Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/22

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The Pilgrim's Progress.

Pli. Well said; what things are they?

Chr. There is an endless kingdom to be inhabited, and everlasting life to be given us, that we may inhabit that kingdom for ever. (Isa. lxv. 17. John x. 27–29.)

Pli. Well said; and what else?

Chr. There are crowns of glory to be given us, and garments that will make us shine like the sun in the firmament of heaven. (2. Tim. iv. 8. Rev. xxii. 5. Matt. xiii. 43.)

Pli. This is very pleasant; and what else?

Chr. There shall be no more crying, nor sorrow; for he that is owner of the place will wipe all tears from our eyes. (Isa. XXV. 8. Rev. vii. 16, 17; xxi. 4.)

Pli. And what company shall we have there?

Chr. There we shall be with seraphims and cherubims, creatures that will dazzle your eyes to look on them. (Isa. vi. 2. 1 Thess. iv. 16, 17.) There also you shall meet with thousands and ten thousands that have gone before us to that place; none of them are hurtful, but loving and holy; every one walking in the sight of God, and standing in his presence with acceptance for ever. In a word, there we shall see the elders with their golden crowns (Rev. iv. 4); there we shall see the holy virgins with their golden harps (Rev. xiv. 1–5); there We shall see men that by the world were cut in pieces, burnt in flames, eaten of beasts, drowned in the seas, for the love they bare to the Lord of the place,—all Well, and clothed with immortality as with a garment. (Rev. iv. 4. and xiv. 1–5. John xii. 25. 2 Cor. v. 2–4.)

Pli. The hearing (if this is enough to ravish one's heart. But are these things to be enjoyed? How shall we get to be sharers thereof?

Chr. The Lord, the Governor of the country, hath recorded that in this book; the substance of which is, If we be truly willing to have it, he will bestow it upon us freely. (Isa. lv. 1–8. John vi. 37; vii. 37. Rev. xxi. 6, 7; xxii. 17.)