saying, I am one whose name is Valiant-fortruth. I am a pilgrim, and am going to the Celestial city. Now, as I was in my way, there were three men that did beset me, and propounded unto me these three things: Whether I would become one of them: or go back from whence I came; or die upon the place? To the first I answered, I had been a true man a long season, and therefore it could not be expected that I now should cast in my lot with thieves (Prov. i. 10---19). Then they demanded what I would say to the second. So I told them, the place from whence I came, had I not found incommodity there, I had not forsaken it at all; but finding it altogether unsuitable to me, and very unprofitable for me, I forsook it for this way. Then they asked me what I said to the third ? And I told them, My life cost more dear far, than that I should lightly give it away: besides, you have nothing to do to put things to my choice; wherefore at your peril be it if you meddle. Then the three, to wit, Wildhead, Inconsiderate, and Pragmatick, drew upon me, and I also drew upon them. So

terrify them with the fears of damnation, in their present endeavours to serve God, and find his salvation. Whatever company of persons we suppose that the author had in view, we may learn from the passage what our strength, hope, and conduct ought to be, when we are thus assaulted. The word of God used in faith, and with fervent and persever ing prayer, will at length enable us to silence such dangerous assailants and if we be valiant for the truth, and meekly contend for it, amidst revilings, menaces, and contempt, we may hope to confirm others also, and to promote the commos

cause.

we fell to it, one against three, for the space of three hours. They have left upon me, as you see, some of the marks of their valour, and have also carried away with them some of mine. They are but just now gone; I suppose they might, as the saying is, hear your horse dash, and so they betook themselves to flight.

Gr.-h. But here was great odds, three against one.

Val. 'Tis true, but little or more are nothing to him that has the truth on his side: 'Though an host should encamp against me,' said one, 'my heart shall not fear though war shall rise against me, in this will I be confident,' &c. Besides, said he, I have read in some records, that one man has fought an army; and how many did Samson slay with the jaw-bone of an ass?

Then said the guide, Why did you not cry out, that some might have come in for your succour ?

Val. So I did to my King, who I knew - could hear me, and afford invisible help, and that was enough for me.

Then said Great-heart to Mr. Valiant-fortruth, Thou hast worthily behaved thyself; let me see thy sword: so he shewed it him. When he had taken it into his hand, and looked thereon awhile, he said, Ha! it is a right Jerusalem blade.

Val. It is so.

Let a man have one of these blades, with a hand to wield it, and skill to use it, and he may venture upon an

angel with it. He need not fear its holding, if he can but tell how to lay on. Its edge will never blunt. It will cut flesh and bones, and soul and spirit and all.

Gr.-h. But you fought a great while; I wonder you was not weary.

Val. I fought till my sword did cleave to my hand, and then they were joined together, as if a sword grew out of my arm; and when the blood run through my fingers, then I fought with most courage.

Gr.-h. Thou hast done well; thou hast ' resisted unto blood, striving against sin;' thou shalt abide by us, come in and go out with us, for we are thy companions.

Then they took him, and washed his wounds, and gave him of what they had to refresh him; and so they went together. Now as they went on, because Mr. Great-heart, was delighted in him (for he loved one greatly that he found to be a man of his hands), and because there were in company them that were feeble and weak, therefore he questioned with him about many things; as, first, what countryman he was.

Val. I am of Dark-land, for there I was born, and there my father and mother are still.

Dark-land! said the guide: doth not that lic on the same coast with the city of Destruction?

Val. Yes, it doth. Now that which caused me to come on pilgrimage was this: we had Mr Tell-true came into our parts, and

he told it about what Christian had done, that went from the city of Destruction; namely, how he had forsaken his wife and children, and had betaken himself to a pilgrim's life. It was also confidently reported, how he had killed a serpent, that did come out to resist him in his journey; and how he got through to whither he intended. It was also

told, what welcome he had to all his Lord's lodgings, especially when he came to the gates of the Celestial city; for there, said the man, he was received with sound of trumnpet, by a company of shining ones. He told it also, how all the bells in the city did ring for joy at his reception, and what golden gar ments he was clothed with; with many other things that now I shall forbear to relate. a word, that man so told the story of Christian and his travels, that my heart fell into a burning heat to be gone after him; nor could father or mother stay me. So I got from them, and am come thus far on my way. Gr.-h. You came in at the gate,

not?

did

you

Val. Yes, yes; for the same man also told us, that all would be nothing, if we did not begin to enter this way at the gate.

Look you, said the guide to Christiana, the pilgrimage of your husband, and what he has gotten thereby, is spread abroad far and near.

Val. Why, is this Christian's wife?

Gr.-h. Yes, that it is; and these are also her four sons. ·

Val. What! and going on pilgrimage too? Gr.-h. Yes, verily, they are following after. Val. It glads me at heart; good man, how joyful will he be, when he shall see them, that would not go with him, to enter before him in at the gates into the Celestial city!

Gr.-h. Without doubt it will be a comfort to him; for, next to the joy of seeing himself there, it will be a joy to meet there his wife and children.

Val. But, now you are upon that, pray let me hear your opinion about it. Some make a question, whether we shall know one another when we are there.

Gr.-h. Do they think they shall know themselves then, or that they shall rejoice to see themselves in that bliss? and if they think they shall know and do these, why not know others, and rejoice in their welfare also? Again, since relations are our second self, though that state will be dissolved, yet why may it not be rationally concluded that we shall be more glad to see them there, than to see they are wanting?

Val. Well, I perceive whereabouts you are to this. Have you any more things to ask me about my beginning to come on pilgrimage?

Gr.-h. Yes; was your father and mothor willing that you should become a pilgrim? Val. Oh no! they used all means imagina ble to persuade me to stay at home.

Gr.-h. What could they say against it