The Conviction of Worldly-Vanity: OR, THE WAND'RING PRODIGAL, And his RETURN: IN TWO PARTS.  
PART I  
Containing his debate with himself about his setting forward in search of the Palace of Worldly Felicity; his harkening to the Advice of Folly, and submitting himself, to her Conduct; the manner of her furnishing him out; of the Progress he made, and the various Adventures he met with by the way: As also the Entainment he found at his Arrival, and his Riotous Living there; With his Description of the Vices Reigning therein.  
PART II.  
Giving a full Account of his Miraculous Escape from the Palace of Worldly Felicity: Of the glorious Prospect he had of the Celestial City, And of the Progress he made towards it, under the Conduct of Divine Grace: With the manner of his Proceeding, and the several Occurrences he met with by the way: His Arrival at the Palace of Virtue and True Felicity, and his Joyful Reception there: His Excellent Description thereof, and of the Divine and Moral Virtues which he found therein.  
Both Pleasant and Profitable. Delivered under the Similitude of A Wand'ring Youth.  
London, Printed by G. L. for John Harris, at the Harrow against the Church in the Poultry. 1687.  
Price Bound One Shilling.   

Licenced,  
November 27th. 1686. Robert Midgley   

TO THE READER.  
MAN is naturally an Inquisitive Creature, continually hankering after Novelties; and though for the most part a mere Stranger at home, regardless of the Geography of his own Breast (the worst and most deplorable Ignorance!) would yet seem Acquainted with all the World besides.  
How Solicitous are we about the Affairs of Hungary! How Curious to understand the Rarities of China! The Situation of Grand Cairo! The Magnificence of the Mogul! And uncertain Tales of Prester John! But in the mean time, how supinely negligent in managing our Domestic Talents, or improving our Understandings in things of real use! How careless to Rescue our Captivated Minds from the Assaults of lewd Passions, the Scandal of Folly, and Tyranny of Vice! How wretchedly Remiss, or ●ather wholly Averse, from doing That ●hich is the main Errand we are sent into the World upon, viz. The Gloxifying our Creator, and securing our Eternal Interests!  
In Complaisance to this wandering-deprayed- Green-Sickness-Appetite of Mankind, a multitude of Books of Travels into remote Regions have been published in several Languages, and greedily bought up and perused: The Relation of such various difficult Adventures, the description of Places, Modes and Customs, new uncouth and far different from their own, being very Grateful, and in some respects not altogether Unprofitable to the Readers.  
Nay, so far is this Itch of Curiosity indulged, that not only True Histori● or such as pretend so to be, but Carloads of Romances, (whose Authors profess them to be mere Ideas of Fancy, Coined on purpose to Divert and Amuse) are with Applause entertained; whence too many People of either Sex, spend their most precious Minutes upon the Exploits of imaginary Knighss: Errand, Enchanted Castles, Monsters, Gyants● and all the Riff-Raff of Amadis of Gaul, and the seven Champions; or the more refin'd and sublimated Follies of the Grand Cyrus, Cassandra, Astraea, etc. Not only to the loss of irretrievable Time, but further Hazards; For in these kind of Writings, the Passion of sensual Love being displayed with the highest Advantages, and (as it were exposed Naked) in the most soft and delicate Expressions, 'tis difficult for such as read them, not to be Singed with that wanton Flame; or preserve their Hearts free from being Infected with the like Amorous Idaea's; by which means a Thousand young Men and Women have been inveigled and undone.  
Physician's instub born Diseases, which they cannot directly Master, advice to change them by Art into some that are more mild and tractable: Since therefore we cannot hope altogether to Cure this Fanciful Humour in Man, it will not be amiss to try, if we can by a little Address, husband and employ it to wholesome Use. To this purpose I here present thee, Courteous Reader, with a small Book of Travels, but great in its Subject and Design; an Expedition more Glorious than Jason's to Colchos for the Folden Fleece; or that of Columbus for discovery of a New World: In short, A Voyage to the Holy Land, such as every Mortal must of necessity undertake and go through with, or else be everlastingly Miserable.  
Here are the Two Roads of all flesh, graphically described; The one Broad, Smooth, and Plain, as the Treacherous Ocean before 'tis Ruffled with a Storm, and all the way down hill, bestrowed with a Thousand Baits and Allurements, always full of Jolly Company, but ending in the Dead Sea, or Lake of Perdition and Destruction: The other, that turns of short on the Right hand, through the Temple of Virtue, leading to that of Glory, the Passage Strait and Craggy, beset with Thorns and Briars, Waylaid by Wolves, Foxes, Bears, Tigers, and all sorts of Beasts of Prey; Lonesome, Unfrequented, and seeming Melancholy, were it not for the still Music of the Bird of Paradise, which Cheers up the fainting traveller, with its refreshing Notes; and a Beam of Light from the Son of Righteousness, that directs his trembling Steps, till it Conducts him in the End, to the Royal Palace of Endless Felicity.  
Though the Discourse be throughout Allegorical, be assured here is nothing Romantic, nothing Fictitious; but all Real, Substantial, and Important. 'Tis said of those feigned Histories before mentioned, that they inspire such as peruse them, with ardent desires of Imitation; I wish this serious Parable may have the like Effect, to caution and deter thee from the pernicious Tract of Vanity, and excite and encourage thy endeavours in the pursuit of Virtue, Religion and Piety; which will be thy best Antidote in an infectious Season; A seserious Godly Conversation and Practice, being an excellent Preservative against Error of Doctrine. Keep the Heart right, and there is no great danger of the Brain; whereas on the contrary, a lose Profane Life, and False Opinions, like Ice and Water, do naturally beget each other.  
'Tis delivered in a homely plain Familiar stile, that it might be serviceable to the meanest Apprehensions; on whose Memories and Affections perhaps this mode of writing may be more taking, and make deeper Impressions, than more learned Treatises, nakedly laid down by way of Precept and Positive Instructions.  
This, Reader, whoever thou be, remember, That thou art or hast been that very Prodigal here intended in the first Part, And if thou dost not amend thy Course, and Return with him in the Second, thou must for Ever have thy Portion with the Devil and his Angel, in the Lake which burns with Fire and Brimstone. To avoid which Dreadful Sentence on any poor Soul, If this mean Essay may, by the Divine Blessing, prove any way instrumental, It will Superabundantly Reward the pains taken in Compiling it, by  
Thy Christian Friend and Servant, J. S.   

The CONTENTS of the CHAPTERS.  

PART I  

CHap. 1. The Introduction. Page 1.  
Chap. 2. How the Wand'ring Prodigal being resolved to set forward to the Palace of Worldly Felicity, Folly (by the help of Evil-will) provides him , Armour, Horse, and other Necessaries after a strange manner; 〈◊〉 Description thereof, with an Excellent Discourse of the Uncertainty of Man's Life; and in what manner he proceeded. Page 10.  
Chap. 3. How on the Way to the Palace of Worldly Felicity, he was Entertained by Folly, with a Discourse of many of her Exploits in the World, etc. Page 29.  
Chap. 4. How standing doubtful at the parting of two Ways, which to take, Voluptuousness counselled him to take the Broad Left-hand-way, etc. Page 36.  
Chap. 5. How Wisdom (with many persuasions) Entreated him to Enter at the straight Gate; and how by the Counsel of Folly, he refused her Advice, etc. Page 44.  
Chap. 6. How at the Persuasion of Folly, he took the Broad-way, leading to the Palace of Worldly Felicity, rejecting the Counsel of Lady Wisdom; and how she threatened him at parting, and what else happened. Page 53.  
Chap. 7. How in the Company of Folly and Voluptuousness he Rid to the Palace of Worldly Felicity; and in what manner he was Received and Entertained; with some Observatious thereon, etc. Page 58.  
Chap. 8. Of his farther Entertainment and Progress in the Palace of Worldly Felicity; and how (amongst other things) he had a Prospect of the Tempter in his Deluding shape; and at Night was Entertained by Lust, etc. Page 69.  
Chap. 9 He Discourses of other Recreations in the Palace, and how he was carried by Voluptuousness and Folly to Visit the seven Towers, and desoribes the Wonders he saw there, with other things; as also a Prospect of its Situation, etc. Page 79.  
Chap. 10. He is Entertained in a spacious Banqueting-house, and declares what Entertainment he met with there; as also what further Promise Voluptuousness made him, etc. Page 101  
Chap. 11. A Description of his Fearful Dream, and how thereupon he became Pensive; his Excellent Reflections on the Estate of a Sinful and Voluptuous Life: Yet continues his former course, etc. Page 106.  
Chap. 12. How Riding to Recreate himself in the Forest of Conscious-guilt, he suddenly perceived the Ruin of the Palace of Worldly Felicity, sinking into the Gulf of confusion; and finds himself in a Wretched and Miserable Estate: Reflects upon his past Life, and becomes a True Penitent. Page 117.    

PART II.  

CHap. 1. He is Rescued from the miserable Condition he was in, by Divine Grace; has a Prospect and Description of the Celestial City, and of the Joy he conceived thereat, etc. Page 1.  
Chap. 2. After a true sense of his Sin, he resolved to Travel towards the Celestial City; and of the difficulty he met with at his setting out; how he Entered the Straight gate, where he met Evangelist, and the Comfort he gave him. Page 11.  
Chap. 3. How having Entered the Value of Humility, he came to the House of Repentance, and how he was there Entertained; with Admonitions and Extolling the Divine Goodness. Page 20.  
Chap. 4. He is affrighted by the Terror of Conscience, but is at the earnest Intercession of Sorrow for Sin, spared at the Command of Divine Grace; and crying out against Presumption, is humbled under a Sense of Sin. Page 27.  
Chap. 5. Remembrance opens her Book, and Reads him a Comfortable Lecture, mostly containing God's gracious Promises of Mercy and Forgiveness to True Penitents; and thereby allays his Fears. Page 32.  
Chap. 6. He acknowledges his wondered Change, is Assaulted by Discouragement, resists him, and puts him to flight; he goes from the School of Repentance, is like to run into the Path of Error, but is prevented by Understanding, and conveyed to his House, with other matters of Note. Page 37.  
Chap. 7. Understanding gives him Cordial Advice, and prepares him to proceed to the House of Religion; and how after sound Counsel he went on his way, and what else befell him. Page 44.  
Chap. 8. How he came to the House of Religion (being enticed in the way to turn aside by Hypocrisy and others) and of the Entertainment he found there; the good Instructions he received, with many other matters. Page 47  
Chap. 9 Being well Instructed, he passes on to the Palace of True Felicity, des●r● it, and is there Entertained with great Joy, and has from thence a full Prospect of the Celestial City.  
Chap. 10. He gives a Description of Virtue, together with her Noble Qualities, the means whereby she Operates in the Soul of Man, and why to be desired. Page 59  
Chap. 11. He gives a brief Account of Faith, so far as is warrantable; to what end she serves, and the especial Marks of her Appearance, etc. as also of Hope and Charity. Page 62.  
Chap. 12. He gives a Description of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance, excellently Representing them in their several Capacities, Motions and Operations, etc. Page 69.  
Chap. 13. He is brought to Perseverance, by whom and Understanding, he is further Instructed; He is Recommended to her by Divine Grace; and has a Prospect of the Celestial City from the Tower of Faith, whore he continues in Expectation. Page 73.     

THE WAND'RING PRODIGAL.  

PART I  

CHAP. I The Introduction.  
BEing Entered upon the Stage of this World, to Act my Part in the Scene of a Short and Uncertain Life, compared (by the Wise and Learned) to things of the lest Duration and Moment, viz. Grass, the Flower of the Field, Smoke, a Shadow, a Vapour, etc. And having spent my Nonage, or the Morning of my Days, in pursuing Things lighter than Vanity; in following (with Toil and Weariness) Recreations and Pleasures that created Trouble in the Aquirement, Folly in the Possession, and a Reluctancy (if not a Loathing) in the Enjoyment; I began to consider with myself, That Man was made to a nobler end, and furnished with larger desires, than to content himself with such Airy Trifles: Man, thought I, Endued with an Immortal Soul, Inspired with Reason, and made capable of Immortality hereafter, aught not (like the Bruit, whose life, when at a period, mingles with the common Air, and renders him not more) to drown himself in Sensuality, or be satisfied with things that yield no true Content, no real Pleasure, no sincere Delight; and therefore giving my Imagination's scope, they wandered over spaces immeasurable, and ruminated on various matters, but could fix on nothing permanent. I had heard indeed, 
Psal. 16.11. Psal. 87, 3.  of the Land of True Felicity, where unspeakable Joys and Pleasures for overmore are found; I had heard very Glorious things spoken of it, but found my Understanding so clouded and darkened with the overshadowing of present matters, that I knew not readily how to set forward to that desired Region; and the more I paused, the more I found myself at a loss; which made me sometimes conclude I was in the case of one that is newly awaked from a Dream, who all on a sudden grasps the flying Air, and for a while remains in doubt whether those seeming Pleasures or fantastic Forms that flattered his Slumbers, were real, or only the effects of a roving Fancy. Thus puzzled and confounded, like one that is lost in a Pathless Wilderness, and fears to advance or retreat, as not knowing by which to be most or lest Entangled, I still ●ood musing. When in this conclusion, Folly, (with whom I a little before supposed I had shaken hands, and well hoped I had shaken of) came slyly behind me, and whispering me in the Ear, suggested, Tha● being in the prime and strength of my days, full of Sprightful Blood and 〈◊〉 Vigour, I aught not to leave the World, who courted me with her miles, met me with her Favours, and brewed my way with Pleasures and Delights; who inforc'd her utmost Charms to please me, and exposed her gaudy Beauties in their greatest Lustre to tempt me, to woe and invite me t● take Pleasure in her: I aught not (she said) to leave her, to seek I knew not what, to run through Hazards and Dangers, Hardships and Extremities, to found out Pleasures I knew not where, but rather to content myself in the possession of such things as I had and might further experience: Nay further (continued she) of such things as yet you are a stranger to: For truly my Son (said she) there are many Pastimes and Recreations that the World ca● afford; nay will afford you, if you prove not so ingrateful as to forsake her who has had such Care of you, who ha● so often laid you in her Bosom, and lulled you in her Arms, nourished yo● from your Infancy, & spread her down Softness to invite and charm swee● Slumber to your Eyes: Can you thin● that I, who am so Ancient, would tak● all this pains to follow and 〈…〉 to this, if you were not a Son that ● entirely dote upon, though you hav● been so unkind as to go about (for ● know not what reason) unnaturally t● banish me your Company? Do you think (said she) that I that am Ancient as Time, I who saw the first Man in Paradise, and Obliged him to harken to my Advice, have not had long Experience of things, and consequently know what best will suit your Years? Come, come, (continued she) you must, you shall lay by these Doubts, these Scruples, and return with me to your kind Mistress: O, do but think with what Smiles she'll receive you, what new invented Pleasures, what Pastimes, with what Delights she'll please your Senses! nothing she'll think too much, no Expense nor Cost too great.  
Folly having uttered these Words with the most winning Eloquence ●nd smoothest Oratory, my former Thoughts began to vanish, or at lest my Resolution, to search out The Land of True Felicity, began to stagger; such Power and Force had this bewitching Charmer to darken my Understanding, so that now I ●egan to frame in my Mind nothing ●ut Worldly-Pleasures, Pastimes, ●nd Recreations, which taking the opportunity of such an unexpected Advantage, failed not to Unite themselves with my Desires, and Insinuate into a Familiarity more than ever with my Will and Affections, so that by overpowering my Reason, they soon gained the Fortress; and now wholly submitting myself to the Conduct of Folly, I run into Extravagance and Excess of Worldly-Delights, foolishly imagining to found therein something that I might call True Felicity; notwithstanding I had formerly 〈◊〉 the Opinion of him, who by Experience found them to be no other them Vanity and Vexation of Spirit; 
Eccles. 2.17.  and at that very Juncture, heard or fancied I heard a Voice sounding in my Ears, 
Col. 3.2.  viz. Set your Heart on things above, and not on things below: But now Folly prevailed to that Degree, that ● Esteemed nothing better than her● Council, and became so far Enamoured with her, that I not only Listened to all she said abroad, bu● Resolved to take her into my House, or Heart, that she might be always at Hand to Negotiate between me● and the World; for now my Sense● being altogether Stupefied, I hoped by her Assistance to procure what ever might contribute to my Felicity; but in the sequel found myself strangely mistaken, as all those must expect to do, who depending on Folly for Advice, put their trust in ●●d rely upon Richeses, Worldly-D●lights, Pleasures, Honours the Arm of Flesh, or overwhelm themselves in the depth of Sensuality. ● or as well may Men imagine to ●atch Fish by Angling in the Air, or ●ccessfully pursue their Game with ●ounds in the Ocean, as to expect True Felicity in those things wherein it is not, was not, nor ever will be; 
Mat. 7.16.  ●or who can expect Grapes on Thorns, or Figgs on Thistles? Who can expect ●hat those things which are Momentary and perishing in themselves, ●ould satisfy an Immortal-Soul, ●hould fill and satiate the Mind of Man, for whose Desi●es the Earth is ●uch too straight? Nor is there any ●ing lesle than the Centre of Eternal ●clicity, that is able to tender that satisfaction; nothing but the Abundance of God's House can satisfy, etc. 
Psal. 36.8.  ●or if we consider the World at best, 
Deut. 29.18.  ●t's Honey is mingled with Gall, Wine mingled with Wormwood, even its seeming Pleasures carry a Sting in themselves, and are frequently mingled with bitterness, as Hunger, Thirst, Heat and Cold, Weariness, Toit, Perplexity, Vexation, Anger, Hatred, Envy, Disdain, Distrust, Flattery, Deceit, Intemperance, and the like; who are Linked, as in a Chain, to their Contraries, although not easily discerned by those who● Folly blinds and deceives with a fal● Glass of Seeming-good. As t●● Wise Man says when she sits to ca● Passengers who go right on thei● way: Whose is Simple, let him turn 〈◊〉 hither; and as for him that wanter Understanding, she saith to him Stolen Waters are sweet, 
Prov. 9.15, 16, 17, 18.  and Brea● Eaten its Secret is pleasant; but 〈◊〉 knoweth not that the Dead are ther● and that her Guests are in the depth ● Hell; he is deluded by her Flatter● & foresees not the danger of running rashly on in the ways of Wickedness till he is too frequently passed Recovery, and must be Irreparably lo●● unless Wisdom (who is a Queen 〈◊〉 great Command and Power) Resc●● him, by opening his Eyes, and i●● lightning his Understanding by putting Holy Fear into his Heart, and Teaching him her ways; wherefore, Happy is the Man that findeth Wisdom, 
Prov. 3.13.  ●he Man that getteth Understanding. But leaving her a while, I shall proceed to tell what Progress (by the Advice and Direction of Folly) I undertaken, and what befell me on ●e way, etc. as it falls in order 〈◊〉 the Ensuing Chapters.   

