N30392:337
The travels of true godliness. From the beginning of the world to this present…
The travels of true godliness. From the beginning of the world to this present day, in an apt and pleasant allegory: showing, what true godliness is; also the troubles, oppositions, reproaches, and persecutions he hath met with in every age. : Together with the danger and sad declining state he is in at this present time, by errors, heresies, and ungodliness, or open profaneness. / By Benjamin Keach, author of a book called War with the devil, and Zion in distress, and The travels of ungodliness.The travels of true godliness. From the beginning of the world to this present day, in an apt and pleasant allegory: shewing, what true godliness is; also the troubles, oppositions, reproaches, and persecutions he hath met with in every age. : Together with the danger and sad declining state he is in at this present time, by errors, heresies, and ungodliness, or open prophaneness. / By Benjamin Keach, author of a book call'd War with the devil, and Sion in distress, and The travels of ungodliness.
Boston: printed by B. Green and Company for D. Gookin over against the Old South Meeting-House, 1745
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Besides, I was told lately, that Babylon, where I have dwelt 'till 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 in which I formerly walked; I mean in the Ways 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 most safe 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 found him; his Name is Consideration; and many Things more he said, to make him in Love with True Godliness.
Godli. 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 most safe 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 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, whispers 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 ⟨p. 112⟩thy Soul? Thou art made a Man, & 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 arrive 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 the World, to take up and engross their Hearts, go astray, and err from the great End of their Creation. Alas, there is nothing that 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.