by Chris Wright
Hopeful raised his head and looked across the river. "Look," he said, "I can see the Golden Gates. Oh, Christian, why are you frightened?
"It's all right for you," I said in despair, "but the King is never going to receive me. I've been a bad pilgrim."
I could no longer see the light beyond the Dark River, and I shivered as I looked into the cold water. I turned once more to the angels. "It's too deep," I said. "I'll be drowned."
"No," the angels told me, "you won't find it too deep. Don't look at the water, Christian, but lift up your eyes to the light, and the King will help you."
I tried to be brave. "Do the King's pilgrims always cross safely?"
"Yes, Christian, always," the angels said. "Do not be afraid. Trust in the King, and remember all that he has done for you through his Son."
Then the angels turned away, and Hopeful put his arm round my shoulders. "Come on, Christian, we'll soon be over. I know the King will take care of us."
Then we walked slowly down the bank and stepped into the cold River.
CHAPTER 45
The Celestial City
I felt the water pulling at me, trying to drag me under. But Hopeful held me tightly, his eyes fixed on the far bank.
"I keep thinking of all the bad things I've done in my life," I gasped, as a wave hit me in the face. "You go on, Hopeful. I don't deserve to get safely across."
Hopeful wasn't giving up on me. "I can see people waiting for us on the other side," he said. "Just keep going. The King loves you and wants you with him."
As soon as Hopeful said this, I could hear the King's Son calling to me with words I'd read in my Book. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you."
Then I found my courage returning, and I could touch the bed of the river with my feet and walk to the far bank. The two angels who had led us down to the Dark River were there to receive us. They said, "Come, we will take you up to the Gates of the City."
The City stood on a great hill, but we went up to it easily because the angels held us by our arms. I looked down at my clothes, wondering if I'd kept them clean enough to meet the King and his Son. To my amazement I saw we'd been given shining clothes, and far below, floating away in the River, were the ones we'd travelled in.
Suddenly we were swept up by a host of angels telling us about the beauty and joy that we would find in the Holy City.
"You are going to the City of the King," they said. "You will find the tree of life, and eat of its never-fading fruits. You will be able to walk and talk every day with the King in your new clothes, even all the days of eternity."
I looked at Hopeful. "I want to thank the King and his Son for bringing us safely here," I said, in tears.
"And so you shall," the angels said. "The King's Son will wipe away every tear from your eyes. There will no longer be any death. There will no longer be any mourning, or crying or pain. All that is in the past."
"And what are we to do now?" I asked.
The angels smiled. "You will be able to praise the King with shouting and thanksgiving. You tried to serve him in the world, but here in the Celestial City you will be able to do it with a freedom you never knew before. You will meet your family and friends who have already crossed the Dark River, and they will welcome you with joy."
We came to an archway, over which were written the words the gardener had told us about:
BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO WASH THEIR ROBES,
SO THAT THEY MAY HAVE THE RIGHT
TO THE TREE OF LIFE,
AND MAY ENTER BY THE GATES INTO THE CITY
The King's servant looked down from the archway and took our Rolls of Faith to carry to the King. The Rolls were sealed with the King's Son's own seal, and I knew that when the King saw the seal he would be glad.
Sure enough, the servant returned quickly and ordered the Gates to be opened, so he could take us to the King.
The people of the Celestial City heard the sound of the silver trumpets, and knew what it meant. When we passed through the gateway, we found young Faithful and my mother, and a great crowd waiting to receive us with music and songs of welcome. I noticed that Hopeful didn't have any friends to greet him, for he'd left them behind in the City of Destruction. But people gathered round and spoke kindly to him, and he seemed to forget his loneliness immediately.
Then I heard the bells in the City ring again for joy, and the King's Son came to us, and said, "You are good and faithful servants. Come and share my joy."
The City shone like the sun, and the streets were paved with gold. People walked with crowns on their heads, palms in their hands, and golden harps to sing praises.
Then Hopeful sang with me, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honour and glory and dominion for ever and ever."
