Part two, the fourth stage. Now, when they had eaten and drank
and had chattered a little longer, their guide said to them, the day
wears away. If you think good, let us prepare to be going.
So they got up to go, and the little boys went before. But
Christiana forgot to take her bottle of spirits with her, so she sent her
little boy back to fetch it. Then said, Mercy, I think this
is a losing place. Here Christian lost his roll, and here Christiana left
her bottle behind her. Sir, what is the cause of this? So
their guide made answer and said, the cause is sleep or forgetfulness. Some
sleep when they should keep awake, and some forget when they should remember.
And this is the very cause why often at the resting places some pilgrims and
some things come off losers. Pilgrims should watch and remember what they have already
received under their greatest enjoyments, but for want of doing so, oftentimes their
rejoicing ends in tears, and their sunshine in a cloud. Witnessed the story
of Christian at this place. When they were come to the place where mistrust
and Timorous met Christian to persuade him to go back for fear of the lions.
They perceived as it were a stage, and before it towards the road
a broad plate with a copy of verses written thereon, and underneath the reason
of raising up that stage in that place rendered. The verses were, let
him that seize this stage take heed unto his heart and tongue, lest if
he do not hear, he speed. As some have long agone, The
words underneath the verses were, this stage was built to punish those upon who,
through timorousness or mistrust, shall be afraid to go further on pilgrimage.
Also on this stage, both mistrust and timorous were burned through the tongue with
a hot iron for endeavoring to hinder Christian on his journey. Then said,
Mercy, this is much like to the saying of the Beloved, what shall
be given unto thee, or what shall be done unto thee? Thou false
tongue, sharp arrows of the mighty with coals of juniper, some one hundred
and twenty three and four. So they went on till they came within sight
of the lions. Now mister Greatheart was a strong man, so he was
not afraid of a lion. But Yet, when they were come up to
the place where the lions were, the boys that went before were now glad
to cringe behind, for they were afraid of the lions. So they stepped
back and went behind. At this their guide smiled and said, how now,
my boys, do you love to go before when no danger doth approach,
and love to come behind so soon as the lions appear. Now as
they went on, mister Greatheart drew his sword with intent to make a way
for the pilgrims in spite of the lions. Then there appeared one that it
seems, had taken upon him to back the lions. And he said to
the pilgrim's guide, what is the cause of your coming hither? Now?
The name of that man was Grim or bloody man, because of his slaying
of pilgrims, and he was of the race of the giants. Mister Greatheart
then said the pilgrim's guide, these women and children are going on pilgrimage,
and this is the way they must go, and go it they shall,
in spite of thee and the lions. Grim, this is not their way,
neither shall they go therein I am come forth to withstand them, and
to that end, will back the lion. Now, to say the truth,
by reason of the fierceness of the lions, and of the grim carriage
of him that did back them, this way had of late lain much unoccupied,
and was almost grown over with grass. Christiana then said Christiana. Though
they highways had been unoccupied, heretofore. And though the travelers have been made
in times past to walk through by paths, it must not be so.
Now I am risen. Now I am risen, a mother in Israel Judges
five, six and seven. Grim then he swore by the lions that it
should, and therefore bid them turn aside, for they should not have passage
there. But great Heart, their guide, made first his approach unto Grim,
and laid so heavily on him with his sword that he forced him to
retreat. Grim then said, he that attempted to back the lions, will
you slay me upon mine own ground? Mister Greatheart. It is the King's
highway that we are in, and in this way it is that thou hast
placed the lions. But these women and these children, though weak, shall
hold on their way in spite of thy lions. And with that he gave
him again a downright blow and brought him upon his knees. With this blow,
also he broke his helmet, and with the next he cut off an
arm. Then did the giant roar so hideously that his voice frightened the women,
And yet they were glad to see him lie sprawling upon the ground.
