A knight of the cross

Contents

CHAPTER. PAGE.

I. Finding the Way 11

II. The King's Lodge 17

Chapter I. Finding The Way

CHAPTER I.

FINDING THE WAY

OW shall it be satisfied? How shall it be satisfied ?" he asked half aloud as he sat there, "this longing down deep in my soul? I have walked up and down in the Earth, and gone to and fro in it, but what I longed for I found not. Where shall I find it? I will arise once more, and seek it yet again many days; peradventure I shall succeed.' * And his eyes looked far away, for he was hungry at heart.

So the man looked this way and that, as he sought day by day, and inquired of this one and that one.

One day a stranger gave him a Book — even the Book of Truth — and said, "Herein you will find the way to Peace and Satisfaction."

So he rejoiced; but the Book had pages not a few, and in it were many words hard of interpretation. So he asked this one and that one to tell him the meaning of the Book's Message.

Finally he met an aged man of kindly face, whose name was Church, who said, "I will help you with the words of the Book, and tell you of the Way you seek." So the kindly man showed the seeking one the meaning of the words as they walked together.

"This Land seems strange and foreign to me now," said the seeking one to his aged companion. "Satisfaction I could not find in all the length and breadth of it, nor in the things it had to offer me. Indeed, I shall be glad when you have brought me to the Way you speak of, even though it be straitened and narrow, for now I am a Stranger and a Pilgrim, and shall be till complete satisfaction of heart is mine.**

"There is a City God hath prepared for all those who are hungry at heart," said the old man. ** At the end of the Journey you will find it. Your Book of Truth will guide you in all the way that you go; and, indeed, you will not be mindful of this Country you are leaving, for in that Better Country, God is not ashamed of His People to be called their God, and He gives them satisfaction of heart through His Son, the King/'

So the two men came to the Stone of Decision, and there the man — even Christian—witnessed a Good Confession. He passed through the Stream of Baptism also, and continued along the Way the aged man had shown him, and lifted up his voice and blessed him as he listened to his words, and in process of time came to the Lodge of Spiritual Service, where began his real Pilgrimage.

CHAPTER H.

THE KING'S LODGE

THE -r LODCE

Chapter II. The King's Lodge

|OT without many difficulties, | of which we cannot here tell, i did Christian reach the Nar- I row Gate of the King's Lodge of Spiritual Service. So he stood before the gate and knocked. Then the Reverend Good Pastor opened the gate, and welcomed him warmly.

Once inside the Lodge, Christian was ashamed of the clothes he had on, for the record of his many days' sojourn in the land he had just left was written deeply upon them, and they were worn and polluted. Seeing Christian's expression, Reverend Good Pastor said to Faithful Layman, his assistant:

"Bring hither the King's garments and put them on him, and the King's Armour for Knights of the Cross."

So Christian rejoiced to be rid of his polluted clothes, and gladly put on the Garments of Consecration. But the looks of the Armour made him fearful, for he said within himself, "It is too heavy to travel in. It will hinder me in my journey/' Yet realizing that the King knew best what Pilgrims needed for the Journey, and that he must trust and obey His will, Christian put down the questions in his mind and put on the Armour. "But how differently it feels from what I had thought it would," he said. "It is really light, and something about it seems to give me a new energy."

Now both Reverend Good Pastor and Faithful Layman had helped Christian put on his Armour. There were the Helmet of Salvation, the Breastplate of Righteousness, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; his loins were girded about with Truth, and his feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. Then the equipment was completed by a strange Lantern, and a strong satchel in which were the

Manna, or Bread of Heaven, the Living Water and the Oil of Prayer. The two men at the Lodge explained to Christian that the Manna, the Water and the Oil would never fail him, as they were like the widow's jar of meal and cruse of oil in the days of Elijah.

"You must use them/* said Reverend Good Pastor, "for only in using them will you find safety and happiness in your Journey. Eat always of the Heavenly Bread, even the Manna, and drink continually of the Living Water. Accept no other by the way, for they are your strength and life. Fill your Lantern with the Oil of Prayer, that light and guidance may be given you in the hour of necessity. Keep your Sword well oiled, that you may quickly grasp it from the scabbard to smite your enemies. Anoint your Shield, that thereby the fiery darts of the Wicked may be quenched and consumed. Keep to the Narrow Way. Fail not to do so, for timidity of heart and shaking of limbs befall those who leave it. Your equipment will give you really little power or defense if you leave the Narrow Way, and if by foes you are led astray, may the King show you mercy and forgiveness to restoration.'*

Now the men at the Lodge taught Christian how to use his Book of Truth, that he might find in it directions and guidance for every part of the Journey; and how to wield his Sword and hold his Shield. They told him moreover of the Presence, who, though unseen, dwells within the hearts of the Knights of the Cross; who speaks not of Himself, but of the King; who reveals Truth; who is the Comforter, even the very Spirit of God; who makes the Book of Truth glow with living fire. And Christian listened to and rejoiced in all these good and wonderful things, and in his joy he wanted to do some service for the King. So the Reverend Good Pastor sent him to draw water out of the Wells of Salvation. Now Faithful Layman showed Christian the wells, and it was with joy that he drew water out of them.

