Latest / Wisdom of the Ages Library / 08 - The Pilgrim's Progress - John Bunyan

Transcript

08 - The Pilgrim's Progress - John Bunyan · Wisdom of the Ages Library

0:00
Part two, the fourth stage. Now, when they had eaten and drank
0:06
and had chattered a little longer, their guide said to them, the day
0:11
wears away. If you think good, let us prepare to be going.
0:17
So they got up to go, and the little boys went before. But
0:21
Christiana forgot to take her bottle of spirits with her, so she sent her
0:25
little boy back to fetch it. Then said, Mercy, I think this
0:30
is a losing place. Here Christian lost his role, and here Christiana left
0:35
her bottle behind her. Sir, what is the cause of this? So
0:41
their guide made answer and said the cause is sleep or forgetfulness. Some sleep
0:47
when they should keep awake, and some forget when they should remember. And
0:52
this is the very cause why often at the resting places some pilgrims and some
0:58
things come off losers. Pilgrims should watch and remember what they have already received
1:03
under their greatest enjoyments, but for want of doing so, oftentimes their rejoicing
1:10
ends in tears and their sunshine in a cloud. Witness the story of Christian
1:15
at this place. When they were come to the place where mistrust and Timrius
1:22
met Christian to persuade him to go back for fear of the lions. They
1:26
perceived as it were a stage, and before it towards the road a broad
1:32
plate with a copy of verses written thereon, and underneath the reason of raising
1:36
up that stage in that place rendered. The verses were, let him that
1:42
sees this stage take heed unto his heart and tongue, lest if he do
1:47
not hear, he speed. As some have long agone, The words underneath
1:53
the verses were, this stage was built to punish those upon who, through
1:59
timorousness or mistrust, shall be afraid to go further on pilgrimage. Also on
2:05
this stage, both mistrust and timorous were burned through the tongue with a hot
2:09
iron for endeavoring to hinder Christian on his journey. Then said Mercy, this
2:19
is much like to the saying of the Beloved, what shall be given unto
2:22
thee, or what shall be done unto thee? Thou false tongue, sharp
2:27
arrows of the Mighty with coals of juniper Psalm one hundred and twenty three and
2:31
four. So they went on till they came within sight of the lions.
2:38
Now mister Greatheart was a strong man, so he was not afraid of a
2:42
lion. But yet When they were come up to the place where the lions
2:45
were, The boys that went before were now glad to cringe behind, for
2:50
they were afraid of the lions. So they stepped back and went behind.
2:54
At this, their guide smiled and said, how now, my boys,
3:00
do you love to go before when no danger doth approach, and love to
3:04
come behind so soon as the lions appear. Now as they went on,
3:09
mister great Heart drew his sword with intent to make away for the pilgrims in
3:14
spite of the lions. Then they appeared one that it seems, had taken
3:19
upon him to back the lions. And he said to the pilgrim's guide,
3:23
what is the cause of your coming hither? Now? The name of that
3:28
man was Grim or bloody man, because of his slaying of pilgrims, and
3:32
he was of the race of the giants. Mister Greatheart then said the Pilgrim's
3:38
guide, these women and children are going on pilgrimage, and this is the
3:44
way they must go, and go it they shall, in spite of thee
3:47
and the lions. Grim, this is not their way, neither shall they
3:53
go Therein I am come forth to withstand them, and to that end will
3:59
back the lion. Now to say the truth, by reason of the fierceness
4:03
of the lions and of the grim carriage of him that did back them,
4:08
this way had of late lane much unoccupied, and was almost grown over with
4:12
grass. Christiana then said Christiana. Though they highways had been unoccupied, heretofore.
4:20
And though the travelers have been made in times past to walk through by
4:25
paths, it must not be so. Now. I am risen. Now
4:29
I am risen, a mother in Israel Judges five, six and seven.
4:33
Grim then he swore by the lions that it should, and therefore bid them
4:39
turn aside, for they should not have passage there. But great Heart,
4:44
their guide, made first his approach unto Grim, and laid so heavily on
4:47
him with his sword that he forced him to retreat. Grim then said,
4:54
he that attempted to back the lions, will you slay me upon mine own
4:58
ground? Mister Greatheart. It is the King's highway that we are in,
5:04
and in this way it is that thou hast placed the lions. But these
5:09
women and these children, though weak, shall hold on their way in spite
5:14
of thy lions. And with that he gave him again a downright blow.