Now the lions were chained, and so of themselves could do nothing. Wherefore,
when old grim that intended to back them was dead, mister Greatheart said
to the pilgrims, come now and follow me, and no hurt shall happen
to you from the lions. They therefore went on, but the women trembled
as they passed by them. The boards also looked as if they would die,
but they all got by without further hurt. Now, when they were
within sight of the porter's lodge, they soon came up unto it. But
they made them more haste after this to go thither, because it is dangerous
traveling there in the night. So when they were come to the gate,
the guide knocked, and the porter cried who was there. But as soon
as the guide had said it is I, he knew his voice and came
down, for the guide had off before that. Come thither as a conductor
of pilgrims. When he was come down, he opened the gate, and,
seeing the guide standing just before it, for he saw not the women,
for they were behind him, he said unto him, how now,
mister greatheart, what is your business here so late at night? I have
brought said he some pilgrims hither where by my Lord's commandment they must lodge.
I had been here some time ago, had I not been opposed by the
giant that it used to back the lions. But I, after a long
and tedious combat with him, have cut him off and have brought the pilgrims
hither in safety the porter. Will you not go in and stay till morning,
mister Greatheart? No, I will return to my Lord to night.
Christiana, oh sir, I know not how to be willing you should leave
us in our pilgrimage. You have been so faithful and loving to us,
You have fought so stoutly for us, You have been so hearty in counseling
of us, that I shall never forget your favor towards us. Mercy then
said, Mercy, oh, that we might have thy company to our journey's
end. How can such poor women as we hold out in a way so
full of troubles as this way is without a friend and defender. James then
said James, the youngest of the boys, Sir, be persuaded to go
with us and help us, because we are so weak and the way so
dangerous as it is. Mister greatheart, I am at my Lord's commandment.
If he shall allot me to be your guide quite through, I will willingly
wait upon you. But here you failed at first, for when he bid
me come thus far with you, then you should have begged me of him
to have gone quite through with you, and he would have granted your request.
However, at present I must withdraw, and so good Christiana, Mercy,
and my brave children adieu. Then the porter, mister Watchful, asked
Christiana of her country and of her kindred, and she said, I am
come from the city of Destruction. I am a widow woman, and my
husband is dead. His name was Christian the Pilgrim, How said porter,
was he your husband? And yes, said she? And these are his
children, And this pointing to Mercy, is one of my townswomen. Then
the porter rang his bell, as at such times he is wont and there
come to the door one of the damsels, whose name was Humble Mind.
And to her the porter said, go tell it within, that Christiana,
the wife of Christian, and her children are come hither on pilgrimage. She
went in therefore and told it. But oh, what noise for gladness was
there within when the damsel did but drop that out of her mouth. So
they came with haste to the porter. For Christiana stood still at the door.
Then some of the most graves said, unto her, come in,
Christiana, come in, thou wife of that good man, Come in,
thou blessed woman, Come in with all that are with thee. So she
went in, and they followed her, that were her children and companions.
Now, when they were gone in, they were had into a large room
where they were bidden to sit down. So they sat down, and the
chief of the house were called to see and welcome the guests. Then they
came in, and, understanding who they were, did salute each other with
a kiss, and said, welcome, ye, vessels of the grace of
God. Welcome to us, your friends. Now, because it was somewhat
late, and because the pilgrims were weary with their journey, and also made
faint with the sight of the fight and of the terrible lions. They desired
as soon as might be, to prepare to go to rest. Nay,
said those of the family, refresh yourselves first with a morsel of meat,
for they had prepared for them a lamb with the accustomed source belonging there to
Exodus twelve twenty one, John one twenty nine. For the porter had heard
before of their coming, and had told it to them within. So when
they had sucked and ended their prayer with a psalm, they desired they might
go to rest. But let us, said Christiana, if weim But let
us, said Christiana, if we may be so bold as to choose be
in that chamber that was my husband's when he was here. So they had
them up thither, and they all lay in a room. When they were
at rest. Christiana and Mercy entered into discourse about things that were convenient.
Christiana, little did I think once, when my husband went on pilgrimage,
that I should ever have followed him, Mercy, and you as little thought
of lying in his bed and in his chamber to rest, as you do
now, Christiana. And much less did I ever think of seeing his face
with comfort, and of worshiping the Lord the King with him. And yet
now I believe I shall Mercy hark. Don't you hear a noise, Christiana?