At the evening meal after the King's blessing was asked — for He is the Giver of all Good, and giveth us richly all things to enjoy — Christian first tasted of the Manna. Now it was sweet and pleasant to his taste, as wafers made with honey, and nothing he had ever eaten so satisfied his hunger, and no Water he had ever drunk so satisfied his thirst; yea, even the deep longing in his soul seemed to be satisfied as he ate and drank. So the men talked much at that meal, about the glory of the King, His Holy Habitation, the difficulty of reaching the Better Country, the enemies by the way, and of those things that lure Pilgrims from their Way, and told how the King's Equipment meets every need and emergency.

Now Christian rested that night as he had not rested in all the days of his life; and Peace settled down upon him and he rose up refreshened and eager for the Journey, And partaking of food and drink, he listened to kindly words, good wishes, exhortations and encouragements, and thanking the two servants of the King for all they had done for him, he rose up, his Armour shining in the morning light, and with joy began his real Pilgrimage.

Chapter III

ENEMIES BY THE WAY chariots of white cloud lazily took their way. The ground was studded with flowers of gem-like beauty, and little brooks, serpentine-like, gurgled their ways beside mossy banks. Christian never once thought of his Way as narrow amidst all this loveliness, and wondered why Sword and Shield were necessary in such a place. Presently, as he was passing along where the bushes were higher than his head, he heard the sound of voices, and in a moment he came face to face with a crowd of his Old Companions.

"Ho! Ho!" said Light Heart, "from

CHAPTER III.

ENEMIES BY THE WAY

HAT a glorious day it was!

The trees seemed laden with precious odors. Openings through the wealth of sunlit green showed the limpid blue of the sky over which whence did you come, and whither are you going? Indeed, you desire to make an impression on the World, wearing a suit of Armour these days. Ha! Ha! Look at the Sword and Shield! How old-fashioned you are becoming all of a sudden!"

These words stirred Christian's blood. "Who are you to make fun of me, I pray? you, who have never given a serious thought to anything in your life and are even now, because of thoughtlessness, drifting with this crowd to danger!"

Then the crowd, who had been carefully looking at Christian's Armour, burst into laughter, with the exception of Indifferent, who never changed his expression.

"But you have not answered my questions," cried Light Heart in high glee.

"Well," said Christian, "I am happy to say I am journeying by this Narrow Way to the Better Country — even Emanuel's Land — where I can get satisfaction for the deep longing of my soul. I could not find that satisfaction in the Country where you have your Citizenship, for I walked up and down in it many days, and sought it one way and another, but could not find it. When I reach the City with Eternal Foundations, which is at the end of this Way, there I shall be satisfied with beholding the form of my King. He is the Eternal King, and rules over all the Nations of the Earth. I would you were all accompanying me on my Pilgrimage. "

Good Intention seemed moved by Christian's words, and said, "I have been thinking for some time of making that Pilgrimage, but I hardly think I will begin it today. Some more convenient day, perchance, I shall be moved to start." So he remained with the crowd.

Indifferent paid no attention either to what Christian said or to the members of the crowd in which he stood.

Then said Make Believe, "Is the King's

City far from here? Do you think I could successfully make the Journey?"

But Moralist broke in at that moment; "Oh, we are going to the City of Earthly Satisfaction. The Way is pleasant, broad and level, and for our Journey no heavy Armour is necessary."

"But I warn you," cried Christian to Moralist, "that, although you may reach your City, it is at last to be destroyed, for so I read in my Book of Truth."

"Away with your Book," cried Materialist. "Our City to be destroyed? Impossible! It is built of stone, steel and cement, and is proof against fire, floods, earthquakes and armies. Our stores of food and water are unlimited. Be destroyed? Never! But your City is a myth; your King dwells only in the recesses of your mind, and your foolish Journey will come to nought."

"I know of the certainty of the things whereof I speak and have been assured,"

said Christian. "My King shall reign forever, and his City is Eternal; but your City abideth not forever. My own experience has proved that this Book is, indeed, the Book of Truth, and I believe what is written therein."

