第8章

Therearesomemenwhosewholemindandheartandwill，whosewholeinwardman，hasgonetoroot。Allthestrengthandallthefatnessoftheirreligiousliferetreatintoitsroot。Theyhavenoleavesatall，andtheyhavetoolittlefruitasyet；butyoushouldseetheirroots。Only，noeyebuttheeyeofGodcanseesorrowforsin——secretandsorehumiliationonaccountofsecretsin——theincessantagonythatgoesonwithinbetweenthefleshandthespirit，betweensinandgrace，betweenveryhellandheavenitself。

Toknowyourownevilhearts，mybrethren，saytoyouonthatsubjectwhatanyTemporarywill，istheveryrootofthewholemattertoyou。WhateverDr。Newman’smistakesastooutwardchurchesmayhavebeen，hewasamasterofthehumanheart，themostdifficultofallmatterstomaster。Listen，then，towhathesaysonthematternowinhand。”Now，unlesswehavesomejustideaofourheartsandofsin，wecanhavenorightideaofaMoralGovernor，aSaviour，oraSanctifier；thatis，inprofessingtobelieveinthemweshallbeusingwordswithoutattachinganydistinctmeaningtothem。Thusself-knowledgeisattherootofallrealreligiousknowledge；anditisvain，——itisworsethanvain，——itisadeceitandamischief，tothinktounderstandtheChristiandoctrinesasamatterofcourse，merelybybeingtaughtbybooks，orbyattendingsermons，orbyanyoutwardmeans，howeverexcellent，takenbythemselves。ForitisinproportionaswesearchourheartsandunderstandourownnaturethatweunderstandwhatismeantbyanInfiniteGovernorandJudge；itisinproportionaswecomprehendthenatureofdisobedienceandouractualsinfulnessthatwefeelwhatistheblessingoftheremovalofsin，redemption，pardon，sanctification，whichotherwisearemerewords。Godspeakstousprimarilyinourhearts。Self-

knowledgeisthekeytothepreceptsanddoctrinesofScripture。

Theveryutmostthatanyoutwardnoticesofreligioncandoistostartleusandmakeusturninwardandsearchourhearts；andthen，whenwehaveexperiencedwhatitistoreadourselves，weshallprofitbythedoctrineoftheChurchandtheBible。”Mybrethren，thetemperinwhichyoureceivethatpassage，andreceiveitfromitsauthor，maybesafelytakenbyyouasasurepresagewhetheryouaretoturnoutaTemporaryandaCastawayorno。

Now，toconcludewithawordofadmission，and，boundupwithit，awordofencouragement。Afterallthathasbeensaid，IfullyadmitthatweareallTemporariestobeginwith。Weallcooldownfromourfirstheatinreligion。Weallhaltfromourfirstspurt。Weallturnbackfromfaithandfromdutyandfromprivilegethroughourfearofmen，orthroughourcorruptloveofourselves，orthroughourcoarse-mindedloveofthispresentworld。Only，thosewhoareappointedtoperseverance，andthroughthattoeternallife，alwayskindleagain；theyarekindledagain，andtheylovethereturnoftheirlostwarmth。Theyrecoverthemselvesandaddressthemselvesagainandagaintotheracethatisstillsetbeforethem。Theyprovethemselvesnottobeofthosewhodrawbackuntoperdition，butofthosethatbelievetothesavingofthesoul。Now，ifyouhaveonlytoogoodgroundtosuspectthatyouarebutatemporarybeliever，whatareyoutodotomakeyoursureescapeoutofthatperilousstate？What，buttokeeponbelieving？

Youmustcryconstantly，Lord，Ibelieve，helpThoumineunbelief！

Whenatanytimeyouareunderanytemptationorcorruption，andyoufeelthatyourfaithandyourlovearelettingsliptheirholdofChristandofeternallife，thenknotyourweakheartallthefastertothethroneofgrace，tothecrossofChrist，andtothegateofheaven。Giveupallyourmindandheart，andallthatiswithinyou，totheonethingneedful。LabournightanddayinyourownheartatbelievingonChrist，atlovingyourneighbour，andatdiscovering，denying，andcrucifyingyourself。Itwillallpayyouinthelongrun。Forifyoudoallthesethings，andpersistentlydothem，then，thoughyouareatthismomentallbutdeadtoalldivinethings，andallbutareprobate，itwillbefoundatlastthatallthetimeyournamewaswrittenamongtheelectinheaven。

Theperseveranceofthesaints，the”fivepoints”notwithstanding，isnotaforegoneconclusion。Thefinalperseveranceoftheripestandsurestsaintisallmadeupofever-newbeginningsinrepentance，infaith，inlove，andinobedience。Begin，then，everynewdaytorepentanew，toreturnanew，tobelieveandtoloveanew。AndifallyourNew-Yearrepentancesandreturningsandreformationsareallalreadyprovedtobebuttemporary——eveniftheylieallaroundyoualreadyabittermockeryofallyourprofessions——still，beginagain。Beginto-night，andbeginagainto-morrowmorning。Spendalltheremainderofyourdaysonearthbeginning。And，ereeveryouareaware，thefinalperseveranceofanotherpredestinatedsaintwillbefoundaccomplishedinyou。

SECRET”ThesecretoftheLordiswiththemthatfearHim。”——David。

Atrulyreligiouslifeisalwaysasecretlife:itisalifehid，asPaulhasit，withChristinGod。ThesecretoftheLord，saysthePsalmist，iswiththemthatfearHim。AndthusitisthatwhenmenbegintofearGod，boththeirheartsandtheirlivesarehenceforthfullofallkindsofsecretsthatareknowntothemselvesandtoGodonly。ItwaswhenChristiana’sfearfulthoughtsbegantoworkinhermindaboutherhusbandwhomshehadlost——itwaswhenallherunkind，unnatural，andungodlycarriagestoherdearfriendcameintohermindinswarms，cloggedherconscience，andloadedherwithguilt——itwasthenthatSecretknockedatherdoor。”Nextmorning，”soheropeninghistoryruns，”whenshewasup，andhadprayedtoGod，andtalkedwithherchildrenawhile，oneknockedhardatthedoortowhomshespakeout，saying，IfthoucomestinGod’sname，comein。Sohewhowasatthedoorsaid，Amen，andopenedthedoor，andsalutedherwith，Peacebetothishouse。Thewhichwhenhehaddone，hesaid，Christiana，knowestthouwhereforeIamcome？Thensheblushedandtrembled，alsoherheartbegantowaxwarmwithdesirestoknowwhencehecame，andwhatwashiserrandtoher。Sohesaiduntoher，MynameisSecret，Idwellwiththosethatarehigh。ItistalkedofwhereIdwellasifthouhadstadesiretogothither；

also，thereisareportthatthouartawarenowoftheevilthouformerlydidsttothyhusbandinhardeningofthyheartagainsthisway，andinkeepingofthybabesintheirignorance。Christiana，theMercifulOnehassentmetotelltheethatHeisaGodreadytoforgive，andthatHetakethdelighttomultiplytopardonoffences。

HewouldalsohavetheeknowthatHeinviteththeetocomeintoHispresence，eventoHistable，andthatHewilltherefeedtheewiththefatofHishouse，andwiththeheritageofJacobthyfather。

Christianaatallthiswasgreatlyabashedinherself，andshebowedherheadtotheground，whilehervisitorproceededandsaid，Christiana，hereisaletterfortheewhichIhavebroughtfromthyhusband’sKing。Soshetookitandopenedit，and，assheopenedit，itsmeltafterthemannerofthebestperfume；alsoitwaswritteninletteringofgold。Thecontentsoftheletterwastothiseffect，thattheKingwouldhaveherdoasdidChristianherhusband，forthatwasthewaytocometothecityandtodwellinHispresencewithjoyforever。Atthisthegoodwomanwascompletelyovercome。Soshesaidtohervisitor，Sir，willyoucarrymeandmychildrenwithyouthatwemaygoandworshipthisKing？Thensaidtheheavenlyvisitor，Christiana，thebitterisbeforethesweet。Thoumustthroughtroubles，asdidhethatwentbeforethee，enterthiscelestialcity。”Andsoon。

1。Now，tobeginwith，youwillhavenoticedthewayinwhichChristianawaspreparedfortheentranceofSecretintoherhouse。

Shewasawidow。Shesataloneinthatlonelinesswhichonlywidowsknowandunderstand。Morethanlonely，shewasverymiserable。”Markthis，”saystheauthoronthemargin，”youthatarechurlstoyourgodlyrelations。”Forthiswidowfeltsurethatherhusbandhadbeentakenfromherbecauseofhercruelbehaviourtohim。Herpastunnaturalcarriagestowardherhusbandnowrenttheverycaulofherheartinsunder。And，againandagain，aboutthatsametimestrangedreamswouldsometimesvisither。Dreamssuchasthis。Shewouldseeherhusbandinaplaceofblisswithaharpinhishand，standingandplayinguponitbeforeOnethatsatonathronewitharainbowroundHishead。ShesawalsoasifhebowedhisheadwithhisfacetothepavedworkthatwasunderthePrince’sfeet，saying，IheartilythankmyLordandKingforbringingmetothisplace。Youwilleasilyseehowreadythislonewomanwaswithallthatforhisentrancewhoknockedandsaid，Peacebetothishouse，andhandedheraletterofperfumefromherhusband’sKing。Thenyouwillhaveremarkedalsosomeofthethingsthisvisitorfromonhighsaidtoheroftheplacewhencehehadcome。Hetoldher，tobeginwith，howtheysometimestalkedaboutherinhiscountry。Shethoughtthatshewasalonelyandforgottenwidow，andthatnoonecaredwhatbecameofher。Buthervisitorassuredhershewasquitewronginthinkingthat。Hehadoftenhimselfheardhernamementionedinconversationabove；andthemosthopefulreports，hetoldher，werecirculatedfromdoortodoorthatshewasactuallyallbutstartedontheupwardway。Yes，hesaid，andwehaveaplacepreparedforyouonthestrengthofthesereports，aplaceamongtheimmortalsclosebesideyourhusband。Andallthat，asyouwillnotwonder，wasthebeginningofChristiana’ssecretlife。Afterthatmorningsheneveragainfeltaloneorforgotten。Iamnotalone，shewouldafterthatsay，whenanyofheroldneighboursknockedatherdoor。No，Iamnotalone，butifthoucomestinGod’sname，comein。

