Part two, the eighth stage. When they were gone from the shepherds,
they quickly came to the place where Christian met with one turn away that dwelt
in the town of Apostasy. Wherefore of him, mister Greatheart, they guide
now put them in mind, saying, this is the place where Christian met
with one turn away, who carried with him the character of his rebellion at
his back. And this I have to say concerning this man. He would
hearken to no counsel, but once a falling persuasion could not stop him.
When he came to the place where the cross and sepulcher were, he did
meet with one that did bid him look there, But he gnashed with his
teeth and stamped, and said he was resolved to go back to his own
town. Before he came to the gate, he met with evangelist, who
offered to lay hands on him to turn him into the way again. But
this turn away resisted him, and, having done much despite unto him,
he got away over the wall, and so escaped his hand. Then they
went on, and just at the place where little Faith formerly was robbed,
there stood a man with his sword drawn and his face all over with blood.
Then said mister greatheart, who art thou. The man made answer,
saying, I am one whose name is valiant for truth. I am a
pilgrim, and am going to the celestial city. Now as I was in
my way, there were three men that did beset me and propounded unto me
these three things. One whether I would become one of them, two or
go back from whence I came? Three or die upon the place Proverbs one
eleven to fourteen. To the first, I answered, I had been a
true man for a long season, and there for it could not be expected
that I should now cast in my lot with thieves. Then they demanded what
I would say to the second. So I told them that the place from
whence I came, had I not found in commodity there, I had not
forsaken it at all, but finding it altogether unsuitable to me and very unprofitable
for me, I forsook it for this way. Then they asked me what
I said to the third, And I told them, my life costs far
more dear than that I should lightly give it away. Besides, you have
nothing to do thus to put things to my choice. Wherefore, at your
peril be it if you meddle. Then these three to wit wildhead, inconsiderate
and pragmatic, drew upon me, and I also drew upon them. So
we fell to it, one against three. For the space of above three
hours. They have left upon me, as you see, some of them
marks of their valor, and have also carried away with them some of mine.
They are but just now gone. I suppose they might as the saying
is hear your horse dash? And so they betook themselves to flight. Mister
Greatheart, but here was great odds, three against one valiant for truth tis
true? But little and more are nothing to him that has the truth on
his side. Though an host should encamp against me, said one Psalm twenty
seven three, my heart shall not fear, though war should rise against me.
In this will I be confident. Etc. Besides, said he,
I have read in some records that one man has fought an army, and
how many did Samson slay with the jawbone of an ass. Mister Greatheart,
then said the guide, Why did you not cry out that some might have
come in for your succor valiant for truth? So I did to my king,
who I knew could hear me and afford invisible help, and that was
sufficient for me. Mister Greatheart, then said, mister Greatheart, to mister
Valiant for truth, thou hast worthily behaved thyself. Let me see thy sword.
So he showed it him. When he had taken it in his hand,
and looked thereon a while, he said, ha, it is a
right Jerusalem blade, Valiant for truth. It is so. Let a man
have one of these blades, with a hand to wield it and skill to
use it, and he may venture upon an angel with it. He need
not fear its holding, if he can but tell how to lay on.
Its edge will never blunt. It will cut flesh and bones, and soul
and spirit and all Hebrews four twelve. Mister Greatheart, but you fought a
great while. I wonder you was not weary. Valiant for truth, I
fought till my sword did cleave to my hand, and then they were joined
together, as if a sword grew out of my arm, And when the
blood ran through my fingers, then I fought with most courage. Mister Greatheart,
thou hast done well. Thou hast resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Thou shalt abide by us, Come in and go out with us,
for we are thy companions. Then they took him and washed his wounds,
and gave him of what they had to refresh him. And so they went
together. Now as they went on, because mister Greatheart was delighted in him,
for he loved one greatly that he found to be a man of his
hands, and because they were in company those that were feeble and weak.
