THE CELESTIAL CITY. 169

them thus far on their desired journey, that they may go in and look their Redeemer
in the face with joy.” Then the heavenly host gave a great shout, saying, “ Blessed
are they which are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’*” There came out
also at this time to meet them several of the King’s trumpeters, clothed in white and
shining raiment, who, with melodious noises and loud, made even the heavens to
echo with their sound. These trumpeters saluted Christian and his fellow with ten
thousand welcomes from the world; and this they did with shouting and sound of
trumpet.

This done, they compassed them round on every side; some went before, some

 

behind, and some on the right hand, some on
the left (as it were to guard them through
the upper regions), continually sounding as
they went, with melodious noise, in notes
on high: so that the very sight was to them
that could behold it as if heaven itself was
come down to meet them. Thus, therefore,
they walked on together ; and, as they walked,
ever and anon these trumpeters, even with
joyful sound, would, by mixing their music,
with looks and gestures, still signify to Chris-

 

tian and his brother how welcome they were
into their company, and with what gladness
they came to meet them. And now were
these two men as it were in heaven before

 

they came at it, being swallowed up with the
sight of angels, and with hearing of their me-

 

 

lodious notes. Here also they had the City

“One of the King’s trumpeters.”

itself in view, and thought they heard all the
bells therein to ring, and welcome them thereto. But, above all, the warm and joyful
thoughts that they had about their own dwelling there with such company, and that
for ever and ever, oh! by what tongue or pen can their glorious joy be expressed ?

And thus they came up to the gate. Now, when they were come up to the gate,
there was written over it in letters of gold, “ BLessrep ARB THEY THAT DO His com-
MANDMENTS, THAT THEY MAY HAVE RIGHT TO THE TREE OF LIFE, AND MAY ENTER IN
THROUGH THE GATES INTO THE crry.” ”°

Then I saw in my dream, that the Shining Men bid them call at the gate: the
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