The Children's Hour, v 5. Stories From Seven Old Favorites eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 434 pages of information about The Children's Hour, v 5. Stories From Seven Old Favorites.

The Children's Hour, v 5. Stories From Seven Old Favorites eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 434 pages of information about The Children's Hour, v 5. Stories From Seven Old Favorites.

So I saw in my Dream that he made haste and went forward, that if possible he might get Lodging there.  Now before he had gone far, he entered into a very narrow passage, which was about a furlong off of the Porter’s lodge; and looking very narrowly before him as he went, he espied two Lions in the way.  Now, thought he, I see the dangers that Mistrust and Timorus were driven back by. (The Lions were chained, but he saw not the chains.) Then he was afraid, and thought also himself to go back after them, for he thought nothing but death was before him:  But the Porter at the lodge, whose name is Watchful, perceiving that Christian made a halt as if he would go back, cried unto him, saying, Is thy strength so small?  Fear not the Lions, for they are chained, and are placed there for trial of faith where it is, and for discovery of those that have none.  Keep in the midst of the Path, and no hurt shall come unto thee.

Then I saw that he went on, trembling for fear of the Lions, but taking good heed to the directions of the Porter; he heard them roar, but they did him no harm.  Then he clapt his hands, and went on till he came and stood before the Gate where the Porter was.  Then said Christian to the Porter, Sir, what House is this? and may I lodge here to-night?  The Porter answered, This House was built by the Lord of the Hill, and he built it for the relief and security of Pilgrims.  The Porter also asked whence he was, and whither he was going?

Chr. I am come from the City of Destruction, and am going to Mount Zion; but because the Sun is now set, I desire, if I may, to lodge here to-night.

Por. What is your name?

Chr. My name is now Christian, but my name at the first was Graceless; I came of the race of Japhet, whom God will perswade to dwell in the Tents of Shem.

Por. But how doth it happen that you come so late?  The Sun is set.

Chr. I had been here sooner, but that, wretched man that I am!  I slept in the Arbour that stands on the Hillside; nay, I had notwithstanding that been here much sooner, but that in my sleep I lost my Evidence, and came without it to the brow of the Hill; and then feeling for it, and finding it not, I was forced with sorrow of heart to go back to the place where I slept my sleep, where I found it, and now I am come.

Por. Well, I will call out one of the Virgins of this place, who will, if she likes your talk, bring you in to the rest of the Family, according to the rules of the house.  So Watchful the Porter rang a bell, at the sound of which came out at the door of the house, a grave and beautiful Damsel named Discretion, and asked why she was called.

The Porter answered, This man is in a Journey from the City of Destruction to Mount Zion, but being weary and benighted, he asked me if he might lodge here to-night; so I told him I would call for thee, who, after discourse had with him, mayest do as seemeth thee good, even according to the Law of the House.

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The Children's Hour, v 5. Stories From Seven Old Favorites from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.