Just then Materialist caught Christian by the shoulder to pull him along with the crowd, but alas! as soon as he touched Christian's Armour he fell backward to the ground, stunned, and after partly recovering, he remained silent, for he could not explain what had happened to him.

Carefully Careless now spoke up. "Why do you not accompany your old friends? Can you not travel more safely with company than alone? What if our City is not enduring, and shall at last be destroyed! Surely many will escape, and very likely we shall be among the fortunate. It will be much better for you just to take off your Armour and come with us, for I heard Doubtful say that if you did not, he was determined to ill-treat you. I think that your following that Narrow Path will displease our old friend Reason also, whom you will likely meet if you continue on your way."

Christian, who knew that actions just then would speak louder than words, set his face steadfastly towards the King's City, and started again.

Then Make Believe said, "I will go with you, my friend, for I know I shall be much benefited by your company."

"But," protested Christian, "you must return to the King's Lodge, and enter the Straight Gate to the Narrow Way, and become properly equipped for the Journey."

"Do not worry yourself about advising me," said Make Believe, "I will go with you just as I am." So he began following Christian, and the rest of the crowd went on their way.

Now the Way before Christian was still beautiful and easy to travel on, and this was the only part of it that Make Believe saw. Christian, however, knew from his Book of Truth that one could not enter into the City of God without many trials and tribulations. So they continued together for some time, and except for their appearance, one might have thought they were going to the same place.

Presently, ahead of them, they saw that the Way led to the foot of a high hill, and became stony and rough. The sight of the hill sickened Make Believe, and the stones began to hurt his feet. Then he bitterly complained, and after a time said, "You continue on your Way, friend Christian, if you choose, I see here to the side the Forest of Worldliness, which offers much that appeals to me, even coolness and ease and comfort. I will take to it. The mossy ground will be easy to walk on, the spreading trees will give shade, and I can drink from the springs of clear water. If I reach not any City, what does it matter?" So he disappeared into the Forest, and Christian never heard of him again.

Just before the approach to the hill, Christian came to a wooden bridge over the Stream of Restlessness which flowed into the Forest. The bridge was covered with vines and flowers to keep out the heat of the sun, and finding a seat in it, Christian sat down to rest himself. Here he read for some time in the Book of Truth, partook of the Manna and Living Water, and feeling much refreshed, rose up, anointed his Shield and Sword, and got him on his Way.

The hill, when once Christian was on it, was not nearly so steep as it had appeared, and the limbs of the trees of the Forest that had grown across his Way, Christian smote — trimming them right and left — and passing through the midst of them, continued on his Journey.

As Christian neared the top of the hill, he grew curious and fearful, for the trees gave place to great stones, and rocks with holes and caves; and not knowing what serpents or wild beasts might be sleeping in them, or what unseen enemies might be lurking therein, he feared greatly. As he saw the rocks growing larger and larger, and the dark holes becoming darker and more mysterious looking, and the two great rocky Walls of the Unknown, rising straight up at either side of the Narrow Way beyond him, his heart beat unevenly, and he had a great mind to return. But remembering his bold words to his Old Companions, and how he had said he was journeying to the Better Country, even Emanuel's Land, he conquered the fightings within and the fears without, and proceeded. He looked not to the right hand nor to the left, for, said he, "I will not inquire into things too wonderful and mysterious for me, nor stir up unnecessary enemies in such a place. I will draw my Sword and prepare my Shield and be ready."

But hardly had he said these words when a fiery dart lightened the gloom, striking his Shield. Then a stream of darts flew thick and fast about him. Some striking his Shield were immediately consumed, and the others rattling against his Armour fell to the ground. Then Christian, by the light of the fiery darts, saw Doubtful hiding in the Cave of Inquisitiveness. "Thou enemy!'* he shouted, excited and fearful.

Then Doubtful, seeing that his darts had no effect upon Christian's Shield or Armour, and that he carried a two-edged sword, slunk back into his Cave, — but not before Christian had struck him a mighty blow, wounding, but not killing him. So Christian hastened his steps and got out of that place.

At the top of the hill a beautiful view burst upon Christian, for he saw a lovely valley with smooth streams flowing through it, and beside the Narrow Way groves of trees. So anxious was he to get into this valley that he failed to take Food and Drink, or to anoint his Sword and Shield with Oil, or to read in his Book about the next part of the Journey.

Once in the valley, all was pleasantness, and all his past difficulties fled from his mind. That there might be enemies here, never occurred to him. But soon Christian's former friend, Reason, with a glad smile, saluted him.

