Chapter Seven

Plot Summary
Christian spends a second day at the Porter's Lodge. Here he visits the study, the armory, and is shown the Delectable Mountains in the distance. When he leaves, he is suited with armor, and is joined by Discretion, Piety, and Charity as he heads down into the Valley of Humilation.

Christian visits the Study
Christian is shown many old records, including:
 * the genealogy of the Lord
 * that the Lord was the Son of the Ancient of Days
 * He came by eternal generation (???)
 * details of the acts He had done
 * names of hundreds of people brought into His service, and that they were put in houses that could not be destroyed
 * noteworthy acts done by some of His servants (Heb 11:33-34)
 * how the Lord is willing to accept any - again any (emphasized in the text) - into His favor, regardless of prior offenses
 * prophecies - that bring dread/amazement to God's enemies, and comfort/solace to pilgrims

Christian visits the Armory
He was shown protective armor:


 * sword


 * shield


 * helmet


 * breastplate


 * all-prayer


 * shoes

There were as many suits of armor as there are stars in the sky.

He was then shown some of the implements by which some of His servants had done many wonderful things:
 * Moses' rod
 * Jael's hammer and nail
 * Gideon's pitchers, trumpets, and lamps
 * Shamgar's ox's goads
 * Samson's jaw-bone
 * David's sling and stone
 * and the sword that the Lord will kill the man of sin

The Delectable Mountains
He then stayed one more day. In the morning, he was shown, in the distance, the Delectable mountains. The mountains:
 * were in Immanuel's Land (Immanuel -> "God is with us")
 * were nearer to Christian's destination than where he was at present
 * are close to the gate of the Celestial City
 * were beautiful with woods, vineyards, all kinds of fruits, flowers, springs, and fountains
 * provided a view that added to Christian's comfort
 * belonged to all pilgrims

Christian then prepares to leave the Lodge. He is fitted with armor in case he should meet with attacks from the enemy.

Christian learns that a fellow pilgrim, Faithful, is just ahead.

Christian continues on his way, joined for a short while by Discretion, Piety, and Charity. They proceed up and then down the hill, where it becomes slippery and dangerous. The path leads toward the Valley of Humiliation.