MATT. What should we learn by seeing the flame of our fire go upwards? Of fire, and of the
sun. and by seeing the beams and sweet influences of the sun strike downwards?
PRUD. By the going up of the fire we are taught to ascend to Heaven, by fervent and hot desires. And by the sun’s sending his heat, beams, and sweet influences downwards, we are taught that the Saviour of the world, though high, reacheth down with His grace and love to us below.

MATT. Where have the clouds their water? Of the clouds.
PRUD. Out of the sea.

MATT. What may we learn from that ?
PRUD. That ministers should fetch their doctrine from God.

MATT. Why do they empty themselves upon the earth?
PRUD. To show that ministers should give out what they know of God to the world.

MATT. Why is the rainbow caused by the sun? Of the rainbow.
PRUD. To show that the covenant of God’s grace is confirmed to us in Christ.

MATT. Why do the springs come from the sea to us, through the earth? Of the springs.
PRUD. To show that the grace of God comes to us through the body of Christ.

MATT. Why do some of the springs rise out of the tops of high hills?
PRUD. To show that the spirit of grace shall spring up in some that are great and mighty, as well as in many that are poor and low. Of the candle.

MATT. Why doth the fire fasten upon the candlewick?
PRUD. To show, that unless grace doth kindle upon the heart there will be no true light of life in us.

MATT. Why is the wick and tallow, and all, spent to maintain the light of the candle?
PRUD. To show that body and soul, and all, should be at the service of, and spend themselves to maintain, in good condition, that grace of God that is in us. Of the pelican. Of the cock.

MATT. Why doth the pelican pierce her own breast with her bill?
PRUD. To nourish her young ones with her blood, and thereby to show that Christ the blessed so loveth His young, His people, as to save them from death by His blood.

MATT. What may one learn by hearing the cock crow?
PRUD. Learn to remember Peter’s sin, and Peter’s repentance. The cock’s crowing shows also that day is coming on; let then the crowing of the cock put thee in mind of that last and terrible day of judgment.

Commentary on the Dialogue Between Matthew and Prudence in The Pilgrim’s Progress (Part 2)

The dialogue between Matthew and Prudence in The Pilgrim’s Progress (Part 2) is a rich example of John Bunyan’s use of allegory to convey spiritual truths through observations of the natural world. This conversation, structured as a series of questions and answers, reflects the Puritan emphasis on finding divine lessons in everyday phenomena. It also serves as a pedagogical tool, with Prudence guiding Matthew (and, by extension, the reader) to deeper spiritual understanding. Below, I provide a commentary on the key themes, theological implications, and literary techniques in this passage.

1. Structure and Pedagogical Style

The dialogue follows a catechetical format, with Matthew asking questions about natural phenomena and Prudence providing spiritually edifying answers. This question-and-answer structure mirrors the instructional methods common in Puritan literature, where the goal is not only to impart knowledge but also to cultivate piety and devotion. Matthew’s curiosity about fire, the sun, clouds, and other elements of creation reflects a childlike inquisitiveness, while Prudence’s responses elevate these observations into profound spiritual lessons.

This structure serves multiple purposes:

• Educational: It teaches readers to interpret the world through a spiritual lens, aligning with the Puritan belief that all creation reflects God’s glory and purpose.
• Allegorical: Each natural phenomenon is a metaphor for a theological concept, reinforcing Bunyan’s overarching allegorical framework.
• Moral: The lessons encourage virtuous behavior, such as fervent prayer, reliance on God’s grace, and remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.

2. Theological Themes

The dialogue is steeped in Christian theology, particularly Puritan interpretations of grace, salvation, and human responsibility. Below are the key theological themes:

• Divine Grace and Human Response:
  • The upward movement of fire symbolizes the believer’s “fervent and hot desires” to ascend to Heaven, emphasizing the importance of passionate devotion. Conversely, the sun’s downward beams represent Christ’s grace reaching humanity, illustrating the dual dynamic of divine initiative and human response.
  • The springs rising from the earth, especially from high hills, symbolize the universal reach of grace, which extends to both the “great and mighty” and the “poor and low.” This reflects Bunyan’s emphasis on the accessibility of salvation to all, regardless of social status.
• The Role of Ministers and Doctrine:
  • The clouds drawing water from the sea and emptying it on the earth are likened to ministers fetching doctrine from God and sharing it with the world. This underscores the Puritan view of ministers as conduits of divine truth, tasked with nourishing the spiritual lives of their congregations.
  • The imagery also suggests the importance of faithful stewardship, as ministers must “give out what they know of God” rather than hoarding spiritual knowledge.
• Christ’s Sacrifice and Covenant:
  • The rainbow, caused by the sun, symbolizes God’s covenant of grace confirmed through Christ. This alludes to the biblical story of Noah (Genesis 9:12-17) and its typological connection to Christ’s redemptive work.
  • The pelican piercing her breast to feed her young with her blood is a traditional Christian symbol for Christ’s sacrificial love. This imagery, rooted in medieval bestiaries, reinforces the centrality of the atonement in Christian theology.
• Human Sin and Redemption:
  • The crowing of the cock recalls Peter’s denial of Christ and his subsequent repentance (Luke 22:54-62). This serves as a reminder of human frailty and the possibility of redemption through repentance.
  • The cock’s crowing also symbolizes the coming of day and, by extension, the Day of Judgment. This dual imagery encourages vigilance and self-examination, key Puritan virtues.
• The Necessity of Grace for Spiritual Life:
  • The candlewick, which must be kindled by grace to produce light, symbolizes the human heart. Without divine grace, there is “no true light of life” in the believer, emphasizing the Puritan doctrine of total dependence on God for spiritual vitality.
  • The consumption of the wick and tallow to maintain the candle’s light reflects the believer’s call to dedicate “body and soul, and all” to the service of God. This aligns with Bunyan’s view of Christian life as a total commitment to holiness.

