''(A book by [[John Bunyan]])''==Information==
THE AUTHOR'S APOLOGY FOR HIS BOOKThis text was prepared by Logos Research Systems, Inc. from an editionmarked as follows:
When at the first I took my pen in hand Thus for to write, I did not understand That I at all should make a little book In such a mode; nay, I had undertook To make another; which, when almost done, Before I was aware, I this begunAuburn: Derby and Miller.
And thus it wasBuffalo: I, writing of the way And race of saints, in this our gospel day, Fell suddenly into an allegory About their journey, and the way to glory, In more than twenty things which I set downGeo. This done, I twenty more had in my crown; And they again began to multiply, Like sparks that from the coals of fire do fly H. Nay, then, thought I, if that you breed so fast, I'll put you by yourselves, lest you at last Should prove ad infinitum, Derby and eat out The book that I already am aboutCo.1853
Well, so I did; but yet I did not think To shew to all the world my pen and ink In such a mode; I only thought to make I knew not what; nor did I undertake Thereby to please my neighbour: no, not I; I did it my own self to gratify.----
Neither did I but vacant seasons spend
In this my scribble; nor did I intend
But to divert myself in doing this
From worser thoughts which make me do amiss.
Thus, I set pen to paper with delight, And quickly had my thoughts in black and white. For, having now my method by the end, Still as I pulled, it came; and so I penned It down: until it came at last to be, For length and breadth, the bigness which you see.THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS
Well, when I had thus put mine ends together, I shewed them others, that I might see whether They would condemn them, or them justify: And some said, Let them live; some, Let them die; Some said, JOHN, print it; others said, Not so; Some said, It might do good; others said, No.FROM THIS WORLD
Now was I in a strait, and did not see Which was the best thing to be done by me: At last I thought, Since you are thus divided, I print it will, and so the case decided.TO THAT WHICH IS TO COME;
For, thought I, some, I see, would have it done, Though others in that channel do not run: To prove, then, who advised for the best, Thus I thought fit to put it to the testDELIVERED UNDER THE SIMILTUDE OF A DREAM.
I further thought, if now I did deny Those that would have it, thus to gratify. I did not know but hinder them I might Of that which would to them be great delightBY JOHN BUNYAN.
For those which were not for its coming forth,
I said to them, Offend you I am loath,
Yet, since your brethren pleased with it be,
Forbear to judge till you do further see.
If that thou wilt not read, let it alone; Some love the meat, some love to pick the bone. Yea, that I might them better palliate, I did too with them thus expostulate: --==CONTENTS==
May I not write in such a style as this? In such a method, too, and yet not miss My end -- thy good? Why may it not be done? Dark clouds bring waters, when the bright bring none. Yea, dark or bright, if they their silver drops Cause to descend, the earth, by yielding crops, Gives praise to both, and carpeth not at either, But treasures up the fruit they yield together; Yea, so commixes both, that in her fruit None can distinguish this from that: they suit Her well when hungry; but, if she be full, She spews out both, and makes their blessings null.'''Author's Apology for his Book'''
You see the ways the fisherman doth take To catch the fish; what engines doth he make? Behold how he engageth all his wits; Also his snares, lines, angles, hooks, and nets; Yet fish there be, that neither hook, nor line, Nor snare, nor net, nor engine can make thine: They must be groped for, and be tickled too, Or they will not be catch'd, whate'er you do=PART I.=
How does the fowler seek to catch his game By divers means! all which one cannot name: His guns, his nets, his limeTHE FIRST STAGE. -twigs, light, and bell: He creeps, he goes, he stands; yea, who can tell Of all his postures? Yet thereChristian's none of thesedeplorable condition - Evangelist directs Will make him master - Obstinate and Pliable - Slough of what fowls he please.Despond - Worldly Wiseman - Yea, he must pipe and whistle to catch this, Yet, if he does so, that bird he will miss.Mount Sinai - Conversation with Evangelist
If that a pearl may in a toadTHE SECOND STAGE. - The Gate - conversation with Good-Will - theInterpreter's head dwell, And may be found too in an oysterHouse - Christian entertained -shell; If things that promise nothing do contain What better is than gold; who will disdain, That have an inkling of it, the sights there to look, That they may find it? Now, my little book, (Though void of all these paintings that may make It with this or the other man to take,) Is not without those things that do excel What do in brave but empty notions dwell.shown him
'WellTHE THIRD STAGE. - Loses his burden at the Cross - Simple, Sloth,Presumption, Formalist, yet I am not fully satisfiedHypocrisy - hill Difficulty - the Arbor - misseshis roll - the palace Beautiful - the lions - talk with Discretion, That this your book will standPiety, Prudence, when soundly tried.'and Charity - wonders shown to Christian - he is armed
Why, what's the matter? 'It is darkTHE FOURTH STAGE.' What though?- Valley of Humiliation - conflict with Apollyon - 'But it is feigned.' What Valley of the Shadow of that? I trow Some men, by feigned words, as dark as mine, Make truth to spangle Death - Giants Pope and its rays to shine.Pagan
'But they want solidness.' Speak, man, thy mindTHE FIFTH STAGE.- Discourse with Faithful - Talkative and Faithful - 'They drown the weak; metaphors make us blind.Talkative's character
Solidity, indeed, becomes the pen Of him that writeth things divine to men; But must I needs want solidness, because By metaphors I speak? Were not God's laws, His gospel laws, in olden times held forth By types, shadows, and metaphors? Yet loath Will any sober man be to find fault With them, lest he be found for to assault The highest wisdomTHE SIXTH STAGE. No, he rather stoops, And seeks to find out what by pins and loops, By calves and sheep, by heifers - Evangelist overtakes Christian and by rams,Faithful - Vanity By birds and herbs, and by Fair - the blood of lambs, God speaketh Pilgrims brought to him; and happy is he That finds the light and grace that in them be.trial - Faithful's martyrdom
Be not too forward, therefore, to concludeTHE SEVENTH STAGE. - Christian and Hopeful - By-ends and his companions That I want solidness -plain of Ease - Lucre-hill - Demas - the River of Life - Vain- that I am rude; All things solid in show not solid be; All things in parables despise not we; Lest things most hurtful lightly we receive,Confidence - Giant Despair - the Pilgrims beaten - the Dungeon - the Key And things that good are, of our souls bereave.Promise
My dark and cloudy words, they do but hold THE EIGHTH STAGE. - The truth, as cabinets enclose Delectable Mountains - entertained by the gold.Shepherds - a by-way to Hell
The prophets used much THE NINTH STAGE. - Christian and Hopeful meet Ignorance - Turn-away -Little-Faith - the Flatterer - the net - chastised by metaphors To set forth truth; yea, who so considersa Shining One - Christ, Atheist - Enchanted Ground - Hopeful's account of his apostles too, shall plainly see,conversion - That truths to this day in such mantles be.discourse of Christian and Ignorance
Am I afraid to say, that holy writ, Which for its style THE TENTH STAGE. - Talk of Christian and phrase puts down all wit,Hopeful - Temporary - the Is everywhere so full backslider - the land of all these things Beulah -Christian and Hopeful pass the River - Dark figures, allegories? Yet there springs From that same book that lustre, and those rays Of light, that turn our darkest nights welcome to days.the Celestial city
Come, let my carper to his life now look, And find there darker lines than in my book He findeth any; yea, and let him know, That in his best things there are worse lines too.Conclusion of Part First
May we but stand before impartial men, To his poor one I dare adventure ten, That they will take my meaning in these lines Far better than his lies in silver shrines. Come, truth, although in swaddling clouts, I find, Informs the judgment, rectifies the mind; Pleases the understanding, makes the will Submit; the memory too it doth fill With what doth our imaginations please; Likewise it tends our troubles to appease.----
Sound words, I know, Timothy is to use, And old wives' fables he is to refuse; But yet grave Paul him nowhere did forbid The use of parables; in which lay hid That gold, those pearls, and precious stones that were Worth digging for, and that with greatest care=PART II.=
Let me add one word more. O man of God, Art thou offended? Dost thou wish I had Put forth my matter in another dress? Or, that I had in things been more express? Three things let me propound; then I submit To those that are my betters, as is fit.Author's Apology for the Second Part
1. I find not that I am denied the use Of this my method, so I no abuse Put on the words, things, readers; or be rude In handling figure or similitude, In application; but, all that I may, Seek the advance Pilgrimage of truth this or that way Denied, did I say? Nay, I have leave (Example too, Christiana and that from them that have God better pleased, by their words or ways, Than any man that breatheth now-a-days) Thus to express my mind, thus to declare Things unto thee that excellentest are.her children
2THE FIRST STAGE. I find that men (as high as trees) will write- Christiana and Mercy - Slough of Despond - knocking Dialogueat the gate - the Dog -wise; yet no man doth them slight For writing so: indeed, if they abuse Truth, cursed be they, and talk between the craft they use To that intent; but yet let truth be free To make her sallies upon thee and me, Which way it pleases God; for who knows how, Better than he that taught us first to plough, To guide our mind and pens for his design? And he makes base things usher in divine.Pilgrims
3THE SECOND STAGE. I find that holy writ in many places- The Devil's garden - two ill-favored ones assault Hath semblance with this method, where them - the Reliever - entertainment at the Interpreter's house - the cases Do call for one thing, to set forth another; Use it I may, then, Significant Rooms - Christiana and yet nothing smother TruthMercy's golden beams: nay, by this method may Make it cast forth its rays as light as day.experience
And now before I do put up my pen, I'll shew THE THIRD STAGE. - Accompanied by Great-Heart - the profit of my book, and thenCross - justified by Commit both thee Christ - Sloth and it unto that Hand That pulls his companions hung - the hill Difficulty - the strong down, and makes weak ones stand.Arbor
This book it chalketh out before thine eyes THE FOURTH STAGE. - The man that seeks Lions - Giant Grim slain by Great-Heart - the everlasting prize; It shews you whence he comes, whither he goes;Pilgrims entertained - the children catechized by Prudence - Mr. Brisk What he leaves undone, also what he does;- Matthew sick - the remedy - sights shown the Pilgrims
It also shews you how he runs and runs, Till he unto THE FIFTH STAGE. - Valley of Humiliation - Valley of the gate Shadow of glory comes.Death It shews, too, who set out for life amain, As if the lasting crown they would obtain; Here also you may see the reason why They lose their labour, and like fools do die.- Giant Maul slain
This book will make a traveller THE SIXTH STAGE. - Discourse with Old Honest - character and history of thee, If by its counsel thou wilt ruled be;Mr. Fearing - Mr. Self-will and some professors - Gaius' house - It will direct thee to conversation - the Holy Land,supper - Old Honest and Great-Heart's riddles and If thou wilt its directions understand:discourse - Giant Slay-good killed - Mr. Feeble-mind's history - Mr. Yea, it will make the slothful active be; The blind also delightful things Ready-to see-halt - Vanity Fair - Mr. Mnason's house - cheeringentertainment and converse - a Monster
Art thou for something rare and profitable? Wouldest thou see a truth within a fable? Art thou forgetful? Wouldest thou remember From NewTHE SEVENTH STAGE. - Hill Lucre -Year's day to the last River of December?Life - Giant Despair killed - Then read my fancies; they will stick like burs, And may be, to the helpless, comforters.Delectable Mountains - entertainment by the Shepherds
This book is writ in such a dialectTHE EIGHTH STAGE. - Valiant-for-Truth's-Victory - his talk with Great-Heart - the Enchanted Ground - Heedless and Too-bold - Mr. Stand-fast - As may Madam Bubble's temptations - the minds land of listless men affect:Beulah - Christiana summoned - It seems a noveltyher parting addresses - she passes the River - she is followed by Ready-to-halt, Feeble-mind, Despondency and yet containshis daughter, Honest, Valiant, Nothing but sound and honest gospel strains.Steadfast
Wouldst thou divert thyself from melancholy? Wouldst thou be pleasant, yet be far from folly? Wouldst thou read riddles, and their explanation? Or else be drowned in thy contemplation? Dost thou love picking meat? Or wouldst thou see A man iAuthor' the clouds, and hear him speak to thee? Wouldst thou be in a dream, and yet not sleep? Or wouldst thou in a moment laugh and weep? Wouldst thou lose thyself and catch no harm, And find thyself again without a charm? Wouldst read thyself, and read thou knowest not what, And yet know whether thou art blest or not, By reading the same lines? Oh, then come hither, And lay my book, thy head, and heart together.s Farewell
JOHN BUNYAN
The Pilgrim's Progress from This World to That Which is to Come
Delivered Under the Similitude of a Dream Wherein Is Discovered the Manner of His Setting Out, His Dangerous Journey, and Safe Arrival at the Desired Country==THE AUTHOR'S APOLOGY FOR HIS BOOK.==
As I walked through WHEN at the wilderness of this world, first I lighted on a certain place where was a Den, and I laid me down took my pen in that place to sleep: and, as I slept, I dreamed a dream. I dreamed, and behold, I saw a man clothed with rags, standing in a certain place, with his face from his own house, a book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back. I looked, and saw him open the book, and read therein; and, as he read, he wept, and trembled; and, not being able longer to contain, he brake out with a lamentable cry, saying, What shall I do?
In this plight, therefore, he went home and refrained himself as long as he could, that his wife and children should not perceive his distress; but he could not be silent long, because that his trouble increased. Wherefore at length he brake his mind to his wife and children; and thus he began to talk to them: O my dear wife, said he, and you the children of my bowels, I, your dear friend, am in myself undone by reason of a burden that lieth hard upon me; moreover, I am Thus for certain informed that this our city will be burned with fire from heaven; in which fearful overthrow, both myself, with thee my wife, and you my sweet babes, shall miserably come to ruinwrite, except (the which yet I see not) some way of escape can be found, whereby we may be delivered. At this his relations were sore amazed; did not for that they believed that what he had said to them was true, but because they thought that some frenzy distemper had got into his head; therefore, it drawing towards night, and they hoping that sleep might settle his brains, with all haste they got him to bed. But the night was as troublesome to him as the day; wherefore, instead of sleeping, he spent it in sighs and tears. So, when the morning was come, they would know how he did. He told them, Worse and worse: he also set to talking to them again; but they began to be hardened. They also thought to drive away his distemper by harsh and surly carriages to him; sometimes they would deride, sometimes they would chide, and sometimes they would quite neglect him. Wherefore he began to retire himself to his chamber, to pray for and pity them, and also to condole his own misery; he would also walk solitarily in the fields, sometimes reading, and sometimes praying: and thus for some days he spent his time.understand
Now, That I saw, upon at all should make a time, when he was walking in the fields, that he was, as he was wont, reading in his little book, and greatly distressed in his mind; and, as he read, he burst out, as he had done before, crying, What shall I do to be saved?
I saw also that he looked this way and that way, as if he would run; yet he stood still, because, as I perceived, he could not tell which way to go. I looked then, and saw In such a man named Evangelist coming to himmode: nay, who asked, Wherefore dost thou cry? He answered, Sir, I perceive by the book in my hand, that I am condemned to die, and after that to come to judgment; and I find that I am not willing to do the first, nor able to do the second.had undertook
Christian no sooner leaves the World but meets EvangelistTo make another; which, when almost done, who lovingly him greets With tidings of another: and doth shew Him how to mount to that from this below.
Then said Evangelist, Why not willing to die, since this life is attended with so many evils? The man answered, Because Before I was aware I fear that this burden that is upon my back will sink me lower than the grave, and I shall fall into Tophet. And, Sir, if I be not fit to go to prison, I am not fit, I am sure, to go to judgment, and from thence to execution; and the thoughts of these things make me crybegun.
Then said Evangelist, If this be thy condition, why standest thou still? He answered, Because And thus it was: I know not whither to go. Then he gave him a parchment roll, and there was written within, Flee from writing of the wrath to come.way
The man, therefore, read it, and looking upon Evangelist very carefully, said, Whither must I fly? Then said Evangelist, pointing with his finger over a very wide field, Do you see yonder wicketAnd race of saints in this our gospel-gate? The man said, No. Then said the other, Do you see yonder shining light? He said, I think I do. Then said Evangelist, Keep that light in your eye, and go up directly thereto: so shalt thou see the gate; at which, when thou knockestday, it shall be told thee what thou shalt do.
So I saw in my dream that the man began to run. Now, he had not run far from his own door, but his wife and children, perceiving it, began to cry after him to return; but the man put his fingers in his ears, and ran on, crying, Life! life! eternal life! So he looked not behind him, but fled towards the middle of the plain.Fell suddenly into an allegory
The neighbours also came out to see him run; and, as he ran, some mocked, others threatened, and some cried after him to return; and, among those that did so, there were two that resolved to fetch him back by force. The name of the one was Obstinate and the name of the other Pliable. Now, by this time, the man was got a good distance from them; but, however, they were resolved to pursue him, which they didAbout their journey, and in a little time they overtook him. Then said the man, Neighbours, wherefore are ye come? They said, To persuade you way to go back with us. But he saidglory, That can by no means be; you dwell, said he, in the City of Destruction, the place also where I was born: I see it to be so; and, dying there, sooner or later, you will sink lower than the grave, into a place that burns with fire and brimstone: be content, good neighbours, and go along with me.
Obst. What! and leave our friends and our comforts behind us?In more than twenty things which I set down
Chr. YesThis done, for that was his name, because that ALL which you shall forsake is not worthy to be compared with a little of that which I am seeking to enjoy; and, if you will go along with me, and hold it, you shall fare as I myself; for theretwenty more had in my crown, where I go, is enough and to spare. Come away, and prove my words.
Obst. What are the things you seekAnd they again began to multiply, since you leave all the world to find them?
Chr. I seek an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and Like sparks that fadeth not away, and it is laid up in heaven, and safe there, to be bestowed, at from the time appointed, on them that diligently seek it. Read it so, if you will, in my bookcoals of fire do fly.
Obst. Tush! said ObstinateNay, away with your book; will then, thought I, if that you go back with us or no?breed so fast,
Chr. No, not I'll put you by yourselves, said the other, because I have laid my hand to the plough.lest you at last
Obst. Come, then, neighbour Pliable, let us turn againShould prove ad infinitum, 1 and go home without him; there is a company of these crazy-headed coxcombs, that, when they take a fancy by the end, are wiser in their own eyes than seven men that can render a reason.eat out
Pli. Then said Pliable, Don't revile; if what the good Christian says is true, the things he looks after are better than ours: my heart inclines to go with my neighbourThe book that I already am about.
Obst. What! more fools still! Be ruled by meWell, and go backso I did; who knows whither such a brain-sick fellow will lead you? Go back, go back, and be wise.but yet I did not think
Chr. Nay, but do thou come with thy neighbour, Pliable; there are such things To show to be had which I spoke of, and many more glorious besides. If you believe not me, read here in this book; and for the truth of what is expressed therein, behold, all is confirmed by the blood of Him that made it.world my pen and ink
Pli. Well, neighbour Obstinate, said Pliable, I begin to come to In such a pointmode; I intend to go along with this good man, and to cast in my lot with him: but, my good companion, do you know the way only thought to this desired place?make
Chr. I am directed by a man, whose name is Evangelist, to speed me to a little gate that is before us, where we shall receive instructions about the way.knew not what: nor did I undertake
Pli. ComeThereby to please my neighbor; no, then, good neighbour, let us be going. Then they went both together.not I;
Obst. And I will go back did it my own self to my place, said Obstinate; I will be no companion of such misled, fantastical fellowsgratify.
Now, Neither did I saw in my dream, that when Obstinate was gone back, Christian and Pliable went talking over the plain; and thus they began their discourse.but vacant seasons spend
Chr. Come, neighbour Pliable, how do you do? In this my scribble; nor did I am glad you are persuaded to go along with me. Had even Obstinate himself but felt what I have felt of the powers and terrors of what is yet unseen, he would not thus lightly have given us the back.intend
Pli. ComeBut to divert myself, neighbour Christian, since there are none but us two here, tell me now further what the things are, and how to be enjoyedin doing this, whither we are going.
Chr. I can better conceive of them with my mindFrom worser thoughts, than speak of them with my tongue: but yet, since you are desirous to know, I will read of them in my bookwhich make me do amiss.
Pli. And do you think that the words of your book are certainly true?Thus I set pen to paper with delight,
Chr. Yes, verilyAnd quickly had my thoughts in black and white; for it was made by Him that cannot lie.
Pli. Well said; what things are they?For having now my method by the end,
Chr. There is an endless kingdom to be inhabitedStill as I pull'd, it came; and everlasting life to be given us, that we may inhabit that kingdom for ever.so I penned
Pli. Well saidIt down; and what else?until it came at last to be,
Chr. There are crowns For length and glory to be given usbreadth, and garments that will make us shine like the sun in the firmament of heavenbigness which you see. Pli. This is very pleasant; and what else?
Chr. There shall be no more cryingWell, nor Sorrow: for He that is owner of the place will wipe all tears from our eyes.when I had thus put mine ends together
Pli. And what company shall we have there?I show'd them others, that I might see whether
Chr. There we shall be with seraphims and cherubimsThey would condemn them, creatures that will dazzle your eyes to look on them. There also you shall meet with thousands and ten thousands that have gone before us to that place; none of or them are hurtful, but loving and holy; every one walking in the sight of God, and standing in his presence with acceptance for ever. In a word, there we shall see the elders with their golden crowns, there we shall see the holy virgins with their golden harps, there we shall see men that by the world were cut in pieces, burnt in flames, eaten of beasts, drowned in the seas, for the love that they bear to the Lord of the place, all well, and clothed with immortality as with a garment.justify:
Pli. The hearing of this is enough to ravish one's heart. But are these things to be enjoyed? How shall we get to be sharers thereof?And some said, let them live; some, let them die:
Chr. The LordSome said, the Governor of the countryJohn, hath recorded that in this bookprint it; the substance of which is, If we be truly willing to have itothers said, he will bestow it upon us freely.Not so:
Pli. WellSome said, my It might do good companion; others said, glad am I to hear of these things: come on, let us mend our paceNo.
Chr. Now was I cannot go so fast as I wouldin a strait, by reason of this burden that is on my back.and did not see
Now I saw in my dream, that just as they had ended this talk they drew near to a very miry slough, that Which was in the midst of the plain; and they, being heedless, did both fall suddenly into the bog. The name of the slough was Despond. Here, therefore, they wallowed for a being grievously bedaubed with the dirt; and Christian, because of the burden that was on his back, began best thing to sink in the mire.be done by me:
Pli. Then said Pliable; Ah! neighbour ChristianAt last I thought, where Since ye are you now?thus divided,
Chr. Truly, said Christian, I do not knowprint it will; and so the case decided.
Pli. At this Pliable began to be offendedFor, and angrily said to his fellowthought I, Is this the happiness you some I see would have told me all this while of? If we have such ill speed at our first setting out, what may we expect betwixt this and our journey's end? May I get out again with my life, you shall possess the brave country alone for me. And, with that, he gave a desperate struggle or two, and got out of the mire on that side of the slough which was next to his own house: so away he wentit done, and Christian saw him no more.
Wherefore Christian was left to tumble Though others in the Slough of Despond alone: but still he endeavoured to struggle to that side of the slough that was still further from his own house, and next to the wicket-gate; the which he did, but could channel do not get out, because of the burden that was upon his backrun: but I beheld in my dream, that a man came to him, whose name was Help, and asked him, What he did there?
Chr. SirTo prove, said Christian, I was bid go this way by a man called Evangelistthen, who directed me also to yonder gateadvised for the best, that I might escape the wrath to come; and as I was going thither I fell in here.
HelpThus I thought fit to put it to the test. But why did not you look for the steps?
Chr. Fear followed me so hardI further thought, that if now I fled the next way, and fell in. Help. Then said he, Give me thy hand: so he gave him his hand, and he drew him out, and set him upon sound ground, and bid him go on his way.did deny
Then I stepped to him that plucked him out, and said, Sir, wherefore, since over this place is the way from the City of Destruction to yonder gate, is it that this plat is not mended, that poor travellers might go thither with more security? And he said unto me, This miry slough is such a place as cannot be mended; it is the descent whither the scum and filth that attends conviction for sin doth continually run, and therefore it is called the Slough of Despond; for still, as the sinner is awakened about his lost condition, there ariseth in his soul many fears, and doubts, and discouraging apprehensions, which all of them get together, and settle in this place. And this is the reason of the badness of this ground. It is not the pleasure of the King Those that this place should remain so bad. His labourers also would have, by the direction of His Majesty's surveyors, been for above these sixteen hundred years employed about this patch of ground, if perhaps it might have been mended: yea, and to my knowledge, said he, here have been swallowed up at least twenty thousand cart-loads, yea, millions of wholesome instructions, that have at all seasons been brought from all places of the King's dominions, and they that can tell, say they are the best materials thus to make good ground of the placegratify; if so be, it might have been mended, but it is the Slough of Despond still, and so will be when they have done what they can.
TrueI did not know, there are, by the direction of the Law-giver, certain good and substantial steps, placed even through the very midst of this slough; but at such time as this place doth much spew out its filth, as it doth against change of weather, these steps are hardly seen; or, if they be, men, through the dizziness of their heads, step beside, and then they are bemired to purpose, notwithstanding the steps be there; but the ground is good when they are once got in at the gate.hinder them I might
Now, I saw in my dream, Of that by this time Pliable was got home to his house again, so that his neighbours came to visit him; and some of them called him wise man for coming back, and some called him fool for hazarding himself with Christian: others again did mock at his cowardliness; saying, Surely, since you began to venture, I which would not have been so base to have given out for a few difficulties. So Pliable sat sneaking among them. But at last he got more confidence, and then they all turned their tales, and began to deride poor Christian behind his back. And thus much concerning Pliablebe great delight.
Now, as Christian was walking solitarily by himself, he espied one afar off, come crossing over the field to meet him; and their hap was to meet just as they For those which were crossing the way of each other. The gentleman's name that met him was Mr. Worldly Wiseman, he dwelt in the town of Carnal Policy, a very great town, and also hard by from whence Christian came. This man, then, meeting with Christian, and having some inkling of him, -- not for Christian's setting its coming forth from the City of Destruction was much noised abroad, not only in the town where he dwelt, but also it began to be the town talk in some other places, -- Mr. Worldly Wiseman, therefore, having some guess of him, by beholding his laborious going, by observing his sighs and groans, and the like, began thus to enter into some talk with Christian.
World. How nowI said to them, good fellowOffend you, whither away after this burdened manner?I am loath;
Chr. A burdened manner, indeed, as ever, I thinkYet since your brethren pleased with it be, poor creature had! And whereas you ask me, Whither away? I tell you, Sir, I am going to yonder wicket-gate before me; for there, as I am informed, I shall be put into a way to be rid of my heavy burden.
WorldForbear to judge, till you do further see. Hast thou a wife and children?
Chr. Yes; but I am so laden with this burden that I cannot take If that pleasure in them as formerlythou wilt not read, let it alone; methinks I am as if I had none.
WorldSome love the meat, some love to pick the bone. Wilt thou hearken unto me if I give thee counsel?
Chr. If it be goodYea, that I will; for I stand in need of good counsel.might them better palliate,
World. I would advise thee, then, that thou did too with all speed get thyself rid of thy burden; for thou wilt never be settled in thy mind till then; nor canst thou enjoy the benefits of the blessing which God hath bestowed upon thee till then.them thus expostulate:
Chr. That is that which May I seek for, even to be rid of this heavy burden; but get it off myself, I cannot; nor is there any man not write in our country that can take it off my shoulders; therefore am I going such a style as this way, as I told you, that I may be rid of my burden.?
World. Who bid thee go this way to be rid of thy burden?In such a method too, and yet not miss
Chr. A man that appeared to me to My end-thy good? Why may it not be a very great and honourable person; his name, as I remember, is Evangelist.done?
WorldDark clouds bring waters, when the bright bring none. I beshrew him for his counsel! there is not a more dangerous and troublesome way in the world than
is that unto which he hath directed thee; and that thou shalt findYea, dark or bright, if thou wilt be ruled by his counsel. Thou hast met with something, as I perceive, already; for I see the dirt of the Slough of Despond is upon thee; but that slough is the beginning of the sorrows that do attend those that go on in that way. Hear me, I am older than thou; thou art like to meet with, in the way which thou goest, wearisomeness, painfulness, hunger, perils, nakedness, sword, lions, dragons, darkness, and, in a word, death, and what not! These things are certainly true, having been confirmed by many testimonies. And why should a man so carelessly cast away himself, by giving heed to a stranger?they their silver drops
Chr. Why, Sir, this burden upon my back is more terrible Cause to me than all these things which you have mentioned; naydescend, methinks I care not what I meet with in the wayearth, by yielding crops, if so be I can also meet with deliverance from my burden.
World. How camest thou by the burden Gives praise to both, and carpeth not at first?either,
Chr. By reading this book in my hand.But treasures up the fruit they yield together;
World. I thought Yea, so; and it is happened unto thee as to other weak men, who, meddling with things too high for them, do suddenly fall into thy distractions; which distractions do not only unman men, as thine, I perceive, have done theecommixes both, but they run them upon desperate ventures to obtain they know not what.that in their fruit
Chr. I know what I would obtainNone can distinguish this from that; it is ease for my heavy burden.they suit
World. But why wilt thou seek for ease this way, seeing so many dangers attend it? especially since, hadst thou Her well when hungry; but patience to hear me, I could direct thee to the obtaining of what thou desirest, without the dangers that thou in this way wilt run thyself into: yea, and the remedy is at hand. Besides, I will add, that instead of those dangers, thou shalt meet with much safety, friendshipif she be full, and content.
Chr. PrayShe spews out both, Sir, open this secret to meand makes their blessing null.
World. Why, in yonder village -- You see the village is named Morality -- there dwells a gentleman whose name is Legality, a very judicious man, and a man of very good name, that has skill to help men off with such burdens as thine are from their shoulders: yea, to my knowledge, he hath done a great deal of good this way; ay, and besides, he hath skill to cure those that are somewhat crazed in their wits with their burdens. To him, as I said, thou mayest go, and be helped presently. His house is not quite a mile from this place, and if he should not be at home himself, he hath a pretty young man to his son, whose name is Civility, that can do it (to speak on) as well as ways the old gentleman himself; there, I say, thou mayest be eased of thy burden; and if thou art not minded to go back to thy former habitation, as, indeed, I would not wish thee, thou mayest send for thy wife and children to thee to this village, where there are houses now stand empty, one of which thou mayest have at reasonable rates; provision is there also cheap and good; and that which will make thy life the more happy is, to be sure, there thou shalt live by honest neighbours, in credit and good fashion.fisherman doth take
Now was Christian somewhat at a standTo catch the fish; but presently what engines doth he concluded, if this be true, which this gentleman hath said, my wisest course is to take his advice; and with that he thus further spoke.make!
Chr. Sir, which is my way to this honest man's house?Behold how he engageth all his wits;
World. Do you see yonder hill?Also his snares, lines, angles, hooks, and nets:
Chr. YesYet fish there be, that neither hook nor line, very well.
World. By that hill you must goNor snare, and the first house you come at is his.nor net, nor engine can make thine:
So Christian turned out of his way to go to Mr. Legality's house They must be groped for help; but, behold, when he was got now hard by the hill, it seemed so high, and also that side of it that was next the wayside did hang so much over, that Christian was afraid to venture further, lest the hill should fall on his head; wherefore there he stood still and wotted not what to do. Also his burden now seemed heavier to him than while he was in his way. There came also flashes of fire out of the hill, that made Christian afraid that he should be burned. Heretickled too, therefore, he sweat and did quake for fear.
When Christians unto carnal men give ear, Out of their way Or they gowill not be catch'd, and pay forwhate't dear; For Master Worldly Wiseman can but shew A saint the way to bondage and to woeer you do.
And now he began to be sorry that he had taken Mr. Worldly Wiseman's counsel. And with that he saw Evangelist coming to meet him; at How does the sight also of whom he began to blush for shame. So Evangelist drew nearer and nearer; and coming up to him, he looked upon him with a severe and dreadful countenance, and thus began fowler seek to reason with Christian.catch his game
Evan. What dost thou here, Christian? said he: at By divers means! all which words Christian knew not what to answer; wherefore at present he stood speechless before himone cannot name. Then said Evangelist further, Art not thou the man that I found crying without the walls of the City of Destruction?
Chr. YesHis guns, dear Sirhis nets, I am the man.his lime-twigs, light and bell:
Evan. Did not I direct thee the way to the little wicket-gate?He creeps, he goes, he stands; yea, who can tell
Chr. Yes, dear Sir, said Christian.Of all his postures? yet there's none of these
Evan. How is it, then, that thou art so quickly turned aside? for thou art now out Will make him master of the waywhat fowls he please.
Chr. I met with a gentleman so soon as I had got over the Slough of DespondYea, who persuaded me that I mighthe must pipe and whistle, in the village before me, find a man that would take off my burden.to catch this;
EvanYet if he does so, that bird he will miss. What was he?
Chr. He looked like If that a gentleman, and talked much to me, and got me at last to yield; so I came hither; but when I beheld this hill, and how it hangs over the waypearl may in toad's head dwell, I suddenly made a stand lest it should fall on my head.
Evan. What said that gentleman to you?And may be found too in an oyster-shell;
Chr. WhyIf things that promise nothing, he asked me whither I was going, and I told him.do contain
Evan. And what said he then?What better is than gold; who will disdain,
Chr. He asked me if I had a family? And I told him. ButThat have an inkling 2 of it, said Ithere to look, I am so loaden with the burden that is on my back, that I cannot take pleasure in them as formerly.
EvanThat they may find it. And what said he then? Now my little book,
Chr. He bid me with speed get rid (Though void of my burden; and I told him that it was ease all these paintings that I sought. And said I, I am therefore going to yonder gate, to receive further direction how I may get to the place of deliverance. So he said that he would shew me a better way, and short, not so attended with difficulties as the way, Sir, that you set me in; which way, said he, will direct you to a gentleman's house that hath skill to take off these burdens, so I believed him, and turned out of that way into this, if haply I might be soon eased of my burden. But when I came to this place, and beheld things as they are, I stopped for fear (as I said) of danger: but I now know not what to do.make
Evan. Then, said Evangelist, stand still a little, that I may shew thee It with this or the words of God. So he stood trembling. Then said Evangelist, See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven. He said, moreover, Now the just shall live by faith: but if any other man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. He also did thus apply them: Thou art the man that art running into this misery; thou hast begun to reject the counsel of the Most High, and to draw back thy foot from the way of peacetake, even almost to the hazarding of thy perdition.)
Then Christian fell down at his feet as dead, crying, Woe is me, for I am undone! At the sight of which Evangelist caught him by the right hand, saying, All manner of sin and blasphemies shall be forgiven unto men. Be Is not faithless, but believing. Then did Christian again a little revive, and stood up trembling, as at first, before Evangelist.without those things that do excel
Then Evangelist proceeded, saying, Give more earnest heed to the things that I shall tell thee of. I will now shew thee who it was that deluded thee, and who it was also to whom he sent thee. -- The man that met thee is one Worldly Wiseman, and rightly is he so called; partly, because he savoureth only the doctrine of this world (therefore he always goes to the town of Morality to church): and partly because he loveth that doctrine best, for it saveth him best from the cross. And because he is of this carnal temper, therefore he seeketh to pervert my ways though right. Now there are three things What do in this man's counsel, that thou must utterly abhorbrave but empty notions dwell.
1. His turning thee out of the way. 2. His labouring to render the cross odious to thee. And"Well, 3. His setting thy feet in that way that leadeth unto the administration of death.yet I am not fully satisfied
First, Thou must abhor his turning thee out of the way; and thine own consenting thereunto: because That this is to reject the counsel of God for the sake of the counsel of a Worldly Wiseman. The Lord says, Strive to enter in at the strait gate, the gate to which I sent thee; for strait is the gate that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. From this little wicket-gate, and from the way thereto, hath this wicked man turned thee, to the bringing of thee almost to destruction; hate, therefore, his turning thee out of the wayyour book will stand, and abhor thyself for hearkening to himwhen soundly tried."
SecondlyWhy, Thou must abhor his labouring to render what's the cross odious unto thee; for thou art to prefer it before the treasures of Egypt. Besides the King of glory hath told thee, that he that will save his life shall lose it; and he that cometh after me, and hateth not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. I say, therefore, for man to labour to persuade thee, that that shall be thy death, without which, THE TRUTH hath said, thou canst not have eternal life; this doctrine thou must abhormatter? "It is dark." What though?
Thirdly, Thou must hate his setting "But it is feigned." What of thy feet in the way that leadeth to the ministration of death. And for this thou must consider to whom he sent thee, and also how unable that person was to deliver thee from thy burden.? I trow
He to whom thou wast sent for ease, being by name Legality, is the son of the bond-woman which now is, and is in bondage with her children; and is, in a mystery, this Mount Sinai, which thou hast feared will fall on thy head. Now, if she, with her children, are in bondage, how canst thou expect by them to be made free? This Legality, therefore, is not able to set thee free from thy burden. No man was as yet ever rid of his burden by him; no, nor ever is like to be: ye cannot be justified by the works of the law; for by the deeds of the law no man living can be rid of his burden: therefore, Mr. Worldly Wiseman is an alien, and Mr. Legality is a cheat; and for his son Civility, notwithstanding his simpering looks, he is but a hypocrite and cannot help thee. Believe me, there is nothing in all this noise, that thou hast heard of sottish Some men, but a design to beguile thee of thy salvation, by turning thee from the way in which I had set thee. After this, Evangelist called aloud to the heavens for confirmation of what he had said: and with that there came feigned words and fire out of the mountain under which poor Christian stood, that made the hair of his flesh stand up. The words were thus pronounced: As many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is writtendark as mine, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Now Christian looked for nothing but deathMake truth to spangle, and began its rays to cry out lamentably; even cursing the time in which he met with Mrshine. Worldly Wiseman; still calling himself a thousand fools for hearkening to his counsel; he also was greatly ashamed to think that this gentle-man's arguments, flowing only from the flesh, should have the prevalency with him as to cause him to forsake the right way. This done, he applied himself again to Evangelist in words and sense as follow:
Chr"But they want solidness. Sir" Speak, what think you? Is there hope? May I now go back and go up to the wicket-gate? Shall I not be abandoned for thisman, and sent back from thence ashamed? I am sorry I have hearkened to this man's counselthy mind. But may my sin be forgiven?
Evan. Then said Evangelist to him, Thy sin is very great, for by it thou hast committed two evils: thou hast forsaken the way that is good, to tread in forbidden paths; yet will the man at the gate receive thee, for he has goodwill for men; only, said he, take heed that thou turn not aside again, lest thou perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Then did Christian address himself to go back; and Evangelist, after he had kissed him, gave him one smile, and bid him God-speed. So he went on with haste, neither spake he to any man by "They drown the wayweak; nor, if any asked him, would he vouchsafe them an answer. He went like one that was all the while treading on forbidden ground, and could by no means think himself safe, till again he was got into the way which he left, to follow Mr. Worldly Wiseman's counsel. So, in process of time, Christian got up to the gate. Now, over the gate there was written, Knock, and it shall be opened unto youmetaphors make us blind."
He that will enter in must first without Stand knocking at the GateSolidity, nor need he doubt That is A KNOCKERindeed, but to enter in; For God can love him, and forgive his sin.becomes the pen
He knocked, therefore, more than once or twice, saying --Of him that writeth things divine to men:
May But must I now enter here? Will he within Open to sorry meneeds want solidness, though I have been An undeserving rebel? Then shall I, Not fail to sing his lasting praise on high.because
At last there came a grave person to the gateBy metaphors I speak? Were not God's laws, named Good-will, who asked who was there? and whence he came? and what he would have?
Chr. Here is a poor burdened sinner. I come from the City of DestructionHis gospel laws, but am going to Mount Zion, that I may be delivered from the wrath to come. I would therefore, Sir, since I am informed that by this gate is the way thither, know if you are willing to let me in?olden time held forth
Good-Will. I am willing with all my heartBy types, shadows, said he; and with that he opened the gate.metaphors? Yet loth
So when Christian was stepping in, the other gave him a pull. Then said Christian, What means that? The other told him. A little distance from this gate, there is erected a strong castle, of which Beelzebub is the captain; from thence, both he and them that are with him shoot arrows at those that come up Will any sober man be to this gate, if haply they may die before they can enter in.find fault
Then said ChristianWith them, I rejoice and tremble. So when lest he was got in, the man of the gate asked him who directed him thither?be found for to assault
Chr. Evangelist bid me come hitherThe highest wisdom! No, and knock, (as I did;) and he said that you, Sirrather stoops, would tell me what I must do.
Good-Will. An open door is set before theeAnd seeks to find out what, by pins and no man can shut it.loops,
Chr. Now I begin to reap the benefits of my hazards.By calves and sheep, by heifers, and by rams,
Good-Will. But how is it that you came alone?By birds and herbs, and by the blood of lambs,
Chr. Because none of my neighbours saw their danger, as I saw mine.God speaketh to him; and happy is he
Good-WillThat finds the light and grace that in them be. Did any of them know of your coming?
Chr. Yes; my wife and children saw me at the firstBut not too forward, and called after me to turn again; alsotherefore, some of my neighbours stood crying and calling after me to return; but I put my fingers in my ears, and so came on my way.conclude
GoodThat I want solidness-Will. But did none of them follow you, to persuade you to go back?that I am rude;
Chr. YesAll things solid in show, both Obstinate and Pliablenot solid be; but when they saw that they could not prevail, Obstinate went railing back, but Pliable came with me a little way.
Good-Will. But why did he All things in parable despise not come through?we,
Chr. We, indeed, came both together, until we came at the Slough of Despond, into the which Lest things most hurtful lightly we also suddenly fell. And then was my neighbour, Pliable, discouraged, and would not venture further. Wherefore, getting out again on that side next to his own house, he told me I should possess the brave country alone for him; so he went his way, and I came mine -- he after Obstinatereceive, and I to this gate.
Good-Will. Then said Good-Will, AlasAnd things that good are, poor man! is the celestial glory of so small esteem with him, that he counteth it not worth running the hazards of a few difficulties to obtain it?our souls bereave.
Chr. Truly, said Christian, I have said the truth of Pliable, My dark and if I should also say all the truth of myself, it will appear there is no betterment betwixt him and myself. It is true, he went back to his own house, cloudy words they do but I also turned aside to go in the way of death, being persuaded thereto by the carnal arguments of one Mr. Worldly Wiseman.hold
Good-Will. OhThe truth, did he light upon you? What! he would have had you a sought for ease at as cabinets inclose the hands of Mr. Legality. They are, both of them, a very cheatgold. But did you take his counsel?
Chr. Yes, as far as I durst; I went to find out Mr. Legality, until I thought that the mountain that stands The prophets used much by his house would have fallen upon my head; wherefore there I was forced to stop.metaphors
Good-Will. That mountain has been the death of manyTo set forth truth: yea, and will be the death of many more; it is well you escaped being by it dashed in pieces.who so considers
Chr. WhyChrist, trulyhis apostles too, I do not know what had become of me thereshall plainly see, had not Evangelist happily met me again, as I was musing in the midst of my dumps; but it was God's mercy that he came to me again, for else I had never come hither. But now I am come, such a one as I am, more fit, indeed, for death, by that mountain, than thus to stand talking with my lord; but, oh, what a favour is this to me, that yet I am admitted entrance here!
Good-Will. We make no objections against any, notwithstanding all that they have done before they came hither. They are That truths to this day in no wise cast out; and therefore, good Christian, come a little way with me, and I will teach thee about the way thou must go. Look before thee; dost thou see this narrow. way? THAT is the way thou must go; it was cast up by the patriarchs, prophets, Christ, and his apostles; and it is as straight as a rule can make it. This is the way thou must gosuch mantles be.
Chr. ButAm I afraid to say, said Christianthat holy writ, are there no turnings or windings by which a stranger may lose his way?
Good-Will. Yes, there are many ways butt Which for its style and phrase puts down upon this, and they are crooked and wide. But thus thou mayest distinguish the right from the wrongall wit, the right only being straight and narrow.
Then I saw in my dream that Christian asked him further if he could not help him off with his burden that was upon his back; for as yet he had not got rid thereofIs everywhere so full of all these things, nor could he by any means get it off without help.
He told himDark figures, As to thy burden, be content to bear it, until thou comest to the place of deliverance; for allegories? Yet there it will fall from thy back of itself.springs
Then Christian began to gird up his loins, and to address himself to his journey. So the other told himFrom that same book, That by that he was gone some distance from the gate, he would come at the house of the Interpreter, at whose door he should knock, and he would shew him excellent things. Then Christian took his leave of his friendlustre, and he again bid him God-speed.those rays
Then he went on till he came to the house of the InterpreterOf light, where he knocked over and over; at last one came that turn our darkest nights to the door, and asked who was theredays.
Chr. SirCome, here is a traveller, who was bid by an acquaintance of the good-man of this house to call here for let my profit; I would therefore speak with the master of the house. So he called for the master of the house, who, after a little time, came carper to Christianhis life now look, and asked him what he would have.
Chr. Sir, said Christian, I am a man that am come from the City of Destruction, and am going to the Mount Zion; and I was told by the man that stands at the gate, at, the head of this way, that if I called here, you would shew me excellent things, such as would be a help to me And find there darker lines than in my journey.book
Inter. Then said the Interpreter, Come inHe findeth any; I will shew that which will be profitable to thee. So he commanded his man to light the candleyea, and bid Christian follow let him: so he had him into a private room, and bid his man open a door; the which when he had done, Christian saw the picture of a very grave person hung up against the wall; and this was the fashion of it. It had eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, the law of truth was written upon his lipsknow, the world was behind his back. It stood as if it pleaded with men, and a crown of gold did hang over his head.
ChrThat in his best things there are worse lines too. Then said Christian, What meaneth this?
Inter. The man whose picture this is, is one of a thousand; he can beget children, travail in birth with children, and nurse them himself when they are born. And whereas thou seest him with his eyes lift up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, and the law of truth writ on his lips, it is to shew thee that his work is to know and unfold dark things to sinners; even as also thou seest him May we but stand as if he pleaded with before impartial men: and whereas thou seest the world as cast behind him, and that a crown hangs over his head, that is to shew thee that slighting and despising the things that are present, for the love that he hath to his Master's service, he is sure in the world that comes next to have glory for his reward. Now, said the Interpreter, I have shewed thee this picture first, because the man whose picture this is, is the only man whom the Lord of the place whither thou art going, hath authorised to be thy guide in all difficult places thou mayest meet with in the way; wherefore, take good heed to what I have shewed thee, and bear well in thy mind what thou hast seen, lest in thy journey thou meet with some that pretend to lead thee right, but their way goes down to death.
Then he took him by the handTo his poor one I durst adventure ten, and led him into a very large parlour that was full of dust, because never swept; the which after he had reviewed a little while, the Interpreter called for a man to sweep. Now, when he began to sweep, the dust began so abundantly to fly about, that Christian had almost therewith been choked. Then said the Interpreter to a damsel that stood by, Bring hither the water, and sprinkle the room; the which, when she had done, it was swept and cleansed with pleasure.
Chr. Then said Christian, What means this?That they will take my meaning in these lines
Inter. The Interpreter answered, This parlour is the heart of a man that was never sanctified by the sweet grace of the gospel; the dust is Far better than his original sin and inward corruptions, that have defiled the whole man. He that began to sweep at first, is the Law; but she that brought water, and did sprinkle it, is the Gospel. Now, whereas thou sawest, that so soon as the first began to sweep, the dust did so fly about that the room by him could not be cleansed, but that thou wast almost choked therewith; this is to shew thee, that the law, instead of cleansing the heart (by its working) from sin, doth revive, put strength into, and increase it lies in the soul, even as it doth discover and forbid it, for it doth not give power to subduesilver shrines.
AgainCome, as thou sawest the damsel sprinkle the room with watertruth, upon which it was cleansed with pleasure this is to shew thee, that when the gospel comes although in the sweet and precious influences thereof to the heart, thenswaddling-clothes, I say, even as thou sawest the damsel lay the dust by sprinkling the floor with water, so is sin vanquished and subdued, and the soul made clean through the faith of it, and consequently fit for the King of glory to inhabit.find
I saw, moreover, in my dream, that the Interpreter took him by the hand, and had him into a little room, where sat two little children, each one in his chair. The name of the eldest was Passion, and the name of the other Patience. Passion seemed to be much discontented; but Patience was very quiet. Then Christian asked, What is the reason of Informs the discontent of Passion? The Interpreter answeredjudgment, The Governor of them would have him stay for his best things till the beginning of rectifies the next yearmind; but he will have all now: but Patience is willing to wait.
Then I saw that one came to Passion, and brought him a bag of treasure, and poured it down at his feetPleases the understanding, makes the which he took up and rejoiced therein, and withal laughed Patience to scorn. But I beheld but a while, and he had lavished all away, and had nothing left him but rags.will
Chr. Then said Christian to Submit, the Interpreter, Expound this matter more fully to me.memory too it doth fill
Inter. So he said, These two lads are figures: Passion, of the men of this worldWith what doth our imagination please; and Patience, of the men of that which is to come; for as here thou seest, Passion will have all now this year, that is to say, in this world; so are the men of this world, they must have all their good things now, they cannot stay till next year, that is until the next world, for their portion of good. That proverb, 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,' is of more authority with them than are all the Divine testimonies of the good of the world to come. But as thou sawest that he had quickly lavished all away, and had presently left him nothing but rags; so will it be with all such men at the end of this world.
Chr. Then said Christian, Now I see that Patience has the best wisdom, and that upon many accounts. First, because he stays for the best things. Second, and also because he will have the glory of his, when the other has nothing but ragsLikewise it tends our troubles to appease.
Inter. NaySound words, you may add anotherI know, to wit, the glory of the next world will never wear out; but these are suddenly gone. Therefore Passion had not so much reason to laugh at Patience, because he had his good things first, as Patience will have to laugh at Passion, because he had his best things last; for first must give place to last, because last must have his time to come; but last gives place to nothing; for there Timothy is not another to succeed. He, therefore, that hath his portion first, must needs have a time to spend it; but he that hath his portion last, must have it lastingly; therefore it is said of Dives, Thou in thy life-time receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforteduse, and thou art tormented.
Chr. Then I perceive it And old wives' fables he is not best to covet things that are now, but to wait for things to come.refuse;
Inter. You say the truth: For the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. But though this be so, yet since things present and our fleshly appetite are such near neighbours one to another; and again, because things to come, and carnal sense, are such strangers one to another; therefore it is, that the first of these so suddenly fall into amity, and that distance is so continued between the second.grave Paul him nowhere doth forbid
Then I saw The use of parables, in my dream that the Interpreter took Christian by the hand, and led him into a place where was a fire burning against a wall, and one standing by it, always casting much water upon it, to quench it; yet did the fire burn higher and hotter.which lay hid
Then said ChristianThat gold, What means this?those pearls, and precious stones that were
The Interpreter answeredWorth digging for, This fire is the work of grace that is wrought in the heart; he that casts water upon it, to extinguish and put it out, is the Devil; but in that thou seest the fire notwithstanding burn higher and hotter, thou shalt also see the reason of that. So he had him about to the backside of the wall, where he saw a man with a vessel of oil in his hand, of the which he did also continually cast, but secretly, into the firegreatest care.
Then said ChristianLet me add one word more. O man of God, What means this?
The Interpreter answered, This is Christ, who continually, with the oil of his grace, maintains the work already begun in the heart: by the means of which, notwithstanding what the devil can do, the souls of his people prove gracious still. And in that Art thou sawest that the man stood behind the wall to maintain the fire, that is to teach thee that it is hard for the tempted to see how this work of grace is maintained in the soul.offended? Dost thou wish I had
I saw also, that the Interpreter took him again by the hand, and led him into a pleasant place, where was builded a stately palace, beautiful to behold; at the sight of which Christian was greatly delighted. He saw also, upon the top thereof, certain persons walking, who were clothed all Put forth my matter in gold.another dress?
Then said Christian, May we go Or that I had in thitherthings been more express?
Then the Interpreter took him, and led him up towards the door of the palaceThree things let me propound; and behold, at the door stood a great company of men, as desirous to go in; but durst not. There also sat a man at a little distance from the door, at a table-side, with a book and his inkhorn before him, to take the name of him that should enter therein; he saw also, that in the doorway stood many men in armour to keep it, being resolved to do the men that would enter what hurt and mischief they could. Now was Christian somewhat in amaze. At last, when every man started back for fear of the armed men, Christian saw a man of a very stout countenance come up to the man that sat there to write, saying, Set down my name, Sir: the which when he had done, he saw the man draw his sword, and put a helmet upon his head, and rush toward the door upon the armed men, who laid upon him with deadly force; but the man, not at all discouraged, fell to cutting and hacking most fiercely. So after he had received and given many wounds to those that attempted to keep him out, he cut his way through them all, and pressed forward into the palace, at which there was a pleasant voice heard from those that were within, even of those that walked upon the top of the palace, saying --then I submit
Come inTo those that are my betters, come in; Eternal glory thou shalt winas is fit.
So he went in, and was clothed with such garments as they1. Then Christian smiled and said; I think verily find not that I know am denied the meaning of this.use
NowOf this my method, said Christian, let me go hence. Nay, stay, said the Interpreter, till so I have shewed thee a little more, andno abuse
after that thou shalt go Put on thy way. So he took him by the hand againwords, and led him into a very dark roomthings, where there sat a man in an iron cage.readers, or be rude
Now the manIn handling figure or similitude, to look on, seemed very sad; he sat with his eyes looking down to the ground, his hands folded together, and he sighed as if he would break his heart. Then said Christian, What means this? At which the Interpreter bid him talk with the man.
Then said Christian to the man, What art thou? The man answered, In application; but all that I am what I was not once.may
ChrSeek the advance of truth this or that way. What wast thou once?
Man. The man saidDenied, did I was once a fair and flourishing professorsay? Nay, both in mine own eyes, and also in the eyes of others; I once washave leave, as I thought, fair for the Celestial City, and had then even joy at the thoughts that I should get thither.
Chr. Well, but what art thou now? Man. I am now a man of despair(Example too, and am shut up in it, as in this iron cage. I cannot get out. Oh, now I cannot!that from them that have
Chr. But how camest thou in this condition?God better pleased, by their words or ways,
Man. I left off to watch and be sober. I laid the reins, upon the neck of my lusts; I sinned against the light of the Word and the goodness of God; I have grieved the Spirit, and he is gone; I tempted the devil, and he is come to me; I have provoked God to angerThan any man that breatheth now-a-days, and he has left me: I have so hardened my heart, that I cannot repent.)
Then said Christian Thus to the Interpreterexpress my mind, But is there no hope for such a man as this? Ask him, said the Interpreter. Nay, said Christian, pray, Sir, do you.thus to declare
InterThings unto thee that excellentest are. Then said the Interpreter, Is there no hope, but you must be kept in the iron cage of despair?
Man. No, none at all2. I find that men as high as trees will write
Inter. Why, the Son of the Blessed is very pitiful.Dialogue-wise; yet no man doth them slight
ManFor writing so. I have crucified him to myself afresh; I have despised his person; I have despised his righteousness; I have counted his blood an unholy thing; I have done despite to the Spirit of grace. Therefore I have shut myself out of all the promises, and there now remains to me nothing but threatenings, dreadful threatenings, fearful threatenings Indeed, of certain judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour me as an adversary.if they abuse
Inter. For what did you bring yourself into this condition?Truth, cursed be they, and the craft they use
Man. For the lusts, pleasures, and profits of this world; in the enjoyment of which I did then promise myself much delightTo that intent; but now every one of those things also bite me, and gnaw me like a burning worm.yet let truth be free
Inter. But canst thou not now repent To make her sallies upon thee and turn?me,
Man. Which way it pleases God hath denied me repentance. His Word gives me no encouragement to believe; yea: for who knows how, himself hath shut me up in this iron cage; nor can all the men in the world let me out. O eternity, eternity! how shall I grapple with the misery that I must meet with in eternity!
Inter. Then said the Interpreter Better than he that taught us first to Christianplough, Let this man's misery be remembered by thee, and be an everlasting caution to thee.
Chr. Well, said Christian, this is fearful! God help me to watch To guide our minds and be sober, and to pray that I may shun the cause of this man's misery! Sir, is it not time pens for me to go on my way nowhis designs? Inter. Tarry till I shall shew thee one thing more, and then thou shalt go on thy way.
So he took Christian by the hand again, and led him into a chamber, where there was one rising out of bed; and as he put on his raiment he shook and trembled. Then said Christian, Why doth this man thus tremble? The Interpreter then bid him tell to Christian the reason of his so doing. So And he began and said, This night, as I was makes base things usher in my sleep, I dreamed, and behold the heavens grew exceeding black; also it thundered and lightened in most fearful wise, that it put me into an agony; so I looked up in my dream, and saw the clouds rack at an unusual rate, upon which I heard a great sound of a trumpet, and saw also a man sit upon a cloud, attended with the thousands of heaven; they were all in flaming fire: also the heavens were in a burning flame. I heard then a voice saying, Arise, ye dead, and come to judgment; and with that the rocks rent, the graves opened, and the dead that were therein came forth. Some of them were exceeding glad, and looked upward; and some sought to hide themselves under the mountains. Then I saw the man that sat upon the cloud open the book, and bid the world draw near. Yet there was, by reason of a fierce flame which issued out and came from before him, a convenient distance betwixt him and them, as betwixt the judge and the prisoners at the bar. I heard it also proclaimed to them that attended on the man that sat on the cloud, Gather together the tares, the chaff, and stubble, and cast them into the burning lake. And with that, the bottomless pit opened, just whereabout I stood; out of the mouth of which there came, in an abundant manner, smoke and coals of fire, with hideous noises. It was also said to the same persons, Gather my wheat into the garner. And with that I saw many catched up and carried away into the clouds, but I was left behind. I also sought to hide myself, but I could not, for the man that sat upon the cloud still kept his eye upon me; my sins also came into my mind; and my conscience did accuse me on every side. Upon this I awaked from my sleepdivine.
Chr3. But what is it I find that made you so afraid of this sight?holy writ, in many places,
Man. Why, I thought that the day of judgment was come, and that I was not ready for it: but Hath semblance with this frighted me most, that the angels gathered up severalmethod, and left me behind; also the pit of hell opened her mouth just where I stood. My conscience, too, afflicted me; and, as I thought, the Judge had always his eye upon me, shewing indignation in his countenance.cases
Then said the Interpreter Do call for one thing to Christian, Hast thou considered all these things?set forth another:
Chr. YesUse it I may then, and they put me in hope and fear.yet nothing smother
Inter. WellTruth's golden beams: nay, keep all things so in thy mind that they by this method may be as a goad in thy sides, to prick thee forward in the way thou must go. Then Christian began to gird up his loins, and to address himself to his journey. Then said the Interpreter, The Comforter be always with thee, good Christian, to guide thee in the way that leads to the City. So Christian went on his way, saying --
Here I have seen things rare and profitable; Things pleasant, dreadful, things to make me stable In what I have begun to take in hand; Then let me think on them and understand Wherefore they shewed me were, and let me be Thankful, O good Interpreter, to theeMake it cast forth its rays as light as day.
Now And now, before I saw in do put up my dream, that the highway up which Christian was to go, was fenced on either side with a wall, and that wall was called Salvation. Up this way, therefore, did burdened Christian run, but not without great difficultypen, because of the load on his back.
He ran thus till he came at a place somewhat ascending, and upon that place stood a cross, and a little below, in the bottom, a sepulchre. So I saw in my dream, that just as Christian came up with the cross, his burden loosed from off his shoulders, and fell from off his back, and began to tumble, and so continued to do, till it came to the mouth of the sepulchre, where it fell in, and I saw it no more. Then was Christian glad and lightsome, and said, with a merry heart, 'He hath given me rest by his sorrow, and life by his death.' Then he stood still awhile to look and wonder; for it was very surprising to him, that ll show the sight profit of the cross should thus ease him of his burden. He looked therefore, and looked again, even till the springs that were in his head sent the waters down his cheeks. Now, as he stood looking and weeping, behold three Shining Ones came to him and saluted him with Peace be unto thee. So the first said to him, Thy sins be forgiven theemy book; the second stripped him of his rags, and clothed him with change of raiment; the third also set a mark on his forehead, and gave him a roll with a seal upon it, which he bade him look on as he ran, and that he should give it in at the Celestial Gate. So they went their way.then
"Who's this? the Pilgrim. How! 'tis very true, Old things are past away, all's become new. Strange! he's another man, upon my word, They be fine feathers Commit both thee and it unto that make a fine bird.hand
Then Christian gave three leaps for joyThat pulls the strong down, and went on singing --makes weak ones stand.
Thus far I did come laden with my sin; Nor could aught ease the grief that I was in Till I came hither: What a place is this! Must here be the beginning of my bliss? Must here the burden fall from off my back? Must here the strings that bound This book it to me crack? Blest cross! blest sepulchre! blest rather be The Man that there was put to shame for me!chalketh out before thine eyes
I saw then in my dream, The man that he went on thus, even until he came at a bottom, where he saw, a little out of the way, three men fast asleep, with fetters upon their heels. The name of the one was Simple, another Sloth, and seeks the third Presumption.everlasting prize:
Christian then seeing them lie in this case went to them, if peradventure he might awake them, and cried, You are like them that sleep on the top of a mast, for the Dead Sea is under you -- a gulf that hath no bottom. Awake, therefore, and come away; be willing also, and I will help It shows you off with your irons. He also told them, If whence he that goeth about like a roaring lion comes by, you will certainly become a prey to his teeth. With that they looked upon him, and began to reply in this sort: Simple said, 'I see no danger;' Sloth said, 'Yet a little more sleep;' and Presumption said, 'Every fat must stand upon its own bottom; what is the answer else that I should give thee?' And so they lay down to sleep againwhither he goes, and Christian went on his way.
Yet was What he troubled to think that men in that danger should so little esteem the kindness of him that so freely offered to help them, both by awakening of them, counselling of them, and proffering to help them off with their irons. And as leaves undone; also what he was troubled thereabout, he espied two men come tumbling over the wall on the left hand of the narrow way; and they made up apace to him. The name of the one was Formalist, and the name of the other Hypocrisy. So, as I said, they drew up unto him, who thus entered with them into discourse.does:
Chr. Gentlemen, whence came It also shows youhow he runs, and whither go you?runs,
Form. and Hyp. We were born in Till he unto the land gate of Vain-Glory, and are going for praise to Mount Zionglory comes.
Chr. Why came you not in at the gate which standeth at the beginning of the way? Know you not that it is writtenIt shows, that he that cometh not in by the doortoo, but climbeth up some other waywho set out for life amain, the same is a thief and a robber?
Form. and Hyp. They said, That to go to As if the gate for entrance was, by all their countrymen, counted too far aboutlasting crown they would obtain; and that, therefore, their usual way was to make a short cut of it, and to climb over the wall, as they had done.
Chr. But will it not be counted a trespass against Here also you may see the Lord of the city whither we are bound, thus to violate his revealed will?reason why
Form. and Hyp. They told himlose their labor, that, as for that, he needed not to trouble his head thereabout; for what they did they had custom for; and could produce, if need were, testimony that would witness it for more than a thousand yearslike fools do die.
Chr. But, said Christian, This book will your practice stand make a trial at law?traveler of thee,
Form. and Hyp. They told him, That custom, it being of so long a standing as above a thousand years, would, doubtless, now be admitted as a thing legal If by any impartial judge; and besides, said they, if we get into the way, what's matter which way we get in? if we are in, we are in; its counsel thou art but in the way, who, as we perceive, came in at the gate; and we are also in the way, that came tumbling over the wallwilt ruled be; wherein, now, is thy condition better than ours?
Chr. I walk by the rule of my Master: you walk by the rude working of your fancies. You are counted thieves already, by the Lord of the way; therefore, I doubt you It will not be found true men at the end of direct thee to the way. You come in by yourselves, without his direction; and shall go out by yourselvesHoly Land, without his mercy.
To this they made him but little answer; only they bid him look to himself. Then I saw that they went on every man in his way without much conference one with another, save that these two men told Christian, that as to laws and ordinances, they doubted not but they should as conscientiously do them as he; therefore, said they, we see not wherein If thou differest from us but by the coat that is on thy back, which was, as we trow, given thee by some of thy neighbours, to hide the shame of thy nakedness.wilt its directions understand
Chr. By laws and ordinances you will not be saved, since you came not in by the door. And as for this coat that is on my backYea, it was given me by the Lord of the place whither I go; and that, as you say, to cover my nakedness with. And I take it as a token of his kindness to me; for I had nothing but rags before. And besides, thus I comfort myself as I go: Surely, think I, when I come to the gate of the city, the Lord thereof will know me for good since I have this coat on my back -- a coat that he gave me freely in make the day that he stripped me of my rags. I have, moreover, a mark in my forehead, of which, perhaps, you have taken no notice, which one of my Lord's most intimate associates fixed there in the day that my burden fell off my shoulders. I will tell you, moreover, that I had then given me a roll, sealed, to comfort me by reading as I go on the way; I was also bid to give it in at the Celestial Gate, in token of my certain going in after itslothful active be; all which things, I doubt, you want, and want them because you came not in at the gate.
To these The blind also delightful things they gave him no answer; only they looked upon each other, and laughed. Then, I saw that they went on all, save that Christian kept before, who had no more talk but with himself, and that sometimes sighingly, and sometimes comfortably; also he would be often reading in the roll that one of the Shining Ones gave him, by which he was refreshedto see.
I beheld, then, that they all went on till they came to the foot of the Hill Difficulty; at the bottom of which was a spring. There were also in the same place two other ways besides that which came straight from the gate; one turned to the left hand, Art thou for something rare and the other to the right, at the bottom of the hill; but the narrow way lay right up the hill, and the name of the going up the side of the hill is called Difficulty. Christian now went to the spring, and drank thereof, to refresh himself, and then began to go up the hill, saying --profitable?
The hill, though high, I covet to ascend, The difficulty will not me offend;For I perceive the way to life lies here. Come, pluck up heart, letOr would's neither faint nor fear; Better, though difficult, the right way to go, Than wrong, though easy, where the end is woe.st thou see a truth within a fable?
The other two also came to the foot of the hill; but when they saw that the hill was steep and high, and that there were two other ways to go, and supposing also that these two ways might meet again, with that up which Christian went, on the other side of the hill, therefore they were resolved to go in those ways. Now the name of one of these ways was Danger, and the name of the other Destruction. So the one took the way which is called Danger, which led him into a great wood, and the other took directly up the way to Destruction, which led him into a wide field, full of dark mountains, where he stumbled and fell, and rose no more.Art thou forgetful? Wouldest thou remember
Shall they who wrong begin yet rightly endFrom New-Year's day to the last of December? Shall they at all have safety for their friend? No, no; in headstrong manner they set out, And headlong will they fall at last, no doubt.
I looked, then, after Christian, to see him go up the hill, where I perceived he fell from running to going, and from going to clambering upon his hands and his knees, because of the steepness of the place. Now, about the midway to the top of the hill was a pleasant arbour, made by the Lord of the hill for the refreshing of weary travellers; thither, therefore, Christian got, where also he sat down to rest him. Then he pulled his roll out of his bosom, and read therein to his comfortmy fancies; he also now began afresh to take a review of the coat or garment that was given him as he stood by the cross. Thus pleasing himself awhile, he at last fell into a slumber, and thence into a fast sleep, which detained him in that place until it was almost night; and in his sleep, his roll fell out of his hand. Now, as he was sleeping, there came one to him, and awaked him, saying, Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. And with that Christian started up, and sped him on his way, and went apacethey will stick like burs, till he came to the top of the hill.
NowAnd may be, when he was got up to the top of the hill, there came two men running to meet him amain; the name of the one was Timorous, and of the other, Mistrust; to whom Christian said, Sirs, what's the matter? You run the wrong way. Timorous answered, that they were going to the City of Zion, and had got up that difficult place; but, said he, the further we go, the more danger we meet with; wherefore we turnedhelpless, and are going back againcomforters.
Yes, said Mistrust, for just before us lie This book is writ in such a couple of lions in the way, whether sleeping or waking we know not, and we could not think, if we came within reach, but they would presently pull us in pieces.dialect
Chr. Then said Christian, You make me afraid, but whither shall I fly to be safe? If I go back to mine own country, that is prepared for fire and brimstone, and I shall certainly perish there. If I can get to As may the Celestial City, I am sure to be in safety there. I must venture. To go back is nothing but death; to go forward is fear minds of death, and life-everlasting beyond it. I will yet go forward. So Mistrust and Timorous ran down the hill, and Christian went on his way. But, thinking again of what he had heard from the listless men, he felt in his bosom for his roll, that he might read therein, and be comforted; but he felt, and found it not. Then was Christian in great distress, and knew not what to do; for he wanted that which used to relieve him, and that which should have been his pass into the Celestial City. Here, therefore, he begun to be much perplexed, and knew not what to do. At last he bethought himself that he had slept in the arbour that is on the side of the hill; and, falling down upon his knees, he asked God's forgiveness for that his foolish act, and then went back to look for his roll. But all the way he went back, who can sufficiently set forth the sorrow of Christian's heart? Sometimes he sighed, sometimes he wept, and oftentimes he chid himself for being so foolish to fall asleep in that place, which was erected only for a little refreshment for his weariness. Thus, therefore, he went back, carefully looking on this side and on that, all the way as he went, if happily he might find his roll, that had been his comfort so many times in his journey. He went thus, till he came again within sight of the arbour where he sat and slept; but that sight renewed his sorrow the more, by bringing again, even afresh, his evil of sleeping into his mind. Thus, therefore, he now went on bewailing his sinful sleep, saying, O wretched man that I am that I should sleep in the day-time! that I should sleep in the midst of difficulty! that I should so indulge the flesh, as to use that rest for ease to my flesh, which the Lord of the hill hath erected only for the relief of the spirits of pilgrims!affect:
How many steps have I took in vain! Thus it happened to IsraelIt seems a novelty, for their sin; they were sent back again by the way of the Red Sea; and I am made to tread those steps with sorrow, which I might have trod with delight, had it not been for this sinful sleep. How far might I have been on my way by this time! I am made to tread those steps thrice over, which I needed not to have trod but once; yea, now also I am like to be benighted, for the day is almost spent. O, that I had not slept!yet contains
Now, by this time he was come to the arbour again, where for a while he sat down and wept; Nothing but at last, as Christian would have it, looking sorrowfully down under the settle, there he espied his roll; the which he, with trembling and haste, catched up, and put it into his bosom. But who can tell how joyful this man was when he had gotten his roll again! for this roll was the assurance of his life and acceptance at the desired haven. Therefore he laid it up in his bosom, gave thanks to God for directing his eye to the place where it lay, and with joy and tears betook himself again to his journey. But oh, how nimbly now did he go up the rest of the hill! Yet, before he got up, the sun went down upon Christian; and this made him again recall the vanity of his sleeping to his remembrance; and thus he again began to condole with himself: O thou sinful sleep; how, for thy sake, am I like to be benighted in my journey! I must walk without the sun; darkness must cover the path of my feet; and I must hear the noise of the doleful creatures, because of my sinful sleep. Now also he remembered the story that Mistrust and Timorous told him of; how they were frighted with the sight of the lions. Then said Christian to himself again, These beasts range in the night for their prey; and if they should meet with me in the dark, how should I shift them? How should I escape being by them torn in pieces? Thus he went on his way. But while he was thus bewailing his unhappy miscarriage, he lift up his eyes, and behold there was a very stately palace before him, the name of which was Beautiful; sound and it stood just by the highway sidehonest gospel strains.
So I saw in my dream that he made haste and went forward, that if possible he might get lodging there. Now, before he had gone far, he entered into a very narrow passage, which was about a furlong off the porterWould's lodge; and looking very narrowly before him as he went, he espied two lions in the way. Now, thought he, I see the dangers that Mistrust and Timorous were driven back by. (The lions were chained, but he saw not the chains.) Then he was afraid, and thought also himself to go back after them, for he thought nothing but death was before him. But the porter at the lodge, whose name is Watchful, perceiving that Christian made a halt as if he would go back, cried unto him, saying, Is thy strength so smallst thou divert thyself from melancholy? Fear not the lions, for they are chained, and are placed there for trial of faith where it is, and for discovery of those that had none. Keep in the midst of the path, and no hurt shall come unto thee.
Difficulty is behind, Fear is before, Though he's got on the hill, the lions roar; A Christian man is never long at ease, When one frightWould's gonest thou be pleasant, another doth him seize.yet be far from folly?
Then I saw that he went on, trembling for fear of the lions, but taking good heed to the directions of the porter; he heard them roar, but they did him no harm. Then he clapped his handsWould'st thou read riddles, and went on till he came and stood before the gate where the porter was. Then said Christian to the porter, Sir, what house is thistheir explanation? And may I lodge here to-night? The porter answered, This house was built by the Lord of the hill, and he built it for the relief and security of pilgrims. The porter also asked whence he was, and whither he was going.
Chr. I am come from the City of Destruction, and am going to Mount Zion; but because the sun is now set, I desire, if I may, to lodge here to-night.Or else be drowned in thy contemplation?
Por. What is your nameDost thou love picking meat? Or would'st thou see
Chr. My name is now Christian, but my name at A man i' the first was Graceless; I came of the race of Japhethclouds, whom God will persuade and hear him speak to dwell in the tents of Shem.thee?
Por. But how doth it happen that you come so lateWould'st thou be in a dream, and yet not sleep? The sun is set.
Chr. I had been here sooner, but that, wretched man that I am! I slept Or would'st thou in the arbour that stands on the hillside; nay, I had, notwithstanding that, been here much sooner, but that, in my sleep, I lost my evidence, and came without it to the brow of the hill; and then feeling for it, and finding it not, I was forced with sorrow of heart, to go back to the place where I slept my sleep, where I found it, a moment laugh and now I am come.weep?
Por. Well, I will call out one of the virgins of this place, who will, if she likes your talk, bring you into the rest of the family, according to the rules of the house. So Watchful, the porter, rang a bell, at the sound of which came out at the door of the house a grave Would'st thou lose thyself and beautiful damselcatch no harm, named Discretion, and asked why she was called.
The porter answered, This man is in And find thyself again without a journey from the City of Destruction to Mount Zion, but being weary and benighted, he asked me if he might lodge here tonight; so I told him I would call for thee, who, after discourse had with him, mayest do as seemeth thee good, even according to the law of the house.charm?
Then she asked him whence he wasWould'st read thyself, and whither he was going, and he told her. She asked him also how he got into the way; and he told her. Then she asked him what he had seen and met with in the way; and he told, her. And last she asked his name; so he said, It is Christian, and I have so much the more a desire to lodge here to-night, because, by read thou know'st not what I perceive, this place was built by the Lord of the hill for the relief and security of pilgrims. So she smiled, but the water stood in her eyes; and after a little pause, she said, I will call forth two or three more of the family. So she ran to the door, and called out Prudence, Piety, and Charity, who, after a little more discourse with him, had him into the family; and many of them, meeting him at the threshold of the house, said, Come in, thou blessed of the Lord; this house was built by the Lord of the hill, on purpose to entertain such pilgrims in. Then he bowed his head, and followed them into the house. So when he was come in and sat down, they gave him something to drink, and consented together, that until supper was ready, some of them should have some particular discourse with Christian, for the best improvement of time; and they appointed Piety, and Prudence, and Charity to discourse with him; and thus they began:
Piety. ComeAnd yet know whether thou art blest or not, good Christian, since we have been so loving to you, to receive you in our house this night, let us, if perhaps we may better ourselves thereby, talk with you of all things that have happened to you in your pilgrimage.
Chr. With a very good willBy reading the same lines? O then come hither, and I am glad that you are so well disposed.
PietyAnd lay my book, thy head, and heart together. What moved you at first to betake yourself to a pilgrim's life?
Chr. I was driven out of my native country by a dreadful sound that was in mine ears: to wit, that unavoidable destruction did attend me, if I abode in that place where I wasJOHN BUNYAN.
Piety. But how did it happen that you came out of your country this way?
Chr. It was as God would have it; for when I was under the fears of destruction, I did not know whither to go; but by chance there came a man, even to me, as I was trembling and weeping, whose name is Evangelist, and he directed me to the wicket-gate, which else I should never have found, and so set me into the way that hath led me directly to this house.
Piety==THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. But did you not come by the house of the Interpreter?THE FIRST STAGE.==
Chr. YesAs I walked through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certainplace where was a den, 3 and did see such things there, the remembrance of which will stick by laid me down in that place to sleep; and as long as I slept, I dreamed a dream. I live; especially three things -- to witdreamed, and behold, how ChristI saw a man clothedwith rags, standing in despite of Satana certain place, maintains with his work of grace face from his ownhouse, a book in the hearthis hand, and a great burden upon his back. Isa 64:6; how the man had sinned himself quite out of hopes of God's mercyLuke 14:33; Psalm 38:4. I looked and also the dream of saw him that thought in his sleep open the day of judgment was comebook, and readtherein; and as he read, he wept and trembled; and not being able longerto contain, he brake out with a lamentable cry, saying, "What shall Ido?" Acts 2:37; 16:30; Habak 1:2,3.
PietyIn this plight, therefore, he went home, and restrained himself as longas he could, that his wife and children should not perceive hisdistress; but he could not be silent long, because that his troubleincreased. Why Wherefore at length he brake his mind to his wife andchildren; and thus he began to talk to them: "O, my dear wife," said he,"and you the children of my bowels, I, your dear friend, am in myselfundone by reason of a burden that lieth hard upon me; moreover, I amcertainly informed that this our city will be burnt with fire fromheaven; in which fearful overthrow, both myself, with thee my wife, andyou my sweet babes, shall miserably come to ruin, except (the which yetI see not) some way of escape can be found whereby we may be delivered."At this his relations were sore amazed; not for that they believed thatwhat he had said to them was true, but because they thought that somefrenzy distemper had got into his head; therefore, it drawing towardsnight, and they hoping that sleep might settle his brains, with allhaste they got him to bed. But the night was as troublesome to him asthe day; wherefore, instead of sleeping, he spent it in sighs and tears.So when the morning was come, they would know how he did you hear . He told them,"Worse and worse:" he also set to talking to them again; but they beganto be hardened. They also thought to drive away his distemper by harshand surly carriage to him; sometimes they would deride, sometimes theywould chide, and sometimes they would quite neglect him tell . Wherefore hebegan to retire himself to his dream?chamber to pray for and pity them, andalso to condole his own misery; he would also walk solitarily in thefields, sometimes reading, and sometimes praying: and thus for some dayshe spent his time.
Chr. YesNow I saw, and upon a dreadful one it time, when he was. I thought it made my heart ache walking in the fields, that he was(as he was telling of itwont) reading in his book, and greatly distressed in hismind; but yet and as he read, he burst out, as he had done before, crying, "Whatshall I am glad I heard itdo to be saved?" Acts 16:30,31.
Piety. Was I saw also that all he looked this way, and that you way, as if he would run;yet he stood still because (as I perceived) he could not tell which wayto go. I looked then, and saw at the house of the Interpretera man named Evangelist coming to him, andhe asked, "Wherefore dost thou cry?"
Chr. No; he took me and had me where he shewed me a stately palaceHe answered, "Sir, I perceive, and how by the people were clad book in gold my hand, that were in it; and how there came a venturous man and cut his way through the armed men that stood in the door I amcondemned to keep him outdie, and how he was bid after that to come into judgment, Heb. 9:27; and win eternal glory. Methought those things did ravish my heart! I would have stayed at find that good man's house a twelvemonthI am not willing to do the first, but that I knew I had further Job 10: 21,22, nor able to godo the second." Ezek. 22:14.
PietyThen said Evangelist, "Why not willing to die, since this life isattended with so many evils?" The man answered, "Because, I fear thatthis burden that is upon my back will sink me lower than the grave, andI shall fall into Tophet. Isa. 30:33. And what saw you else in Sir, if I be not fit to goto prison, I am not fit to go to judgment, and from thence to execution;and the way?thoughts of these things make me cry."
Chr. Saw! whyThen said Evangelist, I went but a little further"If this be thy condition, and I saw onewhy standest thoustill?" He answered, as "Because I thought in my mind, hang bleeding upon the tree; and the very sight of know not whither to go." Then he gavehim made my burden fall off my back, (for I groaned under a very heavy burdenparchment roll,) but then it fell down from off me. It and there was a strange thing to mewritten within, for I never saw such a thing before; yea, and while I stood looking up, for then I could not forbear looking, three Shining Ones came "Fly from the wrathto mecome. One of them testified that my sins were forgiven me; another stripped me of my rags, and gave me this broidered coat which you see; and the third set the mark which you see in my forehead, and gave me this sealed roll" Matt. (And with that he plucked it out of his bosom 3:7.)
PietyThe man therefore read it, and looking upon Evangelist very carefully,said, "Whither must I fly?" Then said Evangelist, (pointing with hisfinger over a very wide field,) "Do you see yonder wicket-gate?" Matt.7:13,14. But The man said, "No." Then said the other, "Do you see yondershining light?" Psalm 119:105; 2 Pet. 1:19. He said, "I think I do."Then said Evangelist, "Keep that light in your eye, and go up directlythereto, so shalt thou see the gate; at which, when thou knockest, itshall be told thee what thou shalt do." So I saw more than thisin my dream that theman began to run. Now he had not run far from his own door when hiswife and children, perceiving it, began to cry after him to return; butthe man put his fingers in his ears, did you and ran on crying, Life! life!eternal life! Luke 14:26. So he looked not?behind him, Gen. 19:17,but fled towards the middle of the plain.
ChrThe neighbors also came out to see him run, Jer. The things 20:10; and as he ran,some mocked, others threatened, and some cried after him to return; andamong those that did so, there were two that I have told you were resolved to fetch himback by force. The name of the bestone was Obstinate and the name of theother Pliable. Now by this time the man was got a good distance fromthem; yet some other matters I sawbut, ashowever, namely -- I saw three menthey were resolved to pursue him, Simple, Slothwhich they did, and Presumption, lie asleep in a little out of time they overtook him. Then said the wayman, as I came"Neighbors,wherefore are you come?" They said, "To persuade you to go back with irons upon their heels; but do us." But he said, "That can by no means be: you think dwell," said he, "inthe city of Destruction, the place also where I could awake them? was born: I also saw Formality see it to beso; and Hypocrisy come tumbling over the walldying there, to gosooner or later, as they pretendedyou will sink lower than thegrave, to Zioninto a place that burns with fire and brimstone: be content, but they were quickly lostgoodneighbors, evenand go along with me."
as I myself did tell them; but they would not believeOBST. But above allWhat, I found it hard work to get up this hillsaid Obstinate, and as hard to come by the lions' mouths, and truly if it had not been for the good man, the porter that stands at the gate, I do not know but that after all I might have gone back again; but now I thank God I am here, leave our friends and I thank you for receiving of me.our comfortsbehind us!
Then Prudence thought good CHR. Yes, said Christian, (for that was his name,) because that allwhich you forsake is not worthy to ask him be compared with a few questionslittle of that Iam seeking to enjoy, 2 Cor. 4:18; and if you will go along with me, andhold it, you shall fare as I myself; for there, where I go, is enoughand desired his answer to themspare. Luke 15:17. Come away, and prove my words.
PrudOBST. Do What are the things you not think sometimes of seek, since you leave all the country from whence you cameworld tofind them?
ChrCHR. YesI seek an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth notaway, 1 Peter 1:4; and it is laid up in heaven, but with much shame and detestation -- Trulysafe there, if I had been mindful of that country from whence I came outHeb.11:16, I might have had opportunity to have returned; but now I desire a better countrybe bestowed, at the time appointed, on them that isdiligentlyseek it. Read it so, if you will, an heavenlyin my book.
PrudOBST. Do you not yet bear Tush, said Obstinate, away with your book; will you some of the things that then you were conversant withalgo back withus or no?
ChrCHR. YesNo, but greatly against my will; especially my inward and carnal cogitationsnot I, with which all my countrymensaid the other, as well as myself, were delighted; but now all those things are because I have laid my grief; and might I but choose mine own things, I would choose never hand to think of those things more; but when I would be doing of that which is best, that which is worst is with metheplough. Luke 9:62.
PrudOBST. Do you not find sometimes as if those things were vanquishedCome then, neighbor Pliable, let us turn again, and go homewithout him: there is a company of these crazy-headed coxcombs, thatwhen they take a fancy by the end, which at other times are your perplexity?wiser in their own eyes thanseven men that can render a reason.
ChrPLI. YesThen said Pliable, but that Don't revile; if what the good Christian says is seldom; but they true, the things he looks after are better than ours: my heart inclinesto me golden hours in which such things happen to mego with my neighbor.
PrudOBST. Can you remember What, more fools still! Be ruled by what means me, and go back; who knowswhither such a brain-sick fellow will lead you find your annoyances? Go back, at timesgo back, as if they were vanquished?andbe wise.
ChrCHR. YesNay, when I think what but do thou come with thy neighbor Pliable; there are suchthings to be had which I saw at the crossspoke of, that will do it; and when I look upon my broidered coatmany more glories besides. Ifyou believe not me, that will do it; also when I look into the roll that I carry read here in my bosomthis book, that will do it; and when my thoughts wax warm about whither I am goingfor the truth of what isexpressed therein, behold, all is confirmed by the blood of Him that will do made it. Heb. 9: 17-21.
PrudPLI. And what is it that makes you so desirous Well, neighbor Obstinate, said Pliable, I begin to come to a point;I intend to go along with this good man, and to cast in my lot with him:but, my good companion, do you know the way to Mount Zionthis desired place?
ChrCHR. WhyI am directed by a man whose name is Evangelist, there I hope to see him alive that did hang dead on the cross; and there I hope speed me to be rid of all those things alittle gate that to this day are in me an annoyance to me; there, they say, there is no death; and there I shall dwell with such company as I like best. Forbefore us, to tell you truth, I love him, because I was by him eased of my burden; and I am weary of my inward sickness. I would fain be where I we shall die no more, and with receive instructions aboutthe company that shall continually cry, Holy, Holy, Holyway.
