第12章

Forwhenshecalledherchildrentogethersheopenedtothembothherheartandherconscience；andfromthatdaytherewasbutoneheartandoneconscienceinallthathappyhouse。Iwaswalkingaloneonacountryroadtheotherday，andasIwaswalkingIwasthinkingaboutmypastoralworkandaboutmypeopleandtheirchildren，whenallatonceImetoneofmypeople。Mysecondsentencetohimwas:”ThisverymomentIwasthinkingaboutyoursons。Howaretheygettingon？”Hequitewellunderstoodme。HeknewthatIwasnotindifferentastohowtheyweregettingoninbusiness，butheknewthatIwasalludingmoretothelifeofgodlinessandvirtueintheirheartsandintheircharacters。”O

sir，”hesaid，”youmaygiveyoursonstheskinoffyourback，buttheywillnotgiveyoutheirconfidence！”SohaditbeenwithChristianandhissons。Hehadnevermanaged，eveninhisreligion，togetintotheconfidenceofhissons；butwhentheirmothertookthemintoheragonisedconfidence，fromthatdayshewasinalltheirconfidences，goodandbad。Youwhoareinyourchildren’sconfidenceswillprayinsecretformylonelyfriendwiththeskinoffhisback，willyounot？thathemaysoonbeabletocallhissonstogethersoastostarttogetheronanewlifeoffamilylove，andfamilytrust，andfamilyreligion。Thatwasafinesight。Whowillmakeapictureofit？Thiswidowindeedattheheadofherfamilycouncil-table，andMatthewatthefoot，andJamesandJosephandSamuelallintheirplaces。”Come，mychildren，letuspackupthatwemayseeyourfather！”Thendidherchildrenburstintotearsforjoythattheheartoftheirmotherwassoinclined。

FromthatfirstfamilycouncilletuspassontoChristiana’slastinterviewwithherfamilyandherotherfriends。Herbiographerintroduceshertriumphanttranslationwiththishappycommentonthemargin:”Howwelcomeisdeathtothemthathavenothingtodobutdie！”Well，thatwasexactlyChristiana’scase。Shehadsopackedupatthebeginningofherjourney；shehadsogotandhadsokepttheconfidencesofallhersons；shehadseenthemallsomarriedintheLord，andthussosettledinalifeofgodlinessandvirtue；shehad，inshort，livedthelifeofawidowindeed，till，whenthepostcameforher，shehadnothinglefttodobutjusttoriseupandfollowhim。Histokentoherwasanarrowwithapointsharpenedwithlove，leteasilyintoherheart，whichbydegreeswroughtsoeffectuallywithherthatatthetimeappointedshemustbegone。Wehavereadofarrowsofdeathsharpenedsometimeswithsteelandsometimeswithpoison；butthisarrow，shotfromheaven，wassharpenedtoapointwithlove。Indeed，thatarrow，ortheveryfellowofit，hadbeenshotintoChristiana’sheartlongagowhenshestoodatthatspotsomewhatascendingwherewasacrossandasepulchre；and，especially，eversincethecloseofGreatheart’sgreatdiscourseonpardonbydeed。Forthehearingofthatfamousdiscoursehadmadeherexclaim:”Oh！ThoulovingOne，itmakesmyheartbleedtothinkthatThoushouldestbleedforme！

Oh！ThoublessedOne，Thoudeservesttohaveme，forThouhastboughtme！Thoudeservesttohavemeall，forThouhastpaidformetenthousandtimesmorethanIamworth！”NowitwaswithallthatloveworkingeffectuallyinherheartthatChristianacalledforherchildrentogivethemherblessing。Andwhatacomfortitwastohertoseethemallaroundherwiththemarkofthekingdomontheirforeheads，andwiththeirgarmentswhite。”Mysonsandmydaughters，”shesaid，”beyouallreadyagainstthetimeHispostcallsforyou。”ThenshecalledforMr。Valiant-for-truth，andentreatedhimtohaveaneyeonherchildren，andtospeakcomfortablytothemifatanytimehesawthemfaint。AndthenshegaveMr。Standfastherring。”Behold，”shesaid，asMr。Honestcamein——”BeholdanIsraeliteindeed，inwhomisnoguile！”ThenMr。Ready-to-haltcamein，andthenMr。DespondencyandhisdaughterMuch-afraid，andthenMr。Feeble-mind。NowthedaydrewonthatChristianamustbegone。Sotheroadwasfullofpeopletoseehertakeherjourney。But，behold！allthebanksbeyondtheriverwerefullofhorsesandchariotswhichwerecomedownfromabovetoaccompanyhertotheCitygates，soshecameforthandenteredtheriverwithabeckonoffarewelltothosethatfollowedhertotheriverside。Thelastwordshewasheardtosayherewas，”Icome，Lord，tobewithThee，andtoblessThee。”

Butwithallthis，youmustnotsupposethatthisgoodwoman，thismotherinIsrael，hadforgottenhergrandchildren。Shewouldsoonerhaveforgottenherownchildren。Butshewastoogoodawomantoforgeteither。Forlongago，awaybackattheriveronthissidetheDelectableMountains，shehadsaidtoherfourdaughters——Imusttellyouexactlywhatshehassaid:”Here，”shesaid，”inthismeadowtherearecotesandfoldsforsheep，andanhouseisbuiltherealsoforthenourishingandbringingupofthoselambs，eventhebabesofthosewomenthatgoonpilgrimage。

AlsothereisOneherewhocanhavecompassionandthatcangathertheselambswithHisarmandcarrytheminHisbosom。ThisMan，shesaid，willhouseandharbourandsuccourthelittleones，sothatnoneofthemshallbelackingintimetocome。ThisMan，ifanyofthemgoastrayorbelost，Hewillbringthemagain，Hewillbindupthatwhichwasbroken，andwillstrengthenthemthataresick。SotheywerecontenttocommittheirlittleonestothatMan，andallthiswastobeatthechargeoftheKing，andsoitwasasahospitaltoyoungchildrenandorphans。”

AndnowIshallsumupmychiefimpressionsofChristianaunderthethreeheadsofhermind，herheart，andherwidowhoodindeed。

1。ThemotherofChristian’sfoursonswasawomanofrealmind，assomanyofthemaidens，andwives，andwidowsofPuritanEnglandandCovenantingScotlandwere。Yougraduallygatherthatimpressionjustfrombeingbesideherasthejourneygoeson。Shedoesnotspeakmuch；but，then，thereisalwayssomethingindividual，remarkable，andmemorableinwhatshesays。IhaveanotionofmyownthatChristianamusthavebeenareaderofthatprincelyPuritan，JohnMilton。Andifthatwasso，thatofitselfwouldbecertificateenoughastoherpossessionofmind。Thereisalwaysadignityandastrengthaboutherutterancesthatmakeusfeelsurethatshehadalwayshadamindfaraboveherneighbours，Mrs。Bat’s-eyes，Mrs。Light-mind，andMrs。Know-nothing。ThefirsttimesheopenshermouthinourhearingsheletsfallanexpressionthatMiltonhadjustmadefamousinhisSamson-”Easetothebodysome，nonetothemindFromrestlessthoughts，thatlikeadeadlyswarmOfhornetsarmednosoonerfoundalone，Butrushuponmethronging，andpresentTimespast，whatonceIwas，andwhatamnow。”

NorcanIleavethispointwithoutassertingittoyouthatnochurchandnoschooloftheologyhaseverdevelopedthemindaswellassanctifiedtheheartofthecommonpeoplelikethepreachingofthePuritanpulpit。MatthewArnoldwasnotlikelytoover-estimatethegoodthatPuritanismhaddonetoEngland。

Indeed，inhisearlierwritingshesometimeswentoutofhiswaytolamentthehurtthatthePuritanspirithaddonetoliberalityoflifeandmindinhisnativeland。Butinhisriperyearswefindhimsaying:”Certainly，”hesays，”IamnotblindtothefaultsofthePuritandiscipline，butithasbeenaninvaluabledisciplineforthatpoor，inattentive，andimmoralcreature，man。AndthemoreIreadhistoryandthemoreIseeofmankind，themoreI

recognisethevalueofthePuritandiscipline。”AndinthatsameAddresshe”foundedhisbesthopesforthatsoenviableandunboundedcountryinwhichhewasspeaking，America，onthefactthatsomanyofitsmillionshadpassedthroughthePuritandiscipline。”JohnMiltonwasaproductofthatdisciplineontheonehand，asJohnBunyanwasontheother。Christianawasanotherofitsproductsinthesphereofthefamily，justasMatthewArnoldhimselfhadsomeofhisbestqualitiesoutofthesamefruitfulschool。

2。Herheart，herdeep，strong，tenderheart，ispresentoneverypageofChristiana’snoblehistory。Herheartkeepsheroftensilentwhenthewaterinhereyesbecomesallthemoreeloquent。

Whenshedoesletherheartutteritselfinwords，herwordsarefineandmemorable。As，foroneinstance，afterGreatheart’sdiscourseonredemption。”OMercy，thatthyfatherandmotherwerehere；yea，andMrs。Timorousalso。Nay，IwishwithallmyheartnowthatherewasMadamWanton，too。Surely，surely，theirheartswouldbeaffected，norcouldthefearoftheone，northepowerfullustsoftheother，prevailwiththemtogohomeagain，andtorefusetobecomegoodpilgrims。”ButitwasnotsomuchwhatshesaidherselfthatbroughtoutthedepthandtendernessofChristiana’sheart，itwasratherthewayherheartloosenedotherpeople’stongues。Youmustallhavefelthowsomepeople’spresencestraitensyourheartandsewsupyourmouth。Whilethereareotherpeople，again，whosesimplepresenceunsealsyourheartandmakesyoueloquent。Weministerskeenlyfeelthatbothinourpublicandinourprivateministrations。Therearepeopleinwhosehardandchillingpresencewecannotevensaygraceasweshouldsayit。Whereas，weallknowotherpeople，peopleofaheart，thatis，whosepresencesomehowsotouchesourlipsthatwealwayswhennearthemrisefaraboveourselves。Christianadidnotspeakmuchtoherguidesandinstructorsandcompanions，buttheyalwaysspoketheirbesttoher，anditwasherheartthatdidit。