5:17
And brought him upon his knees. With this blow, also he broke his
5:23
helmet, and with the next he cut off an arm. Then did the
5:28
giant roar so hideously that his voice frightened the women, And yet they were
5:32
glad to see him lie sprawling upon the ground. Now the lions were chained,
5:38
and so of themselves could do nothing. Wherefore, when old grim that
5:42
intended to back them was dead, mister Greatheart said to the pilgrims, come
5:47
now and follow me, and no hurt shall happen to you from the lions.
5:51
They therefore went on, but the women trembled as they passed by them.
5:57
The boys also looked as if they would die, but they all got
6:00
by without further hurt. Now, when they were within sight of the porter's
6:05
lodge, they soon came up unto it. But they made them more haste
6:10
after this to go thither, because it is dangerous traveling there in the night.
6:15
So when they were come to the gate, the guide knocked, and
6:17
the porter cried, who is there? But as soon as the guide had
6:23
said it is I, he knew his voice and came down, For the
6:27
guide had off before that, come thither as a conductor of pilgrims. When
6:31
he was come down, he opened the gate, and, seeing the guide
6:35
standing just before it, for he saw not the women, for they were
6:39
behind him, he said unto him, how now, mister greatheart, what
6:45
is your business here so late at night? I have brought, said he,
6:49
some pilgrims hither where by my Lord's commandment they must lodge. I had
6:55
been here some time ago, had I not been opposed by the giant that
7:00
it used to back the lions. But I, after a long and tedious
7:03
combat with him, have cut him off, and have brought the pilgrims hither
7:08
in safety the porter. Will you not go in and stay till morning,
7:14
mister Greatheart? No, I will return to my Lord to night. Christiana,
7:21
oh, sir, I know not how to be willing you should leave
7:25
us in our pilgrimage. You have been so faithful and loving to us,
7:30
You have fought so stoutly for us, You have been so hearty in counseling
7:33
of us, that I shall never forget your favor towards us. Mercy then
7:41
said, Mercy, oh, that we might have thy company to our journey's
7:45
end. How can such poor women as we hold out in a way so
7:49
full of troubles as this way is without a friend and defender. James then
7:57
said James, the youngest of the boys, Gray, Sir, be persuaded
8:01
to go with us and help us, because we are so weak and the
8:05
way so dangerous as it is. Mister greatheart, I am at my Lord's
8:11
commandment. If he shall allot me to be your guide quite through, I
8:16
will willingly wait upon you. But here you failed at first, for when
8:22
he bid me come thus far with you, then you should have begged me
8:26
of him to have gone quite through with you, and he would have granted
8:30
your request. However, at present I must withdraw, and so good Christiana,
8:35
Mercy, and my brave children adieu. Then the porter, mister Watchful,
8:43
asked Christiana of her country and of her kindred, and she said,
8:48
I am come from the city of Destruction. I am a widow woman,
8:52
and my husband is dead. His name was Christian the pilgrim. How said
8:58
porter, was he your husband? And yes, said she? And these
9:03
are his children, And this pointing to Mercy, is one of my townswomen.
9:09
Then the porter rang his bell, as at such times he is wont
9:13
and there come to the door one of the damsels whose name was Humble Mind.
9:16
And to her the porter said, go tell it within, that Christiana,
9:22
the wife of Christian, and her children are come hither on pilgrimage.
9:26
She went in therefore and told it. But oh, what noise for gladness
9:31
was there within when the damsel did but drop that out of her mouth.
9:35
So they came with haste to the porter. For Christiano stood still at the
9:39
door. Then some of the most graves said, unto her, come in,
9:45
Christiana, Come in, thou wife of that good man, Come in,
9:48
thou blessed woman, Come in with all that are with thee. So
9:54
she went in, and they followed her, that were her children and companions.
9:58
Now, when they were gone in, they were had into a large
10:01
room, where they were bidden to sit down. So they sat down,
10:07
and the chief of the house were called to see and welcome the guests.
