CH 33 - 36

 

33. The Comforting Delights of Beulah Land

Now I saw in my dream that by this time the pilgrims, having traversed the Enchanted Ground, entered into the country of Beulah (Married). With the way passing directly through it, the air in that place was found to be very sweet and pleasant, so they rested and took comfort there for a time. Yes, here they continually heard the singing of birds, while every day they enjoyed the blooming of various flowers in the land, and also listened to the voice of the turtle-dove. In this country, the sun shines day and night.

Therefore, it is beyond the influence of the Valley of the Shadow of Death, as well as the reach of Giant Despair. In fact, from this vantage point, Doubting Castle was quite out of view. Here the pilgrims were in sight of the Celestial City to which they were going; here also they were able to meet some of the inhabitants of that place. For in this land, some of the Shining Ones walked quite frequently because it was located upon the very borders of Heaven. In this land also, the contract between the bride and the bridegroom was renewed. Yes, here, “As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so did their God rejoice over them.”

Here they had no lack of corn and wine, for in this place they began to reap in abundance what they had been seeking throughout their pilgrimage. Here they heard voices wafting across from the City, loud voices proclaiming, “Say to the daughter of Zion, Behold, your salvation comes, behold, his reward is with him.” Here all of the inhabitants of the country called them “the holy people, the redeemed of the Lord, sought out,” etc.

Now as they walked in this land, they experienced more rejoicing than in other parts that were more remote from the kingdom to which they were headed. But now, drawing nearer to the City, they had a much more perfect view of it. It was built of pearls and precious stones, while the streets were paved with gold. As a result of the natural glory of this City, and the reflection of the sunbeams upon it, Christian became sick with longing; Hopeful also suffered periodic bouts of the same disease. Therefore they lay for a while in front of this vista and continued to cry out, because of recurring pangs, “If you see my beloved, tell him that I am sick by reason of love.”

Yet, being strengthened a little and thus more able to endure their sickness, they walked along the way and came nearer and nearer to the City. On either side were orchards, vineyards, and gardens, with their adjacent entrances being open to enable easy access from the highway.

Now having come closer to these places, the pilgrims noticed the Gardener standing in the way; so they asked him, “To whom do these good vineyards and gardens belong?” He answered, “They are the King’s, and have been planted here for his own pleasure as well as the comfort of pilgrims.” So the Gardener led them into the vineyards and invited them to refresh themselves with the surrounding delicacies. He also pointed out the King’s walks and shady nooks which he so enjoyed. So there Christian and Hopeful paused and slept for a while.

Now I noticed in my dream that they talked more in their sleep at this time than they had ever done in all of their journey. So as I was deeply pondering the reason for this, the Gardener spoke even to me (Bunyan): “Why are you deep in thought about this matter? It is the nature of the fruit and grapes of these vineyards to be so sweet and digestible as to cause pilgrims such as these to talk and chatter in their sleep.”

 

34. Christian and Hopeful Encounter the River of Death

So I saw that when they awoke, they prepared themselves to go up to the City. But, as I said before, the reflections of the sun upon the City were so extremely glorious, for the City was pure gold, that they could not behold it with an open face, at least not yet; rather, they had to view it through an instrument specially made for that purpose. So I saw that as they moved forward, two men met them who were dressed in clothing that shone like gold; their faces also shone radiantly like light.

These men asked the pilgrims from where they had come, so they told them. They also asked them where they had lodged, what difficulties and dangers they had met with, as well as what comforts and pleasures they had experienced along the way; so they told them. Then these Shining Ones advised the pilgrims that they had only two more difficulties to deal with before they gained entrance into the City.

Then Christian and his companion asked these men to accompany them along the remainder of the way ahead, and the Shining Ones agreed to this. But they also explained that the two pilgrims must complete the journey through their own faith. So I saw in my dream that they went on together until they came within sight of the gate of the City.

Now I further saw that between them and the gate was a River, but there was no bridge so that pilgrims might cross over; moreover, the River was very deep. So Christian and Hopeful were shocked at such a sight; but the men escorting them declared, “You must pass through this River or else you cannot arrive at the gate of the City.” Then the pilgrims asked if there was any other way to the gate. The Shining Ones answered, “Yes, but no one else has been permitted to travel that way since the foundation of the world except Enoch and Elijah; and no others will be allowed until the sounding of the last trumpet.” Then the pilgrims began to despair in their minds, and especially Christian; they looked this way and that way, but no alternative route could be found by which they could avoid the River. Then they asked the men if the water was all of the same depth. They replied, “No,” but could offer no further help other than the comment, “You shall find it deeper or shallower according to your trust in the King of the place [this region].”

At this the pilgrims resigned themselves to face the water. Upon entering, Christian began to sink so that he cried out to his good friend Hopeful, “I sink in deep water; the billows go over my head, all his waves go over me! Selah [Pause?].”