3。Andthenawidowindeedisjustatrueandgenuinewidow；awidownotinhernameandinherweedsonly，butstillmoreinherdeepheart，inherwholelife，andinhergarneredexperience。”Honourwidowsthatarewidowsindeed。Now，shethatisawidowindeedanddesolate，trustethinGod，andcontinuethinsupplicationsandinprayersnightandday。Wellreportedofforgoodworks；ifshehavebroughtupchildren，ifshehavelodgedstrangers，ifshehavewashedthesaints’feet，ifshehaverelievedtheafflicted，ifshehavediligentlyfollowedeverygoodwork。”Thesearethetruemarksandsealsandoccupationsofawidowindeed。Andifshehashadunparalleledtrialsandirreparablelosses，shehashercorrespondingconsolationsandcompensations。Forshehasafreedomtogoaboutanddogood，alibertyandanexperiencethatneithertheunmarriedmaidennorthemarriedwifecanpossiblyhave。Shecandomultitudesofthingsthatinthenatureofthingsneitherofthemcanattempttodo。

Thingsthatwouldbebothunseemlyandimpossibleforotherwomentosayortodoarebothperfectlyseemlyandwhollyopenforhertosayandtodo。Herwidowhoodisasacredshieldtoher。Hersorrowisacrownofhonourandasceptreofauthoritytoher。Sheisconsultedbytheyoungandtheinexperienced，bytheforsakenandbytheforlorn，asnootherhumanbeingeveris。Shehascomethroughthislife，andbyalongexperiencesheknowsthisworldandtheheartsthatfillitandmakeitwhatitis。Awidowindeedcanshowasympathy，andgiveacounsel，andspeakwithaweightofwisdomthatone’sownmothercannotalwaysdo。AllyouwhobyGod’ssaddispensationarenowclothedinthe”whiteandwimpledfolds”ofwidowhood，letyourprayerandyourendeavourdayandnightbethatGodwouldguideandenableyoutobewidowsindeed。

And，ifyoudo，youshallwantneitheryouroccupationnoryourhonour。

THEENCHANTEDGROUND”SurelythereisnoenchantmentagainstJacob，neitheristhereanydivinationagainstIsrael。”——Balaam。”Isawtheninmydreamthattheywenttilltheycameintoacertaincountrywhoseairnaturallytendedtomakeonedrowsyifhecameastrangertoit。AndhereHopefulbegantobeverydullandheavyofsleep，whereforehesaiduntoChristian，IdonowbegintogrowsodrowsythatIcanscarcelyholdupmineeyes；letusliedownhereandtakeonenap。”AndthenwhenweturntothesameplaceintheSecondPartwereadthus:”BythistimetheyweregottotheEnchantedGround，wheretheairnaturallytendedtomakeonedrowsy。Andthatplacewasallgrownoverwithbriarsandthorns，exceptinghereandthere，wherewasanenchantedarbour，uponwhich，ifamansits，orinwhichifamansleeps，’tisaquestion，saysome，whethertheyshalleverriseorwakeagaininthisworld。

Now，theyhadnotgonefar，butagreatmistanddarknessfelluponthemall，sothattheycouldscarce，foragreatwhile，seetheonetheother。Whereforetheywereforcedforsometimetofeelforoneanotherbywords，fortheywalkednotbysight。Norwasthereonallthisgroundsomuchasoneinnorvictualling-housewhereintorefreshthefeeblersort。Thentheycametoanarbour，warm，andpromisingmuchrefreshingtothepilgrims，foritwasfinelywroughtabovehead，beautifiedwithgreens，andfurnishedwithcouchesandsettles。Italsohadasoftcouchonwhichthewearymightlean。ThisarbourwascalledTheSlothfulMan’sFriend，onpurposetoallure，ifitmightbe，someofthepilgrimstheretotakeuptheirrestwhenweary。This，youmustthink，allthingsconsidered，wastempting。Isawinmydreamalsothattheywentoninthistheirsolitarywaytilltheycametoaplaceatwhichamanisveryapttolosehisway。Now，thoughwhenitwaslight，theirguidecouldwellenoughtellhowtomissthosewaysthatledwrong，yetinthedarkhewasputtoastand。ButhehadinhispocketamapofallwaysleadingtoorfromtheCelestialCity，whereforehestruckalight(forhenevergoesalsowithouthistinder-box)，andtakesaviewofhisbookormap，whichbidshimbecarefulinthatplacetoturntotheright-handway。ThenIthoughtwithmyself，whothatgoethonpilgrimagebutwouldhaveoneofthosemapsabouthim，thathemaylookwhenheisatastand，whichisthewaytotake？”

1。”Butwhatisthemeaningofallthis？”askedChristianaoftheguide。”ThisEnchantedGround，”——herableandexperiencedfriendansweredher，”thisisoneofthelastrefugesthattheenemytopilgrimshas；whereforeitis，asyousee，placedalmostattheendoftheway，andsoitstandethagainstuswiththemoreadvantage。

Forwhen，thinkstheenemy，willthesefoolsbesodesiroustositdownaswhentheyareweary，andwhensoliketobewearyaswhenalmostattheirjourney’send？Thereforeitis，Isay，thattheEnchantedGroundisplacedsonightothelandBeulahandsoneartheendoftheirrace；whereforeletpilgrimslooktothemselveslesttheyfallasleeptillnonecanwakenthem。””ThatmasterpieceofBunyan’sinsightintolife，theEnchantedGround，”saysMr。

LouisStevenson，”wherehisallegorycutssodeeptopeoplelookingseriouslyonlife。”Yes，indeed，Bunyan’sinsightintolife！Andhisallegorythatcutssodeep！Foraneophyte，andonewithlittleinsightintolife，orintohimself，wouldgotolookforthislandofdarknessandthornsandpitfalls，alternatedwitharboursandsettlesandsoftcouches——onenewtolifeandtohimself，Isay，wouldnaturallyexpecttoseeallthatconfinedtotheregionbetweentheCityofDestructionandtheSloughofDespond；or，attheworst，longbefore，andneverafter，theHouseBeautiful。ButBunyanlookedtoostraightatlifeandtoounflinchinglyintohisownhearttolaydownhissub-Celestiallandsinthatway；andwhenwebegintolookwithalikeseriousnessonthereligiouslife，andespeciallywhenwebegintolookboldenoughanddeepenoughintoourownheart，thenwetooshallfreelyacknowledgethesplendidmaster-strokeofBunyanintheEnchantedGround。ThatthissoterribleexperienceislaiddownalmostattheendoftheCelestialway——theblazeoflightthatpoursuponourheadsfairlystartlesus，whileatthesametimeitcomfortsusandassuresus。ThatthisEnchantedGround，whichhasprovedsofataltosomanyfalsepilgrims，andsoallbutfataltosomanytruepilgrims，shouldliearoundtheverybordersofBeulah，andshouldbewithinallbuteye-shotoftheCelestialCityitself，——thatissomethingtobethankfulfor，andsomethingtolayupinthedeepestandthemostsecretplaceinourheart。

Thatthesepilgrims，afteralltheirfeastingsandentertainments——

aftertheDelectableMountainsandtheHouseBeautiful——shouldallbeplungeduponalandwheretherewasnotsomuchasaroadsideinn，wherethewaysweresodarkandsolongthatthepilgrimshadtoshoutaloudinordertokeeptogether，where，insteadofmoonorstars，theyhadtowalkinthesparkofasmalltinder-box——whatanencouragementandassurancetousisallthat！Thatisnostrangething，then，thatisnowhappeningtous，when，afterourfinecommunionseason，wehavesuddenlyfallenbackintothisdeepdarkness，andarecastintotheseterribletemptations，andfeelasifallourpastexperiencesandattainmentsandenjoymentshadbeenbutaself-delusionandasnare。Thatweshouldallbuthavefallenfastasleep，andallbuthaveceasedbothfromwatchingagainstsinandfromwaitinguponGod——well，thatisnothingmorethanHopefulhimselfwouldhavedonehadhenothadawaryoldcompaniontowatchoverhim，andtoholdhiseyesopen。LetallGod’speoplepresentwhofeelthattheyarenothingbetterofalltheyhaveenjoyedofScripturesandsacraments，butratherworse；

letallthosewhofeelsurethattheyhavewanderedintoacastawayland，sodark，sothorny，somiry，andsolonelyistheirlife——letthemreadthismasterpieceofJohnBunyanagainandagainandtakeheartofhope。”WhenSaintsdosleepygrow，letthemcomehitherAndhearhowthesetwopilgrimstalktogether；

Yea，letthemhearofthem，inanywise，Thustokeepopetheirdrowsyslumb’ringeyes；

Saints’fellowship，ifitbemanagedwell，Keepsthemawake，andthatinspiteofhell。”

