ng much water upon it to quench it, yet did the fire burn higher
and hotter. But afterwards the Interpreter took him to the back of the
wall, where he saw a man with a vessel of oil in his hand, and he
poured the oil continually, but secretly, into the fire.

"What does this mean?" asked Christian.

The Interpreter answered, "The fire is a picture of the grace God puts
into the heart. He that casts water on it to put it out is the Evil
One. And the man who pours oil on the fire to keep it alight is
Christ."

I saw also that the Interpreter took Christian again by the hand and
led him into a place, where was builded a stately palace, beautiful to
behold, at the sight of which Christian was greatly delighted. He saw
also upon the top of the palace certain persons walking, and they were
clothed all in gold.

Then said Christian, "May we go in here?" So the Interpreter took him
and led him toward the door of the palace. Now before they came up to
the door, they passed a man, sitting at a table, with a book and his
inkhorn before him, to take down the name of any who should enter.
And, behold, at the door stood a great company of men, who wished to
go in, but did not dare to enter, for within the doorway stood many
men in armor to guard it. Now, these men in armor were determined to
do any who would enter as much harm and mischief as they could.
Christian was amazed. At last, when every man started back for fear of
the armed men, Christian saw a man with a very strong face come up to
the man that sat at the table, saying:

"Set down my name, sir."

And when this was done, Christian saw the strong man draw his sword
and put an helmet on his head, and rush toward the door upon the
armed men. The armed men fought with great strength, but the man with
the strong face was not at all discouraged, but fought most fiercely.
So after he had received and given many wounds to those that tried to
keep him out, he cut his way through them all, and pressed forward
into the palace. Then there was a pleasant voice heard from those that
walked upon the top of the palace, saying:

"Come in, come in;
Eternal glory thou shalt win."

So he went in and was clothed in such garments as they.

"Now," said Christian, "let me go."

And the Interpreter said, "Hast thou understood these things?"

"Yes," said Christian, and he began to get ready to go on his journey.

Then said the Interpreter, "God be always with thee, good Christian,