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season. Is. Lxii. 4.

goes back.

them. They like not to see their misery beforo that they may have a seeming colour to throw rethey come into it; though perhaps the sight of it ligion (for the sake of some infirmity they bavo first, if they loved that sight, might make them fly espied in them) behind their backs. whither the righteous fly and are safe. But be. 6. Then they begin to adhere to, and associate cause they do, as I hinted before, even shun the themselves with, carnal, loose, and wanton men. thoughts of guilt and terror, therefore, when once 7. Then they give way to carnal and wanton they are rid of their awakenings about the terrors discourses in secret; and glad are they if they can and wrath of God, they harden their hearts gladly, see such things in any that are counted honest, and choose such ways as will harden them more that they may the more boldly do it through their and more.

example. Chr. You are pretty near the business, for the 8. After this, they begin to play with little sins bottom of all is, for want of a change in their mind openly.

a and will. And therefore they are but like the felon 9. And then, being hardened, they show themthat standeth before the judge, he quakes and selves as they are. Thus, being launched again trembles, and seems to repent most heartily, but into the gulf of misery, unless a miracle of grace the bottom of all is the fear of the halter; not that prevent it, they everlastingly perish in their own he hath any detestation of the offence, as is evident, deceivings.? because, let but this man have his liberty, and he Now I saw in my dream, that by this time tho will be a thief, and so a rogue still, whereas, if his Pilgrims were got over the Enchanted Ground, and mind was changed, he would be otherwise. entering into the country of Beulah, whose air was

Hope. Now, I have showed you the reasons of very sweet and pleasant, the way lying directly their going back, do you show me the manner through it, they solaced themselves there for a thereof.

Yea, here they heard continually CAR. So I will, willingly.

the singing of birds, and saw every day the flowers 1. They draw off their thoughts, all that they appear in the earth, and heard the voice of the How the apostate may, from the remembrance of God, turtle in the land. Ca. ii. 10–12. In this country the

death, and judgment to come. sun shineth night and day; wherefore this was be2. Then they cast off by degrees private duties, yond the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and also as closet prayer, curbing their lusts, watching, out of the reach of Giant Despair, neither could so rrow for sin, and the like.

they from this place so much as see Doubting 3. Then they shun the company of lively and Castle. Here they were within sight of the city warm Christians.

they were going to, also here met them some of 4. After that, they grow cold to public duty, as the inhabitants thereof; for in this land the

Angels. hearing, reading, godly conference, and the like. Shining Ones commonly walked, because it

5. Then they begin to pick holes, as we say, in was upon the borders of heaven. In this land also the coats of some of the godly; and that devilishly,

singing, 0 mountains : for the Lord hath comforted his people.'

Is. xlix. 13. Paul calls this, 'The fulness of the blessing of · Three young fellows. Mr. Tradition, Mr. Human-wisdom, the gospel of Christ.' Ro, xv. 29. O rest not short of enjoying and Mr. Man’s-invention, proffered their services to Shaddai. the full blaze of gospel peace and spiritual joy:-(Mason.) The captains told them not to be rash; but, at their entreaty, During the last days of that eminent man of God, Dr. Payson, they were listed into Boanerges' company, and away they he once said, “When I formerly read Bunyan's description of the went to the war. Being in the rear, they were taken pri- Land of Beulah, where the sun shines and the birds sing day

Then Diabolus asked them if they were willing to and night, I used to doubt whether there was snch a place ; serve against Shaddai. They told him, that as they did not but now my own experience has convinced me of it, and it 80 much live by religion as by the fates of fortune, they would infinitely transcends all my previous conceptions.' The best serve him. So he made two of them sergeants ; but he made possible commentary on the glowing descriptions in Bunyan is Mr. Man's-invention his ancient-bearer (standard-bearer).- to be found in that very remarkable letter dictated by Dr. Pay(Bunyan's Holy War.)

