The Interpreter then looked at Playful, and, behold, she blushed; for she was ashamed to think of the boast that she had made. Whereupon she rebuked Inbred-Sin who had suggested it to her, insomuch that he drew behind, and kept himself quiet for awhile, perceiving that the children had no mind to hearken to him just then-for he was one who watched his opportunities.

After this the Interpreter spake thus: “I would have you to come, my dear children, for a few hours every day, while you remain with me, to study under this good master: for he will teach you to what extent you are sinners, and how far ye have fallen from all righteousness; which they are totally unacquainted with who, having never studied the righteous law of God, are filled with a conceit of their own innocence, even while living in all manner of sin. But this excellent master will make you to know the plague of your own hearts, to the end that you may the more speedily apply to him who alone can heal them."

The children then walked back to the Interpreter's house; and from that time they went, day by day, for a few hours, to the school of Law. And behold, the schoolmaster caused the two little girls to work the laws of the school with their needles upon pieces of satin, while he ordered Humble Mind to copy them on vellum; which having finished, they received their master's directions to bind them upon their hearts.

CHAPTER X.

Now I saw, in my dream, that the time was come when the little pilgrims must leave the house of the Interpreter, and proceed on their journey: so the Interpreter bade the children to be ready at day-break on the morrow, saying that he himself would set them on their way. Accordingly, having prepared all things the night before, and taken an affectionate leave of such of the family as had shewn them kindness, they were ready to depart before dawn of day: and Inbred-Sin, I perceived, was ready also to bear them company, though, it may well be imagined, not on their invitation.

On coming out of the room where they had slept, behold, the Interpreter stood at the housedoor, holding in his hands three little vessels of gold with their covers, having chains by which to hang them up, all curiously wrought, and very pretty. Of these golden vessels the Interpreter gave one to each of the little ones, bidding them fasten them by the chains to their girdles. So the children received them gladly, and would know of him their proper use.

"We will speak of this," said the Interpreter, "as we walk by the way."

Now the hour was so early, that the morning light had hardly dawned in the east: but the little ones walked on cheerfully, having the Interpreter

for their guide. And as they walked, their guide discoursed with them thus.

Interpreter. My children, you have a long journey before you, and many difficulties to overcome, ere you reach the Celestial City: hindrances from the enemy of souls, to wit, the devil; hindrances from mankind; and, more than all, daily, hourly hindrances from the sin that dwelleth in you, which ruleth in your members, and which warreth against your souls. Have you considered whether you have strength sufficient for this journey? The shepherd Sincerity will not be with you, to feed you with milk, as heretofore; neither shall I be near you, to administer to your wants. The time is come, when you are no longer to enjoy the stated assistance of your fellow Christians, as heretofore. You must now walk on your way with very little support from man, and encounter many dangers without human help. Tell me therefore, my little tender ones, how do you expect to be sustained on this journey?

I saw then that the children were surprised and grieved at the words of the Interpreter; looking this way, and that way, and not knowing what to

answer.

At length Inbred-Sin whispered in Humble Mind's ear what he should answer; when Humble Mind spake to this effect: "We have been abundantly provided for in your house, Sir, of late; and I think we may go upon the strength of that meat a long time. We have also some dried fruits with a few biscuits in our bags, which we received out of your store-room; and these we can eat when we feel ourselves hungry."

Then I saw that the Interpreter sighed, and said, My poor child, you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." (Rev. iii. 17.)

At this, beginning to be frightened, the children all cried out, "What then must we do? Where shall we find bread to keep up our strength? Surely we shall die by the way, and shall never reach Mount Zion!"

The Interpreter then replied, "In the Holy Book it is written, They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah xl. 31.) And again, When I am weak, then am 1 strong." (2 Cor. xii. 10.)

"Sir," said Humble Mind, "I remember these words, but I understand them not."

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By these words we learn," said the Interpreter, "that strength and power to do well and to walk uprightly in our heavenly course must be daily sought from God in sincere and earnest prayer. And God will assuredly hear our prayer, and give us the strength of the eagle, who alone, of all the birds of the air, can soar on high in the face of the sun. But before we can properly seek strength from God, we must know our own weakness, and cease altogether to trust in ourselves." Then I saw that the Interpreter knelt down, and with him the little pilgrims: and behold, he prayed; and the words of his prayer were- Lord, give us day by day our daily bread."

On rising from prayer, he bade the children look upon the ground. And behold, upon the face of the ground there lay a small white thing, small as the hoar frost, and the taste thereof was very sweet.

"This is manna!" exclaimed Humble Mind. Upon which, the children were much delighted; and the Interpreter bade them hasten to fill their little golden vessels with the manna which God had given them, that they might eat thereof and refresh themselves on their journey. The chil

dren therefore made haste: and it was well they did so; for when the sun arose, all the manna which was left upon the ground shortly melted

away.

Then cried Humble Mind, “I see that we shall be satisfied with bread, and shall want no good thing." And the children rejoiced.

"that

"Remember then," said the Interpreter, Christ is the living bread which came down from heaven. (John vi. 51.) If ye feed on him, if ye seek him, day by day, in prayer, ye shall receive strength, and shall be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might: (Eph. vi. 10.) yea, out of weakness you shall be made strong; (Heb. xi. 34.) and none shall be weary nor stumble among you." (Isaiah v. 27.)

Now by this time, the sun being pretty high, the Interpreter was minded to return to his house. So he kissed the little ones; and bidding them hold fast the book which Evangelist had given them, he exhorted them carefully to seek, day by day, the bread of life from heaven. After which he put into their hands a letter to be delivered to the damsels at the palace Beautiful, which is the dwelling of the Christian Virtues: and thus, bidding them God-speed, he went back to his house; while the little ones proceeded along the Way of Salvation.

In a short time I looked again after the children; and behold, they preserved an even course all that day, keeping Inbred-Sin under subjection, and refreshing themselves with the manna out of their golden cups. At night, coming to a place where there was much grass and many palm trees, there they lay down to sleep-and Inbred-Sin was with them. And while they slept, he was up and about, according to his custom, now perching by the side of one, and then of another, and busily whispering in their ears.