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ThenIsawinmydreamthathecommandedthemtoliedown;which，whentheydid，hechastisedthemsore，toteachthemthegoodwaywhereintheyshouldwalk[Deut。25：2];andashechastisedthemhesaid，"AsmanyasIlove，Irebukeandchasten;bezealous，therefore，andrepent。"[2Chron。6：26，27，Rev。3：19]Thisdone，hebidthemgoontheirway，andtakegoodheedtotheotherdirectionsoftheshepherds。Sotheythankedhimforallhiskindness，andwentsoftlyalongtherightway，singing——
Comehither，youthatwalkalongtheway;
Seehowthepilgrimsfarethatgoastray。
Theycatchedareinanentanglingnet，’Causetheygoodcounsellightlydidforget：
’Tistruetheyrescuedwere，butyetyousee，They’rescourgedtoboot。Letthisyourcautionbe。
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Now，afterawhile，theyperceived，afaroff，onecomingsoftlyandalone，allalongthehighwaytomeetthem。ThensaidChristiantohisfellow，YonderisamanwithhisbacktowardsZion，andheiscomingtomeetus。
HOPE。Iseehim;letustakeheedtoourselvesnow，lestheshouldproveaflattereralso。Sohedrewnearerandnearer，andatlastcameupuntothem。HisnamewasAtheist，andheaskedthemwhithertheyweregoing。
CHR。WearegoingtoMountZion。
ThenAtheistfellintoaverygreatlaughter。
CHR。Whatisthemeaningofyourlaughter？
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ATHEIST。Ilaughtoseewhatignorantpersonsyouare，totakeuponyousotediousajourney，andyouareliketohavenothingbutyourtravelforyourpains。
CHR。Why，man，doyouthinkweshallnotbereceived？
ATHEIST。Received！Thereisnosuchplaceasyoudreamofinallthisworld。
CHR。Butthereisintheworldtocome。
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ATHEIST。WhenIwasathomeinmineowncountry，Iheardasyounowaffirm，andfromthathearingwentouttosee，andhavebeenseekingthiscitythistwentyyears;butfindnomoreofitthanIdidthefirstdayIsetout。[Jer。22：12，Eccl。10：15]
CHR。Wehavebothheardandbelievethatthereissuchaplacetobefound。
ATHEIST。HadnotI，whenathome，believed，Ihadnotcomethusfartoseek;butfindingnone，（andyetIshould，hadtherebeensuchaplacetobefound，forIhavegonetoseekitfurtherthanyou），Iamgoingbackagain，andwillseektorefreshmyselfwiththethingsthatIthencastaway，forhopesofthatwhich，Inowsee，isnot。
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CHR。ThensaidChristiantoHopefulhisfellow，Isittruewhichthismanhathsaid？
Hope。Takeheed，heisoneoftheflatterers;rememberwhatithathcostusoncealreadyforourhearkeningtosuchkindoffellows。
What！noMountZion？Didwenotsee，fromtheDelectableMountainsthegateofthecity？Also，arewenotnowtowalkbyfaith？
Letusgoon，saidHopeful，lestthemanwiththewhipovertakeusagain。[2Cor。5：7]Youshouldhavetaughtmethatlesson，whichIwillroundyouintheearswithal："Cease，myson，toheartheinstructionthatcausethtoerrfromthewordsofknowledge。"[Prov。19：27]Isay，mybrother，ceasetohearhim，andletus"believetothesavingofthesoul"。[Heb。10：39]
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CHR。Mybrother，IdidnotputthequestiontotheeforthatIdoubtedofthetruthofourbeliefmyself，buttoprovethee，andtofetchfromtheeafruitofthehonestyofthyheart。
Asforthisman，Iknowthatheisblindedbythegodofthisworld。
LettheeandIgoon，knowingthatwehavebeliefofthetruth，"andnolieisofthetruth"。[1John2：21]
HOPE。NowdoIrejoiceinhopeofthegloryofGod。Sotheyturnedawayfromtheman;andhe，laughingatthem，wenthisway。
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Isawtheninmydream，thattheywenttilltheycameintoacertaincountry，whoseairnaturallytendedtomakeonedrowsy，ifhecameastrangerintoit。
AndhereHopefulbegantobeverydullandheavyofsleep;
whereforehesaiduntoChristian，IdonowbegintogrowsodrowsythatIcanscarcelyholdupmineeyes，letusliedownhereandtakeonenap。
CHR。Bynomeans，saidtheother，lestsleeping，weneverawakemore。
HOPE。Why，mybrother？Sleepissweettothelabouringman;
wemayberefreshedifwetakeanap。
CHR。DoyounotrememberthatoneoftheShepherdsbidusbewareoftheEnchantedGround？Hemeantbythatthatweshouldbewareofsleeping;"Thereforeletusnotsleep，asdoothers，butletuswatchandbesober。"[1Thess。5：6]
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HOPE。Iacknowledgemyselfinafault，andhadIbeenherealoneIhadbysleepingrunthedangerofdeath。Iseeitistruethatthewisemansaith，Twoarebetterthanone。Hithertohaththycompanybeenmymercy，andthoushalthaveagoodrewardforthylabour。[Eccl。9：9]