PLI. Come then, good neighbor, let us be going. Then said Charity to Christian, Have you a family? Are you a married man?they went bothtogether.
ChrOBST. And I have a wife and four small childrenwill go back to my place, said Obstinate: I will be nocompanion of such misled, fantastical fellows.
CharNow I saw in my dream, that when Obstinate was gone back, Christian andPliable went talking over the plain; and thus they began theirdiscourse. And why did you not bring them along with you?
ChrCHR. Then Christian weptCome, and said, Ohneighbor Pliable, how willingly would do you do? I am glad you are persuadedto go along with me. Had even Obstinate himself but felt what I have done it! but they were all felt of the powers and terrors of them utterly averse to my going on pilgrimagewhat is yet unseen, he would not thuslightly have given us the back.
CharPLI. But you should have talked to themCome, neighbor Christian, since there are none but us two here,tell me now farther, what the things are, and have endeavoured how to have shewn them the danger of being behindbe enjoyed, whitherwe are going.
ChrCHR. So I did; and told can better conceive of them also with my mind, than speak of what God had shewn them withmy tongue: but yet, since you are desirous to me know, I will read of the destruction of our city; but I seemed to them as one that mocked, and they believed me notin my book.
CharPLI. And did do you pray to God think that he would bless the words of your counsel to thembook are certainly true?
ChrCHR. Yes, and verily; for it was made by Him that with much affectioncannot lie. Tit. 1: for you must think that my wife and poor children were very dear unto me2.
CharPLI. But did you tell them of your own sorrow, and fear of destructionWell said; what things are they? for I suppose that destruction was visible enough to you.
ChrCHR. Yes, overThere is an endless kingdom to be inhabited, and overeverlasting lifeto be given us, and overthat we may inhabit that kingdom for ever. Isa. They might also see my fears in my countenance, in my tears, and also in my trembling under the apprehension of the judgment that did hang over our heads 65:17; but all was not sufficient to prevail with them to come with meJohn 10: 27-29.
CharPLI. But Well said; and what could they say for themselves, why they came notelse?
ChrCHR. Why, my wife was afraid There are crowns of losing this world, glory to be given us; and my children were given to garments that willmake us shine like the sun in the foolish delights firmament of youthheaven. 2 Tim. 4: so what by one thing, and what by another, they left me to wander in this manner alone8;Rev. 22:5; Matt. 13:43.
CharPLI. But did you not, with your vain life, damp all that you by words used by way of persuasion to bring them away with youThis is very pleasant; and what else?
ChrCHR. IndeedThere shall be no more crying, I cannot commend my lifenor sorrow; for I am conscious to myself of many failings therein; I know also he that a man by his conversation may soon overthrow what by argument or persuasion he doth labour to fasten upon others for their good. Yet this I can say, I was very wary is owner of giving them occasion, by any unseemly action, to make them averse to going on pilgrimagethe place will wipe all tears from our eyes. Yea, for this very thing they would tell me I was too precise, and that I denied myself of things, for their sakes, in which they saw no evil Isa. Nay 25:8; Rev 7:16, I think I may say, that if what they saw in me did hinder them, it was my great tenderness in sinning against God, or of doing any wrong to my neighbour17;21:4.
CharPLI. Indeed Cain hated his brother, because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous; and if thy wife and children And what company shall we have been offended with thee for this, they thereby shew themselves to be implacable to good, and thou hast delivered thy soul from their blood.there?
Now I saw in my dreamCHR. There we shall be with seraphims and cherubims, that thus they sat talking together until supper was readyIsaiah 6:2; 1Thess. So when they had made ready 4:16, they sat down 17; Rev. 5:11; creatures that will dazzle your eyes to meatlook on them. Now the table was furnished There also you shall meet with fat things, thousands and with wine tenthousands that have gone before us to that was well refined: place; none of them arehurtful, but loving and all their talk at the table was about holy; every one walking in the Lord sight of God, andstanding in his presence with acceptance for ever. In a word, there weshall see the hillelders with their golden crowns, Rev. 4:4; asthere we shallsee the holy virgins with their golden harps, namely, about what he had done, and wherefore he did what he didRev. 14:1-5; there weshall see men, and why he had builded that house. And by what they saidthe world were cut in pieces, I perceived that he had been a great warriorburnt in flames, and had fought with and slain him that had the Power eaten of deathbeasts, but not without great danger to himselfdrowned in the seas, which made me for the love him they bare to the Lordof the moreplace, John 12:25; all well, and clothed with immortality as witha garment. 2 Cor. 5:2.
For as they said, and as I believe (said Christian), he did it with the loss PLI. The hearing of much blood; but that which put glory of grace into all he did, was, that he did it out of pure love this is enough to his countryravish one's heart. And besides, there were some of them of the household that said they had been and spoke with him since he did die on the cross; and they have attested that they had it from his own lips, that he is such a lover of poor pilgrims, that the like is not But are thesethings to be found from the east enjoyed? How shall we get to the west.be sharers thereof?
TheyCHR. The Lord, moreover, gave an instance the governor of what they affirmedthe country, and hath recorded that wasin thisbook, he had stripped himself of his gloryIsaiah 55:1, that he might do this for the poor2; John 6:37; 7:37; Rev. 21:6; 22:17; and that they heard him say and affirm, 'that he would not dwell in the mountain substanceof Zion alone.' They saidwhich is, moreoverif we be truly willing to have it, that he had made many pilgrims princes, though by nature they were beggars born, and their original had been the dunghillwill bestow it uponus freely.
Thus they discoursed together till late at night; and after they had committed themselves to their Lord for protectionPLI. Well, my good companion, they betook themselves glad am I to resthear of these things: the Pilgrim they laid in a large upper chambercomeon, whose window opened towards the sun-rising: the name of the chamber was Peace; where he slept till break of day and then he awoke and sang --let us mend our pace.
Where am CHR. I now? Is cannot go as fast as I would, by reason of this the love and care Of Jesus for the men burden that pilgrims are? Thus to provide that I should be forgiven!is on And dwell already the next door to heaven!my back.
So Now I saw in the morning my dream, that just as they all got up; and, after some more discoursehad ended this talk, they told him drewnigh to a very miry slough that he should not depart till they had shewn him was in the rarities midst of that place. And first the plain: and they had him being heedless, did both fall suddenly into the study, where they shewed him records bog. The name of the greatest antiquity; in whichslough was Despond. Here, as I remember my dreamtherefore, they shewed him first wallowed for a time, beinggrievously bedaubed with the pedigree of the Lord of the hilldirt; and Christian, that he was the son because of the Ancient of Days, and came by burdenthat eternal generation. Here also was more fully recorded the acts that he had doneon his back, and began to sink in the names of many hundreds that he had taken into his service; and how he had placed them in such habitations that could neither by length of days nor decays of nature be dissolvedmire.
PLI. Then they read to him some of the worthy acts that some of his servants had done: as, how they had subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the swordsaid Pliable, out of weakness were made strongAh, waxed valiant in fightneighbor Christian, and turned to flight the armies of the aliens.where are you now?
They then read again, in another part of the records of the house, where it was shewed how willing their Lord was to receive into his favour any, even any, though they in time past had offered great affronts to his person and proceedingsCHR. Here also were several other histories of many other famous thingsTruly, of all which said Christian had a view; as of things both ancient and modern; together with prophecies and predictions of things that have their certain accomplishment, both to the dread and amazement of enemies, and the comfort and solace of pilgrimsI do not know.
The next day they took him PLI. At this Pliable began to be offended, and had him into angrily said to hisfellow, Is this the armoury, where they shewed him happiness you have told me all manner this while of furniture? If wehave such ill speed at our first setting out, what may we expect betweenthis and our journey's end? May I get out again with my life, which their Lord had provided you shallpossess the brave country alone for pilgrims, as sword, shield, helmet, breastplate, all-prayerme. And with that he gave adesperate struggle or two, and shoes that would not wear got out. And there was here enough of this to harness out as many men for the service mire on that side of their Lord as there be stars in the heaven for multitudeslough which was next to his own house: so away he went, and Christiansaw him no more.
They also shewed him some of Wherefore Christian was left to tumble in the engines with which some Slough of his servants had done wonderful things. They shewed him Moses' rodDespond alone; but still he endeavored to struggle to that side of the hammer and nail with which Jael slew Sisera; the pitchers, trumpetsslough that wasfarthest from his own house, and lamps too, with which Gideon put next to flight the armies of Midian. Then they shewed him the ox's goad wherewith Shamgar slew six hundred men. They shewed him also wicket-gate; the jaw-bone with which Samson hedid such mighty feats. They shewed him, moreover, the sling and stone with which David slew Goliath but could not get out because of Gath; and the swordburden that was upon his back:but I beheld in my dream, that a man came to him, alsowhose name was Help,and asked him what he did there.
with which their Lord will kill the Man of SinCHR. Sir, said Christian, I was bid to go this way by a man calledEvangelist, who directed me also to yonder gate, in that I might escape the day that he shall rise up wrath to the preycome. They shewed him, besides, many excellent things, with which Christian And as I was much delighted. This donegoing thither, they went to their rest againI fell in here.
Then I saw in my dream, that on the morrow he got up to go forward; but they desired him to stay till the next day also; and then, said they, we will, if the day be clear, shew HELP. But why did not you the Delectable Mountains, which, they said, would yet further add to his comfort, because they were nearer the desired haven than the place where at present he was; so he consented and stayed. When the morning was up, they had him to the top of the house, and bid him look south; so he did: and behold, at a great distance, he saw a most pleasant mountainous country, beautified with woods, vineyards, fruits of all sorts, flowers also, with springs and fountains, very delectable to behold. Then he asked the name of the country. They said it was Immanuel's Land; and it is as common, said they, as this hill is, to and for all the pilgrims. And when thou comest there from thence, said they, thou mayest see to the gate of the Celestial City, as the shepherds that live there will make appear.steps?
Now he bethought himself of setting forward, and they were willing he should. But first, said they, let us go again into the armouryCHR. So they did; and when they came there, they harnessed him from head to foot with what was of proof, lest, perhaps, he should meet with assaults in Fear followed me so hard that I fled the next way. He being, therefore, thus accoutred, walketh out with his friends to the gate, and there he asked the porter if he saw any pilgrims pass by. Then the porter answered, Yesfell in.
ChrHELP. PrayThen, did you know said he, Give me thine hand: so he gave him? said his hand, and hedrew him out, Psalm 40:2, and heset him upon sound ground, and bid himgo on his way.
Por. Then I asked stepped to him his namethat plucked him out, and said, "Sir, wherefore,since over this place is the way from the city of Destruction to yondergate, is it, that this plat is not mended, that poor travellers might gothither with more security?" And he told said unto me , "This miry slough issuch a place as cannot be mended: it was Faithfulis the descent whither the scum andfilth that attends conviction for sin doth continually run, andtherefore it is called the Slough of Despond; for still, as the sinneris awakened about his lost condition, there arise in his soul many fearsand doubts, and discouraging apprehensions, which all of them gettogether, and settle in this place: and this is the reason of thebadness of this ground.
Chr"It is not the pleasure of the King that this place should remain sobad. Oh Isa. 35:3,4. His laborers also have, by the direction of hisMajesty's surveyors, been for above this sixteen hundred years employedabout this patch of ground, said Christianif perhaps it might have been mended: yea, I know him; he is and to my townsmanknowledge, my near neighbour; " said he comes , "there have been swallowed up at leasttwenty thousand cart loads, yea, millions of wholesome instructions,that have at all seasons been brought from all places of the King'sdominions, (and they that can tell, say, they are the best materials tomake good ground of the place where I was born,) if so be it might have been mended; butit is the Slough of Despond still, and so will be when they have donewhat they can. How far do you think he may be before?
Por. He is got "True, there are, by the direction of the Lawgiver, certain good andsubstantial steps, placed even through the very midst of this slough;but at such time below as this place doth much spew out its filth, as it dothagainst change of weather, these steps are hardly seen; or if they be,men, through the dizziness of their heads, step beside, and then theyare bemired to purpose, notwithstanding the steps be there: but the hillground is good when they are once got in at the gate." 1 Sam. 12:23.
ChrNow I saw in my dream, that by this time Pliable was got home to hishouse. Well So his neighbors came to visit him; and some of them called himwise man for coming back, said and some called him fool for hazarding himselfwith Christian: others again did mock at his cowardliness, saying, good Porter"Surely, since you began to venture, the Lord be with theeI would not have been so base as tohave given out for a few difficulties:" so Pliable sat sneaking amongthem. But at last he got more confidence, and add to then they all thy blessings much increaseturnedtheir tales, for the kindness that thou hast shewed and began to mederide poor Christian behind his back. Andthus much concerning Pliable.
Then Now as Christian was walking solitary by himself, he began espied one afar offcome crossing over the field to go forwardmeet him; but Discretion, Piety, Charity, and Prudence would accompany him down their hap was to meet justas they were crossing the foot way of each other. The gentleman's name thatmet him was Mr. Wordly Wiseman: he dwelt in the hill. So they went on togethertown of Carnal Policy, reiterating their former discoursesa very great town, till they and also hard by from whence Christian came to go down the hill. Then said Thisman then, meeting with Christian, As it and having some inkling 4 of him, (forChristian's setting forth from the city of Destruction was difficult coming upmuch noisedabroad, so, so far as I can seenot only in the town where he dwelt, but also it is dangerous going downbegan to be thetown-talk in some other places) - Mr. Yes Worldly Wiseman, said Prudencetherefore, so it ishaving some guess of him, for it is a hard matter for a man to go down into the Valley of Humiliationby beholding his laborious going, as thou art nowby observinghis sighs and groans, and to catch no slip by the way; therefore, said theylike, are we come out to accompany thee down the hill. So he began thus to go down, but very warily; yet he caught a slip or twoenter into some talkwith Christian.
Then I saw in my dream that these WORLD. How now, good companions, when Christian was gone to the bottom of the hill, gave him a loaf of breadfellow, a bottle of wine, and a cluster of raisins; and then he went on his way.whither away after this burdened manner?
But now, in this Valley of HumiliationCHR. A burdened manner indeed, as ever I think poor Christian was hard put to it; for he creature had gone but a little way! Andwhereas you ask me, Whither away? I tell you, before he espied a foul fiend coming over the field to meet him; his name is Apollyon. Then did Christian begin to be afraidsir, and I am going to cast in his mind whether to go back or to stand his ground. But he considered again that he had no armour for his back; and therefore thought that to turn the back to him might give him the greater advantage with ease to pierce him with his darts. Therefore he resolved to venture and stand his groundyonderwicket-gate before me; forthere, thought heas I am informed, had I no more in mine eye than the saving of my life, it would shall be the best put intoa way to standbe rid of my heavy burden.
So he went on, and Apollyon met himWORLD. Now the monster was hideous to behold; he was clothed with scales, like a fish, (and they are his pride,) he had wings like a dragon, feet like Hast thou a bear, wife and out of his belly came fire and smoke, and his mouth was as the mouth of a lion. When he was come up to Christian, he beheld him with a disdainful countenance, and thus began to question with him.children?
ApolCHR. Yes; but I am so laden with this burden, that I cannot take thatpleasure in them as formerly: methinks I am as if I had none. 1 Cor.7:29. Whence come you? and whither are you bound?
ChrWORLD. Wilt thou hearken to me, if I am come from the City of Destruction, which is the place of all evil, and am going to the City of Zion.give thee counsel?
ApolCHR. By this If it be good, I perceive thou art one of my subjects, will; for all that country is mine, and I am the prince and god stand in need of it. How is it, then, that thou hast run away from thy king? Were it not that I hope thou mayest do me more service, I would strike thee now, at one blow, to the groundgood counsel.
ChrWORLD. I was bornwould advise thee, indeedthen, that thou with all speed get thyselfrid of thy burden; for thou wilt never be settled in your dominions, but your service was hard, and your wages such as a man could not live on, for thy mind till then:nor canst thou enjoy the wages benefits of sin is death; therefore, when I was come to years, I did, as other considerate persons do, look out, if, perhaps, I might mend myselfthe blessings which God hathbestowed upon thee till then.
ApolCHR. There That is no prince that will thus lightly lose his subjects, neither will which I as yet lose thee; but since thou complainest of thy service and wagesseek for, even to be content to go backrid of this heavy burden: what but get it off myself I cannot, nor is there any man in our country will affordthatcan take it off my shoulders; therefore am I going this way, as I do here promise to give theetoldyou, that I may be rid of my burden.
ChrWORLD. But I have let myself Who bid thee go this way to another, even to the King be rid of princes; and how can I, with fairness, go back with theethy burden?
ApolCHR. Thou hast done in this, according A man that appeared to me to the proverb, 'Changed be a bad for a worse;' but it is ordinary for those that have professed themselves very great and honorable person:his servantsname, after a while to give him the slipas I remember, and return again to me. Do thou so too, and all shall be wellis Evangelist.
Chr. I have given beshrew 5 him my faith, for his counsel! there is not a more dangerous and sworn my allegiance to himtroublesome way in the world than is that into which he hath directedthee; howand that thou shalt find, if thou wilt be ruled by his counsel.Thou hast met with something, thenas I perceive, can already; for I see the dirtof the Slough of Despond is upon thee: but that slough is the beginningof the sorrows that do attend those that go back from thison in that way. Hear me; Iam older than thou: thou art like to meet with, in the way which thougoest, wearisomeness, painfulness, hunger, perils, nakedness, sword,lions, dragons, darkness, and, in a word, death, and what not be hanged as . Thesethings are certainly true, having been confirmed by many testimonies.And should a man so carelessly cast away himself, by giving heed to a traitorstranger?
ApolCHR. Thou didst the same Why, sir, this burden on my back is more terrible to methan areall these things which you have mentioned: nay, and yet methinks I am willing to pass by allcare not whatI meet with in the way, if now thou wilt yet turn again and go backso be I can also meet with deliverance frommy burden.
ChrWORLD. What I promised thee was in my nonage; and, besides, I count the Prince under whose banner now I stand is able to absolve me; yea, and to pardon also what I did as to my compliance with thee; and besides, O How camest thou destroying Apollyon! to speak truth, I like his service, his wages, his servants, his government, his company, and country, better than thine; and, therefore, leave off to persuade me further; I am his servant, and I will follow him.by thy burden at first?
ApolCHR. Consider, again, when thou art By reading this book in cool blood, what thou art like to meet with in the way that thou goest. Thou knowest that, for the most part, his servants come to an ill end, because they are transgressors against me and my ways. How many of them have been put to shameful deaths! and, besides, thou countest his service better than mine, whereas he never came yet from the place where he is to deliver any that served him out of their hands; but as for me, how many times, as all the world very well knows, have I delivered, either by power, or fraud, those that have faithfully served me, from him and his, though taken by them; and so I will deliver theehand.
ChrWORLD. His forbearing at present to deliver them is on purpose to try their love, whether they will cleave to him to the endI thought so; and it has happened unto thee as for the ill end thou sayest they come toother weak men, that is most glorious in their account; forwho, meddling with things too high for present deliverancethem, they do suddenly fall into thydistractions; which distractions do not much expect itonly unman men, as thine Iperceive have done thee, for but they stay for their gloryrun them upon desperate ventures, and then toobtain they shall have it when their Prince comes in his and the glory of the angelsknow not what.
ApolCHR. Thou hast already been unfaithful in thy service to himI know what I would obtain; and how dost thou think to receive wages of him?it is ease from my heavy burden.
ChrWORLD. WhereinBut why wilt thou seek for ease this way, O Apollyon! have seeing so many dangersattend it? especially since (hadst thou but patience to hear me) I been unfaithful could direct thee to him?the obtaining of what thou desirest, without thedangers that thou in this way wilt run thyself into. Yea, and theremedy is at hand. Besides, I will add, that instead of those dangers,thou shalt meet with much safety, friendship, and content.
ApolCHR. Thou didst faint at first setting outSir, when thou wast almost choked in the Gulf of Despond; thou didst attempt wrong ways I pray open this secret to be rid of thy burden, whereas thou shouldst have stayed till thy Prince had taken it off; thou didst sinfully sleep and lose thy choice thing; thou wast, also, almost persuaded to go back at the sight of the lions; and when thou talkest of thy journey, and of what thou hast heard and seen, thou art inwardly desirous of vain-glory in all that thou sayest or doestme.
ChrWORLD. All this is trueWhy, and much more which thou hast left out; but in yonder village (the Prince whom I serve and honour village is named Morality) theredwells a gentleman whose name is mercifulLegality, a very judicious man, and ready aman of a very good name, that has skill to forgivehelp men off with suchburdens as thine is from their shoulders; butyea to my knowledge, he hathdone a great deal of good this way; aye, and besides, these infirmities possessed me he hath skill tocure those that are somewhat crazed in thy countrytheir wits with their burdens.To him, as I said, thou mayest go, and be helped presently. His houseis not quite a mile from this place; and if he should not be at homehimself, he hath a pretty young man to his son, whose name is Civility, for that can do it (to speak on) as well as the old gentleman himself:there , I sucked them insay, thou mayest be eased of thy burden; and if thou art notminded to go back to thy former habitation, (as indeed I would not wishthee,) thou mayest send for thy wife and children to this village, wherethere are houses now standing empty, one of which thou mayest have groaned under themat areasonable rate: provision is there also cheap and good; and that whichwill make thy life the more happy is, been sorry for themto be sure there thou shalt liveby honest neighbors, in credit and have obtained pardon of my Princegood fashion.
Apol. Then Apollyon broke out into Now was Christian somewhat at a grievous ragestand; but presently he concluded, sayingIfthis be true which this gentleman hath said, I am an enemy my wisest course is to this Prince; I hate his person, takehis laws, advice: and people; I am come out on purpose to withstand theewith that he thus farther spake.
ChrCHR. ApollyonSir, beware what you do; for I am in the Kingwhich is my way to this honest man's highway, the way of holiness; therefore take heed to yourself.house?
Apol. Then Apollyon straddled quite over the whole breadth of the way, and said, I am void of fear in this matter: prepare thyself to die; for I swear by my infernal den, that thou shalt go no further; here will I spill thy soul. And with that he threw a flaming dart at his breast; but Christian had a shield in his hand, with which he caught it, and so prevented the danger of thatWORLD.Do you see yonder high hill?
Then did Christian draw, for he saw it was time to bestir him; and Apollyon as fast made at him, throwing darts as thick as hail; by the which, notwithstanding all that Christian could do to avoid it, Apollyon wounded him in his head, his hand, and footCHR. This made Christian give a little back; Apollyon, therefore, followed his work amain, and Christian again took courage, and resisted as manfully as he could. This sore combat lasted for above half a day, even till Christian was almost quite spent; for you must know that Christian, by reason of his woundsYes, must needs grow weaker and weakervery well.
Then Apollyon, espying his opportunity, began to gather up close to Christian, and wrestling with him, gave him a dreadful fall; and with that Christian's sword flew out of his handWORLD. Then said Apollyon, I am sure of thee now. And with By that he had almost pressed him to death, so that Christian began to despair of life; but as God would have it, while Apollyon was fetching of his last blow, thereby to make a full end of this good man, Christian nimbly stretched out his hand for his swordhill you must go, and caught it, saying, Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy; when I fall I shall arise; and with that gave him a deadly thrust, which made him give back, as one that had received his mortal wound. Christian perceiving that, made the first house you come at him again, saying, Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. And with that Apollyon spread forth is his dragon's wings, and sped him away, that Christian for a season saw him no more.
In this combat no man can imagineSo Christian turned out of his way to go to Mr. Legality's house forhelp: but, unless behold, when he had seen and heard as I didwas got now hard by the hill, it seemed sohigh, what yelling and hideous roaring Apollyon made all the time also that side of it that was next the fight -way- side did hang somuch over, that Christian was afraid to venture further, lest the hillshould fall on his head; wherefore there he spake like a dragon; stood still, andwotted notwhat to do. Also his burden now seemed heavier to him than while he wasin his way. There came also flashes of fire, Ex. 19:16, on 18, out of the other sidehill, what sighs that made Christian afraid that he should be burnt: here thereforehe did sweat and groans burst from Christianquake for fear. Heb. 12:21. And now he began to besorry that he had taken Mr. Worldly Wiseman's heart. I never counsel; and with that hesaw Evangelist coming to meet him all , at the while give so much as one pleasant look, till sight also of whom he perceived he had wounded Apollyon with his two-edged swordbegan toblush for shame. So Evangelist drew nearer and nearer; thenand coming up tohim, indeedhe looked upon him, he did smilewith a severe and dreadful countenance, and look upward; but it was the dreadfullest sight that ever I sawthus began to reason with Christian.
A more unequal match can hardly beEVAN. What doest thou here, --Christian? said he: at which words Christian must fight an Angelknew not what to answer; but you seewherefore at present he stoodspeechless before him. Then said Evangelist farther,Art not thou the The valiant man by handling Sword and Shield, Doth make him, though a Dragon, quit that I found crying without the walls of the field.city of Destruction?
So when the battle was overCHR. Yes, Christian saiddear sir, I will here give thanks to him that delivered me out of am the mouth of the lion, to him that did help me against Apollyonman. And so he did, saying --
Great Beelzebub, the captain of this fiend, Design'd my ruin; therefore to this end He sent him harness'd out: and he with rage That hellish was, did fiercely me engageEVAN. But blessed Michael helped me, and Did not I, By dint of sword, did quickly make him fly. Therefore direct thee the way to him let me give lasting praise, And thank and bless his holy name always.the little wicket-gate?
Then there came to him a hand, with some of the leaves of the tree of life, the which Christian took, and applied to the wounds that he had received in the battle, and was healed immediatelyCHR. He also sat down in that place to eat bread, and to drink of the bottle that was given him a little before; soYes, being refresheddear sir, he addressed himself to his journey, with his sword drawn in his hand; for he said, I know not but some other enemy may be at hand. But he met with no other affront from Apollyon quite through this valleyChristian.
Now, at the end of this valley was another, called the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and Christian must needs go through it, because the way to the Celestial City lay through the midst of itEVAN. Now, this valley How is a very solitary place. The prophet Jeremiah thus describes it: -- 'A wilderness, a land of deserts and of pits, a land of drought, and then thou art so quickly turned aside? For thou art nowout of the shadow of death, a land that no man' (but a Christian) 'passed through, and where no man dwelt.' Now here Christian was worse put to it than in his fight with Apollyon, as by the sequel you shall seeway. I saw then in my dream, that when Christian was got to the borders of the shadow of Death, there met him two men, children of them that brought up an evil report of the good land, making haste to go back; to whom Christian spake as follows: --
ChrCHR. I met with a gentleman so soon as I had got over the Slough ofDespond, who persuaded me that I might, in the village before me, find aman that could take off my burden. Whither are you going?
Men. They said, Back! back! and we would have you to do so too, if either life or peace is prized by youEVAN.What was he?
ChrCHR. WhyHe looked like a gentleman, what's and talked much to me, and got me atlast to yield: so I came hither; but when I beheld this hill, and how ithangs over the matter? said Christianway, I suddenly made a stand, lest it should fall on myhead.
MenEVAN. Matter! What said they; we were going that way as gentleman to you are going, and went as, far as we durst; and indeed we were almost past coming back; for had we gone a little further, we had not been here to bring the news to thee.?
ChrCHR. But what have you met with? said ChristianWhy, he asked me whither I was going; and I told him.
Men. Why, we were almost in the Valley of the Shadow of Death; but that, by good hap, we looked before us, and saw the danger before we came to itEVAN.And what said he then?
ChrCHR. He asked me if I had a family; and I told him. But what have you seen? , said Christian. Men. Seen! WhyI, I amso laden with the Valley itself, which burden that is as dark as pitch; we also saw there the hobgoblinson my back, satyrs, and dragons of the pit; we heard also that I cannot take pleasurein that Valley a continual howling and yelling, them as of a people under unutterable misery, who there sat bound in affliction and irons; and over that Valley hangs the discouraging clouds of confusion. Death also doth always spread his wings over it. In a word, it is every whit dreadful, being utterly without orderformerly.
ChrEVAN. Then, said Christian, I perceive not yet, by And what you have said, but that this is my way to the desired haven.he then?
MenCHR. Be it thy wayHe bid me with speed get rid of my burden; we will not choose and I told him it for ourswasease that I sought. And, said I, I am therefore going to yonder gate,to receive farther direction how I may get to the place of deliverance. Sohe said that he would show me a better way, and short, not soattended with difficulties as the way, sir, that you set me in; whichway, they partedsaid he, will direct you to a gentleman's house that hath skill totake off these burdens: so I believed him, and Christian went on his turned out of that wayinto this, but still with his sword drawn in his handif haply I might be soon eased of my burden. But when I cameto this place, and beheld things as they are, I stopped, for fear lest he should be assaulted(as Isaid) of danger: but I now know not what to do.
I saw then in my dreamEVAN. Then said Evangelist, so far as this valley reachedStand still a little, there was on that I show thee the right hand a very deep ditchwords of God. So he stood trembling. Then said Evangelist, "See thatye refuse not Him that speaketh; for if they escaped not who refused himthat ditch is it into which the blind have led the blind in all agesspake on earth, much more shall not we escape, and have both there miserably perishedif we turn away fromHim that speaketh from heaven." Heb. 12:25. Again He said, beholdmoreover, on "Nowthe left hand, there was a very dangerous quag, into which, just shall live by faith; but if even a good any man fallsdraw back, he can find my soul shallhave no bottom for his foot to stand onpleasure in him." Heb. 10:38. Into He also did thus apply them:Thou art the man that quag King David once did fallart running into this misery; thou hast begun toreject the counsel of the Most High, and had no doubt therein been smotheredto draw back thy foot from theway of peace, had not HE that is able plucked him outeven almost to the hazarding of thy perdition.
The pathway was here also exceeding narrowThen Christian fell down at his feet as dead, and therefore good Christian was the more put to it; for when he soughtcrying, in the darkWoe is me, to shun for Iam undone! At the ditch on sight of which Evangelist caught him by the one righthand, he was ready to tip over into the mire on the other; also when he sought to escape the miresaying, without great carefulness he would "All manner of sin and blasphemies shall be ready to fall into the ditchforgiven untomen." Matt. 12:31. Thus he went on "Be not faithless, and I heard him here sigh bitterly; for, besides the dangers mentioned above, the pathway was here so darkbut believing." John 20:27.Then did Christian again a little revive, and ofttimesstood up trembling, when he lift up his foot to set forwardas atfirst, he knew not where or upon what he should set it nextbefore Evangelist.
Poor man! where art thou Then Evangelist proceeded, saying, Give more earnest heed to the thingsthat I shall tell thee of. I will now?show thee who it was that deluded thy day is nightthee, and who it was also to whom he sent thee. The man that met thee Good manis one Worldly Wiseman, be not cast downand rightly is he so called; partly because hesavoreth only the doctrine of this world, thou yet art right1 John 4:5,(therefore he Thy way always goes to heaven lies by the gates town of hellMorality to church;) and partly because heloveth that doctrine best, for it saveth him best from the cross, Gal. Cheer up6:12: and because he is of this carnal temper, hold outtherefore he seeketh topervert my ways, with thee it shall go wellthough right. Now there are three things in this man'scounsel that thou must utterly abhor.
About the midst of this valley, I perceived the mouth of hell to be, and it stood also hard by the wayside. Now, thought Christian, what shall I do? And ever and anon the flame and smoke would come out in such abundance, with sparks and hideous noises, (things that cared not for Christian's sword, as did Apollyon before,) that he was forced to put up his sword, and betake himself to another weapon called all-prayer1. So he cried, in my hearing, O Lord, I beseech His turning thee, deliver my soul. Thus he went on a great while, yet still the flames would be reaching towards him. Also he heard doleful voices, and rushings to and fro, so that sometimes he thought he should be torn in pieces, or trodden down like mire in the streets. This frightful sight was seen, and these dreadful noises were heard by him for several miles together; and, coming to a place where he thought he heard a company of fiends coming forward to meet him, he stopped, and began to muse what he had best to do. Sometimes he had half a thought to go back; then again he thought he might be half way through the valley; he remembered also how he had already vanquished many a danger, and that the danger of going back might be much more than for to go forward; so he resolved to go on. Yet the fiends seemed to come nearer and nearer; but when they were come even almost at him, he cried out with a most vehement voice, I will walk in the strength of the Lord God! so they gave back, and came no furtherway.
One thing I would not let slip2. I took notice that now, poor Christian was so confounded, that he did not know his own voice; and thus I perceived it. Just when he was come over against the mouth of the burning pit, one of the wicked ones got behind him, and stept up softly His laboring to him, and whisperingly suggested many grievous blasphemies to him, which he verily thought had proceeded from his own mind. This put Christian more to it than anything that he met with before, even to think that he should now blaspheme him that he loved so much before; yet, if he could have helped it, he would not have done it; but he had not render the discretion either to stop his ears, or cross odious to know from whence these blasphemies camethee.
When Christian had travelled 3. And his setting thy feet in this disconsolate condition some considerable time, he thought he heard that way that leadeth unto the voice of a man, as going before him, saying, Though I walk through the valley of the shadow administration of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.
Then he was gladFirst, Thou must abhor his turning thee out of the way; yea, and thineown consenting thereto; because this is to reject the counsel of God forthe sake of the counsel of a Worldly Wiseman. The Lord says, "Strive toenter in at the straight gate," Luke 13:24, the gate to which I sendthee; "for strait is the gate that leadeth unto life, and few there bethat for these reasonsfind it." Matt. 7: 13,14. From this little wicket--gate, and fromthe way thereto, hath this wicked man turned thee, to the bringing ofthee almost to destruction: hate, therefore, his turning thee out of theway, and abhor thyself for hearkening to him.
FirstSecondly, Because Thou must abhor his laboring to render the cross odious untothee; for thou art to prefer it before the treasures of Egypt. Heb.11:25,26. Besides, the King of glory hath told thee, that he that willsave his life shall lose it. And he gathered from thencethat comes after him, and hates nothis father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, andsisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be his disciple. Mark8:38; John 12:25; Matt. 10:39; Luke 14:26. I say, therefore, for a manto labor to persuade thee that some who feared God were in that shall be thy death, without which,the truth hath said, thou canst not have eternal life, this valley as well as himselfdoctrinethou must abhor.
SecondlyThirdly, For Thou must hate his setting of thy feet in the way that leadethto the ministration of death. And for this thou must consider to whomhe perceived God was with themsent thee, though in that dark and dismal state; and why not, thought he, with me? though, by reason of the impediment also how unable that attends this place, I cannot perceive itperson was to deliver thee fromthy burden.
ThirdlyHe to whom thou wast sent for ease, For that he hopedbeing by name Legality, could he overtake themis the sonof the bond-woman which now is, to have company by and byis in bondage with her children,Gal. So he went 4:21-27, and is, in a mystery, this Mount Sinai, which thou hastfeared will fall onthy head. Now if she with her children are inbondage, how canst thou expect by them to be made free? This Legality,therefore, and called is not able to set thee free from thy burden. No man was asyet ever rid of his burden by him that was before; but he knew not what no, nor ever is like to answerbe: ye cannotbe justified by the works of the law; for that he also thought himself to by the deeds of the law no manliving can be alonerid of his burden: Therefore Mr. Worldly Wiseman is analien, and Mr. And by Legality is a cheat; and for his son Civility,notwithstanding his simpering looks, he is but a hypocrite, and cannothelp thee. Believe me, there is nothing in all this noise that thouhast heard of these sottish men, but a design to beguile thee of thysalvation, by turning thee from the day brokeway in which I had set thee. Afterthis, Evangelist called aloud to the heavens for confirmation of what hehad said; then said and with that there came words and fire out of the mountainunder which poor Christianstood, which made the hair of his flesh standup. The words were pronounced: "As many as are of the works of the law,are under the curse; for it is written, He hath turned Cursed is every one thatcontinueth not in all things which are written in the shadow book of death into the morninglaw todo them." Gal. 3:10.
Now morning being come, he Christian looked backfor nothing but death, not and began to cry out of desire to return, but to see, by lamentably; even cursing the light of the day, what hazards time in which he had gone through in the darkmet with Mr. So he saw more perfectly the ditch that was on the one hand, and the quag that was on the other WorldlyWiseman; still calling himself a thousand fools for hearkening to hiscounsel. He also how narrow the way was which led betwixt them both; also now he saw greatly ashamed to think that this gentleman'sarguments, flowing only from the hobgoblinsflesh, and satyrs, and dragons of should have the pit, but all afar off, (for after break of day, they came not nigh;) yet they were discovered prevalency withhim so far as to cause himto forsake the right way. This done, according heapplied himself again to that which is written, He discovereth deep things out of darkness, Evangelist in words and bringeth out to light the shadow of deathsense as follows.
Now was Christian much affected with his deliverance from all the dangers of his solitary way; which dangersCHR. Sir, though he feared them more before, yet he saw them more clearly what think you? Is there any hope? May I nowgo back, because the light of the day made them conspicuous and goup to him. And about this time the sun was rising, and this was another mercy to Christian; wicket-gate? Shall I not be abandoned for you must note, that though the first part of the Valley of the Shadow of Death was dangerous, yet this second part which he was yet to go, was, if possible, far more dangerous; for and sent backfrom the place where he now stood, even thence ashamed? I am sorry I have hearkened to the end of the valley, the way was all along set so full of snares, traps, gins, and nets here, and so full of pits, pitfalls, deep holes, and shelvings down there, that, had it now been dark, as it was when he came the first part of the way, had he had a thousand souls, they had in reason been cast awaythis man's counsel; but, as I said just now, the sun was rising. Then said he, His candle shineth upon may my head, and by his light I walk through darkness.sin be forgiven?
In this light, therefore, he came EVAN. Then said Evangelist to the end of the valley. Now I saw in my dreamhim, that at the end of this valley lay bloodThy sin is very great, bones, ashes, and mangled bodies of men, even of pilgrims that had gone this way formerly; and while I was musing what should be the reason, I espied a little before me a cave, where for by it thouhast committed two giants, Pope and Pagan, dwelt in old time; by whose power and tyranny evils: thou hast forsaken the men whose bones, bloodway that is good, and ashes, lay there, were cruelly put to deathtread in forbidden paths. But by this place Christian went without much danger Yet will the man at the gate receive thee, whereat I somewhat wondered; but I have learnt since, that Pagan for he has been dead many a daygood-will for men; and as for the otheronly, though said he be yet alive, he istake heed that thou turnnot aside again, by reason of age, and also of lest thou "perish from the many shrewd brushes that he met with in his younger daysway, grown so crazy and stiff in when his joints, that he can now do wrath iskindled but a little more than sit in his cave's mouth, grinning at pilgrims as they go by, and biting his nails because he cannot come at them." Psalm 2:12.
So I saw that Christian went on his way; yet, at the sight of the Old Man that sat in the mouth of the cave, he could not tell what to think, especially because he spake to him, though he could not go after him, saying, You will never mend till more of you be burned. But he held his peace, and set a good face on it, and so went by and catched no hurt. Then sang Christian: --
O world of wonders! (I can say no less,)
That I should be preserved in that distress
That I have met with here! O blessed be
That hand that from it hath deliver'd me!
Dangers in darkness, devils, hell, and sin
Did compass me, while I this vale was in:
Yea, snares, and pits, and traps, and nets, did lie
My path about, that worthless, silly I
Might have been catch'd, entangled, and cast down;
But since I live, let JESUS wear the crown.
Now, as Christian went on his way, he came to a little ascent, which was cast up on purpose that pilgrims might see before them. Up there, therefore, Christian went, and looking forward, he saw Faithful before him, upon his journey. Then said Christian aloud, Ho! ho! So-ho! stay, and I will be your companion! At that, Faithful looked behind him; to whom Christian cried again, Stay, stay, till I come up to you! But Faithful answered, No, I am upon my life, and the avenger of blood is behind me==THE SECOND STAGE.==
At this, Then did Christian was somewhat moved, address himself to go back; and putting to all his strengthEvangelist, after he quickly got up with Faithfulhad kissed him, gave him one smile, and did also overrun bid himGod speed; so the last was first. Then did Christian vain-gloriously smileSo he went onwith haste, because neither spake he had gotten to any man by the start of his brotherway; but not taking good heed to his feetnor if any askedhim, would he suddenly stumbled and fellvouchsafe them an answer. He went like one that was allthe while treading on forbidden ground, and could not rise by no means thinkhimself safe, till again until Faithful came he was got into the way which he had left tofollow Mr. Worldly Wiseman's counsel. So, in process of time,Christian got up to help himthe gate. Now, over the gate there was written,"Knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Matt. 7:7.
Then I saw in my dream they went very lovingly on togetherHe knocked, therefore, more than once or twice, saying, and had sweet discourse of all things that had happened to them in their pilgrimage; and thus Christian began: --
Chr. My honoured and well-beloved brother, Faithful, "May I am glad that I have overtaken you; and that God has so tempered our spirits, that we can walk as companions in this so pleasant a path.now enter here? Will he within
Faith. I had thought, dear friend, Open to have had your company quite from our town; but you did get the start of sorry me, wherefore though I was forced to come thus much of the way alone.have been
Chr. How long did you stay in the City of Destruction before you set out after me on your pilgrimageAn undeserving rebel? Then shall I
Faith. Till I could stay no longer; for there was great talk presently after you were gone out that our city would, in short time, with fire from heaven, be burned down Not fail to the groundsing his lasting praise on high."
ChrAt last there came a grave person to the gate, named Goodwill, who askedwho was there, and whence he came, and what he would have. What! did your neighbours talk so?
FaithCHR. YesHere is a poor burdened sinner. I come from the city ofDestruction, but am going to Mount Zion, it was for a while that I may be delivered fromthe wrath to come; I would therefore, sir, since I am informed that bythis gate is the way thither, know if you are willing to let me in everybody's mouth.
ChrGOOD. What! I am willing with all my heart, said he; and did no more of them but you come out to escape with that he openedthe danger?gate.
Faith. Though there So when Christian wasstepping in, as I the other gave him a pull. Then saidChristian, What means that? The other told him, A little distance fromthis gate there is erected a great talk thereaboutstrong castle, yet I do not think they did firmly believe it. For in the heat of which Beelzebub is the discoursecaptain: from thence both he and they that are with him, I heard some of them deridingly speak of you and of your desperate journeyshoot arrows atthose that come up to this gate, (for so if haply they called this your pilgrimagemay die before they canenter in. Then said Christian,) but I did believe, rejoice and do stilltremble. So when he wasgot in, that the end man of our city will be with fire and brimstone from above; and therefore I have made my escapethe Gate asked him who directed him thither.
ChrCHR. Did Evangelist bid me come hither and knock, as I did: and he said,that you hear no talk of neighbour Pliable?, sir, would tell me what I must do.
FaithGOOD. YesAn open door is set before thee, Christian, I heard that he followed you till he came at the Slough of Despond, where, as some said, he fell in; but he would not be known to have so done; but I am sure he was soundly bedabbled with that kind of dirtand no man can shut it.
ChrCHR. And what said Now I begin to reap the neighbours to him?benefits of my hazards.
FaithGOOD. He hath, since his going back, been had greatly in derision, and But how is it that among all sorts of people; some do mock and despise him; and scarce will any set him on work. He is now seven times worse than if he had never gone out of the city.you came alone?
ChrCHR. Because none of my neighbors saw their danger as I saw mine. But why should they be so set against him, since they also despise the way that he forsook?
Faith. Oh, they say, hang him, he is a turncoat! he was not true to his profession. I think God has stirred up even his enemies to hiss at him, and make him a proverb, because he hath forsaken the wayGOOD.Did any of them know of your coming?
ChrCHR. Had you no talk with him before you Yes, my wife and children saw me at the first, and called after meto turn again: also, some of my neighbors stood crying and calling afterme to return; but I put my fingers in my ears, and so came out?on my way.
FaithGOOD. I met him once in the streetsBut did none of them follow you, but he leered away on the other side, as one ashamed of what he had done; so I spake not to him.persuade you to go back?
ChrCHR. WellYes, at my first setting out, I had hopes of that manboth Obstinate and Pliable; but now I fear he will perish in the overthrow of the city; for it is happened to him according to the true proverbwhen they saw that they couldnot prevail, The dog is turned to his own vomit againObstinate went railing back; and the sow that was washed, to her wallowing in the mirebut Pliable came with me alittle way.
FaithGOOD. These are my fears of him too; but who can hinder that which will beBut why did he not come through?
ChrCHR. WellWe indeed came both together until we came to the Slough ofDespond, neighbour Faithfulinto the which we also suddenly fell. And then was my neighborPliable discouraged, said Christianand would not venture farther. Wherefore, let us leave himgettingout again on the side next to his own house, and talk of things that more immediately concern ourselves. Tell he told me now, what you have met with in I should possessthe brave country alone for him: so he went his way as you , and I camemine; for heafter Obstinate, and I know you have met with some things, or else it may be writ for a wonderto this gate.
FaithGOOD. I escaped the Slough that I perceived you fell intoThen said Goodwill, Alas, and got up to poor man; is the gate without that danger; only I met celestial glory of solittle esteem with one whose name was Wantonhim, who had like that he counteth it not worth running the hazardof a few difficulties to have done me a mischief.obtain it?
ChrCHR. It was well you escaped her netTruly, said Christian, I have said the truth of Pliable; Joseph was hard put to and if Ishould also say all the truth of myself, it by herwill appear there is nobetterment betwixt him and myself. It is true, and he escaped her as you did; went back to his ownhouse, but it had like I also turned aside to have cost him his lifego in the way of death, beingpersuaded thereto by the carnal arguments of one Mr. Worldly Wiseman. But what did she do to you?
FaithGOOD. You cannot thinkOh, but that did he light upon you know something? What, what a flattering tongue she he would have had; she lay you have seekfor ease at me hard to turn aside with her, promising me all manner the hands of Mr. Legality! They are both of contentthem a verycheat. But did you take his counsel?
ChrCHR. NayYes, she did not promise you as far as I durst. I went to find out Mr. Legality, until Ithought that the content of a good consciencemountain that stands by his house would have fallenupon my head; wherefore there I was forced to stop.
FaithGOOD. You know what I mean; all carnal That mountain has been the death of many, and fleshly contentwill be the death ofmany more: it is well you escaped being by it dashed in pieces.
ChrCHR. Thank God you have escaped her: The abhorred Why truly I do not know what had become of me there, had notEvangelist happily met me again as I was musing in the midst of mydumps; but it was God's mercy that he came to me again, for else I hadnever come hither. But now I am come, such a one as I am, more fitindeed for death by that mountain, than thus to stand talking with myLord shall fall into her ditch. But O, what a favor is this to me, that yet I am admittedentrance here!
FaithGOOD. NayWe make no objections against any, notwithstanding all that theyhave done before they come hither; they in no wise are cast out. John6:37. And therefore good Christian, come a little way with me, and I know not whether I did wholly escape her or nowill teach thee about the way thou must go. Look before thee; dost thousee this narrow way? That is the way thou must go. It was cast up bythe patriarchs, prophets, Christ, and his apostles, and it is as straitas a rule can make it; this is the way thou must go.
ChrCHR. WhyBut, I trowsaid Christian, you did not consent to her desiresare there no turnings nor windings, by which astranger may lose his way?
FaithGOOD. NoYes, not to defile myself; for I remembered an old writing that I had seenthere are many ways butt down upon this, which saidand they are crookedand wide: but thus thou mayest distinguish the right from the wrong, Her steps take hold on helltheright only being strait and narrow. So I shut mine eyes, because I would not be bewitched with her looks Matt. Then she railed on me, and I went my way 7:14.
ChrThen I saw in my dream, that Christian asked him further, if he couldnot help him off with his burden that was upon his back. Did you meet with no other assault For as you came?yet hehad not got rid thereof; nor could he by any means get it off withouthelp.
Faith. When I came to the foot of the hill called Difficulty, I met with a very aged man, who asked me what I was, and whither bound. I He told him that I am a pilgrim, going "As to the Celestial City. Then said the old manthy burden, Thou lookest like an honest fellow; wilt thou be content to dwell with me for bear it until thou comestto the wages that I shall give thee? Then I asked him his name, and where he dwelt. He said his name was Adam the First, and that he dwelt in the town place of Deceit. I asked him then what was his work, and what the wages he would give. He told me that his work was many delightsdeliverance; and his wages that I should be his heir at last. I further asked him what house he kept, and what other servants he had. So he told me that his house was maintained with all the dainties in the world; and that his servants were those for there it will fall from thy back of his own begetting. Then I asked if he had any children. He said that he had but three daughters: The Lust of the Flesh, The Lust of the Eyes, and The Pride of Life, and that I should marry them all if I would. Then I asked how long time he would have me live with him? And he told me, As long as he lived himselfitself."
ChrThen Christian began to gird up his loins, and to address himself to hisjourney. Well So the other told him, and what conclusion came that by that he was gone some distancefrom the old man and you gate, he would come to the house of the Interpreter, at last?whosedoor he should knock, and he would show him excellent things. ThenChristian took his leave of his friend, and he again bid him God speed.
Faith. Why, Then he went on till he came at firstthe house of the Interpreter, I found myself somewhat inclinable 6 where heknocked over and over. At last one came to go with the man, for I thought he spake very fair; but looking in his forehead, as I talked with himdoor, I saw and asked who wasthere written, Put off the old man with his deeds.
ChrCHR. Sir, here is a traveller, who was bid by an acquaintance of thegood man of this house to call here for my profit; I would thereforespeak with the master of the house. And how then?
Faith. Then it came burning hot into my mind, whatever he said, and however he flattered, when he got me home to his house, So he would sell me called for a slave. So I bid him forbear to talk, for I would not come near the door master of his the house. Then he reviled me, and told me that he would send such who, after a one after melittle time, that should make my way bitter cameto my soul. So I turned to go away from him; but just as I turned myself to go thenceChristian, I felt and asked him take hold of my flesh, and give me such a deadly twitch back, that I thought what he had pulled part of me after himself. This made me cry, O wretched man! So I went on my way up the hillwould have.
Now when CHR. Sir, said Christian, I am a man that am come from the city ofDestruction, and am going to the Mount Zion; and I had got about half-was told by the manthat stands at the gate at the head of this way up, that if I looked behind, and saw one coming after called hereyou would show meexcellent things, swift such as the wind; so he overtook would be helpful to me just about the place where the settle standson myjourney.
ChrINTER. Just thereThen said Interpreter, said Come in; I will show thee that which willbe profitable to thee. So he commanded his man to light the candle, andbid Christianfollow him; so he had him into a private room, and bid hisman open a door; the which when he had done, did I sit down Christian saw the picture avery grave person hang up against the wall; and this was the fashion ofit: It had eyes lifted up to rest meheaven, the best of books in his hand, thelaw of truth was written upon its lips, the world was behind its back; but being overcome it stood as if it pleaded with sleepmen, I there lost this roll out and a crown of my bosomgold did hang overits head.
FaithCHR. But, good brother, hear me out. So soon as the man overtook me, he was but a word and a blow, for down he knocked me, and laid me for dead. But when I was a little come to myself again, I asked him wherefore he served me so. He Then saidChristian, because of my secret inclining to Adam the First; and with that he struck me another deadly blow on the breast, and beat me down backward; so I lay at his foot as dead as before. So, when I came to myself again, I cried him mercy; but he said, I know not how to shew mercy; and with that he knocked me down again. He had doubtless made an end of me, but that one came by, and bid him forbear.What means this?
ChrINTER. Who was The man whose picture this is, is one of a thousand: he can begetchildren, 1 Cor. 4:15, travail in birth with children, Gal. 4:19, andnurse them himself when they are born. And whereas thou seest him withhis eyes lift up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, and the lawof truth writ on his lips: it is to show thee, that his work is to know,and unfold dark things to sinners; even as also thou seest him stand asif he pleaded with men. And whereas thou seest the world as cast behindhim, and that a crown hangs over his head; that is to show thee, thatslighting and despising the things that are present, for the love thathe hath to his Master's service, he is sure in the world that comesnext, to have glory for his reward. Now, said the Interpreter, I haveshowed thee this picture first, because the man whose picture this is,is the only man whom the Lord of the place whither thou art going hathauthorized to be thy guide in all difficult places thou mayest meet within the way: wherefore take good heed to what I have showed thee, andbear well in thy mind what thou hast seen, lest in thy journey thou meetwith some that bid him forbear?pretend to lead thee right, but their way goes down todeath.
FaithThen he took him by the hand, and led him into a very large parlor thatwas full of dust, because never swept; the which after he had reviewedit a little while, the Interpreter called for a man to sweep. I did not know him at first Now, but as whenhe went began to sweep, the dust began so abundantly to fly about, thatChristian had almost therewith been choked. Then said the Interpreterto a damsel that stood by, I perceived "Bring hither water, and sprinkle the holes in his hands and in his sideroom; then I concluded that he "the which when she had done, it was our Lord. So I went up the hillswept and cleansed with pleasure.
ChrCHR. That man that overtook you was Moses. He spareth noneThen said Christian, neither knoweth he how to shew mercy to those that transgress his law.What means this?
FaithINTER. I know The Interpreter answered, This parlor is the heart of a man thatwas never sanctified by the sweet grace of the Gospel. The dust is hisoriginal sin, and inward corruptions, that have defiled the whole man.He that began to sweep at first, is the law; but she that brought water,and did sprinkle it, is the Gospel. Now whereas thou sawest, that sosoon as the first began to sweep, the dust did so fly about that theroom by him could not be cleansed, but that thou wast almost chokedtherewith; this is to show thee, that the law, instead of cleansing theheart (by its working) from sin, doth revive, Rom. 7:9, put strengthinto, 1 Cor. 15:56, and increase it in the soul, Rom. 5:20, even as itdoth discover and forbid it very well; for it was doth not give power to subdue.Again, as thou sawest the first time that he has met damsel sprinkle the room with me. It water, uponwhich it was he cleansed with pleasure, this is to show thee, that came when theGospel comes in the sweet and precious influences thereof to me when the heart,then, I dwelt securely at homesay, even as thou sawest the damsel lay the dust by sprinklingthe floor with water, so is sin vanquished and subdued, and the soulmade clean, through the faith of it, and that told me he would burn my house over my head if I stayed thereconsequently fit for the Kingof glory to inhabit. John 15:3; Eph. 5:26; Acts 15:9; Rom. 16:25,26.
ChrI saw moreover in my dream, that the Interpreter took him by the hand,and had him into a little room, where sat two little children, each onein his chair. But did you not see The name of the house that stood there on eldest was Passion, and the top name of the hillother Patience. Passion seemed to be much disconted, but Patience wasvery quiet. Then Christian asked, on "What is the reason of the side discontentof which Moses met youPassion?" The Interpreter answered, "The governor of them would havehim stay for his best things till the beginning of the next year, but hewill have all now; but Patience is willing to wait."
Faith. YesThen I saw that one came to Passion, and the lions toobrought him a bag of treasure, before I came and poured it down at ithis feet: but for the lionswhich he took up, and rejoicedtherein, and withal laughed Patience to scorn. But I think they were asleepbeheld but awhile, for it was about noon; and because I he had so much of the day before me, I passed by the porterlavished all away, and came down the hillhad nothing left him but rags.
ChrCHR. He told me, indeed, that he saw you go by, but I wish you had called at Then said Christian to the houseInterpreter, for they would have shewed you so many rarities, that you would scarce have forgot them Expound this matter morefully to the day of your deathme. But pray tell me, Did you meet nobody in the Valley of Humility?
FaithINTER. YesSo he said, I met with one DiscontentThese two lads are figures; Passion of the men ofthis world, who would willingly have persuaded me and Patience of the men of that which is to go back again with himcome; his reason wasfor, for that the valley was altogether without honour. He told meashere thou seest, passion will have all now, moreoverthis year, that there is to go was say,in this world; so are the way to disobey men of this world: They must have all my friendstheirgood things now; they cannot stay till the next year, as Pridethat is, Arrogancyuntil thenext world, Selfconceitfor their portion of good. That proverb, Worldly-glory"A bird in thehand is worth two in the bush, " is of more authority with others, who them than areall the divine testimonies of the good of the world to come. But asthou sawest that he knewhad quickly lavished all away, as he saidand had presentlyleft him nothing but rags, would so will it be very much offended, if I made with all such a fool men at the end of myself as to wade through this valleyworld.
ChrCHR. WellThen said Christian, Now I see that Patience has the best wisdom,and how did you answer him?that upon many accounts. 1. Because he stays for the best things.2. And also because he will have the glory of his, when the other hasnothing but rags.
FaithINTER. I told himNay, that although all you may add another, to wit, the glory of the next worldwill never wear out; but these that are suddenly gone. Therefore Passion hadnot so much reason to laugh at Patience because he had his good thingsfirst, as Patience will have to laugh at Passion because he named might claim kindred of mehad his bestthings last; for first must give place to last, because last must havehis time to come: but last gives place to nothing, for there is notanother to succeed. He, therefore, and that rightlyhath his portion first, for indeed they were my relations according mustneeds have a time to the fleshspend it; yet since I became a pilgrimbut he that hath his portion last, they musthave disowned meit lastingly: therefore it is said of Dives, as I also have rejected them"In thy lifetime thoureceivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now heis comforted, and therefore they were to me now no more than if they had never been of my lineagethou art tormented." Luke 16:25.
CHR. Then I told himperceive it is not best to cover things that are now, moreover, that as but to this valley, he had quite misrepresented the thing; wait for before honour is humility, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Therefore, said I, I had rather go through this valley things to the honour that was so accounted by the wisest, than choose that which he esteemed most worthy our affectionscome.
ChrINTER. Met you with nothing else in You say truth: for the things that valley? Faith. Yesare seen are temporal, I met with Shame; but of all the men things that I met with in my pilgrimageare not seen are eternal. 2 Cor. 4:18. But though this beso, heyet since things present and our fleshly appetite are such nearneighbors one to another; and again, I thinkbecause things to come and carnalsense are such strangers one to another; therefore it is, bears that the wrong name. The others would be said nay, after a little argumentationfirstof these so suddenly fall into amity, and somewhat else; but this bold-faced Shame would never have donethat distance is so continuedbetween the second.
Chr. WhyThen I saw in my dream, that the Interpreter took Christian by the hand,and led him into a place where was a fire burning against a wall, andone standing by it, always casting much water upon it, what to quench it; yetdid he say to you?the fire burn higher and hotter.
Faith. What! why, he objected against religion itself; he Then said it was a pitifulChristian, low, sneaking business for a man to mind religion; he said that a tender conscience was an unmanly thing; and that for a man to watch over his words and ways, so as to tie up himself from that hectoring liberty that the brave spirits of the times accustom themselves unto, would make him the ridicule of the times. He objected also, that but few of the mighty, rich, or wise, were ever of my opinion; nor any of them neither, before they were persuaded to be fools, and to be of a voluntary fondness, to venture the loss of all, for nobody knows what. He, moreover, objected the base and low estate and condition of those that were chiefly the pilgrims of the times in which they lived: also their ignorance and want of understanding in all natural science. Yea, he did hold me to it at that rate also, about a great many more things than here I relate; as, that it was a shame to sit whining and mourning under a sermon, and a shame to come sighing and groaning home: that it was a shame to ask my neighbour forgiveness for petty faults, or to make restitution where I have taken from any. He said, also, that religion made a man grow strange to the great, because of a few vices, which he called by finer names; and made him own and respect the base, because of the same religious fraternity. And is not What means this, said he, a shame?
ChrThe Interpreter answered, This fire is the work of grace that is wroughtin the heart; he that casts water upon it, to extinguish and put it out,is the devil: but in that thou seest the fire, notwithstanding, burnhigher and hotter, thou shalt also see the reason of that. And what So he hadhim about to the back side of the wall, where he saw a man with a vesselof oil in his hand, of the which he did you say to him?also continually cast (butsecretly) into the fire.
Faith. Say! I could not tell what to say at the first. Yea, he put me so to it, that my blood came up in my face; even this Shame fetched it up, and had almost beat me quite off. But at last I began to consider, that that which is highly esteemed among men, is had in abomination with God. And I thought againThen said Christian, What means this Shame tells me what men are; but it tells me nothing what God or the Word of God is. And I thought, moreover, that at the day of doom, we shall not be doomed to death or life according to the hectoring spirits of the world, but according to the wisdom and law of the Highest. Therefore, thought I, what God says is best, indeed is best, though all the men in the world are against it. Seeing, then, that God prefers his religion; seeing God prefers a tender conscience; seeing they that make themselves fools for the kingdom of heaven are wisest; and that the poor man that loveth Christ is richer than the greatest man in the world that hates him; Shame, depart, thou art an enemy to my salvation! Shall I entertain thee against my sovereign Lord? How then shall I look him in the face at his coming? Should I now be ashamed of his ways and servants, how can I expect the blessing? But, indeed, this Shame was a bold villain; I could scarce shake him out of my company; yea, he would be haunting of me, and continually whispering me in the ear, with some one or other of the infirmities that attend religion; but at last I told him it was but in vain to attempt further in this business; for those things that he disdained, in those did I see most glory; and so at last I got past this importunate one. And when I had shaken him off, then I began to sing --
The trials that those men do meet withalInterpreter answered, That are obedient to the heavenly callThis is Christ, Are manifoldwho continually, and suited to with the flesh,oil And comeof his grace, and come, and come again afreshmaintains the work already begun in the heart;by the That nowmeans of which, or sometime elsenotwithstanding what the devil can do, we by them maythe souls of his Be taken, overcome, and cast awaypeople prove gracious still. 2 Cor. 12:9. And in that thou sawest Oh, let that the man stood behind the wall to maintain the pilgrimsfire; this is toteach thee, let that it is hard for the pilgrims, thentempted to see how this work of Be vigilant, and quit themselves like mengrace is maintained in the soul.
Chr. I am glad, my brothersaw also, that thou didst withstand this villain so bravely; for of all, as thou sayest, I think he has the wrong name; for he is so bold as to follow us in Interpreter took him again by the streetshand, and to attempt to put us to shame before all men: that isled himinto a pleasant place, where was built a stately palace, beautiful to make us ashamed behold; at the sight of that which is good; but if he Christian was not himself audacious, he would never attempt to do as he doesgreatly delighted. But let us still resist him; for notwithstanding all his bravadoes, he promoteth He sawalso upon the fool and none else. The wise shall inherit glorytop thereof certain persons walking, said Solomon, but shame shall be the promotion of foolswho were clothed allin gold.
Faith. I think Then said Christian may we must cry to Him for help against Shame, who would have us to be valiant for the truth upon the earth.go in thither?
ChrThen the Interpreter took him, and led him up towards the door of thepalace; and behold, at the door stood a great company of men, asdesirous to go in, but durst not. There also sat a man at a littledistance from the door, at a table-side, with a book and his inkhornbefore him, to take the names of them that should enter therein; he sawalso that in the doorway stood many men in armor to keep it, beingresolved to do to the men that would enter, what hurt and mischief theycould. Now was Christian somewhat in amaze. You say true At last, when every manstarted back for fear of the armed men, Christian saw a man of a verystout countenance come up to the man that sat there to write, saying,"Set down my name, sir;" the which when he had done, he saw the man drawhis sword, and put a helmet on his head, and rush towards the door uponthe armed men, who laid upon him with deadly force; but did you meet nobody else in the man, not atall discouraged, fell to cutting and hacking most fiercely. So after hehad received and given many wounds to those that attempted to keep himout, Matt. 11:12; Acts 14:22; he cut his way through them all, andpressed forward into the palace; at which there was a pleasant voiceheard from those that were within, even of those that valley?walked upon thetop of the palace, saying,
Faith. No"Come in, not I; for I had sunshine all the rest of the way through thatcome in, and also through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
Chr. It was well for you. I am sure it fared far otherwise with me; I had for a long season, as soon almost as I entered into that valley, a dreadful combat with that foul fiend Apollyon; yea, I thought verily he would have killed me, especially when he got me down and crushed me under him, as if he would have crushed me to pieces; for as he threw me, my sword flew out of my hand; nay, he told me he was sure of me: but I cried to God, and he heard me, and delivered me out of all my troubles. Then I entered into the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and had no light for almost half the way through it. I thought I should have been killed there, over and over; but at last day broke, and the sun rose, and I went through that which was behind with far more ease and quietEternal glory thou shalt win."
Moreover, I saw So he went in my dream, that and was clothed with such garments as they went on. ThenChristian smiled, Faithfuland said, as he chanced to look on one side, saw a man whose name is Talkative, walking at a distance beside them; for in I think verily I know the meaning of this place there was room enough for them all to walk. He was a tall man, and something more comely at a distance than at hand. To this man Faithful addressed himself in this manner: --
FaithNow, said Christian, let me go hence. Friend Nay, stay, said the Interpreter,till I have showed thee a little more, whither away? Are you going to and after that thou shalt go onthy way. So he took him by the heavenly country?hand again, and led him into a very darkroom, where there sat a man in an iron cage.
TalkNow the man, to look on, seemed very sad; he sat with his eyes lookingdown to the ground, his hands folded together, and he sighed as if hewould break his heart. I am going to Then said Christian, What means this? At whichthe Interpreter bid him talk with the same placeman.
Faith. That is well; then Then said Christian to the man, What art thou? The man answered, I hope we may have your good companyamwhat I was not once.
Talk. With a very good will will I be your companionCHR.What wast thou once?
FaithMAN. Come onThe man said, thenI was once a fair and flourishing professor, Luke8:13, and let us go togetherboth in mine own eyes, and let us spend our time also in discoursing the eyes of things others: I once was,as I thought, fair for the celestial city, and had then even joy at thethoughts that are profitableI should get thither.
TalkCHR. To talk of things that are goodWell, to me is very acceptable, with you or with any other; and I am glad that I have met with those that incline to so good a work; for, to speak the truth, there are but few that care thus to spend their time, (as they are in their travels,) but choose much rather to be speaking of things to no profit; and this hath been a trouble for me.what art thou now?
FaithMAN. That is indeed I am now a thing to be lamented; for what things so worthy of the use man of the tongue despair, and mouth of men on earth am shut up in it, as are the things of the God of heaven?in this ironcage. I cannot get out; Oh now I cannot!
TalkCHR. I like you wonderful well, for your sayings are full of conviction; and I will add, what thing is so pleasant, and what so profitable, as to talk of the things of God? What things so pleasant (that is, if a man hath any delight in things that are wonderful)? For instance, if a man doth delight to talk of the history or the mystery of things; or if a man doth love to talk of miracles, wonders, or signs, where shall he find things recorded so delightful, and so sweetly penned, as in the Holy ScriptureBut how camest thou into this condition?
FaithMAN. That I left off to watch and be sober: I laid the reins upon the neck ofmy lusts; I sinned against the light of the word, and the goodness ofGod; I have grieved the Spirit, and he is truegone; but I tempted the devil, andhe is come to be profited by such things in our talk should be me; I have provoked God to anger, and he has left me: Ihave so hardened my heart, that which we designI cannot repent.
Talk. That is it that I Then said; for Christian to talk of such things the Interpreter, But is most profitable; there no hope for by so doing, such a man may get knowledge of many things; as of the vanity of earthly things, and the benefit of things above. Thus, in general, but more particularly by this? Ask him, a man may learn the necessity of the new birth, the insufficiency of our works, the need of Christ's righteousness, Besides, by this a man may learn, by talk, what it is to repent, to believe, to pray, to suffer, or the like; by this also a man may learn what are the great promises and consolations of the gospel, to his own comfort. Further, by this a man may learn to refute false opinions, to vindicate the truth, and also to instruct said the ignorantInterpreter.
FaithCHR. All this is trueThen said Christian, and glad am I to hear these things from Is there no hope, but you.must be kept in theiron cage of despair?
TalkMAN. Alas! the want of this is the cause why so few understand the need of faithNo, and the necessity of a work of grace in their soul, in order to eternal life; but ignorantly live in the works of the law, by which a man can by no means obtain the kingdom of heavennone at all.
FaithCHR. ButWhy, by your leave, heavenly knowledge of these is the gift Son of God; no man attaineth to them by human industry, or only by the talk of themBlessed is very pitiful.
TalkMAN. All this I know very wellhave crucified him to myself afresh, Heb. 6:6; for a man can receive nothingI have despisedhis person, except it be given him from HeavenLuke 19:14; I have despised his righteousness; I havecounted his blood an unholy thing; all is I have done despite to the spirit of grace, not of worksHeb. 10:29: therefore I could give you a hundred scriptures for have shut myself out of all the confirmation promisesand there now remains to me nothing but threatenings, dreadfulthreatenings, faithful threatenings of thiscertain judgment and fieryindignation, which shall devour me as an adversary.
FaithCHR. Well, then, said Faithful, For what is that one thing that we shall at did you bring yourself into this time found our discourse uponcondition?
TalkMAN. What you will. I will talk of things heavenlyFor the lusts, or things earthly; things moralpleasures, or things evangelical; things sacred, or things profaneand profits of this world; in theenjoyment of which I did then promise myself much delight: but now everyone of those things pastalso bite me, or things to come; things foreign, or things at home; things more essential, or things circumstantial; provided that all be done to our profitand gnaw me like a burning worm.
FaithCHR. Now did Faithful begin to wonder; But canst thou not now repent and stepping to Christian, (for he walked all this while by himself,) he said to him, (but softly,) What a brave companion have we gotturn? Surely this man will make a very excellent pilgrim.
ChrMAN. At God hath denied me repentance. His word gives me no encouragementto believe; yea, himself hath shut me up in this Christian modestly smiled, and said, This man, iron cage: nor can allthe men in the world let me out. Oh eternity! eternity! how shall Igrapple with whom you are so taken, will beguile, the misery that I must meet with that tongue of his, twenty of them that know him not.in eternity?
FaithINTER. Do you know himThen said the Interpreter to Christian, then?Let this man's misery beremembered by thee, and be an everlasting caution to thee.
ChrCHR. Know himWell, said Christian, this is fearful! Yes God help me to watch and tobe sober, better than he knows himselfand to pray that I may shun the cause of this man's misery.Sir, is it not time for me to go on my way now?
FaithINTER. PrayTarry till I shall show thee one thing more, what is he?and then thou shaltgo on thy way.
Chr. His name is TalkativeSo he took Christian by the hand again and led him into a chamber wherethere was one rising out of bed; and as he dwelleth in our townput on his raiment, he shookand trembled. I wonder that you should be a stranger Then said Christian, Why doth this man thus tremble? TheInterpreter then bid him tell to him, only I consider that our town is largeChristian the reason of his so doing.
FaithSo he began, and said, "This night, as I was in my sleep, I dreamed, andbehold the heavens grew exceeding black; also it thundered and lightenedin most fearful wise, that it put me into an agony. Whose son is he? So I looked up inmy dream, and saw the clouds rack at an unusual rate; upon which I hearda great sound of a trumpet, and saw also a man sitting upon a cloud,attended with the thousands of heaven: they were all in flaming fire;also the heavens were in a burning flame. I heard then a voice, saying,'Arise, ye dead, and come to judgment.' And with that the rocks rent,the graves opened, and the dead that were therein came forth: some ofthem were exceeding glad, and looked upward; and some sought to hidethemselves under the mountains. Then I saw the man that sat upon thecloud open the book, and bid the world draw near. Yet there was, byreason of a fierce flame that issued out and came from before him, aconvenient distance between him and them, as between the judge and theprisoners at the bar. 1 Cor. 15; 1 Thess. 4:16; Jude 15; John 5:28,29; 2 Thess. 1:8-10; Rev. 20:11-14; Isa. 26:21; Micah 7:16,17;Psa. 5:4; 50:1-3; Mal. 3:2,3; Dan. 7:9,10. I heard it alsoproclaimed to them that attended on the man that sat on the cloud,'Gather together the tares, the chaff, and stubble, and cast them intothe burning lake.' Matt. 3:12; 18:30; 24:30; Mal. 4:1. And with thatthe bottomless pit opened, just whereabout does he dwell?I stood; out of the mouth ofwhich there came, in an abundant manner, smoke, and coals of fire, withhideous noises. It was also said to the same persons, 'Gather my wheatinto the garner.' Luke 3:17. And with that I saw many catched up andcarried away into the clouds, but I was left behind. 1 Thess. 4:16,17.I also sought to hide myself, but I could not, for the man that sat uponthe cloud still kept his eye upon me; my sins also came into my mind,and my conscience did accuse me on every side. Rom. 2:14,15. Uponthis I awakened from my sleep."
ChrCHR. He is the son of one Say-well; he dwelt in Prating Row; and is known of all But what was it that are acquainted with him, by the name made you so afraid of Talkative in Prating Row; and notwithstanding his fine tongue, he is but a sorry fellow.this sight?
FaithMAN. WellWhy, he seems to be a very pretty manI thought that the day of judgment was come, and that I wasnot ready for it: but this frightened me most, that the angels gatheredup several, and left me behind; also the pit of hell opened her mouthjust where I stood. My conscience too afflicted me; and, as I thought,the Judge had always his eye upon me, showing indignation in hiscountenance.
Chr. That is, to them who have not thorough acquaintance with him; for he is best abroad; near home, he is ugly enough. Your saying that he is a pretty man, brings Then said the Interpreter to my mind what I have observed in the work of the painter, whose pictures shew best at a distance, but, very nearChristian, more unpleasing."Hast thou considered all thesethings?"
FaithCHR. But I am ready to think you do but jestYes, because you smiledand they put me in hope and fear.
ChrINTER. God forbid that I should jest (although I smiled) Well, keep all things so in this matterthy mind, or that I should accuse any falsely! I will give you they may be as a further discovery of himgoadin thy sides, to prick thee forward in the way thou must go. This man is for any company ThenChristian began to gird up his loins, and for any talk; as he talketh now with you, so will he talk when he is on the ale-bench; and to address himself to hisjourney. Then said the more drink he hath in his crownInterpreter, the more of these things he hath in his mouth; religion hath no place in his heart"The Comforter be always with thee, or housegood Christian, or conversation; all he hath lieth to guide thee in the way that leads to the city." SoChristian went on his tongueway, and his religion issaying, to make a noise therewith.
Faith. Say you so! then am "Here I in this man greatly deceived.have seen things rare and profitable,
Chr. Deceived! you may be sure of it; remember the proverbThings pleasant, They say and do not. But the kingdom of God is not in worddreadful, but in Power. He talketh of prayer, of repentance, of faith, and of the new birth; but he knows but only to talk of them. I have been in his family, and have observed him both at home and abroad; and I know what I say of him is the truth. His house is as empty of religion as the white of an egg is of savour. There is there neither prayer nor sign of repentance for sin; yea, the brute in his kind serves God far better than he. He is the very stain, reproach, and shame of religion, to all that know him; it can hardly have a good word in all that end of the town where he dwells, through him. Thus say the common people that know him, A saint abroad, and a devil at home. His poor family finds it so; he is such a churl, such a railer at and so unreasonable with his servants, that they neither know how to do for or speak to him. Men that have any dealings with him say it is better things to deal with a Turk than with him; for fairer dealing they shall have at their hands. This Talkative (if it be possible) will go beyond them, defraud, beguile, and overreach them. Besides, he brings up his sons to follow his steps; and if he findeth in any of them a foolish timorousness, (for so he calls the first appearance of a tender conscience,) he calls them fools and blockheads, and by no means will employ them in much, or speak to their commendations before others. For my part, I am of opinion, that he has, by his wicked life, caused many to stumble and fall; and will be, if God prevent not, the ruin of many more.make me stable
Faith. Well, my brother, In what I am bound have begun to believe you; not only because you say you know him, but also because, like a Christian, you make your reports of men. For I cannot think that you speak these things of ill-will, but because it is even so as you say.take in hand:
Chr. Had I known him no more than youThen let me think on them, I might perhaps have thought of him, as, at the first, you did; yea, had he received this report at their hands only that are enemies to religion, I should have thought it had been a slander, -- a lot that often falls from bad men's mouths upon good men's names and professions; but all these things, yea, and a great many more as bad, of my own knowledge, I can prove him guilty of. Besides, good men are ashamed of him; they can neither call him brother, nor friend; the very naming of him among them makes them blush, if they know him.understand
Faith. WellWherefore they showed me were, I see that saying and doing are two things, and hereafter I shall better observe this distinction.let me be
Chr. They are two things, indeed, and are as diverse as are the soul and the body; for as the body without the soul is but a dead carcass, so saying, if it be alone, is but a dead carcass also. The soul of religion is the practical part: Pure religion and undefiled, before God and the Father, is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their afflictionThankful, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. This Talkative is not aware of; he thinks that hearing and saying will make a O good Christian, and thus he deceiveth his own soul. Hearing is but as the sowing of the seed; talking is not sufficient to prove that fruit is indeed in the heart and life; and let us assure ourselves, that at the day of doom men shall be judged according to their fruits. It will not be said then, Did you believe? but, Were you doers, or talkers only? and accordingly shall they be judged. The end of the world is compared to our harvest; and you know men at harvest regard nothing but fruit. Not that anything can be accepted that is not of faithInterpreter, but I speak this to shew you how insignificant the profession of Talkative will be at that daythee."
Faith. This brings to my mind that of Moses, by which he describeth the beast that is clean. He is such a one that parteth the hoof and cheweth the cud; not that parteth the hoof only, or that cheweth the cud only. The hare cheweth the cud, but yet is unclean, because he parteth not the hoof. And this truly resembleth Talkative; he cheweth the cud, he seeketh knowledge, he cheweth upon the word; but he divideth not the hoof, he parteth not with the way of sinners; but, as the hare, he retaineth the foot of a dog or bear, and therefore he is unclean.
Chr. You have spoken, for aught I know, the true gospel sense of those texts. And I will add another thing: Paul calleth some men, yea, and those great talkers, too, sounding brass and tinkling cymbals; that is, as he expounds them in another place, things without life, giving sound. Things without life, that is, without the true faith and grace of the gospel; and consequently, things that shall never be placed in the kingdom of heaven among those that are the children of life; though their sound, by their talk, be as if it were the tongue or voice of an angel.
Faith. Well, I was not so fond of his company at first, but I am as sick of it now. What shall we do to be rid of him? Chr. Take my advice, and do as I bid you, and you shall find that he will soon be sick of your company too, except God shall touch his heart, and turn it==THE THIRD STAGE.==
FaithNow I saw in my dream, that the highway up which Christian was to go,was fenced on either side with a wall, and that wall was calledSalvation. Isaiah 26:1. Up this way, therefore, did burdened Christianrun, but not without great difficulty, because of the load on his back. What would you have me to do?
ChrHe ran thus till he came at a place somewhat ascending; and upon thatplace stood a cross, and a little below, in the bottom, a sepulchre. Why SoI saw in my dream, that just as Christian came up with the cross, go hisburden loosed from off his shoulders, and fell from off his back, andbegan to himtumble, and enter into some serious discourse about so continued to do till it came to the power of religion; and ask him plainly (when he has approved mouth of thesepulchre, where it, for that he will) whether this thing be set up fell in his heart, house, or conversationand I saw it no more.
FaithThen was Christian glad and lightsome, and said with a merry heart, "Hehath given me rest by his sorrow, and life by his death. " Then Faithful stepped forward he stoodstill a while, to look and wonder; for it was very surprising to himthat the sight of the cross should thus ease him of his burden. Helooked, therefore, and looked again, even till the springs that were inhis head sent the waters down his cheeks. Zech. 12:10. Now as hestood looking and weeping, behold, three Shining Ones came to him, andsaluted him with, "Peace be to thee." So the first said to Talkativehim, "Thysins be forgiven thee," Mark 2:5; the second stripped him of his rags,and clothed him with change of raiment, Zech. 3:4; the third also set amark on his forehead, Eph. 1:13, and gave him a roll with a seal uponit, Comewhich he bid him look on as he ran, what cheer? How is and that he should give it now?in atthe celestial gate: so they went their way. Then Christian gave threeleaps for joy, and went on singing,
Talk. Thank you"Thus far did I come laden with my sin, well. I thought we should have had a great deal of talk by this time.
Faith. Well, if you will, we will fall to it now; and since you left it with me to state Nor could aught ease the questiongrief that I was in, let it be this, How doth the saving grace of God discover itself when it is in the heart of man?
Talk. Till I perceive, then, that our talk must be about the power of thingscame hither. Well, it is What a very good question, and I shall be willing to answer you. And take my answer in brief, thus: -- First, Where the grace of God place is in the heart, it causeth there a great outcry against sin. Secondly -- --this!
Faith. Nay, hold, let us consider Must here be the beginning of one at once. I think you should rather say, It shews itself by inclining the soul to abhor its sin.my bliss?
Talk. Why, what difference is there between crying out against, and abhorring of sinMust here the burden fall from off my back?
Faith. Oh, a great deal. A man may cry out against sin of policy, but he cannot abhor it but by virtue of a godly antipathy against it. I have heard many cry out against sin in the pulpit, who yet can abide it well enough in Must here the heart, house, and conversation. Joseph's mistress cried out with a loud voice, as if she had been very holy; but she would willingly, notwithstanding strings that, have committed uncleanness with him. Some cry out against sin even as the mother cries out against her child in her lap, when she calleth bound it slut and naughty girl, and then falls to hugging and kissing it.me crack?
Talk. You lie at the catch, I perceive.Blest cross! blest sepulchre! blest rather be
Faith. No, not I; I am only The Man that there was put to shame for setting things right. But what is the second thing whereby you would prove a discovery of a work of grace in the heart?me!"
TalkI saw then in my dream, that he went on thus, even until he came at thebottom, where he saw, a little out of the way, three men fast asleep,with fetters upon their heels. Great knowledge The name of the one was Simple, ofanother Sloth, and of gospel mysteriesthe third Presumption.
Faith. This sign should have been first; but first or last, it is also false; for knowledge, great knowledge, may be obtained Christian then seeing them lie in the mysteries of the gospelthis case, and yet no work of grace in the soul. Yeawent to them, if a man have all knowledge, peradventure he may yet be nothingmight awake them, and so consequently be no child of God. When Christ saidcried, Do you know all these things? and the disciples had answered, Yes; he addeth, Blessed are ye if ye do like them. He doth not lay thatsleep on the blessing in the knowing top of thema mast, Prov. 23:34, but in for the doing of them. For there Dead Sea is under you,a knowledge gulf that is not attended with doinghath no bottom: He that knoweth his masters willawake, and doeth it not. A man may know like an angeltherefore, and yet come away; be no Christianwillingalso, therefore and I will help you off with your sign of it is not trueirons. Indeed He also told them, to know is If hethat goeth about like a thing that pleaseth talkers and boastersroaring lion, 1 Pet. 5:8, comes by, but you willcertainly become a prey to do is that which pleaseth Godhis teeth. Not that the heart can be good without knowledge; for without With thatthey looked upon him, the heart is naught. There isand began to reply in this sort: Simple said, thereforeI see no danger; Slothsaid, knowledge and knowledge. Knowledge that resteth in the bare speculation of thingsYet a little more sleep; and knowledge that is accompanied with the grace of faith and love; which puts a man Presumption said, Every tub muststand upon doing even the will of God from the heart: the first of these will serve the talker; but without the other the true Christian is not contentits own bottom. Give me understanding And so they lay down to sleep again, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heartChristian went on his way.
TalkYet he was troubled to think that men in that danger should so littleesteem the kindness of him that so freely offered to help them, both byawakening of them, counselling of them, and proffering to help them offwith their irons. You lie at And as he was troubled thereabout, he espied two mencome tumbling over the wall, on the left hand of the catch againnarrow way; this is not for edificationandthey made up apace to him. The name of the one was Formalist, and thename of the other Hypocrisy. So, as I said, they drew up unto him, whothus entered with them into discourse.
FaithCHR. WellGentlemen, if whence came you please, propound another sign how this work of grace discovereth itself where it is.and whither do you go?
TalkFORM. Not IAND HYP. We were born in the land of Vain-glory, and are going,for I see we shall not agreepraise, to Mount Zion.
FaithCHR. WellWhy came you not in at the gate which standeth at the beginning ofthe way? Know ye not that it is written, if you will that "he that cometh notin bythe door, will you give me leave to do itbut climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and arobber?" John 10:1.
TalkFORM. You may use your libertyAND HYP. They said, that to go to the gate for entrance was by alltheir countrymen counted too far about; and that therefore their usualway was to make a short cut of it, and to climb over the wall, as theyhad done.
FaithCHR. A work But will it not be counted a trespass against the Lord of grace in the soul discovereth itself, either to him that hath itcitywhither we are bound, or thus to standers by.violate his revealed will?
To FORM. AND HYP. They told him , that hath it thus: It gives him conviction of sin, especially of the defilement of his nature and the sin of unbelief, (as for the sake of which he is sure to be damnedthat, if he findeth needed not mercy at God's hand, by faith in Jesus Christ). This sight and sense of things worketh in him sorrow and shame to troublehis head thereabout: for sin; he findeth, moreover, revealed in him the Saviour of the world, and the absolute necessity of closing with him what they did they had custom for life, at the which he findeth hungerings and thirstings after him; to which hungeringscouldproduce, the promise is made. Nowif need were, according to the strength or weakness of his faith in his Saviour, so is his joy and peace, so is his love to holiness, so are his desires to know him testimony that would witness it for more, and also to serve him in this world. But though I say it discovereth itself thus unto him, yet it is but seldom that he is able to conclude that this is a work of grace; because his corruptions now, and his abused reason, make his mind to misjudge in this matter; therefore, in him that hath this work, there is required a very sound judgment before he can, with steadiness, conclude that this is than a work of gracethousand years.
To othersCHR. But, it is thus discovered: --said Christian, will you stand a trial at law?
1FORM. By AND HYP. They told him, that custom, it being of so long standingas above a thousand years, would doubtless now be admitted as a thinglegal by an experimental confession of his faith impartial judge: and besides, said they, if we get into theway, what matter is it which way we get in? If we are in, we are in:thou art but in the way, who, as we perceive, came in at the gate; andwe also are in Christ.the way, that came tumbling over the wall: wherein now isthy condition better than ours?