10:11
Then they came in, and, understanding who they were, did salute each
10:16
other with a kiss, and said, welcome, ye, vessels of the
10:18
grace of God. Welcome to us, your friends. Now, because it
10:24
was somewhat late, and because the pilgrims were weary with their journey, and
10:28
also made faint with the sight of the fight and of the terrible lions.
10:33
They desired as soon as might be, to prepare to go to rest.
10:39
Nay, said those of the family, refresh yourselves first with a morsel of
10:43
meat, for they had prepared for them a lamb with the accustomed source belonging
10:48
there to Exodus twelve twenty one, John one twenty nine. For the porter
10:54
had heard before of their coming, and had told it to them within.
10:58
So when they had supped and ended their prayer with a psalm, they desired
11:01
they might go to rest. But let us, said Christiana, if weigh
11:07
me. But let us, said Christiana, if we may be so bold
11:20
as to choose be in that chamber that was my husband's when he was here.
11:24
So they had them up thither, and they all lay in a room.
11:28
When they were at rest. Christiana and Mercy entered into discourse about things
11:33
that were convenient. Christiana, little did I think once, when my husband
11:41
went on pilgrimage, that I should ever have followed him, Mercy, and
11:48
you as little thought of lying in his bed and in his chamber to rest,
11:52
as you do now, Christiana. And much less did I ever think
11:58
of seeing his face with comfort, and of worshiping the Lord the King with
12:01
him. And yet now I believe I shall Mercy hark. Don't you hear
12:09
a noise, Christiana? Yes, it is, as I believe, a
12:13
noise of music for joy that we are here, Mercy, wonderful music in
12:20
the house, music in the heart, and music also in heaven, for
12:26
joy that we are here. Thus they talked awhile, and then betook themselves
12:31
to sleep. So in the morning, when they were awake, Christiana said
12:35
to Mercy, what was the matter that you did laugh in your sleep tonight?
12:39
I suppose you were in a dream, Mercy. So I was,
12:43
and a sweet dream it was. But are you sure I laughed, Christiana,
12:50
Yes, you laughed heartily. But prithee, Mercy, tell me thy
12:54
dream, Mercy, I was a dreaming that I sat all alone in a
13:00
solitary place and was bemoaning of the hardness of my heart. Now I had
13:05
not sat there long, but methought many were gathered about me to see me
13:09
and to hear what it was that I said. So they hearkened, and
13:11
I went on bemoaning the hardness of my heart. At this, some of
13:16
them laughed at me, some called me fool, and some began to thrust
13:20
me about with that methought, I looked up and saw one coming with wings
13:26
towards me. So he came directly to me and said, mercy, what
13:31
aileth thee? Now, when he had heard me make complaint, he said,
13:35
peace be to thee. He also wiped my eyes with his handkerchief,
13:39
and clad me in silver and gold. Ezekiel sixteen eight to eleven. He
13:46
put a chain about my neck, and earrings in mine ears, and a
13:50
beautiful crown upon my head. Then he took me by the hand and said,
13:56
Mercy, come after me. So he went up, and I followed
14:00
till we came at a golden gate. Then he knocked, and when they
14:05
within had opened, the man went in, and I followed him up to
14:09
a throne upon which one sat, and he said to me, welcome daughter.
14:15
The place looked bright and twinkling, like the stars, or rather like
14:20
the sun, and I thought that I saw your husband there. So I
14:24
awoke for my dream. But did I laugh? Christiana? Laugh, ay?
14:31
And well you might to see yourself so well, For you must give
14:35
me leave to tell you that it was a good dream, and that as
14:39
you have begun to find the first part true, so you shall find the
14:43
second. At last. God speaks once, yea twice. Yet man perceiveth
14:48
it not in a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep
14:52
sleep falleth upon men in slumberings upon the bed job thirty three, fourteen and
14:58
fifteen. We need not when a bed to lie awake to talk with God.
15:05
He can visit us while we sleep and cause us then to hear His
15:07
voice. Our heart oftentimes wakes when we sleep, and God can speak to
15:13
that either by words, by proverbs, by signs and similitudes, as well
15:18
as if one was awake. Mercy, well, I am glad of my
15:24
dream, for I hope ere long to see it fulfilled, to the making
15:26
me laugh again, Christiana, I think it is now high time to rise
15:33
and to know what we must do. Mercy, pray, if they invite
15:39
us to stay awhile, let us willingly accept of the proffer. I am
15:43
the more willing to stay awhile here to grow better acquainted with these maids.
