"The Delectable Mountains"

"They went then till they came to the Delectable Mountains; which mountains belong to the Lord of that Hill, of which we have spoken before; so they went up to the mountains, to behold the Gardens and Orchards, the Vineyards, and Fountains of water; where also they drank and washed themselves, and did freely eat of the vineyards. Now there was on the tops of those mountains, Shepherds feeding their Flocks, and they stood by the highway side. The Pilgrims therefore went to them, leaning upon their staves, (as is common with weary pilgrims, when they stand to talk with any by the way) they asked, Whose Delectable Mountains are these? And whose be the Sheep that feed upon them?

Shepherd. These mountains are Emmanuel's Land, and they are within sight of his City; and the Sheep also are his, and he laid down his Life for them.

Christian. Is this the way to the Celestial City?

Shepherd. You are just in your Way.

Christian. How far is it thither?

Shepherd. Too far for any, but those that shall get thither indeed.

Christian. Is the Way safe or dangerous?

Shepherd. Safe for those for whom it is to be safe, but transgressors shall fall therein.

Christian. Is there in this place any Relief, for Pilgrims that are weary, and faint in the Way?

Shepherd. The Lord of these mountains hath given us Charge not to be forgetful to entertain stangers, therefore the Good of the place is even before you.

I saw also in my dream, That when the Shepherds perceived they were Way-faring men, they also put questions to them, (to which they made answer as in other places) as, Whence came you? And how got you into the Way? And by what Means have you so persevered therein? For, but few of them that begin to come hither, do shew their face on these mountains. But when the Shepherds heard their answers, being pleased therewith, they looked very lovingly upon them, and said, Welcome to the Delectable Mountains."

(excerpt from "The Pilgrims Progress")