Christiana's entreaty to the children
The thoughts of these things would now kill me outright, but that for a dream which I had last night, and but for the encouragement that this stranger has given me this morning. Come my children, let us pack up and be gone to the Gate that leads to the Celestial Country, that we may see your father, and be with him and his Companions in peace, according to the Laws of that Land.
Then did her children burst out into tears for joy that the heart of their mother was so inclined. So their visitor bid them farewell, and they began to prepare to set out for their journey.
Interpretation:
In this picture, Christiana is shown with four children including a girl. According to John Bunyan, Christiana had only 4 boys. But the artist had drawn a picture of 3 boys and one girl. While intepreting this part of the book, I include a girl also in the family of Christiana. Girls are also equally important in our Christian families. Mothers have to take special care of girls. We have to ensure that our children do not set their hearts on earthly things but on heavenly things. We should ensure that they attend Sunday Schools regularly and prayer meetings.
These small children would later become adults so as to get married. The spiritual journey of a pilgrim is not short but a journey to final destination, that is, physical death.
Next.....Christiana with her neighbour
Now I saw in my dream, that this old gentleman, as he told me this story, did himself seem to be greatly affected therewith. He moreover proceeded and said, So Christiana called her sons together, and began thus to address herself unto them:
My Sons, I have as you may perceive, been of late under much exercise in my soul about the death of yourfFather; not for that I doubt at all of his happiness, for I am satisfied now that he is well. I have also been much affected with the thoughts of mine own state and yours, which I verily believe is by nature miserable. My carriages also to your father in his distress, is a great load to my conscience; for I hardened both my own heart and yours against him, and refused to go with him on Pilgrimage.
Next....Christiana with her neighbors