2。Butfarworsethanallitsbriarsandthorns，farmorefatalthanallitsditchesandpitfalls，weretheenchantedarbourstheycameonhereandthereplantedupanddownthatevilland。Forthosearboursareallofthisfatalnature，thatifamanfallsasleepinanyofthemitarisesaquestionwhetherheshallevercometohimselfagaininthisworld。Now，wheretherearenoinnsnorvictualling-houses，noGaiusandnoMr。Mnason，whatadangerallthoseill-intendedarboursscatteredallupanddownthatcountrybecome！Well，then，thefirstenchantedarbourthatthepilgrimscametowasbuiltjustinsidethebordersoftheland，anditwascalledTheStranger’sArbour——somanynew-comershadlaindowninitnevertoriseagain。Theyoungandtheinexperienced，withthosewhowerenaturallyofabelieving，buoyant，easymind，laydowninhundredshere。Hopeful’smindwasnaturallyamindofasoftandeasyandself-indulgentcast；andhadhebeenalonethatday，orhadhehadforacompanionamanofalesswary，lessanxious，andlessurgentmindthanChristianwas，Hopefulhadtakenanap，ashesoconfidinglycalledit——afatalnapinthatarbourbuiltbytheenemyofpilgrims，justonpurposefortheyoungandtheignorant，theinexperiencedandtheself-indulgent。

3。TheSlothfulMan’sArbourhasbeenalreadydescribed。Itwasawarmarbour，anditpromisedmuchrefreshingtothepilgrims。Italsohadinitasoftcouchonwhichthewearymightlean。”Letusliedownhereandtakejustonenap；weshallberefreshedifwetakeanap！””Doyounotremember，”saidtheother，”thatoneoftheshepherdsbidusbewareoftheEnchantedGround？Andhemeantbythatthatweshouldbewareofsleeping；whereforeletusnotsleepasdoothers，butletuswatchandbesober。”Now，whatisanap？Andwhatisittotakeanapinourreligion？TheNewTestamentisfullofwarningstothosewhoreaditandgobyit——

mostsolemnandmostfearfulwarnings——againstSLEEP。Now，haveyouanyclearideainyourmindsastowhatthisdivinelydenouncedsleepis？Sleepisgoodandnecessaryinourbodilylife。Wewouldnotlivelongifwedidnotsleep；wewouldsoongooutofourmind；wewouldsoonloseoursensesifwedidnotsleep。

Insomniaisoneoftheworstsymptomsofoureager，restless，over-

workedage。”HegivethHisbelovedsleep”；andwhiletheysleeptheircorngrowstheyknownothow。Butsleepinthegreatexhortation-passagesoftheHolyScripturesdoesnotmeanrestandrestoration；itmeansinallthosepassagesinsensibility，stupidity，danger，anddeath。Inournightlysleep，andinthemeasureofitssoundness，weareutterlydeadtotheworldaroundus。Menmaycomeintoourhouseandrobusofourmostpreciouspossessions；theymayevencomeuptoourbedandmurderus；ourwholehousemaybeinablazeaboutus；wemayonlyawakentoleapoutofsleepintoeternity。Now，weareallinasleeplikethatinoursouls。Thereisaboveus，andaroundus，andbeneathus，andwithinustheeternalworld，andweareallsoundasleep；weareallstone-deadinthemidstofit。Devilsandwickedmenarestealingourtreasuresforeternity，andwearesoundasleep；hellisalreadykindlingourbedbeneathus，butwesmellnotitsflames，orweonlycatchthefirstgaspofthembeforewemakeoureverlastingbedamongthem。Thereforeletusnotsleepasdoothers，butletuswatchandbesober。Whatmeanestthou，O

sleeper？ariseandcalluponthyGod！WhentheguideshookHeedlessandToo-boldofftheirsettlesinthatslothfularbour，theoneofthemsaidwithhiseyesstillshut，”IwillpayyouwhenItakemymoney，”andtheothersaid，”IwillfightsolongasI

canholdmyswordinmyhand。”Atthatoneofthechildrenlaughed。”Whatisthemeaningofthat？”askedChristiana。Theguidesaid:”Theytalkintheirsleep。”Sotheydid，andsodoallmen。Forthiswholeworldisfullofsettlesonwhichmensleepandtalkintheirsleep。Thenewspapersto-morrowmorningwillallbefulltooverflowingofwhatmenhavesaidandwrittento-dayandyesterdayintheirsleep。Theshopsandthebanksandtheexchangeswillallbefullofmenmakingpromisesandsettlingaccountsintheirsleep。Theywillfingertheirpurses，andgrasptheirswords，andallintheirsleep。Andnotchildrenbutdevilswilllaughastheyhearthefollythatfallsfrommen’slipswhoarebesottedwithspiritualsleepanddruggedwithspiritualandfleshlysin。Adreamcomeththroughthemultitudeofbusiness。I

hadjustgotthislengthinthislecturetheothernightwhenI

wenttosleep。AndinmysleeponeofmypeoplecametomeandaskedmeifIcouldmakeitquiteclearandplaintohimwhatitwouldbeforamanlikehimafteracommunion-timetobegintowalkwithGod。AndIjustwishIcouldmakethethingsoftheEnchantedGroundasplaintomyselfandtoyouto-nightasIwasabletomakeawalkwithGodplaintomyselfandtomyvisitorthatnightinmyministerialdream。Ioftenwishthatmybusinessmindworkedaswellinmystudychairandinmypulpitasitsometimesdoesinmybedandinmysleep。”Now，Ibeheldinmydreamthattheytalkedmoreintheirsleepatthistimethanevertheydidinalltheirjourney。Andbeinginamusethereabout，thegardenersaideventome:Whereforemusestthouatthematter？Itisthenatureofthefruitofthegrapesofthosevineyardstogodownsosweetlyastocausethelipsofthemthatareasleeptospeak。”ThereasonmypoorlipsspakesosweetlyaboutawalkwithGodthatnightmosthavebeenbecauseIspentallthesummereveningbeforewalkingwithGodandwithyouinthevineyardsofBeulah。

4。ListentoSamson，shornofhislocks，asheshakeshimselfoffasoftandsweetly-workedcouchinTheSensualMan’sArbour:”No，no；

Itfitsnot；thouandIlongsincearetwain；

NorthinkmesounwaryoraccurstTobringmyfeetagainintothesnareWhereonceIhavebeencaught；Iknowthytrains，Thoughdearlytomycost，thygins，andtoils；

ThyfairenchantedcupandwarblingcharmsNomoreonmehavepower，theirforceisnull’d；

Somuchofadder’swisdomhaveIlearntTofencemyearagainstthysorceries。

Ifinmyflowerofyouthandstrength，whenallmenLoved，honour’d，fear’dme，thoualonecouldsthateme，Thyhusband，slightme，sellme，andforegome；

Howwouldstthouusemenow，blind，andtherebyDeceivable，inmostthingsasachild，Helpless，thenceeasilycontemn’d，andscorn’d，Andlastneglected？Howwouldstthouinsult，WhenImustliveuxorioustothywillInperfectthraldom！Howagainbetrayme，BearingmywordsanddoingstothelordsToglossupon，andcensuring，frownorsmile！

ThisjailIcountthehouseoflibertyTothine，whosedoorsmyfeetshallneverenter。”

5。Theloveofmoneytosomemenistherootofallevil。TherecameonceayouthtoSt。PhilipNeriand，flushedwithjoy，toldhimthathisparentsaftermuchentreatyhadatlengthallowedhimtostudylaw。St。Philipwasnotamanofmanywords。”Whatthen？”thesaintsimplyaskedtheshiningyouth。”ThenIshallbecomealawyer！””Andthen？”pursuedPhilip。”Then，”saidtheyoungman，”Ishallearnanicesumofmoney，andIshallpurchaseafinecountryhouse，procureacarriageandhorses，marryahandsomeandrichwife，andleadadelightfullife！””Andthen？””Then，”——theyouthreflectedasdeathandeternityarosebeforehiseyes，andfromthatdayhebegantotakecareofhisimmortalsoul。

Philipwithonewordsnatchedthatyoungman’ssouloffTheRichMan’sSettle。

6。TheVainMan’sSettledrawsdownmanymentoshameandeverlastingcontempt。Praiseavainmanoravainwomanarightandenoughandyouwillgetthemtodoanythingyoulike。Giveavainmansufficientpublicityinyourpaperoronyourplatformandhewillbecomeaspy，atraitor，andcut-throatinyourservice。Thesorcerer’scupofpraise——keepitfullenoughinavainman’shand，andhewillsleepinthearbourofvanitytillhewakensinhell。

MadamBubble，thearch-enchantress，knowsherown，andshehas，withherpurse，herpromotion，andherpraise，boughtoffmanyapromisingpilgrim。

7。Andthenshe，byvirtueofwhosesorceriesthiswholelandisdruggedandenchanted，issuchaboldslutthatshewillbuildaSacredArboureven，andwillfillitfullofreligiousenchantmentforyouratherthanloseholdofyou。Shewillconsecrateplacesandpersonsandperiodsforyouifyourtasteliesthatway；shewillbuildcostlyandstatelychurchesforyou；shewillweaverichvestmentsandcarverichvessels；shewillemployallthearts；shewillevensanctifyandsetapartandseataloftherholymen——whatwillshenotdotopleaseyou，totakeyou，tointoxicateandenchantyou？Shewilljuggleforyoursoulequallywellwhetheryouareacountryclowninafeeing-marketorafineladyofaesthetictastesandreligioussensibilitiesinthecapitalandthecourt。ButIshallletFatherFaberspeak，whocanspeakonthissubjectbothwithauthorityandwithattraction。”Shecanopenchurches，andlightcandlesonthealtar，andintoneTeDeumstotheMajestyonhigh。Shecanpassintothebeautyofart，intothesplendourofdress，andintothemagnificenceoffurniture。ShecansitwithhighprinciplesonherlipsdiscussingareligiousvocationandpraisingGodandsanctity。Onthebenchesofbishopsandinthepagesofgoodbooksyouwillfindher，andyetsheisallthewhilethesamehugeevilcreature。”Yes；sheisallthetimethesameMadamBubblewhoofferedtoStandfastherbody，herpurse，andherbed。

