JOURN THERE, AND THEN PROCEED ON THEIR JOURNEY.

NOW, on the confines of the narrow way,
The gardens of the Great Destroyer lay;
And o'er the wall his tempting fruit-trees hung;
Which Christiana's children, being young,
Long'd for, and ate:-she chode them for the deed,
But to their mother's words they gave no heed.
Soon Christiana too was sorely tried:-
Mercy and she two ugly ones espied,

Coming to meet them; and as they drew near,
Covered themselves with modesty and fear.
But naught availed, the ruffians forward press,
And "Murder!" they cry out in their distress.
Most happily, the gate they yet were nigh,
So from the house one heard their bitter cry;
And promptly answering to their earnest call,
The sneaking ruffians scrambled o'er the wall.

'I marvel,' said their friend, you had not ask'd A guide, while you this dangerous journey pass'd." "We did not know,' said they,' so near the gate 'Such evil ones could be allowed to wait.

'But he, that knew, I wonder did not send

'Some one to guide our way, and stand our friend.”

'Nay,' he replied, had you not felt your need,

'You'd not have set due value on this deed: "He will be asked, because he loves to bless."

'Our sin and folly,' said they, we confess.' ' And I,' said he, 'will tell him what you say.' So he returned--and they went on their way.

'Alas!' said Mercy,' what a blank is here! 'I thought we'd bade adieu to grief and fear!' 'Ah !' said her friend,' Iought t' have been prepared; 'These evil ones before my mind have scared: 'These were the ones who stood beside my bed, 'Resolved that here my feet should ne'er be led.'

6

Well,' said young Mercy,' it has taught us this, 'That He that rescued us most gracious is.'

As thus they talked, they near and nearer drew To a large house; which Christiana knew To be the one where weary pilgrims stay, To be instructed on their heavenly way.

* The promise is, "Ask, and ye shall receive." The Lord delights to answer the prayers of His people.

So, without hesitation, she applied;

And seemed to hear her name from those inside! *

Nor was she wrong, her name to them was known,
And a warm welcome greeted every one.
'Come in thou blessed of the Lord,' they said,
And then the best attention to them paid.
Supper not being ready, first their Host,

That precious time with them might not be lost,
Had them throughout the rooms;-where Christian

spent

Some hours, when he this journey also went.
Then as their minds instruction could retain,
He led them on, that truth they each might gain.
First show'd them one who did a crown despise
Because to earth he kept his downward eyes:-

Then bade them mark a hen and her young brood, And how they drank and lift their heads to God. The little children thus He loved to teach,

And had a lesson suitable for each.

Sir,' said the Mother, 'pray let us see more.'

The kind Interpreter then ope'd a door,

*This beautifully represents the inward witness of the Holy Spirit to the Christian's soul. The Spirit beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God; Ro. 8. 16. And again, "He that believeth on the Son of God, hath the witness in himself;" 1 John 5. 10. Note.-The Interpreter is intended to represent the Holy Ghost.