A SHORT HISTORY OF A LONG TRAVEL FROM BABYLON TO BETHEL

by

STEPHEN CRISP

[Illustration]

INTRODUCTION

Writings of the first Quakers, even minor writings, often kindle inus today an ardor to seek what they sought and to find what theyfound. The excellent book by Luella M. Wright entitled "The LiteraryLife of the Early Friends, 1650-1725" is a pleasant and convenientintroduction to these numerous and often lengthy productions of which2600 have been listed for the first 75 years. Among them all, LuellaWright singles out one allegory; the only one, and it remainedunpublished fully two decades after its composition. Why was this? Wasit because, though the author was as sound a thinker and as persuasivean author as any among the followers of George Fox, an imaginarypilgrimage was inherently suspect, while the record of actualexperiences in the form of a journal was not? Be this as it may, the slight loosening of standards with the opening of the eighteenthcentury allowed the "Second Day's Morning Meeting, " which thencensored Quaker manuscripts, to approve for printing "A Short Historyof a Long Travel from Babylon to Bethel. " It was put out in 1711. How entertaining it would be to know the number of copies that wereprinted in that first edition. 

Stephen Crisp was a famous preacher. "He had a gift of utterancebeyond many" said his brethren in Colchester at the time of hisdecease. He was listened to by many outside the Society of Friends andhis sermons, together with the prayer at the end of every one of them, were "exactly taken in character, " that is in shorthand "as they weredelivered ... In the meeting houses of the people called Quakers. "

Though Stephen Crisp's letters, sermons, and journal promptly appearedin print and were widely circulated, the "Short History" remainedafter his death in the bundle of his papers in Colchester. JohnBunyan's famous book "The Pilgrim's Progress" had appeared with itsprimitive woodcuts in 1678. It received immediate recognition andin due time was acclaimed the greatest religious book produced inEngland. Stephen Crisp's allegory is minimal besides it (some 30 pagesas against 207), but the "Long Travel" retains significance because ofits more modern point of view. 

This tiny tract usually printed in pocket size (2" x 3") sometimeswith a passage from the author's journal included, was reprintedmore than twenty times. I happened upon it in the Friends HistoricalLibrary at Swarthmore College twenty years ago. They then had fourcopies. Today they have more than a dozen. 

How does Stephen Crisp's theology differ from that of Bunyan's? Inthe first place, while Crisp's pilgrim starts off with a pack on hisback of luggage for his journey, Bunyan's pilgrim had as his pack theburden of guilt which is original sin. Second, Crisp's pilgrim soongives up confidence in human leadership having discovered a measure ofthe Light. Third, he crosses the river early on his journey, whereasfor Bunyan's pilgrim the river is at the end, the river of death. Fourth, Crisp's pilgrim reaches the House of God in this life. Hefinds a satisfied multitude in the outer court. They invite him tostay with them in easy circumstances but catching sight of his guide, the Light, as it passes through a narrow door (compare Bunyan's wicketgate) he presses on, divests himself of his travel-worn garments andenters the House of God. Here, like the Friends with whom StephenCrisp had found Peace after his own period of seeking, he first restsfrom struggle, then finds his calling which is to supply the needsof the young, and finally aspires to bring his good tidings to theBabylon from which he had set out. 

"The Pilgrim's Progress" is incomparably more exciting with ragingbeasts, Giant Despair, and Apollyon with all his hosts. The peopleBunyan's pilgrim meets are more vivid, portrayed with cruel detail andlusty humor. Theologically the Quaker tract is of a different age, not less exacting, but less pictorial. The medieval detail is gone butintense inwardness, devotion, and obedience are still required of theseeker to enable him to become a finder. 

In his "Varieties of Religious Experience, " which I heard WilliamJames deliver as a series of lectures at Stanford University when Iwas a Freshman over sixty years ago, he said of the religion of theQuakers: In a day of shams it was a religion of veracity rooted inspiritual inwardness and a return to something more like the originalgospel truth than men had ever known in England. He continued, so faras our Christian sects are evolving into liberality, they are simplyreverting in essence to the position which Fox and the early Quakersso long ago assumed. 