CHR。Nowthen，saidChristian，topreventdrowsinessinthisplace，letusfallintogooddiscourse。
HOPE。Withallmyheart，saidtheother。
CHR。Whereshallwebegin？
HOPE。WhereGodbeganwithus。Butdoyoubegin，ifyouplease。
CHR。Iwillsingyoufirstthissong：——
Whensaintsdosleepygrow，letthemcomehither，Andhearhowthesetwopilgrimstalktogether：
Yea，letthemlearnofthem，inanywise，Thustokeepopetheirdrowsyslumb’ringeyes。
Saints’fellowship，ifitbemanagedwell，Keepsthemawake，andthatinspiteofhell。
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CHR。ThenChristianbeganandsaid，Iwillaskyouaquestion。
Howcameyoutothinkatfirstofsodoingasyoudonow？
HOPE。Doyoumean，howcameIatfirsttolookafterthegoodofmysoul？
CHR。Yes，thatismymeaning。
HOPE。Icontinuedagreatwhileinthedelightofthosethingswhichwereseenandsoldatourfair;thingswhich，Ibelievenow，wouldhave，hadIcontinuedinthem，stilldrownedmeinperditionanddestruction。
CHR。Whatthingsarethey？
HOPE。Allthetreasuresandrichesoftheworld。Also，Idelightedmuchinrioting，revelling，drinking，swearing，lying，uncleanness，Sabbath—breaking，andwhatnot，thattendedtodestroythesoul。ButIfoundatlast，byhearingandconsideringofthingsthataredivine，whichindeedIheardofyou，asalsoofbelovedFaithfulthatwasputtodeathforhisfaithandgoodlivinginVanityFair，that"theendofthesethingsisdeath"。
[Rom。6：21—23]Andthatforthesethings’sake"comeththewrathofGoduponthechildrenofdisobedience"。[Eph。5：6]
CHR。Anddidyoupresentlyfallunderthepowerofthisconviction？
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HOPE。No，Iwasnotwillingpresentlytoknowtheevilofsin，northedamnationthatfollowsuponthecommissionofit;
butendeavoured，whenmymindatfirstbegantobeshakenwiththeWord，toshutmineeyesagainstthelightthereof。
CHR。ButwhatwasthecauseofyourcarryingofitthustothefirstworkingsofGod’sblessedSpirituponyou？
{340}
HOPE。Thecauseswere，1。IwasignorantthatthiswastheworkofGoduponme。Ineverthoughtthat，byawakeningsforsin，Godatfirstbeginstheconversionofasinner。2。Sinwasyetverysweettomyflesh，andIwasloathtoleaveit。3。
Icouldnottellhowtopartwithmineoldcompanions，theirpresenceandactionsweresodesirableuntome。4。Thehoursinwhichconvictionswereuponmeweresuchtroublesomeandsuchheart—affrightinghoursthatIcouldnotbear，nonotsomuchastheremembranceofthem，uponmyheart。
CHR。Then，asitseems，sometimesyougotridofyourtrouble。
HOPE。Yes，verily，butitwouldcomeintomymindagain，andthenIshouldbeasbad，nay，worse，thanIwasbefore。
CHR。Why，whatwasitthatbroughtyoursinstomindagain？
{341}
HOPE。Manythings;as，1。IfIdidbutmeetagoodmaninthestreets;or，2。IfIhaveheardanyreadintheBible;or，3。Ifmineheaddidbegintoache;or，4。IfIweretoldthatsomeofmyneighboursweresick;or，5。IfIheardthebelltollforsomethatweredead;or，6。IfIthoughtofdyingmyself;or，7。IfIheardthatsuddendeathhappenedtoothers;
8。Butespecially，whenIthoughtofmyself，thatImustquicklycometojudgment。
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CHR。Andcouldyouatanytime，withease，getofftheguiltofsin，whenbyanyofthesewaysitcameuponyou？
HOPE。No，notI，forthentheygotfasterholdofmyconscience;
andthen，ifIdidbutthinkofgoingbacktosin，（thoughmymindwasturnedagainstit），itwouldbedoubletormenttome。
CHR。Andhowdidyoudothen？
HOPE。IthoughtImustendeavourtomendmylife;forelse，thoughtI，Iamsuretobedamned。
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CHR。Anddidyouendeavourtomend？
HOPE。Yes;andfledfromnotonlymysins，butsinfulcompanytoo;
andbetookmetoreligiousduties，asprayer，reading，weepingforsin，speakingtruthtomyneighbours，&c。ThesethingsdidI，withmanyothers，toomuchheretorelate。
CHR。Anddidyouthinkyourselfwellthen？
HOPE。Yes，forawhile;butatthelast，mytroublecametumblinguponmeagain，andthatovertheneckofallmyreformations。
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CHR。Howcamethatabout，sinceyouwerenowreformed？
HOPE。Therewereseveralthingsbroughtituponme，especiallysuchsayingsasthese："Allourrighteousnessesareasfilthyrags。"[Isa。64：6]"Bytheworksofthelawshallnofleshbejustified。"[Gal。2：16]"Whenyeshallhavedoneallthosethings，say，Weareunprofitable"，[Luke17：10]withmanymoresuchlike。FromwhenceIbegantoreasonwithmyselfthus：
