ThePilgrim'sProgress

byJohnBunyan

TableofContents

1.TheCityofDestruction

2.ObstinateandPliable

3.TheSwampofDespond

4.Mr.WorldlyWiseman

5.TheNarrowGate

6.TheHouseoftheInterpreter

7.TheCross

8.Simple,SlothandPresumption

9.FormalistandHypocrisy

10.TheHillDifficulty

11.TimorousandMistrust

12.ThePalaceBeautiful

13.BattlewithApollyon

14.TheValleyoftheShadowofDeath

15.ChristianMeetswithFaithful

16.Talkative

17.VanityFair

18.Mr.By-ends

19.TheHillLucre

20.By-pathMeadow

21.DoubtingCastle

22.TheDelectableMountains

23.Ignorance

24.TheFlatterer

25.Atheist

26.TheEnchantedGround

27.IgnoranceRejoinsthePilgrims

28.BeulahLand

29.TheRiverofDeath

30.TheCelestialCity

"Dearlybeloved, I beseech youas strangers andpilgrims—abstain fromfleshlylustswhichwaragainstthesoul."1Peter2:11

"Thesealldiedinfaith,nothavingreceivedthepromises,buthavingseenthemafaroffwereassuredof them,embraced themandconfessedthattheywerestrangersandpilgrimsontheearth."Hebrews11:13

"Enterbythenarrowgate;forwideisthegateandbroadisthewaythatleads to destruction—and there are many who go in by it. Because

narrowisthegateanddifficultisthewaywhichleadstolife—andtherearefewwhofindit."Matthew7:13-14

THECITYOFDESTRUCTION

AsIwalkedthroughthewildernessofthisworld,Icameuponacertainplace,wheretherewasaden—andIlaiddowninthatplacetosleep.Andas I slept, I dreamed a dream. I dreamed, and, behold—I saw a manclothed with rags, standing with his face turned away from his ownhouse, with a Book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back. Ilooked,andsawhimopentheBook,andreadtherein;andasheread,heweptandtrembled!Andnotbeingabletocontainhimselfanylonger—hebrokeoutwithalamentablecry,saying,"WhatshallIdo?"

Inthisplight,therefore,hewenthome,andrestrainedhimselfaslongashe could—so that his wife and children would not notice his greatdistress. But he could not be silent for long, because his trouble onlyincreased.Thereforeatlength,hespokehismindtohiswifeandchildren—andthushebegantotalktothem:"Omydearwife,andyou,mydearchildren—I amundone, because of this burdenwhich lies heavily uponme! Moreover, I am certainly informed, that this city of ours will beburnedwith fire fromHeaven! In that fearful catastrophe,bothmyself,with you,my wife, and you, my sweet babes—shall come to miserableruin—unless some way of escape can be found, whereby we may bedelivered."

Atthis,hisfamilywasgreatlybewildered—notthattheybelievedwhathehadsaidtothemwastrue—butbecausetheythoughtthathismindhadbecomederanged.

Therefore,asitwasdrawingtowardsnight,andhopingthatsleepmightsettlehisbrains—withallhastetheyputhimtobed.Butthenightwasastroublesome to him as the day—and instead of sleeping, he spent it insighsandtears!Whenthemorningcame—theyinquiredhowhefelt.Hetoldthem,"Worseandworse!"Hethencommencedtotalktothemagain—but they began to be hardened. They also thought to drive away his

derangement, by harsh and cruel conduct towardhim. Sometimes theywouldderidehim,sometimestheywouldchidehim,andsometimestheywouldsimplyignorehim.

Thereforehebegantowithdrawhimselftohisroomtoprayfor,andpitythem—andalsotocomforthisownmisery.Hewouldalsowalksolitarilyin the fields—sometimes reading, and sometimespraying.And thus forseveraldays,hespenthistimeinthismanner.

NowIsawinmydream,whilehewaswalkinginthefields, thathewasreading in his Book—as was his habit. Being greatly distressed in hismindasheread—heburstout,ashehaddonebefore,crying,"WhatshallIdotobesaved?"

Isawalso,thathelookedthiswayandthatway—asifhewantedtorun.Yethestoodstill,because,asIperceived,hecouldnottellwhichwaytogo.Ilookedthen,andsawamannamedEvangelistcomingtowardshim,whoasked,"Whyareyoucryingout?"

He answered, "Sir, I realize, by the Book in my hand—that I amcondemnedtodie,andafterthattocometojudgment.AndIfindthatIamnotwillingtodothefirst—norabletodothesecond."

ThenEvangelist said, "Whyare younotwilling todie—since this life isattendedwithsomanytroubles?"

Themananswered, "Because I fear that thisburdenuponmybackwillsinkmelowerthanthegrave—andIshallfallintoHell!And,Sir,ifIamnotfittodie—thenIamsurethatIamnotfittogotojudgment,andfromthencetoexecution!Mythoughtsaboutthesethingsmakemecryout!"

ThenEvangelistsaid,"Ifthisisyourcondition,whydoyoustandstill?"

Heanswered,"BecauseIdonotknowwheretogo!"

Then Evangelist gave him a parchment scroll—on which was written,"Fleefromthewrathtocome!"

Themantherefore,readingit,lookedverysincerelyuponEvangelist,and

asked,"WheremustIflee?"

ThenEvangelist,pointingwithhisfingeroveraverywidefield,said,"Doyouseeyondernarrow-gate?"

Themananswered,"No."

Evangelistreplied,"Doyouseeyondershininglight?"

Hesaid,"IthinkIdo."

ThenEvangelistsaid,"Keepthatlightinyoureye,andgodirectlytoit—andthenyoushallseethegate;atwhich—whenyouknock—youshallbetoldwhatyoumustdo."

SoIsawinmydream,thatthemanbegantorun.Now,hehadnotrunfarfrom his own door—before his wife and children, seeing him depart,begantoshoutafterhimtoreturn.Butthemanputhisfingersinhisears,andranon,crying,"Life!life!Eternallife!"

Sohedidnotlookbehindhim—butfledtowardsthemiddleoftheplain.

OBSTINATEANDPLIABLE

Theneighborsalso cameout to seehimrun.Ashe ran—somemocked,othersthreatened,andsomecriedafterhimtoreturn.Amongthosewhodidso,weretwowhowereresolvedtofetchhimbackbyforce.ThenameoftheonewasObstinate—andthenameoftheotherwasPliable.Nowbythis time, themanhadgoneagooddistanceaway fromthem;but theywere resolved topursuehim—and ina littlewhile, they caughtupwithhim.

Thenthemansaid,"Neighbors,whyhaveyoucome?"

Theyanswered,"Topersuadeyoutogobackwithus!"

Buthe said, "That cannotbe!Youdwell in theCityofDestruction, the

placewhereIalsowasborn.Iseethat,sooneror later,dyingthere—wewill sink lower than the grave—into a place which burns with fire andbrimstone!Think,goodneighbors,andcomealongwithme!"

"What!"saidObstinate,"andleaveourfriendsandourcomfortsbehindus?"

"Yes," saidChristian, for thatwashisname, "becauseall that you shallforsake,isnotworthytobecomparedwithalittleofwhatIamseekingtoenjoy.Andifyouwillgoalongwithme,andpersevere—youshallfareaswellasImyself.Forthere,whereIamgoing,ismorethanenough—andtospare.Comealong—andseethatmywordsaretrue!"

"What are the things which you seek," askedObstinate, "since you areleavingalltheworldtofindthem?"

Christiananswered,"Iamseekinganinheritancewhichcanneverperish,spoil or fade—safe and reserved in Heaven—to be bestowed, at theappointedtime—onthosewhodiligentlyseekit.Readitso, ifyouwill—hereinmyBook!"

"Nonsense!" cried Obstinate, "Away with your Book!Will you go backwithus—ornot?"

"No,notI!"saidChristian,"BecauseIhaveputmyhandtotheplough—andwillnotturnback!"

"Come, then,neighborPliable,"saidObstinate,"letusgohomewithouthim.Therearetoomanyofthesesillyfools—who,whentheygetacrazythoughtintheirhead—arewiserintheirowneyes,thansevenmenwhocanthinkreasonably!"

"Donotrevilehim,"saidPliable,"ifwhatChristiansaysistrue—thenthethings which he follows after, are better than ours—and my heart isinclinedtogowithhim!"

"What!" bellowed Obstinate, "More fools still! Take my word—and goback with me. Who knows where such a foolish fellow will lead you?Comeback!Comeback—andbewise!"

"No!" said Christian, "rather come along with me, Obstinate! We willreceivesuchthingsasIspokeof—andmanymoreindescribableblessingsbesides. If you do not believe me—then read here in my Book! ThesetruthsareallconfirmedbythebloodofHimwhowroteit!"

"Well, neighborObstinate," saidPliable, "I intend to go alongwith thisgoodman—andtocastinmylotwithhim."

ThenPliableturnedtoChristianandasked,"Doyouknowthewaytothisgloriousplace?"

Christian replied, "I have been directed by a man whose name isEvangelist, to hasten to the narrow-gate ahead of us—where we shallreceiveinstructionsabouttheWay."

"Come then, good Christian—let us be going!" said Pliable. Then theybegantotravelalongtogether.

"AndIwillgobacktomyplace!"saidObstinate."Iwillbenocompaniontosuchmisledfoolishfellows!"

Now I saw inmy dream, thatObstinatewent back—and Christian andPliablewentalongtowardsthenarrow-gate,conversingtogether.

"NeighborPliable,"saidChristian,"Iamgladyouwerepersuadedtogoalongwithme.HadObstinatebutfeltwhatIhavefelt—ofthepowersandterrorsofunseenrealities—hewouldnothavesoeasilyturnedback."

Pliable replied, "Tell me further, Christian—what are these gloriousthings—andhowaretheytobeenjoyed?"

"Icanbetterunderstand themwithmymind—thanspeakof themwithmy tongue!" saidChristian. "But sinceyouaredesirous toknow—Iwilldescribethemtoyou,frommyBook."

"And do you think that thewords of yourBook are really true?" askedPliable.

"Yes, absolutely—for it was written by Himwho cannot lie!" answeredChristian.

"Whatarethesegloriousthingsofwhichyouspeak?"questionedPliable.

"There is an eternal kingdom, and everlasting life—to be given to us,wherewewilldwellforever!"repliedChristian.

"Andwhatelseisthere?"askedPliable.

"We will be given crowns of glory, and garments which shine like thesun!"

"Thisiswonderful!"exclaimedPliable."Andwhatelsewilltherebe?"

"Therewillbenomorecrying,norsorrow—forHewhoreignsoverthatplace,willwipealltearsfromoureyes!"respondedChristian.

"Andwhatcompanyshallwehavethere?"Pliableinquired.

Christian answered, "There we shall be with Seraphim and Cherubim,creatureswhichwilldazzleyoureyestolookupon!There,also,youshallmeetwiththousands,andtensofthousands—whohavegoneaheadofusto that Place. They are all loving and holy—each one fully accepted byGod—andstandinginHispresence.Inaword—thereweshalldwellwithalltheredeemedpeopleofGod,havinggoldencrownsandgoldenharps!Weshallalsoseethosewho—forthelovewhichtheyboretotheSavior—werecutinpieces,burnedintheflames,eatenbybeasts,ordrownedintheseas.Theyareallperfect,andclothedwithimmortality!"

"Justhearingofthis,isenoughtoravishone'sheart!"saidPliable."Howarethesethingstobeenjoyed—andhowcanweobtainthem?"

Christian responded, "The Lord, the Governor of that country, hasrecorded in His Book—that if we are truly willing to have it—He willbestowituponusfreely."

"Well,mygoodcompanion,"saidPliable,"Iamthrilledtohearofthesethings!Come—letusquickenourpace!"

"I cannot go so fast as I would," answered Christian, "because of thisburdenwhichisonmyback!"

THESWAMPOFDESPOND

NowIsawinmydream,thatjustastheyhadendedthistalk,theydrewneartoaverymiryswamp,whichwasinthemidstoftheplain;andthey,notpayingattention,fellsuddenlyintothebog.ThenameoftheswampwasDespond. Here, therefore, they wallowed for a time, being greatlysmeared with filth. Christian, because of the burden which was on hisback—begantosinkinthemire.

ThenPliablecriedout,"Ah!Christian,wherearewenow?"

"Truly,"saidChristian,"Idonotknow!"

Being offended, Pliable angrily said to his companion, "Is this thehappinessyouhavetoldmeof?Ifwehavesuchtroubleatourfirstsettingout—whatmaywe expect before our journey's end? If I can get out ofherewithmylife—youcanhaveyournoblecountrywithoutme!"

Andwiththat,Pliable,afteradesperatestruggle—gotoutofthemireonthatsideoftheswampwhichwasnearesttohisownhouse.Soawayhewent—andChristiansawhimnomore.

So Christian was left in the Swamp of Despond alone; but he stillstruggledtowardthatsideoftheswampwhichwasfurthestfromhisownhouse,andclosesttothenarrow-gate.Buthecouldnotgetout,becauseoftheheavyburdenwhichwasuponhisback.

I thenbeheld inmydream, that aman came to him,whosenamewasHelp,andaskedhimwhathewasdoingthere.

"Sir,"Christiansaid,"IwastoldtogothiswaybyamancalledEvangelist,whodirectedmetoyondernarrow-gate,thatImightescapethewrathtocome.AndasIwasgoing—Ifellintothisswamp!"

"Butwhydidyounotlookforthesteps?"askedHelp.

"AsIwashurryingalong—Ifellin!"repliedChristian.

"Then,"saidHelp,"givemeyourhand!"

SoChristianreachedouthishand,andHelpdrewhimoutofthemire,sethimuponsolidground,andbidhimtocontinueonhisway.

Then Christian turned toHelp and said, "Sir, why is it—since the wayfromtheCityofDestruction,toyondernarrow-gateisoverthisswamp—thatthisbogisnotmended,sothatpoorPilgrimsmighttraveltheremoresafely?"

Help then explained to Christian, "This miry swamp is a place whichcannot bemended. It is the pitwhere the scum and filthwhich attendconvictionforsin,continuallyruns—andthereforeitiscalledtheSwampofDespond.Forasthesinnerisawakenedabouthislostcondition,therearises inhis soulmany fears, anddoubts, anddiscouragements—whichallsettleinthisplace.Thisisthereasonwhytheswampremainssofoul.

"ItisnotthepleasureoftheKing,thatthisplaceshouldremainsobad.Hislaborershavelongbeen,bythedirectionsofHisMajesty,employedto mend this patch of ground. Yes, and to my knowledge, millions ofwholesome instructions have, at all seasons, been brought fromeverywhereintheKing'sdominions,tohelpmendit.Thesearethebestmaterials to make this place into solid ground—if it could have beenmended.But itremainstheSwampofDespondstill—andsowill iteverremain—evenwhentheyhavedoneallthatcanbedone.

"True, there are, by the direction of the Law-giver, certain good andsturdy steps, placed through the verymidst of this swamp.But at suchtimes, this place spews out so much of its filth—that these steps arehardlyseen.Oriftheyareseen,menmaybecomedizzy,missthesteps—andfallintothemire!"

NowIsawinmydream,that,bythistime,Pliablehadreachedhome,andhisneighborscametovisithim.Someofthemcalledhimawisemanfor

comingback;andsomecalledhimafoolforattemptingsuchahazardousjourney.Othersmockedhim forhis cowardliness, saying, "Surely, sinceyou began the venture—you should not have been so weak as to havegivenupbecauseofafewdifficulties."

So Pliablewas ashamed, and began to sneak around among them.Buteventually he gained more courage—and his neighbors then began toridiculehimbehindhisback.

MR.WORLDLY-WISEMAN

NowasChristianwaswalkingbyhimself—hespottedsomeoneafaroff,traveling over the field—and they happened to meet just as they werecrossing each other's path. The gentleman's name was Mr. Worldly-wiseman.HedweltinthetownofCarnalPolicy—averylargetown,closeby the City of Destruction, from whence Christian came. This man,meeting with Christian, had some knowledge of him—for Christian'sleavingtheCityofDestructionwasmuchtalkedabout,notonlywherehehad lived—but also, it was the talk of the town in other places. Mr.Worldly-wiseman, therefore,beholdingChristian'sdifficult journey,andobserving his sighs and groans, and the like—began to enter intoconversationwithChristian.

"Saythere,friend—whereareyougoinginthisburdenedmanner?"askedWorldly-wiseman.

"A burdenedmanner, indeed, I think—as any poor creature ever had!"replied Christian. "And since you askmewhere I am going—I will tellyou.Sir,Iamgoingtoyondernarrow-gatewhichisaheadofme.There,Iaminformed,Ishallbeinstructedhowtoberidofmyheavyburden."

"Haveyouawifeandchildren?"askedWorldly-wiseman.

"Yes,"repliedChristian"butIamsoweigheddownwiththisburdenonmyback—thatIcannottakepleasureinthemasIoncedid.Infact,itisnowasthoughIhadnofamilyatall."

"IfIgiveyoucounsel—willyoutakemyadvice?"askedWorldly-wiseman.

"Ifitisgoodcounsel,Iwill,"repliedChristian,"forIaminneedofgoodadvice."

"I would advise you, then," respondedWorldly-wiseman, "that you ridyourselfof thatburdenonyourback,asquickaspossible!Foryoucanneverhavehappinessorpeaceofminduntilyoudo!"

"ThatiswhatIamseekingfor,"answeredChristian."Idesperatelywanttoberidofthisheavyburden—butIcannotgetitoffmyself!Noristhereanymaninourcountrywhocanremoveitfrommyshoulders.ThereforeIamgoingthisway,asItoldyou—thatImayberidofmyburden!"

"Whotoldyouthatthiswasthewaytoridyouofyourburden?"repliedWorldly-wiseman.

"A man who appeared to be a very noble and honorable person,"answeredChristian."Hisname,asIremember,isEvangelist."

"Icursehimforthatcounsel!"snarledWorldly-wiseman."Thereisnotamoredangerousandtroublesomewayinalltheworld!Youshallfindthisout for yourself—if you follow his advice. I see that you havemetwithtrouble already—for I see that themire from theSwampofDespond isuponyou.Thatswampisjustthebeginningofthesorrowswhichattendthosewhocontinueinthatdangerousway.

"Listentome—forIamolderthanyou.Onthatnarrowway—youaresureto meet with weariness, pain, hunger, peril, sword, lions, dragons,darkness—and what not! In a word, you will meet with death! Thesethings are certainly true, having been confirmed by many testimonies.Andwhyshouldyousocarelesslycastyourselfaway—bygivingheedtoastranger?"

"Why, Sir," answered Christian, "this burden upon my back is moredreadfultome—thanallthethingswhichyouhavementioned!Indeed,Idon't care what danger I meet with along the way—as long as I getdeliverancefrommyburden!"

"Howdidyouget yourburden, in the firstplace?"questionedWorldly-wiseman.

"ByreadingthisBookinmyhand,"answeredChristian.

"Ithoughtso!"snappedWorldly-wiseman,"andithashappeneduntoyouastootherweakmen—who,meddlingwiththingstoohighforthem—dosuddenly fall into the same bewilderment that you now suffer. In thisperplexing state, they undertake dangerous ventures, to obtain—theyknownotwhat."

"IknowwhatIwanttoobtain,"assertedChristian,"easefrommyheavyburden!"

"But why do you seek for ease in this perilous way," asked Worldly-wiseman, "seeing that somanydangers attend it?Especially since,hadyoubutsensetolistentome—Icoulddirectyouhowtoobtainwhatyoudesire,withoutallthesedangers!Yes,andwithmyremedy,youshallgainmuchsafety,friendship,andhappiness!"

"Please,Sir—revealthissecrettome!"beggedChristian.

Worldly-wisemanbegan,"Why,inyondervillagenamedMorality—theredwellsagentlemanwhosename isLegality.He isa very sensibleman,havingagoodreputation—whohasabilitytohelpremovesuchburdenslikeyours.Yes, tomyknowledge,hehasdoneagreatdeal of good thisway—andbesides,hehasskilltocurethosewhoaresomewhatcrazedintheirminds,becauseoftheirburdens.Tohimyoumaygo,andbehelpedinaveryshortwhile.Hishouseisnotquiteamilefromhere;andifheshouldnotbeathomehimself—hishandsomeyoungson,whosenameisCivility,canhelpyouaswellastheoldgentlemanhimself!

"There,Isay,youmaybeeasedofyourheavyburden;andifyoudonotwant to return to the City of Destruction, and I encourage you not toreturn—you may send for your wife and children to join you in thisvillage. In the town ofMorality, there aremany vacant houses—one ofwhichyoumayhaveatareasonablerate.Itisinexpensivetolivethere—and all the neighbors are honest and fashionable. To be sure—thiswill

makeyourlifemorehappy."

Now Christian was somewhat in a dilemma; but he shortly concluded,thatifwhatthisgentlemanhadsaidwastrue—thenhiswisestcoursewastotaketheadviceofWorldly-wiseman.

SoChristianinquired,"Sir,whatisthewaytothishonestman'shouse?"

"Doyouseeyonderhill?"askedWorldly-wiseman.

"Yes,verywell,"repliedChristian.

"You must go by that hill," directed Worldly-wiseman, "and the firsthouseyoucometo,ishis."

SoIsawinmydream,thatChristianturnedoutofthenarrowway,togotoMr.Legality'shouseforhelp.But,behold,whenhegotnearthehill—itwassohigh,anditsohungoverhim—thatChristianwasafraidtoventurefurther,lestthehillshouldfallonhishead!Flashesoffirealsocameoutofthehill,whichmadeChristianafraidthatheshouldbeburnedalive!

Thereforehestoodstill—anddidnotknowwhat todo.Hisburdennowseemedevenheavier tohim—thanwhenhewas in thenarrowway.Hewasso frightened, thathetrembledwith fear!HenowbegantobeverysorrythathehadtakenWorldly-wiseman'scounsel.

Just then, he saw Evangelist coming to meet him—at whose sight, hebegan toblushwith shame.SoEvangelistdrewnearer andnearer; andcominguptoChristian—hegazeduponhimwithasolemncountenance,andthusbegantoaddressChristian.

"Whatareyoudoinghere,Christian?"askedEvangelist.

Christiandidnotknowwhattoanswer—andstoodspeechlessbeforehim.

ThenEvangelist continued, "Areyounot theman that I foundweepingoutsidetheCityofDestruction?"

"Yes,kindSir,Iamtheman,"repliedChristian.

"Did I not direct you to the way which leads to yonder narrow-gate?"questionedEvangelist.

"Yes,dearSir,"Christiansaid.

"Why is it, then—that you have so quickly turned aside?" askedEvangelist,"foryouhavenowgoneoutofthenarrowway!"

Then Christian explained, "Soon after I had gotten over the Swamp ofDespond, I met a gentleman who persuaded me that in the village ofMorality,Iwouldfindamanwhocouldtakeoffmyburden."

"Whatdidthismanlooklike?"askedEvangelist.

"Helookedlikeagentleman,"repliedChristian,"andtalkedmuchtome,untilhepersuadedmetoleavethenarrowway.ButwhenIsawthishill,andhowithungoverthepath—Icouldproceednofurther,beingafraidthatitwouldtumbledownonmyhead!"

"Whatelsedidthatgentlemansaytoyou?"inquiredEvangelist.

