Page images
PDF
EPUB
[ocr errors]

The Pilgrims arrive at the Land of Beulah.

that set Absalom against his father, and Jeroboam against his master. It was she that persuaded Judas to sell his Lord, and that prevailed with Demas to forsake the godly pilgrim's life: none can tell of the mischief that she doth. She makes variance betwixt rulers and subjects, betwixt parents and children, betwixt neighbour and neighbour, betwixt a man and his wife, between a man and himself, betwixt the flesh and the spirit.-Wherefore, good Master Standfast, be as your name is; "when you have done all, stand."

At this discourse there was, among the pilgrims, a mixture of joy and trembling; but at length they brake out and sang

"What danger is the pilgrim in!

How many are his foes!

How many ways there are to sin

No living mortal knows.

Some in the ditch are spoil'd, yea, can

Lie tumbling in the mire:

Some, though they shun the frying-pan,
Do leap into the fire."

After this, I beheld, until they were come unto the land of Beulah, where the sun shineth night and day. Here, because they were weary, they betook themselves a while to rest; and because this country was common for pilgrims, and because these orchards and vineyards that were here belonged to the King of the celestial country, therefore they were licensed to make bold with any of his things. But a little while soon refreshed them here; for the bells did so ring, and the trumpets continually sounded so melodiously, that they could not sleep; and yet they received as much refreshing as if they slept their sleep never so soundly. Here also all the noise of them that walked in the streets, was,

• Part I. page 206.

Rejoicings on the Arrival of the Pilgrims.

"More pilgrims are come to town." And another would answer, saying, " And so many went over the water, and were let in at the golden gates to-day. They would cry again, "There is now a legion of shining ones just come to town: by which we know that there are more pilgrims upon the road; for here they come to wait for them, and comfort them after their sorrow." Then the pilgrims got up, and walked to and fro: but how were their eyes now filled with celestial visions! In this land, they heard nothing, saw nothing, felt nothing, smelt nothing, tasted nothing that was offensive to their stomach or mind; only, when they tasted of the water of the river, over which they were to go, they thought that tasted a little bitterish to the palate, but it proved sweet when it was down.

In this place there was a record kept of the names of them that had been pilgrims of old, and a history of all the famous acts that they had done. It was here also much discoursed, how the river to some has its flowings, and what ebbings it has had while others have gone over. It has been in a manner dry for some, while it has overflowed its banks for others.

In this place the children of the town would go into the King's gardens, and gather nosegays for the pilgrims, and bring them to them with affection. Here also grew camphire, and spikenard, saffron, calamus, and cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense, myrrh, and aloes, with all chief spices. With these the pilgrims' chambers were perfumed while they staid here: and with these were their bodies anointed to prepare them to go over the river, when the time appointed was come.

Now while they lay here, and waited for the good hour, there was a noise in the town, that there was a post come from the Celestial City with matters of

Christiana blesses her Children,

[ocr errors]

great importance to one Christiana, the wife of Christian, the pilgrim. So inquiry was made for her, and the house was found out where she was; so the post presented her with a letter: the contents were, "Hail, good woman! I bring thee tidings, that the Master calleth for thee, and expecteth that thou shouldest stand in his presence, in clothes of immortality, within these ten days."

When he had read this letter to her, he gave her therewith a sure token that he was a true messenger, and was come to bid her make haste to be gone. The token was-An arrow sharpened with love, let easily into her heart, which, by degrees, wrought so effectually with her, that at the time appointed she must be gone.

When Christiana saw that her time was come, and that she was the first of this company that was to go over, she called for Mr. Great-Heart, her guide, and told him how matters were. So he told her, he was heartily glad of the news, and could have been glad had the post come for him. Then she bid that he should give advice how all things should be prepared for her journey. So he told her, saying, Thus and thus it must be; and we that survive will accompany you to the river side.

Then she called for her children, and gave them her blessing; and told them that she had read with comfort the mark that was set in their foreheads, and was glad to see them with her there, and that they had kept their garments so white. Lastly, she bequeathed to the poor that little she had, and commanded her sons and daughters to be ready against the messenger should come for them.

When she had spoken these words to her guide and to her children, she called for Mr. Valiant-forTruth, and said unto him, "Sir, you have in all places shewed yourself true-hearted; be faithful unto

[graphic][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][merged small][subsumed][merged small][subsumed]
[graphic][merged small][subsumed][subsumed]
« PreviousContinue »