IfALLmyrighteousnessesarefilthyrags;if，bythedeedsofthelaw，NOmancanbejustified;andif，whenwehavedoneALL，weareyetunprofitable，thenitisbutafollytothinkofheavenbythelaw。
Ifurtherthoughtthus：Ifamanrunsahundredpoundsintotheshopkeeper’sdebt，andafterthatshallpayforallthatheshallfetch;yet，ifthisolddebtstandsstillinthebookuncrossed，forthattheshopkeepermaysuehim，andcasthimintoprisontillheshallpaythedebt。
CHR。Well，andhowdidyouapplythistoyourself？
HOPE。Why;Ithoughtthuswithmyself。Ihave，bymysins，runagreatwayintoGod’sbook，andthatmynowreformingwillnotpayoffthatscore;thereforeIshouldthinkstill，underallmypresentamendments，ButhowshallIbefreedfromthatdamnationthatIhavebroughtmyselfindangerofbymyformertransgressions？
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CHR。Averygoodapplication：but，pray，goon。
HOPE。Anotherthingthathathtroubledme，evensincemylateamendments，is，thatifIlooknarrowlyintothebestofwhatIdonow，Istillseesin，newsin，mixingitselfwiththebestofthatIdo;sothatnowIamforcedtoconclude，thatnotwithstandingmyformerfondconceitsofmyselfandduties，Ihavecommittedsinenoughinonedutytosendmetohell，thoughmyformerlifehadbeenfaultless。
CHR。Andwhatdidyoudothen？
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HOPE。Do！Icouldnottellwhattodo，untilIbrakemymindtoFaithful，forheandIwerewellacquainted。Andhetoldme，thatunlessIcouldobtaintherighteousnessofamanthatneverhadsinned，neithermineown，noralltherighteousnessoftheworldcouldsaveme。
CHR。Anddidyouthinkhespaketrue？
HOPE。HadhetoldmesowhenIwaspleasedandsatisfiedwithmineownamendment，Ihadcalledhimfoolforhispains;
butnow，sinceIseemineowninfirmity，andthesinthatcleavestomybestperformance，Ihavebeenforcedtobeofhisopinion。
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CHR。Butdidyouthink，whenatfirsthesuggestedittoyou，thattherewassuchamantobefound，ofwhomitmightjustlybesaidthathenevercommittedsin？
HOPE。Imustconfessthewordsatfirstsoundedstrangely，butafteralittlemoretalkandcompanywithhim，Ihadfullconvictionaboutit。
CHR。Anddidyouaskhimwhatmanthiswas，andhowyoumustbejustifiedbyhim？
HOPE。Yes，andhetoldmeitwastheLordJesus，thatdwellethontherighthandoftheMostHigh。Andthus，saidhe，youmustbejustifiedbyhim，evenbytrustingtowhathehathdonebyhimself，inthedaysofhisflesh，andsufferedwhenhedidhangonthetree。
Iaskedhimfurther，howthatman’srighteousnesscouldbeofthatefficacytojustifyanotherbeforeGod？AndhetoldmehewasthemightyGod，anddidwhathedid，anddiedthedeathalso，notforhimself，butforme;towhomhisdoings，andtheworthinessofthem，shouldbeimputed，ifIbelievedonhim。[Heb。10，Rom。
6，Col。1，1Pet。1]
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CHR。Andwhatdidyoudothen？
HOPE。Imademyobjectionsagainstmybelieving，forthatIthoughthewasnotwillingtosaveme。
CHR。AndwhatsaidFaithfultoyouthen？
HOPE。Hebidmegotohimandsee。ThenIsaiditwaspresumption;
buthesaid，No，forIwasinvitedtocome。[Matt。11：28]
ThenhegavemeabookofJesus，hisinditing，toencouragemethemorefreelytocome;andhesaid，concerningthatbook，thateveryjotandtittlethereofstoodfirmerthanheavenandearth。
[Matt。24：35]ThenIaskedhim，WhatImustdowhenIcame;andhetoldme，Imustentreatuponmyknees，withallmyheartandsoul，theFathertorevealhimtome。[Ps。95：6，Dan。6：10，Jer。29：12，13]
ThenIaskedhimfurther，howImustmakemysupplicationtohim？
Andhesaid，Go，andthoushaltfindhimuponamercy—seat，wherehesitsalltheyearlong，togivepardonandforgivenesstothemthatcome。ItoldhimthatIknewnotwhattosaywhenIcame。
Andhebidmesaytothiseffect：
Godbemercifultomeasinner，andmakemetoknowandbelieveinJesusChrist;forIsee，thatifhisrighteousnesshadnotbeen，orIhavenotfaithinthatrighteousness，Iamutterlycastaway。
Lord，IhaveheardthatthouartamercifulGod，andhastordainedthatthySonJesusChristshouldbetheSaviouroftheworld;
andmoreover，thatthouartwillingtobestowhimuponsuchapoorsinnerasIam，（andIamasinnerindeed）;Lord，takethereforethisopportunityandmagnifythygraceinthesalvationofmysoul，throughthySonJesusChrist。Amen。
[Exo。25：22，Lev。16：2，Num。7：89，Heb。4：16]
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CHR。Anddidyoudoasyouwerebidden？
