Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/235

Rh Jos. That sin is so great and mighty a tyrant, that none can pull us out of its clutches but God; and that God is so good and loving to man, as to pull him indeed out of this miserable state.

Prud. What is God's design in saving poor men?

Jos. The glorifying of his name, of his grace, and justice, etc., and the everlasting happiness of his creature.

Prud. Who are they that must he saved?

Jos. They that accept of his salvation.

Prud. Good boy. Joseph; thy mother hath taught thee well, and thou hast hearkened unto what she has said unto thee.

Prud. Then said Prudence to Samuel (who was the eldest son but one), Come, Samuel, are you Willing that I should catechise you?

Sam. Yes, forsooth, if you please.

Primal. What is heaven?

Sam. A place and state most blessed, because God dwelleth there.

Prud. What is hell?

Sam. A place and state most woful, because it is the dwelling-place of sin, the devil, and death.

Prud. Why wouldst thou go to heaven?

Sam. That I may see God, and serve him without weariness; that I may see Christ, and love him everlastingly; that I may have that fullness of the Holy Spirit in me which I can by no means here enjoy.

Prud. A very good boy also, and one that has learned well.

Then she addressed herself to the eldest, whose name was Matthew; and she said to him, Come, Matthew, shall I also catechise you?

Matt. With a very good will.

Prud. I ask, then, if there was ever anything that had a being antecedent to or before God?

Matt. No, for God is eternal; nor is there anything.