The Travels of True Godliness, Title page – To the reader
THE TRAVELS OF TRUE Godlineſs, FROM THE Beginning of the World to this preſent Day; in an apt and Pleaſant ALLEGORY. SHEWING The Troubles Oppoſitions, Reproaches and Perſecutions he hath met with in every Age. TOGETHER WITH The Danger he ſeems to be in at this preſent Time by Vice, Papiſtry, and other Grand Enemies. Alſo where he makes his laſt and final Abode. By B. K. Author of War with the Devil, and Sion in Diſtreſs.
The Third Edition, carefully Corrected.
London, Printed for John Dunton, at the Raven over againſt the Stocks-Market. MDCLXXXIV.
London Printed for Iohn Dunton at the Black Rauen In the Poultrey over againſt ye ſtocks market. 1683
Babilon
Apoſtates
Apoſtate
Godlines
Knowledge Faith Love …incerity Order
diſcipline
Thoughtfull
Religion
Ieruſalem
THE EPISTLE TO THE READER.
IN this Tract is ſhewed the many Snares and Temptation that attend both Riches and Poverty, Youth and Old-Age; together with the chief Reaſon why moſt Men of all Ranks and Qualities, are ſuch great ſtrangers to True Godlineſs. The Legaliſt, and Formal Hypocrite may alſo here ſee the danger they are in. Moreover True Godlineſs is opened in his own primitive Internal, and External Beauty and Glory; being vindicated from all thoſe foul Calumnies and Reproaches caſt upon him in this and former Ages: With his ſad Lamentation, in reſpect of the prevailing power of Vice Ungodlines, and that great danger he ſeems now to be in by Papiſtry and other Enemies. Alſo the uſefulneſs and neceſſity of Conſideration; and the Creatures utmoſt care and diligence in order to their Converſion, is clearly evinced; with the chief means, nature and excellency thereof. Together with the cauſe and diſmal Conſequences of Apoſtacy, &c.
If thou art a Saint, read with delight; but if thou art an Enemy to True Godlineſs, read and tremble: For the happy eſtate of the one, and the miſerable condition of the other, is here ſet out before your eyes. In this Treatiſe, you may ſee the little cauſe the one has to mourn in the worſt of Times, and the other to rejoyce what times ſoever they live in. I hope none will be offended, becauſe True Godlineſs is here preſented in an Allegory, ſith the Holy Scriptures abound with them, and ſo fully juſtifie our practce herein: However, 'tis now expoſed to publick view, and ſince it hath its Birth in ſuch a juncture as this, I expect it will meet with different entertainment; but whatſoever cenſures it paſſeth under, yet if but one ſoul reaps real benefit by it, it will requite me for my pains: I can ſay it hath been ſweet to me in writing, God grant it may prove ſo to thee in reading, and I ſhall ſay no more, but ſhall leave it to the Bleſſing of Jehovah, in whom I ſtill remain through infinite Grace.
Thy Souls Friend and Servant, B. Keach.