Therefore he questioned with him about many things, as first, what countrymen he
was valiant for truth? I am of dark Land, for there was I
born, and there my father and mother are still. Mister Greatheart dark Land,
said the guide, doth not that lie on the same coast with the
city of Destruction? Valiant for truth? Yes, it doth now. That
which caused me to come on pilgrimage was this. We had one mister Teltrue
come into our parts, and he told it about what Christian had done that
went from the City of Destruction, namely how he had forsaken his wife and
children and had betaken himself to a pilgrim's life. It was also confidently reported
how he had killed a serpent that did come out to resist him in his
journey, and how he got through to whither he intended. It was also
told what welcome he had at all his lord's lodgings, especially when he came
to the gates of the celestial city. For there, said the man,
he was received with sound of trumpet by a company of shining ones. He
told also how all the bells in the city did ring for joy at his
reception, and what golden garments he was clothed with, and with many other
things that now I shall forbear to relate in a word. That man so
told the story of Christian and his travels, that my heart fell into a
burning haste to be gone after him. Nor could father or mother stay me.
So I got from them and am come thus far on my way.
Mister greatheart, you came in at the gate, did you not valiant for
truth? Yes? Yes, For the same man also told us that all
would be nothing if we did not begin to enter this way at the gate.
Mister greatheart, Look, you said the guide to Christiana, the pilgrimage
of your husband, and what he has gotten thereby is spread abroad far and
near. Valiant for truth? Why is this Christian's wife, mister greatheart?
Yes, that is, and these also are his four sons valiant for truth?
What and going on pilgrimage too, mister Greatheart. Yes, verily they
are following after valiant for truth. It glads me at the heart, good
man, How joyful will he be when he shall see them that would not
go with him yet to enter after him in at the gate into the celestial
city. Mister Greatheart, without doubt it will be a comfort to him,
for next to the joy of seeing himself there, it will be a joy
to meet there wife and children valiant for truth. But now you are upon
that pray, let me hear your opinion about it. Some make question whether
we shall know one another when we are there, mister Greatheart, do you
think they shall know themselves then? Or that they shall rejoice to see themselves
in that bliss? And if they think they shall know and do this,
why not know others and rejoice in their welfare? Also? Again, since
our relations are our second self. Though that state will be dissolved there,
yet, why may it not be rationally concluded that we shall be more glad
to see them there than to see they are wanting valiant for truth. Well,
I perceive whereabouts your ares to this? Have you any more things to
ask me about my beginning to come on pilgrimage, mister Greatheart. Yes,
were your father and mother willing that you should become a pilgrim Valiant for truth?
Oh? No, they used all means imaginable to persuade me to stay
at home. Mister Greatheart. Why what could they say against it? Valiant
for truth? They said it was an idle life, and if I myself
were not inclined to sloth and laziness, I would never countenance a pilgrim's condition,
mister Greatheart. And what did they say else? Valiant for truth?
Why? They told me that it was a dangerous way. Yea, The
most dangerous way in the world, said they is that which the pilgrims go.
Mister Greatheart. Did they show you where in this way is so dangerous
valiant for truth? Yes, And that in many particulars, mister Greatheart,
name some of them valiant for truth. They told me of the slough of
Despond, where Christian was well nigh smothered. They told me that they were
archers standing ready in Beelzebo Castle to shoot them. Who should knock at the
wicket gate for entrance. They told me also of the wood and dark mountains,
of the hill difficulty of the lions, and also of the three giants
Bloody Man, moul and slay Good. They said moreover that there was a
foul fiend haunted the Valley of Humiliation, and that Christian was by him almost
bereft of life. Besides, said they, you must go over the valley
of the Shadow of Death, where the hobgoblins are, where the light is
darkness, where the ways full of snares, pits, traps and jinns.
They told me also of giant despair, of doubting castle, and of the
ruin that the pilgrims met with here. Further, they said, I must
go over the enchanted ground, which was dangerous, and that after all this
I should find a river over which there was no bridge, and that that
river did lie betwixt me and the celestial country, mister Greatheart. And was
this all valiant for truth? No? They also told me that this way
was full of deceivers and of persons that lay in wait there to turn good
men out of the path, mister Greatheart. But how did they make that
out valiant for truth? They told me that mister worldly Wiseman did lie there
in wait to deceive. They said also that they were formality and hypocrisy continually
on the road. They said also that bay ends talkative, or Damas would
go near to gather me up, that the flatterer would catch me in his
net, or that with green headed ignorance, I would presume to go on
to the gate. From whence he was sent back to the hole that was
in the side of the hill, and made to go the bye way to
hell. Mister greatheart, I promise you this was enough to discourage you.
But did they make an end here? Valiant for truth? No stay.
