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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