“I SHOULD be sorry to find fault with “Pilgrim’s Progress,” it is such a grand book, but if one took exception to anything in it, it would be where Christian and Hopeful are going across the river of death and they are met on the other side by “shining ones.” I do not believe angels will meet me, and escort me into the presence of God, No, I shall go in “with Him to the marriage.”
Some time ago it was my privilege to go over Buckingham Palace. I saw the green drawing room, and the blue drawing room, and the throne room, and the marble staircase, etc., etc., etc. It was all so glorious so superb, so regally magnificent. I enjoyed seeing it, but it was a bit lonesome. I knew no one there. At every turn I was accosted by some man in uniform inquiring my business. A soldier stopped me at the very entrance, there was another guard at the top of the steps, everywhere these men appeared, all challenging my right to be there. Fortunately I had a pass, so, as all was in order I was allowed to proceed. But I am not going to heaven like that.
How different was the case of a little ragged boy outside the Palace during Queen Victoria’s life-time. The little chap was soli quizzing and saying to himself “I should like to see the Queen, I should.” A young man passed, the fame of whose courtesy was well known in later years. He noticed the child speaking and inquired what it was he said. The boy repeated his remark “I should like to see the Queen.”
“Come along with me then,” was his reply, and taking the urchin’s hand they walked along. Together they passed the tall soldier at the entrance, but he only saluted respectfully. Together they ascended the marble staircase, but no guards challenged them for a pass. On, on they went, until they reached the door of a private royal apartment, where without even knocking, the young man entered, taking the boy with him. As he approached a lady who was sitting there, he said, “Mother I have brought someone to see you.” The boy had gone right into the presence of the Queen in the company of her son!
That is how I am going to heaven, “With Him to the marriage.” The angels might be surprised to see me there. They might want to challenge the right of such a wretch as myself to be in the glory, but they will see me walk in with Christ, escorted there by Him. I shall be in the company of the Son of God, Who will Himself take me to His Father, for it says “the Lamb shall lead them unto living fountains of waters.” (Rev. 7. 17).
(FROM NOTES OF AN ADDRESS)