Tender-Conscience leaves the Interpreter's.

the Interpreter narrowly searched the wounds which he had received by the arrows that day, and applied a sovereign balsam to them, whereby Tender-Conscience became straightway whole and sound; and the Interpreter caused the arrows that he had pulled out of his body to be laid up safe, as a memorial of his narrow escape from death. Then he carried him into the dining-room, and entertained him at a rich yet frugal banquet, feasting him with the best restoratives in the world, for he considered that Tender-Conscience was weak and feeble, and had a tedious journey to go; therefore he judged it necessary to treat him with diet and strong nourishment, that he might be the better enabled to undergo the hardships of travelling in that tiresome road.

After the banquet was over, he carried him into the several apartments of the house, and shewed him all the excellent things which Christian and Christiana his wife, with their children and companions, saw in this place. And when it grew towards the going down of the sun, he conducted Tender-Con science to the dining-room, where they took a moderate repast together, and spent the residue of that evening in profitable discourse; the Interpreter taking that opportunity to inform him fully of the laws and customs of that country, and to instruct him in his way, with directions what company he should keep or avoid, and, how he should behave himself along the road. Then he shewed him to his chamber, and left him to his repose.

The next morning, by the break of day, Tender-Conscience arose, and prepared for his journey; and the Interpreter, having performed all the offices of complete hospitality, told him he would bear him company a little way: which kind offer Tender-Conscience gladly embraced, both because he was a stranger altogether in those parts, and because he was in love with the Interpreter's good conversation. So they walked out together, and taking their way over a large corn-field, through which there lay a path into the high road from the Interpreter's house, they came to a lane, on each side of which there stood a manor-house, with lands belonging to each of them.

Then Tender-Conscience took notice that the grounds of one farm were all in a flourishing and prosperous condition, a plentiful crop of corn, lovely pastures, and those well stocked with cattle, the fences every where strong and close, and all things in exceeding good case: whereas on the other side, the opposite farm lay at sixes and sevens, (as the old saying is,) some part of the ground was overgrown with nettles, briars, and

Conversation between Tender Conscience and the Interpreter

thorns, and all manner of unprofitable weeds; and the other part was uncultivated, and lay covered with stones, the fences down, and wild beasts browsing up and down on what they could find, all things laying at rack and manger; so that there was not the least sign of a future harvest. At which Tender. Conscience greatly marvelled, and asked the Interpreter the reason why there was so great a difference between the two farms, since, lying so close together, the one was a daily re proach to the other? To which the Interpreter replied, He that owns that farm on the right hand, which you behold in so fair and flourishing a condition, is the King's tenant, as likewise is the other, for both the manors belong to the King of the country.

Now upon a time the King, taking his progress this way, and being informed that he had two fair farms in this place untenanted, and that, for want of looking after, they were both run to ruin, (for at that time they were both alike,) he put them presently into the hands of these two men who live in them now, telling them withal, for their encouragement, that they should not only live rent-free (saving some homage to be paid at his court) but should also be removed to places of inestimable dignity and value, provided they would but be industrious, and cleanse the farms, and improve them with the best husbandry they could, because he loved not that any of the crown lands should run to ruin: these two men were put in possession of the farms, and each had his house and lands apart.

Now the man on the left hand, taking a survey of his new farm, and finding it all grown with weeds and briars, covered with stones, the fences down, wild beasts ranging up and down in the grounds, and all things like a wilderness, sat down and folded his arms, despairing ever to cleanse his farm, or bring it into any order; so he fell to rioting and drunkenness, to gaming and wantonness, never regarding his farm, or so much as once thinking of it; so that he run deeply in debt, and has lost his reputation among all his neighbours; and unless he speedily take up, and set himself to cleansing and manuring his farm, he will certainly fall into the King's displeasure, who will cast him into prison for neglecting his farm, (for so he threatened them at first,) whence he cannot escape till he has made full satisfaction to the King for his heinous offence.

But, on the contrary, the tenant on the right hand having surveyed his farm in like manner as the other did, and finding it in the same condition, all run to ruin and disorder, he considere with himself the great favour he had received in being intrust with one of the King's farms, and how heinous a crime it woul

concerning the two Farms.

be to slight such a benefit as was proposed to him, both for the present and future, if he would but improve his gift: then he considered likewise, that though it was a great farm, and all in a manner like a wilderness, yet by endeavouring every day to cleanse it, in time he should compass the whole.

These considerations made him set about it with all speed, and he began by little to weed, and remove the stones from off the ground; and so by daily labouring at it, he at length reduced it to this good order you see it in now: and he is in assured hopes of obtaining the King's promise, and of being removed to a more noble and honourable station.

In my opinion, said Tender-Conscience, the farmer on the left hand is very much to blame in neglecting so fair an opportunity of raising himself: had he but followed the steps of his opposite neighbour, and done something every day towards the cleansing of his farm, he might by this time have reaped the benefit of it; and had the returns of plentiful crops, besides the continuance and increase of the King's favour, who would no doubt, in time, have been as good as his word.

