Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/185

Rh labour and sorrow, for there is no grief mixed therewith. But, pray, What talk have the people about him?

Sag. Talk! the people talk strangely about him: sme say that he now walks in white (Rev. iii. 4; vi. 11); that he has a chain of gold about his neck; that he has a crown of gold, beset with pearls, upon his head. Others say that the Shining Ones, that sometimes showed themselves to him in his journey, are become his companions, and that he is as familiar with them in the place Where he here one neighbour is with another. (Zech. iii. 7.) Besides, it is confidently affirmed concerning him, that the King of the place where he is has bestowed upon him already a very rich and pleasant dwelling at court. and that he every day eateth and drinheth, and walketh and talketh with him, and receiveth of the smiles and favours of him that is judge of all there. Moreover, it is expected of some that his Prince, the Lord of that country, will shortly come into these parts, and Will know the reason, if they can give any, why his neighbours set so little by him, and had him so much in derision, when they perceived that he would be a pilgrim. (Jude 14, 15.)

For they say that now he so in the affections of his Prince, and that his Sovereign is so much concerned with the indignities that were cast upon Christian, when he became a pilgrim, that he will look upon all as if done unto himself: and no marvel, for it was for the love that he had to his Prince that he ventured he did. (Luke x. 16.)

I dare say, quoth I, I am glad on it: I am glad for the poor man's sake, for that he now has rest from his labour (Rev. xiv. 13), and for that he reapeth the benefit of his tears with joy (Ps. cxxvi, 5, 6); and for that he has not beyond the gunshot of his enemies, and out of the reach of them that hate him. I also am glad, for that a rumour of these things is noised abroad in this country; who can tell but that it may work some good effect on some that are left behind? But pray, sir, while it fresh in my mind, do you hear any