world.

Now, upon the bank of the river, on the other The angels do side, they saw the two Shining Men wait for them, as again, who there waited for them. soon as they are Wherefore being come out of the passed out of this water, they saluted them saying, "We are ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for those that shall be heirs of salvation." Thus they went along towards the gate. Now, you must note, that the City stood upon a mighty hill; but the pilgrims went They have put up that hill' with ease, because they off Mortality. had these two men to lead them up by the arms also they had left their mortal garments behind them in the river; for, though they went in with them, they came out without them. They therefore went up here with much agility and speed, though the foundation upon which the City was framed was higher than the clouds; they therefore went up through the regions of the air, sweetly talking as they went, being comforted because they safely got over the river, and had such glorious companions to attend them."

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This done, they compassed them round on every side; some went before, some behind, and some on the right hand, some on the left (as it were to guard them through the upper regions), continually sounding as they went, with melodious noise, in notes so high; so that the very sight was to them that could behold it as if heaven itself was come down to meet them. Thus, therefore, they walked on together; and, as they walked, ever and anon these trumpeters, even with joyful sound, would, by mixing their music with looks and gestures, still signify to Christian and his brother how welcome they were into their company, and with what gladness they came to meet them. And now were these two men as it were, in heaven, before they came at it, being swallowed up with the sight of angels, and

The talk that they had with the Shining Ones, was about the glory of the place; who told them that the beauty and glory of it were inexpressible. "There,' said they, is "the Mount Sion, the heavenly Jerusalem, the innumerable company of angels, and the spirits of just men made perfect. (Heb. xii. 22-24.) You are going now," said they, to the paradise of God, wherein you shall see the tree of life, and eat of the never-fading fruits thereof; and, when you come there, you shall have white robes given you, and your walk and talk shall be every day with the King, even all the days of eternity. (Rev. ii. 7; iii. 4, 5; xxii. 5.) There you shall not see again such things as you saw when you were in the lower region upon the earth; to wit, sorrow, sickness, affliction, and death; for the former things are passed away." (Isa. lxv. 16, 17.) You are going now to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, and to the prophets, men that God hath taken away from the evil to come, and that are now resting upon their beds, each one walking in his righteousness." The men then asked, "What must we do in the holy place?" To whom it was answered, "You must there receive the comfort of all your toil, and have joy for all your sorrow; you must reap what you have sown, even the fruit of all your prayers, and tears, and sufferings, for the King by the way. (Gal. vi. 7, 8.) In that place you must wear crowns of gold, and enjoy the perpetual sights and visions of the Holy One; for there you shall see him as he is. (1 John iii. 2.) There also you shall serve him continually with praise, with shouting, and thanksgiving, whom you desired to serve in the world, though with much difficulty, because of the infirmity of your flesh. There your eyes shall be delighted with seeing, and your ears with hearing the pleasant voice of the Mighty One. There you shall enjoy your friends again that are gone thither before you; and there you shall with joy receive even every one that follows into the holy place with hearing of their melodious, notes, Here also after you. There also you shall be clothed with they had the City itself in view; and thought they glory and majesty, and put into an equipage fit to heard all the bells therein to ring, to welcome them ride out with the King of Glory. When he shall thereto. But, above all, the warm and joyful come with sound of trumpets in the clouds, as upon thoughts that they had about their own dwelling the wings of the wind, you shall come with him; and there with such company, and that for ever and. when he shall sit upon the throne of judgment, you ever, oh, by what tongue or pen can their glorious shall sit by him; yea, and when he shall pass sen-joy be expressed!And thus they came up to the tence upon all the workers of iniquity, let them be gate.,

angels or men, you also shall have a voice in that Now, when they were come up to the gate, there judgment, because they were his and your enemies. was written over in letters of gold: "BLESSED ARE Also, when he shall again return to the City, you, THEY THAT DO HIS COMMANDMENTS, THAT THEY shall go too, with sound of trumpet, and be ever MAY HAVE RIGHT TO THE TREE OF LIFE, AND MAY with him." (1 Thes. iv. 13-17; Jude 14, 15; Dan. ENTER IN THROUGH THE GATES INTO THE CITY." vii. 9, 10; 1 Cor. vi. 2, 3.) (Rev. xxii. 14.)