Just such, said the Interpreter, is the condition of you travellers, who come from the Valley of Destruction, and are going to the region of life and glory: the King of that place only requires of you to husband well his gifts and graces, to improve your talents, and persevere to the end of your pilgrimage, and then you will be translated to eternal mansions. Now the way to do this is, not to be discouraged with the length of your journey, nor frightened with the apprehensions you may have of the difficulties to be overcome, and the dangers to be encountered by the way: but you must arm yourself with a firm resolution to go through all, making some progress every day; for to stand still is to go back: and, therefore, like the wise and industrious farmer on the right hand, who every day weeded and stoned some part of his grounds, so must you daily go on, and gain ground: thus, like him, you will in due time perfect your labour and travel, and finish your course with joy.

The Interpreter gave him many more good counsels ant admonitions, as they walked along, till they came to the highway that was fenced in on either side with the wall of Salvation, and there the Interpreter gave to Tender-Conscience the King's royal pass, signifying that it would be of singular use to him throughout his journey to the heavenly country. So wishing him a prosperous journey, and eternal happiness, he bid him heartily farewell.

Then I saw in my dream that Tender-Conscience wept when

Tender-Conscience arrives at the Cross.

ne was to part with the Interpreter, being ravished in spirit with inexpressible love to his company, forasmuch as he had healed his wounds, entertained him most courteously, shewed many excellent and glorious things, and given him the Kings' warrant or pass, whereby he should be enabled to travel more securely and quietly to the region of life; besides he was naturally very affectionate, and could not brook a separation from such a friend without bursting into tears; but at length, overcoming his passion, he set forward on his journey, and came to the place where the cross stood, where Christian's burden fell from off his back, and tumbling into the sepulchre, (which was at the bottom of the rising ground whereon the cross stood,) was there buried.

Now I saw in my dream, that hard by the cross were built two houses; the one was called the House of Mourning, and the other was called the House of Mirth; and they were situate on each side of the cross, the one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Now, as Tender-Conscience kept the path up the hill, there came out of the House of Mirth some young men to meet him; and they spake to him, saying, Whence comest thou? and whither art thou going? Then Tender-Conscience made answer, I am come from the Valley of Destruction, and am going to the heavenly City, the region of life and glory; but I perceive it grows late, and I am a suanger in the way, and therefore would gladly take my repose this night somewhere hereabouts, if I might find so much favour among any of the inhabitants of this place. Then the young men made answer, and said, There are none but these two houses which thou seest, in all this parish, that give entertainment to strangers, and if thou wilt go along with us to yonder house, (pointing to that on the left hand,) there thou wilt find good usage, merry company, and all things that your heart could wish for, and in the morning we will travel along with you, for we only lodge there to-night, and in the morning will set forward toward the heavenly City.

By such enticing words and persuasions as these they prevailed upon Tender-Conscience to go along with them; but as he drew near to the house he heard a great noise, as of them that make merry—singing, dancing, and playing upon musical instruments, with much laughter; at which Tender-Conscience was greatly astonished. But as he came up to the house, he saw written over the door these words, "This is the House of Mirth;" then he remembered the words of the wise man "That it is better to go to the House of Mourning than to go to the

The House of Mourning and the House of Mirth.

House of Feasting," Eccl. vii. 2, 4. And again, "The heart of the wise is in the House of Mourning, but the heart of fools is in the House of Mirth."

So he asked the young men what that house was called on the other side of the cross; and they told him it was called the House of Mourning: moreover they railed and scoffed at the people that lived in it, and told him that none but a few dull phlegmatic fools ever frequented it; but Tender-Conscience weighed more the words of the wise man than their slanderous tongues, and told them he would seek a lodging at the House of Mourning. Then they laughed at him, and called out to the rest of their companions to deride him; but he departed from them, and passed by the cross, at the sight of which he was transported with unspeakable love, grief, compassion, and such like affections; the young men and their companions all the while following him, and making a mock at his tenderness: and as he wept at the foot of the cross, they fell a laughing, ranting, and roaring, till at length he rose up, and made haste to go to the House of Mourning; where he was no sooner arrived, but two grave yet comely women bid him kindly welcome, saying to him, We saw how you were like to be seduced into the House of Mirth, and we rejoiced to behold your resolution not to enter into that seat of vanity; we also saw your constancy in withstanding their scoffs and mockery, and how you were not ashamed of the cross, but the sight of it pierced your heart with divine love, and caused your eyes to pour out rivers of tears' while those profane wretches laughed you to scorn; all this we beheld with great satisfaction: and now come in, thou blessed of the Lord, and rest in this place till tomorrow, and then thou mayest go in peace. So Tender-Conscience went in along with the courteous matrons, who washed his feet; and having refreshed him with a morsel of bread and a little wine, with a few figs, raisins, and almonds, they fell into discourse about the Person who suffered death on the cross; and the eldest matron spoke to this effect:

ELDEST MAT. How vain and profane are these poor wretches who despise the cross of Christ, and are become bitter enemies both to him and his sufferings! They profess to believe in God, and worship him; yet, at the same time, give both him and themselves the lie in their practice: they profess to believe Christ crucified for our sins; yet, at the same time, they crucify him themselves afresh, and put him to an open shame. They. lay an embargo on their faith, and suffer it not to launch beyond the narrow limits of their senses; and taking up their