THE INTERPRETER’S HOUSE. 47

off with his burden that was upon his back. or as yet he had not got rid thereof,
nor could he by any means get it off without help.

He told him, “ As to thy burden, be content to bear it until thou comest to the place
of deliverance; for there it will fall from thy back of itself.”

Then Christian began to gird up his loins, and to address himself to his journey.

So the other told him that by that he was gone some distance from the gate, he
would come at the house of the Interpreter, at whose door he should knock, and he
would show him excellent things. Then Christian took his leave of his friend, and he
again bid him God speea.

Then he went on till he came to the house of the Interpreter, where he knocked
over and over. At last one came to the door, and asked who was there.

Curis. Sir, here is a traveller who was bid by an acquaintance of the good man of
this house to call here for his profit ; I would therefore speak with the master of the house.

So he called for the master of the house, who, after a little time, came to Christian,
and asked him whac he would have.

Curis. “Sir,” said Christian, “I am a man that am come from the City of Destrue-
tion, and am going to Mount Zion; and I was told by the man that stands at the gate
at the head of this way, that, if I called here, you would show me excellent things, such
as would be helpful to me on my journey.”

{wrer. Then said the Interpreter, “Come in; I will show thee that which will be
profitable to thee.” So he commanded his man to light the candle, and bid Christian
follow him; so he had him into a private room, and bid his man open a door; the
which when he had done, Christian saw the picture of a very grave person hung up
against the wall; and this was the fashion of it: it had eyes lifted up to heaven, the
best of books in its hand, the law of truth was written upon its lips, the world was
behind its back; it stood as if it pleaded with men, and a crown of gold did hang
over its head.

Curis. Then said Christian, “ What meaneth this?”

Iyrrr. The man whose picture this is, is one of a thousand. He can say, in the
words of the apostle, ‘Though ye have ten thousand instructcrs in Christ, yet have
you not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel.
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.” ™
And whereas thou seest him with his eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in his
hand, and the law of truth writ on his lips, it is to show thee that his work is to know
and unfold dark things to sinners; even as also thou seest him stand as if he pleaded
with men. And whereas thou seest the world is cast behind him, and that a crown