A Short History of a Long Travel from Babylon to Bethel

"A Short History of a Long Travel from Babylon to Bethel" by Stephen Crisp is an allegorical narrative published in the early 18th century. The book follows a pilgrim's spiritual journey as he seeks to find the house of God, examining themes of faith, guidance, and the true nature of religious fulfillment. As a work that reflects early Quaker thought, it encapsulates the spiritual struggles and existential inquiries of its time, positioning itself within the broader context of religious allegories common to this era. The story revolves around a young man's quest to reach the house of God, driven by a longing for happiness and spiritual truth. He encounters various guides, each representing different approaches to religion and spirituality, only to find them lacking. After much struggle, he meets a new guide symbolized by light, leading him through trials, including crossing a river and scaling perilous mountains, representing the challenges of faith. Ultimately, against all odds, he reaches the house of God, only to find it imperfect and filled with human failings. Yet, through perseverance and guidance, he discovers profound joy, fulfillment, and a purpose to help others. Crisp intricately weaves the narrative to portray the importance of inner light and personal experiences in the search for redemption and truth. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Stephen Crisp (1628–1692) of Colchester, England, was a Quaker activist, "traveller in the Ministry" and prolific writer.