to mock at thee, saying, This man began to run well, but was not able
to finish. But more of this anon.




CHAPTER II.

DIRECTIONS FOR THIS HEAVENLY COURSE.


_Question_. "But how should a poor soul do, so to run?" For this very
thing is that which afflicteth me sore, (as you say,) to think that I
may run and yet fall short. Methinks to fall short at last, Oh! it
fears me greatly! Pray, tell me, therefore, how I should run.'

_Answer_. That thou mayst indeed be satisfied in this particular,
consider these following things.

THE FIRST DIRECTION.--If thou wouldst so run as to obtain the kingdom
of heaven, then _be sure that thou get into the way that leadeth
thither_. For it is a vain thing to think that ever thou shalt have
the prize, though thou runnest ever so fast, unless thou art in the
way that leads to it. Set the case that there should be a man in
London that was to run to York for a wager; now, though he run ever so
swiftly, yet if he run full south, he might run himself out of breath,
and be never the nearer the prize, but rather the farther off. Just so
is it here. It is not simply the runner, nor yet the hasty runner,
that winneth the crown, unless he be in the way that leadeth thereto.
I have observed, (that little time which I have been a professor,)