After reading · Section 16

Section 16A Month of Hospitality

Summary

Great-heart leaves the pilgrims at Palace Beautiful, where Watchful, Prudence, Piety, Charity, and the household welcome them. During their month there, Prudence catechises Christiana’s sons. Mercy’s charitable sewing attracts Mr. Brisk until he learns she gives her work to the poor. Matthew falls gravely ill from the forbidden fruit; Mr. Skill diagnoses him and cures him with medicine symbolically made from Christ’s flesh and blood, promises, salt, and repentant tears.

Matthew asks Prudence to interpret ordinary sights, receiving lessons about cleansing, grace, ministry, covenant, love, repentance, and judgment. Before departure, the household shows the pilgrims biblical objects and gives them supplies. Great-heart returns after Christiana petitions for him. Watchful warns of robbers, and Piety gives Christiana a visual “scheme” of the house’s lessons to support memory and comfort.

Who’s who

• Watchful — the Porter who welcomes and blesses the pilgrims.
• Prudence, Piety, and Charity — hosts who teach, examine, and encourage them.
• Mr. Brisk — a suitor who values Mercy’s usefulness but not her charity.
• Mr. Skill — the physician who diagnoses and heals Matthew.