They told me also of many that had tried that way of old, and
that had gone a great way therein to see if they could find something of
the glory there that so many had so much talked of from time to time,
And how they came back again and befooled themselves for setting a foot out
of doors in that path to the satisfaction of all the country. And they
named several that did so as obstinate and pliable, mistrust and timorous turn away
and old atheist, with several more who they said, had some of them
gone far to see what they could find, but not one of them had
found so much advantage by going as amounted to the weight of a feather.
Mister Greatheart, said they anything more to discourage you, Valiant for truth?
Yes, they told me of one mister Fearing, who was a pilgrim,
and how he found his way so solitary that he never had a comfortable hour
therein. Also that mister Despondency had liked to have been starved therein yea.
And also which I had almost forgot, that Christian himself, about whom there
has been such a noise after all, his adventures for a celestial crown were
certainly drowned in the Black river and never went afoot further. However, it
was smothered up, mister Greatheart. And did none of these things discourage you,
Valiant for Truth? No, they seemed, But as so many nothings
to me, mister Greatheart, how came that about valiant for truth? Why
I still believed what mister Teldrew had said, and that carried me beyond them
all. Mister Greatheart, Then this was your victory, even your faith,
valiant for truth. It was so I believed, and therefore came out got
into the way for all that set themselves against me, and by believing and
come to this place, who would true valor see? Let him come hither
one here will constant be, come wind, come weather. There's no discouragement
shall make him once relent his first avowed intent to be a pilgrim. Whoso
beset him round with dismal stories do but themselves confound his strength. The more
is no lion can him fright? He'll with a giant fight, But he
will have a right to be a pilgrim. How goblin nor foul fiend can
daunt his spirit. He knows he y at the end shall life inherit then
fancies fly away. He'll not fear what men say. He'll labor night and
day to be a pilgrim. By this time they were got to the enchanted
ground, where the air naturally tended to make one drowsy. And that place
was all grown over with briars and thorns, excepting here and there where was
an enchanted arbor, upon which if a man sits, or in which if
a man sleeps, it is a question some say, whether ever he shall
rise or wake again in this world over this forest. Therefore they went both
one and another, and mister Greatheart went before, for that he was the
guide, and mister Valiant, for truth, came behind, being rear guard,
for fear lest peradventure fiend or dragon, or giant or thief should fall
upon their rear and so do mischief. They went on here, each man
with a sword drawn in his hand, for they knew it was a dangerous
place. Also, they cheered up one another as well as they could.
Feeble mind, mister Greatheart commanded should come up after him, and mister Despondency
was under the eye of mister Valiant. Now they had not gone far,
but a great mist and darkness fell upon them all, so that they could
scarce for a great while the one see the other. Wherefore they were forced
for some time to feel one for another by words, for they walked not
by sight. But any one must think that here was but sorry going for
the best of them all, But how much worse for the women and children,
who both of feet and heart were but tender. Yet so it was
that, through the encouraging word of him that laid in the front, and
of him that brought them up behind, they made a pretty good shift to
wag along their way. Also, here was very wearisome through dirt and slabbiness.
Nor was there on all this ground so much as one inn or victuilling
house, wherein to refresh the feebler sort. Here therefore was grunting and puffing
and sighing, while one tumbleth over a bush, another sticks fast in the
dirt, and the children, some of them lost their shoes in the mire,
while one cries out, I am down, and another, ho,
where are you? And a third the bushes have got such fast hold on
me. I think I cannot get away from them. Then they came at
an arbor, warm and promising much refreshing to the pilgrims. For it was
finely wrought above head, beautified with greens, furnished with benches and settles.
It also had in it a soft couch whereon the weary might lean. This,
you must think, all things considered, was tempting, for the pilgrims
already began to be foiled with the badness of the way. But there was
not one of them that made so much as a motion to stop. There
yea for aught, I could perceive. They continually gave so good heed to
the advice of their guide, and he did so faithfully tell them of dangers,
and of the nature of the dangers when they were at them. That
usually when they were nearest to them, they did most pluck up their spirits
and hearten one another to deny the flesh. This arbor was called the Slothful's
friend, and was made on purpose to allure, if it might be some
of the pilgrims there to take up their rest when weary. I saw them
in my dream that they went on in this their solitary ground, till they
came to a place at which a man is apt to lose his way.