I knew then that the King's Son was the Lamb. He had sacrificed himself, taking away all my guilt and wrongdoing, so I could stand here in front of him, washed clean.
Then the King's Son held me securely in his arms. "Do not be afraid, Christian," he said. "I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore"
And the angels sang, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty."
I was in Heaven!
PART 2
CHRISTIANA'S STORY
CHAPTER 46
The Letter
My name is Christiana. I live in a place called the City of Destruction, which is as bad a city to live in as its name suggests. The only place where I feel happy is on the hill above the city, which is where I am now. Far below, people are going about their work. I like to sit up high like this, where I once sat with my friend Christian -- before he went on his journey. I have my four brothers with me today, and they're all younger than me. I'm fourteen, and I'm worried how I'm going to look after my brothers in the coming winter.
I often think about the journey Christian made, and wonder where he's living. Is he in the Celestial City? That's what some people call it. Did he reach it, or was he lost crossing the Dark River?
The Celestial City. Even the name sounds good, so what must it be like to live there? While my mother and father were travelling to the Celestial City, along the Way of the King, they begged me to start my journey soon -- and take my brothers with me. Last year my father entered the Dark River. A few days later, my mother followed him.
Christian often talked about a special Book he was reading, but I didn't really believe what the Book said. "If my father and mother are living in a beautiful place," I once told him, "they'd have sent me a message. I think I'll never see them again."
I look across the open fields and can see a light shining brightly in the distance. I remember hearing that there's a high wall there, and a large door in it with a Wicket Gate where pilgrims must start their journey.
Perhaps we'll all go there one day. Matthew and Samuel are probably old enough to go with me now, but as I look at Joseph and James they seem rather young. I think I'll have to wait, because I can't leave them behind. I stand up and signal to my four brothers to follow me back to our home in the City of Destruction.
It's the evening now, and I've prepared tea for my brothers, which went down well. The four boys are out in the streets with their friends, and the house is quiet. I sit by the fire and keep thinking about my father and mother -- and about Christian.
In the night I have a lovely dream. I'm in the Celestial City, walking along its streets with Christian. My brothers are there with us. We go into a wonderful palace where the King's Son meets us and speaks to us.
I wake up with a jump. I wish it had been true, and not just a dream. I try to get back to sleep to continue dreaming, but it's no good. So although it's early, I get dressed and begin to tidy the house. After breakfast, I jump as someone knocks on the door, and I open it cautiously to see who's calling.
I expect to see a neighbour, but a woman visiting the city is standing there. She says her name is Wisdom, and she's the daughter of Evangelist. I reme
mber seeing Evangelist in the city, and sometimes I've even stopped to listen as he tells us about the King.
"Christiana, I've wanted to speak to you for some time," Wisdom says, "but I've not been able to find you in the streets."
"No," I say, "I'm tired of the city, so I usually go up the hill to get away from it."
Wisdom lays her hand on my shoulder. "I don't think you're all that happy."
"I'm not," I tell her. "I'm lonely."
"Why is that? You have your brothers."
"I'm still lonely," I repeat. "Our father and mother have crossed the Dark River, and so has Christian, and I don't know what's become of them."
"They're with the King in his glorious City."
"Ah," I say, not wanting to sound rude, "but plenty of people say the stories about the King and the Celestial City aren't true."
"They really are true," Wisdom assures me. "That's why the King's Son has sent me to tell you to start your journey at once."
I shake my head. "My brothers ..."
"You are to bring them with you," Wisdom says quickly. "The King's Son says he will take care of you all."
"So many of us?" I can't really believe what I'm hearing. I wonder if the King knows what my brothers are like. I wonder if he knows what I'm like.
Wisdom smiles. "The King's City is large, and there's room in it for every pilgrim who comes to the Gates. Imagine how pleased your parents will be when they hear that those Golden Gates are being opened for you!"
I can feel tears coming into my eyes, but I quickly wipe them away. "I'll think about it," I say, looking away from Wisdom and losing interest.
