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RIVER OF SPIRITUAL LIFE.

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whom they met on the shore, they inquired "how far the river was navigable, and in what direction it flowed?"

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The man, whose name was Good-Conscience, and owner of a vessel called the Peace-of-Mind, informed them, that it was available for many miles, and ran nearly to the foot of the Delectable Mountains, afterwards winding a good way beyond them, till there came a deep rapid, which was not considered safe for boats."

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Then," said Paul, as that is the way we are going, we will engage a passage as far as the mountains, if you will land us there."

So they soon agreed for the fare, and all stepped on board the Peace-of-Mind, which they found a wellbuilt, clean, and comfortable little vessel. A gentle southern breeze just rippled the water, causing it to glitter in the sun-beams like silver; and the woodlark's melodious note was heard at a short distance.

They asked their boatmen the name of this river, and whether many pilgrims went on it.

"It is named the river of Spiritual Life," replied

he, "and runs at last into the great ocean of Eternity. Many pilgrims have at various time sailed

on it, but some few are afraid to venture, because

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they have been told of disasters which have now and then occurred; but then they happened to persons who went rashly in little frail skiffs belonging to one Hot-Brain, who cannot build a boat properly: so his crazy craft, which are generally run up in a hurry, sometimes split against the hidden rocks of Arrogance, or run aground on the shoals of Self-Interest, or else get entangled amongst the weeds of Worldly Cares. But this boat," continued he, " is, as you see, steady enough, and perfectly sound, as are also those of my companions; and I hope you do not fear any danger?"

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"I guessed as much," remarked he; "for I think I never had more willing passengers."

"And what are the names of those other three vessels that we saw near the shore?" inquired Luke,

Good-Conscience. They are the Constancy, the Devotion, and the Pure-in-Heart, and are managed by as honest fellows as ever trod a deck. There is no rivalry between us, for we live in brotherly friendship. The breezes of Hope fill our sails, and Prayer is stationed at the helm.

Now I saw that they were nearing their place of landing, having enjoyed a most agreeable passage of

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about eight hours; and on looking back up the river they saw another boat about a mile astern of them, which Good-Conscience, through his glass, discerned to be the Devotion.

"Perhaps," said Grace, "she may carry some more pilgrims going in the same direction as ourselves." "Belike she may," answered he; "and if so, they will probably land at the same place."

And presently I observed they reached the point, and bidding farewell to their honest pilot and his assistants, went ashore, and found themselves in a pleasant meadow, through which they passed to a pretty winding path, leading, by a gentle ascent, up the mountain; it was smooth as a gravel-walk, and on each side was a hedge of sweet-briar.

"How beautifully this path is kept!" exclaimed Myra. "I expected to find a wild, rugged, steep road, like that up the Hill Difficulty,' and some other parts of our journey."

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"I have no doubt," said Luke, "that it is thus nicely kept for the benefit and comfort of pilgrims, by the good Shepherds who dwell on the mountain."

On advancing further, they found also seats placed at about every half mile; some of which, being cut in the side of the hill, covered with turf and moss, and

bowered over by woodbine and wild clematis, were very ornamental. The pilgrims, however, did not require to avail themselves of them, for having had so long a rest in the boat they all felt quite fresh and vigorous.

"I think," said Grace, "this might be called the Hill of Ease, as the other was of ' Difficulty.'

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"It might so," replied Paul; "though I think its own name, Delectable,' more expressive of its very agreeable qualities."

"You are right," returned she;

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as I believe you

generally are, in our little discussions."

"Whether I am or not," replied he, smiling, "that is a very proper opinion for a wife to hold; and I hope, Myra, you will hereafter follow your friend's example."

"I hope so, too," answered she, looking down, with a slight blush; "and that I may find it as easy a task, as I'm sure Grace does, to submit her own judgment on all occasions to one she considers superior." "Only that superiority, in the other case, still remains to be proved," said Luke, laughing.

Thus, in playful discourse, they continued to adthe mountain, and seated themselves for a few minutes to admire the charming prospect spread

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