CHAP. II. How the Wand'ring Prodigal being resolved to set forward to the Palace of Worldly Felicity, Folly (by the help of Evils will) provides him Clotheses, Ar●mor, Horse, and other Necessaries after a strange manner; his D●scription thereof, with an excellent Discourse of the Vcertainty of Man's Life; and in wha● manner he proceeded.  
Folly having Reconelled me to the World, and Indulged me with trifling and momentary pleasures, I found myself uneasy; fo● yet methought I had not met wit● what I desired; and being Ambitious of Novelty, and possessed with a● Itching mind, of seeing strang● Places and Things, Incited thereto by Reading and Considering the Travels and Adventures of many, wh● are styled Heroes, spurred on b● Pride and Vainglory, whom Folly had ●ately brought to my House, & made ●y Intimate Acquaintance, nothing ●ould serve my turn, but Imust set ●orward in like manner as others had ●one; but to what intent or purpose, ● could scarcely give myself any sa●iafaction; wherefore I resolved to insult Folly,; And to her, taking a convenient Opportunity, I opened 〈◊〉 Purpose, and began with weak arguments, to Enforce the little Rea●n I had for such an Undertaking: ●ut she Interrupting me, told me, ●hat without any more trouble, she highly approved of my Resolution, and that nothing could better please ●er, than that I had put it by such ●n Vndertakeing, into her Power to ●ive me a full Prospect of the Palace ●f Worldly Felicity, whose varioty 〈◊〉 the Buildings, Rare Devices, No●●● Entertainments, and Magnificent ●●ghts, with many other things of 〈◊〉 mean Romp and Grandeur: She ex●●ll'd me to the Skies; But above 〈◊〉 excelled me for my Wit and Judgement, Courage and Brave Resolution; ●ll by the help of Vainglory, She affed: me up so that degree, that I came wise in my own conceit. 
Prov. 26.12.  Nor (said she) shall you go unprovided or alone, but Referring the care of all to me, I shall so well furnish you, that nothing necessary for this Undertaking shall be wanting: And hereupon she made a further Vow, to accompany me in all my Undertake of this kind, giving me to understand that she had accompanied many in this Journey, and that to their no small satisfaction; for knowing all the Places, and being well known is many of them, She doubted not to procure me such entertainment as none that had been there before me had, or few who should come after were likely to found. These Promises of Folly being made with such earnest Expressions and Protestations, and with such an Innocent Look, I concluded myself a happy man that I had got so kind a Guide, especially such an one as was so well acquainted with the World, by whose means I was to found such High Entertainment: So that I leapt for Joy, and hugged myself in such security, that now ● doubted not to possess what ever my blinded desires could form: And though I took Evil for Good, Darkness for Light, 
Isa. 5.20.  and Falshhood for Truth; yet at that time I was so Obstinate, that I would not consult the saying of the Wise Man, (viz.) There is Counsel, and he that taketh good Advice, shall not repent him hereafter; altogether forgetting it is forbidden to take counsel of Fools, because such as is the counsellor, such must needs the Counsel be: Nor is it consistent with Reason, 
Prov. 16.22.  but that the Counsel of a Fool must be F●lly: For as well may a River Run backward, or Nature do her Work preposterously, as Wisdom and Folly cohabit together: for as Solomon says, 
Prov. 14.8.  The Wisdom of the Prudent is to understand his way, but the Folly of Fools is deceit: And again, 
Prov. 15.14.  The bea●t of him that hath understanding seeketh Knowledge, but the Mouth of a Fool feedeth 〈◊〉 Foolishness. And as nothing is better than Good Counsel, so nothing is more destructive than that which is Evil; for by that, Great and Flourishing Kingdoms are often brought to misery and desolation, Sacred things Polluted and Profaned, Cities Sacked and left in Flames, Laws subverted, and all manner of Villainy committed, all manner of V●ce exalted, and Virtue trodan under and oppressed. Yet at that time these things came not into my Head, for being Intent upon my Journey, I left all to the managements of Folly, who according to her Discretion, was wondrous busy in providing me Horse, Arm●, Armour, and other necessaries. Now it so happened that Folly had a Kinsman of hers called Evil will, who was an 〈◊〉, and upon occasion could furnish such Rash Travellers as myself, who were Recommended to him by Her, with all materials; this Man she made acquainted with my design, who not only seemed to approve it, but promised me whatever should be conceived necessary or convenient, contenting himself to take Folly for his Ray Mistress; and so giving myself not further trouble on that Occasion, I took my Leave till the next Morning, but could o●carcely sleep for thinking of my Journey; and when I did sleep, I Dreamed of nothing else; such deep Impressions had the words of Fllay made both in my Mind and Fancy. All Night long methought nothing but Pleasant Gardens, Stately Buildings, Beautiful Women, Hounds pursuing their Game, Hawks flying in the Air, Horse-Racing, Running-matches, Dices, Cards, Bowls, Banquets, Carousing, and the like, presenting themselves to my Eyes and Taste; and to my Ears, Charming Voices and Melodious Strains. In fine, All my Senses were delighted beyond degree such Power has Folly over the Imaginations of those she makes her Slaves, and lulls into a fond Security.  
Night being passed over in the Effects of a fantastic Fancy, not sooner began the Sun to shine in my Face, but Folly and Evil-Will (who was ever ready to take the advantage of doing an Evil Turn,) entered my Chamber laden with the Trumpery she had provided for my use: As a Shirt of Lasciviousness, a Doublet of Lewd Desires, Hose of Vain Pleasures, and a Cap of Pride and Vainglory, a Croslet of Inconstancy, and a Steel Coat of Ignoran●●, Can●lets of Idleness, and Vmbraces of tinency a Gorget of Luxury, and a Head piece of Lightness, a Bucklet of Arrogancy, and a Girdle of Intemperance, a Sword of Violence and Rebellion, and a Lance called hope of long Life; than a Horse being the only thing wanting, Folly called to Vanity her Principal Groom, to bring out the Horse called Timerity or Rashness; and having placed each thing in order, Folly gently raised me from my Bed of soft Delights, and Saluting me with an Amorot● Ki● with a Charming Tongue said in a Whispering Tone, See see, my Joy, your trusty Handmaid is returned to Crown your Wishes with all you can desire; therefore rise, my gentle dearest Love, my tender Happiness and chiefest Care, and accept the Present I make thee. At these words, shaking of Drousiness, I made her a return of thanks, and told her that I had not only now, but would likewise for the future, cast all my care upon her, and live supinele, since I had found her Diligence so great, and attended with so much Expedition, that I could not: choose but wonder how she had brought to pass so great an Undertaking in so short a time.  
To this, Folly smilingly replyeed, I am ever Industrious in serving those ●hat confided in me, and am restless till I accomplish whatever is in my Power; and thereupon she singled out what she had procured, that she ●ight the better put them on in Order; and first, my Shirt of Lasciviousness, which suddenly wrought a trange Alteration in me, for no soother was it over me, but I could not endure to be roughly handled, but coveted Delicacy and gaudy Attire, ●oft Couches and downy Repose, coveting and desiring nothing more ●hen unlawful Love and forbidden Enjoyments. Than she put on my Doublet of Loud Desires, which altogether pall'd my Fancy as to Sa●red things, and rendered me sitting or any base and unseemly Enterprise; and the better to tender me utterly insensible of any thing that was Virtuous, she put on my Mose of Vain Pleasure, and fastened them with Points of Vanity, which put me upon many Extravagances, too ●edious, or at lest, not convenient to be Recited: And now, lest ● should faint by the way, she called Ill-government my Cook, to prepare a Breakfast of what Earth Air, or Sea would afford; which b● her direction he contrived at so Lavish and Profuse a Rate, that the Epicurean Luxury was not to b● Compared there with; and whilst ● was Pampering myself to inflame or increase my youthful Blood, there● by to stir up lustful Desires and concupiscential Imaginations. Bolly stil● urging me to Eat and to Drink 〈◊〉 Excess, I had Leasure somewhat more seriously to ask her a few questions; my drift being, if possible, t● know her Original, and how she had managed her affairs from time to time: To which she was 10th to return an Answer as to particulars, but I urging her to give a brief Account, for indeed all her exploits might fill the Largest of Volumes, and tyre an Age of men to writ them, she said, She stood in doubt whether her first Exploit, from whence she Dated her being, was in Heavener on Earth: Whether in Prompting or Persuading the Aspiring Angels to Rebel, against their Creator, by which Da●ing and Unsuccessful Attempt, They lost the seat of Bliss and Happiness, and Changed the glorious realm's of Light for Seats of Woe, ●arkness and Despair; or on Man a Paradise, who by her Counsel disobeyed his Maker, defaced his ●age lively Impressed on him, un●ing himself and his Posterity; ●t of these she rather believed the ●mer, but however from Man's Fall ●e might be confident, and from ●at time (she said) she had been sel●●m Idle; but on the contrary, Active, Strong and Vigorous, never ●●ck nor fearing Death so long as Mankind lasts, for though Fools ●ie, yet she had by experience ●ound that whilst succeeding Gene●●tions supply the Vacancy, she ●●ould not want a Stock to live on, till Time was swallowed in Eternity  
She would have proceeded, but ● being desirous to be as Expeditious 〈◊〉 my Journey as it was possible, and not caring to loose any time, ●●treated her that I might hear the ●●st on our way to the Palace of Worldly Felicity; For, said I, b● such an Entertainment the way wi● seem much the shorter: she lik'● my motion, and quickly gave co● sent. And by this time Breakfa● being ended, I prepared to put o● my Armour; which swelled me wit● so much Pride and Folly, that ● forgot Heaven and Heavenly things and Atheist-like, Laughed at Immotality, ascribing all to Fate an● Chance; So that being Blinded an● Stupefied with Ignorance and Sel● conceit, I followed my own va● Inclinations, saying and doing wha● I pleased, or such things as seem'● good in mine own Eyes; forgetting That the way of Sinners is Paved wit● Stones, but at the end thereof is Hell● Darkness and Pains; 
Eccles. 2.10. Psal. 61.12.  and that Go● Rewardeth every Man according to h● Work. Nor what the Apostle say● Look what a Man Soweth, that sha● he also Reap; 
Cal. 6.7, 8,  he that Soweth to th● Flesh, shall of the Flesh Reap Corruption. etc. For these things were justle● out of my Head and Heart b● Darling-Lusts and Crouding-Iniqui●ties, that left no thought of any thing that was good; So wretche● 〈◊〉 the Man that gives himself up to ●e Ruled and Guided by Folly; so ●uch he Degenerates, that he is not ●●ting to bear the Name or Cogni●●nce of Man, but rather that of ●●uit, which in its kind surpasses ●●m: For all Creatures (Man Excepted) perform the End and Office for ●●ich they were Created, and ●●tinue in their pristine Estate of ●●tive Innocence, as not being ●●bled, by reason of their Irratio●●ty, to discern between Good and ●●il, and consequently are left ●●cusable; but, 
Psal. 49.20.  Man that knoweth, ●●d will not consider, is like the Beast ●●t perisheth, and far more unhappy ●●en he; For when the Beast dies, he ●●verts to Dust, and is no more; but 〈◊〉 for Man, 
Eccles. ●. 9.  God will bring him to ●●dgment.  
And now as I was saying, Folly beginning to put on my Armour, observed this Method: First she put on my Steel-Coat of Ignorance, and 〈◊〉 Croslet of Inconstancy, whereupon I became not only forgetful of ●●od things, but likewise variable ●●d inconstant as the Wind, continually Altering and Changing, not Caring or Regarding what I sai● or did; being altogether one 〈◊〉 them of whom St. Paul speaks, 
Rom. 1.21, 22.  vi● Because that when they knew God, th● Glorified him not as God, neither w●● they Thankful, but became Vain 〈◊〉 their Imagirtations, and their fool's Hearts were Darkened; profess●● themselves to be Wise, they because Fools. Than she put on my Umb●●ces of Arrogance, by which mea● I ●rew Cateless and Presumption undertaking to do and perfo● things that were too Mighty for 〈◊〉 which I neither understood, nor 〈◊〉 able to fulfil; yet I Proudly boast great Things, and lifted myself 〈◊〉 in Conceit above my Fellows. Th●● on went my Gorget of Glutton which prompted me to commit 〈◊〉 cleanness; for filled with Wine a●● sumptuous Fare above measure, t●● boiling Blood inflamed my Vei●● and prompted me to strange desire● For as the Poet has it, 
Ceres and Bacchus are to Venus' Friends,  
For charged with them, Mankind to Lewdness tends.   
Now so it came to pass, that over ●hese she stripped Presumption; the ●hich, though it swelled me to a monstrous Bulk, I could little or ●othing perceive, and being Wise in ●●y own Conceit, what others told ●●e, I was far from believing; though ●●me of them, and those none of the meanest, seeing I was not to be ●eclaim'd, dealt plainly with me, ●●d said to each other, 
Prov. 26.12.  viz. There 〈◊〉 more hopes of a Fool, than of him: ●nd the better to secure these, on ●ent my Girdle of Intemperance, ●hich made me Launch out beyond ●asure, by letting lose the Reins 〈◊〉 Letehery, and all other fleshly Lusts and Affections; and to this ●he fastened my Sword of Violence and ●bellion, so that putting my Confidence's therein, I spared not to Rebel ●●ainst Heaven and Earth, by transgressing the Laws of God and 〈◊〉, and Violating the sacred Vows of my Baptism, without Reluctancy or Regret; so that it might justly be said, whilst I lived, I was dead in Sins and Trespasses. 
Ephes. 2.1.  Than on my Head, she placed a Helmet of Wantonness, decked with the gaudy Plumes of a Roving and Restless Fancy, and an Evil Imagination, whereby I might Contemn or Brave my Superiors. Next to these came the Gauntlets of Idleness, which being on, I took Pride, and bega● to Glory in the sufficiency of my Richeses and other Abilities, especially in my Wisdom and Strength; whe● indeed I had neither; and rathe● than want something to Brag of, i● Boasted as a Glory, what was indeed ● my Shame, as my Drunkenness ● Debauchery, and other Vice's an● Infirmity, So apt is Man, whe● voided of Grace and True Wisdom's to abuse himself, when he thinks what he does, resounds to his Credit● And of such as these the Prophet Hosea speaks, 
Hos. 4.7.  when he says, I wil● turn their Glory into Shame. Than that I might not Blush at the Commission of any known Sin, she ca● about my Neck the Buckler of Impudence, so that I bogled at nothing, ●●ut set my Face like a Flint against ●●ose that Reproved me: And now ●●thing wanted, but my Horse ●●meritie, and my Lance, called, ●●e Hope of long Life, which were ●●ewise at Hand, little considering ●●e Danger of the one, and the ●●ncertainty of the other: As for 〈◊〉 latter, upon which all my Hopes ●●pended, if I had considered and ●●sulted Wisdom, I should have and by Comparison, That the World being as one continued ●●orm, Men rise up like Bubbles in ●●eir several Generations, descending à Jove Pluvio, from God and ●●e Dew of Heaven, from a Tear ●●d Drop of Man, from Nature and providence; and some of these in●●ntly sink into the Deluge of their ●●t Parents, and are obscured in a ●●et of Water, having no other business in the World, than to be Born, that they might be able to ●ie; others float up and down two 〈◊〉 three turns, and suddenly disappear, giving place to others; and ●●ey that Live longest upon the ●●ce of the Waters, are in Perpetual motion, and restless, till being crushed with a greater drop of a Cloud, they sink into flatness, and are not more visible to mortal Eyes: So is every Man born in Vanity and Sin; he comes up like a Mushroom, that in a Night thrusts its Head into the Air, and before the falling Sun it droops and dies; some of them without any other Interest in the Affairs of the World, than that they made their Parents a little glad, and very sorrowful; others ride longer in the Storm, it may be till seven years of Vanity be expired, & than the Sur● perad venture shines hot upon their Heads, and they fall into the shades below, into the coverture of Death, Darkness and the Grave, where they are laid up till the Resurrection a but if the Bubble stand a bigger Shock and escape Innumerable Danger that threaten it, than the young man dances Empty and Gay, shining like a Doves neck, or the Image of a Rainbow, which has no substance but only the representation of Colour's, and so dances out the gaiety o● his Youth, being all the while in ● Storm; and the reason why he endures, is because a ●greater drop falls not on him to crush him, or that he sink not under the pressure of a Load of Indigested Meat, or be quenched by a disorderly Surfeit, or by the effects of a prevalent Humour; wherefore to preserve a Man alive in the midst of so many and so various Hazards and Chances, is as great a Miracle as to Created him; ●o raise him out of Nothing, and to preserve him from falling into Nothing, are equal Issues of Almighty Power: And therefore the Sages of the World have contended for words most Properly or Emblematically signifying the shortness of Man's Life; Homer calls it a Leaf, the ●he smallest part of a weak and fading Plant; Pindar calls it the Dream of ● Shadow; and another, the Dream ●f the Shadow of Smoke: but to conclude, St. James, 
James 4.14.  Inspired by a more Excellent Spirit, says That our Life is but a Vapour. But these Considerations, as I said, were justled out of my Head, as indeed they are out of the Heads of too many in the World, ●ho put far away the Evil Day; 
Amo● 6.3  Wherhfore mounting my Horse Temerity, and taking my Lance in my hand, Folly likewise mounted in an Airey Garb (which much exposed her to the Wind, and seemed to most that beheld it lighter than Vanity) upon a Jennet called Simplicity; and Evil-will trudged it on foot, as our Attendant, and so we set forward at a venture.   

CHAP. III. How on the way to the Palace of Worldly Felicity, Folly entertained him with a Discourse of many of her Exploits in the World, etc.  
YOu cannot but Imagine that being Accoutered and Accompanied as I was, that, I thought myself ●●mething, when I was Nothing; 
Gal. 6.3  and ●●gan to cast great things in my thoughts, being no lesle Possessed with Pride and Haughtiness of mind, than Nebuchadnezar, when he boasted of ●s Magnificent Structure, saying, 
Dan. 30.  Is 〈◊〉 this great Babel, which I have Built 〈◊〉 the House of the Kingdom, and for the Honour of my Majesty? Nor indeed did I altogether desist from framing Castles in the Air, Folly had so besotted my Reason and blinded my Understanding.  
By this time the Road being som●● at Winding, we had lost sight 〈◊〉 my House, and I calling to mind the Promise of Folly, renewed my re-request, Entreating her that she would proceed to give me a further account of her managing Affairs, to rehearse what People she had Governed, how they were Ruled, Conducted, and Counceled: To which she made the followign Reply.  
My Exploits (said she) are so many, and Managements so great, that neither my Memory nor my Tongue can contain nor tender an Account thereof; but of such as do Occur, I shall give a brief Account. You have heard how Angels and Man Embraced my Counsel, though they came of Losers, by being unsuccessful in their Attempts, as what could they lesle expect in undertaking matters of so high and mysterious a quality and consequence? I counselled Cain, Adam's first born, 
〈◊〉 4.4, 5, 8, 11.  when he saw his Sacrifice (which he offered up without Faith) unsuccessful, to Remove his Brother Abel, (who found Acceptance) out of the way by Murdering him; for which he entailed God's Wrath and Displeasure upon himself and his Posterity. I caused the Ancient Giants t● fill the Earth with Violence, 
Gen 6.11.  and t● corrupt their ways before their Maker, which Incensed him to sand a Deluge, and destroy all but Eight Persons; 〈◊〉 Lulled them likewise into a security while the Ark was Building, that so ●●ey might make no Provision for their ●●fety. I Counselled Ham the Son of ●●oah the Patriarch, after the dreadful Inundation, 
Gen. 9 22, 25,  to despise his Father's nakedness, whereby he Incurred a ●urse upon himself and his Posterity. Counselled the Children of the East, ●●der the Mighty Nimrod, 
Gen. 11.  to build 〈◊〉 Ridiculous Tower upon the Plains of ●hinar, for which Vainglorious Attempt to get themselves a Name, their language was Confounded, and they ●●atered to the Ends of the Earth; ●nd being so scattered, I taught them to ●●rget their Maker, 
Rom. 1.25.  and Worship the Creature instead of the Creator I Counselled the People of Sodom to commit ●●natural Folly, 
Gen. 19  for which themselves and their City were Consumed with Fire. I Counselled Lot's Wife to disobey in Looking Back, for which she was turned into a Pillar of Salt; 
Gen. 19.26, 33, 35  and I 〈◊〉 was that caused his Daughters to make him Drunk and Commit Incest ●ith him. 
Gen. 39 7.  I Counselled Joseph's Mi●ress to Attempt his Chastity. I Counselled Pharaoh to Oppress the Children of Israel in the Land of Goshen, 
Exo. 1.11, 16.  an● vainly attempt to hinder their Increase by destroying their Male Children; an● overcome by my Persuasion, notwithstanding the many Judgements th●● might have deterred him fre● striving against Heaven, he rash● pursued them into the Read Sea, 
Exod. 14.27.28,  where he and all the Memphian Cavalry we● over whelmed by the Returning Wav● I Counselled the Israelites to murm● against their Superior, and to da●● about the Calf in Horeb, 
Exod. 32.6, 27, 28.  for whic● many of them fell by the Sword, Earth● quake and Pestilence. 
Numb. 22.6, 12.  I Cause● Balack to sand for Balaam to curse th● Israelites, when on the contrary he was forced to Bless them. I Caused Acha● to conceal the Wedg, 
Josh. 7.20 21.25.  etc. for which 〈◊〉 lost his Life. I Caused Sisera to seck fo● safety in the Tent of Jael, 
Judg. 4.18 19, 20, 21.  wher● he lost his Life. I caused Holofernis to drown himself in Wine and Lustful Thoughts, 
1 Sam. 2.12.  whilst he gave Judith a● opportunity to take ●is Head. I Counselled Ely 's Sons to commit those Wickednesses and Abominations, for which Incensing God's Displeasure against them, 
2 Sam. 4.11,  they fell in Battle. I Counselled ●●e Philistians to sand for Samson, 〈◊〉 order to make them Pastime, when ●●eaning on the Pillars of the House, 〈◊〉 pulled it about their Ears, 
Judg. 16.25, 30.  and ●●ew more of his Enemies at his Death ●●en he had done in his Life-time. 
1 Sam. 15.9.  I claused Saul to spare Agag and his ●●ocks, for which disobedience the kingdom of Israel was Rend from him 〈◊〉 his Posterity. By my Advice he 〈◊〉 to Inquire of the Estate of his Affairs at the Oracle of Hell, 
1 Sam. 28 7.  and the 〈◊〉 Day fell on his Sword at Gil●●a. I Counselled David to commit F●lly with Uriah 's Wife, 
2 Sam. 11 3, 4 & 15 13. & 13.14.  for which he was Obliged to fly before his Son Absalon. I Counselled Amnon to defile Thamar his Sister, for which he Lost 〈◊〉 Life. I caused Jeroboam to set up Calves in Dan and Bethel. 
1 Kins. 12.18, 29.  I caused Haman to procure a Decree for the Destruction of the Jews, 
Esth. 3.12 13.  which fell upon himself and his House. I Caused Ahab to covet Naboth 's Vineyard and Jesabel to 'cause its Possessor to be Slain, 
1 Kings 21  for which she and her Posterity were Rooted out. 
Jonah. 1.3.  I Caused Jonah to disobey his Maker, by foolishly attempting to fly from him who is every where, for which he suffered a three Days Imprisonment in the Whale's Belly. I caused the Servants of Darius' 〈◊〉 procure Daniel 's being cast into the Den of Lions, 
Dan. 6.7.  which turned to theirs their Wives and Childrens Destruction. I counselled the two Elders to attempt the Chastity of Susanna, and ●●terwards accuse her of Adultery, wh●● turned to their own Disgrace and Ru●ine. 
Mat. 14.7.  I caused Herod to make that ra●● Vow, by the means of which John t●● Baptist lost his Head. 
Mat. 26.47.  I counsell●● Judas to betray his Master, and th●● to Hung himself. 
Acts 5.1, 2, 3.  I caused Ananias a●● Saphira to Belie themselves, for whi●● they lost their Lives.  
Folly having proceeded thus fa● in declaring her Tragical Adventures, I was so terrified with the Thought● of them, that I found myself Obliged to entreat her that she wou●● Desist; for I had enough of this kin●● of Discourse to Created in me 〈◊〉 Dislke of her further Conduct, lea● she should show me some such slipe● Trick, as she had done to others● yet much a do had I to Perswad● her to give over; for when he● Hand was in, she would have ru● over Ten-thousand other Stories● mentioned as well in Civil as Sacred History; in which it seems, she was a Party or Counsellor. But omitting them, as I said, at my entreaty, 〈◊〉 began to question her how far it 〈◊〉 as to the Palace of Worldly-Felicity, ●hither we were going; and also, that I might not be altogether a ●●ranger when I came thither, that 〈◊〉 would give me a further Description of it, than yet I had heard from any Hand; which she promised to 〈◊〉: But just as she was about to ●●gin, we came to a place where the way parted.   

CHAP. IU. How, standing Doubtful at t●● parting of two Ways, which 〈◊〉 take, Voluptuousness Cou●● selled him to take the Bro●● Left-hand-Way, etc.  
WHether of the two Ways 〈◊〉 take at the first Sight, 〈◊〉 found Folly, by her pausing was a●● loss, and that which made her mo●● carefully consider (if Folly may ev●● be said to do so) was because th●● the Sun grew Low, and drew neart●● its Setting: Now whilst she wa●● Musing (which was not long) I ha●● opportunity to Discover that t●● Right-hand-Way was exceedi●● Narrow, enclosed with Threatening Rocks and Precipices; as also full 〈◊〉 Mountains, which hanging over, 〈◊〉 a manner met each other, so that a Noonday they cast a sullen Shade besides, it was mostly overgrow with Thorns and full of Clumper that made it seem Unpleasant to ●●ravelers, especially such as took ●●olly for their Guide. When on ●●he other Hand, the Way was Broad, ●●een and Smooth, Bordered on ●●her side with pleasant Rivers and ●●reading Trees, that cast a fragrant ●●nell, Enamelled with Flowers of ●●vers kinds; and this Way Folly ●●on Pitched upon: Nor was my Horse lesle Resolute (which appeared by his Flouncing and Floundering when I attempted Rein him in) than she, to Carry me that way; nay, indeed my Inclinations were not Uncomplyant; yet Remembering what Stories my Guide had told me, I was not altogether without some doubt, that I might meet with ●●oughs, Quagmires, Snares, or something of the like nature; and the rather, because I fancied at the same time I heard a Voice, saying, 
Mat. 7.13, 14.  Enter ye in at the strait Gate, for wide is the Gate and broad is the Way, that leadeth to Destruction, and many there ●● that go in thereat; but strait is the Gate, and narrow is the Way that ●●●deth unto Life, and few there be 〈◊〉 found it. This made me a little startle, and the more because I foun● something Checking me within, as I attempted to go forward towards th● green way, and suggested the Da●ger on this manner, 
Heb. 12.25.  viz. See that y● Refuse not him that Speaketh; for if th● escaped not who Refused him who Spo● on Earth, how much more shalt n● thou escape, if thou turnest from hi● that Speaketh in Heaven: Thou a● the Man that hast Refused his Counsel and wouldst have none of his Advice thou art Running from the Ways 〈◊〉 Peace, 
Prov. 1.24, 25.  even almost to the hazard of thy Eternal Welfare.  
This notwithstanding, Folly, w●● began to deride my Fears, and pr●● mice me a Thousand Felicities whipped on my Horse (who was 〈◊〉 himself too free) began a little 〈◊〉 cool my Courage, and make 〈◊〉 more apprehensive of Danger; an● the rather (which was a great wonder) because I at that time perceiv'● no body upon the Road, though th● prints of Innumerable Footsteps appeared, especially of such as ha●gon forward, yet but a small number in Comparison of those that ha● returned. But so it happened, tha● whilst Folly and I were in some De●●te about the matter, I espied at a ●stance two Ladies coming towards ●●e place of Parley; which did not a ●●tle Rejoice me, for I thought now ●●ight inquire something, that one ●●y or other might turn to my Ad●●●tage; but my Eye was most upon 〈◊〉 that came down the broad Way, a●d that for two Reasons: First because she was Nearest: And Secondly because she was exceeding Gay, being Clothed in Purple and Scarlet, ●●broyder'd with Gold, and studded over with Pearls & Gems of inestimable Value; her Locks, that waved in careless Ringlets in the Wind, dang●●●● upon her rising Breasts, which ●●●m'd two Hills of driven Snow; her Hands seemed Wax cast in the choicest Mould, and to her Lineaments of Body, for Neatness & Shape, nothing that I had seen might be in my Eyes Comparable; her Brows bent Arch-wise, like a Bow; her Forehead, on which the Curling Amber flowed, seemed Alabaster, and her Eyes two Sears or Orient Diamonds; her Nose was comely, bending by degrees from its Foundation, or its Rise; and in her Cheeks the Roses and Lilies strove for Mastery; her Lips, that blushed with Rubies, enclosed Transparent Pearls; and her smooth Chin seemed polished Ivory; the Horse she Rid on, I must confess was Dark, yet of the largest Size, and trapped with Silver, proudly Neighing, and seeming by his proud and lofty Bounds to scorn the Ground that Bore him: This Sight I beheld with some Delight, and for a time wondered what it meant, especially that so great a Personage should come without Attendance; but long my wonder lasted not, before I was convinced she came to meet me, and congratulate my Arrival; having (as I afterwards understood by Folly) changed her Name, the better to deceive me, from Worldly-Pleasures, who was my former Mistress, to that of the Lady Voluptuousness, by some called Excess of Pleasure, Riot, Dalliance, and a hundred other Names; but I had scarce leisure to make any further Observations, before she Accosted me in this manner, her Eyes sparkling Love and Lascivious Desires:  
O my Louly Youth (said she) how happy am I made this Day, that I have found you thus Attired, thus bend, and thus resolved; the Sight's so pleasing, nothing could have pleased me more; I heard indeed of your approach by your Servant Evil-Will, who ran before to bring me tidings: Therefore came I forth to meet thee, and diligently to seek thy Face, 
Pro. 15, 16, 17, 18 19, 20.  and I have found thee; I have decked my Bed with Tapestry, with carved Work, with fine Linen of Egypt; I have Perfumed my Bed with Myrrh, Aloes and Cinnamon: Come, let us take our fill of Love till the Morning, let us Solace ourselves with Loves; for the Good Man is not at home, he is gone a long Journey, he hath taken a bag of Money with him and will come home at the day appointed. Upon this, pausing a while with an amorous Leer and winning Gesture, casting an Eye with half a Face, the better to ensnare my Affections, after she had whispered with Folly, she thus proceeded: I perceive (said she) by your Attendant Folly, my Dear and Affectionate Kinswoman, that you are in doubt of your way; Alas how could you in the Gaiety of all your Youth and Blooming Glory, harbour such a Scruple, when so great a disproportion is evident. Think you, or at lest can ● enter into your Imagination, that you craggy Path, encompassed with threatening Dangers on every side, into which whomsoever enters, must be sure to meet with Wearyness, Toil, Watch, Fast, Mortifications, and found it (beside what appears at a distance) hung with Sighs, and overflowed with Tears, Echoing Groans from every Rock, and strewed with Hands, Eyes and Feet, which Pilgrims by reason of the Thorny Way, have been obliged to leave behind them; besides, he that enters there, must leave behind him that which he most esteems, the dearest, nearest, and greatest Solace of Life, that is, 
Mat. 11.25. Mark 8.35. Luke 8.24.  Father, Mother, Wife, Children, Brethrens, Sisters, Yea, and what is dearest of al● to him, his own Life; and all this to take up a Cross. Consider again, and think by the Pleasantness of this Left-hand-way, by the Gaiety and Gaudiness that already offers, what the rest may be; have not you heard of Soft Repose, Pastimes, Recreations, Tuneful Voices, & Melodious Sounds, with Charming Ladies, whose acquaint devices to please their Lovers, Created ●ach hour a Thousand Transports, ●●sides the other Recreations that intervene, in Reciting which, my Tongue ●ould falter, and your Patience tyre. ●ut let it suffice that I am come to be ●our Guide and Governess, and leaving 〈◊〉 Folly and Me the Conduct and Disposal of your Affairs, you shall not ●nly instantly arrive at the Palace of Worldly Felicity, but there be entertained beyond your Wish: And with that, She caught me, and kissed me with ●n Impudent Face. But overcome with the Dread of the one, and the Allurements of the other, I knew not at that time that she had cast down many Wounded, 
Prov. 7.26.27.  nor that many strong Men have been slain by her, neither that hers is the way to Hell, going down to the Chambers of Death.   