"Perhaps this will help you." Wisdom draws out a folded sheet paper.
I'm interested now. "What is it?" I ask.
"It's a letter from the King. Keep it safe and read it often."
"What does it say?" I have to know, but my eyes are running too much to see it clearly.
"It's a promise from the King. To you."
"For me?" I turn away to hide my tears. Not only is Wisdom being kind, but the King has even sent me a letter.
"I'll read it," I promise. Then I think for a moment. "But I'm still lonely."
CHAPTER 47
My Brothers
I'm still finding it hard to believe that the letter is for me. As I read it, my heart fills with joy mixed with unhappiness -- joy that the King should send me such a loving message, and unhappiness that I've never even bothered with him before.
I look up again at Wisdom, who is standing near me. "I'll go," I say, after a moment of thought, "and I'll try to persuade my brothers to go with me."
Wisdom smiles. "I'm glad," she says. "Don't wait any longer, Christiana. The way is easier for young people, and the King's Son will help you in your difficulties."
"Difficulties?" That surprises me. I'm not sure I want too many difficulties. "Can you go with us? I won't be frightened if you show us the way."
Wisdom smiles. "No, Christiana, I have other work to do. But there's no need to be frightened. The King's Son will watch over you. Did you see a light in the distance, when you were on the hill?"
I nod my head. I've often seen it.
"That light marks the path to the Wicket Gate. After you've gone through the Gate, you'll meet many of the King's servants who are there to help you."
Wisdom goes, and I keep reading that letter. In the evening I show it to Matthew and Samuel, the oldest of my four brothers. "What do you think?" I ask.
"I think you ought to go," Samuel says. Although he's nearly twelve, and younger than Matthew, I always think of him as being the most sensible brother I have.
"I'd like to go, but what will happen to you boys if I leave you alone?" I ask.
"We'll go with you," Matthew says immediately. "At any rate I will."
"Will you really?" I give him a hug. Matthew is only a year younger than me, but I've never considered him as thoughtful as Samuel.
"I've often thought about going," Matthew tells me. "You know, since our father and mother crossed the Dark River. When Christian went away, I was half inclined to follow him. It will be good for us all to go together."
I smile as I look into the fire. "Our parents will certainly be pleased to see us. But I don't know what to do about Joseph and James." James is eight, and probably too young for such an adventure.
The door flies open, and my two youngest brothers rush in. "What are you three talking about?" James asks.
"Christiana has a letter," Samuel tells him, as he puts it on the table where both brothers can read it.
"Look, it's from the King," Joseph says excitedly. "Why has he written to you, Christiana?"
"Who brought it?" James asks. "Did it really come from the King?"
"One of the visitors to the city brought it," I explain. "Her name is Wisdom. I'm sure you've seen her in the streets."
"I know her," Joseph says. "She spoke to me the other day, and I liked her. So are you going?" He comes round to the fire and leans against my chair, looking into my face.
"If I do, will you come with me, Joseph?" I ask.
"I don't mind. Will we have to fight anybody? Are there any wild beasts?"
"I don't know, but Wisdom says the King's Son will watch over us. We have to pass through a Wicket Gate with the light over it. Do you remember hearing how Pliable went with Christian, and both of them fell into the Slough of Despond."
Joseph pulls a face. "That terrible place?"
"What is it?" James asks.
"It's a great bog like quicksand that sucks people down," Joseph says, and he makes a loud sucking noise in an attempt to frighten his younger brother.
"Then we'll be careful," Samuel says. Yes, he's by far the most sensible of all my brothers, and I think he's also the bravest.
"I'd like to be a pilgrim, Christiana," Joseph tells me, jumping up and down, "but what about James? You can't leave him behind."
"No," I tell him, "of course we can't." I have to smile, for at nine Joseph is only a year older than James. If Joseph can make it, surely James can too.
"Does that mean we're all going?" Joseph asks. "Please say we are, Christiana. Please."
I nod happily. "If that's what you want."
