"Now, in order properly to meet all these difficulties," continued Mr. Worldly-Prudence," you ought to understand the whole art of offence and defence, as it is taught in my school; and which I can speedily put you in the way of acquiring, if you will but delay, for a short time, your perilous undertaking, and put yourself under my care. Moreover, you should have a familiar acquaintance with such facts and objections, such reasonings and representations, as your adversaries are likely to produce; lest, by your ignorance, you should bring the Christian profession into disgrace. For the enemies of our Lord are often found to be men of such deep learning, ready wit, and shining talents, as enable them very readily to perplex and confound their opponents. And how, I ask, can a child like you expect to prevail against such wily antagonists?"

"Is it not written," said Humble Mind, "Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?" (Matt. xxi. 16.)

"It is so written," said Mr. Worldly-Prudence, "and it doth so happen, sometimes, that even babes in Christ appear to triumph over the wise and learned of this world. But these are extreme and rare cases; and such results can only be expected, where the ordinary means of improvement have not been enjoyed. But can the blessing of God be expected to follow a youth, who, on being offered the advantages of human learning, rejects them all, either from the indolence of his nature, or from his false notions of religion? Come with me, therefore, I entreat you, Humble Mind," continued the schoolmaster; "remain but awhile under my tuition, and you shall then go forth not unprepared for that mighty warfare with demons and infidels, which he must needs engage in who becomes a pilgrim."

Now I perceived, that Humble Mind did not

thoroughly understand all these big words which were used by Mr. Worldly-Prudence; but so far he thought he understood their meaning, viz.— that the way of salvation was an extremely dangerous way, and such a one as could not be safely travelled by an ignorant or untutored child. Here therefore the poor boy felt himself in a strait, not knowing what to do or say: for as he was pressed on one side by the dread of Conviction-of-Sin, from whose assaults he was still exceedingly sore; so on the other he was vehemently urged by Inbred-Sin and Mr. Worldly-Prudence, which last held him at this moment by the arm, and seemed by no means inclined to leave his hold.

Now after awhile I looked again, and, behold, the enemy had prevailed-so I saw Mr. WorldlyPrudence leading away Humble Mind to his school, having quieted Playful and Peace by a promise that their brother should soon return to them completely armed and prepared to be their defender in the perilous journey which they were desirous to undertake.

Then I looked again after Humble Mind, whom Mr. Worldly-Prudence had conveyed to his schoolhouse, a very ancient building, situated on an uninclosed ground, among wild olives and other trees, which had never been grafted, and which therefore produced but little fruit. And behold, many boys were passing to and fro through the courts of the school-house; and I hearkened to the language which they used, but it bore no resemblance to the language of Zion.

So Mr. Worldly-Prudence led Humble Mind into his study; and having examined him concerning what he had learned, he directed him to lay aside for the present the book which Evangelist had given him; instead of which he put into his hands certain heathen writers of ancient date, which he assured him it was necessary that he

should study, in order effectually to refute the adversaries of religion. So having finished the examination, the schoolmaster brought Humble Mind into the school-room among the other boysand Inbred-Sin was with him.

There Humble Mind remained for a season in the school of Mr. Worldly-Prudence, studying such books as were placed before him, and playing with his school-fellows at their customary games.

Now I perceived, in my dream, that all who belonged to the school were called Christians, and that certain moral forms were observed by the master: while the religion of Christ was never mentioned in the school; neither was any reference made to our Lord's will and pleasure in the conduct either of scholars or masters; nor was I able to discover how that which was taught the boys, could have any tendency, either directly or indirectly, to the advancement of religious knowledge.

Then anxiously watching to observe what effect this mode of life would have upon Humble Mind, I speedily remarked, that he grew utterly dull and dead with respect to the concerns of his soul; that he conversed with Inbred-Sin as with a bosom friend and brother; and that Inbred-Sin ruled him as entirely as he formerly had done. Thus the enemies of the Lord for awhile were permitted to triumph. In the meantime I looked around for help: but, for the present, could perceive none.

CHAPTER III.

Now I saw, in my dream, that it pleased the Lord of pilgrims, after a time, to stretch forth his arm for the preservation of the child. And behold, Evangelist came to him as he stood before the door of the school-house, and said, “ Humble Mind, what doest thou here? Did I not visit thee in thy father's house? and did I not warn thee to flee from this country? Knowest thou not that sure destruction awaits such as continue to dwell in this place?"

On hearing the words of Evangelist, Humble Mind began to tremble. Inbred-Sin also drew into the back-ground; still however keeping close enough to the ear of Humble Mind, to whisper therein the answers which he should make to Evangelist.

"Did I not point out," said Evangelist, "the dangers which awaited thee, on remaining in this place? and did I not charge thee to flee by the gate which is erected at the head of the way of life? What, then, art thou doing here?"

To this Humble Mind replied-"Sir, fearing that I might be too weak to wrestle with the enemies which I was told would meet me in the way, I was persuaded to come hither, in order to learn the art of attack and defence, and to obtain such other kinds of knowledge as might fit me to contend with the adversaries of our Lord."

"And what is that art of war? and what is that knowledge," asked Evangelist, "which thou hast been acquiring in this place? Knowest thou not, my son, that he only is strong, who walks in the strength of the Lord? and that he only is mighty in arms, who puts on the whole armour of God?" "I have acquired the knowledge of many estimable things in this school," replied Humble Mind, "where my master has endeavoured to confirm my belief in the Holy Book of God by making me study the writings of ancient authors; several of whom are found so far to agree with the sacred Scriptures, as to cast some light upon them."

"And hast thou not," said Evangelist, "while looking at these lesser lights, forgotten to fix thine eye on that diviner light, which will not fail to shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect day?"

I heard also that Evangelist proceeded to pronounce certain dreadful threatenings in the ear of Humble Mind; under the terrors of which he broke into tears and cries, saying, Sir, I confess that I have done amiss, and desire to do better: but I am held in such a state of bondage by this my companion, even this sin which so easily besets me, that the good that I would, I do not; but the evil which I would not, that I do." (Rom. vii. 19.)

Then spake Evangelist-" Know, my son, that this Inbred-Sin which dwelleth with thee, is so exceedingly powerful, that no man hath ever been able, by his own strength, to break the yoke of that wicked one from off his neck. When Adam transgressed the law of God by eating the forbidden fruit, this Inbred-Sin was then conceived in his heart; and from thenceforward the nature of every man, who is of the offspring of Adam, has been very far drawn aside from original righteousness, and strongly inclined to evil; so that the flesh lusteth always against the Spirit. Moreover this con