CHAP V How Wisdom with many Persuasions Entreated him to enter at the Straight Gate; and how by the Counsel of Folly, he Refused her Advice, etc.  
SO it happened, that before I had time to reply, or she to proceed, the other Lady came up, in whose Countenance Wisdom and Virtue were lively Portrayed; Modesty, Chastity, Sobriety, and Gravity sat on her Face; her Garb was Comely and Neat, though Plain; notwithstanding which, it seems she is the King's Daughter, 
Psal. 45.  and is all Glorious within, for in that her Beauty consists; At her approach, the other gave somewhat back, as being dashed with the presence of so noble a Lady; when with a Look that darted sweetness and cordial Love, 
Num. 22.23.  she thus began:  
Because (said she) thy ways are Perverse before me, therefore came I out to withstand thee: Knowest thou continued she) wretched Man, to whom ●ou hast hearkened? What Siren it is that Attempts to Charm thee into security ●ith her deluding Voice? Knowest thou ●●at her Footsteps tend to Hell, 
Prov 7.27.  that ●er ways (how pleasant soever they ●ay seem) Led to Death and De●ruction? Consider how thou hast already Rebelled against the King of Heaven, thy Lord and Maker, dallied ●ith, him, and even Provoked his patience and long Suffering: how has ●e born with thee, and with an Eye of observation beheld thy youthful Follies ●●d Vanities? How often have I (in his Name) wooed thee that thou wouldst turn away from Iniquity? How ●ften won'd I have turned thine Eyes ●rom beholding Vanity, and yet thou ●as● pursued thine own vain Imagination's, and hatest to be Reform, blindly Rushing on like a Horse upon a charged Spear; 
Prov 22. & 23 Ver.  going like an Ox to the ●laughter, or a Fool to the correction of the Stocks; as a Bird hasteth ●o the Snare, and knoweth not that ● is for his Life. Consider than, at ●ast in this thy Day, 
Luk. 13.24.  before it be too ●ate, and enter in at the strait ●ate; for I say unto you Many shall strive to enter in, and shall not 〈◊〉 able: for those that attempt it without my assistance, will found it altogether Impossible, What is it you can ask, 〈◊〉 this flatterer Promise, that I am 〈◊〉 able to give? She indeed may Prom● fair, but all her Gifts and seems Pleasures are but gilded Baits, thi● Lighter than Vanity, and prove b● terness in the End: 
Sam 2.26.  What if the w● I would lead you seem at first hard a● difficult? It will (when you are p● that difficulty) seem Pleasant and Ea● And than consider the Reward that t● King, whose Kingdom is not of th● World, will give you, 
Johu 18.36.  viz. a Crow● of Life, an Exceeding weight 〈◊〉 Glory, 
Rev. 2.20 2 Cor 4.17.  etc. Consider again, that I a● the Daughter of the King, who cond●scend to Invite you to prepare a Wedding Garment, that you may come to t●● Marriage Supper; and can you deny 〈◊〉 If you doubt that I am able to ma● those that take my Counsel truly happ● Consider what the Wisest of Men 〈◊〉 Testified of me, 
Prov 3.13 14 15 16 17 18.  viz. Happy is 〈◊〉 man that findeth Wisdom, and 〈◊〉 man that getteth Understanding for the Merchandise of it, is bett●● than the Merchandise of Silver, a●● ●he gain thereof than sine Gold: she ● more precious than Rubies, and ●●l the things thou canst desire are ●ot to be compared unto her: Length ●f days is in her Right Hand, and ● her Jest hand Richeses and Ho●our: her Ways are Ways of Plea●ntness, and all her Paths are Peace; ●e is the way of Life to them that ●y holy upon her, and happy is very one that retaineth her. If this ● true, what can you more expect? That greater Felicity can you desire? And yet you see I bear not this Testimony of myself.  
At this discourse I could not but ●and amazed; but when I considered ●e difficulty of the way she inten●ed to lead me, and that it was a ●ath frequented but by a few, I fell ●to a trembling fit, through ●e disorders of human Frailty; ●nd being a little Recovered, I took ●eart, and told her what the other ●ady had said concerning it.  
I cannot deny (said she) but the way ●ard and difficult, especially at the 〈…〉 out; but than consider ●in, the Reward will abundantly compence the Labour: What Husbandman can expect to Reap Corn● where he has not sowed it? Or who i● so mad to Imagine he can have Perfec Felicity, and come to the Possession 〈◊〉 those things which are laid up for th● Righteous, things That the Eye hat● not seen, 
1 Cor 2.9.  the Ear heard, neither hath it entered into the Heart ● Man to conceive them, without ● Sow in this Life his Field of a goo● Conscience, with Virtue, good Deed● Faith, Hope, Charity, Prudence Patience, and all other Virtue's a●● Graces? The Harvest of which is on●● Expected, or aught to be Expected i● the other Life. For though the Husbandman sometimes fails of the fruit of his Labour, yet those that sow in th● Spirit, 
●al. 6.8.  shall of the Spirit reap Eve● lasting Life: 
Rev 14.13.  Those that Die in th● Lord shall Rest from their Labour and their Works shall follow them.  
The Lady having said thus muc● none of which I was able to deny ● contradict, I began to give serion attention; which the lady Volupt● ousness perceiving, and fearing ● loose me, whispered to Folly w● thereupon began to beckon me o● but being desirous to know forth ●hat the Lady I discoursed with ●as (though I could give a shrewd ●uess at her Name) I addressed my ●lf in this wise, Madam (said I) if without offence I may speak, let me ●ntreat you to tell me your Name. To ●hich, without any hesitation, she ●ply'd:  
I am one (said she) greatly in fa●ur with the Highest, much acquain●d with Saints, all in all with Angels, ●nd highest in Esteem with all Good ●en; without me nothing is done in ●eaven, nor without me can any thing ●e well done on Earth; and in either kingdom I am known by the name of ●isdom, Virtue, true Felicity, and ●warder of those that harken ● me and obey my Counsel, 
Prov. 2.13.  to ●alk in the ways of Truth and ●prightness; I stop the mouths of ●lse Prophets, and false Teachers, ●overn Kingdoms and Families in the ●storder; I am a Companion to the ●vers of Learning and True Piety, 〈◊〉 a Husband to chaste Wives, Wid●●s, and Virgins: I reward my ●●ends in Prosperity with Holiness, ●●d in Adversity with Sound Coun●● and Advice; Ministering unto them Food, Lodging, , Patience, Strength, and all other convenient Necessaries; and enable them t●● bear their Afflictions: and no lesle m●● you expect, if in time you contracts true Friendship with me, and th● thought, thou walkest through t●● Valley of the Shadow of Death, 
Psal. 23.4.  tho●● needest not fear any Evil, for I wi●● be with thee.  
This Familiarity emboldened me●● inquire into the Estate and manne● of those she termed her Friends, 〈◊〉 such as had contracted a strict Friendship with her; Whereupon, My Friend's (said she) are such as when they ar● Afflicted, Pray; when Merry, 〈◊〉 Psalms, 
Jam. 5.13.  Hymns, and Spiritual So●●● and rather choose to Fast, 〈◊〉 giv● themselves up to Excess: They consider the night is far spent, and the Day● Retribution is at hand, therefore the● walk honestly as in the Day, not 〈◊〉 Rioting and Drunkenness; not 〈◊〉 Chambering, 
Rom. 13.12.13.  and wantonness, but p●● on the Lord Jesus, not caring for th● Flesh to fulfil the Lusts thereof: Fai● counsels them, Charity inflameth the● Justice and Uprightness is their Rule● whereby they square their Actions These are they that cheerfully submit themselves to every Ordinance of Man for God's sake; 
1. Pet. 2.13  These are they that Reverence and Obey those that are set over them in Power and Authority, not for wrath, 
Rom. 13.5.  but for Conscience sake, and Live in perfect Charity with all Men; and to these, though Sorrow may last for a Night, 
Hebr. 12.14.  yet Joy undoubtedly comes in the Morning; 
Psalm. 30.5.  though their Bodies set in the shades of Death, yet their Fames shall Live for the example of others, and their Souls shall ever remain Immortal like unto the Estate of Angels, 
Hebr. 12.23.  and are known in Heaven by the name ●● the Spirits of just Men made ●●rfect.  
These Excellent Discourses and Admonitions succeeding each other, began to make an impression upon my mind, to that degree, that now my fears of the way began (like the shade or thin mist of twilight) to fade and vanish, and I was almost come to a Resolution to follow the advice of this Excellent lady, whatever Difficulties or Dangers might threaten or oppose me; Which Voluptuousness (who all this while had narrowly marked my Speech and Gesture,) perceiving by the alteration of my Countenance, and fearing I would go over to her she termed her mortal Enemy, commanded Folly to use her utmost Diligence to prevent it.   

CHAP VI. How at the Persuasion of Folly, he took the Broad way Leading to the Palace of Worldly Felicity, Rejecting the Counsel of Lady Wisdom, and how she threatened him at parting, and what else happened.  
FOlly having Received her Charge from Dame Voluptuousness, or Worldly Pleasure, for (as I said) by both these and many other names she went, as Opportunity and Business required; she came up to me, and pulling me by my Coat of Ignorance, desired to speak a few words with me; to which, in my Simplicity, I consented, though Wisdom strictly forbade it; and having the freedom of my Ear, she so far Insinuated (but in an Evil hour) into my wavering Affections, that I was contented to put it to her Arbitrament which of these I should follow; which Road, or whose advice I should take; who not a little glad to have gained so much upon me, thus began:  
I am Right Joyful, my Lovely Youth, (said she) that you submit yourself in this case to my Counsel; therefore I will assuredly advice you to what I think is most convenient for your advantage; you have heard what these Ladies have offered, how on either side they have Wooed and Courted you: Now for my part, I am for Ease, Pleasure, and a short way to Felicity, in which this Lady (pointing to Voluptuousness) in my Judgement can best conduct you; nay you may take it on my word, who am very well acquainted with her, and no doubt, you will found such delights as must needs be suitable to your Youthful Years, such Recreations as will leave you no place for Repentance: As for the other Lady, who calls herself Wisdom, Virtue, and I know not what, (for in truth I am little acquainted with her) you may perceive by her discourse, she intends nothing else, if you follow her, but to lead you a tedious Pilgrimage all your Life Long, through rough and uneasy ways, and often in stead of a Pleasant Inn, that should be well furnished with wherewithal to Recreate and Refresh you, ●e will Lodge you in a House of Mourning, where your Drink will be Tears, ●our Food Sobs, and your Musick ●ighs and Groans: and though she ●omises you fair now, yet when she has ●t you far from Home, amongst Rocks, ●ountains, Wildernesses, and Craggy ●ays, If you never so little displease ●er by Complaining or Drawing●ack, she will leave you desolate and forlorn, voided of help, or comfort, there 〈◊〉 become a Prey to Savages, or the Wild Beasts of the Forests; and if it ●o hap you escape these, yet to live Desolate, and wander in the Region of Uncertain Hope, which borders upon the gloomy Land of Despair: Wherhfore I advice you to consider, and not suffer her to train you into these Dangers, but rather to take the offer ●f this Lady my Friend and Acquaintance; for the performance of whose Promise, I will become Surety, and bear the blame if she fail in aught. Or ●f the Entertainment please you not, where's the danger, I pray you, when being so near your own House, you may return at Leisure, without being Obliged to scale shattered Mountains, Rock● and Precipices? Than give this Lady your hand, and stand not longer doubtful.  
Now whilst I stood amazed an● confounded in myself, Folly put m● hand into that of the Lady Voluptuousness, who drawing me forward whilst Folly pushed behind, force● me in a manner into the broad way● which my Horse Temerity perceiving, fell a Running at such a Rate● that I could not stay him; though indeed I did not much strive to d● it, so great a Power had Folly over me.  
The Lady Wisdom, otherwise Virtue, observing what had passed, observing that her wholesome Counsels and Advice were Slighted, and Rejected and that I had Plunge● myself headlong into the ways of Ruin and Destruction, she changed her Lovely Countenance into Terror, and with a contracted Frown, 
Prov. 24, 25, 26, 27, 28.29.  Sounded these Dreadful Words in my Ears, viz. Because I have called, and you Refused; I have Stretched ou● wy Hand, and no man Regarded; but ye have set at naught all my Counsel, and would have none of my Reproof; I I will mock when your Fear cometh; when your Fear cometh as Desolation, and your Destruction cometh as a Whirlwind; when Distress and Anguish cometh upon you; than you shall call upon me, but I will not Answer; you shall seck me early, but shall not found me; for that ye hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord. And thereupon she estranged herself, and vanished from my Sight.  
O that these Words had Sunk into my Heart!  
That Sacred Zeal had sent his Flaming Dart.  
To Fire my Soul! That so I might have viewed  
What Life I shunned, what Death I than Pursued   

CHAP VII. How in the company of Folly and Voluptuousness he Rid to the Palace of Worldly Felicity, and in what manner h● was Received and Entertained; with some Observations thereon, etc.  
HAving (as I said) lost the sight of Lady Wisdom, and passed a considerable part of the Broad way, cheered by Folly and Voluptuousness, the one with Counsel and by the other with kind and pleasing words, I began to forget what had passed at the parting of the way, and found myself like those whom Fables report to have been Enchanted; nothing seeming more delightful than my Company, and nothing pleasanter than their Discourse. Now as the Sun gave half its Light to us, and half to the Antipodes (that is, just as it was setting) Voluptuousness gave me a Prospect of the Palace of Worldly Felicity, which at a distance seemed very Stately and Magnificent, ●nd● on that Prospect I feasted my Eyes, till Evil-will (who had been ●ent before to give notice of our coming) met us, who with a low Reverence, though with an Envious and Ill-favoured Look, told us that Divers Ladies of the Palace were in a Readiness to Receive us, which message he had not sooner performed, but he fell in our Rear, making Mouths and wry Faces, for Joy that he had been Instrumental in my setting forward to a place where he well knew, that without the Assistance of God's Grace, I was sure to be Lost.  
We had not sooner turned the Corner, or the winding of the way that bear's directly upon the Palace, but I perceived the Ladies, who had placed themselves at the entrance of the Palace● whose Names were Embroidered upon their Vestments, which were exceeding rich; nor did they themselves seem lesle Beautiful at a distance; and foremost of these, I discovered Lust, Prodigality, Lasciviousness, Wantonness, Ambition, Pride, of the Heart, Gallantry, Bravery, Drunkenness, Luxury, with many others; all of them seeming very Joyful at my Approach, and read● advanced in their order to welcome me, and do me Service, all of them, as soon as Folly had discovered m● Face by taking of my Helmet, saluted me with the kindest and winning Endearments Imaginable, each in a Soft and Amorous Tone, crynig Welcome, my Love, my Life, my Joy; welcome to the Palace and Repose of Worldly Felicity; striving all they could to exceed in Courtesy, and every one wishing to have most of my Company, and enjoy me oftenest: than sped forward Ambition and Prodigality, and taking me by the Hands, led me on (as in State) whilst Bravery went before to make the way. As for Lasciviousness and the rest, they fell in order to the best advantage: Folly who for that time served as a Herald, every where Proclaiming my arrival; 
Luke 15, 13.  So that we entered the gate as in Triumph: which put me in mind of the Prodigal's Son going from his Father's House into a far Country; but at that time Puffed up with Presumption and Vainglory, I looked not to the Latter End of his Progress, nor what befell him when all his Substance failed him, though (as by the sequel you will found) being in the End driven to the like Distress, I bethought myself what advantages I had lost in pursuing Vanity, and by the good motions of the Spirit, came to a Resolution of Returning to my Father's House. But of that hereafter.  
The Gates we entered were exceeding large, and the Palace as big in proportion; affording as much plenty as can be Imagined under the Sun, which did not a little increase my wonder: whereupon Voluptuousness whispered me in the Ear, saying It could be not lesle, seeing she kept open House for all Comers & Goers all the Year long, at any Time or Hour, either Day or Night, And when I had well viewed the outward Court, which was paved with Marble and Alabaster, and enclosed with Cloisters, over which were Chambers of E●oney and Cedar, supported with Pillars of Ivory and Trestles of Gold, Enamelled with precious Stones (for so they seemed to me at that time, so much Folly had blinded me; But afterwards I understood they were mere delusions, the work of Enchantment) having viewed these, I say, I was led into a spacious Hall, which to me seemed the fairest that ever I beheld; for though by this time it was Night in that part of the Palace at which I entered, for it had many Gates, but this the Chief, yet for the number of Light ● that were continually burning, Darkness was put to flight, unless in the secret places of Retirement; 
John 13.19,  for there they choose Darkness rather than Light; and the Reason, as I since understand, was because their Deeds were Evil. Here I beheld all the Tables spread with every Variety; Odoriferous Spices, Balms and Gums, perfuming the Air; Music of all Instruments Melodiously Sounding, Charming Voices and Charming Ladies, with the Joviallest Crew, methought, that ever I had seen; and now I thought myself in Paradise, nor did I Repent the advice I had taken, nor of the paths I trod.  
Having in this place made many Observations too tedious to be Re●ted, Lust came with her Attendants and disarmed me; after which, ●ith a tender Embrace, she sweetly ●issed me, and told me, That that Night I should take my Repose in her Arms, on a Bed of Down Perfumed with fragrant Spices, and de●k't with fine ●innen of Egypt, Cannopyed with Gold, ●nd studded over with Gems. When ●aving by this means heightened my Fancy, she ordered Bravery, or rather Pride, (who had attended me at my setting out, but left me at the cross Way, and got thither before me) to give me such things to put on as he ●aw convenient, to prevent my ●atching Cold; whereupon he ●rought me a Crimson Gown lined with costly Furs, Embroidered with Gold, and Precious Stones, and pla●ed on my Head a Cap of Peacok's Feathers, telling me that being thus Invested, I must not only despise, contemn and trample on, as much as in me lay, my Inferiors and Equals, but lift myself in Lofty imagination's above my Superiors; making such Instructions as I should from Time to Time receive from a waiting Gentlewoman, called the Pride of Life, my Rule.  
Being thus Habited, over my closer Habiliments, Lady Voluptuouness came, and taking me by th● Hand, placed me in a stately Chai● at the upper end of a Table, purposely spread for my Accommodate on, and furnished beyond wha● Luxury herself could form, eve● in Imagination; who than sat e● my Lefthand, whilst Drunkenness took place on the Right, and sh● herself sat opposite to me, that sh● might have a better prospect of my Physiognomy, commanding her Servitures to load me with the mo● delicate Dainties, and ply me with the choicest Wine, whilst innumerable Voices (but from whence the● proceeded I knew not) invaded m● Ear; and amongst the rest, I distinctly heard the following Lines.  

SONG.  
Now welcome, welcome, welcome, Gallants all,  
Into the World's large and delicio● Hall:  
Here worldly Pleasures do in height abound,  
Here, here, what Worldings seek, is to be found;  
Here without fear or further care, each Guest,  
May both securely and supinely rest;  
Or drown in Pleasures, Pleasures of all kind,  
Such as they love, such as they wish to found:  
Both Young and Old may here with Joys be Crowned,  
And in Excess of Pleasures may abound;  
The Miser or the Prodigal may meet  
Equal Allurements, that make haste to greet  
Their kind Pursuers, and with Eager Arms,  
Bewitch their Reason, like Circean Charms.   
This and many more were Echoed by Tuneful Voices; and indeed, our Service and Attendance was very sumptuous, our Meats were well ordered, our Cooks wondered handy and neat in the performance of their part, our Butlers bountiful even to lavishness, our Waiters vigilant and dexterous in giving their attendance, our Music excellent, and Singers melodious: In fine, every Officer strove to exceed in delicacy and expedition: There was Feeding, Drinking, pleasant Parlying Discourse of Love and Business, Contrivances, Policies and Machinations, the Affairs of Kingdoms, and Provinces; Drunk or half Drunk, was held a goodly Game; Ribaldry was our Recreation, and as for Knavery of all kinds, it was not wantting, as occasion served to prove its Force and Dexterity.  
Supper being ended, Lady Wantonness came to me, and with an● amorous Tone and wanton Glance, required me to Dance, as she had done many besides me; and after that Lust, who had before as good as bargained for my Company, used many Arguments to convince me, that it was not convenient to lie alone, when I might have a soft and tempting Bedfellow; but being weary with the many vain Recreations I had pursued in the Palace; but especially by reason of my Journey, 〈◊〉 was not behindhand in using as ●●any Argument, to Excuse it for ●●at Night; as being not only de●●ous to take my Rest, but also to ●●use a little on what had befallen ●●e since my setting out from my ●wn House; wherefore Requiring ● go to Bed, Lady Lasciviousness ●ad me to my Chamber, which was ●●rnish'd in the best manner, with whatever I could wish: As Tape●ries, Embroideries, fine Linen, scarlet, Velvets, Purples, Silver, ●old, Spices and Perfumes, and what ●se might serve to heighten my Fan●● and created new Wonder. Being ● Bed, Voluptuousness came in, and ●aving sweetly Kissed me, bid me ●rewel till the Morning, in these ●ords, 
Sleep, sleep, my Love, and give Digestion way;  
That when the early Lark calls on the day,  
Arising from Repose, you may renew  
Those Sweets you tasted, and fresh Joys pursue.   
Being left to myself, I coul● scarcely Sleep for thinking of wha● was passed; and when I chanced to● Slumber, nothing but Dreams an● strange Imaginations filled my Hea● insomuch, that I now began to wi● for the Morning.   

