Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/303

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The Pilgrim's Progress.
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for there, said the man, he was received with sound of trumpet by a company of Shining Ones. He told also how all the bells in the city did ring for joy at his reception, and what golden garments he was clothed with; with many other things that new I shall forbear to relate. In a word, that man so told the story of Christian and his travels that my heart fell, into a burning haste 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.

Great. You came in at the gate, did you not?

Valiant. 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.

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

Valiant. Why, is this Christian's Wife?

Great. Yes, that it is; and these also are his four.- sons.

Valiant. What, and going on pilgrimage too?

Great. Yes, verily, they are following after.

'Valiant. It glads me at the heart. Good man, how joyful. Will he be when he shall see them that would not go with him, yet to enter after him in at the gates into the Celestial City!

Great. 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.

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

Great. Do you 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 this, why not know others, and rejoice in their welfare also? Again, since relations are our second self, though that state will be dissolved