Then Hopeful replied, “Be of good cheer [be courageous], my brother, for I feel the bottom and it is firm.” Then said Christian, “Ah my friend, the sorrows of death have totally compassed [surrounded] me, so that I shall not see the land that flows with milk and honey.” And with that, a great darkness and sense of horror fell upon Christian so that he could not see ahead of him. Here, to a large degree, he also lost his sense so that he was unable to remember or talk intelligently about any of those sweet refreshments that he had experienced while traveling on pilgrimage. Rather, all of his present talk tended to reveal the present terror of his mind and the fear that he would perish in that River and never gain entrance into the Celestial City. Here also, those who were able to stand by observed that he was greatly troubled with thoughts about the sins that he had committed, both before and after he became a pilgrim. It was also noticed that he was disturbed with visions of hobgoblins (demons) and evil spirits; his words would reflect this over and over again.

Therefore, Hopeful struggled here in his attempts to keep his brother’s head above water; yes, sometimes Christian would seem to have sunk down for good, and then after a short while he would rise again seeming half dead. Hopeful would also attempt to comfort him, saying, “Brother, I see the gate, and men standing nearby to welcome us.” But Christian would answer, “It is you, it is you they are waiting for; you have been hopeful ever since I first knew you.” “And so have you,” said Hopeful to Christian. “Ah brother,” replied Christian, “surely if I was right (with the King) he would come to my rescue; but on account of my sins, he has brought me to this snare to abandon me.”

Then said Hopeful, “My brother, you have quite forgotten the text where it speaks of the wicked, ‘There is no band (pain) in their death, but their strength is firm; they are not troubled as other men, neither are they plagued like other men.’ These troubles and distresses that you are experiencing in these waters are no indication that God has abandoned you; rather they are sent to test you as to whether you will recall to mind evidences of his past goodness, and now rely upon him in the midst of your present trials.”

Then I saw in my dream that Christian was in deep thought for a while, so that Hopeful spoke to him further, “Be of good cheer [courageous], Jesus Christ makes you whole.” And with that, Christian exclaimed with a loud voice, “Oh I see him again! And he tells me, ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you.’” Then they both took courage, with the result that the enemy then became as still as a stone, until they had fully crossed over. Therefore Christian now discovered solid ground to stand upon; and so it followed that the rest of the River was found to be shallow. And thus they both crossed over.

 

35. Christian and Hopeful Are Welcomed into Heaven

Now upon the bank of the River on the other side, Christian and Hopeful again saw the two shining men waiting to welcome them. Therefore, having come up out of the River, these men saluted and greeted them saying, “We are ministering spirits sent forth to serve those who shall be heirs of salvation.” Thus they proceeded towards the gate. Now you should note that the City stood upon a mighty Hill, though the pilgrims ascended that Hill with ease because they had these two men to lead them up by holding their arms; also, they had left their mortal garments behind them in the River, for though they went in with them, yet they came out without them. Therefore they continued to climb here with much agility and speed, even though the foundation upon which the City was built was higher than the clouds. So they went up through the regions of the air, sweetly talking as they went, being comforted because they had safely crossed the River and were being escorted by such glorious companions.

The conversation that they had with the Shining Ones was about the glory of the place, who told them that the beauty and glory of it was simply inexpressible. They further explained that there is to be found Mount Zion, the Heavenly Jerusalem, the innumerable company of angels, and the spirits of just men made perfect. Moreover, they explained, “You are now going to the paradise of God, in which you shall see the Tree of Life and therefore eat of its never-fading fruit. And when you arrive there you shall be given white robes, and every day you shall walk and talk with the King for all the days of eternity. There you shall not see former things such as you saw when you inhabited the lower region upon Earth, that is sorrow, sickness, affliction, and death, for these former things will have passed away. Rather, you are now going to reside with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the prophets, men whom God took away from the evil to come, for they are resting upon their beds, each one walking in his righteousness.”

Then Christian and Hopeful asked, “What will we be occupied with in such a holy place?” To this was given the answer, “There you will receive the comfort that results from your toil, and have joy in place of your sorrow; you must reap what you have sown, even the fruit of all your prayers and tears and sufferings for the King along the way. In that place, you will wear crowns of gold and enjoy the perpetual sight and visions of the Holy One, for there you shall see him as he is.”

“There also you shall continually serve him with praise, with shouting and thanksgiving, that is he whom you desired to serve in the world, though with much difficulty, on account of the weakness of your flesh. There your eyes shall be delighted with seeing, and your ears with hearing, the pleasant voice of the Mighty One. There you shall enjoy your friends again, that is those who arrived before you; and there you shall also joyfully welcome everyone who follows after you into this holy place. There also you will be clothed with glory and majesty, and appropriately equipped to ride forth with the King of Glory.”

“When he shall come with the sound of trumpets in the clouds, as upon the wings of the wind, you shall come with him; and when he shall sit upon the throne of judgment, you shall sit next to him; yes, and when he shall pass sentence upon all the workers of iniquity, whether they be angels or men, you shall also have a voice in that judgment because they were his and your enemies. Also when he shall again return to the City, you shall go with him, with the sound of trumpets, and be with him forever.”

