The Pilgrim’s Progress (Part IX): The Delectable Mountains and the Warning of the Shepherds

The Delectable Mountains

After their fearful escape from Doubting Castle, Christian and Hopeful went on their way with lighter hearts, blessing God for the Key called Promise which had opened every lock of Giant Despair. Yet though they rejoiced in their deliverance, they walked now with greater watchfulness, having learned by bitter experience how easily a pilgrim may wander from the King’s Highway.

And I saw in my dream that the road before them grew fair and pleasant, and the air sweet with the scent of vineyards and gardens. Before long they came unto certain pleasant hills called the Delectable Mountains, which belonged unto the Lord of that Celestial Country toward which they journeyed.

There they were met by shepherds

whose names were Knowledge, Experience, Watchful, and Sincere.

Now, when the shepherds perceived that the pilgrims were honest travelers toward Zion, they welcomed them kindly.

“Whence come ye?” said Knowledge.

Christian answered, “We are pilgrims from the City of Destruction, journeying toward Mount Zion.”

“And through what dangers have ye passed?” asked Experience.

Then Hopeful recounted their trials: the Slough, Vanity Fair, the terrors of the Valley, and lastly the misery of Doubting Castle.

At this the shepherds looked one upon another gravely.

Said Watchful, “Many come thus far wounded and fainting. Few learn wisdom from affliction.”

Then Sincere replied, “Yet blessed are they who are taught by the rod and return again unto the way.”

So the shepherds received them into their lodging and refreshed them greatly.

That evening the pilgrims sat among the shepherds upon the hills, where the air was clear and the heavens bright above them. And Christian said, “This place is a little like the gates of Heaven.”

“Aye,” answered Experience, “for from these mountains pilgrims may sometimes behold afar off the glory of the Celestial City.”

Then the shepherds instructed them concerning many things profitable for pilgrims.

Knowledge said, “Take heed always unto thy heart, for many lose the road not by sudden violence, but by secret coldness toward their King.”

Experience added, “Trials do not destroy the true pilgrim; they uncover whether his faith be true or feigned.”

And Watchful warned them, saying, “Sleep not upon enchanted ground, nor trust overmuch in thine own strength.”

Hopeful answered meekly, “Sir, we have learned already that self-confidence is but a weak staff.”

The next morning the shepherds led them first unto the top of a hill called Error. There Christian and Hopeful looked below and saw men dashed in pieces among the rocks.

“What meaneth this?” asked Christian trembling.

“These,” said Knowledge, “are they who departed from the truth through pride and vain confidence, and would not heed good counsel.”

Then the shepherds brought them unto another door in the side of a hill, and bade them look within.

So they looked and saw darkness and fire, and heard voices mourning bitterly.

“What are these?” asked Hopeful.

Said Watchful, “These are some that once made profession of the pilgrimage, but afterward turned back again unto sin and hypocrisy.”

At these words both pilgrims laid their hands upon their breasts and wept.

Then said Christian, “Who is sufficient for these things?”

And Sincere answered gently, “The Lord is sufficient. Therefore trust not in yourselves, but in Him who calleth you.”

After this the shepherds brought them with a perspective glass unto the side of the mountain. And though the distance was great and the view somewhat clouded, Christian thought he saw the shining of the Celestial City far away.

“Oh!” cried he, “what glory is this!”

Hopeful also gazed long, and tears stood in his eyes.

Then said Experience, “The farther a pilgrim travels, the more precious Heaven becomes unto him.”

So the pilgrims remained there certain days receiving instruction and comfort. And when at last the hour came for their departure, the shepherds embraced them lovingly.

Knowledge said, “Be diligent.”

Experience said, “Be humble.”

Watchful said, “Be wary.”

And Sincere said, “Above all, be faithful unto your King.”

Then Christian and Hopeful bowed themselves and went again upon their journey, their hearts strengthened both by warning and by hope.

And I saw in my dream that as they departed from the Delectable Mountains, the path before them descended into regions where dangers yet remained unseen.

For the way to the Celestial City is not ended until the pilgrim passes the River itself.

Where We Go Next

The journey now enters quieter but more dangerous territory:

• The subtle snares of spiritual distraction

• The Enchanted Ground and the temptation to sleep

• A meeting with Ignorance, who believes himself safe while lacking true assurance

• The growing nearness of the Celestial City itself

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Great Keeper of the Celestial City, I thank You for Your glory and this story. Help me keep the Shepherds' words, warnings, and counsel so that I do not fall near the end of the way. Help me, I ask, in Jesus' Name. Amen

If you want to join me in this prayer, write your agreement or need in the Comments section below. I would love to pray for and with you. --Ken

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The End of the Way

There are so many hills to climb upward,

I often am longing for rest;

But He who appoints me my pathway,

Knows just what is needful and best.

I know in His Word He hath promised

That my strength it shall be as my day;

Refrain

The toils of the road will seem nothing

When I get to the end of the way.

He loves me too well to forsake me,

Or give me a trial too much;

His people have been dearly purchased,

And Satan can never claim such.

By and by I shall see Him and praise Him,

In the city of unending day;

Refrain

When the last feeble steps have been taken,

And the gates of that city appear,

And the beautiful songs of the angels

Float out on my listening ear;

When all that now seems so mysterious,

Will be bright and as clear as the day,

And the toils of the road will seem nothing

When I get to the end of the way,

Then the toils of the road will seem nothing

When I get to the end of the way.

Words & Music: Charles D. Tillman, 1895