he received the visits of saints, of angels, and the Spirit of God.
'I have been able to laugh at destruction, and to fear neither the
horse nor his rider. I have had sweet sights of the forgiveness
of my sins in this place, and of my being with Jesus in another
world.'[258] If his ears were to be pierced in the pillory, it would
be only 'to hang a jewel there.' The source of his happy feelings
is well expressed in one of the stanzas:--


'The truth and I were both here cast
Together, and we do
Lie arm in arm, and so hold fast
Each other; this is true.'[259]


Yes, honest John Bunyan, the world at large now gives you credit
for the truth of that saying.

How strange must it seem to the luxurious worldling, with his bed
of down and splendid hangings, but aching heart, to hear of the
exquisite happiness of the prisoner for Christ on his straw pallet!
'When God makes the bed,' as Bunyan says, 'he must needs be easy
that is cast thereon; a blessed pillow hath that man for his head,
though to all beholders it is hard as a stone.'[260] In the whole
course of his troubles, he enjoyed the sympathy of his family and
friends. his food was brought daily, and such was the veneration
in which his memory was embalmed, that the very jug in which his
broth was taken to the prison has been preserved to this day.[261]

In the midst of all his sufferings he murmurs not nor for a moment