2。AndfromthatdayalongsuccessionofsecretprovidencesbegantoenterChristiana’slife，till，astimewenton，herwholelifewasfilledfullofsecretprovidences。Andnotherpresentlifeonly，butherdiscoveriesofGod’ssecretprovidencestowardsherandhersbecameretrospectivealso，tillbothherownparentageandbirth，herhusband’sparentageandbirthalso，thedayshefirstsawhim，thedayoftheirespousals，thedayoftheirmarriage，andthedayofhisdeath，allshoneoutnowassomanysecretandspecialprovidencesofGodtowardher。BishopMartensenhasafinepassageonthefragmentarinessofourknowledge，notonlyofdivineprovidenceasawhole，butevenofthosedivineprovidencesthatfillupourownlives。Andhewarnsusthat，tillwehaveheardthe”PrologueinHeaven，”manyariddleinourlivesmustofnecessityremainunsolved。Christianacouldnothavetoldherinquiringchildrenwhataprologuewas，noranepilogueeither，butmanywerethewiseandwinningdiscoursessheheldwithherboysabouttheirfathernowinheaven，aboutherhappinessinhavinghadsuchafatherforherchildren，andabouttheirhappinessthattheroadwasopenbeforethemtogotowherehenowis。Andtherearemanypoorwidowsamongourselveswhoarewiserthanalltheirteachers，becausetheyareinthatschoolofexperienceintowhichGodtakesHisafflictedpeopleandopenstothemHisdeepestsecrets。Theyremember，withJob，whenthesecretoftheLordwasfirstupontheirtabernacle。Theirwidowedheartsarefullofholyhouseholdmemories。TheyrememberthedayswhenthecandleoftheLordshoneupontheirheadwhentheywashedtheirstepswithbutter，andtherockpouredthemoutriversofoil。Andstill，when，likeJobalso，theysitsolitaryamongtheashes，thesecretoftheLordisonlythemoresecretlyandintimatelywiththem。

JohnBunyanwaswellfittedtobeChristiana’sbiographer，becausehisownlifewasasfullasitcouldholdofthesesamesecretandspecialprovidences。Onedayhewaswalking——sohetellsus——inagoodman’sshop，bemoaninghimselfofhissadanddolefulstate——

whenamightyrushingwindcameinthroughthewindowandseemedtocarrywordsofScriptureonitswingstoBunyan’sdisconsolatesoul。Hecandidlytellsusthathedoesnotknow，aftertwentyyears’reflection，whattomakeofthatstrangedispensation。Thatittookplace，andthatitleftthemostblessedresultsbehindit，heissure；butastohowGoddidit，bywhatmeans，bywhatinstruments，boththerushingwinditselfandthesalutationthataccompaniedit，heisfaintoletlietillthedayofjudgment。

Andmanyofourselveshavehadstrangedispensationstoothatwemustleavealone，andseeknootherexplanationofthemforthepresentbuttheblessedresultsofthem。Wehavehaddivinedescentsintoourlivesthatwecanneverattempttodescribe。

Interpositionsasplaintousasifwehadbothseenandspokenwiththeangelwhoexecutedthem。MiraculousdeliverancesthatthrowmanyOldandNewTestamentmiraclesintotheshade。

Providentialadaptationsandreadjustmentsalso，asifallthingswereactuallyandopenlyandwithoutaveilbeingmadetoworktogetherforourgood。Extricationsalso；netsbroken，snaressnapped，andsuchpavilionsofsafetyandsolaceopenedtousthatwecanfindnopsalmsecretandspecialenoughinwhichtoutterourlife-longastonishment。Importunateprayersanticipated，postponed，denied，translated，transmuted，andthenansweredtillourcupwastoofull；sweetchangedtobitter，andbitterchangedtosweet，sowonderfully，sograciously，andsooften，thatwordsfailus，andwecanonlynowlaughandnowweepoveritall。PoorCowperknewsomethingaboutit-”GodmovesinamysteriouswayHiswonderstoperform；

HeplantsHisfootstepsinthesea，Andridesuponthestorm。

Yefearfulsaints，freshcouragetake，ThecloudsyesomuchdreadArebigwithmercy，andshallbreakInblessingsonyourhead。”Blindunbeliefissuretoerr，Andscanhisworkinvain；

GodisHisowninterpreter，AndHewillmakeitplain。

3。Secretscripturesalso——fromthatenlighteningdayChristiana’sBiblebecamefullofthem。Petersaysthatnoprophecyisofanyprivateinterpretation；and，whateverhemeansbythat，whathesaysmustbetrue。ButChristianawouldhaveunderstoodtheapostlebetterifhehadsaidtheexactoppositeofthat，——ifnotabouttheprophecies，atleastaboutthepsalms。Leavethepropheciesinthisconnectionalone；butofthepsalmsitmaysafelybesaidthatitisneithertheliteralnorthehistoricalnorthemysticalinterpretationthatgetsattheheartofthosesupremescriptures。Itistheprivate，personal，and，indeed，secretinterpretationthatgetsbestatthedeepestheartofthepsalms。AnoldBiblecameintomyhandstheotherday——aBiblethathadseenservice——anditopenedofitsownaccordattheBookofPsalms。OnturningovertheyellowleavesIfoundadateandadeepindentationoppositethesewords:”CommitthywayuntotheLord:trustalsoinHim:andHewillbringittopass。”AndasI

lookedatthefiguresonthemargin，andattheunderscoredtext，I

feltasifIwereonthebrinkofanold-worldsecret。”Createinmeacleanheart”hadasignificantinitialalso；ashadthis:”ThesacrificesofGodareabrokenspirit。”Thewholeofthehundred-and-thirdpsalmwasbracketedofffromallpublicinterpretation；whilethetenth，thecardinalverseofthatsecretpsalm，hadaspecialsealsetuponit。Judgingfromitsstainsandscarsandotheraccidents，thewholeofthehundred-and-nineteenthpsalmhadbeenaspecialfavourite；whilethehundred-and-forty-

thirdalsowasallbroideredroundwithshorthandsymbols。Butthesecretkeyofallthosesymbolsanddatesandenigmaticalmarkswasnolongertobefound；ithadbeencarriedawayintheowner’sownheart。But，myheadbeingfullofChristianaatthetime，IfeltasifIheldherownoldBibleinmyhandasIturnedoverthoseancientleaves。

4。OurLordsopractisedsecrecyHimselfinHisfasting，inHispraying，andinHisalmsgiving，andHemakessomuchofthatsamesecrecyinallHisteaching，asalmosttomaketheessenceofalltruereligiontostandinitssecrecy。”Whenthouprayest，”saysourLord，”shutthydoorandprayinsecret。”Asmuchastosaythatwearescarcelyprayingatallwhenweareprayinginpublic。

Prayinginpublicissodifficultthatnewbeginners，likeHisdisciples，havetopractisethatsodifficultartforalongtimeinsecret。Publicprayerhassomanybesettingsins，itisopentosomanytemptations，distractions，andcorruptions，thatitisalmostimpossibletopreservetherealessenceofprayerinpublicprayer。Butinsecretallthosetemptationsanddistractionsarehappilyabsent。Wehavenotemptationtobetoolonginsecretprayer，ortooloud，ortooeloquent。StatelyoldEnglishgoesfornothinginsecretprayer。Weneverneedtogotoourkneesinsecrettrembling，lestwelosethethreadofourprayer，orforgetthatsofitandsofineexpression。Thelongerwearethebetterinsecretprayer。Muchspeakingisreallyavirtueinsecretprayer；muchspeakingandmanyrepetitions。Also，wecanputthingsintooursecretprayersthatwedarenotcomewithinathousandmilesofinthepulpit，ortheprayer-meeting，orthefamily。Wecanenterintothemostplain-spokenparticularsaboutourselvesinsecret。Wecanputourpropernameuponourselves，anduponouractions，andespeciallyuponourthoughtswhenourdoorisshut。Then，again，wecanprayforotherpeoplebynameinsecret；wecanenter，sofarasweknowthem，intoalltheircircumstancesinawayitisimpossibletodoanywherebutintheutmostsecrecy。Wecan，inshort，beourselvesinsecret；and，unlessitistopleaseortoimpressmen，wehadbetternotprayatallunlessweareourselveswhenweareengagedinit。Youcanbeyourself，yourveryworstself；nay，youmustbe，elseyouwillnotlongprayinsecret，andevenifyoudidyouwouldnotbeheard。I

donotrememberthatverymuchissaidinsomanywordsinherafter-historyaboutChristiana’shabitsofcloset-prayer。ButthatSecrettaughthertheway，andwaitedtillshehadtastedthesweetnessandthestrengthofbeingagoodwhileonherkneesalone，Iamsafetosay；indeed，Ireaditbetweenthelinesinallherafter-life。Shewasrewardedopenlyinawaythattestifiestomuchsecretprayer；thatistosay，intheearlyconversionofherchildren，inthewaytheysettledinlife，andsuchlikethings。