son to his sister, a few weeks before his death :- Were I to ? See how gradually, step by step, apostates go back. It adopt the figurative language of Bunyan, I might date this begins in the unbelief of the heart, and ends in open sins in letter from the Land Beulah, of which I have been for some the life. Why is the love of this world so forbidden ? Why weeks a happy inhabitant. The Celestial City is full in my is covetousness called idolatry? Because, whatever draws away view. Its glories have been upon me, its breezes fan me, its the heart from God, and prevents enjoying close fellowship odours are wafted to me, its sounds strike upon my ears, and with him, naturally tends to apostasy from him. Look well to its spirit is breathed into my heart. Nothing separates me your hearts and affections. 'Keep thy heart with all diligence, from it but the River of Death, which now appears but as an for out of it are the issues of life. Pr. iv. 23. If you neglect insignificant rill, that may be crossed at a single step, whenever to watch, you will be sure to smart under the sense of sin ou God shall give permission. The Sun of Righteousness has earth, or its curse in hell. "See then that ye walk circum- been gradually drawing nearer and nearer, appearing larger and spectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because brighter as he approached, and now he fills the whole hemithe days are evil.' Ep. v. 15, 16.-(Mason.)

sphere, pouring forth a flood of glory, in which I seem to : 0 what a blessed state / what a glorious frame of soul is tioat, like an insect in the beams of the sun ; exulting, yet this! Job speaks of it as the candle of the Lord shining upon almost trembling, while I gaze on this excessive brightness

, his head; chap. xxix. 3. The church, in a rapture, cries out, and wondering, with unutterable wonder, why God should deigo "Sing, O heavens ; and be joyful, o 'earth; break forth into | thus to shine upon a sinful worm.'—(Cheever.) VOL. III.

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soners.

De. xxiii. 24.

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Ca. v. 8.

the contract between the bride and the bridegroom | own delight, and also for the solace of pilgrims. was renewed; yea, here, 'As the bridegroom re- So the gardener had them into the vineyards, and joiceth over the bride, so did their God rejoice over bid them refresh themselves with the dainties. them.' Is. lxii. 5. Here they had no want of corn

He also showed them there the King's and wine; for in this place they met with abund- walks, and the arbours, where he delighted to be; ance of what they had sought for in all their pil- and here they tarried and slept.3 grimage. ver. 8. Here they heard voices from out Now I beheld in my dream, that they talked of the city, loud voices, saying, “Say ye to the more in their sleep at this time than ever they did daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh! in all their journey; and being in a muse thereBehold, his reward is with him!' ver. 11. Here all about, the gardener said even to me, Whereforo the inhabitants of the country called them, . The musest thou at the matter? It is the nature of holy people, The redeemed of the Lord, Sought out,' the fruit of the grapes of these vineyards to go &c. ver. 12.

down so sweetly, as to cause the lips of them that Now, as they walked in this land, they had more are asleep to speak.* rejoicing than in parts more remote from the king- So I saw that when they awoke, they addressed dom to which they were bound; and drawing near themselves to go up to the city. But, as I said, to the city, they had yet a more perfect view the reflection of the sun upon the city (for the thereof. It was builded of pearls and precious city was pure gold,' Re. xxi. 18) was so extremely · stones, also the street thereof was paved with gold; glorious, that they could not, as yet, with open so that by reason of the natural glory of the city, face behold it, but through an instrument made and the reflection of the sunbeams upon it, Chris- for that purpose. 2 Co. iii. 18. So I saw, that as they tian with desire fell sick, Hopeful also had a fit or went on, there met them two men, in raiment that two of the same disease.? Wherefore, here they shone like gold; also their faces shone as the light.“ lay by it a while, crying out, because of their These men asked the Pilgrims whence they pangs, • If ye find my Beloved, tell him that I am came ; and they told them.

came ; and they told them. They also asked y sick of love.'2

them where they had lodged, what difficulties and But being a little strengthened, and better able dangers, what comforts and pleasures they had to bear their sickness, they walked on their way, and came yet nearer and nearer, where were

3 This is the place, this is the state, orchards, vineyards, and gardens, and their gates

Of all that fear the Lord; opened into the highway. Now, as they came up

Which men por angels may relate

With tongue, or pen, or word. to these places, behold, the gardener stood in the

Nó night is here for to eclipse way, to whom the Pilgrims said, Whose goodly

Its spangling rays so bright; vineyards and gardens are these? He answered,

Nor doubt, nor fear, to shut the lipes

Of those within this light. They are the King's, and are planted here for his

The strings of music here are tuned 1 In the immediate view of heavenly felicity, Paul 'desired

For heavenly harmony, to depart hence, and be with Christ, as far better than life.

