It's a great relief when the mist clears a little, and we see an arbour where we all want to rest. It's well built and covered with green branches, with seats inside. There's even a bed covered with soft, springy moss.
"Make sure you all keep out of that shelter," Greatheart calls. "It's been built by the evil prince to trap pilgrims who stop when they feel too tired to go on."
I certainly feel like stopping for a bit, but of course I don't -- not after that warning. It's completely dark as we press on, and Greatheart tells us to wait while he lights his lamp. "I need to be absolutely sure of what lies ahead of us," he says.
Greatheart holds his lantern up to read a map he's taken from his pocket. We all gasp when we see a pit right in the middle of our path.
"The King's enemies have dug this," Greatheart says. "It's full of water and mud. It may be extremely deep, and if you fall in, you could be lost forever."
Carefully, by the light from the lamp, we make our way around the muddy pit one at a time, trying not to look down into it.
"Keep close," Greatheart warns. "We're nearly out of the Enchanted Ground, and we'll soon be safe in …"
Where will they be safe?
(Hint on the next page.)
Hint: It's where Christian waited, before going to the Celestial City.
We're safely through the Enchanted Ground at last, and are in the Land of Beulah. The sun is shining, and Greatheart tells us it shines all day, but it never burns. I'm feeling tired after our journey, so I decide to lie down and rest in a house we've been given on the edge of an orchard.
Almost as soon as I get to sleep, the sound of bells on the other side of a wide river wakes me up. People are blowing trumpets, but I don't feel like complaining, for the music is so lovely.
I go to the window and see three angels walking along the road with a group of pilgrims. As they pass us, from the open window I can hear the angels saying words of comfort to the pilgrims.
My ears are now filled with beautiful sounds, and I know I've never felt this peaceful before. I can almost imagine I'm in the Celestial City, even though it's on the other side of what people are calling the Dark River.
I go out into the orchard, and some children run up to me with bunches of flowers. They have enough for Mercy, and yet more for Phoebe, Grace and Martha. My four brothers are sitting together, talking under an apple tree -- and I don't expect they want flowers.
I think perhaps Matthew will make a good teacher, as he's become so wise lately. He smiles when I go across and tell him this.
"I'd like to be a teacher, if the King chooses the work for me," he says.
I tell Samuel he'll make a good soldier like Greatheart.
"To guide and protect the pilgrims?" he asks. "Yes," he says thoughtfully, "that would be the best work of all. But I can never be as good as Greatheart."
James says, "I think Greatheart was always a good soldier."
But Joseph says, "I think Greatheart needed to learn from the King."
I sit down with the boys. "Joseph is right. Do you think Greatheart was that good at first? He must have been taught how to work for the King. I expect he made all sorts of mistakes at first, but he kept trying to serve the King. You're brave and careful, Samuel. You'll quickly learn to be a good soldier and guide."
Joseph and James tell me they've had enough travelling for a bit, but I can see the journey has done them good. I wonder what the King has in mind for them.
Mercy comes across. "We were so few when we started," she says as she sits with us on the grass. "Now look how many of us there are here in Beulah. Some young and some old, some weak and some strong, and yet the King has cared for us all."
I see Matthew looking at Mercy with a smile on his face, and I wonder what the future has in store for them.
*
It is now many years later. I'm looking out of the window, thinking about the past. Matthew has married my best friend Mercy, and together they are teaching young pilgrims, along with three children of their own. More of a surprise was the marriage of Samuel to Grace, the daughter of Mnason. They have a baby boy.
Joseph is engaged to Grace's sister Martha, and they will marry soon. Phoebe, the daughter of Gaius, always seems to be with James. Meeting young Phoebe at the inn of Gaius seems like a distant memory now.
I'm pleased to know that my brothers are with true followers of the King.
Mr. Honest, and some of the other pilgrims we journeyed with, have already crossed the Dark River, and are now at peace in the Celestial City.
Christian's father, Valiant-for-Truth, crossed over a few months ago. He said he was proud to have received so many cuts and injuries for the King. So finally Valiant-for-Truth is with his wife and with his son Christian. Before leaving, he gave his sword to Samuel who is training to be one of the King's soldiers, just like Greatheart.
I keep thinking back to the time when I sat on the hill above the City of Destruction. How different life was for me then. I knew nothing of the love of the King and his Son, and I knew nothing of the joy that is waiting for me now in the Celestial City.
I hear a knock at the door. I open it and an angel stands there with a message from the King.
"Greetings, Christiana," the angel says. "I bring you news that the King is calling you, and wants you to stand in his presence, in clothes of everlasting life."
"I am coming, Lord," I say, "to be with you and bless you for ever."
