CHAPTER III.

The chief Enemies of Godliness

Having given a brief account of the origin and early history of True Godliness, it may not be amiss, before I come to treat of his Travels and entertainment in these latter days, to give a description of some of his chief adversaries, that true lovers of Godliness may be aware of them; and those who have a mind to be acquainted with him, and are hindered from receiving him into their houses,* may know the cause and reason of it.

1. One of the chief enemies of this great favorite of heaven, is the Devil; nor is there any one that more perfectly hates him.

2.

The Flesh.

3. The World.

But this general description is not sufficient to discover the great danger men are in, by certain emissaries and servants of those grand adversaries which many are ready to enter

* That is, into the heart. The author in all the remainder of his work, keeps up this figure.

Ed.

tain as friends, not suspecting their fatal danger. I shall, therefore, give you an account of a few of them, and tell you their names. 1. Unbelief. 2. Pride. 3. VainGlory. 4. Formality. 5. Hypocrisy. 6. Opposition. 7. Heresy. 8. Superstition. 9. Idolatry. 10. Prosperity. 11. Persecution. 12. Ignorance. 13. Blind-Zeal. 14. VainHope. 15. Sloth or Idleness. 16. Covetousness. 17. Custom. 18. Evil-Example. 19. Self-Righteouness. 20. Presumption. 21. Despair. 22. Slavish-Fear. 23. Sensual-Pleasure; and 24. Apostacy: with many others too numerous here to reckon up; but by mentioning the names of these, you may easily discern who and what the others are, who with their attendants are all implacable enemies to True Godliness, and endeavor to hinder his being entertained where he comes, as you will find in the ensuing history of his Travels.*

* If he be not a guest with you at this time, reader, examine which of these evils keeps him out of your heart. Then pray mightily that your bondage to sin may be broken. This is your day of mercy.

Ed.

CHAPTER IV.

Godliness, having received a Commission to travel, and visit the Children of Men, comes to a certain Town on the Confines of Babylon, where Riches dwelt. His Usage and Treatment there.

The Great Jehovah, Father of True Grace or Godliness, out of his infinite goodness to mankind, was graciously pleased to send them a Saviour, even the Lord Jesus Christ, who is "able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him." Heb. vii. 25. But in his eternal wisdom he hath so ordained, that no man should have any saving benefit by this glorious Saviour, but he who receives, entertains, and embraces True Godliness. Godliness, therefore, received a commission from the King of heaven and earth, to travel and ascertain who would embrace and entertain him. His commission was very large; not limited to the land of Canaan, but embracing all nations, countries, and kingdoms. Matt. xxviii. 19, 20. Mark xvi. 15. He was sent to visit the rich and the poor, the old and young; as well the

D

king on the throne as the beggar in his hovel; even all, bond and free, male and female. Nor was he required to travel alone, but was allowed a rich and glorious retinue to be always with him. Neither did he come to any man's house empty-handed, but brought with him. most rich and glorious presents of the choicest things of heaven, the worth of which is infinitely beyond our computation.*

I first saw him draw near to a city in which Riches dwelt-a man to whom great deference was paid by the inhabitants, and into whose noble mansion I hoped he would be readily welcomed.

Godliness knocked, however very hard and often, before any within would give an answer, Riches being full of business, either telling his money, or casting up his accounts, to see what his neighbors owed him, or consulting new projects to increase his store: for he is a person never satisfied. Besides, the times being precarious, his mind was filled with perplexing and vexatious thoughts, how to save and keep what he had already gotten; so that he had

*This retinue is the blessed train of Christian graces, and the presents are the precious comforts of religion in this life and the rich glories of a future heaven.

Ed.

no leisure to listen to the continual knocking of True Godliness at his door, who was therefore forced to wait a long time. But that which grieved this high-born prince most of all was, that no sooner did some other guests come to his door, who were much inferior, as to birth and quality, and indeed not worthy of the least regard, not having business of that great weight and moment with him which he had, than the door was immediately opened to them. When Godliness tried to enter among these, he was violently resisted by the servants, who seemed more averse to him, than even their master.

The guests to whom he so readily opened, were "the Lust of the Flesh, the Lust of the Eyes, and the Pride of Life," 1 John ii. 16. These, Riches took much delight in, and associated with continually. Sometimes they conducted him to the tavern, sometimes to the play, and sometimes amused him at bowls, cards, and dice, and other sensual sports and pleasures.

At last he was taken very sick, while Godliness still waited at his door. At this time one was in his house, who forced him to listen to this earnest and continual knocking. His name was Mr. Fearful. He is one that Riches