"Why, my good friend Christian, how are you? I have come all this way to talk with you alone, as you travel on your Journey, for we have many things in common. How have you fared thus far?"

"I have fared well, and traveled with a glad heart," said Christian. "See my Equipment for the Journey! This Armour is the Armour of God. This is the Shield of Faith."

"Ah, really," said Reason.

"And this is the Sword of the Spirit."

"You don't mean it! And the Lantern," — said Reason, "is it actually possible for it to give light?" And he smiled.

"And here is my Book of Directions for the Way," continued Christian, unheeding interruption.

"Oh, this!" said Reason. "I have read it often." And as they walked along Reason turned the pages as Christian held the Book.

"Great Book for history, isn't it?" said Reason. "I mean except those queer places. Wonderful poetry. A high standard of teachings and morals, but" — and so he continued without giving Christian a chance to speak.

It was at that part of Reason's conversation where he spoke of "queer places" that Christian, unknown to himself, began to get slightly off the Narrow Path. Indeed, he became so fascinated and interested by his former friend Reason's subtle words that he was soon off the path without knowing it. Presently, his foot caught with a jerk, and he fell down over the bushes into a dark, stony place.

He was not far astray, however, fortunately for him, and as he fell His Shield fell, just touching the Narrow Way, and caught there. What a hard case was his! The Armour now felt like tons of steel; the Breastplate of Righteousness rattled loosely. He tried to get his Sword to thrust his enemy through, but he could not pull it from the scabbard. Although it was rather dark in the place where he had fallen, his Lantern gave no light.

Reason chuckled with glee, and reaching down for the Shield of Faith, said, "You will need this no longer." But as he started to wrench it from Christian's hand, he received a violent shock, which sent him staggering to the ground, and there he lay as one dead.

As Christian lay beside the Path, his courage gone, the heavy Armour crushing him, his Breastplate nearly falling off, he remembered he had failed to use his Oil or read his Book or take Food and Drink after he had left Doubtful. His delight in the beautiful valley that he saw had made him forget all. Then with great difficulty he reached for his Oil. He poured it down the scabbard and pulled his Sword out and struck at Reason, but he was so weak that the blow did little good. Then he poured the Oil into the Lantern, and behold, it gave light! He then untangled his feet, partook of the Manna and Living Water, and anointed his Shield, which he discovered was still lying fastened to the Narrow Way. Then, remembering about his Equipment's being practically useless if he should get off the Narrow Way, unless he obtained mercy, it occurred to him to try pulling himself on again by his Shield. Every effort meant pain, but finally he succeeded, and took up his Way again.

His experience with Reason was not soon to be forgotten, for he now realized that he should have known Reason sought to defeat the purpose of his Journey, and that he should have fought him as an enemy and not treated him as a friend. So he resolved to make better use of what the King had provided, for he saw that every part of the King's Equipment was necessary.

Walking slowly because of his bruises, the sight of the Tower of the Sanctuary in the distance spurred him on, for he knew from his Book that there the Knights of the Cross were kindly treated, and that enemies could not there molest or make him afraid.

Chapter IV. Christian Led Astray

CHAPTER IV.

CHRISTIAN LED ASTRAY

^EZ3l3HE great high Tower of the Sanctuary, built of stone and covered with ivy, appealed strongly to Christian as he viewed it from afar, and being glad his way led to it, he rejoiced. There he would find rest and peace and be without fear of enemies. There he would enjoy the fellowship accorded to Knights of the Cross, and not feel conspicuous with Armour on, carrying Sword and Shield. There he would worship the King in the beauty of holiness, and become strengthened to go on his Way.

Now the Way, at the place from which Christian saw the Tower, was called the Way of the Sabbath, although he had failed to realize it. So he trod along, but seeming not to make enough progress to please him, he became discouraged. Then his Armour seemed heavy upon him, his Sword and Shield weighed down upon him, and he slackened his pace.

Looking up just then, he saw a bright-faced lad, who, with sympathy in his voice, said, "My dear Sir, you look discouraged and tired and cast down. Take of me this Sunday Paper, I pray you. In it you will find something about yonder Tower, and other things of such interest that you will forget your difficulties and troubles."

So Christian, thanking the lad, thoughtlessly took the Paper. Passing hurriedly over the little part in it devoted to the King's Tower, he soon became so deeply absorbed in the other contents of it, in stories, articles, illustrations and funny pictures, that he forgot all about the Tower, his Journey and his King! Being thus absorbed, he walked slowly along and gradually got to the edge of his Way, where he unconsciously stopped. As he stood there he did not see the approach of one, Sabbath Desecration, a man apparently well to do.