With this conclusion I heartily commend to sympathetic seekers todaythe brief allegory by Stephen Crisp: "A Short History of a Long Travelfrom Babylon to Bethel. "

Anna Cox Brinton

A SHORT HISTORY

In the days of my youth, when I lived at home in my father's house, I heard many people talk of the house of God; and that whosoever didattain to get into it did enjoy all manner of happiness, both in thisworld and that which is to come. And a great desire kindled in me, ifit were possible, to get into the house; yet I know not where it was, neither did they who talked of it; but they had heard the report, andthey reported what they had heard. There were also some books, thathad been written by men who had been in that house; which books diddeclare much of the joy and felicity they had in the house. Thesebooks I got, and read them over and over; which did much strengthenmy belief in the truth of the reports: yet by no means could I tellwhich was my way. But so ardent were my desires, that I thought myselfwilling to forsake my father's house, my country, and all, and travelanywhere, wherever my legs would carry me, so that I might find thishouse. 

And upon a time, as I was breaking my mind to a friend of mine uponthis subject, he readily told me, there were men appointed in everyplace to guide those who were willing to go thither, and it was theirbusiness, and they had nothing else to do. When I heard this I wascomforted, and desired him, if he loved me, to make me acquainted withone of those men. He told me he would; which he did. When I came totreat with the man, I let him know the fervent desire I had to getto the house of God, of which I had heard such excellent things; andthat I understood he was one appointed to guide any thither, who werewilling to go, and to persuade people to go, who were not willing. Hevery readily answered, and told me, it was his business to guide anythither who were willing to go; and if I would comply with his terms, and follow him, he would lead me thither. I asked him what his termswere. He said the way was long, and would lead him from home, and Imust bear his charges, and something over, to all of which I agreed. 

So we set forward on our journey, early in the morning; but beforewe had gone one whole day's journey, I saw my guide sometimes standstill, and look about him, and sometimes he would pull a little bookout of his pocket, and read a little to himself; which made me beginto mistrust that he knew the way no better than I. However, I saidnothing; but went on following him several days journey after thismanner; and the farther we went, the more my guide was at a loss. Sometimes he went a little on, and then would look about him, and turnanother way, and sometimes right back again for a while, and then turnagain. So my suspicions grew very strong, and I began to be in greatanxiety of spirit, but said little to him about it. 

[Illustration: These books I got, and read them over and over; whichdid much strengthen my belief in the truth of the reports: yet by nomeans could I tell which was my way. ]

But one day, as we were travelling along, we met with a man that tooknotice of my sad countenance and tired condition. And he spake verykindly to me; "Young man, " said he, "whither art thou bound?" And whenI began to tell him something of my travel, he desired me to sit downupon the grass, in a shady place, and discourse a little about myjourney: and so we did, and I told him how things had gone with meto that very hour. Whilst I was telling him my story, my guide fellasleep; at which I was not sorry, for thereby I had the more freedomto discourse with the man; and when I had told him all, he pitied me;and withal, told me, to his certain knowledge, this guide of mine hadnever been at the house, neither did he know the way to it, but ashe had got some marks of the way, which he had received, as I or anyother may do; and, if I followed him all my days, I should be neverthe nearer to it, and should find at last, I had spent my time, moneyand labour to no purpose. 

This discourse did so astonish me, that I was at my wits end, and didnot know what course to take. The man seeing what an agony I was in, began to comfort me, and told me that the house I sought was muchnearer than I was aware of; and if I would forsake that guide, andfollow him, he would soon bring me in sight of the house. "And, " quothhe, "I am one that belongs to that house, and have done so severalyears. And whereas, " said he, "thou art to bear his charges, and givehim money besides, I will assure thee, it is not the manner of theguides that belong to this house of God, to take money for guidingpeople thither. I myself have been guide to many a one in my time, butnever took one penny of them for it. "

[Illustration: I saw my guide sometimes stand still, and look abouthim, and sometimes he would pull a little book out of his pocket, andread a little to himself. ]

By this time, you must think within yourselves, how my droopingspirits were comforted; a new hope sprang up, and a resolution toforsake my wandering guide, and to follow this new one. 

