CHAPTER 8
WEEK 2 – FRIDAY
Read and pray: “My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no wrong.” (Dan. 6:22)
I SAW in my dream that, upon seeing the palace, Christian quickened his pace, hoping to find lodging there. But before reaching it, he came upon a very narrow passage, about a hundred paces from the palace, and saw, on each side of the road, a terrible lion. “Here lies the danger,” said Christian to himself, “that made Timorous and Mistrust turn back.” (The lions were on heavy chains, but Christian did not notice this.) “And I too must turn back, for I see that only death awaits me here.” But the porter of the palace, whose name was Watchful, perceiving Christian’s hesitation, cried out to him:
— “Do you still have so little faith?” (Mark 4:40). “Do not fear the lions, for they are chained, and they are only there to test faith or unbelief; walk down the middle of the road, and no harm will come to you.”
Christian then decided to go on. Though trembling with fear, he followed Watchful’s instructions exactly, and although he heard the roaring of the two beasts, he received no harm from them. He clapped his hands with joy, and in four leaps, reached the gate of the palace, and thus questioned Watchful.
Christian — Whose palace is this? Will I be allowed to spend the night here?
Watchful — This palace belongs to the Lord of the Valley and was built expressly to serve as a resting place and shelter for travelers. And you, where are you from and where are you going?
Christian — I come from the City of Destruction and am on my way to Mount Zion; night has overtaken me, and I would like to spend it here, if that’s all right.
Watchful — What is your name?
Christian — I am now called Christian; formerly, I was called Graceless. I am of the lineage of Japheth, whom God persuaded to dwell in the tents of Shem (Genesis 9:27).
Watchful — You arrive quite late. The sun has long since gone down.
Christian — Great misfortunes have happened to me. First, I let myself be overcome by sleep in the resting place on the slope of the valley. Even so, I could have arrived here earlier if, while sleeping, I had not let my certificate fall from my hands, which I only noticed was missing when I reached the top of the hill. I had to go back, and I thank God that I was able to find the precious document. These are the causes of my delay.
Watchful — Very well. Now I will call one of the virgins who dwell in the palace to speak with you and to introduce you to the rest of the household, according to the custom of the house, if your conversation pleases her.
He rang a bell, at the sound of which appeared a solemn and beautiful young woman named Discretion, who asked why she had been summoned.
Watchful — This man is a traveler who, from the City of Destruction, is heading to Mount Zion. Night fell upon him on the way, and he is very weary; he would like to know if he can find lodging here tonight. Discretion questioned him about his journey and the events that had occurred during it, and as she received satisfactory answers to all she wanted to know, she asked him:
Discretion — Tell me your name.
Christian — My name is Christian. And since I have been told that this building was constructed expressly for the safety and shelter of travelers, I would like to be allowed to spend the night here.
Discretion smiled, even as some tears rolled down her cheeks, and said: Let me call some members of my household. And she called Prudence, Piety, and Charity, who, after speaking with him for a while, brought him into the palace.
Many of the inhabitants came out to welcome Christian, singing: “Come in, blessed of the Lord; it was for travelers like you that this palace was built.” Christian bowed to them and followed them into the house. He sat down and was served a light meal while supper was being prepared. And to make good use of the time, they began the following conversation:
Piety — Good Christian, you have seen the affection and kindness with which we have treated you; tell us, then, for our edification, some adventures from your journey.
Christian — With great pleasure. And I am glad to see you in such good spirits toward me.
Piety — Tell me, what was the reason that moved you to undertake this pilgrimage?
Christian — What compelled me to leave my homeland was a dreadful voice that constantly cried in my ears: “If you do not leave this place, you will surely perish.”
Piety — Why did you choose this path?
Christian — Because God willed it. I was trembling and weeping, not knowing where to flee, when a man named Evangelist met me and guided me to the narrow gate, which I would never have found on my own, and showed me the road that directly brought me to this place.
Piety — And did you pass by the Interpreter’s House?
Christian — I did, and as long as I live, I shall never forget the things I learned there, especially these three:
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How Christ maintains the work of grace in the heart, despite Satan’s efforts;
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How man, because of the excess of his sins, comes to despair of God’s mercy;
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The vision of one who, in a dream, witnessed the final judgment.
Piety — Did you hear that dream recounted?
Christian — I did, and it was truly terrible. But now, I am glad to have heard it.
Piety — And did you see anything else in the Interpreter’s House?
Christian — I saw a magnificent palace, whose inhabitants were clothed in gold. At the entrance of the palace, I saw a bold man who, pushing through the armed men who opposed him, managed to enter, while hearing the voices of the residents encouraging him to pursue eternal glory. I would gladly have stayed in that house for a whole year, but I still had much ground to cover, so I left and continued on my way.
Piety — And then, what did you see?
Christian — I had walked but a little when I saw a man nailed to a cross, covered in wounds and blood. As I looked at him, a burdensome weight fell from my shoulders, under which I had been groaning. It was a great surprise to me, for I had never seen anything like it. And while I stood amazed, looking at that man, three radiant figures came to me; one told me that my sins were forgiven; another took away my rags and gave me this splendid robe you see; and finally, the third sealed my forehead and gave me this certificate.
Enjoy more:
Hymn 416 – “Spiritual Warfare – For God as Fortress”
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