As they walked in this land, they rejoiced evermore; yea, with joy unspeakable and full of glory. And drawing near to the city, they had a more perfect view thereof. It was built of pearls and precious stones, and the streets were paved with gold. So that _Christian_ with desire fell sick; nor indeed was _Hopeful_ much better. Insomuch that they were constrained to cry out, _Feed me with apples, stay me with flagons; for I am sick of love_.
When they were strengthened a little, they went on their way, and came nearer and nearer; where were orchards, vineyards and gardens. The gardener stood in the way, and leading them into the vineyard, bid them refresh themselves with the fruit. He also shewed them here the King’s walks and arbours, where they delighted to be; and here they tarried and slept.
So I saw that when they awoke, they addressed themselves to go up to the city; but the reflection of the sun (for the city was pure gold) was so extremely glorious, that they were not able to behold it with open face; but only thro’ a glass. And as they went on there met them two men in raiment shining like gold; also their faces shone as the light.
These asked the pilgrims, Whence they came? Where they had lodged? What difficulties ♦and dangers, and what comforts they had found in the way? To all which they answered briefly. Then said they, “You have but two difficulties more, and you enter into the city.”
♦ duplicate word “and” removed
_Christian_ then and his companion asked them to go with them; they said, “We will; but you must enter in by your own faith.” So I saw in my dream that they went on together till they came in sight of the gate.
Now I saw there was a deep river between them and the gate, and there was no bridge over it: at the sight of this the pilgrims stopt; but the men said, “You must go through or you cannot come to the gate.”
*They enquired, if there were no other way to the gate: To which they answered, “Yes; but there hath not any save two, _Enoch_ and _Elijah_, trod that path since the foundation of the world.” Then they asked, if the waters were all of a depth? They said, “No: but we cannot help you in this case; for you will find them either shallower or deeper, according to your faith.”
Then they went in; but _Christian_ began to sink, and cried out to his friend, _I sink in the deep waters: the billows go over my head, all the waves go over me_.
*Then said _Hopeful_, “Be of good cheer, my brother, I feel the bottom, and it is good.” Oh, my friend, said _Christian_, _The sorrows of death have compassed me round about_. I shall not _see the land that floweth with milk and honey_. And with that a great darkness and horror fell upon him, so that he could not see before him; also he lost in a great measure, his senses, so that he could not remember any of the refreshments or deliverances that he had met with before in the way of his pilgrimage. But all the words that he spake, still tended to discover the anguish of his spirit, and his fear that he should die in the river, and never enter into the gate. Here also the sins that he had committed, both before and after he was a pilgrim, were brought all together to his remembrance, and terrified him afresh. He was also troubled with the apparition of evil spirits, as if they would have torn him in pieces; so that _Hopeful_ here had much ado to keep his brother’s head above water; yea, sometimes he sunk; and then in awhile rose up again half dead: however, he still endeavoured to comfort him, saying, “I see the gate, and men standing to receive us.” “’Tis you, said _Christian_, whom they stand to receive; I am as a dead man, out of mind. Surely, if I was right, he would now arise to help me. But for my sins I am brought into this snare, and now God hath forgotten me.” “Not so, said _Hopeful_; but he trieth thy faith as with fire.”
Then I saw that _Christian_ was in a muse, and immediately _Hopeful_ said, “Be of good cheer; thy faith hath saved thee. Jesus Christ maketh thee whole.”
And with that _Christian_ broke out with a loud voice, “I see him, I see him again!” And he tells me, _When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee_. Then he presently found ground to stand on, and the rest of the water was but shallow, till they came to land. Upon the bank they saw the two shining men again, who there waited for them; and as soon as they were come out of the water, they saluted them saying, _We are ministring spirits, sent forth to minister to the heirs of salvation_. Thus they went along towards the gate. Now the city stood on a mighty hill, but the pilgrims went up the hill with ease, having left their mortal garments behind them in the river. Though therefore the foundation on which the city was built, was higher than the clouds, they mounted up with speed, through the regions of the air, flying as upon the wings of the wind.