Praymuchforthosethingsinsecretthatyouwishtopossessopenly。

5。Butperhapsthebestandmostinfallibleevidencewecanhaveofthetruthofourreligioninthislifeisinthesteadyincreaseofoursecretsinfulness。Christianahadnotroublewithherownwickedheartsolongasshewasawomanofawickedlife。Butdirectlyshebecameanewcreature，herheartbegantoswarm，suchisherownexpression，withsinfulmemories，sinfulthoughts，andsinfulfeelings；tillshehadneedofsomeoneevernearher，likeGreatheart，constantlytoassureherthatthosecruelanddeadlyswarms，insteadofbeingabadsignofhersalvation，weretheverybestsignspossibleofhergoodestate。Humilityisthefoundationofallourgraces，andthereisnohumilitysodeepandsoever-

deepeningasthatevangelicalhumilitywhichinitsturnrisesoutofandrestsuponsecretsinfulness。Notuponactsofsecretsin。

Donotmistakeme。Actsofsecretsinhardentheheartanddebauchtheconscience。ButIspeakofthatsecret，original，unexplored，andinexpugnablesinfulnessoutofwhichallasinner’sactualsins，bothopensinsandsecret，spring；andoutofwhichalikelifeofopenandactualsinswouldspringinGod’sverybestsaints，ifonlybothHeandtheydidnotwatchnightanddayagainstthem。Sensibilitytosin，orrathertosinfulness，isfarandawaythebestevidenceofsanctificationthatispossibletousinthislife。Itisthiskeenandbittersensibilitythatsecures，amidalloppositionsandobstructions，thetruesaint’sonwardandupwardprogress。Wereitnotforthemiseryoftheirownhearts，God’sbestsaintswouldfallasleepandgobacklikeothermen。A

sinfulheartisthemiseryofallmiseries。Itisthedeepestanddarkestofalldungeons。Itisthemostpainfulandthemostloathsomeofalldiseases。Andthesecrecyofitalladdstothebitternessandthegallofitall。Wemayknowthatothermen’sheartsareassinfulasourown，butwedonotfeeltheirsinfulness。Wecannotsensiblyfeelhumiliation，bondage，sickness，andself-loathingonaccountofanotherman’senvy，orill-will，orresentment，orcruelty，orfalsehood，orimpurity。

Allthesethingsmustbeourownbeforewecanenterintothepainandtheshameofthem；but，whenwedo，thenwetastewhatdeathandhellareindeed。AsIwritethesefeeblewordsaboutit，adevil’sshaftofenvythatwasshotallagainstmywillintomyheartthismorning，still，afterawholeday，ranklesandfestersthere。Ihavebeenonmykneeswithitagainandagain；Ihavestoodandlookedintoanopengraveto-day；butthereitissuckingatmyheart’sbloodstill，likealeechofhell。Whocanunderstandhiserrors？CleanseThoumefromsecretfaults。Createinmeacleanheart，OGod，OwretchedmanthatIam！”Letaman，”

saysWilliamLawwhenheisenforcinghumility，”butconsiderthatiftheworldknewallthatofhimwhichheknowsofhimself:iftheysawwhatvanityandwhatpassionsgovernhisinside，andwhatsecrettemperssullyandcorrupthisbestactions，hewouldhavenomorepretencetobehonouredandadmiredforhisgoodnessandwisdomthanarottenanddistemperedbodytobelovedandadmiredforitsbeautyandcomeliness。Thisissotrue，andsoknowntotheheartsofalmostallpeople，thatnothingwouldappearmoredreadfultothemthantohavetheirheartsfullydiscoveredtotheeyesofallbeholders。And，perhaps，thereareveryfewpeopleintheworldwhowouldnotratherchoosetodiethantohavealltheirsecretfollies，theerrorsoftheirjudgments，thevanityoftheirminds，thefalsenessoftheirpretences，thefrequencyoftheirvainanddisorderlypassions，theiruneasinesses，hatreds，envies，andvexationsmadeknowntoalltheworld。”WheredidWilliamLawgetthatterriblepassage？WherecouldhegetitbutinthesecretheartofthemiserableauthoroftheSeriousCall？

6。Thehalfcannotbetoldoftheguiltandthecorruption，thepainandtheshameandthemanifoldmiseryofsecretsin；butallthatwillbetold，believed，andunderstoodbyallmenlongbeforethefullmagnificenceoftheirsanctification，andthesuperbtranscendenceoftheirblessedness，willevenbegintobedescribedtoGod’ssecretsaints。For，allthatsleepless，cruel，andsoul-

killingpain，andallthatshamefulandhumblingcorruption，——allthatmeans，allthatis，somuchholiness，somuchheaven，workingitselfoutinthesoul。Allthatissomuchimmortallife，spotlessbeauty，andincorruptiblejoyalreadybeguninthesoul。

Everysuchpanginaholyheartisadeath-pangofanothersinandabirth-pangofanothergrace。Brotherlyloveisatlastbeingbornnevertodieinthatheartwhereenvyandmaliceandresentmentandrevengearecausinginwardagony。AndhumilityandmeeknessandthewholemindofChristaretherewhereprideandangerandill-willarefelttobeveryhellitself。Andholiness，evenasGodisholy，willsoonbethereforeverwherethesinfulnessofsinisasinner’sacutestsorrow。”Asforme，”saidonewhosesinwaseverbeforehim，”IwillbeholdThyfaceinrighteousness；IshallbesatisfiedwhenIwakewithThylikeness。”

MRS。TIMOROUS”Butthefearful[literally，thetimidandthecowardly]shallhavetheirpartintheseconddeath。”——Revelationxxi。

NosoonerhadSecretbiddenChristianafarewellthanshebeganwithallhermighttomakereadyforhergreatjourney。”Come，mychildren，letuspackupandbegonetothegatethatleadstotheCelestialCity，thatwemayseeyourfatherandbewithhim，andwithhiscompanions，inpeace，accordingtothelawsofthatland。”

Andthen:”Comein，ifyoucomeinGod’sname！”Christianacalledout，astwoofherneighboursknockedatherdoor。”Havinglittletodoathomethismorning，”saidtheelderofthetwowomen，”I

havecomeacrosstokillalittletimewithyou。IspentlastnightwithMrs。Light-mind，andIhavesomegoodnewsforyouthismorning。””Iamjustpreparingforajourneythismorning，”saidChristiana，packingupallthetime，”andIhavenotsomuchasonemomenttospare。”YouknowyourselveswhatChristiana’snervousnessandalmostimpatiencewere。Youknowhowitupsetsyourgoodtemperandallyourcivilitywhenyouarepackingupforalongabsencefromhome，andsomeonecomesin，andwilltalk，andwillnotseehowbehindhandandhowbusyyouare。”Forwhatjourney，Iprayyou？”askedMrs。Timorous，forthatwashervisitor’sname。”Eventogoaftermygoodhusband，”thebusywomansaid，andwiththatshefella-weeping。ButyoumustreadthewholeaccountofthateventfulmorninginChristiana’smemoirsforyourselvestillyouhaveit，asSecretsaid，byroot-of-heart。Ontheunderstandingthatyouarenottotalstrangerstothatsoexcellently-writtenpassageIshallnowventureafewobservationsuponit。

1。Well，tobeginwith，Mrs。Timorouswasnotabadwoman，aswomenwentinthattownandinthatday。Hercompanions，——hergossips，asshewouldhavecalledthem，——werefarworsewomenthanshewas；and，haditnotbeenforherfamilyinfirmity，haditnotbeenforthattimid，hesitating，lukewarm，andhalf-and-halfhabitofmindwhichshehadinheritedfromherfather，thereisnosayingwhatpartshemighthaveplayedinthefamousexpeditionofChristianaandMercyandtheboys。Herfatherhadbeenapilgrimhimselfatonetime；buthehadnowforalongtimebeenknowninthetownasaturncoatandatemporary，andallhischildrenhadunhappilytakenaftertheirfatherinthat。Hadherfatherheldonasheatonetimehadbegun——hadheheldoninthefaceofallfearandalldangerasChristiana’snoblehusbandhaddone——toacertaintyhisdaughterwouldhavestartedthatmorningwithChristianaandhercompany，andwouldhavebeen，ifatimid，easilyscared，andtroublesomepilgrim，yetastrueapilgrim，andmadeaswelcomeatlast，as，say，MissMuch-afraid，Mr。Fearing，andMr。

Ready-to-haltweremade。Butherfather’ssuperficialityandshakiness，andatbottomhiswarmloveofthisworldandhislukewarmloveoftheworldtocome，hadunfortunatelyalldescendedtohisdaughter，tillwefindheractuallyrevilingChristianaonthatdecisivemorning，andreturningtoherdishofteaandtittle-

tattlewithMrs。Bats-eyes，Mrs。Inconsiderate，Mrs。Light-mind，andMrs。Know-nothing。

2。ThethingthatpositivelyterrifiedMrs。TimorousattheverythoughtofsettingoutwithChristianathatmorningwasthatintolerablewayinwhichChristianahadbeguntogobackuponherpastlifeasawifeandamother。Christianacouldnothideherdeepdistress，and，indeed，shedidnotmuchtry。Suchweretheswarmsofpainfulmemoriesthatherhusband’slatedeath，thevisitofSecret，andonethingandanotherhadletlooseuponChristiana’smind，thatshecouldtakepleasureinnothingbutinhowshewastoescapeawayfromherpastlife，andhowshecouldinanywaymenditandmakeupforitwhereshecouldnotescapefromit。”Youmayjudgeyourself，”saidMrs。TimoroustoMrs。Light-

mind，”whetherIwaslikelytofindmuchentertainmentwithawomanlikethat！”For，Mrs。Timoroustoo，youmustknow，hadapastlifeofherown；anditwasthatpastlifeofhersallbroughtbackbyChristiana’swordsthatmorningthatmadeMrs。Timoroussorevileheroldfriendandreturntothesocietywesosoonseeherwith。