2CHR. By a life answerable to that confession; to wit, a life I walk by the rule of holiness, heart-holiness, family-holiness, (if he hath a family,) and my Master: you walk by conversation-holiness in the world which, in rude working ofyour fancies. You are counted thieves already by the general, teacheth him, inwardly, to abhor his sin, and himself for that, in secret; to suppress it in his family and to promote holiness in Lord of the world; way:therefore I doubt you will not by talk only, as a hypocrite or talkative person may do, but by a practical subjection, in faith and love, to be found true men at the power end of the Wordway. And now, Sir, as to this brief description of the work of graceYou come in by yourselves without his direction, and also the discovery of it, if you have aught to object, object; if not, then give me leave to propound to you a second questionshall go out byyourselves without his mercy.
TalkTo this they made him but little answer; only they bid him look tohimself. Nay Then I saw that they went on, every man in his way, my part is withoutmuch conference one with another, save that these two men toldChristian, that as to laws and ordinances, they doubted not but thatthey should as conscientiously do them as he. Therefore, said they, wesee not now to objectwherein thou differest from us, but to hear; let meby the coat that is on thyback, which was, as we trow, thereforegiven thee by some of thy neighbors, have your second questiontohide the shame of thy nakedness.
FaithCHR. It is this: Do By laws and ordinances you experience this first part of this description of it? and doth your life and conversation testify the same? or standeth your religion in word or in tonguewill not be saved, and since you came not in deed and truth? Prayby the door. Gal. 2:16. And as for this coat that is on my back, if you incline to answer itwas given me in thisby the Lord of the place whither I go; and that, say no more than as you know the God above will say Amen , to cover my nakedness with. And I take it as a token of kindnesstome; and also for I had nothing but what your conscience can justify you inrags before. And besides, thus I comfortmyself as I go. Surely, think I, when I come to the gate of the city,the Lord thereof will know me for good, since I have his coat on myback; for not a coat that he gave me freely in the day that commendeth himself is approvedhe stripped me of myrags. I have, moreover, a mark in my forehead, of which perhaps youhave taken no notice, but whom which one of my Lord's most intimate associatesfixed there in the Lord commendethday that my burden fell off my shoulders. Besides I willtell you, moreover, that I had then given me a roll sealed, to say comfortme by reading as I go on the way; I am thus and thuswas also bid to give it in at thecelestial gate, when in token of my conversation, and certain going in after it: all my neighbours, tell me whichthings I liedoubt you want, is great wickednessand want them because you came not in at thegate.
Talk. Then Talkative at first began to blushTo these things they gave him no answer; but, recovering himself, thus he replied: You come now to experience, to conscienceonly they looked upon eachother, and God; and to appeal to him for justification of what is spokenlaughed. This kind of discourse Then I did not expect; nor am I disposed to give an answer to such questionssaw that they went all on, because I count not myself bound theretosave thatChristian kept before, unless you take upon you to be a catechiserwho had no more talk but with himself, andthatsometimes sighingly, though you should so doand sometimes comfortably: also he would be oftenreading in the roll that one of the Shining Ones gave him, yet I may refuse to make you my judgeby which hewas refreshed. But, I pray, will you tell me why you ask me such questions?
Faith. Because I saw you forward to talkbeheld then, and because I knew not that you had aught else but notion. Besides, they all went on till they came to tell you all the truthfoot of thehill Difficulty, I have heard at the bottom of you, that you are which there was a man whose religion lies spring. There werealso in talk, and the same place two other ways besides that your conversation gives this your mouth-profession which came straightfrom the lie. They saygate: one turned to the left hand, you are a spot among Christians; and that religion fareth the worse for your ungodly conversation; that some have already stumbled other to the right,at your wicked ways, and that more are in danger the bottom of being destroyed therebythe hill; your religionbut the narrow way lay right up the hill, and an alehousethe name of the going up the side of the hill is called Difficulty.Christian now went to the spring, and covetousnessIsa. 49:10, and uncleannessdrank thereof torefresh himself, and swearingthen began to go up the hill, and lyingsaying, and vain-company keeping, will stand together. The proverb is true of you which is said of a whore, to wit, that she is a shame to all women; so are you a shame to all professors.
Talk. Since you are ready to take up reports and to judge so rashly as you do"The hill, though high, I cannot but conclude you are some peevish or melancholy man, not fit covet to be discoursed withascend; and so adieu.
Chr. Then came up Christian, and said to his brother, I told you how it would happen: your words and his lusts could The difficulty will not agreeme offend; he had rather leave your company than reform his life. But he is gone, as I said; let him go, the loss is no man's but his own; he has saved us the trouble of going from him; for he continuing (as I suppose he will do) as he is, he would have been but a blot in our company: besides, the apostle says, From such withdraw thyself.
Faith. But For I am glad we had this little discourse with him; it may happen that he will think of it againperceive the way to life lies here: however, I have dealt plainly with him, and so am clear of his blood, if he perisheth.
Chr. You did well to talk so plainly to him as you did; there is but little of this faithful dealing with men nowa-days, and that makes religion to stink so in the nostrils of many, as it doth; for they are these talkative fools whose religion is only in word, and are debauched and vain in their conversation, that (being so much admitted into the fellowship of the godly) do puzzle the world, blemish ChristianityCome, and grieve the sincere. I wish that all men would deal with such as you have done: then should they either be made more conformable to religionpluck up heart, or the company of saints would be too hot for themlet's neither faint nor fear. Then did Faithful say,
How Talkative at first lifts up his plumes! How bravely doth he speak! How he presumes To drive down all before him! But so soon As Faithful talks of heart-workBetter, like the moon That's past the fullthough difficult, into the wane he goes. And so will allright way to go, but he that HEART-WORK knows.
Thus they went on talking of what they had seen by the wayThan wrong, and so made that way though easy which would otherwise, no doubt, have been tedious to them; for now they went through a wildernesswhere the end is woe."
Now, The other two also came to the foot of the hill. But when they were got almost quite out of this wilderness, Faithful chanced to cast his eye back, saw thatthe hill was steep and espied one coming after themhigh, and he knew him. Oh! said Faithful that there were two other ways to his brother, who comes yonder? Then go;and supposing also that these two ways might meet again with that upwhich Christian lookedwent, and said, It is my good friend Evangeliston the other side of the hill; therefore they wereresolved to go in those ways. Ay Now the name of one of those ways wasDanger, and my good friend too, said Faithful, for it was he that set me in the name of the other Destruction. So the one took the way to which is called Danger, which led him into a great wood; and the gate. Now was Evangelist come othertook directly up the way to themDestruction, which led him into a widefield, full of dark mountains, where he stumbled and fell, and thus saluted them: --rose nomore.
EvanI looked then after Christian, to see him go up the hill, where Iperceived he fell from running to going, and from going to clamberingupon his hands and his knees, because of the steepness of the place.Now about the midway to the top of the hill was a pleasant Arbor, madeby the Lord of the hill for the refreshment of weary travellers.Thither, therefore, Christian got, where also he sat down to rest him:then he pulled his roll out of his bosom, and read therein to hiscomfort; he also now began afresh to take a review of the coat orgarment that was given to him as he stood by the cross. Thus pleasinghimself awhile, he at last fell into a slumber, and thence into a fastsleep, which detained him in that place until it was almost night; andin his sleep his roll fell out of his hand. Peace Now, as he was sleeping,there came one to him, and awaked him, saying, "Go to the ant, thousluggard; consider her ways, and be wise." Prov. 6:6. And with youthat,Christian suddenly started up, and sped him on his way, dearly beloved; and peace be went apacetill he came to your helpersthe top of the hill.
ChrNow when he was got up to the top of the hill, there came two menrunning amain; the name of the one was Timorous, and of the otherMistrust: to whom Christian said, Sirs, what's the matter? you run thewrong way. Welcome Timorous answered, welcomethat they were going to the city of Zion, my good Evangelistand had got up that difficult place: but, said he, the farther we go,the sight of thy countenance brings to my remembrance thy ancient kindness more danger we meet with; wherefore we turned, and unwearied labouring for my eternal goodare going backagain.
Faith. And Yes, said Mistrust, for just before us lie a thousand times welcomecouple of lions in the way, said good Faithful. Thy companywhether sleeping or waking we know not; and we could not think, O sweet Evangelistif wecame within reach, how desirable it is to but they would presently pull us poor pilgrims!in pieces.
EvanCHR. Then said EvangelistChristian, How hath You make me afraid; but whither shall I fly tobe safe? If I go back to mine own country, that is prepared for fireand brimstone, and I shall certainly perish there; if I can get to thecelestial city, I am sure to be in safety there: I must venture. To goback is nothing but death: to go forward is fear of death, and lifeeverlasting beyond it: I will yet go forward. So Mistrust and Timorousran down the hill, and Christian went on his way. But thinking again ofwhat he had heard from the men, he felt in his bosom for his roll, thathe might read therein and be comforted; but he felt, and found it fared with younot.Then was Christian in great distress, and knew not what to do; for hewanted that which used to relieve him, and that which should have beenhis pass into the celestial city. Here, therefore, he began to be muchperplexed, and knew not what to do. At last he bethought himself thathe had slept in the arbor that is on the side of the hill; and fallingdown upon his knees, he asked God forgiveness for that foolish act, my friendsandthen went back to look for his roll. But all the way he went back, since whocan sufficiently set forth the time sorrow of our last partingChristian's heart? What Sometimeshe sighed, sometimes he wept, and oftentimes he chid himself for beingso foolish to fall asleep in that place, which was erected only for alittle refreshment from his weariness. Thus, therefore, he went back,carefully looking on this side and on that, all the way as he went, ifhappily he might find his roll, that had been his comfort so many timesin his journey. He went thus till he came again in sight of the arborwhere he sat and slept; but that sight renewed his sorrow the more, bybringing again, even afresh, his evil of sleeping unto his mind. Rev.2:4; 1 Thess. 5:6-8. Thus, therefore, he now went on, bewailing hissinful sleep, saying, O wretched man that I am, that I should sleep inthe daytime! that I should sleep in the midst of difficulty! that Ishould so indulge the flesh as to use that rest for ease to my fleshwhich the Lord of the hill hath erected only for the relief of thespirits of pilgrims! How many steps have I taken in vain! Thus ithappened to Israel; for their sin they were sent back again by the wayof the Red Sea; and I am made to tread those steps with sorrow, which Imight have you met trod withdelight, and how had it not been for this sinful sleep.How far might I have been on my way by this time! I am made to treadthose steps thrice over, which I needed not to have you behaved yourselves?trod but once: yea,now also I am like to be benighted, for the day is almost spent. O thatI had not slept!
Then Now by this time he was come to the arbor again, where for a while hesat down and wept; but at last, (as Providence would have it,) lookingsorrowfully down under the settle, there he espied his roll, the whichhe with trembling and haste catched up, and put it into his bosom. Butwho can tell how joyful this man was when he had gotten his roll again?For this roll was the assurance of his life, and acceptance at thedesired haven. Therefore he laid it up in his bosom, gave thanks to Godfor directing his eye to the place where it lay, and with joy and tearsbetook himself again to his journey. But O how nimbly did he go up therest of the hill! Yet before he got up, the sun went down uponChristian ; and Faithful this made him again recall the vanity of his sleeping tohis remembrance; and thus he again began to condole with himself: Ohthou sinful sleep! how for thy sake am I like to be benighted in myjourney! I must walk without the sun, darkness must cover the path ofmy feet, and I must hear the noise of the doleful creatures, because ofmy sinful sleep! Now also he remembered the story that Mistrust andTimorous told him of all things that had happened , how they were frighted with the sight of thelions. Then said Christian to them himself again, These beasts range in the waynight for their prey; and if they should meet with me in the dark, howshould I shift them? howshould I escape being by them torn in pieces?Thus he went on his way. But while he was bewailing his unhappymiscarriage, he lift up his eyes, and with what difficultybehold there was a very statelypalace before him, the name of which was Beautiful, they had arrived at that placeand it stood by thehighway-side.
EvanSo I saw in my dream that he made haste, and went forward, that ifpossible he might get lodging there. Now before he had gone far, heentered into a very narrow passage, which was about a furlong off thePorter's lodge, and looking very narrowly before him as he went, heespied two lions in the way. Right glad am I Now, said Evangelistthought he, not I see the dangers that you have met with trialsMistrust and Timorous were driven back by. (The lions were chained, but he saw not the chains.) Then he was afraid, and thought also himself togo back after them; for he thought nothing but death was before him.But the Porter at the lodge, whose name is Watchful, perceiving that you have been victors; Christian made a halt, as if he would go back, cried unto him, saying,Is thy strength so small? Mark 4:40. Fear not the lions, for they arechained, and are placed there for trial of faith where it is, and for discovery of those that you have, notwithstanding many weaknesses, continued none: keep in the way to this very daymidst of the path, and nohurt shall come unto thee.
Then I say, right glad am I of this thing, and saw that for mine own sake and yours. I have sowed, and you have reaped: and the day is coming, when both he that sowed and they that reaped shall rejoice together; that iswent on, if you holdout: trembling for in due season ye shall reapfear of the lions, if ye faint not. The crown is before you, and it is an incorruptible onebut takinggood heed to the directions of the Porter; so runhe heard them roar, that you may obtain itbut theydid him no harm. Some there be that set out for this crown Then he clapped his hands, and, after they have gone far for it, another comes in, went on till he cameand takes it from them: hold fast, therefore, that you have; let no man take your crownstood before the gate where the Porter was. You are not yet out of the gun-shot of Then said Christian tothe devil; you have not resisted unto bloodPorter, striving against sin; let the kingdom be always before youSir, and believe steadfastly concerning things that are invisible. Let nothing that what house is on this side the other world get within you; ? and, above all, look well may I lodge here to your own hearts-night?The Porter answered, and to This house was built by the Lord of the lusts thereofhill, andhe built it for they are deceitful above all thingsthe relief and security of pilgrims. The Porter alsoasked whence he was, and desperately wicked; set your faces like a flint; you have all power in heaven and earth on your sidewhither he was going.
ChrCHR. Then Christian thanked him for his exhortation; but told him, withal, that they would have him speak further to them for their help I am come from the rest city of the wayDestruction, and am going to Mount Zion:but because the rathersun is now set, for that they well knew that he was a prophetI desire, and could tell them of things that might happen unto themif I may, and also how they might resist and overcome themto lodge here to-night. To which request Faithful also consented. So Evangelist began as followeth: --
EvanPORT. My sons, you have heard, in the words of the truth of the gospel, that you must, through many tribulations, enter into the kingdom of heaven. And, again, that in every city bonds and afflictions abide in you; and therefore you cannot expect that you should go long on your pilgrimage without them, in some sort or other. You have found something of the truth of these testimonies upon you already, and more will immediately follow; for now, as you see, you are almost out of this wilderness, and therefore you will soon come into a town that you will by and by see before you; and in that town you will be hardly beset with enemies, who will strain hard but they will kill you; and be you sure that one or both of you must seal the testimony which you hold, with blood; but be you faithful unto death, and the King will give you a crown of life. He that shall die there, although his death will be unnatural, and his pain perhaps great, he will yet have the better of his fellow; not only because he will be arrived at the Celestial City soonest, but because he will escape many miseries that the other will meet with in the rest of his journey. But when you are come to the town, and shall find fulfilled what I have here related, then remember your friend, and quit yourselves like men, and commit the keeping of your souls to What is your God in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator.name?
Then I saw in CHR. My name is now Christian, but my dream, that when they were got out of the wilderness, they presently saw a town before them, and the name of that town is Vanity; and at the town there is a fair kept, called Vanity Fairfirst was Graceless: it is kept all the year long. it beareth Icame of the name race of Vanity Fair because the town where it is kept is lighter than vanity; andJapheth, also because all that is there sold, or that cometh thither, is vanity. As is whom God will persuade to dwell in the saying tents of the wise, all that cometh is vanityShem. Gen. 9:27.
This fair PORT. But how does it happen that you come so late? The sun is no new-erected business, but a thing of ancient standing; I will shew you the original of itset.
Almost five thousand years agoneCHR. I had been here sooner, there were pilgrims walking to the Celestial Citybut that, as these two honest persons are: and Beelzebub, Apollyon, and Legion, with their companionswretched man that I am, perceiving by I sleptin the path arbor that stands on the pilgrims madehill-side! Nay, I had, notwithstandingthat their way to the city lay through this town of Vanity, they contrived been here to set up a fair; a fair whereinmuch sooner, should be sold all sorts of vanitybut that in my sleep I lost my evidence, and that came without it should last all to the brow of the year long: therefore at this fair are all such merchandise soldhill; and then feeling for it, as housesand not finding it, lands, trades, places, honours, preferments, titles, countries, kingdoms, lusts, pleasures, and delights I was forced with sorrow of all sorts, as whores, bawds, wives, husbands, children, masters, servants, lives, blood, bodies, souls, silver, gold, pearls, precious stonesheart to go back to theplace where I slept my sleep, where I found it; and what notnow I am come.
AndPORT. Well, moreover, at I will call out one of the virgins of this fair there is at all times to be seen juggling cheatsplace, gameswho will, playsif she likes your talk, foolsbring you in to the rest of the family, apesaccording to the rules of the house. So Watchful the Porter rang abell, knavesat the sound of which came out of the door of the house a graveand beautiful damsel, and roguesnamed Discretion, and that of every kindasked why she was called.
Here are The Porter answered, This man is on a journey from the city ofDestruction to be seenMount Zion; but being weary and benighted, too, and that he asked me ifhe might lodge here to-night: so I told him I would call for nothingthee, theftswho, murdersafter discourse had with him, adulteriesmayest do as seemeth thee good, false swearers, and that evenaccording to the law of a bloodred colourthe house.
And as in other fairs of less momentThen she asked him whence he was, there are and whither he was going; and he toldher. She asked him also how he got into the several rows way; and streetshe told her. Thenshe asked him what he had seen and met with in the way, under their proper namesand he told her.And at last she asked his name. So he said, where such It is Christian; and such wares are vended; I haveso much the more a desire to lodge here likewise you have the proper placesto-night, because, rowsby what Iperceive, streetsthis place was built by the Lord of the hill for the reliefand security of pilgrims. So she smiled, (vizbut the water stood in hereyes; countries and kingdomsafter a little pause she said,) where I will call forth two or threemore of the wares of this fair are soonest family. So she ran to be found. Here is the Britain Rowdoor, and called out Prudence, Piety, and Charity, who, after a little more discourse with him, had himinto the family; and many of them meeting him at the French Rowthreshold of thehouse, the Italian Rowsaid, Come in, thou blessed of the Spanish Row, Lord; this house was built bythe German Row, where several sorts Lord of vanities are the hill on purpose to be soldentertain such pilgrims in. But Then hebowed his head, as and followed them into the house. So when he was comein other fairsand sat down, they gave him something to drink, and consentedtogether that, until supper was ready, some one commodity is as the chief of all the fairthem should have someparticular discourse with Christian, so for the ware best improvement of Rome time;and her merchandise is greatly promoted in this fair; only our English nationthey appointed Piety, Prudence, and Charity to discourse with some others, have taken a dislike thereathim:and thus they began.
NowPIETY. Come, as I saidgood Christian, the way since we have been so loving to the Celestial City lies just through this town where this lusty fair is kept; and he that will go you as to the city, and yet not go through receive you into our house this townnight, must needs go out of the world. The Prince of princes himselflet us, when here, went through this town to his own country, and that upon a fair day too; yea, and as I thinkif perhaps we may betterourselves thereby, it was Beelzebub, the chief lord talk with you of this fair, all things that invited him to buy of his vanities; yea, would have made him lord of the fair, would he but have done him reverence as he went through the town. Yea, because he was such a person of honour, Beelzebub had him from street happened to street, and shewed him all the kingdoms of the world youin a little time, that he might, if possible, allure the Blessed One to cheapen and buy some of his vanities; but he had no mind to the merchandise, and therefore left the town, without laying out so much as one farthing upon these vanitiesyour pilgrimage. This fair, therefore, is an ancient thing, of long standing, and a very great fair. Now these pilgrims, as I said, must needs go through this fair. Well, so they did: but, behold, even as they entered into the fair, all the people in the fair were moved, and the town itself as it were in a hubbub about them; and that for several reasons: for --
First, The pilgrims were clothed with such kind of raiment as was diverse from the raiment of any that traded in that fairCHR. The people, therefore, of the fair, made With a great gazing upon them: some said they were fools, some they were bedlams, very good will; and some they I am glad that you are outlandish menso well disposed.
Secondly, And as they wondered PIETY. What moved you at their apparel, so they did likewise at their speech; for few could understand what they said; they naturally spoke the language of Canaan, but they that kept the fair were the men of this world; so that, from one end of the fair first to the other, they seemed barbarians each betake yourself to the other.a pilgrim's life?
ThirdlyCHR. I was driven out of my native country by a dreadful sound that wasin mine ears; to wit, But that which unavoidable destruction did not a little amuse the merchandisers wasattend me, that these pilgrims set very light by all their wares; they cared not so much as to look upon them; and if they called upon them to buy, they would put their fingers Iabode in their ears, and cry, Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, and look upwards, signifying that their trade and traffic place where I was in heaven.
One chanced mockingly, beholding the carriage of the men, to say unto them, What will ye buy? PIETY. But they, looking gravely upon him, answered, We buy the truth. At that there was an occasion taken to despise the men the more; some mocking, some taunting, some speaking reproachfully, and some calling upon others to smite them. At last things came to a hubbub and great stir in the fair, insomuch that all order was confounded. Now was word presently brought to the great one of the fair, who quickly came down, and deputed some of his most trusty friends to take these men into examination, about whom the fair was almost overturned. So the men were brought to examination; and they that sat upon them, asked them whence they came, whither they went, and what they how did there, in such an unusual garb? The men told them that they were pilgrims and strangers in the world, and that they were going to their own country, which was the heavenly Jerusalem, and that they had given no occasion to the men of the town, nor yet to the merchandisers, thus to abuse them, and to let them in their journey, except it was for happen that, when one asked them what they would buy, they said they would buy the truth. But they that were appointed to examine them did not believe them to be any other than bedlams and mad, or else such as you came to put all things into a confusion in the fair. Therefore they took them and beat them, and besmeared them with dirt, and then put them into the cage, that they might be made a spectacle to all the men out of the fair.your country this way?
Behold Vanity Fair! CHR. It was as God would have it; for when I was under the pilgrims fears ofdestruction, I did not know whither to go; but by chance therecame aman, even to me, as I was trembling and weeping, whose name is Are chain'd Evangelist, and stand beside:he directed me to the Wicket-gate, which else I should Even never have found, and so it was our Lord pass'd here,set me into the way that hath led me directly And on Mount Calvary diedto this house.
There, therefore, they lay for some time, and were made the objects of any man's sport, or malice, or revenge, the great one of the fair laughing still at all that befell themPIETY. But the men being patient, and did you not rendering railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing, and giving good words for bad, and kindness for injuries done, some men in the fair that were more observing, and less prejudiced than the rest, began to check and blame the baser sort for their continual abuses done come by them to the men; they, therefore, in angry manner, let fly at them again, counting them as bad as the men in the cage, and telling them that they seemed confederates, and should be made partakers of their misfortunes. The other replied that, for aught they could see, the men were quiet, and sober, and intended nobody any harm; and that there were many that traded in their fair that were more worthy to be put into the cage, yea, and pillory too, than were the men they had abused. Thus, after divers words had passed on both sides, the men behaving themselves all the while very wisely and soberly before them, they fell to some blows among themselves, and did harm one to another. Then were these two poor men brought before their examiners again, and there charged as being guilty of the late hubbub that had been in the fair. So they beat them pitifully, and hanged irons upon them, and led them in chains up and down the fair, for an example and a terror to others, lest any should speak in their behalf, or join themselves unto them. But Christian and Faithful behaved themselves yet more wisely, and received the ignominy and shame that was cast upon them, with so much meekness and patience, that it won to their side, though but few in comparison of the rest, several of the men in the fair. This put the other party yet into greater rage, insomuch that they concluded the death house of these two men. Wherefore they threatened, that the cage nor irons should serve their turn, but that they should die, for the abuse they had done, and for deluding the men of the fair.Interpreter?
Then were they remanded CHR. Yes, and did see such things there, the remembrance of which willstick by me as long as I live, especially three things: to the cage againwit, howChrist, until further order should be taken with them. So they put them indespite of Satan, maintains his work of grace in the heart;how the man had sinned himself quite out of hopes of God's mercy; and made their feet fast also the dream of him that thought in his sleep the stocksday of judgment wascome.
Here, therefore, they called again to mind what they had heard from their faithful friend Evangelist, and were the more confirmed in their way and sufferings by what he told them would happen to themPIETY. They also now comforted each other, that whose lot it was to suffer, even he should have the best of it; therefore each man secretly wished that he might have that preferment: but committing themselves to the all-wise disposal of Him that ruleth all things, with much content, they abode in the condition in which they wereWhy, until they should be otherwise disposed of.did you hear him tell his dream?
Then a convenient time being appointed, they brought them forth to their trial, in order to their condemnationCHR. When the time was comeYes, they were brought before their enemies and arraigned. The judge's name a dreadful one it was Lord Hategood. Their indictment , I thought; it made my heart ache ashe was one and the same in substancetelling of it, though somewhat varying in form, the contents whereof were this: --but yet I am glad I heard it.
'That they were enemies to and disturbers of their trade; that they had made commotions and divisions in PIETY. Was this all you saw at the town, and had won a party to their own most dangerous opinions, in contempt house of the law of their prince.'Interpreter?
NowCHR. No; he took me, Faithfuland had me where he showed me a stately palace, play the man, speak for thy God:and Fear not how the wickeds' malicepeople were clad in gold that were in it; nor their rod!and how there came a Speak boldly, venturous man, and cut his way through the armed men that stood in the truth is on thy side: Die for itdoor to keep him out; and how he was bid to come in, and win eternalglory. Methought those things did ravish my heart. I would have stayedat that good man's house a twelvemonth, but that I knew I had farther to life in triumph ridego.
Then Faithful began to answer, that he had only set himself against that which hath set itself against Him that is higher than the highest. And, said he, as for disturbance, I make none, being myself a man of peace; the parties that were won to us, were won by beholding our truth and innocence, and they are only turned from the worse to the betterPIETY. And as to the king what saw you talk of, since he is Beelzebub, else in the enemy of our Lord, I defy him and all his angels.way?
Then proclamation was madeCHR. Saw? Why, that they that had aught to say for their lord the king against the prisoner at the barI went but a little farther, should forthwith appear and give I saw One, as I thoughtin their evidencemy mind, hang bleeding upon a tree; and the very sight of him made myburden fall off my back; for I groaned under a very heavy burden, butthen it fell down from off me. So there came in three witnesses It was a strange thing to me, to witfor Inever saw such a thing before: yea, Envyand while I stood looking up, Superstition(forthen I could not forbear looking, and Pickthank) three Shining Ones came to me. They Oneof them testified that my sins were then asked if they knew forgiven me; another stripped me ofmy rags, and gave me this broidered coat which you see; and the prisoner at thirdset the bar; mark which you see in my forehead, and gave me this sealed roll,(and what they had to say for their lord the king against himwith that he plucked it out of his bosom.)
Then stood forth Envy, and said to this effect: My Lord, I have known PIETY. But you saw more than this man a long time, and will attest upon my oath before this honourable bench that he is --did you not?
JudgeCHR. Hold! Give him his oathThe things that I have told you were the best: yet some other Isaw, as, namely, I saw three men, Simple, Sloth, and Presumption, lieasleep, a little out of the way, as I came, with irons upon their heels;but do you think I could awake them? I also saw Formality and Hypocrisycome tumbling over the wall, to go, as they pretended, to Zion; but theywere quickly lost, even as I myself did tell them, but they would notbelieve. (So they sware him But, above all, I found it hard work to get up this hill, andas hard to come by the lions' mouths; and, truly, if it had not been forthe good man, the porter that stands at the gate, I do not know butthat, after all, I might have gone back again; but I thank God I amhere, and thank you for receiving me.) Then he said --
Envy. My Lord, this man, notwithstanding his plausible name, is one of the vilest men in our country. He neither regardeth prince nor people, law nor custom; but doth all that he can Then Prudence thought good to possess all men with certain of his disloyal notions, which he in the general calls principles of faith and holiness. And, in particular, I heard ask him once myself affirm that Christianity and the customs of our town of Vanity were diametrically oppositea few questions, and could not be reconciled. By which saying, my Lord, he doth at once not only condemn all our laudable doings, but us in the doing of desired hisanswer to them.
JudgePRU. Then did Do you not think sometimes of the Judge say to him, Hast thou any more to saycountry from whence you came?
EnvyCHR. My LordYea, I could say but with much more, only I would not be tedious to the courtshame and detestation. Yet Truly, if need beI had beenmindful of that country from whence I came out, when the other gentlemen I might have given in their evidencehadopportunity to have returned; but now I desire a better country, rather than anything shall be wanting that will despatch himis, I will enlarge my testimony against hima heavenly one. Heb. So he was bid to stand by 11:15,16.
Then they called Superstition, and bid him look upon the prisonerPRU. They also asked, what he could say for their lord Do you not yet bear away with you some of the king against him. Then they sware him; so he began.things that then youwere conversant withal?
SuperCHR. My LordYes, I have no great acquaintance with this man, nor do I desire to have further knowledge of himbut greatly against my will; however, this I know, that he is a very pestilent fellow, from some discourse that, the other day, I had with him in this town; for thenespecially my inward and carnalcogitations, talking with him, I heard him say, that our religion was naught, and such by which a man could by no means please God. Which sayings of his, all my Lordcountrymen, your Lordship very as well knowsas myself, what necessarily thence will followweredelighted. But now all those things are my grief; and might I butchoose mine own things, I would choose never to wit, think of those thingsmore: but when I would be a doing that we do still worship in vainwhich is best, are yet in our sins, and finally shall be damned; and this is that which I have to sayisworst is with me. Rom. 7:15, 21.
Then was Pickthank sworn, and bid say what he knew, in behalf of their lord the kingPRU. Do you not find sometimes as if those things were vanquished, against the prisoner whichat the bar.other times are your perplexity?
PickCHR. My LordYes, and you gentlemen all, This fellow I have known of a long time, and have heard him speak things but that ought not to be spokeis but seldom; for he hath railed on our noble prince Beelzebub, and hath spoken contemptibly of his honourable friends, whose names but they are the Lord Old Man, the Lord Carnal Delight, the Lord Luxurious, the Lord Desire of Vain Glory, my old Lord Lechery, Sir Having Greedy, with all the rest of our nobility; and he hath said, moreover, That if all men were of his mind, if possible, there is not one of these noblemen should have any longer a being to me golden hours in this town. Besides, he hath not been afraid which such things happen to rail on you, my Lord, who are now appointed to be his judge, calling you an ungodly villain, with many other such like vilifying terms, with which he hath bespattered most of the gentry of our townme.
When this Pickthank had told his tale, the Judge directed his speech to the prisoner PRU. Can you remember by what means you find your annoyances at the bar, saying, Thou runagate, heretic, and traitor, hast thou heard what these honest gentlemen have witnessed against theetimes asif they were vanquished?
FaithCHR. May Yes: when I speak a few words think what I saw at the cross, that will do it; andwhen I look upon my broidered coat, that will do it; and when I lookinto the roll that I carry in my own defence?bosom, that will do it; and when mythoughts wax warm about whither I am going, that will do it.
JudgePRU. Sirrah! sirrah! thou deservest to live no longer, but And what is it that makes you so desirous to be slain immediately upon the place; yet, that all men may see our gentleness towards thee, let us hear what thou, vile runagate, hast go to say.Mount Zion?
FaithCHR.Why, there I hope to see Him alive that did hang dead on the cross; 1. and there I hope to be rid of all those things that to this day are inme an annoyance to me: there they saythere is no death, then, in answer to what MrIsa. 25:8;Rev. Envy hath spoken, 21:4; and there I shall dwell with such company as I never said aught but thislike best.For, That what rule, or laws, or customs, or people, were flat against to tell you the Word of Godtruth, are diametrically opposite to Christianity. If I have said amiss in this, convince me love Him because I was by Him eased of my error, burden; and I am ready here before you to make weary of my recantationinward sickness. I would fain be where Ishall die no more, and with the company that shall continually cry,Holy, holy, holy.
2. As to the second, Then said Charity to witChristian, Mr. Superstition, and his charge against me, I said only this, That in the worship of God there is required Have you a Divine faithfamily; but there can be no Divine faith without Are you a Divine revelation of the will of God. Therefore, whatever is thrust into the worship of God that is not agreeable to Divine revelation, cannot be done but by a human faith, which faith will not be profitable to eternal life.marriedman?
3CHR. As to what Mr. Pickthank hath said, I say (avoiding terms, as that I am said to rail, and the like) that the prince of this town, with all the rabblement, his attendants, by this gentleman named, are more fit for have a being in hell, than in this town wife and country: and so, the Lord have mercy upon me!four small children.
Then the Judge called to the jury, (who all this while stood by, to hear and observe:) Gentlemen of the jury, you see this man about whom so great an uproar hath been made in this town. You have also heard what these worthy gentlemen have witnessed against himCHAR. Also And why did you have heard his reply and confession. It lieth now in your breasts to hang him or save his life; but yet I think meet to instruct not bring them along with you into our law.?
There was an Act made in the days of Pharaoh the Great, servant to our princeCHR. Then Christian wept, that lest those of a contrary religion should multiply and grow too strong for him, their males should be thrown into the river. There was also an Act made in the days of Nebuchadnezzar the Greatsaid, another of his servantsOh, that whosoever how willingly would not fall down and worship his golden image, should be thrown into a fiery furnace. There was also an Act made in the days of Darius, that whoso, for some time, called upon any god I have doneit! but him, should be cast into the lions' den. Now the substance they were all of these laws this rebel has broken, not only in thought, (which is not them utterly averse to be borne,) but also in word and deed, which must therefore needs be intolerablemy going on pilgrimage.
For that of Pharaoh, his law was made upon a supposition, CHAR. But you should have talked to prevent mischiefthem, no crime being yet apparent; but here is a crime apparent. For the second and third, you see he disputeth against our religion; and for the treason he hath confessed, he deserveth have endeavored to die showthem the deathdanger of staying behind.
Then went the jury out, whose names were, MrCHR. Blind-man, Mr. No-good, Mr. Malice, Mr. Love-lust, Mr. Live-loose, Mr. Heady, Mr. High-mind, Mr. Enmity, Mr. Liar, Mr. Cruelty, Mr. Hate-light, and Mr. ImplacableSo I did; who every one gave in his private verdict against him among themselves, and afterwards unanimously concluded told them also what God had shown to bring him in guilty before me of the Judge. And first, among themselves, Mr. Blind-man, the foreman, said, destruction of our city; but I see clearly seemed to them as one that this man is a heretic. Then said Mr. No-goodmocked, Away with such a fellow from the earth. Ay, said Mr. Malice, for I hate the very looks of him. Then said Mr. Love-lust, I could never endure him. Nor I, said Mr. Live-loose, for he would always be condemning my wayandthey believed me not. Hang him, hang him, said Mr. Heady. A sorry scrub, said Mr. High-mind. My heart riseth against him, said Mr. Enmity. He is a rogue, said Mr. Liar. Hanging is too good for him, said Mr Gen. Cruelty 19:14.
Let us despatch him out of the way, said Mr. Hate-light. Then said Mr. Implacable, Might I have all the world given me, I could not be reconciled to him; therefore, let us forthwith bring him in guilty of deathCHAR. And so they did; therefore he was presently condemned you pray to be had from the place where God that he was, would bless your counsel to the place from whence he came, and there to be put to the most cruel death that could be invented.them?
They, therefore, brought him outCHR. Yes, to do with him according to their law; and, first, they scourged him, then they buffeted him, then they lanced his flesh that with knivesmuch affection; after for you must think that, they stoned him with stones, then pricked him with their swords; my wifeand, last of all, they burned him to ashes at the stake. Thus came Faithful poor children were very dear to his endme.
Now I saw that there stood behind the multitude a chariot CHAR. But did you tell them of your own sorrow, and a couple fear of horses, waiting destruction?for Faithful, who (so soon as his adversaries had despatched him) was taken up into it, and straightway I suppose that destruction was carried up through the clouds, with sound of trumpet, the nearest way visible enough to the Celestial Gateyou.
Brave FaithfulCHR. Yes, bravely done over, and over, and over. They might also see my fears in word and deed;my Judgecountenance, witnessesin my tears, and jury have, insteadalso in my trembling under the Of overcoming thee, apprehension of the judgment that did hang over our heads; but shewn their rage:all was When they are dead, thou'lt live from age not sufficient to prevail with them to agecome with me.
CHAR. But as for Christian, he had some respite, and was remanded back to prison. So he there remained what could they say for a space; but He that overrules all things, having the power of their rage in his own hand, so wrought it about, that Christian for that time escaped them, and went his way; and as he went, he sangthemselves, saying --why they came not?
WellCHR. Why, Faithfulmy wife was afraid of losing this world, thou hast faithfully profestand my children were Unto thy Lordgiven to the foolish delights of youth; with whom thou shalt be blestso, When faithless ones, with all their vain delightswhat by one thing,and what Are crying out under their hellish plights: Singby another, Faithful, sing, and let thy name survive; For though they kill'd thee, thou art yet alive!left me to wander in this manner alone.
Now I saw in my dreamCHAR. But did you not, with your vain life, damp all that Christian went not forth aloneyou, for there was one whose name was Hopeful (being made so by the beholding of Christian and Faithful in their words and behaviour, in their sufferings at the fair,) who joined himself unto him, and, entering into a brotherly covenant, told him that he would be his companion. Thus, one died to bear testimony to the truth, and another rises out used by way of his ashes, persuasion to be a companion bring them away with Christian in his pilgrimage. This Hopeful also told Christian, that there were many more of the men in the fair, that would take their time and follow after.you?
So CHR. Indeed, I cannot commend my life, for I saw that quickly after they were got out am conscious to myself of the fairmany failings therein. I know also, they overtook one that a man, by his conversation,may soon overthrow what, by argument or persuasion, he doth labor tofasten upon others for their good. Yet this I can say, I was very waryof giving them occasion, by any unseemly action, to make them averse togoing before themon pilgrimage. Yea, for this very thing, whose name they would tell me I was By-ends: so they said to himtoo precise, What countryman; Sir? and how far go you this way? He told them that he came from the town I denied myself of Fair-speechthings (for their sakes) inwhich they saw no evil. Nay, I think I may say, and he that if what they sawin me did hinder them, it was going my great tenderness in sinning againstGod, or of doing any wrong to the Celestial City, but told them not his namemy neighbor.
From Fair-speech! said ChristianCHAR. Is there any Indeed, Cain hated his brother, because his own works were evil,and his brother's righteous, 1 John, 3:12; and if thy wife and childrenhave been offended with thee for this, they thereby show themselves tobe implacable to good that lives there?; thou hast delivered thy soul from their blood.Ezek. 3:19.
By-endsNow I saw in my dream, that thus they sat talking together until supperwas ready. So when they had made ready, they sat down to meat. Yes Now thetable was furnished with fat things, and with wine that was wellrefined; and all their talk at the table was about the Lord of the hill;as, namely, about what he had done, and wherefore he did what he did,and why he had builded that house; and by what they said By-ends, I hopeperceivedthat he had been a great warrior, and had fought with and slain him thathad the power of death, Heb. 2:14,15; but not without great danger tohimself, which made me love him the more.
ChrFor, as they said, and as I believe, said Christian, he did it with theloss of much blood. But that which put the glory of grace into all hedid, was, that he did it out of pure love to his country. And besides,there were some of them of the household that said they had been andspoke with him since he did die on the cross; and they have attestedthat they had it from his own lips, that he is such a lover of poorpilgrims, that the like is not to be found from the east to the west. PrayThey, Sirmoreover, gave an instance of what may I call you? they affirmed; and that was, hehad stripped himself of his glory that he might do this for the poor;and that they heard him say and affirm, that he would not dwell in themountain of Zion alone. They said Christian, moreover, that he had made manypilgrims princes, though by nature they were beggars born, and theiroriginal had been the dunghill. 1 Sam. 2:8; Psa. 113:7.
By-endsThus they discoursed together till late at night; and after they hadcommitted themselves to their Lord for protection, they betookthemselves to rest. I am The pilgrim they laid in a stranger to yoularge upper chamber, and you to me: if you be going this waywhose window opened towards the sun-rising. The name of the chamber wasPeace, I shall be glad where he slept till break of your company; if notday, and then he awoke and sang, I must be content.
Chr. This town of Fair-speech, said Christian, "Where am I have heard of; now? Is this the love and, as I remember, they say it is a wealthy place.care
By-ends. YesOf Jesus, I will assure you for the men that it is; and I have very many rich kindred there.pilgrims are,
Chr. PrayThus to provide that I should be forgiven, who are your kindred there? if a man may be so bold.
By-ends. Almost And dwell already the whole town; and in particular, my Lord Turn-about, my Lord Time-server, my Lord Fair-speech, (from whose ancestors that town first took its name,) also Mr. Smooth-man, Mr. Facing-both-ways, Mr. Any-thing; and the parson of our parish, Mr. Two-tongues, was my mother's own brother by father's side; and next door to tell you the truth, I am become a gentleman of good quality, yet my great-grandfather was but a water-man, looking one way and rowing another, and I got most of my estate by the same occupation.heaven!"
ChrSo in the morning they all got up; and, after some more discourse, theytold him that he should not depart till they had shown him the raritiesof that place. And first they had him into the study, where they showedhim records of the greatest antiquity; in which, as I remember my dream,they showed him the pedigree of the Lord of the hill, that he was theSon of the Ancient of days, and came by eternal generation. Here alsowas more fully recorded the acts that he had done, and the names of manyhundreds that he had taken into his service; and how he had placed themin such habitations that could neither by length of days, nor decays ofnature, be dissolved. Are you a married man?
By-ends. YesThen they read to him some of the worthy acts that some of his servantshad done; as how they had subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, and my wife is a very virtuous womanobtained promises, stopped the daughter mouths of a virtuous woman; she was my Lady Feigning's daughterlions, therefore she came quenched the violence of a very honourable familyfire, and is arrived to such a pitch escaped the edge of breeding, that she knows how to carry it to allthe sword, even to prince and peasant. It is true we somewhat differ in religion from those out of the stricter sortweakness were made strong, yet but waxed valiant in two small points: firstfight, we never strive against wind and tide; secondly, we are always most zealous when religion goes in his silver slippers; we love much turned to walk with him in flight the street, if armies of the sun shinesaliens.Heb. 11:33, and the people applaud him34.
Then Christian stepped a little aside they read again another part of the records of the house, where itwas shown how willing their Lord was to receive into his fellowfavor any, Hopefulevenany, sayingthough they in time past had offered great affronts to his personand proceedings. Here also were several other histories of many otherfamous things, It runs in my mind that this is one By-ends of Fair-speechall which Christian had a view; as of things bothancient and if it be hemodern, we together with prophecies and predictions of thingsthat have as very a knave in our company as dwelleth in all these parts. Then said Hopefultheir certain accomplishment, Ask him; methinks he should not be ashamed both to the dread and amazementof his name. So Christian came up with him againenemies, and said, Sir, you talk as if you knew something more than all the world doth; comfort and if I take not my mark amiss, I deem I have half a guess solace of you: Is not your name Mrpilgrims. By-ends, of Fair-speech?
ByThe next day they took him, and had him into the armory, where theyshowed him all manner of furniture which their Lord had provided forpilgrims, as sword, shield, helmet, breastplate, all-ends. This is not my nameprayer, but indeed it is a nickname and shoesthat is given me by some that cannot abide me: and I must be content would not wear out. And there was here enough of this to bear it harnessout as a reproach, many men for the service of their Lord as other good men have borne theirs before methere be stars in theheaven for multitude.
ChrThey also showed him some of the engines with which some of his servantshad done wonderful things. But They showed him Moses' rod; the hammer andnail with which Jael slew Sisera; the pitchers, trumpets, and lamps too,with which Gideon put to flight the armies of Midian. Then they showedhim the ox-goad wherewith Shamgar slew six hundred men. They showed himalso the jawbone with which Samson did you never give an occasion such mighty feats. They showedhim moreover the sling and stone with which David slew Goliath of Gath;and the sword also with which their Lord will kill the man of sin, inthe day that he shall rise up to men the prey. They showed him besides manyexcellent things, with which Christian was much delighted. This done,they went to call you by this name?their rest again.
By-ends. NeverThen I saw in my dream, never! The worst that ever I did on the morrow he got up to go forward, butthey desired him to give them an occasion stay till the next day also; and then, said they, wewill, if the day be clear, show you the Delectable Mountains; which,they said, would yet farther add to give me this name his comfort, because they werenearer the desired haven than the place where at present he was; so heconsented and stayed. When the morning wasup, that I they had always him to the topof the luck house, and bid him look south. So he did, and behold, at a greatdistance, he saw a most pleasant mountainous country, beautified withwoods, vineyards, fruits of all sorts, flowers also, with springs andfountains, very delectable to jump in my judgment with behold. Isa. 33:16,17. Then he askedthe present way name of the times, whatever country. They said it wasImmanuel's land; and it is ascommon, said they, as this hill is, to and my chance was for all the pilgrims. Andwhen thou comest there, from thence thou mayest see to get thereby; but if things are thus cast upon methe gate of thecelestial city, let me count them, a blessing; but let not as the malicious load me therefore with reproachshepherds that live there will make appear.
ChrNow he bethought himself of setting forward, and they were willing heshould. I thought But first, indeedsaid they, that you were let us go again into the man that I heard ofarmory. So theydid; and when he came there, they harnessed him from head to tell you foot withwhat I thinkwas of proof, lest perhaps he should meet with assaults in the way.He being therefore thus accoutred, I fear this name belongs walked out with his friends to you more properly than you are willing we should think it doththegate; and there he asked the Porter if he saw any pilgrim pass by. Thenthe Porter answered, Yes.
By-endsCHR. WellPray, if did you will thus imagine, I cannot help it; you shall find me a fair company-keeper, if you will still admit me your associateknow him? said he.
ChrPORT. If you will go with us, you must go against wind and tide; the which, I perceive, is against your opinion; you must also own religion in asked his ragsname, as well as when in his silver slippers; and stand by him, too, when bound in irons, as well as when he walketh the streets with applausetold me it was Faithful.
By-endsCHR. You must not imposeO, nor lord it over my faithsaid Christian, I know him; leave me to he is my libertytownsman, and let me go with my near neighbor;he comes from the place where I was born. How far do you.think he maybe before?
ChrPORT. Not a step further, unless you will do in what I propound as weHe is got by this time below the hill.
Then CHR. Well, said By-endsChristian, I shall never desert my old principlesgood Porter, since they are harmless and profitable. If I may not go the Lord be with youthee, I must do as I did before you overtook me, even go by myself, until some overtake and addto all thy plain blessings much increase for the kindness that thou hastshowed me that will be glad of my company.
Now I saw in my dream that Christian and Hopeful forsook him, and kept their distance before him; but one of them looking back, saw three men following Mr. By-ends, and behold, as they came up with him, he made them a very low conge; and they also gave him a compliment. The men's names were Mr. Hold-the-world, Mr. Money-love, and Mr. Save-all; men that Mr. By-ends had formerly been acquainted with; for in their minority they were schoolfellows, and were taught by one Mr. Gripe-man, a schoolmaster in Love-gain, which is a market town in the county of Coveting, in the north. This schoolmaster taught them the art of getting, either by violence, cozenage, flattery, lying, or by putting on the guise of religion; and these four gentlemen had attained much of the art of their master, so that they could each of them have kept such a school themselves.
Well, when they had, as I said, thus saluted each other, Mr. Money-love said to Mr. By-ends, Who are they upon the road before us? (for Christian and Hopeful were yet within view).
By-ends. They are a couple of far countrymen, that, after their mode, are going on pilgrimage==THE FOURTH STAGE.==
Money-loveThen he began to go forward; but Discretion, Piety, Charity, andPrudence would accompany him down to the foot of the hill. Alas! Why did So they not staywenton together, that we might have had reiterating their good company? former discourses, till they came to godown the hill. Then said Christian, As it was difficult coming up, so,so far as I can see, it is dangerous going down. Yes, said Prudence, soit is; for it is a hard matter for theya man to go down into the valley ofHumiliation, and weas thou art now, and youto catch no slip by the way;therefore, Sirsaid they, I hopewe are come out to accompany thee down the hill.So he began to go down, are all going on pilgrimagebut very warily; yet he caught a slip or two.
By-ends. We are soThen I saw in my dream, that these good companions, indeed; but when Christian wasgot down to the bottom of the men before us are so rigidhill, and love so much their own notionsgave him a loaf of bread, and do also so lightly esteem the opinions a bottleof otherswine, that let and a man be never so godly, yet if cluster of raisins; and then he jumps not with them in all thingswent on his way, they thrust him quite out of their company.
Save-all. That "Whilst Christian is badamong his godly friends, but we read of some that are righteous overmuch; and such men's rigidness prevails with them to judge and condemn all but themselves. But, I pray, what, and how many, were the things wherein you differed?
By-ends. Why, they, after their headstrong manner, conclude that it is duty to rush on their journey all weathers; and I am for waiting for wind and tide. They are for hazarding all for God at a clap; and I am for taking all advantages to secure my life and estate. They are for holding their notions, though all other men are against them; but I am for religion in what, and so far as the times, and my safety, will bear it. They are for religion when in rags and contempt; but I am for Their golden mouths make him when he walks in his golden slippers, in the sunshine, and with applause.sufficient mends
Mr. Hold-the-world. Ay, and hold you there still, good Mr. By-ends; for, for my part, I can count him but a fool, that, having the liberty to keep what he has, shall be so unwise as to lose it. Let us be wise as serpentsFor all his griefs; it is best to make hay when the sun shines; you see how the bee lieth still all winter, and bestirs her only when she can have profit with pleasure. God sends sometimes rain, and sometimes sunshine; if they be such fools to let him go through the first, yet let us be content to take fair weather along with us. For my part, I like that religion best that will stand with the security of God's good blessings unto us; for who can imagine, that is ruled by his reason, since God has bestowed upon us the good things of this life, but that he would have us keep them for his sake? Abraham and Solomon grew rich in religion. And Job says, that a good man shall lay up gold as dust. But he must not be such as the men before us, if they be as you have described them.
Mr. Save-all. I think that we are all agreed in this matter, and therefore there needs no more words about itHe's clad with northern steel from top to toe."
MrBut now, in this valley of Humiliation, poor Christian was hard put toit; for he had gone but a little way before he espied a foul fiendcoming over the field to meet him: his name is Apollyon. Money-love Then didChristian begin to be afraid, and to cast in his mind whether to goback, or to stand his ground. No But he considered again, there needs that he had no more words about this matterarmor for his back, indeedand therefore thought that to turn the back to himmight give him greater advantage with ease to pierce him with his darts; for therefore he that believes neither Scripture nor reason (resolved to venture and you see we have both on our side) neither knows stand his own libertyground: for, thought he,had I no more in mine eye than the saving of my life, nor seeks his own safetyit would be thebest way to stand.
Mr. By-ends. My brethren, we are, as you seeSo he went on, going all on pilgrimage; and, for our better diversion from things that are bad, give me leave Apollyon met him. Now the monster was hideous to propound unto you this questionbehold: -- Suppose he was clothed with scales like a manfish, and they are his pride;he had wings like a ministerdragon, or and feet like a tradesmanbear, should have an advantage lie before him, to get and out of his bellycame fire and smoke; and his mouth was as the good blessings mouth of this life, yet so as that a lion. When he can by no means was come by them except, in appearance at leastup to Christian, he becomes extraordinarily zealous in some points of religion that he meddled not beheld him with beforea disdainful countenance, may he not use these means and thus began to attain his end, and yet be a right honest man?question him.
MrAPOL. Money-love. I see the bottom of your question; and, with these gentlemen's good leave, I will endeavour to shape Whence came you an answer. And first, to speak to your question as it concerns a minister himself: Suppose a minister, a worthy man, possessed but of a very small benefice, and has in his eye a greater, more fat, and plump by far; he has also now an opportunity of getting of it, yet so as by being more studious, by preaching more frequently and zealously, and, because the temper of the people requires it, by altering of some of his principles; for my part, I see no reason but a man may do this, (provided he has a call,) ay, and more a great deal besides, and yet be an honest man. For why --whither are you bound?
1CHR. His desire I am come from the city of a greater benefice is lawfulDestruction, (this cannot be contradicted,) since it which is set before him by Providence; so thenthe place of allevil, he may get it, if he can, making no question for conscience' sakeand I am going to the city of Zion.
2APOL. Besides, his desire after By this I perceive thou art one of my subjects; for all that benefice makes him more studiouscountry is mine, a more zealous preacherand I am the prince and god of it. How is it, and so makes him a better man; yeathen, makes him better improve his partsthat thou hast run away from thy king? Were it not that I hope thoumayest do me more service, which is according I would strike thee now at one blow to the mind of Godground.
3CHR. NowI was, indeed, born in your dominions, but your service was hard,and your wages such as a man could not live on; for his complying with the temper wages of his peoplesin isdeath, by dissentingRom. 6:23; therefore, when I was come to serve themyears, I did, some of his principlesas otherconsiderate persons do, this argueth --look out if perhaps I might mend myself.
(1APOL.) That he There is no prince that will thus lightly lose his subjects,neither will I as yet lose thee; but since thou complainest of a self-denyingthyservice and wages, temper; be content to go back, and what our country willafford I do here promise to give thee.
(2CHR.) Of a sweet and winning deportmentBut I have let myself to another, even to the King of princes; and so how can I with fairness go back with thee?
(3APOL.) More fit Thou hast done in this according to the proverb, "changed a badfor a worse;" but it is ordinary for those that have professedthemselves his servants, after a while to give him the ministerial functionslip, and returnagain to me. Do thou so to, and all shall be well.
4CHR. I concludehave given him my faith, and sworn my allegiance to him; how thencan I go back from this, that a minister that changes a small for a great, should and not, for so doing, be judged hanged as covetous; but rather, since he has improved in his parts and industry thereby, be counted as one that pursues his call, and the opportunity put into his hands to do gooda traitor.
And now to the second part of the question, which concerns the tradesman you mentionedAPOL. Suppose such a one to have but a poor employ in Thou didst the world, but same by becoming religiousme, he may mend his market, perhaps get a rich wife, or more and far better customers yet I am willing to his shop; for my partpass by all, I see no reason but that this may be lawfully doneifnow thou wilt yet turn again and go back. For why --
1CHR. To become religious What I promised thee was in my non-age: and besides, I count thatthe Prince, under whose banner I now stand, is a virtueable to absolve me, yea, by and to pardon also what means soever a man becomes soI did as to my compliance with thee. Andbesides, O thou destroying Apollyon, to speak truth, I like his service,his wages, his servants, his government, his company, and country,better than thine; therefore leave off to persuade me farther: I am hisservant, and I will follow him.
2APOL. Nor Consider again, when thou art in cool blood, what thou art like tomeet with in the way that thou goest. Thou knowest that for the mostpart his servants come to an ill end, because they are transgressorsagainst me and my ways. How many of them have been put to shamefuldeaths! And besides, thou countest his service better than mine;whereas he never yet came from the place where he is it unlawful , to get a rich wifedeliver anythat served him out of their enemies' hands: but as for me, how manytimes, as all the world very well knows, have I delivered, either bypower or more custom to my shopfraud, those that have faithfully served me, from him and his,though taken by them! And so will I deliver thee.
3CHR. BesidesHis forbearing at present to deliver them, is on purpose to trytheir love, whether they will cleave to him to the end: and as for the man that gets these by becoming religiousill end thou sayest they come to, gets that which is goodmost glorious in theiraccount. For, of them that are goodfor present deliverance, by becoming good himselfthey do not much expect it; forthey stay for their glory; so and then here is a good wifethey shall have it, when theirPrince comes in his and good customers, and good gain, and all these by becoming religious, which is good; therefore, to become religious, to get all these, is a good and profitable designthe glory of the angels.
This answer, thus made by this MrAPOL. Money-love Thou hast already been unfaithful in thy service to Mr. By-ends's question, was highly applauded by them allhim; wherefore they concluded upon the whole, that it was most wholesome and advantageous. And because, as they thought, no man was able to contradict it, and because Christian and Hopeful were yet within call, they jointly agreed to assault them with the question as soon as they overtook them; and the rather because they had opposed Mr. By-ends before. So they called after them, and they stopped, and stood still till they came up to them; but they concluded, as they went, that not Mr. By-ends, but old Mr. Hold-the-world, should propound the question to them, because, as they supposed, their answer howdost thou think to receive wages of him would be without the remainder of that heat that was kindled betwixt Mr. By-ends and them, at their parting a little before.?
So they came up to each other, and after a short salutationCHR. Wherein, Mr. Hold-the-world propounded the question to Christian and his fellowO Apollyon, and bid them have I been unfaithful to answer it if they could.him?
ChrAPOL. Then said ChristianThou didst faint at first setting out, Even a babe when thou wast almostchoked in religion may answer ten thousand such questionsthe gulf of Despond. For if it Thou didst attempt wrong ways to be unlawful to follow Christ for loavesridof thy burden, (as whereas thou shouldst have stayed till thy Prince hadtaken it is in the sixth of Johnoff. Thou didst sinfully sleep,) how much more abominable is it and lose thy choice things.Thou wast almost persuaded also to make go back at the sight of him and religion a stalking-horse to get and enjoy the world! Nor do we find any other than heathens, hypocrites, devilslions.And when thou talkest of thy journey, and witchesof what thou hast seen andheard, thou art inwardly desirous of vainglory in all that are of this opinionthou sayestor doest.
1CHR. HeathensAll this is true, and much more which thou hast left out; for when Hamor and Shechem had a mind to but the daughter Prince whom I serve and cattle of Jacobhonor is merciful, and saw that there was no way for them ready to come at themforgive. Butbesides, but by becoming circumcisedthese infirmities possessed me in thy country, they say to their companions, If every male of us be circumcised, as they are circumcised, shall not their cattlefor there Isucked them in, and their substanceI have groaned under them, and every beast of theirsbeen sorry for them, be ours? Their daughter and their cattle were that which they sought to obtain, and their religion the stalking-horse they made use have obtained pardon of to come at them. Read the whole story, Gen. xxxiv. 20-23my Prince.
2APOL. The hypocritical Pharisees were also of Then Apollyon broke out into a grievous rage, saying, I am anenemy to this religionPrince; long prayers were their pretenceI hate his person, but his laws, and people: I am comeout on purpose to get widows' houses was their intent; and greater damnation was from God their judgmentwithstand thee.
3CHR. Judas the devil was also of this religion; he was religious for the bagApollyon, that he might be possessed of beware what was therein; but he was lostyou do, cast awayfor I am in the King's highway, and the very son way of perditionholiness; therefore take heed to yourself.
4APOL. Simon Then Apollyon straddled quite over the witch was whole breadth of the way,and said, I am void of fear in this religion toomatter. Prepare thyself to die; for I swear by my infernal den, that thou shalt go no farther: here will Ispill thy soul. And with that he would have threw a flaming dart at his breast;but Christian had the Holy Ghosta shield in his hand, that with which he might have got money therewith; caught it, and his sentence from Peter's mouth was accordingsoprevented the danger of that.
5. Neither will it out of my mindThen did Christian draw, but that that man that takes up religion for the worldhe saw it was time to bestir him; andApollyon as fast made at him, will throw away religion for the worldthrowing darts as thick as hail; for so surely as Judas resigned by the world which, notwithstanding all that Christian could do to avoid it, Apollyonwounded him in becoming religioushis head, his hand, so surely did he also sell religion and his Master for the samefoot. To answer the question This made Christian give alittle back: Apollyon, therefore, affirmativelyfollowed his work amain, as I perceive you have doneand Christianagain took courage, and to accept of, resisted as manfully as authentic, such answer, is both heathenish, hypocritical, and devilish; and your reward will be according to your workshe could. Then they stood staring one upon another This sorecombat lasted for above half a day, but had not wherewith to answer Christian. Hopeful also approved of the soundness of even till Christian's answer; so there was a great silence among them. Mr. By-ends and his company also staggered and kept behindalmost quitespent: for you must know, that Christian and Hopeful might outgo them. Then said Christian to his fellow, If these men cannot stand before the sentence of men, what will they do with the sentence of God? And if they are mute when dealt with by vessels reason of clayhis wounds, what will they do when they shall be rebuked by the flames of a devouring fire?mustneeds grow weaker and weaker.
Then Apollyon, espying his opportunity, began to gather up close toChristian , and Hopeful outwent them againwrestling with him, gave him a dreadful fall; and went till they came to a delicate plain called Easewiththat Christian's sword flew out of his hand. Then said Apollyon, where they went I amsure of thee now: and with much content; but that plain was but narrowhe had almost pressed him to death, so they were quickly got over that Christian began to despair of life. But, as God would have it. Now at the further side of that plain ,while Apollyon was fetching his last blow, thereby to make a little hill called Lucrefull end ofthis good man, Christian nimbly reached out his hand for his sword, and in caught it, saying, Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, Ishall arise, Mic. 7:8; and with that hill gave him a silver minedeadly thrust, which some of them made him give back, as one that had formerly gone received his mortal wound.Christian perceiving that way, because of the rarity of itmade at him again, had turned aside to see; but going too near the brink of the pitsaying, the ground being deceitful under themNay, brokein all thesethings we are more than conquerors, and they were slain; some also had been maimed therethrough Him that loved us. Rom.8:37. And with that Apollyon spread forth his dragon wings, and could notspedhim away, to their dying day, be their own men againthat Christian saw him no more. James 4:7.
Then In this combat no man can imagine, unless he had seen and heard, as I saw in my dreamdid, that what yelling and hideous roaring Apollyon made all the time of thefight; he spake like a little off dragon: and on the roadother side, over against what sighs andgroans burst from Christian's heart. I never saw him all the silver minewhile giveso much as one pleasant look, stood Demas (gentlemanlike) to call to passengers to come and seetill he perceived he had wounded Apollyonwith his two-edged sword; who said to Christian and his fellowthen, indeed, Ho! turn aside hitherhe did smile, and look upward!But it was the dreadfullest sight that ever I will shew you a thingsaw.
Chr. What thing so deserving as So when the battle was over, Christian said, I will here give thanks to turn us him that hath delivered me out of the way mouth of the lion, to see it?him that didhelp me against Apollyon. And so he did, saying,
Demas. Here is a silver mine"Great Beelzebub, and some digging in it for treasure. If you will comethe captain of this fiend, with a little pains you may richly provide for yourselves.
Hope. Then said Hopeful, Let us go see.Designed my ruin; therefore to this end
Chr. Not I, said Christian, I have heard of this place before now; and how many have there been slainHe sent him harness'd out; and besides that, treasure is a snare to those that seek it; for it hindereth them in their pilgrimage. Then Christian called to Demas, sayinghe, Is not the place dangerous? Hath it not hindered many in their pilgrimage?with rage
Demas. Not very dangerousThat hellish was, except to those that are careless, (but withal he blushed as he spake).did fiercely me engage:
Chr. Then said Christian to HopefulBut blessed Michael helped me, Let us not stir a stepand I, but still keep on our way.
Hope. I will warrant you, when By-ends comes up, if he hath the same invitation as wedint of sword, he will turn in thither to see.did quickly make him fly:
Chr. No doubt thereofTherefore to Him let me give lasting praise, for his principles lead him that way, and a hundred to one but he dies there.
DemasAnd thank and bless his holy name always. Then Demas called again, saying, But will you not come over and see?"
Chr. Then Christian roundly answered, saying, Demas, thou art an enemy there came to him a hand with some of the right ways leaves of the Lord tree of this waylife, the which Christian took and applied to the wounds that he hadreceived in the battle, and hast been already condemned for thine own turning asidewas healed immediately. He also sat down inthat place to eat bread, by one of His Majesty's judges; and why seekest thou to bring us into drink of the like condemnation? Besidesbottle that was given him alittle before: so, if we at all turn asidebeing refreshed, our Lord and King will certainly hear thereof, and will there put us he addressed himself to shamehis journeywith his sword drawn in his hand; for he said, where we would stand I know not but some otherenemy may be at hand. But he met with boldness before himno other affront from Apollyonquite through this valley.
Demas cried againNow at the end of this valley was another, that he also was one called the Valley of theShadow of their fraternityDeath; and Christian must needs go through it, because the wayto the Celestial City lay through the midst of it. Now, this valley isa very solitary place. The prophet Jeremiah thus describes it: "Awilderness, a land of deserts and pits, a land of drought, and of theShadow of Death, a land that if they would tarry no man" (but a littleChristian) "passeth through, he also himself would walk with themand where no man dwelt." Jer. 2:6.
Chr. Then said Now here Christianwas worse put to it than in his fight with Apollyon, What is thy name? Is it not the same as by the which I have called thee?sequel you shall see.
DemasI saw then in my dream, that when Christian was got to the borders ofthe Shadow of Death, there met him two men, children of them thatbrought up an evil report of the good land Num. Yes13:32, my name is Demasmaking haste to goback; I am the son of Abrahamto whom Christian spake as follows.
ChrCHR. I know Whither are you; Gehazi was your great-grandfather, and Judas your father; and you have trod in their steps. It is but a devilish prank that thou usest; thy father was hanged for a traitor, and thou deservest no better reward. Assure thyself, that when we come to the King, we will do him word of this thy behaviour. Thus they went their way.going?
By this time By-ends and his companions were come again within sight, and they, at the first beck, went over to DemasMEN. NowThey said, whether they fell into the pit by looking over the brink thereofBack, or whether they went down to digback; and we would have you do so too, if eitherlife or whether they were smothered in the bottom peace is prized by the damps that commonly arise, of these things I am not certain; but this I observed, that they never were seen again in the wayyou. Then sang Christian --
By-ends and silver Demas both agree; One callsCHR. Why, what's the other runs, that he may be A sharer in his lucre; so these do Take up in this world, and no further gomatter? said Christian.
Now I saw MEN. Matter! said they; we were going thatway as you are going, just on the other side of this plain, the pilgrims came to a place where stood an old monument, hard by the highway side, at the sight of which they andwent as far as we durst: and indeed we were both concerned, because of the strangeness of the form thereofalmost past coming back; for it seemed to them as if it had been we gone a woman transformed into the shape of a pillar; herelittle further, therefore they stood looking, and looking upon it, but could we had not for a time tell what they should make thereof. At last Hopeful espied written above the head thereof, a writing in an unusual hand; but he being no scholar, called been here to Christian (for he was learned) to see if he could pick out bring the meaning; so he came, and after a little laying of letters together, he found the same news to be this, Remember Lot's Wife. So he read it to his fellow; after which they both concluded that that was the pillar of salt into which Lot's wife was turned, for her looking back with a covetous heart, when she was going from Sodom for safety. Which sudden and amazing sight gave them occasion of this discoursethee.
ChrCHR. Ah, my brother! this is a seasonable sight; it came opportunely to us after the invitation which Demas gave us to come over to view the Hill Lucre; and had we gone over, as he desired us, and as thou wast inclining to do, my brother, we had, for aught I know, been made ourselves like this woman, a spectacle for those that shall come after to beholdBut what have you met with? said Christian.
HopeMEN. I am sorry Why, we were almost in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, but that I was so foolishby good hap we looked before us, and am made to wonder that I am not now as Lot's wife; for wherein was saw the difference betwixt her sin and mine? She only looked back; and I had a desire danger before we came to go seeit. Let grace be adored, and let me be ashamed that ever such a thing should be in mine heart Psa. 44:19; 107:19.
ChrCHR. Let us take notice of But what we see here, for our help for time to come. This woman escaped one judgment, for she fell not by the destruction of Sodom; yet she was destroyed by another, as we see she is turned into a pillar of salthave you seen? said Christian.
HopeMEN. True; and she may be to us both caution and example; cautionSeen! why the valley itself, that which is as dark as pitch: we should shun her sin; or a sign of what judgment will overtake such as shall not be prevented by this caution; so Korahalsosaw there the hobgoblins, Dathansatyrs, and Abiram, with dragons of the two hundred pit: we heard alsoin that valley a continual howling and fifty men that perished in their sinyelling, did also become as of a sign or example to others to beware. But above allpeople underunutterable misery, I muse at one thing, to wit, how Demas who there sat bound in affliction and irons: and his fellows can stand so confidently yonder to look for over that treasure, which this woman, but for looking behind her after, (for we read not that she stepped one foot out valley hang the discouraging clouds of the way) was turned into confusion: Death alsodoth always spread his wings over it. In a pillar of salt; especially since the judgment which overtook her did make her an exampleword, it is every whitdreadful, within sight of where they arebeing utterly without order. Job 3:5; for they cannot choose but see her, did they but lift up their eyes10:22.
ChrCHR. It is a thing to be wondered atThen, said Christian, and it argueth that their hearts are grown desperate in the case; and I cannot tell who to compare them to so fitlyperceive not yet, as to them that pick pockets in the presence of the judge, or that will cut purses under the gallows. It is by what you have said of the men of Sodom, that they were sinners exceedingly, because they were sinners before the Lord, but that this is, in his eyesight, and notwithstanding the kindnesses that he had shewed them; for the land of Sodom was now like my way to the garden of Eden heretoforedesired haven. This Psalm 44:18, therefore, provoked him the more to jealousy, and made their plague as hot as the fire of the Lord out of heaven could make it19; Jer. And it is most rationally to be concluded, that such, even such as these are, that shall sin in the sight, yea, and that too in despite of such examples that are set continually before them, to caution them to the contrary, must be partakers of severest judgments2:6.
HopeMEN. Doubtless thou hast said the truthBe it thy way; but what a mercy is we will not choose it that neither thou, but especially I, am not made myself this example! This ministereth occasion to us to thank God, to fear before him, and always to remember Lot's wifefor ours.
I sawSo they parted, then, that they and Christian went on their his way to a pleasant river; which David the king called the river of God, but John, the river of the water of life. Now their way lay just upon the bank of the river; here, therefore, Christian and still with his sworddrawn in his companion walked with great delight; they drank also of the water of the river, which was pleasant, and enlivening to their weary spirits; besides, on the banks of this river, on either sidehand, were green trees, that bore all manner of fruit; and the leaves of the trees were good for medicine; with the fruit of these trees they were also much delighted; and the leaves they eat to prevent surfeits, and other diseases that are incident to those that heat their blood by travels. On either side of the river was also a meadow, curiously beautified with lilies, and it was green all the year longfear lest he should be assaulted. In this meadow they lay down, and slept; for here they might lie down safely. When they awoke, they gathered again of the fruit of the trees, and drank again of the water of the river, and then lay down again to sleep. Thus they did several days and nights. Then they sang --
Behold ye how these crystal streams do glideI saw then in my dream,so far as this valley reached, there was on the To comfort pilgrims by right hand a very deep ditch; that ditch is it into which the highway side;blind have The meadows green, beside their fragrant smellled the blind in all ages, Yield dainties for them; and he that can tellhave both there miserably perished. What pleasant fruitAgain, yeabehold, leaveson the left hand there was a very dangerous quag, intowhich, these trees do yieldif even a good man falls,he finds no bottom for his foot to Will soon sell allstand on: into that quag king David once did fall, and had no doubttherein been smothered, had not He that he may buy this fieldis able plucked him out. Psa.69:14.
So The pathway was here also exceeding narrow, and therefore good Christianwas the more put to it; for when he sought, in the dark, to shun theditch on the one hand, he was ready to tip over into the mire on theother; also, when they were disposed he sought to escape the mire, without greatcarefulness he would be ready to go fall into the ditch. Thus he went on, (and I heard him here sigh bitterly; for they were notbesides the danger mentionedabove, as yetthe pathway was here so dark, at their journey's endthat ofttimes when he lifted up hisfoot to go forward,) they ate and drankhe knew not where, and departedor upon what he should set itnext.
About the midst of this valley I perceived the mouth of hell to be, andit stood also hard by the wayside. Now, thought Christian, what shall I beheld do? And ever and anon the flame and smoke would come out in my dreamsuchabundance, with sparks and hideous noises, (things that they had cared not journeyed farforChristian's sword, as did Apollyon before,) that he was forced to put uphis sword, but the river and the way for a time partedbetake himself to another weapon, called All-prayer, Eph.6:18; at which they were not so he cried, in my hearing, O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver mysoul. Psa. 116:4. Thus he went on a little sorry; great while, yet they durst not go out of still the way. Now the way from the river was roughflameswould be reaching towards him; also he heard doleful voices, and their feet tenderrushings to and fro, by reason of their travels; so that sometimes he thought he should be torn inpieces, or trodden down like mire in the souls of the pilgrims were much discouraged because of the waystreets. Wherefore This frightful sightwas seen, still as they went on, they wished and these dreadful noises were heard by him for better way. Now, several milestogether; and coming to a place where he thought he heard a little before themcompany offiends coming forward to meet him, there was on the left hand of the road a meadowhe stopped, and began to muse what hehad best to do. Sometimes he had half a stile thought to go over into itback; then againhe thought he might be half-way through the valley. He remembered also,how he had already vanquished many a danger; and that meadow is called By-path Meadow. Then said Christian the danger ofgoing back might be much more than for to his fellow, If this meadow lieth along by our wayside, let us go over into itforward. Then So he went resolved to go on; yet the stile fiends seemed to see, come nearer and beholdnearer. But when theywere come even almost at him, he cried out with a path lay along by the waymost vehement voice, on Iwill walk in the other side strength of the fenceLord God. It is according to my wish, said Christian. Here is the easiest going; come, good Hopeful So they gave back, and let us go overcameno farther.
HopeOne thing I would not let slip. But how I took notice that now poor Christianwas so confounded that he did not know his own voice; and thus Iperceived it. Just when he was come over against the mouth of theburning pit, one of the wicked ones got behind him, and stepped upsoftly to him, and whisperingly suggested many grievous blasphemies tohim, which he verily thought had proceeded from his own mind. This putChristian more to it than any thing that he met with before, even tothink that he should now blaspheme Him that he loved so much before.Yet if this path should lead us out of he could have helped it, he would not have done it; but he hadnot the way?discretion either to stop his ears, or to know from whence theseblasphemies came.
Chr. That is not like, said the other. Look, doth it not go along by the wayside? So Hopeful, being persuaded by his fellow, went after him over the stile. When they were gone overChristian had travelled in this disconsolate condition someconsiderable time, and were got into he thought he heard the path, they found it very easy for their feet; and withal, they, looking before them, espied voice of a man walking , as they did, (and his name was Vain-confidence;) so they called after goingbefore him, and asked him whither that way led. He saidsaying, To Though I walk through the Valley of the Celestial Gate. LookShadow ofDeath, said ChristianI will fear no evil, did not I tell you so? By this you may see we are rightfor thou art with me. So they followed, and he went before them Psa. But, behold, the night came on, and it grew very dark; so that they that were behind lost the sight of him that went before 23:4.
He, therefore, that went before, (Vain-confidence by name,) not seeing the way before him, fell into a deep pit, which Then was on purpose there made, by the Prince of those grounds, to catch vain-glorious fools withalhe glad, and was dashed in pieces with his fall.that for these reasons:
Now Christian and his fellow heard him fall. So they called to know the matterFirst, but there was none to answerBecause he gathered from thence, only they heard a groaning. Then said Hopeful, Where are we now? Then was his fellow silent, as mistrusting that he had led him out of the way; and now it began to rain, and thunder, and lighten some who feared God were in a very dreadful manner; and the water rose amainthis valley as well as himself.
Then Hopeful groaned Secondly, For that he perceived God was with them, though in himselfthat darkand dismal state. And why not, sayingthought he, Ohwith me? though by reasonof the impediment that attends this place, that I had kept on my way!cannot perceive it. Job9:11.
Chr. Who Thirdly, For that he hoped (could he overtake them) to have thought that this path should have led us out of the way?company byand by.
Hope. I was afraid So he went on it at the very first, and therefore gave you called to him that was before; but he knew not whatto answer, for that gentle cautionhe also thought himself to be alone. I would have spoken plainer And by and bythe day broke: then said Christian, but that you are older than I"He hath turned the shadow of deathinto the morning." Amos 5:8.
Chr. Good brotherNow morning being come, he looked back, be not offended; I am sorry I have brought thee out of desire to return, butto see, by the light of the wayday, what hazards he had gone through in thedark. So he saw more perfectly the ditch that was on the one hand, and the quag that I have put thee into such imminent dangerwas on the other; prayalso how narrow the way was which ledbetwixt them both. Also now he saw the hobgoblins, my brotherand satyrs, forgive meanddragons of the pit, but all afar off; I did for after break of day they camenot do it nigh; yet they were discovered to him, according to that which iswritten, "He discovereth deep things out of an evil intentdarkness, and bringeth outto light the shadow of death." Job 12:22.
HopeNow was Christian much affected with this deliverance from all thedangers of his solitary way; which dangers, though he feared them muchbefore, yet he saw them more clearly now, because the light of the daymade them conspicuous to him. Be comforted And about this time the sun was rising,and this was another mercy to Christian; for you must note, that thoughthe first part of the Valley of the Shadow of Death was dangerous, yetthis second part, which he was yet to go, my brotherwas, if possible, far moredangerous; for I forgive thee; , from the place where he now stood, even to the end ofthe valley, the way was all along set so full of snares, traps, gins,and nets here, and believeso full of pits, pitfalls, deep holes, tooand shelvings-down there, that this shall be for our goodhad it now been dark, as it was when he came the firstpart of the way, had he had a thousand souls, they had in reason beencast away; but, as I said, just now the sun was rising. Then said he,"His Candle shineth on my head, and by his light I go through darkness."Job 29:3.
ChrIn this light, therefore, he came to the end of the valley. Now I am glad sawin my dream, that at the end of the valley lay blood, bones, ashes, andmangled bodies of men, even of pilgrims that had gone this way formerly;and while I have with was musing what should be the reason, I espied a littlebefore me a merciful brothercave, where two giants, Pope and Pagan, dwelt in old times;by whose power and tyranny the men whose bones, blood, ashes, etc., laythere, were cruelly put to death. But by this place Christian wentwithout much danger, whereat I somewhat wondered; but we must not stand thus: let us try to I have learntsince, that Pagan has been dead many a day; and as for the other, thoughhe be yet alive, he is, by reason of age, and also of the many shrewdbrushes that he met with in his younger days, grown so crazy and stiffin his joints that he can now do little more than sit in his cave'smouth, grinning at pilgrims as they go back againby, and biting his nails becausehe cannot come at them.
HopeSo I saw that Christian went on his way; yet, at the sight of the oldman that sat at the mouth of the cave, he could not tell what to think,especially because he spoke to him, though he could not go after him,saying, You will never mend, till more of you be burned. Buthe heldhis peace, and set a good brotherface on it; and so went by, let me go beforeand catched nohurt. Then sang Christian,
Chr. No, if you please, let me go first, that if there be any danger"O world of wonders, (I may be first thereincan say no less, because by my means we are both gone out of the way.)
Hope. No, said Hopeful, you shall not go first; for your mind being troubled may lead you out of the way again. Then, for their encouragement, they heard the voice of one saying, Set thine heart toward the highway, even the way which thou wentest; turn again. But by this time the waters were greatly risen, by reason of which the way of going back was very dangerous. (Then That I thought that it is easier going out of the way, when we are should be preserved in, than going in when we are out.) Yet they adventured to go back, but it was so dark, and the flood was so high, that in their going back they had like to have been drowned nine or ten times.distress
Neither could they, with all the skill they had, get again to the stile that night. Wherefore, at last, lighting under a little shelter, they sat down there until the daybreak; but, being weary, they fell asleep. Now there was, not far from the place where they lay, a castle called Doubting Castle, the owner whereof was Giant Despair; and it was in his grounds they now were sleeping: wherefore he, getting up in the morning early, and walking up and down in his fields, caught Christian and Hopeful asleep in his grounds. Then, with a grim and surly voice, he bid them awake; and asked them whence they were, and what they did in his grounds. They told him they were pilgrims, and that they had lost their way. Then said the Giant, You That I have this night trespassed on me, by trampling in and lying on my grounds, and therefore you must go along met with me. So they were forced to go, because he was stronger than they. They also had but little to say, for they knew themselves in a fault. The Giant, therefore, drove them before him, and put them into his castle, into a very dark dungeon, nasty and stinking to the spirits of these two men. Here, then, they lay from Wednesday morning till Saturday night, without one bit of bread, or drop of drink, or light, or any to ask how they did; they were, therefore, here in evil case, and were far from friends and acquaintance. Now in this place Christian had double sorrow, because it was through his unadvised counsel that they were brought into this distress.! O blessed be
The pilgrims now, to gratify the flesh, Will seek its ease; but ohThat hand that from it hath delivered me! how they afresh Do thereby plunge themselves new griefs into! Who seek to please the flesh, themselves undo.
Now, Giant Despair had a wife, and her name was Diffidence. So when he was gone to bed, he told his wife what he had done; to wit, that he had taken a couple of prisoners and cast them into his dungeon, for trespassing on his grounds. Then he asked her also what he had best to do further to them. So she asked him what they were, whence they came, and whither they were bound; and he told her. Then she counselled him that when he arose Dangers in the morning he should beat them without any mercy. Sodarkness, when he arosedevils, he getteth him a grievous crab-tree cudgelhell, and goes down into the dungeon to themsin, and there first falls to rating of them as if they were dogs, although they never gave him a word of distaste. Then he falls upon them, and beats them fearfully, in such sort that they were not able to help themselves, or to turn them upon the floor. This done, he withdraws and leaves them there to condole their misery and to mourn under their distress. So all that day they spent the time in nothing but sighs and bitter lamentations. The next night, she, talking with her husband about them further, and understanding they were yet alive, did advise him to counsel them to make away themselves. So when morning was come, he goes to them in a surly manner as before, and perceiving them to be very sore with the stripes that he had given them the day before, he told them, that since they were never like to come out of that place, their only way would be forthwith to make an end of themselves, either with knife, halter, or poison, for why, said he, should you choose life, seeing it is attended with so much bitterness? But they desired him to let them go. With that he looked ugly upon them, and, rushing to them, had doubtless made an end of them himself, but that he fell into one of his fits, (for he sometimes, in sunshiny weather, fell into fits,) and lost for a time the use of his hand; wherefore he withdrew, and left them as before, to consider what to do. Then did the prisoners consult between themselves whether it was best to take his counsel or no; and thus they began to discourse: --
Chr. BrotherDid compass me, said Christian, what shall we do? The life that we now live is miserable. For my part while I know not whether is best, to live thus, or to die out of hand. My soul chooseth strangling rather than life, and the grave is more easy for me than this dungeon. Shall we be ruled by the Giant?vale was in;
Hope. IndeedYea, our present condition is dreadfulsnares, and death would be far more welcome to me than thus for ever to abide; but yetpits, let us consider, the Lord of the country to which we are going hath said, Thou shalt do no murder: no, not to another man's person; much more, then, are we forbidden to take his counsel to kill ourselves. Besides, he that kills another, can but commit murder upon his body; but for one to kill himself is to kill body and soul at once. And, moreover, my brother, thou talkest of ease in the grave; but hast thou forgotten the helltraps, whither for certain the murderers go? For no murderer hath eternal life. And let us consider, again, that all the law is not in the hand of Giant Despair. Others, so far as I can understand, have been taken by him, as well as we; and yet have escaped out of his hand. Who knows, but the God that made the world may cause that Giant Despair may die? or that, at some time or other, he may forget to lock us in? or that he may, in a short time, have another of his fits before us, and may lose the use of his limbs? and if ever that should come to pass again, for my part, I am resolved to pluck up the heart of a man, and to try my utmost to get from under his hand. I was a fool that I nets did not try to do it before; but, however, my brother, let us be patient, and endure a while. The time may come that may give us a happy release; but let us not be our own murderers. With these words Hopeful at present did moderate the mind of his brother; so they continued together (in the dark) that day, in their sad and doleful condition.lie
WellMy path about, towards evening, the Giant goes down into the dungeon again, to see if his prisoners had taken his counsel; but when he came there he found them alive; and truly, alive was all; for now, what for want of bread and water, and by reason of the wounds they received when he beat them, they could do little but breathe. Butthat worthless, silly I say, he found them alive; at which he fell into a grievous rage, and told them that, seeing they had disobeyed his counsel, it should be worse with them than if they had never been born.
At this they trembled greatlyMight have been catch'd, entangled, and I think that Christian fell into a swoon; but, coming a little to himself again, they renewed their discourse about the Giant's counselcast down; and whether yet they had best to take it or no. Now Christian again seemed to be for doing it, but Hopeful made his second reply as followeth: --
Hope. My brother, said he, rememberest thou not how valiant thou hast been heretofore? Apollyon could not crush thee, nor could all that thou didst hear, or see, or feel, in the Valley of the Shadow of Death. What hardship, terror, and amazement hast thou already gone through! And art thou now nothing but fear! Thou seest that But since I am in the dungeon with theelive, a far weaker man by nature than thou art; also, this Giant has wounded me as well as thee, and hath also cut off the bread and water from my mouth; and with thee I mourn without the light. But let us exercise a little more patience; remember how thou playedst the man at Vanity Fair, and wast neither afraid of the chain, nor cage, nor yet of bloody death. Wherefore let us (at least to avoid Jesus wear the shame, that becomes not a Christian to be found in) bear up with patience as well as we cancrown."
Now, night being come again, and the Giant and his wife being in bed, she asked him concerning the prisoners, and if they had taken his counsel. To which he replied, They are sturdy rogues, they choose rather to bear all hardship, than to make away themselves. Then said she, Take them into the castle-yard to-morrow, and shew them the bones and skulls of those that thou hast already despatched, and make them believe, ere a week comes to an end, thou also wilt tear them in pieces, as thou hast done their fellows before them.
