Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/200

196 unto them, whereby they were greatly gladdened. He also had them up to the top of the gate, and showed them by what deed they were saved; and told them withal, that that sight they would have again, as they went along the way, to their comfort.

So he left them a while in the summer parlour below, where they entered into a talk by themselves; and thus Christiana began: O Lord, how glad am I that we are got in hither!

Mer. So you well may; but I of all have cause to leap for joy.

Chr. I thought one time, as I stood at the gate (because I had knocked, and none did answer), that all our labour had been lost, especially when that ugly cur made such a heavy barking against us.

Mer. But my worst fear was after I saw that you was taken into his favour, and that I was left behind. Now, thought I, it is fulfilled which is written, "Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left." (Matt. xxiv. 41.) I had much ado to forbear crying out, Undone! And afraid I was to knock any more; but when I looked up to what was written over the gate, I took courage. I also thought that I must either knock again or die: so I knocked, but I cannot tell how; for my spirit now struggled between life and death.

Chr. Can you not tell how you knocked? I am sure your knocks were so earnest that the very sound of them made me start. I thought I never heard such knocking in all my life; I thought you would come in by a violent hand, or take the kingdom by storm. (Matt. xi. 12.)

Mer. Alas! to be in my case, who that so was could but have done so? You saw that the door was shut open me, and that there was a most cruel dog thereabout. Who, I say, that was so faint-hearted as I, would not have knocked with all their might? But, pray, what said my Lord to my rudeness? Was he not angry with, me?