Now，isnotthisthecase，thatweallhaveswarmsofevilmemoriesthatwedarenotface？Thereisnosinglerelationshipinlifethatwecanboldlylookbackuponandfullyface。Assonorasdaughter，asbrotherorassister，asfriendoraslover，ashusbandoraswife，asministerorasmember，asmasterorasservant——whatswarmsofhornet-memoriesdarkenourheartsaswesolookback！Letanygrown-upman，withsomeimagination，tendernessofheart，andintegrityofconscience，gobackstepbystep，takingsometimetoit，——atanewyear，say，orabirthday，oronsomesuchsuitableoccasion:lethimgooverhispastlifebacktohisyouthandchildhood——andwhatanintolerableburdenwillbelaidonhisheartbeforeheisdone！Whatapanoramaofscarletpictureswillpassbeforehisinwardeye！Whataforestofaccusingfingerswillbepointedathim！Whathissingcurseswillbespatathimbothbythelipsofthelivingandthedead！Whatuntoldpainshewillseethathehascausedtotheinnocentandthehelpless！Whatdesolatingdisappointments，whatshipwrecksofhopetothismanandtothatwoman！Whatastoneofstumblinghehasbeentomanywhoonthatstonehavebeenforeverbrokenandlost！Whatarockofoffenceevenhismereinnocentexistence，allunknowntohimselftillafterwards，hasbeen！Swarms，saidChristiana。Swarmsofhornetsarmed，saidSamson。AndmanyofusunderstandwhatthatbitterwordmeansbetterthananycommentatoronBunyanoronMiltoncantellus。OneoftheholiestmentheChurchofEnglandeverproduced，andoneofherbestdevotionalwriters，usedtoshuthisdooronthenightofeveryfirstdayoftheweek，andonhiskneesspreadoutaprayerwhichalwayscontainedthispassage:”I

worshipThee，OGod，onmyface。Ismitemybreastandsaywiththepublican，Godbemercifultomeasinner；thechiefofsinners；

asinnerfarabovethepublican。Despisemenot——anuncleanworm，adeaddog，aputridcorpse。Despisemenot，despisemenot，O

Lord。ButlookuponmewiththoseeyeswithwhichThoudidstlookuponMagdaleneatthefeast，Peterinthehall，andthethiefonthecross。OthatmineeyeswereafountainoftearsthatImightweepnightanddaybeforeThee！Idespiseandbruisemyselfthatmypenitenceisnotdeeper，isnotfuller。HelpThoumineimpenitence，andmoreandmorepierce，rend，andcrushmyheart。

Mysinsaremoreinnumberthanthesand。Myiniquitiesaremultiplied，andIhavenorelief。”PerishyourPuritanism，andyourprayer-bookstoo！Ihearsomehigh-mindedandindignantmansaying。PerishyourCelestialCityandallmydesireafterit，beforeIsaythelikeofthataboutmyself！Bravewords，mybrother；bravewords！Buttherehavebeenmenasblamelessasyouare，andasbrave-heartedoverit，who，whenthescalesfellofftheireyes，wereheardcryingouteverafter:OwretchedmanthatIam！And:Havemercyonme，thechiefofsinners！Andso，ifitsopleaseGod，willityetbewithyou。

3。”Havinghadlittletodothismorning，”saidMrs。TimoroustoMrs。Light-mind，”IwenttogiveChristianaavisit。””Law，”I

readinhismostimpressiveLife，”bythistimewaswellturnedfifty，butheroseasearlyandwasassoonathisdeskaswhenhewasstillanew，enthusiastic，andscrupulouslymethodicalstudentatCambridge。”SummerandwinterLawrosetohisdevotionsandhisstudiesatfiveo’clock，notbecausehehadimperativesermonstoprepare，butbecause，inhisownwords，itismorereasonabletosupposeapersonupearlybecauseheisaChristianthanbecauseheisalaboureroratradesmanoraservant。Ihaveagreatdealofbusinesstodo，hewouldsay。Ihaveahardenedhearttochange；I

havestillthewholespiritofreligiontoget。WhenLawatanytimefeltatemptationtorelaxhisruleofearlydevotion，heagainremindedhimselfhowfasthewasbecominganoldman，andhowfarbackhissanctificationstillwas，tillheflunghimselfoutofbedandbegantomakehimselfanewheartbeforetheservantshadlightedtheirfiresorthefarmershadyokedtheirhorses。Shameonyou，hesaidtohimself，toliefoldedupinabedwhenyoumightbepouringoutyourheartinprayerandinpraise，andthusbepreparingyourselfforaplaceamongthoseblessedbeingswhorestnotdayandnightsaying，Holy，Holy，Holy。”Ihavelittletodothismorning，”saidMrs。Timorous。”ButIampreparingforajourney，”saidChristiana。”Ihavenowapriceputintomyhandtogetgain，andIshouldbeafoolofthegreatestsizeifIshouldhavenohearttostrikeinwiththeopportunity。”

4。AnotherthingthatcompletelythrewoutChristiana’sidlevisitorandmadeherdownrightangrywasthewayshewouldfingerandkissandreadpiecesoutofthefragrantlettersheheldinherhand。YouwillrememberhowChristianacamebythatlettershewasnowsofondof。”Here，”saidSecret，”isaletterIhavebroughttheefromthyhusband’sKing。”Soshetookitandopenedit，anditsmeltafterthemannerofthebestperfume；alsoitwaswritteninlettersofgold。”Iadvisethee，”saidSecret，”thatthouputthisletterinthybosom，thatthoureadthereintothychildrenuntilyouhaveallgotitbyroot-of-heart。””Hismessengerwashere，”saidChristianatoMrs。Timorous，”andhasbroughtmealetterwhichinvitesmetocome。”Andwiththatshepluckedouttheletterandreadtoheroutofit，andsaid:”Whatnowdoyousaytoallthat？”That，again，issotruetoourownlife。Forthereisnothingthatmoredistastesanddisrelishesmanypeopleamongusthanjustthatweshouldnametothemourfavouritebooks，andreadapassageoutofthem，andaskthemtosaywhattheythinkofsuchwonderfulwords。SamuelRutherford’sLetters，forinstance；abookthatsmellstosomenostrilswiththesameheavenlyperfumeasSecret’sownletterdid。Abook，moreover，thatiswritteninthesameinkofgold。Askatafternoonteato-

morrow，eveninso-calledChristianhomes，whenanyoftheladiesroundthetablelastread，andhowoftentheyhaveread，GraceAbounding，TheSaint’sRest，TheReligiousAffections，JeremyTaylor，Law，aKempis，Fenelon，orsuchlike，andtheywillsmiletooneanotherandremarkafteryouaregoneonyourstrangetasteforold-fashionedandlong-windedandintrospectivebooks。”Juliahasburiedherhusbandandmarriedherdaughters，andsincethatshespendshertimeinreading。Sheisalwaysreadingfoolishandunedifyingbooks。Shetellsyoueverytimesheseesyouthatsheisalmostattheendofthesilliestbookthatevershereadinherlife。Butthebestofitisthatitservestodisposeofagooddealofhersparetime。Shetellsyouallromancesaresadstuff，yetsheisveryimpatienttillshecangetallshecanhearof。

HistoriesofintrigueandscandalarethebooksthatJuliathinksarealwaystooshort。Thetruthis，shelivesuponfollyandscandalandimpertinence。Thesethingsarethesupportofherdullhours。Andyetshedoesnotseethatinallthissheisplainlytellingyouthatsheisinamiserable，disordered，reprobatestateofmind。Now，whetheryoureadherbooksorno，youperhapsthinkwithherthatitisadulltasktoreadonlyreligiousandespeciallyspiritualbooks。Butwhenyouhavethespiritoftruereligion，whenyoucanthinkofGodasyouronlyhappiness，whenyouarenotafraidofthejoysofeternity，youwillthinkitadulltasktoreadanyotherbooks。Whenitisthecareofyoursoultobehumble，holy，pure，andheavenly-minded；whenyouknowanythingoftheguiltandmiseryofsin，orfeelarealneedofsalvation，thenyouwillfindreligiousandtrulyspiritualbookstobethegreatestfeastandjoyofyourmindandheart。”Yes。

AndthenweshallthankGodeverydaywelivethatHeraisedusupsuchhelpersinoursalvationasthegiftedandgraciousauthorswehavebeenspeakingof。

5。”ThefurtherIgothemoredangerImeetwith，”saidoldTimorous，thefather，toChristian，whenChristianaskedhimontheHillDifficultywhyhewasrunningthewrongway。”I，too，wasgoingtotheCityofZion，”hesaid；”butthefurtheronIgothemoredangerImeetwith。”And，insayingthat，theoldrunawaygaveourperseveringpilgrimsomethingtothinkaboutforallhisdays。For，againandagain，andtimeswithoutnumber，Christianwouldhavegonebacktooifonlyhehadknownwheretogo。Goon，therefore，hemust。Togobacktohimwassimplyimpossible。

Everydayhelivedhefeltthebittertruthofwhatthatoldapostatehadsounwittinglysaid。But，withallthathekepthimselfinhisonwardwaytill，dangersanddifficulties，deathandhellandall，hecametotheblessedendofit。Andthatsamehasbeentheuniversalexperienceofallthetrueandout-and-outsaintsofGodinalltime。IfpooroldTimoroushadonlyknownit，ifhehadonlyhadsomeonebesidehimtoremindhimofit，theverythingthatsofatallyturnedhimbackwasthebestproofpossiblethathewasontherightandtheonlyrightway；ay，andfastcoming，pooroldcastaway，totheverycityhehadatonetimesetouttoseek。Now，itisonlytoolikelythattherearesomeofmyhearersatthiswithittonight，thattheyareonthepointofgivingupthelifeoffaith，andhope，andlove，andholyliving；

becausethedeepertheycarrythatlifeintotheirownheartsthemoreimpossibletheyfindittolivethatlifethere。ThemoretheyaimtheirheartsatGod’slawthemoretheydespairofevercomingwithinsightofit。Mysupremelymiserablebrother！ifthisisanyconsolationtoyou，ifyoucantakeanycrumbofconsolationoutofit，letthisbetoldyou，that，asamatteroffact，alltrulyholymenhaveintheirheartofheartshadyourveryexperience。Thatisnostrangeandunheard-ofthingwhichispassingwithinyou。And，indeed，ifyoucouldbutbelieveit，thatisoneofthesurestsignsandsealsofatrueandgenuinechildofGod。Dante，oneofthebravest，buthardestbesteadofGod’ssaints，was，justlikeyou，well-nighgivingupthemountainaltogetherwhenhisGreatheart，whowasalwaysathisside，diviningwhatwasgoingonwithinhim，saidtohim-”ThosescarsThatwhentheypaintheemostthenkindliestheal。””ThemoreIdo，”complainedoneofThomasShepard’sbestfriendstohim，”theworseIam。””Thebestsaintsarethemostsensibleofsin，”wroteSamuelRutherford。And，againhewrote，”Sinragesfarmoreinthegodlythaneveritdoesintheungodly。”AndyoudarenotdenybutthatSamuelRutherfordwasoneoftheholiestmenthateverlived，orthatinsayingallthathewasspeakingofhimself。