Upon which I awaked my guide, and told him my mind, and paid him whatI had agreed for, and advised him never to serve any poor soul ashe had done me: for I see, said I, thou knowest not the way, but asthou hast learned about it in some book. If book-learning would haveserved my turn, to find this famous house, I needed not thee, nor anybody else to guide me to it; for there are very few who have writtenexperimentally of it, but I have read them diligently: but now I havemet a man that I judge has more experience of the way than thou hast, and I am resolved to go with him; and if thou wilt honestly confessthy ignorance, and go along with us, come and welcome; one guidewill serve two travellers, as well as one in the way. But I could notpersuade him; so I left him to take his own way as he pleased. 

[Illustration: And he spake very kindly to me; "Young man, " said he, "whither art thou bound?"]

I now set forward with my new guide pretty cheerfully; and heentertained me with a good deal of discourse by the way. As he went onin pretty smooth paths, and without stopping, he told me, in a shorttime we should come in sight of the house; which made my traveleasier. He also told me something of the rules and orders of thehouse, at which I was not at all discouraged; for I considered God wasa God of order, and I doubted not but there were good orders inhis house, to which I was willing to submit. And as we were thustravelling along, he of a sudden spake to me, saying, "Yonder is thehouse. " At which I was exceeding glad; for now I thought I had notspent my labour in vain. The nearer we drew to it, the more my joyincreased; and when I came in view of it, I pleased myself extremelywith looking at it, and viewing the towers and turrets that wereupon it, and the excellent carvings and paintings, with which it wasadorned; and there was as much art in setting it forth as could beimagined. Oh! thought I, if there be so much glory without, surelythere is more within, which I shall shortly be a partaker of. 

As I was thus contemplating my happiness, and was come within as itwere a bow-shot of the house, we were to go down into a valley; whichwe did: and in the bottom of the valley, glided along a small river, and I looked about to see a bridge to go over it, but could see none;at which I wondered; but on we went till we came to the river side;then I asked my guide where the bridge was. Truly, he told me, therewas none, but we must go through it, and so must all that go into thathouse. 

[Illustration: Upon which I awaked my guide, and told him my mind, and paid him what I had agreed for, and advised him never to serve anypoor soul as he had done me. ]

I was a little troubled within myself; but he told me he had beenthrough it, and there was no danger at all. With that I began to thinkwithin myself, have I taken all these pains, and shall I give over forso small a matter as this? What would I have gone through, when in myfather's house, to attain to the knowledge of the house of God, and apossession therein? Not water, nor verily fire would have stopped methen, if I had so fair a prospect of it as I now have. 

I told my guide if he pleased to go before, I would follow him: so inhe went, and I after him; but when I came at the middle, there it wasso deep that the water went over my head, but I made shift to keep myfeet to the ground, and got well on the other side; and my guide andI went up together very pleasantly. When we came to the top of thehill, there was a wide plain, and in the middle thereof the housestood. So we went apace and drew near to it; and there I saw a verystately porch at the west end of the house, and at the door stood astrong tall porter, to whom my guide spake, and said to him on thiswise:--"This young man hath long had a desire to be entertained in thehouse of God; thereupon I have conducted him hither. " The porter askedhim which way I came thither; he said, through the river: and I do notremember he asked me any more questions, but bid me welcome, and ledme into the house, my guide going in with me, through many turningsand windings into a great hall. Mine eyes went to and fro as I wentabout the house; and in the great hall, there I saw many people, whobade me welcome, but none knew the anguish of my soul; for I beganto question whether I was not again beguiled: for I found the housefoul and dirty, in almost every part, and so belined with spiders andcobwebs, that I thought in myself it had never been swept clean sinceit was built. And some things I met withal that displeased me yetworse, as ye shall hear; howbeit, a good bed was provided for me torest upon if I could; and I having little stomach, after I saw how itwas made ready, went to bed, and disposed myself to sleep as I could. But, alas! sleep departed from me, and my spirits were grievouslyvexed, and my cogitations were many and grievous. Sometimes I thoughtof the paintings without, and how that suited not with the dirtinessthat was within; and, if I was deceived, what course I should take. 

