Interpreter: Then said Interpreter, Come in; I will show
thee that which will be profitable to thee. So he commanded his man to light
the candle, and bid Christian follow him; so he had him into a private room,
and bid his man open a door; the which when he had done, Christian saw the
picture a very grave person hang up against the wall; and this was the fashion
of it: It had eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, the law
of truth was written upon its lips, the world was behind its back; it stood as
if it pleaded with men, and a crown of gold did hang over its head.
Christian: Then said Christian, What means this?
Interpreter: The man whose picture this is, is one of a
thousand: he can beget children, travail in birth with children, and
nurse them himself when they are born. And whereas thou seest him with his eyes
lift up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, and the law of truth writ on
his lips: it is to show thee, that his work is to know, and unfold dark things
to sinners; even as also thou seest him stand as if he pleaded with men. And
whereas thou seest the world as cast behind him, and that a crown hangs over
his head; that is to show thee, that slighting and despising the things that
are present, for the love that he hath to his Master’s service, he is sure in
the world that comes next, to have glory for his reward. Now, said the Interpreter,
I have showed thee this picture first, because the man whose picture this is,
is the only man whom the Lord of the place whither thou art going hath
authorized to be thy guide in all difficult places thou mayest meet with in the
way: wherefore take good heed to what I have showed thee, and bear well in thy
mind what thou hast seen, lest in thy journey thou meet with some that pretend
to lead thee right, but their way goes down to death.