Now，wouldyouknowforyourself，likethecommunicantwhocametomeinmysleep，howyouareevertogetpastallthosearbours，andsettles，andseats，andcouches，withalltheirsweetsorceriesandintoxicatingenchantments——wouldyouinearnestknowthat？ThenstudywellthecaseofoneStandfast。Especiallythetimewhenshewhoenchantsthiswholegroundhereaboutssetsouponthatpilgrim。

Inoneword，itwasthis:herememberedhisLord；and，likehisLord，hefellonhisface；andashisLordwouldhaveit，Hisservant’slipsastheytouchedthegroundtouchedalsothehealingplantharmonyandhewassaved。”Asmallunsightlyroot，Butofdivineeffect。

Unknown，andlikeesteem’d，andthedullswainTreadsonitdailywithhiscloutedshoon；

Andyetmoremed’cinalisitthanthatmolyThatHermesoncetowiseUlyssesgave；

Hecall’dithaemony，andgaveitme，Andbademekeepitasofsovranuse’Gainstallenchantments，mildew，blast，ordamp，Orghastlyfuries’apparition。

AndnowIfindittrue；forbythismeansIknewthefoulenchantress，thoughdisguised，Enter’dtheverylime-twigsofherspells，Andyetcameoff。Ifyouhavethisaboutyou(AsIwillgiveyouwhenyougo)youmayBoldlyassaultthenecromancer’shall:

Whereifshebe，withdauntlesshardihood，Andbrandishedblade，rushonher，breakherglass，Andshedherlusciousliquorontheground，Andseizeherwand。”

Prayer，mysin-besetbrethren，standfastprayer，istheotherwiseunidentifiedhaemonywhosebesthabitatwastheGardenofGethsemane；andwiththatholyrootinyourheartandinyourmouth，thereis”noenchantmentagainstJacob，neitheristhereanydivinationagainstIsrael。”

THELANDOFBEULAH”ThoushaltbecalledHephzibah，andthylandBeulah。”——Isaiah。

ThefirstthingthatJohnBunyantellsusaboutthelandofBeulahisthis——thattheshortestandthebestwaytotheCelestialCityliesdirectlythroughthatland。ThelandofBeulahhasitsownindigenousinhabitantsindeed。OldmendwellinthestreetsofBeulah，andeverymanwithhisstaffinhishandforveryage。Thestreetsofthecityalsoarefullofboysandgirlsplayinginthestreetsthereof。ThelandofBeulahhasitsfrequentvisitorsalso，anditswelcomeguestsfromtheregionsabove。SomeoftheshiningonescomedownfromtimetotimeandmakeashortsojourninBeulah。TheangelsinheavenhavesuchadesiretoseethelandsfromwhichGod’ssaintscomeupthatatcertainseasonsallthesuburbsoftheCelestialCityarefullofthoseshiningservantsofGodandoftheLamb。

ButwhatmadethedreamertosmileandtotalksoinhissleepwaswhenhesawthatalltheupwardwaystotheCelestialCityranthroughthelandofBeulah。Hesawalsoinhisdreamhowallthepilgrimsblamedthemselvessobitterlynowbecausetheyhadmisspentsomuchoftheirtimeandstrengthinthewaysbelow，andsohadnotcomesoonertoseeandtotastethisblessedland。But，atthesametime，asitwas，theyallrejoicedwithagreatjoybecausethat，afteralltheirdelaysandalltheirwanderings，theirwaystillledthemthroughthebordersofBeulah。Now，mydearfellow-communicants，howshallwefindourwayatonce，andwithoutanymorewanderings，intothatsodesirableland？Howshallweattaintowalkitsstreetsalltherestofourdayswithourstaffinourhand？HowshallwehopetoseeourboysandourgirlsplayinginthestreetsofBeulah，andeatingalltheirdaysofitssweetanditshealingfruits？HowshallweandourchildrenwithushenceforthescapetheSloughofDespond，andGiantDespair’sdungeon，andtheValleyoftheShadowofDeath？Theword，mybrethren，theanswertoallthat，isnighuntous，eveninourmouthandinourheart。Forfaith，simplefaith，willdoallthatbothforusandforourchildrenbesideus。Aheart-feedingfaithinGod，inthewordofGod，andintheSonofGod，willdoit。Faith，andthenobedience。Forobedience，mybrethren，isBeulah。AllobedienceisalreadyBeulah。HolyobediencewillbringthewholeofBeulahintoyourheartandintomineatanymoment。ItisdisobediencethatmakessomanyofthosewhootherwisearetruepilgrimstomisssomuchofthelandofBeulah。

Askanyaffableoldmanwithhisstaffinhishandforveryage，andhewilltellyouthatitwashisdisobediencethatkepthimsolongoutofthelandofBeulah。While，letanyman，andaboveall，letanyyoungman，beginearlytolivealifeofbelievingobedience，andhewillgrowupandgrowoldandseehischildren’schildrenplayingaroundhisstaffinthestreetsofBeulah。LetanyyoungmanmaketheexperimentforhimselfuponobedienceanduponBeulah。LethimnottooeasilybelieveanydreamerorevenanyseeraboutobedienceandaboutthelandofBeulah。Itishisownmatterandnottheirs；andlethimmakeexperimentuponitallforhisownsatisfactionandassurance。Letanyyoungman，then，tryprayerashisfirststepintoobedience，andespeciallysecretprayer。Lethimshuthisdoorto-night，andlethimseeifheisnotalreadyinsideoneofthegatesofBeulah。Lethimdenyhimselfeverydayalso，ifitisonlyinaverylittlething。Lethimsaysternlytohisownhearteveryhouroftemptation，No！

never！andonthespotasweetwaftofBeulah’sfinestspiceswillfalluponhisface。”Theineffablejoyofrenouncingjoy”willeverydaymakethelonelywildernessofthisworldaconstantBeulahtosuchaman。For，toliveatalltimes，inallplaces，andinallthingsforothermen，andneverandinnothingforyourself——thatisthedeepestsecretofBeulah。Tosayit，ifneedbe，threetimesto-nightonyourfaceandinasweatofblood，”Notmywill，butThinebedone！”——thatwillto-nightturnthegardenofGethsemaneitselfintotheverygardenofGlory。Doyoudoubtit？

Areyounotyetabletobelieveit？ThenhearaboutitfromOnewhohasHimselfcomethroughit。HearHisworduponthewholematterwhoistheWay，theTruth，andtheLife。”ComeuntoMe，”

saystheKingofBeulah，”allyethatlabourandareheavyladen，andIwillgiveyourest。TakeMyyokeuponyouandlearnofMe，forIammeekandlowlyinheart，andyeshallfindrestuntoyoursouls。ForMyyokeiseasyandMyburdenislight。”SoafterHehadwashedtheirfeet，andhadtakenHisgarmentsandwassetdownagain，Hesaiduntothem，”KnowyewhatIhavedonetoyou？ForI

havegivenyouanexample，thatyeshoulddoasIhavedonetoyou。

Ifyeknowthesethings，happyareyeifyedothem。IfyeloveMe，keepMycommandments。AndIwillpraytheFather，andHeshallgiveyouanotherComforter，thatHemayabidewithyouforever。

IfamanloveMe，hewillkeepMywords；andMyFatherwilllovehim，andWewillcomeuntohimandwillmakeOurabodewithhim。

PeaceIleavewithyou，MypeaceIgiveuntoyou:notastheworldgiveth，giveIuntoyou。ThesethingshaveIspokenuntoyouthatMyjoymightremaininyou，andthatyourjoymightbefull。

HithertoyehaveaskednothinginMyname；ask，andyeshallreceive，thatyourjoymaybefull。Father，Iwillthattheyalso，whomThouhastgivenMe，bewithMewhereIam。”AndthusIsawinmydreamthattheirwaylayrightthroughthelandofBeulah，inwhichlandtheysolacedthemselvesforaseason。

2。”Theysolacedthemselves。”Now，solaceisjusttheLatinsolatium，which，again，isjustasoothing，anassuaging，acompensation，anindemnification。Well，thatlandintowhichthepilgrimshadnowcomewasverysoothingtotheirruffledspiritsandtotheirwearyhearts。Itassuagedtheirmanyandsoregriefsalso。Itmorethancompensatedthemforalltheirlaboursandalltheirafflictions。Anditwasafullindemnificationtothemforallthattheyhadforsakenandlostbothinbeginningtobepilgrimsandinenduringtotheend。ThechildrenofIsraelhadtheirfirstsolaceintheirpilgrimageatElim，wherethereweretwelvewellsofwaterandthreescoreandtenpalm-trees；andtheyencampedtherebythewaters。AndthentheyhadtheirlastandcrowningsolacewhenthespiescamebackfromEshcolwithaclusterofgrapesthattheybarebetweentwouponastaff，withpomegranatesandfigs。AndMoseskeptsolacinghischargeallthewaythroughthewearywildernesswithsuchstrongconsolationsasthese:”FortheLordthyGodbringeththeeintoagoodland，alandofbrooksofwater，offountainsanddepthsthatspringoutofvalleysandhills；alandofwheat，andbarley，andvines，andfig-

trees；alandofoil-oliveandhoney；alandwhereinthoushalteatbreadwithoutscarceness，thoushaltnotlackanythinginit；alandwhosestonesareiron，andoutofwhosehillsthoumayestdigbrass。”OurLordspakesolacetoHisdoubtingandfaintingdisciplesalsoinmanysuchwordsasthese:”Verily，Isayuntoyou，thereisnomanthathathlefthouse，orparents，orbrethren，orwife，orchildrenforthekingdomofGod’ssake，whoshallnotreceivemanifoldmoreinthispresenttime，andintheworldtocomelifeeverlasting。”TheMountofTransfigurationalsowasHisownBeulah-solace；andtheLastSupperandtheprayerwithwhichitwoundupweregiventoourLordandtoHisdisciplesasaveryEshcol-clusterfromtheParadiseabove。Now，IsawinmydreamthattheysolacedthemselvesinthelandofBeulahforaseason。