"Why, he asked me where I was going—and I told him," respondedChristian.

Andwhatdidhesaythen?"askedEvangelist.

"HeaskedmeifIhadafamily?AndItoldhimyes,butIwassoweigheddownwiththeburdenonmyback,thatIcouldnottakepleasureinthemasformerly,"respondedChristian.

"Andwhatdidhesaythen?"inquiredEvangelist.

"Heentreatedmetoget ridofmyburdenas fastas Icould—and I toldhimthatthiswastheverythingIsought—andthatIwasgoingtoyondergate, to receive further direction how I may get to the place ofdeliverance. Then he said that he would showme a better way—muchshorter,whichwasnotsoattendedwithdifficultiesasthenarrowwayinwhich I was going. He said that this new way would bring me to agentleman's house who had skill to take off my heavy burden. So I

believed him, and turned out of the narrow way—hoping that I mightsoonbeeasedofmyburden.ButwhenIcametothisplace,andbeheldthesedreadfulthings—Istoppedforfearofthedanger—andnowIdonotknowwhattodo!"

"Then," said Evangelist, "stand still a little, that I may show you theWordsofGod."

SoChristianstoodtrembling.

ThenEvangelistbegan, "See thatyoudonot refuseto listen to theOnewho speaks fromHeaven, 'The just shall live by faith—but if anymandrawsback, Iwillnotbepleasedwithhim.'Christian, youare themanwhoisrunningintothismisery;youhavebeguntorejectthecounseloftheMostHighGod,andtodrawbackfromthewayofpeace—eventothehazardofyoursoul'sperdition!"

ThenChristianfelldownathisfeetasdead,crying,"Woeisme,forIamundone!"

At the sight ofwhich,Evangelist caught himby the right hand, saying,"All kinds of sin and blasphemies shall be forgiven. Stop doubting andbelieve."

ThenChristianbegantorevive,andstooduptremblingbeforeEvangelist.

ThenEvangelist proceeded, saying, "Givemore earnest attention to thethings I shall tell you. I will now show you who deluded you—and towhomhesentyou.ThemanwhomyoumetisonenamedMr.Worldly-wiseman,andhe isrightlycalled;partly,becausehedelights inworldlythinking,andpartlybecausehe lovesworldly teaching—for itsaveshimfromthedoctrineoftheCrossofChrist.ThereforehealwaysgoestotheTownofMoralitytochurch.Andbecauseheisofthisworldlytemper—heseeks tooppose thewayof theCross.Nowthereare three things inthisman'scounsel,thatyoumustutterlyabhor:

First,histurningyououtoftherightway.

Secondly,hislaboringtorendertheCrossodioustoyou.

Thirdly, his setting your feet in that way which leads unto eternaldeath.

"First, Youmust abhor his turning you out of the rightway—and yourconsentingtohisfalseguidance.ThisistorejectthecounselofGod—forthesakeofthecounseloftheworld.TheLordsays,'Makeeveryefforttoenterthroughthenarrow-gate,'thegatetowhichIsentyou.'Fornarrowisthegateandstraightisthewaythatleadstolife,andonlyafewfindit!'Fromthislittlenarrow-gate,andfromthenarrowway—thiswickedmanhas turned you, and has brought you almost to destruction! Youmusthate, therefore, his turning you out of the narrow way—and abhoryourselfforhearkeningtohim.

"Secondly,YoumustabhorhislaboringtorendertheCrossodiousuntoyou;foryouaretopreferit'beforethetreasuresofEgypt!'Besides,Jesus,theKingofgloryhastoldyou,thathewho'willsavehislife—shallloseit!'And,'IfanyonecomestoMeanddoesnothatehisfatherandmother,hiswife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—hecannotbeMydisciple!'ThereforeIsay,ifanymanlaborstopersuadeyouthat the Lord's counsel will lead to your death—you must completelyabhorhisfalsedoctrine.

"Thirdly,Youmusthatehis turningyour feet into thewaywhich leadsuntodeath.And for this, youmust consider towhomhe sentyou—andalsohowunablethatpersonistodeliveryoufromyourheavyburden.

"He to whom you were sent for relief, isMr. Legality—the son of theBondwomanwhoisinbondagetotheLaw,alongwithherchildren.SherepresentsMountSinai,whichisthemountainyoufearedwouldfallonyourhead.Now,ifshe,alongwithherchildren,areinbondage—howcanyouexpecttobemadefreebythem?ThisMr.Legality,therefore,isnotabletosetyoufreefromyourburden.Noonewaseverfreedfromtheirburdenbyhim.No,norcanthiseverbe—foryoucannotbe justifiedbytheworksoftheLaw;forbythedeedsoftheLaw,nomancanberidofhisburden!Therefore,Mr.Worldly-wisemanisaliar—andMr.Legalityisacheat!AndasforhissonCivility,notwithstandinghispleasantlooks—heisbutahypocrite,andcannothelpyoueither!

"Believeme, there is no substance in all this blustering talkwhich youhave heard of these deceivers. Their only design is to cheat you out ofyoursalvation,byturningyoufromthenarrowwayinwhichIhadsentyou."

Afterthis,Evangelistcalledaloudtotheheavensforconfirmationofwhathehadsaid—andimmediatelywordsandfirecameoutofthemountainunderwhichpoorChristianstood.Thismadethehairofhisneckstandup.

Thesearethewordsthatcameforth:"AllwhorelyonobservingtheLaware under a curse, for it is written: Cursed is everyone who does notcontinuetoobeyallthesecommandsthatarewrittenintheBookoftheLaw."

Christian now expected nothing but death—and began to cry outwoefully. He even cursed the time when he met with Mr. Worldly-wiseman—calling himself a thousand fools for hearkening to his falsecounsel. He also was greatly ashamed to think that thisman's worldlyadvice,comingonlyfromhumanreasoning—shouldsoeasilyprevailwithhim,astocausehimtoforsaketherightway.

Christian then spoke toEvangelistwithgreat earnestness, "Sir, is thereany hope for me? May I now go back, and then proceed through thenarrow-gate? Or shall I be abandoned in shame, because of mywaywardness?IamsorryIhearkenedtothisman'sfalsecounsel.Canmysineverbeforgiven?"

Then saidEvangelist tohim, "Your sin is very great, for by it youhavecommitted two evils: You have forsaken the right way—to tread inforbidden paths! Yet theman at the narrow-gate will still receive you.Only takeheed that younever again turnaside, lest youperish in yourdisobedience,forGod'sangercanflareupinaninstant!"

Then Christian committed himself to return to the narrow way.Evangelist then kissed him, and encouraged him with a smile,commendinghimtoGod'ssafekeeping.

SoChristianwentonwithhaste,anddidnotspeaktoanyonealongtheway. And if anyone addressed him—he would not hearken to theircounsel. He traveled like one who was treading on forbidden anddangerousground,andcouldnever feelhimselfsafe—untilhewasbackonthe narrowway,which he had left to followMr.Worldly-wiseman'sfalseadvice.

THENARROW-GATE

So,inprocessoftime,Christianarrivedatthenarrow-gate.Now,overthegatetherewaswritten,"Knock,anditshallbeopeneduntoyou."

He knocked, therefore, several times, saying, "May I now enter here—though I have been an undeserving wretch? If so, I shall sing Hiseverlastingpraise!"

At last,a seriouspersoncame to thegate,namedGood-will, andaskedwhowasthere—fromwhencehecame—andwhathewanted.

Christianresponded,"Iamapoorburdenedsinner,comingfromtheCityofDestruction.IamgoingtotheCelestialCity,thatImaybesavedfromthewrathtocome.IhavebeeninformedSir,thatthewaytotheCelestialCityisthroughthisgate.Areyouwillingtoletmeenter?"

Good-will replied, "I am willing with all my heart!" And with this, heopenedthegate.

AsChristianwassteppingin,Good-willgavehimasuddenyank.

Surprised,Christianasked,"Whydidyoudothat!"

Good-will then explained, "A short distance from this gate, there is astrongcastleerected,ofwhichBeelzebubistheprince.Fromthere,bothhe and his minions shoot arrows at those who come up to this gate—hopingtokillthembeforetheycanenterin!"

ThenChristiansaid,"Ibothrejoiceandtremble!"

WhenChristianwassafelyinside,themanatthenarrow-gateaskedhimwhohaddirectedhimthere.

"Evangelist directed me to come here and knock—as I did," saidChristian,"andthatyou,Sir,wouldthentellmewhatImustdo."

"An open door is set before you—and noman can shut it!" respondedGood-will.

"I am now beginning to reap the benefits of my hazardous journey!"repliedChristian.

"Buthowisitthatyoucamealone?"askedGood-will.

"Because none of my neighbors saw their danger—as I saw mine,"answeredChristian.

"Didanyofthemknowofyourcoming?"inquiredGood-will.

Christianreplied,"Yes!Mywifeandchildrensawmeatfirst,andcalledafter me to come back. Also, some of my neighbors stood crying andcallingformetoreturn;butIputmyfingersinmyears—andsoIstartedonmyjourney."

"But did none of them follow you—to attempt to persuade you to turnback?"askedGood-will.

"Yes!" replied Christian, "both Obstinate and Pliable tried to turn meback;butwhentheysawthattheycouldnotprevail,Obstinaterailedatme,andwentbackalone.ButPliablecamewithmeforalittleway."

"But why did Pliable not come all the way here with you?" questionedGood-will.

Christianexplained,"Indeed,hedidcomewithme—untilwecametotheSwampofDespond,intowhichwesuddenlyfell!Atthat,Pliablebecameso discouraged, that he would not venture withme any further. Beingthusdisheartened,hegotoutoftheswamponthesidenearesttohisownhouse—andhetoldmeIcouldpossesstheheavenlycountryalone!Sohe

wenthisway,followingafterObstinate—andIcontinuedtravelingtothisnarrow-gate."

ThenGood-willsaid,"Alas,poorPliable!IsCelestialGloryofsosmallavaluetohim—thathedoesnotcountitworthrunningthehazardofafewdifficultiestoobtainit?"

Christian thensaid, "Ihave stated the truthconcerningPliable; but if Iwouldalsotellallthetruthaboutmyself—itwouldrevealthatthereisnodifferencebetweenus!Itistruethathewentbacktohisownhouse—butIhadalso turnedaside into thewayofdestruction,beingpersuadedbytheworldlyargumentsofMr.Worldly-wiseman."

"Oh! That deceiver would have you seek ease from your burden at thehands ofMr. Legality! Both of them are liars and cheats! And did youtakehiscounsel?"askedGood-will.

"Yes,asfarasIdared!"confessedChristian,"IwenttofindMr.Legality,untilIthoughtthatthemountainonthewaytohishousewouldfalluponmyhead!SoIwasforcedtostop!"

"Thatmountain has been the death ofmany—andwill be the death ofmany more! It is fortunate that you escaped without being dashed topieces!"exclaimedGood-will.

Christiananswered,"Truly,Idonotknowwhatwouldhavebecomeofme—had not Evangelist found me in my sad plight! But it was of God'smercythathecametome—otherwiseIwouldneverhavearrivedatthisnarrow-gate.ButnowIamheresafe—evenI,whocertainlyammorefitto have died under thatmountain, than to have arrived safely here.O!whatachoicefavoristhis!"

Good-will then said, "We refuse entrance to no sincere Pilgrim,notwithstanding all the wickedness they have done before they arrivehere.Thereforemyfriend,comewithme,andIwillteachyouabouttheway inwhichyoumustgo.Lookaheadofyou—doyousee thatnarrowway? That is the way you must go. It was built by the patriarchs,prophets,ChristandHisApostles;andisasstraightascanbe.Thisisthe

onlywayyoumustgo!"

"But,"inquiredChristian,"Aretherenoturningsnorwindings,bywhichaPilgrimmaylosehisway?"

"Yes,therearemanysidepathswhichintersectwiththenarrowway—butthey are crookedandwide. This is how you may distinguish the rightfromthewrong—onlytherightpathisstraightandnarrow!"

ThenIsawinmydream,thatChristianfurtheraskedifGood-willcouldhelphimremovetheburdenwhichwasuponhisback;forhecouldnotremoveitwithouthelp.

Good-will toldhim, "Be content tobear yourburdenuntil you come totheplaceofdeliverance;forthereitwillfallfromyourbackallbyitself."

THEHOUSEOFTHEINTERPRETER

ThenChristianbegantopreparehimself forhis journey.Good-will toldhim thatwhenhehad traveled somedistance from theGate—hewouldcometotheHouseoftheInterpreter,andknockingatthedoor,hewouldbe shown some valuable lessons. (Editor's note: Bunyan portrays theInterpreter,asanemblemoftheHolySpirit.)

ChristianthensaidfarewelltoGood-will,whointurnbidhimGodspeed.ChristiantraveledonuntilhecametotheHouseoftheInterpreter,whereheknockedagainandagain.Atlastsomeonecametothedoor,andaskedwhowasthere.

"Sir,"answeredChristian,"Iamatraveler,whowastoldbyamannamedGood-will,tocomehereforhelp.ThereforeIwouldliketospeakwiththemasterofthishouse."

Sotheservantcalledforthemasterofthehouse,whoshortlycame,andaskedChristianwhathewanted.

"Sir,"Christianexplained,"IhavecomefromtheCityofDestruction,and

am going to the Celestial City. I was told by Good-will, the man whostandsatthenarrow-gate,thatifIcamehere—youwouldshowmesomelessonswhichwouldbeagreathelptomeonmyjourney."

"Come in!" invited Interpreter, "And I will show you some profitablethings."

Interpretercommandedtheservanttolightacandle,andbidChristiantofollowthem.Sotheyproceededtoaprivateroom,andopenedthedoor.Insidetheroom,Christiansawapictureofaveryseriousmanhangingonthewall. (Editor'snote:Bunyanportraysthemanintheportrait, asanemblemofagodlypastor.)

ThemaninthepicturehadhiseyeslifteduptoHeaven,thebestofbooksinhishand,thelawoftruthwrittenuponhislips,andtheworldbehindhisback!Hestoodasifhepleadedwithmen—andacrownofgoldhungoverhishead.

ThenChristiansaid,"Whatdoesthispicturemean?"

Interpreter explained, "The man depicted in this picture is one in athousand!Hecanbegetchildren—andnursethemhimselfwhentheyareborn!AndasyouseehimwithhiseyeslifteduptoHeaven,withthebestofbooks inhishand,andthe lawof truthwrittenonhis lips—this is toshowyouthathisworkistounderstandandunfolddifficultthings.

"Similarly,justasyouseehimstandasifhepleadedwithmen,andalsonoticethattheworldiscastbehindhisback,andthatacrownhangsoverhis head—this is to show you that he lightly values the things of thepresentworld—becauseofhis loveanddevotion tohisMaster's service.Such a one is sure to have eternal glory for his reward in theworld tocome.

"Ishowyou thispicture first,because themanwhomitportrays isonewhotheLordoftheCelestialCityprovidestobeyourguideinthedifficultsituationsthatyoumayencounteralongtheway.ThereforepayattentiontowhatIhaveshownyou,lest,inyourjourney,youmeetwithsomewhopretendtoleadyoualongtherightpath—whileinrealitytheirwayleads

todeath!"

Then Interpreter took him by the hand, and led him into a very largeparlorwhichwasfullofdust,becauseitwasneverswept.AfterChristianhadcontemplatedthissceneforalittlewhile,theInterpretercalledforamantosweeptheroom.Whenhebegantosweep, thedustbegantosothicklyswirlaroundtheroom—thatChristianbegantobechokedbyit!

ThenInterpretersaidtoamaidenwhostoodnearby,"Bringsomewater,and sprinkle the room!" After she had done this—the parlor was thensweptandcleansedwithease.

"Whatdoesthismean?"Christianinquired.

Interpreterexplained,"ThisparloristheheartofamanwhichhasneverbeensanctifiedbythesweetgraceoftheGospel.Thedustishisoriginalsinandinwardcorruptions,whichhavedefiledthewholeman.Hewhobegan to sweep at first, is the Law. The maiden who brought andsprinkledthewater,istheGospel.

"Yousawthatassoonas themanbegantosweep, that thedustthicklyswirled around the room, and became even more difficult to cleanse,nearlychokingyoutodeath.ThisistoshowyouthattheLaw,insteadofcleansing the heart from sin—does in fact arouse sin, giving greaterstrength to it—and causing it to flourish in the soul. The Law bothmanifestsandforbidssin—butithasnopowertosubduesin.

"Again,yousawthemaidensprinkletheroomwithwater,uponwhichitwascleansedwithease.Thisistoshowyou,thatwhentheGospelcomesin the sweet and precious influences thereof to the heart—then, I say,evenasyousawthemaidensubduethedustbysprinklingthefloorwithwater—justso issinvanquishedandsubdued,andthesoulmadeclean,throughfaith,andconsequentlyfitfortheKingofglorytoinhabit."

Isaw,moreover,inmydream,thattheInterpretertookChristianbythehand,andledhimintoa littleroom,wheretwolittlechildrensat—eachone inhis own chair. Thenameof the older onewasPassion—andthename of the younger one was Patience. Passion seemed to be much

discontented—butPatiencewasveryquiet.

ThenChristianasked,"WhatisthereasonforPassion'sdiscontent?"

TheInterpreteranswered,"Theguardianwouldhavethemwaitfortheirbestthingsuntilthenextyear—butPassionwantseverythingnow;whilePatienceiswillingtowait."

Then I saw that someone came to Passion, and brought him abag oftreasure, and poured it down at his feet—which he grabbed up andrejoicedin;andindoingso,helaughedPatiencetoscorn.ButIsawthatinashortwhile,thatPassionhadsquanderedeverythingaway,andhadnothinglefttohim,butrags.

ThenChristiansaidtotheInterpreter,"Expoundthismattermorefullytome."

Interpreterreplied,"Thesetwoladsaresymbolic:Passionisasymbolofthe people of thisworld; andPatience is a symbol of the people of theworld which is to come. As you see here, Passion will have everythingnow—thatistosay,inthislife.Justsoarethepeopleofthisworld—theymusthaveall theirgood thingsnow, theycannotwaituntilnextyear—thatis,untilthenextworld—fortheirportionofgood.

"Thatproverb, 'Abirdinthehandisworthtwointhebush,' isofmoreauthoritywiththem—thanarealltheScripturetestimoniesofthevalueofthe world to come. But as you saw that Passion had quickly lavishedeverythingaway,andhadnothingleftbutrags—sowillitbewithallsuchpeopleattheendofthisworld."

Then Christian declared, "Now I see that Patience showed the bestwisdom—and that uponmany accounts. First, because hewaits for thebestthings;andsecond,becausehewillhavetheenjoymentofhisgoodthings,whenPassionhasnothingbutrags!"

Interpreterreplied,"True,andyoumayaddanotherreason—namely,thegloryofthenextworldwillneverend;buttheseearthlyenjoymentswillbesuddenlygone.ThereforePassionhadnoreasontolaughatPatience—

justbecausehehadhisgoodthingsfirst;asPatiencewillhavetolaughatPassion—becausehewillhavehisbestthingslast!He,therefore,whohashisportionfirst—onlyhasthispresentlifetospendit;buthewhohashisportion last—will have it everlastingly. Therefore it is said of the richman:Youinyourlifetimehavereceivedyourgoodthings,justasLazarushasreceivedbadthings;butnowheiscomforted,andyouareinagony!"

Christian stated, "Then I perceive that it is not best to covet presentearthlythings—butrathertowaitforthingstocome."

Interpreterresponded,"Yousaythetruth—forthethingswhichareseenare temporal; but the thingswhich areunseenare eternal!" This is so,because present things and our fleshly appetites—are such nearneighborstooneanother;andalsobecauseworldlythinkingandthingstocome—aresuchstrangerstooneanother."

ThenIsawinmydream,thattheInterpretertookChristianbythehand,andledhimintoaplacewhereafirewasburningagainstawall.Someonewas standing by the fire, continually throwing great amounts of wateruponit,attemptingtoquenchit;yetthefireburnedhigherandhotter.

ThenChristianasked,"Whatdoesthismean?"

The Interpreter answered, "This fire is the work of grace which isoperating in the heart. The one who casts water upon it, desiring toextinguishandput it out—is theDevil.Now Iwill showyou the reasonwhythefireburnshigherandhotter—inspiteofalltheDevil'sefforts."

So the Interpreter took Christian around to the back side of the wall,wherehesawamanwithajarofoilinHishand—whichHecontinuallybutsecretly,castontothefire.

ThenChristianquestioned,"Whatdoesthismean?"

TheInterpreteranswered,"ThisisChrist,whocontinually,withtheoilofHisgrace,maintainstheworkalreadybegunintheheart.Bythismeans,notwithstanding all that the devil can do—the souls of His people aregraciouslypreserved.Andinthatyousawthatthemanstoodbehindthe

wall to maintain the fire—that is to teach you that it is hard for thetemptedbelievertoseehowthisworkofgraceismaintainedinthesoul."

Isawalso,thattheInterpretertookChristianagainbythehand,andledhim into a pleasant place, where a stately palace was built, which wasbeautifultobehold.Atthesightofwhich,Christianwasgreatlydelighted.Hesawuponthetopofthepalace,thatcertainpeoplewerewalking,whowereclothedallingold.

ThenChristianinquired,"Maywegointhere?"

Then the Interpreter took him, and led him towards the door of thepalace.Andbehold, at thedoor stooda great companyofmen—just asdesirous to go in—but darednot.A short distance from the door, sat amanwithabookandapenatatable—towritedownthenameofanywhowouldentertherein.Christianalsosawthatinthedoorway,manymeninarmorstoodtoguardthepalacefromintruders.

Christian was somewhat bewildered at this. At last, when every manstoodback for fearof thearmedmen,Christiansawamanwho lookedverydetermined, comeup to themanat thedesk, saying, "Writedownmyname,Sir!"

When themanat thedeskhad finishedwriting,Christiansaw themandrawhissword,putahelmetonhishead,andrush towardthedoor tothearmedmen,whobattledhimwithdeadlyforce.Buttheman,notatalldiscouraged,startedcuttingandhackingmostfiercely.Soafterhehadreceivedandgivenmanywoundstothosewhoattemptedtokeephimout—hecuthiswaythroughthemall,andpressedforwardintothepalace.

Then therewasapleasant voiceheard from thosewhowerewithin thepalace,saying,"Comein,comein!Eternalgloryyoushallwin!"

So hewent in,where hewas clothedwith the samegarmentsas thoseinside.ThenChristiansmiledandsaid,"IthinkItrulyknowthemeaningofthis."

"Now,"Christiansaid,"letmecontinueonmyjourney."

"Notjustyet,"saidtheInterpreter,"untilIhaveshowedyoualittlemore—andafterthatyoumaygoonyourway."

Sohe tookhimby thehand again, and ledhim into a verydark room,whereamaninanironcagesat.Nowthismanseemedverysad—hesatwithhiseyeslookingdowntotheground,hishandsfoldedtogether,andhesighedasifhisheartwerebreaking.

Christianasked,"Whatdoesthismean?"

TheInterpreterthentoldChristiantoinquireofthemanhimself.

SoChristianaskedtheman,"Whatareyou?"

Themananswered,"Iamnow,whatIoncewasnot."

Christianresponded,"Whatwereyouonce?"

