In the morning they arose with the sun, and prepared themselves for their departure; but the Interpreter would have them tarry awhile, “For,” said He, “you must orderly go from hence.” Then said He to the damsel that at first opened unto them, “Take them, and have them into the garden to the bath; and there wash them, and make them clean from the soil which they have gathered by traveling.” Then Innocent, the damsel, took them, and had them into the garden, and brought them to the bath; so she told them that there they must wash and be clean, for so her master would have the women to do that called at his house as they were going on pilgrimage. Then they went in and washed, yea, they and the boys and all; and they came out of that bath, not only sweet and clean, but also much enlivened and strengthened in their joints. So when they came in, they looked fairer a deal than when they went out to the washing.
Notes and Commentary
The next morning the pilgrims awake and prepare to resume their journey. Bunyan notes that they “arose with the sun.” After spending time in the House of the Interpreter, Christiana, her four boys, and Mercy arise with light for their path.
They have the light of Christ.
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).
For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:5–6).
And they have His Word that they might walk in its light and know what is pleasing to the Lord.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord (Ephesians 5:8–10).
Continue Reading Notes and Commentary
The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.
Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2024 Ken Puls
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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