Upon this Nazareenee was filled with joy; for the voice was the voice of his own wife, and the child was his own son. So he ran and embraced her, and they wept for joy; and the shepherds too wept. Now the woman's name was Parbuttee.

I saw then that the following day one of the shepherds took the pilgrims, to wit, Nazareenee and his wife, apart, and gave them much Christian counsel with respect to their duty one towards another: reminding Nazareenee that it behoved him to love and cherish her, as Christ loved and cherished the church; and charging Parbuttee to reverence and obey her husband. Moreover, he told Nazareenee that the Christian customs never admitted a man to have more than one wife; " Neither," said he to him, "is it lawful for a man to be parted from his wife on slight occasions: for what God hath joined together, no man must put asunder." The shepherd further pointed out to Parbuttee the special duties of Christian women-that it became them not to adorn themselves with gold, and silver, and costly array; but, as became women professing godliness, with good works, and with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. Neither did the shepherd forget to instruct the child; causing him especially to learn that appropriate commandment, Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. (Exod. xx. 12.)

Now the pilgrims, having remained for some time in the mountains, found a desire to put themselves again upon their journey: for although the mountain of the tabernacle was a most delightful abode, yet they desired a better country, even a heavenly one, where God had prepared for them a city. (Heb. xi. 16.) So they

brake their mind to the shepherds, longing greatly to depart and depart and to be with Christ. Moreover, Nazareenee and his wife proposed to the shepherds to leave their boy with them, in order that they might bring him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; and that he might, when arrived at man's estate, go forth with the shepherds to oppose the powers of darkness, and to fight against the evil beasts which infested the dark mountains.

The shepherds were pleased at this proposal; nevertheless, they put the question to the boy, whether he were willing to stay with them, and become one of their number. To which the boy answered, that he was very willing; adding, that if he, by the grace of God, became a good shepherd, and served his master well, he should assuredly, through Esau Musseeh, meet with his parents again in the kingdom of heaven. At this the shepherds smiled; and receiving the dear child, they appointed him a place at the door of the tabernacle.

Now while the pilgrims were preparing to depart, word was brought to the shepherds that a very large company, a caravan of pilgrims, had been seen on the way, about two days' journey from the mountains, and that they appeared to be a goodly company. On hearing this report the shepherds proposed to Nazareenee and his wife, that they should wait for this holy company, and attach themselves to it: "For," said they, "the road between this place and the River of Death is, in some respects, a dangerous one--not indeed with regard to such outward troubles as are usually met with in the beginning of a man's pilgrimage: but there the traveller, being more at ease, is liable to forget himself, and to fall into drowsiness and carelessness, and thus to lose the crown of life,

even when he seemeth almost to have attained thereunto. Therefore a holy society, among whom will be found all the divine ordinances of prayer, and praise, and exhortation, will be particularly desirable to you in this the last stage of your pilgrimage." So the pilgrims hearkened to the counsel of the shepherds, and waited the coming up of the caravan.

Now early next morning the shepherds and pilgrims could plainly distinguish the company, although they were still at a great distance. And behold, they had camels and dromedaries, which carried their tents; but the pilgrims themselves were on foot. In the evening they encamped so near the foot of the mountains, that the shepherds were able to send them refreshments of wheaten cakes, fruit, and wine. The next morning betimes they struck their tents, and began to move up the ascent: and it was exceedingly pleasant to see the beasts of burden climbing the hills, and to hear the holy songs of the pilgrims as they ascended.

It was evening before they came to the summit of the hill where the tabernacle stood; and behold, the shepherds had prepared for them, under the shade of the trees, all manner of refreshments, spread upon fresh mats, with fodder for the beasts: and the shepherds went out to meet them, followed by the pilgrims. Then the leader of the caravan, or minister of the holy company, a venerable old man, saluted the company of shepherds; and the shepherds returned the salutation. I saw also that the shepherds introduced the pilgrims that were with them to those who were just arrived; after which they all ranged themselves under the trees. But before they began to eat they gave thanks.

Now I perceived that the newly-arrived pilgrims were of a dark colour, both men and

women; their features being not unlike those of Nazareenee and his wife. And upon enquiry I found that they were of the ancient church which lieth among the mountains on the western side of the country of Nazareenee.

So after the company had eaten and drank what was sufficient, and had given thanks, as their custom was, they all united in a song of praise, the shepherds also joining with them; and the voice of the men, women, and children made the hills and valleys to re-echo with the name of the Lord; yea so strong, and yet so sweet and admirably tempered were their voices, that I never heard the like before. At this Nazareenee and his wife were affected, even to tears. And Nazareenee said, "O! that my aged father and mother could see how these children of Christ live together, and could hear their songs of praise!"

Then said the boy, "Father, do not weep. In a few years I shall become a man; then will I go, God permitting, to the place of our nativity, and I will in the streets of the city preach the holy Gospel, and I will invite all men to come unto Christ."

"Child," said the father, "God give thee grace to persuade men in our streets!" So Nazareenee kissed the boy, and Parbuttee wept also.

Now the holy company of pilgrims remained two days with the shepherds upon the mountains, and upon the third day, by sun-rise, they took their departure, having first joined the shepherds in prayer, and received their benediction.

CHAPTER XII.

Shewing how the Company of Pilgrims descended the Mountains, and continued their Journey.

"He that endureth to the end shall be saved."-Matt. x. 22.

Now I looked after the company of pilgrims, and saw them descending among the hills and narrow defiles of the mountains into the plain below. The venerable minister, by reason of his extreme age, was borne upon a litter, certain of the pilgrims following in groups, according to their families, next behind him. After these came the camels, bearing their tabernacle and smaller tents; then followed others of the pilgrims on foot; some few who were aged, or weak, or tender-footed, being placed on the beasts upon the top of the stuff. And from time to time, as they went, they brake out into singing, they who led the van beginning, and they who brought up the rear answering them in the same strain of praise; so that the woods were filled with their songs for many miles, while the winding valleys and rocks re-echoed the holy chorus.

I saw then, in my dream, that the sloping sides of the mountains which looked towards