a sure refuge and defence to thee in the day of distress, Psal. ix. 9. Yea, and I will store thee with such good things as the rich have not. I am resolved to feast thy soul continually, and never leave thee nor forsake thee. 1sa. xxv. 6. Come, thou and I shall live most happily together, notwithstanding thou art poor, if we can but get my dear friend Content to dwell with us, 1 Tim. vi. 6. What dost thou say, Poverty? Shall I find admittance?

Notwithstanding all that Godliness could say, Poverty would not give way to him, but began to give him reviling words, saying, he was born a gentleman, though he was now so poor; and that he would not suffer such tumults at his door; for it seems while Godliness was praying and pressing for entertainment, one Persecution, the offspring of Adam's eldest son Cain, Gen. iv. 8, had collected some wicked fellows together, to drive Godliness away from Poverty's door. Thus by the opposition within doors and without Godliness found no lodging there; and at last had to depart, though he escaped not without many bitter threatenings and blasphemous words.

Now, one reason why neither Riches nor Poverty would receive True Godliness was,

because Consideration dwelt with neither of them, who being a grave counsellor, might possibly have given them better advice, than to deny entertainment to so estimable a friend. Godliness, after this, began to be at a stand which way to travel next; but hearing of Youth, who lived not far off, he resolved to see whether he might not get a dwelling with him, because he was one that his commission particularly directed him to visit.

CHAPTER VI.

Godliness applies to Youth, who pleads various Excuses, and at last utterly declines receiving him at present.

Not discouraged with the mal-treatment from which he has just escaped, Godliness hastens to Youth, whom he finds enjoying himself in the shade of a beautiful grove, attended by his companions.

With difficulty could he obtain any notice; and when he did, Youth looked on him with some rudeness, and inquired, with visible resentment at the intrusion, who he was.

Godli. Your true friend and well wisher, Godliness. I have come to offer my company and services, and am ready not only to teach you how best to enjoy this present life, but the only method of escaping the awful evils of the world to come.

Youth.

Dear Sir, I am not so ignorant of the sources of delight as to need your counsel;

and as to the future dangers, of which you speak, I mean to guard against them. And beside, do you think me a wicked reprobate ? I mean to injure no one in my gaiety. My character is without a spot, I assure you. Go to old cruel misers, and to thieves, and such wicked persons, and reform them; as for me, I have no need of you, Mr. Godliness, at present.

Godli. Aye, Sir, but you need my Master's righteousness; Rev. iii. 17, 18, and also a part in his kingdom; and these are but a part of those glorious commodities I have to. bestow if you will follow my instruc

upon you,

tions.

Youth. Aye, there it is; I perceive I must entertain you, if I would have them; but 1 tell you plainly, though my purpose is to hearken to your words at a proper time, yet just now your company does not suit my age. Sir, you will spoil all my pleasures, if I now receive you. You will cause me also to abandon these dear friends and companions who rejoice my heart by their friendship and delightful society.

Now, those whom Youth called his friends were Pride, Wanton, Vain-Glory, Love-Lust,

I

Ambition, Gay-Clothes, Gamester, PleascFriend, Time-Server, Scornful, Hate-Good, and Scoffer.*

Godli. Young man, believe me, those pleasures and delights upon which your heart is so much set are very hateful to God, and also abase your noble soul, which is of a sublime extraction. Farthermore, hear Solomon, "Rejoice, O young man, in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes. But know, that for all these things, God will bring thee into judgment." O, my young friend, you will indeed pay dear at last for all your sensual pleasures.

Youth. But for all you say, Solomon made trial of all the delights of the children of men before he condemned them, and so will I too, as far as I can.

Godli. It is true, Solomon did so; and doth he not, by the sad experience he had of them, tell you, "All was vanity and vexation

* Though every youth is not influenced by all these lusts and temptations, yet let no reader be satisfied because he is divested of a part, if he be conscious of cherishing any. One leak will sink a ship, and one habitual sin will destroy the soul.

Ed.