Now, though when it was light, their guide could well enough tell how
to miss those ways that led wrong. Yet in the dark he was put
to a stand. But he had in his pocket a map of all ways
leading to or from the celestial city. Wherefore he struck a light, for
he never goes without his tinder box, also, and takes a view of
his book or map, which bids him to be careful in that place to
turn to the right hand. And had he not been careful here to look
in his map, they had in all probability been smothered in the mud.
For just a little before them, And that at the end of the cleanest
way. Too, was a pit none knows how deep, full of nothing
but mud, there made on purpose to destroy the pilgrims in. Then thought
I with myself, who that goeth on pilgrimage, but would have one of
these maps about him, that he may look when he is at a stand,
which is the way he must take. Then they went on in this
enchanted ground till they came to where there was another arbor, and it was
built by the highwayside. And in that arbor they lay two men whose names
were Heedless and two bold. These two went thus far on pilgrimage, But
here, being wearied from their journey, they sat down to rest themselves,
and so fell fast asleep. When the pilgrims saw them, they stood still
and shook their heads, for they knew that the sleepers were in a pitiful
case. Then they consulted what to do, whether to go on and leave
them in their sleep, or to step to them and try to awake them.
So they concluded to go to them and awake them, that is,
if they could, but with this caution, namely to take heed that they
themselves did not sit down nor embrace the offered benefit of that arbor. So
they went in and spake to the men, and each by his name.
For the guide, it seems, did know them, but there was no
voice nor answer. Then the Guide did shake them and do what he could
to disturb them. Then said one of them, I will pay you when
I take my money, at which the guide shook his head. I will
fight so long as I can hold my sword in my hand, said the
other. At that one of the children laughed. Then said Christiana, what
is the meaning of this? The Guide said, they talk in their sleep.
If you strike them, beat them, or whatever else you do to
them, they will answer you after this fashion. Or as one of them
said in old time, when the waves of the sea did beat upon him,
and he slept as one upon the mast of a ship Proverbs twenty three,
thirty four and thirty five. When I awake, I will seek it
yet again. You know, when men talk in their sleep, they say
anything, but their words are not governed either by faith or reason. There
is an incoherency in their words now as there was before betwixt their going on
pilgrimage and sitting down here. This, then, is the mischief of it.
When heedless ones go on pilgrimage tis twenty to one. But they are
served thus, for this enchanted ground is one of the last refuges that the
enemy to pilgrims has. Wherefore it is, as you see, placed almost
at the end of the way, and so it standeth against us with the
more advantage. For when thinks the enemy, will these fools be so desirous
to sit down as when they are weary, and when so like to be
weary as when almost at their journey's end. Therefore it is I say that
the enchanted ground is placed so nigh to the land Baolah, and so near
the end of their race. Wherefore let pilgrims look to themselves, lest it
happen to them as it has done to these, that as you see a
fallen asleep, and none can awake them. Then the pilgrims desired with trembling
to go forward. Only they prayed their guide to strike a light, that
they might go the rest of their way by the help of the light of
a lantern. So he struck a light, and they went by the help
of that through the rest of this way, though the darkness was very great
second Peter one, nineteen. But the children began to be sorely weary,
and they cried out unto him that loveth pilgrims to make their way more comfortable.
So by that they had gone a little further, a wind arose that
drove away the fog, so the air became more clear. Yet they were
not off by much of the enchanted ground. Only now they could see one
another better and the way wherein they should walk. Now, when they were
almost at the end of this ground, they perceived that a little before them
was a solemn noise, as of one that was much concerned. So they
went on and looked before them, and behold they saw, as they thought,
a man upon his knees, with hands and eyes lifted up, and
speaking, as they thought, earnestly to one that was above. They drew
nigh, but could not tell what he said, so they went softly till
he had done. When he had done, he got up and began to
run towards the celestial city. Then mister Greadhut called after him, saying,
so, her friend, let us have your company if you go as I
suppose you do to the celestial city. So the man stopped, and they
came up to him, But as soon as mister Honor saw him, he
said, I know this man. Then said mister Valiant, for truth,
prithee, who is it? It is? One? Said he that comes
from whereabout I dwelt. His name is Standfast. He is certainly a right
good pilgrim. So they came up to one another, and presently Standfast said
to old Honest, O, father, honest, are you there? I
said he that I am as sure as you are there? Right glad am,
I said mister Stanfast, that I have found you on this road,
And as glad am, I said the other that I aspied you on your
knees. Then mister Stanfast blushed and said, but why did you see me?