HOPE。Yes;over，andover，andover。
CHR。AnddidtheFatherrevealhisSontoyou？
HOPE。Notatthefirst，norsecond，northird，norfourth，norfifth;
no，noratthesixthtimeneither。
CHR。Whatdidyoudothen？
HOPE。What！whyIcouldnottellwhattodo。
CHR。Hadyounotthoughtsofleavingoffpraying？
HOPE。Yes;anhundredtimestwicetold。
CHR。Andwhatwasthereasonyoudidnot？
HOPE。Ibelievedthatthatwastruewhichhadbeentoldme，towit，thatwithouttherighteousnessofthisChrist，alltheworldcouldnotsaveme;andtherefore，thoughtIwithmyself，ifIleaveoffIdie，andIcanbutdieatthethroneofgrace。
Andwithal，thiscameintomymind，"Thoughittarry，waitforit;
becauseitwillsurelycome，itwillnottarry。"[Heb。2：3]
SoIcontinuedprayinguntiltheFathershowedmehisSon。
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CHR。Andhowwasherevealeduntoyou？
HOPE。Ididnotseehimwithmybodilyeyes，butwiththeeyesofmyunderstanding;[Eph。1：18，19]andthusitwas：
OnedayIwasverysad，Ithinksadderthanatanyonetimeinmylife，andthissadnesswasthroughafreshsightofthegreatnessandvilenessofmysins。AndasIwasthenlookingfornothingbuthell，andtheeverlastingdamnationofmysoul，suddenly，asIthought，IsawtheLordJesusChristlookdownfromheavenuponme，andsaying，"BelieveontheLordJesusChrist，andthoushaltbesaved。"
[Acts16：30，31]
p351——p403
Page351——Page403
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ButIreplied，Lord，Iamagreat，averygreatsinner。
Andheanswered，"Mygraceissufficientforthee。"[2Cor。12：9]
ThenIsaid，But，Lord，whatisbelieving？AndthenIsawfromthatsaying，"Hethatcomethtomeshallneverhunger，andhethatbelievethonmeshallneverthirst"，thatbelievingandcomingwasallone;andthathethatcame，thatis，ranoutinhisheartandaffectionsaftersalvationbyChrist，heindeedbelievedinChrist。[John6：35]Thenthewaterstoodinmineeyes，andIaskedfurther。But，Lord，maysuchagreatsinnerasIambeindeedacceptedofthee，andbesavedbythee？AndIheardhimsay，"Andhimthatcomethtome，Iwillinnowisecastout。"[John6：37]ThenIsaid，Buthow，Lord，mustIconsideroftheeinmycomingtothee，thatmyfaithmaybeplacedarightuponthee？Thenhesaid，"ChristJesuscameintotheworldtosavesinners。"[1Tim。1：15]"Heistheendofthelawforrighteousnesstoeveryonethatbelieveth。"[Rom。
10：4]
"Hediedforoursins，androseagainforourjustification。"
[Rom。4：25]"Helovedus，andwashedusfromoursinsinhisownblood。"[Rev。1：5]"HeismediatorbetwixtGodandus。"
[1Tim。2：5]"Heeverlivethtomakeintercessionforus。"
[Heb。7：24，25]FromallwhichIgathered，thatImustlookforrighteousnessinhisperson，andforsatisfactionformysinsbyhisblood;thatwhathedidinobediencetohisFather’slaw，andinsubmittingtothepenaltythereof，wasnotforhimself，butforhimthatwillacceptitforhissalvation，andbethankful。
Andnowwasmyheartfullofjoy，mineeyesfulloftears，andmineaffectionsrunningoverwithlovetothename，people，andwaysofJesusChrist。
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CHR。ThiswasarevelationofChristtoyoursoulindeed;
buttellmeparticularlywhateffectthishaduponyourspirit。
HOPE。Itmademeseethatalltheworld，notwithstandingalltherighteousnessthereof，isinastateofcondemnation。
ItmademeseethatGodtheFather，thoughhebejust，canjustlyjustifythecomingsinner。Itmademegreatlyashamedofthevilenessofmyformerlife，andconfoundedmewiththesenseofmineownignorance;fortherenevercamethoughtintomyheartbeforenowthatshowedmesothebeautyofJesusChrist。
Itmademeloveaholylife，andlongtodosomethingforthehonourandgloryofthenameoftheLordJesus;yea，IthoughtthathadInowathousandgallonsofbloodinmybody，IcouldspillitallforthesakeoftheLordJesus。
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IsawtheninmydreamthatHopefullookedbackandsawIgnorance，whomtheyhadleftbehind，comingafter。Look，saidhetoChristian，howfaryonderyoungsterloiterethbehind。
CHR。Ay，ay，Iseehim;hecarethnotforourcompany。
HOPE。ButItrowitwouldnothavehurthimhadhekeptpacewithushitherto。
CHR。Thatistrue;butIwarrantyouhethinkethotherwise。
HOPE。That，Ithink，hedoth;but，however，letustarryforhim。
Sotheydid。
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ThenChristiansaidtohim，Comeaway，man，whydoyoustaysobehind？
IGNOR。Itakemypleasureinwalkingalone，evenmoreagreatdealthanincompany，unlessIlikeitthebetter。
