Christiana Page 10

  But Mercy blushed and trembled and for awhile remained silent.

  Then said he, "Be not afraid; only believe, and tell us what lies on your heart."

  "Truly, sir," she began, "the reason I am slow to answer is because I still have a secret fear."

  "Oh? And what is that?"

  "'Tis that I shall not come to the end of this journey."

  "Oh? And why might you think so, my dear?"

  "Because I cannot speak of dreams and golden letters, as can Christiana. Neither do I know what it is to repent of my evil treatment of a loved one."

  "Then what was it, dear heart, that caused you to set out on this narrow way?"

  "Well, when our friend here was packing up to be gone, a neighbor and I happened, by chance, to drop in for a visit."

  "By chance, do you say?"

  "Yes, sir."

  "That which many call 'chance' is more often the direct providence of God."

  "So it seems in this case, sir; for, when we saw her packing up to go, we asked her the meaning of it. She then told us how she had seen her husband in a dream and how he dwelt in heavenly places. She said she had seen him working in his own garden, resting beneath his own fig tree, and eating daily at the King's table. She further heard him singing praises to God for bringing him to that place."

  "Ah. So you heard about her dream of heavenly realities."

  "Yes, sir. And as she described those things to us, why, my heart began to burn with a desire to go there. Said I to myself, 'if these things be one tenth true, I will gladly leave father and mother, and the land of my nativity to go along with this Christiana.' I could also see a storm of desolation gathering above the city of Destruction. I feared that to remain there would certainly prove my ruin. So I asked her if I might accompany her a little ways."

  "And I see that she did not deny you."

  "Nay. But she bade me welcome with open arms. Yea, she treated me more as a daughter than a poor refugee fleeing an evil land. And for this I give her my highest praise and gratitude."

  Now at this Christiana bowed her head and by the light of the candles her boys could see a tear of grateful joy making its way down her cheek. Then the Interpreter continued, saying, "These praises and thanks you shall continue to offer through the ceaseless ages of eternity, dear Mercy. Yea, these shall be, in large measure, the source of Christiana's greatest joy. You shall be as a star in her crown of rejoicing."

  "I do praise God for such a hope, sir. And yet, you must know that I came away from my city with a heavy heart."

  "Why? Did you not see the joy that was set before you?"

  "Oh, yes! What brought me sorrow was that I was leaving behind so many of my loved ones who had set their hearts on this world. I especially remember one special friend whom I carry heavy upon my heart."

  "And may I ask her name?"

  "Her name is Marianna. I believe her to be honest in heart, but there are no faithful pastors or teachers where she dwells. Moreover, she is beautiful and wealthy and she feels no need. Also, her husband, the duke of Stupidity, is drunk more than sober and might oppose her should she set out on pilgrimage. Ah, dear Interpreter, my family and Marianna bring many a tear to my eyes."

  "Ah. But don't give them up to perish yet, dear Mercy. The Lord shall put your prayers and tears into a bottle of remembrance. It may be that they will yet turn, as did our friend Christiana here."

  "Oh, I do hope so."

  "Only continue to carry them up to God's throne on the wings of prayer, Mercy. Through your intercession they may yet see the error of their way."

  "Thank you, sir. I shall."

  "Your beginning is good, sweet Mercy, for you have been not only a hearer but also a doer of the truth. You are a Ruth, who, for the love she had for Naomi, left all. A full reward shall be given thee by the Lord God of Israel; under whose wings you have come to trust. God bless you."

  "Thank you, sir," said Mercy quietly. But as she bowed her head in gratitude, Christiana noticed a golden, candle-lit tear etching a shiny path down her cheek.

  Now when supper was ended, the boys were put into a large room and the women were sent to private suites. Now, when Mercy was in bed, she began to weep softly. But not so softly but that a mother's ear could hear. Therefore Christiana came and tapped gently at her door. "Come in," called Mercy softly, daubing at her tears with a kerchief. So Christiana entered and said, "Mercy, is something wrong?"

  "Nay, my sister. But these are tears of joy that flow down these cheeks."

  "Joy? For what?"

  "For the blessing of the Interpreter. All along this journey I have had a secret fear that I would not be accepted at the far gate."

  Then Christiana's heart was touched and she felt more than one tear slide softly down her own cheek. Then sat she down beside Mercy and, in that loving way which is so special among women, gave her a hug of comfort . "Oh, poor doubting child," said she.

  "But no more, Christiana. No more! Now I have a good hope that I may enter there. He called me a Ruth! Did you hear? 'A Ruth', he said!"

  "Aye! And a Ruth you truly are."

  "And he spoke of a full reward from the Lord God of Israel! Did you hear?"

  "Aye. I did hear. And when I saw that secret joy-tear slide down your cheek, I was glad for you."

  "Oh, Christiana! His words of blessing have lifted a heavy burden from my heart and filled my soul with the joy of salvation. Praise God! And thanks be to you for bringing me to this place."