Yes, that I did, quoth the other, and with my heart
was glad at the sight. Why what did you think, said Standfast?
Think, said old Honest? What could I think? I thought we had
an honest man upon the road, and therefore should have his company by and
by. If you thought not amiss, said Stanfast, how happy am I?
But if I be not as I should, tis I alone must bear
it, that is true, said the other. But your fear doth further
confirm me that things I right betwixt the Prince of pilgrims, and your soul,
for he saith blessed is the man that feareth always Proverbs twenty eight fourteen,
valiant for truth. Well, but brother, I pray THEE tell us,
what was it that was the cause of thy being upon thy knees?
Even now? Was it for that some special mercy laid obligations upon THEE?
Or? How stand fast? Why we are as you see, upon the
enchanted ground. And as I was coming along, I was musing with myself
of what a dangerous nature the road in this place was, and how many
that had come even thus found pilgrimage had here been stopped and been destroyed.
I thought also of the manner of the death with which this place destroyeth men.
Those that die here die of no violent distemper, the death of which
such dies not grievous to them. For he that goeth away in a sleep
begins that journey with desire and pleasure. Yea such aqueous in the will of
that disease, mister Honest. Then, mister Honest, interrupting him, said,
did you see the two men asleep in the arbor? Stand fast?
Aye? Aye? I saw heedless and two bold there, and for aught.
I know there they will lie till they rot Proverbs ten seven. But
let me go on with my tail. As I was thus musing, as
I said, there was one in very pleasant attire, but old, who
presented herself to me and offered me three things to wit her body, her
purse, and her bed. Now the truth is I was both weary and
sleepy. I am also as poor as an owlet, and that perhaps the
witch knew well. I repulsed her once and again, but she put by
my repulses and smiled. Then I began to be angry, but she mattered
that nothing at all. Then she made offers again and said, if I
would be ruled by her, she would make me great and happy. For
said she, I am the mistress of the world, and men are made
happy by me. Then I asked her name, and she told me it
was Madam Bubble. This set me further from her, but she still followed
me with enticements. Then I betook me as you saw, to my knees,
and with hands lifted up and cries, I prayed to him that had
said he would help. So just as you came up, the gentlewoman went
her way. Then I continued to give thanks for this my great deliverance,
for I verily believe she intended no good, but rather sought to make stop
of me in my journey. Mister honest, without doubt her designs were bad.
But stay now you talk of her. Methinks I either have seen her
or have read some story of her. Stand fast, perhaps you have done
both, mister honest. Madam Bubble, is she not at all comely dame?
Something of a swarthy complexion? Stand fast, right you hit it?
She is just such a one, mister honest. Does she not speak very
smoothly and give you a smile at the end of a sentence? Stand fast,
you'll fall right upon it again, for these are her very actions,
mister honest. Does she not wear a great purse by her side, and
is not her hand often in it, fingering her money, as if that
was her heart's delight? Stand fast? Tis just so? Had she stood
by all this while you could not more amply have set her forth before me,
nor have better described her features, mister Honest, than he that drew
her picture was a good limner. And he that wrote of hers said,
true, mister greatheart, this woman is a witch, and it is by
virtue of her sorceries, that this ground is enchanted. Whoever doth lay his
head down in her lap, had as good lay it down on that block
over which the axe doth hang, And whoever lay their eyes upon her beauty
accounted the enemies of God. This is she that maintaineth in their splendor,
all those that are the enemies of pilgrims James four four YEA. This is
she that has brought off many a man from a pilgrim's life. She is
a great gossiper. She is always both she and her daughters at one pilgrim's
heels or another, now commending and then preferring the excellences of this life.
She is a bold and impudent slut. She will talk with any man.
She always laugheth poor pilgrims to scorn, but highly commends the rich. If
there be one cunning to get money in a place, she will speak well
of him. From house to house. She loveth banqueting and feasting mainly well.
