The Parable of the Pilgrim, Parable · Chapter 4
CAP. IV.
How he happily heard of a ſafe Guide unto it: with a true Character of him.
AND he truly who is not wont to fruſtrate the expectations of ſuch well minded ſouls, did not uſe much delay before he gave him a ſenſible demonſtration of that which he already believed. He found that the God of peace, could not make himſelf long a ſtranger to men of peaceable ſpirits, and that he waits ſometimes to do us a pleaſure there, where we feared to meet with harm and miſchief. For falling one day into the company of ſome perſons who were diſcourſing concerning the ſtate of affairs abroad, he happened to light on that which he verily thought their vain jangling would fright and drive away. There were many debates paſſed about the ſeveral opinions that were then on foot, and about the grand ſupporters of them. Some leaned to this, others to that, but he could not perceive there was any of them who was not addicted to a Sect, and did not ſeek to hear the voyce of Jeſus Chriſt amidſt the clamours and hideous noiſes of the diſputers of the world. At laſt there ſtood up an old man that was a perfect ſtranger to him, who told them that in his judgement (if it would be permitted him to deliver it boldly) they were hugely miſtaken who marched under the Banners of any of thoſe Leaders in defiance to the reſt of their Brethren. Jeruſalem he ſaid was very little beholden to them, which was a City at better unity within it ſelf than it was ſuppoſed by their Enſignes; and he believed the way to that place would be found to be more peaceable than to be diſturbed with the ſound of Drums and Trumpets. Their zeal (he continued) might be the effect of little not of much knowledge, and their confidence the nurſling of an overweening opinion of themſelves, rather than the iſſue of a ſound judgement and clear conception of things. In fine, he told them that if they would take a little time to cool themſelves and would abate ſo much of their preſumption as to think they might poſſibly erre, he doubted not but to bring them to a perſon who (though obſcure and of no great note among them) ſhould make them confeſs he gave them better directions than they ever heard of in the way to Jeruſalem. There was none there at that time but either out of curioſity, or ſome diſſatiſfaction deſired inſtantly to know who this man ſhould be, and in what place he hid himſelf from the world. They concealed the anger which they conceived at his free reproof, and having rendred him faint thanks for his liberty of ſpeech (profeſſing they loved an open enemy, better than a diſſembling friend) the very love of Novelty lead them to requeſt him to bring them acquainted with this rare perſon. That is a very eaſie matter to do replyed the old man, for he is one that is converſible enough, and beſides not far diſtant from this place; but for the preſent I ſhall chuſe to ſpare the mention of his name, and let you know him only by his Character. He is a perſon then that is altogether diſintereſſed and a partaker in none of thoſe Sects and Factions that are among us. One that hath Sion and Jeruſalem more in his heart than in his mouth, and loves to do, more than to talk. But when he ſpeaks, his words are more than ſounds, and have a ſting in them which pierces the very heart. If you did but hear him, you would feel that he leaves a true compunction in the ſpirit, and not a falſe alarm in the ear. His head is gray, though not his hairs; his wiſdom makes him more venerable than his years; he knows better how to live, than others do to diſpute, and he can argue more for peace, than they for their opinions. He hath Faith enough to ſave himſelf, and Charity enough to believe that others may be ſaved that are not in all points juſt of his belief. His compaſſion is equal to his underſtanding, his meekneſs equal to his zeal, his faith is matcht with charity, his love to his neighbour is proportionable to his love to God, and his humility and modeſty is equal to them all. He ſeems to me to be a piece of the wracks of Ancient Chriſtianity; a relique of the Golden Age; one of the children, and not of the Apes of Antiquity. He hath eſcaped the contagion of this evil age, without flying from it; and he is Maſter of more ſtrength, than cuſtom is of force and violence. The general corruption which hath overſpread us, hath not been able to prevail over the purity of his temper. And all the wickedneſs which could not but touch him, hath not yet had the power to defile or ſully him. If thoſe Worthies, in whoſe veins the blood of Chriſt did run, could return to viſit the world again; I make no doubt but they would diſcern in him ſuch marks of their virtue, that they would confeſs him for one of their race, and embrace him as an Inheritor not only of their name, but of their noble qualities. If you would know any more of him, you had better learn it from himſelf than from me; only this I can aſſure you, that by his guidance there are many men who have made a very happy progreſs towards Heaven. And if you fear, that when you go unto him, you may loſe your labour, and not find him, or that you may find him little at leiſure; I can give you this further aſſurance, that being a man of peace, he ſtirs but little from home, and hath but little company neither that frequents his houſe.