Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/93

Rh after them, and he knew him. Oh l said Faithful to his brother, who comes yonder? Then Christian looked, and said, It is my good friend Evangelist. Ay, and my good friend too, said Faithful; for it was he that set me on theway to the gate. Now was Evangelist come up with them, and thus saluted them:—

Evan. Peace be to you, dearly beloved; and peace be to your helpers.

Chr. Welcome, welcome, my good Evangelist; the sight of thy countenance brings to my remembrance thy ancient kindness and unwearied labours for my eternal good.

Faith. And a thousand times welcome, said good Faithful; thy company, O sweet Evangelist, how desirable is it to us poor pilgrims!

Evan. Then said Evangelist, How hath it fared with you, my friends, since the time of our last parting? What have you met with? and how have you behaved yourselves?

Then Christian and Faithful told him of all things that had happened to them in the way; and how, and with what difficulty, they had arrived to that place.

Evan. Right glad am I, said Evangelist, not that you have met with trials, but that you have been victors, and for that you have, notwithstanding many weaknesses, continued in the way to this very day.

I say, right glad am I of this thing, and that for mine own sake and yours. I have sowed, and you have reaped; and the day is coming when "both he that soweth and they that reap shall rejoice together"—that is, if you hold out; "for in due season ye shall reap, if ye faint not." (John iv. 36. Gal. vi. 9.) The crown is before you, and it is an incorruptible one; "so run, that ye may obtain" it. Some there be that set out for this crown, and after they have gone far for it, another comes in and takes it from them: "hold fast, therefore, that you have; let no man take your crown." (1 Cor. ix. 24–27. Rev. iii. 11.) You are not yet out of the gun-shot