Matt. Why do some of the springs rise out of the top of high hills? Prud. To show that the spirit of grace shall spring up in some that are great and mighty, as well as in many that are poor and low. Matt. Why doth the fire fasten upon the candlewick? Prud. To show, that unless grace doth kindle upon the heart, there will be no true light of life in us. Matt. Why is the wick and the tallow, and all spent to maintain the light of the candle? Prud. To show, that body and soul, and all should be at the service of, and spend themselves to maintain in good condition, that grace of God that is in us. Matt. Why doth the pelican pierce her own breast with her bill? Prud. To nourish her young ones with her blood, and thereby to show, that Christ the blessed so loveth his young (his people), as to save them from death by his blood. Matt. What may one learn by hearing of the cock crow? Prud. Learn to remember Peter's sin, and Peter's repentance. The cock's crowing, shows also, that day is coming on; let then the crowing of the cock put thee in mind of that last and terrible day of judgment. Now about this time their month was out, wherefore they signified to those of the house, that it was convenient for them to up and be going. Then said Joseph to his mother, It is convenient that you forget not to send to the house of Mr. Interpreter, to pray him to grant that Mr. Great-heart should be sent unto us, that he may be our conductor the rest of our way, Good boy, said she, I had almost forgot. So she drew up a petition, and prayed Mr. Watchful, the porter, to send it by some fit man, to her good friend Mr. Interpreter; who, when it was come, and he had seen the contents of the petition, said to the messenger, Go, tell them that I will send him. When the family where Christiana was, saw that they had a purpose to go forward, they called the whole house together, to give thanks to their King, for sending them such profitable guests as these. Which done, they said unto Christiana, and shall we not show thee something according as our custom is to pilgrims, on which thou mayst meditate, when thou art on the way? So they took Christiana, her children, and Mercy, into the closet, and showed them one of the apples that Eve eat of, and that she also did give to her husband, and for the eating of which they were both turned out of Paradise; and asked her what she thought that was? Then Christiana said, It is food or poison, I know not which, So they opened the matter to her, and she held up her hands and wondered (g). Then they had her to a place, and showed her Jacob's ladder. Now at that time there were some angels ascending upon it. So Christiana looked and looked to see the angels go up; so did the rest of the company. Then they were going into another place, to show them something else; but James said to his mother, Pray bid them stay a little longer, for this is a curious sight. So they turned again, and stood feeding their eyes with this so pleasant a prospect (h). After this, they had them into a place were did hang up a golden anchor, so they bid Christiana take it down; for, said they, you shall have it with you (2), for it is of absolute necessity that you should, that you may lay hold of that within the vail, and stand steadfast in case you should meet '(g) Oen. iii. 6. Rom. vii. 24. (h) Gen. xxviii. 12. with turbulent weather: So they were glad thereof (k). Then they took them, and had them to the mount upon which Abraham our father had offered up Isaac his son, and showed them the altar, the wood, the fire, and the knife, for they remain to be seen to this very day. When they had seen it, they held up their hands, and blessed themselves, and said, Oh! what a man for love to his Master, and for denial to himself, was Abraham? After they had showed them all these things, Prudence, took them into a dining-room, where stood a pair of excellent virginals: So she played upon them, and turned what she had showed them into this excellent song, saying: Eve's apple we have show'd to you; You have seen Jacob's ladder too, An anchor you received have, Until with Abra'm you have gave Your best of sacrafice. Now about this time one knocked at the door : So the porter opened, and behold Mr. Great-heart was there; but when he was come in, what joy was there! for it came now afresh again into their minds, how but awhile ago he had slain old Grim Bloodyman, the giant, and had delivered them from the lions. Then said Ms. Great-heart to Christiana, and to Mercy, My Lord has sent each of you a bottle of wine, and also some parched corn, together with at couple of pomegranates: he also sent the boys some figs and raisins, to refresh them in their way. Then they addressed themselves to their journey; and Prudence and Piety went along with them. (k) Hosea ii. 15. Joel iii. 16. Heb. vi. 19. When they came to the gate, Christiann asked the porter, if any of late went by. He said, No; only one some time since, who also told me, that of late there had been a great robbery committed on the king's highway as you go: but said he, the thieves are taken, and will shortly be tried for their lives. Then Christiana and Mercy were afraid; but Matthew said, Mother, fear nothing, as long as Mr. Great-heart is to go with us, and to be our conductor. Then said Christiana to the porter, Sir, I am much obliged to you for all the kindnesses that you have showed me since I came hither; and also that you have been so loving and kind to my children; I know not how to gratify your kindness: wherefore, pray, as a token of my respects to you, accept of this small inite; so she put a golden angel in his hand; and he made her a low obeisance, and said, Let thy garments be always white, and let thy head want no ointment. Let Mercy live and not die, and let not her works be few. And to the boys he said,, Do you fly youthful lusts, and follow after godliness with: them that are grave and wise: so shall you put gladness into your mosher's heart, and obtain praise of all that are sober-minded. So they thanked the porter, and departed.. EXPLANATORY NOTES. THE conduct of Mercy, with respect to Mr. Brisk, is wisely inserted, as an example worthy the imitation of allyoung christians. The grand scripture rule, which should direct their choice of a partner for life, is too plain to be mistaken, and too important to be slighted; yet too, too often forgot Marry only in the Lord, 1 Cor. vii. 39. A suitor, who does not make a credible profession of Christ, as a believer in union with him, ought not to be encouraged inthe least, degree. The approbation, presence, and blessing. of God cannot reasonably be expected, if this rule be neglected. Mercy gave an excellent reason for discarding Mr. Brisk: "I will look no more on him (said she), for I propose never to have a clog to my soul." What a heavy clog is a carnal husband or wife! The unavoidable cares of a family, will be exercise enough to the most gracious heart, without the addition of that intolerable burden, a partner, who instead of helping, will hinder the soul, in its heavenly progress. What expectation can there be of supporting family worship with comfort and advantage, unless both are resolved to serve the Lord? What union can there be in the religious education of children, unless both are "heirs together of the grace of life?" What consolation can be hoped for in the day of adversity-on the sick-bed- -on disappointments in trade on the loss of children, or in the trying hour of dissolution-from a husband or wife, who is a stranger, an enemy to Christ? Dear young reader, think of this, before you venture to change your condition; lest you add to the melancholy number of those, who severely smart for their want of caution in this important matter. Obey therefore the Apostle's injunction, 2 Cor. vi. 14.` "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth, with an unbeliever?" The relation of Matthew's sickness, and the method of his cure, may be justly esteemed among the finest passages of this work. The cause of his disorder, was eating some of the fruit of Beelzebub's orchard. Sin is the disease of the soul, and threatens its eternal death. Sin may be sweet in the mouth, but will be bitter in the belly. Multitudes have actually died of it, and multitudes more are dying. But it is an unspeakable mercy to feel the disease; to have an enlighteaed and awakened conscience, griped and exceedingly pained with it. Such need the physician. Such will apply for his help. Blessed be God, there is a remedy; and the servants of Christ will most gladly recommend that only medicine in the world, sufficient to cure the disease of sin, "The flesh " and blood of Christ." Excellent are these lines of Mr. Hart: Nothing but thy blood, O Jesus! |