[Illustration: The nearer we drew to it, the more my joy increased;and when I came in view of it, I pleased myself extremely with lookingat it, and viewing the towers and turrets that were upon it, and theexcellent carvings and paintings, with which it was adorned; and therewas as much art in setting it forth as could be imagined. ]

After long and tedious thinking, I pleased myself with this: it may bebetter to-morrow. So I fell into a slumber a pretty while; but in themorning before I arose, I heard two or three contending about someaccounts, in which one laid fraud to the other's charge; the otherinstead of vindicating himself, fell to twitting him in the teeth, with something of the like kind: they grew so hot in words, that onethreatened to turn the other out of doors, and drive him back throughthe river, and never suffer him to come into the house any more. 

[Illustration: I was not again beguiled: for I found the house fouland dirty, in almost every part, and so belined with spiders andcobwebs, that I thought in myself it had never been swept clean sinceit was built. ]

My heart was ready to burst with sorrow; and in the anguish of myspirit I arose and went to them, and told them, I little thought tohave found such doings, or heard such language, in the house of God. I fear, said I, I am deceived; and brought in amongst you by a fairshow, but see not the glory, peace and tranquillity which I expected. So I walked away to another part of the house; where I heard a greatnoise and hard words; as I drew near, I understood it was aboutchoosing an officer; and two were striving for it, and each of themhad got a party, and each party grew hot against the other. As soon asI could be heard, I spake to them, and told them, such kind of doingsas this, did more resemble a place in the world called Billingsgate, than the house of God. I went a little farther; and there I heardsome women scolding about taking the upper hand, and about fashions intheir clothes; and others about getting their children's play-thingsfrom each other. All this, and much more than I shall mention, increased my sorrow. 

[Illustration: So I walked away to another part of the house; whereI heard a great noise and hard words; as I drew near, I understood itwas about choosing an officer; and two were striving for it, and eachof them had got a party, and each party grew hot against the other. ]

I now began to long to speak with my guide that brought me thither;and with diligent search at last I found him, and began with him inthis manner: Whither hast thou brought me? and where are the rules andorders thou toldest me were in the house of God? I have often read ofthe beauty, order, peace and purity of the house of God, but here Ifind nothing but the contrary. I fear thou hast brought me to a wronghouse, and hast beguiled me. So I rehearsed to him what I had metwithal; to which he replied; I must expect men to have their humanfrailties, and that men were but men: and he would have persuadedme to be satisfied, and make further trial. And as for the orders hespake of, they were mostly about meats and drinks, and about rules forelecting of officers to rule the house of God; as I would see in time, if I stayed: and as to the dirtiness of the house, he confessed, thatthose to whom the care was committed to keep the house clean, hadnot been so diligent as they ought to have been; but he hoped, uponadmonition, they would be more careful. To which I returned thisanswer: What! dost thou talk of human frailties in the house of God?That complaint is at large in the world, but doth not become thehouse of God; into which I have heard none can come, but such as areredeemed from the earth, and are washed from their pollutions; for Godsaith, all the vessels in my house shall be holy; and they that dwellin the house of God must have pure hearts and clean hands. And muchmore I told him of what I had heard and read concerning the house ofGod. I also told him plainly, I had let in such a belief of the peace, purity, glory and comeliness of the house of God, that I was persuaded_that_ was none of it; and where to find it, I knew not; but if Inever found it whilst I lived, I would never give over seeking, for mydesires were after it, and I thought nothing would satisfy me shortof the enjoyment of it. But as for your house here, said I, I have nosatisfaction in it; it is not the place I seek for, so I must leaveyou. His answer to me was, he was sorry I could not be satisfied thereas well as he; but if I could not, he would lay no restraint upon me:for his part, he had directed me as far as he knew, and he could do nomore for me. 

[Illustration: Several in the house threw things after me, in aspiteful manner, but none hurt me. ]

After our discourse was ended, I got up, and went out, but knew notwhere to go. Several in the house threw things after me, in a spitefulmanner, but none hurt me. So I wandered sometimes north, and sometimessouth; and every way that came in my mind. But whithersoever I went, the anguish of my soul went along with me; which was more than tonguecan utter, or pen can declare, or any one can believe, except thisrelation should meet with some one that hath experienced the sametravel; which, if it doth they will understand. But so it was, I hadno comfort night nor day, but still kept going on, whether right orwrong I knew not, nor durst I ask anybody, for fear of being beguiledas before. 