"How do you do, Christian Pilgrim?" said the man.

Christian, slightly startled, but pleased with the man's bearing, replied, "How do you do, Sir? I was so much interested in this Paper that I did not see you till you spoke."

"Your Journey has no doubt wearied you," said he, "for you look tired and worn. Come, Worthy Pilgrim, turn in with me, and get rested and refreshed before you go on your Way."

"I am going to yonder Tower of the Sanctuary to worship my King," said Christian.

"Good!" said Sabbath Desecration. "But why can you not worship the King in my Groves just as well? They were His first temples. Indeed, the King owns this Large Estate, and you will surely be pleasing Him by worshiping here."

So Christian looked, and desired to enter, and leaving the Narrow Way, he followed Sabbath Desecration, who showed him all the wonders of the Large Estate, the lofty trees, the great fountains, and all the gardens of sweet-scented flowers. It was all wonderful! So wonderful that worshiping the King in that place came not into his mind. Even in the most impressive grove, it was the stately swaying trees, and not the worship of Him who giveth Life to all things, that filled Christian's mind.

And seeing how with subtlety Christian could be led along, Sabbath Desecration after a time began showing him some of his Inventions and the Improvements he had made on the Estate. We cannot take time here to describe them, or Christian's pleasure and delight in them; but swiftly was he led along, and, following this man, unwittingly entered the Entangled Path, never dreaming of the dangers that might there befall him.

Through tunneled hedges, by gorgeous flower beds, over rustic bridges, did Christian follow Sabbath Desecration on the Entangled Path. But suddenly tripping on the Stone of Selfish Pleasure, he fell headlong into some flowering bushes. Had he not been holding in his hands Souvenirs of this man's Estate which had been given him, he might have saved himself, but now he lay there helpless.

At first he was satisfied to lie there; being relaxed, he felt tired, and the soft bushes rested him. The odors were pleasant thereabouts, and the evening air cooled his heated brow. But hearing the voice of Sabbath Desecration at a little distance, Christian was startled, and awaked to his danger when he heard him chuckling and saying half -aloud, "Wasn't that a clever piece of work? Ha! Ha! His shadow will never darken the Tower door now! I had him to that stone before he knew it. I must hurry. Perchance before the day is done I may catch another." So Sabbath Desecration hurried away, not knowing that Christian had heard his words.

Then Christian's wrath began to wax warm against the wily man, and trying to get up to pursue after him, he found he was weak and faint, and that the bushes under him were full of thorns as well as flowers. As he helplessly lay there, some disturbing Words of Truth began to echo and re-echo in his mind: "Woe unto them that are at ease in Zion! Woe unto them that are at ease in Zion!" Then was his Spirit greatly troubled. Anxiety replaced indifference; restlessness seized him; unhappiness overwhelmed him; darkness settled down upon him. Making a violent effort to get up, he succeeded only in fastening himself so much the more securely in the thorns.

Then a voice from some hidden place seemed to mock him, "Where now is your Narrow Way, your Tower of the Sanctuary, your City with Eternal Foundations, and the King whom you said would give you satisfaction for the deep longing of your soul? What good will Book and Lantern, Armour, Sword and Shield do you now?"

These words pained Christian, for he saw that he was in an evil case.

Christian was about to despond when he heard the Bell of Influence of the King's Sanctuary, ringing sweetly and clearly through the corridors of the night; and the sound of it revived the flickering flame of Hope within him. And he said, "I have erred exceedingly against the King, and all those who have helped me on my Journey."

And he heard, as it were, a voice saying to him, "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us," — and he cast the Souvenirs of the Estate into the darkness, and likewise the Paper which he still unconsciously held, — "and let us run with Patience the Race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Perf ector of our Faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the Cross, despising the shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the Throne of God." Then were Christian's eyes enlightened, and he saw the Light of Hope shining from the Window of Mercy of the King's Tower.

The King's Tower seemed to be on a high hill far away, but within him Hope kindled into Desire, and he took courage. He filled his Lantern as he lay there, and with its light saw how he might free himself from the flowering thorny bush. With pain he pulled himself free, anointed his Shield and Sword with the Oil of Prayer, ate of the Manna and drank of the Living Water, and being strengthened read in his Book of Truth: "The Backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways."

And Christian said, "It is true. That verse means myself. Alas! for I have not been filled with the ways of my King. I have not fought the good fight nor kept the course; I have not endured hardness as a good soldier of my King. I have sinned! — but I have cast away the things that were in my hands. May it not be that I shall find Mercy and be restored again?"