Now, while they were thus drawing towards the gate, behold a company of the heavenly host came out to meet them; to whom it was said by the other two Shining Ones, "These are the men that have loved our Lord, when they were in the world, and that have left all for his holy name; and he hath sent us to fetch them, and we have brought them thus far on their desired journey, that they may go in and look their Redeemer in the face with joy.' Then the heavenly host gave a great shout, saying, Blessed are they that are called to the marriage

Now, just as the gates were opened to let in the men, I looked in after them, and behold, the City shone like the sun; the streets also were paved with gold; and in them, walked many men with crowns on their heads, palms in their hands, and golden harps, to sing praises withal.

There were also of them that had wings, and they answered one another without intermission, saying, "Holly, holy, holy, is the Lord! And, after that, they shut up the gates; which when I had seen, I wished myself among them.

Now, while I was gazing upon all these things, I turned my head to look back, and saw Ignorance come up to the river side: but he soon got over, and that without half the difficulty which the other two men met with. For it happened that there was then in the place one Vain-Hope, a ferryman, that with his boat helped him over; so he, as the others I saw, did ascend the hill, to come up to the gate; only he came alone; neither did any man meet him with the least encouragement. When he was come up to the gate, he looked up to the writing that was above, and then began to knock, supposing that entrance should have been quickly administered to him: but he was asked by the men that looked over the top of the gate, Whence came you? and what would you have?" He answered, "I have ate and drank in the presence of the King, and he has taught in our streets." Then they asked him for his certificate, that they might go in and show it to the King: so he fumbled in his bosom for one, and found none. Then said they, "Have you none?" But the man answered never a word. So they told the King; but he would not come down to see him, but commanded the two Shining Ones, that conducted Christian and Hopeful to the city to go out, and take Ignorance, and bind him hand and foot, and have him away. Then they took him up, and carried him through the air, to the door that I saw in the side of the hill, and put him in there. Then I saw that there was a way to hell, even from the gates of heaven, as well as from the City of Destruction. So I awoke, and behold it was a dream.

CONCLUSION.

Now, reader, I have told my dream to thee, See if thou canst interpret it to me, Or to thyself, or neighbour. But take heed Of misinterpreting; for that, instead Of doing good, will but thyself abuse; By misinterpreting, evil ensues,

Take heed, also that thou be not extreme In playing with the outside of my dream; Nor let my figure, or similitude, Put thee into a laughter or a feud. Leave this for boys and fools; but as for thee, Do thou the substance of my matter see.

Put by the curtains, look within my veil; Turn up my metaphors, and do not fail: There, if thou seekest them, such things to find As will be helpful to an honest mind.

What of my dross thou findest there, be bold To throw away; but yet preserve the gold. What if my gold be wrapped up in ore? None throws away the apple for the core. But, if thou shalt cast all away as vain, I know not but 'twill make me dream again.

GO now, my little Book, to every place

Where my first Pilgrim has but shown his face.
Call at their door: if any say, "Who's there!"
Then answer thou, "Christiana is here."
If they bid thee come in, then enter thou,
With all thy beys: and then, as thou know'st how,
Tell who they are, also from whence they came.
Perhaps they'll know them by their looks and name:
But, if they should not, ask them yet again,
If formerly they did not entertain

One Christian, a Pilgrim? If they say
They did, and were delighted in this way;
Then let them know, that those related were
Unto him; yea his wife and children are.

As to be trimmed, new clothed, and decked with gems, That it might show its features and its limbs.