  So did these two precious children of God praise Him and recount His goodnesses far into the night. In the morning they arose with the sun, and prepared for their departure. But the Interpreter desired them to tarry awhile. "For," said he, "there are yet more blessing to bestow." Then said he to the damsel that had at first opened unto them, "Innocent. Take these into the garden and wash them in the laver, that they may be cleansed from the dust of travel."

  Then Innocent, the damsel, brought them to the bath where they might wash and be clean. So they, by turns, were all washed squeaky clean. Moreover, they felt a new briskness in their bones and a quickness to their steps. Also they all looked a good deal more fair (or handsome, as the case may be) than before their cleansing. So the Interpreter looked lovingly upon them and said, "Ah, yes. Fair as the moon. Fair, fair, fair! Innocent, my dear?"

  "Yes, master?"

  "My seal, please."

  So the seal was brought and he set his mark upon their foreheads. Now this seal was hidden to all but their invisible guardians and the heavenly innkeepers. It was also to be seen by their enemies that they might fear to molest these children of the great King. Yet, even so did a giant or two dare raise his hand against them (to their great regret, as I shall soon relate). Now this seal contained the name of their Lord, the territory over which He ruled, and His title.

  Now this seal, although unseen by themselves, added greatly to the beauty seen by others. Yea, it made them look more like angels than mere citizens of planet earth.

  Then said the Interpreter to the damsel, "Innocent, go into the vestry and bring forth garments for these pilgrims." So she did and he commanded them to be put on. Now these garments, clean and pure white, were woven of fine linen in the loom of heaven. Yea, so white were they that those attired therein seemed almost to glow! And yet, while they could not see the glory which surrounded themselves, they clearly saw that of the others and stood in silent awe for a time.

  "My! Christiana!" exclaimed Mercy. "How fair you are!"

  "Oh no!" answered she meekly. "Not compared to you. You are the one who shines as bright as the sun."

  "Nay," countered Mercy, "for you and your boys outshine me as the sun the moon."

  "Not so, Mercy," said Matthew. "I'll wager that if you were to step into heaven this instant - you would shine bright as any angel round the throne."

  "Why, thank you, Matthew," said Mercy with a slight blush.

  "Look at James, Mama," said Joseph. "Him and Samuel and you and Mercy are so bright
you seem to shine!"

  "As do you, my son," replied Christiana. And so the conversations ran for a time; each esteeming the others better than themselves (which is the highest proof that one is indeed on pilgrimage).

  Then the Interpreter clapped his hands and called loudly for one of his man servants named Great-heart, who, when he appeared said, "Did you call for me, master?"

  Mr. Great-heart

  "Ah, Great-heart, Great-heart. Quick to answer, as always. Yes, yes. I want you to take your sword, helmet, and shield and conduct these lovely daughters of Abraham to the House Beautiful."

  "Yes, sir!" answered the warrior, snapping to a crisp salute. "With pleasure."

  "Wow!" whispered James to Samuel. "Did you see how big his muscles is?"

  "Yeah. I'm sure glad he's on our side," responded an admiring Samuel.

  While this exchange was taking place, Christiana, Mercy and the other boys looked on in admiration, grateful to have one such as this to protect them.

  Great-heart becomes the pilgrim's guide

  So he took his weapons and turned to march on before them. Ah, but there were tears in many an eye as they took their leave of the House of the Interpreter who said simply, "God speed!" Those also that belonged to the house sent them away with many a good wish; so they went on their way, singing:

  "This place has been our second stage:

  Here we have heard and seen

  Those good things that, from age to age,

  To others hid have been.

  The Dung hill raker, Spider, Hen,

  The Chicken, too, to me

  Hath taught a lesson: let me then

  Conformed to it be.

  The Butcher, Garden, and the Field,

  The Robin, and his bait -

  Also the Rotten Tree - doth yield

  Me argument of weight:

  To move me for to watch and pray;

  To strive to be sincere;

  To take my cross up day by day,

  And serve the Lord with fear."

  CHAPTER XI

  The Journey Resumes

  I saw then, in my dream, that they went on; Great-heart marching boldly before and the four boys stepping right behind, striving to imitate his every move. But they had not gone more than a bow shot or so but that Mercy ran back and bowed at the feet of the Interpreter, saying, "I do thank thee again, my Lord, for the kind words which have lifted a great burden from off my soul." Then the Interpreter smiled warmly upon her and said, "Thanks be to thee for returning, gentle maiden. Since you have returned to give thanks, I have two more things to bestow upon you. The first," said he as he drew forth a small golden key hung on a glittering chain, "is one of the mightiest gifts in my Master's armory. 'Twas with this key of promise that Christian got the victory against the giant Despair. I now bequeath it to thee."

