a

I know not at what time I first began to perceive that there are two kingdoms, one of the world, and the other, not of the world; the first, that in which I was living, and the second, ruled by a merciful Prince, which I heard of, and saw not. I certainly was very young d when my curiosity was excited to know something more about this unseen world, which was so near, though invisible, and yet I remained for many years satisfied

e

f

a Our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world. Gal. i. 3, 4.

b Jesus answered, my kingdom is not of this world. John xviii. 36.

C

c Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John iii. 3.

d Those that seek me early shall find me. Prov. viii. 17. e The kingdom of heaven is among you. (marg :) Luke xvii. 21.

f The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field, the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Matt. xiii. 44.

where I was, till some vexations in early

life disgusted me, and to endeavour to find it.

I began in earnest

h

At length, after a long search, I discovered a wall which formed an enclosure, and this was that kingdom into which I heard that I must enter, to be safe.i

"To be safe." What a consideration! I pondered it well-I had never felt safe, but had not suffered much uneasiness on that account. Now, that the means of safety were before me, I thought more of it. I was in danger while remaining outside that wall! This thought began to haunt me, and to harass my mind; it gave me no rest. I was constantly looking towards the wall with longing, anxious

In their affliction, they will seek me early. Hos. v. 15. h We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Is. xxvi. 1.

For lo they that are far from thee shall perish. Ps. lxxiii. 27.

eyes, and my friends said, "Poor fellow, he is taking a serious turn! What a pity!" k

The wall was not high,' but no one could get over it. Persons who belonged to the kingdom might pass in and out, but that was a privilege reserved for them.m

I did not like making enquiries, or I might have found the way sooner; and I lost a great deal of time, as I preferred seeking for myself." At last, some one observing my anxious looks, asked me if I knew about the gate, and when I ac

k My friends scorn me, but mine eye poureth out tears unto God. Job xvi. 20.

m

1 Thy walls salvation, and thy gates, praise. Is. lx. 18. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. John x. 9.

n

Seek, and ye shall find.

And ye shall seek me,

Matt. vii. 7.

and find me, when ye shall

search for me with all your heart. Jer. xxix. 13.

knowledged my ignorance, he pointed it out to me. It was so close at hand, it was quite wonderful I had not seen it before. There seemed to be nothing to prevent my going in at once," and I thanked my informer, asking him if I might not be allowed to enter. "You are welcome to do so," ," the replied; and he pointed to those who were passing at that moment." So I sat down on the bank close by, and looked on for a little while. The

P This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter. Ps. cxviii. 20.

a The light shineth in darkness. John i. 5.

r Him that cometh unto me, I will in nowise cast out. John vi. 37.

s Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Rom. x. 13.

t Every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findetb, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. Matt. vii. 8.

u The kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. Luke xvi. 16,

X

gate was wide open, but I perceived that it was exceedingly low and narrow," which occasioned some difficulty, as all who attempted it found themselves too tall to pass without stooping," and they saw that if they stooped, they must bend down into so much dust, as would make it very disagreeable. Numbers endeavoured to get through without stooping,a but could not succeed at all. I wondered at them for being so foolish, as it was quite evident that natural height, and the addition of so many inches of cap or hat, would quite

* Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it. Rev. iii. 8.

y Straight is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matt. vii. 14.

z The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of man shall be bowed down. Is. ii. 11.

a Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased. Luke xiv. 11.

b God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 1 Peter v. 5.