Yet more; so comely doth my Pilgrim walk,
That of him thousands daily sing and talk.
If you draw nearer home, it will appear
My Pilgrim knows no ground of shame or fear.
City and country will him entertain,
With, "Welcome Pilgrim;" yea, they can't refrain
From smiling, if my Pilgrim be but by,
Or shows his head in any company.

Brave gallants do my Pilgrim hug and love,
Esteem it much; yea, value it above
Things of a greater bulk; yea, with delight,
Say, my lark's leg is better than a kite.

Tell them, that they have left their house and Young ladies and young gentlewomen too home;

Are turned Pilgrims; seek a world to come ;
That they have met with hardships in the way;
That they do meet with troubles night and day;
That they have trod on serpents, fought with devils;
Have also overcome a many evils:

Yea, tell them also of the next who have,
Of love to pilgrimage, been stout and brave
Defenders of that way; and how they still
Refuse this world, to do their Father's will.
Go, tell them, also, of those dainty things
That pilgrimage unto the Pilgrim brings.
Let them acquainted be, too, how they are
Beloved of their King, under his care;
What goodly mansions for them he provides;
Though they meet with rough winds and swelling
tides.

How brave a calm they will enjoy at last,
Who to the Lord, and by his ways, hold fast.

Perhaps with heart and hand they will embrace
Thee as they did my firstling, and will grace
Thee and thy fellows with such cheer and fare,
As show will they of Pilgrims lovers are.

OBJECTION I.

But how, if they will not believe of me That I am truly thine? 'Cause some there be That counterfeit the Pilgrim, and his name; Seek, by disguise, to seem the very same; And, by that means have brought themselves into The hands and houses of I know not who.

ANSWER.

"Tis true, some have of late, to counterfeit
My Pilgrim, to their own my title set;
Yea, others half my name, and title too,
Have stitched to their book to make them do.
But yet they, by their features, do declare
Themselves not mine to be, whose'er they are.

If such thou meet'st with, then thine only way,
Before them all, is to say out thy say
In thine own native language, which no man
Now useth, nor with ease dissemble can.

If, after all, they still of you shall doubt,
Thinking that you, like gipsies, go about,
In naughty-wise the country to defile:
Or, that you seek good people to beguile
With things unwarrantable ;-send for me,
And I will testify you Pilgrims be:
Yea, I will testify that only you

My Pilgrims are; and that alone will do.

OBJECTION II.

But yet, perhaps, I may inquire for him Of those that wish him damned life and limb: What shall I do, when I at such a door For pilgrims ask, and they shall rage the more?

ANSWER.

Fright not thyself, my Book; for such bugbears Are nothing else but ground for groundless fears. My Pilgrim's book has travelled sea and land; Yet could I never come to understand That it was slighted, or turn'd out of door, By any kingdom, were they rich or poor.

Do no small kindness to my Pilgrim show:
Their cabinets, their bosoms, and their hearts,
My Pilgrim has; 'cause he to them imparts
His pretty riddles in such wholesome strains,
As yield them profit double to their pains
Of reading: yea, I think I may be bold
To say, some prize him far above their gold.
The very children that do walk the street
If they do but my holy Pilgrim meet,
Salute him will; will wish him well, and say,
He is the only stripling of the day.

They that have never seen him, yet admire
What they have heard of him, and much desire
To have his company, and hear him tell,
Those Pilgrim stories which he knows so well.
Yea, some who did not love him at the first,
But called him fool and noddy, say they must,
Now they have seen and heard him, him commend:
And to those whom they love they do him send.

Wherefore, my Second Part, thou need'st not be Afraid to show thy head: none can hurt thee That wish but well to him that went before; 'Cause thou com'st after with a second store Of things as good, as rich, as profitable, For young, for old, for staggering, and for stable.

OBJECTION III.

But some there be say, he laughs too loud. And some do say his head is in a cloud. Some say, his words and stories are so dark They know not how by them to find his mark.

ANSWER.