EPILOGUE
Yes, this really is the end! Well done, if you solved lots of puzzles and answered lots of questions. You can read plenty more about Christian and Christiana in Pilgrim's Progress -- Special Edition, my longer book for older readers of all ages -- even adults. There aren't any puzzles in it, but there are all sorts of extra people they meet, and exciting adventures that haven't been told here. There just hasn't been room for everything.
The story in this book isn't different, it's just shorter. So you will be able to read Pilgrim's Progress -- Special Edition without finding all sorts of changes to what happens. Maybe one day you will even decide to read John Bunyan's original book.
*
Chris Wright is the author and co-author of over thirty books, starting with young fiction for an English Christian publisher in 1966. He has written both fiction and non-fiction, mostly with a Christian theme, for a variety of publishers. Chris is married with three grownup children, and lives in the West Country of England where he is a home group leader with his local church.
His website is www.rocky-island.com
More Christian books from White Tree Publishing are on the next pages, some of which are available as both eBooks and paperbacks. More Christian books than those shown here are available in non-fiction and fiction, for adults and younger readers. The full list of published and forthcoming books is on our website www.whitetreepublishing.com. Please visit there regularly for updates.
White Tree Publishing publishes mainstream evangelical Christian literature in paperback and eBook formats, for people of all ages. We aim to make our eBooks available free for all eBook devices, but some distributors will only list our books free at their discretion, and may make a small charge for some titles -- but they are still great value!
We rely on our readers to tell their families, friends and churches about our books. Social media is a great way of doing this. Take a look at our range of fiction and non-fiction books and pass the word on. You can even contact your Christian TV or radio station to let them know about these books. Also, please write a positive review if you are able.
Chris Wright has three grownup children, and lives in the West Country of England where he is a home group leader with his local church. More books by Chris Wright for young readers are on the next pages. His personal website is www.rocky-island.com
Return to Contents
Books for Younger Readers
(and older readers too!)
The Merlin Adventure
Chris Wright
The day Dani
el Talbot brought home a stuffed duck in a glass case, everyone thought he'd gone out of his mind. Even he had his doubts at times. "Fancy spending your money on that," his mother scolded him. "You needn't think it's coming into this house, because it isn't!"
When Daniel, Emma, Charlie and Julia, the Four Merlins, set out to sail their model paddle steamer on the old canal, strange and dangerous things start to happen. Then Daniel and Julia make a discovery they want to share with the others.
eBook ISBN: 978-0-9954549-2-7
Paperback ISBN: 9785-203447-7-5
5x8 inches 182 pages
Available from major internet stores
The Hijack Adventure
Chris Wright
Anna's mother has opened a transport café, but why do the truck drivers avoid stopping there? An accident in the road outside brings Anna a new friend, Matthew. When they get trapped in a broken down truck with Matthew's dog, Chip, their adventure begins.
eBook ISBN: 978-0-9954549-6-5
Available now in paperback
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-5203448-0-5
5x8 inches 140 pages
Available from major internet stores
eBook coming soon
paperback available now
The Seventeen Steps Adventure
Chris Wright
When Ryan's American cousin, Natalie, comes to stay with him in England, a film from their Gran's old camera holds some surprise photographs, and they discover there's more to photography than taking selfies! But where are the Seventeen Steps, and has a robbery been planned to take place there?
eBook ISBN: 978-0-9954549-7-2
Available now in paperback
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-5203448-6-7
5x8 inches 132 pages
Available from major internet stores
eBook coming June 2017
paperback available now
The Two Jays Adventure
Chris Wright
James and Jessica, the Two Jays, are on holiday in the West Country in England where they set out to make some exciting discoveries. Have they found the true site of an ancient holy well? Is the water in it dangerous? Why does an angry man with a bicycle tell them to keep away from the deserted stone quarry?
A serious accident on the hillside has unexpected consequences, and an old Latin document may contain a secret that's connected to the two strange stone heads in the village church -- if James and Jessica can solve the puzzle. An adventure awaits!
eBook ISBN: eBook ISBN: 978-0-9954549-8-9
Available now in paperback
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-5203448-8-1
5x8 inches 196 pages
Available from major internet stores
eBook and paperback
coming summer 2017
The Dark Tunnel Adventure
A Two Jays Story
Chris Wright
James and Jessica, the Two Jays, are on holiday in the Derbyshire Peak District in England, staying near Dakedale Manor, which has been completely destroyed in a fire. Did young Sam Stirling burn his family home down? Miss Parkin, the housekeeper, says he did, and she can prove it. Sam says he didn't, and he can't prove it. But Sam has gone missing. James and Jessica believe the truth lies behind one of the old iron doors inside the disused railway tunnel.