ThensaidChristiantoHopeful，（butsoftly），DidInottellyouhecarednotforourcompany？But，however，saidhe，comeup，andletustalkawaythetimeinthissolitaryplace。
ThendirectinghisspeechtoIgnorance，hesaid，Come，howdoyou？
HowstandsitbetweenGodandyoursoulnow？
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IGNOR。Ihopewell;forIamalwaysfullofgoodmotions，thatcomeintomymind，tocomfortmeasIwalk。
CHR。Whatgoodmotions？pray，tellus。
IGNOR。Why，IthinkofGodandheaven。
CHR。Sodothedevilsanddamnedsouls。
IGNOR。ButIthinkofthemanddesirethem。
CHR。Sodomanythatareneverliketocomethere。
"Thesoulofthesluggarddesireth，andhathnothing。"[Prov。
13：4]
IGNOR。ButIthinkofthem，andleaveallforthem。
CHR。ThatIdoubt;forleavingallisahardmatter：yea，ahardermatterthanmanyareawareof。Butwhy，orbywhat，artthoupersuadedthatthouhastleftallforGodandheaven。
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IGNOR。Myhearttellsmeso。
CHR。Thewisemansays，"Hethattrustshisownheartisafool。"
[Prov。28：26]
IGNOR。Thisisspokenofanevilheart，butmineisagoodone。
CHR。Buthowdostthouprovethat？
IGNOR。Itcomfortsmeinhopesofheaven。
CHR。Thatmaybethroughitsdeceitfulness;foraman’sheartmayministercomforttohiminthehopesofthatthingforwhichheyethasnogroundtohope。
IGNOR。Butmyheartandlifeagreetogether，andthereforemyhopeiswellgrounded。
CHR。Whotoldtheethatthyheartandlifeagreetogether？
IGNOR。Myhearttellsmeso。
CHR。AskmyfellowifIbeathief！Thyhearttellstheeso！
ExcepttheWordofGodbearethwitnessinthismatter，othertestimonyisofnovalue。
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IGNOR。Butisitnotagoodheartthathathgoodthoughts？
andisnotthatagoodlifethatisaccordingtoGod’scommandments？
CHR。Yes，thatisagoodheartthathathgoodthoughts，andthatisagoodlifethatisaccordingtoGod’scommandments;
butitisonething，indeed，tohavethese，andanotherthingonlytothinkso。
IGNOR。Pray，whatcountyougoodthoughts，andalifeaccordingtoGod’scommandments？
CHR。Therearegoodthoughtsofdiverskinds;somerespectingourselves，someGod，someChrist，andsomeotherthings。
IGNOR。Whatbegoodthoughtsrespectingourselves？
CHR。SuchasagreewiththeWordofGod。
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IGNOR。WhendoourthoughtsofourselvesagreewiththeWordofGod？
CHR。WhenwepassthesamejudgmentuponourselveswhichtheWordpasses。Toexplainmyself——theWordofGodsaithofpersonsinanaturalcondition，"Thereisnonerighteous，thereisnonethatdoethgood。"[Rom。3]Itsaithalso，that"everyimaginationoftheheartofmanisonlyevil，andthatcontinually。"[Gen。6：5]Andagain，"Theimaginationofman’sheartisevilfromhisyouth。"[Rom。8：21]Nowthen，whenwethinkthusofourselves，havingsensethereof，thenareourthoughtsgoodones，becauseaccordingtotheWordofGod。
IGNOR。Iwillneverbelievethatmyheartisthusbad。
CHR。Thereforethouneverhadstonegoodthoughtconcerningthyselfinthylife。Butletmegoon。AstheWordpassethajudgmentuponourheart，soitpassethajudgmentuponourways;andwhenOURthoughtsofourheartsandwaysagreewiththejudgmentwhichtheWordgivethofboth，thenarebothgood，becauseagreeingthereto。
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IGNOR。Makeoutyourmeaning。
CHR。Why，theWordofGodsaiththatman’swaysarecrookedways;
notgood，butperverse。[Ps。125：5，Prov。2：15]Itsaiththeyarenaturallyoutofthegoodway，thattheyhavenotknownit。
[Rom。3]Now，whenamanthusthinkethofhisways，——Isay，whenhedothsensibly，andwithheart—humiliation，thusthink，thenhathhegoodthoughtsofhisownways，becausehisthoughtsnowagreewiththejudgmentoftheWordofGod。
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IGNOR。WhataregoodthoughtsconcerningGod？
CHR。EvenasIhavesaidconcerningourselves，whenourthoughtsofGoddoagreewithwhattheWordsaithofhim;andthatis，whenwethinkofhisbeingandattributesastheWordhathtaught，ofwhichIcannotnowdiscourseatlarge;buttospeakofhimwithreferencetous：ThenwehaverightthoughtsofGod，whenwethinkthatheknowsusbetterthanweknowourselves，andcanseesininuswhenandwherewecanseenoneinourselves;
whenwethinkheknowsourinmostthoughts，andthatourheart，withallitsdepths，isalwaysopenuntohiseyes;also，whenwethinkthatallourrighteousnessstinksinhisnostrils，andthat，therefore，hecannotabidetoseeusstandbeforehiminanyconfidence，eveninallourbestperformances。
