PART 7.

   I saw also, that the Interpreter took him again by the hand, and led

   him into a pleasant place, where was built a stately palace, beautiful

   to behold; at the sight of which Christian was greatly delighted. He

   saw also upon the top thereof certain persons walking, who were clothed

   all in gold.

   Then said Christian may we go in thither?

   Then the Interpreter took him, and led him up towards the door of the

   palace; and behold, at the door stood a great company of men, as

   desirous to go in, but durst not. There also sat a man at a little

   distance from the door, at a table-side, with a book and his inkhorn

   before him, to take the names of them that should enter therein; he saw

   also that in the doorway stood many men in armor to keep it, being

   resolved to do to the men that would enter, what hurt and mischief they

   could. Now was Christian somewhat in amaze. At last, when every man

   started back for fear of the armed men, Christian saw a man of a very

   stout countenance come up to the man that sat there to write, saying,

   "Set down my name, sir;" the which when he had done, he saw the man

   draw his sword, and put a helmet on his head, and rush towards the door

   upon the armed men, who laid upon him with deadly force; but the man,

   not at all discouraged, fell to cutting and hacking most fiercely. So

   after he had received and given many wounds to those that attempted to

   keep him out,  Matt. 11:12; Acts 14:22; he cut his way through them all,

   and pressed forward into the palace; at which there was a pleasant

   voice heard from those that were within, even of those that walked upon

   the top of the palace, saying,

   "Come in, come in,

   Eternal glory thou shalt win."

   So he went in, and was clothed with such garments as they. Then

   Christian smiled, and said, I think verily I know the meaning of this.

  "Here I have seen things rare and profitable,

   Things pleasant, dreadful, things to make me stable

   In what I have begun to take in hand:

   Then let me think on them, and understand

   Wherefore they showed me were, and let me be

   Thankful, O good Interpreter, to thee."

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