CHAP. VIII. ●f his further Entertainment and Progress in the Palace of Worldly-Felicity; and how amongst other things, he had a Prospect of the Tempter in his Deluding shape, and at Night was Entertained by Lust, etc.  
WHen Aurora had Unfolded her Purple Gates, and gave ●●e Firey Horses of the Sun free scope to mount the Eastern Skies, ●iving me a more perfect sight of ●●e places Magnificence; Lasciviousness entered my Chamber in a ●ose and wanton Dress, her Breasts ●aked, and her Hair slowing on her shoulders; and having bidden me ● good-morrow, she Invited me to Rise; whereto, without any Reply, ● willingly prepared myself, as being desirous to see more of the Palace, and have more of the Jovial Company I found in it; So being up, she lead me into a withdrawing Room, where for Privateness sak● Luxury and Ebriety had prepared m● a costly Breakfast; and there● whilst I was Feeding and Carousi● at a Lavish rate, Voluptuousness a● Lust, with some other of their Attendants, Entered; who sweetly fluting me, rendered me their Goo● morrow, and bid me pursue n● Riot: The which, whilst I was d●ing, methought I heard a dreads Sound behind me, 
Isa. 5.11.  of, Woe unto the● saith the Lord, that Rise up Earl● that they may follow Strong Drink, & ● This made me start, and sudden turn about to see from whence ● proceeded; but Ambition, w●● stood at my Elbow at that very l● stant, clapping on my Head t● Cap of Curiosity, it filled it with ● many Proclamations, that th● thoughts of what I had heard, either altogether vanished, or lost 〈◊〉 much of their impression, that the● were but little regarded; and no● nothing but the desire of seein● strange things, and variety of wh●● the place afforded, could at a● please me; whereupon Voluptuoness Reading my Mind through my Looks and Gesture, promised me whatever of that kind was in her power; and so leading me into her Wardrobe, cast over me a Mantle of Gold, Embroidered with Gems, and seeded with Pearls, and gave me in my Hand a Staff, which was called by her, The Staff of Trust and Confidence, which I found to be no other than a broken Reed: And when I had been pleased a while with beholding all the Pomp and Gallantrey, she told me, That seeing I had Resigned myself to her Care and Conduct, she would show me what, but few of those that dwelled in the Palace of Worldly Felicity, though they had many of them desired it, had the opportunity of beholding, till they had ●ass'd through a gloomy Postern long and dark commonly called Sepultum, ●r the Grave, which leads into the ●ast Region of Eternity. Upon this ● thanked her for the Favour, before I understood what it was she intended or meant thereby; and so without delay, she introduced me into the largest Chamber that ever I had beheld, and there she gave me a prospect of one sitting (though at a great distance) in a Chair of Gold and Ivory, very pompously Attended by many Legions, all appearing very bright and shining. Now whom this should be, I was much at a stand, but being directed by my Guide to make my Reverence, ● rashly did so; and having taken ● view of his seeming Pomp and Magnificence, I concluded it to be the Richest in the World; and being a little Retired, I took the boldness to inquire who he was, and received for an Answer, That he was the Prince of the Air and of Darkness, and Governor of those that gave themselves up (as I had done) to follow the Direction of such as were the Managers of his Affairs, who were both h● Servants and Children; and what ever had been said of him by some, he could when he pleased Transform himself into an Angel of Light; and though he indeed, (since he lost that Place,) had nothing to do in Heaven, yet that his Rule in the Children of Disobedience was great on Earth. This methought was a kind of wild discourse; but being where I was, I conceived it at that time convenient to hold my Tongue, lest I might be in some more than ordinary danger, though I wished myself further of, for I took him to be no other than the Old Serpent, the Roaring Lion, and the Accuser of the Brethrens, the Read Dragon, and the Father of Lies and all manner of Wickedness. But whilst I was thus thoughtful, there came Trudging after us a little down-looked Fellow, who it seems had the Keys of the Treasury of the Palace of Worldly Felicity, and withal, ordered to Reward me with what he saw convenient; or as Dame Fortune, a light and incon●ant Lass, who came Tripping be●e him, in a Garment of Sleazy purple, should direct; and these soon outstripping us, opened a narrow Door with a Golden Key, over the which was Written, THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL: Yet into this place, that was very dark, Voluptuousness conducted me; here I took ● prospect of all manner of Trea●tres; as Gold, Silver, Pearls, Diamonds, Emeralds, Saphires, Jaspers, ●erryll, Topaz, T●●queis, and every precious stone; and with theses Fortune, after she had given me ● flattering Kiss, commanded Mamm● (for so by this time I understood ● that kept it was called) to furni● me, that I might not be wanting t● spend it upon my Lusts: When having laden myself with as much as thought at that time convenient, 〈◊〉 was all on a fire to advance further and thereupon I was conducted 〈◊〉 the Chamber of Pomp, furnished o● and neatly hung round with all manner of gaudy Apparel, for either Se● of woollen, Stuffs, Silks, Linne● Rich Embroideries, and what else 〈◊〉 that kind can enter into the Imag● nation of Man; and here I had lea● to furnish myself with what seem most precious in my Eyes, so th● rejecting what I had forme● esteemed, I made myself Gay b● yond expression; which sudden a● reration infected me with a Distemper dalled the pride of the Heart, an● the Pride of Life; and no soon● was I furnished in this place, 〈◊〉 Lasciviousness, with whom I ha● been formerly acquainted, ca● from her Apartment to meet me, a●usher me thither; where at my Arrival, I found Paints, Perfumes, Ribbons, and a hundred idle Toys and impertinent Fancies, which in my simplicity she Intruded on me, to tender me effeminate, and unwilling at any time to forsake the Palace: Being thus furnished, we turned down a large Entry, where at the mouth of a large Vault, Drunkenness stood ready to receive me, for every one in this case was ordered to their particular Stations, to give me the greater variety in my Visiting the Palace of Worldly-Felicity: In this place, guarded by Dame Drunkenness, I found store of all manner of delicious Wines and other Liquors. But things, by reason of some unruly Visitants, were all in confusion, every thing in a manner turned Topsy-turvy; and this proceeded (she said) from the Unruliness of those that had continued till Night, 
Isa. 5.11.  till Wine had Inflamed them, etc. And here having largely quaffed many vain and ridiculous Healths, till I had almost lost not only that of my Body, but likewise that of my Soul, I Reeled into the Apartment of Luxury, and vainly became one of the number of those that made their Belly their God, 
Phil. 3.19.  giving myself up to Riot and Gluttony to that Excess, that I became in a manner nothing lesle than a Bruit, by indulging my Appetite to a degree of forgetting any thing beyond endeavouring to satisfy it, which in the end heightended me to a desire of Unlawful Love, and fired me with concupiscential Imaginations; which my Guide perceiving, lead me into the Chamber or Apartment of Venus, which was crowded with Gay and Wanton Beauties, who spared no Allurements or Charms to Entice me to Folly, but spread to the Air their Gaudy Plumes, Tuned their Siren's Voices, Rolled their Sparkling Eyes, gave me the Amorous Leer, with half a Face, and a tempting Smile, whilst Cupid had spread his Nets in their Golden Tresses, that dangled on their snowy Breasts, to captivated my Eyes; nor thought he that enough, unless he made my Heart a Slave to Lust, who advanc'● in the Front of this Amorous Train, and with a Thousand pretended Endearments conquered my Affections, prove at that time to be subdued; and this was she whom Fables termed a Goddess, by the Name of Venus, and to whom besotted Mankind paid Devotion, by Erecting Temples and Altars to a base Adultress; nor lesle they Fabled her Son, and gave him power to Wound fond Lovers hearts, blindly shooting at a venture, Painted him Naked, with Wings, and screened his Eyes from the Light; all which Hieroglyphically may signify not more, Than by his Nakedness his want of shame, which ever accompanies Lewd Lovers; By his blindness, no doubt his Folly is descyphered, and his rashly shooting at a venture, whereby he knows not who he hits, or where his Arrow flies: And again, his Bow and Arrows signify the Indiscretion of those that make themselves his Butt, by wilfully thrusting themselves in his way; his Wings, the wavering of the Minds and inconstancy of Lovers; for what thing is more variable, light, or inconstant, than a Lawless Lover? With this sight I was at that time mightily taken, and more especially with the Amorous Discourse of her who governed this place; and the day being now far spent, and I in a manner tired with Variety and Excess, was content to rest me there for that Night; whereupon breaking my mind to Voluptuousness and Folly, who all that while had Attended me, they highly approved of what I had Determined; and so promising to return the next Morning, in order to show me the rest of the Palace, the former departed; but the latter stayed to Attend on me as my Handmaid, and after many Burning Glances and Lascivious Kisses, Lust lead me into the Closet of Wantonness, and there dallied with me on the Bed of Uncleanness, insomuch, that she ●●pt me Waking till the Day appeared; and than according to her promise, Lady Voluptuousness returned; when Knocking at the Door, she was presently let in by Folly, who (as I said) had continued with me.   

CHAP IX. He discourses of other Recreations in the Palace, and how he was carried by Voluptuousness and Folly to visit the seven Towers, and describes the Wonders he saw there, withother things, as also a Prospect of its Situation, etc.  
VOluptuousness having at this time tempted me from the Arms of Lust, Led me to a fair Banqueting House in the midst of a Spacious Garden, wonderfully wrought and encompassed with Roses, Honeysuckles, and Jesamine, twining in Amorous Ringlets; whilst Flora, who was Mistress of that Place, with all her Sweets Perfumed the Air, and the Notes of the winged Choristers warbeled from their swelling Throats a grateful Anthem to the smiling Spring: here I found not only store of Jovial and Sprightful Companions, Revelling in the height of Merriment; but also Tables spread by the care of Voluptuousness, with all manner of Dainties; and here again we Laughed, Fed, Caroused, and told merry Tales in abundance; forgetting the Woe that is pronounced against those that here laugh in Sin and Security, 
Luke, 6.26.  which Woe is because that shall Mourn hereafter. But having by this time my fill of this sort of Recreation; for indeed, the Pleasures of Sin, though they are but for a Season, 
Heb. 11.25.  are even tiresome in the Fruition: I called to mind the Promise of Voluptuousness, which was to give me a sight of the rest of the Palace; and thereupon whispering her in the Ear, she consented to withdraw, and so we left the Company in the midst of their Revels, and height of Excess, and having passed through Galleries and Chambers, and taken a Superficial Prospect of things tending to Vice and Lewdness, we came to a large Court surrounded with seven Towers, in which. dwelled as Commander in Chief, Pride, Envy, Wrath, Gluttony, Lechery Covetousness, and Sloth; and with these my Conductress would needs have me acquainted; against which (notwithstanding Folly was in our Company) I made some objection, aledging that some of them, in the circumstances I was in, were not fit for my Conversation; but however, she wrought upon me to give each of them a visit in their order; and of these she Reckoned Pride (with whom I was familiarly acquainted) to be the first: for indeed, if rightly considered, he is the original Source and Fountain of many notorious Sins; nay by his very means so many mischiefs have befallen Mankind, that it is impossible to number them; nor is there any Sin more hateful in the Sight of God, for this Sin had the Power to Translate or Metamorphose Angels of Light into Devils, and cast them from Bliss into Misery; for that God who giveth Grace to the Humble and Meek, ever resisteth the Proud and Haughty Minded. 
jam. 4.6.   
Entering this Tower, I beheld Arrogance and Presumption, who stood to inquire the Business of those that that came to visit their Master, who with exalted Looks withstood us, till such time as they were better informed; but soon being given to understand I was a Favourite, we gained Admittance, and there beheld Pride upon an exalted Seat, swelling like a Rising Tide, and by him stood (though with no lesle Lofty Deportment) Disobedience, Vainglory, Ambition, Contempt, Scorn, and Haught●less of Mind, with many more of the same Breed; I expected indeed he would have descended to Congratulate my Arrival; but contrariwise he only took notice of me with a Nod; for it seems he was so stiff that he could not (or would not) leave his Seat: yet whilst I marked him well, he Infused a strange Infection into my Breast, that now I began more and more to despise thos● whom I aught to have Honoured and Reverenced; though I saw engraven in black Capitals over the Gate of his Tower or Apartment, THE ORIGINAL OF SIN, AND CHIEF FAVOURITE OF THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS: for by the means of this Monster, who branches out into so many Mischiefs, is his Kingdom enlarged; nor was there any thing that the Prince of Peace (our blessed Lord and Saviour) more inveighed against, and by the Example both of his Life and Doctrine more Reproved; and that we might eat Pride, 
Mat. 11.29.  in following his steps, he has left us this encouragement, Learn (says he) of me, sor I am Meek and Humble, and ye shall found Rest for your Souls. For as Humility pleaseth God more than all other Virtues; (as being the original of all Virtues) so is Pride displeasing to him above other Sins, (as being the Original of all Sin) and is in its self (if rightly Considered) the height of Folly. For thus: If we are proud of our Bodies, Let us Consider how subject they are to Infirmities and Corruption, even to a Loathing; If of our Strength, many Beasts of the field are in that our Superiors; If in Beauty we put our Confidence, it is fading as the flower of the Field; nor did Solomon, in all his Glory, Exceed a short lived Lily of the Valley: If in Learning, 
Mat 6.29  that teaches us Humility; and to be Proud of it, implies the greatest Ignorance in the World: If of Richeses, let us consider how much they are Inferior in that kind to a Golden Mine, or Rock of Diamonds, or any such like perishable things: And he that is proud of his Birth, is proud of the Blessings of others, and not of himself; and as for the Souls of Men, they Immediately proceed from one and the same Fountain of Life and Blessedness, Equal in their Original, and given by Him who as (I said) is a hater of Pride and Lover of Humility, and disposed of at his pleasure.  
Pride to Contempt and Folly chains us fast, 
Yet in its self is but an Airy blast;  
Though mischiefs numberless it does Created,  
And is the Sin that marks a Reprobate.   
Having made my Observation in this place as much as I thought convenient, I proceeded to the next, where Envy had her abode; who though she is a Spawn of the first, yet to appearance (especially outwardly) she seems not so; for as the other feeds himself with Flattery and Vain Imaginations, Contempt and Scorn, etc. So this, with Ill-will, Spite, Revenge, & sometimes with Despair, by which she becomes Lean and Ill-favoured, especially at the prosperity of good Men, still vexing and tormenting herself to a degree of Madness, and is termed the very FIREBRAND OF HELL; and so is her Motto; for as Love and Charity are Badges of Salvation, so are Envy and Hatred of the contrary; and consequently promote his Kingdom, who is their Author, by destroying those Souls they have power to Poison and Overcome: For as an Envious Man grudges at another's Prosperity and good Name, so he delights in his Infamy and Loss, ever Vexing and Tormenting himself, to promote mischief in the World; and that perhaps to no manner of purpose, more than to gratify a causeless Anger or Revenge, which redounds not to his own Advantage, but to his that sets him on work, and furnishes him with Infernal Venom to bring it about; nor can he created to himself any Pleasure thereby, because Envy becomes ever the Tormenter of those with whom she abides, and still finds him out new Objects to Repined at; and is a Disease hard to be Cured, because it's Seat is altogether in the Heart: And indeed, sh● looked so ghastly, that for my part I little affected her Company, an● therefore left her Snarling by h● self, and proceeded to the next though indeed whilst I stayed in th● Palace of Worldly Felicity, I was no● altogether Untainted with her V● nom.  
For Envy's poison's by Contagi● caught,  
Infecting not the Body, but th● Thought:  
The Mind's the wretched Seat wher● Envy dwells,  
And still is forming there a Th● sand Hells;  
Whilst her Possesser does in Tormen live,  
And pines away to see his Neighbour Thrive.  
In the next Apartment, wh● should I meet with but Wrath? whos● Face was like the Face of a Lion continually Belching and Breathing Threaten and Indignation; and by him stood Revenge, Rashness, and Implacableness, and round about him ●ung the Stories of Murders, unnatural Attempts, and bloody Enterprises; and over his Head Engraven, THE VERY MURDERER OF HOLY LOVE; Nor can it be otherwise, for as Holy Love prepares the Mind for Heavenly things, so Wrath prepares it for the contrary, and sets it on Fire of Hell, banishing Reason, and exposing the Possessor to innumerable Dangers and Hazards, rendering him the Emblem of a Raging Sea, 
Isa. 57.20.  that casteth up nothing but Dirt and Mire; and as there is nothing on Earth comes so near to the Divine Goodness, as to be in perfect Love and Charity with all Men; so on the contrary, nothing Resembles more the Author of all Wickedness (who is termed a Roaring Lion, 
1 Pet. 5.8  going up and down to seek whom he may Devour) than a Man that gives up himself to Wrath and Implacableness; for if Love be the fulfilling of the Law, 
Rom. 13.10.  than Wrath must be the breach of it. If God be Love, as doubtless he is, 
1 John 4.16.  than all things opposite to it, are opposite to himself; and indeed it is that which the Devil troubleth and disturbeth the Minds of Men withal that they may not be at leisure t● perceive the Snares he lays for their Destruction, and causes them to run as it were, blindly on, into man● Evils.  
Wrath is a flame that puts out Reason's Eyes,  
For why, the Wrathful Man ca● ne'er be Wise;  
Because he loses of himself the sway,  
And headlong follows, as it leads the way;  
Considers not, what danger he pursues,  
What by't to get, or what he's like to loose:  
But Drunk with Fury, madly presses on,  
Till by his Rashness he's too often undone.  
Next to these, Voluptuosness Informed me, was the Apartment of Covetousness, who having been hitherto a stranger to me, I was the more desirous to see him; nor that I ●o much cared for his Conversation, ●ut for Novelties sake; for this Niggardly Fellow (it seems) is ever a ●reat Enemy to the Lade Voluptuousness: But however, not to break ●er promise with me, by giving ●imperfect Prospect, she was con●ented I should give him a Visit; but ●s for herself, she said she would ●ay at the Door till I returned; and ●o leaving Wrath in a raging Fit, up●n what accounted I know not, nor am ● yet informed, Folly and I entered ●his place, and there beheld the old Minos turning all things in a manner ●nto Gold, yet starving for want of ●ood; Adoring and Worshipping the Mammon of Vnrightcousness, 
Rom. 1.25.  and ●rusting in Perishable things, Worshipping the Creature instead of the Creator; in setting his Heart upon his Richeses, and placing his Strength in ● broken Staff, upon which whom ●oever leaneth, it will utterly deceive him; for he flatters his wretched Soul like the Worldling in the Gospel, viz. And he thought with himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no Room to bestow my Fruits? And he said, This I ●ill do, I will pull down my Barns and build greater, and there will I bestow my Goods; and I will say to my Soul, Soul, thou hast much Goods laid up for many years, take thine Ease, Eat, Drink and be Merry: And what insued● A dreadful Disappointment, 
Luke 12.17, 18, 19  viz. But God said unto him, Thou Fool this Night shall thy Soul be Requiredo● thee, Than whose shall the things b● which thou hast provided? And in the following Verse, 
Luke 12.20.  So is he that layet● up Treasure for himself, and is no● Rich towards God. That is, th● Man who sets his Heart upon Richeses, and sets them up as an Idol in his Heart. And indeed this is Satan's Masterpiece, in Chaining the Affections of an immortal Soul● (that should be content with nothings lesle than God himself) to a Lump o● Earth, to things that in themselves are here deficient, and hereafter altogether unavailable. It was a notable saying of St. Bernard's Brother, a Youth not exceeding Ten Years when his brethrens Resolving to enter into a Monastic Life, told him at parting, That they left him all their Worldly Goods and Possessions: Aye but, says the Youth, 
In Vit. St. Bernard.  This is very unequally dealt, that you should take Heaven ●or yourselves, and leave me only Earth, But the Covetous Man is of another ●ind, for he will not Relinquish Earth for Heaven, as is evident in ●he 18th of St. Luke; the Rich Man ●ade great boasts of his Righteousness, but when our Blessed Saviour ●ame to offer him Eternal Life in Exchange for the distribution of his temporal Possessions to the Poor, ●e would not comply, but went away ●ery sorrowful; and the Reason was, 
Luke 18.23.  because he was very Rich; that is, he ●ad great Possessions on Earth, but ●las no Treasure in Heaven; which is ●he only thing that can tender a Man ●ruly Rich both here and hereafter; Rich here, by having a good Conscience, which is a continual Feast; ●nd hereafter, by finding that Trea●ure Incorruptible and Permanent, when all other things shall make themselves Wings and fly away: 
Prov 23.5.  And indeed, the Covetous Man may be said ●o be Miserable both here and hereafter; for in this World he meets ●ith Weariness, Watch, Travel, and Disturbances, ever Eating the Bread of Carefulness; and in the next, Loss and Pain; for the Rust of his Richeses, which Cankers his Sou● and makes him stop his Ears to the Cries of the Poor and Needy, and with a crushing Hand oppress the Widow and Fatherless, will rise u● against him in the day of his Rebuke and make him hung down his Hea● in Shame and Confusion of Face.  
For he that hugs the Earth fast till h● Dies,  
And Money dares more than h● Maker Prize.  
Must ne'er exect to mount abov● the Skies;  
Or if he do, but to Receive th●● Doom,  
Of Angry Justice, in Reserve ●● come.  
By this time Voluptuousness fearing I might be Infected with the winter Breath of this Miser, began to beckon me of, who being of my sel● little desirous of his Conversation 〈◊〉 the Garb and seeming Grandeur I was in, soon hearkened to her Allurements, and made an orderly Retreat, promising to give him a serious visit when Time had Silvered my Locks, ●nd led me into the December of my Days; yet I left him not without Company, for I perceived Usury, Extortion, Perjury, Fraud, Oppression, Sacrilege, and many of the same ●rood, peeping from behind the Curtain, and so I bid him adieu.  
When proceeding from his Apartment, I went to that of Luxury, by the advice of Voluptuousness, my conductress; and the reason was, ●or that after all these visits, I was not a little desirous of her Company, expecting perhaps more at that time ●hen I found; for indeed there I had only the figure of what I had had ●he Practic or Experience before, or ●t lest a Repetition, and so I passed ●t over, Referring the Reader to a ●erious consideration of my former rioting; only this by the way, 
Du●. 32.15.  that ●ike Jeshurun, in my Excess, I waxed ●at, and kicked against the Author ●nd Donor of Temporal and Eternal Felicity; which after a deep discovery and true sense of my failings, ● hearty desire all Good Christians not only to Contemplate, but evert● avoid: for this, though many hold ● of little moment, and put it of wit● divers familiar names, is the inlet t● many notorious Vices, and has su● dry Daughters; the chief of whic● are greediness, Voracity, Excess, Sapidity, foolish Mirth, Libidinous Conversation, etc. And indeed Glutton and Drunkenness, are equally d● structive to Body and Soul, killin more in this World than the Swo● or Pestilence, by inflaming t● Blood, and Creating Evil Humour whose Attendants are Diseases a● Death; causing likewise, in such excess, the Will and Affections to mutiny and rebel against the Nobl● Faculties of the Soul, leading bo● the Reason and Judgement i● Captivity, or confining them und● the restraint of Stupidity, till su● time as they have Executed the Evil Purposes.  
For when the Flesh grown stro● usurps they Sway,  
Depraved Man too fond does 〈◊〉  
And rashly makes a Pilet of 〈◊〉 Will,  
Who Shipwrecks Conscience on the Rocks of Ill,  
Stifles sound Judgement, and does Reason Kill.  
Thus leaving this place, I proceeded to the next, which was that of mathery, or the Apartment of Lust, ●ith whom (as you have heard) I ●ad been very conversant, yet I spa●ed not in this general view or observation to give her a visit; and found ●er accompanied with Fornication, Adultery, Incest, Rape, and other Pe●ilent Companions; nor is she the ●east of those many baits which the Tempter lays to catch Souls, nor lesle ●ilded over, than any of the rest; 
Prov. 5.3.  or Solomon says, The Lips of a ●range Woman drop as an Honey comb, ●nd her mouth is Smother than Oil; 
Vers. 15,  ●et consider the Deadly Bain, But ●er End is bitter as Wormwood, ●●arp as a Two Edged Sword; her ●ee● go down to Death, and her steps ●ake hold on Hell: and than again, 
Vers. 6.  ●he better to deceive the Ignorant, ●ash, or Unadvised, Jest thou should●st ponder the Path of Life, her ways ●●e movable that thou canst not know them. And indeed, he who give himself up to this Vice, runs man● hazards, especially three; and tho● are, The weakening his Body, t●● loss of Health, and the loss of 〈◊〉 Soul, without a sincere and time Repentance: And what may be a dead to these, even his good Na●● which aught to be valued above Earthly things.  
For he who makes a Harlot his ● light,  
Whose treacherous Smiles to 〈◊〉 do invite,  
Ensnares himself, and Hugs a 〈◊〉 Bane,  
By which a Thousand Thousand h●● been slain;  
Lodging a deadly Viper in 〈◊〉 Breast,  
Who wounds his Fame, his Heal●● his Peace and Rest.  
And now growing weary of th● Prospect, and inclining to a fit● Drousiness, Voluptuousness out ● pure Kindness to my Infirmity ● Frailty (as she said) which is a gre● wonder to be expected from one● her quality, told me that Sloth dwelled in the next Tower, and that if I pleased to pay him a Visit, he would Entertain me with a Nap, or so forth: Of this I was not a little glad, though I thought to myself this Tower could not choose but be well Guarded and Maintained by such a Champion; for as Solomon has it, 
Prov. 19.15.  Sloathfulness casteth into a deep Sleep, and an Idle Soul shall suffer Hunger.  
Entering this place, Laziness presently seized upon me, and I became dull and heavy to any thing that was good, for this is both a Disease of the Body and Mind; for there is a sloathfulness of Heart, and a neglect, if not a hatred of Spiritual things, whereby Indifferency and Negligence in Sacred things arise, and hinder a demonstration of our Love and Zeal towards God, either in good Words or Deeds, though both of them are requisite and necessary to Salvation: For, (as it is in the 16th Verse of the foregoing Chapter) He that keepeth the Commandment, keepeth his own Soul; but he that despises ●his Ways, shall dye. Nor will in this matter a Lukewarmness Excuse, but rather Aggravate the Offence and Breach of the Commandments, as the Churches of Asia sadly Experienced, by having their Candlesticks removed; that is, the Light of the Gospel and the Operation of the Divine assistance of the Spirit ● Truth; by which means at this day they remain over-shaddowed with Atheism, Mahumatisme, and Spiritual Darkness; The five foolish Virgins we see by their Sloathfulness in not providing Oil were, barred from entering into the Bride-Chamber, 
Mat. 25.9, ●0, 11. 12.  an● left to bewail their Folly in endless Woe; 
Mat. 22.11, 12, 13.  and he who through neglect came unprepared of a Wedding Garment, was bound Hand and Feet, and cast into utter Darkness ● wherefore, to prevent the like da●ger, we are commanded to be up and doing, to Work out our Salvation with Fear and Trembling; to Work whilst it is Day, lest the Night come, wherein no Man can Work: Nor did our Blessed Saviour, 
Phil. 2.12. John 9.4.  that miracle of Meekness and tender Compassion, spare to reprimand his Disciples for their Drousiness, commanding, us to Watch and Pray, lest we enter into ●mptation. Nor was this Sloath ●osted by himself, 
Mat. 26.41.  but had many de●ending on him, as Lukewarmness, ●rousiness, Carlesness, Neglect, De●y, Cowardice, Doubting, Mistrust, ●eaviness of Heart, unconstancy, murmuring, Impatience, and many ●●re; amongst which (Fool that I ●as) I vainly sorted myself; and ●hen I should have Run with Cheerfulness the Race that was set before me, ● put my Hand in my Bosom, and wried with Solomon's Sluggard, 
Prov. 10.24.  Yet a ● little more Sleep, yet a little more ●lumber; and when I was urged by ●he good motions of the Holy Spirit ●proceed in my Duty, I pretended ●●ere was a Lion in the way.  
So Sluggards do, who ●ere supinly Live,  
Drowned in Sloth, neglecting still to strive  
To win the Prize, that at the Races end,  
Does for the Active Zealous Christian stand;  
Forgetting in this Warfare there's Renown,  
They Sleep, and let another stea● their Crown.  
And indeed, being in this place overpowered with Drousiness, I 〈◊〉 the end (in spite of Resistance) fe● Asleep, and so continued with Sloa● till the next Morning.   