15:48
Methinks, Prudence, piety, and charity have very comely and sober countenances.
15:54
Christiana. We shall see what they will do. So when they were up
16:00
and ready, they came down, and they asked one another of their rest,
16:04
and if it was comfortable or not. Mercy very good, said Mercy.
16:11
It was one of the best night's lodgings that ever I had in my
16:15
life. Then said Prudence and Piety, if you will be persuaded to stay
16:19
here, awhile ye shall have what the house will afford. Charity ay,
16:26
And that with a very good will, said Charity. So they consented and
16:30
stayed there about a month or above, and became very profitable one to another.
16:36
And because Prudence would see how Christiana had brought up her children, she
16:40
asked leave of her to catechise them. So she gave her free consent.
16:45
Then she began with her youngest, whose name was James Prudence, and she
16:51
said, come, James, canst thou tell me who made thee James,
16:56
God, the Father, God, the Son, and God the Holy Ghost?
17:02
Prudence, good boy? And canst thou tell me who saved thee James?
17:08
God, the Father, God, the Son, and God the Holy
17:12
Ghost? Prudence, good boy? Still? But how doth God the Father
17:18
save thee James by his grace? Prudence? How doth God the Son save
17:26
thee James by his righteousness, death, and blood and life? Prudence?
17:33
And how doth God the Holy Ghost save thee James by his illumination, by
17:41
his renovation, and by his preservation? Then said Prudence to Christiana, you
17:48
are to be commended for thus bringing up your children. I suppose I need
17:52
not ask the rest these questions, since the youngest of them can answer them
17:56
so well. I will therefore now apply myself to the next youngest Prudence.
18:03
Then she said, come, Joseph, for his name was Joseph. Will
18:07
you let me catechise you, Joseph with all my heart? Prudence? What
18:15
is man, Joseph, a reasonable creature, so made by God? As
18:19
my brother said, Prudence, what is supposed by this word saved Joseph,
18:27
that man, by sin has brought himself into a state of captivity and misery?
18:33
Prudence? What is supposed by his being saved by the Trinity? Joseph,
18:41
That sin is so great and mighty a tyrant, that none can pull
18:44
us out of its clutches but God. And that God is so good and
18:48
loving to man as to pull him indeed out of this miserable state. Prudence?
18:55
What is God's design in saving poor men? Joseph? The glorifying of
19:00
his name, of his grace and justice, et cetera, and the everlasting
19:06
happiness of his creature. Prudence, Who are they that will be saved,
19:12
Joseph, they that accept of his salvation? Prudence, good boy, Joseph,
19:21
Thy mother hath taught thee well, and thou hast hearkened unto what she
19:23
has said unto thee. Then said Prudence to Samuel, who was the eldest
19:29
but one, Prudence, Come, Samuel, are you willing that I should
19:33
catechise you? Samuel? Yes, forsooth, if you please, Prudence.
19:41
What is Heaven, Samuel, a place and state most blessed because God dwelleth
19:48
there? Prudence? What is Hell, Samuel, a place and state most
19:57
woeful? Because it is the place of sin, the devil and death?
20:03
Prudence? Why wouldst thou go to heaven, Samuel? That I may see
20:10
God and serve Him without weariness, That I may see Christ and love Him
20:15
everlastingly, that I may have that fullness of the Holy Spirit in me,
20:18
which I can by no means here enjoy, Prudence, a very good boy
20:26
and one that has learned well. Then she addressed herself to the eldest,
20:30
whose name was Matthew, and she said to him, come, Matthew,
20:36
shall I also catechise you, Matthew, with a very good will? Prudence?