Themansaid, "Iwasoncea fair and flourishingprofessor—both inmyowneyes,andalsointheeyesofothers!Ioncewas,asIthought,headedfortheCelestialCity;andhadjoyatthethoughtthatIwouldgetthere."

Christianfurtherquestioned,"Well—whatareyounow?"

Theman responded,"I amnowamanofdespair,and am locked up indespair—asinthisironcage.Icannotgetout.O,Icannotescape!"

Christian then inquired, "But how did you get into this miserablecondition?"

Themanintheironcagereplied,"Istoppedwatchingandbeingserious.Iletmyworldlylustsreign.IsinnedagainstthelightofGod'sWord,andHis goodness. I tempted the devil—and he has come to me! I haveprovoked God to anger—and He has left me! I have so hardened myheart,thatIcannotrepent!"

ThenChristianaskedtheInterpreter,"Istherenohopeforsuchamanasthis?"

ThentheInterpretersaidtothemanintheironcage,"Istherenohope—mustyoualwaysbekeptinthisironcageofdespair?"

Themanreplied,"No,thereisnohopeatall."

Interpreter responded, "Why should youhavenohope? Jesus is full ofmercy."

Themanintheironcageanswered,"IhavecrucifiedHimafresh;IhavescornedHis person; I have despisedHis righteousness; I have countedHisbloodasanunholything;IhaveinsultedanddisdainedtheSpiritofgrace.ThereforeIhaveshutmyselfoutofallthepromises,andtherenowremainsnothingformebutthreatenings—dreadful threatenings, fearfulthreatenings of certain judgment and fiery indignation, which shalldevourmeasGod'sadversary!"

Interpreter then asked, "For what did you bring yourself into thisdreadfulcondition?"

Themanresponded,"Forthelusts,pleasures,andprofitsofthisworld—in the enjoyment of which, I promisedmyself much delight. But now,everyoneofthosethingsbiteme,andgnawmelikeaburningworm!"

Interpreterthenquestioned,"Butcan'tyounowrepentandturnbacktoGod?"

Themananswered, "Godhasdeniedrepentance tome.HisWordgivesmenoencouragementtobelieve.Yes,HeHimselfhasshutmeupinthisironcage!Notallthemenintheworldcanfreeme.Oeternity!eternity!HowshallIgrapplewiththemiserythatImustmeetwithineternity!"

Then the Interpreter said to Christian, "Let this man's misery berememberedbyyou—andbeaneverlastingwarningtoyou!"

"Well,"Christiansaid,"this ismost fearful!MayGodhelpmetoalwayswatchandtopraythatImayshunthecauseofthisman'smisery!Sir,isitnowtimeformetogoonmyway?"

Interpreterreplied,"WaituntilIshowyouonelastthing—andthenyou

shallgoonyourway."

SohetookChristianbythehandagain,andledhimintoaroom,wheretherewasamanrisingoutofbed;andasheputonhisclothing,heshookandtrembled.

ThenChristianasked,"Whydoesthismanthustremble?"

The Interpreter then bid the man to tell Christian the reason of histrembling.

So the trembling man began, "This night, as I slept, I dreamed—andbehold, the heavens grew exceedingly black; also it thundered andlightninged in amost frighteningway—so that it putme into a fearfulagony!

"SoIlookedupinmydream,andsawthecloudsdrivenviolentlybythewind—uponwhichIheardaloudblastofatrumpet,andalsosawaMansitting upon a cloud, attended with thousands of angelic beings—all inflaming fire! Also the heavenswere in a burning flame! I then heard avoicecommand, 'Ariseyouwhoaredead—andcometoyour judgment!'And with that, the rocks shattered, the graves opened—and the deadcame forth! Someof themwere exceedingly glad, and lookedupward—whileotherssoughttohidethemselvesunderthemountains!

"ThenIsawthattheManwhosatuponthecloudopenedthebook,andcommandedallpeopletodrawnear.Yettherewas,byreasonofa fierceflame which issued out and came from before Him—a great distancebetweenHim and them, as between the judge and the prisoners at thebar.ThentheManwhosatonthecloudcommandedtheangelicbeings,'Gatherthetares,thechaff,andstubbletogether—andcastthemintotheburninglakeoffire!'Andwiththat,thebottomlesspitopened,justwhereIstood!Outofthemouthofthepitspewedforthgreatbillowsofsmokeandcoalsoffire,alongwithhideousnoises!

"The angelic beingswere then commanded, 'GatherMywheat into thebarn!' Andwith that, I sawmany caught up and carried away into theclouds—butIwasleftbehind!I thensoughttohidemyself—butIcould

not,fortheManwhosatuponthecloudfixedHiseyeuponme!Mysinsthencametomind—andmyconscienceaccusedmeoneveryside!Atthis,Iawakenedfrommysleep."

Christian then asked, "What was it which made you so afraid of thissight?"

Thetremblingmanreplied,"Why,Ithoughtthatthedayofjudgmenthadcome—andthatIwasnotreadyforit!Butwhatfrightedmethemost,wasthattheangelsgatheredupseveralpeoplenearme—andleftmebehind!ThenthepitofHellopeneditsmouthjustwhereIstood!Myconscience,too,afflictedme!And,as I stood there—theJudgecontinuallykeptHiseyeuponme,withalookofangrydisapprovalonHisface."

Then the Interpreter said to Christian, "Have you considered all thesethings?"

"Yes,"repliedChristian,"andtheycausemetobothhopeandfear!"

"Then,"statedtheInterpreter,"keepallofthesethingsinyourmind—sothattheymayspuryouforwardinthewayyoumustgo."

SoChristianbegantopreparehimselftocontinueonhisjourney.

Then the Interpreterdeclared, "May theComforter alwaysbewithyou,goodChristian—toguideyouinthewaythatleadstotheCelestialCity!"

So Christian went on his way, saying "I have seen rare and profitablethingshere!Pleasantthings—anddreadfulthings.MayIthinkonthem,and remember the lessons they taught me. I am thankful, O goodInterpreter,toyou."

THECROSS

NowIsawinmydream,thatthehighwayupwhichChristianwastogo,was fenced on both sides with a wall, and that wall was called'SALVATION'.Up thisway, therefore, burdenedChristian ran—but not

withoutgreatdifficulty,becauseoftheheavyloadonhisback.Heranonthusuntilhecametoaplacewhere therewasahill,andupon thathillstoodaCross;andalittlebelow,atthebottom,wasasepulcher.

So I saw inmydream, that just asChristiancameup to theCross—hisburdenfelloffhisshouldersandback,andbegantotumble,untilitcametothemouthofthesepulcher,whereitfellin,andIsawitnomore!

ThenChristianwasgladandjoyful,andsaidwithamerryheart,"JesushasgivenmerestbyHissorrow,andlifebyHisdeath!"

Sohestoodstillawhiletoponderandwonder;foritwasverysurprisingtohim,thatthesightoftheCrossshouldthuseasehimofhisburden.Helooked,therefore,andlookedagain—untiltearsfloweddownhischeeks!

Now,ashestoodlookingandweeping—behold,threeShiningOnescametohimandgreetedhimwith"Peaceuntoyou."

Thefirstsaidtohim,"Yoursinsareforgiven!"

The second stripped him of his rags, and clothed him with fine newclothes.

The third ShiningOneput amarkonChristian's forehead, gave him ascrollwithasealuponit—andencouragedhimtoreaditonhisjourney.He toldChristian thathe should turn it in at theCelestialGate. So theShiningOnesleftChristianandwentontheirway.

ThenChristiangavethreeleapsforjoy,andwentonsinging:

"ThusfardidIcomeladenwithmysin;NorcouldanythingeasethegriefthatIwasin.UntilIcamehere—Whataplaceisthis!Thismustbethebeginningofmybliss!

"Forhere,theburdenfellfromoffmyback,Andhere,thechainsthatboundittome,didcrack!BlessedCross!Blessedsepulcher!Blessedratherbe,TheManwhothere,wasputtoshameforme!"

SIMPLE,SLOTHANDPRESUMPTION

ThenIsawinmydream,thatChristianwentonthus,untilhecametoavalley,wherehesaw,alittleoutoftheway—threemenfastasleep,withfettersupontheir legs.ThenameoftheonewasSimple, thenextSloth,andthethirdPresumption.

ThenChristianseeingthemfastasleep,wenttothem,ifperhapshemightawaken them, and cried, "You are like thosewho sleep on the top of amast,fortheDeadSeaisunderyou—agulfwhichhasnobottom!Wakeup!Wakeup—andIwillhelpyoutakeoffyourfetters!"

Healsowarnedthem,"Ifhewhoprowlsaboutlikearoaring lioncomesby—youwillmostcertainlybedevoured!"

Theythenlookeduponhim,andSimplereplied,"Iseenodanger!"

Slothsaid,"Yetalittlemoresleep!"

AndPresumptionsaid, "Every tubmuststandupon itsownbottom—sowedon'tneedyourhelp!"

Andsotheylaydowntosleepagain—andChristiancontinuedonhisway.Yet was he troubled to think that men in such danger should so littleregard the kindness which he so freely offered—by awakening them,warningthem,andofferingtohelptoremovetheirfetters.

FORMALISTANDHYPOCRISY

Andashewas troubledabout this—hespotted twomencometumblingoverthewallontheleftsideofthenarrowway.TheysooncaughtuptoChristian,andenteredintoconversationwithhim.ThenameoftheonewasFormalist,andthenameoftheotherHypocrisy.

Christianasked,"Gentlemen,wherehaveyoucomefrom—andwhereare

yougoing?"

FormalistandHypocrisyanswered, "Wewereborn in the landofVain-glory,andaregoingtotheCelestialCityforreward."

Christianresponded,"Whydidyounotenterinatthegatewhichstandsatthebeginningoftheway?Doyounotknowthat it iswrittenthattheonewhodoesnotenterbythegate,butclimbsupsomeotherway—thatpersonisathiefandarobber?"

Formalist andHypocrisy replied, "To journey to the gate for entrance,was considered too far away by all our countrymen. Besides that, ourcustomistoalwaysmakeashort-cut,andclimboverthewall."

Christian questioned, "Butwill it not be counted a trespass against theLordofthecitywherewearegoing—tothusviolateHisrevealedwill?"

FormalistandHypocrisytoldChristianthatheneednottroublehisheadaboutthis.Fortheyhadatraditionforwhattheyweredoing;and,ifneedbe—theycouldproducewitnessestoit—showingthatthishasbeendoneformorethanathousandyears!

"But,"Christiansaid,"willyourpracticestandatrialatlaw?"

Theytoldhimthattheirtradition—beingmorethanathousandyearsold,woulddoubtlessbeadmittedaslegalbyanyimpartialjudge.

"Andbesides,"theysaid,"ifwegetintotheway—whatdoesitmatterhowwegotthere?Ifwearein—wearein!YouareinthewaytotheCelestialCity—andyoucameinatthegate.Andweareinthesameway—andwecame tumbling over thewall. Sohow is your condition anybetter thanours?"

Christianexplained,"IwalkbytheruleofmyMaster;butyouwalkbythevainworkingofyourimaginations.Youareaccountedasthievesalready,by the Lord of the way! Therefore, you will not be found to be truePilgrimsattheendofthejourney.Youcameinbyyourownway,withoutHisdirection;andyoushallgooutbyyourselves,withoutHismercy!"

To this, they made but little answer; they only told Christian to payattentiontohimself.

Then I saw that they went on in their own ways, without muchconversationwithone another; except that the twomen toldChristian,thatastolawsandordinances,theyhadnodoubtbutthattheywereascarefultodothemashewas."Therefore,"saidthey,"wedonotseehowyou differ from us—except for that coat which is on your back, whichprobablywasgiventoyoubysomeofyourneighbors—tohidetheshameofyournakedness."

Christiananswered,"Youcannotbesavedby lawsandordinances—andyoudidnotcomeinatthenarrow-gate.Andasforthiscoatwhichisonmyback—itwasgiventomebytheLordoftheplacewhereIamgoing—andjustasyousay—tocovermynakedness.ItakethisasatokenofHiskindness tome—forIhadnothingbutragsbefore!Withthis, I comfortmyselfasIgo:Surely,whenIcometothegateoftheCelestialCity, theLordwillrecognizeme,sinceIhaveHiscoatonmyback—acoatwhichHegavemeonthedaywhenHestrippedmeofmyrags.

"Ihave,moreover,amarkonmyforehead—whichperhapsyouhavenotnoticed,whichoneofmyLord'smostintimateassociates fixedthereonthedaythatmyburdenfelloffmyshoulders!Itellyou,furthermore,thatIwasthengivenasealedscroll—tocomfortmebyreading itas I travelalong theway. Iwas also told to turn it in at theCelestialGate, asmyauthorizationtoenter.Butyoulackallofthesethings—sinceyoudidnotenterinatthenarrow-gate!"

To this, they gave him no answer. They only looked at each other andlaughed.

Then I saw that theywenton, and thatChristianwalkedon ahead—nolongertalkingtoFormalistandHypocrisy.Hewouldpondertohimself—sometimes sighing, and sometimes content. Also, he would be oftenreadinginthescrollthatoneoftheShiningOneshadgivenhim—whichgavehimrefreshment.

THEHILLDIFFICULTY

Ibeheld,then,thattheyallwentonuntiltheycametothefootoftheHillDifficulty,atthebottomofwhichwasaspring.Heretherealsoweretwootherwaysbesidesthatpathwhichcamestraightfromthenarrow-gate—one turned to the left hand, and the other to the right; however thenarrowwaywentstraightuptheHillDifficulty.

Christiannowwenttothespring,anddranktorefreshhimself,andthenbegantogoupthehill,saying,

"Thehill,thoughhigh,Ichoosetoascend,Thedifficultywillnotmeoffend;ForIperceivethewaytolifelieshere.Come,takeheart,let'sneitherfaintnorfear;Better,thoughdifficult,therightwaytogo,Thanwrong,thougheasy—wheretheendiswoe."

Theothertwomenalsocametothefootofthehill.Whentheysawthatthe hill was very steep and high, and that there were two other easierwaystogo;andsupposingthatthesetwowaysmightmeetagainontheothersideof thehillwith thesamehardway thatChristianchose; theyresolvedtogointhoseeasypaths.

Now thenameof one of thosewayswasDanger—andthe name of theotherDestruction.SoonetookthewaycalledDanger,whichledhimintoan enormous bewildering forest—and the other took the way toDestruction,which ledhim into awide field full of darkpits,wherehestumbledandfell,androsenomore.

I then looked at Christian going up the hill, where, because of thesteepnessof thehill, I sawhewent fromrunning towalking, and fromwalking tocrawlingonhishandsandknees.Now,aboutmidwayto thetopofthehillwasapleasantarbor,madebytheLordofthehillfortherefreshment of weary travelers. When Christian arrived there, he satdowntorest.Hethenpulledhisscrolloutofhisbosom,andreadtohiscomfort.HealsobegantoexaminethegarmentthatwasgivenhimwhileattheCross.

Thus refreshing himself for a while, he at last fell into a slumber, andthence into a sound sleep,whichdelayedhim thereuntil itwas almostnight.Whileasleep,hisscrollfelloutofhishand.

Now,ashewassleeping,onecameandawakenedhim,saying,"Gototheant,yousluggard—considerherways,andbewise!"

Withthat,Christiansuddenlyjumpedup,andhurriedonhiswayuntilhecametothetopofthehill.

TIMOROUSANDMISTRUST

Now,whenhereachedthetopofthehill,twomencamerunningtomeethim—thenameofonewasTimorous,andtheotherMistrust.

Christianinquiredofthem,"Sirs,whatisthematter?Youarerunningthewrongway!"

Timorousanswered,"WeweregoingtotheCelestialCity,but,thefurtherwego,themoredangerswemeetwith!Thereforewehaveturnedaround,andaregoingback."

"Yes,"saidMistrust,"fortherewerelionsjustaheadofusonthepath—andwedidnotknowiftheywereasleeporawake.Wewereterrifiedthattheywouldtearustopieces!"

ThenChristiansaid,"Youfrightenme—butwhereshallIfleetobesafe?If I go back to my own country, which shall be destroyed by fire andbrimstone—Iwillcertainlyperishthere!Ishallonlybesafe,ifIcanreachtheCelestialCity.Imustventureonward.Togobackisnothingbutdeath—togoforwardisfearofdeath,andeverlastinglifebeyondit.Therefore,Imustsurelygoforward."

SoMistrustandTimorousrandownthehill,andChristiancontinuedonthedifficultway.

Thinking of what he heard from themen, he felt in his bosom for his

scroll,thathemightreadfromitandbecomforted;buthecouldnotfindit.Christianwastheningreatdistress,anddidnotknowwhattodo—forthescrollwashispassintotheCelestialCity.

Therefore, he was fearful and bewildered, not knowing what to do. Atlast,herememberedthathehadsleptatthearboronthesideofthesteephill. Falling down upon his knees, he asked God's forgiveness for hisfoolishact,andthenwentbacktolookforhisscroll.Whocansufficientlyset forththesorrowofChristian'sheartashewentback!Sometimeshesighed, sometimes he wept, and often he rebuked himself for being sofoolishas to fall asleep in thatarborwhichwasonly erected for a littlerefreshmentforwearyPilgrims.

Thushewentback,carefullylookingonthisside,andonthatside,allthewayashewent—hopingperhapsthathemightfindhisscrollwhichhadbeenhiscomfortsomanytimesonhisjourney.

Sohewentonuntilheagaincamewithinsightofthearborwherehehadrestedandslept.Butthatsightonlyincreasedhissorrow,bybringinghisfollyofsleepingonceagainintohismind.Thushebemoaned,"OwhatawretchedmanIam—thatIshouldsleepinthedaytime,andinthemidstofdifficulty—that I should so indulgemy flesh!For theLordof thehillhasbuiltthisarboronlyfortherefreshmentofPilgrims!

"Howmany steps have I taken in vain! Thus it happened to Israel, fortheirsin—theyweresentbackagainbythewayoftheRedSea.Justso,Iammadetoretracethosestepswithsorrow,whichImighthavetrodwithdelight—haditnotbeenformyfollyofsleeping.Howmuchfurtheralongmywaymight I have beenby this time—but I had to tread these stepsthreetimes,whichIonlyneededtohavetrodbutonce.Yes,nowImustjourneyinthedarkofnight,forthedaylightisalmostgone.OthatIhadnotslept!"

Reaching the arbor, he sat down and wept. Then, looking aroundsorrowfully under the bench, he spotted his scroll!With trembling andhaste,hesnatcheditupandputitintohisbosom.

Nonecantellhowjoyfulhethenwas—forthisscrollwastheassuranceof

hissalvationandhispasstotheCelestialCity.Thereforehesecureditinhisbosom,gavethankstoGodfordirectinghiseyetotheplacewhereithadfallen—andwithjoyandtearsresumedhisjourney.

O, how carefully now did he go up the rest of the hill! Yet, before hereachedthetop,thesunhadgonedown—andthismadeChristianagainrecallthefollyofhissleepinginthearbor.Thusoncemore,hebegantoreprovehimself,"Oyousinfulsleep!NowImustjourneyoninthedarkandhearthefrightfulnoisesofthenightcreatures!"

Justthen,herememberedthereportthatMistrustandTimorouswarnedhim of—how they were frightened with the sight of the lions. ThenChristian thought to himself, "These beasts roam in the night for theirprey;andifIshouldencountertheminthedark,howcouldIovercomethem?HowcouldIescapefrombeingtorntopieces?"

ThusChristianwent on hisway. Butwhile hewas thus bemoaning hisdifficult situation, he lifted up his eyes—and behold, there was a verystatelypalacedirectlyahead.ThenameofthepalacewasBeautiful.

THEPALACEBEAUTIFUL

SoIsawinmydream,thatChristianmadehasteandwentforward,thatifpossiblehemightgetlodgingatthepalace.Nowbeforehehadgonefar,heenteredintoaverynarrowpassage,whichwasashortdistancefromthe porter's lodge. Looking very intently ahead of him as he went, hespottedtwolionsintheway.

"Now," thoughthe,"Isee thedangers thatMistrustandTimorousweredrivenbackby!"Thenhewasafraid,andthoughtthathemightgobackastheyhaddone,forhefearedthatnothingbutdeathwasbeforehim.

But the porter at the palace, whose name isWatchful, perceiving thatChristianhaltedasifhewouldgoback,criedouttohim,saying,"Isyourstrength so small? Do not fear the lions, for they are chained, and areplaced there for a trialof faith, and for thediscovery of thosewho are

faithless. Keep in themidst of the path, and no harm shall come untoyou."

ThenIsawthatChristianwenton,tremblingforfearofthelions.Takingheedtothedirectionsoftheporter,heheardthemroar—buttheydidnoharm to him. Then he clapped his hands in joy, and went on until hecameandstoodbeforethegatewheretheporterwas.

ThenChristianaskedtheporter,"Sir,whatresidenceisthis?MayIlodgeheretonight?"

Theporteranswered,"ThispalacewasbuiltbytheLordof thehill,andHebuiltitforthereliefandsecurityofPilgrims."

Theporteralsoaskedwhencehecame,andwherehewasgoing.

CHRISTIAN:"IhavecomefromtheCityofDestruction,andamgoingtotheCelestialCity;butbecausethesunhasnowset,Idesire,ifImay,tolodgeheretonight."

PORTER:"Whatisyourname?"

CHRISTIAN: "My name is now Christian—but at first my name wasGraceless."

PORTER:"Butwhyhaveyoucomesolate,sincethesunhasset?"

CHRISTIAN:"Iwouldhavebeenheresooner—but,wretchedmanthatIam—Isleptatthearboronthehillside.Besidesthat,whileIslept,Ilostmyscroll,andtraveledwithoutittothetopofthehill.Thenfeelingforit,andnot findingit—Iwasforced,withsorrowofheart, togobacktotheplacewhereIhadslept.ThereIfoundit,andhenceIhavearrivedheresolate."

PORTER: "I will call for one of themaidens of the palace,who, if sheapprovesofyou,accordingtotherulesofthepalace—willbringyouintotherestofthefamily."

SoWatchful rang thebell.At this soundanoble andbeautifulmaiden,

namedDiscretion,cametothedoorandaskedwhyshewassummoned.

The porter answered, "This man is on a journey from the City ofDestructiontotheCelestialCity—butbeingwearyfromtravelingallday,heaskedmeifhemightlodgeheretonight.SoItoldhimIwouldcallforyou, who, after talking with him, may do what seems best to you,accordingtothelawofthepalace."

ThensheaskedChristianwherehecamefrom,andwherehewasgoing—andhetoldher.Shealsoaskedhimhowhegotintothenarrowway—andhetoldher.Thensheaskedhimwhathehadseenandmetwithalongtheway—andhetoldher.Andlastly,sheaskedhisname.

Soheanswered,"MynameisChristian.Ihaveagreatdesiretolodgeheretonight,because,bywhatIperceive,thispalacewasbuiltbytheLordofthehill,forthereliefandsafetyofPilgrims."

Soshesmiled—buttearscametohereyes.Afteralittlepause,shesaid,"Iwillsummontwoorthreemoreofthefamily."