CHAP X. He is Entertained in a spacious Banqueting-House, and declares what Entertainment he met with there; as also what further Promise Voluptuousness made him, etc.  
MOrning being come, after many tumblings and toss, many stretchings and yawnings, I reared myself on my Elbow, and began to consider where I was; but long I had not,  Folly (who still was my Attendant) presented herself, and made me as sensible as she was capable; telling me moreover, that she had orders to give me a prospect of the Situation of the Palace of Worldly Felicity; till such time as Voluptuousness, who had retired herself for a while, found opportunity to return: And thereupon taking me by the hand, she led me to●an exceeding high Pinnacle, or at least-ways my Sluggishness made me imagine it so; and from thence ● beheld it pleasantly situate on Rising Hills, Flowery Valleys, and Spreading Plains, (for it was exceeding large) furnished with all the stores of Nature, whilst Rivers, Lakes and Ponds, refreshed and fe● the thirsty Earth, and those stor● with Fish and Fowl of every kind● proper to that Element, as the Land● was with Beasts and Birds suitable to● it; no Parks nor pleasant Woodsy were wanting, nor Gardens and● Orchards, furnished with Fruits a● Flowers of pleasant scent, nor any thing that might serve for Food and Recreation; for Nature in that part had been prodigal, and with a giving hand strewed Bounties to serve such as should resort to this Palace; for great indeed was the resort, as I well perceived by the many tracks and beaten ways, access not being denied Day nor Night; nor considering the Revels and Feasting there kept, could it be expected a lesle supply should serve.  
When I had gazed and beheld things beyond my Memory to repeat, I began to think how the Glory and Fashion of this World passeth away; and how all that I beheld was fading and perishing, 
1 Cor. 731  things of no duration; and that here we have no tarrying City, but aught to look for one above: That though we may rejoice 
Heb. 13●14.  here for a season, yet if we rightly consider, we are but Pilgrims and strangers. These Imaginations, I say, upon serious consideration got into my Head; but upon the approach of Voluptuousness, were soon expelled, by reason she brought not only a banquet of the richest Fare, but divers Revelers to divert me from my melancholy and pensive thoughts, so easily is man (in a state of Sin) Induced to stifle the good motions of the Spirit, operating on and in the faculties of the Soul. So laying aside what I had well begun, after our repast was ended I enquired of my Conductress if any Curiosities remained yet to be seen? To which she replied, There were many; but that in the first place, for my better recreation, she had prepared Masks; Balls, and other such matters. And conducting me into the Hall where I had supped, I found all things provided for my entertainment, and performed in the most modish and dexterous manner, the particulars whereof being too tedious, I submit them to the imagination of the Reader; yet thus much by the way, let him understand, That neither Music, Dances, variety of Apparel, Sprightly Ladies, and Jovial Youths, were wanting; nor indeed any thing sitting to furnish out such undertake: but being tired out with close Recreations, I requested of Lady Voluptuousness, that she would show me some pastimes at large, that I might have opportunity to refresh myself in taking the Air; which she promised me the ensuing morning, and so I retired to take my Repose; for yet I felt the powerful effects of Sloth, with the Pestilential contagion of others that I had visited. And this was the third Night since my arrival, that at the importunity of Drowsiness, (a little Page that Sloth had sent to attend me) I had the opportunity of lying alone.  
So powerful were the snares of Beauty's Charms,  
That until Sloth had forced me from their Arms,  
I counted it a Bliss too great to tell;  
When I was on the way to Death and Hell.   

CHAP XI. A description of his fearful Dream, and how thereupon he became pensive; his excellent Reflections on the Estate of a Sinful and Voluptuous Life; yet continues his former Course, etc.  
BEing in bed, wearied with Pleasure, which in itself is even tiresome through Excess, I soon fell a sleep; and amongst other things Dreamt, and beheld in my Dream, the face of the Heavens (which was exceeding clear) all on a sudden contracted a melancholy Blackness, when anon it growing Dark as Midnight, there issued from the broken Clouds Thunder and Lightning, in a fearful manner, which struck me with horror, trembling and amazement; so methought I looked up, and saw the Clouds disperse at an unusual rate, and the troubled firmament ready to fall in pieces; the Moon I likewise beheld as a Globe of Blood, and as for the Sun it seemed altogether to be darkened: And whilst I was wondering what this might portend, methought I heard a great sound of a Trumpet, and saw a man sitting on a Cloud in Glory and Majestic Brightness, attended with the hosts of Heaven; at the sight of whom, the foundations of the Earth were shaken, and suddenly the Heavens became all on a flaming Fire, and I heard a voice saying, Arise ye Dead, and come to Judgement. Whereupon the Rocks rend, the Graves opened, and the Earth and Sea gave up their Dead; some of which I perceived were exceeding glad, whilst others shook with Horror and Amazement, and would willingly have fled from the face of him that sat on the Throne, seeking invain to hid themselves. Than methought I beheld the man open a Book, and the Dead were Judged out of those things that were written in the Book; upon which it was proclaimed, viz. Gather together the Chaff and the Stubble, and cast the 〈◊〉 into the burning Lake. And with th●t, I felt the ground give under me, when immediately the bottomless Pitt opened her mouth, casting forth Smoak, grisly Flames, and Coals of Fire in abundance, roaring like peals of Thunder, into which a great number sunk and were irreparably lost; when on the● other hand, I heard a Voice saying, Gather my Wheat into the Garner; and thereupon many were caught into the Clouds, and ascended with Songs of Praises and Deliverance, whilst I found myself left behind, vainly seeking (as others had done) to hid myself from him that sat on the Throne; and the rather, because my Sins came into my mind, and my Conscience accused me of ingratitude and rebellion against my Maker, encompassing and filling me with horror and amazement; but as I was flying, if possible from myself, just as I was on the brink of the gaping Gulf, and ready to plung headlong into it, giving a great shriek, I started; and thereupon awaking from my slumber, I found it (to my no small Joy) to be at that time but a dream; yet this ma●●e a strange impression on my mind, and began to awaken me out of secturity; especially when I considered the condition I was likely to be in, if the dreadful day of Judgement should overtake me at unawares, la●en with my Sins and Transgressions; which made me a little reflect upon my former vain-spent Life, and like the prodigal Son, consider how ● fled from my Father's House, spending in Riot and all manner of wickedness not only my worldly goods, which wore given me to be improved to God's Glory, but what was far more precious, my stock of Time, which was given (or rather lent) to work out my salvation in. How I had trifled with the good motions of the Spirit, and resisted its striving; how I had refused Understanding, and the knowledge of Truth, shut the door of my heart against the approaches of saving Grace, and given myself up to the governance and conduct of my destroyers, to the enemies of the King of Heaven, in the breach of all his Commandments, in grievously transgressing and disobeying his Will and good Pleasure, by letting lose the bridle of my headstrong Will and Affections, by giving up myself (as you have heard) to all manner of wickedness, not with standing I had been assuredly informed. that the wages of Sin is Death; and that by listening to the tempter, I should prepare a snare for my own Soul; notwithstanding this, I say, I indulgec● myself in sensuality putting far away the Evilday; 
Rom. 6.23  when on the contrary, I should have accounted myself as a Pilgrim, and have fixed m● Affections on the other World, where are durable and lasting Joys, where True Felicity is only to be found; for he that seeks it in transitory things, will found himself miserably mistaken: I should have fixed my thoughts upon Life and Immortality, upon the Kingdom where Christ Reigns in Glory, and counted myself in this World but as a wayfaring man travelling to my proper Country, and design nothing more than to be at my Journeys end; and by entering at the straight Gate, as Wisdom directed, have passed on without fainting, to the Palace of the C●●lestial King, where is fullness of Joy and Pleasures for overmere. 
Psal. 16. Ult.   
True it is, This World may pro●berly be said to yield many Delights and Refreshments, many Ho●ours and Advancements, which are ●ot denied to the Sons of Men; But ●o what end does God bestow so ma●y Liberalities? Why that we ●ould not abuse them, in making ●●em serve our Lusts, and increase ●ur Affections to the World, but ●hat we should use them to his Glory, ●nd the good of our own Souls; use ●hem in such manner that we may be ●aid in no wise to Abuse them; that when at the last day we come to give ●pour Account, each of us may hear 〈◊〉 comfortable Sentence sounding ●our Ears, of, 
Mat. 25.21.  Well done, thou good ●nd faithful Servant! thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make ●●ee Ruler over many things; enter ●hou into the Joy of thy Lord. When ●n the other hand, those that have neglected and abused the opportunities and means of Grace and Salvation, shall hear this amazing Sound, ●iz. And cast ye the unprofitable Ser●ant into outer Darkness, 
Mat. 25.30.  there shall be Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth.  
These considerations one would have thought, might have made me break my chain of Bondage and Slavery wherewith I had rashly bound myself to serve the Tempter by giving up my strength to sollow the vain Pleasures and Vanities ● the World, which rewarded 〈◊〉 with little other than Toil and 〈◊〉 bour, proving for the most part 〈◊〉 their Pain than Pleasure: But I foun● by experience, that those wh● have gotten a habit of Sinning can't easily disencumber themselves or shake it of; the difficulty 〈◊〉 which, the Prophet Jeremiah testifies; Can (says he) the Aethiopian change his colour, or the Leopard h●● spots? 
Jer. 13.23.  Than may you do Good, that 〈◊〉 accustomed to do Evil. Nor is the ho●● of Grace at all times, nor is it 〈◊〉 the power of man to repent when 〈◊〉 pleases, unless with his will and affections, moved with the gentl● breathe of the holy Spirit, saving Grace put in, 
Prov. 1.28.  and carry o● the work of true Regeneration; f●● of some it is positively said, They sha●● call upon me, but I will not heart; They shall seek me early, but shall not 〈◊〉 me, Not that God faileth in his Promise ● receiving a Sinner, at what time ●ever he shall turn away from his ●ickedness, & become a true convert; ●●t because this is turning to God ●hen he is in an extraordinary digress and calamity, or perhaps when 〈◊〉 is just turning out of the World; ●hich may much be doubted, even ●●y man, to be any true Conversion, ●●t such as that whereof God spoke ●y the Prophet Hosea, 
Hos. 7.14.  They Howl and ●oar upon their Beds, and do not call ●pon me in their hearts.  
Todye well, is a long Art, in ●hich to learn it, there is but a short ●nd uncertain life, mostly spent in ●eep, Infancy, Childhood, Cares, ●nd other matters: The consideration of which, made no doubt the ●ise man call upon us in this manner, ●iz. Make no tarrying to turn unto the Lord, and put not of from day to day, for suddenly shall his wrath break forth, 
Ecles. 3.7.  and in thy security thou shalt be destroyed.  
These things, I say, at this time prevailed not with me to shake hands with my Lewd Conpanions; for Sin (like a disease) having infected every part, struggled with and prevaile● against Reason, which notwithstanding often rallyed, and at tim● created a Civil War in my Soul; i● somuch that by their violent e● counters, swaying sometimes o● way, and sometimes another, I oft● stumbled at a block which 〈◊〉 Tempter threw in my way, and 〈◊〉 once within a stride of plunging into a dangerous Gulf called Despair, an● had undoubtedly fallen into it, ha● not the Invincible Hand of Divi● Providence suddenlypulled mebac● to reserve me for better Days.  

And this was done when Sickness had me seized,  
When both my Soul and Body were Diseased;  
I oryed alas! when Worldly helps were vain,  
Torttoured with outward and with inward pai●  
When naught but Clouds of darkness muffed my E●  
And Death stood snarling ready for his prize;  
When Hells of Horror, roused by Conscious gu●  
My wounded Mind, more than my Body felt;  
When the bold Tempter Aimed his flaming Dart  
To Wound and Murder my defenceless Heart;  
I saw the danger, and in sad dismay,  
Trembling with Fear, Gasping for Life I lay,  
And wished that I had chosen Wisdom's way.  
O than what Vows, what Promises I made!  
How often I Sighed! how of: I faintly Prayed!  
Struggled like one in a Convulsion-fitt,  
To shake of Sin, but found the Load too great;  
Whilst he that laid it on me, let me see  
How he (more than the World) had flattered me;  
And that the World does only bear the blame,  
Because by it he does Temptations frame:  
Suggesting to me that it was too late,  
That my black Crimes for Pardon were too great,  
That I was Damned and Lost beyond retreat.  
And nothing now had left me but Despair,  
And must with him to dismal shades repair.  
Cosider this, all you that wear his Chains;  
Think by his service what will be your gains,  
How he rewards his Servants for their pains.  
O! think betimes, and to your Father haste,  
Ye Prodigals that do your substance waste;  
Lest the deceiving Citizen, the Fiend,  
Make you eat Husks, or worse Food inh ' end:  
Make you despair, when in a foreign Land,  
Far from your home, when death and terrors band,  
Battering your weakened Faith, until you fall  
In Everlasting Woes, beyond Recall.   

This had been my hard fate, though well deserved,  
And just the Doom, had not I (hunger starved,  
And almost Perishing) with tender Cries,  
Moved the Compassion of my Father's Eyes;  
And on my bended knees implored Relief,  
With Storms of Sighs, Rivers of flowing Grief;  
Who snatch'a me from the bold Destroyer's Sword,  
From Death and Hell, and favour did afford,  
When worldly things could tender me no Aid,  
But a Retreat, liketh ' Ebbing Ocean made,  
His Saving Grace the mighty Ruin stayed.  
He sent me Balm of Life to cure each Wound,  
As in the sequel will be plainly found:   
For, as I was saying, notwithstanding the many serious thoughts I had, in consideration of the Amazing Vision I saw, yet being in the Palace of Worldly Felicity, they were soon stifled, or at lest much allayed, by crowding Vanities, which formed and brought new seeming Pleasure to my Senses. But how I was convinced of my Folly, and the wretched Error I was in, The following Pages will direct you.   