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IGNOR。DoyouthinkthatIamsuchafoolastothinkGodcanseenofurtherthanI？or，thatIwouldcometoGodinthebestofmyperformances？
CHR。Why，howdostthouthinkinthismatter？
IGNOR。Why，tobeshort，IthinkImustbelieveinChristforjustification。
CHR。How！thinkthoumustbelieveinChrist，whenthouseestnotthyneedofhim！Thouneitherseestthyoriginalnoractualinfirmities;
buthastsuchanopinionofthyself，andofwhatthoudost，asplainlyrenderstheetobeonethatdidneverseeanecessityofChrist’spersonalrighteousnesstojustifytheebeforeGod。
How，then，dostthousay，IbelieveinChrist？
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IGNOR。Ibelievewellenoughforallthat。
CHR。Howdostthoubelieve？
IGNOR。IbelievethatChristdiedforsinners，andthatIshallbejustifiedbeforeGodfromthecurse，throughhisgraciousacceptanceofmyobediencetohislaw。Orthus，Christmakesmyduties，thatarereligious，acceptabletohisFather，byvirtueofhismerits;
andsoshallIbejustified。
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CHR。Letmegiveananswertothisconfessionofthyfaith：——
1。Thoubelievestwithafantasticalfaith;forthisfaithisnowheredescribedintheWord。
2。Thoubelievestwithafalsefaith;becauseittakethjustificationfromthepersonalrighteousnessofChrist，andappliesittothyown。
3。ThisfaithmakethnotChristajustifierofthyperson，butofthyactions;andofthypersonforthyactions’sake，whichisfalse。
4。Therefore，thisfaithisdeceitful，evensuchaswillleavetheeunderwrath，inthedayofGodAlmighty;fortruejustifyingfaithputsthesoul，assensibleofitsconditionbythelaw，uponflyingforrefugeuntoChrist’srighteousness，whichrighteousnessofhisisnotanactofgrace，bywhichhemakethforjustification，thyobedienceacceptedwithGod;buthispersonalobediencetothelaw，indoingandsufferingforuswhatthatrequiredatourhands;
thisrighteousness，Isay，truefaithaccepteth;undertheskirtofwhich，thesoulbeingshrouded，andbyitpresentedasspotlessbeforeGod，itisaccepted，andacquitfromcondemnation。
{364}
IGNOR。What！wouldyouhaveustrusttowhatChrist，inhisownperson，hasdonewithoutus？Thisconceitwouldloosenthereinsofourlust，andtolerateustoliveaswelist;forwhatmatterhowwelive，ifwemaybejustifiedbyChrist’spersonalrighteousnessfromall，whenwebelieveit？
CHR。Ignoranceisthyname，andasthynameis，soartthou;
eventhisthyanswerdemonstratethwhatIsay。Ignorantthouartofwhatjustifyingrighteousnessis，andasignoranthowtosecurethysoul，throughthefaithofit，fromtheheavywrathofGod。
Yea，thoualsoartignorantofthetrueeffectsofsavingfaithinthisrighteousnessofChrist，whichis，tobowandwinoverthehearttoGodinChrist，tolovehisname，hisword，ways，andpeople，andnotasthouignorantlyimaginest。
HOPE。AskhimifeverhehadChristrevealedtohimfromheaven。
{365}
IGNOR。What！youareamanforrevelations！Ibelievethatwhatbothyou，andalltherestofyou，sayaboutthatmatter，isbutthefruitofdistractedbrains。
HOPE。Why，man！ChristissohidinGodfromthenaturalapprehensionsoftheflesh，thathecannotbyanymanbesavinglyknown，unlessGodtheFatherrevealshimtothem。
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IGNOR。Thatisyourfaith，butnotmine;yetmine，Idoubtnot，isasgoodasyours，thoughIhavenotinmyheadsomanywhimsiesasyou。
CHR。Givemeleavetoputinaword。Yououghtnotsoslightlytospeakofthismatter;forthisIwillboldlyaffirm，evenasmygoodcompanionhathdone，thatnomancanknowJesusChristbutbytherevelationoftheFather;[Matt。11：27]yea，andfaithtoo，bywhichthesoullayethholduponChrist，ifitberight，mustbewroughtbytheexceedinggreatnessofhismightypower;
theworkingofwhichfaith，Iperceive，poorIgnorance，thouartignorantof。[1Cor。12：3，Eph。1：18，19]Beawakened，then，seethineownwretchedness，andflytotheLordJesus;
andbyhisrighteousness，whichistherighteousnessofGod，forhehimselfisGod，thoushaltbedeliveredfromcondemnation。
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IGNOR。Yougosofast，Icannotkeeppacewithyou。
Doyougoonbefore;Imuststayawhilebehind。
Thentheysaid——
Well，Ignorance，wiltthouyetfoolishbe，Toslightgoodcounsel，tentimesgiventhee？
Andifthouyetrefuseit，thoushaltknow，Erelong，theevilofthydoingso。
Remember，man，intime，stoop，donotfear;
Goodcounseltakenwell，saves：thereforehear。
Butifthouyetshaltslightit，thouwiltbeTheloser，（Ignorance），I’llwarrantthee。