One may (I think) say, Both his laughs and cries
May well be guessed at by his watery eyes.
Some things are of that nature as to make
One's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache.
When Jacob saw his Rachel with the sheep,
He did at the same time both kiss and weep.

Whereas some say, A cloud is in his head;
That doth but show how wisdom's covered
With its own mantles, and to stir the mind
To a search after what it fain would find.
Things that seem to be hid in words obscure,
Do but the godly mind the more allure
To study what those sayings should contain,
That speak to us in such a cloudy strain.
I also know, a dark similitude

Will on the fancy more itself intrude,
And will stick faster in the heart and head,
Than things from similes not borrowed.

Wherefore, my Book, let no discouragement
Hinder thy travels: behold, thou art sent
To friends, not foes; to friends that will give place
To thee, thy Pilgrims and thy words embrace.

Besides, what my first Pilgrim left conceal'd, Thou, my brave second Pilgrim, hast reveal'd; What Christian left locked up, and went his way, Sweet Christiana opens with her key.

OBJECTION IV.

But some love not the method of your first: Romance they count it, throw't away as dust.

In France and Flanders, where men kill each other, If I should meet with such, what shall I say?

My Pilgrim is esteemed, a friend, a brother.
In Holland, too, 'tis said, as I am told,
My Pilgrim, is with some worth more than gold.
Highlanders and wild Irish can agree
My Pilgrim should familiar with them be.
'Tis in New England under such advance,
Receives there so much loving countenance,

Must I slight them as they slight me, or nay?

ANSWER.

My Christiana, if with such thou meet, By all means, in all loving wise them greet. Render them not reviling for revile; But if they frown I pr'ythee on them smile.

Perhaps 'tis nature, or some ill report,
Has made them thus despise or thus retort.

Some love no cheese, some love no fish, and some
Love not their friends, nor their own house or home;
Some start at pig, slight chicken, love not fowl,
More than they love a cuckoo or an owl.
Leave such, my Christiana, to their choice,
And seek those who to find thee will rejoice.
By no means strive, but in all humble wise
Present thee to them in thy Pilgrim's guise.

Go, then, my little book, and show to all
That entertain and bid thee welcome shall,
What thou shalt keep close shut up for the rest;
And wish what thou shalt show them may be blest
To them for good, may make them choose to be
Pilgrims by better far than thee and me.

Go then, I say, tell all men who thou art ;
Say I am Christiana, and my part
Is now with my four sons to tell you what
It is for men to take a Pilgrim's lot.

Go also tell them who and what they be
That now do go on pilgrimage with thee.
Say, "Here's my neighbour Mercy; she is one
That has a long time with me a pilgrim gone:
Come, see her in her virgin face, and learn
"Twixt idle ones and pilgrims to discern.
Yea, let young damsels learn of her to prize
The world which is to come in any wise."
When little tripping maidens follow God,
And leave old doting sinners to his rod,
"Tis like those days, wherein the young ones cried,
Hosanna! to whom old one did deride.

Next tell them of old Honest, whom you found,
With his white hairs, treading the pilgrim's ground.
Yea, tell them how plain-hearted this man was;
How after his good Lord he bare his cross.
Perhaps with some grey head this may prevail
With Christ to fall in love, and sin bewail.

Tell them also how Master Fearing went
On pilgrimage, and how the time he spent
In solitariness, with fears and cries;
And how at last he won the joyful prize.
He was a good man, though much down in spirit,
He is a good man, and doth life inherit.

Tell them of Master Feeble-mind also,
Who not before, but still behind would
go:
Show them also how he had like been slain,
And how one Great-heart did his life regain.
This man was true of heart, though weak in grace ;
One might true godliness read in his face.