Yea，heretheyheardcontinuallythesingingofbirds。(TheLatinpoetscalledthebirdssolatiaruris，becausetheyrefreshedandcheeredtherusticlabourerswiththeirsweetsinging。)Andeverydaytheflowersappearedintheearth，andthevoiceoftheturtlewasheardintheland。Inthiscountrythesunshinethnightandday，forthereisnonightthere。

3。”Inthiscountrythesunshinethnightandday。”HowmuchStandfastmusthaveenjoyedthatlandoflightyoumayguesswhenyourecollectthathecamefromDarkland，whichliesinthehemisphererightoppositetothelandofBeulah。InDarklandthesunnevershinestobecalledsunshineatall。Allthedaysofhisyouth，Standfasttoldhiscompanions，hehadsatbesidehisfatherandhismotherinthatobscurelandwheretohissorrowhisfatherandhismotherstillsat。ButinBeulah”theroseofeveningbecomessilentlyandsuddenlytheroseofdawn。”ThislandliesbeyondtheValleyoftheShadowofDeath，neithercouldtheyfromthisplacesomuchasseeDoubtingCastle。Now，DoubtingCastleisadismalplaceforanysoulofmantobeshutupinto。Andinthatdarkholdtherearedungeonsdugforallkindsofdoubtingsouls。

Therearedungeonsdugforthesoulsofmenwhosedoubtsareintheirintellects，aswellasforthosealsowhosedoubtsariseoutoftheirhearts。SomemenreadthemselvesintoDoubtingCastle，andsomemensinandsellthemselvestoitsgiant。GodcastssomeofHisownchildrenalltheirdaysintothosedungeonsasapunishmentfortheirlifeofdisobedience；Hecastsothersdownintochainsofdarknessbecauseoftheiridlenessandunfruitfulness。ButBeulahisfarawayfromDoubtingCastle。

Beulahisasplendidspotforastudiousmantolodgein。ForwhataclearlightshinesnightanddayinBeulah！Towhatfarhorizonsaman’seyewillcarryhiminBeulah！WhatlargespeculationsrisebeforehimwhowalksabroadinBeulah！HowcleartheairisinBeulah，howcleantheheartandhowuncloudedtheeyeofitsinhabitants！TheKing’swalksareinBeulah，andthearbourswhereHedelightethtobe。Blessedarethepureinheart，fortheyshallbeadmittedtoseeGodinthelandofBeulah。InthelandofBeulahthesunshallnomorebethylightbyday，neitherforbrightnessshallthemoongivelightuntothee；buttheLordshallbethineeverlastinglight，andthyGodthyglory！

4。”Inthislandalsothecontractbetweenthebrideandthebridegroomisrenewed。”Now，thereisnootherdaysobitterinanyman’slifeasthatdayisonwhichhisbridalcontractisbrokenoff。Anditistheveryperfectionandlastextremityofbitternesswhenhiscontractisbrokenoffbecauseofhisownpastlife。Letallthose，then，whowouldfainenterintothatsweetcontractthinkwellaboutitbeforehand。Letthemlookbackintoalltheirpastlife。Foralltheirpastlifewillbesuretofindthemoutonthedayoftheirespousals。Iftheyhavetheirenemies——asallespousedmenhave——thisisthehourandthepoweroftheirenemies。Thedayonwhichanyman’sespousalsarepublishedisasmallandlocaljudgment-daytohim。Forallthemen，and，especially，allthewomen，whohaveeverbeeninjuredbyhim，orwhohaveinjuredthemselvesuponhim；allthemenandallthewomenwhoforanyreason，andfornoreason，hatebothhimandhishappiness，——theirtonguesandtheirpenswilltakenosleeptilltheyhavegothiscontractiftheycan，brokenoff。Andevenwhenthebridegroomistooinnocent，orthebridetootrue，orGodtoogoodtoletthecontractcontinuelongtobebrokenoff，thatgreatgoodnessofGodandthatgreattrustofhiscontractedbridewillonlymakethebridegroomwalkhenceforthmoresoftlyandrejoicewithmoretrembling。Andthatisamostexcellentmind。I

knownobettermindinwhichanyman，guiltyorinnocent，canenteronamarriedlife。IsometimestellthebridegroomsthatIcantakealibertywithtokeepsayingtothemselvesallthewayuptothemarriagealtarthetenthverseofthe103rdpsalm；aswellaswhentheycomeupafterwardstothebaptismalfont:”Hehathnotdealtwithusafteroursinsnorrewardedusafterouriniquities。”

AnditissurelyBeulahitself，atitsverybest，itissurelyBeulahaboveitself，whenahappybridegroomisfullofthathumbleandhappymind，andwhenheisinoneandthesamemomentreconciledbothtohisbrideonearthandtohisGodandFatherinheaven。Inthisland，therefore，inthelandofBeulah，thecontractbetweenthebrideandthebridegroomisrenewed；yea，asthebridegroomrejoicethoverhisbride，soshallthyGodrejoiceoverthee。

5。Thesalaamsandsalutationsalsothattheyweremetwithasoftenastheywentouttowalkinthestreetsthereofwereaconstantsurprise，satisfaction，andsweetnesstothefearfulpilgrims。Nopasser-byeveroncefrownedorscowleduponthembecausetheirfaceswereZionward，astheydoinourcities。Nooneevertreatedthemwithscornorcontemptbecausetheywerepoororunlettered。Noman’sfaceeitherturneddarkatthemorwasturnedawayfromthemastheypassedupthestreet。Theynever，allthetimetheyabodeinBeulah，tooktothelanesofthecitytoescapetheunkindlooksofanyofitscitizens。Greatheart’shandwasneverawayfromhishelmet。Hishelmetwasneverwellonhishead。HisalwaysbareandunhelmetedheadsaidtoallthemenofBeulah，Iloveandhonourandtrustyou。Youwouldnothurtahairofmyhead。Andsoon，tillallthestreetsofBeulahwereonebuzzofsalutation，congratulation，andbenediction。Heretheyheardvoicesfromoutofthecity，loudvoices，saying，SayyetothedaughterofZion，Behold，thysalvationcometh；behold，hisrewardiswithhim。Herealltheinhabitantsofthecountrycalledthemtheholypeople，theredeemedoftheLord，soughtout，acitynotforsaken。

6。Now，astheywalkedinthislandtheyhadmorerejoicingthaninpartsmoreremotefromthekingdomtowhichtheywerebound。

Andstilldrawingnightothatcitytheyhadyetamoreperfectviewthereof。Itwasbuildedofpearlsandpreciousstones，alsothestreetthereofwaspavedwithgold，sothatbyreasonofthenaturalgloryofthecityandthereflectionofthesunbeamsuponit，Christianwithdesirefellsick。Hopefulalsohadafitortwoofthesamedisease。Whereforeheretheylaybyitawhile，cryingoutbecauseoftheirpangs，Ifyouseemybeloved，tellhimthatI

amsickoflove。Thereareinallgoodcasesofrecoverythreesuccessivestagesofsoul-sickness。True，soul-sicknessalwaysrunsitsowncourse，anditalwaysrunsitsowncourseinitsownorder。Thisspecialsicknessfirstshowsitselfwhenthesoulbecomessickwithsin。Wehavethatsicknesssetforthinmanyapsalm，notablyinthethirty-eighthpsalm；andinamultitudeofotherscriptures，botholdandnew，thisevildiseaseisdealtwithifwehadonlytheeyesandthehearttoreadsuchscriptures。Thesecondstageofthissicknessiswhenasinnerisnotsomuchsickwiththesinthatdwellethinhimassickofhimself。Sinfulnessinitssecondstagebecomessoincorporatewiththesinner’swholelife——sinsobecomesthesinner’sverynature，and，indeed，himself，——thatallhisformerloathingofsinpassesoverhenceforthintoloathingofhimself。Thisisthemostdesperatestageinanyman’ssickness；but，badasitis，incurableasitis，itmustbepassedintobeforethethirdstageofthehealingprocesscaneitherbeexperiencedorunderstood。Inthecaseinhand，bythetimethepilgrimshadcometoBeulahtheyhadallhadtheirfullshareofsinandofthemselvestilltheyhereenteredonanaltogethernewexperience。”Christianwithdesirefellsick，”

weread，”andHopefulalsohadafitortwoofthesamedisease。

Whereforeheretheylaybyitawhile，cryingoutbecauseoftheirpangs，Ifyouseemybeloved，tellhimthatIamsickoflove。”

