she could ••ot learn, Thus, whatever Grief befel him, or whatever Enjoyments he was favoured with in all ••is Journey, he never found any Sympathy, or Congratulation from her; nor was she of the least ••se to him all the Way; nor were her Affections ••ver moved, any otherwise, than sometimes to ••uppose, and sometimes to shew a Disgust, or Distur∣••ance of Mind.

But as she had no Life, Capacity, Sense, nor Activity in the chosen Path; she had so much the ••ore Vivacity in Things pertaining to her own Clement. So that when she could draw him aside ••ut of the Way, she would discover such a Spright∣••••ne••s;s in all her senses; be so pleasant and divert∣••ng, and all Parts of her Conversation so engaging, ••hat it often prevailed upon him to turn aside with ••er, and proved a very great Hindrance to him in ••is Journey. For though it was not in his Power ••o find any Thing in his Way that would divert ••r influence her Mind; yet she frequently found ••ut something in her own Path which did divert ••nd insensibly draw away his Heart, by which he ••as many times entangled and laden with thick Clay.

Another Thing I observed, that after he had be∣••un his Journey, the King of Israel (whose Subject

he was) sent him some young Lambs to feed; with a strict Charge to teach them diligently in the Way, and bring them up in his Nurture, and Admonition. But the Performance of this Command was ren∣dered impracticable; for as he instructed them to go right, she induced them to wander; as he en∣deavoured to gather them, she scattered them; and as he fed them with wholesome Food, she would surfeit them with poisonous Herbs. So, which Way the King disposed of them afterwards, I never knew; but they never prospered under his Care.

Thus her Company never yielded him the least Benefit or Assistance, through his whole Journey; but was an Allay to all his Joys, and an Aggrava∣tion to all his Sorrows. And it frequently caused him very much Regret of Mind, to think of his own unadvised Engagement; and of the much Neglect in Duty, Wandering, and lost Time, which it had been the Occasion of to him; as well as to observe, the wretched Stupefaction of her Mind, which was incapable of sharing in any of his blessed Enjoyments; or of being affected with any of his Calamities. Insomuch as it turned his pleasant Journey, into a wearisome Travel, through a lone∣some Wilderness.

But at last (through many dull Hours, Fatigues, and tiresome Steps) he arrived near the Borders of the Land, upon the Bank of the River Jordan; where (in the midst of the Stream) he beheld a Man in a rich priestly Vesture standing to stop the Torrent, till he was passed over, which made him approach the River, exceedingly transported with

Joy. Yet (even here) he could not refrain from ••••ghing; when he found it was not possible for ••is Companion to go with him one Step further. But the Glory of his Prince, now in view, and the ••oy of approaching the promised Land, soon revived ••is Spirits, and made him with Readiness leave her ••o pass the River. Here his Burthens dropp'd off, ••nd all his Clogs were left behind; he went on with ••resh Vigour, and Chearfulness in his Countenance, ••s if all Things were forgotten, but the Joy that ••as before him. But as he was taking some of his ••ast Steps, just ready to set his Feet on Canaan's ••hore; he looked behind him, and saw her sitting ••pon the Sand; and beheld the River returning ••ith such an Over flow, as carried her along the ••••pid Stream into the Dead Sea.

As for the elder Brother (Son of the Free-Wo∣••an) when he had heard the Instructions, and Ad∣••onitions, it wrought some serious Reflections in ••••s Mind; and made him very deliberate. Not∣••ithstanding he was a Person of a bright Genius, ••reat Vivacity, and a fine Taste, he determined to ••eny himself; so as when he saw the Beauty, and ••raceful Mien, and heard the courteous Conversa∣••••on of the Babylonish Maids, he would withdraw ••••om them, and turn away his Eyes, lest his Heart ••ould be ensnar'd. However, It sometimes fell in ••••s Way, to have Conversation with some who ••••peared very agreable, and engaging; and ••ight have some Influence on his Affections. ••pecially one, whose Person, Birth, Circum∣••••••nces, Virtues, and Accomplishments, render∣•••••• her extreamly agreeable; and made her ap∣pear

very promising, to make a valuable Com∣panion. Insomuch, that many of his Acquain∣tance greatly encouraged him, to pursue that Opportunity, and not neglect so valuable a Prize. This made him a little stagger; (for indeed she wanted no Accomlishment but he Language of Canaan to make her just such an one, as his Heart could wish) and caused him to reason in his own Mind, with such Interrogations and Replies, as these;

Q. Can I expect to find an Object more desira∣ble, or one more likely to be a happy Companion and a Help-meet?

A. She may prove so to a Person who can be conformable to stay with her in Babylon; but as I am bound to another Country, I might find Bit∣terness in that which would appear Happiness to another Person.