Thus I got into a vast howling wilderness, where there seemed to be noway, only now and then I found some men and women's footsteps, whichwas some comfort to me in my sorrow; but whether they got out withoutbeing devoured by wild beasts, or whither I should go, I knew not. But in this woeful state I travelled from day to day, casting withinmyself what I had best to do;--whether utterly to despair in thatcondition, or whether I had best to seek some other town or city, tosee if I could get some other guide. The first I saw to be desperate;I also despaired of the last, having been so deceived from time totime; so that all these consultations did but increase the bitternessof my soul. 

[Illustration: Thus I got into a vast howling wilderness, where thereseemed to be no way, only now and then I found some men and women'sfootsteps, which was some comfort to me in my sorrow. ]

One day, as I was travelling in the afternoon, a terrible storm arose, with hail and thunder, and great wind, which lasted till night, and inthe night also. And being weary, both of body and mind, I laid me downunder a great tree, and after some time fell asleep. When I awakedand came to myself, it was still very dark; and, looking about, I sawa small light near me; and it came into my mind to go to it, and seewhat it was; and as I went, the light went before me. 

Then it came into my mind, that I had heard of false lights, as _ignisfatuus_, and such like, that would lead people out of their way. Thenthought I again, how shall I be led out of my way, that know no wayof safety? And whilst I sat down to let these striving thoughts havetheir course, I took notice, and beheld the light as near me as at thefirst, as if it had waited for me. At which I was strongly affected, and thought within myself, maybe some good spirit has come to takepity on me, and to lead me out of this miserable condition. And soa resolution arose in my mind that I would get up and follow it, concluding in myself, that I could not be brought into a much worsecondition, than I was now in. So I arose and followed it; and it wenta gentle, easy pace at first, and I kept my eye straight to it. Butafterwards, I found a great part of the luggage and provision I hadgot together, did but burden me in my journey; so I threw away onething, and then another, that I thought I could best spare; but kept agreat bundle of clothes still by me, not knowing whether I should needthem. 

[Illustration: And whilst I sat down to let these striving thoughtshave their course, I took notice, and beheld the light as near me asat the first, as if it had waited for me. ]

As I thus went on, and the light before me, it led me out of thewilderness, along a plain country, without trees or inhabitants; onlyit appeared as if some few had gone that way;--and the light kept inthat strait path, without any winding or turning, till I came to thefoot of a great mountain; and, going up that mountain, I found it veryhard getting up, and began to consider my large bundle of clothes andgarments, and that several of them were of no use for a traveller as Iwas, that did not know how far I should go, nor whether I should wantthem, if ever I was so happy as to attain what I aimed at; nor whetherthe fashions would suit the place I was going to. So I threw awaysome, and anon other some, till none was left but what I wore. 

[Illustration: Going up that mountain, I found it very hard gettingup. ]

Thus, following my guide, I at last got up to the top of thismountain, where I saw another yet higher; I also saw a man that askedme whither I was going? I told him I could not well tell, but wouldtell whither I desired to go. He asked, whither? I said, to the houseof God. He told me it was the way; but he thought I should neverget there. I asked him, why? "Why, " quoth he, "there are in yondermountain so many vipers, adders, and serpents, and such venomousbeasts, that they devour many people that are going that way. For mypart, " he said, "I also was going, but was so affrighted with thosevenomous serpents, that I was forced to turn back, and so would haveyou. " I answered him, friend, I have for a pretty while taken yonderlight to be my guide, and it hath directed me along this way, and Isee it doth not leave me; look, dost thou see it there before me? Heanswered, "Yes, I see it. " Well, said I, I have heard by travellers, that if a man have fire or light, the venomous beasts cannot hurt him;and I intend to quicken my pace a little, and keep as close to thelight as I can. Come, go along with me and venture it. He said it wastrue, he had heard that fire would preserve from them, but he thoughtlight would not; however, for his part he would not venture his sweetlife amongst them; if I would I might; he wished me well, and so weparted. 

