THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.

THE FIFTH BOOK.

CHRISTIAN ENJOYS THE PROSPECT OF THE DISTANT DELECTABLE MOUNTAINS

ENTERS THE

VALLEY OF HUMILIATION, WHERE HE HAS A DREADFUL CONFLICT WITH APOLLYON, BUT COMES

OFF VICTORIOUS.

THE morning come, they will not let him go, Till first their curiosities they show.

Then was our Pilgrim to the STUDY led,
Where he in sacred books with pleasure read;,
There he perus'd the history of our Lord,
And what his saints effected by His Word.*
Next with delight the ARMOURY explor'd,
With vast supplies of warlike weapons stor❜d,
Helmets and swords, and breast-plates, shoes and
To arm the Christian-soldier for the field.

[shield,

Here then, our Pilgrim was in armour put,
Armour of proof, complete from head to foot.*

* Every Christian must study his Bible, and the morning is the fittest time for it.

† As the Christian's life is a warfare, every believer must be armed for the field; he is therefore provided with the helmet of Hope, the breast-plate of Righteousness, the girdle of Truth, the shoes of Gospel-peace, the sword of the Spirit, and the shield of Faith.-Ephes. vi.

Christian was going:-but they begg'd his stay,
To take a view before he went away:

From off our roof,' say they, you'll clearly see
'That pleasant country where you soon will be.'
And what a prospect did he thence command!
He saw as far as King Immanuel's land;

Sweet country! deck'd with vineyards, fruits and flow'rs,

With springs and fountains, woods and shady bow'rs: 'And mark!' said they, 'when once thou comest there, 'The gates of th' heav'nly city will appear!'

*

Then Christian left the house, and took the road
That led him to the city of his God:
Downhill he walk'd, but not with caution due,
For, going down, he made a slip or two.

"I see," said he, "there's need of caution still,
"In going down, as well as up the hill.
"HUMILIATION-VALLEY lies before,

"Which I with wary feet must now explore.*
"But O! what's that," said Christian, "that I see?
"O! 'tis Apollyon! Must I stand, or flee?

*The prospect of the Delectable mountains shews, that the rich and happy experience of advanced Christians, is very animating to those who have lately set out on their pilgrimage.

To prevent spiritual pride, the Christian must be humbled by some means or other; but after much pleasure and prosperity it is difficult to submit to this, without slipping a little, by murmuring and discontent.