#13: After the Hill Difficulty, Christian encountered the 2 lions from whom Timorous + Mistrust fled; he also thought to flee back, but a Porter from the lodge on the other side encouraged him: ‘They are chained; keep to middle!’ And so Christian continued and the lions did not touch him. Watchful (the Porter) welcomed Christian (we find out his original name was Graceless + aren’t we all?) to the House Beautiful + 4 beautiful, pure young virgins briefly question him: 1 Discretion: perceived his purpose of pilgrimage 2 Piety: searched out his motives 3 Prudence: verified his change from the old life +victory over sin, 4 Charity: asked why he’d not brought his family with him? The House Beautiful is ALL about JESUS! Here Christian feasts on Faith, rests in a room called Peace with his window open to the sun rising and hears the stories of His all-conquering love. He witnesses the ancient records of exploits, prophecies and predictions fulfilled and sees for himself what he’d only before heard. Then to the top of the house + vision: the BIG picture to encourage him in what lies ahead! And then even more: armour to protect + fight off further assaults! Like Christian, we need to spend more time in Our House Beautiful, esteeming the overwhelming beauty of Christ greater than our Difficulties in this world. His faith, hope and love are our overcoming testimony - past, present and future. Let our feasts be on the Lamb, our rest in His Peace and His Joy our strength! We need this NOW + in our journey ahead!