Q. But have I not Reason to hope that a Person of her refined Qualities, may be indued with such Blessings as to make her a suitable Companion for me in my Journey?

A. A Person may be accomplished with all the Refinements, Improvements, and Excellencies of Babylon, so as to appear superior to many of the Citizens; but if these be only the Accommodations of their own Country, they can only make a gra∣dual Difference between them and the most abject Peasants; whereas there is necessarily a specifical Difference between a Babylonian and an Israelite.

Q. But is it not very censorious to look upon such a becoming worthy Person, as no better than a meet Babylonian?

A. Inasmuch as the Difference is so great, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Babylonian cannot become a Subject of the King of Israel, unless he be formed anew▪ we cannot esteem them any other, so long as there do not ap∣pear the specifical Features of the select Nation; neither the Idiom of their Language, nor the Mein of their Behaviour, nor yet an earnest Enquiry af∣ter the desired Land. For we are not to form our Conceptions of them different to the Descrip∣tions given by the King's Scribes.

Q. Is it not exceeding hard that I must deny myself an Object so agreeable?

A. The King of Glory denies nothing that is good, therefore if it were really good, it would not be denied me; he only denies us those Things which he knows would be evil, and it is a real Kindness to us to be denied of them. But sup∣pose, I thought it a real Good; it is hard that he should deny me one Favour, who has given him∣self to me, with all Blessings in Heaven and Earth?

Q. What if I never find one so agreeable, who travels the happy Road?

A. If I had the Object now before me it must ••ntirely depend on the Blessing of God, whether 〈◊〉〈◊〉 should have any Enjoyment or not; and have I not more Reason to expect a Blessing in the right Way than in the wrong? Beside, as no good Thing is withheld, nor any Thing denied, but ••ut because it is Evil; whatever God is pleased to bestow in his own Way, must be most agreeable.

Q. May not the valuable Qualifications attend∣ing this Person, be so blessed as to be a Means to

make me happy and useful in the Way, though she walk not in it herself?

A. Have I any Reason to expect to be made happy by a Person who is an utter Stranger to those Things wherein my Happiness consists? Or can I expect to find Usefulness in this Way, from that which cannot be enjoyed or obtained without going out of the Way? Beside, whatever Qualifi∣cations she is endued with, or however valuable Accommodations she is possessed of, it never will be her Inclination to employ those Excellencies to assist others in a Way which she herself hath no Delight in.

Q. But seeing her Disposition is so agreeably complaisant, and her Mind so well qualified with natural Virtues, and decorated with so many acquir'd Ornaments; is there any Reason to doubt but that a Person thus prepared will have a Taste for learn∣ing and embracing the best Things? And may I not therefore expect to be an Instrument to engage her Mind to walk the blessed way?

A. All the Accomplishments that a Person can possibly receive from Babylon, can never prepare, qualify, nor dispose them for travelling to Canaan; nor will it by any Means induce or incline any Per∣son to receive the real Knowledge or Love of that Country. Therefore those who are not powerfully called by the King's Commandment, and inwardly attracted by a vital Influence, can never be engaged by any other Motive or Persuasion whatsoever. For there is nothing in the Nature of a Babylonian (without the Inchoation of new Principles) that is capable of Attraction. But the more excellent her

Accomplishments are, the more strongly her Mind will be cemented to that Climate from whence she ••eceived them. And on the other Hand, as I for∣merly was a Babylonian, (though now blessed with new Principles) the old Tincture still remains in my Nature, which (like so much Tinder) is ready ••o kindle with every Spark of Babylonish Fire. Wherefore the greater Excellencies she is embel∣lished with, the greater Influence it will have to draw me aside into her Paths, and so put me in perpetual Danger. For of this I am infallibly as∣sured, that they will draw away one's Heart.

When he had thus reasoned with himself, he made a full Pause; and appeared in a strong Agi∣tation of Mind; and a Paleness arose in his Face. And I heard him sigh, and say to himself,

Whi∣ther has my Mind been roving!

