Whence came you? and what would you have? He answered, I have eat and drank in the presence of the King, and he has taught in our streets. Then they asked him for his certificate, that they might go in and show it to the King; so he fumbled in his bosom for one, and found none. Then said they, Have you none? But the man answered never a word. So they told the King, but he would not come down to see him, but commanded the two Shining Ones that conducted Christian and Hopeful to the City, to go out and take Ignorance, and bind him hand and foot, and have him away. Then they took him up, and carried him through the air, to the door that I saw in the side of the hill, and put him in there. Then I saw that there was a way to hell, even from the gates of heaven, as well as from the City of Destruction!" So I awoke, and behold it was a dream.

THE CONCLUSION.

Now, READER, I have told my dream to thee;

See if thou canst interpret it to me,

Or to thyself, or neighbour; but take heed

Of misinterpreting; for that, instead

Of doing good, will but thyself abuse:

By misinterpreting, evil ensues.

Take heed, also, that thou be not extreme,

In playing with the outside of my dream :

"This is a most awful conclusion. Consider it deeply. How far may such an one go? This important question is very solemnly argued in Bunyan's Law and Grace. "He may be received into church-fellowship—and, like the foolish virgins, be clear from outward pollution-and had their lamps, but still lost their precious souls. They may bear office in the church, as Judas carried the bag, and as Demas! They may become preachers and ministers of the gospel, with rare gifts, and a fluent tongue, like an angel, to speak of the hidden mysteries; but may die under the curse. They may have the gifts of the Spirit and prophecy, and be but a Balaam. They may stand thus until Christ come and reveal them. They may, with confidence, say, Lord, Lord, have we not eaten and drank in thy presence, and taught in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils? and yet, poor creatures, be shut out!" [4] In Bunyan's Strait Gate the reasons why Ignorant missed of heaven are given in solemn detail: "It will be fearful and very full of amazement." [22]

Nor let my figure or similitude

Put thee into a laughter or a feud.

Leave this for boys and fools; but as for thee, Do thou the substance of my matter see.

Put by the curtains, look within my veil, Turn up my metaphors, and do not fail, There, if thou seekest them, such things to find, As will be helpful to an honest mind.

What of my dross thou findest there, be bold To throw away, but yet preserve the gold; What if my gold be wrapped up in ore?— None throws away the apple for the core. But if thou shalt cast all away as vain, I know not but 'twill make me dream again.

END OF THE FIRST PART.