up to the gate, lo, a host of saints came to
meet them, to whom the two Bright Ones said: These are men who felt love
for our Lord when they were in the world, and left all for His name;
and He sent us to bring them far on their way, that they might go in and
look on their Lord with joy.
Then the whole host with great shouts came round on all sides (as it
were to guard them); so that is would seem to Christian and Hopeful as
if all Zion had come down to meet them.
Now, when Christian and Hopeful went in at the gate a great change took
place in them, and they were clad in robes that shone like gold. There
were bright hosts that came with harps and crowns, and they said to
them: Come, ye, in the joy of the Lord. And then I heard all the bells
in Zion ring.
Now, just as the gates were flung back for the men to pass in, I had
a sight of Zion, which shone like the sun; the ground was of gold, and
those who dwelt there had love in their looks, crowns on their heads,
and palms in their hands, and with one voice they sent forth shouts of
praise.
But the gates were now once more shut, and I could but wish that I, too,
had gone in to share this bliss. Then I woke, and, lo, it was a dream.
END OF FIRST PART.
PART II.
Once more I had a dream, and it was this:--Christiana, the wife of
Christian, had been on her knees to pray, and as she rose, she heard a
loud knock at the door. If you come in God's name, said she, come in.
Then I thought in my dream that a form, clad in robes as white as snow,
threw back the door, and said, Peace be to this house. At a sight so
new to her, Christiana at first grew pale with fear, but in a short time
took heart and told him she would fain know whence he came, and why. So
he said his name was Secret, and that he dwelt with those that are on
high. Then said her guest: Christiana, here is a note for thee, which
I have brought from Christian. So she took it, broke the seal, and read
these words, which were in gold:--"To her who was my dear wife. The King
would have you do as I have done, for that was the way to come to this
land, and to dwell with Him in joy." When Christiana read this, she shed
tears, and said to him who brought the note, Sir, will you take me and
my sons with you, that we, too, may bow down to this king? But he said,
Christiana, joy is born of grief: care must come first, then bliss. To
reach the land where I dwell, thou must go through toils, as well as
scorn and
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