I then made haste, and got pretty near the light, and up I went thesecond mountain; and when I came almost to the top of it, I saw manyserpents' dens and vipers' holes, both on the right hand and on theleft; and the venomous beasts drew near me, and hissed at me, and Ibegan to be in great fear, and trembled exceedingly. But many times, when they were ready to sting me, the light would step in, or appearbetwixt me and them, and they were affrighted, and ran away into theirholes and dens. 

[Illustration: I saw many serpents' dens and vipers' holes, both onthe right hand and on the left: and the venomous beasts drew nearme, and hissed at me, and I began to be in great fear, and trembledexceedingly. ]

Oh! when I perceived this, how did my heart leap for joy within me!My joy abounded, --my fear of the serpents abated, --my love to mykind and tender guide increased, --and my courage and confidence wererenewed, --and I began to believe I was in the right way to attain mydesire. So on I went, keeping my eye to the light through them all, without harm, till I came to the top of the mountain; and then I sawan exceeding large valley, so that I could not see the farther side ofit: it seemed to be all moors, or places of water, and bogs and mireall over the valley, which began again to dishearten me; but, thoughtI, what shall I do? All is well hitherto. I was strangely deliveredfrom the serpents; and whatever comes of it, if this light leave menot, I will follow it, if it be through fire and water. 

[Illustration: So that sometimes the light shined round about me, andI walked in the shinings of it with great fulness of spirit. ]

So I kept on, and went down the mountain, a gentle easy pace, and sawmany of those cruel creatures by the way, who put out their stingsat me, but none hurt me. And I took notice the nearer I kept to thelight, the more they kept from me. So I got down to the bottom of themountain, into the large valley, which was very green and pleasantfor a little way; but by and by, the light went toward a great moorishground full of water, and that I thought was very dangerous; butcoming just to the side of the place, I saw a small narrow paththrough the middle of it, just broad enough for a man to go upon it;and into that narrow way the light led me, and went before me. WhilstI kept my eye steady to it, I went on safely: but if at any time Ibegan to gaze about, my feet slipt into the mire and puddles; and thenI had much ado to get into my way again. Had not the light kindly andtenderly waited for me, I had lost sight of it, and had perished inthe way; for sometimes it was so far before me, that I could hardlydiscern it; and then I would quicken my diligence, and be more carefulof my goings, and keep as close to it as I could; so that sometimesthe light shined round about me, and I walked in the shinings of itwith great fulness of spirit. 

After a long time walking in this narrow way, I lifted up my eyes tothe farther side of the moorish valley, and saw beyond, that there wasa very high mountain, and on the top of it there was a great house:at the sight of which I was greatly comforted, supposing that might bethe house I had for a long time sought. 

[Illustration: For there were many who I perceived had been travellingin that narrow way, and had fallen into the mire; some on the righthand and some on the left, and they lay wallowing full of envy; someplucking at me, to pull me in; others throwing mire and dirt upon meto discourage me. ]

But after this I met with another sore exercise: for there were manywho I perceived had been travelling in that narrow way, and had falleninto the mire; some on the right hand and some on the left, and theylay wallowing full of envy; some plucking at me, to pull me in; othersthrowing mire and dirt upon me to discourage me: others would speakvery fair, on purpose to draw me into discourse with them, that whilstthus spending my precious time, I might be cast so far behind, as tolose the sight of my good guide. But I saw their evil designs, and wasaware of them. So, keeping in my narrow way till I came to the end ofthe boggy valley, I then found firm ground under my feet, to my greatcomfort. I had gone but a little way, when my guide, the light, wentinto a narrow lane, well hedged on both sides; at which I was glad, thinking I could not go wrong, and need not now take so much care. Butalas! I quickly found so many by-lanes, and ways, which lay almost asstraight forward as that I went in, that if it had not been for thelight, which went a little before me, I might certainly many timeshave gone wrong; but by carefully keeping to my good guide, I at lastgot up the mountain, and saw the house again. I then discerned aman of that country a pretty way off, and called to him, friend, ho!friend, what is the name of yonder great house? He told me the name ofit was BETHEL. Then I presently remembered that that was the name bywhich the house of God was called in my father's country, where I hadheard the reports of it, and so earnestly set out to find it. 