Yes, it is, as I believe, a noise of music for
joy that we are here, Mercy, wonderful music in the house, music
in the heart, and music also in heaven, for joy that we are
here. Thus they talked awhile, and then betook themselves to sleep. So
in the morning, when they were awake, Christiana said to Mercy, what
was the matter that you did laugh in your sleep to night? I suppose
you were in a dream, Mercy. So I was, and a sweet
dream it was. But are you sure I laughed, Christiana? Yes,
ye laughed heartily. But prithee, Mercy, tell me thy dream, Mercy.
I was a dreaming that I sat all alone in a solitary place and
was bemoaning of the hardness of my heart. Now I had not sat there
long, but methought many were gathered about me to see me and to hear
what it was that I said. So they hearkened, and I went on
bemoaning the hardness of my heart. At this, some of them laughed at
me, some called me fool, and some began to thrust me about with
that methought, I looked up and saw one coming with wings towards me.
So he came directly to me and said, mercy, what aileth thee?
Now, when he had heard me make complaint, he said, peace be
to thee. He also wiped my eyes with his handkerchief, and clad me
in silver and gold Ezekiel sixteen eight to eleven. He put a chain about
my neck, and earrings in mine ears, and a beautiful crown upon my
head. Then he took me by the hand and said, Mercy, come
after me. So he went up, and I followed till we came at
a golden gate. Then he knocked, and when they within had opened,
the man went in, and I followed him up to a throne upon which
one sat, and he said to me, welcome daughter. The place looked
bright and twinkling, like the stars, or rather like the sun, and
I thought that I saw your husband there. So I awoke for my dream.
But did I laugh? Christiana? Laugh? Aye? And well you
might to see yourself so well, For you must give me leave to tell
you that it was a good dream, and that as you have begun to
find the first part true, so you shall find the second. At last.
God speaks once, yea twice. Yet man perceiveth it not in a
dream, in a vision of the night when deep sleep, felleth upon men
in slumberings upon the bed job thirty three, fourteen and fifteen. We need
not win a bed to lie awake to talk with God. He can visit
us while we sleep and cause us then to hear his voice. Our heart
oftentimes wakes when we sleep, and God can speak to that either by words,
by proverbs, by signs and similitudes, as well as if one was
awake. Mercy, well, I am glad of my dream, for I
hope ere long to see it fulfilled. To them making me laugh again,
Christiana, I think it is now high time to rise and to know what
we must do. Mercy pray. If they invite us to stay awhile,
let us willingly accept of the proffer. I am the more willing to stay
awhile here to grow better acquainted with these maids. Methinks, Prudence, piety,
and charity have very comely and sober countenances. Christiana. We shall see
what they will do. So when they were up and ready, they came
down, and they asked one another of their rest, and if it was
comfortable or not. Mercy very good, said Mercy. It was one of
the best knight's lodgings that ever I had in my life. Then said Prudence
and Piety, if you will be persuaded to stay here, awhile ye shall
have what the house will afford. Charity aye, And that with a very
good will, said Charity. So they consented and stayed there about a month
or above, and became very profitable one to another. And because Prudence would
see how Christiana had brought up her children, she asked leave of her to
catechise them. So she gave her free consent. Then she began with her
youngest, whose name was James Prudence, and she said, come, James,
canst thou tell me who made thee James, God, the Father,
God, the Son, and God the Holy Ghost? Prudence, good boy?
And canst thou tell me who saved thee James? God, the Father,
God, the Son, and God the Holy Ghost? Prudence, good
boy? Still? But how doth God the Father save thee James by his
grace? Prudence? How doth God the Son save thee James by his righteousness,
death, and blood and life? Prudence? And how doth God the
Holy Ghost save thee James by his illumination, by his renovation, and by
his preservation? Then said Prudence to Christiana, you are to be commended for
thus bringing up your children. I suppose I need not ask the rest these
questions, since the youngest of them can answer them so well. I will
therefore now apply myself to the next youngest, Prudence. Then she said,
come, Joseph, for his name was Joseph. Will you let me catechize
you, Joseph with all my heart? Prudence? What is man, Joseph,
a reasonable creature so made by God? As my brother said, Prudence,
what is supposed by this word saved Joseph, that man, by sin
has brought himself into a state of captivity and misery? Prudence? What is
supposed by his being saved by the Trinity? Joseph, That sin is so
great and mighty a tyrant, that none can pull us out of its clutches
but God. And that God is so good and loving to man as to
pull him indeed out of this miserable state. Prudence? What is God's design
in saving poor men? Joseph? The glorifying of his name, of his
grace and justice, et c. And the everlasting happiness of his creature.