So when the morning was come, the Giant goes to them again, and takes them into the castle-yard, and shews them, as his wife had bidden him. These, said he, were pilgrims as you are, once, and they trespassed in my grounds, as you have done; and when I thought fit, I tore them in pieces, and so, within ten days, I will do you. Go, get you down to your den again; and with that he beat them all the way thither. They lay, therefore, all day on Saturday in a lamentable case, as before. Now, when night was come, and when Mrs. Diffidence and her husband, the Giant, were got to bed, they began to renew their discourse of their prisoners; and withal the old Giant wondered, that he could neither by his blows nor his counsel bring them to an end. And with that his wife replied, I fear, said she, that they live in hope that some will come to relieve them, or that they have picklocks about them, by the means of which they hope to escape. And sayest thou so, my dear? said the Giant; I will, therefore, search them in the morning.
Well, on Saturday, about midnight, they began to pray, and continued in prayer till almost break of day==THE FIFTH STAGE.==
Now, as Christian went on his way, he came to a little ascent, which wascast up on purpose that pilgrims might see before it was daythem: up there,therefore, good Christianwent; and looking forward, as one half amazedhe saw Faithful beforehim upon his journey: Then said Christian aloud, Ho, brake out in this passionate speech: ho; so-- What a foolho; stay, quoth he, am and I, thus will be your companion. At that Faithful looked behind him; to lie in a stinking dungeonwhom Christian cried again, when I may as well walk at liberty! I have a key in my bosomStay, called Promise, that willstay, till I am persuaded, open any lock in Doubting Castlecome up to you. Then said Hopeful ButFaithful answered, That is good newsNo, good brother; pluck it out of thy bosomI am upon my life, and trythe avenger of blood isbehind me.
Then At this Christian pulled it out of his bosomwas somewhat moved, and began putting to try at the dungeon doorall his strength, whose bolt (as he turned the key) gave backquickly got up with Faithful, and did also overrun him; so the door flew open with ease, and Christian and Hopeful both came outlastwas first. Then did Christian vaingloriously smile, because he went to hadgotten the outward door that leads into the castle-yard, and, with start of his key, opened that door also. After, he went to the iron gate, for that must be opened toobrother; but that lock went damnable hard, yet the key did open it. Then they thrust open the gate not taking good heed to make their escape with speed, but that gate, as it opened, made such a creaking, that it waked Giant Despair, who, hastily rising to pursue his prisonersfeet, felt his limbs to fail, for his fits took him again, so that he could by no means go after them. Then they went onsuddenly stumbled and fell, and could not rise again until Faithfulcame up to the King's highway, and so were safe, because they were out of his jurisdictionhelp him.
NowThen I saw in my dream, when they were over the stile, they began to contrive with themselves what they should do at that stile to prevent those that should come after from falling into the hands of Giant Despair. So they consented to erect there a pillarwent very lovingly on together, and to engrave upon the side thereof this sentence -- 'Over this stile is the way to Doubting Castle, which is kept by Giant Despair, who despiseth the King hadsweet discourse of the Celestial Country, and seeks all things that had happened to destroy his holy pilgrims.' Many, therefore, that followed after read what was written, them in theirpilgrimage; and escaped the dangerthus Christian began. This done, they sang as follows: --
Out of the way we wentCHR. My honored and well-beloved brother Faithful, and then we found What 'twas to tread upon forbidden ground; And let them I am glad that come after I have a care, Lest heedlessness makes themovertaken you, as and that God has so tempered our spirits that we, to fare.can walk Lest they for trespassing his prisoners are, Whose castle's Doubting, and whose name's Despairas companions in this so pleasant a path.
They went then till they came to the Delectable MountainsFAITH. I had thought, my dear friend, which mountains belong to the Lord of that hill of which we have spoken before; so they went up to the mountains, to behold the gardens and orchardshad your company quitefrom our town, but you did get the vineyards and fountains start of waterme; where also they drank and washed themselves, and did freely eat wherefore I was forcedto come thus much of the vineyards. Now there were on the tops of these mountains Shepherds feeding their flocks, and they stood by the highway sideway alone. The Pilgrims therefore went to them, and leaning upon their staves, (as is common with weary pilgrims when they stand to talk with any by the way,) they asked, Whose Delectable Mountains are these? And whose be the sheep that feed upon them?
Mountains delectable they now ascend, Where Shepherds be, which to them do commend Alluring things, and things that cautious are,CHR. How long did you stay in the city of Destruction before you set out Pilgrims are steady kept by faith and fear.after me on your pilgrimage?
ShepFAITH. These mountains are Immanuel's LandTill I could stay no longer; for there was a great talk presentlyafter you were gone out, and they are within sight of his that our city; and the sheep also are hiswould, in a short time, with firefrom heaven, and he laid be burnt down his life for themto the ground.
ChrCHR. Is this the way to the Celestial CityWhat, did your neighbors talk so?
ShepFAITH. You are just Yes, it was for a while in your wayevery body's mouth.
ChrCHR. How far is it thitherWhat, and did no more of them but you come out to escape thedanger?
ShepFAITH. Too far Though there was, as I said, a great talk thereabout, yet I donot think they did firmly believe it; for any but those , in the heat of the discourse,I heard some of them deridingly speak of you and of your desperatejourney, for so they called this your pilgrimage. But I did believe,and do still, that shall get thither indeedthe end of our city will be with fire and brimstonefrom above; and therefore I have made my escape.
ChrCHR. Is the way safe or dangerousDid you hear no talk of neighbor Pliable?
ShepFAITH. Safe for those for whom it is Yes, Christian, I heard that he followed you till he came to theSlough of Despond, where, as some said, he fell in; but he would not be safe; known to have so done: but the transgressors shall fall thereinI am sure he was soundly bedabbled with thatkind of dirt.
ChrCHR. Is there, in this place, any relief for pilgrims that are weary and faint in And what said the wayneighbors to him?
ShepFAITH. The Lord He hath, since his going back, been had greatly in derision, andthat among all sorts of these mountains hath given us a charge not to be forgetful to entertain strangerspeople: some do mock and despise him, therefore the good and scarcewill any set him on work. He is now seven times worse than if he hadnever gone out of the place is before youcity.
I saw also in my dream, that when the Shepherds perceived that CHR. But why should they were wayfaring menbe so set against him, since they also put questions to them, to which they made answer as in other places; as, Whence came you? and, How got you into despisethe waythat he forsook? and, By what means have you so persevered therein? For but few of them that begin to come hither do shew their face on these mountains. But when the Shepherds heard their answers, being pleased therewith, they looked very lovingly upon them, and said, Welcome to the Delectable Mountains.
The ShepherdsFAITH. O, I they say, whose names were Knowledge, Experience, WatchfulHang him; he is a turncoat; he was not true to hisprofession! I think God has stirred up even His enemies to hiss at him, and Sinceremake him a proverb, took them by because he hath forsaken the hand, and had them to their tents, and made them partake of that which was ready at presentway. They said, moreover, We would that ye should stay here awhile, to be acquainted with us; and yet more to solace yourselves with the good of these Delectable Mountains Jer. They then told them29:18, that they were content to stay; so they went to their rest that night, because it was very late19.
Then I saw in my dream, that in the morning the Shepherds called up to Christian and Hopeful to walk with them upon the mountains; so they went forth CHR. Had you no talk with them, and walked a while, having a pleasant prospect on every side. Then said the Shepherds one to another, Shall we shew these pilgrims some wonders? So when they had concluded to do it, they had them first to the top of a hill called Error, which was very steep on the furthest side, and bid them look down to the bottom. So Christian and Hopeful looked down, and saw at the bottom several men dashed all to pieces by a fall that they had from the top. Then said Christian, What meaneth this? The Shepherds answered, Have him before you not heard of them that were made to err by hearkening to Hymeneus and Philetus as concerning the faith of the resurrection of the bodycame out? They answered, Yes. Then said the Shepherds, Those that you see lie dashed in pieces at the bottom of this mountain are they; and they have continued to this day unburied, as you see, for an example to others to take heed how they clamber too high, or how they come too near the brink of this mountain.
Then FAITH. I saw that they had them to met him once in the top of another mountainstreets, and but he leered away on the name of that is Caution, and bid them look afar off; which, when they did, they perceivedotherside, as they thought, several men walking up and down among the tombs that were thereone ashamed of what he had done; and they perceived that the men were blind, because they stumbled sometimes upon the tombs, and because they could So I spake not get out from among themto him. Then said Christian, What means this?
The Shepherds then answered, Did you not see a little below these mountains a stileCHR. Well, at my first setting out I had hopes of that led into a meadow, on man; but now Ifear he will perish in the left hand overthrow of this way? They answered, Yesthe city. Then said For it has happenedto him according to the Shepherdstrue proverb, From that stile there goes a path that leads directly The dog is turned to Doubting Castle, which is kept by Giant Despairhis vomitagain, and these, pointing to them among the tombs, came once on pilgrimage, as you do now, even till they came to sow that same stile; and because the right way was rough in that place, they chose to go out of it into that meadow, and there were taken by Giant Despair, and cast into Doubting Castle; where, after they had been a while kept in the dungeon, he at last did put out their eyes, and led them among those tombs, where he has left them washed to wander to this very day, that the saying of the wise man might be fulfilled, He that wandereth out of the way of understanding, shall remain her wallowing in the congregation of the deadmire. 2 Pet. Then Christian and Hopeful looked upon one another, with tears gushing out, but yet said nothing to the Shepherds2:22.
Then I saw in FAITH. These are my dream, that the Shepherds had them to another place, in a bottom, where was a door in the side fears of a hill, and they opened the door, and bid them look in. They looked in, therefore, and saw that within it was very dark and smokyhim too; they also thought that they heard there a rumbling noise as of fire, and a cry of some tormented, and but who can hinder that they smelt the scent of brimstone. Then said Christian, What means this? The Shepherds told them, This is a by-way to hell, a way that hypocrites go in at; namely, such as sell their birthright, with Esau; such as sell their master, with Judas; such as blaspheme the gospel, with Alexander; and that lie and dissemble, with Ananias and Sapphira his wife. Then said Hopeful to the Shepherds, I perceive that these had on them, even every one, a show of pilgrimage, as we have now; had they notwhich willbe?
ShepCHR. YesWell, neighbor Faithful, said Christian, let us leave him, and held talkof things that more immediately concern ourselves. Tell me now what youhave met with in the way as you came; for I know you have met with somethings, or else it may be writ for a long time toowonder.
HopeFAITH. How far might they go on in pilgrimage in their dayI escaped the slough that I perceive you fell into, since they notwithstanding were thus miserably cast away?and got up tothe gate without that danger; only I met with one whose name was Wanton,that had like to have done me mischief.
ShepCHR. Some furtherIt was well you escaped her net: Joseph was hard put to it by her, and some not so far, he escaped her as these mountainsyou did; but it had like to have cost him hislife. Gen. 39:11-13. But what did she do to you?
Then said the Pilgrims one FAITH. You cannot think (but that you know something) what a flatteringtongue she had; she lay at me hard to anotherturn aside with her, We have need to cry to the Strong for strengthpromising meall manner of content.
ShepCHR. AyNay, and she did not promise you will have need to use it, when you have it, toothe content of a good conscience.
By this time the Pilgrims had a desire to go forward, and the Shepherds a desire they should; so they walked together towards the end of the mountains. Then said the Shepherds one to another, Let us here shew to the Pilgrims the gates of the Celestial City, if they have skill to look through our perspective glassFAITH. The Pilgrims then lovingly accepted the motionYou know what I mean; so they had them to the top of a high hill, called Clear, all carnal and gave them their glass to lookfleshly content.
Then they essayed to look, but the remembrance of that last thing CHR. Thank God that you escaped her: the Shepherds had shewn them, made their hands shake; by means abhorred of which impediment, they could not look steadily through the glass; yet they thought they saw something like the gate, and also some of the glory of the placeLord shall fallinto her pit. Prov. 22:14. Then they went away, and sang this song --
Thus, by the Shepherds, secrets are reveal'd, Which from all other men are kept conceal'dFAITH. Come to the Shepherds, then, if you would see Things deep, things hidNay, and that mysterious beI know not whether I did wholly escape her or no.
When they were about to departCHR. Why, one of the Shepherds gave them a note of the way. Another of them bid them beware of the Flatterer. The third bid them take heed that they sleep I trow you did not upon the Enchanted Ground. And the fourth bid them God-speed. So I awoke from my dream.consent to her desires?
And I slept, and dreamed again, and saw the same two Pilgrims going down the mountains along the highway towards the cityFAITH. NowNo, a little below these mountains, on the left handnot to defile myself; for I remembered an old writing that Ihad seen, lieth the country of Conceit; from which country there comes into the way in which the Pilgrims walkedsaid, a little crooked lane"Her steps take hold on Hell. Here" Prov. 5:5. So Ishut mine eyes, therefore, they met because I would not be bewitched with a very brisk lad, that came out of that country; and his name was Ignoranceher looks. Job31:1. So Christian asked him from what parts he came Then she railed on me, and whither he was goingI went my way.
Ignor. Sir, I was born in the country that lieth off there a little on the left hand, and I am going to the Celestial CityCHR.Did you meet with no other assault as you came?
ChrFAITH. But how do you think When I came to the foot of the hill called Difficulty, I met witha very aged man, who asked me what I was, and whither bound. I told himthat I was a pilgrim, going to the Celestial City. Then said the oldman, Thou lookest like an honest fellow; wilt thou be content to get dwellwith me for the wages that I shall give thee? Then I asked his name,and where he dwelt? He said his name was Adam the First, and that hedwelt in the town of Deceit. Eph. 4:22. I asked him then what was hiswork, and what the wages that he would give. He told me that his workwas many delights; and his wages, that I should be his heir at last. Ifurther asked him, what house he kept, and what other servants he had.So he told me that his house was maintained with all the gate? for you may find some difficulty theredainties of theworld, and that his servants were those of his own begetting. Then Iasked how many children he had. He said that he had but threedaughters, the Lust of the Flesh, the Lust of the Eyes, and the Pride ofLife, 1 John, 2:16; and that I should marry them if I would. Then Iasked, how long time he would have me live with him; And he told me, aslong as he lived himself.
IgnorCHR. As other people doWell, said he.and what conclusion came the old man and you to at last?
ChrFAITH. But what have you Why, at first I found myself somewhat inclinable to shew at that gatego with theman, for I thought he spake very fair; but looking in his forehead, as Italked with him, I saw there written, that may cause that "Put off the gate should be opened to you?old man with hisdeeds."
Ignor. I know my Lord's will, and I have been a good liver; I pay every man his own; I pray, fast, pay tithes, and give alms, and have left my country for whither I am goingCHR.And how then?
ChrFAITH. But thou camest not in at the wicket-gate Then it came burning hot into my mind, that is at the head of this way; thou camest in hither through that same crooked lane, whatever he said,and thereforehowever he flattered, when he got me home to his house he would sellme for a slave. So I fearbid him forbear to talk, however thou mayest think for I would not come nearthe door of thyselfhis house. Then he reviled me, when the reckoning day shall come, thou wilt have laid to thy charge and told me that thou art he wouldsend such a thief one after me that should make my way bitter to my soul. SoI turned to go away from him; but just as I turned myself to go thence,I felt him take hold of my flesh, and give me such a robberdeadly twitch back, instead that I thought he had pulled part of getting admittance into me after himself: this made me cry,"O wretched man." Rom. 7:24. So I went on my way up the cityhill.
Ignor. GentlemenNow, ye be utter strangers to when I had got above half-way up, I looked behind me, I know you not; be content and follow the religion of your countrysaw onecoming after me, and I will follow the religion of mine. I hope all will be well. And swift as for the gate that you talk of, all the world knows that that is a great way off of our country. I cannot think that any man in all our parts doth wind; so much as know he overtook me just about the way to it, nor need they matter whether they do or no, since we have, as you see, a fine, pleasant green lane, that comes down from our country, place where the next way into the waysettle stands.
When Christian saw that the man was wise in his own conceitCHR. Just there, he said to Hopeful, whisperingly, There is more hope of a fool than of him. And said, moreover, When he that is a fool walketh by the wayChristian, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith did I sit down to every one that he is a fool. What, shall we talk further rest me; but beingovercome with himsleep, or I there lost this roll out-go him at present, and so leave him to think of what he hath heard already, and then stop again for him afterwards, and see if by degrees we can do any good to him? Then said Hopeful --my bosom.
Let Ignorance FAITH. But, good brother, hear me out. So soon as the man overtook me,it was but a little while now muse On what is saidword and a blow; for down he knocked me, and let laid me fordead. But when I was a little come to myself again I asked him not refuse Good counsel wherefore he served me so. He said because of my secret inclining to embrace, lest he remain Still ignorant of what's Adam the chiefest gainFirst. And with that he struck me another deadly blow on the God saithbreast, those that no understanding haveand beat me down backward; so I lay at his foot as dead asbefore. So when I came to myself again I cried him mercy: but he said, Although I know not how to show mercy; and with that he knocked me down again.He had doubtless made theman end of me, them he will not savebut that one came by and bid himforbear.
HopeCHR. He further added, It is not good, I think, to say all to Who was that that bid him at once; let us pass him by, if you will, and talk to him anon, even as he is able to bear it.forbear?
So they both went on, and Ignorance he came afterFAITH. Now when they had passed I did not know him a little way, they entered into a very dark lane, where they met a man whom seven devils had bound with seven strong cords, and were carrying of him back to the door that they saw on the side of the hill. Now good Christian began to tremble, and so did Hopeful his companion; yet at first: but as the devils led away the man, Christian looked to see if he knew him; and he thought it might be one Turn-awaywent by, that dwelt I perceived theholes in the town of Apostasy. But he did not perfectly see his face, for he did hang his head like a thief that is found. But being once past, Hopeful looked after him, hands and espied on in his back a paper with this inscription, Wanton professor and damnable apostate. side: Then said Christian to his fellow, Now I call to remembrance, that which was told me of a thing that happened to a good man hereabout. The name of the man was Little-faith, but a good man, and he dwelt in the town of Sincere. The thing was this: -- At the entering in at this passage, there comes down from Broad-way Gate, a lane called Dead Man's Lane; so called because of the murders that are commonly done there; and this Little-faith going on pilgrimage, as we do now, chanced to sit down there, and slept. Now there happened, at concluded that time, to come down the lane, from Broadway Gate, three sturdy rogues, and their names were Faint-heart, Mistrust, and Guilt, (three brothers,) and they espying Little-faith, where he was, came galloping up with speed. Now the good man was just awake from his sleep, and was getting up to go on his journeyourLord. So they came I went up all to him, and with threatening language bid him stand. At this Little-faith looked as white as a clout, and had neither power to fight nor fly. Then said Faint-heart, Deliver thy purse. But he making no haste to do it (for he was loath to lose his money,) Mistrust ran up to him, and thrusting his hand into his pocket, pulled out thence a bag of silver. Then he cried out, Thieves! Thieves! With that Guilt, with a great club that was in his hand, struck Little-faith on the head, and with that blow felled him flat to the ground, where he lay bleeding as one that would bleed to death. All this while the thieves stood by. But, at last, they hearing that some were upon the road, and fearing lest it should be one Great-grace, that dwells in the city of Good-confidence, they betook themselves to their heels, and left this good man to shift for himself. Now, after a while, Little-faith came to himself, and getting up, made shift to scrabble on his way. This was the storyhill.
HopeCHR. But did they take from him all That man that ever overtook you was Moses. He spareth none; neitherknoweth he had?how to shew mercy to those that transgress the law.
ChrFAITH. NoI know it very well; it was not the place where his jewels were they never ransacked, so those first time that he kept stillhas metwith me. But, as I was told, the good man was much afflicted for his loss, for the thieves got most of his spending-money. That which they got not (as I said) were jewels, also 'Twas he had a little odd money left, but scarce enough to bring him that came to his journey's end; nay, if me when I was not misinformed, he was forced to beg as he went, to keep himself alive; for his jewels he might not sell. But begdwelt securely at home, and do what that told me he could, he went (as we say) with many a hungry belly the most part of the rest of the waywould burn my house over my head if I stayed there.
HopeCHR. But is it did you not a wonder they got not from him his certificatesee the house that stood there on the top of thehill, by on the side of which he was to receive his admittance at the Celestial GateMoses met you?
ChrFAITH. It is a wonder; but they got not thatYes, and the lions too, though they missed before I came at it not through any good cunning of his; . But, for hethe lions, being dismayed with their coming upon himI think they were asleep, for it was about noon; and because I had neither power nor skill to hide anything; so it was more much of the day before me, I passed by good Providence than by his endeavourthe Porter, that they missed of that good thingand came down thehill.
HopeCHR. But it must needs be a comfort to himHe told me, indeed, that he saw you go by; but I wish you hadcalled at the house, for they got not his jewels from himwould have showed you so many raritiesthat you would scarce have forgot them to the day of your death. Butpray tell me, Did you meet nobody in the Valley of Humility?
ChrFAITH. It might Yes, I met with one Discontent, who would willingly have been great comfort persuaded me to go back again with him: his reason was, had he used it as he should; but they for that thevalley was altogether without honor. He told me the story said, moreover, that he made but little use of it all the rest of to gothere was the wayto disoblige all my friends, as Pride, and that because of the dismay that he had in the taking away his money; indeedArrogancy, Self-Conceit, Worldly Glory, with others, who he forgot it a great part of the rest of his journey; and besidesknew, when at any time it came into his mind, and as he began to be comforted therewithsaid, then would fresh thoughts bevery much offended if I made such a fool of his loss come again upon him, and those thoughts would swallow up allmyself as to wade throughthis valley.
HopeCHR. Alas! poor man! This could not but be a great grief to Well, and how did you answer him.?
ChrFAITH. Grief! ayI told him, that although all these that he named, might claim a grief indeed. Would it not have been so to any kindred of usme, had we been used as heand that rightly, (for indeed they were my relationsaccording to be robbedthe flesh, and wounded too) yet since I became a pilgrim they have disownedme, and that in a strange place, as he was? It is a wonder he did not die with grief, poor heart! I was told that he scattered almost all the rest of the way with nothing but doleful also have rejected them; and bitter complaints; telling also therefore they were to all that overtook me now nomore than if they had never been of my lineage. I told him, or moreover,that he overtook in the way as he wentto this valley, where he was robbedhad quite misrepresented the thing; forbefore honor is humility, and how; who they were a haughty spirit before a fall.Therefore, said I, I had rather go through this valley to the honor that did it, and what he lost; how he was woundedso accounted by the wisest, and than choose that which he hardly escaped with his lifeesteemed mostworthy of our affections.
HopeCHR. But it is a wonder that his necessity did not put him upon selling or pawning some of his jewels, Met you with nothing else in that he might have wherewith to relieve himself in his journey.valley?
ChrFAITH. Thou talkest like one upon whose head is the shell to this very dayYes, I met with Shame; for what should he pawn them, or to whom should he sell them? In but of all the men that country where I met with on mypilgrimage, he was robbed, his jewels were not accounted of; nor did he want that relief which could from thence I think, bears the wrong name. The other would be administered to him. Besidessaidnay, had his jewels been missing at the gate of the Celestial Cityafter a little argumentation, he had (and that he knew well enough) been excluded from an inheritance theresomewhat else; and that but this bold-faced Shame would never have been worse to him than the appearance and villainy of ten thousand thievesdone.
HopeCHR. Why art thou so tart, my brother? Esau sold his birthright, and that for a mess of pottage, and that birthright was his greatest jewel; and if what did he, why might not Little-faith do so toosay to you?
ChrFAITH. Esau did sell his birthright indeedWhat? why, and so do many besideshe objected against religion itself. He said it wasa pitiful, and by so doing exclude themselves from the chief blessinglow, as also that caitiff did; but you must put sneaking business for a difference betwixt Esau and Little-faith, and also betwixt their estatesman to mind religion. Esau's birthright was typical He said, but Little-faith's jewels were not so; Esau's belly that a tender conscience was his god, but Little-faith's belly was not soan unmanly thing; Esau's want lay in and that for a man towatch over his fleshly appetitewords and ways, Little-faith's did not so. Besidesas to tie up himself from thathectoring liberty that the brave spirits of the times accustomedthemselves unto, Esau could see no further than to would make him the fulfilling ridicule of his lusts; Beholdthe times. He objectedalso, I am at that but few of the point to diemighty, rich, (said heor wise,) and what profit shall this birthright do me? But Little-faithwere ever of myopinion; nor any of them neither, though it was his lot before they were persuaded to have but a little faith, was by his little faith kept from such extravagancesbefools, and made to see and prize his jewels more than be of a voluntary fondness to sell them, as Esau did his birthrightventure the loss of all fornobody knows what. 1 Cor. 1:26; 3:18; Phil. You read not anywhere that Esau had faith, no, not so much as a little 3:7-9; thereforeJohn 7:48. He, no marvel ifmoreover, where objected the flesh only bears sway, (as it will in that man where no faith is to resist,) if he sells his birthright, base and his soul and all, low estate and condition of those that to were chiefly the devil pilgrims of hell; for it is with such, as it is with the ass, who times in her occasions cannot be turned away. When which they lived; also their minds are set upon their lusts, they will have them whatever they costignorance and want of understanding in all natural science. But Little-faith was of another temper Yea, his mind was on things divine; his livelihood was upon things he didhold me to it at that were spiritualrate also, and from aboveabout a great many more things thanhere I relate; thereforeas, to what end should he that is of such it was a temper sell his jewels (had there been any that would have bought them) shame to fill his mind with empty things? Will sit whining and mourning undera man give sermon, and a penny shame to fill his belly with haycome sighing and groaning home; or can you persuade the turtle-dove that it was ashame to live upon carrion like the crow? Though faithless ones can, ask my neighbor forgiveness for carnal lusts, pawnpetty faults, or mortgage, or sell what they to makerestitution where I havetaken from any. He said also, and themselves outright that religionmade a man grow strange to boot; yet they that have faiththe great, saving faithbecause of a few vices, though but a little of itwhich hecalled by finer names, cannot do so. Hereand made him own and respect the base, thereforebecause ofthe same religious fraternity: And is not this, my brothersaid he, is thy mistake.a shame?
Hope. I acknowledge it; but yet your severe reflection had almost made me angryCHR.And what did you say to him?
ChrFAITH. WhySay? I could not tell what to say at first. Yea, he put me soto it, that my blood came up in my face; even this Shame fetched it up,and had almost beat me quite off. But at last I began to consider, thatthat which is highly esteemed among men, is had in abomination with God.Luke 16:15. And I did thought again, this Shame tells me what men are; but compare thee he tells me nothing what God, or the word of God is. And I thought,moreover, that at the day of doom we shall not be doomed to death orlife according to some of the birds that are hectoring spirits of the brisker sortworld, who will run but according to the wisdom and fro law of the Highest. Therefore, thought I, what God saysis best, is indeed best, though all the men in untrodden pathsthe world are against it.Seeing, then, with the shell upon their headsthat God prefers his religion; seeing God prefers a tenderConscience; but pass by seeing they thatmake themselves fools for the kingdom ofheaven are wisest, and consider that the poor man that loveth Christ is richerthan the greatest man in the matter under debateworld that hates him; Shame, depart, thouart an enemy to my salvation. Shall I entertain thee against mysovereign Lord? How then shall I look him in the face at his coming?Mark 8:38. Should I now be ashamed of his ways and all shall servants, how can Iexpect the blessing? But indeed this Shame was a bold villain; I couldscarcely shake him out of my company; yea, he would be well betwixt thee haunting of me,and continually whispering mein the ear, with some one or other of theinfirmities that attend religion. But at last I told him, that it wasbut in vain to attempt farther in this business; for those things thathe disdained, in those did I see most glory: and so at last I got pastthis importunate one. And when I had shaken him off, then I began tosing,
Hope. But, Christian, these three fellows, I am persuaded in my heart, are but a company of cowards; would they have run else, think you, as they did, at the noise of one "The trials that was coming on the road? Why did not Little-faith pluck up a greater heart? He might, methinks, have stood one brush with themthose men do meet withal, and have yielded when there had been no remedy.
Chr. That they are cowards, many have said, but few have found it so in the time of trial. As for a great heart, Little-faith had none; and I perceive by thee, my brother, hadst thou been the man concerned, thou art but for a brush, and then obedient to yield. And, verily, since this is the height of thy stomach, now they are at a distance from usheavenly call, should they appear to thee as they did to him they might put thee to second thoughts.
But, consider again, they are but journeymen thieves, they serve under the king of the bottomless pit, who, if need be, will come into their aid himselfAre manifold, and his voice is as the roaring of alion. I myself have been engaged as this Little-faith was, and I found it a terrible thing. These three villains set upon me, and I beginning, like a Christian, suited to resist, they gave but a call, and in came their master. I would, as the saying is, have given my life for a penny, but that, as God would have it, I was clothed with armour of proof. Ay, and yetflesh, though I was so harnessed, I found it hard work to quit myself like a man. No man can tell what in that combat attends us, but he that hath been in the battle himself.
Hope. WellAnd come, but they ranand come, you see, when they did but suppose that one Great-grace was in the way.and come again afresh;
Chr. True, they have often fled, both they and their master, when Great-grace hath but appeared; and no marvel; for he is the King's champion. But, I trow, you will put some difference betwixt Little-faith and the King's champion. All the King's subjects are not his champions, nor can they, when tried, do such feats of war as he. Is it meet to think that a little child should handle Goliath as David did? Or that there should be the strength of an ox in a wren? Some are strong, some are weak; some have great faithThat now, or some have little. This man was one of the weaktime else, and therefore he went to the wall.we by them may
Hope. I would it had been Great-grace for their sakesBe taken, overcome, and cast away.
Chr. If it had been, he might have had his hands full; for I must tell you, that though Great-grace is excellent good at his weapons, and has, and can, so long as he keeps them at sword's point, do well enough with them; yet, if they get within him, even Faint-heart, MistrustO let the pilgrims, or let the other, it shall go hard but they will throw up his heels. And when a man is down, you knowpilgrims then, what can he do?
Whoso looks well upon Great-grace's faceBe vigilant, shall see those scars and cuts there, that shall easily give demonstration of what I say. Yea, once I heard that he should say, (and that when he was in the combat,) We despaired even of life. How did these sturdy rogues and their fellows make David groan, mourn, and roar? Yea, Heman, and Hezekiah, too, though champions in their day, were forced to bestir them, when by these assaulted; and yet, notwithstanding, they had their coats soundly brushed by them. Peter, upon a time, would go try what he could do; but though some do say of him that he is the prince of the apostles, they handled him so, that they made him at last afraid of a sorry girlquit themselves like men."
Besides, their king is at their whistleCHR. He is never out of hearing; and if at any time they be put to the worstI am glad, hemy brother, if possible, comes in to help themthat thou didst withstand this villain sobravely; and for of him it is saidall, The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold the spearas thou sayest, I think he has the dart, nor the habergeonwrong name; forhe esteemeth iron is so bold as straw, and brass as rotten wood. The arrow cannot make him flee; sling stones are turned with him into stubble. Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at to follow us in the shaking of a spear. What can a man do in this case? It is true, if a man could, at every turn, have Job's horsestreets, and had skill and courage to ride him, he might do notable thingsattempt to put usto shame before all men; for his neck that is clothed with thunder, he will not be afraid to make us ashamed of the grasshopper; the glory of his nostrils that which is terrible: good. But if he paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strengthwas not himself audacious, he goeth on would never attempt to meet the armed mendoas he does. He mocketh at fear But let us still resist him; for, and is not affrightednotwithstanding all hisbravadoes, neither turneth he back from promoteth the sword. The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spearfool, and the shieldnone else. He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage "The wise shallinherit glory, neither believeth he that it is " said Solomon; "but shame shall be the sound promotion of the trumpetfools." Prov. He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha! and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting 3:35.
But for such footmen as thee and FAITH. I are, let us never desire think we must cry to meet with an enemy, nor vaunt as if we could do betterHim for help against Shame, when we hear of others that they wouldhave been foiled. Nor us to be tickled at the thoughts of our own manhood; valiant for such commonly come by truth upon the worst when triedearth. Witness Peter, of whom I made mention before. He would swagger, ay, he would; he would, as his vain mind prompted him to say, do better, and stand more for his Master than all men; but who so foiled, and run down by these villains, as he?
When, therefore, we hear CHR. You say true; but did you meet nobody else in that such robberies are done on the King's highway, two things become us to do: --valley?
1FAITH. To go out harnessedNo, and to be sure to take a shield with us; for it was for want of that, that he that laid so lustily at Leviathan could not make him yieldI; for, indeed, if that be wanting, he fears us not at all. Therefore, he that I had skill hath said, Above sunshine all, taking the shield rest of faiththe way throughthat, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all and also through the fiery darts Valley of the wickedShadow of Death.
2CHR. It is good'Twas well for you; I am sure it fared far otherwise with me. Ihad for a long season, alsoas soon almost as I entered into that valley, adreadful combat with that we desire foul fiend Apollyon; yea, I thought verily hewould have killed me, especially when he got me down, and crushed meunder him, as if he would have crushed me to pieces; for as he threw me,my sword flew out of the King a convoymy hand: nay, yeahe told me he was sure of me; but Icried to God, that and he will go with us himselfheard me, and delivered me out of all my troubles. This made David rejoice when in Then I entered into the Valley of the Shadow of Death; , and Moses was rather had no lightfor dying where he stood, than to go one step without his Godalmost half the way through it. Oh I thought I should have been killedthere over and over; but at last day brake, my brotherand the sun rose, if he will but go along and I wentthrough that which was behind with us, what need we be afraid of ten thousands that shall set themselves against us? But, without him, the proud helpers fall under the slainfar more ease and quiet.
Moreover, I, for saw in my part, have been in the fray before now; and thoughdream, through the goodness of him that is bestas they went on, I amFaithful, as you seehechanced to look on one side, alivesaw a man whose name was Talkative, yet I cannot boast of my manhood. Glad shall I be, if I meet with no more such bruntswalkingat a distance beside them; though I fear we are not got beyond for in this place there was room enough forthem all dangerto walk. However He was a tall man, since the lion and the bear have not as yet devoured me, I hope God will also deliver us from the next uncircumcised Philistinesomething more comely at adistance than at hand. To this man Faithful addressed himself in thismanner. Then sang Christian --
Poor Little-faith! Hast been among FAITH. Friend, whither away? Are you going to the thievesheavenly country? Wast robb'd? Remember this, whoso believes, And gets more faith, shall then a victor be Over ten thousand, else scarce over three.
So they went on and Ignorance followedTALK. They went then till they came at a place where they saw a way put itself into their way, and seemed withal to lie as straight as the way which they should go: and here they knew not which of the two to take, for both seemed straight before them; therefore, here they stood still to consider. And as they were thinking about the way, behold a man, black of flesh, but covered with a very light robe, came to them, and asked them why they stood there. They answered they were going to the Celestial City, but knew not which of these ways to take. Follow me, said the man, it is thither that I am going. So they followed him in the way that but now came into the road, which by degrees turned, and turned them so from the city that they desired to go to, that, in little time, their faces were turned away from it; yet they followed him. But by and by, before they were aware, he led them both within the compass of a net, in which they were both so entangled that they knew not what to do; and with that the white robe fell off the black man's back. Then they saw where they were. Wherefore, there they lay crying some time, for they could not get themselves outsame place.
ChrFAITH. Then said Christian to his fellow, Now do That is well; then I see myself in error. Did not the Shepherds bid us beware of the flatterers? As is the saying of the wise man, so hope we shall have found it this day. A man that flattereth his neighbour, spreadeth a net for his feet.your good company?
HopeTALK. They also gave us With a note of directions about the way, for our more sure finding thereof; but therein we have also forgotten to read, and have not kept ourselves from the paths of the destroyer. Here David was wiser than we; for saith he, Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lipsvery good will, will I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Thus they lay bewailing themselves in the net. At last they espied a Shining One coming towards them with a whip of small cord in his hand. When he was come to the place where they were, he asked them whence they came, and what they did there. They told him that they were poor pilgrims going to Zion, but were led out of their way by a black man, clothed in white, who bid us, said they, follow him, for he was going thither too. Then said he with the whip, It is Flatterer, a false apostle, that hath transformed himself into an angel of light. So he rent the net, and let the men out. Then said he to them, Follow me, that I may set you in be your way again. So he led them back to the way which they had left to follow the Flatterer. Then he asked them, saying, Where did you lie the last night? They said, With the Shepherds upon the Delectable Mountains. He asked them then if they had not of those Shepherds a note of direction for the way. They answered, Yes. But did you, said he, when you were at a stand, pluck out and read your note? They answered, No. He asked them, Why? They said, they forgot. He asked, moreover, if the Shepherds did not bid them beware of the Flatterer? They answered, Yes, but we did not imagine, said they, that this fine-spoken man had been hecompanion.
Then I saw in my dream that he commanded them to lie down; which, when they didFAITH. Come on, he chastised them sorethen, to teach them the good way wherein they should walk; and as he chastised them he said, As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous, therefore, and repent. This done, he bid them let us go on their waytogether, and take good heed to the other directions let us spend our timein discoursing of the shepherdsthings that are profitable. So they thanked him for all his kindness, and went softly along the right way, singing --
Come hitherTALK. To talk of things that are good, to me is very acceptable, withyou or with any other; and I am glad that walk along the wayI have met with those thatincline to so good a work; See how for, to speak the pilgrims fare that go astray.truth, there are but few They catched who care thus to spend their time as they are in an entangling net, 'Cause they good counsel lightly did forget: 'Tis true they rescued weretheir travels, but yet you see, They're scourged choose much rather to boot. Let be speaking of things to no profit; and this your caution behathbeen a trouble to me.
NowFAITH. That is, indeed, after a whilething to be lamented; for what thing so worthyof the use of the tongue and mouth of men on earth, they perceived, afar off, one coming softly and alone all along as are the things ofthe highway to meet them. Then said Christian to his fellow, Yonder is a man with his back towards Zion, and he is coming to meet us.God of heaven?
HopeTALK. I see himlike you wonderful well, for your saying is full of conviction; let us take heed and I will add, What thing is so pleasant, and what so profitable, as to ourselves nowtalk of the things of God? What things so pleasant? that is, lest he should prove if a flatterer alsomanhath any delight in things that are wonderful. So For instance, if a mandoth delight to talk of the history, or the mystery of things; or if aman doth love to talk of miracles, wonders, or signs, where shall he drew nearer and nearerfind things recorded so delightful, and at last came up unto them. His name was Atheistso sweetly penned, and he asked them whither they were going.as in theholy Scripture?
ChrFAITH. We are going That is true; but to Mount Zionbe profited by such things in our talk,should be our chief design.
Then Atheist fell into TALK. That's it that I said; for to talk of such things is mostprofitable; for by so doing a very man may get knowledge of many things; asof the vanity of earthly things, and the benefit of things above. Thusin general; but more particularly, by this a man may learn the necessityof the new birth, the insufficiency of our works, the need of Christ'srighteousness, etc. Besides, by this a man may learn what it is torepent, to believe, to pray, to suffer, or the like: by this, also, aman may learn what are the great laughterpromises and consolations of theGospel, to his own comfort. Farther, by this a man may learn to refutefalse opinions, to vindicate the truth, and also to instruct theignorant.
ChrFAITH. What All this is the meaning of your laughter?true; and glad am I to hear these things from you.
AtheistTALK. I laugh to see what ignorant persons you areAlas! the want of this is the cause that so few understand theneed of faith, to take upon you so tedious and the necessity of a journeywork of grace in their soul, and you are like inorder to have nothing eternal life; but your travel for your painsignorantly live in the works of the law, bywhich a man can by no means obtain the kingdom of heaven.
ChrFAITH. WhyBut, by your leave, heavenly knowledge of these is the gift ofGod; no manattaineth to them by human industry, do you think we shall not be received?or only by the talk ofthem.
AtheistTALK. Received! There All this I know very well; for a man can receive nothing, exceptit be given him from heaven: all is no such place as of grace, not of works. I couldgive you dream a hundred scriptures for the confirmation of in all this world.
ChrFAITH. But there Well, then, said Faithful, what is in the world to come.that one thing that we shallat this time found our discourse upon?
AtheistTALK. When What you will. I was at home in mine own countrywill talk of things heavenly, or things earthly;things moral, or things evangelical; things sacred, I heard as you now affirmor things profane;things past, and from that hearing went out or things to seecome; things foreign, and have been seeking this city this twenty yearsor things at home; but find no things more of it than I did the first day I set outessential, or things circumstantial: provided that all bedone to our profit.
ChrFAITH. We Now did Faithful begin to wonder; and stepping to Christian, (forhe walked all this while by himself,) he said to him, but softly, What abrave companion have both heard and believe that there is such we got! Surely, this man will make a place to be foundveryexcellent pilgrim.
AtheistCHR. Had not IAt this Christian modestly smiled, when at home, believed, I had not come thus far to seek; but finding none, (and yet I shouldsaid, had there been such a place to be foundThis man, for I have gone to seek it further than with whomyouare so taken,) I am going back again, and will seek to refresh myself beguile with the things that I then cast awaythis tongue of his, for hopes twenty of themthat which, I now see, is know him not.
ChrFAITH. Then said Christian to Hopeful his fellowDo you know him, Is it true which this man hath saidthen?
HopeCHR. Take heedKnow him? Yes, better than he is one of the flatterers; remember what it hath cost us once already for our hearkening to such kind of fellows. What! no Mount Zion? Did we not see, from the Delectable Mountains the gate of the city? Also, are we not now to walk by faith? Let us go on, said Hopeful, lest the man with the whip overtake us again. You should have taught me that lesson, which I will round you in the ears withal: Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. I say, my brother, cease to hear him, and let us believe to the saving of the soulknows himself.
ChrFAITH. My brother, I did not put the question to thee for that I doubted of the truth of our belief myself, but to prove thee, and to fetch from thee a fruit of the honesty of thy heart. As for this man, I know that Pray what is he is blinded by the god of this world. Let thee and I go on, knowing that we have belief of the truth, and no lie is of the truth.?
HopeCHR. Now do I rejoice His name is Talkative: he dwelleth in hope of the glory of Godour town. So they turned away from the man; and he laughing at them went his way I wonder that youshould be a stranger to him, only I consider that our town is large.
I saw then in my dream, that they went till they came into a certain country, whose air naturally tended to make one drowsy, if FAITH. Whose son is he came a stranger into it. ? And here Hopeful began to be very dull and heavy of sleep; wherefore whereabout doth he said unto Christian, I do now begin to grow so drowsy that I can scarcely hold up mine eyes, let us lie down here and take one nap.dwell?
ChrCHR. By no means, said He is the son of one Say-well. He dwelt in Prating-Row; and he isknown to all that are acquainted with him by the othername of Talkative ofPrating-Row; and, lest sleepingnotwithstanding his fine tongue, we never awake morehe is but a sorryfellow.
HopeFAITH. WhyWell, my brother? Sleep is sweet he seems to the labouring man; we may be refreshed if we take a napvery pretty man.
ChrCHR. Do you That is, to them that have not remember a thorough acquaintance with him,for he is best abroad; near home he is ugly enough. Your saying that one of heis a pretty man, brings to my mind what I have observed in the Shepherds bid us beware work of the Enchanted Ground? He meant by that that we should beware of sleepingapainter, whose pictures show best at a distance; Therefore let us not sleep, as do othersbut very near, but let us watch and be sobermoreunpleasing.
HopeFAITH. But I acknowledge myself in a faultam ready to think you do but jest, and had I been here alone I had by sleeping run the danger of death. I see it is true that the wise man saith, Two are better than one. Hitherto hath thy company been my mercy, and thou shalt have a good reward for thy labourbecause you smiled.
ChrCHR. Now thenGod forbid that I should jest (though I smiled) in this matter, orthat I should accuse any falsely. I will give you a further discoveryof him. This man is for any company, and for any talk; as he talkethnow with you, said Christianso will he talk when he is on the ale-bench; and the moredrink he hath in his crown, to prevent drowsiness the more of these things he hath in this hismouth. Religion hath no placein his heart, let us fall into good discourseor house, or conversation;all he hath lieth in his tongue, and his religion is to make a noisetherewith.
HopeFAITH. With all my heart, said the otherSay you so? Then am I in this man greatly deceived.
ChrCHR. Where Deceived! you may be sure of it. Remember the proverb, "They say,and do not;" but the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. Matt.23:3; 1 Cor. 4:20. He talketh of prayer, of repentance, of faith, andof the new birth; but he knows but only to talk of them. I have been inhis family, and have observed him both at home and abroad; and I knowwhat I say of him is the truth. His house is as empty of religion asthe white of an egg is of savor. There is there neither prayer, norsign of repentance for sin; yea, the brute, in his kind, serves God farbetter than he. He is the very stain, reproach, and shame of religionto all that know him, Rom. 2:24,25; it can hardly have a good word inall that end of the town where he dwells, through him. Thus say thecommon people that know him, "A saint abroad, and a devil at home." Hispoor family finds it so; he is such a churl, such a railer at, and sounreasonable with his servants, that they neither know how to do for orspeak to him. Men that have any dealings with him say, It is better todeal with a Turk than with him, for fairer dealings they shall we begin?have attheir hands. This Talkative (if it be possible) will go beyond them,defraud, beguile, and overreach them. Besides, he brings up his sons tofollow his steps; and if he finds in any of them a foolish timorousness,(for so he calls the first appearance of a tender conscience,) he callsthem fools and blockheads, and by no means will employ them in much, orspeak to their commendation before others. For my part, I am of opinionthat he has, by his wicked life, caused many to stumble and fall; andwill be, if God prevents not, the ruin of many more.
HopeFAITH. Where God began with usWell, my brother, I am bound to believe you, not only because yousay you know him, but also because, like a Christian, you make yourreports of men. But do For I cannot think that you beginspeak these things of ill-will, if but because it is even so as you pleasesay.
ChrCHR. Had I will sing known him no more than you , I might, perhaps, have thought ofhim as at the first you did; yea, had I received this song: -report at theirhands only that are enemies to religion, I should have thought it hadbeen a slander-a lot that often falls from bad men's mouths upon goodmen's names and professions. But all these things, yea, and a greatmany more as bad, of my own knowledge, I can prove him guilty of.Besides, good men are ashamed of him; they can neither call him brothernor friend; the very naming of him among them makes them blush, if theyknow him.
When saints do sleepy growFAITH. Well, let them come hither, And hear how these I see that saying and doing are two pilgrims talk together: Yea, let them learn of them, in any wisethings,and hereafter I Thus to keep ope their drowsy slumb'ring eyes. Saints' fellowship, if it be managed well, Keeps them awake, and that in spite of hellshall better observe this distinction.
ChrCHR. Then They are two things indeed, and are as diverse as are the soul andthe body; for, as the body without the soul is but a dead carcass, sosaying, if it be alone, is but a dead carcass also. The soul ofreligion is the practical part. "Pure religion and undefiled before Godand the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in theiraffliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27;see also verses 22-26. This, Talkative is not aware of; he thinks thathearing and saying will make a good Christian began ; and thus he deceiveth hisown soul. Hearing is but as the sowing of the seed; talking is notsufficient to prove that fruit is indeed in the heart and life. And letus assure ourselves, that at the day of doom men shall be judgedaccording to their fruits. Matt. 13:23. It will not be saidthen, I will ask Didyou believe? but, Were you a questiondoers, or talkers only? and accordinglyshall they be judged. The end of the world is compared to our harvest,Matt. How came 13:30, and you to think know men at first harvest regard nothing but fruit. Notthat any thing can be accepted that is not of so doing as faith; but I speak this toshow you do now?how insignificant the profession of Talkative will be at thatday.
HopeFAITH. Do you meanThis brings to my mind that of Moses, by which he describeth thebeast that is clean. Lev. 11; Deut. 14. He is such an one thatparteth the hoof, and cheweth the cud; not that parteth the hoof only,or that cheweth the cud only. The hare cheweth the cud, but yet isunclean, because he parteth not the hoof. And this truly resemblethTalkative: he cheweth the cud, he seeketh knowledge; he cheweth upon theword, but he divideth not the hoof. He parteth not with the way ofsinners; but, how came I at first to look after as the hare, he retaineth the good foot of my soul?the dog or bear, andtherefore he is unclean.
ChrCHR. YesYou have spoken, for aught I know, the true gospel sense of thesetexts. And I will add another thing: Paul calleth some men, yea, andthose great talkers too, sounding brass, and tinkling cymbals, 1 Cor.13:1, 3; that is, as he expounds them in another place, things withoutlife giving sound. 1 Cor. 14:7. Things without life; that is my meaning, withoutthe true faith and grace of the gospel; and consequently, things thatshall never be placed in the kingdom of heaven among those that are thechildren of life; though their sound, by their talk, be as if it werethe tongue or voice of an angel.
HopeFAITH. Well, I continued a great while in the delight was not so fond of those things which were seen and sold his company at our fair; things whichfirst, but I believe am as sickof it now, would have, had I continued in them, still drowned me in perdition and destruction. What shall we do to be rid of him?
ChrCHR. Take my advice, and do as I bid you, and you shall find that hewill soon be sick of your company too, except God shall touch his heart,and turn it. What things are they?
HopeFAITH. All the treasures and riches of the world. Also, I delighted much in rioting, revelling, drinking, swearing, lying, uncleanness, Sabbath-breaking, and what not, that tended to destroy the soul. But I found at last, by hearing and considering of things that are divine, which indeed I heard of What would you, as also of beloved Faithful that was put have me to death for his faith and good living in Vanity Fair, that the end of these things is death. And that for these things' sake cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.do?
ChrCHR. And did you presently fall under Why, go to him, and enter into some serious discourse about the power of religion; and ask him plainly, (when he has approved of it, forthat he will,) whether this conviction?thing be set up in his heart, house, orconversation.
HopeFAITH. NoThen Faithful stepped forward again, I was not willing presently and said to know the evil of sinTalkative, nor the damnation that follows upon the commission of Come,what cheer? How is it; but endeavoured, when my mind at first began to be shaken with the Word, to shut mine eyes against the light thereof.now?
ChrTALK. But what was the cause Thank you, well: I thought we should have had a great deal of your carrying of it thus to the first workings of God's blessed Spirit upon you?talkby this time.
HopeFAITH. The causes were --Well, if you will, we will fall to it now; and since you left itwith me to state the question, let it be this: How doth the saving graceof God discover itself when it is in the heart of man?
1TALK. I was ignorant perceive, then, that this was our talk must be about the work power of God upon methings. Well, it is a very good question, and I never thought thatshall be willing to answer you.And take my answer in brief, by awakenings for sinthus: First, where the grace of God at first begins is inthe conversion of heart, it causeth there a sinnergreat outcry against sin. Secondly-
2FAITH. Sin was yet very sweet to my fleshNay, and hold; let us consider of one at once. I was loath think you shouldrather say, it shows itself by inclining the soul to leave itabhor its sin.
3TALK. I could not tell how to part with mine old companionsWhy, what difference is there between crying out against, their presence and actions were so desirable unto me. abhorring of sin?
4FAITH. The hours Oh! a great deal. A man may cry out against sin, of policy; buthe cannot abhor it but by virtue of a godly antipathy against it. Ihave heard many cry out against sin in which convictions were upon me were such troublesome the pulpit, who yet can abide itwell enough in the heart, house, and such heart-affrighting hours conversation. Gen. 39:15.Joseph's mistress cried out with a loud voice, as if she had been veryholy; but she would willingly, notwithstanding that I could not bear, no not so much have committeduncleanness with him. Some cry out against sin, even as the remembrance of themmothercries out against her child in her lap, when she calleth it slut andnaughty girl, upon my heartand then falls to hugging and kissing it.
ChrTALK. ThenYou lie at the catch, as it seems, sometimes you got rid of your troubleI perceive.
HopeFAITH. YesNo, verily, but it would come into my mind again, and then not I should be as bad, nay, worse, than ; I was befoream only for setting things right. But what is thesecond thing whereby you would prove a discovery of a work of grace inthe heart?
ChrTALK. Great knowledge of gospel mysteries. Why, what was it that brought your sins to mind again?
HopeFAITH. Many This sign should have been first: but, first or last, it is alsofalse; for knowledge, great knowledge, may be obtained in the mysteriesof the Gospel, and yet no work of grace in the soul. Yea, if a man haveall knowledge, he may yet be nothing, and so, consequently, be no childof God. 1 Cor. 13:2. When Christ said, "Do you know all thesethings?" and the disciples answered, Yes, he added, "Blessed are ye ifye do them." He doth not lay the blessing in the knowing of them, butin the doing of them. For there is a knowledge that is not attendedwith doing: "He that knoweth his Master's will, and doeth it not." Aman may know like an angel, and yet be no Christian: therefore your signof it is not true. Indeed, to know is a thing that pleaseth talkers andboasters; but to do is that which pleaseth God. Not that the heart canbe good without knowledge, for without that the heart is naught. Thereare, therefore, two sorts of knowledge, knowledge that resteth in thebare speculation of things, and knowledge that is accompanied with thegrace of faith and love, which puts a man upon doing even the will ofGod from the heart: the first of these will serve the talker; asbutwithout the other,the true Christian is not content. "Give meunderstanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with mywhole heart." Psa. 119:34.
1TALK. If I did but meet a good man in You lie at the streets; or,catch again: this is not for edification.
2FAITH. If I have heard any read in the Bible; orWell,if you please, propound another sign how this work of gracediscovereth itself where it is.
3TALK. If mine head did begin to ache; orNot I,for I see we shall not agree.
4FAITH. If I were told that some of my neighbours were sick; orWell,if you will not, will you give me leave to do it?
5TALK. You may use your liberty. If I heard the bell toll for some that were dead; or,
6FAITH. If I thought A work of dying myself; grace in the soul discovereth itself, either to himthat hath it, or,to standers-by.
To him that hath it, thus: It gives him conviction of sin, especiallythe defilement of his nature, and the sin of unbelief, for the sake ofwhich he is sure to be damned, if he findeth not mercy at God's hand, byfaith in Jesus Christ. This sight and sense of things worketh in himsorrow and shame for sin. Psa. 38:18; Jer. 31:19; John 16:8; Rom.7:24; Mark 16:16; Gal. 2:16; Rev. 1:6. He findeth, moreover, revealedin him the Saviour of the world, and the absolute necessity of closingwith him for life; at the which he findeth hungerings and thirstingsafter him; to which hungerings, etc., the promise is made. Now,according to the strength or weakness of his faith in his Saviour, so ishis joy and peace, so is his love to holiness, so are his desires toknow him more, and also to serve him in this world. If But though, I heard say,it discovereth itself thus unto him, yet it is but seldom that sudden death happened he isable to othersconclude that this is a work of grace;because his corruptionsnow, and his abused reason, make his mind to misjudge in this matter:therefore in him that hath this work there is required a very soundjudgment, before he can with steadiness conclude that this is a work ofgrace. John 16:9; Gal. 2:15,16; Acts 4:12; Matt. 5:6; Rev. 21:6.
8. But especially, when I thought of myself, that I must quickly come to judgment.To others it is thus discovered:
Chr1. By an experimental confession of his faith in Christ. 2. By a lifeanswerable to that confession; to wit, a life of holiness-heart-holiness, family-holiness, (if he hath a family,) and by conversation-holiness in the world; which in the general teacheth him inwardly toabhor his sin, and himself for that, in secret; to suppress it in hisfamily, and to promote holiness in the world: not by talk only, as ahypocrite or talkative person may do, but by a practical subjection infaith and love to the power of the word. Job 42:5,6; Psa. 50:23; Ezek.20:43; Matt. 5:8; John 14:15; Rom. 10:10; Ezek. 36:25; Phil. 1:27;3:17-20. And could you at any timenow, with easesir, get off as to this brief description of the guilt work of singrace, when by any and also the discovery of these ways it came upon , if you?have aught to object,object; if not, then give me leave to propound to you a second question.
HopeTALK. NoNay, my part is not I, for then they got faster hold of my conscience; and thennow to object, if I did but think of going back to sinhear; let me, (though my mind was turned against ittherefore,) it would be double torment to mehave your second question.
ChrFAITH. And how did It is this: Do you do thenexperience this first part of the descriptionof it; and doth your life and conversation testify the same? Orstandeth your religion in word or tongue, and not in deed and truth?Pray, if you incline to answer me in this, say no more than you know theGod above will say Amen to, and also nothing but what your consciencecan justify you in; for not he that commendeth himself is approved, butwhom the Lord commendeth. Besides, to say I am thus and thus, when myconversation, and all my neighbors, tell me I lie, is great wickedness.
HopeThen Talkative at first began to blush; but, recovering himself, thus hereplied: You come now to experience, to conscience, and to God; and toappeal to him for justification of what is spoken. This kind ofdiscourse I thought did not expect; nor am I must endeavour disposed to give an answer to mend my life; for elsesuchquestions, thought because Icount not myself bound thereto, unless you takeupon you to be a catechiser; and though you should so do, yet I am sure mayrefuse to be damnedmake you my judge. But I pray, will you tell me why you askme such questions?
ChrFAITH. And did Because I saw you endeavour forward to mend?talk, and because I knew not thatyou had aught else but notion. Besides, to tell you all the truth, Ihave heard of you that you are a man whose religion lies in talk, andthat your conversation gives this your mouth-profession the lie. Theysay you are a spot among Christians, and that religion fareth the worsefor your ungodly conversation; that some have already stumbled at yourwicked ways, and that more are in danger of being destroyed thereby:your religion, and an ale-house, and covetousness, and uncleanness, andswearing, and lying, and vain company-keeping, etc., will standtogether. The proverb is true of you which is said of a harlot, to wit,"That she is a shame to all women:" so are you a shame to allprofessors.
HopeTALK. Yes; and fled from not only my sinsSince you are so ready to take up reports, but sinful company too; and betook me to religious duties, judge so rashlyas prayeryou do, readingI cannot but conclude you are some peevish or melancholy man, weeping for sin, speaking truth not fit to my neighbours, These things did I, be discoursed with many others, too much here to relate; and so adieu.
ChrThen up came Christian, and said to his brother, I told you how it wouldhappen; your words and his lusts could not agree. And did you think yourself well then? He had rather leaveyour company than reform his life. But he is gone, as I said: let himgo; the loss is no man's but his own. He has saved us the trouble ofgoing from him; for he continuing (as I suppose he will do) as he is,would have been but a blot in our company: besides, the apostle says,"From such withdraw thyself."
HopeFAITH. Yes, for a whileBut I am glad we had this little discourse with him; but at the lastit mayhappen that he will think of it again: however, my trouble came tumbling upon me againI have dealt plainlywith him, and that over the neck so am clear of all my reformationshis blood if he perisheth.
ChrCHR. How came You did well to talk so plainly to him as you did. There is butlittle of this faithful dealing with men now-a-days, and that makesreligion to stink so in the nostrils of many as it doth; for they arethese talkative fools, whose religion is only in word, and who aredebauched and vain in their conversation, that about(being so much admittedinto the fellowship of the godly) do puzzle the world, since blemishChristianity, and grieve the sincere. I wish that all men would dealwith such as you were now reformed?have done; then should they either be made moreconformable to religion, or the company of saints would be too hot forthem. Then did Faithful say,
Hope. There were several things brought it upon me, especially such sayings as these: All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. When ye shall have done all those things, say, We are unprofitable; with many more such like. From whence I began to reason with myself thus: If ALL my righteousnesses are filthy rags; if, by the deeds of the law, NO man can be justified; and if, when we have done ALL, we are yet unprofitable, then it is but a folly to think of heaven by the law. I further thought thus: If a man runs a hundred pounds into the shopkeeper's debt, and after that shall pay for all that he shall fetch; yet, if this old debt stands still in the book uncrossed, for that the shopkeeper may sue him, and cast him into prison till he shall pay the debt."How Talkative at first lifts up his plumes!
Chr. Well, and how did you apply this to yourself? I thought thus with myself.How bravely doth he speak! How he presumes
Hope. Why; I have, by my sins, run a great way into God's book, and that my now reforming will not pay off that score; therefore I should think still, under To drive down all my present amendments, before him! But how shall I be freed from that damnation that I have brought myself in danger of by my former transgressions?so soon
Chr. A very good application: butAs Faithful talks of heart-work, pray, go on.like the moon
Hope. Another thing that hath troubled meThat's past the full, even since my late amendments, is, that if I look narrowly into the best of what I do now, I still see sin, new sin, mixing itself with the best of that I dowane he goes; so that now I am forced to conclude, that notwithstanding my former fond conceits of myself and duties, I have committed sin enough in one duty to send me to hell, though my former life had been faultless.
ChrAnd so will all but he that heart-work know. And what did you do then?"
Hope. Do! I could not tell Thus they went on, talking of what to dothey had seen by the way, and so madethat way easy, until I brake my mind which would otherwise no doubt have been tedious to Faithfulthem, for he and I were well acquainted. And he told me, that unless I could obtain the righteousness of now they went through a man that never had sinned, neither mine own, nor all the righteousness of the world could save mewilderness.
Chr. And did you think he spake true?
Hope. Had he told me so when I was pleased and satisfied with mine own amendment, I had called him fool for his pains; but now, since I see mine own infirmity, and the sin that cleaves to my best performance, I have been forced to be of his opinion.
Chr==THE SIXTH STAGE. But did you think, when at first he suggested it to you, that there was such a man to be found, of whom it might justly be said that he never committed sin?==
Hope. I must confess the words at first sounded strangelyNow when they were got almost quite out of this wilderness, Faithfulchanced to cast his eye back, but and espied one coming after a little more talk them, and company with heknew him. Oh! said Faithful to his brother, I had full conviction about itwho comes yonder? ThenChristian looked, and said, It is my good friend Evangelist. Aye, andmy good friend too, said Faithful, for 'twas he that set me on the wayto the gate. Now was Evangelist come up unto them, and thus salutedthem.
ChrEVAN. And did Peace be with you ask him what man this was, dearly beloved, and how you must peace be justified by him?to your helpers.
HopeCHR. YesWelcome, and he told me it was the Lord Jesus, that dwelleth on the right hand of the Most High. And thus, said he, you must be justified by him, even by trusting to what he hath done by himself, in the days of his fleshwelcome, and suffered when he did hang on my good Evangelist: the tree. I asked him further, how that man's righteousness could be sight of that efficacy thy countenancebrings to justify another before God? And he told me he was the mighty God, and did what he did, my remembrance thy ancient kindness and died the death also, not for himself, but unwearied labors for me; to whom his doings, and the worthiness of them, should be imputed, if I believed on himmy eternal good.
ChrFAITH. And what did you do then?a thousand times welcome, said good Faithful, thy company, Osweet Evangelist; how desirable is it to us poor pilgrims!
HopeEVAN. I made Then said Evangelist, How hath it fared with you, my objections against my believingfriends,since the time of our last parting? What have you met with, for that I thought he was not willing to save me.and howhave you behaved yourselves?
Chr. And Then Christian and Faithful told him of all things that had happened tothem in the way; and how, and with what said Faithful difficulty, they had arrived to you then?that place.
Hope. He bid me go to him and see. Then I said it was presumption; but he said, No, for Right glad am I was invited to come. Then he gave me a book of Jesus, his inditing, to encourage me the more freely to come; and he saidEvangelist, concerning not that book, that every jot and tittle thereof stood firmer than heaven and earth. Then I asked him, What I must do when I came; and he told me, I must entreat upon my knees, you have met with all my heart and soultrials, the Father to reveal him to me. Then I asked him further, how I must make my supplication to him? And he said, Go, and thou shalt find him upon a mercy-seat, where he sits all the year long, to give pardon and forgiveness to them butthat come. I told him that I knew not what to say when I came.And he bid me say to this effect: God be merciful to me a sinneryou have been victors, and make me to know and believe in Jesus Christ; for I see, that if his righteousness had not been, or I you have not faith in that righteousness, I am utterly cast away. Lordnotwithstanding manyweaknesses, I have heard that thou art a merciful God, and hast ordained that thy Son Jesus Christ should be the Saviour of continued in the world; and moreover, that thou art willing way to bestow him upon such a poor sinner as I am, (and I am a sinner indeed;) Lord, take therefore this opportunity and magnify thy grace in the salvation of my soul, through thy Son Jesus Christ. Amenvery day.
ChrI say, right glad am I of this thing, and that for mine own sake andyours: I have sowed, and you have reaped; and the day is coming, when"both he that soweth, and they that reap, shall rejoice together," John4:36; that is, if you hold out: "for in due season ye shall reap, if yefaint not." Gal. 6:9. The crown is before you, and it is anincorruptible one; "so run that ye may obtain it." 1 Cor. 9:24-27.Some there be that set out for this crown, and after they have gone farfor it, another comes in and takes it from them: "hold fast, therefore,that you have; let no man take your crown." Rev. 3:11. You are notyet out of the gunshot of the devil; "you have not resisted unto blood,striving against sin." Let the kingdom be always before you, andbelieve steadfastly concerning the things that are invisible. Letnothing that is on this side the other world get within you. And did , aboveall, look well to your own hearts and to the lusts thereof; for they are"deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." Set your faceslike a flint; you do as you were bidden?have all power in heaven and earth on your side.
HopeCHR. YesThen Christian thanked him for his exhortations; overbut told himwithal, that they would have him speak farther to them for their helpthe rest of the way; and the rather, for that they well knew that he wasa prophet, and overcould tell them of things that might happen unto them, and overalso how they might resist and overcome them. To which requestFaithful also consented. So Evangelist began as followeth.
ChrEVAN. And did My sons, you have heard in the word of the truth of the Gospel,that you must "through many tribulations enter into the kingdom ofheaven;" and again, that "in every city, bonds and afflictions abideyou;" and therefore you cannot expect that you should go long on yourpilgrimage without them, in some sort or other. You have foundsomething of the truth of these testimonies upon you already, and morewill immediately follow: for now, as you see, you are almost out of thiswilderness, and therefore you will soon come into a town that you willby and by see before you; and in that town you will be hardly beset withenemies, who will strain hard but they will kill you; and be you surethat one or both of you must seal the testimony which you hold, withblood; but "be you faithful unto death, and the King will give you acrown of life." He that shall die there, although his death will beunnatural, and his pain, perhaps, great, he will yet have the better ofhis fellow; not only because he will be arrived at the Father reveal Celestial Citysoonest, but because he will escape many miseries that the other willmeet with in the rest of his Son journey. But when you are come to you?thetown, and shall find fulfilled what I have here related, then rememberyour friend, and quit yourselves like men, and "commit the keeping ofyour souls to God in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator."
Hope. Not Then I saw in my dream, that when they were got out of the wilderness,they presently saw a town before them, and the name of that town isVanity; and at the firsttown there is a fair kept, nor secondcalled Vanity Fair. It iskept all the year long. It beareth the name of Vanity Fair, nor thirdbecause thetown where it is kept is lighter than vanity, nor fourthPsa. 62:9; and alsobecause all that is there sold, nor fifthor that cometh thither, is vanity; noas isthe saying of the wise, nor at the sixth time neither"All that cometh is vanity." Eccl. 11:8; seealso 1:2-14; 2:11-17; Isa. 40:17.
ChrThis fair is no new-erected business but a thing of ancient standing. What did Iwill show you do then?the original of it.
HopeAlmost five thousand years ago there were pilgrims walking to theCelestial City, as these two honest persons are: What! whyand Beelzebub,Apollyon, and Legion, with their companions, perceiving by the path thatthe pilgrims made, that their way to the city lay through this town ofVanity, they contrived here to set up a fair; a fair wherein should besold all sorts of vanity, and that it should last all the year long.Therefore, at this fair are all such merchandise sold as houses, lands,trades, places, honors, I could preferments, titles, countries, kingdoms, lusts,pleasures; and delights of all sorts, as harlots, wives, husbands,children, masters, servants, lives, blood, bodies, souls, silver, gold,pearls, precious stones, and what not tell what to do.
ChrAnd moreover, at this fair there is at all times to be seen jugglings,cheats, games, plays, fools, apes, knaves, and rogues, and that of everykind. Had you not thoughts of leaving off praying?
Hope. Yes; an hundred times twice toldHere are to be seen, too, and that for nothing, thefts, murders,adulteries, false-swearers, and that of a blood-red color.
Chr. And what was , as in other fairs of less moment, there are the reason several rows andstreets under their proper names, where such and such wares are vended;so here, likewise, you did not?have the proper places, rows, streets, (namely,countries and kingdoms,) where the wares of this fair are soonest to befound. Here is the Britain Row, the French Row, the Italian Row, theSpanish Row, the German Row, where several sorts of vanities are to besold. But, as in other fairs, some one commodity is as the chief of allthe fair; so the ware of Rome and her merchandise is greatly promoted inthis fair; only our English nation, with some others, have taken adislike thereat.
Hope. Now, as I believed said, the way to the Celestial City lies just through thistown, where this lusty fair is kept; and he that will go to the city,and yet not go through this town, "must needs go out of the world." 1Cor. 4:10. The Prince of princes himself, when here, went through thistown to his own country, and that upon a fair-day too; yea, and, as Ithink, it was true which had been told meBeelzebub, the chief lord of this fair, that invited himto witbuy of his vanities, yea, would have made him lord of the fair, that without wouldhe but have done him reverence as he went through the righteousness town. Yea,because he was such a person of this Christhonor, Beelzebub had him from street tostreet, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world could not save me; and thereforein a little time, thought I with myselfthat he might, if I leave off I diepossible, allure that blessed One to cheapen and I can buysome of his vanities; but die at he had no mind to the merchandise, andtherefore left the throne of gracetown, without laying out so much as one farthing uponthese vanities. Matt. 4:8,9; Luke 4:5-7. And withal This fair, this came into my mindtherefore, Though it tarryis anancient thing, wait for it; because it will surely comeof long standing, it will not tarry. So I continued praying until the Father shewed me his Sonand a very great fair.
ChrNow, these pilgrims, as I said, must needs go through this fair. And how was he revealed unto you? Well,so they did; but behold, even as they entered into the fair, all thepeople in the fair were moved; and the town itself, as it were, in ahubbub about them, and that for several reasons: for,
Hope. I did not see him with my bodily eyesFirst, but The Pilgrims were clothed with such kind of raiment as wasdiverse from the eyes raiment of my understanding; and thus it was: One day I was very sad, I think sadder than at any one time that traded in my lifethat fair. The people,therefore, and this sadness was through a fresh sight of the greatness and vileness of my sinsfair made a great gazing upon them: some said theywere fools; 1 Cor. And as I was then looking for nothing but hell 4:9, and the everlasting damnation of my soul, suddenly, as I thought, I saw the Lord Jesus Christ look down from heaven upon me10; some, they were bedlams; and sayingsome, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be savedthey wereoutlandish men.
But I repliedSecondly, Lord, I am a great, a very great sinner. And he answeredas they wondered at their apparel, My grace is sufficient so they did likewise attheir speech; for thee. Then I few could understand what they said, But, Lord, what is believing? And then I saw from that saying, He that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst, that believing and coming was all one; and that he that came, that is, ran out in his heart and affections after salvation by Christ, he indeed believed in Christ. Then They naturallyspoke the water stood in mine eyes, and I asked further. But, Lord, may such a great sinner as I am be indeed accepted language of thee, and be saved by thee? And I heard him say, And him Canaan; but they that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. Then I said, But how, Lord, must I consider kept the fair were the menof thee in my coming to thee, this world: so that my faith may be placed aright upon thee? Then he said, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. He is the from one end of the law for righteousness fair to every one that believeth. He died for our sinsthe other, and rose again for our justification. He loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood. He is mediator betwixt God and us. He ever liveth theyseemed barbarians each to make intercession for usthe other. From all which I gathered, that I must look for righteousness in his person, and for satisfaction for my sins by his blood; that what he did in obedience to his Father's law, and in submitting to the penalty thereof, was not for himself, but for him that will accept it for his salvation, and be thankful 1 Cor. And now was my heart full of joy 2:7, mine eyes full of tears, and mine affections running over with love to the name, people, and ways of Jesus Christ8.
ChrThirdly, But that which did not a little amuse the merchandisers was,that these pilgrims set very light by all their wares. This was a revelation of Christ They cared notso much as to your soul indeedlook upon them; but tell me particularly what effect this had and if they called upon your spiritthem to buy, theywould put their fingers in their ears, and cry, "Turn away mine eyesfrom beholding vanity," Psa. 119:37, and look upward, signifying thattheir trade and traffic was in heaven. Phil. 3: 20,21.
HopeOne chanced, mockingly, beholding the carriage of the men, to say untothem, "What will ye buy?" But they, looking gravely upon him, said, "Webuy the truth." Prov. 23:23. At that there was an occasion taken todespise the men the more; some mocking, some taunting, some speakingreproachfully, and some calling upon others to smite them. It made me see At last,things came to an hubbub and great stir in the fair, insomuch that all order was confounded. Now was word presently brought to the great oneof the fair, who quickly came down, and deputed some of his most trustyfriends to take those men into examination about whom the fair wasalmost overturned. So the men were brought to examination; and theythat sat upon them asked them whence they came, whither they went, andwhat they did there in such an unusual garb. The men told them theywere pilgrims and strangers in the world, notwithstanding and that they were going totheir own country, which was the heavenly Jerusalem, Heb. 11:13-16; andthat they had given no occasion to the men of the town, nor yet to themerchandisrs, thus to abuse them, and to let them in their journey,except it was for that, when one asked them what they would buy, theysaid they would buy the truth. But they that were appointed to examinethem did not believe them to be any other than bedlams and mad, or elsesuch as came to put all things into a confusion in the fair. Thereforethey took them and beat them, and besmeared them with dirt, and then putthem into the righteousness thereofcage, is in that they might be made a state spectacle to all the menof condemnationthe fair. It There, therefore, they lay for some time, and were made me see the objects of any man's sport, or malice, or revenge; the great one ofthe fair laughing still at all that God befell them. But the Fathermen beingpatient, though he be justand "not rendering railing for railing, but contrariwiseblessing," and giving good words for bad, and kindness for injuriesdone, some men in the fair, that were more observing and less prejudicedthan the rest, can justly justify began to check and blame the coming sinnerbaser sort for theircontinual abuses done by them to the men. It They, therefore, in an angrymanner let fly at them again, counting them as bad as the men in thecage, and telling them that they seemed confederates, and should be made me greatly ashamed partakers of their misfortunes. The others replied that, for aught theycould see, the vileness of my former lifemen were quiet and sober, and confounded me with the sense of mine own ignoranceintended nobody any harm; for and that there never came thought were many that traded in their fair that were more worthyto be put into my heart the cage, yea, and pillory too, than were the men thatthey had abused. Thus, after divers words had passed on both sides,(the men behaving themselves all the while very wisely and soberlybefore them,) they fell to some blows among themselves, and did harm oneto another. Then were these two poor men brought before now their examinersagain, and were charged as being guilty of the late hubbub that shewed me so had beenin the beauty of Jesus Christfair. It made me love a holy life So they beat them pitifully, and hanged irons upon them,and led them in chains up and down the fair, for an example and long terrorto do something for others, lest any should speak in their behalf, or join themselvesunto them. But Christian and Faithful behaved themselves yet morewisely, and received the honour ignominy and glory shame that was cast upon them withso much meekness and patience, that it won to their side (though but fewin comparison of the name rest) several of the Lord Jesus; yeamen in the fair. This put theother party yet into a greater rage, insomuch that they concluded thedeath of these two men. Wherefore they threatened that neither cage norirons should serve their turn, I thought but that they should die for the abusethey had I now a thousand gallons of blood in my bodydone, I could spill it all and for deluding the sake men of the Lord Jesusfair.
I saw then in my dream that Hopeful looked back and saw Ignorance, whom Then were they had left behindremanded to the cage again, coming afteruntil further order should betaken with them. Look So they put them in, said he to Christian, how far yonder youngster loitereth behindand made their feet fast in thestocks.
ChrHere, also, they called again to mind what they had heard from theirfaithful friend Evangelist, and were the more confirmed in their way andsufferings by what he told them would happen to them. Ay They also nowcomforted each other, aythat whose lot it was to suffer, I see him; even he shouldhave the best of it: therefore each man secretly wished that he careth not for our companymighthave that preferment. But committing themselves to the all-wisedisposal of Him that ruleth all things, with much content they abode inthe condition in which they were, until they should be otherwisedisposed of.
HopeThen a convenient time being appointed, they brought them forth to theirtrial, in order to their condemnation. But I trow it would not have hurt him When the time was come, theywere brought before their enemies and arraigned. The judge's name wasLord Hate-good; their indictment was one and the same in substance,though somewhat varying in form; the contents whereof was this: "Thatthey were enemies to, and disturbers of, the trade; that they had madecommotions and divisions in the town, and had he kept pace with us hithertowon a party to their ownmost dangerous opinions, in contempt of the law of their prince."
ChrThen Faithful began to answer, that he had only set himself against thatwhich had set itself against Him that is higher than the highest. That is true; but And,said he, as for disturbance, I warrant make none, being myself a man of peace:the parties that were won to us, were won by beholding our truth andinnocence, and they are only turned from the worse to the better. Andas to the king you talk of, since he thinketh otherwiseis Beelzebub, the enemy of ourLord, I defy him and all his angels.
HopeThen proclamation was made, that they that had ought to say for theirlord the king against the prisoner at the bar, should forthwith appear,and give in their evidence. That So there came in three witnesses, I thinkto wit, he doth; butEnvy, howeverSuperstition, let us tarry and Pickthank. They were then asked if they knewthe prisoner at the bar; and what they had to say for their lord theking against him. So they did.
Then Christian stood forth Envy, and said to himthis effect: My lord, Come awayI have knownthis man a long time, manand will attest upon my oath before this honorablebench, why do you stay so behind?that he is-
IgnorJUDGE. I take my pleasure in walking alone, even more a great deal than in company, unless I like it the betterHold; give him his oath.
So they sware him. Then he said Christian to Hopeful, (but softlyMy lord, this man, notwithstanding hisplausible name,) Did I not tell you is one of the vilest men in our country; he cared not for our company? Butneitherregardeth prince nor people, law nor custom, howeverbut doeth all that he canto possess all men with certain of his disloyal notions, said which hein thegeneral calls principles of faith and holiness. And in particular, come upIheard him once myself affirm, that Christianity and let us talk away the time in this solitary placecustoms of ourtown of Vanity were diametrically opposite, and could not be reconciled. Then directing his speech to IgnoranceBy which saying, my lord, he saiddoth at once not only condemn all ourlaudable doings, Come, how do you? How stands it between God and your soul now?but us in the doing of them.
Ignor. I hope well; for I am always full of good motions, that come into my mindThen did the judge say to him, Hast thou any more to comfort me as I walk.say?
ChrENVY. What good motions? prayMy lord, tell usI could say much more, only I would not be tedious to thecourt. Yet if need be, when the other gentlemen have given in theirevidence, rather than any thing shall be wanting that will dispatch him,I will enlarge my testimony against him. So he was bid to stand by.
IgnorThen they called Superstition, and bid him look upon the prisoner. Why Theyalso asked, I think of God and heavenwhat he could say for their lord the king against him. Thenthey sware him; so he began.
ChrSUPER. So My lord, I have no great acquaintance with this man, nor do Idesire to have further knowledge of him. However, this I know, that heis a very pestilent fellow, from some discourse that I had with him the devils other day, in this town; for then, talking with him, I heard him say,that our religion was naught, and such by which a man could by no meansplease God. Which saying of his, my lord, your lordship very well knowswhat necessarily thence will follow, to wit, that we still do worship invain, are yet in our sins, and finally shall be damned souls: and this is thatwhich I have to say.
Ignor. But I think Then was Pickthank sworn, and bid say what he knew in the behalf of them and desire themtheir lord the king against the prisoner at the bar.
ChrPICK. So do many My lord, and you gentlemen all, this fellow I have known of a longtime, and have heard him speak things that are never like ought not to come there. The soul be spoken; forhe hath railed on our noble prince Beelzebub, and hath spokencontemptibly of his honorable friends, whose names are, the sluggard desirethLord OldMan, the Lord Carnal Delight, the Lord Luxurious, the Lord Desire ofVain Glory, my old Lord Lechery, Sir Having Greedy, with all the rest ofour nobility: and he hath said, moreover, that if all men were of hismind, if possible, there is not one of these noblemen should have anylonger a being in this town. Besides, he hath nothingnot been afraid to railon you, my lord, who are now appointed to be his judge, calling you anungodly villain, with many other such like vilifying terms, with whichhe hath bespattered most of the gentry of our town.
Ignor. But I think of themWhen this Pickthank had told his tale, the judge directed his speech tothe prisoner at the bar, saying, Thou runagate, heretic, and leave all for them.traitor,hast thou heard what these honest gentlemen have witnessed against thee?
ChrFAITH. That May I doubt; for leaving all is speak a hard matter: yea, a harder matter than many are aware of. But why, or by what, art thou persuaded that thou hast left all for God and heaven.few words in my own defence?
IgnorJUDGE. My heart tells me soSirrah, sirrah, thou deservest to live no longer, but to be slainimmediately upon the place; yet, that all men may see our gentlenesstowards thee, let us hear what thou, vile runagate, hast to say.
ChrFAITH. The wise man says1. I say, then, in answer to what Mr. Envy hath spoken, I neversaid aught but this, He that trusts his own heart is a foolwhat rule, or laws, or custom, or people, wereflat against the word of God, are diametrically opposite toChristianity. If I have said amiss in this, convince me of my error,and I am ready here before you to make my recantation.
Ignor2. This As to the second, to wit, Mr. Superstition, and his charge againstme, I said only this, that in the worship of God there is spoken required adivine faith; but there can be no divine faith without a divinerevelation of the will of God. Therefore, whatever is thrust into theworship of an evil heartGod that is not agreeable to divine revelation, cannot bedone but mine is by a good onehuman faith; which faith will not be profitable to eternallife.
Chr3. But how dost thou prove As to what Mr. Pickthank hath said, I say, (avoiding terms, as thatI am said to rail, and the like,) that?the prince of this town, with allthe rabblement, his attendants, by this gentleman named, are more fitfor a being in hell than in this town and country. And so the Lord havemercy upon me.
Ignor. It comforts me Then the judge called to the jury, (who all this while stood by to hearand observe,) Gentlemen of the jury, you see this man about whom sogreat an uproar hath been made in this town; you have also heard whatthese worthy gentlemen have witnessed against him; also, you have heardhis reply and confession: it lieth now in your breasts to hang him, orsave his life; but yet I think meet to instruct you in hopes of heavenour law.
ChrThere was an act made in the days of Pharaoh the Great, servant to ourprince, that, lest those of a contrary religion should multiply and growtoo strong for him, their males should be thrown into the river. Exod. That may 1:22. There was also an act made in the days of Nebuchadnezzar theGreat, another of his servants, that whoever would not fall down andworship his golden image, should be through its deceitfulness; for thrown into a man's heart may minister comfort to him fiery furnace. Dan.3:6. There was also an act made in the hopes days of Darius, that thing whoso for some time called upon any god but him, should be cast into the lion'sden. Dan. 6:7. Now, the substance of these laws this rebel hasbroken, not only in thought, (which he yet has no ground is not to hopebe borne,) but also inword and deed; which must, therefore, needs be intolerable.
IgnorFor that of Pharaoh, his law was made upon a supposition to preventmischief, no crime being yet apparent; but here is a crime apparent. But my heart For the second and life agree togetherthird, you see he disputeth against our religion; and therefore my hope is well groundedfor the treason that he hath already confessed, he deserveth to die thedeath.
ChrThen went the jury out, whose names were Mr. Who told thee Blindman, Mr. No-good,Mr. Malice, Mr. Love-lust, Mr. Live-loose, Mr. Heady, Mr. High-mind, Mr. Enmity, Mr. Liar, Mr. Cruelty, Mr. Hate-light, and Mr.Implacable; who every one gave in his private verdict against him amongthemselves, and afterwards unanimously concluded to bring him in guiltybefore the judge. And first among themselves, Mr. Blindman, theforeman, said, I see clearly that thy this man is a heretic. Then said Mr.No-good, Away with such a fellow from the earth. Aye, said Mr. Malice,for I hate the very looks of him. Then said Mr. Love-lust, I couldnever endure him. Nor I, said Mr. Live-loose, for he would always becondemning my way. Hang him, hang him, said Mr. Heady. A sorry scrub,said Mr. High-mind. My heart and life agree together?riseth against him, said Mr. Enmity. Heis a rogue, said Mr. Liar. Hanging is too good for him, said Mr.Cruelty. Let us dispatch him out of the way, said Mr. Hate-light.Then said Mr. Implacable, Might I have all the world given me, I couldnot be reconciled to him; therefore let us forthwith bring him in guiltyof death.
Ignor. My heart tells me And sothey did; therefore he was presently condemned to be had from theplace where he was, to the place from whence he came, and there to beput to the most cruel death that could be invented.
Chr. Ask my fellow if I be a thief! Thy heart tells thee so! Except the Word They therefore brought him out, to do with him according to their law;and first they scourged him, then they buffeted him, then they lancedhis flesh with knives; after that, they stoned him with stones, thenpricked him with their swords; and last of God beareth witness in this matterall, other testimony is of no valuethey burned him to ashesat the stake. Thus came Faithful to his end.
IgnorNow I saw, that there stood behind the multitude a chariot and a coupleof horses waiting for Faithful, who (so soon as his adversaries haddispatched him) was taken up into it, and straightway was carried upthrough the clouds with sound of trumpet, the nearest way to thecelestial gate. But is as for Christian, he had some respite, and wasremanded back to prison: so he there remained for a space. But he whooverrules all things, having the power of their rage in his own hand, sowrought it not a good heart about, that Christian for that hath good thoughts? time escaped them, and is not that a good life that is according to God's commandments?wenthis way.
Chr. YesAnd as he went, that is a good heart that hath good thoughtshe sang, and that is a good life that is according to God's commandments; but it is one thingsaying, indeed, to have these, and another thing only to think so.
Ignor. Pray"Well, what count you good thoughtsFaithful, and a life according to God's commandments?thou hast faithfully profest
Chr. There are good thoughts of divers kinds; some respecting ourselvesUnto thy Lord, some Godwith whom thou shalt be blest, some Christ, and some other things.