20:44
I ask then, if there was ever anything that had a being anticidentt
20:48
to or before God, Matthew, No, for God is eternal, Nor
20:56
is there anything excepting himself that had a being until the beginning of the first
21:00
Day. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea,
21:04
and all that in them is prudence. What do you think of the
21:10
Bible, Matthew? It is the holy word of God? Prudence. Is
21:17
there nothing written therein but what you understand? Matthew? Yes, a great
21:22
deal prudence. What do you do when you meet with places therein that you
21:27
do not understand? Matthew? I think God is wiser than I. I
21:33
pray also that He will please to let me know all therein that he knows
21:37
will be for my good prudence. How believe you as touching the resurrection of
21:44
the dead, Matthew? I believe they shall rise the same that was buried,
21:49
the same in nature, though not in corruption. And I believe this
21:53
upon a double account. First because God has promised it. Secondly, because
21:59
He is able to perform it, then, said Prudence to the boys.
22:03
You must still hearken to your mother, for she can teach you more.
22:08
You must also diligently give ear to what good talk you shall hear from others,
22:12
for your sake they do speak good things. Observe also, and that
22:18
with carefulness what the heavens and the earth do teach you. But especially be
22:22
much in the meditation of that book which was the cause of your father's becoming
22:26
a pilgrim. I, for my part, my children will teach you what
22:32
I can while you are here, and shall be glad if you will ask
22:34
me questions that tend to godly edifying Now by that these pilgrims had been at
22:41
this place a week, Mercy had a visitor that pretended some good will unto
22:45
her, and his name was mister Brisk, a man of some breeding and
22:49
that pretended to religion, but a man that stuck very close to the world.
22:56
So he came once or twice or more to Mercy and offered love to
23:00
her. Now Mercy was of a fair countenance, and therefore the more alluring
23:06
her mind also was to be always busying herself in doing for when she had
23:11
nothing to do for herself. She would be making hose and garments for others,
23:15
and would bestow them upon those that had need. And mister Brisk,
23:19
not knowing where or how she disposed of what she made, seemed to be
23:23
greatly taken. For that he found her never idle. I will warrant her
23:29
a good housewife, quoth he to himself. Mercy then revealed the business to
23:34
the maidens that were of the house, and inquired of them concerning him,
23:40
for they did know him better than she. So they told her that he
23:44
was a very busy young man, and one who pretended to religion, but
23:48
was, as they feared, a stranger to the power of that which is
23:52
good. Nay, then said Mercy, I will look no more on him,
23:56
for I purposed never to have a clog to my soul. Prudence then
24:02
replied that there needed no matter of great discouragement to be given to him.
24:07
Her continuing so as she had begun to do for the poor, would quickly
24:11
cool his courage. So the next time he comes he finds her at her
24:15
old work making things for the poor, Then said he what always at it?
24:22
Yes, said she either for myself or for others. And what canst
24:26
thou earn a day, said he. I do these things, said she,
24:30
that I may be rich in good works, laying up in store for
24:34
myself a good foundation against the time to come, that I may lay hold
24:38
on eternal life. First Timothy six seventeen to nineteen. Why, Prithee,
24:45
what doest thou with them? Said he clothe the naked? Said she?
24:51
With that His countenance fell, so he forbore to come at her again.
24:55
And when he was asked the reason why, he said that Mercy was a
25:00
pretty lass, but troubled with ill conditions. When he had left her,
25:04
Prudence said, did I not tell thee that mister brisk would soon forsake thee?
25:11
Yea, he will rise up an ill report of thee. For notwithstanding
25:14
his pretense to religion and his seeming love to Mercy, yet Mercy and he
25:19
are of tempers so different that I believe they will never come together. Mercy,
25:26
I might have had husbands before now, though I spoke not of it
25:30
to any, But they were such as did not like my conditions, though
25:34
never did any of them find fault with my person. So there and I
25:38
could not agree, Prudence, Mercy in our days is but little set by
25:45
any further than as to its name, the practice which is set forth by
25:48
thy conditions. There are but few that can abide mercy. Well said Mercy.
25:56
If nobody will have me, I will die on my married or my
26:00
conditions shall be to me as a husband. For I cannot change my nature
26:06
and to have one who lies cross to me. And thus that I purposed
26:08
never to admit of as long as I live. I had a sister named
26:12
Bountiful, that was married to one of these chails. But he and she
26:18
could never agree. But because my sister was resolved to do as she had
26:22
begun, that is, to show kindness to the poor. Therefore her husband
26:27
first cried her down at the cross, and then turned her out of his
26:32
doors prudence. And yet he was a professor. I warrant you, Mercy.