She is always at one full table or another. She has given it
out in some places that she is a goddess, and therefore some do worship
her. She has her time and open places of cheating, and she will
say and avow it that none can show a good comparable to hers. She
promiseth to dwell with children's children, if they will but love her and make
much of her. She will cast out of her purse gold like dust.
In some places and to some persons. She loves to be sought after,
spoken well of, and to line the bosoms of men. She is never
weary of commending her commodities, and she loves them most that think best of
her. She will promise to some crowns and kingdoms, if they will but
take her advice. Yet many has she brought to the halter, and ten
thousand times more to hell. Standfast, oh, said, standfast? What
a mercy is it that I did resist her? For whither might she have
drawn me, mister greatheart? Whither? Nay, none, but God knows
whither. But in general, to be sure, she would have drawn thee
into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
First Timothy six nine. Twas she that set Absalom against his father, and
Jerobram against his master, Twas she that persuaded Judas to sell his Lord,
and that prevailed with damas 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 neighbor and neighbor, betwixt a man and his
wife, betwixt a man and himself, betwixt the flesh and the spirit.
Wherefore, good mister, standfast, be as your name is, and when
you have done all stand at this this course, there was among the pilgrims
a mixture of joy and trembling. But at length they broke out and sang,
what danger is the pilgrim in? How many are his foes? How
many ways they are to sin? No living mortal knows. Some in the
which are spoiler yay, can lie tumbling in the mire. Some though they
shun the frying pan to leap into the fire. After this I beheld until
they were come into the land of Bayola, where the sun shineth night and
day. Here, because they were weary, they betook themselves awhile to rest,
and because this country was common for pilgrims, and because the 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 sound so melodiously that they could not sleep. And yet they received as
much refreshing as if they had slept their sleep ever so soundly. Here also
all the noise of them that walked the street was more pilgrims come to town.
And another would answer, saying, and so many went over the water
and were let in at the golden gates. Today 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 to comfort them after all their sorrow. Then the
pilgrims got up and walked to and fro. But how were their ears now
filled with heavenly noises, and their eyes delighted 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
it tasted a little bitterish to the palate, but it proved sweeter 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 had had 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 much affection. Here also grew camphire, with spikenard
and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense, mirr
and aloes, with all chief spices. With these the pilgrim's chambers were perfumed
while they stayed 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 matter of
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 shouldst 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 with a point sharpened
with love, let easily into her heart, which by degrees wrought so truly
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 mister Greatheart, 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 him that he should give her advice how all things should
be prepared for her journey, he told her, saying, thus and thus
it must be, and we that survive will accompany you to the riverside.
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 command that her sons and daughters to be ready against the messengers
should come for them. When she had spoken these words to her guide and
to her children, she called for mister Valiant for truth, and said unto
him, Sir, you have in all places showed yourself true hearted, be
faithful unto death, and my King will give you a crown of life.
Revelations to ten. I would also entreat you to have an eye to my
children, and if at any time you see them faint, speak comfortably to
them. For my daughters, my son's wives, they have been faithful,
and a fulfilling of the promise upon them will be their end. But she
gave mister Steadfast a ring. Then she called for old mister honest, and
said of him, behold and Israelite, indeed in whom is no guile.
John one seven then said, he, I wish you a fair day when
ye set out for Mount Sion, and shall be glad to see that ye
go over the river dry shod. But she answered, come wet, come
dry. I long to be gone, for however the weather is in my
journey, I shall have time enough when I come there, to sit down
and rest me and dry me. Then came in that good man mister,
ready to halt to see her. So she said to him, thy travel
hitherto has been with difficulty, but that will make thy rest the sweeter,
watch and be ready, for at an hour when you think not, the
messenger may come. After him came mister Despondency and his daughter, much afraid,
to whom she said, you ought with thankfulness for ever to remember your
deliverance from the hands of giant despair and out of doubting castle. The effect
of that mercy is that you are brought with safety. Hither be ye watchful
and cast away fear, be sober and hope to the end. Then she
said to mister feeble mind, thou wast delivered from the mouth of giant slay
good, that thou mightst live in the light of the living and see thy
King with comfort. Only advise thee to repent of thine aptness to fear and
doubt of his goodness before he sends for thee, lest thou shouldst, when
he comes, be forced to stand before him for that fault with blushing.
