The Pilgrim's Progress V: The Pilgrims Find a Champion

The pilgrims had now left the House of the Interpreter.

Christiana walked with her four sons, and Mercy kept close beside them. They had learned much within those walls, but the King's Highway still stretched before them, and none of them knew what the next day's journey would bring.

Before they had gone far, the Interpreter called one of his servants.

A man came forward, strong in appearance but gentle in manner.

"This," said the Interpreter, "is Great-heart. He shall go with you."

Great-heart bowed to Christiana.

"I am commanded by my Lord to be your guide, and to conduct you in the way that leads to the Celestial Country."

"So we shall not travel alone?" asked Mercy.

"No," replied the Interpreter. "The King has appointed him for your company."

One of the boys looked up at the stranger.

"Sir," he asked, "have you been upon this road before?"

"I have."

"Then you know the way?"

"I know the way."

"And the dangers?"

"I know them also."

The boy was silent for a moment.

"Then I am glad you are coming with us."

Great-heart smiled.

"So am I."

The little company set out together.

Sometimes the children ran ahead and then hurried back with questions.

"How much farther?"

"Farther than today."

"Shall we meet friends?"

"Some."

"And enemies?"

Great-heart nodded.

"Some of those also."

Mercy laughed.

"You answer our questions without telling us everything."

"If I told you everything," Great-heart replied, "you would spend more time looking ahead than enjoying today's journey."

So they walked on.

They spoke of the lessons they had learned in the Interpreter's House.

They sang as pilgrims often do.

When one of the children grew tired, Great-heart shortened his stride without a word.

When the road became rough, he quietly walked where danger might first appear.

No one asked him to do these things.

It was simply his way.

By evening, Christiana said softly to Mercy,

"The King has dealt kindly with us."

"He has indeed," Mercy answered. "I was afraid to leave the Interpreter's House. Now I am glad we have come."

Great-heart looked ahead.

The road was narrowing.

Beyond the next rise lay country the children had never seen.

He rested his hand upon the hilt of his sword.

Nothing more was said.

The journey had truly begun.

*******************************

*******************************

ALL THE WAY MY SAVIOR LEADS ME

All the way my Savior leads me;

What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy,

Who through life has been my Guide?

Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,

Here by faith in Him to dwell!

For I know, whate’er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well;

For I know, whate’er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,

Cheers each winding path I tread;

Gives me grace for every trial,

Feeds me with the living Bread.

Though my weary steps may falter,

And my soul athirst may be,

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo! A spring of joy I see;

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me

O the fullness of His love!

Perfect rest to me is promised

In my Father’s house above.

When my spirit, clothed immortal,

Wings its flight to realms of day

This my song through endless ages—

Jesus led me all the way;

This my song through endless ages—

Jesus led me all the way.

Fan¬ny Cros¬by, 1861

For the Lamb shall lead them unto living fountains of waters:

and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Revelation 7:17

The Lord gave me this song the night He healed my son Jonathan

from asthma as we walked the halls of St. Peter’s Hospital in

New Brunswick, NJ in 1992. I am so very grateful that my son has been

healed and drawn closer to Jesus in this wonderful experience! kk