292 the mountain and grottoes, a vision. Dec. 1g. 
state of existence. Were I to open your eyes fully, 
you would be afflicted with the deepest sorrow, at 
beholding such havock and carnage as all these 
daily make among mankind; but if you will be 
conducted by me, I will lead you through lefs terri- 
fying scenes, to a delightful region, little inferior 
to the happy abodes of the blefsed.” 
I had scarce time to exprefs my gratitude to my 
heavenly benefactrefs, when fhe took me gently by 
the hand, and led me up the mountain. At her ap- 
proach, I observed that the reptiles and birds of 
prey fhrunk away, though, at a distance, they con- 
tinued to manifest their ravenous desires. The 
precipices, dens, and thickets disappeared; and I felt 
-within me a secret rapture, when suddenly my ear 
was struck with the most melodious notes. 
Having directed my eye towards the place 
whence ‘these delightful sounds proceeded, I be- 
held several beautiful females at a little distance, 
who beckoned me to approach. 
It is impofsible ‘to describe the wonderful effects 
wrought in me by the charms of these lovely crea- 
tures. Never, indeed, did I see any thing half so 
alluring, and I was just on the point of rufhing to- 
wards them, when, turning to the genius, I beheld, 
with amazement, her countenance afsume a severity 
that struck me like lightening , 
«¢ These females, (said fhe,) whom you so much ad- 
mire, are the Sensual Pleasures, and the Criminal 
Luxuries of life, which produce infinitely more de- 
struction among mankind, than the birds of prey 
4rom which I have freed you, They are surround- 