Now the day drew on that Christiana must be gone. So the road was
full of people to see her take her journey. But behold, all the
banks beyond the river were full of horses and chariots which were come down from
above to accompany her to the city. Eight. So she came forth and
entered the river with a beckon of farewell to those that followed her. The
last words that she was heard to say were, I come, Lord,
to be with thee, and bless thee. So her children and friends returned
to their place, for those that waited for Christiana had carried her out of
their sight. So she went and called and entered in at their gate,
with all the ceremonies of joy that her husband Christian had entered with before her
at her departure. The children wept, but mister Greatheart and mister Valiot played
upon the well tuned symbol and heart for joy. So all departed to their
respective places. In process of time, there came a post to the town
again, and his business was with mister Ready to Halt. So he inquired
him out and said, I am come from him whom thou hast loved,
and followed thereupon crutches, and my message is to tell THEE that he expects
thee at his table to stop with him in his kingdom the next day after
Easter. Wherefore, prepare thyself for this journey. Then he also gave him
a token that he was a true messenger, saying I have broken thy golden
bowl and loosed thy silver cord Ecclesiastes twelve six. After this, mister Ready
to Halt called for his fellow pilgrims and told them, saying, I am
sent for, and God shall surely visit you also. So he desired mister
Valiant to make his will, and because he had nothing to bequeath to them
that should survive him, but his crutches and his good wishes. Therefore,
thus he said, these crutches I bequeath to my son that shall tread in
my steps with a hundred warm wishes that he may prove better than I have
been. Then he thanked mister Greatheart for his conduct and kindness, and so
addressed himself to his journey. When he came to the brink of the river,
he said, now I shall have no more need of these crutches,
since yonder are chariots and horses for me to ride on. The last words
he was heard to say, were welcome life. So he went his way.
After this, mister feeble Mind had tidings brought him that the post sounded
his horn at his chamber door. Then he came in and told him,
saying, I am come to tell THEE that thy master hath need of thee,
and that in a very little time thou must behold his face in brightness,
and take this as a token of the truth of my message, those
that look out at the windows shall be darkened Ecclesiastes twelve three. Then mister
feeble Mind called for his friends and told them what errand had been brought unto
him, and what token he had received of the truth of the message.
Then he said, since I have nothing to bequeath to any to what purpose
should I make a will as for my feeble mind, that I will leave
behind me, for that I shall have no need of it in the place
whither I go, Nor is it worth bestowing upon the poorest pilgrims. Wherefore,
when I am gone, I desire that you, mister Valiot, would
bury it in a dunghill. This done, and the day being come on
which he was to depart, he entered the river as the rest. His
last words were hold out faith and patience. So he went over to the
other side. When days had many of them passed away, mister Despondency was
sent for for a post was come and brought this message to him, trembling
man. These are to summon thee to be ready with the king by the
next lord's day, to shout for joy, for thy deliverance from all thy
doubtings. Anne said the messenger, that my message is true. Take this
for a proof. So he gave him a grasshopper to be a burden unto
him Ecclesiastes twelve five. Now mister Despondency's daughter, whose name was much Afraid,
said, when she heard what was done, that she would go with
her father. Then mister Despondency said to his friends myself and my daughter.
You know what we have been, and how troublesomely we have behaved ourselves in
every company. My will and my daughter's is that our desponds and slavish fears
be by no man ever received from the day of our departure for ever,
For I know that after my death they will offer themselves to others. For
to be plain with you, they are ghosts which we entertained when we first
began to be pilgrims, and could never shake them off after, and they
will walk about and seek entertainment of the pilgrims. But for our sakes shut
the doors upon them. When the time was come for them to depart,
they went up to the brink of the river. The last words of mister
Despondency were farewell night, welcome day. His daughter went through the river singing,
but none could understand what she said. Then it came to pass a
while after that there was a post in the town that inquired for mister Honest.
So he came to the house where he was and delivered to his hand
these lines. Thou Art commanded to be ready against this day seven night to
present thyself before thy lord at his father's house, and foretoken that my message
is true, all the daughters of music shall be brought low Ecclesiastes twelve four.
Then mister Honest called for his friends and said, unto them, I
die, but shall make no will as for my honesty. It shall go
with me, that him that comes after be told of this. When the
day that he was to be gone was come, he addressed himself to go
over the river. Now the river at that time overflowed its banks in some
places, But mister Honest in his lifetime had spoken to one good conscience to
meet him there, the which he also did, and lent him his hand,
and so helped him over the last words of mister Honest were grace reigns.
