The Soldier was
astonished at these Words, and began with Tears and Crys humbly to
beseech the Bishops, not to oblige him to return again to the Cares
of the World from so great a happiness. 'I cannot leave this place',
said he, 'for I fear I shou'd be intangled in the snares of the
World, so as to hinder me to come back here'; It shall not be as
thou wouldest, replied the Bishops; but as He who hath made thee and
us disposes, so shall it be; for He alone knows what is most
expedient for us all."
"CHAPTER X.
"How the Soldier went out of this Purgatory, made a Pilgrimage to
Jerusalem, and how he spent the rest of his days.
"Then Owen, the Soldier, having received their Blessing, set out, and
return'd the same way he came. The Prelates conducted him to the
Gate of Paradise, and shut it after him; and being sad and grieved to
be obliged to return again to the Miseries of this World, he went
back the same way till he came to the Hall, where he was first
infested by the Devils. He saw indeed the Devils on the way, but so
soon as they saw him, they vanished as if they had been afraid of
him. He also passed thro' the Places where he was before tormented;
but now they had no Power to hurt him. Being then come to the said
Hall, he went in boldly and Lo the fifteen Men, who had instructed
him in the beginning, met him, glorifying God, who had given him so
much constancy in his Torments, and having congratulated him upon his
victory, said unto him: 'Courage, Brother.
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