3. Symbolism and Use of Nature

Bunyan’s use of natural phenomena as symbols is both creative and deeply rooted in the Christian tradition of interpreting creation as a “book” of divine revelation. This approach, known as the “Book of Nature,” was common in Puritan and medieval thought, where the physical world was seen as a reflection of spiritual truths.

• Fire and the Sun: These elements symbolize divine energy and grace. Fire’s upward movement suggests aspiration toward God, while the sun’s downward influence reflects God’s condescension to humanity. Together, they illustrate the reciprocal relationship between God and the believer.
• Clouds and Springs: These water-related images evoke the life-giving nature of God’s grace. The sea, as the source of water, represents God’s infinite wisdom and power, while clouds and springs symbolize the channels through which grace flows to humanity.
• Rainbow: As a biblical symbol of God’s covenant, the rainbow bridges the natural and spiritual realms, reminding readers of God’s faithfulness and the promise of salvation through Christ.
• Pelican and Cock: These animal symbols draw on traditional Christian iconography. The pelican, a Christological figure, emphasizes sacrificial love, while the cock, associated with Peter’s denial, serves as a moral warning and eschatological reminder.

4. Literary and Cultural Context

This dialogue reflects the Puritan worldview, which sought to integrate faith into every aspect of life. Bunyan’s use of allegory aligns with the broader tradition of Christian literature, such as Dante’s Divine Comedy and Spenser’s The Faerie Queene, where physical journeys and natural phenomena symbolize spiritual realities.

• Puritan Emphasis on Practical Piety: The lessons derived from nature are not abstract but practical, encouraging readers to apply spiritual truths to their daily lives. For example, the cock’s crowing prompts reflection on sin and judgment, while the candle’s light calls for wholehearted devotion.
• Use of Common Imagery: Bunyan’s choice of everyday objects (fire, candles, clouds) makes the allegory accessible to a wide audience, including the uneducated readers he sought to reach. This reflects his commitment to plain, direct communication, as seen in his preface to The Pilgrim’s Progress.
• Eschatological Awareness: The reference to the Day of Judgment (via the cock’s crowing) reflects the Puritan preoccupation with the end times and the need for constant spiritual readiness.

5. Strengths and Limitations

• Strengths:
  • The dialogue effectively bridges the natural and spiritual worlds, making complex theological concepts accessible through familiar imagery.
  • Prudence’s answers are concise yet profound, balancing simplicity with depth.
  • The passage reinforces the central themes of The Pilgrim’s Progress, such as the journey toward salvation, the centrality of grace, and the call to holiness.
• Limitations:
  • The allegorical interpretations may feel overly didactic or contrived to modern readers, who might prefer more nuanced or empirical explanations of natural phenomena.
  • The dialogue assumes a shared Christian worldview, which may limit its resonance for readers outside this tradition.
  • Some symbols, such as the pelican, rely on medieval imagery that may be unfamiliar to contemporary audiences.

6. Relevance to Modern Readers

While rooted in 17th-century Puritanism, this dialogue remains relevant for readers seeking to find meaning in the natural world. Its emphasis on grace, repentance, and devotion resonates with Christian audiences, while its use of nature as a source of spiritual insight may appeal to those interested in environmental or contemplative spirituality.

• Spiritual Reflection: The passage encourages readers to see the world as a reflection of divine truths, fostering a sense of wonder and gratitude.
• Moral Lessons: The reminders of sin, repentance, and judgment remain applicable in a world where ethical challenges persist.
• Universal Themes: The imagery of fire, water, and light transcends cultural boundaries, offering universal metaphors for aspiration, nourishment, and enlightenment.

Conclusion

The dialogue between Matthew and Prudence is a microcosm of Bunyan’s broader project in The Pilgrim’s Progress: to guide readers toward spiritual growth through allegory and reflection. By drawing lessons from fire, the sun, clouds, and animals, Bunyan invites readers to see the world as a tapestry of divine signs, each pointing to the grace and love of God. While its Puritan context may feel distant to some, its timeless themes of devotion, sacrifice, and redemption continue to inspire and challenge readers today.