And trem∣bling, he lift up his Eyes to Heaven; and earnestly cryed,

O God of all Grace, deliver me from Temptation!

And from that Time, he never would regard any of the Damsels of the City. But said, He would wait till he should find a true Com∣panion; and till then he would walk alone.

So he went on his Way, rejoicing that he had escaped the Snare; and carrying along with him, this Motto, "The Lord is my Portion;" enjoying great Satisfaction in his own Mind; saying to him∣self, If my King sees it good for me to walk alone, I know he will bless that State unto me; but if it be for my good to enjoy a Companion, I know his Goodness will provide one for me, without my going out of the Way to find one.

But as he was thus going on his Way, he obser∣ved a young Virgin, who was walking the same Road; and he begun to desire to be favoured with her Company; but thought it advisable to be very deliberate; because many seem to walk the same Road, which only go Part of the Way, and then turn off into some other Path. Therefore he diligently observed, whether she closely attended to the right Way. So he perceived her to take something out of her Bosom, and diligently peruse it for a while, and then put it into her Bosom a∣gain, and pursue the streight Path; whereupon he went up to her, and enquired where she was bound. She told him she was setting her Face towards Zion. He asked her, what it was she had been perusing? And she shewed him, that it was the Map of the Road; which she took along with her, for her Guide. He then began to enquire further who she was, and whence she came; she told him, she was by Birth a Chaldean; by Education and Conversation a Babylonian; but the King of Israel had sent for her, to go forth to seek a better Coun∣try. He also asked, what Expectations, or En∣couragement she had, in taking such a Journey? she told him, she had the King's Word, to make her an Inhabitant in his royal Palace, when she arrived at the upper Bethel; and to grant her suf∣ficient Defence, and Sustenance, all the Way thi∣ther. He asked, if she could be fully satisfied in the King's Veracity? she told him the Frauds, and Jealousies of Babylon, had made such Impressions upon her Mind; that she had found it very diffi∣cult to believe him that could not lie; but his

Majesty had condescended to give her the strongest Demonstrations of his Fidelity; so that now she was convinced, she had no Reason to doubt his Goodness, for he had confirmed his Promise with ••n Oath, and had given her to see, that in his own Records, it was sealed with Blood; and the Coun∣ter-Part he had written upon her Breast, and seal∣ed it in Characters of Life; and hitherto, she had found his Word verified to her, in strongly defend∣ing, and abundantly supplying her; so that she could set to her Seal, that he was true. Then, she also asked him divers Questions, relating to his Travels, and Enjoyments; and he likewise an∣swered her, in a free and satisfactory Manner. So that their Affections began to grow warm towards one another: It was a very comfortable Interview; and their Minds were refreshed by each other's Conversation.

And they appeared so agreable one to another, that he began to think they might be pleasant & pro∣fitable Companions all the Way. But first, he retired for a while, to deliberate on the Conversation that had passed already. When the more he thought of her Diligence, in the Pursuit of her Journey; and her fixed Satisfaction concerning the End of it; her Understanding in those Things laid down in the Map, for guiding her in the Way, and the Delight she appeared to take in meditating on, and con∣versing about the Joys of the City of Habitation, &c. the more he was satisfied that she was a Prin∣ce's Daughter travelling to the royal Palace. And when he had lifted up his Eyes to Heaven, and earnestly besought the most High God for Directi∣on

and a Blessing upon further Conversation, he came again into her Company. And after some further Discourse, he asked the Reason of her walk∣ing on her Journey alone? She told him she found b••t few travelling the same Road; and she did not think it expedient to turn aside or neglect her Way for any Company in the World. If she met with Company, such as delighted in the Ways of Wis∣dom, she took Pleasure therein; for by such Com∣pany her Heart was refreshed, and she thought herself strengthened in her Journey thereby. But otherwise she chose rather to be alone, at Leisure to divert herself in examining her Map; viewing the Springs by the Way, with the Fruit Trees and sweet Flowers; hearing the Singing of Birds; and meditating on the Glories of her Prince, and the Joys she should have in his Presence, &c. So that as Company was pleasant when she could en∣joy it, the Delights in the Way supplied the want of Company when alone. And upon the Whole, she neither was anxious to have Company, nor had any Aversion against it; her Desire being to enjoy that only which might be most conducive to for∣ward her in the right Way.

