The travels of true godliness, from the beginning of the world to this present…

Godly. But why dost thou choose to take up thy dwelling in this Village now, when so many are going out? Thoughtful, Sir, 'tis because I hear it is the best Town in all the Country to secure a man from danger in evil times, provided I can but get a place in one of its strong holds in the heart of the Town; for I have heard there is no safe dwelling at the Towns-end, no nor any where in the Suburbs. Besides, I was told lately that Babylon, where I have dwelt till now of late, will suddenly be destroyed: I do it indeed to save my own Soul; I am Sir, desirous to find out (if it may be) where true peace, happiness and eternal felicity is to be had; for I see they are not to be found in those paths I formerly walked; I mean, in the ways of Riches, Honour, and the Pleasures of this World.

Godli. But why dost thou chuse to take up thy dwelling in this Village now, when so many are going out? Thoughtful, Sir, 'tis because I hear it is the best Town in all the Country to secure a man from danger in evil times, provided I can but get a place in one of its strong holds in the heart of the Town; for I have heard there is no safe dwelling at the Towns-end, no nor any where in the Subburbs. Besides, I was told lately that Babylon, where I have dwelt till now of late, wil suddenly be destroyed: I do it indeed to save my own Soul; I am Sir, desirous to find out (if it may be) where true peace, happiness and eternal felicity is to be had; for I see they are not to be found in those paths I formerly walked; I mean, in the waies of Riches, Honour, and the Pleasures of this World.

Godly. I commend thee honest Thoughtful; thou hast done wisely, and like a considerate man; prithee let me come in and dwell with thee, and thou wilt find this poor Town the safest and most secure place in these dangerous times, in all the world. Sir, I have wandered about a long time, travelling from place to place to seek for one whom I bear much good will to but hitherto I have not ⟨p. 110⟩found him; his Name is Consideration; and many things more he said to make him in love with True Godliness. Upon this, Consideration, who, it seems was within, whispered Thoughtful in his ear, and said, This is he that can alone make thee happy, if he be readily, sincerely and heartily embraced and entertained. Is it not good for thee to muse upon the worth and Excellent Nature of thy Soul; thou art made a man, and therefore for a nobler and higher end and employment (sure) than eating and drinking, sleeping and playing, and wholly to mind thy Trade and secular Affairs, and to enjoy sensual pleasures (a happiness which Beasts arrives to as well as thee) for this glorious Soul which lies in thy Bosom, is capable of knowing God, and of enjoying Union and Communion with him for ever, so that all those who suffer the Honours, Profits and pleasures of this World to take up and engross their hearts, go astray, and err from the great end of their Creation. Alas there is nothing doubtless can fill the desires of thy Soul, or be its Summum Bonum, but God himself: Thou hast hitherto suffered thy affections and desires to run after whatsoever thou couldest think might yield thee true Felicity; but it is evident there is nothing thou canst find here below, that can satisfy thy thirsty and ever-craving Soul. Riches, which sometimes thy heart hath been so much set upon, cannot be thy Summum Bonum, or chief happiness; for they are uncertain, fleeting, and variable things; and let a man have never so much of them, yet he is still craving and desiring more, so that 'tis as Solomon says, He that desireth Silver, shall not be satisfied with Silver. Secondly, Honours are of like nature; and besides