is too merciful to require such a sacrifice of time and labour." 66 Indeed," I answered, "you are mistaken; for it is from his being so merciful that we are permitted to labour, and to endeavour to approach his holy temple." "That would be quite impossible for such poor weak creatures as we are,' ," he replied. We must have patience, and wait till he carries us there; it is not for us to presume to go so near him, for we never

If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. 2 Tim. ii. 12.

u For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead; and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them and rose again. 2 Cor. v. 14, 15.

We are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. 2 Thess. ii. 13. y Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest. Heb. iv. 11.

E

can be nearer in this life."

comes.

" b 66

"Then

why does he invite us so earnestly?" a said I. "I am not aware that he does," answered my friend. "His invitations are for us to enter the kingdom, and we must be content to remain at the gate humble and unworthy, till our change Pray," said I, "did he not have your dirty rags taken off and thrown away?" "Yes, but I found them, and put some of them on again, to keep me humble. Look, here they are under my clean robe." "If that had been the intention of our Prince," said I, "he would certainly not have taken them off. Do look at the guide book again, and see

2 They limited the Holy One of Israel. Ps. lxxviii. 41. a Because it is written, be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter i. 16.

b Not as though I had already attained, neither were already perfect, but I follow after. Phil. iii. 12.

Hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Jude 23.

d

that when he gave you the new robe, he invited you to make a path to his temple." I then shewed him the duty, of attempting to reach the interior, and the directions for doing so-but I could not make much impression. He had a confused notion that every thing in the book related to the gate; and really seemed not to be aware that there was a temple in the kingdom. He thought it was presumptuous to expect to advance beyond the walls, and was satisfied to remain there. However, I shewed him

f

d The law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. Heb. vii. 19.

e To whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? Heb. iii. 18.

f Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God. Heb. vi. 1.

8 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, E 2

that the Prince most earnestly entreated us to leave the gate when we had passed

h

through it, and assured us, that if we

would permit him, he could lead us very far, and provide for our success that he would tell us which way to go, and if we fall down would lift us upwhen we were tired, would refresh us; when weary, give us strength; when

hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places, in Christ Jesus. Eph. ii. 4, 5, 6.

h Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water, &c. Heb. x. 19, 20, 21, 22.

i Now, unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Jude 24, 25.

desponding, encouragement; and would never leave us nor forsake us, till the path was finished.

k

My friend listened doubtingly, and ran back to the walls; I followed leisurely, full of thought and meditation. The next day, when I spake to the people, I was not so earnest in my expressions respecting the paths, nor did I describe the labour to be so joyful and easy, as I had done before;m but warned them of difficulties, while I solemnly urged them to the undertaking. "

n

I found there was nothing so little un

* Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you, an evil heart of unbelief. Heb. iii. 12.

1 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. Heb. x. 35.

m Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. Ps. xxxiv. 19.

n To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Rev. ii. 7.