
PART 11.
Then I saw in my dream, that on the morrow he got up to go forward, but
they desired him to stay till the next day also; and then, said they,
we will, if the day be clear, show you the Delectable Mountains; which,
they said, would yet farther add to his comfort, because they were
nearer the desired haven than the place where at present he was; so he
consented and stayed. When the morning was up, they had him to the top
of the house, and bid him look south. So he did, and behold, at a great
distance, he saw a most pleasant mountainous country, beautified with
woods, vineyards, fruits of all sorts, flowers also, with springs and
fountains, very delectable to behold. Isa. 33:16,17. Then he asked the
name of the country. They said it was Immanuel's land; and it is as
common, said they, as this hill is, to and for all the pilgrims. And
when thou comest there, from thence thou mayest see to the gate of the
celestial city, as the shepherds that live there will make appear.
Now he bethought himself of setting forward, and they were willing he
should. But first, said they, let us go again into the armory. So they
did; and when he came there, they harnessed him from head to foot with
what was of proof, lest perhaps he should meet with assaults in the
way. He being therefore thus accoutred, walked out with his friends to
the gate; and there he asked the Porter if he saw any pilgrim pass by.
Then the Porter answered, Yes.
Christian: Pray, did you know him? said he.
The Porter: I asked his name, and he told me it was Faithful.
Christian: O, said Christian, I know him; he is my townsman, my near
neighbor; he comes from the place where I was born. How far do you
think he may be before?
The Porter: He is got by this time below the hill.
Christian: Well, said Christian, good Porter, the Lord be with thee,
and add to all thy plain blessings much increase for the kindness that
thou hast showed me.
Then he began to go forward; but Discretion, Piety, Charity, and
Prudence would accompany him down to the foot of the hill. So they went
on together, reiterating their former discourses, till they came to go
down the hill. Then said Christian, As it was difficult coming up, so,
so far as I can see, it is dangerous going down. Yes, said Prudence, so
it is; for it is a hard matter for a man to go down into the valley of
Humiliation, as thou art now, and to catch no slip by the way;
therefore, said they, we are come out to accompany thee down the hill.
So he began to go down, but very warily; yet he caught a slip or two.
Then I saw in my dream, that these good companions, when Christian was
got down to the bottom of the hill, gave him a loaf of bread, a bottle
of wine, and a cluster of raisins; and then he went on his way,
"Whilst Christian is among his godly friends,
Their golden mouths make him sufficient mends
For all his griefs; and when they let him go,
He's clad with northern steel from top to toe."
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