Then tell them of Master Ready-to-halt,

A man with crutches, but much without fault :
Tell them how Master Feeble-mind and he
Did love, and in opinion much agree:

And let all know, though weakness was their chance,
Yet sometimes one could sing, the other dance.
Forget not Master Valiant-for-the-truth,
That man of courage, though a very youth.
Tell every one his spirit was so stout,
No man could ever make him face about;
And how Great-heart and he could not forbear,
But put down Doubting Castle, slay Despair!
Overlook not Master Despondency,

Nor Much-afraid, his daughter, though they lie
Under such mantles, as may make them look
(With some) as if their God had them forsook.
They softly went, but sure; and, at the end,
Found that the Lord of Pilgrims was their friend.
When thou hast told the world of all these things,
Then turn about, my Book, and touch these strings,
Which, if but touched, will such music make,
They'll make a cripple dance, a giant quake.

These riddles that lie couched within thy breast,
Freely propound, expound; and for the rest
Of thy mysterious lines, let them remain,
For those whose nimble fancies shall them gain.

Now, may this little book a blessing be To those that love this little book and me; And may its buyer have no cause to say, His money is but lost or thrown away. Yea, may this second Pilgrim yield that fruit As may with each good Pilgrim's fancy suit ; And may it some persuade that go astray, To turn their foot and heart to the right way, Is the hearty prayer of The Author, JOHN BUNYAN.

COURT

URTEOUS COMPANIONS--Some time since, to tell you my dream that I had of Christian, the l'ilgrim, and of his dangerous journey towards the Celestial Country, was pleasant to me, and profitable to you. I told you then, also, what I saw concerning his wife and children, and how unwilling they were to go with him on pilgrimage; insomuch that he was forced to go on his progress without them; for he durst not run the danger of that destruction which he feared would come by staying with them in the City of Destruction: wherefore, as I then showed you, he left them, and departed.

Now, it hath so happened, through the multiplicity of business, that I have been much hindered and kept back from my wonted travels into those parts whence he went, and so could not till now, obtain an opportunity to make further inquiry after those whom he left behind, that I might give you an account of them. But, having had some concerns that way of late, I went down again thitherward. Now, having taken up my lodgings, in a wood about a mile off the place, as I slept I dreamed again.

And as I was in my dream, behold, an aged gentleman came by where I lay; and, because he was to go some part of the way that I was travelling, methought I got up and went with him. So, as we walked, and as travellers usually do, I was as if we fell into a discourse; and our talk happened to be about Christian and his travels; for thus I began with the old man: "Sir," said I, "What town is that there below, that lieth on the left hand of our way?"

Then said Mr. Sagacity (for that was his name), "It is the City of Destruction; a populous place, but possessed with a very ill-conditioned and idle sort of people."

"I thought that was that city," quoth I; "I went once myself through that town; and therefore know that this report you give of it is true." SAG. Too true! I wish I could speak truth in speaking better of them that dwell therein.

"Well, sir," quoth I, then I perceive you to be a well-meaning man, and so one that takes pleasure to hear and tell of that which is good. Pray, did you never hear what happened to a man some time ago of this town (whose name was Christian), that went on a pilgrimage up towards the higher regions?"

SAG. Hear of him! Ay, and I also heard of the molestations, troubles, wars, captivities, cries, groans, frights, and fears, that he met with and had in his journey. Besides, I must tell you all our country rings of him: there are but few houses that have heard of him and his doings but have sought after and got the record of his pilgrimage. Yea, I think I may say, that his hazardous journey has got many well-wishers to his ways; for, though, when he was here, he was fool in every man's mouth, yet now he is gone, he is highly comChristians are mended of all. For 'tis said he lives well spoken of bravely where he is: yea, many of when gone, though called fools while them that are resolved never to run hey are here. his hazards, yet have their mouths water at his gains.

"They may," quoth I, "well think, if they think anything that is true, that he liveth well where he is; for he now lives at and in the Fountain of Life, and has what he has without labour and sorrow; for there is no grief mixed therewith."