And every spirit here perfumed David 'fainted for God's salvation. In the lively exercise of

With perfect sanctity. holy affections, the believer grows weary of this sinful world,

Here run the crystal streams of life, longs to have his faith changed for sight, his hope swallowed

Quite thorow all our veins; up in enjoyment, and his love perfected.-(Scott.)

And here by love we do unite ? No other language than that of Bunyan himself, perused

With glory's golden chains. in the pages of his own sweet book, could be successful in

-(Bunyan's One Thing Needful.) portraying this beauty and glory; for now he seems to feel 4 Mr. Flavel, being on a journey, set himself to improve that all the dangers of the pilgrimage are almost over, and he the time by meditation ; when his mind grew intent, till at gives up himself without restraint so entirely to the sea of length he had such ravishing tastes of heavenly joys, and such bliss that surrounds him, and to the gales of heaven that are full assurance of his interest therein, that he utterly lost the wafting him on, and to the sounds of melody that float in the sight and sense of this world and all its concerns, so that for whole air around him, that nothing in the English language hours he knew not where he was. At last, perceiving himself can be compared with this whole closing part of the ‘Pilgrim's faint, he alighted from his horse and sat down at a spring, Progress,' for its entrancing splendour, yet serene and simple where he refreshed himself, earnestly desiring, if it were the loveliness. The colouring is that of heaven in the soul; and will of God, that he might there leave the world. His spirit Bunyan has poured his own heaven-entranced soul into it. reviving, he finished his journey in the same delightful frame; With all its depth and power, there is nothing exaggerated, and all that night passed without a wink of sle-p, the joy of and it is made up of the simplest and most scriptural materials the Lord still overflowing him, so that he seemel an inhabitand images. We seem to stand in a flood of light, poured on ant of the other world.-- (Pneumatologia, 4to, 2d edit. p. 210.) as from the open gates of paradise. It falls on every leaf and Who are these ministering spirits, that the author calls shrub by the way-side; it is reflected from the crystal streams 'men? Are they the glorified inhabitants of the Celestial that, between grassy banks, wind amidst groves of fruit-trees City ? Moses and Elias appeared at the transfiguration; so into vineyards and flower-gardens. These fields of Beulah are the spirit who spake with John, Re. xx. 10, was his fellowjust below the gate of heaven; and with the light of heaven servant. Are these 'spirits of just men made perfect'--the there come floating down the melodies of heaven, so that here angel-ministering spirits which are sent forth to minister for there is almost an open revelation of the things which God them who shall be heirs of salvation ? Ile. i. 14; xii. 22, 23. liath prepared for them that love him.—(Chcevcr.)

-(ED.)

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Death.

ont

of

this

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met in the way; and they told them. Then said Then said the other, Be of good cheer, my the men that met them, You have but two difficul- brother, I feel the bottom, and it is

Christian's conties more to meet with, and then you are in the good. Then, said Christian, Ah! my flict city.

friend, the sorrows of death have Christian then, and his companion, asked the compassed me about;' I shall not see the land that men to go along with them; so they told them they flows with milk and honey; and with that a great would. But, said they, you must obtain it by darkness and horror fell upon Christian, so that your own faith. So I saw in my dream that they he could not see before him. Also here he in went on together, until they came in sight of the great measure lost his senses, so that he could gate.

neither remember, nor orderly talk of any of those Now, I further saw, that betwixt them and the sweet refreshments that he had met with in the

gate was a river, but there was no bridge way of his pilgrimage. But all the words that he

to go over; the river was very deep. At spake still tended to discover that he had horror of the sight, therefore, of this river, the Pilgrims mind, and heart fears that he should die in that were much stunned: but the men that went with river, and never obtain entrance in at the gate. them said, You must go through, or you cannot Here also, as they that stood by perceived, he was come at the gate.?

