my belief in the truth of the reports: yet by no means could I tell
which was my way. But so ardent were my desires, that I thought myself
willing to forsake my father's house, my country, and all, and travel
anywhere, wherever my legs would carry me, so that I might find this
house.

And upon a time, as I was breaking my mind to a friend of mine upon
this subject, he readily told me, there were men appointed in every
place to guide those who were willing to go thither, and it was their
business, and they had nothing else to do. When I heard this I was
comforted, and desired him, if he loved me, to make me acquainted with
one of those men. He told me he would; which he did. When I came to
treat with the man, I let him know the fervent desire I had to get
to the house of God, of which I had heard such excellent things; and
that I understood he was one appointed to guide any thither, who were
willing to go, and to persuade people to go, who were not willing. He
very readily answered, and told me, it was his business to guide any
thither who were willing to go; and if I would comply with his terms,
and follow him, he would lead me thither. I asked him what his terms
were. He said the way was long, and would lead him from home, and I
must bear his charges, and something over, to all of which I agreed.

So we set forward on our journey, early in the morning; but before
we had gone one whole day's journey, I saw my guide sometimes stand
still, and look about him, and sometimes he would pull a little book
out of his pocket, and read a little to himself; which made me begin
to mistrust that he knew the way no better than I. However, I said
nothing; but went on following him several days journey after this
manner; and the farther we went, the more my guide was at a loss.
Sometimes he went a little on, and then would look about him, and turn