Prudence, Who are they that will be saved, Joseph, they that accept
of his salvation? Prudence, good boy, Joseph, Thy mother hath taught
thee well, and thou hast hearkened unto what she has said unto thee.
Then said Prudence to Samuel, who was the eldest but one, Prudence,
Come, Samuel, are you willing that I should catechise you? Samuel?
Yes, forsooth, if you please, Prudence. What is Heaven, Samuel,
a place and state most blessed because God dwelleth there? Prudence? What
is Hell, Samuel, a place and state most woeful? Because it is
the place of sin, the devil and death? Prudence? Why wouldst thou
go to heaven, Samuel? That I may see God and serve Him without
weariness, That I may see Christ and love Him everlastingly, that I may
have that fullness of the Holy Spirit in me, which I can by no
means here enjoy, Prudence, a very good boy and one that has learned
well. Then she addressed herself to the eldest, whose name was Matthew,
and she said to him, come, Matthew, shall I also catechise you,
Matthew with a very good will? Prudence? I ask then, if
there was ever anything that had a being anticident to or before God, Matthew,
No, for God is eternal, Nor is there anything excepting himself that
had a being until the beginning of the first Day. For in six days
the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them
is prudence. What do you think of the Bible, Matthew? It is
the holy word of God. Prudence. Is there nothing written therein but what
you understand? Matthew, Yes, a great deal, prudence. What do
you do when you meet with places therein that you do not understand? Matthew.
I think God is wiser than I. I pray also that He will
please to let me know all therein that he knows will be for my good,
prudence. I believe you as touching the resurrection of the dead, Matthew.
I believe they shall rise the same that was buried, the same in
nature, though not in corruption. And I believe this upon a double account.
First because God has promised it, secondly because He is or to perform
it. Then said Prudence to the boys. You must still hearken to your
mother, for she can teach you more. You must also diligently give ear
to what good talk you shall hear from others, for your sakes, they
do speak good things. Observe also, and that with carefulness what the heavens
and the earth do teach you, but especially being much in the meditation of
that book which was the cause of your father's becoming a pilgrim. I,
for my part, my children, will teach you what I can while you
are here, and shall be glad if you will ask me questions that tend
to godly edifying Now by that these pilgrims had been at this place a week,
Mercy had a visitor that pretended some good will unto her, and his
name was mister Brisk, a man of some breeding and that pretended to religion,
but a man that stuck very close to the world. So he came
once or twice or more to Mercy and offered love unto her. Now Mercy
was of a fair countenance, and therefore the more alluring her mind also was
to be always busying herself in doing for when she had nothing to do for
herself, she would be making hers and garments for others, and would bestow
them upon those that had need. And mister Brisk, not knowing where or
how she disposed of what she made, seemed to be greatly taken. For
that he found her never idle. I will warrant her a good housewife,
quoth he to himself. Mercy then revealed the business to the maidens that were
of the house, and inquired of them concerning him, for they did know
him better than she. So they told her that he was a very busy
young man, and one who pretended to religion, but was, as they
feared, a stranger to the power of that which is good. Nay,
then said Mercy, I will look no more on him, for I purpose
never to have a clog to my soul. Prudence then replied that there needed
no matter of great discouragement to be given to him. Her continuing so as
she had begun to do for the poor, would quickly cool his courage.
So the next time he comes he finds her at her old work making things
for the poor. Then said he, what always at it? Yes,
said she either for myself or for others. And what const thou earn a
day? Said he, I do these things, said she, that I
may be rich in good works, laying up in store for myself a good
foundation against the time to come, that I may lay hold on eternal life.