much in the troublesome thoughts of the sins that The Pilgrims then began to inquire if there was he had committed, both since and before he began Death is not no other way to the gate; to which to be a pilgrim. It was also observed that he was welcome to they answered, Yes; but there hath troubled with apparitions of hobgoblins and evil nature, though by it we pass not any, save two, to wit, Enoch and spirits; for ever and anon he would intimate so world into Elijah, been permitted to tread that much by words. Hopeful, therefore, here had glory.

path, since the foundation of the world, much ado to keep his brother's head above water; nor shall, until the last trumpet shall sound. 1 Co. yea, sometimes he would be quite gone down, and . , xv. 51, 52. The Pilgrims then, especially Christian, then, ero awhile, he would rise up again half dead. began to despond in their minds, and looked this Hopeful also would endeavour to comfort him, way and that, but no way could be found by them, saying, Brother, I see the gate, and men standing by which they might escape the river. Then they by to receive us; but Christian would answer, It asked the men if the waters were all of a depth. is you, it is you they wait for; you have been Angels help us They said, No; yet they could not Hopeful ever since I knew you. And so have you, ably through help them in that case; for, said they, said he to Christian. Ah, brother! said he, surely death.

you shall find it deeper or shallower, if I was right he would now arise to help me; but as you believe in the King of the place.

for my sins he hath brought me into the snare, and They then addressed themselves to the water;

hath left me. Then said Hopeful, My brother, and entering, Christian began to sink, and crying you have quite forgot the text, where it is said of out to his good friend Hopeful, he said, I sink in the wicked, “There are no bands in their death ; deep waters; the billows go over my head, all his but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble waves go over me ! Selah.4

as other men, neither are they plagued like other

men.' Ps. lxxiii. 4, 5. These troubles and distresses 1 What are these two difficulties ? Are they not death that you go through in these waters are no sign without, and unbelief within? It is through the latter that the former is all-distressing to us. O for a strong, world that God hath forsaken you; but are sent to try conquering, sin-subduing, death-overcoming faith, in life and you, whether you will call to mind that which death! Jesus, Master, speak the word, unbelief shall flee, our faith shall not fail, and our hope shall be steady.-(Mason.)

sorrows to serve thy generation, by the will of God, before ? Well, now the pilgrims must meet with, and encounter, falling asleep. God can pardon thy sins, and yet make them their last enemy, death. When he stares them in the face, a bitter thing and a burden at death. It is easy to him to their fears arise. Through the river they must go. What pardon, and yet break all thy bones; or show himself in such have they to look at ? What they are in themselves, or what | dreadful majesty, that heaven and earth shull tremble at his they have done and been? No. Only the same Jesus who presence. "Let the thoughts of this prevail with thee to conquered death for us, and can overcome the fear of death in manage thy time and work in wisdom, while thou art well.' us.-(Mason.)

(Vol. i. p. 730.)–(Ed.) 3 But tim'rous mortals start and shrink

Satan is suffered to be very busy with God's people in To cross this narrow sea;

3

of this world.

The men

have sown,

heretofore you have received of his goodness, and The talk they had with the Shining Ones was live upon him in your distresses."

about the glory of the place; who told them that Then I saw in my dream, that Christian was as the beauty and glory of it was inexpressible. There,

in a muse & while. To whom also said they, is the Mount Zion, the heavenly JeruChristian deliv. cred from his Hopeful added this word, Be of good salem, the innumerable company of angels, and

cheer, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole;' the spirits of just men made perfect.' He. xii. 22–24. and with that Christian brake out with a loud You are going now, said they, to the paradise of voice, 0! I see him again, and he tells me, “When God, wherein you shall see the tree of life, and eat thou passest through the waters, I will be with of the never-fading fruits thereof; and when you thee; and through the rivers, they shall not over- come there, you shall have white robes given you, flow thee.' 18. xliii. 2. Then they both took courage, and your walk and talk shall be every day with and the enemy was after that as still as a stone, the King, even all the days of eternity. Re. ii. 7; fit. 4; until they were gone over.

