The Christian Traveler’s Journey
By William Wilberforce
The Christian is traveling through a strange country, in which he is commanded to execute his work with diligence, and pursue his course homeward with alacrity. The fruits which he sees by the way-side, he gathers with caution; he drinks of the streams with moderation; he is thankful when the sun shines and the way is pleasant; but if it be rough and rainy he cares not much, he is but a traveler. He is prepared for vicissitudes; he knows that he must expect to meet them in the stormy and uncertain climate of this world. But he is traveling to a “better country,” a country of unclouded light and undisturbed serenity. He finds also by experience, that when he has had the least of external comforts, he has always been least disposed to loiter; and if for the time, it be a little disagreeable, he can solace himself with the idea of his being thereby forwarded in his course. In a less unfavorable season, he looks around him with an eye of observation; he admires what is beautiful; he examines what is curious; he receives with complacency the refreshments which are set before him, and enjoys them with thankfulness.—Wilberforce.