Now while they were drawing near to the gate, behold, a company of the heavenly host came out to meet them. To this multitude, the Shining Ones spoke, “These are the men that have loved our Lord when they were in the world, and have left all for his holy name, and he has sent us to fetch them, and thus far have we brought them on their desired journey, that they may now go in and look their Redeemer in the face with joy.” Then the heavenly host gave a great shout saying, “Blessed are they that are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

At this time there also came to meet them, several of the King’s trumpeters, clothed in shining white apparel, who, with loud melodious noises, made even the heavens to echo with their sound. These trumpeters saluted Christian and his companion with ten thousand welcomes from the world; and this they did with shouting and the sound of trumpets.

This completed, they surrounded them on every side; some went ahead, some behind, and some on the right hand and some on the left, as a guard through the upper regions, continually sounding as they went with melodious noise in lofty notes. So this sight appeared, to any who could observe, as if Heaven itself had come down to meet them. Therefore they walked on together, and as they walked these trumpeters would often, with joyful sound, the composition of their music, and looks and gestures, signify to Christian and his friend just how welcome to them was their company, and how happy they were to have met them. And now were these two pilgrims as if in Heaven, in fact before they came to it, being consumed with the sight of angels and the hearing of their melodious notes.

Here also they were now able to view the City itself, and they thought they heard all the bells inside pealing to welcome them inside; but above all was their rapturous anticipation, the warm and joyful thoughts that they had about their dwelling there with such heavenly company, and that for ever and ever. Oh, with what tongue or pen could their glorious joy be sufficiently expressed! And thus they came up to the gate.

Now when they had come up to the gate, there was inscribed over it, in letters of gold, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have rightful access to the Tree of Life, and may enter in through the gates into the City.” Then I saw in my dream that the Shining Ones directed the pilgrims to call out at the gate, which, having done so, some from above looked over the top, namely Enoch, Moses, and Elijah. The angels then addressed them: “These pilgrims have come from the City of Destruction for the love that they have for the King of this place”; and then each one of the pilgrims delivered up his certificate [scroll], that which he had received at the beginning; these therefore were brought before the King who, when he had read them, said, “Where are these men?” In reply, it was explained, “They are standing outside the gate.” The King then commanded that the gate be opened so that, as he declared, “The righteous nation that keeps the truth may enter in.”

Now I saw in my dream that these two men went in through the gate; and behold, as they entered, they were transfigured, and they were dressed with apparel that shone like gold. They were also met by those who gave them harps and crowns; the harps to add praise, and the crowns as tokens of honor bestowed.

Then I heard in my dream that all the bells in the City again rang out for joy; and that it was said to the pilgrims, “Enter into the joy of your Lord.” I also heard the men themselves sing, and that with loud voices saying, “Blessing, honor, glory, and power, be to him who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb forever and ever.”

Now just as the gates were opened to let in the men, I looked in after them; and behold, the City shone like the sun; the streets also were paved with gold, and on them walked many men with crowns on their heads, palms in their hands, and golden harps with which to sing praises.

Also, among the inhabitants, there were those that had wings, and they responded in praise one to the other without ceasing, saying “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord.” And after that they closed the gates; and because of what I had seen of this glorious sight, I [Bunyan] wished myself to have been inside among them.

 

36. The Fearful End of Ignorance

Now while I [Bunyan] was gazing upon all these things, I turned my head to look back and saw Ignorance come up to the bank of the River: but he was able to quickly reach the other side, and without half the difficulty that Christian and Hopeful had experienced. For it then happened that he found in that place a ferryman named Vain-hope who, with his boat, was able to transport him across.

So, as was the case with the others I had watched, he ascended the Hill and approached the gate of the Celestial City, except that he traveled alone; neither did any man meet him and offer the least encouragement.

When he had reached the gate, he looked up at the writing that was inscribed above; and then he began to knock, supposing that he would quickly be permitted to gain entrance. But the men who peered at him over the top of the gate first asked, “From where have you come? And what is it that you desire?”

So Ignorance replied, “I have eaten and have drunk in the presence of the King, and he has taught in our streets.” Then they asked him for his certificate [scroll], so that they might go to the King and show it to him. So he fumbled in his chest pocket and yet was unable to find anything. Then they further inquired, “Have you none?” But the man answered not so much as a word. So they told the King, but he would not come down to see him. Instead, he commanded the same two Shining Ones, who had previously conducted Christian and Hopeful to the City, to seize Ignorance, bind him hand and foot, and carry him away. Then they took him up and carried him through the air to the door that I had earlier seen in the side of the Hill below the Delectable Mountains, and dispatched him there.

Then I saw that there was a way to Hell even from the gates of Heaven, as well as from the City of Destruction. So I awoke, and behold, it was a dream.