David，Paul，Bernard，Bunyanhimself，Rutherford，Brainerd，M’Cheyne，andmanyotherscrowdinuponthemind。IshallbutinstanceJohnFlavelandMrs。JonathanEdwards，andsoclose。JohnFlavelbeingonceonajourneysethimselftoimprovethetimebymeditation，whenhismindgrewintent，tillatlengthhehadsuchravishingtastesofheavenlyjoys，andsuchafullassuranceofhisinteresttherein，thatheutterlylostthesightandsenseofthisworldandallitsconcerns，sothatforhoursheknewnotwherehewas。Atlast，perceivinghimselftobefaint，hesatdownataspring，whereherefreshedhimself，earnestlydesiring，ifitwerethewillofGod，thathemightthereleavetheworld。Hisspiritreviving，hefinishedhisjourneyinthesamedelightfulframe，andallthatnightthejoyoftheLordstilloverflowedhimsothatheseemedaninhabitantoftheotherworld。Theonlyothercaseoflove-sicknessIshalltouchonto-nightItakefromunderthepenofasin-sickandlove-sickauthor，whohasbeentruthfullydescribedas”oneofthefirst，ifnottheveryfirst，ofthemastersofhumanreason，”and，again，as”oneofthegreatestofthesonsofmen。””ThereisayoungladyinNew-haven，”saysEdwards，”whoissolovedofthatGreatBeingwhomadeandrulestheworld，thattherearecertainseasonsinwhichthisGreatBeinginsomewayorotherinvisiblecomestoherandfillshermindwithexceedingsweetdelight，sothatshehardlycaresforanythingbuttomeditateuponHim。ShelookssoontodwellwhollywithHim，andtoberavishedwithHisloveanddelightforever。Therefore，ifyoupresentallthisworldbeforeher，withtherichestofitstreasures，shedisregardsitandcaresnotforit，andisunmindfulofanypainoraffliction。Shehasastrangesweetnessinhermind，andasingularpietyinheraffections；ismostjustandconscientiousinallherconduct；andyoucouldnotpersuadehertodoanythingwrongorsinful，ifyouwouldgiveherthewholeworld。

Shelovestobealone，walkinginthefieldsandgroves，andseemstohavesomeoneinvisiblealwayscommuningwithher。”Andsoon，allthroughherseraphichistory。”Now，ifsuchthingsaretooenthusiastic，”saystheauthorofACarefulandaStrictEnquiryintotheFreedomoftheWill，”ifsuchthingsaretheoffspringofadistemperedbrain，letmybrainbepossessedevermoreofthatblesseddistemper！Ifthisbedistraction，IprayGodthatthewholeworldofmankindmayallbeseizedwiththisbenign，meek，beneficent，beatific，gloriousdistraction！ThepeaceofGodthatpassethallunderstanding；rejoicingwithjoyunspeakableandfullofglory；Godshininginourhearts，togivethelightoftheknowledgeofGodinthefaceofJesusChrist；withopenfacebeholdingasinaglassthegloryofGod，andbeingchangedintothesameimagefromglorytoglory，evenasbythespiritoftheLord；beingcalledoutofdarknessintomarvellouslight，andhavingtheday-starariseinourhearts！Whatasweetdistractionisthat！Andoutofwhataheavenlydistemperandoutofwhatasaneenthusiasmhasallthatcometous！””MoreIwouldspeak:butallmywordsarefaint；

CelestialLove，whateloquencecanpaint？

Nomore，bymortalwords，canbeexpressed，ButallEternityshalltelltherest。”

THESWELLINGOFJORDAN”TheswellingofJordan。”——Jeremiah。”Fore-fancyyourdeathbed，”saysSamuelRutherford。”Takeanessay，”hesaysinhisgreatestbook，thatperfectmineofgoldandjewels，ChristDyingandDrawingSinnerstoHimself——”Takeanessayandaliftatyourdeath，andlookatitbeforeitactuallycomestoyourdoor。”Andsoweshall。Sinceitisappointedtoallmenoncetodie，andafterdeaththejudgment；andsinceourdeathandourjudgmentaretheonlytwothingsthatweareabsolutelysureaboutinourwholefuture，weshallhenceforthfore-fancythosetwoeventsmuchmorethanwehavedoneinthepast。Andtoassistusinthat；toquickenourfancy，tokindleit，tocaptivateit，andtoturnourfancywhollytooursalvation，wehavealltheentrancingriver-scenesinthePilgrim’sProgresssetbeforeus；asuccessionofscenesinwhichBunyanpositivelyrevelsinhisexquisitefancies，clothingthemashedoes，allthetime，inlanguageoftheutmostbeauty，tenderness，pathos，power，anddignity。Letustakeourstand，then，onthebankoftheriverandwatchhowpilgrimafterpilgrimbehaveshimselfinthoseterriblewaters。Weareallvoluntaryspectatorsto-night，butweshallallbecompulsoryperformersbeforeweknowwhereweare。

1。OnenteringtheriverevenChristiansuddenlybegantosink。

Fore-fancythat。Allthewordshespakestilltendedtodiscoverthathehadgreathorrorofmindandheartyfearsthathewoulddieinthatriver；herealsohewasmuchinthetroublesomethoughtsofthesinshehadcommittedbothsinceandbeforehebegantobeapilgrim。Fore-fancythatalso，allyouconvertedyoungmen。

Hopeful，therefore，hadmuchtodotokeephisbrother’sheadabovewater；yea，sometimeshewouldbequitegonedown，andtheninawhilehewouldriseupagainhalf-dead。ThenIsawinmydreamthatChristianwasinamuseawhile；towhomalsoHopefuladdedthisword，”Beofgoodcheer；JesusChristmakeththeewhole。”AndwiththatChristianbrokeoutwithaloudvoice，”WhenthoupassestthroughthewatersIwillbewiththee，andthroughtheriverstheyshallnotoverflowthee。”Thentheybothtookcourageandtheenemywasafterthatasstillasastonetilltheyweregoneover。

Fore-fancythatalso。ThereisoneotherthingoutofthatcrossingthatIhopeIshallrememberwhenIamintheriver:”Beofgoodcheer，”saidHopefultohissinkingfellow——”Beofgoodcheer，mybrother，Ifeelthebottom，anditisgood。””HoldHishandfast，”wroteSamuelRutherfordtoLadyKenmure。”Heknowsallthefords。YoumaybeduckedinHiscompanybutneverdrowned。

Putinyourfoot，then，andwadeafterHim。Andbesureyousetyourfeetalwaysuponthestepping-stones。”Yes；fore-fancythosestepping-stones，andoftenpractiseyourfeetuponthembeforethetime。

2。”Goodwoman，”saidtheposttoChristiana，thewifeofChristianthepilgrim；”Hail，goodwoman，IbringtheetidingsthattheMastercallethforthee，andexpecteththeetostandinHispresenceinclothesofimmortalitywithinthistendays。”Fore-

fancythatalso。Nowthedaywascomethatshemustbegone。Andsotheroadwasfullofpeopletoseehertakeherjourney。But，behold，allthebanksbeyondtheriverwerefullofhorsesandchariotswhichwerecomedownfromabovetoaccompanyhertothecitygate。Soshecameforthandenteredtheriverwithabeckonoffarewelltothosethatfollowedhertotheriver-side。Andthusshewentandenteredinatthegatewithalltheceremoniesofjoythatherhusbandhaddonebeforeher。Fore-fancy，ifyoucan，someofthoseceremoniesofjoy。

3。WhenMr。Fearingcametotheriverwherewasnobridge，thereagainhewasinaheavycase。Now，hesaid，heshouldbedrownedforeverandneverseethatFacewithcomforthehadcomesomanymilestobehold。AndherealsoItooknoticeofwhatwasveryremarkable；thewaterofthatriverwasloweratthistimethaneverIsawitinallmylife。Sohewentoveratlastnotmuchabovewet-shod。Fore-fancyandfore-arrange，ifitbepossible，forapassagelikethat。WhenhewasgoingtiptothegateMr。

Greatheartbegantotakehisleaveofhim，andtowishhimagoodreceptionabove。”Ishall，”hesaid，”Ishall。”Before-assured，also，ofareceptionlikethat。

4。Inprocessoftimetherecameaposttothetownagain，andhisbusinesswasthistimewithMr。Ready-to-halt。Soheinquiredhimoutandsaidtohim，”IamcometotheeinthenameofHimwhomthouhastlovedandfollowed，thoughuponcrutches。AndmymessageistotelltheethatHeexpectstheeatHistabletosupwithHiminHiskingdomthenextdayafterEaster。”AfterthisMr。Ready-

to-haltcalledforhisfellow-pilgrimsandtoldthem，saying，”Iamsentfor，andGodshallsurelyvisityoualso。Thesecrutches，”hesaid，”Ibequeathtomysonthathemaytreadinmysteps，withahundredwarmwishesthathemayprovebetterthanIhavedone。”

Whenhecametothebrinkoftheriver，hesaid，”NowIshallhavenomoreneedofthesecrutches，sinceyonderarehorsesandchariotsformetorideon。”Thelastwordshewasheardtosaywere，”Welcomelife！”Letallready-to-haltheartsfore-fancyallthat。

5。ThenMr。Feeble-mindcalledforhisfriendsandtoldthemwhaterrandhadbeenbroughttohim，andwhattokenhehadreceivedofthetruthofthemessage。”Asformyfeeblemind，”hesaid，”thatIshallleavebehindme，forIshallhavenoneedofthatintheplacewhitherIgo。WhenIamgone，Mr。Valiant，Idesirethatyouwouldburyitinadunghill。”Thisdone，andthedaybeingcomeinwhichhewastodepart，heenteredtheriverastherest。Hislastwordswere，”Holdoutfaithandpatience。”Fore-fancysuchanendasthattoyourfeeblemindalso。

6。Didyoueverknowafamily，or，rather，therelicsofafamily，wheretherewasjustadecrepitoldfatherandalonedaughterlefttonursehimthroughhissecondchildhood？Allhisotherchildrenareeithermarriedordead；butbothmarriageanddeathhavesparedMissMuch-afraidtowatchoverthedotage-daysofMr。Despondency；

tillonesummerafternoontheoldmanfellasleepinhischairtowakenwhereoldmenareforeveryoung。Andinadayortwothereweretwonewgravessidebysideintheoldchurchyard。Evendeathcouldnotdividethisoldfatherandhistrustychild。Andsowhenthetimewascomeforthemtodepart，theywentdowntogethertothebrinkoftheriver。ThelastwordsofMr。Despondencywere，”Farewellnightandwelcomeday。”Hisdaughterwentthroughtheriversinging，butnonecouldunderstandwhatitwasshesaid。

