THOSE who are familiar with their Pilgrim’s Progress will remember that these are Christian’s words in reply to a question put by Prudence while they sat awaiting for supper in the House Beautiful. Christian had fallen asleep in the arbor and had lost his roll which he used to read and which gave him comfort. So he had to retrace his steps to the place where he lost it and after finding it he set out on his journey bemoaning his carelessness in sleeping so long in the arbor. As he continued his journey on lifting his eyes he saw a very stately palace before him. The name of the palace was Beautiful. As he was anxious to get a lodging there for the night he pressed on. But right in the way he saw two lions of which Mistrust and Timorous had given him anything but an encouraging account. He hesitated and thought to go back but Watchful, the Porter at the lodge of the Palace, cried to him saying: “Fear not the lions for they are chained. Keep in the midst of the path and no hurt shall come to thee.” He heard the lions roar but they did not touch him as Watchful had told him for they were chained. When he came to the gate of the House Beautiful he asked the Porter who had built the House and was told that it was built by the Lord of the Hill and that it was for the relief and security of pilgrims. Christian then asked if he might lodge there for the night. Watchful after putting some questions to him rang a bell and a grave and beautiful damsel, Discretion by name, answered the bell. She was informed by Watchful that this pilgrim was on his way from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City and that he wished a lodging for the night. Discretion put a number of questions to him and then called other members of the family—Prudence, Piety and Charity. Quite a number of the Lord’s people while quite familiar with Piety and Charity don’t seem to have even a nodding acquaintance with Discretion and Prudence but it is significant that Bunyan places Christian’s acquaintanceship with these grave and beautiful damsels so early in his journey. While supper was being prepared Piety put a number of questions to Christian. She was followed by Prudence who among other questions asked: Did he not bear away with him some of the things of the country from which he came. Christian confessed that he had but it was much against his will especially his inward and carnal thoughts. He was then asked if he did not find at times as if these things were vanquished. “Yes,” replied Christian, “but that is but seldom; but they are to me golden hours in which such things happen to me.” He was again asked if he could tell by what means he gained the victory over his inward and carnal thoughts. This question he answered in these beautiful words: “Yes; when I think what I saw on the cross, that will do it; and when I look upon my broidered coat (which he had received from one of the Shining Ones at the cross), that will do it; also when I look into the roll which I carry in my bosom (which also he had received at the cross from one of the Shining Ones), that will do it; and when my thoughts wax warm about whither I am going, that will do it.” This is one of the most beautiful descriptions of a spiritual experience in a book that is full of such beautiful descriptions. It breathes the very fragrance of heaven in its divine teaching.
After having undergone a long catechism at the hands of Prudence, Piety and Charity they all sat down to supper; at the table their conversation was about the Lord of the Hill and after they had committed themselves to their Lord for protection they retired to rest. Christian was given a large upper chamber whose window opened towards the sunrising. The name of the chamber was Peace. Next day he was taken to the study where he was shown the pedigree of the Lord of the Hill, who was the Son of the Ancient of Days by eternal generation. After seeing many other wonderful records and the armour provided for pilgrims he remained for another day. When he purposed to set out on his journey he was persuaded to wait for another day when, if the weather would be clear, he would be shown the Delectable Mountains. After the night’s rest he was taken to the top of the house and asked to look towards the south. “At a great distance, he saw a most pleasant, mountainous country, beautiful with woods, vineyards, fruits of all sorts, flowers also, with springs and fountains, very delectable to behold.” On asking the name of the country he was told it was Immanuel’s Land. He was further informed that, when he came to this goodly country he would see the gate of the Celestial City. At length being minded to set out on his journey he was taken to the armoury and equipped from head to foot with pilgrim-armour. He was accompanied on the first stage of the journey by Discretion, Prudence, Piety and Charity and was warned by Prudence to watch his steps going down the hill into the valley of humiliation. He took the advice but notwithstanding his care “he caught a slip or two” for it is more difficult to go down this hill than to ascend it. In parting, Christian received from these damsels a loaf of bread, a bottle of wine, and a cluster of raisins. This is Bunyan’s way of saying: “Arise and eat for the journey is too great for thee.”
He has been called the immortal dreamer but surely he has in the above description spoken the words of soberness and truth albeit they be clothed in an allegorical dress. How true it is to experience that the Valley of Humiliation generally follows the happy and soul-entrancing experiences of the House Beautiful.