AndNewman:”EveryonewhotriestodoGod’swill”——andthatalsoisNewmanhimself——”willfeelhimselftobefullofallimperfectionandsin；andthemorehesucceedsinregulatinghisheart，themorewillhediscernitsoriginalbitternessandguilt。”

Asourownhymnhasit:”TheywhofainwouldserveTheebestAreconsciousmostofwrongwithin。”

Withoutknowingit，Mrs。Timorous’srunawayfatherwasspeakingthesamelanguageasthechiefofthesaints。Onlyhesaid，”ThereforeIhaveturnedback，”whereas，firstChristian，andthenChristianahiswidow，said，”YetImustventure！”

Andsosayyou。Say，ImustandIwillventure！Sayit；clenchyourteethandyourhandsandsayit。Saythatyouaredeterminedtogoontowardsheavenwheretheholyare——absolutelydetermined，thoughyouarequitewellawarethatyouarecarryingupwithyoutheblackest，thewickedest，themostcorrupt，andthemostabominablehearteitheroutofhellorinit。Saythat，sayallthat，andstillventure。Sayallthatandallthemoreventure。

VentureuponGodofwhomsuchreassuringthingsaresaid。VentureupontheSonofGodofwhomHisFatherisrepresentedassayingsuchinvitingthings。Ventureuponthecross。Surveythewondrouscrossandthenmakeaboldventureuponit。Thinkwhothatiswhoisbleedingtodeathuponthecross，andwhy？LookatHimtillyouneverafterwardscanseeanythingelse。LookatGod’sEternal，Divine，Well-pleasingSonwithallthewagesofsindealtouttoHim，bodyandsoul，onthattreetotheuttermostfarthing。And，devilincarnatethoughyouindeedare，yet，say，ifthatspectacledoesnotsatisfyyou，andencourageyou，andcarryyourcowardicecaptive。Venture！Isay，venture！Andifyoufindatlastthatyouhaveventuredtoofar——ifyouhavesinnedandcorruptedyourselfbeyondredemption——thenitwillbesomeconsolationanddistinctiontoyouinhellthatyouhadout-sinnedtheinfinitegraceofGod，andhadseentheendoftheunsearchablerichesofChrist。Timidsinner，Ibutmockthee，thereforeventure！Fearfulsinner，venture！Cowardlysinner，venture。VenturethyselfuponthyGod，uponChristthySaviour，anduponHiscross。VentureallthyguiltandallthycorruptiontakentogetheruponChristhanginguponHiscross，andmakethattremendousventurenow！

MERCY”Blessedarethemerciful:fortheyshallobtainmercy。”——OurLord。

ThefirsttimethatweseeMercysheisstandingonesunshinemorningknockingalongwithanotheratChristiana’sdoor。AndallthatweafterwardshearofMercymightbedescribedas，Amorningcallandallthatcameofit；or，Howagodlymatronledonapoormaidtofallinlovewithherownsalvation。JohnBunyan，herbiographer，inallhisdevotiontoMercy，doesnotmakeitatallcleartouswhysuchasweetandgoodgirlasMercywascouldbeonsuchintimatetermswithMrs。Timorousandallhersoquestionablecircle。CoulditbethatMercy’smotherwasoneofthatunhappyset？Andhadthisdearlittlewoman-childbeenbroughtupsoastoknownobetterthantofigureintheirassemblies，andgooutontheirmorningroundswithMrs。Light-mindandMrs。Know-nothing？

Or，waspoorMercyanorphanwithnoonetowatchoverher，andhadhersweetface，herhandsomefigure，andherwinningmannersmadeheroneoftheattractionsofoldMadamWanton’smidnightrouts？

Howeveritcameabout，therewasMercyoutonaseriesofmorningcallswithawomantwiceherage，butawomanwhosemanyyearshadtaughtherneitherwomanlinessnorwisdom。”IfyoucomeinGod’sname，comein，”avoicefromtheinsideansweredtheknockingofMrs。TimorousandMercy，hercompanion，atChristiana’sdoor。Inalltheirroundsthatmorningthetwowomenhadnotbeenmetwithanothersalutationlikethat；andthatstrangesalutationsodisconcertedandsoconfoundedthemthattheydidnotknowwhethertoliftthelatchandgoin，ortorunawayandleavethosetogoinwhocouldtaketheirdelightinsuchoutlandishlanguage。”IfyoucomeinGod’sname，comein。”Atthisthewomenwerestunned，forthiskindoflanguagetheyusednottohearortoperceivetodropfromthelipsofChristiana。Yettheycamein；but，behold，theyfoundthegoodwomanpreparingtobegonefromherhouse。Theconversationthatensuedwasallcarriedonbythetwoelderwomen。

ForitwasoftenremarkedaboutMercyallherafter-daysthathervoicewaseversoft，andlow，and，especially，seldomheard。Butherearswerenotidle。Forallthetimethedebatewenton——

becausebythistimetheconversationhadrisentobeadebate——

MercywastakingsilentsideswithChristianaandherdistressandherintendedenterprise，till，whenMrs。TimorousreviledChristianaandsaid，”Comeaway，Mercy，andleaveherinherownhands，”Mercybythattimewasbroughttoastandstill。For，likearoseamongthorns，Mercywasthoughtfulandwiseandwomanlyfarbeyondheryears。Somuchso，thatalreadyshehadmadeuphermindtoofferherselfasamaidservanttohelpthewidowwithherworkandtoseehersofaronherway，and，indeed，thoughshekeptthattoherself，togoallthewaywithher，ifthewayshouldproveopentoher。First，herheartyearnedoverChristiana；soshesaidwithinherself，Ifmyneighbourwillneedsbegone，Iwillgoalittlewaywithhertohelpher。Secondly，herheartyearnedoverherownsoul’ssalvation，forwhatChristianahadsaidhadtakensomeholduponMercy’smind。Whereforeshesaidwithinherself，IwillyethavemoretalkwiththisChristiana，andifI

findtruthandlifeinwhatsheshallsay，myselfwithallmyheartshallalsogowithher。”Neighbour，”spokeoutMercytoMrs。

Timorous，”IdidindeedcomewithyoutoseeChristianathismorning，andsincesheis，asyousee，a-takingofherlastfarewellofhercountry，Ithinktowalkthissunshinemorningalittlewaywithhertohelpherontheway。”Butshetoldhernotofhersecondreason，butkeptthattoherself。IwouldfaingoonwithMercy’smemoirsallnight。Butyouwilltakeupthatinvitingthreadforyourselves。AndmeantimeIshallstophereandgatherupundertwoorthreeheadssomeofthemorememorableresultsandlessonsofthatsunshine-morningcall。

1。Well，then，tobeginwith，therewassomethingquitequeen-

like，somethingabsolutelycommanding，aboutChristiana’slookandmanner，aswellasaboutallshesaidanddidthatmorning。

Mercy’smorningcompanionhadalltheadvantagesthatdressandequipagecouldgiveher；whileChristianastoodinthemiddleofthefloorinherhousewife’sclothes，coveredwithdustandsurroundedwithallherdismantledhouse；but，withallthat，therewassomethingaboutChristianathattookMercy’sheartcompletelycaptive。AllthatChristianahadbythistimecomethroughhadblanchedhercheekandwhitenedherhair:butallthatonlythemorecommandedMercy’ssensitiveandnoblesoul。Tobeopentoimpressionsofthatkindisoneofthefinestendowmentsofafinelyendowednature；and，allthrough，theattentivereaderofherhistorywillbesuretoremarkandimitateMercy’sexquisiteandtenacioussensibilitytoallthatistrueandgood，uprightandhonourableandnoble。Andthen，whatablessingitistoagirlofMercy’smouldtomeetatopeningwomanhoodwithanotherwoman，beitamother，amistress，oraneighbour，whosecharacterthen，andaslifegoeson，cansupplythepartofthesupportingandshelteringoaktothespringingandclingingvine。Christianabeingnowthenewwomanshewas，aswellasawomanofgreatnaturalwisdom，dignity，andstabilityofcharacter，thesafety，thesalvationofpoormotherlessMercywasasgoodassure。

Indeed，allMercy’ssubsequenthistoryisonlyonelongandgrowingtributetotheworth，theconstantlove，andthesleeplesssolicitudeofthistruemotherinIsrael。