[Illustration: Drawing nearer to it. I saw it had a large outwardcourt, and a pretty large gate to go into it, so that a man might goin with a large burden on his back. ]

Oh! the joy and consolation that I felt in my soul, no tonguecan express, --to think that now after all my travels, perils anddisappointments, I had found what I sought for. So on I went, journeying with joy unspeakable; and as I went, I viewed the outsideof the house: it was very large, and had but one tower; there was nocarved work about it, no paintings, nor any kind of device that couldbe discerned; but all the stones were curiously joined together fromthe top to the bottom. I also took notice, that all the stones ofthe building were transparent, some more and some less; and I saw nowindows to let in light from without; and, drawing nearer to it, I sawit had a large outward court, and a pretty large gate to go into it, so that a man might go in with a large burden on his back. So, comingto it, in I went; and there I saw many people that were very cheerful, and appeared to live very pleasant lives. Some of them told me, they had lived there many years, were well contented, and wanted fornothing; for there was a mighty tree grew in the midst of the court, and the fruit thereof was good, and the leaves also, and it bore fruitall the year long. And many of them were so kind as to invite me tosit down and eat with them; but that I refused; and they showed me agreat cistern, which they had hewn out to themselves, to catch waterfrom the elements; and they had made themselves convenient lodgings inthe sides of the court, to lodge in. 

[Illustration: And when I was stripped stark naked as ever I was born, I tried to enter, and found no great difficulty. ]

But all this did not satisfy me; for I saw my beloved guide passthrough them all, and enter in at a little narrow door at the fartherside of it. Whereupon I left them, and made haste to the door, whereI saw my guide had entered; and I attempted to enter in thereat, butcould not, it was so strait; which put me in great sorrow of mind, and what to do I knew not; my thoughts troubled me on every side, andall ways I tried, but in vain. Oh! thought I, are all my troubles andlabours come to this? Must I be shut out at the last? What shall I do?As I was thus perplexing myself, I thought I heard a voice, but knewnot from whence it came, which said, "Young man, strip thee of thy oldgarments, and so thou mayest enter. " This occasioned yet more troubleof mind; for I was loth to go naked: but at last thought it betterto go in naked, than not at all. So I at last fell to stripping, thinking that a few pitiful rags should not hinder me of so great anenjoyment. --And when I was stripped stark naked as ever I was born, I tried to enter, and found no great difficulty; and so soon as I wasentered, one met me, and cast a garment of pure white linen over me, which reached to my feet; and he brought me into a narrow room andsaid, "Rest here awhile. " Then I lay me down in so much joy andcomfort as is impossible to be expressed; all things were so pleasantabout me, and my resting place was so delightful, and my heart was sofully satisfied, that it overcame me with songs of joy. But I foundit my business to be still and quiet in my happy condition, that I wascome to enjoy. 

[Illustration: As I was entered, one met me, and cast a garment ofpure white linen over me, which reached to my feet; and he brought meinto a narrow room and said, "Rest here awhile. "]

I had not been long in this room, before I was called out to see thebeauty and comeliness of the house. As I walked through it, I foundevery thing so clean and bright, that I was ravished in an admirablemanner. I also met with some people that welcomed me to the houseof God with such kindness as refreshed my heart: and as I came tobe acquainted with them, I marked their conversation, and theirdiscourses were exceedingly comfortable to me; no quarrelling, nocontention, no high nor hot words, but all passed with meekness andreverence, and due respect one for another. The young men waited forthe words of the ancients, and the virgins carried a reverent respectto the matrons; and there was an universal concord and unity, so thatI wondered greatly. One day as I was opening my mind to an ancient, Itold him I admired much, and wondered greatly at the universal concordthat I had taken notice of, beyond all I had met with in my life. Hesaid it must needs be so, and could not be otherwise, for that wasthe guide to lead me hither, which had been the guide to them all. Andfurther told me, there could be no contention, but where two spiritsstrove for mastery; but it was not so in this house. His answer was sofull and satisfactory to me, that I said no more to him at that time, but went on viewing, and beholding the order of every thing I saw, till my soul was filled, and I might say my cup did overflow. So thatmy former labours and disappointments, sorrows and perils, did signifynothing to me, having now a full reward, an hundred fold. 