Soshehastenedtothedoor,andcalledforPrudence,Piety,andCharity,who,afteralittlemorediscussionwithhim,broughthimintothefamily.Manyofthemmethimatthethresholdofthepalace,andsaid,"Comein,O blessed of the Lord! This place was built by the Lord of the hill, toaccommodatesuchPilgrimsasyourself."

Thenhebowedhishead,andfollowedthemintothepalace.Sowhenhehadcomeinandsatdown,theygavehimsomethingtodrink,andagreedthat for the best improvement of time, they would converse withChristianuntilsupperwasready.

PIETY:"Come,goodChristian,tellusofeverythingthathashappenedtoyouonyourpilgrimage."

CHRISTIAN:"Gladly,andIamthankfulthatyouarelodgingme."

PIETY:"WhatmovedyoutocommenceaPilgrim'slifeatfirst?"

CHRISTIAN: "Iwasdrivenoutofmynative countrybydreadful news;

namely, that unavoidabledestruction awaitedme, if I remained in thatplace."

PIETY: "How did it happen that you came out of your country by thisway?"

CHRISTIAN:"ItwasasGodwouldhaveit;forwhenIwasunderfearofdestruction, I did not knowwhere to go. Then it happened that amannamed Evangelist came tome while I was trembling and weeping. Heshowed me the way to the narrow-gate, which I would never haveotherwisefound.Itwashewhodirectedmeintothewaythathasledmetothispalace."

PIETY:"DidyoucomebythehouseoftheInterpreter?"

CHRISTIAN:"Yes,andIsawsuchthingsthere,thatIwillrememberaslong as I live! Especially these three things: How, in spite of Satan'sschemes,ChristmaintainsHisworkofgraceintheheart.Secondly,howamanhadsosinnedhimself intodespair thathehadnohopeofGod'smercy.Thirdly,thedreamofonewhoimaginedthatthedayofjudgmenthadcome,andhewasnotprepared."

PIETY:"Didyouhearhimtellhisdream?"

CHRISTIAN:"Yes,andadreadfuloneitwas!Itmademyheartacheashewastellingofit—butyetIamgladIheardit."

PIETY:"WasthatallthatyousawatthehouseoftheInterpreter?"

CHRISTIAN: "No, he showedme a stately palace, and how the peoplewhowere in itwereclad ingold;andhowacourageousmancameandcuthisway through thearmedmenwhostood in thedoor tokeephimout. He was then bid to come in, and win eternal glory. Those thingsravishedmyheart!Iwouldhavestayedatthatgoodman'shouseayear—butIknewIhadfurthertogoonmyjourney."

PIETY:"Andwhatelsedidyouseealongtheway?"

CHRISTIAN: "See! Why, I went but a little further, and I saw One

hanging and bleeding upon a cross! The very sight of Him made myburdenfalloffmyback(forIhadgroanedunderaveryheavyburden).Itwasanastonishingthingtome,forIhadneverseensuchasightbefore.Yes, and while I stood looking up, for I could not stop looking—threeShining Ones came to me. One of them testified that my sins wereforgiven. Another stripped off my rags, and gaveme this embroideredcoatwhich you see. The third one put themarkwhich you see, onmyforehead,andgavemethissealedscroll."Andwiththat,hepluckeditoutofhisbosom.

PIETY:"Andwhatmoredidyousee?"

CHRISTIAN:"ThethingsthatIhavetoldyoualready,werethebest.Yetas I traveledon, Ialsosawthreemen,Simple,Sloth,andPresumption,asleepalittleoutoftheway,withironchainsontheirlegs.ButtherewasnothingIcoulddotoawakenthem!

"IalsosawFormalistandHypocrisycometumblingoverthewall,togo,as they imagined, to theCelestialCity. Iwarnedthemof their folly,buttheywouldnotbelieveme.Sotheywerequicklylost.

"Butaboveall,Ifoundithardworktogetupthishill—andjustashardtogoby theroaring lions.Andtruly if ithadnotbeenfor thegoodporterwhostandsatthegate—Imighthaveturnedback.Butnow,IthankGodthatIamhere,andIthankyouforreceivingme."

ThenPrudenceaskedhimafewquestions.

PRUDENCE:"Doyoueverthinkofthecountryfromwhenceyoucame?"

CHRISTIAN:"Yes,butwithmuchshameanddetestation.TrulyifIhadbeen mindful of that country from whence I came, I might have hadopportunitytohavereturned—butnowIdesireabettercountry,thatis,aheavenlyone."

PRUDENCE:"Areyoustillhinderedbysomeofyouroldhabits?"

CHRISTIAN: "Yes, but greatly against my will—especially my worldlythoughts, with which all my countrymen, as well as myself, were

delighted. But now all those things aremy grief; andmight I havemydesires, Iwouldchoosenever to thinkof those thingsagain.For Ihavethedesiretodowhatisgood,butIhavenoabilitytocarryitout."

PRUDENCE: "Do you find sometimes as if you had overcome thoseworldlythoughts—yetfindthemstillyourannoyanceatothertimes?"

CHRISTIAN: "Yes, but that is but seldom, and then they are tome asgoldenhours!"

PRUDENCE: "Can you remember by what means you find theseannoyances,attimes,asiftheywereovercome?"

CHRISTIAN:"Yes,whenIthinkofwhatIsawattheCross—thatwilldoit.AndwhenIlookuponmyembroideredcoat—thatwilldoit.AlsowhenIlookintothescrollthatIcarryinmybosom—thatwilldoit.AndwhenmythoughtsareaglowaboutwhereIamgoing—thatwilldoit."

PRUDENCE:"AndwhyareyousodesiroustogototheCelestialCity?"

CHRISTIAN: "Why, it is there that I hope to seeHim alive, who oncehungdeadontheCross!AndthereIhopetoberidofallthesehindranceswhichsoconstantlyannoyme.Inthatwonderfulplace,thereisnodeath—and I shall dwell with those whom I best desire. For, to tell you thetruth, I love Him, because He is the one who eased me of my heavyburden.BesidesIamwearyoftheevilwithinme.IwouldgladlybewhereI shall die nomore, and with the company who continually cry: Holy,holy,holyistheLordAlmighty!"

ThenCharity said toChristian, "Have you a family?Are you amarriedman?"

CHRISTIAN:"Ihaveawifeandfoursmallchildren."

CHARITY:"Andwhydidyounotbringthemalongwithyou?"

ThenChristianwept,andsaid,"OhowwillinglyIwouldhavedoneit!Butallofthemwereutterlyaversetomygoingonpilgrimage."

CHARITY:"Butyoushouldhavetalkedtothem,andhaveendeavoredtohaveshownthemthedangerofstayingbehind."

CHRISTIAN:"SoIdid!IalsotoldthemwhatGodhadshowntomeofthecomingdestructionofourcity—butIseemedtothemasamadman,andtheydidnotbelieveme."

CHARITY: "And did you pray that God would bless your warnings tothem?"

CHRISTIAN:"Yes,andwithmuchaffection—forsurelymywifeandpoorchildrenareverydeartome."

CHARITY: "And did you tell them of your own sorrow, and fear ofdestruction?"

CHRISTIAN: "Yes,over,andover,andover!Theyalsosawmy fears inmycountenance,inmytears,andinmytremblingunderthedreadofthejudgmentwhichhungover ourheads!But all thiswasnot sufficient toprevailwiththemtocomewithme."

CHARITY: "But what reason did they give as to why they would notcome?"

CHRISTIAN: "Why, my wife was afraid of losing this world—and mychildrenweregiven to the foolishdelightsof youth!Sobyone thingoranother,Iwasforcedtogoonpilgrimagealone."

CHARITY:"Yes,butthoughyouwarnedthem—wastheexampleofyourlifeahindrancetothemfromgoingwithyou?"

CHRISTIAN:"Indeed,Icannotcommendmylife—forIamconsciousofmymanyfailings.Iknowalso,thatbyahypocriticallife,amanmaysoonnullifyallofhishelpfulreasoningswithothers.YetthisIcansay,Iwasverycarefulnottogivethemanyjustoccasionofmakingthemaversetogoingonpilgrimage.TheywouldtellmethatIwastooprecise,andthatIdenied myself many things for their sakes, in which they saw nothingwrong.Also,IthinkImaysay,thatifwhattheysawinmehinderedthem—itwasmygreatcautioninnotwantingtosinagainstGodorothers."

CHARITY: "IndeedCainhatedhisbrotherbecausehisownworkswereevil, and his brother's works were righteous. If your wife and childrenhavebeenoffendedwithyouforthis,theytherebyshowthemselvestobeimplacable—andyouhavedeliveredyoursoulfromtheirblood!"

NowIsawinmydream,thattheythussattalkingtogetheruntilsupperwas ready. When they sat down to eat, the table was abundantlyfurnishedlikeafeast.AllthetalkatthetablewasabouttheLordof thehill—aboutwhatHehaddone,andwhyHedidwhatHedid,andalsowhyHehadbuiltthatPalace.

Bywhattheysaid,ChristianperceivedthatHehadbeenagreatwarrior,andwithgreatdangertoHimself,hadfoughtwithandslainhimwhohadthepowerofdeath.ThismadeChristianloveHimallthemore.

For,astheysaid,Hediditwithagreatlossofblood.ButthatwhichputgraceandgloryintoallthatHedid,wasthatHediditoutofpurelovetoHispeople.ThereweresomeofthehouseholdwhosaidtheyhadspokenwithHimsinceHediedontheCross.TheyhaveattestedthattheyhearditfromHisownlips,thatHeissuchaloverofpoorPilgrims,thatnonelikeHimcanbefoundinalltheworld.

As an instance of what they affirmed, they told how He had strippedHimselfofHisglory,thatHemightdieforpoorsinners.TheyalsoheardHimsaythatHewouldnotdwellintheCelestialCityalone.Theyadded,moreover,thatHehadadvancedmanyPilgrimstobeprinces—thoughbynaturetheywerebornbeggarsandobjectsofwrath.

Thus they discoursed together until late at night. After they hadcommitted themselves to their Lord for protection, they went to theirroomstorest.Pilgrimwasgivena largeupperchamber,whosewindowopened toward the sun-rising—the name of the chamber was Peace.Therehesleptuntilbreakofday,andthenheawokeandsang:

"WhereamInow—isthistheloveandcareOfJesusforthementhatPilgrimsare?Thustoprovide,thatIshouldbeforgiven,

AnddwellalreadythenextdoortoHeaven!"

So, in themorning, theyallgotup;andafteradditionaldiscourse, theytoldhimthatheshouldnotdepartuntiltheyhadshownhimtheraritiesofthatplace.

First,theybroughthimintothestudy,wheretheyshowedhimrecordsofthegreatestantiquity, inwhichwas the lineageof theLordof thehill—thatHewas theSonof theAncientofDaysbyeternalgeneration.Herealso were more fully recorded, the acts which He had done, and thenamesofmanyhundreds thatHehad taken intoHis service—andhowHe afterwards brought them into an imperishable inheritance in HisFather'shouse.

Then they read tohimsomeworthyacts that someofHis servants haddone—how they had conquered kingdoms, wrought righteousness,obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire,escapedtheedgeofthesword;whoseweaknesswasturnedto

strength; and who became mighty in battle, putting whole armies toflight.

TheythenreadinanotherpartoftherecordsofthePalace,whereitwasshownhowwillingtheirLordwastoreceiveintoHisfavorany,eventheworst,thoughtheyintimepasthadofferedgreatcontempttoHispersonandworks.

HereChristian also viewed several histories ofmany additional famousthings—bothancientandmodern.Hesawpropheciesandpredictionsofthingswhichwill have their certain accomplishment, both to the dreadand amazement of their Lord's enemies, and the comfort and solace ofHisPilgrims.

Thenextdaytheytookhimintothearmory,wheretheyshowedhimallkindsofarmorwhich theirLordhadprovided forPilgrims.Therewereswords, shields, helmets, breastplates, all-prayer, and shoes thatwouldnot wear out. Here was enough armor to equip as many men for theserviceoftheirLord,astherearestarsintheHeaven.

Theyalsoshowedhimtheweaponswithwhichsomeofhisservantshaddonewonderful things. They showedhimMoses' rod; thehammer andnailwhich Jael slewSiserawith; the pitchers and trumpetswithwhichGideon put the armies of Midian to flight. Then they showed him theoxgoadwithwhich Shamgar slew six hundredmen. They showed him,also, the jaw-bone with which Samson did such mighty feats. Theyshowedhim,furthermore, theslingandstonewhichDavidslewGoliathwith.Theyshowedhim,moreover,manyexcellentthings,with

which Christian was much delighted. After that, they went to theirchamberstorestagain.

ThenIsawinmydream,thatonthemorrow,Christiangotuptoresumehis journey—but the others wished for him to stay until the next day.They said that they will, if the day is clear, show him the DelectableMountains—whichwouldfurtheraddtohiscomfort,astheywerenearerhisdesiredhaven.Soheconsentedandstayed.

Whenthemorningcame,theytookhimuptothetopofthepalace,andtoldhimtolooksouth.Sohedid,andbehold,atagreatdistance,hesawamost pleasant mountainous country, beautified with woods, vineyards,fruits of all sorts, flowers, along with springs and fountains—all verydelectabletofeastone'seyes.

Thenheaskedthenameofthecountry.TheysaidthatitwasImmanuel'sLand,and it iscommonforallPilgrimstogothere."Whenyouarrive,"saidthey,"youmayseetothegateoftheCelestialCity,astheshepherdswholivetherewillshowyou."

Now,justbeforeChristianwasabouttoleave,theyaskedhimtogoagainintothearmory.Whentheyarrived,theyequippedhimfromheadtofootwitharmor,lest,perhaps,hewouldmeetwithassaultsalongtheway.Hebeing,therefore,thusattired,walkedoutwithhisfriendstothedoor,andthereheaskedtheporterifhehadseenanyPilgrimspassby.

Theporteranswered,"Yes."

CHRISTIAN:"Didyouknowhim?"

PORTER:"Iaskedhisname,andhetoldmeitwasFaithful."

CHRISTIAN:"Oh,Iknowhim!Heismytownsman,mynearneighbor—hecomesfromtheplacewhereIwasborn.Howfardoyouthinkhemaybeaheadofme?"

PORTER:"Bythistimeheisperhapsbeyondthebottomofthehill."

CHRISTIAN:"Well,goodPorter,maytheLordbewithyou,andincreaseyourblessings,forthekindnessthatyouhaveshowntome."

ThenChristianbegan to go forward—butDiscretion,Piety, Charity andPrudence,desiredtoaccompanyhimdowntothebottomofthehill. Sothey went on together, reminiscing their former discourses, until theycametothestartofthedescentdownthehill.

ThenChristiansaid,"Asitwasdifficultcomingup—sofarasIcansee,itisdangerousgoingdown."

"Yes,"saidPrudence,"soitis,foritisahardmatterforamantogodownintotheValleyofHumiliation,asyouareabouttodo,andnotstumblealongtheway.Thereforewehavecometoaccompanyyoudownthehill."

So they began to go down—but very cautiously. Yet Christian stillstumbledatimeortwo.

ThenIsawinmydreamthatthesegoodcompanions,whentheyarrivedatthebottomofthehill,gaveChristianaloafofbread,abottleofwine,andaclusterofraisins.Hethenwentonhisway.

BATTLEWITHAPOLLYON

But now, in this Valley of Humiliation, poor Christian was grievouslychallenged.Hehadgonebuta littleway,beforehe spotteda foul fiendcomingoverthefieldtocontendwithhim—hisnamewasApollyon.ThenChristianbegantobeafraid,andtodeliberatewhether togobackor tostand his ground. But he again reasoned that he had no armor for his

back.Hethereforethought that to turnhisbacktoApollyonmightgivethe fiend the greater advantage to easily pierce him with his darts.ThereforeChristianresolvedtostandhisground,forhethought,"HadInomoreinmymindthanthesavingofmylife,itwouldbethebestwaytostand."

Sohewenton,andApollyonmethim.Nowthemonsterwashideoustobehold—hewasclothedwithscaleslikeafish,hehadwingslikeadragon,feetlikeabear,outofhisbellycamefireandsmoke,andhismouthwaslike themouthofa lion!Whenhehadcomeup toChristian,he lookeduponhimwithanarrogantstare,andthusbegantodisputewithhim.

APOLLYON:"Wherehaveyoucomefrom—andwhereareyougoing?"

CHRISTIAN: "I have come from the City of Destruction, which is theplaceofallevil—andamgoingtotheCelestialCity."

APOLLYON: "By this Iperceive thatyouareoneofmysubjects, forallthatcountryismine,andIamtheprinceofit.Howisit,then,thatyouhave runaway fromyourmonarch?Were it not that I hope youwouldreturn to my service, I would strike you down with one blow, to theground!"

CHRISTIAN: "Iwas born, indeed, in yourdominions—but your servicewashard,andyourwagesweresuchasamancouldnotliveon, forthewagesofsinisdeath!"

APOLLYON:"Thereisnoprincewhowillthuslightlylosehissubjects—norwillIloseyou!Butsinceyoucomplainofyourserviceandwages—becontenttocomeback,andthebestthatourcountrycanafford,Ipromisetogiveyou."

CHRISTIAN:"ButIhavepledgedmyselftoanother,eventotheKingofprinces—sohowcanI,withfairness,gobackwithyou?"

APOLLYON:"Youhavegonefrombadtoworse!Itiscommonforthosewhohaveprofessed themselves tobeHis servants,afterawhile togiveHimtheslip,andreturnagaintome.Ifyoudosoalso,thenallshallbe

wellforyou."

CHRISTIAN: "Ihave swornmyallegiance toHim.How, then, can I goback,andnotbehangedasatraitor?"

APOLLYON: "Youdidthesametome,andyetIamwillingtooverlookthat—ifnowyouwillyetturnagainandcomeback."

CHRISTIAN:"WhatIpromisedtoyouwasfrommyyouthfulfoolishness.Besides,theKingunderwhosebannerInowstandisabletoabsolveme—yes,andtopardonmyformercompliancewithyou.Besides,OdestroyingApollyon,tospeakthetruth,I likeHisservice,Hiswages,Hisservants,His government, His company, and His country, better than yours.Therefore, cease trying topersuademe further. IamHis servant,andIwillfollowHim!"

APOLLYON:"Consideragain,whatyouarelikelytomeetwithalongtheway that you are now going. You know that, for the most part, Hisservantscometoawretchedend,becausetheyaretransgressorsagainstmeandmyways.Howmanyofthemhavebeenputtoshamefuldeaths!And, besides, you count His service better than mine—but He neverdeliversanywhoserveHimoutofmyhands.Butas forme,howmanytimes,asalltheworldverywellknows,haveIdeliveredthosewhohavefaithfullyservedmefromHim—eitherbypoweror fraud.Justso, Iwilldeliveryou."

CHRISTIAN: "His refraining to deliver His servants at present, is onpurpose to test their love—whether theywill cleave toHim to the end.Yousaythattheywillcometoawretchedending—butinfact,itismostglorious.Asforpresentdeliverance,theydonotmuchexpectit,fortheypatientlywait for their triumph—andtheyshallhave itwhentheirKingcomesinHisglorywithallofHisangels."

APOLLYON:"YouhavealreadybeenunfaithfulinyourservicetoHim—sowhydoyouthinkthatyouwillreceiveHiswages?"

CHRISTIAN:"Inwhat,OApollyon,haveIbeenunfaithfultoHim?"

APOLLYON: "Youwerediscouragedat first settingout,whenyouwerealmostchokedintheSwampofDespond!Youattemptedwrongwaystoberidofyourburden—whereasyoushouldhavewaiteduntilyourKinghadtakenitoff!Yousinfullysleptandlostyourscroll!Atthesightofthelions, you were almost persuaded to go back! And when you talked ofyour journey, and of what you have heard and seen, youwere secretlyproudofallthatyousaidanddid!"

CHRISTIAN: "All this is true, andmuchmorewhichyouhave leftout!ButtheKingwhomIserveandhonor, ismerciful,andreadytoforgive.Besides,Iacquiredtheseinfirmitiesinyourcountry—andIhavegroanedunder them, been sorry for them, and have obtained pardon frommyKing."

ThenApollyonbrokeout intoa furiousrage,saying,"Iamanenemy tothisKing!IhateHisperson,Hislaws,andHispeople!Ihavecomeoutonpurposetodestroyyou!"

CHRISTIAN: "Apollyon, beware what you do! I am on the King'shighway,thewayofholiness—thereforetakeheed!"

ThenApollyonstraddledoverthewholeroad,andsaid,"Iamnotafraid.Prepareyourselftodie!Iswearbymyinfernalden,thatyoushallgonofurther.HereIwillspillyourblood!"

Andwiththat,Apollyonthrewaflamingdartathisheart—butChristianhadashieldinhishand,withwhichhecaughtthedart,andsopreventedthatdanger.

ThenChristian prepared himself for battle, asApollyon rushed at him,throwing darts as thick as hail! Yet notwithstanding all that Christiancoulddotoavoidit,Apollyonwoundedhiminhishead,hishand,andhisfoot—thismadeChristianslightlyretreat.

Apollyon, therefore, continued his furious attack. Christian again tookcourage,andresistedasmanfullyashecould.Thisintensecombatlastedfor more than half a day—until Christian was nearly exhausted. ForChristian,becauseofhiswounds,wasbecomingweakerandweaker.

ThenApollyon,seeinghisopportunity,forcedhimselfclosertoChristian,and wrestling with him, gave him a dreadful fall—and with that,Christian'sswordflewoutofhishand.ThenApollyonalmostpressedhimtodeath—sothatChristianbegantodespairoflife.

ThenApollyonexclaimed,"Iamsureofyounow!"

But asGodwouldhave it,whileApollyonwas fetchinghis last blow tomakea full endofhim,Christiannimblystretchedouthishand for hissword, and grasped it, saying, "Do not gloat over me, O my enemy!ThoughIhavefallen,Iwillagainrise!"Andwiththat,hegaveApollyonadeadly thrust, which made him fall back, as one who had received amortalwound.

Christianperceiving that, rushedathim, saying, "Inall these thingswearemorethanconquerors,throughHimwholovedus!"

Andwiththat,Apollyonspreadhisdragonwings,andspedaway,sothatChristiansawhimnomoreforaseason.

Noman can imagine what yelling and hideous roaring Apollyonmadeduring all this combat—and on the other side, what sighs and groansburstfromChristian'sheart.Hestruggledfiercely,untilheperceivedthathe hadwoundedApollyonwith his two-edged sword. Then, indeed, helookedupwardwiththanksgiving.

Sowhen the battlewas over, Christian said, "Iwill here give thanks toHimwhodeliveredmeoutofthemouthofthelion—toHimwhohelpedmeagainstApollyon."

Thenahandcametohim,withsomeof the leavesof theTreeofLife—whichChristiantook,andappliedtothewoundswhichhehadreceivedinthe battle, and was healed immediately. He also sat down to eat thebread,andtodrinkfromthebottlewhichweregiventohimatthePalaceBeautiful.

So being refreshed, Christian continued his journey, with his sworddrawn inhishand; forhe thought, "Idonotknowbut that someother

enemymaybenearby."Buthemetwithnootherattack fromApollyonthroughtheremainderofthevalley.