Fore-fancythat，allyougodlyoldmen，withadaughterwhohasmadeahusbandandchildrentoherselfofheroldfather。

7。AsIhearOldHonestshouting”Gracereigns！”IalwaysrememberwhataladytoldmeaboutasayingofherpoorIrishscullery-girl。

ThemistressandtheservantwerereadingGeorgeEliot’sLifetogetherinthekitchen，andwhentheycametoherdeathbed，onthepillowofwhichThomasA’Kempislayopen，”Mem，”saidthegirl，”I

usedtoreadthatoldbookintheconvent；butitisabetterbooktoliveuponthantodieupon。”Now，thatwasexactlyOldHonest’smind。Helivedupononebook，andthenhedieduponanother。HelivedaccordingtothecommandmentsofGod，buthediedaccordingtothecomfortsoftheGospel。Now，wereadinhishistoryhowthattheriveratthattimeoverfloweditsbanksinsomeplaces。

ButMr。HonesthadinhislifetimespokentooneGood-consciencetomeethimattheriver，thewhichhealsodid，andlenthimhishand，andsohelpedhimover。Allthesame，thelastwordsofMr。

Honeststillwere，”Gracereigns！”Andsohelefttheworld。

Fore-fancywhetherornoyouaremaking，asonehassaid，”anassignationwithterror”atthatsameriver-side。

8。Standfastwasthelastofthepilgrimstogoovertheriver。

StandfastwasleftlongestonthissidetheriverbecausehisMastercouldbesttrusthimhere。HisMasterhadtotakeawaymanyofHisotherservantsfromtheeviltocome，butHecouldtrustStandfast。Youcansafelytrustamanwhotakestohiskneesineveryhouroftemptation，asStandfastwaswonttodo。”Thisriver，”hesaid，”hasbeenaterrortomany。Yea，thethoughtsofithaveoftenfrightedmealso。Thewaters，indeed，aretothepalatebitter，andtothestomachcold；yetthethoughtsofwhatI

amgoingto，andoftheconductthatawaitsmeontheotherside，dothlieasaglowingcoalatmyheart。Iseemyselfnowattheendofmyjourney，andmytoilsomedaysareallended。Iamgoingnowtoseethatheadthatwascrownedwiththorns，andthatfacethatwasspituponforme。Hisnamehasbeentomeasacivet-box，yea，sweeterthanallperfumes。HiswordIdidusetogatherformyfood，andforantidotesagainstmyfaintings。Hehasheldmeup，andIhavekeptmyselffrommineiniquities。Yea，mystepshathHestrengthenedintheway。”Now，whilehewasthusindiscoursehiscountenancechanged，hisstrongmanboweddownunderhim，andafterhehadsaid，”Takeme，forIcometoThee，”heceasedtobeseenofthem。Fore-fancy，ifyouhavetheface，anendlikethatforyourself。

This，then，ishowChristianandHopefulandChristianaandOldHonestandalltherestdidintheswellingriver。Buttheimportantpointis，HOWWILLYOUDO？Haveyoueverfore-fanciedhowyouwilldo？Haveyouever，amongallyourmanyimaginings，imaginedyourselfonyourdeath-bed？Haveyoueverthoughtyouheardthedoctorwhisper，”To-night”？Haveyoueverlainlowinyourbedandlistenedtothedeath-rattleinyourownthroat？Andhaveyoustilllistenedtotheawfulsilenceinthehouseafterallwasover？Haveyouevershotinimaginationthedreadfulgulfthatstandsfixedbetweenlifeanddeath，andbetweentimeandeternity？

Haveyouevertriedtogetaglimpsebeforehandofyourownplacewhereyouwillbeanhourafteryourdeath，whentheyareputtingthegrave-clothesonyourstillwarmbody，andwhentheyaremeasuringyourcorpseforyourcoffin？Wherewillyoubebythattime？Haveyouanyidea？Canyoufancyit？Didyouevertry？

Andifnot，whynot？”Mylord，”wroteJeremyTaylortotheEarlofCarbery，whensendinghimthefirstcopyoftheHolyDying，——”Mylord，itisagreatarttodiewell，andthatartistobelearntbymeninhealth；forhethatpreparesnotfordeathbeforehislastsicknessislikehimthatbeginstostudyphilosophywhenheisgoingtodisputepubliclyinthefaculty。Thepreceptsofdyingwellmustbepartofthestudiesofthemthatliveinhealth，becauseinothernoticesanimperfectstudymaybesuppliedbyafrequentexerciseandarenewedexperience；buthere，ifwepractiseimperfectlyonce，weshallneverrecovertheerror，forwediebutonce；andthereforeitisnecessarythatourskillbemoreexactsinceitcannotbemendedbyanothertrial。”Howwise，then，howfar-seeing，howpractical，andhowurgentistheprophet’schallengeanddemand。”HowwiltthoudointheswellingofJordan？”

1。Well，then，letusbepracticalbeforeweclose，andletusdescendtoparticulars。Letustaketheprophet’squestionandrunitthroughsomepartsandsomepracticesofourdailylifeasalreadydyingmen。And，tobeginwith，Ihavesuchagreatfaithingoodbooks，whetherwearetoliveordie，thatIamimpelledtoaskyouallatthispoint，andundershelterofthisplain-spokenprophet，Whatbookshaveyoulaidinforyourdeathbed，andfortheweeksandmonthsandevenyearsbeforeyourdeathbed？WhatdoyoulookforwardtobereadingwhenJordanisbeginningtoswellandrollforyouandtoleapuptowardyourdoorstep？Ifyougetgoodfromgoodbooks——everybodydoesnot——butsupposingyouareoneofthosewhodo，whatbookscanyouabsolutelycountupon，withoutfail，toputyouinthebestpossibleframefortheriver，andfortheconvoyacross，andfortheceremoniesofjoyontheotherside？

WhatspecialScriptureswillyouhavereadeverydaytoyou？”Read，”saidJohnKnoxtohisweepingwife，”readwhereIfirstcastmyanchor。”AnoldladyIonceknewusedtosaytomeateveryvisit，”TheFifty-firstPsalm。”ShewasthedaughterofaHighlandminister，andthewifeofaHighlandminister，andthemotherofaHighlandminister，andofaneldertoboot。”TheFifty-firstPsalm，”shesaid，andsometimes，”OneofHart’shymnsalso。”Whatisyourfavouritepsalmandhymn？Mr。JamesTaylorofCastleStreethasseverallarge-typelibrariesinhiscatalogue。

Mr。Taylormightstartamuchworsepayingspeculationthanalarge-typelibraryfortheriver-side；or，someselectbookletsfordeathbeds。Theseriesmightwellopenwith”TheNinetiethPsalm”

inlettersaninchdeep。Scholarsdieaswellasilliterates，andtheremightbeprovidedforthem，amongotherthings，ThePhaedointwolanguages，Plato’sandJowett’s。ThenTheSevenSayingsfromtheCross。Bellarmine’sArtofDyingWellwouldstandwellbesideJohnBunyan’sDyingSayings。And，wereItheeditor，IwouldputinBishopAndrewes’PrivateDevotions，ifonlyformyownlastuse。

ThenRichardBaxter’sSaint’sRest，andJohnHowe’sPlatonico-

Puritanbook，BlessednessoftheRighteous。ThenBernard’s”NewJerusalem，””TheSandsofTimearesinking，””RockofAges，”andsuchlike。ThesearesomeofthelittlebooksIhavewithinreachofmybedagainstthehourwhenthepostblowshisfirsthornforme。Youmighttellmesomeofyourdeathbedfavourites。

2。Whowillbeyourmostwelcomeministerduringyourlastdaysonearth？Forwhomwouldyousendto-nightifthepostweresuddenlytosoundhishornatyoursideonyourwayhomefromchurch？Icanwellbelieveitwouldnotbeyourownminister。Ihaveknownfathersandmothersinthiscongregationtosendforotherministersthantheirownministerwhenterribletroublecameuponthem，andbothmyconscienceandmycommonsenseabsolutelyapprovedofthesteptheytook。Fivestudentswereoncesittingandtalkingtogetherinacityinwhichtherewastobeanexecutionto-morrowmorning。Theyweretalkingaboutthemurdererwhowastobeexecutedinthemorning，andabouttheministerhehadsentfortocometoseehim。And，likestudents，theybegantoputittooneanother——Supposeyouweretobeexecutedto-morrow，forwhatministerinthecity，oreveninthewholeland，wouldyousend？And，likestudentsagain，theysaid——Leteachonewritedownonapieceofpaperthenameoftheministerhewouldchoosetobebesidehimatthelast，andweshallseeeachman’slastchoice。

Theydidso，whentotheirastonishmentitwasdiscoveredthattheyhadallwrittenthesameminister’sname！IdonotknowthattheyallwenttohischurcheverySabbathwhiletheywereyoungand，well，andnotyetundersentenceofdeath。Idonotthinktheydid。ForwhenIwasinhischurchtherewasonlyahandfulofoldanddecayed-lookingpeopleinit。Thechiefpartofthecongregationseemedtometobeacharityschool。AndIgatheredfromallthatalesson——severallessons，andthisamongtherest——

thatcrowdedpassagesdonotalwayswaituponthebestpastors；andthisalso，thatawaftofdeathsoondiscoverstousatrueministerfromanincompetentandacounterfeitminister。