So he left the world. After this, it was noised abroad that
mister Valiant for Truth was taken with a summons by the same post as the
other, and had this for a token that the summons was true. That
his picture was broken at the fountain Ecclesiasts twelve six. When he understood it,
he called for his friends and told them of it. Then said he
I am going to my father's And though with great difficulty I have got hither.
Yet now I do not repent me of all the trouble I have been
at to arrive where I am. My sword I give to him that shall
succeed me in my pilgrimage, and my courage and skill to him that can
get it. My marks and scars I carry with me to be a witness
for me that I have fought his battles, who will now be my rewarder.
When the day that he must go hence was come. Many accompanied him
to the riverside, into which as he went he said, death, wear
is thy sting, And as he went down deb he said, grave,
where is thy victory? First Corinthian's fifteen fifty five. So he passed over,
and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side. Then they
came forth a summons for mister Steadfast. This mister Steadfast was he whom the
rest of the pilgrims found upon his knees in the enchanted ground, and the
post brought at him open in his hands. The contents thereof were that he
must prepare for a change of life, for his master was not willing that
he should be so far from him any longer. At this mister Steadfast was
put into a muse Nay, said the messenger, you need not doubt of
the truth of my message, for here is a token of the truth.
Thereof thy wheel is broken at the cistern Ecclesiasts twelve six. Then he called
to him, mister Greatheart, who their guide, and said, unto him,
sir, although it was not my hap to be much in your good
company during the days of my pilgrimage, yet since the time I knew you,
you have been profitable to me. When I came from home, I
left behind a wife and five small children. Let me entreat you at your
return, for I know that you go and return to your master's house in
hopes that you may yet be a conductor to more of the holy pilgrims.
That you send to my family. And let them be acquainted with all that
hath and shall happen unto me. Tell them moreof of my happy arrival at
this place, and of the present and late blessed condition I am in.
Tell them also of Christian and Christiana, his wife, and how she and
her children came after her husband. Tell them also of what a happy end
she made, and whither she is gone. I have little or nothing to
send to my family, unless it be prayers and tears for them, of
which it will suffice that you acquaint them, if, peradventure they may prevail.
When mister Steadfast had thus set things in order, the time being come
for him to haste him away, he also went down to the river.
Now there was a great calm at that time in the river. Wherefore mister
Steadfast, when he was about half way in, stood awhile and talked with
his companions that had waited upon him thither. And he said, this river
has been a terror to many. Yea, the thoughts of it also have
often frightened me. But now methinks I stand easy. My foot is fixed
upon that on which the feet of the priests that bare the ark of the
Covenant stood while Israel went over Jordan Joshua three seventeen. The waters, indeed
are to the palate bitter and to the stomach cold. Yet the thoughts of
what I am going to, and of the convoy that waits for me on
the other side, do lie as a glowing coal at my heart. I
see myself now at the end of my journey. My torsome days are ended,
I am going to see that head which was crowned with thorns, and
that face which was spit upon For me. I have formerly lived by hearsay
and faith. But now I go where I shall live by sight, and
shall be with him in whose company I delight myself. I have loved to
hear my Lord spoken of. And wherever I have seen the print of his
shoe in the earth, there I have coveted to set my foot to.
His name has been to me as a civit box. YEA sweeter than all
perfumes. His voice to me has been most sweet, and his countenance I
have more desired than they that have most desired the light of the sun.
His words I did use to gather for my food and for antidotes against my
faintings. He hath held me and had kept me from mine iniquities. Yea,
my steps hath he strengthened in his way. Now, while he was
thus in discourse, his countenance changed, His strong man bowed under him,
and after he had said, take me, for I come unto thee he
ceased to be seen of them. But glorious it was to see how the
open region was filled with horses and chariots with trumpeters and pipers, with singers
and players upon stringed instruments to welcome the pilgrims as they went up and followed
one another in at the beautiful gait of the city. As for Christiana's children,
the four boys that Christiana brought with their wives and children, I did
not stay where I was till they were gone over. Also, since I
came away, I heard one say that they were yet alive, and so
would be for the increase of the church in that place where they were for
a time. End Part two, the eighth Stage