2。Now，itwasso，that，whollyunknowntoallhercompanions，youngandold，inherownveryremarkablewords，Mercyhadforalongtimebeenhungeringwithallherhearttomeetwithsomegenuinelygoodpeople，——withsomepeople，asshesaidherself，——”oftruthandoflife。”Theseareremarkablewordstoheardropfromthelipsofayounggirl，andespeciallyagirlofMercy’senvironment。Now，hadtherebeenanythinghollow，hadtherebeenoneatomofinsincerityorexaggerationaboutChristianathatmorning，hadshetalkedtoomuch，hadallheractionsnotfarmorethanborneoutallherwords，hadtherenotbeeninthebroken-

heartedwomanadepthofmindandawarmthofheartfarbeyondallherwords，Mercywouldneverhavebecomeapilgrim。ButthenaturaldignityofChristiana’scharacter；hercapable，commanding，resoluteways；thereality，eventoagony，ofhersorrowforherpastlife——alltakentogetherwithheriron-fastdeterminationtoenteratonceonanewlife——allthatcarriedMercy’sheartcompletelycaptive。Mercyfeltthattherewasasolemnity，anawesomeness，andamysteryabouthernewfriend’sexperiencesandmemoriesthatitwasnotforachildlikeherselftoattempttointrudeinto。But，allthemorebecauseofthat，aspellofloveandfearandreverencelayonMercy’sheartandmindallherafter-

daysfromthatsosolemnandsoeventfulmorningwhenshefirstsawChristiana’shaggardcountenanceandheardherremorsefulcries。

Mysochurlishcarriagestohim！Now，suchcarriagesbetweenmanandwifehadoftenpainedandmadeashamedMercy’smaidenlyheartbeyondallexpression。Tillshehadsometimessaidtoherself，blushingwithshamebeforeherselfasshesaidit，thatifevershewasawife——maymytonguecleavetotheroofofmymouthbeforeI

sayonechurlishwordtohimwhoismyhusband！AndthusitwasthatnothingthatChristianasaidthatmorningintheuprushofherremorsemovedMercymorewithpityandwithlovethanjustwhatChristianabeatherbreastaboutasconcerningherlosthusband。

Mercyusedtosaythatshesawtruthandlifeenoughinonehourthatmorningtosoberandtosolemniseandtowarnhertosetawatchonthedoorofherlipsforallherafter-days。

3。BeforeMrs。Timorouswaswelloutofthedoor，Mercyhadalreadypluckedoffhergloves，andhunguphermorningbonnetonanailinthewall，somuchdidherheartheavetohelpthecumberedwidowandherfatherlesschildren。”Ifthouwilt，Iwillhirethee，”saidChristiana，”andthoushaltgowithmeasmyservant。

Yetwewillhaveallthingscommonbetwixttheeandme；only，nowthouarthere，goalongwithme。”AtthisMercyfellonChristiana’sneckandkissedhermother；forafterthatmorningChristianahadalwaysadaughterofherown，andMercyamother。

Andyoumaybesure，withtwosuchwomenworkingwithalltheirmight，allthingsweresoonreadyfortheirhappydeparture。

Mr。KerrBaininviteshisreaderstocompareJohnBunyan’sMercyatthispointwithWilliamLaw’sMiranda。Ishallnottarrytodrawoutthefullcomparisonhere，butshallcontentmyselfwithsimplyrepeatingMr。Bain’shappyreference。Only，Ishallnotcontentmyselftillalltowhommyvoicecanreach，andwhoareabletoenjoyonlyafirst-ratebook，haveMr。Bain’sbookbesidetheirPilgrim’sProgress。Thatmorning，then，onwhichMrs。Timorous，havingnothingtodoathome，setoutwithMercyonaroundofcalls——thatwasMercy’slastidlemorningforallherdays。Forhermindwas，everafterthat，tobealwaysbusyingofherselfindoing，forwhenshehadnothingtodoforherselfshewouldbemakingofhosenandgarmentsforothers，andwouldbestowthemuponthosethathadneed。Iwillwarrantheragoodhousewife，quothMr。Brisktohimself。Somuchsothatatanyplacetheystoppedontheway，evenforadayandanighttorestandrefreshthemselves，Mercywouldseekoutallthepoorandalltheoldpeople，andereevershewasawarewhatshewasdoing，alreadyagoodreporthadspreadabroadconcerningthepilgrimsandtheirpilgrimage。Atthesametime，itmustbetoldthatpoorMercy’sheartwasmoreheavyforthesoulsofthepoorpeoplethanfortheirnakedbodiesandhungrybellies。Somuchwasthissothatwhentheshepherds，Knowledge，Experience，Watchful，andSincere，tookhertoaplacewhereshesawoneFoolandoneWant-witwashingofanEthiopianwithintentiontomakehimwhite，butthemoretheywashedhimtheblackerhewas，Mercyblushedandfeltguiltybeforetheshepherds，——shesotookhometohercharitableheartthebootlessworkofFoolandWant-wit。MercyputontheSalvationistbonnetatherfirstoutsettotheCelestialCity，andsheneverputitofftillshecametothatlandwheretherearenomorepoortomakehosenandhatsfor，andnomoreEthiopianstotaketothefountain。

4。Therearenotafewyoungcommunicantshereto-night，aswellasnotafewwhoareafraidasyettoofferthemselvesfortheLord’stable；and，asitsofallsoutto-night，Mercy’scasecontainsbothanencouragementandanexampletoallsuch。ForneversurelyhadayoungcommunicantlesstogouponthanMercyhadthatbestmorningofallherlife。ForshehadnothingtogouponbutagreatdesiretohelpChristianawithherwork；somedesirefortruthandforlife；andsomefirstandfeebleyearningsoverherownsoul，——yearnings，however，thatshekeptentirelytoherself。Thatwasall。ShehadnoremorseslikethosewhichhadploughedupChristiana’scheeksintosuchchannelsoftears。Shehadnodarkpastoutofwhichswarmsofhornetsstungherguiltyconscience。Norontheotherhand，hadsheanysuchsweetdreamsandinvitingvisionsasthosethatweresenttocheerandencouragethedisconsolatewidow。Shewillhaveherownsweetdreamsyet，thatwillmakeherlaughloudoutinhersleep。Butthatwillbelongafterthis，whenshehasdiscoveredhowhardherheartisandhowgreatGod’sgraceis。”HowshallIbeascertained，”sheputittoChristiana，”thatIalsoshallbeentertained？HadIbutthishope，fromonethatcantell，Iwouldmakenostickatall，butwouldgo，beinghelpedbyHimthatcanhelp，thoughthewaywasneversotedious。HadIasgoodhopeforalovingreceptionasyouhave，IthinknoSloughofDespondwoulddiscourageme。””Well，”

saidtheother，”youknowyoursore，andIknowmine；and，goodfriend，weshallallhaveenoughevilbeforewecometoourjourney’send。”Andsoonafterthat，ofallplacesontheupwardway，Mercy’sevilbeganattheWicketGate。”Ihaveacompanion，”

saidChristiana，”thatstandswithout。Onethatismuchdejectedinhermind，forthatshecomes，asshethinks，withoutsendingfor；whereasIwassenttobymyhusband’sKing。”Sotheporteropenedthegateandlookedout；butMercywasfallendowninaswoon，forshefaintedandwasafraidthatthegatewouldnotbeopenedtoher。”Osir，”shesaid，”Iamfaint；thereisscarcelifeleftinme。”Butheansweredherthatoneoncesaid，”Whenmysoulfaintedwithinme，IrememberedtheLord，andmyprayercameinintoThee，intoThyholytemple。Fearnot，butstandupuponthyfeet，andtellmewhereforethouartcome。””Iamcome，sir，intothatforwhichIneverwasinvited，asmyfriendChristianawas。HerinvitationwasfromtheLord，andminewasbutfromher。

Wherefore，IfearthatIpresume。”Thensaidhetothosethatstoodby，”FetchsomethingandgiveittoMercytosmellon，therebytostayherfainting。”Sotheyfetchedherabundleofmyrrh，andawhileaftersherevived——LetyoungcommunicantsbecontentwithMercy’sinvitation。ShestartedfortheCityjustbecauseshelikedtobebesideagoodwomanwhowasstartingthither。Shewishedtohelpagoodwomanwhowasgoingthither；

andjustalittledesirebeganatfirsttoawakeninherhearttogotothecitytoo。Till，havingoncesetherfacetogoup，onethingafteranotherworkedtogethertoleadheruptillshe，too，hadherlifefullofthoseinvitationsandexperiencesandinterestsandoccupationsandenjoymentsthatmakeMercy’snamesomemorable，andherhappycasesuchanexampleandsuchaninspiration，toallGod-fearingyoungwomenespecially。

5。JohnBunyanmustbeheldresponsibleforthestrongdashofromancethathesoboldlythrowsintoMercy’smemoirs。ButIshallpostponeMr。Briskandhislove-makingandhisanswertoanotherlecture。IshallnotenteronMercy’slovemattershereatall，butshallleavethemtobereadathomebythosewholiketoreadromances。Only，sincewehaveseensomuchofMercyasamaiden，onelongstoseehowsheturnedoutasawife。IcanonlyimaginehowMercyturnedoutasawife；butthereisapictureofaScottishCovenantinggirlasamarriedwifewhichalwaysrisesupbeforemymindwhenIthinkofMercy’smatronlydays。ThatpicturemighthanginBunyan’sownpeculiargallery，sobeautifulisthedrawing，andsowarmandsoeloquentthecolouring。Take，then，thisportraitofoneofthedaughtersoftheScottishCovenant。”Shewasawomanofgreatworth，whomIthereforepassionatelylovedandinwardlyhonoured。Astately，beautiful，andcomelypersonage；trulypiousandfearingtheLord。Ofanevenlytemper，patientinourcommontribulationsandunderherpersonaldistresses。Awomanofbrightnaturalparts，andofanuncommonstockofprudence；ofaquickandlivelyapprehensioninthingssheappliedherselfto，andofgreatpresenceofmindinsurprisingincidents。Sagaciousandacuteindiscerningthequalitiesofpersons，andthereforenoteasilyimposedupon。[SeeMr。Brisk’sinterviewswithMercy。]Modestandgraveinherdeportment，butnaturallycheerful；wiseandaffableinconversation，alsohavingagoodfacultyatspeakingandexpressingherselfwithassurance。