26:40
Yes, such a one as he was, and of such as he,
26:42
the world is now full. But I am for none of them all.
26:48
Now, Matthew, the eldest son of Christiana, fell sick, and
26:52
his sickness was sore upon him, for he was much pained in his bowels,
26:56
so that he was with it at times pulled as it were both ends
27:00
together. There Dwell also not far from thence one mister Skill, an ancient
27:07
and well approved physician. So Christiana desired it and entered the room and had
27:11
a little observed the boy. He concluded that he was sick of the gripes.
27:17
Then he said to his mother, what diet has Matthew late fed upon?
27:22
Diet? Said Cristiana, nothing, but what is wholesome. The physician
27:26
answered, the boy has been tampering with something that lies in his stomach undigested,
27:33
and that will not away without means. And I tell you he must
27:37
be purged, or else he will die. Samuel then said Samuel, mother,
27:44
what was that which my brother did gather up and eat? As soon
27:47
as we were come from the gate that is at the head of this way.
27:51
You know that there was an orchard on the left hand, on the
27:53
other side of the wall, and some of the trees hung over the wall,
27:57
and my brother did pluck and eat, Christiana, True, my child,
28:03
said Christiana, he did take thereof and did eat naughty boy as he
28:07
was. I chid him, And yet he would eat thereof. Mister Skill,
28:14
I knew he had eaten something that was not wholesome food, and that
28:18
food to wit, that fruit is even the most hurtful of all. It
28:22
is the fruit of Beelzebub's orchard. I do marvel that none did warn you
28:26
of it. Many have died thereof Christiana. Then Christiana began to cry,
28:37
and she said, Oh, naughty boy, and O careless mother, what
28:41
shall I do for my son? Mister Skill, come, do not be
28:47
too much dejected. The boy may do well again, but he must purge
28:51
and vomit. Christiana, pray, sir, try the utmost of your skill
28:56
with him, whatever it costs. Mister Skill, nay, I hope I
29:02
shall be reasonable. So he made him a purge, but it was too
29:06
weak. It was said it was made of the blood of a goat,
29:10
the ashes of a heifer, and some of the juice of hissop Hebrews nine
29:15
thirteen and nineteen ten one to four. When mister Skill had seen that that
29:22
purge was too weak, he made one to the purpose. It was made
29:26
ex carne etzanguini Christie John six fifty four fifty seven, Hebrews nine fourteen.
29:36
You know physicians give strange medicine to their patients. And it was made into
29:40
pills with a promise or two and a proportionable quantity of salt mark nine forty
29:45
nine. Now he was to take them three at a time, fasting in
29:51
half a quarter of a pint of the tears of Repentance Zechariah twelve ten.
29:57
When this persian was prepared and brought the boy, he was loath to take
30:02
it, though torn with the gripes, as if he should be poured in
30:04
pieces. Come, Come, said the physician. You must take it.
30:10
It goes against my stomach, said the boy. I must have you take
30:14
it, said his mother. I shall vomit it up again, said the
30:18
boy. Pray says, said Christiana to mister Skill. How does it taste?
30:25
It has no ill taste, said the doctor, And with that she
30:27
touched one of the pills with the tip of her tongue. O Matthew said
30:33
she. This potion is sweeter than honey. If thou lovest thy mother,
30:37
if thou lovest thy brothers, if thou lovest mercy, if thou lovest thy
30:41
life, take it. So with much ado, after a short prayer for
30:47
the blessing of God upon it, he took it, and it wrought kindly
30:51
with him. It caused him to purge, It caused him to sleep and
30:56
to rest quietly. It put him to him a fine heat and breathing sweat,
31:00
and did quite rid him of his gripes. So in a little time
31:04
he got up and walked about with a staff, and would go from room
31:08
to room and talk with prudence, piety, and charity of his distemper and
31:14
how he was healed. So when the boy was healed, Christiana asked mister
31:18
Skill, saying, sir, what will content you for your pains and care
31:23
to you and of my child? And he said, ye must pay the
31:29
master of the college of Physicians Hebrews thirteen eleven to fifteen, according to Rule's
31:33
maid in that case, and provided Christiana. But sir, said she,
31:41
what is this pill good for else? Mister Skill. It is a universal
31:48
pill. It is good against all the diseases that pilgrims are incident to,
31:52
and when it is well prepared, it will keep good time out of mind.
