Page:Advantages and disadvantages of the marriage-state.pdf/3

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pects, and went directly to it; and at the
door I saw an old man, of whom I enquir-
ed, if he had ever a prospect glass, where-
by I might be favoured with a full view of
of the royal City, which I supposed to be
the metropolis of the world. He told me,
if I pleased to take deliberate observation,
I might perhaps have different apprehen-
sions of that splendid City, than I had at
present; but he assured me, it was so full
of intestine perplexity, that the inhabitants
had no real satisfaction in themselves. He
therefore then fetched out his prospective,
and told me, if I pleased he would shew me
the situation of the place, whereby I might
be convinced, that its condition was not
so happy, nor its glory so majestic as I
imagined.
So I took a distinct view of the south
side, and the foundation appeared to be no-
thing but bogs and quick sands, which
could not possibly sustain the buildings,
but ere long they must inevitably sink.
I again took a view of the north side,
and the foundation was alibituiminous and
sulphureons matter, interspersed with sub-
terraneous fire, which appeared ready in a
moment to break forth in flames!
He then bid me look to the east, and I
saw a very formidable army approaching
the City, with full power to destroy it ;
and they spread themselves with fury, like