eBook ISBN: 978-0-9957594-0-4
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-5206386-3-8
5x8 inches
Available from major internet stores
eBook and paperback coming late 2017
The Cliff Edge Adventure
A Two Jays Story
Chris Wright
James and Jessica's Aunt Judy lives in a lonely guest house perched on top of a crumbling cliff on the west coast of Wales. She is moving out with her dog for her own safety, because she has been warned that the waves from the next big storm could bring down a large part of the cliff -- and her house with it. Cousins James and Jessica, the Two Jays, are helping her sort through her possessions, and they find an old papyrus page they think could be from an ancient copy of one of the Gospels. Two people are extremely interested in having it, but can either of them be trusted? James and Jessica are alone in the house. It's dark, the electricity is off, and the worst storm in living memory is already battering the coast. Is there someone downstairs?
eBook and paperback coming late 2017
eBook ISBN: 978-0-9957594-4-2
Paperback ISBN: 9781-5-211370-3-1
$5.99 £4.95
Mary Jones and Her Bible
An Adventure Book
Chris Wright
The true story of Mary Jones's and her Bible
with a clear Christian message and optional puzzles
(Some are easy, some tricky, and some amusing)
Mary Jones saved for six years to buy a Bible of her own. In 1800, when she was 15, she thought she had saved enough, so she walked barefoot for 26 miles (more than 40km) over a mountain pass and through deep valleys in Wales to get one. That's when she discovered there were none for sale!
You can travel with Mary Jones today in this book by following clues, or just reading the story. Either way, you will get to Bala where Mary went, and if you're really quick you may be able to discover a Bible just like Mary's in the market!
The true story of Mary Jones has captured the imagination for more than 200 years. For this book, Chris Wright has looked into the old records and discovered even more of the story, which is now in this unforgettable account of Mary Jones and her Bible. Solving puzzles is part of the fun, but the whole story is in here to read and enjoy whether you try the puzzles or not. Just turn the page, and the adventure continues. It's time to get on the trail of Mary Jones!
eBook ISBN: ISBN: 978-0-9933941-5-7
Paperback ISBN 978-0-9525956-2-5
5.5 x 8.5 inches
156 pages of story, photographs, line drawings and puzzles
Pilgrim's Progress
Special Edition
Chris Wright
This book for all ages is a great choice for young readers, as well as for families, Sunday school teachers, and anyone who wants to read John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress in a clear form.
All the old favourites are here: Christian, Christiana, the Wicket Gate, Interpreter, Hill Difficulty with the lions, the four sisters at the House Beautiful, Vanity Fair, Giant Despair, Faithful and Talkative -- and, of course, Greatheart. The list is almost endless.
The first part of the story is told by Christian himself, as he leaves the City of Destruction to reach the Celestial City, and becomes trapped in the Slough of Despond near the Wicket Gate. On his journey he will encounter lions, giants, and a creature called the Destroyer.
Christiana follows along later, and tells her own story in the second part. Not only does Christiana have to cope with her four young brothers, she worries about whether her clothes are good enough for meeting the King. Will she find the dangers in Vanity Fair that Christian found? Will she be caught by Giant Despair and imprisoned in Doubting Castle? What about the dragon with seven heads?
It's a dangerous journey, but Christian and Christiana both know that the King's Son is with them, helping them through the most difficult parts until they reach the Land of Beulah, and see the Celestial City on the other side of the Dark River. This is a story you will remember for ever, and it's about a journey you can make for yourself.
eBook ISBN: 978-0-9932760-8-8
Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9525956-7-0
5.5 x 8.5 inches 278 pages
Available from major internet stores
Zephan and the Vision
Chris Wright
An exciting story about the adventures of two angels who seem to know almost nothing -- until they have a vision!
Two ordinary angels are caring for the distant Planet Eltor, and they are about to get a big shock -- they are due to take a trip to Planet Earth! This is Zephan's story of the vision he is given before being allowed to travel with Talora, his companion angel, to help two youn
g people fight against the enemy.
Arriving on Earth, they discover that everyone lives in a small castle. Some castles are strong and built in good positions, while others appear weak and open to attack. But it seems that the best-looking castles are not always the most secure.
Meet Castle Nadia and Castle Max, the two castles that Zephan and Talora have to defend. And meet the nasty creatures who have built shelters for themselves around the back of these castles. And worst of all, meet the shadow angels who live in a cave on Shadow Hill. This is a story about the forces of good and the forces of evil. Who will win the battle for Castle Nadia?
The events in this story are based very loosely on John Bunyan's allegory The Holy War.
eBook ISBN: 978-0-9932760-6-4
Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9525956-9-4
5.5 x 8.5 inches 216 pages
Available from major internet stores
Agathos, The Rocky Island,
And Other Stories
Chris Wright
Once upon a time there were two favourite books for Sunday reading: Parables from Nature and Agathos and The Rocky Island.
These books contained short stories, usually with a hidden meaning. In this illustrated book is a selection of the very best of these stories, carefully retold to preserve the feel of the originals, coupled with ease of reading and understanding for today’s readers.