Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/232

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228
The Pilgrim's Progress.

Chr. And much less did I ever think of seeing his face with comfort, and of worshipping the Lord the King with him; and yet now I believe I shall.

Mer. Hark! don't you hear a noise?

Chr. Yes; 'tis, I believe, a noise of music for joy that we are here.

Mer. Wonderful I Music in the house, music in the heart, and music also in heaven, for joy that we are here!

Thus they talked awhile, and then betook themselves to sleep. So in the morning, when they were awake, Christiana, said to Mercy, What was the matter, that you did laugh in your sleep to-night? I suppose you was in a dream.

Mer. So I was, and a sweet dream it was; but are you sure I laughed?

Chr. Yes; you laughed heartily: but pr'ythee, Mercy, tell me thy dream.

Mer. I was dreaming that I sat all alone in a solitary place, and was bemoaning of the hardness of my heart. Now, I had not sat there long, but methought many were gathered about me to see me, and to hear what it was that I said. So they hearkened, and I went on bemoaning the hardness of my heart, At this, some of them laughed at me, some called me a fool, and some began to thrust me about.

With that, methought I looked up, and saw one coming with wings towards me. So he came directly to me, and said, Mercy, what aileth thee? Now, when he had heard me make my complaint, he said, Peace be to thee. He also wiped mine eyes with his handkerchief, and clad me in silver and gold. He puts a chain about m y neck, and ear-rings in mine ears, and a beautiful crown upon my head. (Ezek. xvi. 8–13)

Then he took me by the hand, and said, Mercy, come after me. So he went up, and I followed, till we came at a golden gate. Then we knocked and when they within had opened, the man went in, and I followed him up to a throne, upon