CHAP. XII. How Riding to Recreate himself in the Forest of Conscious-guilt, he suddenly perceived the Ruin of the Palace of Worldly Felicity, sinking into the Gulf of Confusion, and finds himself in a wretched and miserable Estate; reflects upon his past Life, and becomes a true Penitent.  
HAving (as you heard) lived a considerable part of my days in all manner of Sensuality, in the Palace of Worldly-Felicity, and requiring a more Airey Recreation, it was agreed upon by all those my Companions, that I should be highly Attended into the Forest of Conscious-guilt, there to Coarse such Game as should be Started. So we Mounted, and Rid together as in Triumph, (I little dreaming of the danger of the place) though it seems all that have been lulled like me into a fond Security, in the Palace of Worldly Felicity, are in the end brought hither, whether they request it or not; for this Forest adjoins to the Palace, being exceeding Dark and full of Terror, by reason of the discouraging Shade that overshadowed it, and the many Pitsalls, Bogs, Ponds, Snares, and threatening Wild-Beasts that are found therein, ready to Assault such as they found Defenceless; yet hither is my Simplicity I went, very Jocund and Gay; nor was it long e'er the Game was started, which we followed with full Cry; for now like Nimrod, we were Hunting after Blood and Oppression; and being in our full Carreir, had almost made the Game our Quarry: But it so happened, that being in the only open place of the Forest, which is upon a little Rising Hill, the Sun shone hot upon me, and I began to faint; when being about to retire under the cooler Shades, my Horse fell down under me, and I found myself incapable of moving from thence: Than called I to my Companions to come to my assistance, but none either came or made reply; yet I supposing I heard 〈◊〉 fearful Cry at a distance, Weak and Faint as I was, turned my Head ●o see what it might mean; when ●o my Horror and Amazement, I perceived the Palace and all its fading Glories, sinking into the gaping Gulf of Confusion; all the pleasant places and pleasant Things wherewith I had Indulged myself, vanish from my sight, leaving in their ●oom the noisome Lake of Sad Remembrance: From the threatening ●anger of which, whilst I strove to ●y, I found myself Mired in the Exceeding large and deep Bog or Quagmire of an Evil Conscience; for ●he Hill of Prudence was sunk, so that the more I struggled to get out, the more I found myself sinking; and than the deluding Enchantment being removed, that held me as one in a golden Dream, I be held my Sins in their ugly and affrighting forms; and still as I strove to shake them of, they clung the faster to me; crying out, We are thy Creatures, and will Accompany thee: Thou hast taken Silver and Garments of Naaman, a● the Leprosy of Naaman cleaves un● thee. Than too sadly I remember each Sin with whom I had been famliar. Than I found myself surro●ded with Blasphemy, Swearing, ●●ing, Covetousness, Lasciviousness Cruelty, Pride, Ambition, Riot, G●tony, Drunkenness, Lightness, L●ness, Lust, Envy, Hatred, Ang●Vnquietness, Frowardness, Obstinate Rashness, Violence, Idleness, Sloa● Hypocrisy, Flattery, Curiosity, Detraction, Oppression, Slander, 〈◊〉 with many more, who derided 〈◊〉 and upbraided me for being so foolish as to forsake the Council of Wisdom, ingeniously confessing, That 〈◊〉 them was no Felicity; that GOD never made them, but that they had the● Enterance into the World by the 〈◊〉 Malice and Subtlety of the Devil, an● that he was the seeming Prince 〈◊〉 whom I had paid my Homage, wh● I Listed myself under his Banner, 〈◊〉 the Palace of Worldly Felicity: An● now I called to mind what Mercy had abused, what offers of Grace had slighted, how I had grieved th● Holy Spirit, and by my Sins crucified the Son of GOD afresh, and put ●●m to an open Shame; that when Wisdom cried in the Streets, in the chief places of the City, I either stopped my ●●ars, or turned my Back upon her. These considerations made me think ●●y self unworthy, so much as to lift ●●y Eyes up towards Heaven, to ex●ect deliverance from thence, seeing 〈◊〉 was so Notorious a Rebel against ●●e Celestial King; and if at any ●●me I did, methought I heard the ●oice of the Prophet sounding in ●●y Ears, viz. What have I to do with thee, O Joram! 
2 Kings 3.  Get thee to the Prophets of thy Father, and of thy Mother; go to the Pleasures and Advantages that thou hast hitherto pursued, and require them to help you. Than methought the Earth seemed unwilling to bear me, and the angry Heavens flashed Fire in my Face; all the Creatures whom I had abused tried out for Justice upon me, whilst the Tempter played his strongest Engines against me, waiting but the moment when Death should Cut my Thread of Life in sunder, to devour me. 
Psal. 116.3  Than the Pains of Hell ●ot hold upon me, the Sorrows of Death compassed me, and the Floods of Wickedness made me afraid; the Sorrow of the Grave compassed me, the Snar● of Death overtook me. Than I found Trouble and Heaviness, and cried unto him that alone is able to deliver, who laid help upon one that 〈◊〉 Mighty; whilst the Tompter on 〈◊〉 other hand strove with all his mig●● to push me headlong into the Gulf 〈◊〉 Despair, by suggesting my Sins we●● greater than could be forgiven, a●● that I was Irreparably Lost: This confess filled me with horror a● amazement, but still though through my Infirmities my Faith was wea● and imperfect, I cried to my Deliverer, acknowledging my own vileness and confessing the multitude of m● Transgressions, watering my Co●●● with Tears, and with Remorse, crying often, Father, I have Sinne● against Heaven and in thy sight, 
Luke. 15.18.29.  an● am no more worthy to be called thy Son● make me as one of thy hired Servants● O! let me approach Thee, though with shame and confusion of Face O! shut me not out of thy Heritage but take the lost sheep into thy Fold If thou wilt, O Lord, though I am vile and wretched, thou canst, thou ●ayst cleanse me; though my sins be 〈◊〉 Scarlet, yet thou canst make me as ●hite as Snow. O merciful Lord! 〈◊〉 not so look upon me, so that thou ●●e not thyself; Regard not so my Wickedness, that thou behold not 〈◊〉 own Goodness; Remember 〈◊〉 so the Sins that I have done, that ●●ou forget the substance thou hast ●ade. O merciful Lord! what is ●●e Sense of this saying, 
Ezek. 33.11.  I will not be Death of a Sinner, but I desire that 〈◊〉 be Converted and Live? O merci●ll GOD! whose word is thy will, ●nd whose will is thy Power, to do whatsoever pleaseth thee, who dost promise' nothing but what thou dost purpose, and than thou canst not promise's any thing but what thou art ●●le to perform, suffer me I pray thee 〈◊〉 prostrate myself at the footstool 〈◊〉 thy Mercy Seat. For great is thy lovingkindness towards the Sons of ●den. Lord, If thou wilt not the Death 〈◊〉 a Sinner, what necessity if there at I should Perish? If thou desiresh ●●t a Sinner should be converted and ●ive, what difficulty is there that I 〈◊〉 not be Saved? Can the Power and Malice of the Devil, can the number of my Transgressions either constrain thee, to that which thou wouldst not, or hinder that which thou desirest? Behold, O Lord! Thy Prodigal Returned, who by sad experience has found thy Word the the Truth, behold him with the Ey● of thy Fatherly Compassion, and let not thine Anger burn against him; for in thy wrath the Soul● that thou hast made must fail before thee.  
Having in this manner poured o●● my Supplications, methought a Beam of heavenly Joy darted into my Soul, and the threatening Terron seemed to disappear: Than began ● to reflect upon my past spent Life, and to detest against those that had seduced me; but above all my own Folly, which enticed and perverted me from the ways of Wisdom and Truth. And having made a repetition of my manifold Transgressions, & of those that had been my lewd Associates, I burst out into Tears, and with St. Austin, said Behold, O Lord, with what Companions I walked the streets of Babylon, I wallowed myself in the mire of it, as if I had reposed in a Bed of Spices and fragrant Perfumes, whilst my secret Enemy led me on to the centre of Sin, so that I ran into all manner of dissoluteness, and practised what soever I affected: a Mist in the mean time, depriving me of Sight, de●●iving me, O my GOD, of the brightness of thy Truth, whilst my Sins proceeded from me like the flowing of a Winepress.  
Here again I paused, and struggled with the Temptations that sallied upon me; and than in the anguish of my Soul, cried out, How long, how long, O Lord wilt thou be angry? for ever? How long, how long, O Lord, wilt thou shut the gate of thy Mercy against me, and cover with indignation, as with a Cloud, the brightness of thy Face? How long wilt thou turn away thine amiable Eyes from beholding me, who without the assistance of thy saving Grace must ever be Miserable? O my Redeemer, let thy Mediation pled in thy sacred Merits, my wretched cause, with thy Father's Justice! O Thou that wilt not break the bruised Reed, nor quench the smoking Flax, have Pity, have Compassion on me! O Thou that art the good Samaritan, pour Oyl●a●d Wine into my wounded Soul, and bind it up in the bundle of Life! Yet, wretch that I am, with what Face can I approach thy Presence, who have so often rejected thy offers of Life and Salvation, betrayed thy Cause, deserted thy Standard, and gone over● thy mortal Enemy? And though with transcendent mildness thou hast called moved and invited me to return, yet have I obstinately and perversely refused it. Upon this, hanging down my Head with shame, a flood of Tears burst again from my Eyes; which ended, methought I heard a voice, saying, I have heard thy Prayers, I have seen thy Tears! behold, I will heal thee.  
And now, by reason of the sudden calmness I found within, I had leisure to reflect upon my past Vanities, and the danger wherein I stood of hazarding my Eternal welfare, which made me bitterly exclaim against Folly, who had been the occasion of my running into these dangerous ways, as in like kind she serves all those that listen to her, and shape their undertake according to her Dictates; and than, to aggravate it the more, laughs at them when their Calamities come as desolation, they not being in the lest able to deliver themselves from shame or danger. Therefore let the Sons of Men consider how dangerous it is to refuse the call of Wisdom, whose Unerring Rules lead into the paths of Life, to follow a Deceiver who leads directly to the gates of Death; for, a● holy David affirms, 
Psal. 36.1, 2.  The Transgressions of the Wicked saith within my Heart, that there is no fear of GOD before his Eyes, for he flattereth himself in his own Eyes, until his Iniquity be found to be hateful. And this made me consider the wretched estate of many, who hardened in a course of sin, will fully shut their Eyes till some more than ordinary Judgement awake them; and this indeed was my case, as in part you have already understood: for as it is written, viz. 
Isa. 26.9.  When thy Judgements are abroad, the Nations will learn Righteousness; That is, the fear of an impendent punishment frequently awakens them out of that security, which when they put far away the Evil Day, they are apt to slumber in. And thus declaring my Folly, and the dangerous Adventures I enter prized and was concerned withal in the Palace of Worldly Felicity, or Sensuality; my intent is to leave what has been said as a Sea-mark, to prevent others from running rashly or unadvisedly upon the same Shoal or dangerous Quicksand on which so many Thousands are lost, and from thence (without Vainglory) show what followed in the better part of my Adventures.    
The End of the First Part.   

The Conviction of Worldly-Vanity: OR, The WAND'RING PRODIGAL RETURNED.  
THE SECOND PART.  
CONTAINING An Account of his Escape from the Palace of Worldly Felicity; Of the glorious Prospect he had of the Celestial City; And of the Progress he made (under the Conduct of Divine Grace) to the Palace of Virtue and True Felicity; The manner of his Proceeding, the various Occurrences he met with by the way, and his Joyful Reception there at last: His Excellent Description thereof, and of the Divine and Moral Virtues he found therein.  
With many Other Things, both Pleasant and Profitable.  
London, Printed for John Harris, at the Harrow against the Church in the Poultry. 1687.   

The Wand'ring PRODIGAL Returned.  

PART II.  

CHAP I He is rescued from the miserable condition he was in by Divine Grace; has a prospect and description of the CELESTIAL CITY, and of the, Joy he conceived thereat, etc.  
HAving in the first part of my Travels declared how I was governed by, Folly, and how I contemned and despised Wisdom 〈◊〉 Virtue; following a Voluptuous kind of Life, which in the end I found to be at best but tiresome Vanity, as indeed all those must do that place their trust too much therein; and how, by being afflicted, the Eyes of my Understanding (that before were clouded and shut up in the dark mists of Sensuality) were opened, insomuch that with Holy David, I may justly say, 
〈◊〉 11.9.71.  It is good for me that I have been Afflicted. I shall now proceed to tell you, That continuing in a sense of my own vileness, and still crying out for deliverance: As I was praying with a willing mind, 
〈◊〉 9.1.  shedding Tears in abundance, and still wishing that my Head was Water, and my Eyes fountains of Tears, that therewith in some measure the stains and pollutions of my wicked Heart might be washed away, that so in Regeneration I might become a new Creature; as I was thus Thoughtful and Penitent, I say, it so happened that fixing my mind on things above, 
Col. 3.1, 2.  as I had at my first setting out been directed by the voice of Wisdom, though (wretch as I am) I refused it; methought I beheld, (at lest with the Eyes of my Soul) a Lady of incomparable beauty, clad in Vestments of purest white, shining with Transcendent Brightness and Glory; I saw her methought descending from Heaven, for there it seems she ever dwells with the Eternal Wisdom, till by his Compassion sent down to Relieve and Refresh poor Penitent Wretches, and be a means to 'cause such Wand'ring Prodigals as myself to resolve upon returning to their Father's House, and of making a true and sincere acknowledgement of their manifold Sins and Transgressions: And whist I lay grovelling upon the ground in Sighs and Tears, she placed herself before me with the greatest mildness Imaginable. insomuch that although I was atfirst abashed, yet soon I took Courage, ● after some abrupt stammering, occasioned by the confusion & bad state I was in, I opened my mouth and beganto implore her assistance, entreating her that she would vouchsafe to draw me out of the miry sink of my Sins, into which through Rashness and Folly I was fallen and there in all likelihood must Perish, if not suddenly relieved; for not withstanding what had passed, I saw many Enemies preparing to assault me, against whose assaults I was but weakly provided, and little able to make any long defence.  
Thus having made my Supplication to this Heavenly Stranger, she mildly reproved me, and let me (with conviction of Conscience) behold how fond I had given myself up to follow the Temptations & Allurements of the Enemies of my Soul, 
Prov. 3.17.  and upon what slight terms I had rejected the Counsel of Wisdom, Whose ways are ways of Pleasantness, and all whose Paths are Peace. In doing which, she told me my Sins indeed were very great, and that they had been the more Aggravated by forsaking the good way and treading in the forbidden Paths; 
Rev. 3.8.  yet (continued she) to true Penitents There is a door set open which no man can shut; but beware that thou turn not aside again, 
Psal. 2. ult.  Lest thou perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little, etc. These reproofs and words, spoken with a Majestic and convincing mildness, made such an Impression on my Heart, that I could not refrain bursting again into Tears, and in the midst of my Passion cried, O! the Insearchable height and depth of the Mercies and Love of GOD to. wards his miserable Creatures! even to those that were his Enemies, who have crucified him to themselves Afresh, Rejected and Despised him for Tristes, for vain Delights, and Teeming Pleasures; Him who is only Life, Light, Joy, and the Eternal Centre of Happiness Than she proceeded to give me many words of Comfort and Consolation, saying, she had a Commission from Him That ever Liveth to make Intercession for Sinners, to draw me out of the Mire wherein I lay; from him that is able to save to the utmost; and thereupon touching me with her Golden Sceptre, I presently received so much Strength and Vigour both of Body and Mind, that like the Lame Man that lay at the Gate of the Temple, I leapt from the danger wherein I was; leaving Folly and my Horse Timerity to struggle by themselves, who with much striving sunk deeper and deeper, till covered in the Quagmire, I beheld them not more.  
Being (as you have heard) delivered out of the great danger wherein I lay, and raised by the assistance of Divine Grace (for so by this time I understood the Lady was called) From the Death of Sin, to the Life of Righteousness, I began to bethink myself to whom I owed my deliverance; when with Holy David, I made my humble Acknowledgement. viz, 
Psal. 40.1.2.3.4.5.  I waited patiently upon the Lord, and he inclined unto me and heard my Cry; he brought me up also out of a horrible Pit, out of the Miry Clay, and set my feet upon a Rock, and established my go, and hath put a new Song into my mouth, even Praises to our GOD; many shall see it, and fear, and trust in the Lord. Blessed is the Man that maketh the Lord his trust, and Respecteth not the Proud, nor sush as turn aside to Lyes. Many, O Lord my God, are thy wondered works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to usward, they cannot be reckoned up in order to thee; If I would declare & speak of them, they are more than can he numbered. 
Psal. 139. ●●, 18.  Upon this, methought I heard a voice saying, Arise my Love, my fair One, and come away; for behold the Winter is past, the Rain is over, the Flowers have appeared in our Land. 
Cant., 2.10  Now whist I was looking about me, I beheld afar of a very glorious Country, shining with Celestial Brightness, to which I found myself all on a sudden desirous to pass, and therefore took the boldness to inquire of Divine Grace what happy Land that was, which afforded so glorious a Prospect at so great a distance? To which she answered me, That it was the Heavenly Canaan in which was the New Jerusalem, the City shining with the brightness of GOD: upon which I concluded this was the Country of which I had heard very glorious things spoken; and being more and more desirous to travel thither, I with much submission enquired of sundry things and matters relating thereto, and especially of the City which sent its beams of Light from far, and to which I well perceived the Palace of Worldly Felicity in all its seeming Glory, (if what appeared solid, had been really so) was nothing comparable.  
To which she made this reply: As for the City (said she) it shineth with the glory of GOD as clear as Crystal; and as for its Buildings, they are of fine Gold, glistering like Glass; the Walls and Foundations being of precious Stones, and the Gates so many entire Pearls; whose streets are paved with Gold; and that in this City there is no need of Sun or Moon, for the Lamb, who is the Celestial King, is the Lamp and Light thereof, who giveth it a large and glorious Light; from whose Seat streameth a Fountain or River of Water of Life as clear as Crystal; and on the banks thereof, is Planted the Tree of Life, which continually yieldeth both Food and Physic; and in this City there is no Sickness, Trouble, or Decay; no Curse, no  Thing, but the Throne of GOD and of the Lamb, and his Servants, who see his Face, and Reign with him for evermore, etc.  
When Divine Grace had showed me these things, I concluded that to this place Wisdom intended to lead me, when she met me at the parting of the way; the thoughts of disobeying whose Voice, made me not a little sad; and especially because I had trissed away so much precious time in pursuing Vanity, putting of from Day to Day (as too many worldlings do) the time of Repentance, which aught to be the early work of our Life; especially considering it may not be at all times in our power: For setting aside a thousand Accidents or chances that may befall us, either in suddenly depriving us of Life, Senses or Opportunity, doubtless our freewill, without the assistance of God's Grace, and the good motions of the holy Spirit, must necessarily prove ineffectual; and so by a long obstinacy, a long resisting and grieving the holy Spirit, which should Seal us to the Day of Redemption, me may at last be left hardened in Impenitency, and either sink in the Gulf of Despair, or be Split upon the Rock of Presumption, which is altogether as dangerous, and has done more mischief by far than the former.  
Notwithstanding these thoughts, I could not forget what Divine Grace had told me concerning the Celestial City, but steadfastly fixing my Eyes upon it, as place I greatly desired to be at, yet somewhat doubtful by reason of my unworthiness, whether I should found admittance, I cried out as in a Rapture, O how Amiable are thy dwellings, thou Lord of Hosts! 
Psal. 84.2.  My Soul longeth and panteth to enter into thy Courts! And now Divine Grace being fully satisfied that I intended to set forward, she did not attempt to discourage me; for although she dealt plainly with me, and let me understand the many difficulties I was like to meet with, she on the other hand supported me with many indearing promises of Assistance, thereby to enable me not to faint, or turn aside from the way; and so absolutely resolving to proceed in what I had determined, I implored her Assistance; which she promised as far as it was needful; and to show me many things that as yet I was a stranger to.  
So happy is the Man whom Grace befriends,  
Him upon whom the Heavenly Guest descends;  
That he a prospect soon may gain of Life,  
Immortal Joys, and Glory free from strife.   

CHAP II. After a truc Sense of his Sin, he resolves to Travel towards the Celestial City, and of the difficulty he met at his setting out, how he entered the Straight Gate where he met Evangelist, and the Comfort he gave him.  
BEing yet in the same Garb I flattered myself in, in the Palace of Worldly Felicity, I found myself uneasey, as being sensible and ashamed of the miry condition I was in, I implored Divine Crace that she would help to change them; but she told me it might not be done, till such time I had repassed the broad way, and come to a certain place where I should found a Lady that would strip me of them; at this, though I found them very Cumbersome, I was not a little pleased; for now having a true sight of the Condition I was in, I began to loathe and detest what formely I had approved and delighted in: And so taking me by the Hand, she led me to the brink of a noisome Lake, full of fearful Monsters, Yelling Horribly, and continually Rolling in Liquid Fire; at the sight of which, I started as one in a Dream, when he fancies himself falling from the top of a Precipice; whilst my hair stood an end with Horror, and with an abrupt and broken speech, demanded, what this fearful Sight might mean? To which Divine Grace replied, This is the change of Sin from its flattering and delusive shape, to that which is more properly and really its own natural deformity; This is the Place, and these the Companions of your late imaginary Solace and Repose; and here hadst thou been weltering, had I not been sent to your assistance by Him who is the Author of Grace and Truth; yet over this Lake you must pass, before you can arrive at the stage where you are to be disrobed of your Polluted Garments.  
At the sight of this place, and the Thoughts of repassing it, I began exceedingly to Tremble, crying out, 
Rom. 7.24.  O wretched Man that I am, who shall deliver me from this Body of Death! from this danger and hazard I am now to undertake! but whilst I was trembling and crying out, Divine Grace shown me a Bridge that reached quite over the Lake, which was exceeding narrow, at the sight of which, being little recovered from my amazement, I greatly rejoiced; and this Bridge is called by some Remorse of Conscience and Abborrence of Sin; but by reason of its slenderness, 'twas feeble & crazy, insomuch that as I passed it, it often cracked and tottered, so that I had once a mind to retreat, for fear of tumbling into the Lake; and the rather, for that the Monsters on either side reached at me to pull me in, and often with their horrible bellowing not only shook the Bridge, but put me into such an amazement, that sometimes I was regardless of my way; besides, the noisome vapours created a dizziness and disorder: But by the assistance of Divine Grace I with much difficulty reached the other side. Yet Voluptuousness, who there lay wallowing in the Embraces of Sensuality, cried after me with a horrible voice, 
Job. 20.11  saying, His Bones are are full of the Sins of his youth, and● they shall lie down with him in the dust.  
But not willing to give further ear to her, I smote my Breast, and fetching a deep Sigh, said with a loud voice, 
Psal. 94.17  If the Lord had not helped me, my Soul should have been put to Silence. And now Reader, from this consider that none can be said to be Penitents, but such as through remorse of conscience, having a true Sight of their Sins, and a sense of their misdoings, with reluctancy, and an utter detestation and abhorrence, reflect upon them, resist them, and mortify their corruptions; and this cannot be done truly as it aught, without great caution and difficulty, by reason of natural depravities, and the fresh assaults of Temptations that frequently offer or cast themselves in our way; which though (as it too frequently happens) they are sweet as honey in the mouth, which invites many greedily to take them in, yet in the Belly they are as bitter as Gaul.  
Having 'scaped this danger, and heard the lamentable Cries of those that lay weltering in misery, we passed on till we arrived at the end of the Green Lane, where it butted upon the Palace that I had beheld sink down, and instead of which the noisome Lake arose, where we met with a great Slough called the Slough of Discouragement, & in it many who had attempted to return without the assistance of Divine Grace, who relying upon their own strength had ventured so far that they could neither proceed, nor without some difficulty reach the side next to the Palace; and the reason was, because it was guarded by one called Dispondency of mind, who frequently (as they attempted to get out upon the firm ground) pushed them back again; so that being quite tired and spent, puzzled between Hope and Dispair, they lay fretting themselves in much Auxiety, and knew not what to do; so hard a matter is it for those that rely upon their own strength, when they should rely upon the Merits and Gracious Promises of their Blessed Redeemer, to break the chain of their Sin, or get out of the Mire into which they have wilfully or unadvisedly plunged themselves: For , without free Grace, is weak and insignificant. But it so happened, that whilst I made a little stand at the brink of this Slough, one called Promise, came and laid a strong Bridge of Assurance, which reached from one side to the other, and over this we passed; but had not gone far, before I espied a pleasant Path that crossed a Meadow, which led a nearer way, over which I was desirous to go; but Divine Grace pulled me by the Sleeve, saying, Let thine heart be towards the highway; 
Jer. 31.1.  the way that thou wentest turn again. Upon which, I immediately started back into the Road, and so we kept on till we came to the place where the ways parted. The which when I perceived, I called again to mind the Counsel of Wisdom, and was not a little grieved that I had rejected it, considering the many miseries I underwent since I took the Left-hand-way; yet I mingled my Grief with Joy, that it was once more in my choice; and so with a willing Mind, I entered in at the Straight Gate, crying, Welcome, Life; and fell to leaping for Joy; for now I felt my mind lighter than ever, though I was not disrobed, nor those difficulties thate been suggested as yet appeared; but far I had not gone, before I met a Man of mild aspect, who came up to me and desired to admonish me in a few things; and being glad of such an opportunity, I thanked him kindly, and promised attention: And he proceeded:  
I am (said he) Evangelist, whose care it is to direct those that enter in at this Gate, in their way to the Celestial City: And thereupon he demanded how it had fared with me? To which I briefly told him all that had befell me: after which, he made me sensible that I had seen him before, and that he had given me good advice, the which if I had taken, I might have escaped the danger I had incurred; but seeing I had turned from the Evil of my ways, it might not be too late for me to reach the Palace of True Felicity, seeing the Lord thereof has promised, 
Ezek. 33.11.  That at what soever time a Sinner Repenteth and Turneth from the Evil of his ways, his Soul shall Live, for that he wills not the Death of a ●inner, but desires that he be conver● etc. Nay invites all those that are weary and heavy Laden, to come unto him for Rest, declaring that he will in no wise cast them out, promising them freely, without price or Money, 
Is●. 55.1.  the water of Life; and makes himself our Advocate, to pled our Cause: you are one of those for whom he laid down his Life, one of those for whom he shed his most precious Blood; and for so great kindness what does he expect more than your obedience and faithful Service, your entire affections, 
Math. 11.30.  and perseverance in well-doing. Nor, as himself has declared, is his Service or Yoke uneasy; or should it be so, which indeed it is not, yet know you serve him not for naught; your Reward, if you persevere to the end, will be a crown of Life, an exceeding weight of Glory, 
2 Cor. 4.17  a Pearl of an inestimable value, a Kingdom without end, an Eternal Inheritance, etc. Wherhfore look well to your Feet, that you withdraw them not from the way of Peace, nor that you faint, 
Math. 20.16.  for many are called, but few are chosen; Wherhfore so Run, that ye may obtain the Reward, the prize of Glory; 
1 Cor. 9.24  and be vigilant in holding fast the Faith, that in the end, when you have fought the good fight, 
2 Tim. 4.7. & 8.  you may receive the Crown of Righteousness which the Righteous Judge will give you in that Day. Suffer nothing on this side the Mark of your high calling to trouble or affright you, no Temptations, Tribulations, and Sorrow, to overcome you; but with a constant and steadfast Faith, Rely upon Him for Succour and Support, under whose Banner you are now to fight; nor fear his ability, for unto Him all Power in Heaven and Earth is given. This encour agement and caution I thought fit to give you, that you neither faint nor look back; and shall not be wanting, as further occasion offers, even as you can bear it.  
Evangelist having given me this Heavenly Lecture, I found a tenfold Joy arise in my Heart, and after returning him a Thousand thanks, passed on, accompanied with Divine Grace, till I came into a very low descent, which I understood to be the Valley of Humility, and here stood the School of Repentance, to which I must enter before I could pass any further. Of which take an account in the following Chapter.   