THEVALLEYOFTHESHADOWOFDEATH

Now, at the end of the Valley of Humiliation, was The Valley of theShadowofDeath.Christianneededtogo through it,because itwastheonlyway to theCelestialCity.Nowthisvalleywasaverysolitaryplace.TheprophetJeremiahthusdescribesit:"Awilderness,alandofdeserts,andofpits,alandofdrought,andoftheshadowofdeath,alandthatnoman"(butaChristian)"passedthrough,andwherenomandwelt."

Now here Christian had a more difficult battle than in his fight withApollyon—asyoushallseebywhatfollows.

Isawtheninmydream,whenChristiancametothebordersoftheValleyof the Shadow of Death, that twomen, hurrying back, met him. TheywerechildrenofthosewhobroughtbackanevilreportofthegoodlandofCanaan.Christianthenquestionedasfollows:

CHRISTIAN:"Whereareyougoing?"

They cried, "Back!back!And if youprize eitherpeaceor life—thenyouwillturnbackalso!"

"Why?whatisthematter?"Christianwondered.

"Matter!"theyexclaimed."Weweregoingthesamewayasyouarenowtraveling,andwentasfaraswedared.Indeedwewerealmostpastbeingable to comeback; for hadwe gone a little further,wewouldnot havebeenheretobringthenewstoyou."

CHRISTIAN:"Butwhathaveyoumetwith?"

MEN: "Why,wewerealmost in theValleyof theShadowofDeath;butfortunately,welookedahead,andsawthedangerbeforewecametoit!"

CHRISTIAN:"Butwhatdidyousee?"

MEN: "See! Why, the valley itself, which is as dark as pitch. We sawhobgoblins, satyrs, and dragons of the pit. We also heard a continualhowling and yelling—like people under unutterable misery, who satbound in affliction and chains. And over that Valley hangs thediscouragingcloudsofconfusion.Deathalwaysspreadshiswingsoverit.Inaword,itisineverywaydreadful,andutterlychaotic!"

CHRISTIAN: "Inspiteofwhatyouhavesaid—yet this is theway tomydesiredhaven."

MEN:"Thoughitisyourway—wewillcertainlynotchooseitforours."

Sotheyparted,andChristianwentonhisway,keepinghissworddrawninhishand—forfearthatheshouldbeassaulted.

I thensawinmydream,thatas farasthisvalleystretched,therewasaverydeepditchontherighthand.Thatistheditchintowhichtheblindhaveledtheblindinallages,andhavebothmiserablyperishedthere.

Behold,on the lefthandwasaverydangerousquagmire, intowhich, ifeven a godlyman falls, he can findnobottom forhis foot to stand on.IntothatquagmireKingDavidoncefell,andnodoubtwouldhavebeensmothered—hadnotHewhoisable,pluckedhimout.

The pathway through this valley was exceedingly narrow—thereforeChristianhadgreatdifficulty.Forwhenhe sought, in thedark, toshuntheditchontheonehand—hewasreadytotipoverintothemireontheother side!Ashe carefully sought to escape themire—hewould almostfall into the ditch! Thus he went on, sighing bitterly. For besides thedangersmentionedabove,thepathwaywassodark,thatoften,whenheliftedhis foot tostepforward,hedidnotknowwhere,oruponwhathewouldsetitnext.

Aboutthemidstofthisvalley,hesawthemouthofHell—whichwasveryclosetothenarrowpath.

"Now,"thoughtChristian,"whatshallIdo?"

The flame and smoke would continually come out in such abundance,with sparks andhideousnoises—thingswhichChristian couldnot fightwithhissword,ashedidApollyonbefore.

Therefore he was forced to put his sword away, and take up anotherweapon, called All-prayer. So he cried out, "O Lord, I beseech You—delivermysoul!"

Thushewentonforagreatwhile,withtheflamesstillreachingtowardshim. He also heard doleful voices, and rushings to and fro—so thatsometimeshethoughthewouldbetorninpieces,ortroddendownlikemire in the streets! This frightful sight was seen, and these dreadfulnoiseswereheardbyhimforseveralmiles.

Arrivingataplacewherehethoughtthatheheardacompanyof fiendscoming forward tomeet him—he stopped and ponderedwhatwas bestforhimtodo.Sometimeshehadhalfamindtogoback—thenagain,hethought he might be already half way through the valley. He alsorememberedhowhehadalreadyvanquishedmanydangers—andthatthedanger of going back might now be much more, than for him to goforward.Soheresolvedtopersevereonthedangerouspath.

Yetthefiendscamenearerandnearer—andwhentheywerealmostuponhim,hecriedoutwithamostforcefulvoice,"IwillwalkinthestrengthoftheLordmyGod!"Withthisthefiendsretreated,andcamenofurther.

Itisimportanttonote,thatnowpoorChristianwassobewilderedthathedidnotknowhisownvoice.Justwhenhehadcomenearthemouthoftheburningpit—oneof thewickedonessnuckupstealthilybehindhimwhisperingandsuggestingmanygrievousblasphemiestohim—whichhethought had proceeded from his own mind. This tried Christian morethan anything that he met with before—to think that he would nowblasphemeHimwhomhelovedsomuch!Yet,ifhecouldhavehelpedit,hewouldnothavedoneit;buthehadnotthediscretioneithertostophisears,ortoknowfromwhencetheseblasphemiescame.

When Christian had traveled in this disconsolate condition for a

considerable time, he thought that he heard the voice of a mansomewhere ahead of him, saying, "Though Iwalk through the valley oftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearnoevil;forYouarewithme."

Thenhewasglad,andforthesereasons:

First,becausehe realizedby this, that someonewho fearedGodwas inthisvalley,aswellashimself.

Secondly, he realized that God was with him, in that dark and dismalstate—thoughhecouldnotperceiveHim.

Thirdly,hehopedthathecouldovertakethepersonaheadofhim,andtohavecompanysoon.

So Christianwent on, and called to the person ahead of him. But thatperson did not know what to answer, for he also thought that he wasalone.

Byandbythedaybroke.ThenChristiansaid,"Hehasturnedtheshadowofdeathintothemorning."

Morninghavingcome,Christianlookedback,notoutofadesiretoreturn—buttosee,bythelightoftheday,whathazardshehadgonethroughinthedark.Sohesawmoreperfectlytheditchwhichwasontheonehand,and the quagmire which was on the other side. He also realized hownarrowthewaywas,whichlaybetweenthemboth.

Nowhesawthehobgoblins,satyrs,anddragonsofthepit—butallwereafar off—for during the day, they did not come near. Yet they wererevealedtohim,accordingtothatwhichiswritten,"Herevealsthedeepthingsofdarknessandbringsdeepshadowsintothelight."

Now Christian was much affected with his deliverance from all thedangersofhissolitaryway.Thesedangers,thoughhefearedthemmorebefore—yethe saw themmoreclearlynow,because the lightof thedaymadethemconspicuoustohim.

WalkingnowinthedaylightwasanothermercytoChristian;forthough

the first part of theValley of the Shadow ofDeathwas dangerous—yetthis second part which he had yet to travel, was, if possible, far moredangerous.

From theplacewherehenow stood, even to the endof the valley—thewhole way was so full of snares, traps, snags, nets, pitfalls andentanglements—thathaditnowbeendark,asitwaswhenhetraveledthefirst part of the valley—though he had a thousand lives, he still wouldhaveperished!

Butjustnowthesunwasrising.ThenChristiansaid,"Hiscandleshinesuponmyhead,andbyHislightIwalkthroughdarkness."

Inthislight,therefore,hecametotheendofthevalley.

NowIsaw inmydream, thatat theendof thisvalley layblood,bones,ashes,andmangledbodiesofmen—evenofPilgrimswhohadpreviouslygonethisway.WhileIwasponderingthis,IspottedacavealittleaheadofPilgrim,wheretwogiants,PopeandPagan,dwelt inolden times.Bytheir power and tyranny, the men whose bones, blood, ashes, andmangledbodieswhichlaythere,hadbeencruellyputtodeath.

ButChristianwentbythisplacewithoutmuchdanger—whereuponIwassomewhatbewildered.Ihavelearnedsince,thatPaganhasbeendeadforalongtime.

AsforPope,thoughheisstillalive,heis,byreasonofoldage,andalsoofthemanydefeatswhichhemetwith inhisyoungerdays—hasgrownsoderangedinmind,andstiff inhis joints, thathecannowdo littlemorethansitinhiscave'smouth,glaringatPilgrimsastheygoby,andbitinghisnailsbecausehecannotgetatthem.

SoIsawthatChristianwentonhisway.Atthesightoftheoldmanwhosat in themouthof the cave,he couldnot tellwhat to think,especiallybecause Pope spoke to him, though he could not go after Christian,saying,"Youwillnevermend,untilmoreofyouareburned!"

ButChristianwassilent,andsowentbywithoutbeingharmed.

ThenChristiansang:

"Oworldofwonders—Icansaynoless!ThatIshouldbepreservedinthatdistressThatIhavemetwithhere!Oblessedbe,Thathandthatfromithasdeliveredme!Dangersindarkness,devils,Hell,andsin,Didcompassme,whileIthisvalleywasin.Yes,snaresandpits,andtraps,andnets,didlie,Mypathabout—thatworthless,foolishI,Might'vebeencaught,entangledandcastdown,ButsinceIlive—letJesuswearthecrown!"

CHRISTIANMEETSWITHFAITHFUL

Now,asChristianwentonhisway,hecametoalittleascent,whichwasbuilt on purpose, that Pilgrims might see ahead of them. Therefore,Christianwentup—and looking forward,he sawFaithfulahead of him,onhisjourney.

Then Christian cried aloud, "Ho! Ho!Wait for me, and I will be yourcompanion."

At that, Faithful looked behind him—andChristian called again, "Stop,waituntilIcatchuptoyou!"

ButFaithfulanswered,"No,Iamrunningformylife,fortheAvengerofBloodisbehindme!"

At this, Christian roused, and putting forth all his strength, quicklycaughtupwithFaithful,andevenranpasthim—sothe lastbecame thefirst. Then Christian smugly smiled, because he had gotten ahead ofFaithful—but,notwatchingwherehewasgoing—he suddenly stumbledandfell,andwasunabletogetbackup,untilFaithfulcametohelphim.

Then I saw inmydream, that theywentonveryamiably together, andhad sweet conversation about the things that had happened to each of

themontheirpilgrimage.

CHRISTIAN: "My honored and well-beloved brother, I am glad that Ihavecaughtupwithyou;andthatGodhasmadeussolike-minded,thatwecanwalkascompanionsinthisverypleasantpath."

FAITHFUL:"Ihadthought,dearfriend,tohavehadyourcompanymuchsooner; for you started out beforeme—therefore I was forced to comealonethusfar."

CHRISTIAN: "How longdid you stay in theCityofDestruction, beforeyousetoutonyourpilgrimage?"

FAITHFUL: "Until I could stayno longer; for right after you left, therewas great talk that our citywould soon be burned down to the groundwithfirefromHeaven!"

CHRISTIAN:"What!Didourneighborsreallytalkso?"

FAITHFUL:"Yes,forawhileitwasthetalkofthetown!"

CHRISTIAN:"Wereyoutheonlyonewhofledtoescapethedanger?"

FAITHFUL: "Though therewas, as I said, great talk about theeminentdestructionofourcity—yetIdonotthinktheytrulybelievedit.Forintheheatofthediscussions,Iheardsomeofthemderidinglyspeakofyou,andofyourdesperate journey—forso theycalledyourpilgrimage.But Ididbelieve, and still do, that our city will be destroyed with fire andbrimstonefromabove—andthereforeIhavemademyescape!"

CHRISTIAN:"DidyouhearanytalkofneighborPliable?"

FAITHFUL: "Yes, I heard that he followed you until he came to theSwampofDespond,where,assomesaid,he fell in.Yethewouldneveradmittohavingdoneso—butIamsurehewasbedabbledwiththemirefromtheswamp."

CHRISTIAN:"Andwhatdidtheneighborssayabouthim?"

FAITHFUL: "Since his coming back to the city, he has been harshlyderidedbyallsortsofpeople!Somemockanddespisehim—andscarcelywillanyemployhim.Heisnowseventimesworseoffthanifhehadneverleftthecity!"

CHRISTIAN: "Butwhy should theybe somuchagainsthim, since theydespisethenarrowwaythatheforsook?"

FAITHFUL:"O!theysay,'Hanghim,heisaturn-coat!Heisnottruetohis profession of religion!' I think that God has even stirred up hisenemiestohissathim,andmakehimaproverb,becausehehasforsakenthenarrowway!"

CHRISTIAN:"WereyouabletotalkwithhimbeforeyoulefttheCityofDestruction?"

FAITHFUL: "Ididmeethimonce in the streets—buthe slunkawayontheotherside,asoneashamedofwhathehaddone.SoIwasunabletospeakwithhim."

CHRISTIAN: "Well, atmy first setting out, I had hope for Pliable, butnowIfearhewillperishintheoverthrowofthecity.Forithashappenedtohimaccordingtothetrueproverb: 'Adogreturnstohisvomit;andasow,havingbeenwashed,toherwallowinginthemire!'"

FAITHFUL: "These aremy fears for him too—butwho can prevent hisdownfall?"

CHRISTIAN: "Well, neighbor Faithful, let us now talk of things whichmoreimmediatelyconcernourselves.Sotellmewhatyouhavemetwithasyoutraveledalongtheway."

FAITHFUL:"IescapedtheSwampwhichyoufellinto,andgotuptothegatewithoutthatdanger—butImetwithonenamedWanton,whowouldhavelikedtohavedonegreatharmtome."

CHRISTIAN: "It was well that you escaped her net. Joseph also wasgreatlytemptedbyher,andheescapedherjustasyoudid;butitnearlycosthimhislife.Whatdidshedotoyou?"

FAITHFUL: "Youcannot imaginewhata flatteringtongueshehad!Shestrongly urged me to go with her, promising me all kinds of fleshlydelights."

CHRISTIAN: "But did she promise you the contentment of a goodconscience?"

FAITHFUL:"No,onlythedelightsoftheflesh."

CHRISTIAN: "ThankGod that youhave escapedher!Themouth of anadulteressisadeeppit—hewhoisabhorredbytheLordwillfallintoit!"

FAITHFUL:"IdonotknowwhetherIwhollyescapedherornot."

CHRISTIAN:"Why,Itrustthatyoudidnotconsenttoherevildesires?"

FAITHFUL: "No,not todefilemyself; for I rememberedanoldwritingwhichsaid,'HerstepsleadtoHell!'SoIshutmyeyes,thatIwouldnotbebewitchedwithher seductive looks.Then shemalignedme—atwhich Iquicklylefther!"

CHRISTIAN:"Didyoumeetwithanyotherassaultsasyoujourneyed?"

FAITHFUL:"WhenIcametothefootoftheHillofDifficulty,Imetwithaveryagedman,whoaskedmewhoIwasandwhereIwasgoing.ItoldhimthatIamaPilgrimgoingtotheCelestialCity.Thentheoldmansaid,'Youlooklikeanhonestfellow—willyoubecontenttodwellwithmeforthe wages that I shall give you?' I asked him his name, and where helived.HesaidhisnamewasAdamtheFirst,andthathedweltinthetownofDeceit.

"Ifurtheraskedhimwhathisworkwas,andwhatwerethewagesthathewouldpay.He toldme thathisworkwasmanydelights;andhiswageswerethatIshouldbehisheiratlast.Hetoldmethathishousewasfilledwithallthedaintiesoftheworld.ThenIaskedifhehadanychildren.Hesaid thathehad threedaughters—theLustof theFlesh, theLustof theEyes,andthePrideofLife,andthatIcouldmarrythemall ifIdesired.ThenIaskedhowlonghewouldhavemeto livewithhim.Andhe told

me,aslongashelivedhimself."

CHRISTIAN:"Well,whatconclusiondidyouandtheoldmancometoatlast?"

FAITHFUL:"Why,atfirst,Ifoundmyselfsomewhatinclinedtogowiththeman, forhiswordswereveryappealing tome.Butas I talkedwithhim,Isawwrittenonhisforehead,'Putofftheoldmanwithhiswickeddeeds!'"

CHRISTIAN:"Andwhatthen?"

FAITHFUL: "Then it flashed intomymind, thatwhateverhe said, andhoweverhe flatteredme—that if hebroughtme tohishouse, hewouldsellmeforaslave!SoItoldhimtobequiet, forIwouldnotcomenearthe door of his house. Then he reviledme, and toldme that hewouldsend one after me, who wouldmakemy waymost bitter! So just as Iturned to leavehim, I felthim takeholdofmy flesh,andhepulledmewithsuchafiercewrench,thatIthoughthehadtornpartofmeoff.Thismademecryout,'OwhatawretchedmanIam!'SoIescaped,andwentonmywayupthehill.

"NowwhenIhadgoneabouthalfwayup,I lookedbehindme,andsawonecomingafterme,asswiftasthewind.Heovertookmejustabouttheplacewherethearborstands."

CHRISTIAN: "That was the same place where I sat down to rest; andbeingovercomewithsleep,Ilostmyscroll!"

FAITHFUL: "But, good brother, hear me out. As soon as the manovertookme, he gaveme a blow, and knockedmedown, nearly killingme.When I somewhat revived, I asked himwhy he abusedme so.Hereplied,'BecauseofyoursecretincliningtoAdamtheFirst!'

"Withthathestruckmeanotherdeadlyblowonmychest,andbeatmedownbackward—so I layathis feetasdead.When I recoveredagain, Icriedtohimformercy—buthesaid,'Idonotknowhowtoshowmercy!'Andwiththatheknockedmedownagain.Nodoubthewouldhavemade

anendofme—butthatOnecameby,andcommandedhimtorefrain."

CHRISTIAN:"Whowasitthatmadehimstop?"

FAITHFUL: "IdidnotknowHimat first—butasHewentby, InoticedtheholesinHishands,andinHisside—thenIconcludedthatHewasourLord.SoIcontinuedupthehill."

CHRISTIAN:"ThatmanwhoovertookyouwasMoses.Hesparesnone—neither does he know how to showmercy to those who transgress hislaw."

FAITHFUL:"Iknowitverywell—foritwasnotthefirsttimethathehasmetwithme.ItwashewhocametomewhenIdweltsecurelyathome,andwhotoldmethathewouldburnmyhousedownovermyhead, ifIstayedthere."

CHRISTIAN: "Butdid younot see thePalacewhich stood thereon thetopofthehill?"

FAITHFUL: "Yes,andthe lionstoo!Butforthe lions,I thinktheywereasleep—for itwasaboutnoon.BecauseIhadsomuchof thedaybeforeme,Ipassedbytheporter,andcontinueddownthehill."

CHRISTIAN:"Hetoldmeindeed,thathesawyougoby—butIwishyouhadcalledatthehouse,fortheywouldhaveshownyousomanyrarities,thatyouwouldhaveneverforgottenthemtothedayofyourdeath.Butpleasetellme—didyoumeetanyoneintheValleyofHumiliation?"

FAITHFUL: "Yes, Imetwith onenamedDiscontent, who attempted topersuademe to go backwith him.His reasonwas, that the valleywasentirely without honor. He told me, moreover, that to go there woulddisplease all my relatives—such as Pride, Arrogance, Self-conceit,Worldly-glory, along with others, whom, he said, would be very muchoffendedifImadesuchafoolofmyselfastotravelthroughtheValleyofHumiliation."

CHRISTIAN:"Well,andhowdidyouanswerhim?"

FAITHFUL: "I toldhim that although all thesewhomhenamedmightclaim friendshipwithme, rightly so—for indeed theyweremy relativesaccordingtotheflesh—yetsinceIbecameaPilgrim,theyhavedisownedme—asIalsohaverejectedthem.Thereforetheywerenowtomenomorethaniftheyhadneverbeenmykinsmen.

"I told him, moreover, that he had misrepresented this valley, forhumility comes before honor. I told Discontent that I would rather gothroughthisvalleytoobtainthehonorsohighlyvaluedbythewise—thantochoosethatwhichheesteemedmoreworthy."

CHRISTIAN:"Didyoumeetwithanythingelseinthatvalley?"

FAITHFUL:"Yes,ImetwithShame;butofallthementhatImetwithinmy pilgrimage—I think that he bore the wrong name. He would havebeenmoreappropriatelynamedShameless."

CHRISTIAN:"Why,whatdidhesaytoyou?"

FAITHFUL:"What!Why,heobjectedagainstreligionitself!Hesaidthatitwasapitiful, inferior,unmanlybusiness forone tomind religion.Hesaidthatatenderconsciencewasanunmanlything—andthatforamantowatchoverhiswords andways,which themost popularpeople use,wouldmakehimtheridiculeofthetimes.Healsosaidthatonlyafewofthemighty, rich, orwise,were ever ofmy opinion—and that these fewwerefoolstoventurethelossofall,forwhoknowswhat!

"HealsoobjectedtothepooranddespisedconditionofallthePilgrimsofthepast—alongwiththeirignorance,andlackofunderstandingofallthenewscientifictheories.

"Yes, he also beratedme about a greatmanymore things than I relatehere.Hetoldmethatitwasashametositconvictedandmourningunderasermon—ortobedeeplyconcernedabouteternalrealities.Healsosaidthat itwasashametoaskmyneighborto forgivemypetty faults, or tomakerestitutionwhereIhadstolenfromany.

"He also said that religionmade aman appear odd and strange to the

great people of this world—and that Pilgrims were, for the most part,poorandlowly.Tohim,thiswasagreatshame."

CHRISTIAN:"Andwhatdidyousaytohim?"

FAITHFUL:"Say!IwassoashamedandhumiliatedthatIcouldnotsayanything at first. But at last, I began to consider, that 'What is highlyvaluedamongmen,isdetestableinGod'ssight!'Shamehadtoldmewhatis acceptable byworldlymen—but he toldme nothing aboutwhatGoddesiresandcommands.

"Ialsothoughtthatatthefinal judgment,weshallnotbedesignatedtodeathor life, according to the standardsof theworld—butaccording tothewisdomandlawofthemostHighGod.Therefore,whatGodsays isindeedthebest—thoughallmenintheworldmaydisagreewithHim.

"Seeing, then, that God prefers His divine religion, and a tenderconscience;andthatthosewhomakethemselvesfoolsforthekingdomofHeavenarethewisest;andthatthepoormanwholovesChristisricherthan the greatestman in theworldwhohatesHim—depart Shame, foryou are an enemy to my salvation! Shall I take your side, against mysovereign Lord? If I am now ashamed of His ways and servants—howthenshallIlookHimintheface,andreceiveHisblessingatHiscoming?

"Indeed, this Shamewas a bold villain! I could scarcely shake him off.Yes, he continued hauntingme andwhispering inmy ear, some of thehindranceswhichattendtruereligion.ButatlastItoldhimthatitwasinvain to attempt to further dissuade me. For those things which he sodisdained—were themost glorious inmyeyes.Soat last I gotpast thismost troublesome person. When I had finally shaken him off, then Ibegantosing:

Thetrialsthatthosemendomeetwithal,Whoareobedienttotheheavenlycall,Aremanifold,andsuitedtotheflesh,Andcome,andcome,andcomeagainafresh;Thatnow,orsometimeelse,webythemmayBetaken,overcome,andcastaway.

OletthePilgrims,letthePilgrims,then,Bevigilant,andactcourageouslikemen."