"When can we start? Tomorrow?" Joseph is still jumping up and down.
I want to jump up and down too, but as their sister I have to behave a little more sensibly. "The next day, I think. We can prepare everything at night and leave early, as soon as the gates of our city are opened."
CHAPTER 48
Leaving Home
This will be my last afternoon in the City of Destruction, and one of my best friends has come to see me. Her name is Mercy. She's thirteen, the same age as Matthew. Unfortunately, Mercy's mother has come as well. We call her mother Mrs Bats-Eyes, but of course not to her face. James thought of the name last year, and I told him it's extremely rude to make up names for people. But we all use it now. I don't think Mercy knows it's what we call her mother. At least, I hope she doesn't. Mercy has a much older sister called Bountiful. Bountiful is married, but not happily, I think, and I'm not even sure where she's living.
Mrs Bats-Eyes has a habit of saying, "I can't see this, I can't see that," whenever anyone has an idea she doesn't agree with. She has a friend we call Mrs Know-Nothing, and I'm glad to say Mrs Know-Nothing hasn't come this afternoon.
"Oh, you do look busy, Christiana," Mrs Bats-Eyes says. "We're here to invite you to go with us to the country tomorrow."
"I don't think I can," I say, not wanting to reveal too much about my plans. "I have so many things to do at the moment."
"I can't see that matters. Not if you want to be with Mercy," Mrs Bats-Eyes says. "No, I can't see it at all."
I'm glad my brothers are out. They would all be looking at each other and giggling by now.
"You're packing everything away," Mercy says. "Are you getting ready for a journey, Christiana?"
I've not planned to say anything about the King's letter, but now I
feel it would be better to say what I'm going to do.
"I've received a message from the King," I say, "and I'm going to the Celestial City."
"Oh," Mrs Bats-Eyes cries, "I can't see that's a sensible thing to do at all."
"I'd like you to come with me, Mercy," I say, avoiding her mother's eyes.
"And leave this beautiful city and all her friends?" Mrs Bats-Eyes gives a loud snort. "I can't see why Mercy would want to do that, Christiana. And what will your brothers do? It's wrong of you to think of leaving them."
"I'm not leaving them. They're coming with me."
Mrs Bats-Eyes laughs. "You must be mad, girl. How can boys like Joseph and James be pilgrims? We all know about your friend Christian and his troubles. He was nearly lost in the Slough of Despond. How do you think that place got its name?"
"Because it's like a marsh," I say, worried now that Mercy's mother might talk me out of going.
"The Slough of ... Despond." Mrs Bats-Eyes emphasises the last word. "It's called that because people want to give up when they get there. And by the look of you, Christiana, you're ready to give up now -- before you've even started! No, I really can't see it's a good idea."
I shake my head, deliberately. A moment ago I had indeed thought about giving up, but not any longer. "I've made my mind up to go," I say firmly. I want to tell Mrs Bats-Eyes that she made it up for me by being so annoying, but I think better of it.
Mrs Bats-Eyes hasn't finished. "Remember when Mistrust and Timorous came back? They told us that Christian had met lions on Hill Difficulty."
"I'm not afraid of lions," I say, but of course I am.
"Yes," Mrs Bats-Eyes continues, "and you can't have forgotten the news from Vanity Fair about the death of young Faithful. You're stupid to run into such danger, Christiana -- especially with four brothers who need you to take care of them."
"Matthew's thirteen, and big enough now to take care of me," I tell her. "Anyway, the King's Son will watch over us. Look, here's the King's letter. You can read it if you like."
But Mrs Bats-Eyes won't even look at it, so I pass it to Mercy.
Mrs Bats-Eyes stands up. "It's no use wasting our time here," she tells Mercy. "You can go if you want, Christiana, but you'll soon be back!"
Mercy is usually much more ready to speak up for me, but today she seems strangely quiet. I'm not sorry when the door closes and I'm alone again. But only for a moment, for Joseph and James burst in and ask me if anything's the matter.