[Illustration: Then he that talked with me, told me it was my work toteach the children so far as I knew, and had learned, and as far as Ishould from time to time be further instructed. ]

So I returned to my rest again, in a larger room than before, singingpraises to my God, and setting forth the praises of the house, and ofthem that dwelt therein. And awhile after, I was called forth fromthe room where I was, and told I was not brought to that place onlyto take pleasure and delight therein; but there was work to be done, and I must take my part of it, and be faithful and diligent in myemployment, to which I answered, it was enough that I had attainedmy desires in being admitted into this heavenly place; but if therewas any business that I could do, I was willing to do it, be it whatit would; for it would be my greatest joy to do anything to theadvancement of the honour of the house of God, and them that dwelltherein. Then he that talked with me, told me it was my work to teachthe children so far as I knew, and had learned, and as far as Ishould from time to time be further instructed. I was a little amazedthereat, knowing my inabilities: but having a little pondered thatpart of the sentence, that I should be from time to time furtherinstructed, I took courage in my work, and made some progress in it, with great fear and reverence; waiting daily for those instructions Iwas to receive, and which I did receive in an abundant manner; and thework prospered in my hand, and the children loved me, and I loved thementirely, as though they had been my own children: and many of themgrew up to a good understanding, and observed their places and ordersto my great delight. 

[Illustration: And let none of them say, it happened better with methan with many; for I have understood, since coming into this house, that the same Light that appeared to me, doth appear to any poordistressed soul in the whole world. ]

After I had thus continued a while, he that talked with me came andtold me I must take the charge of part of the household, and give themtheir meat in due season; and suit every one's meat, in dividing toevery one's state and condition, and not feed strong men with milk, and babes with strong meat; for which purpose he gave me a key thatled into the treasury or store-house; which, when I came to see andbehold, was abundantly filled with all sorts of nourishments, thatnever could be exhausted, or spent, while the world endured. And Iobserved that whatever I and others took out to distribute dailyamong the household of God, the store-house was still full as at thebeginning, and so continues to this day, and forever. 

And now, having continued a long time in this heavenly habitation, itcomes into my mind to let my countrymen, and the children of my oldfather, whom I left in Babylon, hear of me; for I suppose they judgeme lost or devoured; but I could be glad if any, yea, all of them, were here to behold, and taste and feel what I do. And let noneof them say, it happened better with me than with many; for I haveunderstood, since coming into this house, that the same Light thatappeared to me, doth appear to any poor distressed soul in the wholeworld; but the reason that so few come here is, because they fear theperils and dangers that are in the way, more than they love the Lightthat would lead them through them; and so turn aside, and shelterthemselves in an old rotten building, that at one time or other, willfall on their heads, and they perish in the ruins. 

[Illustration: So I went not, but sought a city whose builder is God;and now I have found it; Hallelujah in the Highest; glory, honour, and renown to his worthy Name and power, throughout all ages andgenerations. Amen. ]

Now if any have a mind to know my name, let them know I had a namein my father's country, but in this long and tedious journey I havelost it. But since I came hither I have a "new name, " but have nocharacters to signify it by, that I can write, or they can read. Yetif any will come where I am, they shall know my name. But for furthersatisfaction, I was born in Egypt, spiritually called; and my fatherwent and lived in Babylon, about the time the true children of Israelwere in captivity; there I became acquainted with some of the stockof the Jews, about the time they were returning to their own land;and they told me wonderful things of the glory of the house they hadat Jerusalem, and would have had me go with them. And I understoodthat Solomon, with many thousands of carpenters and masons had builtit; upon which I considered within myself, that if Solomon and thecarpenters and masons had built it, carpenters and masons might at onetime or another pull it down again. So I went not, but sought a citywhose builder is God; and now I have found it; Hallelujah in theHighest; glory, honour, and renown to his worthy Name and power, throughout all ages and generations. _Amen_.