CHRISTIAN:"I amglad,mybrother, that youwithstood this villain sobravely;forasyousay,Ithinkhehasthewrongname.Forheissoboldastofollowusinthestreets,andtoattempttoputustoshamebeforeallmen.Heseekstomakeusashamedofthatwhichisgood.Ifhewerenotso audacious, hewould never attempt to do as he does. But let us stillresist him, for notwithstanding all his bravadoes, he is nothing but abrazen fool. 'Thewise shall inherithonor,' saidSolomon, 'butHeholdsfoolsuptoshame!'"

FAITHFUL: "I think we must cry to Him for help against Shame. Hewouldhaveustobevaliantforthetruthupontheearth."

CHRISTIAN: "That is true.Did youmeet anybody else in theValley ofHumiliation?"

FAITHFUL:"No,notI,forIhadsunshinealltherestofthewaythrough—andalsothroughtheValleyoftheShadowofDeath."

CHRISTIAN: "It was well for you—but it fared far otherwise withme.AlmostassoonasIenteredintotheValleyofHumiliation,IhadalonganddreadfulcombatwiththatfoulfiendApollyon!Yes,Itrulythoughthewouldhavekilledme,especiallywhenhegotmedownandpressedmeunderhim,asifhewouldhavecrushedmetopieces.Thenhethrewme,andmyswordflewoutofmyhand.Herailedthathewassureofmenow.But I cried to God, andHe heardme, and deliveredme out of all mytroubles.

"ThenIenteredintotheValleyoftheShadowofDeath,andhadnolightfor almost half the way through it. I thought I would have been killedthere,overandover—butatlastthedaybroke,andthesunarose,andIwentthroughtheremainderofthisValleywithfarmoreeaseandquiet."

TALKATIVE

Moreover,Isawinmydream,thatastheywenton,Faithfulhappenedtolookononeside,andsawamanwhosenameisTalkative,walkingatadistancebesidesthem—forinthisplace,therewasroomenoughforthemalltowalk.Hewasatallman,andsomewhatbetterlookingatadistancethannearathand.FaithfuladdressedTalkativeinthismanner.

FAITHFUL:"Friend,whereareyougoing—totheheavenlycountry?"

TALKATIVE:"Yes,Iamgoingtothatveryplace."

FAITHFUL: "That is good—and I hope we may have your goodcompany."

TALKATIVE:"Iwouldbegladtobeyourcompanion."

FAITHFUL:"Comeon,then,letustraveltogether—andletusspendourtimediscussingprofitablethings."

TALKATIVE: "To talk of good things is very acceptable tome,whetherwithyou,orwithanyothers.IamgladthatIhavemetwithyouwhoareinclinedtosuchagooduseoftime;for,totellyouthetruth,mostchoosetospeakofthingsofnoprofit—andthishasbeenadistresstome."

FAITHFUL: "That is indeed a thing to be lamented—for what is moreworthytoconverseabout,thanthethingsoftheGodofHeaven?"

TALKATIVE:"Iamverygladtojoinyou,foryouspeakwithconviction.Thereisnothingsopleasantandsoprofitable,astotalkofthethingsofGod.Forinstance,ifamandelightstotalkofthehistoryorthemysteryofthings; or if aman loves to talk ofmiracles, wonders, or signs—whereshallhefindthingsrecordedsodelightfully,andsosweetlypenned,asintheHolyScripture?"

FAITHFUL: "That is true, but to be profited by such things in ourconversationshouldbeourobjective."

TALKATIVE: "That is what I said—for to talk of such things is mostprofitable.Insodoing,amanmaygetknowledgeofmanythings—suchas of the vanity of earthly things, and the benefit of heavenly things in

general. More particularly, a man may learn the necessity of the newbirth; the insufficiencyofourworks; theneedofChrist's righteousness,andsoforth.Besidesthis,amanmaylearn,bytalk,whatitistorepent,tobelieve, topray, tosuffer,and the like.By thisalsoamanmaylearnwhatare thegreatpromisesandconsolationsof theGospel, tohis owncomfort. Further, by this, amanmay learn to refute false opinions, tovindicatethetruth,andalsotoinstructtheignorant."

FAITHFUL: "All this is true, and I am glad to hear these things fromyou."

TALKATIVE: "Alas! the lack of such talk is the cause why so fewunderstandtheneedforfaith,andthenecessityofaworkofgraceintheirsoul,inordertohaveeternallife—buttheyignorantlyliveintheworksofthelaw,bywhichamancanbynomeansobtainthekingdomofHeaven."

FAITHFUL:"But,ifImayclarify,heavenlyknowledgeofthesethingsisthegiftofGod.Nomanattainsthembyhumaneffort,oronlybytalkingaboutthem."

TALKATIVE: "All thisIknowverywell.Foramancanreceivenothing,unlessitisgivenhimfromHeaven.Allisbygrace—notbyworks.Icouldgiveyouahundredscripturesfortheconfirmationofthis."

FAITHFUL:"Well,then,whatshallwediscussnow?"

TALKATIVE: "Whatever you desire. I will talk of heavenly things—orearthly things; moral things—or evangelical things; sacred things—orsecular things;past things—orthings tocome; foreignthings—orthingsathome;essentialthings—orextraneousthings—providedthatallisdonetoourprofit."

Now Faithful began tomarvel, and stepping towards Christian—for allthistimehehadbeenwalkingbyhimself,hesoftlysaidtohim,"Whatanoble companion we have! Surely this man will make a very excellentPilgrim."

AtthisChristianmeeklysmiled,andsaid,"Thisman,withwhomyouare

soenamored,willbeguiletwentypeoplewhodonotknowhim,withthattongueofhis."

FAITHFUL:"Doyouknowhim,then?"

CHRISTIAN:"Knowhim!Yes,betterthanheknowshimself."

FAITHFUL:"Tellme—whatishe?"

CHRISTIAN: "His name is Talkative, and he dwells in our town. I amsurprised that you are a stranger to him—yet that is somewhatunderstandablebecauseourtownissolarge."

FAITHFUL:"Whosesonishe—andwheredoeshedwell?"

CHRISTIAN:"HeisthesonofSay-wellandlivedonPratingRow.Heisknownbyallwhoareacquaintedwithhim,bythenameofTalkativeonPratingRow.Notwithstandinghisfinetongue,heisbutasorryfellow."

FAITHFUL:"Well,heseemstobeaverycharmingman."

CHRISTIAN: "That he is, to those who do not have a thoroughacquaintancewithhim.Heappearsgoodatadistance—butupcloseheisquitetheopposite.Yoursayingthatheisacharmingman,bringstomymindwhat I have observed in the work of the painter, whose pictureslookbestatadistance—butverynear,theyarequiteunattractive."

FAITHFUL:"Ialmostthinkyouarenotserious,becauseyousmiled."

CHRISTIAN: "God forbid that I should jest—although I smiled in thismatter—orthatIshouldaccuseanyonefalsely!Iwill tellyousomethingmoreabouthim.Talkativeisforanycompany,andforanytalk.Justashenowtalkswithyou—sohewilltalkwhenheisatthetavern—andthemoredrinkhehas inhishead,themoretalkhehas inhismouth. Truereligionhasnoplace inhisheart, orhouse,or conduct.Allhis boastedreligionliesmerelyinhistongue."

FAITHFUL:"ThenIhavebeengreatlydeceivedbythisman."

CHRISTIAN: "Deceived!Youmaybesureof it.Remembertheproverb,'Theysay—buttheydonotdo.'ForthekingdomofGodisnotinword—butinpower.Hetalksofprayer,ofrepentance,of faith,andof thenewbirth—butheonlyknowshowtotalkofthem.Ihavebeeninhisfamily,andhaveobservedhimbothathomeandabroad—andIknowwhatIsayabouthimisthetruth.

"Hishouseisasemptyofreligion,asthewhiteofaneggisofflavor.Athishome,thereisneitherprayer,norrepentanceforsin—eventhebruteanimalsserveGodfarbetterthanhe.Toallwhoknowhim,heistheverystain, reproach, and shame of religion! Because of him, God's name isblasphemedat that endof townwherehedwells.Thus thepeoplewhoknowhim say, 'A saint abroad—anda devil at home!'His poor familyfindsitso,asheissuchanogre.Heissounreasonablewithhisservantsandscoldsthemso—thattheyneitherknowwhattodoforhim,orhowtospeaktohim.

"Menwhohaveanybusinesswithhim,say that it isbetter todealwithinfidels than with him—for then they would have fairer dealings. ForTalkativewouldgobeyondthemtodefraud,beguileandcheatthem.

"Healsobringsuphissonstofollowhissteps;andifhefinds inanyofthema foolishtimidity—for sohe calls the first appearanceof a tenderconscience—then he calls them fools and blockheads, and will neitheremploythem,norrecommendthemtoothers.Formypart, Iamof theopinionthathehas,byhiswickedlife,causedmanytostumbleandfall;andwillbe,ifGoddoesnotpreventit,theruinofmanymore."

FAITHFUL: "Well, my brother, I am bound to believe you; not onlybecause you say that youknowhim—but alsobecause, like aChristian,yougivehonestreportsofmen.ForIknowthatyoudonotspeakthesethingsoutofill-will—butbecauseitisthetruth."

CHRISTIAN: "Had I known him no more than you do—I might havethoughtofhimasyoudidatfirst.Yes,hadTalkativereceivedthisreportfrom the enemies of true religion, I would have thought that it was aslander—which often falls from wicked men's lips upon good men'snamesandprofessions.Butallthesethings,yes,alongwithagreatmany

more that I know of, which are just as bad, I can prove him guilty of.Besides, godly men are ashamed of him—they can neither call himbrother, nor friend. The very naming of him among themmakes themblush,iftheyknowhim."

FAITHFUL:"Well,Iseethatsayinganddoingaretwodifferentthings,andhereafterIshallbetterobservethisdistinction."

CHRISTIAN:"Theyaretwodifferentthingsindeed,andareasdiverseasthe soul and the body are—for the bodywithout the soul is but adeadcarcass. The soul of religion is the practical part: 'Religion that Godacceptsaspureandfaultlessisthis—tolookafterorphansandwidowsintheir distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.'Talkativeisnotawareofthis—hethinksthatmerelyhearingandsayingwillmakeagoodChristian,andthushedeceiveshisownsoul.Hearingisbutasthesowingoftheseed.Talkingisnotsufficienttoprovethatfruitisindeedintheheartandlife.Wearesurethatatthelastday,menshallbe judged according to their fruits. It will not be said then, 'Did youbelieve?' But, 'Were you doers—or talkers only?' All shall be judgedaccordingly.Theendof theworld iscompared toourharvest—and youknowmen at harvestwant nothing but fruit. Not that anything can beacceptedbyGodwhichisnotdoneinfaith—butIonlydesiretoshowyouhowinsignificanttheprofessionofTalkativewillbeatthatday."

FAITHFUL:"ThisbringstomymindthatchapterofMoses,bywhichhedescribesthecleananimalsforeating.Theyaresuchaspartthehoofandchewthecud—notwhichpartthehoofonly,orwhichchewthecudonly.Therabbitchewsthecud—butyetisunclean,becauseitdoesnotpartthehoof. And this truly resembles Talkative; he chews the cud—that is, heseeks knowledge, he chews upon theWord.But he does not divide thehoof—that is, he doesnot partwith theway of sinners.He is thereforeunclean."

CHRISTIAN:"ForallthatIknow,youhavespokenthetrueGospelsenseofthosetexts.AndIwilladdanotherthing:Paulcallssomemen,yes,andthose great talkers too, 'soundingbrass and tinkling cymbals.' They are'things without life, giving sound.' Things without life, that is—withoutthetruefaithandgraceoftheGospel.Consequently,theyarethosewho

shallneverbeplacedinthekingdomofHeavenamongthosewhoarethechildrenoflife—thoughtheirtalkis,asifitwere,thetongueorvoiceofanangel."

FAITHFUL: "Well, Iwasnot so fondofhis companyat first—but I amsickofitnow!Whatshallwedotogetridofhim?"

CHRISTIAN: "Takemy advice, and do as I tell you, and you shall findthat hewill soon be sick of your company too—unlessGod touches hisheart,andconvertsit."

FAITHFUL:"Whatwouldyouhavemetodo?"

CHRISTIAN: "Why, go to him, and enter into some serious discourseaboutthepowerofreligion.Thenaskhimplainly(whenhehasapprovedofit,forthathewill)whetherthepowerofreligionissetupinhisheart,house,andconduct?"

Then Faithful stepped forward again, and said to Talkative, "How is itwithyou?"

TALKATIVE:"Verywell,thankyou.Ithoughtwewouldhavehadagreatdealoftalkbythistime."

FAITHFUL:"Well,ifyoudesire,weshallbeginnow.Sinceyouleftitwithmetostatethequestion,letitbethis:HowdoesthesavinggraceofGodrevealitself,whenitisintheheartofaman?"

TALKATIVE:"Iperceivethen,thatourtalkmustbeaboutthepowerofthings.Well, it isaverygoodquestion,andIshallbewilling toansweryou.First,wherethegraceofGodisatworkintheheart,itcausesthereagreatoutcryagainstsin.Secondly..."

FAITHFUL:"Waitamoment—letusconsideronethingatatime.Ithinkyoushouldrathersay:Savinggracerevealsitselfbyincliningthesoultoabhoritssin."

TALKATIVE: "Why,whatdifference is therebetweencryingoutagainstsin—andabhorringofsin?"

FAITHFUL: "O! a great deal. A man may cry out against sin out ofprinciple—buthecanonlyabhorsinbyvirtueofaholyantipathyagainstit. I have heard many cry out against sin in the pulpit—who yet cantolerateitwellenoughintheheart,house,andconduct.Joseph'smistresscried out with a loud voice, as if she had been very holy—but,notwithstandingthat,shewouldhavewillinglycommittedadulterywithhim.Somecryoutagainstsin,evenas themothercriesoutagainstherchildinherlap,whenshecallsitanaughtygirl—andthenbeginshuggingandkissingit."

TALKATIVE:"Iperceivethatyouaretryingtotrapmeinmywords."

FAITHFUL: "No, not I! I amonly trying to be precise.Butwhat is thesecondsignwherebyyouwouldproveaworkofgraceintheheart?"

TALKATIVE:"GreatknowledgeofGospelmysteries."

FAITHFUL:"Thissignshouldhavebeenfirst—butfirstorlast, it isalsofalse.Forknowledge,greatknowledgeofthemysteriesoftheGospelmaybeobtained—andyet therebenoworkofgrace in the soul.Yes, amanmayhaveallknowledge—andyetbenothing,andconsequentlynotbeachildofGod.

"WhenChristsaid,'Doyouknowallthesethings?'andthediscipleshadanswered, 'Yes'—Headds, 'Blessedareyouifyoudothem.'Hedoesnotlay theblessing in theknowingof them—but in thedoingof them.Forthere is a head knowledgewhich is not attendedwith a correspondingpractice: 'Hewhoknowshismaster'swill, anddoesnot carryout thoseinstructions,willbeseverelypunished!'Amanmayhavetheknowledgeofanangel—andyetnotbeaChristian.Thereforeyour signof it isnottrue.

"Indeed,toknowisathingthatpleasestalkersandboasters;buttodoisthat which pleases God. Not that the heart can be good withoutknowledge; forwithout knowledge, the heart knowsnothing. There aretwoverydistinctkindsofknowledge.Thereisaknowledgewhichrestsinthe bare speculation of things—and there is a knowledge which isaccompaniedwith the gracesof faith and love;whichputs amanupon

obeying thewill ofGod from theheart.The firstof thesewill serve themere talker—but the true Christian is not content without obedience.'Givemeunderstanding—andIshallkeepYourlaw.Yes,Ishallobserveitwithmywholeheart!'"

TALKATIVE: "Youaretryingtotrapmeinmywordsagain!This isnotpleasingconversation."

FAITHFUL: "Well, if you please, propound another sign which showshowthisworkofgracerevealsitselfintheheart."

TALKATIVE:"NotI,forIseethatweshallnotagree."

FAITHFUL:"Well,ifyouwillnot,willyougivemepermissiontodoit?"

TALKATIVE:"Youmayifyoudesire."

FAITHFUL:"Aworkofgraceinthesoulreveals itself,bothtohimwhohasit—andtoothers.Tohimwhohasit,thus:Itgiveshimconvictionofsin,especiallyofthedefilementofhisnatureandthesinofunbelief—forthesakeofwhichhe issure tobedamned, ifhedoesnot findmercyatGod'shand,byfaithinJesusChrist.Thissightandsenseofsin,worksinhimsorrowandshameforsin.Hefinds,moreover,thatJesusisrevealedastheSavioroftheworld—andtheabsolutenecessityofbelievinginHimfor eternal life, whereby he hungers and thirsts after Him; to whichhungeringsandthirstings,thepromiseofsalvationismade.

"Now,accordingtothestrengthorweaknessofhisfaithinhisSavior—soishisjoyandpeace—soishislovetoholiness—soarehisdesirestoknowHimmore,andtoserveHiminthisworld.

"Butthoughitrevealsitselfthusuntohim—yetitisbutseldomthatheisable to conclude that this is a true work of grace. For his corruptions,along with his sin-tainted reason, cause his mind to misjudge in thismatter. Therefore, a very sound judgment in him who has this divinework, is required before he can, with certainty, conclude that he has agenuineworkofgraceinhisheart.

"Nowtoothers,thisworkofgraceisthusmanifested:

"First,byaheart-feltconfessionofhisfaithinChrist.

"Secondly, by a life consistent with that confession. Namely, a life ofholiness—heart-holiness, family-holiness—if he has a family, and byconduct-holiness in the world. This work of grace in his heart teacheshim,inwardly,toabhorhissin,andhimselfforhissin,insecret.Italsoteaches him outwardly to suppress sin in his family, and to promoteholinessintheworld—notbytalkonly,asahypocriteortalkativepersonmaydo—butbyapracticalobedience, in faithand love, to theWordofGod.

"Andnow,Sir,astothisbriefdescriptionoftheworkofgrace,andalsothemanifestationofit,ifyouhaveanythingtoobject—thenobject.Butifnot,thengivemepermissiontoproposeasecondquestiontoyou."

TALKATIVE: "My part is not now to object—but to hear. Let me,therefore,haveyoursecondquestion."

FAITHFUL: "It is this: Do you experience this first part of thisdescriptionofasavingworkofgrace?Thatis,doesyourlifeandconducttestifytothesame?Orisyourreligiononlyinwordandtongue—butnotindeedandtruth?Please,ifyoudecidetoanswerme—thensaynomorethanyouknowthatGodwillacknowledgeastrue.Also,saynothingbutwhatyourconsciencewill justifyyouin—forit isnothewhocommendshimselfwhoisapproved—buthewhomtheLordcommends.Besides,tosay that you aresuch and such—when your daily conduct, and all yourneighborscantellthatyouarelying,isgreatwickedness."

Talkative thenbegan to blush; but, recoveringhimself, he thus replied:"Youarenowdiscoursinguponaperson'sexperienceandconscience,andappealingtoGodforjustificationofwhatisspoken.Iwasnotexpectingthis kind of discourse—nor am I disposed to answer such questions,becauseIamnotobligatedtodoso—unlessyouhaveappointedyourselftobemyteacher.Andevenifyoushoulddoso—Irefusetomakeyoumyjudge.But,please,tellmewhyyouaskmesuchquestions?"

FAITHFUL:"BecauseIsawthatyouweresoeagertotalk,andbecauseI

didnotknowifyouhadanythingbutmerenotions.Besides, to tell youthetruth,Ihaveheardofyou—thatyouareamanwhosereligionliesonlyintalk,andthatyourconductgivesyourprofessionthelie.Theysaythatyou are a blemish among Christians; and that religion fares the worsebecause of your ungodly conduct; that some already have stumbledbecause of your wicked ways, and that more are in danger of beingdestroyed thereby. Your religion—and an ale-house, and covetousness,and impurity, and swearing, and lying, and vain company keeping—alljoininyourconduct.Theproverbistruewhichissaidofaharlot,namely,that she is a shame to all women—just so, you are a shame to allprofessors."

TALKATIVE:"Sinceyouaresoreadytobelieveanyreport,andtojudgesorashlyasyoudo—Icannotbutconcludethatyouaresomepeevishorcriticalman,notfittobediscoursedwith.SoIbidyoufarewell."

ThenChristian came and said to his brother Faithful, "I told youwhatwould happen—your words and his lusts would not agree! He wouldratherleaveyourcompany,thanreformhislife.Butheisgone—lethimgo, the loss is no man's but his own. He has saved us the trouble ofleavinghim—forifhehadcontinuedwithus,hewouldhaveonlybeenareproach inour company;besides, the apostle says, 'Withdrawyourselffromsuchpeople.'"

FAITHFUL:"ButIamgladthatwehadthislittlediscoursewithhim—asperhapshewillthinkofitagain.However,Ihavedealtplainlywithhim,andsoIamclearofhisbloodifheperishes."

CHRISTIAN:"Youdidwelltotalksoplainlytohim.Thereisverylittleofthis faithful dealing with men now-a-days—and that makes religion astenchinthenostrilsofmany.Forthesetalkativefoolswhosereligionisonly in word, and are debauched and vain in their conduct, (beingadmittedintothefellowshipofthegodly)—onlypuzzletheworld,blemishChristianity, and grieve the sincere believer. I wish that allmenwoulddeal with such hypocrites as you have done; then they would eitherbecomesincerebelievers—orthecompanyofsaintswouldbetoohotforthemtoremainin.

ThenFaithfulsaid,

"HowTalkativeatfirstliftsuphisplumes!Howbravelydoeshespeak!HowhepresumesTodrivedownallbeforehim!ButsosoonAsFaithfultalksofheart-work,likethemoonThat'spastthefull,intothewanehegoes.Andsowillall—buthewhoheart-workknows."

Thus theywenton talkingofwhat theyhad seenalong theway—whichmadetheirtediousjourneyeasier,fornowtheyweretravelingthroughawilderness.

Whentheywerealmostoutofthiswilderness,Faithfulhappenedtolookback,andspottedsomeoneheknewcomingafterthem.

"Oh!"saidFaithfultohisbrother,"Someoneiscoming!"

ThenChristianlooked,andsaid:"ItismygoodfriendEvangelist!"

"Yes,andmygoodfriend,also."saidFaithful,"Foritwashewhoshowedmethewaytothegate."

NowEvangelist caughtup to them,andgreeted themsaying: "Peacebewith you, dearly beloved—and peace be with those who were yourhelpers."

CHRISTIAN:"Welcome,welcome,mygoodfriend!Thesightofyourfacebringsyourpastkindnessandunweariedlaboringformyeternalgood,tomyremembrance."

FAITHFUL: "And a thousand times welcome! Your company, O sweetEvangelist—howdesirableitistouspoorPilgrims!"

EVANGELIST:"Howhasitfaredwithyou,myfriends,sincethetimeofourlastparting?Whathaveyoumetwith,andhowhaveyouconductedyourselves?"

Then Christian and Faithful told him of all the things which hadhappened to them along the way—and what difficulties they had metwith.

EVANGELIST: "Howglad Iam—not thatyouhavemetwith trials—butthat you have been victors; and that in spite ofmanyweaknesses, youhavecontinuedinthenarrowwayeventothisveryday.