First Timothy six seventeen to nineteen. Why, Prithee, what doest thou
with them? Said he clothed the naked, said she? With that his
countenance fell, so he forbore to come at her again. And when he
was asked the reason why, he said that Mercy a pretty lass, but
troubled with ill conditions. When he had left her, Prudence said, did
I not tell thee that mister brisk would soon forsake thee? Yea, he
will rise up an ill report of THEE, For notwithstanding his pretense to religion
and his seeming love to Mercy, yet Mercy and he are of tempers so
different that I believe they will never come together. Mercy, I might have
had husbands before now, though I spoke not of it to any, But
they were such as did not like my conditions, though never did any of
them find fault with my person. So then and I could not agree,
Prudence, Mercy in our days is but little set by any further than as
to its name, the practice which is set forth by thy conditions. There
are but few that can abide mercy. Well said Mercy. If nobody will
have me, I will die un married, or my conditions shall be to
me as a husband, For I cannot change my nature and to have one
who lies cross to me. And thus that I purpose never to admit of
as long as I live. I had a sister named Bountiful, that was
married to one of these chailds. But he and she could never agree.
But because my sister was resolved to do as she had begun, that is,
to show kindness to the poor. Therefore her husband first cried her down
at the cross, and then turned her out of his doors prudence. And
yet he was a professor, I warrant you, Mercy. Yes, such
a one as he was, and of such as he, the world is
now full. But I am for none of them all. Now Matthew,
the eldest son of Christiana, fell sick, and his sickness was sore upon
him, for he was much pained in his bows, so that he was
with it at times pulled as it were both ends together. There dwell also
not far from thence one mister Skill an ancient and well approved physician. So
Christiana desired it and entered the room and had a little observed the boy.
He concluded that he was sick of the gripes. Then he said to his
mother, what diet has Matthew of late fed upon diet? Said Cristiana,
nothing, but what is wholesome? The physician answered, the boy has been
tampering with something that lies in his stomach undigested, and that will not away
without means. And I tell you he must be purged, or else he
will die. Samuel then said Samuel, mother, what was that which my
brother did gather up and eat? As soon as we were come from the
gate that is at the head of this way. Ye know that there was
an orchard on the left hand, on the other side of the wall,
and some of the trees hung over the wall, and my brother did pluck
and eat, Christiana, true, my child, said Christiana, he did
take thereof and did eat naughty boy as he was. I chid him,
And yet he would eat thereof. Mister skill, I knew he had eaten
something that was not wholesome food, and that food to wit that fruit is
even the most hurtful of all. It is the fruit of Beelzebub's orchard.
I do marvel that none did warn you of it. Many have died thereof
Christiana. Then Christiana began to cry, and she said, Oh, naughty
boy, and O careless mother, what shall I do for my son?
Mister Skill, come, do not be too much dejected. The boy may
do well again, but he must purge and vomit. Christiana, pray,
sir, try the utmost of your skill with him, whatever it costs.
Mister Skill, nay, I hope I shall be reasonable. So he made
him a purge, but it was too weak. It was said it was
made of the blood of a goat, the ashes of a heifer, and
some of the juice of hissop Hebrews nine thirteen and nineteen ten one to four.
When mister Skill had seen that that purge was too weak, he made
one to the purpose. It was made excarnate it, Sangrini Christi John six
fifty four to fifty seven, Hebrews nine fourteen. You know physicians give strange
medicine to their patients. And it was made into pills with a promise or
two and a proportionable quantity of salt. Mark nine forty nine. Now he
was to take them three at a time, fasting in half a quarter of
a pint of the tears of repentance Zechariah twelve ten. When this potion was
prepared and brought the boy, he was loath to take it, though torn
with the gripes, as if he should be poured in pieces. Come,
Come, said the physician. You must take it. It goes against my
stomach, said the boy. I must have you take it, said his
mother. I shall vomit it up again, said the boy. Pray Sir,
said Christiana to mister Skill, How does it taste? It has no
ill taste, said the doctor, And with that she touched one of the
pills with the tip of her tongue. O Matthew said she. This potion
is sweeter than honey. If thou lovest thy mother, if thou lovest thy
brothers, if thou lovest mercy, if thou lovest thy life, take it.