Beingapatternoffrugalityandwisemanagementinhouseholdaffairs，allsuchwerethereforeentirelycommittedtoher；wellfittedforandcarefulofthevirtuouseducationofherchildren；

remarkablyusefulinthecountryside，bothintheMerseandintheForest，throughherskillinphysicandsurgery，whichinmanyinstancesapeculiarblessingappearedtobecommandeduponfromheaven。And，finally，acrowntomeinmypublicstationandpulpitappearances。Duringthetimewehavelivedtogetherwehavepassedthroughaseaoftrouble，asyetnotseeingtheshorebutafaroff。””ThewordsofKingLemuel，theprophecythathismothertaughthim。

What，myson？andwhat，thesonofmywomb？andwhat，thesonofmyvows？Whocanfindavirtuouswoman？forherpriceisfaraboverubies。Herchildrenariseupandcallherblessed；herhusbandalso，andhepraisethher。Favourisdeceitful，andbeautyisvain；butawomanthatfeareththeLord，sheshallbepraised。”

MR。BRISK”Beyenotunequallyyoked。”——Paul。

ThereweresomesevereprecisiansinJohnBunyan’sdaywhotooktheobjectiontotheauthorofthePilgrim’sProgressthathesometimeslaughedtooloud。”Onemay(Ithink)say，bothhelaughsandcries，Maywellbeguessedatbyhiswateryeyes。

SomethingsareofthatnatureastomakeOne’sfancychucklewhilehisheartdothake。

WhenJacobsawhisRachelwiththesheep，Atthesametimehedidbothlaughandweep。”

AndevenDr。Cheever，inhisexcellentlecturesonthePilgrim’sProgress，confessesthatthoughtheSecondPartneverceasesforamomenttotelltheseriousstoryofthePilgrimage，atthesametime，itsometimesbecomessomerryasalmosttopassoverintoabsolutecomedy。”Thereisonepassage，”saysCheever，”whichforexquisitehumour，quietsatire，andnaturalnessinthedevelopmentofcharacterisscarcelysurpassedinthelanguage。ItistheaccountofthecourtshipbetweenMr。BriskandMercywhichtookplaceattheHouseBeautiful。”

Now，theinsertionofsuchanepisodeasthatofMr。BriskintosuchabookasthePilgrim’sProgressisonlyyetanotherproofofthehealth，thestrength，andthetruthtonatureofJohnBunyan’smind。Hiswaseminentlyanhonest，straightforward，manly，Englishunderstanding。AsmallermanwouldnothaveventuredonMr。BriskinsuchabookasthePilgrim’sProgress。Butthereisnoaffectation，thereisnoprudery，thereisnosuperioritytonatureinJohnBunyan。HeknewquitewellthatofthethousandsofmenandwomenwhowerereadinghisPilgrimtherewasnosubject，notevenreligionitself，thatwastakinguphalfsomuchoftheirthoughtsasjustlove-makingandmarriage。And，likethewisemanandthetrueteacherhewas，heherepointsouttoallhisreadershowwelltruereligionandthefullestsatisfactionofthewarmestandthemostuniversalofhumanaffectionscanbebothharmonisedandmademutuallyhelpful。InBunyan’sdaylovewastoomuchlefttotheplaywrights，justasinourdayitistoomuchlefttothepoetsandthenovelists。Andthusitisthatintoomanyinstancesaffectionandpassionhavetakenfullpossessionoftheheartsandthelivesofouryoungpeoplebeforeanymoralorreligiouslessonontheseall-importantsubjectshasbeengiventothem:anylessonsuchasJohnBunyansowinninglyandsobeautifullygiveshere。”Thisincident，”saysThomasScott，”isveryproperlyintroduced，anditisrepletewithinstruction。”

Now，Mr。Brisk，tobeginwith，was，sowearetold，ayoungmanofsomebreeding，——thatistosay，hewasayoungmanofsomesocialposition，someeducation，andofacertaingoodmanner，atleastonthesurface。InDavidScott’sIllustrationsMr。Briskstandsbeforeusahandsomeandwell-dressedyoungmanoftheperiod，withhiswell-belteddoublet，hisvoluminousruffles，hisheavily-

studdedcuffs，hissmallcane，hisdividedhair，andhisdelicatehand，——altogetheransweringexcellentlytohisname，wereitnotforthedashedlookofsurprisewithwhichhegetshisanswer，and，withwhatjauntinesshecanatthemomentcommand，takeshisdeparture。”Mr。Briskwasamanofsomebreeding，”saysBunyan，”andthatpretendedtoreligion；butamanthatstuckveryclosetotheworld。”ThatMr。Briskmadeanypretencetoreligionatanyothertimeandinanyotherplaceisnotsaid；onlythatheputonthatpretencewithhisbestclotheswhenhecameonceortwiceormoretoMercyandofferedlovetoherattheHouseBeautiful。Themanwiththeleastreligionatothertimes，eventhemanwithnopretencetoreligionatothertimesatall，willpretendtosomereligionwhenheisinlovewithayoungwomanofMercy’smind。

Andyetitwouldnotbefairtosaythatitisallpretenceeveninsuchamanatsuchatime。Grantthatamanisreallyinlove；

then，sinceallloveisofthenatureofreligion，forthetime，thetrueloverisreallyonthebordersofatrulyreligiouslife。

Itmaywithperfecttruthbesaidofallmenwhentheyfirstfallinlovethattheyare，forthetime，notveryfarawayfromthekingdomofheaven。Forallloveisgood，sofarasitgoes。GodisLove；andalllove，inthelong-run，hasatouchofthedivinenatureinit。Andforonce，ifneveragain，everymanwhoisdeeplyinlovehasafar-offglimpseofthebeautyofholiness，andafar-offtasteofthatineffablesweetnessofwhichthesatisfiedsaintsofGodsingsoecstatically。But，intoomanyinstances，ayoungman’slovehavingbeenkindledonlybythecreature，and，neverrisingfromhertohisandherCreator，asarule，itsoonerorlaterburnslowandatlastburnsout，andleavesnothingbutembersandashesinhisoncesoardentheart。Mr。Brisk’slove-

makingmighthaveendedinhisbecomingapilgrimbutforthisfatalflawinhisheart，thateveninhislove-makinghestucksofasttotheworld。Itisalmostincredible:youmaywellrefusetobelieveit——thatanyyoungmaninlove，andespeciallyayounggentlemanofMr。Brisk’sbreeding，wouldapproachhismistresswiththequestionhowmuchshecouldearnaday。AsMr。BrisklooksatMercy’slapsofullofhatsandhosenandsaysit，Icanseehisnattycanebeginningtolengthenitselfoutinhissoft-skinnedhandandtosendoutteethlikeamuck-rake。GiveMr。Briskanotherthirtyyearsorsoandhewillbeanancientchurl，rakingtohimselfthesticksandthestrawsandthedustoftheearth，neitherlookinguptonorregardingthecelestialcrownthatisstillofferedtohiminexchangeforhisinstrument。”Now，Mercywasofafaircountenance，and，therefore，allthemorealluring。”Butherfaircountenancewasreallynotemptationtoher。”Sitstill，mydaughter，”saidNaomitoRuthintheOldTestament。AnditwasentirelyMercy’smaidenlynaturetositstill。EvenbeforeshehadcometoherfullwomanhoodunderChristiana’smotherlycareshewouldhavebeenanexampletoRuth。

Longago，whileMercywasstillameregirl，whenMrs。Light-mindsaidsomethingtoheronedaythatmadeherblush，Mercyatlastlookedupinrealangerandsaid，Wewomenshouldbewooed；wewerenotmadetowoo。AndthusitwasthatalltheirtimeattheHouseBeautifulMercystayedcloseathomeandworkedwithherneedleandthreadjustasifshehadbeentheplainestgirlinallthetown。”Imighthavehadhusbandsaforenow，”shesaid，withacastofherheadoverthecoatthatlayonherlap，”thoughIspakenotofittoany。Buttheyweresuchasdidnotlikemyconditions，thoughneverdidanyofthemfindfaultwithmyperson。SotheyandI

couldnotagree。”OnceMercy’smouthwasopenedonthesubjectofpossiblehusbandsitisamiraclethatshedidnotgooninconfidencetonamesomeofthehusbandsshemighthavehad。Mercywastootruthfulandtoohonourableamaidentohavesaidevenonthatsubjectwhatshedidsayifithadnotbeentrue。Nodoubtshebelievedittrue。Andthebeliefsolongasshementionednonames，didnotbreakanyman’sbonesanddidnotspoilanyman’smarket。Don’tsetuptooprudishlyandsaythatitisapitythatMercysofarforgotherselfastomakeherlittleconfidentialboast。Wewouldnothavehadherwithoutthatlittleboast。Keep-

at-home，sit-still，hatsandhosenandall——herlittleboastonlyprovesMercytohavebeenatheartatruedaughterofEveafterall。

Thereisanold-fashionedwordthatcomesupagainandagainintheaccountofMr。Brisk’scourtship，——awordthatcontainsfarmoreinterestandinstructionforusthanmightonthesurfaceappear。

WhenMr。Briskwasrallieduponhisill-successwithMercy，hewaswonttosaythatundoubtedlyMistressMercywasaveryprettylass，onlyshewastroubledwithillconditions。Andthen，whenMercywasconfidingtoPrudenceallaboutherpossiblehusbands，shesaidthattheywereallsuchasdidnotlikeherconditions。TowhichPrudence，keepinghercountenance，replied，thatthemenwerebutfewintheirdaythatcouldabidethepracticethatwassetforthbysuchconditionsasthoseofMercy。Well，tossedoutMercy，ifnobodywillhavemeIwilldieamaid，ormyconditionsshallbetomeasahusband！AsIcameagainandagainacrossthatoldseventeenth-centuryword”conditions，”Isaidtomyself，IfeelsurethatDr。MurrayoftheOxfordScriptoriumwillhavenotedthisstrikingpassage。AndonturninguptheSixthPartoftheNewEnglishDictionary，there，tobesure，wastheoldwordstandinginthispresentsetting。Fivelong，rich，closelypackedcolumnsstoodundertheheadof”Condition”；andamidathousandillustrationsofitsuse，thetext:”1684，Bunyan，Pilgr。，ii。84。

