Sidebilder
PDF
ePub

Standfast's charge to Great-heart.

When the day that he must go hence was come, many accompanied him to the river side, into which as he went he said, O Death, where is thy sting? and as he went down deeper, he said, O Grave, where is thy victory? So he passed over, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side. (i)

Then there came forth a summons for Mr. Standfast. This Mr. Standfast was he that the pilgrims found upon his knees on the Enchanted Ground. Then the post brought it open in his hands. The contents whereof were, That he must prepare for a change of life, for his Master was not willing that he should be so far from him any longer.

At this Mr. Standfast was put into a muse. Nay, said the messenger: You need not doubt of the truth of my message; for here is a token of the truth thereof: "Thy wheel is broken at the cistern."

Then he called to him, Mr. Great-heart, who was their guide, and said unto him, Sir, although it was not my hap to be much in your company in the days of my pilgrimage; yet, since I knew you, you have been very profitable to me. When I came

from home, I left behind me a wife and five small children; let me intreat you, at your return, (for I know that you go and return to your Master's house, in hopes that you may be a conductor to more of the holy pilgrims.) that you send to my family, and let them be acquainted with all that hath, and shall happen unto me. Tell them moreover of my happy arrival at this place, and of the present and late blessed condition that I am in. Tell them also, of Christian, and Christiana his wife; and how

(i) In the truth of Jesus is victory. He who is most valiant for it, shall share most of its comforts in life and in death. O Lord, increase our faith in the never-failing word of truth and grace, for thy glory and our soul's triumph.

Standfast's speech in the river.

her children came after her husband. Tell them also of what a happy end she made, and whither she is gone. I have little or nothing to send to my family except it be my prayers and tears for them; of which it will suffice if you acquaint them, if peradventure they may prevail.

When Mr. Standfast had thus set things in order, and the time being come for him to haste away, he also went down to the river.

Now there was a great calm at that time in the river; wherefore Mr. Standfast, when he was about half way in, stood awhile, and talked to his companions that had waited upon him thither; and he said,

:

"This river has been a terror to many yea, the thoughts of it also have often frightened me: now, methinks I stand easy; my foot is fixed upon that on which the feet of the priests that bare the ark of the covenant stood, while Israel went over this Jordan.

"The waters, indeed, are to the palate bitter, and to the stomach cold; yet the thoughts of what I am going to, and of the conduct that waits for me on the other side, doth lie as a glowing coal at my heart.

"I see myself now at the end of my journey; my toilsome days ended. I am going to see that head that was crowned with thorns, and that face that was spit upon for me. (k)

(k) O the blessedness and joy of faith! How does it bring near and realize the sight of Christ in glory? Do we indeed see Christ by the eye of faith? Is he the one, the chief object of our souls ? Is be precious to us? Verily, then we shall count our days on earth toilsome ones, and long for the full fruition of him in glory. O it will be our great glory to see that dear MAN, whose blessed head was crowned with thorns, and whose lovely face was spit upon for us. O that we may be living every day upon him and to him, till we see him as he is, and enjoy him where he is, crying, "Come Lord Jesus, come quickly!"

[blocks in formation]

Standfast's speech continued.

"I have formerly lived by hearsay and faith; but now I go where I shall live by sight, and shall be with him in whose company I delight myself.

"I have loved to hear my Lord spoken of, and wherever I have seen the print of his shoe in the earth, there have I coveted to set my foot to. (1)

"His name hath been to me as a civit-box; yea, sweeter than all perfumes. His voice to me has been most sweet; and his countenance I have more desired than they that have most desired the light of the sun. His words I did use to gather for my food, and for antidotes against my faintings.

"He has held me, and has kept me from mine iniquities; yea, my steps have been strengthened in his way."

دو

Now while he was thus in discourse, his countenance changed; his strong man bowed under him: and, after he had said, Take me, for I am come unto thee, he ceased to be seen of them.

But glorious was it to see how the open legion was filled with horses and chariots, with trumpeters and pipers, with singers, and players on stringed instruments, to welcome the PILGRIMS as they went up, and followed one another in at the Beautiful Gate of the city. (m)

(1) Can you say this? Do you love to hear of the precious name of Jesus? Do you covet to follow him, and to tread in his steps? O what has grace wrought! Be humble before Jesus. Be joyful in him and thankful to him.

(m) At the close of this excellent book, let me address one word, reader, to your soul and mine. What think we of a pilgrim's life, and a pilgrim's death; His life begins with the knowledge of Christ, and ends by dying in him, and eternally enjoying of him. And all through life, the pilgrim's look to, and lives upon, Christ, Blessed beginning! comfortable living, joyful dying!

Now, have we part and lot in this matter? Is Christ our life; the life of our souls? if he is we shall live by faith upon him, rely on his atonement, glory in his righteousness, rejoice in his salvation,

Conclusion.

As for Christiana's children, the four boys that Christiana brought with their wives and children, I did not stay where I was till they were gone over. Also, since I came away, I heard one say, they were yet alive, and so will be for the increase of the CHURCH in that place, where they were for a time. Should it be my lot to go that way again, I may give those that desire it, an account of what I am here silent about; mean time I bid my reader

FAREWELL.

desiring to have done with all sin, and to be dead to all self-righteous confidence; and in heart lip, and life, studying to glorify him, by devoting ourselves to him looking, longing, and waiting, for his coming to receive usto Imself, that where he is, there we may be also!

As many as live by his faith, and walk aacording to this rule, peace be on them, from the holy, blessed, and glorious TRINITY. Amen.

THE END OF THE SECOND PART.

THE

PART III.

TO HIS WORTHY FRIEND

THE AUTHOR OF THE THIRD PART OF THE
PIILGRIM'S PROGRESS.

UPON THE PERUSAL THEREOF.

THOUGH many things are writ to please the age,
Among the rest, for this I dare engage;
Where Virtue dwells it will acceptance find,
And to your Pilgrim, most that read, be kind;
But all to please, would be a task as hard
As for the winds from blowing to be barr'd.
The pious Christian in a mirror here,

May see the Promis'd Land, and, without fear,
Of threaten'd danger bravely travel on,
Until his journey he has safely gone,
And does arrive upon that happy shore,
Where joys increase, and sorrow is no more.
This is a dream, not fabled as of old;
In this express the sacred truths are told,
That do to our eternal peace belong,
And after mourning, changes to a song,
Of glorious triumph, that are without end,
If we but bravely for the prize contend,
No pilgrimage like this can make us blest,
Since it brings us to everlasting rest:
So well in every part the sense is laid,
That it to charm the reader may be said,
With curious fancy, and create delight,
Which to an imitation must invite.

And happy are they, that thro' the stormy seas,
And dangers, seek adventures like to these!
Who sell the world for this great pearl of Price,
Which once procur'd, will purchase Paradise.
He who in such a bark doth spread his sails,
Needs never fear at last their prosp'rous gales,
That will conduct him to a land, where he
Shall fear no storms, but in a calm shall be;
Where crown'd with glory, he shall sit and sing
Eternal praise to his Redeemer King,
Who conquer'd Death, despoil'd him of his sting.

So wishes your faithful Friend,

B. D.

« ForrigeFortsett »