Page:Advantages and disadvantages of the marriage-state.pdf/21

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him, she found but few travelling the same
road, and she did not think it expedient
to turn aside, or neglect her way, for any
company in the world, if she met with
company such as delighted in the ways of
wisdom, she took pleasure therin, for with
such company she was refreshed and
strengthened in her journey; but otherwise,
she chose rather to be alone, to divert her-
self in examining her map, viewing the
springs by the way, fruit-trees, sweet flowers
hearing the singing of birds (Solomon's
(Song, ii. 12.) meditating upon the glories
of her Prince, and the joys she should have
in his presence, &c. (Isaiah xxxiii. 17 ) So
that tho’ company was pleasant, when she
could enjoy it, the delights in the way (Isa.
ixii. 8. Solomon’s Song, xi. 4.-—v. l.) sup-
plied that want; and upon the whole, she
neither was anxious to have company, nor
had any aversion against it, her design be-
ing to enjoy that only which might be
most conducive to forward her in the way.
He then proposed, that since they had
found each other’s conversation comfort-
able and useful, it might be for their mutual
advantage to join together, and engage to
keep company all the way. She told him,
it was not for persons of their profession to
do any thing rashly, she would deliberate
on it; so she retired, and prostrated herself
before the King her father, (Phil. iv. 6.)
telling him the matter, imploring wisdom