Christian therefore xxii. 5. There you shall not see again such things presently found ground to stand upon, and so it as you saw when you were in the lower region upon followed that the rest of the river was but shallow. the earth, to wit, sorrow, sickness, affliction, and Thus they got over. Now, upon the bank of the death, for the former things are passed away.' The angels do river, on the other side, they saw the You are now going to Abraham, to Isaac, and wait for then, two shining men again, who there Jacob, and to the prophets—men that God hath are passed out waited for them ; wherefore, being taken away from the evil to come, and that are

come out of the river, they saluted now resting upon their beds, each one walking them, saying, We are ministering spirits, sent forth in his righteousness.? 18. Ivii. 1, 2. lxv. 17. to minister for those that shall be heirs of salvation. then asked, What must we do in the holy place? Thus they went along towards the gate.* Now To whom it was answered, You must there receive you must note that the city stood upon a mighty the comforts of all your toil, and have joy for all hill , but the Pilgrims went up that hill with ease, your sorrow; you must reap what

you because they had these two men to lead them up even the fruit of all your prayers, and tears, and They have put by the arms; also, they had left their sufferings for the King by the way. Ga. vi. 7. In

oft mortality. mortal garments behind them in the that place you must wear crowns of gold, and river, for though they went in with them, they enjoy the perpetual sight and vision of the Holy came out without them. They, therefore, went One, for there you shall see him as he is.' 1 Jn. up here with much agility and speed, though the it. 2. There also you shall serve him continually

iii foundation upon which the city was framed was with praise, with shouting, and thanksgiving, higher than the clouds. They, therefore, went up whom you desired to serve in the world, though through the regions of the air, sweetly talking as with much difficulty, because of the infirmity of they went, being comforted, because they safely your flesh. There your eyes shall be delighted got over the river, and had such glorious com- with seeing, and your ears with hearing the pleapanions to attend them. 6

sant voice of the Mighty Ono. There you shall

enjoy your friends again, that are gone thither 1 When you visit a sick or death bed, be sure that you take before you; and there you shall with joy receive, God's Word with you, in your heart and in your mouth. It is from that only that you may expect a blessing upon, and to

even every one that follows into the holy place the soul of, the sick or the dying; for it is by the Word of God faith came at the first; it is by that, faith is strengthened looking up to the heights of heaven. Christ could mount np at the last ; and Jesus is the sum and substance of the Scrip- --Elijah had a chariot of fire-Enoch was taken by God. But tures.--(Mason.)

I, poor I, how shall I get thither? How often are considering ? Jesiis Christ, he is indeed the Alpha and Omega, the thoughts wanting in professors ! The question is happily solved first and the last, the beginning of our hope, and the end of in Christian and Hopeful's experience; they left all their our confidence. We begin and end the Christian pilgrimage mortal garments and burdens behind them in the river, and with him ; and all our temptations and trials speak loudly, and their free spirits for the first time felt the sweets of liberty in fully confirm to us that truth of our Lord, "Without me ye their perfection.—(Ed.) can do nothing.' Jn. xv. 5.-(Mason.)

& I know that all who go to paradise, are conducted thither 3 The temporary distresses of dying believers often arise by these holy ones; but yet, for all that, such as die under the from bodily disease, which interrupt the free exercise of their cloud, for unchristian walking with God, may meet with darkintellectual powers. Of this Satan will be sure to take advan. ness on that day, and go heavily hence. But as for those who tage, as far as he is permitted, and will suggest gloomy ima- have been faithful to their God, they shall see before them, or ginations, not only to distress them, but to dishearten others from earth see glory.-(Bunyan's Paul's Departure, vol. i. by their example. Generally they who, for a time, have been p. 741.) most distressed, have at length died most triumphantly.- ? Ah, Christian! None can conceive or describe what it is to (Scott.)

live in a state separate from a body of sin and death. Surely in • I cannot trust myself to read the account of Christian some happy, highly-favoured moments, we have had a glimpse, going up to the Celestial Gate, after his passage though the a foretaste of this, and could realize it by faith. O for more River of Death.—(Arnold.)

and more of this, till we possess and enjoy it in all its fulness! Bunyau, in his Saints' Knowledge of Christ's Love, de- If Jesus bc so sweet to faith below, who can tell what he is in scribes the feelings of the pilgrim, while clothed with mortality, | full fruition above? This we must die to know.-(Mason.)

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