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CHAPTER L

THE PILGRIM BEHOLDS THE CHRISTIANS ACCORDING TO THEIR ESTATES

I have till now narrated but the incidents common to all true Christians; but when I saw that among them also, as among the worldly ones, there were divers callings, I became desirous to witness how they administered their offices. Here, again, I found a most noble order in everything, delightful to behold. I will not fully describe all this; briefly only will I mention some things.

(What Marriage is among Christians.)

2. Their marriage, I saw, was not widely apart from virginity, for with them there is much moderation both in their desires and in their cares. Instead of those steely fetters, I saw here golden clasps; instead of endeavours to separate, I saw joyful union both of bodies and of hearts. Then if any hardship yet clung to this estate, it was made good by the multiplication of the subjects of God's kingdom that resulted from it.

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