Chr. Is this the way to the Celestial City?
Shep. You are just in your way.
Chr. How far is it thither?
Shep. Too far for any but those who shall get thither indeed.
Chr. Is the way safe or dangerous?
Shep. Safe for those for whom it is to be safe; "but transgressors shall fall therein." (Hos. xiv. 9.)
Chr. Is there in this place any relief for pilgrims that are weary and faint in the way?
Shep. The Lord of these mountains hath given us a charge, "not to be forgetful to entertain strangers" (Heb. xiii. 2); therefore the good of the place is before you.
I saw also in my dream that, when the Shepherds perceived that they were wayfaring men, they also put questions to them (to which they made answer, as in other places), as, Whence came you? and, How got you into the way? and, By what means have you so persevered therein? for but few of them that begin to come hither do show their face on these mountains. But when the Shepherds heard their answers, being pleased therewith, they looked very lovingly upon them, and said, Welcome to the Delectable Mountains.
The Shepherds, I say, whose names were Knowledge, Experience, Watchful, and Sincere, took them by the hand, and had them to their tents, and made them partake of that which was ready at present. They said, moreover, We would that you should stay here a while, to be acquainted with us, and yet more to solace yourselves with the, good of these Delectable Mountains. They then told them that they were content to stay. So they went to rest that night, because it was very late.
Then I saw in my dream,that in the morning the Shepherds called up Christian and Hopeful to walk with them upon the mountains, So they went forth with them, and
