this work; for he is much in favor with this high minded lad.

After a short time it resulted thus: Riches being recovered, he consulted with WorldlyHonor, a great enemy to True Godliness, which was one reason why the Almighty said a great while ago, "How can ye believe, that receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?" John v. 44. Now Pride, Ambition, and Honor, being all three the natural offspring of Riches, so much possessed his affection, that Godliness was kept out, (making good that word, "The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God-God is not in all his thoughts :") and Conscience being at this time almost stifled, Fearful was forced to fly and conceal himself till another season. But Godliness remained at his door for a long time— even till he waxed old; and Conscience, having recovered a little strength by reason of his going now and then to hear a sermon, stirred up Mr. Fearful again to open the door, and had almost prevailed, had not a base servant of Riches, (who, I take it, was his Purse-bearer,) bestirred himself. His name was Covetous

E

ness,* an implacable enemy to True Godliness. He, perceiving that Godliness was like to meet with some entertainment, spoke to Riches after this sort:

Covet. Sir, will you be so unwise now in your old age, as to open your door to this stranger? It will be to your great injury, I assure you and besides, I, who have been a drudge to you all along, and the means by which you have gained most of your estate, shall, at the very instant you receive him into your house, be turned out; nay, and not only so, but be also brought under a severe sentence, and be condemned to die for idolatry. And then your treasures will fly; for you will find him a chargeable gentleman, teaching a doctrine that I am sure you hate; and I cannot blame you, for it is very destructive to your interest.

Riches. What doctrine is that? Prithee, inform me, for I have a very great esteem for thee; and in truth, for a long time have been sensible of the service thou hast done me; for

Different sins beset us at different ages. He who neglects religion in early life, that he may amass a fortune, and in middle life, that he may pursue honor, continues in old age to be negligent through the force of covetousness.

Ed.

when I kept my old servant Prodigality for a purse keeper, I could never thrive; but since I met with thee, I have increased my substance exceedingly.

Covet. Why, sir, then I will tell you; he teaches Riches to be what he calls rich in good works, that is, generous in building up religion in the world, and to follow a new master, who had not one foot of land in all the world, nor a house to dwell in; no, nor one penny of money; and whose disciples are generally poor, illiterate and contemptible people. Sir, in a word, if you open to Godliness, you will be undone; for though you are not put upon selling all you have presently, as some that would have received him in ancient days were required to do, yet you will be forced to give to the poor saints, as they call them, not merely a little, but according to what your estate and their necessity are. Nay, you will never know when you have done, for he will find out for you every day new objects of charity; he will tell you there are so many poor heathen without Bibles or teachers, and so many poor and desolate churches, so many poor widows, and so many neglected children in the city, and nobody knows what other objects of charity, (as he calls them) for whom efforts must be made;

and who should do it, he will say, but Riches; nay, it is a thousand to one, if he do not put you to build an hospital, or endow some professorship. Besides, when you have done this, he will not let you rest, but will tell you whensoever Christ's members are sick, you must visit them; and when hungry, feed them; when naked, cloth them; and when in prison, you must relieve them. And then, if times of persecution for the sake of religion should come, he will send you to prison, to see if Christ be not there; I mean some of his poor children, who lie there for his sake. If there be any, though they may not in all points of religion agree with you, yet he will tell you, you must not let them want, whilst you have enough to supply their necessity; and if you do, he will tell you, "Go, ye cursed," &c. will be your portion at last. Besides all this, you do not think what an amount of money he will tell you it is your duty to give to Ministers of the gospel, who are his great instruments and promoters in the world; nay, Sir, he positively affirms, you ought not only to give them just so much as will supply their necessities, but that it is your duty to give, and their right to have, a plentiful allowance, so that they may be freed from all the perplexing

cares of this life; and may have as much out of your estate, as to be able to give to others also, that so they may be examples of charity; for the Scriptures say they ought to be men given to hospitality, Tit. i. 8.; and many of them are poor, and therefore that they should do this, Godliness says is impossible, unless they are capacitated so to do by Riches. Moreover, this Godliness is so unhappy, and, in truth, hath always been, that he hath many great and potent enemies; so that they who receive and entertain him have been exposed to great troubles and frequent persecutions.*

Riches. I must confess thou hast said enough to make me forever out of love with Godliness; I cannot bear the thoughts of entertaining such a guest as this in my house: but what shall I do with my clamorous steward Conscience? for

* This harangue comprises the very reasons why thousands in middle life and onwards, reject religion. These and many other dictates of Christianity are hard sayings to the carnal mind, though to such as possess spiritual discernment they form a law which they cannot but approve and love. Let the pious see that not one of these dictates of covetousness be in any degree influential over their conduct. We should examine ourselves. The christian may be beset by a sin, long after it is dethroned; but sanctification must destroy what regeneration dejects. ED.