ThenChristianaddressedthushimselftohisfellow：——
CHR。Well，come，mygoodHopeful，IperceivethatthouandI
mustwalkbyourselvesagain。
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SoIsawinmydreamthattheywentonapacebefore，andIgnorancehecamehobblingafter。ThensaidChristiantohiscompanion，Itpitiesmemuchforthispoorman，itwillcertainlygoillwithhimatlast。
HOPE。Alas！thereareabundanceinourtowninhiscondition，wholefamilies，yea，wholestreets，andthatofpilgrimstoo;
andiftherebesomanyinourparts，howmany，thinkyou，musttherebeintheplacewherehewasborn？
CHR。IndeedtheWordsaith，"Hehathblindedtheireyes，lesttheyshouldsee"，&c。Butnowwearebyourselves，whatdoyouthinkofsuchmen？Havetheyatnotime，thinkyou，convictionsofsin，andsoconsequentlyfearsthattheirstateisdangerous？
HOPE。Nay，doyouanswerthatquestionyourself，foryouaretheelderman。
CHR。ThenIsay，sometimes（asIthink）theymay;buttheybeingnaturallyignorant，understandnotthatsuchconvictionstendtotheirgood;andthereforetheydodesperatelyseektostiflethem，andpresumptuouslycontinuetoflatterthemselvesinthewayoftheirownhearts。
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HOPE。Idobelieve，asyousay，thatfeartendsmuchtomen’sgood，andtomakethemright，attheirbeginningtogoonpilgrimage。
CHR。Withoutalldoubtitdoth，ifitberight;forsosaystheWord，"ThefearoftheLordisthebeginningofwisdom。"
[Prov。1：7，9：10，Job28：28，Ps。111：10]
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HOPE。Howwillyoudescriberightfear？
CHR。Trueorrightfearisdiscoveredbythreethings：——
1。Byitsrise;itiscausedbysavingconvictionsforsin。
2。ItdriveththesoultolayfastholdofChristforsalvation。
3。ItbegettethandcontinuethinthesoulagreatreverenceofGod，hisWord，andways，keepingittender，andmakingitafraidtoturnfromthem，totherighthandortotheleft，toanythingthatmaydishonourGod，breakitspeace，grievetheSpirit，orcausetheenemytospeakreproachfully。
HOPE。Wellsaid;Ibelieveyouhavesaidthetruth。
ArewenowalmostgotpasttheEnchantedGround？
CHR。Why，artthouwearyofthisdiscourse？
HOPE。No，verily，butthatIwouldknowwhereweare。
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CHR。Wehavenotnowabovetwomilesfurthertogothereon。
Butletusreturntoourmatter。Nowtheignorantknownotthatsuchconvictionsastendtoputtheminfeararefortheirgood，andthereforetheyseektostiflethem。
HOPE。Howdotheyseektostiflethem？
{372}
CHR。1。Theythinkthatthosefearsarewroughtbythedevil，（thoughindeedtheyarewroughtofGod）;and，thinkingso，theyresistthemasthingsthatdirectlytendtotheiroverthrow。
2。Theyalsothinkthatthesefearstendtothespoilingoftheirfaith，when，alas，forthem，poormenthattheyare，theyhavenoneatall！andthereforetheyhardentheirheartsagainstthem。
3。Theypresumetheyoughtnottofear;and，therefore，indespiteofthem，waxpresumptuouslyconfident。
4。Theyseethatthosefearstendtotakeawayfromthemtheirpitifuloldself—holiness，andthereforetheyresistthemwithalltheirmight。
{373}
HOPE。Iknowsomethingofthismyself;for，beforeIknewmyself，itwassowithme。
CHR。Well，wewillleave，atthistime，ourneighbourIgnorancebyhimself，andfalluponanotherprofitablequestion。
HOPE。Withallmyheart，butyoushallstillbegin。
CHR。Wellthen，didyounotknow，abouttenyearsago，oneTemporaryinyourparts，whowasaforwardmaninreligionthen？
HOPE。Knowhim！yes，hedweltinGraceless，atownabouttwomilesoffofHonesty，andhedweltnextdoortooneTurnback。
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CHR。Right，hedweltunderthesameroofwithhim。Well，thatmanwasmuchawakenedonce;Ibelievethatthenhehadsomesightofhissins，andofthewagesthatwereduethereto。
HOPE。Iamofyourmind，for，myhousenotbeingabovethreemilesfromhim，hewouldofttimescometome，andthatwithmanytears。
TrulyIpitiedtheman，andwasnotaltogetherwithouthopeofhim;
butonemaysee，itisnoteveryonethatcries，Lord，Lord。
CHR。Hetoldmeoncethathewasresolvedtogoonpilgrimage，aswedonow;butallofasuddenhegrewacquaintedwithoneSave—self，andthenhebecameastrangertome。
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HOPE。Now，sincewearetalkingabouthim，letusalittleinquireintothereasonofthesuddenbackslidingofhimandsuchothers。
CHR。Itmaybeveryprofitable，butdoyoubegin。
HOPE。Well，then，thereareinmyjudgmentfourreasonsforit：——
{376}