"Iamgladboth formyownsakeand foryours. Ihavesowed—andyouhavereaped.Theday iscoming,whenboththosewhosowedandthosewho reaped shall rejoice together. That is, if you persevere—for in dueseasonyoushallreap—ifyoudonotgrowweary.Thecrownisbeforeyou,anditisanincorruptibleone.Sorun,thatyoumayobtainit.

"There are somewho have set out for this crown, and, after they havegone far for it—havehad it taken fromthem.Hold fast, therefore,whatyouhave—letnoman takeyourcrown!Youarenotyetoutof thegun-shotreachofthedevil.Youhavenotresisteduntoblood,strivingagainstsin.Let thekingdombealwaysbeforeyoureyes.Steadfastlybelievethethingswhicharenotseen;forthethingswhichareseenaretemporal,butthe things which are not seen are eternal. Let nothing in this worldcapture your highest affections.Above all, pay attention to your fleshlydesires, and your hearts—for they are deceitful above all things, anddesperately wicked! Be steadfast—you have all power in Heaven andearthonyourside."

ThenChristianthankedhimforhisexhortation,andaskedthathewouldspeakfurthertothemfortheirhelptherestoftheway.Theyknewthathewas a prophet, and could tell them of things that might happen untothem,andalsohowtheymightresistandovercomethem.

SoEvangelistbeganasfollows:"Mysons,youhaveheardinthetruthsofthe Gospel, that you must, through many tribulations, enter into thekingdomofHeaven—andagain, that in every city bonds and afflictionsawaityou.Thereforeyoucannotexpectthatyoushouldgolongonyourpilgrimage without them, in some sort or other. You have foundsomething of the truth of these testimonies already—and more will

immediatelyfollow.

"For now you are almost out of thiswilderness, and therefore you willsooncometoatownwhichyouwillshortlyseeaheadofyou.Inthattownyou will be grievously assaulted by enemies, who will make greatattempts to kill you. Be sure that one or both of you must seal thetestimonywhichyouhold,withyourblood.Be faithfuluntodeath, andtheKingwillgiveyouacrownof life!Theonewhodiesthere,althoughhis deathwill be violent, and his pain perhaps great—will be better offthanthe other. For hewill arrive at theCelestial City the soonest—andbecausehewillescapemanymiseriesthattheotherwillmeetwithalongtherest of his journey. Butwhen you have come to the town, and findwhatIhave toldyou fulfilled—thenrememberwhat Ihavesaid,andbemen of courage, committing yourselves to your faithful Creator, whilecontinuingtodowhatisright."

VANITYFAIR

Then I saw inmydream, thatwhenChristian andFaithfulhad left thewilderness, theysoonsawa townaheadof themnamedVanity.At thattown there is a fair calledVanity Fair, and it is kept open all the yearlong.ItbearsthenameofVanityFair,becausethetownwhereitisheldislighterthanvanity—andalsobecauseallthatissoldthereisvanity.Asisthesayingofthewise,"Vanityofvanities!Allisvanity!"

Thisfairisnonewly-erectedbusiness—butathingofancientstanding.Iwill show you its origin: Almost five thousand years ago, there werePilgrimsjourneyingtotheCelestialCitysuchasthesetwohonestpeople.Beelzebub,Apollyon,andLegion,alongwiththeircompanions,perceivedby the path which the Pilgrims made, that their way to the City laythroughthistownofVanity.Theythereforecontrivedtosetupafairhereinwhichallsortsofvanityshouldbesold,andthatitshouldlastalltheyearlong.

Thereforeallkindsofmerchandisearesoldatthisfair—suchashouses,lands, trades, places, honors, preferments, titles, countries, kingdoms,lusts, pleasures; and delights of all sorts—such as harlots, wives,husbands, children,masters, servants, lives,blood,bodies, souls, silver,

gold, pearls, precious stones, and what not. Moreover, at this fair arealwaystobeseenjuggling,cheats,games,plays,fools,fakes,knaves,androgues,andthatofeverykind.Herearetobeseenalso,andwithoutcost—thefts,murders,adulteriesandliars!

As inother fairsof less significance, thereare several rowsand streets,under their proper names, where such and such wares are vended. Sohere likewise you have the proper places—namely, countries andkingdoms,where thewaresof this fairare soonest tobe found.Here istheBritainRow,theFrenchRow,theItalianRow,theSpanishRow,theGermanRow—where several sorts of vanities are sold. But, as in otherfairs,someparticularcommodityisthechiefofallthefair.SothewaresofRomeandhermerchandisearegreatlypromotedinthisfair—onlyourEnglishnation,withsomeothers,havetakenadislikethereat.

Now,asIsaid,thewaytotheCelestialCityliesdirectlythroughthistownwherethislustyfairiskept.HewhowillgototheCelestialCity—andyetnotgothroughthistown,mustneedtogooutoftheworld.TheKingofkingsHimself,whenhere,wentthroughthistowntoHisowncountry—andthatuponafairdayaswell!Yes,anditwasBeelzebub,thechieflordof this fair,who invitedHim tobuyofhis vanities. Yes, hewouldhavemadeHimlordofthefair—wouldHehavebutboweddowntoBeelzebub.

Yes,becauseHewassuchapersonofhonor,BeelzebubtookHim fromstreettostreet,andshowedHimallthekingdomsoftheworldinashorttime—thathemight, ifpossible,alluretheBlessedOnetoyieldandbuysome of his vanities. But He had no desire for this merchandise, andtherefore left the town without spending so much as one penny uponthese vanities. This fair, therefore, is of ancient standing, and veryrenowned.

Now these Pilgrims, as I said, had to go through this fair—and so theydid.Andbehold,astheyenteredthefair—allthepeopleinthefairwereperplexed, and the town itself was in a hubbub—and that for severalreasons:

First,ThePilgrimswereclotheddifferently fromanywhotradedinthatfair.Thepeopleofthefair,therefore,staredatthem.Somesaidtheywere

fools—somesaidthattheywerederanged—andsomesaidthattheywereeccentricmen.

Secondly, just as theywonderedat their apparel—so they likewisewerebewilderedattheirspeech—forfewcouldunderstandwhattheysaid.ThePilgrimsnaturallyspokethelanguageofCanaan—butthosewhokeptthefairweremenofthisworld;sothat,fromoneendofthefairtotheother,theyseemedtobebarbarianstoeachother.

Thirdly, that which greatly disturbed the peddlers, was that thesePilgrimsdidnotvaluetheirwares.Theydidnotdesiresomuchastolookuponthem.IfthePilgrimswerecalledupontobuytheirmerchandise—theywouldput their fingers in their ears, andcry, "Turnawaymyeyesfrombeholdingvanity!"and lookupwards—signifying that theirdesiresandconcernswereinHeaven.

Beholding the behavior of the two men—one mockingly asked them,"What,then,willyoubuy?"

Butthey,lookingsolemnlyuponhim,answered,"Webuythetruth!"

Atthat, themenofthefairtookoccasiontodespisethePilgrimsall themore—somemocking,sometaunting,somespeakingreproachfully,andsomecallinguponotherstosmitethem.Atlastthingscametoahubbubandagreatstirinthefair,insomuchthateverythingwasindisorder.Sowordwassoonbrought to the lordof the fair,whoquicklycame down,anddelegatedsomeofhismosttrustyfriendstotakethesePilgrims,whohadsodisturbedthefair,intocustody.

So the Pilgrims were brought to examination—and those whointerrogated themasked them fromwhence they came,andwhere theyweregoing,andwhytheyweredressedinsuchanunusualgarb?

The two men explained that they were Pilgrims and strangers in theworld, and that they were going to their own country, which was theheavenly Jerusalem. They stated that they had given no reason to themenofthetown,nortothepeddlers,thustoabusethem,orhinderthemintheir journey—unless itwas,when one asked themwhat theywould

buy—andtheysaidthattheywouldbuythetruth.

But thosewhowere appointed to examine the Pilgrims did not believethemtobeanythingotherthanderangedandmad—orelsethattheyhadonlycometocausetroubleatthefair.

Thereforetheytookthemandbeatthem,andbesmearedthemwithdirt,andthenputthemintoacage—thattheymightbemadeaspectacletoallthemenofthefair.Therefore,thePilgrimslayinthecageforsometime,andweremadetheobjectsofeveryman'sridiculeormalice—thelordofthefairlaughingatallthatbefellthem.

ButthePilgrims,beingpatient,andnotansweringinsultfor insult—butratherablessing;andreturninggoodwordsforreproaches,andkindnessfor injuriesdone—somemeninthe fairwhoweremorediscerning, andlessprejudicedthantherest—begantorestrainandblametheexaminersfortheircontinualabusestothePilgrims.

They, therefore, in angry manner, railed at those who defended thePilgrims, counting them as bad as the men in the cage. They accusedthemofbeingtraitors,andsaidthattheyshouldbemadepartakersofthePilgrim'spunishments.

ThosewhodefendedthePilgrims,repliedthatforanythingtheycouldsee—the Pilgrimswere quiet and sober-minded, and intended nobody anyharm.Theyalsosaidthatthereweremanywhotradedintheirfair,whoweremoresuitabletobeputintothecage—yes,andthestocksalso—thanwere themen that theyhadabused.Thus, after various arguments hadpassedonbothsides—thePilgrimsallthewhilebehavingthemselvesverywisely and soberly before them—the men fell to fighting amongthemselves,andharmingoneanother.

ThenthesetwopoorPilgrimswerebroughtbeforetheirexaminersagain,andchargedwithbeingguiltyofthehubbubthathadbeeninthefair.Sothey beat themmercilessly, put them in chains, and led them up anddownthefair,foranexampleandaterrortoothers,lestanyshouldspeakontheirbehalf,orjointhemselvesuntothem.

ButChristianandFaithfulbehaved stillmorewisely.They received thedisgraceandshamewhichwascastuponthem,withsomuchmeeknessandpatience—thatitwonseveralofthemenofthefairtotheirside.

Thisputthepersecutingpartyintoyetagreaterrage—insomuchthattheysought the death of the two Pilgrims. Therefore they threatened thatneitherthecagenorthechainsweresufficientpunishment—butthattheyshoulddiefortheharmtheyhaddone,andfordeludingthemenofthefair.

ThenthePilgrimswerethrownintotheircageagain,untilfurtheractionwouldbetakenwiththem.Sotheyputthemin,andfastenedtheirfeetinthestocks.

Here they remembered what they had heard from their faithful friendEvangelist—andwere thenceencouraged in theirwayandsufferings,bywhat he told them would happen to them. They also comforted eachother, that he whose lot it was to suffer would have the advantage.Therefore each man secretly wished that he might have the honor ofsuffering.Withmuchcontentment,theycommittedthemselvestotheall-wisedisposalofHimwhorulesallthings,untiltheyshouldbeotherwisedisposedof.

Then at an appointed time, they were brought forth to their trial, andhencetotheircondemnation.Theywerebroughtbeforetheirenemiestobearraigned.TheJudge'snamewasLordHate-good. Their indictmentwasoneandthesameinsubstance,thoughsomewhatvaryinginform—the contents whereof were this: "That they were enemies to, anddisturbers of the trade of the city; that they hadmade disruptions anddivisions in the town; and had won some over to their own mostdangerousopinions,incontemptofthelawoftheirprince."

ThenFaithfulresponded:"Ihaveonlysetmyselfagainstthatwhichhasset itself against Him who is higher than the highest. And, as for anydisturbance—Imadenone,beingmyselfamanofpeace.Thosewhowerewon over to our sentiments, were won by beholding our truth andinnocence.Theyhaveonlyturnedfromtheworse,tothebetter.Andastothekingyoutalkof,sinceheisBeelzebub,theenemyofourLord,Idefy

himandallhisminions!"

Thenaproclamationwasmade, that thosewhohadanythingto say fortheirlordthekingagainsttheprisoneratthebar,shouldnowappearandpresent their evidence. So three witnesses came in, namely—Envy,Superstition, and Pickthank. They were then asked if they knew theprisoner at the bar—and what they had to say for their lord the kingagainsthim.

SoEnvy came forth and said: "My lord, I have known thisman a longtime,andwillattestuponmyoathbeforethishonorablebench,thatheis..."

LordHate-goodinterrupted:"Wait!Givehimhisoath."

So they swore him in, and Envy continued: "My lord, this man,notwithstanding his plausible name, is one of the vilest men in ourcountry!Heneitherregardsprincenorpeople,lawnorcustom—butdoesall thathe can to influenceotherswith certainofhisdisloyalnotions—whichhecallsprinciplesoffaithandholiness.And,inparticular,ImyselfheardhimonceaffirmthatChristianityandthecustomsofour townofVanity, were diametrically opposite, and could not be reconciled. Bysayingthis,mylord,heatoncecondemnsbothallourlaudabledoings—andusinthedoingofthem."

Then the Judge, LordHate-good, said to him, "Have you anymore tosay?"

ENVY:"Mylord,Icouldsaymuchmore—butthiswouldbetedioustothecourt. Yet, if needbe,when the other gentlemenhave given forth theirevidence, if anything shallbe lackingwhichwould condemnFaithful—Iwillthenenlargemytestimonyagainsthim."

SoEnvywas told to standby.Then theycalledSuperstition, andaskedhimwhathecouldsayfortheirlordthekingagainstFaithful.Thentheysworehimin—andsohebegan.

SUPERSTITION:"Mylord,Ihavenogreatacquaintancewiththisman,

nor do I desire to have any further knowledge of him!However, this IknowfromadiscoursewhichIhadwithhimtheotherday—thatheisaverypestilentfellow!Hesaidthatourreligionwasworthless,andcouldbynomeanspleaseGod—andthereforeweworshipinvain,areyetinoursins,andshallfinallybedamned!"

ThenPickthankwasswornin,andorderedtosaywhatheknewonbehalfoftheirlordtheking,againsttheprisoneratthebar.

PICKTHANK:"Mylord,andallyougentlemen.Ihaveknownthisfellowfor a long time, and have heard him speak things that ought not to bespoken! He has railed against our noble prince Beelzebub, and hasspoken contemptibly of his honorable friends—Lord Old Man, LordCarnal Delight, Lord Luxurious, Lord Desire of Vain Glory, old LordLechery,SirHavingGreedy—alongwithalltherestofournobility!

"He has said, moreover, that if all men were of his mind, that thesenoblemenwouldallberunoutoftown.Hehasalsonotbeenafraidtorailat you,my lord, who is now appointed to be his judge—calling you anungodlyvillain,alongwithmanyother suchvilifying terms,withwhichhehasbespatteredmostofthearistocracyofourtown!"

WhenPickthankhad toldhis tale, the Judgedirectedhis speech to theprisoneratthebar,saying,"Yourenegade,heretic,andtraitor!Haveyouheardwhatthesehonestgentlemenhavewitnessedagainstyou?"

FAITHFUL:"MayIspeakafewwordsinmyowndefense?"

LORDHATE-GOOD:"Youscoundrel!Youdonotdeservetolive—buttobeslain immediately rightwhereyouare standing!Yet, so thatallmenmay see our gentleness towards you—let us hear what you, vile rebel,havetosay."

FAITHFUL:"First.IsayinanswertowhatMr.Envyhasspoken—thatIneversaidanythingbutthis:Thatwhateverrules,orlaws,orcustoms,orpeople,whicharecontrarytotheWordofGod,arediametricallyoppositetoChristianity.IfIhavesaidanythingamissinthis—thenconvincemeofmyerror,andIwillmakemyrecantationbeforeyou.

"Secondly, toanswerMr.Superstitionandhischargeagainstme,Isaidonlythis:ThatadivinefaithisrequiredintheworshipofGod,andtherecan be no divine faith without a Divine revelation of the will of God.Therefore, whatever is thrust into the worship of God which does notagreewithDivinerevelation—isnothingbutman'svainreligion,andwillneverleadtoeternallife.

"Thirdly,inanswertowhatMr.Pickthankhascharged—Ididsaythattheprinceofthistown,withallhisrabblementandattendants,aremorefitforbeing inHell, than in this townandcountry!Andso,may theLordhavemercyuponme!"

ThenJudgeHate-goodcalled to the jury,whoall thiswhile stoodby tohearandobserve:"Gentlemenofthejury,youseethismanaboutwhomsogreatanuproarhasbeenmadeinthistown.Youhavealsoheardwhattheseworthygentlemenhavewitnessedagainsthim,andhaveheardhisreply and confession. It lies now in your power to either hang him, orsavehislife.Yetfirst,Ithinkitnecessarytoinstructyouconcerningourlaw.

"TherewasanActmadeinthedaysofPharaohtheGreat,servantofourprince,thatlestthoseofacontraryreligionshouldmultiplyandgrowtoostrongforhim—theirmalesshouldbethrownintotheriver.

"TherewasalsoanActmade in thedaysofNebuchadnezzartheGreat,anotherofourprince'sservants—thatwhoeverwouldnot falldownandworshiphisgoldenimage,shouldbethrownintoafieryfurnace.

"TherewasalsoanActmadeinthedaysofDarius, thatwhoevercalleduponanygodbuthim,shouldbecastintothelions'den.

"Nowthisrebelhere,hasbrokenthesubstanceofallof these laws—notonlyinthought(whichisnottobetolerated)butalsoinwordanddeed—whichisabsolutelyintolerable!

"ForPharaoh's lawwasmadeuponasupposition,topreventmischief—nocrimebeingyetapparent.Yethereisanobviouscrime.AndasforthelawsofNebuchadnezzarandDarius—youplainlyseethatFaithfulopenly

disputesagainstourreligion!Forthetreasonwhichhehasconfessed,hedeservestodie!"

Thenthejurywentout—theirnameswere,Mr.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, andMr. Implacable.Each of the jury gave their verdict against Faithful—and unanimouslyconcludedtochargehimasguiltybeforeLordHate-good.

First,Mr.Blind-man,theforeman,exclaimed,"Iseeclearlythatthismanisaheretic!"

ThenMr.No-goodadded,"Awaywithsuchafellowfromtheearth!"

"Absolutely!"saidMr.Malice,"ForIhatetheverylooksofhim!"

ThenMr.Love-lustremarked,"Icouldneverstomachhim!"

"Neither could I!" added Mr. Live-loose, "For he would always becondemningmyway!"

"Hanghim,hanghim!"Mr.Headydemanded.

"Heisasorrybasefellow!"exclaimedMr.High-mind.

"Myheartrevoltsagainsthim!"sniveledMr.Enmity.

"Heisarogue!"Mr.Liardeclared.

"Hangingistoogoodforhim!"snarledMr.Cruelty.

"Letusdispatchhimoutoftheway!"snappedMr.Hate-light.

ThenMr.Implacableexclaimed,"Iwouldnotbereconciledtohimforalltheworld! Therefore, let us immediately charge him to bedeserving ofdeath!"

And so they did. Therefore Faithful was condemned at once. He wastakenfromthecourt,andbacktohiscage—andfromthere,hewastobe

puttothemostcrueldeaththatcouldbeinvented.

Theythenbroughthimout, topunishhimaccordingto their law.First,they scourged him, then they buffeted him, then they lanced his fleshwith knives! After that, they stoned himwith stones, then pierced himwiththeirswords.Lastofall,theyburnedhimtoashesatthestake!ThusFaithfulcametohisend.

Now I saw that behind themultitude, there was a chariot with horseswaitingforFaithful,who,assoonashisadversarieshadmurderedhim—wastakenupintoit.Hewasimmediatelycarriedupthroughtheclouds,withthesoundofthetrumpet,tothenearestwaytotheCelestialGate.

But as for Christian, he had some reprieve, and was sent back to theprison—andremainedthereforatime.

Then He who overrules all things, having power over the rage of Hisenemies in His own hand—so brought it about that Christian escapedfromthem,andwentonhisway.Ashewent,hesang,

"Well,Faithful,youhavefaithfullyprofessed,UntoyourLord,withWhomyoushallbeblessed,Whenfaithlessones,withalltheirvaindelights,ArecryingoutundertheirHellishplights,Sing,Faithful,sing—andletyournamesurvive;For,thoughtheykilledyou—youareyetalive!"

NowIsaw inmydream, thatChristiandidnot journeyalone, fortherewas one named Hopeful (being made so by beholding Christian andFaithfulintheirwords,behaviorsandsufferingsattheFair),whojoinedwithhim.Enteringintoabrotherlycovenant,HopefultoldChristianthathewouldbehiscompanion.HealsotoldChristianthatthereweremanymorefromVanityFair,whowouldbefollowingafterthem.

Thus,onediedtobeartestimonytothetruth—whileanotherrisesoutofhisashes,tobeacompanionwithChristianinhispilgrimage.

MR.BY-ENDS

SoIsawthatquicklyaftertheylefttheFair,theyovertookonewhowasahead of them, whose name was By-ends. They said to him, "Whatcountryareyoufrom,Sir—andhowfardoyouintendtogothisway?"

He told them, that he came from the town ofFair-speech, and hewasgoingtotheCelestialCity—but,hedidnottellthemhisname.

"From Fair-speech!" Christian exclaimed. "Are there any godly peoplelivingthere?"

"Yes,"saidBy-ends,"Icertainlyhopeso!"

"Please,Sir—whatmayIcallyou?"Christiansaid.

BY-ENDS:"Iamastrangertoyou—andyoutome.Ifyouaregoingthisway—Ishallbegladtohaveyourcompany;butifnot,Imustbecontenttotravelalone."

"This town of Fair-speech," Christian said, "I have heard of. As Iremember,theysaythatitisawealthyplace."

BY-ENDS: "Yes, Iwill assure you that it is—and Ihavemany very richkindredthere!"

CHRISTIAN:"Whoareyourkindredthere—ifImaybesoboldtoask."

BY-ENDS: "Almost thewhole town!Inparticular,myLordTurn-about,myLordTime-server,myLordFair-speech—fromwhoseancestors thattown first took itsname—alsoMr.Smooth-man,Mr.Facing-both-ways,andMr. Any-thing. The parson of our parish,Mr. Two-tongues, ismymother'sownbrother!Totellyouthetruth,Ihavebecomeagentlemanofgoodquality.Mygreatgrandfatherwasbutawaterman—lookingoneway and rowing another; and I got most of my estate by the sameoccupation."

CHRISTIAN:"Areyouamarriedman?"

BY-ENDS:"Yes,mywifeisaveryvirtuouswoman—andthedaughterofavirtuous woman. She was my Lady Feigning's daughter—therefore shecame fromaveryhonorable family.Shehasarrived tosuchaheight ofgoodbreeding,thatsheknowshowtobehavetowardsallkindsofpeople—whetherprinceorpeasant.

"It is true thatwesomewhatdiffer in religion fromthoseof thestrictersort,butonlyintwosmallpoints:

First,weneverstriveagainstwindandtide;

Secondly, we are always most zealous when religion goes in silverslippers.Welovetowalkwithreligioninthestreet—ifthesunshines,andthepeopleapplaudit."

ThenChristiansteppedalittleasidetohisfellowHopeful,saying,"IamthinkingthatthisisMr.By-endsfromthetownofFair-speech—andifso,wehaveasbadaknaveinourcompany,asdwellsinalltheseparts."

ThenHopefulreplied,"Askhimagain—Ithinkheshouldnotbeashamedofhisownname."

SoChristiancameuptoBy-endsagain,andsaid,"Sir,youtalkasifonecouldservebothGodandMammonatthesametime.IthinkIknowwhoyouare—isnotyournameMr.By-ends,ofthetownofFair-speech?"