31:59
Christiana, pray, sir, make me up twelve boxes of them,
32:04
for if I can get these, I will never take other physic Mister Skill.
32:09
These pills are good to prevent diseases as well as to cure when one
32:14
is sick. YEA, I dare say it and stand to it that if
32:17
a man will but use this physic as he should, it will make him
32:21
live forever John six fifty one. But good Christiana, thou must give these
32:28
pills no other way, but as I have prescribed, for if you do,
32:30
they will do no good. So he gave unto Christiana physic for herself
32:36
and her boys, and for mercy, and bid Matthew take heed, how
32:39
he ate any more green plums, and kissed them, and went his way.
32:46
It was told you before that Prudence bid the boys that if at any
32:51
time they would, they should ask her some questions that might be profitable,
32:54
and she would say something to them. Matthew. When Matthew, who had
33:00
been sick, asked her, why, for the most part physic should be
33:06
bitter to our palates? Prudence to show how unwelcome the word of God and
33:12
the effects thereof are to our carnal heart, Matthew. Why does physic,
33:17
if it does good, purge and cause to vomit? Prudence to show that
33:23
the Word, when it works, effectually cleanseth the heart and mind. For
33:29
look what the one doth to the body, the other doth to the soul.
33:36
Matthew, What should we learn by seeing the flame of our fire go
33:39
upwards, and by seeing the beams and sweet influences of the Sun strike downwards
33:46
Prudence. By the going up of the fire, we are taught to ascend
33:51
to heaven. By fervent and hot desires, and by the Sun sending his
33:55
heat, beams and sweet influences downwards. They are taught the Savior of the
34:00
world, though high, reaches down with his grace and love to us below.
34:07
Matthew. Whence have the clouds their water prudence? Out of the sea,
34:14
Matthew, What may we learn from that prudence that ministers should fetch their
34:21
doctrine from God? Matthew? Why do they empty themselves upon the earth?
34:28
Prudence to show that ministers should give out what they know of God to the
34:31
world, Matthew. Why is the rainbow caused by the sun? Prudence to
34:39
show that the covenant of God's grace is confirmed to us in Christ, Matthew.
34:46
Why do the springs come from the sea to us through the earth?
34:51
Prudence to show that the grace of God comes to us through the body of
34:54
Christ, Matthew. Why do some of the springs rise out of the tops
35:00
of high hills? Prudence to show that the spirit of grace shall spring up
35:06
in some that are great and mighty, as well as in many that are
35:09
poor and low. Matthew. Why doth the fire fasten upon the candlewick prudence?
35:17
To show that unless grace doth kindle upon the heart, there will be
35:22
no true light of life in us? Matthew? Why are the wick and
35:29
tallow and all spent to maintain the light of the candle prudence? To show
35:35
that body and soul and all should be at the service of and spend themselves
35:38
and maintain in good condition that grace of God that is in us, Matthew.
35:45
Why doth the Pelican pierce her own breast with her bill prudence to nourish
35:52
her young ones with her blood, and thereby to show that Christ the Blessed
35:55
so loved as young his people as to save them from death by his blood.
36:05
Matthew. What may one learn by hearing the cock to crow prudence?
36:12
Learn to remember Peter's sin and Peter's repentance. The cock's crerying shows also that
36:21
day is coming on. Let then the crearing of the cock put thee in
36:24
mind of that last and terrible day of judgment. Now about this time their
36:30
month was out wherefore they signify to those of the house that it was convenient
36:35
for them to be up and be going. Then said Joseph to his mother,
36:39
it is proper that you forget not to send to the house of mister
36:43
Interpreter to pray him to grant that mister Greatheart should be sent unto us,
36:49
that he may be our conductor for the rest of the way. Good boy,
36:52
said she, I had almost forgot, So she drew up a petition
36:58
and prayed mister Watchful the porter to send it by some fit man to her
37:02
good friend, mister Interpreter, who, when it was come and he had
37:07
seen the contents of the petition, said to the messenger, go tell them
37:10
that I will send him. When the family where Christiana was saw that they
37:16
had a purpose to go forward, they called the whole house together to give
37:21
thanks to their king for sending of them such profitable guests as these which done,
37:27
They said, unto Christiana, and shall we not show thee something as
37:30
our custom is to do to pilgrims, on which thou mayst meditate when thou
37:35
art upon the way. So they took Christiana, her children and Mercy into
37:40
the closet and showed them one of the apples that eve ate of, and
37:45
that she also did give to her husband, and that for the eating of
37:49
which they were both turned out of paradise, and asked her what she thought
37:53
that was. Then Christiana said, it is food or I know not which.
