LADY FRETFUL,
A SKETCH FROM REAL LIFE.
Her general style of conversation runs on the inconveniences to be expected from this or that circumstance, and no one is so ingenious in extracting unsuspected evil from plans of the fairest promise. Is the weather fine, and a walk mentioned—It is hot—it is dusty—the wind is in the east—there was rain in the morning—it will be dirty—or it will rain before we reach home. Is she to go out in the carriage; one road is too long for the horses—another is unpleasant—another unsafe—and, in short, none are exactly right. Yet she goes on these proposed expeditions, after all possibility of pleasure has been reasoned and anticipated away. If she is going out to dinner, she is sure the company will be unpleasant—the servants will get drunk—she shall be robbed, or overturned in coming home. If she is to have a party at home, she knows every thing will go wrong—nobody will be amusing—the time will hang heavy—the people will go away, execrating the stupidity of the visit. If she sees any lady employed about a piece of work, she prognosticates it will be unfashionable before it is finished, she sees any one reading, she never new any good come of reading, but to make young people unfit for conversation. If her husband is going a hunting, she hates hunting, it is so dangerous. If he goes for a ride, she is surprised he can take pleasure in sitting on his horse for hours together. If he is in his library, she never saw such a book-worm. If he sits in the parlour, she hates men always at their wive’s apron strings. Thus does she sour every common occurance of life by the most ingenious optical delusion, looking at every thing in the worst point of view.
What absurdity to imbitter one’s alloted portion of happiness by so obstinately persisting to anticipate inconvenience! Why not be disposed to think fair appearances promise fair conclusions? Why, if the sun shines in the morning, be unwilling to enjoy it then? And, if it rains, why not be always inclined to hope the weather will brighten?
THE
PILGRIM’S PROGRESS,
FROM THIS WORLD TO THAT WHICH IS TO COME.
GLASGOW;
PRINTED FOR THE BOOKSELLERS.
The progress of the Pilgrim is here represented by Christian leaving the City of Destruction, in terror and alarm at its fate. He is met by Evangelist, who, directed him to fly from the wrath to come; and keep yonder shining light in his eye, where it should be told him what to do.
Christian had not proceeded far, till he fell into the slough of Despond, and was relieved by one called Help, who set him on his way. He was afterwards beguiled by Worldly-wiseman; but was again put right way by Evangalist.
Christian at length arrived at the gate, upon which was inscribed “knock and it shall be opened.” He knocked and it was opened by one Goodwill, who let him in. Beelzebub as he entered gave him a pull but Christian escaped.
Christian having fairly escaped Beelzebub and his emissaries; was kindly welcomed by Goodwill, and shewed many rare sights by Interpreter: he passed the walls of salvation and came to a cross, where his bundle dropped off.
Christian now being rid of his burden, pushed on more lightly, and took the narrow path up the hill, and struggled hard till he arrived at the arbour, prepared by the Lord of the place for weary pilgrims, where he sat and refreshed himself.
When Christian had got to the top of the hill he met two men running, named Timorous and Mistrust; who said they had been bound for Mount Zion, but meeting with two Lions, they were afraid: Christian passed the Lions, who, being chained, could not hurt him.
When Christian lift up his eyes, he beheld the Palace of Beautiful; and after a few interrogations, was admitted by a damsel called Discretion, who with her two sisters, Piety and Prudence, he held a long conversation.
After leaving these good damsels, Christian passed on his way; and in the middle of the valley of Humiliation, he met with Apollion, with whom he had a bloody struggle; Apollion throwing darts as thick as hail: but at last Christian overcame.
Now at the end of this valley was another called the valley of the shadow of death; in the midst of which he perceived the mouth of hell; from which flame and smoke issued out in such abundance, that he was obliged to put up his sword and betake himself to All-prayer.
Shortly after this he came up with Faithful; with whom he held sweet converse till they came to Vanity Fair. A merchant asking what they would buy, they said the truth; which he took amiss, and raised a hubbub; so that they were both taken up and put in a cage, for public view.
Christian and Faithful were brought before Mr. Hategood, to stand their trial. Envy, Superstition, and Hypocrisy, were brought forward as evidences, who did not fail to tell a partial story; which a partial jury confirmed; and Faithful was condemned to die at the stake.
Faithful was then brought out and suffered at the stake: Thus came he to his end, but there stood behind the multitude a chariot, and horses into which he was taken up and carried through the clouds. Christian escaping went on his way.
Christian soon fell in with Hopeful, another pilgrim, with whom he journeyed; and they having slept in the policies of Doubting Castle, were taken prisoners, by Giant Despair, who treated them harshly: a key found in Christian’s bosom, opened the doors, and they made their escape.
Having escaped from Giant Despair, they soon met with the Shepherds of the Delectable Mountains. Leaving this country, they came to the enchanted ground, where they fell in with some of the shining inhabitants, of the City.
Christian and Hopeful drawing nigh to the Celistial City, beheld the streets were paved with pure gold, but there was a very deep river through which they must pass the Pilgrims were alarmed and begun to sink; but rose again and were welcomed on the other side by two glorious persons.
Christian’s wife and children wept for him, until a heavenly messenger gave her a letter to follow her husband, and live with him for ever. At first she was overcome, but taking the road with all her children they fell in with Mercy, and went toward the wicket gate.
After they had got safely through the Slough of Despond, they arrived at the gate, where they knocked a long time, till at length the keeper called out “Who’s there,” and opened the gate, and taking Christiana by the hand welcomed them saying “Suffer little children to come unto me.”
With some difficulty Mercy was admitted, and they safely arrived at Interpreter’s house; supper being ready, and thanks given, they partook of a hearty repast; Interpreter asked how she became a pilgrim, she said, it was by the loss of her husband, and a letter from the King of Zion.
In the morning they were much refreshed. Greatheart was sent along with them to guide them on their way. They passed the place where the load fell from Christian’s back; and came to the place where Simple, Sloth, and Presumption were hanging in chains.
They soon arrived at the Hill of Difficulty; Greatheart shewed them the spring where Christian drank; they then begun to ascend the hill, but Christiana began to pant and want rest; but Greatheart encouraged them, telling them they were near the Arbour, where they would find rest.
Being refreshed at the Arbour, and approaching Doubting Castle, Greatheart determined to level it with the ground. He and the giant had a severe fight, but the giant was overcome. They then demolished the Castle, and released many prisoners, where many strange sights were seen.
They still persevered on in their journey by the straight way, and narrow path of pilgrims; occasionally meeting with difficulties and encouragement, till they arrived at the land of Beulah, where the sun shines night and day; and here they betook themselves to rest.
Now while they lay here there was a post came from the Celestial City, with a letter to Christiana: the contents were “Hail good woman! I bring thee good tidings that the master calleth for thee, and expecteth that thou shouldst stand in his presence within these ten days.”
Now the day drew on that Christiana must be gone. So the road was full of people to see her take her journey. So she came forth and entered the river with a beckon of farewell to those that follow her to the river side. The last words she was heard to say, were, “I come, Lord, to be with thee, and bless thee.”
So her children and friends returned to their place; for those that waited for Christiana had carried her out of their sight. So she went and called and entered in at the gate with all the ceremonies of Joy that Christian had done before her.
FINIS.
DIVINE SONGS
FOR
THE USE OF CHILDREN.
BY I. WATTS, D.D.
“Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth.”
GLASGOW:
PUBLISHED BY FRANCIS ORR AND SONS.
1847.