3。Writingtooneofhiscorrespondentsabouthiscorrespondent’slong-drawn-outdeathbed，SamuelRutherfordsaidtohim，”Itislong-drawn-outthatyoumayhaveampletimetogooverallyouroldlettersandallyourstillunsettledaccountsbeforeyoutakeship。”Haveyouanysucholdletterslyingstillunanswered？Haveyouanysucholdaccountslyingstillunsettled？Haveyoumadefullreparationandrestitutionforallthatyouandyourshavedoneamiss？Fore-fancythatyouwillsoonbesummonedintoHispresencewhohassaid:Therefore，ifthoubringthygiftbeforethealtar，andthererememberestthatthybrotherhathaughtagainstthee，leavetherethygiftbeforethealtar，andgothyway；firstbereconciledtothybrother，andthencomeandofferthygift。Agreewiththineadversaryquickly，whilesthouartinthewaywithhim。”YouknowallaboutZacchaeus。Ineednottellhisstoryoveragain。ButasIwritetheselinesItakeupaLondonnewspaperandmyeyeslightontheselines:”WilliamAvarywasamanofremarkablegifts，bothofmindandcharacter。Hededicatedtheresidueofhisstrengthwhollytoworksofpiety。Inmiddleagehefailedinbusiness，andinhisoldage，whenbetterdayscame，helookedupsuchofhisoldcreditorsascouldbefoundanddividedamongthemasumofseveralthousandpounds。”Lookupsuchofyouroldcreditorsasyoucanfind，andthatnotinmattersofmoneyalone。And，besureyoubegintodoitnow，beforethehornblows。For，assureasyoutakeyourkeysandopenyouroldrepositories，youwillcomeonthingsyouhadcompletelyforgottenthatwilltakemoretimeandmorestrength，ay，andmoreresources，thanwillthenbeatyourdisposal。Evenafteryouhavebegunatonceanddoneallthatyoucando，youwillhavetodoatlastasSamuelRutherfordtoldGeorgeGillespietodo:”Handoverallyourbills，paidandunpaid，toyourSurety。GiveHimthekeysofthedrawer，andletHimclearitoutforHimselfafteryouaregone。”

4。Andthen，prayoftentoGodforaclearmindbetweenHimandyou，andforaquick，warm，andheaven-hungryheartatthelast。

Andtakeapromisefromthosewhowatchbesideyourbedthattheywillnotdrugandstupefyyoueventhoughyoushouldaskforit。

Whateveryourpain，anditisallinGod’shand，makeupyourmind，ifitbepossible，tobearit。Itcannotbegreaterthanthepainofthecross，andyourSaviourwouldnottouchtheirdrugs，howeverwell-intended。HedeterminedtofacetheswellingofJordanandtoenterHisFather’shousewithanuncloudedmind。Tryyourveryuttermosttodothesame。IcannotbelievethatthethiefevenwouldhaveletthegallsomuchastouchhislipsafterChristhadsaidtohim，”TodaythoushaltbewithMeinParadise！”Well，ifyourmindwaseverclearandkeen，letitbeatitsclearestanditskeenestatthelast。Letyourmindandyourheartbefullofrepentance，andfaith，andlove，andhope，andallsuchsayinggraces，andletthemallbeattheirfullestandbrightestexercise，atthatmoment。Beontheverytip-toeofexpectationastheenddrawsnear。Anotherpang，anothergasp，onemoreunutterablesinkingofheartandfleshasifyouweregoingdownintothedreadfulpit——andthentheabundantentrance，andthebeatificvision！Whatwiltthoudothen？Whatwiltthousaythen？

Hastthouthysalutationandthysongready？Andwhatwillitbe？

Footnotes:

{1}DeliveredNovember27th，1892。

{2}January1st，1893。

EndBunyanCharacters-ThirdSeriesbyAlexanderWhyteCHAPTERI——THEBOOK

’——thebookofthewarsoftheLord。’——Moses。

JohnBunyan’sHolyWarwasfirstpublishedin1682，sixyearsbeforeitsillustriousauthor’sdeath。Bunyanwrotethisgreatbookwhenhewasstillinallthefulnessofhisintellectualpowerandinalltheripenessofhisspiritualexperience。TheHolyWarisnotthePilgrim’sProgress——thereisonlyonePilgrim’sProgress。Atthesametime，wehaveLordMacaulay’swordforitthatifthePilgrim’sProgressdidnotexisttheHolyWarwouldbethebestallegorythateverwaswritten:andevenMr。FroudeadmitsthattheHolyWaralonewouldhaveentitleditsauthortorankhighupamongtheacknowledgedmastersofEnglishliterature。

TheintellectualrankoftheHolyWarhasbeenfixedbeforethattribunaloverwhichouraccomplishedandcompetentcriticspreside；

butforafullappreciationofitsreligiousrankandvaluewewouldneedtohearthegladtestimoniesoftensofthousandsofGod’ssaints，whosehard-besetfaithandobediencehavebeenkindledandsustainedbythestudyofthisnoblebook。ThePilgrim’sProgresssetsforththespirituallifeunderthescripturalfigureofalongandanuphilljourney。TheHolyWar，ontheotherhand，isamilitaryhistory；itisfullofsoldiersandbattles，defeatsandvictories。AnditsdevoutauthorhadmuchmorescripturalsuggestionandsupportinthecompositionoftheHolyWarthanhehadeveninthecompositionofthePilgrim’sProgress。ForHolyScriptureisfullofwarsandrumoursofwars:

thewarsoftheLord；thewarsofJoshuaandtheJudges；thewarsofDavid，withhisandmanyothermagnificentbattle-songs；tillthebestknownnameoftheGodofIsraelintheOldTestamentistheLordofHosts；andthenintheNewTestamentwehaveJesusChristdescribedastheCaptainofoursalvation。Paul’spowerfuluseofarmourandofarmedmenisfamiliartoeverystudentofhisepistles；andthenthewholeBibleiscrownedwithabookallsoundingwiththebattle-cries，theshouts，andthesongsofsoldiers，tillitendswiththatcityofpeacewheretheyhangthetrumpetinthehallandstudywarnomore。Militarymetaphorshadtakenapowerfulholdofourauthor’simaginationeveninthePilgrim’sProgress，ashisportraitsofGreatheartandValiant-for-

truthandothersoldierssufficientlyshow；whiletheconflictwithApollyonandthedestructionofDoubtingCastlearesomanysurepreludesofthecomingHolyWar。Bunyan’searlyexperiencesinthegreatCivilWarhadtaughthimmanymemorablethingsaboutthemilitaryart；memorableandsuggestivethingsthatheafterwardsputtothemostsplendiduseinthesiege，thecapture，andthesubjugationofMansoul。

TheDivineComedyisbeyonddisputethegreatestbookofpersonalandexperimentalreligiontheworldhaseverseen。Theconsumingintensityofitsauthor’sfeelingsaboutsinandholiness，thekeennessandthebitternessofhisremorse，andtherigourandtheseverityofhisrevenge，hissuperbintellectandhisuniversallearning，allsetablazebyhissplendidimagination——allthatcombinestomaketheDivineComedytheunapproachablemasterpieceitis。JohnBunyan，ontheotherhand，hadnolearningtobecalledlearning，buthehadastrongandahealthyEnglishunderstanding，aconscienceandaheartwhollygivenuptothelifeofthebestreligionofhisreligiousday，andthen，bysheerdintofhissanctifiedandsoaringimaginationandhisexquisitestyle，hestandsforththepeeroftheforemostmenintheintellectualworld。AndthusitisthatthegreatunletteredreligiousworldpossessesinJohnBunyanallbutallthattheselectandscholarlyworldpossessesinDante。BothDanteandBunyandevotedtheirsplendidgiftstothenoblestofservices——theserviceofspiritual，andespeciallyofpersonalreligion；butforoneappreciativereaderthatDantehashadBunyanhashadahundred。

HappyinbeingsolikehisMasterinsomanythings，BunyanishappyinbeinglikehisunletteredMasterinthisalso，thatthecommonpeoplehearhimgladlyandneverwearyofhearinghim。

ItgivesbyfaritsnoblestinteresttoDante’snoblebookthatwehaveDantehimselfineverypageofhisbook。DanteistakendownintoHell，heisthenledupthroughPurgatory，andafterthatstillupandupintotheveryParadiseofGod。ButthathellallthetimeisthehellthatDantehadduganddarkenedandkindledforhimself。InthePurgatory，again，weseeDanteworkingouthisownsalvationwithfearandtrembling，GodallthetimeworkinginDantetowillandtodoofHisgoodpleasure。AndthentheParadise，withallitssevenfoldglory，isjustthatplaceandthatlifewhichGodhathpreparedforthemthatloveHimandserveHimasDantedid。AndsoitisintheHolyWar。JohnBunyanisinthePilgrim’sProgress，buttherearemoremenandothermenthanitsauthorinthatrichandpopulousbook，andotherexperiencesandotherattainmentsthanhis。ButintheHolyWarwehaveBunyanhimselfasfullyandasexclusivelyaswehaveDanteintheDivineComedy。InthefirsteditionoftheHolyWarthereisafrontispiececonceivedandexecutedaftertheanatomicalandsymbolicalmannerwhichwassocommoninthatday，andwhichistobeseenatitsperfectionintheEnglisheditionofJacobBehmen。

Thefrontispieceisafull-lengthlikenessoftheauthoroftheHolyWar，withhiswholesoullaidopenandhishiddenheart’anatomised。’Why，askedWordsworth，andMatthewArnoldinourdayhasechoedthequestion——whydoesHomerstillsoliveandrulewithoutarivalintheworldofletters？Andtheyanswerthatitisbecausehealwayssangwithhiseyesofixeduponitsobject。

’Homer，totheeIturn。’AndsoitwaswithDante。AndsoitwaswithBunyan。Bunyan’sHolyWarhasitsgreatandabidingandcommandingpoweroverusjustbecausehecomposeditwithhiseyefixedonhisownheart。