Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/167

Rh to whom it was said by the other two Shining Ones, These are the men that have loved our Lord when they were in the world, and that have forsaken all for his holy name; and he hath sent us to fetch them, and we have brought them thus far on their desired journey, that they may 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." (Rev. xix. 9.) There came out also at this time to meet them several of the King's trumpeters, clothed in white and shining raiment, who, with melodious voices, made even the heavens to echo with their sound. These trumpeters saluted Christian and his fellow with ten thousand welcomes from the world; and this they did with shouting and sound of trumpet.

This done, they compassed them round on every side: some went before, some behind, and some on the right hand, some on the left (as it were to guard them through the upper regions), continually sounding as they went, with melodious noise, in notes on high; so that the "very sight was to themthat could behold it as if heaven itself was come down to meet them. Thus, therefore, they walked on together; and as they walked, ever and anon these trumpeters, even with joyful sound, would, by mixing their music with looks and gestures, still signify to Christian and his brother how welcome they were into their company, and with what gladness they came to meet them. And now were these two men, as it were, in heaven, before they came at it, being swallowed: up with the sight of angels, and with hearing their melodious notes. Here also they had the city itself in View; and they thought they heard all the bells therein ring, to welcome them thereto., But, above all, the warm and joyful thoughts that they had about their own dwelling there, with such company, and that for ever and ever—oh, by what tongue or pen can their glorious joy be expressed! Thus they came up to the gate.