CHAP III. How having entered the Valley of Humility, he came to the House of Repentance, and how he was there Entertained; the Ingenious Confession he made, with Admonitions and extolling the Divine Goodness, etc.  
APproaching the House of Repentance, which stood in the middle of the way to the Celestial City, I perceived it hung with Sighs, and dropping with Tears, paved with Groans, and ceiled with Prayers and Ejaculations, appearing very Mournful and Melancholy; but for all that, I was not in the least dejected, but stayed in the Porch till there came a grave Matron in a mourning Weed, plain and decent, with a Lovely yet Sorrowful Countenance; and after her followed two more, who appeared to be her Daughters; and these, I understood by Divine Grace, were Repentance, Sorrow for Sin, and Confession of Sin: Than Divine Grace addressing herself to the first of these, told her to what end she had brought me thither, by what means, and to what degree she had wrought upon me; how I was become sensible of my own vileness, and therefore desired her to qualify me further, according to her Rule and manner, that I might be fitting to pass towards the Celestial City, whither I was bound  
The Ladies having well understood the Cause of my coming, highly approved it, and kindly welcomed me, showing me my Apartment, and what else was convenient for me. So that having no other business finess than to apply myself to the ways of Virtue, I lea●●'d a Lesson different from that which I had learned in the Palace of Worldly Felicity; for now instead of Drinking, Rioting, Gaming, Debauchery, and the like, I applied myself to Fasting, Prayer, and other such like Pious and Devout Exercises; and when I had so done for a few Days, I found a wondered change wrought in me; yet all this while my Lewd Apparel remained upon me, of which I was not a little ashamed, though how to get it of I could not tell; yet calling to mind what Divine Grace had told me, how that at a certain place I should be disencumbered, I concluded this might be that place; wherefore taking the opportunity, I besought the Lady Repentance to do me that kindness, who as readily consented; and thereupon taking me into the Retirement of Sorrow for Sin, where was a deep Dungeon, she took of my Hat of Haughtiness, my Girdle of Intemperance, my Sword of Violence, my Coat of Vainglory, my Hose of Vain Delight, and consequently all my other Lustful and Vicious Attire, my Shirt of Lasciviousness excepted: which, that I might not be altogether naked, I entreated her to spare for a time; and these she cast into the dark Dungeon called Oblivion, to prevent their rising up in Judgement against me when I came to the Celestial City: And so I being thus Lightened, continued in great content of Mind; so that true Repentance of all things in the World, makes the greatest change; it changes things in Heaven and Earth, for it changes the whole man from Sin to Grace, from vicious habits to holy Customs from unchaste Bodies to Angelic Souls, from Drunkenness to sober Counsels; and even GOD himself (in whom there is no variableness or shadow of change) is pleased by descending to our weak understandings, to say that he changes; that is, upon Man's Repentance he altars his determinate Decrees in case of Punishment, or the like; as in the case of Ninnive, and that of Hezikiah, with more that I might mention, which for brevity's sake I pass over. Repentance prevails with the Almighty to revoke his Sentence, cancels the Bills of Accusation, and throws the Records of Shame and Sorrow from the Court of Heaven, and even to lift the Sinner from the Grave to Life, from the Prison to a Throne, from Hell and guilt of Eternal Torture, to Heaven and a title of never-ceasing Felicities.  
Being now under the Jurisdiction of this good Matron, she would not suffer me to rest till she had made a further trial of my Patience; and thereupon taking me by the Hand, she carried me into another Apartment, and there showed me a very straight hole, which she said entered into the Chamber of Sincerity, through which I must pass, if I intended to Arrive at the Celestial City; upon which I began to cry out, That it was impossible that ever I should be able to pass through such a small hole; for to my seeming, my Hand would scarcely enter, and thereupon I asked Counsel of Divine Grace, who told me there was indeed no other way, and that although it seemed impossible with Man, 
Mat. 19.26.  yet all things were possible with GOD; therefore I aught to Rely upon him, and not be discouraged; for that I must put of the Old Man, which according to the first Conversation, was corrupted with many Evils, 
Col. 3.9.10.  and put on the New Man, whose Conversation aught to be Justice, Truth and Holiness. The Old Man is the Affections of Sin, and the former Evil Life; and the New Man is the Godly Life, begun in Holiness: And whilst she was thus discoursing, looking through the Window of my Understanding, I beheld an aged Eagle rough and disordered, who towering a while, in the end descended into a Crystal Fountain that stood hard by, and having dived therein, her Feathers moulted, and she became young, sprightly and gay; and whilst I was wondering what this might signify, Divine Grace entered the narrow hole, catched me by the Hands, and said, 
Hos. 11.4.  I will draw thee in with the Cords of my Love; which she did, whilst Repentance thrust behind; so that by reason of the straitness of the place, my Shirt of Lasciviousness was rend to pieces, and I began to complain of the Rigour; but soon the hole grew wider, and I found much case, being now much lighter and at ease, especially in my Mind, than I was before; insomuch that concluding the worst was passed, I began to Sing in this manner: 
How happy am I now I'm entered in!  
By which I am disburdened of my Sin,  
Which like a heavy Weight so lately pressed  
My sinking Soul, and robbed it of its Rest!  
Happy are they that Ruled are by them  
That lead the way to New Jerusalem.   
And now being in, Repentance put m●●● Garments suitable to my condition o● the great work I was to undertake, which were Spun by Humility Patience, Meekness, Charity, and many other Virtues; and so let me consider further to what end I came thither. And that I might have yet a deeper sense of my Sin, soon after Returning, she put me into an unusual Agony, though she quickly gave me a Cordial, as in the sequel will appear.   

CHAP IU. He is Affrighted by the Terror of Conscience, but is at the Earnest Intercession of Sorrow for Sin, spared at the Command of Divine Grace; and crying out against Presumption, is humbled under a sense of Sin.  
CErtain it is that GOD has many and wondered ways to bring Sinners home to himself, as sometimes by Threats, sometimes by Promises, and sometimes he draws them with the Cords of his Love, by degrees preparing them to be fit Vessels for the Reception of his Grace, which has power to soften and mollify the Stony Heart, and baffle all Worldly Interest; as appears by the Conversion of St. Paul, the Call of St. Matthew, and others: But nearer to the purpose,  
When Repentance had Apparelled me, as I said, with Garments suiting my Condition, she placed me in a Stony Chair, and having allowed me a Breakfast of spare Diet, I scarcely had ended it, when going out, she returned again with divers in her Company, and of these she placed one on my Right Hand, one on my Left, and another directly before me; who with an angry and threatening Look, stared dreadfully in my Face, having moreover a Read Book in one Hand, and a Scorpion in the other; and whilst I was in a trembling Fit, and wondering what i● should mean, she had command to open the Book, which she immediately did; and in it I too plainly beheld in Bloody Characters, the many Crimes and Follies that since my coming into the World I had committed; which made me start, and forced all the Blood in my Body into ●ay Face, not being able to say one Word for myself; whereat she let lose her Scorpion upon me in a piteous manner, insomuch that I cried out for mercy; whilst she, on the other hand, fell to upbraiding, saying, Turn not away wretched Man, for it is not in thy power to fly from me: Turn not away, I say, but behold thy wicked Actions Recorded in this Book, the smallest of which thou art not able to deny; see how in dreadful Letters stand Engraven thy Pride, Arrogance, Ambition, Spite, Hatred, Contempt of others, thy abused Prosperity, and slighting of offered Favours, and misusing of time, thy Wrathfulness, Injuries done against thy Neighbour, thy Covetousness, Backbiting, Slandering, Gluttony, Wantonness, Fornications, Adulteries, Drunkenness, Lying, Swearing, Profane Speeches, Sloth, contempt and neglect of Sacred things, thy trusting in the Arm of Elesh, and relying upon Perishable things; the Follies of thy Youth, and the Sins of thy Riper Years; with many other Abominable and Notorious Crimes, hateful in the sight of GOD, and deserving to be punished with no loss than Damnation: Than how, Guilty Wretch, darest thou without shame and confusion of Face, look towards the Celestial City, when you have been so Notorious a Rebe● against the King thereof, by taking part with the World, the Flesh, and the Devil? Upon this sharp Reproof, the Damsel called Sorrow for Sin, being than present, fell bitterly to Weeping, and fetching many deep Sighs, as if her Heart would break, interceding with Conscience for me, who was all this while afflicting me, and threatening with fearful Judgements of Wrath and Fiery Indignation to come; 
Heb. 10.22.  insomuch that I sat amazed and confounded within myself, looking every moment when the House would fall about my Ears, for me thought the Earth shook under me; and I, who a little before thought I was free from all danger, found myself now as bad (for the time) as when I lay bemired on the brink of the Gulf of Despair Wherhfore let none be over confident, lest he be deceived; 
1 Cor. 10.12.  Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall. That is, let not Presumption whisper in his Ear, as in this case he did in mine, 
Luk. 18.11  jest like the Proud Pharisee, he be puffed up with a conceit of his own Righteousness, or with the Young Man, pretend himself to be a strict observer of the Commandments, etc. 
Mark. 10.20.  and boast of great things, when indeed he is nothing; for when we have done all we can we must lay our Hands upon our Hearts, & say, We are unprofitable Servants, and that our own Righteousness is but as filthy Rags; 
Luk. 1710.  flying from the terror of an acusing Conscience to the tender compassion and merciful Pro●●●es of a blessed Redeemer.  
Whilst I was in my Trembling fit, under the Sense of my Gild, which Conscience presented to the Eyes of my Soul, in came Divine Grace, at whose Feet I fell prostrate, humbly beseeching her, that she would take Compassion upon a distressed wretch, and deliver me from the Scorpion or Sting of Conscience; who perceiving me truly humbled by a sense of my Sins, commanded Humility to raise me; which she kindly did, saying, He that abaseth himself shall be Ex●●●ed; 
Note.  and thus being enabled to stand on my feet, lest Discouragement (a terrible Giant who had made the Slough I have mentioned, to hinder the return of those that pass the Bridge of Ignorance to the Palace of Worldly Felicity) Should meet and assault me on my way, she caused Remembrance to open her Golden Book, and read me a Lecture from thence, and so● she did, as in the following Chapter will appear.  
Where Golden Lines, in Golden Letters writ,  
You will with comfort favourably meet.   

CHAP. V Remembrance opens her Book and reads him a comfortable Lecture, mostly containing GOD's gracious Promises of Mercy and Forgiveness to true Penitents, and thereby allays his Fears.  
REmembrance (whoall this while had stood by) having received her orders, opened the Book she had in her Hand, in which I beheld Lines of Gold in Pages of Azure, when touching the Seat of my Mind with a Silver Wand, she thus proceeded: Hath Sin (said she) Abounded? Grace hath more abounded: 
Rom. 5.20  Wherhfore he that mistrusteth the Mercies of GOD, mistrusteth him to ●e M●r●●ful, inju●ub the Fountain of Mercy and Good●ess, in denying him to be Love and Power; Love, to star him up to compassion, and tender Bowels of Mercy, ●nd Power, to do what seover seemeth ●ood in his own 〈◊〉: and in these con●st all the hope of poor Sinners, who had ●ey to do with any but a merciful GOD, must unavoidably Parish; for ●n the strictness of his Justice, the lest Sin is Sufficient to Sink a Soul to ●he Depth of Misery. But that he is Love, Sacred Writ test●●ies, and renders ●t in all th●●●s one of the highest Attri●utes of Omnipotency; nor is it in any small degree communicated to mankind, but rather in a most transcendent man●er, viz. In this was manifested the Love of GOD towards us, 
1 john. 4.9.  because that GOD sent his only begotten Son into the World that we might Live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved GOD, but that he loved us, 
john. 15.13.  and sent his Son to be a propitiation for our Sins: Greater Love (says our blessed Saviour) than this has no Man, that a Man should l●y down his Life for his friend: This is the Rock and Anchor hold both of Faith and Hope, for without out it we must have inevitably perishe● and the Souls that he has made mus● have failed before him; that is, of hi● Mercy had not infinitely out weighe● his Justice. Nay this blessed Saviour not only laid down his L●fe for lost an● and undone Man, and took it up against gloriously ascending to the Right Han● of his Father, 
1 john. 2.1.  but there likewise eve● liveth to make Intercession for us: Fo● if any Man Sin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous, and he is the Propitiation for th● Remission of Sins. Again, Behold (says St. John) what manner of Love the Father hath bestowed upon us, 
john. 3 ●●  that 〈◊〉 should be called the Sons of God not that God has either occasion for us or our Service, for we can in no wise add any thing to his State or Felicity, who is 〈◊〉 finitely happy from all Eternity, beyond Degree or Comparison; but that it i● his Nature to do good to all his Creatures, and to have Compassion on the Works of his Hands: 
Isa. 43.25.  Wherhfore speaking to this purpose by the Prophet Isaiah, h● says, That it is he himself that blo●teth out our iniquities for his own name● sake, and that for the Love he bears us he will not have our Sins in Remembrance; but than it is conditionally, ●hat we become sorrowful for our misdo●●gs, and repent us of the Evil of our ●ays. That he has power to Pardon ●●d Forgive us, 
Mat. 28.18.  is passed all peradventure, for all power in Heaven and Earth ● in his hands; and as his Mercies are infinite, so is his Power Unlimited and ●comprehensible; nor is his Care and Regard lesle, for he that keepeth Israel, neither Sleepeth nor Slumbereth. Therefore let the Wicked Man leave his ways, and the  Man the Evil of his doting, and turn unto the LORD, and ●he will have mercy on him, and is ready to forgive him, and those that do trust in him shall not be Confounded; 
Psal. 91.1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.  for whoso dwelleth in the Secret of the most High, shall abide in the Shadow of the Almighty; surely he will deliver thee from the Snare of the Hunter, and from the Noisome Pestilence; he will cover thee under his Wings, and thou shalt be safe under his Feathers, his Truth shall be thy Shield and thy Buckler; thou shalt not be afraid of the Arrow that flieth by Day, nor of the Plague that destroyeth by Noonday; a Thousand shall fall on thy side, and Ten-thousand at thy right-hand, but it shall not come nigh 〈…〉 his 〈…〉 but 〈…〉 on 〈…〉 them out of 〈…〉 them in the 〈…〉 Peace 〈…〉 Father 〈…〉 out of 〈…〉 to 〈…〉 us to our● endless Comfort, That GOD so lov●● the World, that he gave his only begotten Son, to the end that whos●●●er believeth in him might have 〈…〉 Life: for he came into the World not to condemn the World, but to the ena that he might sav● Sanners.  
Having heard these comfortable Say, I greatly rejoiced; and began to Sing in this manner: 
O! what Return can Sinners make to thee  
For Mercies that are far beyond degree!  
O Gracious Lord! What can poor Dust repay!  
Nothing but Sighs and Tears! Alas, can they  
Hope for 〈◊〉 Yes, if truly sent,  
From Hearts that Contrite are, and Pendent.    

CHAP. VI He acknowledgeth his wondered Change, is Assaulted by Discouragement, 〈◊〉 him, and puts him to slight; 〈◊〉 from the School of Repen●, is like to run into the 〈…〉, but is prevented by Understanding, and conveyed 〈…〉, with other matters of Note.  
HAving through the Assistance of 〈…〉 been thus long ●the School of 〈◊〉, my Mind ●nd Affections were wonderfully ●ang'd from what they were in the ●rmer 〈◊〉 of my Life, for I now ●egan to think of nothing but the country whither I was going, and ●as continually Meditating on it, and Contemplating of its Beauty an● Holiness; all that I had heard spoken of it, returning continually afresh into my Mind, insomuch that I cried out, 
Psal. 84.1.2.  O! how Amiable are th● Dwellings, thou Lord of Hosts! M● Soul longeth and panteth to Enter in●thy Courts! In thy presence is the f●ness of Joy, and at thy Right Ha● are Pleasures for evermore. 
Psa. 16.11.  An● when at any time Discouragement assaulted me, 
Acts 14.22.  Suggesting, Th● through many Tribulations I must E●ter into the Kingdom of Heaven, a● that Bonds and Afflictions abided ● in every City, I Answered him in th● words of St. 
Acts 20.23.  Paul, viz. I accounted that the Afflictions or Sufferings of th● present Life, are not worthy of the Gl●ry that shall be Revealed. 
Rom. 8.18.  And whil● I was thus considering with my sel● Divine Grace came to me, and to● me it was time to pass on, and pr●forward toward the Mark or Prise my high Calling; 
Phil. 3.14.  to which I willingly submitted, all the Ladies promising in like manner to Accompa● me; and so with Joy I proceeded● For being disburdened of my Sin● Apparel, I was much the lighte● and than (according as wisdom had ●old me) the way seethed more pleasant, though not altogether free from danger. For the Prince of the Palace of Worldly Felicity, to whom ● had formerly been a Slave, was abroad with his I●gions to prevent (if possible) my safe Arrival at the ●nd of my Journey; who often wried after me to Return, and made many hideous howl to affright ●nd discompose me, that so they night shake or stagger my Resoluti●on: But as much as in me lay, I stopped my Eats and cried out, I will walk in the strength of the LORD; 
Psa. 7.16.  and thereupon for a time they ceased to pursue me. So in the end, we came to a Crooked Lane, called the Path ●f Error; into which I had almost stepped before I was ware, but e'er my Foot reached the Ground, Understanding, a good Hermit, whose Honse stood on the other hand, stepped forth and pulled me back, and told me of the danger I was in; at which I began to tremble in such a manner, that I was scarcely able to return him Thanks, and especially because upon a second View, I beheld Hymeneus and Philetus, with many other Erroneous Seducers and Brothers of Error, who stood closely lurking to pluck in such as passed carelessly on their way; for here finding (or supposing at lest) the Path easy, and that no other wa●● butted upon it, I had vainglorious outstripped my Company, in a manner forgetting how I had been a little before punished for harkening t● Presumption; and for this, Conscience (as soon as she came up with the rest) began sharply to Rebu●● me; but seeing I only attempted, b●● had not entered the Lane, she upon the supplication of Repentance, gave over, and so we altogether entered the House of the Good Hermit Understanding, over whose Door was written this Sentence, 
Psa. 49.20.  viz. Man that is Born in Honour and Understands not is like the Beast that Perisheth. Upon the Reading this, I began to consider that a Man might understand and yet not understand aright; That he might be (if we may rightly term him so) a Man in understanding as to Worldly Affairs, and in that boast great things, as the Sage. and Philosophers of Old did: Nay, go somewhat further, and yet be a Child in True Understanding, as to Heavenly things, of which the Prophet Jeremy speaks, viz. 
Jer. 9.29.  Thus saith the LORD, let not the Wiseman glory in his Wisdom, neither let the Mighty-man glory in his Might, nor let the Richman glory in his Richeses; but ●le● him that glories, glory in this, That he understandeth and knoweth Me that I am the Lord.  
Being come into the House of this Good Man, the first thing he showed me was a Man that lay bound with Chains of Security, in a dark Dungeon that was under the Floor of his House; yet in that Estate he seemed very pleasant, not at all regarding the misery he seemed to be in, neither was he able to get out of it, though he was encompassed with Tombs and Coffins: Than I asked him whom this might be? And he put a Book into my Hand, and pointing to a certain place, bid me read; when looking earnestly upon the place, I sound these Words, viz. 
Prov. 7.6.7.  For at the Window of my House I locked through my Casement, and beheld amongst the Simple-ones, I discerned amongst the Youth, a Man voided of Understanding: Upon this I considered it was the Emblem of myself, when forsaking Wisdom and following the Advice of Folly, though I was than in the depth of Misery, yet by reason of my Simplicity, and for want of Understanding, I knew it not, but rested content even in that wretched Condition: Than I demanded why he was placed amongst Coffins and Tombs? Than he pointed to another place, and bid me read; which I did, and found these words, viz. The Man that wandereth out of the way of Understanding, shall remain in the Congregation of the Dead. 
Prov. 21.16.  Than began he to reprove me, and upbraid me with my former Follies and Vanities, with my Disobedience to the call of Wisdom, and other things; but I freely confessing and owning all these, bid Sorrow for Sin speak a little on my behalf: Whereupon she declared, though she must confess that I had been a grievous Sinner, and had indulged myself with all manner of Vain-Peasures; yet by the means of Divine Grace, having had a through sight of the miserable State I was than in, I had Renounced the World and all its Vanities; that I had been in the School of Repentance, and now was onward of my way, with a resolution to persevere to the end, with hopes of Pardon and Eternal Life; ●ot upon my own account, or through any merits of mine, but up●on the account, and by and through the meritorious Death and Passion of my Blessed Saviour, GOD manifested in the Flesh; hoping by him to be raised from the Death of Sin, to the Life of Righteousness; 
1 Cor. ●●. 22.  for as by Adam came Death, so by Christ cometh the Resurrection of the Dead. Therefore being truly sensible, sincerely and hearty sorry for what was past, she hoped that he would not only pass by my former Frailties, but further what I had well begun with sound Advice.  
This calmed his Temper, and he upon the Motion of Divine-Grace, promised to furnish me with some of those Instructions which Wisdom had left for my Learning, who he said in that kind took Compassion on me, even when I despised her ways, and that concerning Religion.  
So kind is Heaven to Prodigals Returned,  
Who of their Sins Repent have, and Mourned,  
That they so kind so good a Father fled,  
To live with Worldlings, live amongst the Dead.   

CHAP VII. Understanding gives him Cordial Advice, and prepares him to proceed to the House of Religion; and how after sound Counsel he went on his way, and what else befell him.  
UNderstanding having promised to give me some sound Advice, that might profit me in my further Progress, thus began:  
Now (said he) you are Entered upon this holy Warfare, you aught to quit yourself like a Man, not to Faint, but run with patience, and consider the danger of him that looks back; the Reward you are sensible is great, that will crown you, if you persevere to the end; and a great Reward cannot reasonably be expected without Labour: Religion is not Nominal only, but Practical, and must not be trifled with; for take it in its Latitude, ●● signisies the whole Duty of Man; and without performance of that Duty, Salvation cannot be reasonably expected: It comprehends Justice, Charity, Sobriety, Patience, Meekness, and many other Virtues; because these being commanded by GOD, become a part of that Honour and Worship which we are bound to pay unto Him; in relation to which, St. James says, That Pure Religion, 
Jam. 1.27.  and undefiled before GOD and the Father, is this, To visit the Fatherless and Widows in their Affliction, and to keep himself unspotted of the World: Nor must this be done superficially or hypocritically, for Praise or vain Applause, but seriously and hearty, 
Mat. 6.18.  not as unto men, but as unto the Lord. Nor does this, which some term the External part of Religion, consisting in good Offices to our Neighbour, etc. excuse us, but there follows that which is more peculiarly to be observed.  
The Internal part of Religion is called the Internal 〈…〉 which the Soul is only and more immediately employed and ministers to GOD in special Actions of Faith, 
Heb. 11.1.  Hope and Charity; Faith believes the Rev●●ation of GOD, and is the Evidence of things not seen; Hope expects his Promises, and Charity loves his Excellencies and M●r●●es; the last of these, 
1 Cor. 13. ●3.  by reason of its many singular Properties, being by the Apostle termed the greater of the Three: Again, Faith guides our Understanding to GOD, Hope gives us all the passions and Affections to Heaven and Heavenly things, Charity gives the will to the service of GOD; Faith opposes Infidelity, Hope does the like to Despair, and Charity to Enmity, Hatred, and all other Passions of that kind; and these three Sanctify the whole Man, and make your Duty to GOD, and your obedience to his Commandments to be Reasonable and Delightful; and therefore to be Inti●e, Persevering and Universal.  
Understanding having thus given me a further insight in Religion than I had before, and humbly entreated, That the GOD of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of Glory, would give unto me the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, which searcheth in all things, yea the deep things of GOD, to lighten the Eyes of my Understanding, 
1 Cor. 2.10.  that I might know what is the Hopes of his Calling, and the Richeses of the Glory of his Inberitance in his Saints, 
Eph. 1. 17.1●.  he suffered us to departed, yet promised to unassisting when need should require it.   