SAG. The people talk strangely about him: some say that he now walks in white. (Rev. iii. 4.) That he has a chain of gold about his neck; that he has a crown of gold beset with pearls upon his head: others

PART II.

another. Besides, it is confidently affirmed concerning him that the King of the place where he is has bestowed upon him already a very rich and pleasant dwelling at court, and that he

CHRISTIANA AND HER CHILDREN.

marvel, for it was for the love that he had to his Prince that he ventured as he did.

"I dare say," quoth I, "I am glad on't; I am glad for the poor man's sake, for that he now has rest from his labour, and for that he reapeth the benefit of his tears with joy and for that he has got beyond gun-shot of his enemies, and is out of the reach of them that hate him. (Rev. viv. 13; Psa. cxxvi. 5, 6.) I also am glad for that a rumour of these things is noised abroad in this country; who can tell but that it may work some good effect on some that are left behind? But pray, sir, while it is fresh in my mind, do you hear anything of his wife and children? Poor hearts? I wonder in my mind what they do."

SAG. Who? Christiana and her sons? They are like to do as well as did Christian himself; for, though they all played the fool at first, and would by no means be persuaded by either the tears or entreaties of Christian, yet second thoughts have wrought wonderfully with them: so they have packed up, and are also gone after him.

"Better and better," quoth I: "but, what! wife and children and all?"

SAG. It is true: I can give you an account of the matter, for I was upon the spot at the instant, and was thoroughly acquainted with the whole affair.

"Then," said I, "a man, it seems may report it for a truth?"

SAG. You need not fear to affirm it. I mean that they are all gone on pilgrimage, both the good woman and her four boys. And, being HF we are, as I perceive, going some considerable way together, I will give you an account of the whole matter.

tions.

"This Christiana, (for that was her name from the day that she with her children betook themselves to a pilgrim's life), after her husband was gone over the river, and she could hear of him no more, her thoughts began to work in her mind. First, for that she had lost her husband, and for that the loving bond of that relation was utterly broken betwixt them. For you know, said he to me, nature can do no less but entertain the living with many a heavy Mark this, you cogitation, in the remembrance of the that are churls to loss of loving relations. This, thereyour godly rela- fore, of her husband, did cost her many a tear. But this was not all; for Christiana did also begin to consider with herself, whether unbecoming behaviour towards her husband was not one cause that she saw him no more, and that in such sort he was taken away from her. And, upon this, came into her mind, by swarms, all her unkind, unnatural, and ungodly carriages to her dear friend; which also clogged her conscience, and did load her with guilt. She was, moreover, much broken with recalling to remembrance the restless groans, brinish tears, and self-bemoanings of her husband; and how she did harden her heart against all his entreaties, and loving persuasions of her and her sons to go with him; yea, there was not anything that Christian either said to her, or did before her, all the while that this burden did hang on his back, but it returned upon her like a flash of lightning, and rent the caul of her heart in sunder. Specially that bitter outery of his, 'What shall I do to be saved? did ring in her ears most dolefully.

"Then said she to her children, 'Sons, we are all undone. I have sinned away your father, and he is gone; he would have had us with him, but I would not go myself; I also have hindered you of life.' With that, the boys fell all into tears, and cried out to go after their father. 'Oh,' said Christiana, that it had been but our lot to go with him! then had it fared well with us, beyond what it is like to do now. For, though I formerly foolishly imagined,

6

! world.

Now, upon the bank of the river, on the other The angels do side, they saw the two Shining Men wait for them, as again, who there waited for them. soon as they are Wherefore being come out of the passed out of this water, they saluted them saying, "We are ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for those that shall be heirs of salvation." Thus they went along towards the gate. Now, you must note, that the City stood upon a mighty hill; but the pilgrims went They have put up that hill with ease, because they off Mortality. had these two men to lead them up by the arms also they had left their mortal garments behind them in the river; for, though they went in with them, they came out without them. They therefore went up here with much agility and speed, though the foundation upon which the City was framed was higher than the clouds; they therefore went up through the regions of the air, sweetly talking as they went, being comforted because they safely got over the river, and had such glorious companions to attend them.