  So saying he placed the precious golden key about Mercy's neck and bade her hide it next to her heart to be used when there was great need. Then he bade her stand so he could whisper a secret into her ear, which, when he did, made her blush and let out an involuntary squeal of delight. Then he put his finger to his lips and bade her tell no one until the proper time. This she promised to do, and then dashed off to catch up with her party. But oh, how light of heart and swift of foot was this young maid now! Upon rejoining the little band, Christiana raised a questioning eyebrow which Mercy answered with a mysterious smile before looking away.

  Thus they went on till they came to the place where the strait way touches the foot of a skull-shaped hill. This was this hill they had been beholding all along their journey. But oh, how much more it touched their hearts to come to the very place of sacrifice. 'Twas here that Christian's burden had tumbled from off his back and now, 'twas here that other burdens tumbled and more tears made their way down other faces.

  "Ah, how this sight makes my heart overflow with love to He who suffers in my place," said Christiana reverently. "And oh, how small I appear in my own eyes."

  "Such is the case of all who behold this sight," said Great-heart tenderly. "'Pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in mind the scenes of Calvary'."

  "Ah. Then that is why the cross is ever kept in view," observed Christiana.

  "Aye. You shall see it even while crossing the river that has no bridge."

  "But though I feel all unworthy, yet I feel too as if I am very precious in His sight. How can this be?" asked Christiana earnestly.

  "Ah. You have begun to realize the value of a soul," answered Great-heart. "Indeed our Lord would have passed through all the agonies of Calvary for one alone. Yea, it is His intention that you be exalted as kings and priests and sit with Him upon His throne."

  "Ah! What a glorious destiny!" said Christiana reverently. "And to think that it was all purchased for me in this place! It makes my heart bleed to think that He would do this for me. Oh thou loving one! O thou blessed One! You deserve to have me thrice over; for you own me once by creation, once by redemption and now again by my own free will. Take me, O Lord, for I am thine."

  "Yea," added Mercy. "He has paid a price for me that is ten thousand times my worth."

  "'Tis no wonder that Christian's eyes filled with tears at this place," said Christiana. "Oh, now I understand something of the blessing that he so longed to share with me. But, vile wretch that I was, I sent him packing off all alone and for a time thought it good riddance. But now . . . (and here Christiana began to weep) . . . but now . . . I see!"

  "Oh, that father and mother were here with me," whispered Mercy. "And Marianna."

  "Aye. And Mrs. Timorous!" added Christiana. "Why, even Mrs. Wanton and her lonely daughter could find here the love they seek. If only they could see Him as He is! Then neither the timorous fears of the one, nor the powerful longings of the others could stop them from becoming pilgrims."

  "You speak now in the warmth of your affections," observed Great-heart. "But how will it be in a week, or a year?"

  "By God's grace it shall be warmer than now!" vowed Christiana.

  "But how will you maintain this warmth?"

  "By continually beholding Him."

  "Good. And how else?"

  "By feeding upon His Word," added Mercy.

  "Very good. For in His Word dwells the very power that formed us from the dust. And how else?"

  "Perhaps best you tell us, for I perceive that you have something to share," said Christiana.

  "I have only one thing to add," began Great-heart. "Your Master has said 'Give, and it shall be given unto you'. A lake or sea that has no outlet soon becomes rank and salty. Thus it is with a follower of Christ who does not share."

  "But 'if you will go to work as Christ designs that you shall, and win souls for Him, you will feel the need for a deeper experience and a greater knowledge of divine things, and will hunger and thirst after righteousness. You will plead with God, and your faith will be strengthened; your soul will drink deeper drafts at the well of salvation. Those, dear Christiana, who thus devote themselves to unselfish effort for the good of others, are most surely working out their own salvation'."

  "Ah. Then I shall set my heart to help all whom I may," resolved Christiana.

  "And I as well," vowed Mercy.

  "Amen!" agreed the boys.

  Now I saw further in my dream, that they went on until they came to the place where Christian had encountered Simple, Sloth and Presumption. Only now, behold, they were hanged up in irons with a great flock of crows and kites picking the flesh off their bones.

  The final end of Simple, Sloth and Presumption

  "Mama! Look!" exclaimed James. "Gobs of black birds eating those dead bodies.!"

  "Oh, my!" cried Christiana, eyes wide at the sight. "Whose bones are these, Great-heart?"

  "And for what horrible crime did they deserve to die such a cruel death?" asked Mercy, trying to ward off the stench with a kerchief over her nose.

  "Here you see the final end of Simple, Sloth and Presumption," answered Gr
eat-heart contemptuously. "These vile ones were too slothful to go forward in the way. So, lest they should look inferior compared to those who moved forward with energy, they made it the goal of their lives to persuade others to join them in their laziness and selfish ease."

  "And did they?" asked Christiana through her kerchief.

  "More than I like to tell. There was one man named Slow-pace, another named Short-wind and many others such as No-heart, Linger-after-lust, and a fellow named Sleepy-head. There was also a young woman named Miss Dull who joined them. Furthermore, by their words they sent many a hapless pilgrim wandering off into the land of Giant Despair."