So with much ado, after a short prayer for the blessing of God
upon it, he took it, and it wrought kindly with him. It
caused him to purge, It caused him to sleep and to rest quietly.
It put him to him a fine heat and breathing sweat, and did quite
rid him of his gripes. So in a little time he got up and
walked about with a staff, and would go from room to room and talk
with prudence, piety, and charity of his distemper and how he was healed.
So when the boy was healed, Christiana asked mister Skills, saying,
sir, what will content you for your pains and care to you and of
my child? And he said, ye must pay the master of the college
of Physicians Hebrews thirteen eleven to fifteen, according to Rule's maid in that case,
and provided Christiana. But sir, said she, what is this pill
good for else? Mister Skill. It is a universal pill. It is
good against all the diseases that pilgrims are incident to, and when it is
well prepared, it will keep good time out of mind. Christiana, pray,
sir, make me up twelve boxes of them, for if I can
get these, I will never take other physic Mister Skill. These pills are
good to prevent diseases as well as to cure when one is sick. YEA,
I dare say it, and stand to it that if a man will
but use this physic as he should. It will make him live forever John
six fifty one. But good, Christiana, thou must give these pills no
other way, but as I have prescribed, for if you do, they
will do no good. So he gave unto Christiana physic for herself and her
boys and for mercy, and bid Matthew take heed, how he ate any
more green plums, and kissed them, and went his way. It was
told you before that Prudence bid the boys that if at any time they would,
they should ask her some questions that might be profitable, and she would
say something to them. Matthew. Matthew, who had been sick, asked
her, why, for the most part, physic should be bitter to our
pealates prudence to show how unwelcome the word of God and the effects thereof are
to our carnal heart. Matthew. Why does physic, if it does good,
purge and cause the vomit? Prudence to show that the word, when
it works, effectually cleanseth the heart and mind. For look what the one
doth to the body, the other doth to the soul. Matthew, what
should we learn by seeing the flame of our fire go upwards, and by
seeing the beams and sweet influences of the sun strike downwards prudence. By the
going up of the fire, we are taught to ascend to heaven by fervent
and hot desires, and by the Sun sending his heat, beams and sweet
influences downwards, are taught the Savior of the world, though high, reaches
down with his grace and love to us below. Matthew. Whence have the
clouds their water prudence? Out of the sea, Matthew, What may we
learn from that prudence that ministers should fetch their doctrine from God? Matthew?
Why do they empty themselves upon the earth? Prudence to show that ministers should
give out what they know of God to the world? Matthew. Why is
the rainbow caused by the sun Prudence to show that the covenant of God's grace
is confirmed to us in Christ, Matthew. Why do the springs come from
the sea to us through the earth? Prudence to show that the grace of
God comes to us through the body of Christ. Matthew. Why do some
of the springs out of the tops of high hills Prudence to show that the
spirit of grace shall spring up in some that are great and mighty, as
well as in many that are poor and low, Matthew. Why doth the
fire fasten upon the candle wick prudence? To show that unless grace doth kindle
upon the heart, there will be no true light of life in us?
Matthew? Why are the wick and tello and all spent to maintain the light
of the candle prudence? To show that body and soul and all should be
at the service of and spend themselves and maintain in good condition that grace of
God that is in us, Matthew. Why doth the Pelican pierce her own
breast with her bill prudence to nourish her young ones with her blood, and
thereby to show that Christ the Blest so loved his young his people as to
save them for death by his blood. Matthew. What may one learn by
hearing the cock to crow prudence? Learn to remember Peter's sin and Peter's repentance.