The talk that they had with the Shining Ones, was about the glory of the place; who told them that the beauty and glory of it were inexpressible. "There," said they, is" the Mount, Sion, the heavenly Jerusalem, the innumerable company of angels, and the spirits of just men made perfect. (Heb. xii. 22-24.) You are going now," said they to the paradise of God, wherein you shall see the tree of life, and eat of the never-fading fruits thereof; and, when you come there, you shall have white robes given you, and your walk and talk shall be every day with the King, even all the days of eternity. (Rev. ii. 7; iii. 4, 5; xxii. 5.) There you shall not see again such things as you saw when you were in the lower region upon the earth; to wit, sorrow, sickness, affliction, and death; for the former things are passed away.' (Isa. lxv. 16, 17.) You are going now to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, and to the prophets, men that God hath taken away from the evil to come, and that are now resting upon their beds, each one walking in his righteousness." The men then asked, "What must we do in the holy place?" To whom it was answered, "You must there receive the comfort of all your toil, and have joy for all your sorrow; you must reap what you have sown, even the fruit of all your prayers, and tears, and sufferings, for the King by the way. (Gal. vi. 7, 8.) In that place you must wear crowns of gold, and enjoy the perpetual sights and visions of the Holy One; for there you shall see him as he is. (1 John iii. 2.) There also you shall serve him continually with praise, with shouting, and thanksgiving, whom you desired to serve in the world, though with much difficulty, because of the infirmity of your flesh. There your eyes shall be delighted with seeing, and your ears with hearing the pleasant voice of the Mighty One. There you shall enjoy your friends again that are gone thither before you; and there you shall with joy receive even every one that follows into the holy place after you. There also you shall be clothed with glory and majesty, and put into an equipage fit to ride out with the King of Glory. When he shall come with sound of trumpets in the clouds, as upon the wings of the wind, you shall come with him; and when he shall sit upon the throne of judgment, you shall sit by him; yea, and when he shall pass sentence upon all the workers of iniquity, let them be angels or men, you also shall have a voice in that judgment, because they were his and your enemies. Also, when he shall again return to the City, you shall go too, with sound of trumpet, and be ever with him." (1 Thes. iv. 13-17; Jude 14, 15; Dan. vii. 9, 10; 1 Cor. vi. 2, 3.)

Now, while they were thus drawing towards the gate, behold a company of the heavenly host came out to meet them; to whom it was said by the other two Shining Ones, "These are the men that have loved our Lord, when they were in the world, and that have left all for his holy name; and he hath sent us to fetch them, and we have brought them thus far on their desired journey, that they may go in and look their Redeemer in the face with joy." Then the heavenly host gave a great shout, saying, Blessed are they that are called to the marriage

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supper of the Lamb." (Rev. xix. 9.) There came out ing without the gate." The King then commanded also at this time to meet them several of the King's to open the gate, that the righteous nation," said trumpeters, clothed in white and shining raiment, he, that keepeth the truth, may enter in." (Isa. who, with melodious noises and loud, made even the xxvi. 2.) heavens to echo with their sound. These trumpeters Now, I saw in my dream, that these two men saluted Christian and his fellow with ten thousand went in at the gate; and lo! as they entered, they welcomes from the world; and this they did with were transfigured; and they had raiment put on that shouting and sound of trumpet. shone like gold. There were also that met them This done, they compassed them round on every with harps and crowns, and gave them to them; the side; some went before, some behind, and some on harps to praise withal, and the crowns in token of the right hand, some on the left (as it were to guard honour. Then I heard in my dream that all the them through the upper regions), continually bells in the City rang again for joy, and that it was sounding as they went, with melodious noise, in said unto them, "Enter ye into the joy of your Lord." notes so high; so that the very sight was to them (Matt. xxv. 23.) I also heard the men themselves, that could behold it as if heaven itself was come that they sang with a loud voice, saying, "Blessing, down to meet them. Thus, therefore, they walked and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him on together; and, as they walked, ever and anon that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb these trumpeters, even with joyful sound, would, by for ever and ever!" (Rev. v. 13.) mixing their music with looks and gestures, still signify to Christian and his brother how welcome they were into their company, and with what gladness they came to meet them. And now were these two men as it were, in heaven, before they came at it, being swallowed up with the sight of angels, and