Ignor. What be good thoughts respecting ourselves?When faithless ones, with all their vain delights,
Chr. Such as agree with the Word of God.Are crying out under their hellish plights:
Ignor. When do our thoughts of ourselves agree with the Word of God?Sing, Faithful, sing, and let thy name survive;
Chr. When we pass the same judgment upon ourselves which the Word passes. To explain myself -- the Word of God saith of persons in a natural condition, There is none righteous, there is none that doeth good. It saith also, that every imagination of the heart of man is only evil, and that continually. And again, The imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth. Now then, when we think thus of ourselves, having sense thereof, then are our thoughts good onesFor though they killed thee, because according to the Word of Godthou art yet alive."
Ignor. I will never believe that my heart is thus bad.
Chr. Therefore thou never hadst one good thought concerning thyself in thy life. But let me go on. As the Word passeth a judgment upon our heart, so it passeth a judgment upon our ways; and when OUR thoughts of our hearts and ways agree with the judgment which the Word giveth of both, then are both good, because agreeing thereto.
Ignor. Make out your meaning==THE SEVENTH STAGE.==
Chr. WhyNow I saw in my dream, the Word of God saith that man's ways are crooked waysChristian went not forth alone; not goodfor therewas one whose name was Hopeful, but perverse. It saith they are naturally out (being so made by the beholding of Christian and Faithful in their words and behavior, in their sufferingsat the good wayfair, that they have not known it. Now) who joined himself unto him, when and entering into a man thus thinketh of his waysbrotherlycovenant, -- I say, when told him that he doth sensiblywould be his companion. Thus one died tobear testimony to the truth, and another rises out of his ashes to be acompanion with heart-humiliationChristian in his pilgrimage. This Hopeful also toldChristian, thus think, then hath he good thoughts that there were many more of his own ways, because his thoughts now agree with the judgment of men in the Word of Godfair that wouldtake their time, and follow after.
Ignor. So I saw, that quickly after they were got out of the fair, theyovertook one that was going before them, whose name was By-ends; so theysaid to him, What are good thoughts concerning Godcountryman, sir? and how far go you this way? Hetold them, that he came from the town of Fair-speech, and he was goingto the Celestial City; but told them not his name.
Chr. Even as I have From Fair-speech? said concerning ourselves, when our thoughts of God do agree with what the Word saith of himChristian; and is there any good that is, when we think of his being and attributes as the Word hath taught, of which I cannot now discourse at large; but to speak of him with reference to uslives there?Prov. 26: Then we have right thoughts of God, when we think that heknows us better than we know ourselves, and can see sin in us when and where we can see none in ourselves; when we think he knows our inmost thoughts, and that our heart, with all itsdepths, is always open unto his eyes; also, when we think that all our righteousness stinks in his nostrils, and that, therefore, he cannot abide to see us stand before him in any confidence, even in all our best performances25.
IgnorBY. Do you think that I am such a fool as to think God can see no further than I? orYes, said By-ends, that I would come to God in the best of my performances?hope so.
ChrCHR. WhyPray, how dost thou think in this mattersir, what may I call you? said Christian.
IgnorBY. WhyI am a stranger to you, and you to me: if you be shortgoing this way, I think shall be glad of your company; if not, I must believe in Christ for justificationbe content.
ChrCHR. How! think thou must believe in ChristThis town of Fair-speech, when thou seest not thy need said Christian, I have heard of him! Thou neither seest thy original nor actual infirmities; but hast such an opinion of thyself, and of what thou dost, as plainly renders thee to be one that did never see a necessity of ChristI remember, they say it's personal righteousness to justify thee before Goda wealthy place. How, then, dost thou say, I believe in Christ?
IgnorBY. Yes, I believe well enough for all will assure you thatit is; and I have very many rich kindredthere.
ChrCHR. How dost thou believePray, who are your kindred there, if a man may be so bold?
IgnorBY. I believe Almost the whole town; and in particular my Lord Turn-about, my LordTime-server, my Lord Fair-speech, from whose ancestors that Christ died for sinnerstown firsttook its name; also, Mr. Smooth-man, Mr. Facing-both-ways, Mr. Any-thing; and that I shall be justified before God from the curseparson of our parish, through his gracious acceptance of my obedience to his lawMr. Or thus Two-tongues, Christ makes was my dutiesmother'sown brother, that are religiousby father's side; and, acceptable to his Fathertell you the truth, by virtue I am become agentleman of his meritsgood quality; yet my great-grandfather was but a waterman,looking one way and rowing another, and so shall I be justifiedgot most of my estate by thesame occupation.
ChrCHR. Are you a married man. Let me give an answer to this confession of thy faith: --
1BY. Thou believest with Yes, and my wife is a very virtuous woman, the daughter of a fantastical faithvirtuous woman; for this faith she was my Lady Feigning's daughter; therefore she cameof a very honorable family, and is nowhere described arrived to such a pitch of breeding,that she knows how to carry it to all, even to prince and peasant. 'Tistrue, we somewhat differ in religion from those of the stricter sort,yet but in two small points: First, we never strive against wind andtide. Secondly, we are always most zealous when religion goes in hissilver slippers; we love much to walk with him in the street, if the sunshines and the Wordpeople applaud him.
2. Thou believest with Then Christian stepped a false faithlittle aside to his fellow Hopeful, saying, itruns in my mind that this is one By-ends, of Fair-speech; because and if it taketh justification from the personal righteousness behe, we have as very a knave in our company as dwelleth in all theseparts. Then said Hopeful, Ask him; methinks he should not be ashamed of Christhis name. So Christian came up with him again, and said, Sir, you talkas if you knew something more than all the world doth; and applies it to thy own, if I takenot my mark amiss, I deem I have half a guess of you. Is not your nameMr. By-ends of Fair-speech?
3BY. This faith maketh is not Christ my name, but indeed it is a justifier of thy personnickname that is given me bysome that cannot abide me, but of thy actions; and of thy person for thy actions' sakeI must be content to bear it as areproach, which is falseas other good men have borne theirs before me.
4CHR. Therefore, this faith is deceitful, even such as will leave thee under wrath, in the day of God Almighty; for true justifying faith puts the soul, as sensible of its condition by the law, upon flying for refuge unto Christ's righteousness, which righteousness of his is not But did you never give an act of grace, occasion to men to call you by which he maketh for justification, thy obedience accepted with God; but his personal obedience to the law, in doing and suffering for us what that required at our hands; this righteousness, I say, true faith accepteth; under the skirt of which, the soul being shrouded, and by it presented as spotless before God, it is accepted, and acquit from condemnation.name?
IgnorBY. WhatNever, never! would you have us trust The worst that ever I did to give them an occasion to what Christgive me this name was, that I had always the luck to jump in his own person, has done without us? This conceit would loosen my judgmentwith the reins present way of our lustthe times, whatever it was, and tolerate us my chance was to live as we list; for what matter how we live, get thereby: but if we may be justified by Christ's personal righteousness from allthings are thus cast upon me, when we believe it?let me count them ablessing; but let not the malicious load me therefore with reproach.
ChrCHR. Ignorance is thy nameI thought, and as thy name isindeed, so art thou; even this thy answer demonstrateth what that you were the man that I say. Ignorant thou art heard of what justifying righteousness is, ; and as ignorant how to secure thy soultell you what I think, through the faith of it, from the heavy wrath of God. Yea, thou also art ignorant of the true effects of saving faith in I fear this righteousness of Christ, which is, name belongs to bow and win over the heart to God in Christ, to love his name, his word, ways, and people, and not as thou ignorantly imaginestyou more properlythan you are willing we should think it doth.
HopeBY. Ask him Well if ever he had Christ revealed to him from heavenyou will thus imagine, I cannot help it; you shall find me afair company-keeper, if you will still admit me your associate.
IgnorCHR. What! If you are a man for revelations! will go with us, you must go against wind and tide; thewhich, I believe that what both perceive, is against your opinion: youmust also own Religionin his rags, as well as when in his silver slippers; and all the rest of youstand by him,too, say about that matterwhen bound in irons, is but as well as when he walketh the fruit of distracted brainsstreets withapplause.
HopeBY. WhyYou must not impose, man! Christ is so hid in God from the natural apprehensions of the fleshnor lord it over my faith; leave me to myliberty, that he cannot by any man be savingly known, unless God the Father reveals him to themand let me go with you.
IgnorCHR. That is your faithNot a step farther, but not mine; yet mineunless you will do, in what I doubt not, is as good as yourspropound, though I have not in my head so many whimsies as youwe.
Chr. Give me leave to put in a word. You ought not so slightly to speak of this matter; for this Then said By-ends, I will boldly affirm, even as shall never desert my good companion hath done, that no man can know Jesus Christ but by the revelation of the Father; yeaold principles, since theyare harmless and faith too, by which the soul layeth hold upon Christ, if it be rightprofitable. If I may not go with you, I must be wrought by the exceeding greatness of his mighty power; the working of which faith, do as I perceivedid before you overtook me, poor Ignorance, thou art ignorant of. Be awakened, then, see thine own wretchedness, and fly to the Lord Jesus; and even go by his righteousnessmyself, which is the righteousness until some overtake methat will be glad of God, for he himself is God, thou shalt be delivered from condemnationmy company.
IgnorNow I saw in my dream, that Christian and Hopeful forsook him, and kepttheir distance before him; but one of them, looking back, saw three menfollowing Mr. By-ends; and, behold, as they came up with him, he madethem a very low congee; and they also gave him a compliment. You go so fast The men'snames were, Mr. Hold-the-world, Mr. Money-love, and Mr. Save-all, I cannot keep pace menthat Mr. By-ends had formerly been acquainted with you; for in theirminority they were schoolfellows, and taught by one Mr. Do you go Gripeman, aschoolmaster in Lovegain, which is a market-town in the county ofCoveting, in the North. This Schoolmaster taught them the art ofgetting, either by violence, cozenage, flattering, lying, or by puttingon beforea guise of religion; I must stay and these four gentlemen had attained much ofthe art of their master, so that they could each of them have kept sucha while behindschool themselves.
Then Well, when they had, as I said , thus saluted each other, Mr. Money-lovesaid to Mr. By-ends, Who are they upon the road before us? ForChristian and Hopeful were yet within view.
Well, Ignorance, wilt thou yet foolish be, To slight good counsel, ten times given thee? And if thou yet refuse it, thou shalt know, Ere long, the evil BY. They are a couple of thy doing so. Remember, man, in time, stoopfar country-men, do not fear; Good counsel taken wellthat, saves: therefore hear. But if thou yet shalt slight itafter their mode, thou wilt beare The loser, (Ignorance,) I'll warrant theegoing on pilgrimage.
Then Christian addressed thus himself to his fellow: --MONEY. Alas! why did they not stay, that we might have had their goodcompany? for they, and we, and you, sir, I hope, are all going onpilgrimage.
ChrBY. WellWe are so, comeindeed; but the men before us are so rigid, my good Hopefuland love somuch their own notions, and do also so lightly esteem the opinions ofothers, I perceive that thou and I must walk by ourselves againlet a man be ever so godly, yet if he jumps not with themin all things, they thrust him quite out of their company.
So I saw in my dream SAVE. That is bad; but we read of some that they went on apace beforeare righteous overmuch, and Ignorance he came hobbling aftersuch men's rigidness prevails with them to judge and condemn all butthemselves. Then said Christian to his companion But I pray, It pities me much for this poor manwhat, it will certainly go ill with him at last.and how many, were the things wherein youdiffered?
HopeBY. Alas! there are abundance in our town in his conditionWhy, whole familiesthey, yeaafter their headstrong manner, whole streetsconclude that it is theirduty to rush on their journey all weathers, and that of pilgrims tooI am for waiting forwind and tide. They are for hazarding all for God at a clap; and if there I amfor taking all advantages to secure my life and estate. They are forholding their notions, though all other men be against them; but I amfor religion in what, and so many far as the times and my safety will bearit. They are for religion when in rags and contempt; but I am for himwhen he walks in our parts, how many, think youhis silver slippers, must there be in the place where he was born?sunshine, and withapplause.
ChrHOLD-THE-WORLD. Indeed Aye, and hold you there still, good Mr. By-ends; for,for my part, I can count him but a fool, that having the Word saithliberty to keepwhat he has, He hath blinded their eyes lest they should shall be so unwise as to lose it. Let us be wise asserpents. It is best to make hay while the sun shines. You seehow thebee lieth still in winter, But now we are by ourselvesand bestirs her only when she can have profitwith pleasure. God sends sometimes rain, what do you think of and sometimes sunshine: ifthey be such men? Have they at no timefools to go through the first, think youyet let us be content totake fair weather along with us. For my part, convictions I like that religion bestthat will stand with the security of sinGod's good blessings unto us; forwho can imagine, and so consequently fears that their state is dangerousruled by his reason, since God has bestowedupon us the good things of this life, but that he would have us keepthem for his sake? Abraham and Solomon grew rich in religion; and Jobsays, that a good man shall lay up gold as dust; but he must not be suchas the men before us, if they be as you have described them.
HopeSAVE. Nay, do you answer I think that question yourself, for you we are the elder manall agreed in this matter; and therefore thereneeds no more words about it.
ChrMONEY. Then I sayNo, sometimes (as I think) they maythere needs no more words about this matter, indeed; but they being naturally ignorantfor hethat believes neither Scripture nor reason, understand not that such convictions tend to their good; (and therefore they do desperately seek to stifle themyou see we have both onour side, and presumptuously continue to flatter themselves in the way of their ) neither knows his own liberty nor seeks his own heartssafety.
HopeBY. I do believeMy brethren, we are, as you saysee, going all on pilgrimage; and forour better diversion from things that fear tends much to men's goodare bad, and give me leave to make them right, at their beginning to go on pilgrimagepropoundunto you this question.
ChrSuppose a man, a minister, or a tradesman, etc. Without all doubt it doth, if it be right; for should have anadvantage lie before him to get the good blessings of this life, yet so says the Wordas that he can by no means come by them, except, in appearance at least, The fear he becomes extraordinary zealous in some points of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.religion that hemeddled not with before; may he not use this means to attain his end,and yet be a right honest man?
HopeMONEY. How I see the bottom of your question; and with these gentlemen'sgood leave, I will endeavor to shape you describe right fearan answer. And first, to speakto your question as it concerneth a minister himself: suppose aminister, a worthy man, possessed but of a very small benefice, and hasin his eye a greater, more fat and plump by far; he has also now anopportunity of getting it, yet so as by being more studious, bypreaching more frequently and zealously, and, because the temper of thepeople requires it, by altering of some of his principles; for my part,I see no reason why a man may not do this, provided he has a call, aye,and more a great deal besides, and yet be an honest man. For why?
Chr1. True or right fear His desire of a greater benefice is discovered lawful, (this cannot becontradicted,) since it is set before him by three things: --Providence; so then he mayget it if he can, making no question for conscience' sake.
12. By its rise; it Besides, his desire after that benefice makes him more studious, amore zealous preacher, etc., and so makes him a better man, yea, makeshim better improve his parts, which is caused by saving convictions for sinaccording to the mind of God.
23. It driveth Now, as for his complying with the soul temper of his people, bydeserting, to lay fast hold serve them, some of his principles, this argueth, 1. Thathe is of Christ a self-denying temper. 2. Of a sweet and winning deportment.And, 3. So more fit for salvationthe ministerial function.
34. It begetteth and continueth in the soul I conclude, then, that a minister that changes a small for a great reverence of God, his Wordshould not, and waysfor so doing, keeping it tenderbe judged as covetous; but rather, since he isimproved in his parts and making it afraid to turn from themindustry thereby, to the right hand or to the left, to anything be counted as one that may dishonour Godpursues his call, break its peace, grieve and the Spirit, or cause the enemy opportunity put into his hand to speak reproachfullydo good.
HopeAnd now to the second part of the question, which concerns the tradesmanyou mentioned. Well said Suppose such an one to have but a poor employ in theworld, but by becoming religious he may mend his market, perhaps get arich wife, or more and far better customers to his shop; for my part, I believe you have said the truthsee no reason but this may be lawfully done. Are we now almost got past the Enchanted Ground For why?
Chr1. Why To become religious is a virtue, art thou weary of this discourse?by what means soever a man becomesso.
Hope2. No Nor is it unlawful to get a rich wife, verily, but that I would know where we areor more custom to my shop.
Chr3. We have not now above two miles further to go thereon. But let us return to our matter. Now Besides, the ignorant know not man that such convictions as tend to put gets these by becoming religious, gets thatwhich is good of them in fear that are for their good, by becoming good himself; so thenhere is a good wife, and good customers, and good gain, and all these bybecoming religious, which is good: therefore they seek , to become religious to stifle themgetall these is a good and profitable design.
HopeThis answer, thus made by Mr. How do Money-love to Mr. By-ends' question, washighly applauded by them all; wherefore they concluded, upon the whole,that it was most wholesome and advantageous. And because, as theythought, no man was able to contradict it; and because Christian andHopeful were yet within call, they seek jointly agreed to stifle assault them?withthe question as soon as they overtook them; and the rather, because theyhad opposed Mr. By-ends before. So they called after them, and theystopped and stood still till they came up to them; but they concluded,as they went, that not Mr. By-ends, but old Mr. Hold-the-world shouldpropound the question to them, because, as they supposed, their answerto him would be without the remainder of that heat that was kindledbetwixt Mr. By-ends and them at their parting a little before.
ChrSo they came up to each other, and after a short salutation, Mr. Hold-the-world propounded the question to Christian and his fellow, and thenbid them to answer if they could.
1Then said Christian, Even a babe in religion may answer ten thousandsuch questions. They think that those fears are wrought by the devil For if it be unlawful to follow Christ for loaves, asit is, (though indeed they are wrought John 6:26; how much more abominable is it to make of God;) him andreligion a stalking-horse to get andenjoy the world! Nor do we findany other than heathens, hypocrites, devils, thinking soand wizards, they resist them as things that directly tend to their overthroware ofthis opinion.
21. They also think that these fears tend Heathens: for when Hamor and Shechem had a mind to the spoiling daughter andcattle of Jacob, and saw that there was no way for them to come at thembut by being circumcised, they said to their faithcompanions, whenIf every maleof us be circumcised, as they are circumcised, alasshall not their cattle, for themand their substance, poor men and every beast of theirs be ours? Their daughtersand their cattle were that which they aresought to obtain, and theirreligion the stalking-horse they have none made use of to come at all! and therefore they harden theirthem. Read thewhole story, Gen. hearts against them 34:20-24.
32. They presume they ought not The hypocritical Pharisees were also of this religion: long prayerswere their pretence, but to fearget widows' houses was their intent; andgreater damnation was from God their judgment. Luke 20:46, therefore, in despite of them, wax presumptuously confident47.
43. They see Judas the devil was also of this religion: he was religious for thebag, that those fears tend to take he might be possessed of what was put therein; but he waslost, cast away from them their pitiful old self-holiness, and therefore they resist them with all their mightthe very son of perdition.
Hope4. I know something Simon the wizard was of this myselfreligion too; forhe would have had theHoly Ghost, before I knew myself, it that he might have got money therewith: and his sentencefrom Peter's mouth was so with meaccording. Acts 8:19-22.
Chr5. Well Neither will it go out of my mind, but that that man who takes upreligion for the world, we will leavethrow away religion for the world; for sosurely as Judas designed the world in becoming religious, so surely didhe also sell religion and his Master for the same. To answer thequestion, therefore, affirmatively, as I perceive you have done, and toaccept of, as authentic, such answer, at this timeis heathenish, our neighbour Ignorance by himselfhypocritical, and fall upon another profitable questiondevilish; and your reward will be according to your works.
HopeThen they stood staring one upon another, but had not wherewith toanswer Christian. Hopeful also approved of the soundness of Christian'sanswer; so there was a great silence among them. Mr. By-ends and hiscompany also staggered and kept behind, that Christian and Hopeful mightoutgo them. With all my heart Then said Christian to his fellow, but you If these men cannotstand before the sentence of men, what will they do with the sentence ofGod? And if they are mute when dealt with by vessels of clay, what willthey do when they shall still begin.be rebuked by the flames of a devouring fire?
Chr. Well thenThen Christian and Hopeful outwent them again, did you not knowand went till they cameat a delicate plain, about ten years agocalled Ease, one Temporary in your partswhere they went with much content; butthat plain was but narrow, who so they were quickly got over it. Now at thefarther side of that plain was a forward man little hill, called Lucre, and in religion then?thathill a silver-mine, which some of them that had formerly gone that way,because of the rarity of it, had turned aside to see; but going too nearthe brim of the pit, the ground, being deceitful under them, broke, andthey were slain: some also had been maimed there, and could not, totheir dying day, be their own men again.
Hope. Know him! yes, he dwelt Then I saw in Gracelessmy dream, that a town about two miles little off of Honestythe road, over against thesilver-mine, stood Demas (gentleman-like) to call passengers to come and he dwelt next door see; who said to one TurnbackChristian and his fellow, Ho! turn aside hither, and Iwill show you a thing.
ChrCHR. Right, he dwelt under the same roof with him. Well, that man was much awakened once; I believe that then he had some sight of his sins, and What thing so deserving as to turn us out of the wages that were due thereto.way to see it?
HopeDEMAS. I am of your mindHere is a silver-mine, and some digging in it for, my house not being above three miles from him, he would ofttimes treasure; ifyou will come to me, and that with many tears. Truly I pitied the man, and was not altogether without hope of him; but one a little pains you may see, it is not every one that cries, Lord, Lordrichly provide foryourselves.
ChrHOPE. He told me once that he was resolved to Then said Hopeful, let us go on pilgrimage, as we do now; but all of a sudden he grew acquainted with one Save-self, and then he became a stranger to mesee.
HopeCHR. NowNot I, since we are talking about himsaid Christian: I have heard of this place before now, andhow many there have been slain; and besides, let us that treasure is a little inquire into the reason of the sudden backsliding of him and such otherssnare tothose that seek it, for it hindereth them in their pilgrimage.
Chr. It may be very profitableThen Christian called to Demas, but do you beginsaying, Is not the place dangerous?Hath it not hindered many in their pilgrimage? Hosea 9:6.
HopeDEMAS. WellNot very dangerous, then, there except to those that are in my judgment four reasons for it: --careless; but withalhe blushed as he spake.
1CHR. Though the consciences of such men are awakened, yet their minds are not changed; therefore, when the power of guilt weareth away, that which provoked them to be religious ceaseth, wherefore they naturally turn Then said Christian to their own course again, even as we see the dog that is sick of what he has eatenHopeful, so long as his sickness prevails he vomits and casts up all; Let us not that he doth this of stir a free mind (if we may say a dog has a mind)step, but because it troubleth his stomach; but now, when his sickness is over, and so his stomach eased, his desire being not at all alienate from his vomit, he turns him about and licks up all, and so it is true which is written, The dog is turned to his own vomit again. Thus I say, being hot for heaven, by virtue only of the sense and fear of the torments of hell, as their sense of hell and the fears of damnation chills and cools, so their desires for heaven and salvation cool also. So then it comes to pass, that when their guilt and fear is gone, their desires for heaven and happiness die, and they return to their course againstillkeep on our way.
2HOPE. Another reason is, they have slavish fears that do overmaster them; I speak now of the fears that they have of men, for the fear of man bringeth a snare. So thenwill warrant you, though they seem to be hot for heaven, so long as the flames of hell are about their ears, yet when that terror is a little overBy-ends comes up, they betake themselves to second thoughts; namely, that it is good to be wise, and not to run (for they know not what) if he hath the hazard of losing all, orsameinvitation as we, at least, of bringing themselves into unavoidable and unnecessary troubles, and so they fall he will turn in with the world againthither to see.
3CHR. The shame No doubt thereof, for his principles lead him that attends religion lies also as a block in their way; they are proud and haughty; and religion in their eye is low and contemptible, therefore, when they have lost their sense of hell and wrath to come, they return again ahundred to their former courseone but he dies there.
4DEMAS. GuiltThen Demas called again, and to meditate terrorsaying, are grievous to them. They like But will you not to see their misery before they come into it; though perhaps the sight of it first, if they loved that sight, might make them fly whither the righteous fly over and are safe. But because they do, as I hinted before, even shun the thoughts of guilt and terror, therefore, when once they are rid of their awakenings about the terrors and wrath of God, they harden their hearts gladly, and choose such ways as will harden them more and more.see?
ChrCHR. You are pretty near the businessThen Christian roundly answered, for the bottom of all is for want of a change in their mind and will. And therefore they are but like the felon that standeth before the judgesaying, he quakes and tremblesDemas, and seems thou art an enemyto repent most heartily, but the bottom right ways of all is the fear Lord of the halter; not that he hath any detestation of the offencethis way, as is evidentand hast been alreadycondemned for thine own turning aside, because, let but this man have by one of his libertyMajesty's judges, 2Tim. 4:10; and he why seekest thou to bring us into the like condemnation?Besides, if we at all turn aside, our Lord the King will be a thiefcertainly hearthereof, and so a rogue stillwill there put us to shame, whereas, if his mind was changed, he where we would be otherwisestand withboldness before him.
Hope. Now I have shewed you the reasons Demas cried again, that he also was one of their going backfraternity; and that ifthey would tarry a little, do you shew me the manner thereofhe also himself would walk with them.
ChrCHR. So Then said Christian, What is thy name? Is it not the same by whichI will willingly.have called thee?
1DEMAS. They draw off their thoughtsYes, all that they may, from my name is Demas; I am the remembrance son of God, death, and judgment to comeAbraham.
2CHR. Then they cast off by degrees private dutiesI know you; Gehazi was your great-grandfather, as closet prayerand Judas yourfather, curbing and you have trod in their lustssteps; it is but a devilish prankthat thou usest: thy father was hanged for a traitor, watchingand thou deservestno better reward. 2 Kings 5:20-27; Matt.26:14, sorrow for sin15; 27:3-5. Assurethyself, and that when we come to the likeKing, we will tell him of this thybehavior. Thus they went their way.
3By this time By-ends and his companions were come again within sight,and they at the first beck went over to Demas. Then Now, whether they fellinto the pit by looking over the brink thereof, or whether they wentdown to dig, or whether they shun were smothered in the bottom by the company dampsthat commonly arise, of lively and warm Christiansthese things I am not certain; but this Iobserved, that they were never seen again in the way. Then sangChristian,
4. After that they grow cold to public duty, as hearing, reading, godly conference, "By-ends and the like.silver Demas both agree;
5. Then they begin to pick holesOne calls, as we say, in the coats of some of the godly; and that devilishlyother runs, that they he may have a seeming colour to throw religion (for the sake of some infirmity they have espied in them) behind their backs.be
6. Then they begin to adhere to, and associate themselves with, carnal, loose, and wanton men.A sharer in his lucre: so these two
7. Then they give way to carnal and wanton discourses Take up in secret; this world, and glad are they if they can see such things in any that are counted honest, that they may the more boldly do it through their exampleno farther go."
8Now I saw that, just on the other side of this plain, the pilgrims cameto a place where stood an old monument, hard by the highway-side, at thesight of which they were both concerned, because of the strangeness ofthe form thereof; for it seemed to them as if it had been a womantransformed into the shape of a pillar. Here, therefore, they stoodlooking and looking upon it, but could not for a time tell what theyshould make thereof. After At last Hopeful espied, written above upon thehead thereof, a writing in an unusual hand; but he being no scholar,called to Christian (for he was learned) to see if he could pick out themeaning: so he came, and after a little laying of letters together, hefound the same to be this , "Remember Lot's wife." So he read it to hisfellow; after which they begin to play both concluded that that was the pillar of saltinto which Lot's wife was turned, for her looking back with little sins openlya covetousheart when she was going from Sodom for safety. Gen. 19:26. Whichsudden and amazing sight gave them occasion for this discourse.
9CHR. And thenAh, being hardenedmy brother, they shew themselves this is a seasonable sight: it came opportunely tous after the invitation which Demas gave us to come over to view thehill Lucre; and had we gone over, as he desired us, and as they are. Thusthou wastinclined to do, my brother, we had, for aught I know, been made, being launched again into the gulf of miserylikethis woman, unless a miracle of grace prevent it, they everlastingly perish in their own deceivingsspectacle for those that shall come after to behold.
Now HOPE. I saw in my dream, am sorry that by this time the Pilgrims were got over the Enchanted Ground, and entering into the country of Beulah, whose air I was very sweet and pleasant, the way lying directly through it, they solaced themselves there for a season. Yea, here they heard continually the singing of birdsso foolish, and saw every day the flowers appear on the earth, and heard the voice of the turtle in the land. In this country the sun shineth night and day. wherefore this was beyond the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and also out of the reach of Giant Despair, neither could they from this place so much am made to wonder that I amnot now as see Doubting Castle. Here they were within sight of the city they were going to, also here met them some of the inhabitants thereofLot's wife; for in this land the Shining Ones commonly walked, because it wherein was upon the borders of heaven. In this land alsodifference betwixt her sinand mine? She only looked back, the contract between the bride and the bridegroom was renewedI had a desire to go see. Letgrace be adored; yea, here, As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so did their God rejoice over them. Here they had no want of corn and wine; for in this place they met with abundance of what they had sought for let me be ashamed that ever such a thing should bein all their pilgrimage. Here they heard voices from out of the city, loud voices, saying, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh! Behold, his reward is with him! Here all the inhabitants of the country called them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord, Sought outmine heart.
Now as they walked in this landCHR. Let us take notice of what we see here, they had more rejoicing than in parts more remote for our help from the kingdom to which they were bound; and drawing near time to the city, they had yet a more perfect view thereofcome. It was builded of pearls and precious stones This woman escaped one judgment, also the street thereof was paved with gold; so that for she fell not by reason of the natural glory of the city, and the reflection destruction of the sunbeams upon it, Christian with desire fell sickSodom; Hopeful also had a fit or two of the same disease. Whereforeyet she was destroyed by another, here they lay by it as we see: sheis turned into a while, crying out, because of their pangs, If ye find my beloved, tell him that I am sick pillar of lovesalt.
But, being a little strengthenedHOPE. True, and better able she may be to bear their sickness, they walked on their way, us both caution and came yet nearer and nearer, where were orchards, vineyards, and gardens, and their gates opened into the highway. Nowexample; caution, thatwe should shun her sin; or a sign of what judgment will overtake such as they came up to these places, behold the gardener stood in the way, to whom the Pilgrims said, Whose goodly vineyards and gardens are these? He answered, They are the King'sshall not be prevented by this caution: so Korah, and are planted here for his own delightDathan, and also for the solace of pilgrims. So the gardener had them into the vineyardsAbiram, and bid them refresh themselves with the dainties. He also shewed them there the King's walks, and the arbours where he delighted to be; two hundred and here they tarried and slept.fifty
Now I beheld in my dream men that they talked more perished in their sleep at this time than ever they sin, did in also become a sign or example toothers to beware. Numb. 16:31,32; 26:9,10. But above all their journey; and being in a , I muse thereaboutatone thing, to wit, the gardener said even how Demas and his fellows can stand so confidentlyyonder to melook for that treasure, which this woman but for lookingbehind her after, Wherefore musest thou at the matter? It is the nature (for we read not that she stepped one foot out of the fruit way,) was turned into a pillar of salt; especially since the grapes judgmentwhich overtook her did make her an example within sight of these vineyards to go down so sweetly as to cause the lips of them that where theyare asleep to speak; for they cannot choose but see her, did they but lift up theireyes.
So CHR. It is a thing to be wondered at, and it argueth that their heartsare grown desperate in the case; and I saw that when they awokecannot tell who to compare themto so fitly, they addressed themselves to go up as to them that pick pockets in the presence of the city; butjudge, as I or that will cut purses under the gallows. It is said, of the reflection men of Sodom, that they were "sinners exceedingly," because they were sinners"before the sun upon Lord," that is, in his eyesight, and notwithstanding the city (kindnesses that he had shown them; for the city land of Sodom was pure gold) was so extremely glorious that they could notnow likethe garden of Eden as heretofore. Gen. 13:10-13. This, as yettherefore, with open face behold itprovoked him the more to jealousy, but through an instrument and made for that purposetheir plague as hot as thefire of the Lord out of heaven could make it. So I saw And it is most rationallyto be concluded, that such, even such as I went onthese are, that shall sin inthe sight, there met them two menyea, and that too in raiment despite of such examples that shone like gold; also their faces shone as are setcontinually before them, to caution them to the lightcontrary, must bepartakers of severest judgments.
These men asked HOPE. Doubtless thou hast said the Pilgrims whence they cametruth; and they told them. They also asked them where they had lodged, but what difficulties and dangersa mercy is it, what comforts and pleasures they had met in the way; and they told them. Then said the men that met themneither thou, You have but two difficulties more especially I, am not made myself this example! Thisministereth occasion to us to meet withthank God, to fear before him, and then you are in the cityalwaysto remember Lot's wife.
Christian then, and his companion, asked the men to go along with them; so they told them they would. But, said they, you must obtain it by your own faith. So I saw in my dream then that they went on togethertheir way to a pleasant river, until they came in sight which Davidthe king called "the river of God;" but John, "the river of the gatewater oflife. " Psa. 65:9; Rev. 22:1; Ezek. 47:1-9. Nowtheir way lay justupon the bank of this river: here, I further sawtherefore, that betwixt them Christian and hiscompanion walked with great delight; they drank also of the water of the gate was a river, but there which was no bridge pleasant and enlivening to go over: the river was very deeptheir weary spirits. At Besides, on the sight, therefore, banks of this river, the Pilgrims on either side, were much stunnedgreen treeswith all manner of fruit; but and the men leaves they ate to prevent surfeits,and other diseases that went in are incident to those that heat their blood bytravel. On either side of the river was also a meadow, curiouslybeautified with them saidlilies; and it was green all the year long. In thismeadow they lay down and slept, You must go throughfor here they might lie down safely.Psa. 23:2; Isa. 14:30. When they awoke they gathered again of thefruit of the trees, or you cannot come at and drank again of the water of the gateriver, and thenlay down again to sleep. Thus they did several days and nights. Thenthey sang;
The Pilgrims then began to inquire if there was no other way to the gate; to which they answered"Behold ye, Yes; but there hath not anyhow these Crystal Streams do glide, save two, to wit, Enoch and Elijah, been permitted to tread that path since the foundation of the world, nor shall, until the last trumpet shall sound. The Pilgrims then, especially Christian, began to despond in their minds, and looked this way and that, but no way could be found by them by which they might escape the river. Then they asked the men if the waters were all of a depth. They said: No; yet they could not help them in that case; for, said they, you shall find it deeper or shallower as you believe in the King of the place.
They then addressed themselves to To comfort pilgrims by the water and, entering, Christian began to sink, and crying out to his good friend Hopeful, he said, I sink in deep waters; the billows go over my head, all his waves go over me! Selahhighway-side.
Then said the otherThe meadows green, Be of good cheer, my brother, I feel the bottom, and it is good. Then said Christian, Ah! my friend, the sorrows of death hath compassed me about; I shall not see the land that flows with milk and honey; and with that a great darkness and horror fell upon Christian, so that he could not see before him. Also here he in great measure lost his senses, so that he could neither remember nor orderly talk of any of those sweet refreshments that he had met with in the way of his pilgrimage. But all the words that he spake still tended to discover that he had horror of mind, and heart fears that he should die in that river, and never obtain entrance in at the gate. Here also, as they that stood by perceived, he was much in the troublesome thoughts of the sins that he had committed, both since and before he began to be a pilgrim. It was also observed that he was troubled with apparitions of hobgoblins and evil spirits, for ever and anon he would intimate so much by words. Hopeful, therefore, here had much ado to keep his brother's head above water; yea, sometimes he would be quite gone down, and then, ere a while, he would rise up again half dead. Hopeful also would endeavour to comfort him, saying, Brother, I see the gate, and men standing by to receive us: but Christian would answer, It is you, it is you they wait for; you have been Hopeful ever since I knew you. And so have you, said he to Christian. Ah! brother! said he, surely if I was right he would now arise to help me; but for my sins he hath brought me into the snarebesides their fragrant smell,
and hath left me. Then said Hopeful, My brother, you have quite forgot the text, where it is said of the wicked, There are no bands in their death, but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, neither are they plagued like other men. These troubles and distresses that you go through in these waters are no sign that God hath forsaken youYield dainties for them; but are sent to try you, whether you will call to mind And he that which heretofore you have received of his goodness, and live upon him in your distresses.can tell
Then I saw in my dreamWhat pleasant fruit, that Christian was as in a muse a while. To whom also Hopeful added this wordyea, Be of good cheerleaves these trees do yield, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole; and with that Christian brake out with a loud voice, Oh, I see him again! and he tells me, When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee. Then they both took courage, and the enemy was after that as still as a stone, until they were gone over. Christian therefore presently found ground to stand upon, and so it followed that the rest of the river was but shallow. Thus they got over. Now, upon the bank of the river, on the other side, they saw the two shining men again, who there waited for them; wherefore, being come out of the river, they saluted them, saying, We are ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for those that shall be heirs of salvation. Thus they went along towards the gate.
Now, now look how the holy pilgrims ride, Clouds are their chariots, angels are their guide: Who would not here for him Will soon sell all hazards run, That thus provides for his when that he may buy this world's donefield."
Now you must note that the city stood upon a mighty hill, but the Pilgrims went up that hill with ease, because So when they had these two men were disposed to lead them up by the arms; alsogo on, (for they had left were not as yet at their mortal garments behind them in the river, for though they went in with themjourney's end, ) they came out without them. They, thereforeate, went up here with much agility and speed, though the foundation upon which the city was framed was higher than the clouds. They therefore went up through the regions of the air, sweetly talking as they went, being comforted, because they safely got over the riverdrank, and had such glorious companions to attend themdeparted.
The talk Now I beheld in my dream, that they had with the Shining Ones was about the glory of the place; who told them that the beauty and glory of it was inexpressible. There, said they, is the Mount Zionnot journeyed far, but the heavenly Jerusalem, the innumerable company of angels, riverand the spirits of just men made perfect. You are going nowway for a time parted, said at which they, to the paradise of God, wherein you shall see the tree of life, and eat of the never-fading fruits thereofwere not a little sorry; and when you come there, you shall have white robes given you, and your walk and talk shall be every day with the King, even all the days yet they durst not go out of eternity. There you shall not see again such things as you saw when you were in the lower region upon the earth, to wit, sorrow, sickness, affliction, and death, for the former things are passed awayway. You are now going to Abraham, to Isaac, and Jacob, and to Now the prophets -- men that God hath taken away way from the evil to comeriver wasrough, and that are now resting upon their beds, each one walking in his righteousness. The men then asked, What must we do in the holy place? To whom it was answered, You must there receive the comforts feet tender by reason of all your toil, and have joy for all your sorrowtheir travels; you must reap what you have sown, even so the fruit souls of all your prayers, and tears, and sufferings for the King by pilgrims were much discouraged because of the way. In that place you must wear crowns of gold Numb. 21:4.Wherefore, and enjoy the perpetual sight and vision of the Holy Onestill as they went on, they wished for there you shall see him as he isa better way. There also you shall serve him continually with praise Now, with shoutingalittle before them, and thanksgiving, whom you desired to serve in there was on the world, though with much difficulty, because left hand of the infirmity of your flesh. There your eyes shall be delighted with seeingroad a meadow, and your ears with hearing the pleasant voice of the Mighty One. There you shall enjoy your friends again that are gone thither before you; a stile to go over into it, and there you shall with joy receive, even every one that follows into the holy place after youmeadow is called By-path meadow. There also shall you be clothed with glory and majestyThen said Christian to his fellow, If this meadow lieth along by ourwayside, and put let's go over into an equipage fit to ride out with the King of Gloryit. When Then he shall come with sound of trumpet in went to the cloudsstile to see, as upon andbehold a path lay along by the way on the wings other side of the windfence. Itis according to my wish, you shall come with himsaid Christian; and when he shall sit upon here is the throne of judgmenteasiest going; you shall sit by him; yeacome, good Hopeful, and when he shall pass sentence upon all the workers of iniquity, let them be angels or men, you also shall have a voice in that judgment, because they were his and your enemies. Also, when he shall again return to the city, you shall us go too, with sound of trumpet, and be ever with himover.
Now while they were thus drawing towards the gate, behold a company of the heavenly host came out to meet them; to whom it was said, by the other two Shining Ones, These are the men that have loved our Lord when they were in the world, and that have left all for his holy name; and he hath sent HOPE. But how if this path should lead us to fetch them, and we have brought them thus far on their desired journey, that they may go in and look their Redeemer in the face with joy. Then the heavenly host gave a great shout, saying, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. There came out also at this time to meet them, several of the King's trumpeters, clothed in white and shining raiment, who, with melodious noises, and loud, made even the heavens to echo with their sound. These trumpeters saluted Christian and his fellow with ten thousand welcomes from the world; and this they did with shouting, and sound of trumpet.way?
This doneCHR. That is not likely, they compassed them round on every side; some went beforesaid the other. Look, some behinddoth it not go along bythe wayside? So Hopeful, and some on the right handbeing persuaded by his fellow, some on went after himover the leftstile. When they were gone over, (as it and were to guard them through got into the upper regionspath,) continually sounding as they went, with melodious noise, in notes on high: so that the found it very sight waseasy for their feet; and withal, to them that could behold itthey, as if heaven itself was come down to meet looking beforethem. Thus, therefore, they walked on together; and espied a man walking as they walkeddid, ever and anon these trumpeters, even with joyful sound, would, by mixing their music with looks and gestures, still signify to Christian and his brother, how welcome name was Vain-Confidence: so they were into their companycalled after him, and with what gladness they came to meet them; and now were these two menasked him whither that wayled. He said, as it wereTo the Celestial Gate. Look, in heavensaid Christian, before they came at it, being swallowed up with the sight of angels, and with hearing of their melodious notesdid not Itell you so? by this you may see we are right. Here also So they had the city itself in viewfollowed, and they thought they heard all the bells therein to ring, to welcome he went before them thereto. But above allbehold the night came on, the warm and joyful thoughts it grew verydark; so that they had about their own dwelling there, with such company, and that for ever and ever. Oh, by what tongue or pen can their glorious joy be expressed! And thus they came up to went behind lost the gatesight of him that wentbefore.
NowHe therefore that went before, when they were come up to (Vain-Confidence by name,) not seeing the gateway before him, fell into a deep pit, which was on purpose there was written over it in letters made,by the prince of goldthose grounds, Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of lifecatch vain-glorious fools withal, and may enter was dashed in through the gates into the citypieces with his fall. Isa. 9:16.
Then I saw in my dream that the Shining Men bid them call at the gate; the whichNow, when Christian and his fellow heard him fall. So they did, some looked from above over called to knowthe gatematter, to wit, Enoch, Moses, and Elijah, to whom it but there was said, These pilgrims are come from the City of Destruction, for the love that they bear none to the King of this place; and then the Pilgrims gave in unto them each man his certificateanswer, which only they had received in the beginning; those, therefore, were carried in to the King, who, when he had read them, heard a groaning.Then saidHopeful, Where are the menwe now? To whom it Then was answeredhis fellow silent, They are standing without asmistrusting that he had led him out of the gate. The King then commanded way; and now it began to open the gaterain, That the righteous nationand thunder, said heand lighten in a most dreadful manner, which keepeth and the truth, may enter inwaterrose amain.
Now I saw Then Hopeful groaned in my dream that these two men went in at the gate: and lohimself, as they enteredsaying, they were transfigured, and they Oh that I had raiment put kept on that shone like gold. There was also that met them with harps and crowns, and gave them to them -- the harps to praise withal, and the crowns in token of honour. Then I heard in my dream that all the bells in the city rang again for joy, and that it was said unto them, Enter ye into the joy of your Lord. I also heard the men themselves, that they sang with a loud voice, saying, Blessing and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth Upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever.way!
Now, just as the gates were opened to let in the men, I looked in after them, and, behold, the City shone like CHR. Who could have thought that this path should have led us out of the sun; the streets also were paved with gold, and in them walked many men, with crowns on their heads, palms in their hands, and golden harps to sing praises withal.way?
There were also of them that had wingsHOPE. I was afraid on't at the very first, and they answered one another without intermission, saying, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lordtherefore gave you thatgentle caution. And after that they shut up the gates; which, when I had seenwould have spoke plainer, but that you are older thanI wished myself among them.
Now while I was gazing upon all these things, I turned my head to look back, and saw Ignorance come up to the river side; but he soon got over, and that without half that difficulty which the other two men met withCHR. For it happened that there was then in that placeGood brother, one Vain-hope, a ferryman, that with his boat helped him overbe not offended; so he, as the other I saw, did ascend the hill, to come up to the gate, only he came alone; neither did any man meet him with the least encouragement. When he was come up to the gate, he looked up to the writing that was above, and then began to knock, supposing that entrance should am sorry I have been quickly administered to him; but he was asked by the men that looked over the top brought thee outof the gate, Whence came youway, and what would you have? He answered, that I have eat and drank in the presence of the Kingput thee into such imminent danger. Pray, and he has taught in our streets. Then they asked him for his certificatemy brother, that they might go in and shew it to the Kingforgive me; so he fumbled in his bosom for one, and found none. Then said they, Have you none? But the man answered never a word. So they told the King, but he would I did not come down to see him, but commanded the two Shining Ones that conducted Christian and Hopeful to the City, to go out and take Ignorance, and bind him hand and foot, and have him awaydo it of an evil intent. Then they took him
upHOPE. Be comforted, my brother, and carried him through the air to the door that for I saw in the side of the hill, forgive thee; and put him in there. Then I saw that there was a way to hellbelieve, even from the gates of heaventoo, as well as from the City of Destructionthat this shall be for our good. So I awoke, and behold it was a dream. The Conclusion
Now, reader, CHR. I am glad I have told my dream to thee; See if thou canst interpret it to with me, Or to thyself, or neighbour; a merciful brother: but take heedwe must not stand Of misinterpretinghere; for that, instead Of doing good, will but thyself abuse: By misinterpreting, evil ensueslet us try to go back again.
Take heed, alsoHOPE. But, that thou be not extremegood brother, In playing with the outside of my dream: Nor let my figure or similitude Put thee into a laughter or a feud. Leave this for boys and fools; but as for thee, Do thou the substance of my matter seeme go before.
Put by the curtainsCHR. No, look within my veilif you please, Turn up my metaphorslet me go first, and do not failthat if there be any danger,I There, if thou seekest them, such things to findmay be first therein,because by my means we are both gone out of the As will be helpful to an honest mindway.
What of my dross thou findest thereHOPE. No, said Hopeful, you shall not go first, be boldfor your mind being To throw away, but yet preserve troubled may lead you out of the gold;way again. Then for their What if my gold encouragement they heard the voice of one saying, "Let thine heart be wrapped up in ore? -- None throws away toward the apple for highway, even the coreway that thou wentest: turn again." Jer. 31:21. But if thou shalt cast all away as vainby this time the waters were greatly risen,by reason of which the way of going back was very dangerous. (Then I know not thought that itis easier going out of the way when we are in, than going in when we areout.) Yet they adventured to go back; but 'twill make it was so dark, and the floodwas so high, that in their going back they had like to have been drownednine or ten times. Neither could they, with all the skill they had, get again to the stilethat night. Wherefore at last, lighting under a little shelter, theysat down there till the day brake; but being weary, they fell asleep.Now there was, not far from the place where they lay, a castle, calledDoubting Castle, the owner whereof was Giant Despair, and it was in hisgrounds they now were sleeping: wherefore he, getting up in the morningearly, and walking up and down in his fields, caught Christian andHopeful asleep in his grounds. Then with a grim and surly voice, he bidthem awake, and asked them whence they were, and what they did in hisgrounds. They told him they were pilgrims, and that they had lost theirway. Then said the giant, You have this night trespassed on me bytrampling in and lying on my grounds, and therefore you must go alongwith me dream again. So they were forced to go, because he was stronger than they.They also had but little to say, for they knew themselves in a fault.The giant, therefore, drove them before him, and put them into hiscastle, into a very dark dungeon, nasty and stinking to the spirits ofthese two men. Here, then, they lay from Wednesday morning tillSaturday night, without one bit of bread, or drop of drink, or light, orany to ask how they did; they were, therefore, here in evil case, andwere far from friends and acquaintance. Psa. 88:18. Now in this placeChristian had double sorrow, because it was through his unadvisedcounsel that they were brought into this distress. Now Giant Despair had a wife, and her name was Diffidence: so when hewas gone to bed he told his wife what he had done, to wit, that he hadtaken a couple of prisoners, and cast them into his dungeon fortrespassing on his grounds. Then he asked her also what he had best dofurther to them. So she asked him what they were, whence they came, andwhither they were bound, and he told her. Then she counseled him, thatwhen he arose in the morning he should beat them without mercy. So whenhe arose, he getteth him a grievous crab-tree cudgel, and goes down intothe dungeon to them, and there first falls to rating of them as if theywere dogs, although they gave him never a word of distaste. Then hefalls upon them, and beats them fearfully, in such sort that they werenot able to help themselves, or to turn them upon the floor. This done,he withdraws and leaves them there to condole their misery, and to mournunder their distress: so all that day they spent the time in nothing butsighs and bitter lamentations. The next night, she, talking with herhusband further about them, and understanding that they were yet alive,did advise him to counsel them to make away with themselves. So whenmorning was come, he goes to them in a surly manner, as before, andperceiving them to be very sore with the stripes that he had given themthe day before, he told them, that since they were never like to comeout of that place, their only way would be forthwith to make an end ofthemselves, either with knife, halter, or poison; for why, said he,should you choose to live, seeing it is attended with so muchbitterness? But they desired him to let them go. With that he lookedugly upon them, and rushing to them, had doubtless made an end of themhimself, but that he fell into one of his fits, (for he sometimes insunshiny weather fell into fits,) and lost for a time the use of hishands; wherefore he withdrew, and left them as before to consider whatto do. Then did the prisoners consult between themselves whether it wasbest to take his counsel or no; and thus they began to discourse: CHR. Brother, said Christian, what shall we do? The life that we nowlive is miserable. For my part, I know not whether it is best to livethus, or to die out of hand. My soul chooseth strangling rather thanlife, and the grave is more easy for me than this dungeon. Job. 7:15.Shall we be ruled by the giant? HOPE. Indeed our present condition is dreadful, and death would be farmore welcome to me than thus for ever to abide; but yet, let usconsider, the Lord of the country to which we are going hath said, "Thoushalt do no murder," no, not to another man's person; much more, then,are we forbidden to take his counsel to kill ourselves. Besides, hethat kills another, can but commit murder upon his body; but for one tokill himself, is to kill body and soul at once. And moreover, mybrother, thou talkest of ease in the grave; but hast thou forgotten thehell whither for certain the murderers go? for "no murderer hatheternal life," etc. And let us consider again, that all the law is notin the hand of Giant Despair: others, so far as I can understand, havebeen taken by him as well as we, and yet have escaped out of his hands.Who knows but that God, who made the world, may cause that Giant Despairmay die; or that, at some time or other, he may forget to lock us in; orthat he may, in a short time, have another of his fits before us, andmay lose the use of his limbs? And if ever that should come to passagain, for my part, I am resolved to pluck up the heart of a man, and totry my utmost to get from under his hand. I was a fool that I did nottry to do it before. But, however, my brother, let us be patient, andendure a while: the time may come that may give us a happy release; butlet us not be our own murderers. With these words Hopeful at presentdid moderate the mind of his brother; so they continued together in thedark that day, in their sad and doleful condition. Well, towards evening the giant goes down into the dungeon again, to seeif his prisoners had taken his counsel. But when he came there he foundthem alive; and truly, alive was all; for now, what for want of breadand water, and by reason of the wounds they received when he beat them,they could do little but breathe. But I say, he found them alive; atwhich he fell into a grievous rage, and told them, that seeing they haddisobeyed his counsel, it should be worse with them than if they hadnever been born. At this they trembled greatly, and I think that Christian fell into aswoon; but coming a little to himself again, they renewed theirdiscourse about the giant's counsel, and whether yet they had best takeit or no. Now Christian again seemed for doing it; but Hopeful made hissecond reply as followeth: HOPE. My brother, said he, rememberest thou not how valiant thou hastbeen heretofore? Apollyon could not crush thee, nor could all that thoudidst hear, or see, or feel, in the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Whathardship, terror, and amazement hast thou already gone through; and artthou now nothing but fears! Thou seest that I am in the dungeon withthee, a far weaker man by nature than thou art. Also this giant hathwounded me as well as thee, and hath also cut off the bread and waterfrom my mouth, and with thee I mourn without the light. But let usexercise a little more patience. Remember how thou playedst the man atVanity Fair, and wast neither afraid of the chain nor cage, nor yet ofbloody death: wherefore let us (at least to avoid the shame that itbecomes not a Christian to be found in) bear up with patience as well aswe can. Now night being come again, and the giant and his wife being in bed, sheasked him concerning the prisoners, and if they had taken his counsel:to which he replied, They are sturdy rogues; they choose rather to bearall hardships than to make away with themselves. Then said she, Takethem into the castle-yard to-morrow, and show them the bones and skullsof those that thou hast already dispatched, and make them believe, ere aweek comes to an end, thou wilt tear them in pieces, as thou hast donetheir fellows before them. So when the morning was come, the giant goes to them again, and takesthem into the castle-yard, and shows them as his wife had bidden him.These, said he, were pilgrims, as you are, once, and they trespassed onmy grounds, as you have done; and when I thought fit I tore them inpieces; and so within ten days I will do you: get you down to your denagain. And with that he beat them all the way thither. They lay,therefore, all day on Saturday in a lamentable case, as before. Now,when night was come, and when Mrs. Diffidence and her husband the giantwas got to bed, they began to renew their discourse of their prisoners;and withal, the old giant wondered that he could neither by his blowsnor counsel bring them to an end. And with that his wife replied, Ifear, said she, that they live in hopes that some will come to relievethem; or that they have picklocks about them, by the means of which theyhope to escape. And sayest thou so, my dear? said the giant; I willtherefore search them in the morning. Well, on Saturday, about midnight they began to pray, and continued inprayer till almost break of day. Now, a little before it was day, good Christian, as one half amazed,brake out into this passionate speech: What a fool, quoth he, am I, thusto lie in a stinking dungeon, when I may as well walk at liberty! Ihave a key in my bosom, called Promise, that will, I am persuaded, openany lock in Doubting Castle. Then said Hopeful, That is good news; goodbrother, pluck it out of thy bosom, and try. Then Christian pulled it out of his bosom, and began to try at thedungeon-door, whose bolt, as he turned the key, gave back, and the doorflew open with ease, and Christian and Hopeful both came out. Then hewent to the outward door that leads into the castle-yard, and with hiskey opened that door also. After he went to the iron gate, for thatmust be opened too; but that lock went desperately hard, yet the key didopen it. They then thrust open the gate to make their escape withspeed; but that gate, as it opened, made such a creaking, that it wakedGiant Despair, who hastily rising to pursue his prisoners, felt hislimbs to fail, for his fits took him again, so that he could by no meansgo after them. Then they went on, and came to the King's highway, andso were safe, because they were out of his jurisdiction. Now, when they were gone over the stile, they began to contrive withthemselves what they should do at that stile, to prevent those thatshall come after from falling into the hands of Giant Despair. So theyconsented to erect there a pillar, and to engrave upon the side thereofthis sentence: "Over this stile is the way to Doubting Castle, which iskept by Giant Despair, who despiseth the King of' the Celestial country,and seeks to destroy his holy pilgrims." Many, therefore, that followedafter, read what was written, and escaped the danger. This done, theysang as follows: "Out of the way we went, and then we found What 'twas to tread upon forbidden ground: And let them that come after have a care, Lest heedlessness makes them as we to fare; Lest they, for trespassing, his prisoners are, Whose castle's Doubting, and whose name's Despair." ==THE EIGHTH STAGE.== They went then till they came to the Delectable Mountains, whichmountains belong to the Lord of that hill of which we have spokenbefore. So they went up to the mountains, to behold the gardens andorchards, the vineyards and fountains of water; where also they drankand washed themselves, and did freely eat of the vineyards. Now, therewere on the tops of these mountains shepherds feeding their flocks, andthey stood by the highway-side. The pilgrims, therefore, went to them,and leaning upon their staffs, (as is common with weary pilgrims whenthey stand to talk with any by the way,) they asked, Whose DelectableMountains are these; and whose be the sheep that feed upon them? SHEP. These mountains are Emmanuel's land, and they are within sight ofhis city; and the sheep also are his, and he laid down his life forthem. John 10:11,15. CHR. Is this the way to the Celestial City? SHEP. You are just in your way. CHR. How far is it thither? SHEP. Too far for any but those who shall get thither indeed. CHR. Is the way safe or dangerous? SHEP. Safe for those for whom it is to be safe; but transgressors shallfall therein. Hos. 14:9. CHR. Is there in this place any relief for pilgrims that are weary andfaint in the way? SHEP. The Lord of these mountains hath given us a charge not to beforgetful to entertain strangers, Heb. 13:2; therefore the good of theplace is before you . I saw also in my dream, that when the shepherds perceived that they werewayfaring men, they also put questions to them, (to which they madeanswer as in other places,) as, Whence came you? and, How got you intothe way? and, By what means have you so persevered therein? for butfew of them that begin to come hither, do show their face on thesemountains. But when the shepherds heard their answers, being pleasedtherewith, they looked very lovingly upon them, and said, Welcome to theDelectable Mountains. The shepherds, I say, whose names were Knowledge, Experience, Watchful,and Sincere, took them by the hand, and had them to their tents, andmade them partake of that which was ready at present. They saidmoreover, We would that you should stay here a while, to be acquaintedwith us, and yet more to solace yourselves with the good of theseDelectable Mountains. Then they told them that they were content tostay. So they went to their rest that night, because it was very late. Then I saw in my dream, that in the morning the shepherds called upChristian and Hopeful to walk with them upon the mountains. So theywent forth with them, and walked a while, having a pleasant prospect onevery side. Then said the shepherds one to another, Shall we show thesepilgrims some wonders? So when they had concluded to do it, they hadthem first to the top of a hill called Error, which was very steep onthe farthest side, and bid them look down to the bottom. So Christianand Hopeful looked down, and saw at the bottom several men dashed all topieces by a fall that they had had from the top. Then said Christian,What meaneth this? The shepherds answered, Have you not heard of themthat were made to err, by hearkening to Hymenius and Philetus, asconcerning the faith of the resurrection of the body? 2 Tim. 2:17,18.They answered, Yes. Then said the shepherds, Those that you see liedashed in pieces at the bottom of this mountain are they; and they havecontinued to this day unburied, as you see, for an example to others totake heed how they clamber too high, or how they come too near the brinkof this mountain. Then I saw that they had them to the top of another mountain, and thename of that is Caution, and bid them look afar off; which, when theydid, they perceived, as they thought, several men walking up and downamong the tombs that were there; and they perceived that the men wereblind, because they stumbled sometimes upon the tombs, and because theycould not get out from among them. Then said Christian, What meansthis? The shepherds then answered, Did you not see, a little below thesemountains, a stile that led into a meadow, on the left hand of this way?They answered, Yes. Then said the shepherds, From that stile there goesa path that leads directly to Doubting Castle, which is kept by GiantDespair; and these men (pointing to them among the tombs) came once onpilgrimage, as you do now, even until they came to that same stile. Andbecause the right way was rough in that place, they chose to go out ofit into that meadow, and there were taken by Giant Despair, and castinto Doubting Castle; where after they had a while been kept in thedungeon, he at last did put out their eyes, and led them among thosetombs, where he has left them to wander to this very day, that thesaying of the wise man might be fulfilled, "He that wandereth out of theway of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead."Prov. 21:16. Then Christian and Hopeful looked upon one another, withtears gushing out, but yet said nothing to the shepherds. Then I saw in my dream, that the shepherds had them to another place ina bottom, where was a door on the side of a hill; and they opened thedoor, and bid them look in. They looked in, therefore, and saw thatwithin it was very dark and smoky; they also thought that they heardthere a rumbling noise, as of fire, and a cry of some tormented, andthat they smelt the scent of brimstone. Then said Christian, What meansthis? The shepherds told them, This is a by-way to hell, a way thathypocrites go in at; namely, such as sell their birthright, with Esau;such as sell their Master, with Judas; such as blaspheme the Gospel,with Alexander; and that lie and dissemble, with Ananias and Sapphirahis wife. Then said Hopeful to the shepherds, I perceive that these had on them,even every one, a show of pilgrimage, as we have now; had they not? SHEP. Yes, and held it a long time, too. HOPE. How far might they go on in pilgrimage in their day, since they,notwithstanding, were miserably cast away? SHEP. Some farther, and some not so far as these mountains. Then said the pilgrims one to the other, We had need to cry to theStrong for strength. SHEP. Aye, and you will have need to use it, when you have it, too. By this time the pilgrims had a desire to go forward, and the shepherdsa desire they should; so they walked together towards the end of themountains. Then said the shepherds one to another, Let us here show thepilgrims the gates of the Celestial City, if they have skill to lookthrough our perspective glass. The pilgrims lovingly accepted themotion: so they had them to the top of a high hill, called Clear, andgave them the glass to look. Then they tried to look; but the remembrance of that last thing that theshepherds had shown them made their hands shake, by means of whichimpediment they could not look steadily through the glass; yet theythought they saw something like the gate, and also some of the glory ofthe place. Then they went away, and sang, "Thus by the shepherds secrets are reveal'd, Which from all other men are kept concealed: Come to the shepherds then, if you would see Things deep, things hid, and that mysterious be." When they were about to depart, one of the shepherds gave them a note ofthe way. Another of them bid them beware of the Flatterer. The thirdbid them take heed that they slept not upon Enchanted Ground. And thefourth bid them God speed. So I awoke from my dream. ==THE NINTH STAGE.== And I slept, and dreamed again, and saw the same two pilgrims going downthe mountains along the highway towards the city. Now, a little belowthese mountains, on the left hand, lieth the country of Conceit, fromwhich country there comes into the way in which the pilgrims walked, alittle crooked lane. Here, therefore, they met with a very brisk ladthat came out of that country, and his name was Ignorance. So Christianasked him from what parts he came, and whither he was going. IGNOR. Sir, I was born in the country that lieth off there, a little onthe left hand, and I am going to the Celestial City. CHR. But how do you think to get in at the gate, for you may find somedifficulty there? IGNOR. As other good people do, said he. CHR. But what have you to show at that gate, that the gate should beopened to you? IGNOR. I know my Lord's will, and have been a good liver; I pay everyman his own; I pray, fast, pay tithes, and give alms, and have left mycountry for whither I am going. CHR. But thou camest not in at the wicket-gate, that is at the head ofthis way; thou camest in hither through that same crooked lane, andtherefore I fear, however thou mayest think of thyself, when thereckoning-day shall come, thou wilt have laid to thy charge, that thouart a thief and a robber, instead of getting admittance into the city. IGNOR. Gentlemen, ye be utter strangers to me; I know you not: becontent to follow the religion of your country, and I will follow thereligion of mine. I hope all will be well. And as for the gate thatyou talk of, all the world knows that is a great way off of our country.I cannot think that any man in all our parts doth so much as know theway to it; nor need they matter whether they do or no, since we have, asyou see, a fine, pleasant, green lane, that comes down from our country,the next way into the way. When Christian saw that the man was wise in his own conceit, he said toHopeful whisperingly, "There is more hope of a fool than of him." Prov.26:12. And said, moreover, "When he that is a fool walketh by the way,his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.Eccles. 10:3. What, shall we talk farther with him, or outgo him atpresent, and so leave him to think of what he hath heard already, andthen stop again for him afterwards, and see if by degrees we can do anygood to him? Then said Hopeful, "Let Ignorance a little while now muse On what is said, and let him not refuse Good counsel to embrace, lest he remain Still ignorant of what's the chiefest gain. God saith, those that no understanding have, (Although he made them,) them he will not save." HOPE. He further added, It is not good, I think, to say so to him all atonce; let us pass him by, if you will, and talk to him anon, even as heis able to bear it. So they both went on, and Ignorance he came after. Now, when they hadpassed him a little way, they entered into a very dark lane, where theymet a man whom seven devils had bound with seven strong cords, and werecarrying him back to the door that they saw on the side of the hill.Matt. 12:45; Prov. 5:22. Now good Christian began to tremble, and sodid Hopeful, his companion; yet, as the devils led away the man,Christian looked to see if he knew him; and he thought it might be oneTurn-away, that dwelt in the town of Apostacy. But he did not perfectlysee his face, for he did hang his head like a thief that is found; butbeing gone past, Hopeful looked after him, and espied on his back apaper with this inscription, "Wanton professor, and damnable apostate." Then said Christian to his fellow, Now I call to remembrance that whichwas told me of a thing that happened to a good man hereabout. The nameof the man was Little-Faith; but a good man, and he dwelt in the town ofSincere. The thing was this. At the entering in at this passage, therecomes down from Broadway-gate, a lane, called Dead-Man's lane; so calledbecause of the murders that are commonly done there; and this Little-Faith going on pilgrimage, as we do now, chanced to sit down there andsleep. Now there happened at that time to come down the lane fromBroadway-gate, three sturdy rogues, and their names were Faint-Heart,Mistrust, and Guilt, three brothers; and they, espying Little-Faithwhere he was, came galloping up with speed. Now the good man was justawaked from his sleep, and was getting up to go on his journey. So theycame up all to him, and with threatening language bid him stand. Atthis, Little-Faith looked as white as a sheet, and had neither power tofight nor fly. Then said Faint-Heart, Deliver thy purse; but he makingno haste to do it, (for he was loth to lose his money,) Mistrust ran upto him, and thrusting his hand into his pocket, pulled out thence a bagof silver. Then he cried out, Thieves, thieves! With that, Guilt, witha great club that was in his hand, struck Little-Faith on the head, andwith that blow felled him flat to the ground, where he lay bleeding asone that would bleed to death. All this while the thieves stood by.But at last, they hearing that some were upon the road, and fearing lestit should be one Great-Grace, that dwells in the town of Good-Confidence, they betook themselves to their heels, and left this goodman to shift for himself. Now, after a while, Little-Faith came tohimself, and getting up, made shift to scramble on his way. This wasthe story. HOPE. But did they take from him all that ever he had? CHR. No; the place where his jewels were they never ransacked; so thosehe kept still. But, as I was told, the good man was much afflicted forhis loss; for the thieves got most of his spending-money. That whichthey got not, as I said, were jewels; also, he had a little odd moneyleft, but scarce enough to bring him to his journey's end. Nay, (if Iwas not misinformed,) he was forced to beg as he went, to keep himselfalive, for his jewels he might not sell; but beg and do what he could,he went, as we say, with many a hungry belly the most part of the restof the way. 1 Pet. 4:18. HOPE. But is it not a wonder they got not from him his certificate, bywhich he was to receive his admittance at the Celestial Gate? CHR. It is a wonder; but they got not that, though they missed it notthrough any good cunning of his; for he, being dismayed by their comingupon him, had neither power nor skill to hide any thing; so it was moreby good providence than by his endeavor that they missed of that goodthing. 2 Tim. 1:12-14; 2 Pet. 2:9. HOPE. But it must needs be a comfort to him they got not this jewel fromhim. CHR. It might have been great comfort to him, had he used it as heshould; but they that told me the story said that he made but little useof it all the rest of the way, and that because of the dismay that hehad in their taking away his money. Indeed, he forgot it a great partof the rest of his journey; and besides, when at any time it came intohis mind, and he began to be comforted therewith, then would freshthoughts of his loss come again upon him, and these thoughts wouldswallow up all. HOPE. Alas, poor man, this could not but be a great grief to him. CHR. Grief? Aye, a grief indeed! Would it not have been so to any ofus, had we been used as he, to be robbed and wounded too, and that in astrange place, as he was? It is a wonder he did not die with grief,poor heart. I was told that he scattered almost all the rest of the waywith nothing but doleful and bitter complaints; telling, also, to allthat overtook him, or that he overtook in the way as he went, where hewas robbed, and how; who they were that did it, and what he had lost;how he was wounded, and that he hardly escaped with life. HOPE. But it is a wonder that his necessity did not put him upon sellingor pawning some of his jewels, that he might have wherewith to relievehimself in his journey. CHR. Thou talkest like one upon whose head is the shell to this veryday. For what should he pawn them? or to whom should he sell them? Inall that country where he was robbed, his jewels were not accounted of;nor did he want that relief which could from thence be administered tohim. Besides, had his jewels been missing at the gate of the CelestialCity, he had (and that he knew well enough) been excluded from aninheritance there, and that would have been worse to him than theappearance and villany of ten thousand thieves. HOPE. Why art thou so tart, my brother? Esau sold his birthright, andthat for a mess of pottage, Heb. 12:16; and that birthright was hisgreatest jewel: and if he, why might not Little-Faith do so too? CHR. Esau did sell his birthright indeed, and so do many besides, and byso doing exclude themselves from the chief blessing, as also thatcaitiff did; but you must put a difference betwixt Esau and Little-Faith, and also betwixt their estates. Esau's birthright was typical;but Little-Faith's jewels were not so. Esau's belly was his god; butLittle-Faith's belly was not so. Esau's want lay in his fleshyappetite; Little-Faith's did not so. Besides, Esau could see no furtherthan to the fulfilling of his lusts: For I am at the point to die, saidhe: and what good will this birthright do me? Gen. 25:32. But Little-Faith, though it was his lot to have but a little faith, was by hislittle faith kept from such extravagances, and made to see and prize hisjewels more than to sell them, as Esau did his birthright. You read notany where that Esau had faith, no, not so much as a little; therefore nomarvel, where the flesh only bears sway, (as it will in that man whereno faith is to resist,) if he sells his birthright and his soul and all,and that to the devil of hell; for it is with such as it is with theass, who in her occasion cannot be turned away, Jer. 2:24: when theirminds are set upon their lusts, they will have them, whatever they cost.But Little-Faith was of another temper; his mind was on things divine;his livelihood was upon things that were spiritual, and from above:therefore, to what end should he that is of such a temper sell hisjewels (had there been any that would have bought them) to fill his mindwith empty things? Will a man give a penny to fill his belly with hay?or can you persuade the turtle-dove to live upon carrion, like the crow?Though faithless ones can, for carnal lusts, pawn, or mortgage, or sellwhat they have, and themselves outright to boot; yet they that havefaith, saving faith, though but a little of it, cannot do so. Here,therefore, my brother, is thy mistake. HOPE. I acknowledge it; but yet your severe reflection had almost mademe angry. CHR. Why, I did but compare thee to some of the birds that are of thebrisker sort, who will run to and fro in untrodden paths with the shellupon their heads: but pass by that, and consider the matter underdebate, and all shall be well betwixt thee and me. HOPE. But, Christian, these three fellows, I am persuaded in my heart,are but a company of cowards: would they have run else, think you, asthey did, at the noise of one that was coming on the road? Why did notLittle-Faith pluck up a greater heart? He might, methinks, have stoodone brush with them, and have yielded when there had been no remedy. CHR. That they are cowards, many have said, but few have found it so inthe time of trial. As for a great heart, Little-Faith had none; and Iperceive by thee, my brother, hadst thou been the man concerned, thouart but for a brush, and then to yield. And verily, since this is theheight of thy stomach now they are at a distance from us, should theyappear to thee as they did to him, they might put thee to secondthoughts. But consider again, that they are but journeymen thieves; They serveunder the king of the bottomless pit, who, if need be, will come totheir aid himself, and his voice is as the roaring of a lion. 1 Pet.5:8. I myself have been engaged as this Little-Faith was, and I foundit a terrible thing. These three villains set upon me, and I beginninglike a Christian to resist, they gave but a call, and in came theirmaster. I would, as the saying is, have given my life for a penny, butthat, as God would have it, I was clothed with armor of proof. Aye, andyet, though I was so harnessed, I found it hard work to quit myself likea man: no man can tell what in that combat attends us, but he that hathbeen in the battle himself. HOPE. Well, but they ran, you see, when they did but suppose that oneGreat-Grace was in the way. CHR. True, they have often fled, both they and their master, when Great-Grace hath but appeared; and no marvel, for he is the King's champion.But I trow you will put some difference between Little-Faith and theKing's champion. All the King's subjects are not his champions; nor canthey, when tried, do such feats of war as he. Is it meet to think thata little child should handle Goliath as David did? or that there shouldbe the strength of an ox in a wren? Some are strong, some are weak;some have great faith, some have little: this man was one of the weak,and therefore he went to the wall. HOPE. I would it had been Great-Grace, for their sakes. CHR. If it had been he, he might have had his hands full: for I musttell you, that though Great-Grace is excellent good at his weapons, andhas, and can, so long as he keeps them at sword's point, do well enoughwith them; yet if they get within him, even Faint-Heart, Mistrust, orthe other, it shall go hard but they will throw up his heels. And whena man is down, you know, what can he do? Whoso looks well upon Great-Grace's face, will see those scars and cutsthere that shall easily give demonstration of what I say. Yea, once Iheard that he should say, (and that when he was in the combat,) Wedespaired even of life. How did these sturdy rogues and their fellowsmake David groan, mourn, and roar! Yea, Heman, Psa. 88, and Hezekiahtoo, though champions in their days, were forced to bestir them when bythese assaulted; and yet, notwithstanding, they had their coats soundlybrushed by them. Peter, upon a time, would go try what he could do; butthough some do say of him that he is the prince of the apostles, theyhandled him so that they made him at last afraid of a sorry girl. Besides, their king is at their whistle; he is never out of hearing; andif at any time they be put to the worst, he, if possible, comes in tohelp them; and of him it is said, "The sword of him that layeth at himcannot hold; the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon. He esteemeth ironas straw, and brass as rotten wood. The arrow cannot make him fly;sling-stones are turned with him into stubble. Darts are counted asstubble; he laugheth at the shaking of a spear." Job 41:26-29. Whatcan a man do in this case? It is true, if a man could at every turnhave Job's horse, and had skill and courage to ride him, he might donotable things. "For his neck is clothed with thunder. He will not beafraid as a grasshopper: the glory of his nostrils is terrible. Hepaweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength; he goeth on to meetthe armed men. He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neitherturneth he back from the sword. The quiver rattleth against him, theglittering spear and the shield. He swalloweth the ground withfierceness and rage; neither believeth he that it is the sound of thetrumpet. He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha! and he smelleth thebattle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shoutings." Job39:19-25. But for such footmen as thee and I are, let us never desire to meet withan enemy, nor vaunt as if we could do better, when we hear of othersthat have been foiled, nor be tickled at the thoughts of our ownmanhood; for such commonly come by the worst when tried. Witness Peter,of whom I made mention before: he would swagger, aye, he would; hewould, as his vain mind prompted him to say, do better and stand morefor his Master than all men: but who so foiled and run down by thosevillains as he? When, therefore, we hear that such robberies are done on the King'shighway, two things become us to do. 1. To go out harnessed, and be sure to take a shield with us: for itwas for want of that, that he who laid so lustily at Leviathan could notmake him yield; for, indeed, if that be wanting, he fears us not at all.Therefore, he that had skill hath said, "Above all, take the shield offaith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of thewicked." Eph. 6:16. 2. It is good, also, that we desire of the King a convoy, yea, that hewill go with us himself. This made David rejoice when in the Valley ofthe Shadow of Death; and Moses was rather for dying where he stood, thanto go one step without his God. Exod. 33:15. O, my brother, if he will but go along with us, what need we be afraidof ten thousands that shall set themselves against us? Psa. 3:5-8;27:1-3. But without him, the proud helpers fall under the slain. Isa.10:4. I, for my part, have been in the fray before now; and though (throughthe goodness of Him that is best) I am, as you see, alive, yet I cannotboast of any manhood. Glad shall I be if I meet with no more suchbrunts; though I fear we are not got beyond all danger. However, sincethe lion and the bear have not as yet devoured me, I hope God will alsodeliver us from the next uncircumcised Philistine. Then sang Christian, "Poor Little-Faith! hast been among the thieves? Wast robb'd? Remember this, whoso believes, And get more faith; then shall you victors be Over ten thousand-else scarce over three." So they went on, and Ignorance followed. They went then till they cameat a place where they saw a way put itself into their way, and seemedwithal to lie as strait as the way which they should go; and here theyknew not which of the two to take, for both seemed strait before them:therefore here they stood still to consider. And as they were thinkingabout the way, behold a man black of flesh, but covered with a verylight robe, come to them, and asked them why they stood there. Theyanswered, they were going to the Celestial City, but knew not which ofthese ways to take. "Follow me," said the man, "it is thither that I amgoing." So they followed him in the way that but now came into theroad, which by degrees turned, and turned them so far from the city thatthey desired to go to, that in a little time their faces were turnedaway from it; yet they follow him. But by and by, before they wereaware, he led them both within the compass of a net, in which they wereboth so entangled that they knew not what to do; and with that the whiterobe fell off the black man's back. Then they saw where they were.Wherefore there they lay crying some time, for they could not getthemselves out. CHR. Then said Christian to his fellow, Now do I see myself in an error.Did not the shepherds bid us beware of the Flatterer? As is the sayingof the wise man, so we have found it this day: "A man that flatterethhis neighbor, spreadeth a net for his feet." Prov. 29:5. HOPE. They also gave us a note of directions about the way, for our moresure finding thereof; but therein we have also forgotten to read, andhave not kept ourselves from the paths of the destroyer. Here David waswiser than we; for saith he, "Concerning the works of men, by the wordof thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the Destroyer." Psa.17:4. Thus they lay bewailing themselves in the net. At last theyespied a Shining One coming towards them with a whip of small cords inhis hand. When he was come to the place where they were, he asked themwhence they came, and what they did there. They told him that they werepoor pilgrims going to Zion, but were led out of their way by a blackman clothed in white, who bid us, said they, follow him, for he wasgoing thither too. Then said he with the whip, It is Flatterer, a falseapostle, that hath transformed himself into an angel of light. Dan.11:32; 2 Cor. 11:13,14. So he rent the net, and let the men out. Thensaid he to them, Follow me, that I may set you in your way again. So heled them back to the way which they had left to follow the Flatterer.Then he asked them, saying, Where did you lie the last night? Theysaid, With the shepherds upon the Delectable Mountains. He asked themthen if they had not of the shepherds a note of direction for the way.They answered, Yes. But did you not, said he, when you were at a stand,pluck out and read your note? They answered, No. He asked them, Why?They said they forgot. He asked, moreover, if the shepherds did not bidthem beware of the Flatterer. They answered, Yes; but we did notimagine, said they, that this fine-spoken man had been he. Rom.16:17,18. Then I saw in my dream, that he commanded them to lie down; which whenthey did, he chastised them sore, to teach them the good way whereinthey should walk, Deut. 25:2; 2 Chron. 6:27; and as he chastised them,he said, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous,therefore, and repent." Rev. 3:19. This done, he bids them to go ontheir way, and take good heed to the other directions of the shepherds.So they thanked him for all his kindness, and went softly along theright way, singing, "Come hither, you that walk along the way, See how the pilgrims fare that go astray: They catched are in an entangling net, Cause they good counsel lightly did forget: 'Tis true, they rescued were; but yet, you see, They're scouged to boot; let this your caution be." Now, after awhile, they perceived afar off, one coming softly, andalone, all along the highway, to meet them. Then said Christian to hisfellow, Yonder is a man with his back towards Zion, and he is coming tomeet us. HOPE. I see him; let us take heed to ourselves now, lest he should provea Flatterer also. So he drew nearer and nearer, and at last came up tothem. His name was Atheist, and he asked them whither they were going. CHR. We are going to Mount Zion. Then Atheist fell into a very great laughter. CHR. What's the meaning of your laughter? ATHEIST. I laugh to see what ignorant persons you are, to take upon youso tedious a journey, and yet are like to have nothing but your travelfor your pains. CHR. Why, man, do you think we shall not be received? ATHEIST. Received! There is not such a place as you dream of in allthis world. CHR. But there is in the world to come. ATHEIST. When I was at home in mine own country I heard as you nowaffirm, and from that hearing went out to see, and have been seekingthis city these twenty years, but find no more of it than I did thefirst day I set out. Eccles. 10:15; Jer. 17:15. CHR. We have both heard, and believe, that there is such a place to befound. ATHEIST. Had not I, when at home, believed, I had not come thus far toseek; but finding none, (and yet I should, had there been such a placeto be found, for I have gone to seek it farther than you,) I am goingback again, and will seek to refresh myself with the things that I thencast away for hopes of that which I now see is not. CHR. Then said Christian to Hopeful his companion, Is it true which thisman hath said? HOPE. Take heed, he is one of the Flatterers. Remember what it cost usonce already for our hearkening to such kind of fellows. What! noMount Zion? Did we not see from the Delectable Mountains the gate ofthe city? Also, are we not now to walk by faith? 2 Cor. 5:7. Let us go on, lest the man with the whip overtake us again. You shouldhave taught me that lesson, which I will sound you in the ears withal:"Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from thewords of knowledge." Prov. 19:27. I say, my brother, cease to hearhim, and let us believe to the saving of the soul. CHR. My brother, I did not put the question to thee, for that I doubtedof the truth of our belief myself, but to prove thee, and to fetch fromthee a fruit of the honesty of thy heart. As for this man, I know thathe is blinded by the God of this world. Let thee and me go on, knowingthat we have belief of the truth; and no lie is of the truth. 1 John,5:21. HOPE. Now do I rejoice in hope of the glory of God. So they turned awayfrom the man; and he, laughing at them, went his way. I then saw in my dream, that they went on until they came into a certaincountry whose air naturally tended to make one drowsy, if he came astranger into it. And here Hopeful began to be very dull, and heavy tosleep: wherefore he said unto Christian, I do now begin to grow sodrowsy that I can scarcely hold open mine eyes; let us lie down here,and take one nap. CHR. By no means, said the other; lest, sleeping, we never awake more. HOPE. Why, my brother? sleep is sweet to the laboring man; we may berefreshed, if we take a nap. CHR. Do you not remember that one of the shepherds bid us beware of theEnchanted Ground? He meant by that, that we should beware of sleeping;wherefore "let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and besober." 1 Thess. 5:6. HOPE. I acknowledge myself in a fault; and had I been here alone, I hadby sleeping run the danger of death. I see it is true that the wise mansaith, "Two are better than one." Eccl. 4:9. Hitherto hath thycompany been my mercy; and thou shalt have a good reward for thy labor. CHR. Now, then, said Christian, to prevent drowsiness in this place, letus fall into good discourse. HOPE. With all my heart, said the other. CHR. Where shall we begin? HOPE. Where God began with us. But do you begin, if you please. CHR. I will sing you first this song: "When saints do sleepy grow, let them come hither, And hear how these two pilgrims talk together; Yea, let them learn of them in any wise, Thus to keep ope their drowsy, slumb'ring eyes. Saints' fellowship, if it be managed well, Keeps them awake, and that in spite of hell." Then Christian began, and said, I will ask you a question. How came youto think at first of doing what you do now? HOPE. Do you mean, how came I at first to look after the good of mysoul? CHR. Yes, that is my meaning. HOPE. I continued a great while in the delight of those things whichwere seen and sold at our fair; things which I believe now would have,had I continued in them still, drowned me in perdition and destruction. CHR. What things were they? HOPE. All the treasures and riches of the world. Also I delighted muchin rioting, reveling, drinking, swearing, lying, uncleanness, Sabbath-breaking, and what not, that tended to destroy the soul. But I found atlast, by hearing and considering of things that are divine, which,indeed, I heard of you, as also of beloved Faithful, that was put todeath for his faith and good living in Vanity Fair, that the end ofthese things is death, Rom. 6:21-23; and that for these things' sake,the wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience. Eph. 5:6. CHR. And did you presently fall under the power of this conviction? HOPE. No, I was not willing presently to know the evil of sin, nor thedamnation that follows upon the commission of it; but endeavored, whenmy mind at first began to be shaken with the word, to shut mine eyesagainst the light thereof. CHR. But what was the cause of your carrying of it thus to the firstworkings of God's blessed Spirit upon you? HOPE. The causes were, 1. I was ignorant that this was the work of Godupon me. I never thought that by awakenings for sin, God at firstbegins the conversion of a sinner. 2. Sin was yet very sweet to myflesh, and I was loth to leave it. 3. I could not tell how to partwith mine old companions, their presence and actions were so desirableunto me. 4. The hours in which convictions were upon me, were suchtroublesome and such heart-affrighting hours, that I could not bear, nonot so much as the remembrance of them upon my heart. CHR. Then, as it seems, sometimes you got rid of your trouble? HOPE. Yes, verily, but it would come into my mind again; and then Ishould be as bad, nay, worse than I was before. CHR. Why, what was it that brought your sins to mind again? HOPE. Many things; as, 1. If I did but meet a good man in the streets; or, 2. If I have heard any read in the Bible; or, 3. If mine head did begin to ache; or, 4. If I were told that some of my neighbors were sick; or, 5. If I heard the bell toll for some that were dead; or, 6. If I thought of dying myself; or, 7. If I heard that sudden death happened to others. 