even from their youth.

F. What is shewn by their finding the streets easy to pass, and the
markets full of rich goods?

C. That this service of God is far easier to such as begin to serve Him
in youth; and that such are able to offer to Him the best gifts of early
devotion, and their first love, and the zeal of youth, and tender hearts,
and unclouded consciences.

F. What is taught us by their seeing the beautiful things of the city at
their ease, after their diligent trading?

C. That those who serve God truly in a youthful piety commonly find more
than others, that "godliness has promise of the life which now is, as
well as of that which is to come."

F. Why were those who were late ready to quarrel with one another?

C. Because companions in sin have no real love for each other, but are
always ready to fall out; being all selfish and separate from God.

F. What were the full streets they met with when they entered the town?

C. The many difficulties and hindrances which beset those who set about
serving God late in life.

F. What were the shows, and the thieves, and the robbers, which troubled
them?

C. The different temptations which come from the devil, the world, and
the flesh.

F. Who were the crowds who withstood them?

C. Those who love this present world, and who therefore withstand those
who seek to live for God's glory.

F. Who was he who sold the false jewels?

C. One of those who often make a prey of persons beginning, after a
negligent youth, to feel earnest about religion, and of whom we read,
Rom. xvi. 17, 18, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause
divisions and offences, contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned;
and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ,
but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the
hearts of the simple."

F. Who was he who held on through all difficulties to the market-place?

C. A truly humble penitent, who having turned to God with all his heart,
leans not to his own understanding, but follows God's leading in all
things; cleaving close to Christ's Church.

F. What were the sackcloth and ashes which he bought?

C. The true contrition of heart and deep sense of sin, which God gives
to those who seek earnestly to turn away from all iniquity.

F. What was the sound of the trumpet?

C. The call of men to the general judgment.

F. Who were those whose trading the maste