Page:The pilgrim's progress by John Bunyan every child can read (1909).djvu/54

48 before Him, a certain distance betwixt Him and them, as betwixt the judge and the prisoners at the bar. I heard* it also called out to them that stood around on the Man that sat on the cloud, 'Gather together the tares, the chaff, and stubble, and cast them into the burning lake. And, with that, the bottomless pit opened, just whereabout I stood; out of the mouth of which there came, in an abundant manner, smoke and coals of fire, with hideous noises. It was also said to the same persons, 'Gather my wheat into the gamer.' And, with that, I saw many catched up and carried away into the clouds; but I was left behind. I also sought to hide myself, but I could not; for the Man that sat upon the cloud still kept His eye upon me; my sins also came into my mind, and my conscience did accuse me on every side. Upon this I awakened from my sleep."

But what was it that made you so afraid of this sight?

Why I thought that the day of judgment was come, and that I was not ready for it. But this affrighted me most, that the angels gathered up several, and left me behind; also the pit of hell opened her mouth just where I stood. My conscience, too, troubled me; and, as I thought, the Judge had always His eye upon me, showing anger in His countenance.

Then said the Interpreter to Christian, "Hast thou considered these things?"

Yes; and they put me in hope and fear.