8. But especially when I thought of myself, that I must quickly come tojudgment. CHR. And could you at any time, with ease, get off the guilt of sin,when by any of these ways it came upon you? HOPE. No, not I; for then they got faster hold of my conscience; andthen, if I did but think of going back to sin, (though my mind wasturned against it,) it would be double torment to me. CHR. And how did you do then? HOPE. I thought I must endeavor to mend my life; for else, thought I, Iam sure to be damned. CHR. And did you endeavor to mend? HOPE. Yes, and fled from, not only my sins, but sinful company too, andbetook me to religious duties, as praying, reading, weeping for sin,speaking truth to my neighbors, etc. These things did I, with manyothers, too much here to relate. CHR. And did you think yourself well then? HOPE. Yes, for a while; but at the last my trouble came tumbling upon meagain, and that over the neck of all my reformations. CHR. How came that about, since you were now reformed? HOPE. There were several things brought it upon me, especially suchsayings as these: "All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." Isa.64:6. "By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." Gal.2:16. "When ye have done all these things, say, We are unprofitable,"Luke 17:10; with many more such like. From whence I began to reasonwith myself thus: If all my righteousnesses are as filthy rags; if bythe deeds of the law no man can be justified; and if, when we have doneall, we are yet unprofitable, then is it but a folly to think of heavenby the law. I farther thought thus: If a man runs a hundred pounds intothe shopkeeper's debt, and after that shall pay for all that he shallfetch; yet if his old debt stands still in the book uncrossed, theshopkeeper may sue him for it, and cast him into prison, till he shallpay the debt. CHR. Well, and how did you apply this to yourself? HOPE. Why, I thought thus with myself: I have by my sins run a great wayinto God's book, and my now reforming will not pay off that score;therefore I should think still, under all my present amendments, But howshall I be freed from that damnation that I brought myself in danger ofby my former transgressions? CHR. A very good application: but pray go on. HOPE. Another thing that hath troubled me ever since my late amendments,is, that if I look narrowly into the best of what I do now, I still seesin, new sin, mixing itself with the best of that I do; so that now I amforced to conclude, that notwithstanding my former fond conceits ofmyself and duties, I have committed sin enough in one day to send me tohell, though my former life had been faultless. CHR. And what did you do then? HOPE. Do! I could not tell what to do, until I broke my mind toFaithful; for he and I were well acquainted. And he told me, thatunless I could obtain the righteousness of a man that never had sinned,neither mine own, nor all the righteousness of the world, could save me. CHR. And did you think he spake true? HOPE. Had he told me so when I was pleased and satisfied with my ownamendments, I had called him fool for his pains; but now, since I see myown infirmity, and the sin which cleaves to my best performance, I havebeen forced to be of his opinion. CHR. But did you think, when at first he suggested it to you, that therewas such a man to be found, of whom it might justly be said, that henever committed sin? HOPE. I must confess the words at first sounded strangely; but after alittle more talk and company with him, I had full conviction about it. CHR. And did you ask him what man this was, and how you must bejustified by him? HOPE. Yes, and he told me it was the Lord Jesus, that dwelleth on theright hand of the Most High. Heb. 10:12-21. And thus, said he, youmust be justified by him, even by trusting to what he hath done byhimself in the days of his flesh, and suffered when he did hang on thetree. Rom. 4:5; Col. 1:14; 1 Pet. 1:19. I asked him further, howthat man's righteousness could be of that efficacy, to justify anotherbefore God. And he told me he was the mighty God, and did what he did,and died the death also, not for himself, but for me; to whom hisdoings, and the worthiness of them, should be imputed, if I believed onhim. CHR. And what did you do then? HOPE. I made my objections against my believing, for that I thought hewas not willing to save me. CHR. And what said Faithful to you then? HOPE. He bid me go to him and see. Then I said it was presumption. Hesaid, No; for I was invited to come. Matt. 11:28. Then he gave me abook of Jesus' inditing, to encourage me the more freely to come; and hesaid concerning that book, that every jot and tittle thereof stoodfirmer than heaven and earth. Matt. 24:35. Then I asked him what Imust do when I came; and he told me I must entreat upon my knees, Psa.95:6; Dan. 6:10, with all my heart and soul, Jer. 29:12,13, the Fatherto reveal him to me. Then I asked him further, how I must make mysupplications to him; and he said, Go, and thou shalt find him upon amercy-seat, where he sits all the year long to give pardon andforgiveness to them that come. Exod. 25:22; Lev. 16:2; Num. 7:89;Heb. 4:16. I told him, that I knew not what to say when I came; and hebid say to this effect: God be merciful to me a sinner, and make me toknow and believe in Jesus Christ; for I see, that if his righteousnesshad not been, or I have not faith in that righteousness, I am utterlycast away. Lord, I have heard that thou art a merciful God, and hastordained that thy Son Jesus Christ should be the Saviour of the world;and moreover, that thou art willing to bestow him upon such a poorsinner as I am-and I am a sinner indeed. Lord, take therefore thisopportunity, and magnify thy grace in the salvation of my soul, throughthy Son Jesus Christ. Amen. CHR. And did you do as you were bidden? HOPE. Yes, over, and over, and over. CHR. And did the Father reveal the Son to you? HOPE. Not at the first, nor second, nor third, nor fourth, nor fifth,no, nor at the sixth time neither. CHR. What did you do then? HOPE. What? why I could not tell what to do. CHR. Had you not thoughts of leaving off praying? HOPE. Yes; an hundred times twice told. CHR. And what was the reason you did not? HOPE. I believed that it was true which hath been told me, to wit, thatwithout the righteousness of this Christ, all the world could not saveme; and therefore, thought I with myself, if I leave off, I die, and Ican but die at the throne of grace. And withal this came into my mind,"If it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, and will nottarry." Hab. 2:3. So I continued praying until the Father showed mehis Son. CHR. And how was he revealed unto you? HOPE. I did not see him with my bodily eyes, but with the eyes of myunderstanding, Eph. 1:18,19; and thus it was. One day I was very sad,I think sadder than at any one time in my life; and this sadness wasthrough a fresh sight of the greatness and vileness of my sins. And asI was then looking for nothing but hell, and the everlasting damnationof my soul, suddenly, as I thought, I saw the Lord Jesus looking downfrom heaven upon me, and saying, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, andthou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31. But I replied, Lord, I am a great, a very great sinner: and he answered,"My grace is sufficient for thee." 2 Cor. 12:9. Then I said, But,Lord, what is believing? And then I saw from that saying, "He thatcometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall neverthirst," John 6:35, that believing and coming was all one; and that hethat came, that is, that ran out in his heart and affections aftersalvation by Christ, he indeed believed in Christ. Then the water stoodin mine eyes, and I asked further, But, Lord, may such a great sinner asI am be indeed accepted of thee, and be saved by thee? And I heard himsay, "And him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out." John6:37. Then I said, But how, Lord, must I consider of thee in my comingto thee, that my faith may be placed aright upon thee? Then he said,"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." 1 Tim. 1:15. Heis the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes.Rom.10:4, and chap. 4. He died for our sins, and rose again for ourjustification. Rom. 4:25. He loved us, and washed us from our sins inhis own blood. Rev. 1:5. He is the Mediator between God and us. 1Tim. 2:5. He ever liveth to make intercession for us. Heb. 7:25.From all which I gathered, that I must look for righteousness in hisperson, and for satisfaction for my sins by his blood: that what he didin obedience to his Father's law, and in submitting to the penaltythereof, was not for himself, but for him that will accept it for hissalvation, and be thankful. And now was my heart full of joy, mine eyesfull of tears, and mine affections running over with love to the name,people, and ways of Jesus Christ. CHR. This was a revelation of Christ to your soul indeed. But tell meparticularly what effect this had upon your spirit. HOPE. It made me see that all the world, notwithstanding all therighteousness thereof, is in a state of condemnation. It made me seethat God the Father, though he be just, can justly justify the comingsinner. It made me greatly ashamed of the vileness of my former life,and confounded me with the sense of mine own ignorance; for there nevercame a thought into my heart before now that showed me so the beauty ofJesus Christ. It made me love a holy life, and long to do something forthe honor and glory of the name of the Lord Jesus. Yea, I thought thathad I now a thousand gallons of blood in my body, I could spill it allfor the sake of the Lord Jesus. I saw then in my dream, that Hopeful looked back, and saw Ignorance,whom they had left behind, coming after. Look, said he to Christian,how far yonder youngster loitereth behind. CHR. Aye, aye, I see him: he careth not for our company. HOPE. But I trow it would not have hurt him, had he kept pace with ushitherto. CHR. That is true; but I warrant you he thinketh otherwise. HOPE. That I think he doth; but, however, let us tarry for him. (Sothey did.) Then Christian said to him, Come away, man; why do you stay so behind? IGNOR. I take my pleasure in walking alone, even more a great deal thanin company, unless I like it the better. Then said Christian to Hopeful, (but softly,) Did I not tell you hecared not for our company? But, however, said he, come up, and let ustalk away the time in this solitary place. Then, directing his speechto Ignorance, he said, Come, how do you do? How stands it between Godand your soul now? IGNOR. I hope, well; for I am always full of good motions, that comeinto my mind to comfort me as I walk. CHR. What good motions? Pray tell us. IGNOR. Why, I think of God and heaven. CHR. So do the devils and damned souls. IGNOR. But I think of them, and desire them. CHR. So do many that are never like to come there. "The soul of thesluggard desireth, and hath nothing." Prov. 13:4. IGNOR. But I think of them, and leave all for them. CHR. That I doubt: for to leave all is a very hard matter; yea, a hardermatter than many are aware of. But why, or by what, art thou persuadedthat thou hast left all for God and heaven? IGNOR. My heart tells me so. CHR. The wise man says, "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool."Prov. 28:26. IGNOR. That is spoken of an evil heart; but mine is a good one. CHR. But how dost thou prove that? IGNOR. It comforts me in hopes of heaven. CHR. That may be through its deceitfulness; for a man's heart mayminister comfort to him in the hopes of that thing for which he has yetno ground to hope. IGNOR. But my heart and life agree together; and therefore my hope iswell-grounded. CHR. Who told thee that thy heart and life agree together? IGNOR. My heart tells me so. CHR. "Ask my fellow if I be a thief." Thy heart tells thee so! Exceptthe word of God beareth witness in this matter, other testimony is of novalue. IGNOR. But is it not a good heart that hath good thoughts? and is notthat a good life that is according to God's commandments? CHR. Yes, that is a good heart that hath good thoughts, and that is agood life that is according to God's commandments; but it is one thingindeed to have these, and another thing only to think so. IGNOR. Pray, what count you good thoughts, and a life according to God'scommandments? CHR. There are good thoughts of divers kinds; some respecting ourselves,some God, some Christ, and some other things. IGNOR. What be good thoughts respecting ourselves? CHR. Such as agree with the word of God. IGNOR. When do our thoughts of ourselves agree with the word of God? CHR. When we pass the same judgment upon ourselves which the wordpasses. To explain myself: the word of God saith of persons in anatural condition, "There is none righteous, there is none that doethgood." It saith also, that, "every imagination of the heart of man isonly evil, and that continually." Gen. 6:5; Rom. 3. And again, "Theimagination of man's heart is evil from his youth." Gen. 8:21. Now,then, when we think thus of ourselves, having sense thereof, then areour thoughts good ones, because according to the word of God. IGNOR. I will never believe that my heart is thus bad. CHR. Therefore thou never hadst one good thought concerning thyself inthy life. But let me go on. As the word passeth a judgment upon ourhearts, so it passeth a judgment upon our ways; and when the thoughts ofour hearts and ways agree with the judgment which the word giveth ofboth, then are both good, because agreeing thereto. IGNOR. Make out your meaning. CHR. Why, the word of God saith, that man's ways are crooked ways, notgood but perverse; it saith, they are naturally out of the good way,that they have not known it. Psa. 125:5; Prov. 2:15; Rom. 3:12.Now, when a man thus thinketh of his ways, I say, when he doth sensibly,and with heart-humiliation, thus think, then hath he good thoughts ofhis own ways, because his thoughts now agree with the judgment of theword of God. IGNOR. What are good thoughts concerning God? CHR. Even, as I have said concerning ourselves, when our thoughts of Goddo agree with what the word saith of him; and that is, when we think ofhis being and attributes as the word hath taught, of which I cannot nowdiscourse at large. But to speak of him with reference to us: then havewe right thoughts of God when we think that he knows us better than weknow ourselves, and can see sin in us when and where we can see none inourselves; when we think he knows our inmost thoughts, and that ourheart, with all its depths, is always open unto his eyes; also when wethink that all our righteousness stinks in his nostrils, and thattherefore he cannot abide to see us stand before him in any confidence,even in all our best performances. IGNOR. Do you think that I am such a fool as to think that God can seeno further than I; or that I would come to God in the best of myperformances? CHR. Why, how dost thou think in this matter? IGNOR. Why, to be short, I think I must believe in Christ forjustification. CHR. How! think thou must believe in Christ, when thou seest not thyneed of him! Thou neither seest thy original nor actual infirmities;but hast such an opinion of thyself, and of what thou doest, as plainlyrenders thee to be one that did never see the necessity of Christ'spersonal righteousness to justify thee before God. How, then, dost thousay, I believe in Christ? IGNOR. I believe well enough, for all that. CHR. How dost thou believe? IGNOR. I believe that Christ died for sinners; and that I shall bejustified before God from the curse, through his gracious acceptance ofmy obedience to his laws. Or thus, Christ makes my duties, that arereligious, acceptable to his Father by virtue of his merits, and soshall I be justified. CHR. Let me give an answer to this confession of thy faith. 1. Thou believest with a fantastical faith; for this faith is nowheredescribed in the word. 2. Thou believest with a false faith; because it taketh justificationfrom the personal righteousness of Christ, and applies it to thy own. 3. This faith maketh not Christ a justifier of thy person, but of thyactions; and of thy person for thy action's sake, which is false. 4. Therefore this faith is deceitful, even such as will leave theeunder wrath in the day of God Almighty: for true justifying faith putsthe soul, as sensible of its lost condition by the law, upon flying forrefuge unto Christ's righteousness; (which righteousness of his is notan act of grace by which he maketh, for justification, thy obedienceaccepted with God, but his personal obedience to the law, in doing andsuffering for us what that required at our hands;) this righteousness, Isay, true faith accepteth; under the skirt of which the soul beingshrouded, and by it presented as spotless before God, it is accepted,and acquitted from condemnation. IGNOR. What! would you have us trust to what Christ in his own personhas done without us? This conceit would loosen the reins of our lust,and tolerate us to live as we list: for what matter how we live, if wemay be justified by Christ's personal righteousness from all, when webelieve it? CHR. Ignorance is thy name, and as thy name is, so art thou: even thisthy answer demonstrateth what I say. Ignorant thou art of whatjustifying righteousness is, and as ignorant how to secure thy soul,through the faith of it, from the heavy wrath of God. Yea, thou alsoart ignorant of the true effects of saving faith in this righteousnessof Christ, which is to bow and win over the heart to God in Christ, tolove his name, his word, ways, and people, and not as thou ignorantlyimaginest. HOPE. Ask him if ever he had Christ revealed to him from heaven. IGNOR. What! you are a man for revelations! I do believe, that whatboth you and all the rest of you say about that matter, is but the fruitof distracted brains. HOPE. Why, man, Christ is so hid in God from the natural apprehensionsof the flesh, that he cannot by any man be savingly known, unless Godthe Father reveals him to him. IGNOR. That is your faith, but not mine, yet mine, I doubt not, is asgood as yours, though I have not in my head so many whimsies as you. CHR. Give me leave to put in a word. You ought not so slightly to speakof this matter: for this I will boldly affirm, even as my good companionhath done, that no man can know Jesus Christ but by the revelation ofthe Father: yea, and faith too, by which the soul layeth hold uponChrist, (if it be right,) must be wrought by the exceeding greatness ofhis mighty power, Matt. 11:27; 1 Cor. 12:3; Eph. 1:17-19; the workingof which faith, I perceive, poor Ignorance, thou art ignorant of. Beawakened, then, see thine own wretchedness, and fly to the Lord Jesus;and by his righteousness, which is the righteousness of God, (for hehimself is God,) thou shalt be delivered from condemnation. IGNOR.You go so fast I cannot keep pace with you; do you go on before: Imust stay a while behind. Then they said, "Well, Ignorance, wilt thou yet foolish be, To slight good counsel, ten times given thee? And if thou yet refuse it, thou shalt know, Ere long, the evil of thy doing so. Remember, man, in time: stoop, do not fear: Good counsel, taken well, saves; therefore hear. But if thou yet shalt slight it, thou wilt be The loser, Ignorance, I'll warrant thee." ==THE TENTH STAGE.== Then Christian addressed himself thus to his fellow: CHR. Well, come, my good Hopeful, I perceive that thou and I must walkby ourselves again. So I saw in my dream, that they went on apace before, and Ignorance hecame hobbling after. Then said Christian to his companion, I much pitythis poor man: it will certainly go ill with him at last. HOPE. Alas! there are abundance in our town in his condition, wholefamilies, yea, whole streets, and that of pilgrims too; and if there beso many in our parts, how many, think you, must there be in the placewhere he was born? CHR. Indeed, the word saith, "He hath blinded their eyes, lest theyshould see," etc. But, now we are by ourselves, what do you think of such men? Have theyat no time, think you, convictions of sin, and so, consequently, fearsthat their state is dangerous? HOPE. Nay, do you answer that question yourself, for you are the elderman. CHR. Then I say, sometimes (as I think) they may; but they beingnaturally ignorant, understand not that such convictions tend to theirgood; and therefore they do desperately seek to stifle them, andpresumptuously continue to flatter themselves in the way of their ownhearts. HOPE. I do believe, as you say, that fear tends much to men's good, andto make them right at their beginning to go on pilgrimage. CHR. Without all doubt it doth, if it be right; for so says the word,"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Job 28:28; Psalm111:10; Prov. 1:7; 9:10. HOPE. How will you describe right fear? CHR. True or right fear is discovered by three things: 1. By its rise; it is caused by saving convictions for sin. 2. It driveth the soul to lay fast hold of Christ for salvation. 3. It begetteth and continueth in the soul a great reverence of God,his word, and ways; keeping it tender, and making it afraid to turn fromthem, to the right hand or to the left, to any thing that may dishonorGod, break its peace, grieve the Spirit, or cause the enemy to speakreproachfully. HOPE. Well said; I believe you have said the truth. Are we now almostgot past the Enchanted Ground? CHR. Why? are you weary of this discourse? HOPE. No, verily, but that I would know where we are. CHR. We have not now above two miles further to go thereon. But let usreturn to our matter. Now, the ignorant know not that such conviction as tend to put them infear, are for their good, and therefore they seek to stifle them. HOPE. How do they seek to stifle them? CHR. 1. They think that those fears are wrought by the devil, (thoughindeed they are wrought of God,) and thinking so, they resist them, asthings that directly tend to their overthrow. 2. They also think thatthese fears tend to the spoiling of their faith; when, alas for them,poor men that they are, they have none at all; and therefore they hardentheir hearts against them. 3. They presume they ought not to fear, andtherefore, in despite of them, wax presumptuously confident. 4. Theysee that those fears tend to take away from them their pitiful old self-holiness, and therefore they resist them with all their might. HOPE. I know something of this myself; for before I knew myself it wasso with me. CHR. Well, we will leave, at this time, our neighbor Ignorance byhimself, and fall upon another profitable question. HOPE. With all my heart; but you shall still begin. CHR. Well then, did you not know, about ten years ago, one Temporary inyour parts, who was a forward man in religion then? HOPE. Know him! yes; he dwelt in Graceless, a town about two miles offof Honesty, and he dwelt next door to one Turnback. CHR. Right; he dwelt under the same roof with him. Well, that man wasmuch awakened once: I believe that then he had some sight of his sins,and of the wages that were due thereto. HOPE. I am of your mind, for (my house not being above three miles fromhim) he would oft-times come to me, and that with many tears. Truly Ipitied the man, and was not altogether without hope of him; but one maysee, it is not every one that cries, "Lord, Lord!" CHR. He told me once that he was resolved to go on pilgrimage, as we gonow; but all of a sudden he grew acquainted with one Save-self, and thenhe became a stranger to me. HOPE. Now, since we are talking about him, let us a little inquire intothe reason of the sudden backsliding of him and such others. CHR. It may be very profitable; but do you begin. HOPE. Well, then, there are, in my judgment, four reasons for it: 1. Though the consciences of such men are awakened, yet their minds arenot changed: therefore, when the power of guilt weareth away, that whichprovoked them to be religious ceaseth; wherefore they naturally turn totheir own course again; even as we see the dog that is sick of what hehath eaten, so long as his sickness prevails, he vomits and casts upall; not that he doth this of a free mind, (if we may say a dog has amind,) but because it troubleth his stomach: but now, when his sicknessis over, and so his stomach eased, his desires being not at allalienated from his vomit, he turns him about, and licks up all; and soit is true which is written, "The dog is turned to his own vomit again."2 Pet. 2:22. Thus, I say, being hot for heaven, by virtue only of thesense and fear of the torments of hell, as their sense and fear ofdamnation chills and cools, so their desires for heaven and salvationcool also. So then it comes to pass, that when their guilt and fear isgone, their desires for heaven and happiness die, and they return totheir course again. 2. Another reason is, they have slavish fears that do overmaster them:I speak now of the fears that they have of men; "For the fear of manbringeth a snare." Prov. 29:25. So then, though they seem to be hotfor heaven so long as the flames of hell are about their ears, yet, whenthat terror is a little over, they betake themselves to second thoughts,namely, that it is good to be wise and not to run (for they know notwhat) the hazard of losing all, or at least of bringing themselves intounavoidable and unnecessary troubles; and so they fall in with the worldagain. 3. The shame that attends religion lies also as a block in their way:they are proud and haughty, and religion in their eye is low andcontemptible: therefore when they have lost their sense of hell and thewrath to come, they return again to their former course. 4. Guilt, and to meditate terror, are grievous to them; they like notto see their misery before they come into it; though perhaps the sightof at it first, if they loved that sight, might make them fly whitherthe righteous fly and are safe; but because they do, as I hinted before,even shun the thoughts of guilt and terror, therefore, when once theyare rid of their awakenings about the terrors and wrath of God, theyharden their hearts gladly, and choose such ways as will harden themmore and more. CHR. You are pretty near the business, for the bottom of all is for wantof a change in their mind and will. And therefore they are but like thefelon that standeth before the judge: he quakes and trembles, and seemsto repent most heartily, but the bottom of all is the fear of thehalter: not that he hath any detestation of the offence, as it isevident; because, let but this man have his liberty, and he will be athief, and so a rogue still; whereas, if his mind was changed, he wouldbe otherwise. HOPE. Now I have showed you the reason of their going back, do you showme the manner thereof. CHR. So I will willingly. 1. They draw off their thoughts, all that they may, from theremembrance of God, death, and judgment to come. 2. Then they cast off by degrees private duties, as closet prayer,curbing their lusts, watching, sorrow for sin, and the like. 3. Then they shun the company of lively and warm Christians. 4. After that, they grow cold to public duty, as hearing, reading,godly conference, and the like. 5. They then begin to pick holes, as we say, in the coats of some ofthe godly, and that devilishly, that they may have a seeming color tothrow religion (for the sake of some infirmities they have espied inthem) behind their backs. 6. Then they begin to adhere to, and associate themselves with, carnal,loose, and wanton men. 7. Then they give way to carnal and wanton discourses in secret; andglad are they if they can see such things in any that are countedhonest, that they may the more boldly do it through their example. 8. After this they begin to play with little sins openly. 9. And then, being hardened, they show themselves as they are. Thus,being launched again into the gulf of misery, unless a miracle of graceprevent it, they everlastingly perish in their own deceivings. Now I saw in my dream, that by this time the pilgrims were got over theEnchanted Ground, and entering into the country of Beulah, whose air wasvery sweet and pleasant, Isaiah 62:4-12; Song 2:10-12; the way lyingdirectly through it, they solaced themselves there for a season. Yea,here they heard continually the singing of birds, and saw every day theflowers appear in the earth, and heard the voice of the turtle in theland. In this country the sun shineth night and day: wherefore this wasbeyond the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and also out of the reach ofGiant Despair; neither could they from this place so much as seeDoubting Castle. Here they were within sight of the city they weregoing to; also here met them some of the inhabitants thereof; for inthis land the shining ones commonly walked, because it was upon theborders of heaven. In this land also the contract between the Bride andthe Bridegroom was renewed; yea, here, "as the bridegroom rejoiceth overthe bride, so doth God rejoice over them." Here they had no want ofcorn and wine; for in this place they met with abundance of what theyhad sought for in all their pilgrimage. Here they heard voices from outof the city, loud voices, saying, "Say ye to the daughter of Zion,Behold, thy salvation cometh! Behold, his reward is with him!" Hereall the inhabitants of the country called them "the holy People, theredeemed of the Lord, sought out," etc. Now, as they walked in this land, they had more rejoicing than in partsmore remote from the kingdom to which they were bound; and drawing nearto the city, they had yet a more perfect view thereof: It was builded ofpearls and precious stones, also the streets thereof were paved withgold; so that, by reason of the natural glory of the city, and thereflection of the sunbeams upon it, Christian with desire fell sick;Hopeful also had a fit or two of the same disease: wherefore here theylay by it a while, crying out because of their pangs, "If you see myBeloved, tell him that I am sick of love." But, being a little strengthened, and better able to bear theirsickness, they walked on their way, and came yet nearer and nearer,where were orchards, vineyards, and gardens, and their gates opened intothe highway. Now, as they came up to these places, behold the gardenerstood in the way; to whom the pilgrims said, Whose goodly vineyards andgardens are these? He answered, they are the King's, and are plantedhere for his own delight, and also for the solace of pilgrims. So thegardener had them into the vineyards, and bid them refresh themselveswith the dainties, Deut. 23:24; he also showed them there the King'swalks and arbors where he delighted to be: And here they tarried andslept. Now I beheld in my dream, that they talked more in their sleep at thistime than ever they did in all their journey; and, being in a musethereabout, the gardener said even to me, Wherefore musest thou at thematter? It is the nature of the fruit of the grapes of these vineyards,"to go down so sweetly as to cause the lips of them that are asleep tospeak." Song 7:9. So I saw that when they awoke, they addressed themselves to go up to thecity. But, as I said, the reflection of the sun upon the city (for thecity was pure gold, Rev. 21:18,) was so extremely glorious, that theycould not as yet with open face behold it, but through an instrumentmade for that purpose. 2 Cor. 3:18. So I saw, that as they went on,there met them two men in raiment that shone like gold, also their facesshone as the light. These men asked the pilgrims whence they came; and they told them. Theyalso asked them where they had lodged, what difficulties and dangers,what comforts and pleasures, they had met with in the way; and they toldthem. Then said the men that met them, You have but two difficultiesmore to meet with, and then you are in the City. Christian then and his companion asked the men to go along with them: sothey told them that they would; But, said they, you must obtain it byyour own faith. So I saw in my dream, that they went on together tillthey came in sight of the gate. Now I further saw, that betwixt them and the gate was a river; but therewas no bridge to go over, and the river was very deep. At the sight,therefore, of this river the pilgrims were much stunned; but the menthat went with them said, You must go through, or you cannot come at thegate. The pilgrims then began to inquire if there was no other way to thegate. To which they answered, Yes; but there hath not any, save two, towit, Enoch and Elijah, been permitted to tread that path since thefoundation of the world, nor shall until the last trumpet shall sound.The pilgrims then, especially Christian, began to despond in their mind,and looked this way and that, but no way could be found by them by whichthey might escape the river. Then they asked the men if the waters wereall of a depth. They said, No; yet they could not help them in thatcase; for, said they, you shall find it deeper or shallower as youbelieve in the King of the place. Then they addressed themselves to the water, and entering, Christianbegan to sink, and crying out to his good friend Hopeful, he said, Isink in deep waters; the billows go over my head; all his waves go overme. Selah. Then said the other, Be of good cheer, my brother: I feel the bottom,and it is good. Then said Christian, Ah! my friend, the sorrows ofdeath have compassed me about, I shall not see the land that flows withmilk and honey. And with that a great darkness and horror fell uponChristian, so that he could not see before him. Also here he in a greatmeasure lost his senses, so that he could neither remember nor orderlytalk of any of those sweet refreshments that he had met with in the wayof his pilgrimage. But all the words that he spoke still tended todiscover that he had horror of mind, and heart-fears that he should diein that river, and never obtain entrance in at the gate. Here also, asthey that stood by perceived, he was much in the troublesome thoughts ofthe sins that he had committed, both since and before he began to be apilgrim. It was also observed that he was troubled with apparitions ofhobgoblins and evil spirits; for ever and anon he would intimate so muchby words. Hopeful therefore here had much ado to keep his brother's head abovewater; yea, sometimes he would be quite gone down, and then, ere awhile, he would rise up again half dead. Hopeful did also endeavor tocomfort him, saying, Brother, I see the gate, and men standing by toreceive us; but Christian would answer, It is you, it is you they waitfor; for you have been hopeful ever since I knew you. And so have you,said he to Christian. Ah, brother, (said he,) surely if I was right hewould now arise to help me; but for my sins he hath brought me into thesnare, and hath left me. Then said Hopeful, My brother, you have quiteforgot the text where it is said of the wicked, "There are no bands intheir death, but their strength is firm; they are not troubled as othermen, neither are they plagued like other men." Psa. 73:4,5. Thesetroubles and distresses that you go through in these waters, are no signthat God hath forsaken you; but are sent to try you, whether you willcall to mind that which heretofore you have received of his goodness,and live upon him in your distresses. Then I saw in my dream, that Christian was in a muse a while. To whomalso Hopeful added these words, Be of good cheer, Jesus Christ makeththee whole. And with that Christian brake out with a loud voice, Oh, Isee him again; and he tells me, "When thou passest through the waters, Iwill be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflowthee." Isa. 43:2. Then they both took courage, and the enemy wasafter that as still as a stone, until they were gone over. Christian,therefore, presently found ground to stand upon, and so it followed thatthe rest of the river was but shallow. Thus they got over. Now, upon the bank of the river, on the other side, they saw the twoshining men again, who there waited for them. Wherefore, being come outof the river, they saluted them, saying, We are ministering spirits,sent forth to minister for those that shall be the heirs of salvation.Thus they went along towards the gate. Now you must note, that the city stood upon a mighty hill; but thepilgrims went up that hill with ease, because they had these two men tolead them up by the arms: they had likewise left their mortal garmentsbehind them in the river; for though they went in with them, they cameout without them. They therefore went up here with much agility andspeed, though the foundation upon which the city was framed was higherthan the clouds; they therefore went up through the region of the air,sweetly talking as they went, being comforted because they safely gotover the river, and had such glorious companions to attend them. The talk that they had with the shining ones was about the glory of theplace; who told them that the beauty and glory of it was inexpressible.There, said they, is "Mount Sion, the heavenly Jerusalem, theinnumerable company of angels, and the spirits of just men madeperfect." Heb. 12:22-24. You are going now, said they, to theparadise of God, wherein you shall see the tree of life, and eat of thenever-fading fruits thereof: and when you come there you shall havewhite robes given you, and your walk and talk shall be every day withthe King, even all the days of eternity. Rev. 2:7; 3:4,5; 22:5. Thereyou shall not see again such things as you saw when you were in thelower region upon earth; to wit, sorrow, sickness, affliction, anddeath; "For the former things are passed away." Rev. 21:4. You aregoing now to Abraham, to Isaac, and Jacob, and to the prophets, men thatGod hath taken away from the evil to come, and that are now "restingupon their beds, each one walking in his righteousness." The men thenasked, What must we do in the holy place? To whom it was answered, Youmust there receive the comfort of all your toil, and have joy for allyour sorrow; you must reap what you have sown, even the fruit of allyour prayers, and tears, and sufferings for the King by the way. Gal.6:7,8. In that place you must wear crowns of gold, and enjoy theperpetual sight and vision of the Holy One; for "there you shall see himas he is." 1 John, 3:2. There also you shall serve him continuallywith praise, with shouting and thanksgiving, whom you desired to servein the world, though with much difficulty, because of the infirmity ofyour flesh. There your eyes shall be delighted with seeing, and yourears with hearing the pleasant voice of the Mighty One. There you shallenjoy your friends again that are gone thither before you; and there youshall with joy receive even every one that follows into the holy placeafter you. There also you shall be clothed with glory and majesty, andput into an equipage fit to ride out with the King of Glory. When heshall come with sound of trumpet in the clouds, as upon the wings of thewind, you shall come with him; and when he shall sit upon the throne ofjudgment, you shall sit by him; yea, and when he shall pass sentenceupon all the workers of iniquity, let them be angels or men, you alsoshall have a voice in that judgment, because they were his and yourenemies. Also, when he shall again return to the city, you shall go toowith sound of trumpet, and be ever with him. 1 Thess. 4:14-17; Jude14,15; Dan. 7:9,10; 1 Cor. 6:2,3. Now, while they were thus drawing towards the gate, behold a company ofthe heavenly host came out to meet them: to whom it was said by theother two shining ones, These are the men that have loved our Lord whenthey were in the world, and that have left all for his holy name; and hehath sent us to fetch them, and we have brought them thus far on theirdesired journey, that they may go in and look their Redeemer in the facewith joy. Then the heavenly host gave a great shout, saying, "Blessedare they that are called to the marriage-supper of the Lamb." Rev.19:9. There came out also at this time to meet them several of theKing's trumpeters, clothed in white and shining raiment, who, withmelodious noises and loud, made even the heavens to echo with theirsound. These trumpeters saluted Christian and his fellow with tenthousand welcomes from the world; and this they did with shouting andsound of trumpet. This done, they compassed them round on every side; some went before,some behind, and some on the right hand, and some on the left, (as itwere to guard them through the upper regions,) continually sounding asthey went, with melodious noise, in notes on high; so that the verysight was to them that could behold it as if heaven itself was come downto meet them. Thus, therefore, they walked on together; and, as theywalked, ever and anon these trumpeters, even with joyful sound, would,by mixing their music with looks and gestures, still signify toChristian and his brother how welcome they were into their company, andwith what gladness they came to meet them. And now were these two men,as it were, in heaven, before they came to it, being swallowed up withthe sight of angels, and with hearing of their melodious notes. Herealso they had the city itself in view; and they thought they heard allthe bells therein to ring, to welcome them thereto. But, above all, thewarm and joyful thoughts that they had about their own dwelling therewith such company, and that for ever and ever; oh, by what tongue or pencan their glorious joy be expressed! Thus they came up to the gate. Now when they were come up to the gate, there was written over it, inletters of gold, "BLESSED ARE THEY THAT DO HIS COMMANDMENTS, THAT THEY MAY HAVE RIGHT TOTHE TREE OF LIFE, AND MAY ENTER IN THROUGH THE GATES INTO THE CITY." Then I saw in my dream, that the shining men bid them call at the gate:the which when they did, some from above looked over the gate, to wit,Enoch, Moses, and Elijah, etc., to whom it was said, These pilgrims arecome from the City of Destruction, for the love that they bear to theKing of this place; and then the pilgrims gave in unto them each man hiscertificate, which they had received in the beginning: those thereforewere carried in unto the King, who, when he had read them, said, Whereare the men? To whom it was answered, They are standing without thegate. The King then commanded to open the gate, "That the righteousnation (said he) that keepeth the truth may enter in." Isa. 26:2. Now I saw in my dream, that these two men went in at the gate; and lo,as they entered, they were transfigured; and they had raiment put onthat shone like gold. There were also that met them with harps andcrowns, and gave them to them; the harps to praise withal, and thecrowns in token of honor. Then I heard in my dream, that all the bellsin the city rang again for joy, and that it was said unto them, "ENTER YE INTO THE JOY OF YOUR LORD." I also heard the men themselves, that they sang with a loud voice,saying, "BLESSING, AND HONOR, AND GLORY, AND POWER, BE UNTO HIM THAT SITTETHUPON THE THRONE, AND UNTO THE LAMB, FOR EVER AND EVER." Now, just as the gates were opened to let in the men, I looked in afterthem, and behold the city shone like the sun; the streets also werepaved with gold; and in them walked many men, with crowns on theirheads, palms in their hands, and golden harps, to sing praises withal. There were also of them that had wings, and they answered one anotherwithout intermission, saying, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord. And afterthat they shut up the gates; which, when I had seen, I wished myselfamong them. Now, while I was gazing upon all these things, I turned my head to lookback, and saw Ignorance come up to the river side; but he soon got over,and that without half the difficulty which the other two men met with.For it happened that there was then in that place one Vain-Hope, aferryman, that with his boat helped him over; so he, as the other I saw,did ascend the hill, to come up to the gate; only he came alone, neitherdid any man meet him with the least encouragement. When he was come upto the gate, he looked up to the writing that was above, and then beganto knock, supposing that entrance should have been quickly administeredto him; but he was asked by the men that looked over the top of thegate, Whence come you? and what would you have? He answered, I haveate and drank in the presence of the King, and he has taught in ourstreets. Then they asked him for his certificate, that they might go inand show it to the King: so he fumbled in his bosom for one, and foundnone. Then said they, Have you none? but the man answered never aword. So they told the King, but he would not come down to see him, butcommanded the two shining ones, that conducted Christian and Hopeful tothe city, to go out and take Ignorance, and bind him hand and foot, andhave him away. Then they took him up, and carried him through the airto the door that I saw in the side of the hill, and put him in there.Then I saw that there was a way to hell, even from the gate of heaven,as well as from the City of Destruction. So I awoke, and behold it wasa dream. CONCLUSION. Now, reader, I have told my dream to thee, See if thou canst interpret it to me, Or to thyself, or neighbor: but take heed Of misinterpreting; for that, instead Of doing good, will but thyself abuse: By misinterpreting, evil ensues. Take heed, also, that thou be not extreme In playing with the outside of my dream; Nor let my figure or similitude Put thee into a laughter, or a feud. Leave this for boys and fools; but as for thee, Do thou the substance of my matter see. Put by the curtains, look within my veil, Turn up my metaphors, and do not fail. There, if thou seekest them, such things thou'lt find As will be helpful to an honest mind. What of my dross thou findest there, be bold To throw away, but yet preserve the gold. What if my gold be wrapped up in ore? None throw away the apple for the core: But if thou shalt cast all away as vain, I know not but 't will make me dream again. ---- THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS FROM THIS WORLD TO THAT WHICH IS TO COME; DELIVERED UNDER THE SIMILTUDE OF A DREAM. =PART II.= WHEREIN IS SET FORTH THE MANNER OF THE SETTING OUT OF CHRISTIAN'S WIFEAND CHILDREN; THEIR DANGEROUS JOURNEY, AND SAFE ARRIVAL AT THE DESIREDCOUNTRY. I have used similtudes.-Hos. 12:10. THE AUTHOR'S WAY OF SENDING FORTH HIS SECOND PART OF THE PILGRIM. Go, now, my little Book, to every place Where my first Pilgrim has but shown his face: Call at their door: if any say, Who's there? Then answer thou, Christiana is here. If they bid thee come in, then enter thou, With all thy boys; and then, as thou know'st how, Tell who they are, also from whence they came; Perhaps they'll know them by their looks, or name: But if they should not, ask them yet again, If formerly they did not entertain One Christian, a Pilgrim? If they say They did, and were delighted in his way; Then let them know that these related were Unto him; yea, his wife and children are. Tell them, that they have left their house and home; Are turned Pilgrims; seek a world to come; That they have met with hardships in the way; That they do meet with troubles night and day; That they have trod on serpents; fought with devils; Have also overcome a many evils; Yea, tell them also of the next who have, Of love to pilgrimage, been stout and brave Defenders of that way; and how they still Refuse this world to do their Father's will. Go tell them also of those dainty things That pilgrimage unto the Pilgrim brings. Let them acquainted be, too, how they are Beloved of their King, under his care; What goodly mansions he for them provides; Though they meet with rough winds and swelling tides, How brave a calm they will enjoy at last, Who to their Lord, and by his ways hold fast. Perhaps with heart and hand they will embrace Thee, as they did my firstling; and will grace Thee and thy fellows with such cheer and fare, As show well, they of Pilgrims lovers are. OBJECTION I. But how if they will not believe of me That I am truly thine? 'cause some there be That counterfeit the Pilgrim and his name, Seek, by disguise, to seem the very same; And by that means have wrought themselves into The hands and houses of I know not who. ANSWER. 'Tis true, some have, of late, to counterfeit My Pilgrim, to their own my title set; Yea, others half my name, and title too, Have stitched to their books, to make them do. But yet they, by their features, do declare Themselves not mine to be, whose'er they are. If such thou meet'st with, then thine only way Before them all, is, to say out thy say In thine own native language, which no man Now useth, nor with ease dissemble can. If, after all, they still of you shall doubt, Thinking that you, like gypsies, go about, In naughty wise the country to defile; Or that you seek good people to beguile With things unwarrantable; send for me, And I will testify you pilgrims be; Yea, I will testify that only you My Pilgrims are, and that alone will do. OBJECTION II. But yet, perhaps, I may enquire for him Of those who wish him damned life and limb. What shall I do, when I at such a door For Pilgrims ask, and they shall rage the more? ANSWER. Fright not thyself, my Book, for such bugbears Are nothing else but groundless fears. My Pilgrim's book has traveled sea and land, Yet could I never come to understand That it was slighted or turned out of door By any Kingdom, were they rich or poor. In France and Flanders, where men kill each other, My Pilgrim is esteemed a friend, a brother. In Holland, too, 'tis said, as I am told, My Pilgrim is with some, worth more than gold. Highlanders and wild Irish can agree My Pilgrim should familiar with them be. 'Tis in New England under such advance, Receives there so much loving countenance, As to be trimm'd, newcloth'd, and deck'd with gems, That it might show its features, and its limbs. Yet more: so comely doth my Pilgrim walk, That of him thousands daily sing and talk. If you draw nearer home, it will appear My Pilgrim knows no ground of shame or fear: City and country will him entertain, With Welcome, Pilgrim; yea, they can't refrain From smiling, if my Pilgrim be but by, Or shows his head in any company. Brave gallants do my Pilgrim hug and love, Esteem it much, yea, value it above Things of greater bulk; yea, with delight Say, my lark's leg is better than a kite. Young ladies, and young gentlewomen too, Do not small kindness to my Pilgrim show; Their cabinets, their bosoms, and their hearts, My Pilgrim has; 'cause he to them imparts His pretty riddles in such wholsome strains, As yield them profit double to thetr pains Of reading; yea, I think I may be bold To say some prize him far above their gold. The very children that do walk the street, If they do but my holy Pilgrim meet, Salute him will; will wish him well, and say, He is the only stripling of the day. They that have never seen him, yet admire What they have heard of him, and much desire To have his company, and hear him tell Those Pilgrim stories which he knows so well. Yea, some that did not love him at first, But call'd him fool and noddy, say they must, Now they have seen and heard him, him commend And to those whom they love they do him send. Wherefore, my Second Part, thou need'st not be Afraid to show thy head: none can hurt thee, That wish but well to him that went before; 'Cause thou com'st after with a second store Of things as good, as rich, as profitable, For young, for old, for stagg'ring, and for stable. OBJECTION III. But some there be that say, He laughs too loud And some do say, His Head is in a cloud. Some say, His words and stories are so dark, They know not how, by them, to find his mark. ANSWER. One may, I think, say, Both his laughs and cries May well be guess'd at by his wat'ry eyes. Some things are of that nature, as to make One's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache: When Jacob saw his Rachel with the sheep, He did at the same time both kiss and weep. Whereas some say, A cloud is in his head; That doth but show his wisdom's covered With its own mantles-and to stir the mind To search well after what it fain would find, Things that seem to be hid in words obscure Do but the godly mind the more allure To study what those sayings should contain, That speak to us in such a cloudy strain. I also know a dark similitude Will on the curious fancy more intrude, And will stick faster in the heart and head, Than things from similes not borrowed. Wherefore, my Book, let no discouragement Hinder thy travels. Behold, thou art sent To friends, not foes; to friends that will give place To thee, thy pilgrims, and thy words embrace. Besides, what my first Pilgrim left conceal'd, Thou, my brave second Pilgrim, hast reveal'd; What Christian left lock'd up, and went his way, Sweet Christiana opens with her key. OBJECTION IV. But some love not the method of your first: Romance they count it; throw't away as dust. If I should meet with such, what should I say? Must I slight them as they slight me, or nay? ANSWER. My Christiana, if with such thou meet, By all means, in all loving wise them greet; Render them not reviling for revile, But, if they frown, I prithee on them smile: Perhaps 'tis nature, or some ill report, Has made them thus despise, or thus retort. Some love no fish, some love no cheese, and some Love not their friends, nor their own house or home; Some start at pig, slight chicken, love not fowl More than they love a cuckoo or an owl. Leave such, my Christiana, to their choice, And seek those who to find thee will rejoice; By no means strive, but, in most humble wise, Present thee to them in thy Pilgrim's guise. Go then, my little Book, and show to all That entertain and bid thee welcome shall, What thou shalt keep close shut up from the rest; And wish what thou shalt show them may be bless'd To them for good, and make them choose to be Pilgrims, by better far than thee or me. Go, then, I say, tell all men who thou art: Say, I am Christiana; and my part Is now, with my four sons, to tell you what It is for men to take a Pilgrim's lot. Go, also, tell them who and what they be That now do go on pilgrimage with thee; Say, Here's my neighbor Mercy: she is one That has long time with me a pilgrim gone: Come, see her in her virgin face, and learn 'Twixt idle ones and pilgrims to discern. Yea, let young damsels learn of her to prize The world which is to come, in any wise. When little tripping maidens follow God, And leave old doting sinners to his rod, 'Tis like those days wherein the young ones cried Hosanna! when the old ones did deride. Next tell them of old Honest, whom you found With his white hairs treading the Pilgrim's ground; Yea, tell them how plain-hearted this man was; How after his good Lord he bare the cross. Perhaps with some gray head, this may prevail With Christ to fall in love, and sin bewail. Tell them also, how Master Fearing went On pilgrimage, and how the time he spent In solitariness, with fears and cries; And how, at last, he won the joyful prize. He was a good man, though much down in spirit; He is a good man, and doth life inherit. Tell them of Master Feeble-mind also, Who not before, but still behind would go. Show them also, how he had like been slain, And how one Great-Heart did his life regain. This man was true of heart; though weak in grace, One might true godliness read in his face. Then tell them of Master Ready-to-Halt, A man with crutches, but much without fault. Tell them how Master Feeble-mind and he Did love, and in opinion much agree. And let all know, though weakness was their chance, Yet sometimes one could sing, the other dance. Forget not Master Valiant-for-the-Truth, That man of courage, though a very youth: Tell every one his spirit was so stout, No man could ever make him face about; And how Great-Heart and he could not forbear, But pull down Doubting-Castle, slay Despair! Overlook not Master Despondency, Nor Much-afraid, his daughter, though they lie Under such mantles, as may make them look (With some) as if their God had them forsook. They softly went, but sure; and, at the end, Found that the Lord of Pilgrims was their friend. When thou hast told the world of all these things, Then turn about, my Book, and touch these strings; Which, if but touched, will such music make, They'll make a cripple dance, a giant quake. Those riddles that lie couched within thy breast, Freely propound, expound; and for the rest Of thy mysterious lines, let them remain For those whose nimble fancies shall them gain. Now may this little Book a blessing be To those who love this little Book and me; And may its buyer have no cause to say, His money is but lost or thrown away. Yea, may this second Pilgrim yield that fruit As may with each good Pilgrim's fancy suit; And may it some persuade, that go astray, To turn their feet and heart to the right way, Is the hearty prayer of The Author, JOHN BUNYAN. THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. PART II. COURTEOUS COMPANIONS, Some time since, to tell you my dream that I had of Christian thepilgrim, and of his dangerous journey towards the Celestial country, waspleasant to me and profitable to you. I told you then also what I sawconcerning his wife and children, and how unwilling they were to go withhim on pilgrimage; insomuch that he was forced to go on his progresswithout them; for he durst not run the danger of that destruction whichhe feared would come by staying with them in the City of Destruction:wherefore, as I then showed you, he left them and departed. Now it hath so happened, through the multiplicity of business, that Ihave been much hindered and kept back from my wonted travels into thoseparts whence he went, and so could not, till now, obtain an opportunityto make further inquiry after those whom he left behind, that I mightgive you an account of them. But having had some concerns that way oflate, I went down again thitherward. Now, having taken up my lodging ina wood about a mile off the place, as I slept, I dreamed again. And as I was in my dream, behold, an aged gentleman came by where I lay;and, because he was to go some part of the way that I was traveling,methought I got up and went with him. So, as we walked, and astravelers usually do, I was as if we fell into a discourse; and our talkhappened to be about Christian and his travels; for thus I began withthe old man: Sir, said I, what town is that there below, that lieth on the left handof our way? Then said Mr. Sagacity, (for that was his name,) It is the City ofDestruction, a populous place, but possessed with a very ill-conditionedand idle sort of people. I thought that was that city, quoth I; I went once myself through thattown; and therefore know that this report you give of it is true. SAG. Too true! I wish I could speak truth in speaking better of themthat dwell therein. Well, sir, quoth I, then I perceive you to be a well-meaning man, and soone that takes pleasure to hear and tell of that which is good. Pray,did you never hear what happened to a man some time ago of this town,(whose name was Christian,) that went on a pilgrimage up towards thehigher regions? SAG. Hear of him! Aye, and I also heard of the molestations, troubles,wars, captivities, cries, groans, frights, and fears, that he met withand had on his journey. Besides, I must tell you, all our country ringsof him; there are but few houses that have heard of him and his doings,but have sought after and got the records of his pilgrimage; yea, Ithink I may say that his hazardous journey has got many well-wishers tohis ways; for, though when he was here he was fool in every man's mouth,yet now he is gone he is highly commended of all. For 'tis said helives bravely where he is: yea, many of them that are resolved never torun his hazards, yet have their mouths water at his gains. They may, quoth I, well think, if they think any thing that is true,that he liveth well where he is; for he now lives at, and in thefountain of life, and has what he has without labor and sorrow, forthere is no grief mixed therewith. But, pray what talk have the peopleabout him? SAG. Talk! the people talk strangely about him: some say that he nowwalks in white, Rev. 3:4; that he has a chain of gold about his neck;that he has a crown of gold, beset with pearls, upon his head: otherssay, that the shining ones, who sometimes showed themselves to him inhis journey, are become his companions, and that he is as familiar withthem where he is, as here one neighbor is with another. Besides, it isconfidently affirmed concerning him, that the King of the place where heis has bestowed upon him already a very rich and pleasant dwelling atcourt, and that he every day eateth and drinketh, and walketh andtalketh with him, and receiveth of the smiles and favors of him that isJudge of all there. Zech. 3:7; Luke 14:14,15. Moreover, it isexpected of some, that his Prince, the Lord of that country, willshortly come into these parts, and will know the reason, if they cangive any, why his neighbors set so little by him, and had him so much inderision, when they perceived that he would be a pilgrim. Jude, 14,15. For they say, that now he is so in the affections of his Prince, thathis Sovereign is so much concerned with the indignities that were castupon Christian when he became a pilgrim, that he will look upon all asif done unto himself, Luke 10:16; and no marvel, for it was for the lovethat he had to his Prince that he ventured as he did. I dare say, quoth I; I am glad on't; I am glad for the poor man's sake,for that now he has rest from his labor, and for that he now reapeth thebenefit of his tears with joy; and for that he has got beyond the gun-shot of his enemies, and is out of the reach of them that hate him.Rev. 14:13; Psa. 126:5,6. I also am glad for that a rumor of thesethings is noised abroad in this country; who can tell but that it maywork some good effect on some that are left behind? But pray, sir,while it is fresh in my mind, do you hear anything of his wife andchildren? Poor hearts! I wonder in my mind what they do. SAG. Who? Christiana and her sons? They are like to do as well asChristian did himself; for though they all played the fool at first, andwould by no means be persuaded by either the tears or entreaties ofChristian, yet second thoughts have wrought wonderfully with them: sothey have packed up, and are also gone after him. Better and better, quoth I: but, what! wife and children, and all? SAG. It is true: I can give you an account of the matter, for I was uponthe spot at the instant, and was thoroughly acquainted with the wholeaffair. Then, said I, a man, it seems, may report it for a truth. SAG. You need not fear to affirm it: I mean, that they are all gone onpilgrimage, both the good woman and her four boys. And being we are, asI perceive, going some considerable way together, I will give you anaccount of the whole matter. This Christiana, (for that was her name from the day that she with herchildren betook themselves to a pilgrim's life,) after her husband wasgone over the river, and she could hear of him no more, her thoughtsbegan to work in her mind. First, for that she had lost her husband,and for that the loving bond of that relation was utterly broken betwixtthem. For you know, said he to me, nature can do no less but entertainthe living with many a heavy cogitation, in the remembrance of the lossof loving relations. This, therefore, of her husband did cost her manya tear. But this was not all; for Christiana did also begin to considerwith herself, whether her unbecoming behavior towards her husband wasnot one cause that she saw him no more, and that in such sort he wastaken away from her. And upon this came into her mind, by swarms, allher unkind, unnatural, and ungodly carriage to her dear friend; whichalso clogged her conscience, and did load her with guilt. She was,moreover, much broken with recalling to remembrance the restless groans,brinish tears, and self-bemoanings of her husband, and how she didharden her heart against all his entreaties and loving persuasions ofher and her sons to go with him; yea, there was not any thing thatChristian either said to her, or did before her, all the while that hisburden did hang on his back, but it returned upon her like a flash oflightning, and rent the caul of her heart in sunder; especially thatbitter outcry of his, "What shall I do to be saved?" did ring in herears most dolefully. Then said she to her children, Sons, we are all undone. I have sinnedaway your father, and he is gone: he would have had us with him, but Iwould not go myself: I also have hindered you of life. With that theboys fell into tears, and cried out to go after their father. Oh, saidChristiana, that it had been but our lot to go with him! then had itfared well with us, beyond what it is like to do now. For, though Iformerly foolishly imagined, concerning the troubles of your father,that they proceeded of a foolish fancy that he had, or for that he wasoverrun with melancholy humors; yet now it will not out of my mind, butthat they sprang from another cause; to wit, for that the light of lifewas given him, James 1:23-25; John 8:12; by the help of which, as Iperceive, he has escaped the snares of death. Prov. 14:27. Then theyall wept again, and cried out, Oh, woe worth the day! The next night Christiana had a dream; and, behold, she saw as if abroad parchment was opened before her, in which were recorded the sum ofher ways; and the crimes, as she thought looked very black upon her.Then she cried out aloud in her sleep, "Lord, have mercy upon me asinner!" Luke 18:13; and the little children heard her. After this she thought she saw two very ill-favored ones standing by herbedside, and saying, What shall we do with this woman? for she criesout for mercy, waking and sleeping: if she be suffered to go on as shebegins, we shall lose her as we have lost her husband. Wherefore wemust, by one way or other, seek to take her off from the thoughts ofwhat shall be hereafter, else all the world cannot help but she willbecome a pilgrim. Now she awoke in a great sweat, also a trembling was upon her: but aftera while she fell to sleeping again. And then she thought she sawChristian, her husband, in a place of bliss among many immortals, with aharp in his hand, standing and playing upon it before One that sat on athrone with a rainbow about his head. She saw also, as if he bowed hishead with his face to the paved work that was under his Prince's feet,saying, "I heartily thank my Lord and King for bringing me into thisplace." Then shouted a company of them that stood round about, andharped with their harps; but no man living could tell what they said butChristian and his companions. Next morning, when she was up, had prayed to God, and talked with herchildren a while, one knocked hard at the door; to whom she spake out,saying, "If thou comest in God's name, come in." So he said, "Amen;"and opened the door, and saluted her with, "Peace be to this house."The which when he had done, he said, "Christiana, knowest thou whereforeI am come?" Then she blushed and trembled; also her heart began to waxwarm with desires to know from whence he came, and what was his errandto her. So he said unto her, "My name is Secret; I dwell with thosethat are on high. It is talked of where I dwell as if thou hadst adesire to go thither: also there is a report that thou art aware of the evil thou hast formerly done to thy husband, in hardeningof thy heart against his way, and in keeping of these babes in theirignorance. Christiana, the Merciful One has sent me to tell thee, thathe is a God ready to forgive, and that he taketh delight to multiply thepardon of offences. He also would have thee to know, that he inviteththee to come into his presence, to his table, and that he will feed theewith the fat of his house, and with the heritage of Jacob thy father. "There is Christian, thy husband that was, with legions more, hiscompanions, ever beholding that face that doth minister life tobeholders; and they will all be glad when they shall hear the sound ofthy feet step over thy Father's threshold." Christiana at this was greatly abashed in herself, and bowed her head tothe ground. This visitor proceeded, and said, "Christiana, here is alsoa letter for thee, which I have brought from thy husband's King." Soshe took it, and opened it, but it smelt after the manner of the bestperfume. Song 1:3. Also it was written in letters of gold. Thecontents of the letter were these, That the King would have her to do asdid Christian her husband; for that was the way to come to his city, andto dwell in his presence with joy for ever. At this the good woman wasquite overcome; so she cried out to her visitor, Sir, will you carry meand my children with you, that we also may go and worship the King? Then said the visitor, Christiana, the bitter is before the sweet. Thoumust through troubles, as did he that went before thee, enter thisCelestial City. Wherefore I advise thee to do as did Christian thyhusband: go to the Wicket-gate yonder, over the plain, for that standsat the head of the way up which thou must go; and I wish thee all goodspeed. Also I advise that thou put this letter in thy bosom, that thouread therein to thyself and to thy children until you have got it byheart; for it is one of the songs that thou must sing while thou art inthis house of thy pilgrimage, Psalm 119:54; also this thou must deliverin at the further gate. Now I saw in my dream, that this old gentleman, as he told me the story,did himself seem to be greatly affected therewith. He moreoverproceeded, and said, So Christiana called her sons together, and beganthus to address herself unto them: "My sons, I have, as you mayperceive, been of late under much exercise in my soul about the death ofyour father: not for that I doubt at all of his happiness, for I amsatisfied now that he is well. I have also been much affected with thethoughts of my own state and yours, which I verily believe is by naturemiserable. My carriage also to your father in his distress is a greatload to my conscience; for I hardened both mine own heart and yoursagainst him, and refused to go with him on pilgrimage. The thoughts of these things would now kill me outright, but that for adream which I had last night, and but that for the encouragement whichthis stranger has given me this morning. Come, my children, let us packup, and begone to the gate that leads to the Celestial country, that wemay see your father, and be with him and his companions in peace,according to the laws of that land. Then did her children burst out into tears, for joy that the heart oftheir mother was so inclined. So their visitor bid them farewell; andthey began to prepare to set out for their journey. But while they were thus about to be gone, two of the women that wereChristiana's neighbors came up to her house, and knocked at her door.To whom she said as before, If you come in God's name, come in. At thisthe women were stunned; for this kind of language they used not to hear,or to perceive to drop from the lips of Christiana. Yet they came in:but behold, they found the good woman preparing to be gone from herhouse. So they began, and said, Neighbor, pray what is your meaning by this? Christiana answered, and said to the eldest of them, whose name was Mrs.Timorous, I am preparing for a journey. This Timorous was daughter to him that met Christian upon the Hill ofDifficulty, and would have had him go back for fear of the lions. TIM. For what journey, I pray you? CHR. Even to go after my good husband. And with that she fell aweeping. TIM. I hope not so, good neighbor; pray, for your poor children's sake,do not so unwomanly cast away yourself. CHR. Nay, my children shall go with me; not one of them is willing tostay behind. TIM. I wonder in my very heart what or who has brought you into thismind! CHR. O neighbor, knew you but as much as I do, I doubt not but that youwould go along with me. TIM. Prithee, what new knowledge hast thou got, that so worketh off thymind from thy friends, and that tempteth thee to go nobody knows where? CHR. Then Christiana replied, I have been sorely afflicted since myhusband's departure from me; but especially since he went over theriver. But that which troubleth me most is, my churlish carriage to himwhen he was under his distress. Besides, I am now as he was then;nothing will serve me but going on pilgrimage. I was a dreaming lastnight that I saw him. O that my soul was with him! He dwelleth in thepresence of the King of the country; he sits and eats with him at histable; he is become a companion of immortals, and has a house now givenhim to dwell in, to which the best palace on earth, if compared, seemsto me but a dunghill. 2 Cor. 5:1-4. The Prince of the place has alsosent for me, with promise of entertainment, if I shall come to him; hismessenger was here even now, and has brought me a letter, which invitesme to come. And with that she plucked out her letter, and read it, andsaid to them, What now will you say to this? TIM. Oh, the madness that has possessed thee and thy husband, to runyourselves upon such difficulties! You have heard, I am sure what yourhusband did meet with, even in a manner at the first step that he tookon his way, as our neighbor Obstinate can yet testify, for he went alongwith him; yea, and Pliable too, until they, like wise men, were afraidto go any further. We also heard, over and above, how he met with thelions, Apollyon, the Shadow of Death, and many other things. Nor is thedanger that he met with at Vanity Fair to be forgotten by thee. For ifhe, though a man, was so hard put to it, what canst thou, being but apoor woman, do? Consider also, that these four sweet babes are thychildren, thy flesh and thy bones. Wherefore, though thou shouldest beso rash as to cast away thyself, yet, for the sake of the fruit of thybody, keep thou at home. But Christiana said unto her, Tempt me not, my neighbor: I have now aprice put into my hands to get gain, and I should be a fool of thegreatest size if I should have no heart to strike in with theopportunity. And for that you tell me of all these troubles which I amlike to meet with in the way, they are so far from being to me adiscouragement, that they show I am in the right. The bitter must comebefore the sweet, and that also will make the sweet the sweeter.Wherefore, since you came not to my house in God's name, as I said, Ipray you to be gone, and not to disquiet me further. Then Timorous reviled her, and said to her fellow, Come, neighbor Mercy,let us leave her in her own hands, since she scorns our counsel andcompany. But Mercy was at a stand, and could not so readily comply withher neighbor; and that for a two fold reason. 1. Her bowels yearnedover Christiana. So she said within herself, if my neighbor will needsbe gone, I will go a little way with her, and help her. 2. Her bowelsyearned over her own soul; for what Christiana had said had taken somehold upon her mind. Wherefore she said within herself again, I will yethave more talk with this Christiana; and, if I find truth and life inwhat she shall say, I myself with my heart shall also go with her.Wherefore Mercy began thus to reply to her neighbor Timorous: MER. Neighbor, I did indeed come with you to see Christiana thismorning; and since she is, as you see, taking of her last farewell ofthe country, I think to walk this sunshiny morning a little with her, tohelp her on her way. But she told her not of her second reason, butkept it to herself. TIM. Well, I see you have a mind to go a fooling too; but take heed intime, and be wise: while we are out of danger, we are out; but when weare in, we are in. So Mrs. Timorous returned to her house, and Christiana betook herselfto her journey. But when Timorous was got home to her house she sendsfor some of her neighbors, to wit, Mrs. Bat's-Eyes, Mrs.Inconsiderate, Mrs. Light-Mind, and Mrs. Know-Nothing. So when theywere come to her house, she falls to telling of the story of Christiana,and of her intended journey. And thus she began her tale: TIM. Neighbors, having had little to do this morning, I went to giveChristiana a visit; and when I came at the door I knocked, as you knowit is our custom; and she answered, If you come in God's name, come in.So in I went, thinking all was well; but, when I came in I found herpreparing herself to depart the town, she, and also her children. So Iasked her what was her meaning by that. And she told me, in short, thatshe was now of a mind to go on pilgrimage, as did her husband. She toldme also of a dream that she had, and how the King of the country whereher husband was, had sent an inviting letter to come thither. Then said Mrs. Know-Nothing, And what, do you think she will go? TIM. Aye, go she will, whatever comes on't; and methinks I know it bythis; for that which was my great argument to persuade her to stay athome, (to wit, the troubles she was like to meet with on the way,) isone great argument with her to put her forward on her journey. For shetold me in so many words, The bitter goes before the sweet; yea, andforasmuch as it doth, it makes the sweet the sweeter. MRS. BAT'S-EYES. Oh, this blind and foolish woman! said she; and willshe not take warning by her husband's afflictions? For my part, I see,if he were here again, he would rest himself content in a whole skin,and never run so many hazards for nothing. Mrs. Inconsiderate also replied, saying, Away with such fantasticalfools from the town: a good riddance, for my part, I say, of her; shouldshe stay where she dwells, and retain this her mind, who could livequietly by her? for she will either be dumpish, or unneighborly, ortalk of such matters as no wise body can abide. Wherefore, for my part,I shall never be sorry for her departure; let her go, and let bettercome in her room: it was never a good world since these whimsical foolsdwelt in it. Then Mrs. Light-Mind added as followeth: Come, put this kind of talkaway. I was yesterday at Madam Wanton's, where we were as merry as themaids. For who do you think should be there but I and Mrs. Love-the-Flesh, and three or four more, with Mrs. Lechery, Mrs. Filth, and someothers: so there we had music and dancing, and what else was meet tofill up the pleasure. And I dare say, my lady herself is an admirablewell-bred gentlewoman, and Mr. Lechery is as pretty a fellow. ==THE FIRST STAGE.== By this time Christiana was got on her way, and Mercy went along withher: so as they went, her children being there also, Christiana began todiscourse. And, Mercy, said Christiana, I take this as an unexpectedfavor, that thou shouldest set forth out of doors with me to accompanyme a little in the way. MER. Then said young Mercy, (for she was but young,) If I thought itwould be to purpose to go with you, I would never go near the town anymore. CHR. Well, Mercy, said Christiana, cast in thy lot with me: I well knowwhat will be the end of our pilgrimage: my husband is where he would notbut be for all the gold in the Spanish mines. Nor shalt thou berejected, though thou goest but upon my invitation. The King, who hathsent for me and my children, is one that delighteth in mercy. Besides,if thou wilt, I will hire thee, and thou shalt go along with me as myservant. Yet we will have all things in common betwixt thee and me:only go along with me. MER. But how shall I be ascertained that I also should be entertained?Had I this hope but from one that can tell, I would make no stick atall, but would go, being helped by Him that can help, though the way wasnever so tedious. CHR. Well, loving Mercy, I will tell thee what thou shalt do: go with meto the Wicket-gate, and there I will further inquire for thee; and ifthere thou shalt not meet with encouragement, I will be content thatthou return to thy place: I will also pay thee for thy kindness whichthou showest to me and my children, in the accompanying of us in the waythat thou dost. MER. Then will I go thither, and will take what shall follow; and theLord grant that my lot may there fall, even as the King of heaven shallhave his heart upon me. Christiana then was glad at heart, not only that she had a companion,but also for that she had prevailed with this poor maid to fall in lovewith her own salvation. So they went on together, and Mercy began toweep. Then said Christiana, Wherefore weepeth my sister so? MER. Alas! said she, who can but lament, that shall but rightlyconsider what a state and condition my poor relations are in, that yetremain in our sinful town? And that which makes my grief the more heavyis, because they have no instructor, nor any to tell them what is tocome. CHR. Pity becomes pilgrims; and thou dost weep for thy friends, as mygood Christian did for me when he left me: he mourned for that I wouldnot heed nor regard him; but his Lord and ours did gather up his tears,and put them into his bottle; and now both I and thou, and these mysweet babes, are reaping the fruit and benefit of them. I hope, Mercy,that these tears of thine will not be lost; for the truth hath said,that "they that sow in tears shall reap in joy." And "he that goethforth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come againwith rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Psa. 126:5,6. Then said Mercy, "Let the Most Blessed be my guide, If it be his blessed will, Unto his gate, into his fold, Up to his holy hill. And let him never suffer me To swerve, or turn aside From his free-grace and holy ways, Whate'er shall me betide. And let him gather them of mine That I have left behind; Lord, make them pray they may be thine, With all their heart and mind." Now my old friend proceeded, and said, But when Christiana came to theSlough of Despond, she began to be at a stand; For, said she, this isthe place in which my dear husband had like to have been smothered withmud. She perceived, also, that notwithstanding the command of the Kingto make this place for pilgrims good, yet it was rather worse thanformerly. So I asked if that was true. Yes, said the old gentleman,too true; for many there be that pretend to be the King's laborers, andthat say they are for mending the King's highways, who bring dirt anddung instead of stones, and so mar instead of mending. Here Christianatherefore, with her boys, did make a stand. But said Mercy, Come, letus venture; only let us be wary. Then they looked well to their steps,and made a shift to get staggering over. Yet Christiana had like to have been in, and that not once or twice.Now they had no sooner got over, but they thought they heard words thatsaid unto them, "Blessed is she that believeth; for there shall be aperformance of those things which were told her from the Lord." Luke1:45. Then they went on again; and said Mercy to Christiana, had I as goodground to hope for a loving reception at the Wicket-gate as you, I thinkno Slough of Despond would discourage me. Well, said the other, you know your sore, and I know mine; and, goodfriend, we shall all have enough evil before we come to our journey'send. For can it be imagined that the people who design to attain suchexcellent glories as we do, and who are so envied that happiness as weare, but that we shall meet with what fears and snares, with whattroubles and afflictions they can possibly assault us with that hate us? And now Mr. Sagacity left me to dream out my dream by myself.Wherefore, methought I saw Christiana, and Mercy, and the boys, go allof them up to the gate: to which, when they were come, they betookthemselves to a short debate about how they must manage their calling atthe gate, and what should be said unto him that did open to them: so itwas concluded, since Christiana was the eldest, that she should knockfor entrance, and that she should speak to him that did open, for therest. So Christiana began to knock, and as her poor husband did, sheknocked and knocked again. But instead of any that answered, they allthought they heard as if a dog came barking upon them; a dog, and agreat one too; and this made the women and children afraid. Nor durstthey for a while to knock any more, for fear the mastiff should fly uponthem. Now, therefore, they were greatly tumbled up and down in theirminds, and knew not what to do: knock they durst not, for fear of thedog; go back they durst not, for fear the keeper of that gate shouldespy them as they so went, and should be offended with them; at lastthey thought of knocking again, and knocked more vehemently than theydid at first. Then said the keeper of the gate, Who is there? So thedog left off to bark, and he opened unto them. Then Christiana made low obeisance, and said, Let not our Lord beoffended with his handmaidens, for that we have knocked at his princelygate. Then said the keeper, Whence come ye? And what is it that youwould have? Christiana answered, We are come from whence Christian did come, andupon the same errand as he; to wit, to be, if it shall please you,graciously admitted by this gate into the way that leads unto theCelestial City. And I answer, my Lord, in the next place, that I amChristiana, once the wife of Christian, that now is gotten above. With that the keeper of the gate did marvel, saying, What, is she nowbecome a pilgrim that but a while ago abhorred that life? Then shebowed her head, and said, Yea; and so are these my sweet babes also. Then he took her by the hand and led her in, and said also, Sufferlittle children to come unto me; and with that he shut up the gate.This done, he called to a trumpeter that was above, over the gate, toentertain Christiana with shouting, and the sound of trumpet for joy.So he obeyed, and sounded, and filled the air with his melodious notes. Now all this while poor Mercy did stand without, trembling and crying,for fear that she was rejected. But when Christiana had got admittancefor herself and her boys, then she began to make intercession for Mercy. CHR. And she said, My Lord, I have a companion that stands yet without,that is come hither upon the same account as myself: one that is muchdejected in her mind, for that she comes, as she thinks, without sendingfor; whereas I was sent for by my husband's King to come. Now Mercy began to be very impatient, and each minute was as long to heras an hour; wherefore she prevented Christiana from a fuller intercedingfor her, by knocking at the gate herself. And she knocked then so loudthat she made Christiana to start. Then said the keeper of the gate,Who is there? And Christiana said, It is my friend. So he opened the gate, and looked out, but Mercy was fallen down withoutin a swoon, for she fainted, and was afraid that no gate should beopened to her. Then he took her by the hand, and said, Damsel, I bid thee arise. Oh, sir, said she, I am faint; there is scarce life left in me. But heanswered, that one once said, "When my soul fainted within me Iremembered the Lord: and my prayer came unto thee, into thy holytemple." Jonah 2:7. Fear not, but stand upon thy feet, and tell mewherefore thou art come. MER. I am come for that unto which I was never invited, as my friendChristiana was. Hers was from the King, and mine was but from her.Wherefore I fear I presume. KEEP. Did she desire thee to come with her to this place? MER. Yes; and, as my Lord sees, I am come. And if there is any graceand forgiveness of sins to spare, I beseech that thy poor handmaid maybe a partaker thereof. Then he took her again by the hand, and led her gently in, and said, Ipray for all them that believe on me, by what means soever they comeunto me. Then said he to those that stood by, Fetch something and giveit to Mercy to smell on, thereby to stay her faintings; so they fetchedher a bundle of myrrh, and a while after she was revived. And now were Christiana and her boys, and Mercy, received of the Lord atthe head of the way, and spoken kindly unto by him. Then said they yetfurther unto him, We are sorry for our sins, and beg of our Lord hispardon, and further information what we must do. I grant pardon, said he, by word and deed; by word in the promise offorgiveness, by deed in the way I obtained it. Take the first from mylips with a kiss, and the other as it shall be revealed. Song 1:2; John20:20. Now I saw in my dream, that he spake many good words unto them, wherebythey were greatly gladdened. He also had them up to the top of thegate, and showed them by what deed they were saved; and told themwithal, that that sight they would have again as they went along in theway, to their comfort. So he left them awhile in a summer parlor below, where they entered intotalk by themselves; and thus Christiana began. O how glad am I that weare got in hither. MER. So you well may; but I, of all, have cause to leap for joy. CHR. I thought one time, as I stood at the gate, because I had knockedand none did answer, that all our labor had been lost, especially whenthat ugly cur made such a heavy barking against us. MER. But my worst fear was after I saw that you was taken into hisfavor, and that I was left behind. Now, thought I, it is fulfilledwhich is written, "Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the oneshall be taken, and the other left." Matt. 24:41. I had much ado toforbear crying out, Undone! And afraid I was to knock any more; butwhen I looked up to what was written over the gate, I took courage. Ialso thought that I must either knock again, or die; so I knocked, but Icannot tell how, for my spirit now struggled between life and death. CHR. Can you not tell how you knocked? I am sure your knocks were soearnest that the very sound of them made me start; I thought I neverheard such knocking in all my life; I thought you would come in by aviolent hand, or take the kingdom by storm. Matt. 11:12. MER. Alas! to be in my case, who that so was could but have done so?You saw that the door was shut upon me, and there was a most cruel dogthereabout. Who, I say, that was so faint-hearted as I, would not haveknocked with all their might? But pray, what said my Lord to myrudeness? Was he not angry with me? CHR. When he heard your lumbering noise, he gave a wonderful innocentsmile; I believe what you did pleased him well, for he showed no sign tothe contrary. But I marvel in my heart why he keeps such a dog: had Iknown that before, I should not have had heart enough to have venturedmyself in this manner. But now we are in, we are in, and I am glad withall my heart. MER. I will ask, if you please, next time he comes down, why he keepssuch a filthy cur in his yard; I hope he will not take it amiss. Do so, said the children, and persuade him to hang him; for we areafraid he will bite us when we go hence. So at last he came down to them again, and Mercy fell to the ground onher face before him, and worshiped, and said, "Let my Lord accept thesacrifice of praise which I now offer unto him with the calves of mylips." So he said unto her, Peace be to thee; stand up. But she continued uponher face, and said, "Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee;yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments." Jer. 12:1. Whereforedost thou keep so cruel a dog in thy yard, at the sight of which suchwomen and children as we are ready to fly from thy gate for fear? He answered and said, That dog has another owner; he also is kept closein another man's ground, only my pilgrims hear his barking; he belongsto the castle which you see there at a distance, but can come up to thewalls of this place. He has frighted many an honest pilgrim from worseto better, by the great voice of his roaring. Indeed, he that ownethhim doth not keep him out of any good-will to me or mine, but withintent to keep the pilgrims from coming to me, and that they may beafraid to come and knock at this gate for entrance. Sometimes also hehas broken out, and has worried some that I loved; but I take all atpresent patiently. I also give my pilgrims timely help, so that theyare not delivered to his power, to do with them what his doggish naturewould prompt him to. But what my purchased one, I trow, hadst thouknown never so much beforehand, thou wouldest not have been afraid of adog. The beggars that go from door to door, will, rather than lose asupposed alms, run the hazard of the bawling, barking, and biting too ofa dog; and shall a dog, a dog in another man's yard, a dog whose barkingI turn to the profit of pilgrims, keep any from coming to me? I deliverthem from the lions, and my darling from the power of the dog. Psa.22:21,22. MER. Then said Mercy, I confess my ignorance; I spake what I understoodnot; I acknowledge that thou doest all things well. CHR. Then Christiana began to talk of their journey, and to inquireafter the way. So he fed them and washed their feet, and set them inthe way of his steps, according as he had dealt with her husband before. ==THE SECOND STAGE.== So I saw in my dream, that they walked on their way, and had the weathervery comfortable to them. Then Christiana began to sing, saying, Blessed be the day that I began A pilgrim for to be; And blessed also be the man That thereto moved me. 'Tis true, 't was long ere I began To seek to live for ever; But now I run fast as I can: 'Tis better late than never. Our tears to joy, our fears to faith, Are turned, as we see; Thus our beginning (as one saith) Shows what our end will be. Now there was, on the other side of the wall that fenced in the way upwhich Christiana and her companions were to go, a garden, and thatgarden belonged to him whose was that barking dog, of whom mention wasmade before. And some of the fruit-trees that grew in that garden shottheir branches over the wall; and being mellow, they that found them didgather them up, and eat of them to their hurt. So Christiana's boys, asboys are apt to do, being pleased with the trees, and with the fruitthat hung thereon, did pluck them, and began to eat. Their mother didalso chide them for so doing, But still the boys went on. Well, said she, my sons, you transgress, for that fruit is none of ours;but she did not know that it belonged to the enemy: I'll warrant you, ifshe had she would have been ready to die for fear. But that passed, andthey went on their way. Now, by that they were gone about two bow-shotsfrom the place that led them into the way, they espied two very ill-favored ones coming down apace to meet them. With that, Christiana andMercy her friend covered themselves with their veils, and so kept ontheir journey: the children also went on before; so that at last theymet together. Then they that came down to meet them, came just up tothe women, as if they would embrace them; but Christiana said, standback, or go peaceably as you should. Yet these two, as men that aredeaf, regarded not Christiana's words, but began to lay hands upon them:at that Christiana waxing very wroth, spurned at them with her feet.Mercy also, as well as she could, did what she could to shift them.Christiana again said to them, Stand back, and be gone, for we have nomoney to lose, being pilgrims, as you see, and such too as live upon thecharity of our friends. ILL-FAV. Then said one of the two men, We make no assault upon you formoney, but are come out to tell you, that if you will but grant onesmall request which we shall ask, we will make women of you for ever. CHR. Now Christiana, imagining what they should mean, made answer again,We will neither hear, nor regard, nor yield to what you shall ask. Weare in haste, and cannot stay; our business is a business of life anddeath. So again she and her companion made a fresh essay to go pastthem; but they letted them in their way. ILL-FAV. And they said, We intend no hurt to your lives; it is anotherthing we would have. CHR. Aye, quoth Christiana, you would have us body and soul, for I knowit is for that you are come; but we will die rather upon the spot, thanto suffer ourselves to be brought into such snares as shall hazard ourwell-being hereafter. And with that they both shrieked out, and cried,Murder! murder! and so put themselves under those laws that areprovided for the protection of women. Deut. 22:25-27. But the menstill made their approach upon them, with design to prevail againstthem. They therefore cried out again. Now they being, as I said, not far from the gate in at which they came,their voice was heard from whence they were, thither: wherefore some ofthe house came out, and knowing that it was Christiana's tongue, theymade haste to her relief. But by that they were got within sight ofthem, the women were in a very great scuffle; the children also stoodcrying by. Then did he that came in for their relief call out to theruffians, saying, What is that thing you do? Would you make my Lord'speople to transgress? He also attempted to take them, but they did maketheir escape over the wall into the garden of the man to whom the greatdog belonged; so the dog became their protector. This Reliever thencame up to the women, and asked them how they did. So they answered, Wethank thy Prince, pretty well, only we have been somewhat affrighted: wethank thee also for that thou camest in to our help, otherwise we hadbeen overcome. RELIEVER. So, after a few more words, this Reliever said as followeth: Imarveled much, when you were entertained at the gate above, seeing yeknew that ye were but weak women, that you petitioned not the Lord for aconductor; then might you have avoided these troubles and dangers; forhe would have granted you one. CHR. Alas! said Christiana, we were so taken with our present blessing,that dangers to come were forgotten by us. Besides, who could havethought, that so near the King's palace there could have lurked suchnaughty ones? Indeed, it had been well for us had we asked our Lord forone; but since our Lord knew it would be for our profit, I wonder hesent not one along with us. REL. It is not always necessary to grant things not asked for, lest byso doing they become of little esteem; but when the want of a thing isfelt, it then comes under, in the eyes of him that feels it, thatestimate that properly is its due, and so consequently will bethereafter used. Had my Lord granted you a conductor, you would noteither so have bewailed that oversight of yours, in not asking for one,as now you have occasion to do. So all things work for good, and tendto make you more wary. CHR. Shall we go back again to my Lord, and confess our folly, and askone? REL. Your confession of your folly I will present him with. To go backagain, you need not, for in all places where you shall come, you willfind no want at all; for in every one of my Lord's lodgings, which hehas prepared for the reception of his pilgrims, there is sufficient tofurnish them against all attempts whatsoever. But, as I said, He willbe inquired of by them, to do it for them. Ezek. 36:37. And 'tis apoor thing that is not worth asking for. When he had thus said, he wentback to his place, and the pilgrims went on their way. MER. Then said Mercy, What a sudden blank is here! I made account thatwe had been past all danger, and that we should never see sorrow more. CHR. Thy innocency, my sister, said Christiana to Mercy, may excuse theemuch; but as for me, my fault is so much the greater, for that I sawthis danger before I came out of the doors, and yet did not provide forit when provision might have been had. I am much to be blamed. MER. Then said Mercy, How knew you this before you came from home? Prayopen to me this riddle. CHR. Why, I will tell you. Before I set foot out of doors, one night asI lay in my bed I had a dream about this; for methought I saw two men,as like these as ever any in the world could look, stand at my bed'sfeet, plotting how they might prevent my salvation. I will tell youtheir very words. They said, (it was when I was in my troubles,) Whatshall we do with this woman? for she cries out, waking and sleeping,for forgiveness: if she be sufferet do go on as she begins, we shalllose her as we have lost her husband. This you know might have made metake heed, and have provided when provision might have been had. MER. Well, said Mercy, as by this neglect we have an occasion ministeredunto us to behold our own imperfections, so our Lord has taken occasionthereby to make manifest the riches of his grace; for he, as we see, hasfollowed us with unasked kindness, and has delivered us from their handsthat were stronger than we, of his mere good pleasure. Thus now, when they had talked away a little more time, they drew nearto a house which stood in the way, which house was built for the reliefof pilgrims, as you will find more fully related in the first part ofthese records of the Pilgrim's Progress. So they drew on towards thehouse, (the house of the Interpreter;) and when they came to the door,they heard a great talk in the house. Then they gave ear, and heard, asthey thought, Christiana mentioned by name; for you must know that therewent along, even before her, a talk of her and her children's going onpilgrimage. And this was the most pleasing to them, because they hadheard that she was Christian's wife, that woman who was some time ago sounwilling to hear of going on pilgrimage. Thus, therefore, they stoodstill, and heard the good people within commending her who they littlethought stood at the door. At last Christiana knocked, as she had doneat the gate before. Now, when she had knocked, there came to the door ayoung damsel, and opened the door, and looked, and behold, two womenwere there. DAM. Then said the damsel to them, With whom would you speak in thisplace? CHR. Christiana answered, We understand that this is a privileged placefor those that are become pilgrims, and we now at this door are such:wherefore we pray that we may be partakers of that for which we at thistime are come; for the day, as thou seest, is very far spent, and we areloth to-night to go any further. DAM. Pray, what may I call your name, that I may tell it to my Lordwithin. CHR. My name is Christiana; I was the wife of that pilgrim that someyears ago did travel this way, and these be his four children. Thismaiden also is my companion, and is going on pilgrimage too. INNOCENT. Then Innocent ran in, (for that was her name,) and said tothose within, Can you think who is at the door? There is Christiana andher children, and her companion, all waiting for entertainment here.Then they leaped for joy, and went and told their Master. So he came tothe door and looking upon her, he said, Art thou that Christiana whomChristian the good man left behind him when he betook himself to apilgrim's life. CHR. I am that woman that was so hard-hearted as to slight my husband'stroubles, and that left him to go on in his journey alone, and these arehis four children; but now I also am come, for I am convinced that noway is right but this. INTER. Then is fulfilled that which is written of the man that said tohis son, "Go work to-day in my vineyard; and he said to his father, Iwill not: but afterwards repented and went." Matt. 21:29. CHR. Then said Christiana, So be it: Amen. God made it a true sayingupon me, and grant that I may be found at the last of him in peace,without spot, and blameless. INTER. But why standest thou thus at the door? Come in, thou daughterof Abraham; we were talking of thee but now, for tidings have come to usbefore how thou art become a pilgrim. Come, children, come in; come,maiden, come in. So he had them all into the house. So when they were within, they were bidden to sit down and rest them;the which when they had done, those that attended upon the pilgrims inthe house came into the room to see them. And one smiled, and anothersmiled, and they all smiled for joy that Christiana was become apilgrim: They also looked upon the boys; they stroked them over theirfaces with the hand, in token of their kind reception of them: they alsocarried it lovingly to Mercy, and bid them all welcome into theirMaster's house. After a while, because supper was not ready, the Interpreter took theminto his Significant Rooms, and showed them what Christian, Christiana'shusband, had seen some time before. Here, therefore, they saw the manin the cage, the man and his dream, the man that cut his way through hisenemies, and the picture of the biggest of them all, together with therest of those things that were then so profitable to Christian. This done, and after those things had been somewhat digested byChristiana and her company, the Interpreter takes them apart again, andhas them first into a room where was a man that could look no way butdownwards, with a muck-rake in his hand. There stood also one over hishead with a celestial crown in his hand, and proffered him that crownfor his muck-rake; but the man did neither look up nor regard, but rakedto himself the straws, the small sticks, and dust of the floor. Then said Christiana, I persuade myself that I know somewhat the meaningof this; for this is a figure of a man of this world: is it not, goodsir? INTER. Thou hast said right, said he; and his muck-rake doth show hiscarnal mind. And whereas thou seest him rather give heed to rake upstraws and sticks, and the dust of the floor, than to do what He saysthat calls to him from above with the celestial crown in his hand; it isto show, that heaven is but as a fable to some, and that things here arecounted the only things substantial. Now, whereas it was also showedthee that the man could look no way but downwards, it is to let theeknow that earthly things, when they are with power upon men's minds,quite carry their hearts away from God. CHR. Then said Christiana, O deliver me from this muck-rake. Prov.30:8. INTER. That prayer, said the Interpreter, has lain by till it is almostrusty: "Give me not riches," is scarce the prayer of one in tenthousand. Straws, and sticks, and dust, with most, are the great thingsnow looked after. With that Christiana and Mercy wept, and said, It is, alas! too true. When the Interpreter had shown them this, he had them into the very bestroom in the house; a very brave room it was. So he bid them look roundabout, and see if they could find any thing profitable there. Then theylooked round and round; for there was nothing to be seen but a verygreat spider on the wall, and that they overlooked. MER. Then said Mercy, Sir, I see nothing; but Christiana held her peace. INTER. But, said the Interpreter, look again. She therefore lookedagain, and said, Here is not any thing but an ugly spider, who hangs byher hands upon the wall. Then said he, Is there but one spider in allthis spacious room? Then the water stood in Christiana's eyes, for shewas a woman quick of apprehension; and she said, Yea, Lord, there aremore here than one; yea, and spiders whose venom is far more destructivethan that which is in her. The Interpreter then looked pleasantly onher, and said, Thou hast said the truth. This made Mercy to blush, andthe boys to cover their faces; for they all began now to understand theriddle. Then said the Interpreter again, "The spider taketh hold with herhands," as you see, "and is in kings' palaces." Prov. 30:28. Andwherefore is this recorded, but to show you, that, how full of the venomof sin soever you be, yet you may, by the hand of Faith, lay hold of anddwell in the best room that belongs to the King's house above? CHR. I thought, said Christiana, of something of this; but I could notimagine it at all. I thought that we were like spiders, and that welooked like ugly creatures, in what fine room soever we were: but thatby this spider, that venomous and ill-favored creature, we were to learnhow to act faith, that came not into my thoughts; and yet she had takenhold with her hands, and, as I see, dwelleth in the best room in thehouse. God has made nothing in vain. Then they seemed all to be glad; but the water stood in their eyes; yetthey looked one upon another, and also bowed before the Interpreter. He had them into another room, where were a hen and chickens, and bidthem observe a while. So one of the chickens went to the trough todrink, and every time she drank she lifted up her head and her eyestowards heaven. See, said he, what this little chick doth, and learn ofher to acknowledge whence your mercies come, by receiving them withlooking up. Yet again, said he, observe and look: so they gave heed,and perceived that the hen did walk in a fourfold method towards herchickens: 1. She had a common call, and that she hath all the day long.2. She had a special call, and that she had but sometimes. 