with hearing of their melodious, notes, Here also they had the City itself in view; and thought they heard all the bells therein to ring, to welcome them thereto.. But,, above all, the warm and joyful thoughts that they had about their own dwelling there with such company, and that for ever and ever, oh, by what tongue or pen can their glorious joy be expressed!And thus they came up to the gate..

Now, when they were come up to the gate gate, there was written over in letters of gold: "BLESSED ARE THEY THAT DO HIS COMMANDMENTS, THAT THEY MAY HAVE RIGHT TO THE TREE OF LIFE, AND MAY ENTER IN THROUGH THE GATES INTO THE CITY." (Rev. xxii. 14.)

Then I saw in my dream, that the Shining Men bid them call at the gate; the which when they did, some from above looked over the gate, to wit, Enoch, Moses, and Elijah, etc., to whom it was said, "These pilgrims are come from the City of Destruction, for the love that they bear to the King of this place.' And then the pilgrims gave in unto them each man his certificate, which they had received in the beginning; those therefore were carried into the King, who, when he had read them, said "Where are the men?" To whom it was answered, "They are stand

Now, just as the gates were opened to let in the men, I looked in after them, and behold, the City shone like the sun; the streets also were paved with gold; and in them walked many men with crowns on their heads, palms in their hands, and golden harps, to sing praises withal.

There were also of them that had wings, and they answered one another without intermission, saying, 'Holly, holy, holy, is the Lord!" And, after that, they shut up the gates; which when I had seen, I wished myself among them.

Now, while I was gazing upon all these things, I turned my head to look back, and saw Ignorance come up to the river side: but he soon got over, and that without half the difficulty which the other two men met with. For it happened that there was then in the place one Vain-Hope, a ferryman, that with his boat helped him over; so he, as the others I saw, did ascend the hill, to come up to the gate; only he came alone; neither did any man meet him with the least encouragement. When he was come up to the gate, he looked up to the writing that was above, and then began to knock, supposing that entrance should have been quickly administered to him: but he was asked by the men that looked over the top of the gate, "Whence came you? and what would you have?" He answered, "I have ate and drank in the presence of the King, and he has taught in our streets." Then they asked him for his certificate, that they might go in and show it to the King: so he fumbled in his bosom for one, and found none. Then said they,

"Have you none?" But the man answered never a word. So they told the King; but he would not come down to see him, but commanded the two Shining Ones, that conducted Christian and Hopeful to the city to go out, and take Ignorance, and bind him hand and foot, and have him away. Then they took him up, and carried him through the air, to the door that I saw in the side of the hill, and put him in there. Then I saw that there was a way to hell, even from the gates of heaven, as well as from the City of Destruction. So I awoke, and behold it was a dream.

CONCLUSION.

Now, reader, I have told my dream to thee, See if thou canst interpret it to me, Or to thyself, or neighbour. But take heed Of misinterpreting; for that, instead Of doing good, will but thyself abuse; By misinterpreting, evil ensues,

Take heed, also that thou be not extreme In playing with the outside of my dream; Nor let my figure, or similitude, Put thee into a laughter or a feud. Leave this for boys and fools; but as for thee,'' Do thou the substance of my matter see.

Put by the curtains, look within my veil; Turn up my metaphors, and do not fail: There, if thou seekest them, such things to find As will be helpful to an honest mind.

What of my dross thou findest there, be bold To throw away; but yet preserve the gold. What if my gold be wrapped up in ore? None throws away the apple for the core. But, if thou shalt cast all away as vain, I know not but 'twill make me dream again.