CHAP VIII. How he cain to the House of Religion (being enticed in the way to turn aside by Hypocrisy and others) and of the 〈◊〉 he sound these; the good Instructions he 〈◊〉, with many other matters.  
HAving left this place, I passed on with great Joy, pondering in my mind what I had heard; and ask many questions of my Dear Companions, about the way, they freely satisfied me in all things; telling me the next place I should come to would be the House which (however it might seem to my outward appearance) would prove very glorious within to true Penitents, insomuch that David, 
Psa. 84.10.  though a King, desired rather to be a door keeper in the House of GOD, than to devil in the Tents of Wickedness; That is, than to live wickedly in all worldly Pleasure; and that it was far better known by the Inside than the outside, for that Hypocrisy had built her a House on that Road very nearly resembling that of True Religion, and and for the outside was rather fairer, by which many who travelled that way, had mistaken the latter for the former, and were by the Lady Dissimulation (that keeps it) after they had along time flattered themselves, led to the top of a Mountain standing on the  side the way, and by one Self-conceit removed thence to a dark Land, where they wander to this day.  
This terrible Story made me very cautious and circumspect, whereupon I resolved to keep even with those that accompanied me, & not to go before them, as I did when I had like to have turned down the crooked Lane of Error. And now being come within fight of a House on the Left Hand, I concluded it to be the same; whenas out came a grave Matron, with a Veil over her Head and shoulders, seeming very Sorrowful, and her Face to appearance was much Furrowed with Tears; yet for all that, I perceived a couple of Fellows at her heels, called Desire of Vainglory and Praise of Men; This piece of seeming Gravity, with a very demure Countenance (as I came near her) said, Welcome, welcome, my Son; whilst those that attended her stepped forward, and entreated me to turn in and take a Refreshment: But having in mind what had been told me, 
Mat. 23.13.  and remembering the dreadful Sentence pronounced against Hypocrites and unbelievers, by the assistance of Divine Grace I stopped my Ears, and crying out, Life, Life, Eternal Life, I passed by, and escaped this carcase or shadow of Religion, by which too many are ensnared in embracing the shadow for the Substance; by contenting themselves with the Apples of Sodom & Gomorrah, whose outsides are of a Gold and Crimson Colour, when the infide produces nothing but Cinders and Ashes. 
〈◊〉. 23. 〈◊〉.  Nor unsitly, but rather excellent, is the saying of our Blessed Saviour, where he compares Hypocrites to painted Sepulchers: and indeed this is a Sin that walks the most lavisi●●le to Men, because it is lodged in the secrets of the Heart, where GOD alone is the Scearcher.  
Having escaped this danger, I plainly beheld the Ho●●● of Religion, or true Devotion, at which I greatly rejoiced. This House stood in the middle of the way, and through it those that Travel to the Celestial City must needs p●ss, or they will fail of their expectation. And upon our approach, Humi●ty and Sincerity came to usher ●s in, whilst Good Theology, who was Master of the place, stood to receive and welcome us with a gratulation of Peace; and so being entered, methought it was one of the most desirable pieces I had seen in my way; and here I learned of 〈◊〉 He●●ed M●ster, to be Lowly and Meek, pouring out my Spirit in Supplication and Prayer, 
Mat. 11.29  entreating Sorrow for Sin and con●essi●m of Sins to assist me in as much as in them lay, to make an acknowledgement of my own vileness, the better ●o suppress the strive of the Fle●●, who in this transitory Life will at one time or other Rebel against the Spirit, though Watchfulness and Sobriety be never so constant in their Attendance: though (as 〈◊〉 assared me) in Religion is the greatest Cornfort and Encouragement Imaginable, for though the Body ●● never so much Afflicted, yet i● w●● keep close with GOD ou● 〈◊〉 will be at case, our good 〈…〉 be a continual Feast: We are, ●ays he, 
2. Cor. 4.2.9.  Troubled on every 〈…〉 Distressed; we are 〈…〉 not in Despair; Persecut●●, but not forsaken; Cast down, but not Destroyed; and again, Who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is Good? But 〈…〉 for Rightcousness sake, happy are ye; and be not assraid of their 〈◊〉, neither be Troubled. 
1 Pet. 3. 1●.14.  Wherhfore laying aside all Malice and Guile, and Hypocrisies, and 〈◊〉, and all Evil speaking, as new born Babes desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby, if ye have tasted that the Lord is Gracious; to whom coming, 
1 Pet. 2.1, 2, 3, 4, 5.  as unto a living Stone, dis-al-lowed indeed of Men, but chosen of GOD and precious, ye also, as living stones are built up a Spiritual House, etc.  
These say made Tears of Joy stand in my Eyes; and now to tender my comfort the greater, having repeated many promises of performing (by the assistance of Divine Grace) not only what was, but what should be further commanded, ● found myself strictly embraced; when looking to see by whom, I perceived a beautiful Lady, called Steadfast Faith, standing at my Right Hand, who had before I was ware put the Girdle of Firm Belief about me, and when she apprehended I was Sensible of what she had done, she with an earnest Speech delivered these words, viz. Be thou Faithful unto Death, 
Rev. 2.10.  and I will give thee a Crown of Life; & immediately I had a prospect of very glorious things; Than came Hope, and gave me an Anchor of Promise to secure me, if at any time I should be tossed on the ●ough Sea of Distrust. Than Charity ●over'd me with a mantle of Compassion, and having received the sacred Pledges of his Love (which he left as a remembrance of himself till his coming) with the most profound Reverence and Devotion, it was agreed by all the company, that I should be instantly conveyed to the Palace of Wisdom and Virtue, both these being one and the same Person; for True Virtue, is Godly Wisdom, and Godly Wisdom is True Virtue. Now when I heard what was determined, I was somewhat abashed, because Remembrance (who still attended me) loooking earnestly up-me, it came into my mind how I had at the parting of the ways refused her Instructions; but however taking Counsel of Theology, I sound that through her Palace, was the only way to the Celestial City, and very near the Gate thereof; for indeed her conversation is mostly in Heaven, though by the will of the Celestial King, she condescends to converse with Mortals, as well appears by the following account given of her by the wisest of Men, viz. The Lord by 〈◊〉 hath founded the Earth, by Understanding hath he established the Heavens. 
Prov. 13.19.  And therefore knowing that by going over to her, I should be nearer my Journeys end; I plucked up a good courage, and resolved upon it, saying (thou●● but softly) thus to myself: 
The ways of Wisdom 〈…〉,  
But need, 〈…〉,  
Who takes 〈…〉,  
She'd Heavenly 〈◊〉, and 〈…〉 thither bend.    

CHAP. IX. Being well Instructed, he passes on to the Palace of True Felicity, desertless it, and is there ●ntertain'd with great Joy, and has from thence a full Prospect of the Celestial City.  
BEing determined to pass on to the desired place of Rest, I perceived at my setting out from the House of Religion (where I learned many things to surther me in my way) the powers of the Air and Darkness were mustering against me, to oppose my proceed; but being furnished and supported as I was, the Terror 〈◊〉 little or no effect upon me; notwithfranding they cast Shame, Disgrace, Contemps and Scorn in my w●●, for I set my Face like a Flint against their Assaults; and with a steadfast Mind, opposed them with Patience, Constancy, Perseverance, Meckness, Humility, and the like.  
And now the good Hermit Understanding, who followed me to the House of Religion, by the Appointment of Divine Grace, becoming my● Tutor or Gaurdian, next herself I found myself doubly Blessed, and● so the way growing even, we went● smoothly on; True Content being's the forerunner of our Company, who still removed those Rubs that Adversity cast into the way, and made it easy to us; so that before the Sun declined, I had a Prospect of the Palace, being in a manner at it, when methought it was the fairest that ever I beheld at such a nearness; though indeed the Celestial City gave a more glorious Prospect; but however, this must be Entered before one can come to the other.  
The Structure of this Palace of Virtue (for so henceforward I shall call it) stood upon a spacious Hill, green and pleasant to behold, and reached as high as Heaven; upon the Wall of which there were seven strong Towers, Guarded by Divine Virtues; and in chief, were under the Command (as I understood) of Faith, Hope, Charity, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance and ; and over these Reigned Wisdom as Queen ●d Lady of them; and not only ●er these, but over many more; ●r all Virtues submit to her Conduct. ●nd thus far at present I had my In●lligence from Understanding, my ●utor.  
And now having in my Company divine Grace, Understanding, Memory, Conscience, Repentance and religion, or Theology (who would at ●ny Entreaty Accompany me) The Three Divine Virtues I mentioned in ●he House of Religion, being gone before to reassume their stations, and the rest disinissed till further occasion might offer; we came up to the Gate, which was very Narrow, neither were the Paths much beaten, by reason of the small resort; and there we were met with Songs of Praise and Hosannahs to the Celestial King; and so we entered the Palace in Triumph.  
And now I found by Experience, that Virtue, if there was no other Reward but enjoying it even in this World, in finitely exceeds Vice; but far be it from any to think it has its Reward on this side Heaven; for Holy David, speaking of the Soul of a Righteous Man, 
Ps● 36.8.  says, I● shall be satisfied with the abundance of GOD's House, and he shall give it Drink of his Pleasure as out of a River. And i● this may be termed no more than a● Heavenly Conversation, whilst o● Earth, though some 〈…〉 yet hear what our Ble●●●● Saviour says, which is beyond all Contradiction meant of the future State, viz. 
Joh. 17.24.  Father, I will that they be with me where I am, that 〈◊〉 may behold my Glory which thou h●●st given me. And now, as in the Palace of Worldly Felicity were exceeding Stories of Perishable things; so in this Palace of True or Spiritual Felicity, were things Incorruptible and Eternal, Treasures of every Virtue, durable and ●●sting, as the Author of them. And here it will not be amiss to give a brief Description of the place, or rather of the Heavenly Guests I found therein, and that not further in Allegory, but by the help of Understanding, as plain as may be, for the better Advantage of the Reader; and having in the former part given a Character of Wisdom, I shall proceed to give a Description of Virtue, as far as it is warrantable, that not differing (in the main) from the former.   

CHAP. X. He gives a Description of Virtue, together with her Noble Qualities, the means whereby she Operates in the Soul of Man, and why to be desired.  
VIRTVE is that Good which is wrought in the Minds of Men, by a Divine Ins●●●n●e; and and according to St. Austin (in his Second Book of Free- 〈◊〉, Chap. 18.) is a good quality of the Soul Divinly direlled, 〈◊〉 and 〈…〉 him to 〈…〉 to do what good he can to all, 〈…〉; to resist evil and 〈◊〉 that which is good. And so by the Soul of Man, up●on which it Oper●●es, 〈◊〉 understands the 〈…〉 of the Mind or Soul, as Reason Judgement and Will: The Inferior part we call Sense, which is 〈…〉 to Beasts as Men; and there●●●● the Rational pa●t, which is a Ray of Divinity, is properly taken for th● Soul; and this it is that Virtue h● the power over, to order or dispos● and from hence we infer that Virt● is a good quality of the Soul; that is to say, of ; for Virt● qualifieth , disposing it an● preparing it to Do and Will well though neither of these can come t● pass, without the Assistance of Divine Grace.  
As for the Second part of the Definition, it is in consideration of Man's living Justly and Uprightly and he that doth otherwise is no tru● Friend to Virtue; for as Vice is diametrical to Virtue, so is any thing that borders or depends upon it And whoso liveth well, if he persevere in so doing to the end, he need not fear of having the Reward du● to Virtue, which is no lesle than Eternal Life; it follows than that b● Virtue, True Felicity is only attainable; for Virtue Redressing and Correcting the Depravities and Exo●bitances of , so that being as it were new moulded, it is disposed to do that which is Just an● Upright; so that he that is trul● Virtuous, altogether shuns that which is Evil, and chooseth that which is Good; and this made David wish, 
Psal. 27.4.  That he might devil in GOD's House all the Days of his Life: And for a further Encouragement to Virtue, our Blessed Saviour tells us, that, 
Mat. 7.3.  The Just shall Shine as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Much more might be said in this case to tender Virtue Lovely and desirable in the Eyes of Men; but seeing she has not only been Recommended to them by our Blessed Saviour, the Fountain of Virtue and Goodness, but by the Prophets, Apostles, and Good Men of all Ages; those who refuse to Entertain her upon such Recommendations, will hardly be induced to it by any endeavour of Mine. So to conclude this General, I shall only add, That Virtue is a Work of GOD in Man, and not of Man in himself; for as the Rain moisteneth the Ground, to tender it Fruitful, and yet the Rain is not the Ground, nor the Ground the Fruit; Even so in the Ground of our Souls he Infuses his Grace, to tender us Fruitful in Good Works.   

CHAP XI. He gives a brief Account of Faith so far as is warrantable; to what end she serves, and the especial Marks of her Appearance, etc. as also of Hope and Charity.  
FAITH is, 
Heb. 11.1.  as the Apostle says, the Evidence of things not seen, giving us Confidence and Assistance of things to come, which otherwise weighed in Human Reason, might appear impossible; and this excellent Virtue made Abraham and the Patriarches and Prophets, etc. so famous and acceptable in the sight of GOD, by being confident through Faith, that none of GOD's Promises should fail, Abraham we hear believed, and it was accounted to him for Righteousness; 
Rom. 4.3.  Nay more, had the Honour to be styled the Father of the Faithful: Whilst those that have been dissident, have been ever Reproved and come to Naught; as the Obstinate Jews in the time of our Saviour, who for their unbelief and hardness of Heart are called a Faithless Generation; for though Abraham by Faith had seen the Day of our LORD so many Years before, yet his faithless Offspring, notwithstanding such lively and apparent Demonstrations, hardened their Hearts. Faith in its Offices consists, First to believe with a steadfast Assurance, all those things that GOD has Revealed to us, when once we are Convinced he hath spoken them; and that without too curious an Enquiry, or Attempt to search into his ways, we humbly submit, relying upon him for the fulfilling of his promises, which cannot fail; for as well may he cease to be, as cease to be just; Heaven and Earth (says our blessed Saviour) Shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away till all be fulfilled; 
Mark. 13.31.  and therefore may be as fully relied upon, as if already seen fulfilled or possessed.  
Secondly, We aught to believe nothing concerning GOD, but what is Honourable & Excellent, as being assured that that belief that is accompanied with dishonourable thoughts or distrust, is little available; nor is Faith lesle the Parent of Charity, for it produces not only a steadfast Belief and Trust in GOD, but a love towards him and reliance on him, with a true acknowledgement of his Goodness both in Word, Deed, and Thought. To let the contemplation of his Excellencies employ our chiefest care, and possess the very centre of our Souls, is a great Sign of true Faith, especially if nothing of Vainglory be mixed therewith, but we are content to cast ourselves entirely upon him, estranging our Affections from Worldly things, and placing them upon those that are lasting and Divine; and St. Paul says, 
Rom. 10.17.  This Faith comes by Hearing; and indeed it may well do so, for that the Ear conveys the Promises to the Soul, and there the Understanding frames them in their divinest shapes, whilst Faith sets its signet of true belief upon them, which must be likewise confirmed by Charity or Divine Love for although we had Faith even to remove Mountains, yet without Charity, 
1 Corn. 13.2.  as Holy Writ testifies, it is nothing; for even the powers of Darkness believe and Tremble; so that belief serves only to aggravate their punishment, because it is neither accompanied with Love, nor Charity; and thus much briefly concerning a well-grounded Faith.  
Hope in the Palace of Virtue takes the next place, and is highly to be approved, because it is the Mother of Patience, and the preventer of Despair, eacourages a Christian in perseverance, and expectation of the Reward that is promised to those that do well, and confirmed by Faith; for where as Faith, is a firm and steadfast belief in general, of all the revealed will of GOD, so is Hope of what more immediately concerns the party with whom it resides, and is between the two Extremities of an infallible Assurance of Blessedness, and a Desperation of it; and the more a man recovers from the last Extremity, the more perfect is his Hope: And in this case it sufficeth the Believer, that he believes and loves GOD, that he hath a firm Affiance and Confidence that GOD of his good Grace will have Mercy and Compassion on him, and will give him whatsoever he hath promifed to his Elect, hoping that he is of their number And not only to hope, for that would be too supine & negligent, but to strengthen that Hope with Prayer, Acts of Charity, and other Christian Duties; so that in the end, Hope may not fail of its expectations, but be satisfied with those blessings it so earnestly expected.  
As for Charity, the greatest of these Three, 
1 Pet. 4.8.  it is no doubt a garment of Righteousness that covereth a multitude of Sins; and without this, St. Paul, the great Apostle of the Gentiles accounted himself nothing. And to this I join Good Will, which is one and the same, for the truly Charitable Man willeth no Evil; and Love and Charity are inseparable Companions, being linked together in a Chain of Causes, and consist of Internal and External Acts, viz. Acts of Compassion, Love, Tenderness, Forbearance, Long Sufferance, Patience, and Brotherly kindness, as well as Liberality, relieving & succouring those that are in Distress or Affliction, by Alms, good Counsel, and whatever else is necessary or convenient, without any expectation of applause or retribution; for those that give any thing upon that account, are like them that when they gave Alms, caused a Trumpet to be sounded in the Market place, that they might have the praise of Men, so by that means it appears it was no true Charity, and consequently not registered in Heaven; but on the contrary being attended with Pride and Vain Glory, things most hateful to the Almighty, instead of laying up treasure there, they treasured up to themselves wrath against the day of wrath: Nay the proud Pharisee's merely boasting of what he had done in this kind, begat him rebuke and eternal infamy; for doubtless Charity is a spark of Divine Love, which inflameth the heart and prepares it for the reception of saving Grace; and there is no thing more that our blessed Saviour takes notice of in his distinguishing the Righteous from the Wicked, at the last Day, than by the Charity of the one, and the Hardheartedness of the other; as you may found it at large in Mat. 25 etc. Nay he has commanded us to do whatsoever in this kind is requisite, not only hearty, but with all the Privacy imaginable, to prevent Vain Glory or the applause of Men; and has promised us for so doing, that the Father who seethe in secret, will reward us openly; and this is the only opportunity GOD has given the Sons of Men ●o make themselves friends of the Unrighteous Mammon, 
Luke. 16.19.  that when ye fail, they may receive you into Eternal Habitations, and lay up treasure where neither Moths nor Rust can corrupt, 
Math. 16.19.  nor Thiefs break through and steal.  
Having gathered these things from good Understanding, I was not a little glad, & thereupon put up my Petition to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose hands are the Hearts of the Sons of Men, that he would continued to me his Grace, and more and more enlighten my Understanding, that he would put a godly Fear into my heart, whereby I might ever apply my way to Wisdom. Which when I had done, I went to take a survey of the four Moral Virtues who are of no small account to a good Christian, wherefore I shall not think it amiss to describe them, though for brevity's sake I shall be as concise as will stand with conveniency.   

CHAP. XII. He gives a description of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance, Excellently representing them in their several Capacities, Motions and Opperatio●n, etc.  
THe Moral Virtues are accounted both by Ancient Philosophers and Modern Divines, Four, viz. Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance, in which the Sages of old, by the light of nature placed their chiefest happiness, squaring thereby their Actions, & regulating their Affairs; nor are they at all to be rejected or slightly accounted, though under a greater light than the Heathens could everpretend to, for St. Hierom saith, By these the Christian liveth well, even in Morality. For Prudence directeth him in his Affairs, Justice preserves his Integrity, Temperance preserves him in Health; and frequently in Prosperity, whilst Fortitude furnishes him with a constant mind, to bear him out in all Hazards and Mischances; gives him courage and strength to defend himself against danger and malicious attempts: And again, Prudence puts it in our power to contemplate the Creation, and admire the Creator in the beauty of his Creatures, to extol his Wisdom and Power, his Excellence and Order; and by degrees raise our Souls to a higher pitch of perfection. Temperance enables us to subdue and mortify our Lusts, and to bring them under Subjection, enables us to be vigilant and watchful against the enemy of our Souls; Prudence directs us to eat Temptations, Fortitude to resist them with a godly zeal, and Justice to live uprightly, doing to all as we would be done by; so that these being used to a right end, border upon or are props and supporters to the former. But to come to somewhat more particular.  
Justice may be said to be a Virtue of two kinds; as first, it is a general Virtue, and comprehends in itself all Virtue; as for instance, The man that lives uprightly and justly is called a just man; and is in the second place understood by the name of Distributive Justice, & so becomes National, and is the Defender of Innocence, the Scourge of the Guilty, and the Support of Kingdoms.  
Fortitude is a Virtue by which Justice in a manner is supported, though it may be divided into the Force of Arms and the Constancy of Mind, and so applied either Spiritually or Temporally; for by what but by Constancy and Courage, Patience and Assurance of an Eternal Reward, did the Apostles, Martyrs and Confessors maintain the Truth of their Profession against Pagans', Infidels, and even the Powers of Darkness, against Persecutions, Temptations, Fiery Trials, and a hundred kinds of Deaths; Rejoicing that they were accounted worthy to Seal the Testimony that they bore with their Blood.  
Temperance, says St. Austin, is a power a Man gains over himself, prevailing even against his craving Appetite, and by degrees enables him to Rule his Passions, which is the noblest Conquest a Man can make; for when this Virtue is away, all other Virtues loose much of their force; for when a Man is overcome with Wine and Excess, he is prove to all manner of Vice, letting lose the Reinss of Passion and Inordinate Affection.  
Prudence is the Queen, even of these, if rightly considered, because wherever she comes, she commonly Rules the rest; and by her Discretion directs and order the whole Frame of Man; prompting and disposing him to do that which is Just, Moderate, Sober and Discreet. And now having taken a Survey of these, I applied myself to Holy Duty, observing all that in me lay, to keep the Commandments, Pray and Sing Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, as I remember Wisdom told me, Those that were Conversant with her were want to do; and lest by any means I should grow flack or negligent herein, Understanding brought Perseverance to me, who gave me the following Directions, by the Command of Divine Grace.   

CHAP XIII. He is brought to Perseverance, by whom and Understanding, he is further Instructed; He is Recommended to her by Divine Grace; and leas a Prospect of the Celestial City from the Tower of Faith, where he continues in Expectation.  
UNderstanding and the rest that Accompanied me to the Palace of Virtue, being all this while with me, I was y my Tutor carried to the Apartment of Perseverance; For said he, unless you hold out to the End, it had been better for you that you had never set forward, if by a Relapse you should loose at last what you have so long struggled for; the loss will be the more intolerable, and your fault the greater. When looking about me, I saw Divine Grace, to whom I made my Humble Obedience; whereupon she comforted me, and bid Understanding bring out the Lady of that place, which she accordingly did; when considering I had not seen her before, I beheld her with a submissive Look, and she on the other hand beheld me with a grave, yet somewhat severe Look, and upon the Motion of Divine Grace, thus Accosted me: I understand (said she, you are lately come from the Palace of Voluptuousness to this place, therefore consider well your Ways, and set a Watch over your Heart; for though now, by reason of Divine Grace, you are not only Arrived at the Palace of Virtue, but in favour with the Celestial King, of whose City you have had a Prospect; yet know, without me you may yet fall short of your Expectation; both Faith and Hope, 
●r. 17.9.  I say, may fail you, if you slight my Counsel and Advice; for the Heart of Man is deceitful and desperately wicked, who can know it?  
Upon this saying, I fell upon my Knees in the presence of Divine Grace, and all the other Virtues that were present, and made a  Protestation, That I would take heed to my way, and do (by the Divine Assistance) what ever I was able to please ●he Lady Preseverance; and she on ●he other hand taking me up Lo●ingly in her Arms, promised not to departed from me, unless I gave her cause, till I came to the Celestial City. And so by the whole Assembly being Recommended to each other, we continued in Love and Friendship in the strictest Bonds of Amity to this day, continuing in great Felicity in the Palace of Virtue, and hourly from the Tower of Faith taking a Prospect of the Holy and Heavenly Jerusalem, Replenished with Peace and Pleasures for evermore.  
In which, Great GOD, when this short Life is past,  
Let my poor Soul be by the Mercy placed,  
That I the Pleasures of True Life may Taste.    
FINIS.