The Pilgrims here enjoy'd perpetual light,
The sun was always shining, always bright:
No gloomy cloud of fear could intervene,
And Doubting-Castle not so much as seen.

To Beulah (so this charming land they name)*
Bright Angels oft on gracious errands came,
Convers'd with mortals, and the wonders told
Of the celestial city built of gold.

The rays, reflected from that glorious place,
Gild and adorn the intermediate space.

The Pilgrims now can scarce their absence bear,
But sicken with their longings to be there.
As nearer they approach on either hand,
Orchards and gardens decorate the land.
In these they walk and feed with new delight,
And here they find refreshing rest at night.

* Beulah is a name taken from Isa. lxii. 4, and signifies "thy land shall be married." The author intends to describe that peace passing all understanding, and that joy full of glory, with which some Christians are indulged when life is about to close, and they are quickly ripening for heaven. Thrice happy those aged Christians, whose evening of life is thus distinguished!

F

THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.

THE TWELFTH BOOK.

THE PILGRIMS CONDUCTED BY ANGELS COME TO THE RIVER OF DEATH

WOULD

GLADLY AVOID

-

CHRISTIAN GREATLY DEJECTED AND DISTRESSED
BUT ENCOURAGED BY HOPEFUL, WHO FELT THE
BOTTOM ALL
AT LENGTH
IS COMFORTED BY A PROMISE

THE

WAY

CHRISTIAN

THEY GAIN THE

SHORE ARE MET BY A HOST OF ANGELS, WHO CONDUCT THEM TO THE GATE

THEY ARE READILY

ADMITTED AND JOIN IN THE CHORUS OF THE REDEEMED.

AGAIN they forward press with strong desire, To full enjoyment all their souls aspire;

When, lo! two men they meet, in garments white,
Their faces radiant, as the solar light:

These kindly ask'd the Pilgrims how they far'd,
Since first they set their faces Zion-ward;
Then smiling, said, 'But little yet remains,

Before you reap the fruit of all your pains.'