THE SHEPHERDS ON THE DELECTABLE MO UNTALINS. 135

CHAPTER VIIL

 
 

({] HEY went then till they came to the Delectable Mountains, which mountains
| belong to the Lord of that hill of which we have spoken before. So they went
up to the mountains to behold the gardens and orchards, the vineyards and
fountains of water, where also they drank and washed themselves, and did freely
eat of the vineyards. Now there were on the tops of these mountains shepherds feeding
their flocks, and they stood by the highway-side. The pilgrims, therefore, went to
them, and leaning upon their staves (as 1s common with weary pilgrims when they
stand to talk with any by the way), they asked, “Whose delectable mountains are
these, and whose be the sheep that feed upon them ee

Srep. These mountains are Immanuel’s Land, and they are within sight of His
city ; and the sheep also are His, and He laid down His life for them.”

Cris. Is this the way to the Celestial City ?

Suep. You are just in your way.

- Curis. How far is it thither?

Siep. Too far for any but those who shall get thither indeed.

Cris. Is the way safe or dangerous?

Sip. Safe for those for whom it is to be safe ; but transgressors shall fall therein."

Curis. Is there in this place any relief for pilgrims that are weary and faint in the
way ?

Sirp. The Lord of these mountains hath given us a charge not to be forgetful to
entertain strangers; therefore the good of the place is before you.

I saw algo in my dream that when the shepherds perceived that they were way-
faring men, they also put questions to them (to which they made answer as in other
. places), as, “ Whence came you?” and, “How got you into the way?” and, “By
what means have you so persevered therein? for but few of them that begin to come
hither do show their faces on these mountains.” But when the shepherds heard their
answers, being pleased therewith, they looked very lovingly upon them, and said,
“ Welcome to the Delectable Mountains!”

The shepherds, I say, whose names were Knowledge, Experience, Watchful, and
Sincere, took them by the hand and had them to their tents, and made them partake
of what was ready at present. They said moreover, “ We would that you should stay
here awhile, to be acquainted with us, and yet. more to solace yourselves with the