1。Thoughtheconsciencesofsuchmenareawakened，yettheirmindsarenotchanged;therefore，whenthepowerofguiltwearethaway，thatwhichprovokedthemtobereligiousceaseth，whereforetheynaturallyturntotheirowncourseagain，evenasweseethedogthatissickofwhathehaseaten，solongashissicknessprevailshevomitsandcastsupall;notthathedoththisofafreemind（ifwemaysayadoghasamind），butbecauseittroublethhisstomach;
butnow，whenhissicknessisover，andsohisstomacheased，hisdesirebeingnotatallalienatefromhisvomit，heturnshimaboutandlicksupall，andsoitistruewhichiswritten，"Thedogisturnedtohisownvomitagain。"[2Pet。2：22]ThusIsay，beinghotforheaven，byvirtueonlyofthesenseandfearofthetormentsofhell，astheirsenseofhellandthefearsofdamnationchillsandcools，sotheirdesiresforheavenandsalvationcoolalso。Sothenitcomestopass，thatwhentheirguiltandfearisgone，theirdesiresforheavenandhappinessdie，andtheyreturntotheircourseagain。
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2。Anotherreasonis，theyhaveslavishfearsthatdoovermasterthem;
Ispeaknowofthefearsthattheyhaveofmen，for"thefearofmanbringethasnare"。[Prov。29：25]Sothen，thoughtheyseemtobehotforheaven，solongastheflamesofhellareabouttheirears，yetwhenthatterrorisalittleover，theybetakethemselvestosecondthoughts;namely，thatitisgoodtobewise，andnottorun（fortheyknownotwhat）thehazardoflosingall，or，atleast，ofbringingthemselvesintounavoidableandunnecessarytroubles，andsotheyfallinwiththeworldagain。
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3。Theshamethatattendsreligionliesalsoasablockintheirway;
theyareproudandhaughty;andreligionintheireyeislowandcontemptible，therefore，whentheyhavelosttheirsenseofhellandwrathtocome，theyreturnagaintotheirformercourse。
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4。Guilt，andtomeditateterror，aregrievoustothem。
Theylikenottoseetheirmiserybeforetheycomeintoit;
thoughperhapsthesightofitfirst，iftheylovedthatsight，mightmakethemflywhithertherighteousflyandaresafe。
Butbecausetheydo，asIhintedbefore，evenshunthethoughtsofguiltandterror，therefore，whenoncetheyareridoftheirawakeningsabouttheterrorsandwrathofGod，theyhardentheirheartsgladly，andchoosesuchwaysaswillhardenthemmoreandmore。
{380}
CHR。Youareprettynearthebusiness，forthebottomofallisforwantofachangeintheirmindandwill。Andthereforetheyarebutlikethefelonthatstandethbeforethejudge，hequakesandtrembles，andseemstorepentmostheartily，butthebottomofallisthefearofthehalter;notthathehathanydetestationoftheoffence，asisevident，because，letbutthismanhavehisliberty，andhewillbeathief，andsoaroguestill，whereas，ifhismindwaschanged，hewouldbeotherwise。
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HOPE。NowIhaveshowedyouthereasonsoftheirgoingback，doyoushowmethemannerthereof。
CHR。SoIwillwillingly。
1。Theydrawofftheirthoughts，allthattheymay，fromtheremembranceofGod，death，andjudgmenttocome。
2。Thentheycastoffbydegreesprivateduties，asclosetprayer，curbingtheirlusts，watching，sorrowforsin，andthelike。
3。ThentheyshunthecompanyoflivelyandwarmChristians。
4。Afterthattheygrowcoldtopublicduty，ashearing，reading，godlyconference，andthelike。
5。Thentheybegintopickholes，aswesay，inthecoatsofsomeofthegodly;andthatdevilishly，thattheymayhaveaseemingcolourtothrowreligion（forthesakeofsomeinfirmitytheyhaveespiedinthem）behindtheirbacks。
6。Thentheybegintoadhereto，andassociatethemselveswith，carnal，loose，andwantonmen。
7。Thentheygivewaytocarnalandwantondiscoursesinsecret;
andgladaretheyiftheycanseesuchthingsinanythatarecountedhonest，thattheymaythemoreboldlydoitthroughtheirexample。
8。Afterthistheybegintoplaywithlittlesinsopenly。
9。Andthen，beinghardened，theyshowthemselvesastheyare。
Thus，beinglaunchedagainintothegulfofmisery，unlessamiracleofgracepreventit，theyeverlastinglyperishintheirowndeceivings。
{382}
NowIsawinmydream，thatbythistimethePilgrimsweregotovertheEnchantedGround，andenteringintothecountryofBeulah，whoseairwasverysweetandpleasant，thewaylyingdirectlythroughit，theysolacedthemselvesthereforaseason。Yea，heretheyheardcontinuallythesingingofbirds，andsaweverydaytheflowersappearontheearth，andheardthevoiceoftheturtleintheland。