abounding grace and goodness, manifested through the Son of his love, that we are not now enduring the punishment due to our transgressions." I heard then that the two pilgrims brake forth with one voice in praise of their Redeemer; after which they betook themselves

to rest.

The repose of that night was sweet to the whol company, and on the morrow they were ready by dawn of day, to pursue their journey. An now, whereas for some time past nothing ha been said of Inbred-Sin, I think it necessary he to state, although I did not interrupt my ple sant account of the Delectable Mountains speak of this evil one, that he was neverthele continually with the pilgrims during their s in those mountains, causing them frequent easiness, though not breaking out into any v open and glaring transgression. And for apparent quietness on this occasion, the foll ing reason may be given-that the shephe who knew him well, had a constant eye u him, putting a check upon his actions at e turn; so that he could gain no ground whate But now being set free from the watchful of the shepherds, he began to entertain b hopes of success among the pilgrims, who at this time, he well knew, approaching journey's end. He was well aware that his was now or never; and of this his master B bub was equally sensible, the great ene pilgrims he therefore determined without to exert himself to the utmost for the destr of the pilgrims. Nevertheless, as they wer more experienced, and better acquainte all his turnings and windings than they f ly had been, he judged it necessary to a

cautiously mu vinou. Miss noie beneath the surface Ji insuspected manner. testing md datteries to each nevidlá N Satan: and though as mode or vas diferent with each provide with all was one and the sapny jea them into a state of carnal seco hem to believe that in this ver grimage all danger was compl 11, and that the kingdom of h

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abounding grace and goodness, manifested through the Son of his love, that we are not now enduring the punishment due to our transgressions." I heard then that the two pilgrims brake forth with one voice in praise of their Redeemer; after which they betook themselves

to rest.

The repose of that night was sweet to the whole company, and on the morrow they were ready, by dawn of day, to pursue their journey. And now, whereas for some time past nothing has been said of Inbred-Sin, I think it necessary here to state, although I did not interrupt my pleasant account of the Delectable Mountains to speak of this evil one, that he was nevertheless continually with the pilgrims during their stay in those mountains, causing them frequent uneasiness, though not breaking out into any very open and glaring transgression. And for his apparent quietness on this occasion, the following reason may be given-that the shepherds, who knew him well, had a constant eye upon him, putting a check upon his actions at every turn; so that he could gain no ground whatever. But now being set free from the watchful eyes of the shepherds, he began to entertain better hopes of success among the pilgrims, who were at this time, he well knew, approaching their journey's end. He was well aware that his time was now or never; and of this his master Beelzebub was equally sensible, the great enemy of pilgrims he therefore determined without delay to exert himself to the utmost for the destruction of the pilgrims. Nevertheless, as they were now more experienced, and better acquainted with all his turnings and windings than they formerly had been, he judged it necessary to act with

more caution than he had done in the former part of their course. It was not now his wish to bring the pilgrims, in this advanced stage of their journey, to commit any very open and flagrant act of sin; since such a circumstance he believed, however it might hurt the individual, would but put the others more upon their guard. But having privately taken counsel with his master, he resolved by plausible blandishment and flatteries to lull them, if possible, into that sleepy and secure state, in which many promising Christians have perished everlastingly. With this diabolical purpose therefore in his mind, as soon as he was well clear of the Delectable Mountains, he began to deal with the pilgrims, working cautiously and without noise, like the silent mole beneath the surface of the ground. In this unsuspected manner, he suited his temptations and flatteries to each individual with al the art of Satan: and though his mode of going to work was different with each individual, yet his object with all was one and the same, namely, to draw them into a state of carnal security, causing them to believe that in this last stage of their pilgrimage all danger was completely passed away, and that the kingdom of heaven was, as it were, already in their possession.

In order to bring this about, I perceived that he was incessantly whispering in the ears of the pilgrims, and exerting all his influence to abate the fervour of their minds, by suggesting vainglorious thoughts of their own attainments. And though repulsed by one, and reproved by another, he returned again and again to the charge, till he had persuaded some of the party to listen to him with complacency. Oh! who is able to deal with this Inbred-Sin! for he knoweth how to

render every feeling and every affection of our nature serviceable unto himself. Who can count up all the treacheries and deceits that lie concealed in the heart of this our enemy? or who can tell when our war with him is at an end? We have not only the old work to go over and over again with this unwearied foe; but new devices continually to be prepared for. The place of his habitation is unsearchable, even the most secret recesses of our own hearts: and he is most, perhaps, to be feared, after we have gained some notable victories over him. It was in the advanced age of David, that Inbred-Sin gained so great a victory over him. And very frequently it happens that pilgrims are overcome by the same insidious enemy towards the latter end of their course, after having been enabled to contend successfully with him in their early days-and this, on account of their ceasing too soon from the mortification of sin, and contending no longer in the strength of the Lord.

Now Inbred-Sin employed every opportunity of privately carrying on his work. I saw also, that the prince of this world, on observing that the pilgrims were now drawing near to the end of their journey, became greatly incensed at the prospect of losing such a company. And behold, he called his servants about him, that they might consult together concerning the surest means of ravishing these his purchased ones, from the King, the Lord of glory. Wherefore, after consultation had, they took their several stations on that part of the King's territory which lieth nearest the land of Beulah and the black River of Death; and there they began to prepare their enchantments. So the pilgrims passed on till they came to the Enchanted Ground.