The cock's cuearing shows also that day is coming on. Let then the
creearing of the cock put thee in mind of that last and terrible day of
judgment. Now about this time their month was out. Wherefore they signify to
those of the house, that it was convenient for them to be up and
be going. Then said Joseph to his mother, it is proper that you
forget not to send to the house of mister Interpreter, to pray him to
grant that mister Greatheart should be sent unto us, that he may be our
conductor for the rest of the way. Good boy, said she, I
had almost forgot, So she drew up a petition and prayed mister Watchful the
porter to send it by some fit man to her good friend, mister Interpreter,
who, when it was come and he had seen the contents of the
petition, said to the messenger, go tell them that I will send him.
When the family where Christiana was saw that they had a purpose to go
forward, they called the whole house together to give thanks to their king for
sending of them such profitable guests as these which done, They said, unto
Christiana, and shall we not show thee something as our custom is to do
to pilgrims, on which thou mayst meditate when thou art upon the way.
So they took Christiana, her children and Mercy into the closet and showed them
one of the apples that eve ate off, and that she also did give
to her husband, and that for the eating of which they were both turned
out of paradise, and asked her what she thought that was. Then Christiana
said, it is food or poison. I know not which. So they
opened the matter to her, and she held up her hands and wandered Genesis
three six Romans seven twenty four. Then they had her to a place and
showed her Jacob's ladder Genesis twenty eight twelve. Now at that time there were
some angels ascending upon it. So Christiana looked and looked to see the angels
go up. So did the rest of the company. Then they were going
into another place to show them something else. But Jane said to his mother,
pray, bid them stay here a little longer, for this is a
curious sight. So they turned again and stood feeding their eyes with this so
pleasant a prospect. After this, they had them into a place where did
hang out a golden anchor. So they bid Christiana take it down, for
said they you shall have it with you, for it is of abs salute
necessity that you should that you may lay hold of that within the veil Hebrews
six nineteen and stands deadfast in case you should meet with turbulent weather Joel three
sixteen. So they were glad thereof Then they took them and had them to
the mount upon which Abraham our father offered up Isaac his son, and showed
them the altar, the wood, the fire, and the knife, for
they remained to be seen to this very day Genesis twenty two nine. When
they had seen it, they held up their hands and blessed themselves, and
said, oh, what a man for love to his master and for denial
to himself was Abraham. After they had showed them all these things, Prudence
took them into a dining room, where stood a pair of excellent virginals.
So she played upon them and turned what she had showed them into this excellent
song, saying, Eve's apple we have showed you of that. Be you
aware you have seen Jacob's ladder too, upon which angels are and anchor you
received have. But let not these suffice until with Abram you have gave your
best a sacrifice. Now about this time one knocked at the door. So
the porter opened, and behold, mister greatheart was there. But when he
was come in, what joy was there? For it came now fresh again
into their minds. How but a while ago he had slain old grim,
bloody man the Giant, and had delivered them from the lions. Then said
mister Greatheart to Christiana and to Mercy, my Lord has sent each of you
a bottle of wine, and also some parched corn, together with a couple
of pomegranates. He has also sent the boys some figs and raisins to refresh
you in your way. Then they addressed themselves to their journey, and prudence
and piety went along with them. When they came to the gate, Christiana
asked the porter if any of late went by. He said, no,
only one some time since, who also told me that of late there had
been a great robbery committed on the King's Highway. As you go, but
said he, the thieves are taken and will shortly be tried for their lives.
Then Christiana and Mercy were afraid, but Matthew said, mother, fear
nothing, as long as mister Greatheart is to go with us and to be
our conductor. Then said Christiana to the porter, Sir, I am much
obliged to you for all the kindnesses that you have showed to me since I
came hither, and also for that you have been so loving and kind to
my children. I know not how to gratify your kindness. Wherefore pray as
a token of my respect to you, except of this small might. So
she put a gold angel in his hand, and he made her a low
obeisance, and said, let thy garments be always white, and let thy
head want no ointment Ecclesiastes nine eight. Let mercy live and not die,
and let not her works be few Deuteronomy thirty three six. And to the
boys, he said, do you fly youthful lusts and follow after godliness with
them that are grave and wise. Second Timothy two twenty two. So shall
you put gladness into your mother's heart and obtain prayers of all that are sober
minded. So they thanked the porter and departed. End Part two, The fourth stage