Why Palace Beautiful?

In Bunyan’s famous dream, full of allegory and deep symbolism, the palace Beautiful is visited by the pilgrim Christian just after he has climbed the Hill Difficulty. He arrives tired but victorious, spent but determined. And alone.

His journey this far has been solitary. Sure, he has met people, and even travelled some way with them, but none as yet that have stayed the course with him. He has had time at Interpreter’s House, been guided and encouraged by Evangelist, and ‘pulled through’ the Wicket Gate by Goodwill (Christ). But his journey has so far been without that steady companionship that we all need to help and support us on our journey through life. As the Bible says ‘Two are better than one’. (see Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12 ).

So, when the tired pilgrim arrives at the palace Beautiful and is greeted by a loving ‘family’, offered wonderful hospitality and warm fellowship, imagine how he must feel! He stays in a bedroom named Peace from where he can watch the sun rise and enjoy deep and peaceful sleep. He is encouraged to talk about his journey, sharing stories of joy and sadness in safety with his new ‘family’, assured of their understanding, love and compassion. He is shown glimpses of the Delectable Mountains in the distance as encouragement for him to keep going and given armour to protect him from the inevitable battles he will face. Christian’s stay at the palace Beautiful reflects in practice all that the Christian virtues of FAITH, HOPE and LOVE encompass. Physically and spiritually, it is a time of refreshment and renewal; a place for healing and for hope.