3. She hada brooding note. Matt. 23:37. And, 4. She had an outcry. Now, said he, compare this hen to your King and these chickens to hisobedient ones; for, answerable to her, he himself hath his methods whichhe walketh in towards his people. By his common call, he gives nothing;by his special call, he always has something to give; he has also abrooding voice, for them that are under his wing; and he has an outcry,to give the alarm when he seeth the enemy come. I choose, my darlings,to lead you into the room where such things are, because you are women,and they are easy for you. CHR. And, sir, said Christiana, pray let us see some more. So he hadthem into the slaughter-house, where was a butcher killing a sheep; andbehold, the sheep was quiet, and took her death patiently. Then saidthe Interpreter, You must learn of this sheep to suffer and to put upwith wrongs without murmurings and complaints. Behold how quietly shetakes her death, and, without objecting, she suffereth her skin to bepulled over her ears. Your King doth call you his sheep. After this he led them into his garden, where was great variety offlowers; and he, said, Do you see all these? So Christiana said, Yes.Then said he again, Behold, the flowers are diverse in stature, inquality, and color, and smell, and virtue; and some are better thanothers; also, where the gardener has set them, there they stand, andquarrel not one with another. Again, he had them into his field, which he had sown with wheat andcorn: but when they beheld, the tops of all were cut off, and only thestraw remained. He said again, This ground was dunged, and ploughed,and sowed, but what shall we do with the crop? Then said Christiana,Burn some, and make muck of the rest. Then said the Interpreter again,Fruit, you see, is that thing you look for; and for want of that youcondemn it to the fire, and to be trodden under foot of men: beware thatin this you condemn not yourselves. Then, as they were coming in from abroad, they espied a little robinwith a great spider in his mouth. So the Interpreter said, Look here.So they looked, and Mercy wondered, but Christiana said, What adisparagement is it to such a pretty little bird as the . robin-red-breast; he being also a bird above many, that loveth to maintain a kindof sociableness with men! I had thought they had lived upon crumbs ofbread, or upon other such harmless matter: I like him worse than I did. The Interpreter then replied, This robin is an emblem, very apt to setforth some professors by; for to sight they are, as this robin, prettyof note, color, and carriage. They seem also to have a very great lovefor professors that are sincere; and, above all others, to desire toassociate with them, and to be in their company, as if they could liveupon the good man's crumbs. They pretend also, that therefore it isthat they frequent the house of the godly, and the appointments of theLord: but when they are by themselves, as the robin, they can catch andgobble up spiders; they can change their diet, drink iniquity, andswallow down sin like water. So, when they were come again into the house, because supper as yet wasnot ready, Christiana again desired that the Interpreter would eithershow or tell some other things that are profitable. Then the Interpreter began, and said, The fatter the sow is, the moreshe desires the mire; the fatter the ox is, the more gamesomely he goesto the slaughter; and the more healthy the lustful man is, the moreprone he is unto evil. There is a desire in women to go neat and find;and it is a comely thing to be adorned with that which in God's sight isof great price. 'T is easier watching a night or two, than to sit up awhole year together: so 't is easier for one to begin to profess well,than to hold out as he should to the end. Every shipmaster, when in astorm, will willingly cast that overboard which is of the smallest valuein the vessel; but who will throw the best out first? None but he thatfeareth not God. One leak will sink a ship, and one sin will destroy asinner. He that forgets his friend is ungrateful unto him; but he thatforgets his Saviour is unmerciful to himself. He that lives in sin, andlooks for happiness hereafter, is like him that soweth cockle, andthinks to fill his barn with wheat or barley. If a man would live well,let him fetch his last day to him, and make it always his company-keeper. Whispering, and change of thoughts, prove that sin is in theworld. If the world, which God sets light by, is counted a thing ofthat worth with men, what is heaven, that God commendeth? If the lifethat is attended with so many troubles, is so loth to be let go by us,what is the life above? Every body will cry up the goodness of men; butwho is there that is, as he should be, affected with the goodness ofGod? We seldom sit down to meat, but we eat, and leave. So there is inJesus Christ more merit and righteousness than the whole world has needof. When the Interpreter had done, he takes them out into his garden again,and had them to a tree whose inside was all rotten and gone, and yet itgrew and had leaves. Then said Mercy, What means this? This tree, saidhe, whose outside is fair, and whose inside is rotten, is that to whichmany may be compared that are in the garden of God; who with theirmouths speak high in behalf of God, but indeed will do nothing for him;whose leaves are fair, but their heart good for nothing but to be tinderfor the devil's tinder-box. Now supper was ready, the table spread, and all things set on the board:so they sat down, and did eat, when one had given thanks. And theInterpreter did usually entertain those that lodged with him with musicat meals; so the minstrels played. There was also one that did sing,and a very fine voice he had. His song was this: "The Lord is only my support, And he that doth me feed; How can I then want any thing Whereof I stand in need?" When the song and music were ended, the Interpreter asked Christianawhat it was that at first did move her thus to betake herself to apilgrim's life. Christiana answered, First, the loss of my husband cameinto my mind, at which I was heartily grieved; but all that was butnatural affection. Then after that came the troubles and pilgrimage ofmy husband into my mind, and also how like a churl I had carried it tohim as to that. So guilt took hold of my mind, and would have drawn meinto the pond, but that opportunely I had a dream of the well-being ofmy husband, and a letter sent me by the King of that country where myhusband dwells, to come to him. The dream and the letter together sowrought upon my mind that they forced me to this way. INTER. But met you with no opposition before you set out of doors? CHR. Yes, a neighbor of mine, one Mrs. Timorous: she was akin to himthat would have persuaded my husband to go back, for fear of the lions.She also befooled me, for, as she called it, my intended desperateadventure; she also urged what she could to dishearten me from it, thehardships and troubles that my husband met with in the way; but all thisI got over pretty well. But a dream that I had of two ill-looking ones,that I thought did plot how to make me miscarry in my journey, that hathtroubled me much: yea, it still runs in my mind, and makes me afraid ofevery one that I meet, lest they should meet me to do me a mischief, andto turn me out of my way. Yea, I may tell my Lord, though I would nothave every body know of it, that between this and the gate by which wegot into the way, we were both so sorely assaulted that we were made tocry out murder; and the two that made this assault upon us, were likethe two that I saw in my dream. Then said the Interpreter, Thy beginning is good; thy latter end shallgreatly increase. So he addressed himself to Mercy, and said unto her,And what moved thee to come hither, sweet heart? MER. Then Mercy blushed and trembled, and for a while continued silent. INTER. Then said he, Be not afraid; only believe, and speak thy mind. MER. So she began, and said, Truly, sir, my want of experience is thatwhich makes me covet to be in silence, and that also that fills me withfears of coming short at last. I cannot tell of visions and dreams, asmy friend Christiana can; nor know I what it is to mourn for my refusingthe counsel of those that were good relations. INTER. What was it, then, dear heart, that hath prevailed with thee todo as thou hast done? MER. Why, when our friend here was packing up to be gone from our town,I and another went accidentally to see her. So we knocked at the doorand went in. When we were within, and seeing what she was doing, weasked her what was her meaning. She said she was sent for to go to herhusband; and then she up and told us how she had seen him in a dream,dwelling in a curious place, among immortals, wearing a crown, playingupon a harp, eating and drinking at his Prince's table, and singingpraises to him for bringing him thither, etc. Now, methought, while shewas telling these things unto us, my heart burned within me. And I saidin my heart, If this be true, I will leave my father and my mother, andthe land of my nativity, and will, if I may, go along with Christiana.So I asked her further of the truth of these things, and if she wouldlet me go with her; for I saw now that there was no dwelling, but withthe danger of ruin, any longer in our town. But yet I came away with aheavy heart; not for that I was unwilling to come away, but for that somany of my relations were left behind. And I am come with all thedesire of my heart, and will go, if I may, with Christiana unto herhusband and his King. INTER. Thy setting out is good, for thou hast given credit to the truth;thou art a Ruth, who did, for the love she bare to Naomi and to the Lordher God, leave father and mother, and the land of her nativity, to comeout and go with a people she knew not heretofore. "The Lord recompensethy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel,under whose wings thou art come to trust." Ruth 2:11,12. Now supper was ended, and preparation was made for bed; the women werelaid singly alone, and the boys by themselves. Now when Mercy was inbed, she could not sleep for joy, for that now her doubts of missing atlast were removed further from her than ever they were before. So shelay blessing and praising God, who had such favor for her. In the morning they arose with the sun, and prepared themselves fortheir departure; but the Interpreter would have them tarry a while; For,said he, you must orderly go from hence. Then said he to the damselthat first opened unto them, Take them and have them into the garden tothe bath, and there wash them and make them clean from the soil whichthey had gathered by traveling. Then Innocent the damsel took them andled them into the garden, and brought them to the bath; so she told themthat there they must wash and be clean, for so her Master would have thewomen to do that called at his house as they were going on pilgrimage.Then they went in and washed, yea, they and the boys, and all; and theycame out of that bath, not only sweet and clean, but also much enlivenedand strengthened in their joints. So when they came in, they lookedfairer a deal than when they went out to the washing. When they were returned out of the garden from the bath, the Interpretertook them and looked upon them, and said unto them, "Fair as the moon."Then he called for the seal wherewith they used to be sealed that werewashed in his bath. So the seal was brought, and he set his mark uponthem, that they might be known in the places whither they were yet togo. Now the seal was the contents and sum of the passover which thechildren of Israel did eat, Exod. 13: 8-10, when they came out of theland of Egypt; and the mark was set between their eyes. This sealgreatly added to their beauty, for it was an ornament to their faces.It also added to their gravity, and made their countenance more likethose of angels. Then said the Interpreter again to the damsel that waited upon thesewomen, Go into the vestry, and fetch out garments for these people. Soshe went and fetched out white raiment, and laid it down before him; sohe commanded them to put it on: it was fine linen, white and clean.When the women were thus adorned, they seemed to be a terror one to theother; for that they could not see that glory each one had in herself,which they could see in each other. Now therefore they began to esteemeach other better than themselves. For, You are fairer than I am, saidone; and, You are more comely than I am, said another. The childrenalso stood amazed, to see into what fashion they were brought. ==THE THIRD STAGE.== The Interpreter then called for a man-servant of his, one Great-heart,and bid him take A sword, and helmet, and shield; and, Take these mydaughters, said he, conduct them to the house called Beautiful, at whichplace they will rest next. So he took his weapons, and went beforethem; and the Interpreter said, God speed. Those also that belonged tothe family, sent them away with many a good wish. So they went on theirway, and sang, This place hath been our second stage: Here we have heard, and seen Those good things, that from age to age To others hid have been. The dunghill-raker, spider, hen, The chicken, too, to me Have taught a lesson: let me then Conformed to it be. The butcher, garden, and the field, The robin and his bait, Also the rotten tree, doth yield Me argument of weight, To move me for to watch and pray, To strive to be sincere; To take my cross up day by day, And serve the Lord with fear. Now I saw in my dream, that they went on, and Great-Heart before them.So they went, and came to the place where Christian's burden fell offhis back and tumbled into a sepulchre. Here then they made a pause; andhere also they blessed God. Now, said Christiana, it comes to my mindwhat was said to us at the gate, to wit, that we should have pardon byword and deed: by word, that is, by the promise; by deed, to wit, in theway it was obtained. What the promise is, of that I know something; butwhat is it to have pardon by deed, or in the way that it was obtained,Mr. Great-Heart, I suppose you know; wherefore, if you please, let ushear your discourse thereof. GREAT. Pardon by the deed done, is pardon obtained by some one foranother that hath need thereof; not by the person pardoned, but in theway, saith another, in which I have obtained it. So then, to speak tothe question more at large, the pardon that you, and Mercy, and theseboys have attained, was obtained by another; to wit, by him that let youin at the gate. And he hath obtained it in this double way; he hathperformed righteousness to cover you, and spilt his blood to wash youin. CHR. But if he parts with his righteousness to us, what will he have forhimself? GREAT. He has more righteousness than you have need of, or than heneedeth himself. CHR. Pray make that appear. GREAT. With all my heart: but first I must premise, that he of whom weare now about to speak, is one that has not his fellow: He has twonatures in one person, plain to be distinguished, impossible to bedivided. Unto each of these natures a righteousness belongeth, and eachrighteousness is essential to that nature; so that one may as easilycause that nature to be extinct, as to separate its justice orrighteousness from it. Of these righteousnesses therefore, we are notmade partakers, so as that they, or any of them, should be put upon us,that we might be made just, and live thereby. Besides these, there is arighteousness which this person has, as these two natures are joined inone. And this is not the righteousness of the Godhead, as distinguishedfrom the manhood; nor the righteousness of the manhood, as distinguishedfrom the Godhead; but a righteousness which standeth in the union ofboth natures, and may properly be called the righteousness that isessential to his being prepared of God to the capacity of the mediatoryoffice, which he was to be entrusted with. If he parts with his firstrighteousness, he parts with his Godhead; if he parts with his secondrighteousness, he parts with the purity of his manhood; if he parts withhis third, he parts with that perfection that capacitates him to theoffice of mediation. He has therefore another righteousness, whichstandeth in performance, or obedience to a revealed will; and that iswhat he puts upon sinners, and that by which their sins are covered.Wherefore he saith, "As by one man's disobedience many were madesinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." Rom.5:19. CHR. But are the other righteousnesses of no use to us? GREAT. Yes; for though they are essential to his natures and office, andcannot be communicated unto another, yet it is by virtue of them thatthe righteousness that justifies is for that purpose efficacious. Therighteousness of his Godhead gives virtue to his obedience; therighteousness of his manhood giveth capability to his obedience tojustify; and the righteousness that standeth in the union of these twonatures to his office, giveth authority to that righteousness to do thework for which it was ordained. So then here is a righteousness that Christ, as God, has no need of; forhe is God without it: Here is a righteousness that Christ, as man, hasno need of to make him so; for he is perfect man without it. Again,here is a righteousness that Christ, as God-man, has no need of; for heis perfectly so without it. Here then is a righteousness that Christ,as God, and as God-man, has no need of, with reference to himself, andtherefore he can spare it; a justifying righteousness, that he forhimself wanteth not, and therefore giveth it away: Hence it is calledthe gift of righteousness. This righteousness, since Christ Jesus theLord has made himself under the law, must be given away; for the lawdoth not only bind him that is under it, to do justly, but to usecharity. Rom. 5:17. Wherefore he must, or ought by the law, if hehath two coats, to give one to him that hath none. Now, our Lord indeedhath two coats, one for himself, and one to spare; wherefore he freelybestows one upon those that have none. And thus, Christiana and Mercy,and the rest of you that are here, doth your pardon come by deed, or bythe work of another man. Your Lord Christ is he that worked, and hathgiven away what he wrought for, to the next poor beggar he meets. But again, in order to pardon by deed, there must something be paid toGod as a price, as well as something prepared to cover us withal. Sinhas delivered us up to the just curse of a righteous law: now from thiscurse we must be justified by way of redemption, a price being paid forthe harms we have done; and this is by the blood of your Lord, who cameand stood in your place and stead, and died your death for yourtransgressions: Thus has he ransomed you from your transgressions byblood, and covered your polluted and deformed souls with righteousness,Rom. 8:34; for the sake of which, God passeth by you and will not hurtyou when he comes to judge the world. Gal. 3:13. CHR. This is brave! Now I see that there was something to be learned byour being pardoned by word and deed. Good Mercy, let us labor to keepthis in mind: and, my children, do you remember it also. But, sir, wasnot this it that made my good Christian's burden fall from off hisshoulder, and that made him give three leaps for joy? GREAT. Yes, it was the belief of this that cut those strings that couldnot be cut by other means; and it was to give him a proof of the virtueof this, that he was suffered to carry his burden to the cross. CHR. I thought so; for though my heart was lightsome and joyous before,yet it is ten times more lightsome and joyous now. And I am persuadedby what I have felt, though I have felt but little as yet, that if themost burdened man in the world was here, and did see and believe as Inow do, it would make his heart the more merry and blithe. GREAT. There is not only comfort and the ease of a burden brought to usby the sight and consideration of these, but an endeared affection begotin us by it: for who can, if he doth but once think that pardon comesnot only by promise but thus, but be affected with the way and means ofhis redemption, and so with the man that hath wrought it for him? CHR. True; methinks it makes my heart bleed to think that he shouldbleed for me. Oh, thou loving One: Oh, thou blessed One. Thoudeservest to have me; thou hast bought me. Thou deservest to have meall: thou hast paid for me ten thousand times more than I am worth. Nomarvel that this made the tears stand in my husband's eyes, and that itmade him trudge so nimbly on. I am persuaded he wished me with him:but, vile wretch that I was, I let him come all alone. Oh, Mercy, thatthy father and mother were here; yea, and Mrs. Timorous also: nay, Iwish now with all my heart that here was Madam Wanton too. Surely,surely, their hearts would be affected; nor could the fear of the one,nor the powerful lusts of the other, prevail with them to go home again,and to refuse to become good pilgrims. GREAT. You speak now in the warmth of your affections; will it, thinkyou, be always thus with you? Besides, this is not communicated toevery one, nor to every one that did see your Jesus bleed. There werethat stood by, and that saw the blood run from the heart to the ground,and yet were so far off this, that instead of lamenting, they laughed athim, and, instead of becoming his disciples, did harden their heartsagainst him. So that all that you have, my daughters, you have bypeculiar impression made by a divine contemplating upon what I havespoken to you. Remember, that 'twas told you, that the hen, by hercommon call, gives no meat to her chickens. This you have therefore bya special grace. Now I saw in my dream, that they went on until they were come to theplace that Simple, and Sloth, and Presumption, lay and slept in whenChristian went by on pilgrimage: and behold, they were hanged up inirons a little way off on the other side. MER. Then said Mercy to him that was their guide and conductor, what arethese three men; and for what are they hanged there? GREAT. These three men were men of very bad qualities; they had no mindto be pilgrims themselves, and whomsoever they could, they hindered.They were sloth and folly themselves, and whomsoever they could persuadethey made so too, and withal taught them to presume that they should dowell at last. They were asleep when Christian went by; and now you goby, they are hanged. MER. But could they persuade any to be of their opinion? GREAT. Yes, they turned several out of the way. There was Slow-pacethat they persuaded to do as they. They also prevailed with one Short-wind, with one No-heart, with one Linger-after-Lust, and with one Sleepy-head, and with a young woman, her name was Dull, to turn out of the wayand become as they. Besides, they brought up an ill report of yourLord, persuading others that he was a hard taskmaster. They alsobrought up an evil report of the good Land, saying, it was not half sogood as some pretended it was. They also began to vilify his servants,and to count the best of them meddlesome, troublesome busybodies.Further, they would call the bread of God husks; the comforts of hischildren, fancies; the travel and labor of pilgrims, things to nopurpose. CHR. Nay, said Christiana, if they were such, they shall never bebewailed by me: they have but what they deserve; and I think it is wellthat they stand so near the highway, that others may see and takewarning. But had it not been well if their crimes had been engraven insome plate of iron or brass, and left here where they did theirmischiefs, for a caution to other bad men? GREAT. So it is, as you may well perceive, if you will go a little tothe wall. MER. No, no; let them hang, and their names rot, and their crimes liveforever against them. I think it a high favor that they were hangedbefore we came hither: who knows else what they might have done to suchpoor women as we are? Then she turned it into a song, saying, "Now then you three hang there, and be a sign To all that shall against the truth combine. And let him that comes after, fear this end, If unto pilgrims he is not a friend. And thou, my soul, of all such men beware, That unto holiness opposers are." Thus they went on till they came to the foot of the hill Difficulty,where again the good Mr. Great-Heart took an occasion to tell them whathappened there when Christian himself went by. So he had them first tothe spring. Lo, saith he, this is the spring that Christian drank ofbefore he went up this hill: and then it was clear and good; but now itis dirty with the feet of some that are not desirous that pilgrims hereshould quench their thirst. Ezek. 34:18,19. Thereat Mercy said, Andwhy so envious, trow? But, said their guide, it will do, if taken upand put into a vessel that is sweet and good; for then the dirt willsink to the bottom, and the water come out by itself more clear. Thustherefore Christiana and her companions were compelled to do. They tookit up, and put it into an earthen pot, and so let it stand till the dirtwas gone to the bottom, and then they drank thereof. Next he showed them the two by-ways that were at the foot of the hill,where Formality and Hypocrisy lost themselves. And, said he, these aredangerous paths. Two were here cast away when Christian came by; andalthough, as you see these ways are since stopped up with chains, posts,and a ditch, yet there are those that will choose to adventure hererather than take the pains to go up this hill. CHR. "The way of transgressors is hard." Prov. 13:15. It is a wonderthat they can get into these ways without danger of breaking theirnecks. GREAT. They will venture: yea, if at any time any of the King's servantsdo happen to see them, and do call upon them, and tell them that theyare in the wrong way, and do bid them beware of the danger, then theyrailingly return them answer, and say, "As for the word that thou hastspoken unto us in the name of the King, we will not hearken unto thee;but we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth out of our own mouths."Jer. 44:16,17. Nay, if you look a little further, you shall see thatthese ways are made cautionary enough, not only by these posts, andditch, and chain, but also by being hedged up: yet they will choose togo there. CHR. They are idle; they love not to take pains; up-hill way isunpleasant to them. So it is fulfilled unto them as it is written, "Theway of the slothful man is full of thorns." Prov. 15:19. Yea, theywill rather choose to walk upon a snare than to go up this hill, and therest of this way to the city. Then they set forward, and began to go up the hill, and up the hill theywent. But before they got to the top, Christiana began to pant, andsaid, I dare say this is a breathing hill; no marvel if they that lovetheir ease more than their souls choose to themselves a smoother way. Then said Mercy, I must sit down: also the least of the children beganto cry. Come, come, said Great-Heart, sit not down here; for a littleabove is the Prince's arbor. Then he took the little boy by the hand,and led him up thereto. When they were come to the arbor, they were very willing to sit down,for they were all in a pelting heat. Then said Mercy, "How sweet isrest to them that labor." Matt. 11:28; and how good is the Prince ofpilgrims to provide such resting-places for them! Of this arbor I haveheard much; but I never saw it before. But here let us beware ofsleeping; for, as I have heard, it cost poor Christian dear. Then said Mr. Great-Heart to the little ones, Come, my pretty boys, howdo you do? What think you now of going on pilgrimage? Sir, said theleast, I was almost beat out of heart; but I thank you for lending me ahand at my need. And I remember now what my mother hath told me,namely, that the way to heaven is as a ladder, and the way to hell is asdown a hill. But I had rather go up the ladder to life, than down thehill to death. Then said Mercy, But the proverb is, "To go down the hill is easy." ButJames said, (for that was his name,) The day is coming when, in myopinion, when going down the hill will be the hardest of all. 'Tis agood boy, said his master; thou hast given her a right answer. ThenMercy smiled, but the little boy did blush. CHR. Come, said Christiana, will you eat a bit to sweeten your mouths,while you sit here to rest your legs? for I have here a piece ofpomegranate which Mr. Interpreter put into my hand just when I came outof his door; he gave me also a piece of an honeycomb, and a littlebottle of spirits. I thought he gave you something, said Mercy, becausehe called you aside. Yes, so he did, said the other; but, saidChristiana, it shall be still as I said it should, when at first we camefrom home; thou shalt be a sharer in all the good that I have, becausethou so willingly didst become my companion. Then she gave to them, andthey did eat, both Mercy and the boys. And said Christiana to Mr.Great-Heart, Sir, will you do as we? But he answered, You are going onpilgrimage, and presently I shall return; much good may what you have doyou: at home I eat the same every day. ==THE FOURTH STAGE.== Now when they had eaten and drank, and had chatted a little longer,their guide said to them, The day wears away; if you think good, let usprepare to be going. So they got up to go, and the little boys wentbefore; But Christiana forgot to take her bottle of spirits with her, soshe sent her little boy back to fetch it. Then said Mercy, I think thisis a losing place: here Christian lost his roll, and here Christianaleft her bottle behind her. Sir, what is the cause of this? So theirguide made answer, and said, The cause is sleep, or forgetfulness: somesleep when they should keep awake, and some forget when they shouldremember; and this is the very cause why often, at the resting-places,some pilgrims in some things come off losers. Pilgrims should watch,and remember what they have already received, under their greatestenjoyments; but for want of doing so, oftentimes their rejoicing ends intears, and their sunshine in a cloud: witness the story of Christian atthis place. When they were come to the place where Mistrust and Timorous metChristian, to persuade him to go back for fear of the lions, theyperceived as it were a stage, and before it, towards the road, a broadplate with a copy of verses written thereon, and underneath the reasonof raising up that stage in that place rendered. The verses were, "Let him that sees this stage, take heed Unto his heart and tongue; Lest, if he do not, here he speed As some have long agone." The words underneath the verses were, "This stage was built to punishthose upon, who, through timorousness or mistrust, shall be afraid to gofurther on pilgrimage. Also, on this stage both Mistrust and Timorouswere burned through the tongue with a hot iron, for endeavoring tohinder Christian on his journey." Then said Mercy, This is much like to the saying of the Beloved: "Whatshall be given unto thee, or what shall be done unto thee, thou falsetongue? Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. Psa.120:3,4. So they went on till they came within sight of the lions. Now Mr.Great-Heart was a strong man, so he was not afraid of a lion: But yetwhen they were come up to the place where the lions were, the boys, thatwent before, were now glad to cringe behind, for they were afraid of thelions; so they stepped back, and went behind. At this their guidesmiled, and said, How now, my boys; do you love to go before when nodanger doth approach, and love to come behind so soon as the lionsappear? Now, as they went on, Mr. Great-heart drew his sword, with intent tomake a way for the pilgrims in spite of the lions. Then there appearedone that, it seems, had taken upon him to back the lions; and he said tothe pilgrims' guide, What is the cause of your coming hither? Now thename of that man was Grim, or Bloody-man because of his slaying ofpilgrims; and he was of the race of the giants. GREAT. Then said the pilgrims' guide, These women and children are goingon pilgrimage, and this is the way they must go; and go it they shall,in spite of thee and the lions. GRIM. This is not their way, neither shall they go therein. I am comeforth to withstand them, and to that end will back the lions. Now, to say the truth, by reason of the fierceness of the lions, and ofthe grim carriage of him that did back them, this way had of late lainmuch unoccupied, and was almost grown over with grass. CHR. Then said Christiana, Though the highways have been unoccupiedheretofore, and though the travellers have been made in times past towalk through by-paths, it must not be so now I am risen, now I am risena mother in Israel. Judges 5:6,7. GRIM. Then he swore by the lions that it should; and therefore bid themturn aside, for they should not have passage there. But Great-Heart their guide made first his approach unto Grim, and laidso heavily on him with his sword that he forced him to retreat. GRIM. Then said he that attempted to back the lions, Will you slay meupon mine own ground? GREAT. It is the King's highway that we are in, and in this way it isthat thou hast placed the lions; but these women, and these children,though weak, shall hold on their way in spite of thy lions. And withthat he gave him again a downright blow, and brought him upon his knees.With this blow also he broke his helmet, and with the next he cut off anarm. Then did the giant roar so hideously that his voice frightened thewomen, and yet they were glad to see him lie sprawling upon the ground.Now the lions were chained, and so of themselves could do nothing.Wherefore, when old Grim, that intended to back them, was dead, Mr.Great-Heart said to the pilgrims, Come now, and follow me, and no hurtshall happen to you from the lions. They therefore went on, but thewomen trembled as they passed by them; the boys also looked as if theywould die; but they all got by without further hurt. Now, when they were within sight of the Porter's lodge, they soon cameup unto it; but they made the more haste after this to go thither,because it is dangerous traveling there in the night. So when they werecome to the gate, the guide knocked, and the Porter cried, Who is there?But as soon as the guide had said, It is I, he knew his voice, and camedown, for the guide had oft before that come thither as a conductor ofpilgrims. When he was come down, he opened the gate; and seeing theguide standing just before it, (for he saw not the women, for they werebehind him,) he said unto him, How now, Mr. Great-Heart, what is yourbusiness here so late at night? I have brought, said he, some pilgrimshither, where, by my Lord's commandment, they must lodge: I had beenhere some time ago, had I not been opposed by the giant that did use toback the lions. But I, after a long and tedious combat with him, havecut him off, and have brought the pilgrims hither in safety. POR. Will you not go in, and stay till morning? GREAT. No, I will return to my Lord to-night. CHR. O, sir, I know not how to be willing you should leave us in ourpilgrimage: you have been so faithful and loving to us, you have foughtso stoutly for us, you have been so hearty in counselling of us, that Ishall never forget your favor towards us. MER. Then said Mercy, O that we might have thy company to our journey'send! How can such poor women as we hold out in a way so full oftroubles as this way is, without a friend and defender? JAMES. Then said James, the youngest of the boys, Pray, sir, bepersuaded to go with us, and help us, because we are so weak, and theway so dangerous as it is. GREAT. I am at my Lord's commandment; if he shall allot me to be yourguide quite through, I will willingly wait upon you. But here youfailed at first; for when he bid me come thus far with you, then youshould have begged me of him to have gone quite through with you, and hewould have granted your request. However, at present I must withdraw;and so, good Christiana, Mercy, and my brave children, adieu. Then the Porter, Mr. Watchful, asked Christiana of her country, and ofher kindred. And she said, I came from the city of Destruction. I am awidow woman, and my husband is dead, his name was Christian, thepilgrim. How! said the Porter, was he your husband? Yes, said she,and these are his children and this, pointing to Mercy, is one of mytown's-women. Then the Porter rang his bell, as at such times he iswont, and there come to the door one of the damsels, whose name wasHumble-Mind; and to her the Porter said, Go tell it within, thatChristiana, the wife of Christian, and her children, are come hither onpilgrimage. She went in, therefore, and told it. But oh, what noisefor gladness was there within when the damsel did but drop that out ofher mouth! So they came with haste to the Porter, for Christana stood still at thedoor. Then some of the most grave said unto her, Come in, Christiana,come in, thou wife of that good man; come in, thou blessed woman, comein, with all that are with thee. So she went in, and they followed herthat were her children and companions. Now when they were gone in, theywere had into a large room, where they were bidden to sit down: so theysat down, and the chief of the house were called to see and welcome theguests. Then they came in, and understanding who they were, did saluteeach other with a kiss, and said, Welcome, ye vessels of the grace ofGod; welcome to us, your friends. Now, because it was somewhat late, and because the pilgrims were wearywith their journey, and also made faint with the sight of the fight, andof the terrible lions, they desired, as soon as might be, to prepare togo to rest. Nay, said those of the family, refresh yourselves firstwith a morsel of meat; for they had prepared for them a lamb, with theaccustomed sauce belonging thereto, Exod. 12:21; John 1:29; for thePorter had heard before of their coming, and had told it to them within.So when they had supped, and ended their prayer with a psalm, theydesired they might go to rest. But let us, said Christiana, if we may be so bold as to choose, be inthat chamber that was my husband's when he was here; so they had them upthither, and they all lay in a room. When they were at rest, Christianaand Mercy entered into discourse about things that were convenient. CHR. Little did I think once, when my husband went on pilgrimage, that Ishould ever have followed him. MER. And you as little thought of lying in his bed, and in his chamberto rest, as you do now. CHR. And much less did I ever think of seeing his face with comfort, andof worshiping the Lord the King with him; and yet now I believe I shall. MER. Hark, don't you hear a noise? CHR. Yes, it is, as I believe, a noise of music, for joy that we arehere. MER. Wonderful! Music in the house, music in the heart, and music alsoin heaven, for joy that we are here! Thus they talked a while, and thenbetook themselves to sleep. So in the morning when they were awake, Christiana said to Mercy, Whatwas the matter that you did laugh in your sleep to-night? I suppose youwere in a dream. MER. So I was, and a sweet dream it was; but are you sure I laughed? CHR. Yes, you laughed heartily; but prithee, Mercy, tell me thy dream. MER. I was a dreaming that I sat all alone in a solitary place, and wasbemoaning of the hardness of my heart. Now I had not sat there long butmethought many were gathered about me to see me, and to hear what it wasthat I said. So they hearkened, and I went on bemoaning the hardness ofmy heart. At this, some of them laughed at me, some called me fool, andsome began to thrust me about. With that, methought I looked up and sawone coming with wings towards me. So he came directly to me, and said,Mercy, what aileth thee? Now when he had heard me make my complaint, hesaid, Peace be to thee; he also wiped my eyes with his handkerchief, andclad me in silver and gold. Ezek. 16:8-11. He put a chain about myneck, and ear-rings in mine ears, and a beautiful crown upon my head.Then he took me by the hand, and said, Mercy, come after me. So he wentup, and I followed till we came at a golden gate. Then he knocked; andwhen they within had opened, the man went in, and I followed him up to athrone, upon which one sat; and he said to me, Welcome, daughter. Theplace looked bright and twinkling, like the stars, or rather like thesun, and I thought that I saw your husband there; so I awoke from mydream. But did I laugh? CHR. Laugh! aye, and well you might to see yourself so well. For youmust give me leave to tell you that it was a good dream; and that, asyou have begun to find the first part true, so you shall find the secondat last. "God speaks once, yea, twice, yet man perceiveth it not; in adream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, inslumberings upon the bed." Job 33:14,15. We need not, when abed, tolie awake to talk with God; he can visit us while we sleep, and cause usthen to hear his voice. Our heart oftentimes wakes when we sleep, andGod can speak to that, either by words, by proverbs, by signs andsimilitudes, as well as if one was awake. MER. Well, I am glad of my dream; for I hope ere long to see itfulfilled, to the making me laugh again. CHR. I think it is now high time to rise, and to know what we must do. MER. Pray, if they invite us to stay a while, let us willingly accept ofthe proffer. I am the more willing to stay a while here, to grow betteracquainted with these maids: methinks Prudence, Piety, and Charity, havevery comely and sober countenances. CHR. We shall see what they will do. So when they were up and ready, they came down, and they asked oneanother of their rest, and if it was comfortable or not. MER. Very good, said Mercy: it was one of the best night's lodgings thatever I had in my life. Then said Prudence and Piety, If you will be persuaded to stay here awhile, you shall have what the house will afford. CHAR. Aye, and that with a very good will, said Charity. So theyconsented, and stayed there about a month or above, and became veryprofitable one to another. And because Prudence would see howChristiana had brought up her children, she asked leave of her tocatechise them. So she gave her free consent. Then she began with heryoungest, whose name was James. PRUD. And she said, Come, James, canst thou tell me who made thee? JAMES. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. PRUD. Good boy. And canst thou tell who saved thee? JAMES. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. PRUD. Good boy still. But how doth God the Father save thee? JAMES. By his grace. PRUD. How doth God the Son save thee? JAMES. By his righteousness, death and blood, and life. PRUD. And how doth God the Holy Ghost save thee? JAMES. By his illumination, by his renovation, and by his preservation. Then said Prudence to Christiana, You are to be commended for thusbringing up your children. I suppose I need not ask the rest thesequestions, since the youngest of them can answer them so well. I willtherefore now apply myself to the next youngest. PRUD. Then she said, Come, Joseph, (for his name was Joseph,) will youlet me catechise you? JOSEPH. With all my heart. PRUD. What is man? JOSEPH. A reasonable creature, so made by God, as my brother said. PRUD. What is supposed by this word, saved? JOSEPH. That man, by sin, has brought himself into a state of captivityand misery. PRUD. What is supposed by his being saved by the Trinity? JOSEPH. That sin is so great and mighty a tyrant that none can pull usout of its clutches but God; and that God is so good and loving to man,as to pull him indeed out of this miserable state. PRUD. What is God's design in saving poor men? JOSEPH. The glorifying of his name, of his grace, and justice, etc., andthe everlasting happiness of his creature. PRUD. Who are they that will be saved? JOSEPH. They that accept of his salvation. PRUD. Good boy, Joseph; thy mother hath taught thee well, and thou hasthearkened unto what she has said unto thee. Then said Prudence to Samuel, who was the eldest but one, PRUD. Come, Samuel, are you willing that I should catechise you? SAM. Yes, forsooth, if you please. PRUD. What is heaven? SAM. A place and state most blessed, because God dwelleth there. PRUD. What is hell? SAM. A place and state most woful, because it is the dwelling-place ofsin, the devil, and death. PRUD. Why wouldst thou go to heaven? SAM. That I may see God, and serve him without weariness; that I may seeChrist, and love him everlastingly; that I may have that fullness of theHoly Spirit in me which I can by no means here enjoy. PRUD. A very good boy, and one that has learned well. Then she addressed herself to the eldest, whose name was Matthew; andshe said to him, Come, Matthew, shall I also catechise you? MATT. With a very good will. PRUD. I ask then, if there was ever any thing that had a beingantecedent to or before God? MATT. No, for God is eternal; nor is there any thing, excepting himself,that had a being until the beginning of the first day. For in six daysthe Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is. PRUD. What do you think of the Bible? MATT. It is the holy word of God. PRUD. Is there nothing written therein but what you understand? MATT. Yes, a great deal. PRUD. What do you do when you meet with places therein that you do notunderstand? MATT. I think God is wiser than I. I pray also that he will please tolet me know all therein that he knows will be for my good. PRUD. How believe you as touching the resurrection of the dead? MATT. I believe they shall rise the same that was buried; the same innature, though not in corruption. And I believe this upon a doubleaccount: first, because God has promised it; secondly, because he isable to perform it. Then said Prudence to the boys, You must still hearken to your mother;for she can teach you more. You must also diligently give ear to whatgood talk you shall hear from others: for your sakes do they speak goodthings. Observe also, and that with carefulness, what the heavens andthe earth do teach you; but especially be much in the meditation of thatbook which was the cause of your father's becoming a pilgrim. I, for mypart, my children, will teach you what I can while you are here, andshall be glad if you will ask me questions that tend to godly edifying. Now by that these pilgrim's had been at this place a week, Mercy had avisitor that pretended some good-will unto her, and his name was Mr.Brisk; a man of some breeding, and that pretended to religion, but a manthat stuck very close to the world. So he came once or twice, or more,to Mercy, and offered love unto her. Now Mercy was of a faircountenance, and therefore the more alluring. Her mind also was to be always busying of herself in doing; for when shehad nothing to do for herself, she would be making hose and garments forothers, and would bestow them upon those that had need. And Mr. Brisknot knowing where or how she disposed of what she made, seemed to begreatly taken, for that he found her never idle. I will warrant her agood housewife, quoth he to himself. Mercy then revealed the business to the maidens that were of the house,and inquired of them concerning him, for they did know him better thanshe. So they told her that he was a very busy young man, and one whopretended to religion, but was, as they feared, a stranger to the powerof that which is good. Nay then, said Mercy, I will look no more on him; for I purpose never tohave a clog to my soul. Prudence then replied, that there needed no matter of greatdiscouragement to be given to him; her continuing so as she had begun todo for the poor, would quickly cool his courage. So the next time he comes he finds her at her old work, making thingsfor the poor. Then said he, What, always at it? Yes, said she, eitherfor myself or for others. And what canst thou earn a day? said he. Ido these things, said she, that I may be rich in good works, laying upin store for myself a good foundation against the time to come, that Imay lay hold on eternal life. 1 Tim. 6:17-19. Why, prithee, whatdoest thou with them? said he. Clothe the naked, said she. With thathis countenance fell. So he forbore to come at her again. And when hewas asked the reason why, he said, that Mercy was a pretty lass, buttroubled with ill conditions. When he had left her, Prudence said, Did I not tell thee that Mr. Briskwould soon forsake thee? yea, he will rise up an ill report of thee;for, notwithstanding his pretence to religion, and his seeming love toMercy, yet Mercy and he are of tempers so different that I believe theywill never come together. MER. I might have had husbands before now, though I spoke not of it toany; but they were such as did not like my conditions, though never didany of them find fault with my person. So they and I could not agree. PRUD. Mercy in our days is but little set by any further than as to itsname: the practice which is set forth by thy conditions, there are butfew that can abide. MER. Well, said Mercy, if nobody will have me, I will die unmarried, ormy conditions shall be to me as a husband: for I cannot change mynature; and to have one who lies cross to me in this, that I purposenever to admit of as long as I live. I had a sister named Bountiful,that was married to one of these churls, but he and she could neveragree; but because my sister was resolved to do as she had begun, thatis, to show kindness to the poor, therefore her husband first cried herdown at the cross, and then turned her out of his doors. PRUD. And yet he was a professor, I warrant you? MER. Yes, such a one as he was, and of such as he the world is now full:but I am for none of them all. Now Matthew, the eldest son of Christiana, fell sick, and his sicknesswas sore upon him, for he was much pained in his bowels, so that he waswith it at times pulled, as it were, both ends together. There dweltalso not far from thence one Mr. Skill, an ancient and well-approvedphysician. So Christiana desired it, and entered the room, and had alittle observed the boy, he concluded that he was sick of the gripes.Then he said to his mother, What diet has Matthew of late fed upon?Diet! said Christiana, nothing but what is wholesome. The physiciananswered, This boy has been tampering with something that lies in hisstomach undigested, and that will not away without means. And I tellyou he must be purged, or else he will die. SAM. Then said Samuel, Mother, what was that which my brother did gatherup and eat as soon as we were come from the gate that is at the head ofthis way? You know that there was an orchard on the left hand, on theother side of the wall, and some of the trees hung over the wall, and mybrother did pluck and eat. CHR. True, my child, said Christiana, he did take thereof, and did eat:naughty boy as he was, I chid him, and yet he would eat thereof. SKILL. I knew he had eaten something that was not wholesome food; andthat food, to wit, that fruit, is even the most hurtful of all. It isthe fruit of Beelzebub's orchard. I do marvel that none did warn you ofit; many have died thereof. CHR. Then Christiana began to cry; and she said, Oh, naughty boy! andOh, careless mother! what shall I do for my son? SKILL. Come, do not be too much dejected; the boy may do well again, buthe must purge and vomit. CHR. Pray, sir, try the utmost of your skill with him, whatever itcosts. SKILL. Nay, I hope I shall be reasonable. So he made him a purge, butit was too weak; it was said it was made of the blood of a goat, theashes of a heifer, and some of the juice of hyssop. Heb. 9:13, 19; 10:1-4. When Mr. Skill had seen that that purge was too weak, he made oneto the purpose. It was made ex carne et sanguine Christi, 7 John 6:54-57; Heb. 9:14; (you know physicians give strange medicines to theirpatients:) and it was made into pills, with a promise or two, and aproportionable quantity of salt. Mark 9:49. Now, he was to take themthree at a time, fasting, in half a quarter of a pint of the tears ofrepentance. Zech. 12:10. When this potion was prepared, and brought to the boy, he was loth totake it, though torn with the gripes as if he should be pulled inpieces. Come, come, said the physician, you must take it. It goesagainst my stomach, said the boy. I must have you take it, said hismother. I shall vomit it up again, said the boy. Pray, sir, saidChristiana to Mr. Skill, how does it taste? It has no ill taste, saidthe doctor; and with that she touched one of the pills with the tip ofher tongue. Oh, Matthew, said she, this potion is sweeter than honey.If thou lovest thy mother, if thou lovest thy brothers, if thou lovestMercy, if thou lovest thy life, take it. So, with much ado, after ashort prayer for the blessing of God upon it, he took it, and it wroughtkindly with him. It caused him to purge; it caused him to sleep, and torest quietly; it put him into a fine heat and breathing sweat, and didquite rid him of his gripes. So in a little time he got up, and walkedabout with a staff, and would go from room to room, and talk withPrudence, Piety, and Charity, of his distemper, and how he was healed. So when the boy was healed, Christiana asked Mr. Skill, saying, Sir,what will content you for your pains and care to and of my child? Andhe said, You must pay the master of the College of Physicians, Heb.13:11-15, according to rules made in that case and provided. CHR. But, sir, said she, what is this pill good for else? SKILL. It is a universal pill; it is good against all the diseases thatpilgrims are incident to; and when it is well prepared, it will keepgood, time out of mind. CHR. Pray, sir, make me up twelve boxes of them; for if I can get these,I will never take other physic. SKILL. These pills are good to prevent diseases, as well as to cure whenone is sick. Yea, I dare say it, and stand to it, that if a man willbut use this physic as he should, it will make him live for ever. John6:51. But, good Christiana, thou must give these pills no other way butas I have prescribed; for if you do, they will do no good. So he gaveunto Christiana physic for herself, and her boys, and for Mercy; and bidMatthew take heed how he ate any more green plums; and kissed them, andwent his way. It was told you before, that Prudence bid the boys, that if at any timethey would, they should ask her some questions that might be profitableand she would say something to them. MATT. Then Matthew, who had been sick, asked her, why for the most partphysic should be bitter to our palates. PRUD. To show how unwelcome the word of God and the effects thereof areto a carnal heart. MATT. Why does physic, if it does good, purge, and cause to vomit? PRUD. To show that the word, when it works effectually, cleanseth theheart and mind. For look, what the one doth to the body, the other dothto the soul. MATT. What should we learn by seeing the flame of our fire go upwards,and by seeing the beams and sweet influences of the sun strikedownwards? PRUD. By the going up of the fire, we are taught to ascend to heaven byfervent and hot desires. And by the sun sending his heat, beams, andsweet influences downwards, we are taught the Saviour of the world,though high, reaches down with his grace and love to us below. MATT. Whence have the clouds their water? 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 tothe world. MATT. Why is the rainbow caused by the sun? PRUD. To show that the covenant of God's grace is confirmed to us inChrist. MATT. Why do the springs come from the sea to us through the earth? PRUD. To show that the grace of God comes to us through the body ofChrist. 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 aregreat and mighty, as well as in many that are poor and low. MATT. Why doth the fire fasten upon the candle-wick? PRUD. To show that unless grace doth kindle upon the heart, there willbe no true light of life in us. MATT. Why are the wick, and tallow and all, spent to maintain the lightof 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 Godthat is in us. 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 thatChrist the blessed so loved his young, (his people,) as to save themfrom death by his blood. MATT. What may one learn by hearing the cock to crow? PRUD. Learn to remember Peter's sin, and Peter's repentance. The cock'scrowing shows also, that day is coming on: let, then, the crowing of thecock put thee in mind of that last and terrible day of judgment. Now about this time their month was out; wherefore they signified tothose of the house, that it was convenient for them to up and be going.Then said Joseph to his mother, It is proper that you forget not to sendto the house of Mr. Interpreter, to pray him to grant that Mr. Great-Heart should be sent unto us, that he may be our conductor for the restof the way. Good boy, said she, I had almost forgot. So she drew up apetition, and prayed Mr. Watchful the porter to send it by some fit manto her good friend Mr. Interpreter; who, when it was come, and he hadseen the contents of the petition, said to the messenger, Go, tell themthat I will send him. When the family where Christiana was, saw that they had a purpose to goforward, they called the whole house together, to give thanks to theirKing for sending of them such profitable guests as these. Which done,they said unto Christiana, And shall we not show thee something, as ourcustom is to do to pilgrims, on which thou mayest meditate when thou artupon the way? So they took Christiana, her children, and Mercy, intothe closet, and showed them one of the apples that Eve ate of, and thatshe also did give to her husband, and that for the eating of which theywere both turned out of paradise, and asked her what she thought thatwas. Then Christiana said, It is food or poison, I know not which. Sothey opened the matter to her, and she held up her hands and wondered.Gen. 3:6; Rom. 7:24. Then they had her to a place, and showed her Jacob's ladder. Gen.28:12. Now at that time there were some angels ascending upon it. SoChristiana looked and looked to see the angels go up: so did the rest ofthe company. Then they were going into another place, to show themsomething else; but James said to his mother, Pray, bid them stay here alittle longer, for this is a curious sight. So they turned again, andstood feeding their eyes with this so pleasant a prospect. After this, they had them into a place where did hang up a goldenanchor. So they bid Christiana take it down; for said they, You shallhave it with you, for it is of absolute necessity that you should, thatyou may lay hold of that within the veil, Heb. 6:19, and stand stedfastin case you should meet with turbulent weather, Joel 3:16: so they wereglad thereof. Then they took them, and had them to the mount upon which Abraham ourfather offered up Isaac his son, and showed them the altar, the wood,the fire, and the knife, for they remain to be seen to this very day.Gen. 22:9. When they had seen it, they held up their hands, andblessed themselves, and said, Oh, what a man for love to his Master, andfor denial to himself, was Abraham! After they had showed them all these things, Prudence took them into adining room, where stood a pair of excellent virginals; 8 so she playedupon them, and turned what she had showed them into this excellent song,saying, "Eve's apple we have showed you; Of that be you aware: You have seen Jacob's ladder too, Upon which angels are. An anchor you received have; But let not these suffice, Until with Abra'm you have gave Your best, a sacrifice." Now, about this time, one knocked at the door; so the Porter opened, andbehold, Mr. Great-Heart was there. But when he was come in, what joywas there! for it came now afresh again into their minds, how but awhile ago he had slain old Grim Bloody-man the giant, and had deliveredthem from the lions. Then said Mr. Great-Heart to Christiana and to Mercy, My Lord has senteach of you a bottle of wine, and also some parched corn, together witha couple of pomegranates; he has also sent the boys some figs andraisins; to refresh you in your way. Then they addressed themselves to their journey, and Prudence and Pietywent along with them. When they came to the gate, Christiana asked thePorter if any of late went by. He said, No; only one, some time since,who also told me, that of late there had been a great robbery committedon the King's highway as you go. But, said he, the thieves are taken,and will shortly be tried for their lives. Then Christiana and Mercywere afraid; but Matthew said, Mother, fear nothing, as long as Mr.Great-Heart is to go with us, and to be our conductor. Then said Christiana to the Porter, Sir, I am much obliged to you forall the kindnesses that you have showed to me since I came hither; andalso for that you have been so loving and kind to my children. I knownot how to gratify your kindness; wherefore, pray, as a token of myrespect to you, accept of this small mite. So she put a gold angel 9 inhis hand; and he made her a low obeisance, and said, "Let thy garmentsbe always white; and let thy head want no ointment." Eccles. 9:8. LetMercy live and not die, and let not her works be few. Deut. 33:6. Andto the boys he said, Do you fly youthful lusts, and follow aftergodliness with them that are grave and wise, 2 Tim. 2:22: so shall youput gladness into your mother's heart, and obtain praise of all that aresober-minded. So they thanked the Porter, and departed. ==THE FIFTH STAGE.== Now I saw in my dream, that they went forward until they were come tothe brow of the Hill; where Piety, bethinking herself, cried out, Alas,I have forgot what I intended to bestow upon Christiana and hercompanions: I will go back and fetch it. So she ran and fetched it.While she was gone, Christiana thought she heard, in a grove a littleway off on the right hand, a most curious melodious note, with wordsmuch like these: "Through all my life thy favor is So frankly showed to me, That in thy House for evermore My dwelling-place shall be." And listening still, she thought she heard another answer it, saying, "For why? The Lord our God is good; His mercy is forever sure; His truth at all times firmly stood, And shall from age to age endure." So Christiana asked Prudence who it was that made those curious notes.Song 2:11,12. They are, answered she, our country birds: they singthese notes but seldom, except it be at the spring, when the flowersappear, and the sun shines warm, and then you may hear them all daylong. I often, said she, go out to hear them; we also oft-times keepthem tame in our house. They are very fine company for us when we aremelancholy: also they make the woods, and groves, and solitary places,places desirable to be in. By this time Piety was come again. So she said to Christiana, Lookhere, I have brought thee a scheme of all those things that thou hastseen at our house, upon which thou mayest look when thou findest thyselfforgetful, and call those things again to remembrance for thyedification and comfort. Now they began to go down the hill into the Valley of Humiliation. Itwas a steep hill, and the way was slippery; but they were very careful;so they got down pretty well. When they were down in the valley, Pietysaid to Christiana, This is the place where Christian your husband met,with the foul fiend Apollyon, and where they had that dreadful fightthat they had: I know you cannot but have heard thereof. But be of goodcourage; as long as you have here Mr. Great-Heart to be your guide andconductor, we hope you will fare the better. So when these two hadcommitted the pilgrims unto the conduct of their guide, he went forward,and they went after. GREAT. Then said Mr. Great-Heart, We need not be so afraid of thisvalley, for here is nothing to hurt us, unless we procure it toourselves. It is true, Christian did here meet with Apollyon, with whomhe had also a sore combat: but that fray was the fruit of those slipsthat he got in his going down the hill: for they that get slips there,must look for combats here. And hence it is, that this valley has gotso hard a name. For the common people, when they hear that somefrightful thing has befallen such an one in such a place, are of opinionthat that place is haunted with some foul fiend, or evil spirit; when,alas! it is for the fruit of their doing, that such things do befalthem there. This Valley of Humiliation is of itself as fruitful a placeas any the crow flies over; and I am persuaded, if we could hit upon it,we might find somewhere hereabouts something that might give us anaccount why Christian was so hardly beset in this place. Then said James to his mother, Lo, yonder stands a pillar, and it looksas if something was written thereon; let us go and see what it is. Sothey went and found there written, "Let Christian's slips, before hecame hither, and the battles that he met with in this place, be awarning to those that come after." Lo, said their guide, did not I tellyou that there was something hereabouts that would give intimation ofthe reason why Christian was so hard beset in this place? Then turningto Christiana, he said, No disparagement to Christian more than to anyothers whose hap and lot it was. For it is easier going up than downthis hill, and that can be said but of few hills in all these parts ofthe world. But we will leave the good man; he is at rest: he also had abrave victory over his enemy. Let Him grant, that dwelleth above, thatwe fare no worse, when we come be tried, than he. But we will come again to this Valley of Humiliation. It is the bestand most fruitful piece of ground in all those parts. It is fat ground,and as you see, consisteth much in meadows; and if a man was to comehere in the summer-time, as we do now, if he knew not any thing beforethereof, and if he also delighted himself in the sight of his eyes, hemight see that which would be delightful to him. Behold how green thisvalley is; also how beautified with lillies. Song 2:1. I have knownmany laboring men that have got good estates in this Valley ofHumiliation; for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to thehumble. James 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5. Indeed it is a very fruitful soil, anddoth bring forth by handfuls. Some also have wished that the next wayto their Father's house were here, that they might be troubled no morewith either hills or mountains to go over; but the way is the way, andthere is an end. Now, as they were going along, and talking, they espied a boy feedinghis father's sheep. The boy was in very mean clothes, but of a veryfresh and well-favored countenance; and as he sat by himself, he sung.Hark, said Mr. Great-Heart, to what the shepherd's boy saith. So theyhearkened and he said, "He that is down, needs fear no fall; He that is low, no pride: He that is humble, ever shall Have God to be his guide. I am content with what I have, Little be it or much; And, Lord, contentment still I crave, Because thou savest such. Fulness to such, a burden is, That go on pilgrimage; Here little, and hereafter bliss, Is best from Age to Age." Then said the guide, Do you hear him? I will dare to say, that this boylives a merrier life, and wears more of that herb called heart's-ease inhis bosom, than he that is clad in silk and velvet. But we will proceedin our discourse. In this valley our Lord formerly had his country-house: he loved much tobe here. He loved also to walk these meadows, for he found the air waspleasant. Besides, here a man shall be free from the noise, and fromthe hurryings of this life: all states are full of noise and confusion;only the Valley of Humiliation is that empty and solitary place. Here aman shall not be so let and hindered in his contemplation as in otherplaces he is apt to be. This is a valley that nobody walks in but thosethat love a pilgrim's life. And though Christian had the hard hap tomeet here with Apollyon, and to enter with him in a brisk encounter, yetI must tell you, that in former times men have met with angels here,Hos. 12:4,5, have found pearls here, Matt. 13:46, and have in thisplace found the words of life. Prov. 8:36. Did I say our Lord had here in former days his country-house, and thathe loved here to walk? I will add-in this place, and to the people thatlove and trace these grounds, he has left a yearly revenue, to befaithfully paid them at certain seasons, for their maintenance by theway, and for their further encouragement to go on in their pilgrimage. SAM. Now, as they went on, Samuel said to Mr. Great-Heart, Sir, Iperceive that in this valley my father and Apollyon had their battle;but whereabout was the fight? for I perceive this valley is large. GREAT. Your father had the battle with Apollyon at a place yonder beforeus, in a narrow passage, just beyond Forgetful Green. And indeed thatplace is the most dangerous place in all these parts. For if at anytime pilgrims meet with any brunt, it is when they forget what favoursthey have received, and how unworthy they are of them. This is theplace also where others have been hard put to it. But more of the placewhen we are come to it; for I persuade myself that to this day thereremains either some sign of the battle, or some monument to testify thatsuch a battle there was fought. MER. Then said Mercy, I think I am as well in this valley as I have beenanywhere else in all our journey: the place, methinks, suits with myspirit. I love to be in such places, where there is no rattling withcoaches, nor rumbling with wheels. Methinks, here one may, without muchmolestation, be thinking what he is, whence he came, what he has done,and to what the King has called him. Here one may think, and break atheart, and melt in one's spirit, until one's eyes become as the fish-pools in Heshbon. Song 7:4. They that go rightly through this valleyof Baca, make it a well; the rain that God sends down from heaven uponthem that are here, also filleth the pools. This valley is that fromwhence also the King will give to his their vineyards; and they that gothrough it shall sing, as Christian did, for all he met with Apollyon.Psa. 84:5-7; Hos. 2:15. GREAT. 'Tis true, said their guide; I have gone through this valley manya time, and never was better than when here. I have also been a conductto several pilgrims, and they have confessed the same. "To this manwill I look," saith the King, "even to him that is poor, and of acontrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." Isa. 66:2. Now they were come to the place where the aforementioned battle wasfought: Then said the guide to Christiana, her children, and Mercy, Thisis the place; on this ground Christian stood, and up there came Apollyonagainst him; and look. And, look, did I not tell you? here is some of your husband's blood upon these stones tothis day: Behold, also, how here and there are yet to be seen upon theplace, some of the shivers of Apollyon's broken darts. See, also, howthey did beat the ground with their feet as they fought, to make goodtheir places against each other; how also with their by-blows they didsplit the very stones in pieces. Verily, Christian did here play theman, and showed himself as stout as Hercules could, had he been there,even he himself. When Apollyon was beat, he made his retreat to thenext valley, that is called, the Valley of the Shadow of Death, untowhich we shall come anon. Lo, yonder also stands a monument, on whichis engraven this battle, and Christian's victory, to his fame,throughout all ages: So because it stood just on the way-side beforethem, they stepped to it, and read the writing, which word for word wasthis: "Hard by here was a battle fought, Most strange, and yet most true; Christian and Apollyon fought Each other to subdue. The man so bravely play'd the man, He made the fiend to fly; Of which a monument I stand, The same to testify." When they had passed by this place, they came upon the borders of theShadow of Death. This Valley was longer than the other; a place alsomost strangely haunted with evil things, as many are able to testify:but these women and children went the better through it, because theyhad daylight, and because Mr. Great-Heart was their conductor. When they were entering upon this valley, they thought they heard agroaning, as of dying men; a very great groaning. They thought alsothat they did hear words of lamentation, spoken as of some in extremetorment. These things made the boys to quake; the women also lookedpale and wan; but their guide bid them be of good comfort. So they went on a little further, and they thought that they felt theground begin to shake under them, as if some hollow place was there:they heard also a kind of hissing, as of serpents, but nothing as yetappeared. Then said the boys, Are we not yet at the end of this dolefulplace? But the guide also bid them be of good courage, and look well totheir feet; lest haply, said he, you be taken in some snare. Now James began to be sick; but I think the cause thereof was fear: sohis mother gave him some of that glass of spirits that had been givenher at the Interpreter's house, and three of the pills that Mr. Skillhad prepared, and the boy began to revive. Thus they went on till theycame to about the middle of the valley; and then Christiana said,Methinks I see something yonder upon the road before us, a thing of ashape such as I have not seen. Then said Joseph, Mother, what is it?An ugly thing, child; an ugly thing, said she. But, mother, what is itlike? said he. 'Tis like I cannot tell what, said she; and now it isbut a little way off. Then said she, It is nigh. Well, said Mr. Great-Heart, let them that are most afraid keep close tome. So the fiend came on, and the conductor met it; but when it wascome to him, it vanished to all their sights. Then remembered they whathad been said some time ago: "Resist the devil, and he will flee fromyou." James 4:7. They went therefore on, as being a little refreshed. But they had notgone far, before Mercy, looking behind her, saw, as she thought,something most like a lion, and it came at a great padding pace after:and it had a hollow voice of roaring; and at every roar it gave, it madethe valley echo, and all their hearts to ache, save the heart of himthat was their guide. So it came up and Mr. Great-Heart went behind,and put the pilgrims all before him. The lion also came on apace, andMr. Great-Heart addressed himself to give him battle. 1 Pet. 5:8,9.But when he saw that it was determined that resistance should be made,he also drew back, and came no further. Then they went on again, and their conductor went before them, till theycame to a place where was cast up a pit the whole breadth of the way;and before they could be prepared to go over that, a great mist and adarkness fell upon them, so that they could not see. Then said thepilgrims, Alas! what now shall we do? But their guide made answer,Fear not; stand still, and see what an end will be put to this also; sothey stayed there, because their path was marred. They then alsothought that they did hear more apparently the noise and rushing of theenemies; the fire also and the smoke of the pit were much easier to bediscerned. Then said Christiana to Mercy, Now I see what my poorhusband went through. I have heard much of this place, but I never washere before now. Poor man! he went here all alone in the night; he hadnight almost quite through the way: also these fiends were busy abouthim, as if they would have torn him in pieces. Many have spoken of it;but none can tell what the Valley of the Shadow of Death should meanuntil they come in themselves. The heart knoweth its own bitterness;and a stranger intermeddleth not with its joy. Prov. 14:10. To behere is a fearful thing. GREAT. This is like doing business in great waters, or like going downinto the deep. This is like being in the heart of the sea, and likegoing down to the bottoms of the mountains. Now it seems as if theearth, with its bars, were about us for ever. But let them that walk indarkness, and have no light, trust in the name of the Lord, and stayupon their God. Isa. 50:10. For my part, as I have told you already,I have gone often through this valley, and have been much harder put toit than now I am: and yet you see I am alive. I would not boast, forthat I am not mine own saviour; but I trust we shall have a gooddeliverance. Come, let us pray for light to Him that can lighten ourdarkness, and that can rebuke not only these, but all the Satans inhell. So they cried and prayed, and God sent light and deliverance, for therewas now no let in their way; no, not there where but now they werestopped with a pit. Yet they were not got through the valley. So theywent on still, and met with great stinks and loathsome smells, to thegreat annoyance of them. Then said Mercy to Christiana, It is not sopleasant being here as at the gate, or at the Interpreter's, or at thehouse where we lay last. O but, said one of the boys, it is not so bad to go through here, as itis to abide here, always; and for aught I know, one reason why we mustgo this way to the house prepared for us is, that our home might be thesweeter to us. Well said, Samuel, quoth the guide; thou hast now spoke like a man.Why, if ever I get out here again, said the boy, I think I shall prizelight and good way better than I ever did in all my life. Then said theguide, We shall be out by and by. So on they went, and Joseph said, Cannot we see to the end of thisvalley as yet? Then said the guide, Look to your feet, for we shallpresently be among the snares: so they looked to their feet, and wenton; but they were troubled much with the snares. Now, when they werecome among the snares, they espied a man cast into the ditch on the lefthand, with his flesh all rent and torn. Then said the guide, That isone Heedless, that was going this way: he has lain there a great while.There was one Take-Heed with him when he was taken and slain, but heescaped their hands. You cannot imagine how many are killed hereabouts,and yet men are so foolishly venturous as to set out lightly onpilgrimage, and to come without a guide. Poor Christian! it was awonder that he here escaped; but he was beloved of his God: also he hada good heart of his own, or else he could never have done it. Now they drew towards the end of this way; and just there whereChristian had seen the cave when he went by, out thence came forth Maul,a giant. This Maul did use to spoil young pilgrims with sophistry; andhe called Great-Heart by his name, and said unto him, How many timeshave you been forbidden to do these things? Then said Mr. Great-Heart,What things? What things! quoth the giant; you know what things: but Iwill put an end to your trade. But, pray, said Mr. Great-Heart, before we fall to it, let usunderstand wherefore we must fight. Now the women and children stoodtrembling, and knew not what to do. Quoth the giant, You rob thecountry, and rob it with the worst of thefts. These are but generals,said Mr. Great-Heart; come to particulars, man. Then said the giant, Thou practisest the craft of a kidnapper; thougatherest up women and children, and carriest them into a strangecountry, to the weakening of my master's kingdom. But now Great-Heartreplied, I am a servant of the God of heaven; my business is to persuadesinners to repentance. I am commanded to do my endeavors to turn men,women, and children, from darkness to light, and from the power of Satanunto God; and if this be indeed the ground of thy quarrel, let us fallto it as soon as thou wilt. Then the giant came up, and Mr. Great-Heart went to meet him; and as hewent he drew his sword, but the giant had a club. So without more adothey fell to it, and at the first blow the giant struck Mr. Great-Heartdown upon one of his knees. With that the women and children cried out.So Mr. Great-Heart recovering himself, laid about him in full lustymanner, and gave the giant a wound in his arm. Thus he fought for thespace of an hour, to that height of heat that the breath came out of thegiant's nostrils as the heat doth out of a boiling cauldron. Then they sat down to rest them; but Mr. Great-Heart betook himself toprayer. Also the women and children did nothing but sigh and cry allthe time that the battle did last. When they had rested them, and taken breath, they both fell to it again;and Mr. Great-Heart, with a blow, fetched the giant down to the ground.Nay, hold, let me recover, quoth he: so Mr. Great-Heart fairly let himget up. So to it they went again, and the giant missed but little ofall to breaking Mr. Great-Heart's scull with his club. Mr. Great-Heart seeing that, runs to him in the full heat of hisspirit, and pierceth him under the fifth rib. With that the giant beganto faint, and could hold up his club no longer. Then Mr. Great-Heartseconded his blow, and smit the head of the giant from his shoulders.Then the women and children rejoiced, and Mr. Great-Heart also praisedGod for the deliverance he had wrought. When this was done, they amongst them erected a pillar, and fastened thegiant's head thereon, and wrote under in letters that passengers mightread, "He that did wear this head was one That pilgrims did misuse; He stopped their way, he spared none, But did them all abuse; Until that I Great-Heart arose, The pilgrims guide to be; Until that I did him oppose That was their enemy." ==THE SIXTH STAGE.== Now I saw that they went on to the ascent that was a little way off,cast up to be a prospect for pilgrims. That was the place from whenceChristian had the first sight of Faithful his brother. Wherefore, herethey sat down and rested. They also here did eat and drink, and makemerry, for that they had gotten deliverance from this so dangerous anenemy. As they sat thus and did eat, Christiana asked the guide, if hehad caught no hurt in the battle? Then said Mr. Great-Heart, No, savea little on my flesh; yet that also shall be so far from being to mydetriment, that it is at present a proof of my love to my master andyou, and shall be a means, by grace, to increase my reward at last. CHR. But were you not afraid, good sir, when you saw him come with hisclub? GREAT. It is my duty, said he, to mistrust my own ability, that I mayhave reliance on Him who is stronger than all. CHR. But what did you think when he fetched you down to the ground atthe first blow? GREAT. Why, I thought, quoth he, that so my Master himself was served,and yet he it was that conquered at last. 2 Cor. 4:10,11; Rom. 8:37. MATT. When you all have thought what you please, I think God has beenwonderfully good unto us, both in bringing us out of this valley, and indelivering us out of the hand of this enemy. For my part, I see noreason why we should distrust our God any more, since he has now, and insuch a place as this, given us such testimony of his love. Then theygot up, and went forward. Now a little before them stood an oak; and under it, when they came toit, they found an old pilgrim fast asleep. They knew that he was apilgrim by his clothes, and his staff, and his girdle. So the guide, Mr. Great-Heart, awaked him; and the old gentleman, as helifted up his eyes, cried out, What's the matter? Who are you; and whatis your business here? GREAT. Come, man, be not so hot; here are none but friends. Yet the oldman gets up, and stands upon his guard, and will know of them what theyare. Then said the guide, My name is Great-Heart: I am the guide ofthese pilgrims that are going to the Celestial country. HON. Then said Mr. Honest, I cry you mercy: I feared that you had beenof the company of those that some time ago did rob Little-Faith of hismoney; but, now I look better about me, I perceive you are honesterpeople. GREAT. Why, what would or could you have done to have helped yourself,if indeed we had been of that company? HON. Done! Why, I would have fought as long as breath had been in me:and had I so done, I am sure you could never have given me the worston't; for a Christian can never be overcome, unless he shall yield ofhimself. GREAT. Well said, father Honest, quoth the guide; for by this I knowthou art a cock of the right kind, for thou hast said the truth. HON. And by this also I know that thou knowest what true pilgrimage is;for all others do think that we are the soonest overcome of any. GREAT. Well, now we are so happily met, pray let me crave your name, andthe name of the place you came from. HON. My name I cannot tell you, but I came from the town of Stupidity:it lieth about four degrees beyond the city of Destruction. GREAT. Oh, Are you that countryman? Then I deem I have half a guess ofyou: your name is Old Honesty, is it not? HON. So the old gentleman blushed, and said, Not honesty in theabstract, but Honest is my name; and I wish that my nature may agree towhat I am called. But, sir, said the old gentleman, how could you guessthat I am such a man, since I came from such a place? GREAT. I had heard of you before, by my Master; for he knows all thingsthat are done on the earth. But I have often wondered that any shouldcome from your place; for your town is worse than is the city ofDestruction itself. HON. Yes, we lie more off from the sun, and so are more cold andsenseless. But were a man in a mountain of ice, yet if the Sun ofrighteousness will arise upon him, his frozen heart shall feel a thaw;and thus it has been with me. GREAT. I believe it, father Honest, I believe it; for I know the thingis true. Then the old gentleman saluted all the pilgrims with a holy kiss ofcharity, and asked them their names, and how they had fared since theyset out on their pilgrimage. CHR. Then said Christiana, My name I suppose you have heard of; goodChristian was my husband, and these four are his children. But can youthink how the old gentleman was taken, when she told him who she was?He skipped, he smiled, he blessed them with a thousand good wishes,saying, HON. I have heard much of your husband, and of his travels and warswhich he underwent in his days. Be it spoken to your comfort, the nameof your husband rings all over these parts of the world: his faith, hiscourage, his enduring, and his sincerity under all, had made his namefamous. Then he turned him to the boys, and asked them of their names,which they told him. Then said he unto them, Matthew, be thou likeMatthew the publican, not in vice, but in virtue. Matt. 10:3. Samuel,said he, be thou like Samuel the prophet, a man of faith and prayer.Psa. 99:6. Joseph, said he, be thou like Joseph in Potiphar's house,chaste, and one that flees from temptation. Gen. 39. And James, bethou like James the just, and like James the brother of our Lord. Acts1:13. Then they told him of Mercy, and how she had left her town andher kindred to come along with Christiana and with her sons. At thatthe old honest man said, Mercy is thy name: by mercy shalt thou besustained and carried through all those difficulties that shall assaultthee in thy way, till thou shalt come thither where thou shalt look theFountain of mercy in the face with comfort. All this while the guide,Mr. Great-Heart, was very well pleased, and smiled upon his companions. Now, as they walked along together, the guide asked the old gentleman ifhe did not know one Mr. Fearing, that came on pilgrimage out of hisparts. HON. Yes, very well, said he. He was a man that had the root of thematter in him; but he was one of the most troublesome pilgrims that everI met with in all my days. GREAT. I perceive you knew him, for you have given a very rightcharacter of him. HON. Knew him! I was a great companion of his; I was with him most anend; when he first began to think upon what would come upon ushereafter, I was with him. GREAT. I was his guide from my Master's house to the gates of theCelestial City. HON. Then you knew him to be a troublesome one. GREAT. I did so; but I could very well bear it; for men of my callingare oftentimes intrusted with the conduct of such as he was. HON. Well then, pray let us hear a little of him, and how he managedhimself under your conduct. GREAT. Why, he was always afraid that he should come short of whither hehad a desire to go. Every thing frightened him that he heard any bodyspeak of, if it had but the least appearance of opposition in it. Iheard that he lay roaring at the Slough of Despond for above a monthtogether; nor durst he, for all he saw several go over before him,venture, though they many of them offered to lend him their hands. Hewould not go back again, neither. The Celestial City-he said he shoulddie if he came not to it; and yet he was dejected at every difficulty,and stumbled at every straw that any body cast in his way. Well, afterhe had lain at the Slough of Despond a great while, as I have told you,one sunshiny morning, I do not know how, he ventured, and so got over;but when he was over, he would scarce believe it. He had, I think, aSlough of Despond in his mind, a slough that he carried every where withhim, or else he could never have been as he was. So he came up to thegate, you know what I mean, that stands at the head of this way, andthere also he stood a good while before he would venture to knock. Whenthe gate was opened, he would give back, and give place to others, andsay that he was not worthy. For, all he got before some to the gate,yet many of them went in before him. There the poor man would standshaking and shrinking; I dare say it would have pitied one's heart tohave seen him. Nor would he go back again. At last he took the hammerthat hanged on the gate, in his hand, and gave a small rap or two; thenone opened to him, but he shrunk back as before. He that opened steppedout after him, and said, Thou trembling one, what wantest thou? Withthat he fell down to the ground. He that spoke to him wondered to seehim so faint, so he said to him, Peace be to thee; up, for I have setopen the door to thee; come in, for thou art blessed. With that he gotup, and went in trembling; and when he was in, he was ashamed to showhis face. Well, after he had been entertained there a while, as youknow how the manner is, he was bid go on his way, and also told the wayhe should take. So he went on till he came out to our house; but as hebehaved himself at the gate, so he did at my Master the Interpreter'sdoor. He lay there about in the cold a good while, before he wouldadventure to call; yet he would not go back: and the nights were longand cold then. Nay, he had a note of necessity in his bosom to mymaster to receive him, and grant him the comfort of his house, and alsoto allow him a stout and valiant conductor, because he was himself sochicken-hearted a man; and yet for all that he was afraid to call at thedoor. So he lay up and down thereabouts, till, poor man, he was almoststarved; yea, so great was his dejection, that though he saw severalothers for knocking get in, yet he was afraid to venture. At last, Ithink I looked out of the window, and perceiving a man to be up and downabout the door, I went out to him, and asked what he was: but, poor man,the water stood in his eyes; so I perceived what he wanted. I wenttherefore in, and told it in the house, and we showed the thing to ourLord: so he sent me out again, to entreat him to come in; but I daresay, I had hard work to do it. At last he came in; and I will say thatfor my Lord, he carried it wonderful lovingly to him. There were but afew good bits at the table, but some of it was laid upon his trencher.Then he presented the note; and my Lord looked thereon, and said hisdesire should be granted. So when he had been there a good while, heseemed to get some heart, and to be a little more comfortable. For myMaster, you must know, is one of very tender bowels, especially to themthat are afraid; wherefore he carried it so towards him as might tendmost to his encouragement. Well, when he had had a sight of the thingsof the place, and was ready to take his journey to go to the city, myLord, as he did to Christian before, gave him a bottle of spirits, andsome comfortable things to eat. Thus we set forward, and I went beforehim; but the man was but of few words, only he would sigh aloud. When we were come to where the three fellows were hanged, he said thathe doubted that that would be his end also. Only he seemed glad when hesaw the cross and the sepulchre. There I confess he desired to stay alittle to look; and he seemed for a while after to be a little cheery.When he came to the Hill Difficulty, he made no stick at that, nor didhe much fear the lions: for you must know, that his troubles were notabout such things as these; his fear was about his acceptance at last. I got him in at the house Beautiful, I think, before he was willing.Also, when he was in, I brought him acquainted with the damsels of theplace; but he was ashamed to make himself much in company. He desiredmuch to be alone; yet he always loved good talk, and often would getbehind the screen to hear it. He also loved much to see ancient things,and to be pondering them in his mind. He told me afterward, that heloved to be in those two houses from which he came last, to wit, at thegate, and that of the Interpreter, but that he durst not be so bold asto ask. When we went also from the house Beautiful, down the hill, into theValley of Humiliation, he went down as well as ever I saw a man in mylife; for he cared not how mean he was, so he might be happy at last.Yea, I think there was a kind of sympathy betwixt that Valley and him;for I never saw him better in all his pilgrimage than he was in thatValley. Here he would lie down, embrace the ground, and kiss the very flowersthat grew in this valley. Lam. 3:27-29. He would now be up everymorning by break of day, tracing and walking to and fro in the valley. But when he was come to the entrance of the Valley of the Shadow ofDeath, I thought I should have lost my man: not for that he had anyinclination to go back; that he always abhorred; but he was ready to diefor fear. Oh, the hobgoblins will have me! the hobgoblins will haveme! cried he; and I could not beat him out of it. He made such anoise, and such an outcry here, that had they but heard him, it wasenough to encourage them to come and fall upon us. But this I took very great notice of, that this valley was as quiet whenwe went through it, as ever I knew it before or since. I suppose thoseenemies here had now a special check from our Lord, and a command not tomeddle until Mr. Fearing had passed over it. It would be too tedious to tell you of all; we will therefore onlymention a passage or two more. When he was come to Vanity Fair, Ithought he would have fought with all the men in the fair. I fearedthere we should have been both knocked on the head, so hot was heagainst their fooleries. Upon the Enchanted Ground he was very wakeful.But when he was come at the river where was no bridge, there again hewas in a heavy case. Now, now, he said, he should be drowned forever,and so never see that face with comfort that he had come so many milesto behold. And here also I took notice of what was very remarkable: the water ofthat river was lower at this time than ever I saw it in all my life; sohe went over at last, not much above wetshod. When he was going up tothe gate, I began to take leave of him, and to wish him a good receptionabove. So he said, I shall, I shall. Then parted we asunder, and I sawhim no more. HON. Then it seems he was well at last? GREAT. Yes, yes, I never had doubt about him. He was a man of a choicespirit, only he was always kept very low, and that made his life soburdensome to himself, and so troublesome to others. Psa. 88. He was,above many, tender of sin: he was so afraid of doing injuries to others,that he often would deny himself of that which was lawful, because hewould not offend. Rom. 14:21; 1 Cor. 8:13. HON. But what should be the reason that such a good man should be allhis days so much in the dark? GREAT. There are two sorts of reasons for it. One is, the wise God willhave it so: some must pipe, and some must weep. Matt. 11:16. Now Mr.Fearing was one that played upon the bass. He and his fellows sound thesackbut, whose notes are more doleful than the notes of other music are:though indeed, some say, the bass is the ground of music. And for mypart, I care not at all for that profession which begins not inheaviness of mind. The first string that the musician usually touchesis the bass, when he intends to put all in tune. God also plays uponthis string first, when he sets the soul in tune for himself. Onlythere was the imperfection of Mr. Fearing; he could play upon no othermusic but this till towards his latter end. [I make bold to talk thus metaphorically for the ripening of the wits ofyoung readers, and because, in the book of Revelation, the saved arecompared to a company of musicians, that play upon their trumpets andharps, and sing their songs before the throne.Rev. 5:8; 14:2,3.] HON. He was a very zealous man, as one may see by the relation you havegiven of him. Difficulties, lions, or Vanity Fair, he feared not atall; it was only sin, death, and hell, that were to him a terror,because he had some doubts about his interest in that celestial country. GREAT. You say right; those were the things that were his troublers; andthey, as you have well observed, arose from the weakness of his mind thereabout, notfrom weakness of spirit as to the practical part of a pilgrim's life. Idare believe that, as the proverb is, he could have bit a firebrand, hadit stood in his way; but the things with which he was oppressed, no manever yet could shake off with ease. CHR. Then said Christiana, This relation of Mr. Fearing has done megood; I thought nobody had been like me. But I see there was somesemblance betwixt this good man and me: only we differed in two things.His troubles were so great that they broke out; but mine I kept within.His also lay so hard upon him, they made him that he could not knock atthe houses provided for entertainment; but my trouble was always such asmade me knock the louder. MER. If I might also speak my heart, I must say that something of himhas also dwelt in me. For I have ever been more afraid of the lake, andthe loss of a place in paradise, than I have been of the loss otherthings. O, thought I, may I have the happiness to have a habitationthere! 