HesaidthatMercywasaprettylass，buttroubledwithillconditions。”PoorilliterateJohnBunyanstoodinthecentreofagroupoflearnedandfamousmen，composedofChaucer，Wyclif，Skelton，Palsgrave，Raleigh，Featly，RichardSteel，andWalterScott——allagreeingintheiruseofourword，andallsupplyingexamplesofitsuseinthebestEnglishbooks。ByMercy’sconditions，then，isjustmeanthercastofmind，hermoralnature，hertemperandhertemperament，herdispositionsandherinclinations，herhabitsofthought，habitsofheart，habitsoflife，andsoon。”Well，”saidMercyproudly，”ifnobodywillhaveme，Iwilldieamaid，ormyconditionsshallbetomeasahusband。ForIcannotchangemynature，andtohaveonethatliescrosstomeinthis，——

thatIpurposenevertoadmitofaslongasIlive。”Bythistime，thoughsheisstilllittlemorethanagirl，Mercyhadherhabitsformed，hercharactercast，and，morethanall，herwholeheartirrevocablysetonhersoul’ssalvation。Andeverything——husbandandchildrenandall——mustconditionthemselvestothat，elseshewillhavenoneofthem。ShehadsoughtfirstthekingdomofGodandHisrighteousness，andshewillseeknothing，shewillacceptnothing——no，notevenahusband——whocrossesherchoiceinthat。

Shehaschosenherlife，andherhusbandwithit。Notthemanasyet，butthewholemanneroftheman。Theconditionsoftheman，asshesaidaboutherself；elseshewillboldlyandbravelydieamaid。Andtherearemultitudesofmarriedwomenwho，whentheyreadthispageaboutMercy，willgnashtheirteethatthemadnessoftheiryouth，andwillwildlywishthattheyonlyweremaidsagain；and，then，likeMercy，theywouldtakegoodcaretomakeforthemselveshusbandsoftheirownconditionstoo——oftheirownmeans，theirowndispositions，inclinations，tastes，andpursuits。

For，accordingasourconditionstooneanotherareorarenotinourmarriages，”Theylocallycontainorheavenorhell；

Thereisnothirdplaceinthem。”

Whatuntoldgood，then，mayallouryoungwomennotgetoutofthelovingstudyofMercy’ssweet，steadfast，noblecharacter！Andwhatuntoldmiserymaytheynotescape！Fromfirsttolast——andwearenotyetcometoherlast——ImostaffectionatelyrecommendMercytotheheartsandmindsofallyoungwomenhere。Singleandmarried；settingoutonpilgrimageandsteadfastlyperseveringinit；sittingstilltillthehusbandwiththerightconditionscomes，andthenrisingupwithherwarm，well-kepthearttomeethim——ifanymaidenherehasnomother，ornoeldersister，ornowiseandprudentfriendlikePrudenceorChristianatotakecounselof——andevenifshehas——letMercybehermeditationandhermodelthroughallhermaidenlydays。”Nay，then，”saidMercy，”Iwilllooknomoreonhim，forIpurposenevertohaveaclogtomysoul。”Apungentresolveforeveryhusbandtoreadandtothinktohimselfabout，whohasmarriedawifewithasoul。Letallhusbandswhohavesuchwiveshalthereandaskthemselveswithsomeimaginationastowhatmaysometimesgoon，atcommuniontimes，say，inthesoulsoftheirwives。Itisnoteverywife，itistrue，whohasasoultoclog；butsomeofourwiveshave。Well，now，letusaskourselves:Howdowestandrelatedtotheirsouls？Doourwives，whenexaminingthestateoftheirsoulssincetheymarriedus，havetosaythatatonetimetheyhadhopedtobefurtheroninthelifeofthesoulthantheyyetare？AndaretheycompelledbeforeGodtoadmitthatthemarriagetheyhavemade，andwouldmake，hasterriblyhinderedthem？Wouldtheyhavebeenbetterwomen，wouldtheyhavebeenlivingabetterlife，anddoingfarmoregoodintheworld，iftheyhadtakentheirmaidenlyideals，likeMercy，forahusband？Letussometimesimagineourselvesintothesecretsofourwives’souls，andaskiftheyeverfeelthattheyareunequallyandinjuriouslyyokedintheirdeepestandbestlife。Doweeverseeatearfallinginsecret，orhearastolensighheaved，orstumbleonthematastealthyprayer？ARomanladyonbeingaskedwhyshesometimesletasobescapeherandatearfall，whenshehadsuchagentlemanofbreedingandrankandrichestoherhusband，touchedherslipperwithherfingerandsaid:”Isnotthatawell-made，aneat，andacostlyshoe？Andyetyouwouldnotbelievehowitpinchesandpainsmesometimes。”

ButsomeeverywhitasgoodwomenasMercywashavepurposedasnoblyandasfirmlyasMercydid，andyethavewakenedup，whenitwastoolate，tofindthat，withalltheirhighideals，andwithalltheirprudence，theirhusbandisnotinhimself，andisnottothem，whattheyatonetimefeltsurehewouldbe。MercyhadasisternamedBountiful，whomadethatmistakeandthatdreadfuldiscovery；andwhatMercyhadseenofmarriedlifeinhersister’shousealmostabsolutelyturnedheragainstmarriagealtogether。”Theonethingcertain，”saysThomasMozleyinhischapteronIdealWifeandHusband，”isthatbothwifeandhusbandaredifferentintheresultfromtheexpectation。Age，illness，anincreasingfamily，nofamilyatall，householdcares，wantofmeans，isolation，incompatibleprejudices，quarrels，socialdifficulties，andsuchlike，alltellonmarriedpeople，andmakethemfarotherthantheyoncepromisedtobe。”Whenthatawakeningcomesthereisonlyonesolace，andwomentaketothatsupremesolacemuchmoreoftenthanmen。Andthatsolace，asyouallknow，istrue，iftoolate，religion。Andevenwheretruereligionhasalreadybeen，thereisstilladeeperandamoreinwardreligionsuitedtothenewexperiencesandthenewneedsoflife。AndifbothhusbandandwifeinsuchacrisistrulybetakethemselvestoHimwhogathereththesolitaryintofamilies，theresultwillbesucharemarriageofdepthandtenderness，loyaltyandmutualhelp，astheirearlydreamsnevercamewithinsightof。Notearlylove，notchildren，notplentyofmeans，notallthebestamenitiesofmarriedlifetakentogether，willrepairamarriageandkeepamarriageinrepairforonemomentlikealivingandanintensefaithinGod；alivingandanintenselovetoGod；andthenthatfaithinandloveforoneanotherthatspringoutofGodandoutofHislovealone。”ThetreeSuckskindliernurturefromasoilenrichedByitsownfallenleaves；andmanismade，Inheartandspirit，fromdeciduoushopesAndthingsthatseemtoperish。”

MR。SKILL”ThevineofSodom。”——Moses。

WithinfinitedelicacyJohnBunyanheretellsusthesadstoryofMatthew’ssoresicknessattheHouseBeautiful。Thecauseofthesoresickness，itssymptoms，itsseriousnature，anditscompletecuresarealltoldwiththeutmostplainness；but，atthesametime，withthemostexquisitedelicacy。Bunyancallstheancientphysicianwhoissummonedinandwhoeffectsthecure，Mr。Skill，butyoumustbelievethatBunyanhimselfisMr。Skill；andI

questionifthisskilfulwritereverwroteamoreskilfulpagethanjustthispagethatnowliesopenbeforehimwhohastheeyestoreadit。

Matthew，itmustalwaysberemembered，wasbythistimeayoungman。HewastheeldestsonofChristianahismother，andforsometimenowshehadbeenasorelyburdenedwidow。Matthew’sfatherwasnolongernearhissontowatchoverhimandtowarnhimagainstthetemptationsandthedangersthatwaitonopeningmanhood。Andthushismother，withallherothercares，hadtobebothfatherandmothertohereldestson；and，withallhergoodsenseandallherlongandcloseacquaintancewiththeworld，shewastoofondamothertosuspectanyevilofhereldestson。AndthusitwasthatChristianahadnearlylosthereldestsonbeforehereyeswereopentotheterribledangershehadforalongtimebeenrunning。Foritwasso，thattheupwardwaythatthishouseholdwithoutaheadhadtotravellaythroughalandfullofallkindsofdangersbothtothebodiesandtothesoulsofsuchtravellersastheywere。Andwhatwell-nighprovedafataldangertoMatthewlayrightinhisway。ItwasBeelzebub’sorchard。Notthatthisyoungman’swaylaythroughthatorchardexactly；yet，walledupaswasthatorchardwithallitsforbiddenfruit，thatevilfruitwouldhangoverthewallsothatifanylustyyouthwishedtotasteit，hehadonlytoreachuptotheover-hangingbranchesandplashdownonhimselfsomeoftheforbiddenbunches。

Now，thatwasjustwhatMatthewhaddone。TillwehavehimlyingattheHouseBeautiful，notonlynotabletoenjoythedelightsoftheHouseandoftheseason，butsopainedinhisbowelsandsopulledtogetherwithinwardpains，thathesometimescriedoutasifhewerebeingtorntopieces。AtthatmomentMr。Skill，theancientphysician，enteredthesick-room，when，havingalittleobservedMatthew’sintenseagony，withacertainmixtureofgoodnessandseverityherecitedtheseprofessionalversesoverthetremblingbed:”Oconscience，whocanstandagainstthypower？