Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/205

Rh you have avoided these troubles and dangers; for he would have granted you one.

Chr. Alas! said Christiana, we were so taken with our present blessing, that dangers to come were forgotten by us: besides, who could have thought that so near the King's palace there could have lurked such naughty ones? Indeed, it had been well for us had we asked our Lord for one; but since our Lord knew it would be for our profit, I wonder he sent not one along with us.

Rel. It is not always necessary to grant things not asked for, lest by so doing they become of little esteem; but when the want of a thing is felt, it then comes under, in the eyes of him that feels it, that estimate that properly is its due, and so consequently it will be thereafter used. Had my Lord granted you a conductor, you would not either so have bewailed that oversight of yours, in not asking for one, as now you have occasion to do. So all things work for good, and tend to make you more wary.

Chr. Shall we go back again to my Lord, and confess our folly, and one?

Rel. Your confession of your folly I will present him with. To go back again you need not, for in all places where you shall come you shall find no want at all; for in every one of my Lord's lodgings, which he has prepared for the reception of his pilgrims, there is sufficient to furnish them against all attempts whatsoever. But, as I said, "he will be inquired of by them, to do it for them." (Ezek. xxxvi. 37.) And 'tis a poor thing that is not worth asking for.

When he had thus said, he went back to his place, and the pilgrims went on their way.

Mer. Then said Mercy, What a sudden blank is here! I made account we had been past all danger, and that we should never see sorrow more.

Chr. Thy innocence, my sister, said Christiana to Mercy, may excuse thee much; but as for me, my fault is so much