"I suppose so," observed Paul; "for I remember hearing that in my grandfather's time two men, named Mistrust and Timorous, were frightened back by the sight of them."

Philemon. Yes, and it is only persons of their stamp who are thus deterred from advancing to the palace. They who put their trust in Him who created and governs both lions and men may pass safely.

Saying this, I observed that he led the way, and they all four marched on resolutely, meeting with but one mishap, viz. that of being slightly pricked or stung by some thistles and nettles that some illdisposed persons, enemies to the palace and its inmates, had thrown in the way. And now they went on till they approached the lions, who were wide awake (it being late in the evening), so they perceived the pilgrims immediately, and uttered a low growl. Paul held up his staff, and they were silent. Grace timidly prepared to do the same, but there was no need, for her sweet countenance looking upon them turned their anger into docility; and they suffered the party to pass quietly by them, and they soon found themselves at the palace door. It was opened to them by Watchful, the porter, who seeing

WATCHFUL, THE PORTER.

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them from a window, waited not for them to knock. He asked Paul a few questions, but as soon as he found Philemon was with them (whom he well knew), he said there was no doubt but they would be welcome in the house. So he took them into a waitingroom, and then called a damsel named Esther, who immediately went to inform the virgins of the house of their arrival. Then came to them first Piety, followed by Prudence, and afterwards Charity. They put the usual questions to them as to other travellers; but when Paul told them of his and Luke's parentage, a joyful surprise shone in their benevolent countenances, and they greeted them with increased cordiality. Prudence said, "Seeing ye came with our friend and neighbour Philemon, I guessed you to be worthy persons; but I little thought to see the children of Christiana's sons, with whom my sisters and I used to hold discourse in this house, in years that are past.

Charity. We always thought them amiable, welldisposed youths, and it does not surprise me that, when they had children of their own, they should bring them up to be pilgrims.

way

Piety. "Train up a child in the he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." I

remember that Matthew (the eldest) was united to the devout and humble-minded Mercy, whom we all liked so much.

Charity. Yes; and I think, Luke, that your young sister reminds me much of her. Are you not considered like her, my dear?

To this Grace modestly replied,

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that some per

sons had thought her like her aunt, but she was conscious that in so thinking they overrated her."

While they were talking, Esther came in, and told them that supper was laid in an adjacent apartment, to which she forthwith conducted them.

Then I saw in my dream that they all sat down together, like a party of old friends rather than new acquaintance, and I observed, written in small letters over the door, "Use hospitality without grudging," an injunction which I saw was not disregarded in that house; the room was lofty and handsome, with a bright cheerful fire in it, and they all looked so contented and happy, that I longed to be amongst them. Luke appeared particularly pleased, and turning to Philemon, who sat next him, said "he considered himself indebted to him for the peace and quiet he now felt; for," said he, "if you had not sought me, and guided me back to the right

THE PALACE BEAUTIFUL.

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path, I should not have been here now." All the pilgrims expressed their admiration of that beautiful house, and asked who had built it? To which Piety replied, "It was built by the Prince of the country, who has ever looked on it with his royal favour, and careth for it even as doth the bridegroom for his bride; it has also been said of it by one of old, 6 A day in thy courts is better than a thousand." Then their talk was of that great Prince who was the highest example, as well as the truest and kindest friend pilgrims ever had, or can have, and who loved them even when they were far from Him, and blinded by ignorance and sin. When supper was ended, and it was time to retire, Philemon was besought to tarry a day or two in the house with his fellow-travellers, which he consented to do; and then, after joining in humble prayer and grateful praise for the various mercies received, they bade each other good night. Grace was shewn to a pleasant little room next to that of Piety, and it was not long before she enjoyed a sweet sleep. In the morning she was awakened by the sweet singing of the thrush, and the rustling of leaves, stirred by the autumnal air in some high trees near her window; afterwards, Piety, knocking at her door, led her down stairs,

and the whole party assembled at their morning devotions, previously to breakfast. Then the three virgins shewed the pilgrims some of the rarities of the place, as was their custom; and had them to the highest room in the palace, from whence they could discern through a glass the tops of the Delectable Mountains, looking blue in the misty distance. "But you will one day see them clearly and distinctly, and make acquaintance with the shepherds who dwell there," observed Charity.

"Ah!" said Grace, "but they are still at a great distance; and I suppose we have much to pass through first. Does not the Town of Vanity lie in the way to those pleasant mountains?"

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It does so," answered Prudence; "and is full of things detrimental to pilgrims. You have doubtless heard of the great Fair always held there, and it is difficult for travellers to come out from it as blameless as they go in; but when, by the grace of God, they do, it is more pleasing in His sight than if they had never been in the way of temptation."

Now I saw, that when they had dined, Philemon proposed to return home, much to the regret of all in the house, especially of the three pilgrims. Luke