Pilgrim's Progress

The End of the Journey

By John Bunyan

Then I saw in my dream, that the pilgrims being come out of the water, two Shining Ones met them and saluted them. And all went walking along together towards the gate.

Now the city stood upon a mighty hill — but the pilgrims went up with ease; for the Shining Ones led them and helped them. They had also left their heavy garments behind in the river; for though they went in with them, they came out without them.

So they went up lightly and with speed, though the city was higher than the clouds. They went up through the clear air, talking sweetly as they went; for they were comforted because they had safely crossed the river and were being led by such glorious companions.

The Shining Ones talked to them on the way and told them about the beauty and the grandeur of the place. "You are now going," they said, "to the paradise of our Lord. There you shall see the tree of life and eat of its never-fading fruits. There you shall be clothed with glory and with majesty; and there you shall see the King as he is! There your friends will meet you, even those who have come before; and you shall with joy receive everyone that follows into the holy place after you."

Now as they were drawing near the gate, a great company came out to meet them. And the two Shining Ones said, "These are the men that have loved our Lord, and have left all for His sake. He has sent us to fetch them, and we have brought them thus far on their journey."

Then there was a great shout of welcome; and the King's trumpeters saluted them with music loud and sweet. And the great company surrounded them on every side. Some went before, some behind, and all walked on together towards the gate.

But before they came to it, they had another view of the city itself; and the pilgrims thought that they heard the bells therein, ringing sweetly to welcome them.

And so they went on, and the watchmen at the gate looked over and saw them, and asked who they were.

"These pilgrims," answered a Shining One, "are come from the City of Destruction, for the love that they bear to the King of this place."

Then Christian and Hopeful gave their passports to the keepers of the gate; and the command was given that they should enter.

Now I saw in my dream that these two men went in at the gate: and lo, they were transfigured — and they had raiment put on that shone like gold. Then I heard all the bells in the city ring out for joy; and a voice sweeter than any earthly music said unto them "Enter into the joy of your Lord!"

So I awoke, and behold it was a dream!