'Tis enough, though I part with all the world to win it. MATT. Then said Matthew, Fear was one thing that made me think that Iwas far from having that within me which accompanies salvation. But ifit was so with such a good man as he, why may it not also go well withme? JAMES. No fears no grace, said James. Though there is not always gracewhere there is the fear of hell, yet, to be sure, there is no gracewhere there is no fear of God. GREAT. Well said, James; thou hast hit the mark. For the fear of God isthe beginning of wisdom; and to be sure, they that want the beginninghave neither middle nor end. But we will here conclude our discourse ofMr. Fearing, after we have sent after him this farewell. "Well, Master Fearing, thou didst fear Thy God, and wast afraid Of doing any thing, while here, That would have thee betrayed. And didst thou fear the lake and pit? Would others do so too! For, as for them that want thy wit, They do themselves undo." Now I saw that they still went on in their talk. For after Mr. Great-Heart had made an end with Mr. Fearing, Mr. Honest began to tell themof another, but his name was Mr. Self-will. He pretended himself to bea pilgrim, said Mr. Honest; but I persuade myself he never came in atthe gate that stands at the head of the way. GREAT. Had you ever any talk with him about it? HON. Yes, more than once or twice; but he would always be like himself,self-willed. He neither cared for man, nor argument, nor yet example;what his mind prompted him to, that he would do, and nothing else couldhe be got to do. GREAT. Pray, what principles did he hold? for I suppose you can tell. HON. He held that a man might follow the vices as well as the virtues ofpilgrims; and that if he did both, he should be certainly saved. GREAT. How? If he had said, it is possible for the best to be guilty ofthe vices, as well as to partake of the virtues of pilgrims, he couldnot much have been blamed; for indeed we are exempted from no viceabsolutely, but on condition that we watch and strive. But this, Iperceive, is not the thing; but if I understand you right, your meaningis, that he was of opinion that it was allowable so to be. HON. Aye, aye, so I mean, and so he believed and practised. GREAT. But what grounds had he for his so saying? HON. Why, he said he had the Scripture for his warrant. GREAT. Prithee, Mr. Honest, present us with a few particulars. HON. So I will. He said, to have to do with other men's wives had beenpractised by David, God's beloved; and therefore he could do it. Hesaid, to have more women than one was a thing that Solomon practised,and therefore he could do it. He said, that Sarah and the godlymidwives of Egypt lied, and so did save Rahab, and therefore he could doit. He said, that the disciples went at the bidding of their Master,and took away the owner's ass, and therefore he could do so too. Hesaid, that Jacob got the inheritance of his father in a way of guile anddissimulation, and therefore he could do so too. GREAT. High base indeed! And are you sure he was of this opinion? HON. I heard him plead for it, bring Scripture for it, bring argumentsfor it, etc. GREAT. An opinion that is not fit to be with any allowance in the world! HON. You must understand me rightly: he did not say that any man mightdo this; but that they who had the virtues of those that did suchthings, might also do the same. GREAT. But what more false than such a conclusion? For this is as muchas to say, that because good men heretofore have sinned of infirmity,therefore he had allowance to do it of a presumptuous mind; or that if,because a child, by the blast of the wind, or for that it stumbled at astone, fell down and defiled itself in the mire, therefore he mightwilfully lie down and wallow like a boar therein. Who could havethought that any one could so far have been blinded by the power oflust? But what is written must be true: they "stumble at the word,being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed." 1 Peter, 2:8.His supposing that such may have the godly men's virtues, who addictthemselves to their vices, is also a delusion as strong as the other.To eat up the sin of God's people, Hos. 4:8, as a dog licks up filth,is no sign that one is possessed with their virtues. Nor can I believethat one who is of this opinion, can at present have faith or love inhim. But I know you have made strong objections against him; pritheewhat can he say for himself? HON. Why, he says, to do this by way of opinion, seems abundantly morehonest than to do it, and yet hold contrary to it in opinion. GREAT. A very wicked answer. For though to let loose the bridle tolusts, while our opinions are against such things, is bad; yet, to sin,and plead a toleration so to do, is worse: the one stumbles beholdersaccidentally, the other leads them into the snare. HON. There are many of this man's mind, that have not this man's mouth;and that makes going on pilgrimage of so little esteem as it is. GREAT. You have said the truth, and it is to be lamented: but he thatfeareth the King of paradise, shall come out of them all. CHR. There are strange opinions in the world. I know one that said, itwas time enough to repent when we come to die. GREAT. Such are not overwise; that man would have been loth, might hehave had a week to run twenty miles in his life, to defer his journey tothe last hour of that week. HON. You say right; and yet the generality of them who count themselvespilgrims, do indeed do thus. I am, as you see, an old man, and havebeen a traveller in this road many a day; and I have taken notice ofmany things. I have seen some that have set out as if they would drive all the worldbefore them, who yet have, in a few days, died as they in thewilderness, and so never got sight of the promised land. I have seensome that have promised nothing at first setting out to be pilgrims, andwho one would have thought could not have lived a day, that have yetproved very good pilgrims. I have seen some who have run hastilyforward, that again have, after a little time, run just as fast backagain. I have seen some who have spoken very well of a pilgrim's lifeat first, that after a while have spoken as much against it. I haveheard some, when they first set out for paradise, say positively, thereis such a place, who, when they have been almost there, have come backagain, and said there is none. I have heard some vaunt what they woulddo in case they should be opposed, that have, even at a false alarm,fled faith, the pilgrim's way, and all. Now, as they were thus on their way, there came one running to meetthem, and said, Gentlemen, and you of the weaker sort, if you love life,shift for yourselves, for the robbers are before you. GREAT. Then said Mr. Great-Heart, They be the three that set uponLittle-Faith heretofore. Well, said he, we are ready for them: so theywent on their way. Now they looked at every turning when they shouldhave met with the villains; but whether they heard of Mr. Great-Heart,or whether they had some other game, they came not up to the pilgrims. Christiana then wished for an inn to refresh herself and her children,because they were weary. Then said Mr. Honest, There is one a littlebefore us, where a very honorable disciple, one Gaius, dwells. Rom.16:23. So they all concluded to turn in thither; and the rather,because the old gentleman gave him so good a report. When they came tothe door they went in, not knocking, for folks use not to knock at thedoor of an inn. Then they called for the master of the house, and hecame to them. So they asked if they might lie there that night. GAIUS. Yes, gentlemen, if you be true men; for my house is for none butpilgrims. Then were Christiana, Mercy, and the boys the more glad, forthat the innkeeper was a lover of pilgrims. So they called for rooms,and he showed them one for Christiana and her children and Mercy, andanother for Mr. Great-Heart and the old gentleman. GREAT. Then said Mr. Great-Heart, good Gaius, what hast thou forsupper? for these pilgrims have come far to-day, and are weary. GAIUS. It is late, said Gaius, so we cannot conveniently go out to seekfood; but such as we have you shall be welcome to, if that will content. GREAT. We will be content with what thou hast in the house; for as muchas I have proved thee, thou art never destitute of that which isconvenient. Then he went down and spake to the cook, whose name was, Taste-that-which-is-good, to get ready supper for so many pilgrims. This done, hecomes up again, saying, Come, my good friends, you are welcome to me,and I am glad that I have a house to entertain you in; and while supperis making ready, if you please, let us entertain one another with somegood discourse: so they all said, Content. GAIUS. Then said Gaius, Whose wife is this aged matron? and whosedaughter is this young damsel? GREAT. This woman is the wife of one Christian, a pilgrim of formertimes; and these are his four children. The maid is one of heracquaintance, one that she hath persuaded to come with her onpilgrimage. The boys take all after their father, and covet to tread inhis steps; yea, if they do but see any place where the old pilgrim hathlain, or any print of his foot, it ministereth joy to their hearts, andthey covet to lie or tread in the same. GAIUS. Then said Gaius, Is this Christian's wife, and are theseChristian's children? I knew your husband's father, yea, also hisfather's father. Many have been good of this stock; their ancestorsdwelt first at Antioch. Acts 11:26. Christian's progenitors (I supposeyou have heard your husband talk of them) were very worthy men. Theyhave, above any that I know, showed themselves men of great virtue andcourage for the Lord of the pilgrims, his ways, and them that loved him.I have heard of many of your husband's relations that have stood alltrials for the sake of the truth. Stephen, that was one of the first ofthe family from whence your husband sprang, was knocked on the head withstones. Acts 7:59, 60. James, another of this generation, was slainwith the edge of the sword. Acts 12:2. To say nothing of Paul andPeter, men anciently of the family from whence your husband came, therewas Ignatius, who was cast to the lions; Romanus, whose flesh was cut bypieces from his bones; and Polycarp, that played the man in the fire.There was he that was hanged up in a basket in the sun for the wasps toeat; and he whom they put into a sack, and cast him into the sea to bedrowned. It would be impossible utterly to count up all of that familywho have suffered injuries and death for the love of a pilgrim's life.Nor can I but be glad to see that thy husband has left behind him foursuch boys as these. I hope they will bear up their father's name, andtread in their father's steps, and come to their father's end. GREAT. Indeed, sir, they are likely lads: they seem to choose heartilytheir father's ways. GAIUS. That is it that I said. Wherefore Christian's family is likestill to spread abroad upon the face of the ground, and yet to benumerous upon the face of the earth; let Christiana look out somedamsels for her sons, to whom they may be betrothed, etc., that the nameof their father, and the house of his progenitors, may never beforgotten in the world. HON. 'Tis pity his family should fall and be extinct. GAIUS. Fall it cannot, but be diminished it may; but let Christiana takemy advice, and that is the way to uphold it. And, Christiana, said thisinnkeeper, I am glad to see thee and thy friend Mercy together here, alovely couple. And if I may advise, take Mercy into a nearer relationto thee: if she will, let her be given to Matthew thy eldest son. It isthe way to preserve a posterity in the earth. So this match wasconcluded, and in process of time they were married: but more of thathereafter. Gaius also proceeded, and said, I will now speak on the behalf of women,to take away their reproach. For as death and the curse came into theworld by a woman, Gen. 3, so also did life and health: God sent forthhis Son, made of a woman. Gal. 4:4. Yea, to show how much they thatcame after did abhor the act of the mother, this sex in the OldTestament coveted children, if happily this or that woman might be themother of the Saviour of the world. I will say again, that when theSaviour was come, women rejoiced in him, before either man or angel.Luke 1:42-46. I read not that ever any man did give unto Christ so muchas one groat; but the women followed him, and ministered to him of theirsubstance. Luke 8:2,3. 'Twas a woman that washed his feet with tears,Luke 7:37-50, and a woman that anointed his body at the burial. John11:2; 12:3. They were women who wept when he was going to the cross,Luke 23:27, and women that followed him from the cross, Matt. 27:55,56;Luke 23:55, and sat over against his sepulchre when he was buried.Matt. 27:61. They were women that were first with him at hisresurrection-morn, Luke 24:1, and women that brought tidings first tohis disciples that he was risen from the dead. Luke 24:22,23. Womentherefore are highly favored, and show by these things that they aresharers with us in the grace of life. Now the cook sent up to signify that supper was almost ready, and sentone to lay the cloth, and the trenchers, and to set the salt and breadin order. Then said Matthew, The sight of this cloth, and of this forerunner ofthe supper, begetteth in me a greater appetite for my food than I hadbefore. GAIUS. So let all ministering doctrines to thee in this life beget inthee a greater desire to sit at the supper of the great King in hiskingdom; for all preaching, books, and ordinances here, are but as thelaying of the trenchers, and the setting of salt upon the board, whencompared with the feast which our Lord will make for us when we come tohis house. So supper came up. And first a heave-shoulder and a wave-breast wereset on the table before them; to show that they must begin their mealwith prayer and praise to God. The heave-shoulder David lifted up hisheart to God with; and with the wave-breast, where his heart lay, heused to lean upon his harp when he played. Lev. 7: 32-34; 10:14,15;Psalm 25:1; Heb. 13:15. These two dishes were very fresh and good, andthey all ate heartily thereof. The next they brought up was a bottle of wine, as red as blood. Deut.32:14 ; Judges 9:13; John 15:5. So Gaius said to them, Drink freely;this is the true juice of the vine, that makes glad the heart of God andman. So they drank and were merry. The next was a dish of milk well crumbed; Gaius said, Let the boys havethat, that they may grow thereby. 1 Pet. 2:1,2. Then they brought up in course a dish of butter and honey. Then saidGaius, Eat freely of this, for this is good to cheer up and strengthenyour judgments and understandings. This was our Lord's dish when he wasa child: "Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse theevil, and choose the good." Isa. 7:15. Then they brought them up a dish of apples, and they were very good-tasted fruit. Then said Matthew, May we eat apples, since it was suchby and with which the serpent beguiled our first mother? Then said Gaius, "Apples were they with which we were beguil'd, Yet sin, not apples, hath our souls defil'd: Apples forbid, if ate, corrupt the blood; To eat such, when commanded, does us good: Drink of his flagons then, thou church, his dove, And eat his apples, who art sick of love." Then said Matthew, I made the scruple, because I a while since was sickwith the eating of fruit. GAIUS. Forbidden fruit will make you sick; but not what our Lord hastolerated. While they were thus talking, they were presented with another dish, andit was a dish of nuts. Song 6:11. Then said some at the table, Nutsspoil tender teeth, especially the teeth of children: which when Gaiusheard, he said, "Hard texts are nuts, (I will not call them cheaters,) Whose shells do keep the kernel from the eaters: Open the shells, and you shall have the meat; They here are brought for you to crack and eat." Then were they very merry, and sat at the table a long time, talking ofmany things. Then said the old gentleman, My good landlord, while weare cracking your nuts, if you please, do you open this riddle: "A man there was, though some did count him mad, The more he cast away, the more he had." Then they all gave good heed, wondering what good Gaius would say; so hesat still a while, and then thus replied: "He who bestows his goods upon the poor, Shall have as much again, and ten times more." Then said Joseph, I dare say, sir, I did not think you could have foundit out. Oh, said Gaius, I have been trained up in this way a great while:nothing teaches like experience. I have learned of my Lord to be kind,and have found by experience that I have gained thereby. There is thatscattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more thanis meet, but it tendeth to poverty: There is that maketh himself rich,yet hath nothing; there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath greatriches. Prov. 11:24; 13:7. Then Samuel whispered to Christiana, his mother, and said, Mother, thisis a very good man's house: let us stay here a good while, and let mybrother Matthew be married here to Mercy, before we go any further. Thewhich Gaius the host overhearing, said, With a very good will, my child. So they stayed there more than a month, and Mercy was given to Matthewto wife. While they stayed here, Mercy, as her custom was, would be making coatsand garments to give to the poor, by which she brought a very goodreport upon the pilgrims. But to return again to our story: After supper the lads desired a bed,for they were weary with travelling: Then Gaius called to show themtheir chamber; but said Mercy, I will have them to bed. So she had themto bed, and they slept well: but the rest sat up all night; for Gaiusand they were such suitable company, that they could not tell how topart. After much talk of their Lord, themselves, and their journey, oldMr. Honest, he that put forth the riddle to Gaius, began to nod. Thensaid Great-Heart, What, sir, you begin to be drowsy; come, rub up, nowhere is a riddle for you. Then said Mr. Honest, Let us hear it. Thenreplied Mr. Great-heart, "He that would kill, must first be overcome: Who live abroad would, first must die at home." Ha, said Mr. Honest, it is a hard one; hard to expound, and harder topractise. But come, landlord, said he, I will, if you please, leave mypart to you: do you expound it, and I will hear what you say. No, said Gaius, it was put to you, and it is expected you should answerit. Then said the old gentleman, "He first by grace must conquered be, That sin would mortify; Who that he lives would convince me, Unto himself must die." It is right, said Gaius; good doctrine and experience teach this. For,first, until grace displays itself, and overcomes the soul with itsglory, it is altogether without heart to oppose sin. Besides, if sin isSatan's cords, by which the soul lies bound, how should it makeresistance before it is loosed from that infirmity? Secondly, Nor willany one that knows either reason or grace, believe that such a man canbe a living monument of grace that is a slave to his own corruptions.And now it comes into my mind, I will tell you a story worth thehearing. There were two men that went on pilgrimage; the one began whenhe was young, the other when he was old. The young man had strongcorruptions to grapple with; the old man's were weak with the decays ofnature. The young man trod his steps as even as did the old one, andwas every way as light as he. Who now, or which of them, had theirgraces shining clearest, since both seemed to be alike? HON. The young man's, doubtless. For that which makes head against thegreatest opposition, gives best demonstration that it is strongest;especially when it also holdeth pace with that which meets not with halfso much, as to be sure old age does not. Besides, I have observed thatold men have blessed themselves with this mistake; namely, taking thedecays of nature for a gracious conquest over corruptions, and so havebeen apt to beguile themselves. Indeed, old men that are gracious arebest able to give advice to them that are young, because they have seenmost of the emptiness of things: but yet, for an old and a young man toset out both together, the young one has the advantage of the fairestdiscovery of a work of grace within him, though the old man'scorruptions are naturally the weakest. Thus they sat talking till breakof day. Now, when the family were up, Christiana bid her son James that heshould read a chapter; so he read 53d of Isaiah. When he had done, Mr.Honest asked why it was said that the Saviour was to come "out of a dryground;" and also, that "he had no form nor comeliness in him." GREAT. Then said Mr. Great-Heart, To the first I answer, because thechurch of the Jews, of which Christ came, had then lost almost all thesap and spirit of religion. To the second I say, the words are spokenin the person of unbelievers, who, because they want the eye that cansee into our Prince's heart, therefore they judge of him by the meannessof his outside; just like those who, not knowing that precious stonesare covered over with a homely crust, when they have found one, becausethey know not what they have found, cast it away again, as men do acommon stone. Well, said Gaius, now you are here, and since, as I know, Mr. Great-Heart is good at his weapons, if you please, after we have refreshedourselves, we will walk into the fields, to see if we can do any good.About a mile from hence there is one Slay-good, a giant, that doth muchannoy the King's highway in these parts; and I know whereabout his hauntis. He is master of a number of thieves: 't would be well if we couldclear these parts of him. So they consented and went: Mr. Great-Heartwith his sword, helmet, and shield; and the rest with spears and staves. When they came to the place where he was, they found him with one Feeble-mind in his hand, whom his servants had brought unto him, having takenhim in the way. Now the giant was rifling him, with a purpose afterthat to pick his bones; for he was of the nature of flesheaters. Well, so soon as he saw Mr. Great-Heart and his friends at the mouth ofhis cave, with their weapons, he demanded what they wanted. GREAT. We want thee; for we are come to revenge the quarrels of the manythat thou hast slain of the pilgrims, when thou hast dragged them out ofthe King's highway: wherefore come out of thy cave. So he armed himselfand came out, and to battle they went, and fought for above an hour, andthen stood still to take wind. SLAY. Then said the giant, Why are you here on my ground? GREAT. To revenge the blood of pilgrims, as I told thee before. So theywent to it again, and the giant made Mr. Great-Heart give back; but hecame up again, and in the greatness of his mind he let fly with suchstoutness at the giant's head and sides, that he made him let his weaponfall out of his hand. So he smote him, and slew him, and cut off hishead, and brought it away to the inn. He also took Feeble-mind thepilgrim, and brought him with him to his lodgings. When they were comehome, they showed his head to the family, and set it up, as they haddone others before, for a terror to those that should attempt to do ashe hereafter. Then they asked Mr. Feeble-Mind how he fell into his hands. FEEBLE. Then said the poor man, I am a sickly man, as you see: andbecause death did usually once a day knock at my door, I thought Ishould never be well at home; so I betook myself to a pilgrim's life,and have traveled hither from the town of Uncertain, where I and myfather were born. I am a man of no strength at all of body, nor yet ofmind, but would, if I could, though I can but crawl, spend my life inthe pilgrim's way. When I came at the gate that is at the head of theway, the Lord of that place did entertain me freely; neither objected heagainst my weakly looks, nor against my feeble mind; but gave me suchthings as were necessary for my journey, and bid me hope to the end.When I came to the house of the Interpreter, I received much kindnessthere: and because the hill of Difficulty was judged too hard for me, Iwas carried up that by one of his servants. Indeed, I have found muchrelief from pilgrims, though none were willing to go so softly as I amforced to do: yet still as they came on, they bid me be of good cheer,and said, that it was the will of their Lord that comfort should begiven to the feeble-minded, 1 Thess. 5:14; and so went on their ownpace. When I was come to Assault-lane, then this giant met with me, andbid me prepare for an encounter. But, alas, feeble one that I was, Ihad more need of a cordial; so he came up and took me. I conceited hewould not kill me. Also when he had got me into his den, since I wentnot with him willingly, I believed I should come out alive again; for Ihave heard, that not any pilgrim that is taken captive by violent hands,if he keeps heart whole towards his Master, is, by the laws ofprovidence, to die by the hand of the enemy. Robbed I looked to be, androbbed to be sure I am; but I have, as you see, escaped with life, forthe which I thank my King as the author, and you as the means. Otherbrunts I also look for; but this I have resolved on, to wit, to run whenI can, to go when I cannot run, and to creep when I cannot go. As tothe main, I thank him that loved me, I am fixed; my way is before me, mymind is beyond the river that has no bridge, though I am, as you see,but of a feeble mind. HON. Then said old Mr. Honest, Have not you, sometime ago, beenacquainted with one Mr. Fearing, a pilgrim? FEEBLE. Acquainted with him! Yes, he came from the town of Stupidity,which lieth four degrees to the northward of the city of Destruction,and as many off of where I was born: yet we were well acquainted, forindeed he was my uncle, my father's brother. He and I have been much ofa temper: he was a little shorter than I, but yet we were much of acomplexion. HON. I perceive you knew him, and I am apt to believe also that you wererelated one to another; for you have his whitely look, a cast like hiswith your eye, and your speech is much alike. FEEBLE. Most have said so that have known us both: and, besides, what Ihave read in him I have for the most part found in myself. GAIUS. Come, sir, said good Gaius, be of good cheer; you are welcome tome, and to my house. What thou hast a mind to, call for freely; andwhat thou wouldst have my servants do for thee, they will do it with aready mind. Then said Mr. Feeble-mind, This is an unexpected favor, and as the sunshining out of a very dark cloud. Did giant Slay-good intend me thisfavor when he stopped me, and resolved to let me go no further? Did heintend, that after he had rifled my pockets I should go to Gaius minehost? Yet so it is. Now, just as Mr. Feeble-mind and Gaius were thus in talk, there cameone running, and called at the door, and said, that about a mile and ahalf off there was one Mr. Not-right, a pilgrim, struck dead upon theplace where he was, with a thunderbolt. FEEBLE. Alas! said Mr. Feeble-mind, is he slain? He overtook me somedays before I came so far as hither, and would be my company-keeper. Hewas also with me when Slay-good the giant took me, but he was nimble ofhis heels, and escaped; but it seems he escaped to die, and I was takento live. "What one would think doth seek to slay outright, Ofttimes delivers from the saddest plight. That very Providence whose face is death, Doth ofttimes to the lowly life bequeath. I taken was, he did escape and flee; Hands cross'd gave death to him and life to me." Now, about this time Matthew and Mercy were married; also Gaius gave hisdaughter Phebe to James, Matthew's brother, to wife; after which timethey yet stayed about ten days at Gaius' house, spending their time andthe seasons like as pilgrims use to do. When they were to depart, Gaius made them a feast, and they did eat anddrink, and were merry. Now the hour was come that they must be gone;wherefore Mr. Great-heart called for a reckoning. But Gaius told him,that at his house it was not the custom for pilgrims to pay for theirentertainment. He boarded them by the year, but looked for his pay fromthe good Samaritan, who had promised him, at his return, whatsoevercharge he was at with them, faithfully to repay him. Luke 10:34,35.Then said Mr. Great-heart to him, GREAT. Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to thebrethren, and to strangers, who have borne witness of thy charity beforethe church, whom if thou yet bring forward on their journey, after agodly sort, thou shalt do well. 3 John 5,6. Then Gaius took his leaveof them all, and his children, and particularly of Mr. Feeble-mind. Healso gave him something to drink by the way. Now Mr. Feeble-mind, when they were going out of the door, made as ifhe intended to linger. The which, when Mr. Great-Heart espied, hesaid, Come, Mr. Feeble-mind, pray do you go along with us: I will beyour conductor, and you shall fare as the rest. FEEBLE. Alas! I want a suitable companion. You are all lusty andstrong, but I, as you see, am weak; I choose, therefore, rather to comebehind, lest, by reason of my many infirmities, I should be both aburden to myself and to you. I am, as I said, a man of a weak andfeeble mind, and shall be offended and made weak at that which otherscan bear. I shall like no laughing; I shall like no gay attire; I shalllike no unprofitable questions. Nay, I am so weak a man as to beoffended with that which others have a liberty to do. I do not yet knowall the truth: I am a very ignorant Christian man. Sometimes, if I hearsome rejoice in the Lord, it troubles me because I cannot do so too. Itis with me as it is with a weak man among the strong, or as with a sickman among the healthy, or as a lamp despised; so that I know not what todo. "He that is ready to slip with his feet is as a lamp despised inthe thought of him that is at ease." Job 12:5. GREAT. But, brother, said Mr. Great-Heart, I have it in commission tocomfort the feeble-minded, and to support the weak. You must needs goalong with us; we will wait for you; we will lend you our help; we willdeny ourselves of some things, both opinionative and practical, for yoursake: we will not enter into doubtful disputations before you; we willbe made all things to you, rather than you shall be left behind. 1Thess. 5:14; Rom. 14; 1 Cor. 8:9-13; 9:22. Now, all this while they were at Gaius' door; and behold, as they werethus in the heat of their discourse, Mr. Ready-to-halt came by, withhis crutches in his hand, and he also was going on pilgrimage. FEEBLE. Then said Mr. Feeble-mind to him, Man, how camest thou hither?I was but now complaining that I had not a suitable companion, but thouart according to my wish. Welcome, welcome, good Mr. Ready-to-halt; Ihope thou and I may be some help. READY. I shall be glad of thy company, said the other; and, good Mr.Feeble-mind, rather than we will part, since we are thus happily met, Iwill lend thee one of my crutches. FEEBLE. Nay, said he, though I thank thee for thy good-will, I am notinclined to halt before I am lame. Howbeit, I think when occasion is,it may help me against a dog. READY. If either myself or my crutches can do thee a pleasure, we areboth at thy command, good Mr. Feeble-mind. Thus, therefore, they went on. Mr. Great-Heart and Mr. Honest wentbefore, Christiana and her children went next, and Mr. Feeble-mind camebehind, and Mr. Ready-to-halt with his crutches. Then said Mr.Honest, HON. Pray, sir, now we are upon the road, tell us some profitable thingsof some that have gone on pilgrimage before us. GREAT. With a good will. I suppose you have heard how Christian of olddid meet with Apollyon in the Valley of Humiliation, and also what hardwork he had to go through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Also Ithink you cannot but have heard how Faithful was put to it by MadamWanton, with Adam the First, with one Discontent, and Shame; four asdeceitful villains as a man can meet with upon the road. HON.Yes, I have heard of all this; but indeed good Faithful was hardestput to it with Shame: he was an unwearied one. GREAT. Aye; for, as the pilgrim well said, he of all men had the wrongname. HON. But pray, sir, where was it that Christian and Faithful metTalkative? That same was also a notable one. GREAT. He was a confident fool; yet many follow his ways. HON. He had like to have beguiled Faithful. GREAT. Aye, but Christian put him into a way quickly to find him out. Thus they went on till they came to the place where Evangelist met withChristian and Faithful, and prophesied to them what should befall themat Vanity Fair. Then said their guide, Hereabouts did Christian andFaithful meet with Evangelist, who prophesied to them of what troublesthey should meet with at Vanity Fair. HON. Say you so? I dare say it was a hard chapter that then he did readunto them. GREAT. It was so, but he gave them encouragement withal. But what do wetalk of them? They were a couple of lion-like men; they had set theirfaces like a flint. Do not you remember how undaunted they were whenthey stood before the judge? HON. Well: Faithful bravely suffered. GREAT. So he did, and as brave things came on't; for Hopeful, and someothers, as the story relates it, were converted by his death. HON. Well, but pray go on; for you are well acquainted with things. GREAT. Above all that Christian met with after he had passed throughVanity Fair, one By-ends was the arch one. HON. By-ends! what was he? GREAT. A very arch fellow, a downright hypocrite; one that would bereligious, whichever way the world went; but so cunning, that he wouldbe sure never to lose or suffer for it. He had his mode of religion forevery fresh occasion, and his wife was as good at it as he. He wouldturn from opinion to opinion; yea, and plead for so doing, too. But, sofar as I could learn, he came to an ill end with his by-ends; nor did Iever hear that any of his children were ever of any esteem with any thattruly feared God. Now by this time they were come within sight of the town of Vanity,where Vanity Fair is kept. So, when they saw that they were so near thetown, they consulted with one another how they should pass through thetown; and some said one thing, and some another. At last Mr. Great-Heart said, I have, as you may understand, often been a conductor ofpilgrims through this town. Now, I am acquainted with one Mr. Mnason,Acts 21:16, a Cyprusian by nation, an old disciple, at whose house wemay lodge. If you think good, we will turn in there. Content, said old Honest; Content, said Christiana; Content, said Mr.Feeble-mind; and so they said all. Now you must think it was eventideby that they got to the outside of the town; but Mr. Great-Heart knewthe way to the old man's house. So thither they came; and he called atthe door, and the old man within knew his tongue as soon as ever heheard it; so he opened the door, and they all came in. Then saidMnason, their host, How far have ye come to-day? So they said, from thehouse of Gaius our friend. I promise you, said he, you have gone a goodstitch. You may well be weary; sit down. So they sat down. GREAT. Then said their guide, Come, what cheer, good sirs? I dare sayyou are welcome to my friend. MNAS. I also, said Mr. Mnason, do bid you welcome; and whatever youwant, do but say, and we will do what we can to get it for you. HON. Our great want, a while since, was harbor and good company, and nowI hope we have both. MNAS. For harbor, you see what it is; but for good company, that willappear in the trial. GREAT. Well, said Mr. Great-Heart, will you have the pilgrims up intotheir lodging? MNAS. I will, said Mr. Mnason. So he had them to their respectiveplaces; and also showed them a very fair dining-room, where they mightbe, and sup together until the time should come to go to rest. Now, when they were seated in their places, and were a little cheeryafter their journey, Mr. Honest asked his landlord if there was anystore of good people in the town. MNAS. We have a few: for indeed they are but a few when compared withthem on the other side. HON. But how shall we do to see some of them? for the sight of good mento them that are going on pilgrimage, is like the appearing of the moonand stars to them that are sailing upon the seas. MNAS. Then Mr. Mnason stamped with his foot, and his daughter Gracecame up. So he said unto her, Grace, go you, tell my friends, Mr.Contrite, Mr. Holy-man, Mr. Love-saints, Mr. Dare-not-lie, and Mr.Penitent, that I have a friend or two at my house who have a mind thisevening to see them. So Grace went to call them, and they came; andafter salutation made, they sat down together at the table. Then said Mr. Mnason their landlord, My neighbors, I have, as you see,a company of strangers come to my house; they are pilgrims: they comefrom afar, and are going to Mount Zion. But who, quoth he, do you thinkthis is? pointing his finger to Christiana. It is Christiana, the wifeof Christian, the famous pilgrim, who, with Faithful his brother, was soshamefully handled in our town. At that they stood amazed, saying, Welittle thought to see Christiana when Grace came to call us; whereforethis is a very comfortable surprise. They then asked her of herwelfare, and if these young men were her husband's sons. And when shehad told them they were, they said, The King whom you love and servemake you as your father, and bring you where he is in peace. HON. Then Mr. Honest (when they were all sat down) asked Mr. Contriteand the rest, in what posture their town was at present. CONT. You may be sure we are full of hurry in fair-time. 'T is hardkeeping our hearts and spirits in good order when we are in a cumberedcondition. He that lives in such a place as this is, and has to do withsuch as we have, has need of an item to caution him to take heed everymoment of the day. HON. But how are your neighbors now for quietness? CONT. They are much more moderate now than formerly. You know howChristian and Faithful were used at our town; but of late, I say, theyhave been far more moderate. I think the blood of Faithful lieth as aload upon them till now; for since they burned him, they have beenashamed to burn any more. In those days we were afraid to walk thestreet; but now we can show our heads. Then the name of a professor wasodious; now, especially in some parts of our town, (for you know ourtown is large,) religion is counted honorable. Then said Mr. Contriteto them, Pray how fareth it with you in your pilgrimage? how stands thecountry affected towards you? HON. It happens to us as it happeneth to wayfaring men: sometimes ourway is clean, sometimes foul; sometimes up hill, sometimes down hill; weare seldom at a certainty. The wind is not always on our backs, nor isevery one a friend that we meet with in the way. We have met with somenotable rubs already, and what are yet behind we know not; but for themost part, we find it true that has been talked of old, A good man mustsuffer trouble. CONT. You talk of rubs; what rubs have you met withal? HON. Nay, ask Mr. Great-Heart, our guide; for he can give the bestaccount of that. GREAT. We have been beset three or four times already. First,Christiana and her children were beset by two ruffians, who they fearedwould take away their lives. We were beset by Giant Bloody-man, GiantMaul, and Giant Slay-good. Indeed, we did rather beset the last thanwere beset by him. And thus it was: after we had been some time at thehouse of Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, we were minded upon atime to take our weapons with us, and go see if we could light upon anyof those that are enemies to pilgrims; for we heard that there was anotable one thereabouts. Now Gaius knew his haunt better than I,because he dwelt thereabout. So we looked, and looked, till at last wediscerned the mouth of his cave: then we were glad, and plucked up ourspirits. So we approached up to his den; and lo, when we came there, hehad dragged, by mere force, into his net, this poor man, Mr. Feeble-mind, and was about to bring him to his end. But when he saw us,supposing, as we thought, he had another prey, he left the poor man inhis hole, and came out. So we fell to it full sore, and he lustily laidabout him; but, in conclusion, he was brought down to the ground, andhis head cut off, and set up by the way-side for a terror to such asshould after practise such ungodliness. That I tell you the truth, hereis the man himself to affirm it, who was as a lamb taken out of themouth of the lion. FEEBLE. Then said Mr. Feeble-mind, I found this true, to my cost andcomfort: to my cost, when he threatened to pick my bones every moment;and to my comfort, when I saw Mr. Great-Heart and his friends, withtheir weapons, approach so near for my deliverance. HOLY. Then said Mr. Holy-man, There are two things that they have needto possess who go on pilgrimage; courage, and an unspotted life. Ifthey have not courage, they can never hold on their way; and if theirlives be loose, they will make the very name of a pilgrim stink. LOVE. Then said Mr. Love-saints, I hope this caution is not needfulamong you: but truly there are many that go upon the road, who ratherdeclare themselves strangers to pilgrimage, than strangers and pilgrimson the earth. DARE. Then said Mr. Dare-not-lie, 'Tis true. They have neither thepilgrim's weed, nor the pilgrim's courage; they go not uprightly, butall awry with their feet; one shoe goeth inward, another outward; andtheir hosen are out behind: here a rag, and there a rent, to thedisparagement of their Lord. PEN. These things, said Mr. Penitent, they ought to be troubled for;nor are the pilgrims like to have that grace put upon them and theirPilgrim's Progress as they desire, until the way is cleared of suchspots and blemishes. Thus they sat talking and spending the time untilsupper was set upon the table, unto which they went, and refreshed theirweary bodies: so they went to rest. Now they staid in the fair a great while, at the house of Mr. Mnason,who in process of time gave his daughter Grace unto Samuel, Christian'sson, to wife, and his daughter Martha to Joseph. The time, as I said, that they staid here, was long, for it was not nowas in former times. Wherefore the pilgrims grew acquainted with many ofthe good people of the town, and did them what service they could.Mercy, as she was wont, labored much for the poor: wherefore theirbellies and backs blessed her, and she was there an ornament to herprofession. And, to say the truth for Grace, Phebe, and Martha, theywere all of a very good nature, and did much good in their places. Theywere also all of them very fruitful; so that Christian's name, as wassaid before, was like to live in the world. While they lay here, there came a monster out of the woods, and slewmany of the people of the town. It would also carry away theirchildren, and teach them to suck its whelps. Now, no man in the towndurst so much as face this monster; but all fled when they heard thenoise of his coming. The monster was like unto no one beast on the earth. Its body was likea dragon, and it had seven heads and ten horns. It made great havoc ofchildren, and yet it was governed by a woman. Rev. 17:3. This monsterpropounded conditions to men; and such men as loved their lives morethan their souls, accepted of those conditions. So they came under. Now Mr. Great-Heart, together with those who came to visit the pilgrimsat Mr. Mnason's house, entered into a covenant to go and engage thisbeast, if perhaps they might deliver the people of this town from thepaws and mouth of this so devouring a serpent. Then did Mr. Great-Heart, Mr. Contrite, Mr. Holy-man, Mr. Dare-not-lie, and Mr. Penitent, with their weapons, go forth to meet him. Nowthe monster at first was very rampant, and looked upon these enemieswith great disdain; but they so belabored him, being sturdy men at arms,that they made him make a retreat: so they came home to Mr. Mnason'shouse again. The monster, you must know, had his certain seasons to come out in, andto make his attempts upon the children of the people of the town. Atthese seasons did these valiant worthies watch him, and did stillcontinually assault him; insomuch that in process of time he became notonly wounded, but lame. Also he has not made that havoc of thetownsmen's children as formerly he had done; and it is verily believedby some that this beast will die of his wounds. This, therefore, made Mr. Great-Heart and his fellows of great fame inthis town; so that many of the people that wanted their taste of things,yet had a reverent esteem and respect for them. Upon this account,therefore, it was, that these pilgrims got not much hurt here. True,there were some of the baser sort, that could see no more than a mole,nor understand any more than a beast; these had no reverence for thesemen, and took no notice of their valor and adventures. ==THE SEVENTH STAGE.== Well, the time grew on that the pilgrims must go on their way; whereforethey prepared for their journey. They sent for their friends; theyconferred with them; they had some time set apart therein to commit eachother to the protection of their Prince. There were again that broughtthem of such things as they had, that were fit for the weak and thestrong, for the women and the men, and so laded them with such things aswere necessary. Acts 28:10. Then they set forward on their way; andtheir friends accompanying them so far as was convenient, they againcommitted each other to the protection of their King, and parted. They therefore that were of the pilgrims' company went on, and Mr.Great-Heart went before them. Now, the women and children being weakly,they were forced to go as they could bear; by which means Mr. Ready-to-halt and Mr. Feeble-mind, had more to sympathize with their condition. When they were gone from the townsmen, and when their friends had bidthem farewell, they quickly came to the place where Faithful was put todeath. Therefore they made a stand, and thanked him that had enabledhim to bear his cross so well; and the rather, because they now foundthat they had a benefit by such a manly suffering as his was. They went on therefore after this a good way further, talking ofChristian and Faithful, and how Hopeful joined himself to Christianafter that Faithful was dead. Now they were come up with the hill Lucre, where the silver mine waswhich took Demas off from his pilgrimage, and into which, as some think,By-ends fell and perished; wherefore they considered that. But whenthey were come to the old monument that stood over against the hillLucre, to wit, to the pillar of salt, that stood also within view ofSodom and its stinking lake, they marvelled, as did Christian before,that men of such knowledge and ripeness of wit as they were, should beso blinded as to turn aside here. Only they considered again, thatnature is not affected with the harms that others have met with,especially if that thing upon which they look has an attracting virtueupon the foolish eye. I saw now, that they went on till they came to the river that was onthis side of the Delectable Mountains; to the river where the fine treesgrow on both sides, and whose leaves, if taken inwardly, are goodagainst surfeits; where the meadows are green all the year long, andwhere they might lie down safely. Psa. 23:2. By this river-side, in the meadows, there were cotes and folds forsheep, a house built for the nourishing and bringing up of those lambs,the babes of those women that go on pilgrimage. Also there was here onethat was intrusted with them, who could have compassion; and that couldgather these lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and gentlylead those that were with young. Heb. 5:2; Isa. 40:11. Now, to thecare of this man Christiana admonished her four daughters to committheir little ones, that by these waters they might be housed, harbored,succored, and nourished, and that none of them might be lacking in timeto come. This man, if any of them go astray, or be lost, will bringthem again; he will also bind up that which was broken, and willstrengthen them that are sick. Jer. 23:4; Ezek. 34:11-16. Here theywill never want meat, drink, and clothing; here they will be kept fromthieves and robbers; for this man will die before one of those committedto his trust shall be lost. Besides, here they shall be sure to havegood nurture and admonition, and shall be taught to walk in right paths,and that you know is a favor of no small account. Also here, as yousee, are delicate waters, pleasant meadows, dainty flowers, variety oftrees, and such as bear wholesome fruit: fruit, not like that whichMatthew ate of, that fell over the wall out of Beelzebub's garden; butfruit that procureth health where there is none, and that continueth andincreaseth it where it is. So they were content to commit their littleones to him; and that which was also an encouragement to them so to do,was, for that all this was to be at the charge of the King, and so wasas an hospital to young children and orphans. Now they went on. And when they were come to By-path Meadow, to thestile over which Christian went with his fellow Hopeful, when they weretaken by Giant Despair and put into Doubting Castle, they sat down, andconsulted what was best to be done: to wit, now they were so strong, andhad got such a man as Mr. Great-Heart for their conductor, whether theyhad not best to make an attempt upon the giant, demolish his castle, andif there were any pilgrims in it, to set them at liberty before theywent any further. So one said one thing, and another said the contrary.One questioned if it was lawful to go upon unconsecrated ground; anothersaid they might, provided their end was good; but Mr. Great-Heart said,Though that assertion offered last cannot be universally true, yet Ihave a commandment to resist sin, to overcome evil, to fight the goodfight of faith: and I pray, with whom should I fight this good fight, ifnot with Giant Despair? I will therefore attempt the taking away of hislife, and the demolishing of Doubting Castle. Then said he, Who will gowith me? Then said old Honest, I will. And so will we too, saidChristiana's four sons, Matthew, Samuel, Joseph, and James; for theywere young men and strong. 1 John 2:13,14. So they left the women inthe road, and with them Mr. Feeble-mind, and Mr. Ready-to-halt withhis crutches, to be their guard until they came back; for in that placethe Giant Despair dwelt so near, they keeping in the road, a littlechild might lead them. Isa. 11:6. So Mr. Great-Heart, old Honest, and the four young men, went to go upto Doubting Castle, to look for Giant Despair. When they came at thecastle gate, they knocked for entrance with an unusual noise. At thatthe old Giant comes to the gate, and Diffidence his wife follows. Thensaid he, Who and what is he that is so hardy, as after this manner tomolest the Giant Despair? Mr. Great-Heart replied, It is I, Great-Heart, one of the King of the Celestial country's conductors of pilgrimsto their place; and I demand of thee that thou open thy gates for myentrance: prepare thyself also to fight, for I am come to take away thyhead; and to demolish Doubting Castle. Now Giant Despair, because he was a giant, thought no man could overcomehim: and again thought he, Since heretofore I have made a conquest ofangels, shall Great-Heart make me afraid? So he harnessed himself, andwent out. He had a cap of steel upon his head, a breast-plate of firegirded to him, and he came out in iron shoes, with a great club in hishand. Then these six men made up to him, and beset him behind andbefore: also, when Diffidence the giantess came up to help him, old Mr.Honest cut her down at one blow. Then they fought for their lives, andGiant Despair was brought down to the ground, but was very loth die. Hestruggled hard, and had, as they say, as many lives as a cat; but Great-Heart was his death, for he left him not till he had severed his headfrom his shoulders. Then they fell to demolishing Doubting Castle, and that you know mightwith ease be done, since Giant Despair was dead. They were seven daysin destroying of that; and in it of pilgrims they found one Mr.Despondency, almost starved to death, and one Much-afraid, his daughter:these two they saved alive. But it would have made you wonder to haveseen the dead bodies that lay here and there in the castle yard, and howfull of dead men's bones the dungeon was. When Mr. Great-Heart and his companions had performed this exploit,they took Mr. Despondency, and his daughter Much-afraid, into theirprotection; for they were honest people, though they were prisoners inDoubting Castle to that tyrant Giant Despair. They, therefore, I say,took with them the head of the giant, (for his body they had buriedunder a heap of stones,) and down to the road and to their companionsthey came, and showed them what they had done. Now, when Feeble-mindand Ready-to-halt saw that it was the head of Giant Despair indeed, theywere very jocund and merry. Now Christiana, if need was, could playupon the viol, and her daughter Mercy upon the lute: so, since they wereso merry disposed, she played them a lesson, and Ready-to-halt woulddance. So he took Despondency's daughter, Much-afraid, by the hand, andto dancing they went in the road. True, he could not dance without onecrutch in his hand, but I promise you he footed it well: also the girlwas to be commended, for she answered the music handsomely. As for Mr. Despondency, the music was not so much to him; he was forfeeding rather than dancing, for that he was almost starved. SoChristiana gave him some of her bottle of spirits for present relief,and then prepared him something to eat; and in a little time the oldgentleman came to himself, and began to be finely revived. Now I saw in my dream, when all these things were finished, Mr. Great-Heart took the head of Giant Despair, and set it upon a pole by thehighway-side, right over against the pillar that Christian erected for acaution to pilgrims that came after, to take heed of entering into hisgrounds. Then he writ under it upon a marble stone these verses following: "This is the head of him whose name only In former times did pilgrims terrify. His castle's down, and Diffidence his wife Brave Mr. Great-Heart has bereft of life. Despondency, his daughter Much-afraid, Great-Heart for them also the man has play'd. Who hereof doubts, if he'll but cast his eye Up hither, may his scruples satisfy. This head also, when doubting cripples dance, Doth show from fears they have deliverance." When these men had thus bravely showed themselves against DoubtingCastle, and had slain Giant Despair, they went forward, and went on tillthey came to the Delectable Mountains, where Christian and Hopefulrefreshed themselves with the varieties of the place. They alsoacquainted themselves with the shepherds there, who welcomed them, asthey had done Christian before, unto the Delectable Mountains. Now the shepherds seeing so great a train follow Mr. Great-Heart, (forwith him they were well acquainted,) they said unto him, Good sir, youhave got a goodly company here; pray where did you find all these? Then Mr. Great-Heart replied, "First, here is Christiana and her train, Her sons, and her sons' wives, who, like the wain, Keep by the pole, and do by compass steer From sin to grace, else they had not been here. Next here's old Honest come on pilgrimage, Ready-to-halt too, who I dare engage True-hearted is, and so is Feeble-mind, Who willing was not to be left behind. Despondency, good man, is coming after, And so also is Much-afraid, his daughter. May we have entertainment here, or must We further go? Let's knew whereon to trust." Then said the shepherds, This is a comfortable company. You are welcometo us; for we have for the feeble, as well as for the strong. OurPrince has an eye to what is done to the least of these; thereforeInfirmity must not be a block to our entertainment. Matt. 25:40. Sothey had them to the palace door, and then said unto them, Come in, Mr.Feeble-Mind; come in Mr. Ready-to-halt; Come in, Mr. Despondency, andMrs. Much-afraid his daughter. These, Mr. Great-Heart, said theshepherds to the guide, we call in by name, for that they are mostsubject to draw back; but as for you, and the rest that are strong, weleave you to your wonted liberty. Then said Mr. Great-Heart, This dayI see that grace doth shine in your faces, and that you are my Lord'sshepherds indeed; for that you have not pushed these diseased neitherwith side nor shoulder, but have rather strewed their way into thepalace with flowers, as you should. Ezek. 34:21. So the feeble and weak went in, and Mr. Great-Heart and the rest didfollow. When they were also set down, the shepherds said to those ofthe weaker sort, What is it that you would have? for, said they, allthings must be managed here to the supporting of the weak, as well as tothe warning of the unruly. So they made them a feast of things easy ofdigestion, and that were pleasant to the palate and nourishing; thewhich when they had received, they went to their rest, each onerespectively unto his proper place. When morning was come, because the mountains were high and the dayclear, and because it was the custom of the shepherds to show thepilgrims before their departure some rarities, therefore, after theywere ready, and had refreshed themselves, the shepherds took them outinto the fields, and showed them first what they had shown to Christianbefore. Then they had them to some new places. The first was Mount Marvel,where they looked, and beheld a man at a distance that tumbled the hillsabout with words. Then they asked the shepherds what that should mean.So they told them, that that man was the son of one Mr. Great-grace, ofwhom you read in the first part of the records of the Pilgrim'sProgress; and he is set there to teach pilgrims how to believe down, orto tumble out of their ways, what difficulties they should meet with, byfaith. Mark 11:23,24. Then said Mr. Great-Heart, I know him; he is aman above many. Then they had them to another place, called Mount Innocence. And therethey saw a man clothed all in white; and two men, Prejudice and Ill-will, continually casting dirt upon him. Now behold, the dirt,whatsoever they cast at him, would in a little time fall off again, andhis garment would look as clear as if no dirt had been cast thereat.Then said the pilgrims, What means this? The shepherds answered, Thisman is named Godlyman, and this garment is to show the innocency of hislife. Now, those that throw dirt at him are such as hate his well-doing; but, as you see the dirt will not stick upon his clothes, so itshall be with him that liveth innocently in the world. Whoever they bethat would make such men dirty, they labor all in vain; for God, by thata little time is spent, will cause that their innocence shall breakforth as the light, and their righteousness as the noonday. Then they took them, and had them to Mount Charity, where they showedthem a man that had a bundle of cloth lying before him, out of which hecut coats and garments for the poor that stood about him; yet his bundleor roll of cloth was never the less. Then said they, What should thisbe? This is, said the shepherds, to show you, that he who has a heartto give of his labor to the poor, shall never want wherewithal. He thatwatereth shall be watered himself. And the cake that the widow gave tothe prophet did not cause that she had the less in her barrel. They had them also to the place where they saw one Fool and one Want-witwashing an Ethiopian, with intention to make him white; but the morethey washed him, the blacker he was. Then they asked the shepherds whatthat should mean. So they told them, saying, Thus it is with the vileperson; all means used to get such a one a good name, shall inconclusion tend but to make him more abominable. Thus it was with thepharisees; and so it shall be with all hypocrites. Then said Mercy, the wife of Matthew, to Christiana her mother, Mother,I would, if it might be, see the hole in the hill, or that commonlycalled the By-way to hell. So her mother brake her mind to theshepherds. Then they went to the door; it was on the side of an hill;and they opened it, and bid Mercy hearken a while. So she hearkened,and heard one saying, Cursed be my father for holding of my feet backfrom the way of peace and life. Another said, Oh that I had been tornin pieces before I had, to save my life, lost my soul! And anothersaid, If I were to live again, how would I deny myself, rather than tocome to this place! Then there was as if the very earth groaned andquaked under the feet of this young woman for fear; so she looked white,and came trembling away, saying, Blessed be he and she that is deliveredfrom this place! Now, when the shepherds had shown them all these things, then they hadthem back to the palace, and entertained them with what the house wouldafford. But Mercy, being a young and married woman, longed forsomething that she saw there, but was ashamed to ask. Her mother-in-lawthen asked her what she ailed, for she looked as one not well. Thensaid Mercy, There is a looking-glass hangs up in the dining-room, offwhich I cannot take my mind; if, therefore, I have it not, I think Ishall miscarry. Then said her mother, I will mention thy wants to theshepherds, and they will not deny thee. But she said, I am ashamed thatthese men should know that I longed. Nay, my daughter, said she, it isno shame, but a virtue, to long for such a thing as that. So Mercysaid, Then mother, if you please, ask the shepherds if they are willingto sell it. Now the glass was one of a thousand. It would present a man, one way,with his own features exactly; and turn it but another way, and it wouldshow one the very face and similitude of the Prince of pilgrims himself.Yes, I have talked with them that can tell, and they have said that theyhave seen the very crown of thorns upon his head by looking in thatglass; they have therein also seen the holes in his hands, his feet, andhis side. Yea, such an excellency is there in this glass, that it willshow him to one where they have a mind to see him, whether living ordead; whether in earth, or in heaven; whether in a state of humiliation,or in his exaltation; whether coming to suffer, or coming to reign.James 1:23; 1 Cor. 13:12; 2 Cor. 3:18. Christiana therefore went to the shepherds apart, (now the names of theshepherds were Knowledge, Experience, Watchful, and Sincere,) and saidunto them, There is one of my daughters, a breeding woman, that I thinkdoth long for something that she hath seen in this house; and she thinksthat she shall miscarry if she should by you be denied. EXPERIENCE. Call her, call her, she shall assuredly have what we canhelp her to. So they called her, and said to her, Mercy, what is thatthing thou wouldst have? Then she blushed, and said, The great glassthat hangs up in the dining-room. So Sincere ran and fetched it, andwith a joyful consent it was given her. Then she bowed her head, andgave thanks, and said, By this I know that I have obtained favor in youreyes. They also gave to the other young women such things as they desired, andto their husbands great commendations, for that they had joined with Mr.Great-Heart in the slaying of Giant Despair, and the demolishing ofDoubting Castle. About Christiana's neck the shepherds put a bracelet, and so did theyabout the necks of her four daughters; also they put ear-rings in theirears, and jewels on their foreheads. When they were minded to go hence, they let them go in peace, but gavenot to them those certain cautions which before were given to Christianand his companion. The reason was, for that these had Great-Heart to betheir guide, who was one that was well acquainted with things, and socould give them their cautions more seasonably, to wit, even when thedanger was nigh the approaching. What cautions Christian and hiscompanion had received of the shepherds, they had also lost by that thetime was come that they had need to put them in practice. Wherefore,here was the advantage that this company had over the other. From thence they went on singing, and they said, "Behold how fitly are the stages set For their relief that pilgrims are become, And how they us receive without one let, That make the other life our mark and home! What novelties they have to us they give, That we, though pilgrims, joyful lives may live; They do upon us, too, such things bestow, That show we pilgrims are, where'er we go." ==THE EIGHTH STAGE.== When they were gone from the shepherds, they quickly came to the placewhere Christian met with one Turn-away that dwelt in the town ofApostasy. Wherefore of him Mr. Great-Heart their guide now put them inmind, saying, This is the place where Christian met with one Turn-away,who carried with him the character of his rebellion at his back. Andthis I have to say concerning this man; he would hearken to no counsel,but once a falling, persuasion could not stop him. When he came to theplace where the cross and sepulchre were, he did meet with one that didbid him look there; but he gnashed with his teeth, and stamped, and saidhe was resolved to go back to his own town. Before he came to the gate,he met with Evangelist, who offered to lay hands on him, to turn himinto the way again; but this Turn-away resisted him, and having donemuch despite unto him, he got away over the wall, and so escaped hishand. Then they went on; and just at the place where Little-Faith formerly wasrobbed, there stood a man with his sword drawn, and his face all overwith blood. Then said Mr. Great-Heart, Who art thou? The man madeanswer, saying, I am one whose name is Valiant-for-truth. I am apilgrim, and am going to the Celestial City. Now, as I was in my way,there were three men that did beset me, and propounded unto me thesethree things: 1. Whether I would become one of them. 2. Or go backfrom whence I came. 3. Or die upon the place. Prov. 1:11-14. To thefirst I answered, I had been a true man for a long season, and thereforeit could not be expected that I should now cast in my lot with thieves.Then they demanded what I would say to the second. So I told them thatthe place from whence I came, had I not found incommodity there, I hadnot forsaken it at all; but finding it altogether unsuitable to me, andvery unprofitable for me, I forsook it for this way. Then they asked mewhat I said to the third. And I told them my life cost far more dearthan that I should lightly give it away. Besides, you have nothing todo thus to put things to my choice; wherefore at your peril be it if youmeddle. Then these three, to wit, Wild-head, Inconsiderate, andPragmatic, drew upon me, and I also drew upon them. So we fell to it,one against three, for the space of above three hours. They have leftupon me, as you see, some of the marks of their valor, and have alsocarried away with them some of mine. They are but just now gone; Isuppose they might, as the saying is, hear your horse dash, and so theybetook themselves to flight. GREAT. But here was great odds, three against one . VALIANT. 'Tis true; but little and more are nothing to him that has thetruth on his side: "Though an host should encamp against me," said one,Psa. 27:3, "my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me,in this will I be confident," etc. Besides, said he, I have read insome records, that one man has fought an army: and how many did Samsonslay with the jawbone of an ass! GREAT. Then said the guide, Why did you not cry out, that some mighthave come in for your succor? VALIANT. So I did to my King, who I knew could hear me, and affordinvisible help, and that was sufficient for me. GREAT. Then said Great-Heart to Mr. Valiant-for-truth, Thou hastworthily behaved thyself; let me see thy sword. So he showed it him. When he had taken it in his hand, and looked thereon awhile, he said,Ha, it is a right Jerusalem blade. VALIANT. It is so. Let a man have one of these blades, with a hand towield it, and skill to use it, and he may venture upon an angel with it.He need not fear its holding, if he can but tell how to lay on. Itsedge will never blunt. It will cut flesh and bones, and soul, andspirit, and all. Heb. 4:12. GREAT. But you fought a great while; I wonder you was not weary. VALIANT. I fought till my sword did cleave to my hand; and then theywere joined together as if a sword grew out of my arm; and when theblood ran through my fingers, then I fought with most courage. GREAT. Thou hast done well; thou hast resisted unto blood, strivingagainst sin. Thou shalt abide by us, come in and go out with us; for weare thy companions. Then they took him and washed his wounds, and gavehim of what they had, to refresh him: and so they went together. Now, as they went on, because Mr. Great-Heart was delighted in him,(for he loved one greatly that he found to be a man of his hands,) andbecause there were in company those that were feeble and weak, thereforehe questioned with him about many things; as first, what countryman hewas. VALIANT. I am of Dark-land; for there was I born, and there my fatherand mother are still. GREAT. Dark-land! said the guide; doth not that lie on the same coastwith the City of Destruction? VALIANT. Yes, it doth. Now that which caused me to come on pilgrimagewas this. We had one Mr. Tell-true come into our parts, and he told itabout what Christian had done, that went from the City of Destruction;namely, how he had forsaken his wife and children, and had betakenhimself to a pilgrim's life. It was also confidently reported, how hehad killed a serpent that did come out to resist him in his journey; andhow he got through to whither he intended. It was also told whatwelcome he had at all his Lord's lodgings, especially when he came tothe gates of the Celestial City; for there, said the man, he wasreceived with sound of trumpet by a company of shining ones. He toldalso how all the bells in the city did ring for joy at his reception,and what golden garments he was clothed with; with many other thingsthat now I shall forbear to relate. In a word, that man so told thestory of Christian and his travels that my heart fell into a burninghaste to be gone after him; nor could father or mother stay me. So Igot from them, and am come thus far on my way. GREAT. You came in at the gate, did you not? VALIANT. Yes, yes; for the same man also told us, that all would benothing if we did not begin to enter this way at the gate. GREAT. Look you, said the guide to Christiana, the pilgrimage of yourhusband, and what he has gotten thereby, is spread abroad far and near. VALIANT. Why, is this Christian's wife? GREAT. Yes, that it is; and these also are his four sons. VALIANT. What, and going on pilgrimage too? GREAT. Yes, verily, they are following after. VALIANT. It glads me at the heart. Good man, how joyful will he be whenhe shall see them that would not go with him, yet to enter after him inat the gates into the Celestial City. GREAT. Without doubt it will be a comfort to him; for, next to the joyof seeing himself there, it will be a joy to meet there his wife andchildren. VALIANT. But now you are upon that, pray let me hear your opinion aboutit. Some make a question whether we shall know one another when we arethere. GREAT. Do you think they shall know themselves then, or that they shallrejoice to see themselves in that bliss? And if they think they shallknow and do this, why not know others, and rejoice in their welfarealso? Again, since relations are our second self, though that statewill be dissolved there, yet why may it not be rationally concluded thatwe shall be more glad to see them there than to see they are wanting? VALIANT. Well, I perceive whereabouts you are as to this. Have you anymore things to ask me about my beginning to come on pilgrimage? GREAT. Yes; were your father and mother willing that you should become apilgrim? VALIANT. O no; they used all means imaginable to persuade me to stay athome. GREAT. Why, what could they say against it? VALIANT. They said it was an idle life; and if I myself were notinclined to sloth and laziness, I would never countenance a pilgrim'scondition. GREAT. And what did they say else? VALIANT. Why, they told me that it was a dangerous way; yea, the mostdangerous way in the world, said they, is that which the pilgrims go. GREAT. Did they show you wherein this way is so dangerous? VALIANT. Yes; and that in many particulars. GREAT. Name some of them. VALIANT. They told me of the Slough of Despond, where Christian was well-nigh smothered. They told me, that there were archers standing readyin Beelzebub-castle to shoot them who should knock at the Wicket-gatefor entrance. They told me also of the wood and dark mountains; of thehill Difficulty; of the lions; and also of the three giants, Bloody-man,Maul, and Slay-good. They said, moreover, that there was a foul fiendhaunted the Valley of Humiliation; and that Christian was by him almostbereft of life. Besides, said they, you must go over the Valley of theShadow of Death, where the hobgoblins are, where the light is darkness,where the way is full of snares, pits, traps, and gins. They told mealso of Giant Despair, of Doubting Castle, and of the ruin that thepilgrims met with here. Further they said I must go over the EnchantedGround, which was dangerous; And that after all this I should find ariver, over which there was no bridge; and that that river did liebetwixt me and the Celestial country. GREAT. And was this all? VALIANT. No. They also told me that this way was full of deceivers, andof persons that lay in wait there to turn good men out of the path. GREAT. But how did they make that out? VALIANT. They told me that Mr. Wordly Wiseman did lie there in wait todeceive. They said also, that there were Formality and Hypocrisycontinually on the road. They said also, that By-ends, Talkative, orDemas, would go near to gather me up; that the Flatterer would catch mein his net; or that, with green-headed Ignorance, I would presume to goon to the gate, from whence he was sent back to the hole that was in theside of the hill, and made to go the by-way to hell. GREAT. I promise you this was enough to discourage you; but did theymake an end here? VALIANT. No, stay. They told me also of many that had tried that way ofold, and that had gone a great way therein, to see if they could findsomething of the glory there that so many had so much talked of fromtime to time, and how they came back again, and befooled themselves forsetting a foot out of doors in that path, to the satisfaction of all thecountry. And they named several that did so, as Obstinate and Pliable,Mistrust and Timorous, Turn-away and old Atheist, with several more;who, they said, had some of them gone far to see what they could find,but not one of them had found so much advantage by going as amounted tothe weight of a feather. GREAT. Said they any thing more to discourage you? VALIANT. Yes. They told me of one Mr. Fearing, who was a pilgrim, andhow he found his way so solitary that he never had a comfortable hourtherein; also, that Mr. Despondency had like to have been starvedtherein: yea, and also (which I had almost forgot) that Christianhimself, about whom there has been such a noise, after all hisadventures for a celestial crown, was certainly drowned in the BlackRiver, and never went a foot further; however it was smothered up. GREAT. And did none of these things discourage you? VALIANT. No; they seemed but as so many nothings to me. GREAT. How came that about? VALIANT. Why, I still believed what Mr. Tell-true had said; and thatcarried me beyond them all. GREAT. Then this was your victory, even your faith. VALIANT. It was so. I believed, and therefore came out, got into theway, fought all that set themselves against me, and, by believing, amcome to this place. "Who would true valor see, Let him come hither; One here will constant be, Come wind, come weather There's no discouragement Shall make him once relent His first avow'd intent To be a pilgrim. Whoso beset him round With dismal stories, Do but themselves confound; His strength the more is. No lion can him fright, He'll with a giant fight, But he will have a right To be a pilgrim. Hobgoblin nor foul fiend Can daunt his spirit; He knows he at the end Shall life inherit. Then fancies fly away, He'll not fear what men say; He'll labor night and day To be a pilgrim. By this time they were got to the Enchanted Ground, where the airnaturally tended to make one drowsy. And that place was all grown overwith briars and thorns, excepting here and there, where was an enchantedarbor, upon which if a man sits, or in which if a man sleeps, it is aquestion, some say, whether ever he shall rise or wake again in thisworld. Over this forest, therefore, they went, both one and another,and Mr. Great-Heart went before, for that he was the guide; and Mr.Valiant-for-truth came behind, being rear-guard, for fear lestperadventure some fiend, or dragon, or giant, or thief, should fall upontheir rear, and so do mischief. They went on here, each man with hissword drawn in his hand; for they knew it was a dangerous place. Alsothey cheered up one another as well as they could. Feeble-mind, Mr.Great-Heart commanded should come up after him; and Mr. Despondency wasunder the eye of Mr. Valiant. Now they had not gone far, but a great mist and darkness fell upon themall; so that they could scarce, for a great while, the one see theother. Wherefore they were forced, for some time, to feel one foranother by words; for they walked not by sight. But any one must think,that here was but sorry going for the best of them all; but how muchworse for the women and children, who both of feet and heart were buttender! Yet so it was, that through the encouraging words of him thatled in the front, and of him that brought them up behind, they made apretty good shift to wag along. The way also here was very wearisome, through dirt and slabbiness. Norwas there, on all this ground, so much as one inn or victualling-housewherein to refresh the feebler sort. Here, therefore, was grunting, andpuffing, and sighing, while one tumbleth over a bush, another sticksfast in the dirt, and the children, some of them, lost their shoes inthe mire; while one cries out, I am down; and another, Ho, where areyou? and a third, The bushes have got such fast hold on me, I think Icannot get away from them. Then they came at an arbor, warm, and promising much refreshing to thepilgrims; for it was finely wrought above-head, beautified with greens,furnished with benches and settles. It also had in it a soft couch,whereon the weary might lean. This, you must think, all thingsconsidered, was tempting; for the pilgrims already began to be foiledwith the badness of the way: but there was not one of them that made somuch as a motion to stop there. Yea, for aught I could perceive, theycontinually gave so good heed to the advice of their guide, and he didso faithfully tell them of dangers, and of the nature of the dangerswhen they were at them, that usually, when they were nearest to them,they did most pluck up their spirits, and hearten one another to denythe flesh. This arbor was called The Slothful's Friend, and was made onpurpose to allure, if it might be, some of the pilgrims there to take uptheir rest when weary. I saw them in my dream, that they went on in this their solitary ground,till they came to a place at which a man is apt to lose his way. Now,though when it was light their guide could well enough tell how to missthose ways that led wrong, yet in the dark he was put to a stand. Buthe had in his pocket a map of all ways leading to or from the CelestialCity; wherefore he struck a light (for he never goes without his tinder-box also), and takes a view of his book or map, which bids him to becareful in that place to turn to the right hand. And had he not beencareful here to look in his map, they had all, in probability, beensmothered in the mud; for just a little before them, and that at the endof the cleanest way too, was a pit, none knows how deep, full of nothingbut mud, there made on purpose to destroy the pilgrims in. Then thought I with myself, Who that goeth on pilgrimage but would haveone of these maps about him, that he may look, when he is at a stand,which is the way he must take? Then they went on in this Enchanted Ground till they came to where therewas another arbor, and it was built by the highway-side. And in thatarbor there lay two men, whose names were Heedless and Too-bold. Thesetwo went thus far on pilgrimage; but here, being wearied with theirjourney, they sat down to rest themselves, and so fell fast asleep.When the pilgrims saw them, they stood still, and shook their heads; forthey knew that the sleepers were in a pitiful case. Then they consultedwhat to do, whether to go on and leave them in their sleep, or to stepto them and try to awake them; so they concluded to go to them and awakethem, that is, if they could; but with this caution, namely, to takeheed that they themselves did not sit down nor embrace the offeredbenefit of that arbor. So they went in, and spake to the men, and called each by his name, forthe guide, it seems, did know them; but there was no voice nor answer.Then the guide did shake them, and do what he could to disturb them.Then said one of them, I will pay you when I take my money. At whichthe guide shook his head. I will fight so long as I can hold my swordin my hand, said the other. At that, one of the children laughed. Then said Christiana, What is the meaning of this? The guide said, Theytalk in their sleep. If you strike them, beat them, or whatever elseyou do to them, they will answer you after this fashion; or, as one ofthem said in old time, when the waves of the sea did beat upon him, andhe slept as one upon the mast of a ship, Prov. 23:34,35, When I awake,I will seek it yet again. You know, when men talk in their sleep, theysay any thing; but their words are not governed either by faith orreason. There is an incoherency in their words now, as there was beforebetwixt their going on pilgrimage and sitting down here. This, then, isthe mischief of it: when heedless ones go on pilgrimage, 'tis twenty toone but they are served thus. For this Enchanted Ground is one of thelast refuges that the enemy to pilgrims has; wherefore it is, as yousee, placed almost at the end of the way, and so it standeth against uswith the more advantage. For when, thinks the enemy, will these foolsbe so desirous to sit down as when they are weary? and when so like tobe weary as when almost at their journey's end? Therefore it is, I say,that the Enchanted Ground is placed so nigh to the land Beulah, and sonear the end of their race. Wherefore let pilgrims look to themselves,lest it happen to them as it has done to these that, as you see, arefallen asleep, and none can awake them. Then the pilgrims desired with trembling to go forward; only they prayedtheir guide to strike a light, that they might go the rest of their wayby the help of the light of a lantern. So he struck a light, and theywent by the help of that through the rest of this way, though thedarkness was very great. 2 Pet. 1:19. But the children began to besorely weary, and they cried out unto him that loveth pilgrims, to maketheir way more comfortable. So by that they had gone a little further,a wind arose that drove away the fog, so the air became more clear. Yetthey were not off (by much) of the Enchanted Ground; only now they couldsee one another better, and the way wherein they should walk. Now when they were almost at the end of this ground, they perceived thata little before them was a solemn noise, as of one that was muchconcerned. So they went on and looked before them: and behold they saw,as they thought, a man upon his knees, with hands and eyes lifted up,and speaking, as they thought, earnestly to one that was above. Theydrew nigh, but could not tell what he said; so they went softly till hehad done. When he had done, he got up, and began to run towards theCelestial City. Then Mr. Great-Heart called after him, saying, Soho,friend, let us have your company, if you go, as I suppose you do, to theCelestial City. So the man stopped, and they came up to him. But assoon as Mr. Honest saw him, he said, I know this man. Then said Mr.Valiant-for-truth, Prithee, who is it? It is one, said he, that comesfrom whereabout I dwelt. His name is Standfast; he is certainly a rightgood pilgrim. So they came up to one another; and presently Standfast said to oldHonest, Ho, father Honest, are you there? Aye, said he, that I am, assure as you are there. Right glad am I, said Mr. Standfast, that Ihave found you on this road. And as glad am I, said the other, that Iespied you on your knees. Then Mr. Standfast blushed, and said, Butwhy, did you see me? Yes, that I did, quoth the other, and with myheart was glad at the sight. Why, what did you think? said Standfast.Think! said old Honest; what could I think? I thought we had an honestman upon the road, and therefore should have his company by and by. Ifyou thought not amiss, said Standfast, how happy am I! But if I be notas I should, 't is I alone must bear it. That is true, said the other;but your fear doth further confirm me that things are right betwixt thePrince of pilgrims and your soul. For he saith, "Blessed is the manthat feareth always." Prov. 28:14. VALIANT. Well but, brother, I pray thee tell us what was it that was thecause of thy being upon thy knees even now: was it for that some specialmercy laid obligations upon thee, or how? STAND. Why, we are, as you see, upon the Enchanted Ground; and as I wascoming along, I was musing with myself of what a dangerous nature theroad in this place was, and how many that had come even thus far onpilgrimage, had here been stopped and been destroyed. I thought also ofthe manner of the death with which this place destroyeth men. Thosethat die here, die of no violent distemper: the death which such die isnot grievous to them. For he that goeth away in a sleep, begins thatjourney with desire and pleasure. Yea, such acquiesce in the will ofthat disease. HON. Then Mr. Honest interrupting him, said, Did you see the two menasleep in the arbor? STAND. Aye, aye, I saw Heedless and Too-bold there; and for ought Iknow, there they will lie till they rot. Prov. 10:7. But let me go onwith my tale. As I was thus musing, as I said, there was one in verypleasant attire, but old, who presented herself to me, and offered methree things, to wit, her body, her purse, and her bed. Now the truthis, I was both weary and sleepy. I am also as poor as an owlet, andthat perhaps the witch knew. Well, I repulsed her once and again, butshe put by my repulses, and smiled. Then I began to be angry; but shemattered that nothing at all. Then she made offers again, and said, ifI would be ruled by her, she would make me great and happy; for, saidshe, I am the mistress of the world, and men are made happy by me. ThenI asked her name, and she told me it was Madam Bubble. This set mefurther from her; but she still followed me with enticements. Then Ibetook me, as you saw, to my knees, and with hands lifted up, and cries,I prayed to Him that had said he would help. So, just as you came up,the gentlewoman went her way. Then I continued to give thanks for thismy great deliverance; for I verily believe she intended no good, but rathersought to make stop of me in my journey. HON. Without doubt her designs were bad. But stay, now you talk of her,methinks I either have seen her, or have read some story of her. STAND. Perhaps you have done both. HON. Madam Bubble! Is she not a tall, comely dame, something of aswarthy complexion? STAND. Right, you hit it: she is just such a one. HON. Doth she not speak very smoothly, and give you a smile at the endof a sentence? STAND. You fall right upon it again, for these are her very actions. HON. Doth she not wear a great purse by her side, and is not her handoften in it, fingering her money, as if that was her heart's delight. STAND. 'Tis just so; had she stood by all this while, you could not moreamply have set her forth before me, nor have better described herfeatures. HON. Then he that drew her picture was a good limner, and he that wroteof her said true. GREAT. This woman is a witch, and it is by virtue of her sorceries thatthis ground is enchanted. Whoever doth lay his head down in her lap,had as good lay it down on that block over which the axe doth hang; andwhoever lay their eyes upon her beauty are counted the enemies of God.This is she that maintaineth in their splendor all those that are theenemies of pilgrims. James 4:4. Yea, this is she that has bought offmany a man from a pilgrim's life. She is a great gossiper; she isalways, both she and her daughters, at one pilgrim's heels or another,now commending, and then preferring the excellences of this life. Sheis a bold and impudent slut: she will talk with any man. She alwayslaugheth poor pilgrims to scorn, but highly commends the rich. If therebe one cunning to get money in a place, she will speak well of him fromhouse to house. She loveth banqueting and feasting mainly well; she isalways at one full table or another. She has given it out in someplaces that she is a goddess, and therefore some do worship her. Shehas her time, and open places of cheating; and she will say and avow it,that none can show a good comparable to hers. She promiseth to dwellwith children's children, if they will but love her and make much ofher. She will cast out of her purse gold like dust in some places andto some persons. She loves to be sought after, spoken well of, and tolie in the bosoms of men. She is never weary of commending hercommodities, and she loves them most that think best of her. She willpromise to some crowns and kingdoms, if they will but take her advice;yet many has she brought to the halter, and ten thousand times more tohell. STAND. Oh, said Standfast, what a mercy is it that I did resist her; forwhither might she have drawn me! GREAT. Whither? nay, none but God knows whither. But in general, to besure, she would have drawn thee into many foolish and hurtful lusts,which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1 Tim. 6:9. 'T was shethat set Absalom against his father, and Jeroboam against his master.'T was she that persuaded Judas to sell his Lord; and that prevailedwith Demas to forsake the godly pilgrim's life. None can tell of themischief that she doth. She makes variance betwixt rulers and subjects,betwixt parents and children, betwixt neighbor and neighbor, betwixt aman and his wife, betwixt a man and himself, betwixt the flesh and thespirit. Wherefore, good Mr. Standfast, be as your name is, and whenyou have done all, stand. At this discourse there was among the pilgrims a mixture of joy andtrembling; but at length they broke out and sang, "What danger is the Pilgrim in! How many are his foes! How many ways there are to sin No living mortal knows. Some in the ditch are spoiled, yea, can Lie tumbling in the mire: Some, though they shun the frying-pan Do leap into the fire." After this, I beheld until they were come into the land of Beulah, wherethe sun shineth night and day. Here, because they were weary, theybetook themselves a while to rest. And because this country was commonfor pilgrims, and because the orchards and vineyards that were herebelonged to the King of the Celestial country, therefore they werelicensed to make bold with any of his things. But a little while soonrefreshed them here; for the bells did so ring, and the trumpetscontinually sound so melodiously, that they could not sleep, and yetthey received as much refreshing as if they had slept their sleep everso soundly. Here also all the noise of them that walked the streetswas, More pilgrims are come to town! And another would answer, saying,And so many went over the water, and were let in at the golden gates to-day! They would cry again, There is now a legion of shining ones justcome to town, by which we know that there are more pilgrims upon theroad; for here they come to wait for them, and to comfort them after alltheir sorrow. Then the pilgrims got up, and walked to and fro. But howwere their ears now filled with heavenly noises, and their eyesdelighted with celestial visions! In this land they heard nothing, sawnothing, felt nothing, smelt nothing, tasted nothing that was offensiveto their stomach or mind; only when they tasted of the water of theriver over which they were to go, they thought that it tasted a littlebitterish to the palate; but it proved sweeter when it was down. In this place there was a record kept of the names of them that had beenpilgrims of old, and a history of all the famous acts that they haddone. It was here also much discoursed, how the river to some had hadits flowings, and what ebbings it has had while others have gone over.It has been in a manner dry for some, while it has overflowed its banksfor others. In this place the children of the town would go into the King's gardens,and gather nosegays for the pilgrims, and bring them to them with muchaffection. Here also grew camphire, with spikenard and saffron, calamusand cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense, myrrh, and aloes, withall chief spices. With these the pilgrims' chambers were perfumed whilethey stayed here; and with these were their bodies anointed, to preparethem to go over the river, when the time appointed was come. Now, while they lay here, and waited for the good hour, there was anoise in the town that there was a post come from the Celestial City,with matter of great importance to one Christiana, the wife of Christianthe pilgrim. So inquiry was made for her, and the house was found outwhere she was. So the post presented her with a letter. The contentswere, Hail, good woman; I bring thee tidings that the Master calleth forthee, and expecteth that thou shouldst stand in his presence in clothesof immortality within these ten days. When he had read this letter to her, he gave her therewith a sure tokenthat he was a true messenger, and was come to bid her make haste to begone. The token was, an arrow with a point sharpened with love, leteasily into her heart, which by degrees wrought so effectually with her,that at the time appointed she must be gone. When Christiana saw that her time was come, and that she was the firstof this company that was to go over, she called for Mr. Great-Heart herguide, and told him how matters were. So he told her he was heartilyglad of the news, and could have been glad had the post come for him.Then she bid him that he should give advice how all things should beprepared for her journey. So he told her, saying, Thus and thus it mustbe, and we that survive will accompany you to the river-side. Then she called for her children, and gave them her blessing, and toldthem that she had read with comfort the mark that was set in theirforeheads, and was glad to see them with her there, and that they hadkept their garments so white. Lastly, she bequeathed to the poor thatlittle she had, and commanded her sons and daughters to be ready againstthe messenger should come for them. When she had spoken these words to her guide, and to her children, shecalled for Mr. Valiant-for-truth, and said unto him, Sir, you have inall places showed yourself true-hearted; be faithful unto death, and myKing will give you a crown of life. Rev. 2:10. I would also entreatyou to have an eye to my children; and if at any time you see themfaint, speak comfortably to them. For my daughters, my sons' wives,they have been faithful, and a fulfilling of the promise upon them willbe their end. But she gave Mr. Standfast a ring. Then she called for old Mr. Honest, and said of him, "Behold anIsraelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" John 1:47. Then said he, Iwish you a fair day when you set out for Mount Sion, and shall be gladto see that you go over the river dry-shod. But she answered, Come wet,come dry, I long to be gone; for however the weather is in my journey, Ishall have time enough when I come there to sit down and rest me and dryme. Then came in that good man Mr. Ready-to-halt, to see her. So she saidto him, Thy travel hitherto has been with difficulty; but that will makethy rest the sweeter. Watch, and be ready; for at an hour when youthink not, the messenger may come. After him came Mr. Despondency and his daughter Much-afraid, to whomshe said, You ought, with thankfulness, forever to remember yourdeliverance from the hands of Giant Despair, and out of Doubting Castle.The effect of that mercy is, that you are brought with safety hither.Be ye watchful, and cast away fear; be sober, and hope to the end. Then she said to Mr. Feeble-mind, Thou wast delivered from the mouth ofGiant Slay-good, that thou mightest live in the light of the living, andsee thy King with comfort. Only I advise thee to repent of thineaptness to fear and doubt of his goodness, before he sends for thee;lest thou shouldst, when he comes, be forced to stand before him forthat fault with blushing. Now the day drew on that Christiana must be gone. So the road was fullof people to see her take her journey. But behold, all the banks beyondthe river were full of horses and chariots, which were come down fromabove to accompany her to the city gate. So she came forth, and enteredthe river, with a beckon of farewell to those that followed her. Thelast words that she was heard to say were, I come, Lord, to be with theeand bless thee! So her children and friends returned to their place,for those that waited for Christiana had carried her out of their sight.So she went and called, and entered in at the gate with all theceremonies of joy that her husband Christian had entered with beforeher. At her departure, the children wept. But Mr. Great-Heart and Mr.Valiant played upon the welltuned cymbal and harp for joy. So alldeparted to their respective places. In process of time there came a post to the town again, and his businesswas with Mr. Ready-to-halt. So he inquired him out, and said, I amcome from Him whom thou hast loved and followed, though upon crutches;and my message is to tell thee, that he expects thee at his table to supwith him in his kingdom, the next day after Easter; wherefore preparethyself for this journey. Then he also gave him a token that he was atrue messenger, saying, "I have broken thy golden bowl, and loosed thysilver cord." Eccles. 12:6. After this, Mr. Ready-to-halt called for his fellow-pilgrims, and toldthem, saying, I am sent for, and God shall surely visit you also. So hedesired Mr. Valiant to make his will. And because he had nothing tobequeath to them that should survive him but his crutches, and his goodwishes, therefore thus he said, These crutches I bequeath to my son thatshall tread in my steps, with a hundred warm wishes that he may provebetter than I have been. Then he thanked Mr. Great-Heart for his conduct and kindness, and soaddressed himself to his journey. When he came to the brink of theriver, he said, Now I shall have no more need of these crutches, sinceyonder are chariots and horses for me to ride on. The last words he washeard to say were, Welcome life! So he went his way. After this, Mr. Feeble-mind had tidings brought him that the postsounded his horn at his chamber door. Then he came in, and told him,saying, I am come to tell thee that thy Master hath need of thee, andthat in a very little time thou must behold his face in brightness. Andtake this as a token of the truth of my message: "Those that look out atthe windows shall be darkened." Eccles. 12:3. Then Mr. Feeble-mindcalled for his friends, and told them what errand had been brought untohim, and what token he had received of the truth of the message. Thenhe said, since I have nothing to bequeath to any, to what purpose shouldI make a will? As for my feeble mind, that I will leave behind me, forthat I shall have no need of it in the place whither I go, nor is itworth bestowing upon the poorest pilgrims: wherefore, when I am gone, Idesire that you, Mr. Valiant, would bury it in a dunghill. This done,and the day being come on which he was to depart, he entered the riveras the rest. His last words were, Hold out, faith and patience! So hewent over to the other side. When days had many of them passed away, Mr. Despondency was sent for;for a post was come, and brought this message to him: Trembling man!these are to summon thee to be ready with the King by the next Lord'sday, to shout for joy for thy deliverance from all thy doubtings. And,said the messenger, that my message is true, take this for a proof: sohe gave him a grasshopper to be a burden unto him. Ecclesiastes 12:5. Now Mr. Despondency's daughter, whose name was Much-afraid, said, whenshe heard what was done, that she would go with her father. Then Mr.Despondency said to his friends, Myself and my daughter, you know whatwe have been, and how troublesomely we have behaved ourselves in everycompany. My will and my daughter's is, that our desponds and slavishfears be by no man ever received, from the day of our departure,forever; for I know that after my death they will offer themselves toothers. For, to be plain with you, they are ghosts which we entertainedwhen we first began to be pilgrims, and could never shake them offafter; and they will walk about, and seek entertainment of the pilgrims:but for our sakes, shut the doors upon them. When the time was come forthem to depart, they went up to the brink of the river. The last wordsof Mr. Despondency were, Farewell, night; welcome, day! His daughterwent through the river singing, but none could understand what she said. Then it came to pass a while after, that there was a post in the townthat inquired for Mr. Honest. So he came to the house where he was,and delivered to his hand these lines: Thou art commanded to be readyagainst this day seven-night, to present thyself before thy Lord at hisFather's house. And for a token that my message is true, "All thedaughters of music shall be brought low." Eccles. 12:4. Then Mr.Honest called for his friends, and said unto them, I die, but shall makeno will. As for my honesty, it shall go with me; let him that comesafter be told of this. When the day that he was to be gone was come, headdressed himself to go over the river. Now the river at that time over-flowed its banks in some places; but Mr. Honest, in his lifetime, hadspoken to one Good-conscience to meet him there, the which he also did,and lent him his hand, and so helped him over. The last words of Mr.Honest were, Grace reigns! So he left the world. After this it was noised abroad that Mr. Valiant-for-truth was takenwith a summons by the same post as the other, and had this for a tokenthat the summons was true, "That his pitcher was broken at thefountain." Eccl. 12:6. When he understood it, he called for hisfriends, and told them of it. Then said he, I am going to my Father's;and though with great difficulty I have got hither, yet now I do notrepent me of all the trouble I have been at to arrive where I am. Mysword I give to him that shall succeed me in my pilgrimage, and mycourage and skill to him that can get it. My marks and scars I carrywith me, to be a witness for me that I have fought His battles who willnow be my rewarder. When the day that he must go hence was come, manyaccompanied him to the river-side, into which as he went, he said,"Death, where is thy sting?" And as he went down deeper, he said,"Grave, where is thy victory?" 1 Cor. 15:55. So he passed over, andall the trumpets sounded for him on the other side. Then there came forth a summons for Mr. Standfast. This Mr. Standfastwas he whom the rest of the pilgrims found upon his knees in theEnchanted Ground. And the post brought it him open in his hands: thecontents thereof were, that he must prepare for a change of life, forhis Master was not willing that he should be so far from him any longer.At this Mr. Standfast was put into a muse. Nay, said the messenger,you need not doubt of the truth of my message; for here is a token ofthe truth thereof, "Thy wheel is broken at the cistern." Eccles. 12:6.Then he called to him Mr. Great-Heart, who was their guide, and saidunto him, Sir, although it was not my hap to be much in your goodcompany during the days of my pilgrimage, yet, since the time I knewyou, you have been profitable to me. When I came from home, I leftbehind me a wife and five small children; let me entreat you, at yourreturn, (for I know that you go and return to your Master's house, inhopes that you may yet be a conductor to more of the holy pilgrims,)that you send to my family, and let them be acquainted with all thathath and shall happen unto me. Tell them moreover of my happy arrivalat this place, and of the present and late blessed condition I am in.Tell them also of Christian and Christiana his wife, and how she and herchildren came after her husband. Tell them also of what a happy end shemade, and whither she is gone. I have little or nothing to send to myfamily, unless it be prayers and tears for them; of which it willsuffice that you acquaint them, if peradventure they may prevail. WhenMr. Standfast had thus set things in order, and the time being come forhim to haste him away, he also went down to the river. Now there was agreat calm at that time in the river; wherefore Mr. Standfast, when hewas about half-way in, stood a while, and talked with his companionsthat had waited upon him thither. And he said, This river has been aterror to many; yea, the thoughts of it also have often frightened me;but now methinks I stand easy; my foot is fixed upon that on which thefeet of the priests that bare the ark of the covenant stood while Israelwent over Jordan. Josh. 3:17. The waters indeed are to the palatebitter, and to the stomach cold; yet the thoughts of what I am going to,and of the convoy that waits for me on the other side, do lie as aglowing coal at my heart. I see myself now at the end of my journey; mytoilsome days are ended. I am going to see that head which was crownedwith thorns, and that face which was spit upon for me. I have formerlylived by hearsay and faith; but now I go where I shall live by sight,and shall be with him in whose company I delight myself. I have lovedto hear my Lord spoken of; and wherever I have seen the print of hisshoe in the earth, there I have coveted to set my foot too. His namehas been to me as a civet-box; yea, sweeter than all perfumes. Hisvoice to me has been most sweet, and his countenance I have more desiredthan they that have most desired the light of the sun. His words I diduse to gather for my food, and for antidotes against my faintings. Hehath held me, and hath kept me from mine iniquities; yea, my steps hathhe strengthened in his way. Now, while he was thus in discourse, his countenance changed; his strongman bowed under him: and after he had said, Take me, for I come untothee, he ceased to be seen of them. But glorious it was to see how the open region was filled with horsesand chariots, with trumpeters and pipers, with singers and players uponstringed instruments, to welcome the pilgrims as they went up, andfollowed one another in at the beautiful gate of the city. As for Christiana's children, the four boys that Christiana brought,with their wives and children, I did not stay where I was till they weregone over. Also, since I came away, I heard one say that they were yetalive, and so would be for the increase of the church, in that placewhere they were, for a time. Should it be my lot to go that way again, I may give those that desireit an account of what I here am silent about: meantime I bid my reader FAREWELL. THE END. [[Category:Christianity]]Category:Classics]]