Then he proposed, that since they had found each other's Conversation comfortable and useful, it was his Opinion, it might be for their mutual Advantage ••o jo•••• together, and engage to keep Company ••ll t•••• Way. She told him it was not for Persons 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••heir Profession to do any Thing rashly; she would deliberate on it. So she retired and prostrated herself before the King her Father, telling him the Matter, imploring Wisdom to di∣rect,

declaring herself willing to enjoy, or be denied ••f any Thing, so it were according to his Will, and ••ight be for his Honour. He told her she had ••lready been informed, and well knew what man∣••er of Persons they must be with whom it would ••e expedient for Kings Daughters to keep com∣••any; therefore if she found the Person to be one of the Blood-Royal, and indued with princely Qua∣••••ties, she was at her full Liberty, and moreover by ••im it should be esteemed Honourable. So when these two Lovers met again and had deliberately consulted between themselves all such Things as ••hey conceived necessary relating to such an En∣gagement; and had duly considered the King's Statutes thereupon; and jointly petitioned his Majesty's Presence with them, and his Blessing on ••heir Undertaking, they joined Hands with great Satisfaction and Serenity of Mind; rejoicing to see themselves preserv'd from so many Snares, and thus happily joined together by a divine Hand.

I then observed these two happy Companions, pursuing their Journey: And here I saw verified ••n ancient Councel; [a Help-meet.] For they were sincere Friends, pleasant Companions, faith∣ful Partners, and useful Assistants to each other. If they met with Difficulties by the Way, they would take each other by the Hand to support them. In Dangers, the•• would counsel, and stand by one another. In Sorrows, they would sympa∣thize, and comfort one another. If beset with E∣nemies, one would watch while the other slept. If one were sick, the other would comfort with cordials. If one were indisposed in Mind, the other

would divert with some sweet song, or Discourse concerning the pleasant Land. If one were at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Loss, concerning any Part of the Way, the other would assist, in searching and explaining the Di∣rections. If one were ready to turn aside, the other would caution, and admonish of the Danger. If one were employed in any Service, the other would be ready to assist therein. If one found a refresh∣ing Spring by the Way, would call the other to come and drink. If one found any refreshing Fruit, sweet Spices, or delightful Flowers would pluck and bring to the other. If one heard any joyful Tidings, would come rejoicing and tell ••he other. If one had any pleasant Prospects of the Kingdom, would endeavour to shew them to the other. If one was favoured with an Audiance of the King, would also remember and intercede for the other. And if one was blessed with any special Favours, the other would congratulate, and rejoice on the Occasion. &c.

Then I was convinced, That two are better than one; and yet it was very manifest, that they were no more Twain. For I knew not whether to call them two Souls dwelling in one Body, or one Soul inhabiting two Bodies; but it appear'd very conspicuous that two were better than one.

So I continued observing this united Pair advan∣cing in their Way; for they greatly contributed to help each other forward; many Difficulties they surmounted, and many rich Blessings they enjoyed as they travelled in the Way. At last they arrived at a pleasant Hill in View of the Land of Promise, full of Delights, refreshing Fruits, pure Streams,

and desirable Entertainments. Here they first sat ••own and rested in a delightful Arbour, blessing ••od and congratulating one another in Considera∣••••on of their Enjoyments. And afterwards they ••scended to a Tower, where was a large Prospec∣••••ve Glass, from whence they looked back upon ••abylon, and saw it all in Flames, and the ••ountry turned to burning Pitch. Then they gave ••raise and Glory to God, for their wonderful De∣••••verance, as well as for all the Deliverances they ••ad in the Way. Then they took a Prospect of ••••e Land before them, and saw Jerusalem the royal ••lace, the goodly Mountain of Lebanon, the ••uscers of Eshcol, and all the Rivers flowing with ••ilk; and all the Hills dropping down sweet ••ine. Then they looked below to the Streams of ••••dan, and beheld the great High Priest in his ••••ining Robes, waiting to carry them over. They ••o heard the Inhabitants on the other Side tri∣••phing, singing and shouting for Joy. Then ••ey also with Emulation lifted up their Voices in ••••ngs of Praise, and Transports of Joy, to him that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and that was, and that is to come; which raised ••y Mind to such an Extacy, that I awoke, and be∣••••d it was a Dream.

But the Thing was c••rtain—and the Inter∣••••••tation thereof sure.

FINIS.