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

, and went directly to it; and at the door I saw an old man, of whom I enquired; if he had ever a prospect glass, whereby 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 apprehensions 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 nothing 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 all bituminous and sulphureous matter, interspersed with subterraneous 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