CHRISTIAN GOES FORWARD. io

with which David slew Goliath of Gath, and the sword also with which their Lord will
kill the Man of Sin, in the day that He shall rise up to the prey. They showed him,
besides, many excellent things, with which Christian was much delighted. This done,
they went to their rest again.

Then I saw in my dream that on the morrow he got up to go forward, but they
desired him to stay till the next day also; “and then,” said they, “we will, if the day
be clear, show you the Delectable Mountains ;” which they said would yet further add
to his comfort, because they were nearer the desired haven than the place where at
present he was. So he consented and stayed. When the morning was up, they had
him to the top of the house, and bid him look south. So he did, and behold, at a
great distance he saw a most pleasant mountainous country, beautified with woods,
vineyards, fruits of all sorts, flowers also, with springs and fountains, very delectable to
behold.“ Then he asked the name of the country. They said it was Inmanuel’s
Land; “and it is as common,” said they, “as this hill is, to and for all the pilgrims.
And when thou comest there, from thence thou mayest see to the gate of the Celestial
City, as the shepherds that live there will make appear.”

Now he bethought himself of setting forward, and they were willing he should. “ But
first,” said they, “let us go again into the armory.” So they did; and when he came
there, they harnessed him from head to foot with what was of proof, lest. perhaps he
should meet with assaults in the way. He being, therefore, thus accoutred, walked out
with his friends to the gate; and there he asked the Porter if he saw any pilgrim pass
by. Then the Porter answered, “ Yes.”

Curis. “Pray did you know him?” said he.

Port. I asked his name, and he told me it was Faithful.

Curis. “Oh,” said Christian, “I know him, he is my townsman, my near neighbor ;
he comes from the place where I was born. How far do you think he may be before?”

Port. He has got by this time below the hill.

Curis. “Well,” said Christian, “good Porter, the Lord be with thee, and add to alk
thy blessings much increase for the kindness thou has showed to me!”

Then he began to go forward; but Discretion, Piety, Charity, and Prudence would
accompany him down to the foot of the hill. So they went on together, reiterating
their former discourses, till they came to go down the hill. Then said Christian, “Ag
it was difficult coming up, so, so far as I can see, it is dangerous going down.” “ Yes,”
said Prudence, “so it is; for it isa hard matter for a man to go down the Valley of
Humiliation, as thou art now, and to catch no slip by the way; therefore,” said they,