38:02
So they opened the matter to her, and she held up her hands
38:06
and wondered Genesis three six Romans seven twenty four. Then they had her to
38:15
a place and showed her Jacob's ladder Genesis twenty eight twelve. Now at that
38:21
time there were some angels ascending upon it. So Christiana looked and looked to
38:25
see the angels go up. So did the rest of the company. Then
38:30
they were going into another place to show them something else. But James said
38:35
to his mother, pray, bid them stay here a little longer, for
38:39
this is a curious sight. So they turned again and stood feeding their eyes
38:45
with this so pleasant a prospect. After this, they had them into a
38:50
place where it did hang up a golden anchor. So they bid Christiana take
38:53
it down, for said they you shall have it with you, for it
38:59
is of absent salute necessity that you should that you may lay hold of that
39:02
within the veil Hebrews six nineteen, and stands deadfast in case you should meet
39:09
with turbulent weather Joel three sixteen. So they were glad thereof Then they took
39:16
them and had them to the mount upon which Abraham our father offered up Isaac
39:22
his son, and showed them the altar, the wood, the fire,
39:25
and the knife, for they remained to be seen to this very day Genesis
39:30
twenty two nine. When they had seen it, they held up their hands
39:36
and blessed themselves, and said, oh, what a man for love to
39:39
his master and for denial to himself was Abraham. After they had showed them
39:45
all these things, Prudence took them into a dining room, where stood a
39:50
pair of excellent virginals. So she played upon them and turned what she had
39:54
showed them into this excellent song, saying, Eve's apple we have showed you
40:00
of that. Be you aware you have seen Jacob's ladder too, upon which
40:06
angels are an anchor. You received have. But let not these suffice until
40:14
with Abron you have gave your best a sacrifice. Now about this time one
40:21
knocked at the door. So the porter opened, and behold, mister Greatheart
40:24
was there. But when he was come in what joy was there? For
40:29
it came now fresh again into their minds. How but a while ago he
40:34
had slain old grim, bloody man the Giant, and had delivered them from
40:37
the lions. Then said mister Greatheart to Christiana and to Mercy, my Lord
40:44
has sent each of you a bottle of wine, and also some parched corn,
40:47
together with a couple of pomegranates. He has also sent the boys some
40:52
figs and raisins to refresh you in your way. Then they addressed themselves to
40:57
their journey, and Prudence and Pie went along with them. When they came
41:01
to the gate, Christiana asked the porter if any of late went by.
41:07
He said, no, only one some time since, who also told me
41:13
that of late there had been a great robbery committed on the King's Highway.
41:15
As you go, but said he, the thieves are taken and will shortly
41:22
be tried for their lives. Then Christiana and Mercy were afraid, but Matthew
41:30
said, mother, fear nothing, as long as mister Greatheart is to go
41:34
with us and to be our conductor. Then said Christiana to the porter,
41:39
Sir, I am much obliged to you for all the kindnesses that you have
41:43
showed to me since I came hither, And also for that you have been
41:46
so loving and kind to my children. I know not how to gratify your
41:52
kindness. Wherefore pray as a token of my respect to you, except of
41:57
this small mite. So she put a gold angel in his hand, and
42:00
he made her a low obeisance, and said, let thy garments be always
42:05
white, and let thy head want no ointment Ecclesiastes nine eight. Let mercy
42:12
live and not die, and let not her works be few Deuteronomy thirty three
42:16
six. And to the boys, he said, do you fly youthful lusts
42:22
and follow after Godliness with them that are grave and wise tewod Timothy two twenty
42:28
two. So shall you put gladness into your mother's heart and obtain prayers of
42:32
all that are sober minded. So they thanked the porter and departed. End
42:39
Part two, the fourth stage