BY-ENDS: "This is not my name—but indeed it is a nickname that isgiventomebysomewhodonotlikeme.Imustbecontenttobearitasareproach,asothergoodmenhavebornereproachbeforeme."

CHRISTIAN: "Butdidyouevergiveanoccasion formen to call youbythisname?"

BY-ENDS:"Never,never!TheworstthatIeverdid,wasthatIalwayshadthewisdomtogoalongwiththecurrentwaysofthetimes,whatevertheywere.Iwasalwaysluckyenoughtoprosperthereby.Butifthemaliciouscast such reproachful names upon me—then let me count them ablessing."

CHRISTIAN: "I thought, indeed, that youwere theBy-ends that Ihaveheardof—andIthinkthatthisnamebelongsmoreproperlytoyou,thanyouarewillingtoadmit."

BY-ENDS:"Well,ifyouthusthinkso—Icannothelpthat.Iamsurethatyoushallfindmetobeagoodcompanion,ifyouagreetotakemealongwithyou."

CHRISTIAN: "If you will come with us, then youmust go against thewindandtide—which,Iperceive, isagainstyourdesires.Youmustalsoownreligionwheninhisrags—aswellaswheninhissilverslippers.Youmust standwith him, too,whenhe is bound in iron chains—aswell aswhenhewalksthestreetswithapplause."

BY-ENDS:"Youwillnotbemyjudge—norimposeyourviewsuponme!AllowmetodoasIthinkbest—andletmegowithyou."

CHRISTIAN:"Youshallnotgoastepfurtherwithus—unlessyouintendtodoasweproposed!"

ThenBy-endsretorted,"Ishallneverdesertmyoldprinciples—sincetheyarebothharmlessandprofitable!IfImaynotgowithyou,thenImustdoasIdidbeforeyoucaughtupwithme—travelbymyself,untilImeetwithsomeonewhowillbegladformycompany."

NowIsawinmydream,thatChristianandHopefulforsookMr.By-ends,andkepttheirdistanceaheadofhim.Lookingback,theysawthreemenfollowinghim.As they cameup tohim,hemade a very lowbowashegreetedthem—andtheygavehimacompliment.

The men's names were Mr. Hold-the-world, Mr. Money-love, and Mr.Save-all. They all were men that Mr. By-ends had formerly beenacquaintedwith—for in their youth theywere school-fellows, andweretaught by oneMr. Gripeman, a school-master in Love-gain, which is amarkettown in thecountyofCoveting, in thenorth.This schoolmastertaughtthemtheartofprospering,eitherbyviolence,deceit,flattery,lying—or by putting on a pretense of religion. These four gentlemen hadattainedmuchoftheartoftheirmaster,sothateachofthemcouldhave

runsuchaschoolthemselves.

Well,whentheyhadthusgreetedeachother,Mr.Money-lovesaidtoMr.By-ends, "Who are those two people on the road before us?"—forChristianandHopefulwereyetwithinview.

BY-ENDS: "They are a couple of distant countrymen, who, in theirstrangemanner,aregoingonpilgrimage."

MR.MONEY-LOVE: "Alas!Whydid theynotwait, thatwemight havehadtheirgoodcompany?Forweareallgoingonapilgrimage."

BY-ENDS:"Indeedweare—butthemenaheadofusaresorigid,andlovetheirownnotionssomuch,andsolightlyesteemtheopinionsofothers—thatletamanbeeversogodly,yetifhedoesnotagreewiththeminallthings—theywillthrusthimoutoftheircompany."

MR.SAVE-ALL:"Thatisbad.Wereadofsomewhoareoverlyrighteous—andsuchmen'srigidnessprevailswiththemtojudgeandcondemnallothers but themselves. Please tell me what, and how many, were thethingswhereinyoudifferedfromthem?"

BY-ENDS:"Why,aftertheirheadstrongmanner,theyconcludethatitistheirduty topushaheadon their journey inallweathers—but Iam forwaiting formore favorablewinds and tides. They are for risking all forGodatanymoment—butIaminfavoroftakingalladvantagestosecuremylifeandestate.Theyareforclingingtotheirbeliefs,eventhoughallothermenareagainstthem—butIamforreligiononlysofarasthetimes,and my safety, will bear it. They are for religion even when it iscontemptible and in rags—but I am for religion only when it walks ingoldenslippers,inthesunshine,andwithapplause."

MR.HOLD-THE-WORLD: "Exactly, goodMr. By-ends! Formy part, Icounthimtobeafool,who,havingthelibertytokeepwhathehas—shallbesounwiseastoloseit.Letusbewiseasserpents!Itisbesttomakehaywhenthesunshines.Youseehowthebeeliesstillallwinter,andbestirsitself onlywhen it canhaveprofitwithpleasure.God sometimes sendsrain—and sometimes sunshine. If they are such fools to go through the

storm—yetletusbecontenttoonlytravelinfairweather.

"Formy part, the religion that I like the best, allows us to have God'searthlyblessings.Forit isonlyreasonable,thatsinceGodhasbestoweduponusthegoodthingsofthislife—thatHewouldhaveuskeepthemforHissake.AbrahamandSolomongrewrichinreligion.AndJobsays,thatagoodmanshall layupgoldasdust.Butwemustneverbeasthemenaheadofus—iftheyareasyouhavedescribedthem."

MR. SAVE-ALL: "I think that we are all agreed on this matter—andthereforeweneednomorediscussionaboutit."

MR. MONEY-LOVE: "Indeed, we need no more discussion about thismatter!FortheonewhobelievesneitherScripturenorreason—andyousee that we have both on our side—neither knows his own liberty, norseekshisownsafety."

BY-ENDS: "My brethren, as you know,we are all going on pilgrimage.Thereforetodivertourattentionfrombasethings—allowmetopropoundthis question unto you: Suppose a man, a minister, or a tradesman—shouldhaveanopportunitybeforehimtoobtainthegoodthingsof thislife.Yethecannotobtainthemunless,inappearanceatleast,hebecomesextraordinarily zealous in some points of religion which he had nointerest inbeforehand.Mayhenotusesuchreligion toattainhisend—andstillbearighteousandhonestman?"

MR. MONEY-LOVE: "I see the bottom of your question. With thesegentlemen'spermission,Iwillendeavortogiveyouananswer.Firstly,tospeaktoyourquestionasitconcernsaministerhimself.Supposethereisaminister,aworthyman,whohadonlyaverysmallsalary—butdesiresagreaterandmorelucrativeincome.Henowhasanopportunityofgettingit—but only by beingmore studious, by preachingmore frequently andzealously; and, because the disposition of the people requires it—byaltering some of his principles. For my part, I see no problem with aministerdoingthis—yes,andagreatdealmorebesides—andstillremainanhonestman.Isaythis,forthefollowingreasons:

"First, itcannotbedeniedthathisdesirefora larger incomeislawful—

sinceitisputbeforehimbyProvidence.Sothen,hemaystrivetoobtainit,withouthisconscienceraisinganyquestions.

"Secondly, his desire for a more lucrative income makes him morestudious, a more zealous preacher, and so forth—thus making him abetterman.Yes,italsomakeshimimprovehisnaturalabilities,whichisaccordingtothemindofGod.

"Thirdly, as for his complying with the disposition of his people, byaltering some of his principles so that he may better serve them—thisindicates:

(1).Thatheisofaself-denyingtemperament.

(2).Thatheisofasweetandwinningdemeanor.

(3).Thatheismorefitfortheministerialoffice.

"Finally,Iconcludethen,thataministerwhochangesasmallsalaryforagreater one—should not, for so doing, be judged as a covetous person.Rather, since he has improved his abilities and industry—he should becountedasaworthyministerwhohasexpandedhisopportunitiestodogood.

"And now to the second part of your question, which concerns thetradesmanyoumentioned.Supposesuchaonehasbutapoorshop—butby becoming religious, he may increase his market, get more and farbetter customers tohis shop, andperhaps evenget a richwife.Formypart,Iseenoproblemwhythismaynotbelawfullydone.Isaythis,forthefollowingreasons:

"First, tobecome religious is a virtue, regardlessofwhatever reasonhebecomesso.

"Secondly,norisitunlawfultogetarichwife,ormorecustomerstohisshop.

"Lastly,themanwhogetsthesebybecomingreligious,getsthatwhichisgood,fromthosewhoaregood,bybecominggoodhimself!Sothen,here

isagoodwife,andgoodcustomers,andgoodgain—andallthesejustbybecomingreligious,whichisgood!Therefore,tobecomereligioustogetallthese,isagoodandprofitableendeavor."

This answer, made by Mr. Money-love to Mr. By-end's question, washighlyapplaudedbythemall.Theythereforeconcludedthatitwasmostwholesome, advantageous and unable to be contradicted. BecauseChristianandHopefulhadopposedMr.By-endspreviously—theyjointlyagreedtochallengethemwiththesamequestionassoonastheycaughtupwiththem—fortheywerestillwithinsight.ButtheydecidedthatoldMr.Hold-the-world—andnotMr.By-ends,shouldproposethequestiontothem.FortheysupposedthatChristianandHopeful'sdiscussionwithMr.Hold-the-worldwouldbelessheated.

SotheycalledafterChristianandHopeful—andtheystoppedandstoodstill until the fourmen caught up to them. After a short greeting,Mr.Hold-the-world put forth the question to Christian and Hopeful, andaskedthemtoansweritiftheycould.

CHRISTIAN: "Even a babe in religion may answer ten thousand suchquestions.ForifitisunlawfultofollowChristformereloaves—thenhowmuchmoreabominableitistoattempttomakeHimandreligionintoaninstrument togainandenjoy theworld.Nordowe findanyother thanheathen,hypocrites,devils,andsorcerers,whoareofthisopinion.

"First, theHeathen are of this religion.ForwhenHamor and Shechemdesired to obtain the daughter and the cattle of Jacob—they were toldthat there was no way for them to procure them but by becomingcircumcised.Sotheyreasoned,'Willnottheirlivestockandtheirpropertyallbecomeours?Thereforeletusconsenttotheirrequest.'

"Jacob'sdaughterandhiscattlewerethatwhichtheysoughttoobtain—andtheirreligionwasthestalking-horsetheymadeuseofinattemptingtoprocurethem.YoumayreadthewholestoryinGenesis34:20-23.

"Secondly, the hypocritical Pharisees were also of this religion. Longprayers were their pretense—but to get widows' houses was theirintention;andgreaterdamnationwastheirjudgmentfromGod.

"Thirdly,Judasthedevilwasalsoofthisreligion.Hewasreligiousforthemoney-bag, that he might get gain; but he was lost, cast away, andbecametheverysonofperdition.

"Fourthly,Simonthesorcererwasofthisreligionalso—forhedesiredthepoweroftheHolySpiritsothathemightmakegain.Hiscondemnationfrom Peter's mouth was suitable: 'May your money perish with you—becauseyouthoughtyoucouldpurchasethegiftofGodwithmoney!'

"Fifthly, I am alsomindful that themanwho takes up religion for theworld—willalsothrowawayreligionfortheworld.ForassurelyasJudascontrivedtoobtaintheworldbybecomingreligious—sojustassurelyhealsosoldhisMasterandreligionformoney.

"Thereforetoanswerthequestionaffirmatively,asyouhavedone;andtoaccept such an answer as satisfactory—is both heathenish, hypocritical,anddevilish;andyourrewardwillbeaccordingtoyourworks!"

Then they stood staring at each other, not knowing how to answerChristian—so there was a long silence among them. ThereforeMr. By-endsandhisfriendsbeganto lagbehind,sothatChristianandHopefulmighttravelonaheadofthem.

HopefulapprovedofthesoundnessofChristian'sanswer.ThenChristiansaidtohisfellow-traveler,"Ifthesemencannotstandbeforethesentenceofmen—thenwhatwill theydowhen theystandbefore the sentenceofGod?Andiftheyarespeechlesswhendealtwithbyvesselsofclay—thenhow will they respond when they are rebuked by the flames of thedevouringfire?"

THEHILLLUCRE

ThenChristian andHopeful traveled on aheadof the others,until theycame to a pleasant meadow, called Ease, where they journeyed withmuch delight. As the meadow was only a short length—they quicklytraveledoverit.

NowatthefarthestsideofthatmeadowwasalittlehillcalledLucre—andinthathillwasasilvermine.Becausethiswassorare,someofthosewhohadformerlygonethatwayhadturnedasidetoseeit—butgoingtoonearto the brink of the pit, and the ground being unstable under them—itbrokeaway,andtheywerekilled.Someothersweresoinjuredthattheycouldnot,totheirdyingday,berecovered.

Then I saw inmy dream, that a little way off the road, near the silverminestoodagentlemannamedDemas.Hecalledouttopassingtravelerstocomeandsee.HebeckonedtoChristianandHopeful,"Ho!turnasidehere—andIwillshowyousomethingquitespecial!"

CHRISTIAN:"Whatissodeservingastoturnusoutofthewaytoseeit?"

DEMAS:"Hereisasilvermine—andsomearedigginginitfortreasure.Ifyoucome,withalittleeffortyoumayberichlyrewarded."

ThenHopefulresponded,"Letusgoandsee!"

"Not I," Christian cautioned, "I have heard of this place before. Manyhavebeendestroyedthere.Andbesidesthat,worldlytreasureisasnaretothosewhoseekit—forithindersthemintheirpilgrimage."

ThenChristiancalledtoDemas,"Isnottheplacedangerous?Hasitnothinderedmanyintheirpilgrimage?"

DEMAS:"It is not verydangerous—except to thosewhoare careless"—butheblushedashespoke.

ThenChristiansaidtoHopeful,"Letusnotturnastepoutof theway—butstillkeeponourpath."

HOPEFUL: "Iassureyou, thatwhenBy-endsarriveshere, ifhehas thesameinvitationaswedid—thathewillturnasideandgotoHillLucre."

CHRISTIAN:"Nodoubtaboutthat,forhisprinciplesleadhimthatway.Ahundredtoone,thathediesthere!"

Then Demas called again, saying, "Will you not even come over and

look?"

ThenChristianfirmlyanswered,"Demas,youareanenemytotherightways of the Lord. You have been already condemned for your ownturning aside. Why are you seeking to bring us into the samecondemnation?Furthermore, ifwe turn aside at all—thenourLord theKing will certainly hear of it; and rather than standing with boldnessbeforeHim—wewouldinsteadbeputtoshame."

ThenDemascriedoutthathewasoneoftheirkinsmen;andthatiftheywouldonlytarryalittle,healsowouldwalkwiththem.

ThenChristianasked,"Whatisyourname?IsitnotDemas?"

DEMAS:"Yes,mynameisDemas.IamthesonofAbraham."

CHRISTIAN:"Iknowyou!Gehaziwasyourgreat-grandfather,Judaswasyourfather—andyouaretreadingintheirsteps.Youareusingadevilishprank! Your fatherwas hanged as a traitor—and you deserve no betterrecompense.Assureyourself,thatwhenwecometotheKing,wewilltellHimofyourbehavior."

Thustheycontinuedontheirway.

By this time By-ends and his companions had come within sight—andthey,atthefirstbeckoning,wentovertoDemas.Now,whethertheyfellintothepitbylookingoveritsbrink,orwhethertheywentdowntodiginthe silvermine, or whether they were smothered in the bottom by thefumeswhichcommonlyarise—ofthesethingsIamnotcertain.YetthisIobserved—thattheywereneveragainseenintheway.

ThenChristiansang:

"By-endsandsilverDemasbothagree;Onecalls,theotherruns,thathemaybeAsharerinhislucre;sothesedoTakeupinthisworld,andnofurthergo."

NowIsawthat,justontheothersideofthisplain,thePilgrimscametoa

placewhereanoldmonumentstoodnearthesideofthehighway.Uponseeingit,theywerebothconcernedbecauseofthestrangenessofitsform—for itseemedtothemas if ithadbeenawomantransformedintotheshapeofapillar.

Theythereforestoodlookinguponit—andforatime,couldnottellwhatthey should make of it. At last Hopeful spotted an inscription in anunusual dialect written above themonument; but being no scholar, hecalledtoChristian(whowasmorelearned)toseeifhecouldunderstandthe meaning. So Christian came, and after examining the letters—hefounditsmeaningtobe:"RememberLot'swife!"

AfterreadingittoHopeful—theybothconcludedthatthiswasthepillarofsaltwhichLot'swifehadbeenturnedinto,forherlookingbackwithacovetousheart—whenshewasfleeingSodomforsafety.Thissuddenandamazingsightpromptedthefollowingdiscourse.

CHRISTIAN: "Ah, my brother—this is a timely warning! It cameprovidentiallytousafterDemas'invitationtocomeovertoviewtheHillLucre.Hadwegoneashedesired,andasyouwerefirstinclinedtodo,mybrother—weourselveswouldprobablyhavebeenmadelikethiswoman—aspectacletobehold,forthosewhocomeafter."

HOPEFUL:"IamsorrythatIwassofoolish,andamastonishedthatIamnot now as Lot's wife—for what is the difference between her sin andmine?Sheonlylookedback—butIhadadesiretogoandsee.LetGod'sgracebeadored—and letmebeashamed, thatsucha thing shouldeverhavebeeninmyheart."

CHRISTIAN:"Letustakenoticeofwhatwehaveseenhere,forourhelpin times to come. Thiswoman escaped one judgment—for she escapedthedestructionofSodom;yetshewasdestroyedbyanotherjudgment—asweseethatshewasturnedintoapillarofsalt."

HOPEFUL: "True,andsheservesbothasawarningandanexampletous. She is a warning, in that we should shun her sin—or receive herjudgment.Korah,Dathan,andAbiram,alongwiththetwohundredandfiftymen who perished in their sin—are also an example for others to

beware.

"Butaboveall,Iamastonishedatonething—howDemasandhisfellowscansoconfidentlystandlookingforthattreasure,whichLot'swife—justforlookingbehindherwasturnedintoapillarofsalt.Forwedonotreadthat she stepped one foot out of theway!More especially so, since thejudgment which overtook her, made her a monument within sight ofwhere they are. For they cannot but see her—if theywould only lift uptheireyes."

CHRISTIAN: "It is a thing to be amazed at. It argues that their heartshavegrownsohardenedinthiscase.Icannottellwhotocomparethemtosoaptly,astothosewhopickpocketsinthepresenceofthejudge,orwouldrobpursesunderthegallows.

"It is saidof themenofSodom, that theywereexceedinglywickedandsinfulbeforetheLord—thatis, inHiseyesight;andnotwithstandingthekindnesseswhichHehad shown them—for the landof Sodomwas likethegardenofEdenatthattime.This,therefore,moreprovokedHim,andmadetheirpunishmentashotasthefireoftheLordoutofHeavencouldmakeit.Itismostrationallytobeconcluded,thatthosewhoshallsininGod's sight—althoughsuchexamplesare continually setbefore them tocaution them to the contrary—must be partakers of the most severejudgments!"

HOPEFUL: "Doubtless you have spoken the truth.What amercy it is,thatneither you,nor especially I,weremade tobe similar examplesasthat forsaken woman! This gives us an occasion to thank God, to fearHim,andalwaystorememberLot'swife."

BY-PATHMEADOW

Isaw, then, that theywentontheirwaytoapleasantriver,whichKingDavidcalled"theriverofGod"—buttheapostleJohncalled"theriverofthewateroflife."

Nowtheirwaylayalongthebankoftheriver.Here,therefore,Christianandhiscompanionwalkedwithgreatdelight—theydrankofthewateroftheriver,whichwaspleasantandenliveningtotheirwearyspirits.Onthebanksofbothsidesofthisriver,weregreentreeswhichboreallkindsoffruit—whichthePilgrimswerealsomuchpleasedwith.Furthermore,theleaves of the trees were also good for medicine. They preventedsicknessesandotherdiseasesthatarecommontotravelingPilgrims.

Onbothsidesoftherivertherewasameadowwhichremainedgreenallthe year long andwas intricately beautifiedwith lilies. In thismeadowthey laydownandslept—forheretheycouldsleep insafety.Whentheyawoke,theyagaingatheredfruitfromthetrees,anddrankofthewaterofthe river—and oncemore lay down to sleep. Thus they did for severaldaysandnights.

Thentheysang:

"Beholdhowthesecrystalstreamsdoglide,TocomfortPilgrimsbythehighwayside;Themeadowsgreen,besidestheirfragrantsmell,Yielddaintiesforthem,andhewhocantellWhatpleasantfruit—yes,leaves,thesetreesdoyield,Willsoonsellall,thathemaybuythisfield."

Sowhentheywerepreparedtotravelon—fortheywerenotasyetattheirjourney'send—againtheyateanddrank,anddeparted.

Now,Ibeheld inmydream,thattheyhadnot journeyedfarwhentheirpathseparatedawayfromtheriver.Thissaddenedthem,buttheydarednot depart from their course.Now their path became rough—and theirfeet were tender because of their long travels. So they becamediscouragedbecauseofthedifficultyoftheway—andwishedforaneasierroute.

Now, justaheadof themonthe leftsideof theroad,wasa fieldnamedBy-pathMeadow—whichcouldbeenteredbyastile.

ThenChristiansaidtoHopeful,"Ifthismeadowliesalongsideourway—

thenletusgooverintoit."

Sohewenttothestiletosee—andbehold,therewasapathontheothersideofthefencewhichranalongsidetheirway.

"It is justasIdesired!Here isaneasy-goingway—come,goodHopeful,andletusgoover!"Christianexclaimed.

HOPEFUL:"Butwhatifthiseasypathshouldleadusoutoftheway?"

CHRISTIAN: "That is not likely. Look, it goes right alongside ourpathway."

So Hopeful, being persuaded by his fellow, left the path and followedChristianoverthestile.Onceinthemeadow—theyfounditveryeasyfortheirfeet.

Lookingaheadofthem,theysawamannamedVain-confidence.Sotheycalledafterhim,andaskedhimwherethispathled.

"TotheCelestialGate,"hereplied.

"Look,"ChristiansaidtoHopeful,"didInottellyouso?Nowyouseethatweareintherightpath!"

So they followedVain-confidence, and hewent on ahead of them.But,behold, as the night came on, it grew very dark—and they lost sight ofhim.

Vain-confidence,notseeingthewaybeforehim,fell intoadeeppitandwasdashedtopieces!Thispitwaspurposelymadebythekingof thosegroundsinordertocatchvain-gloriousfools.

Now Christian andHopeful heard him fall. So they called to him—buttherewasnoanswer.Theyonlyheardsomeonegroaning.

ThenHopefulasked,"Wherearewenow?"

Christiandidnotanswer,fearingthathehadledHopefuloutoftheright

way.

Itnowbegantorain—withthunderingandlightening,inamostdreadfulmanner—andthewaterwasrisingaroundthem.

ThenHopefulgroanedwithinhimself,saying,"OthatIhadremainedonmyway!"

CHRISTIAN:"Whocouldhavethoughtthatthispathwouldhaveledusoutoftheway?"

HOPEFUL:"Iwasafraidofthatattheveryfirst,andthereforegaveyouagentlecaution.Iwouldhavespokenplainer—butforthefactthatyouareolderthanI."

CHRISTIAN: "Good brother—do not be offended. I am sorry I havebroughtyououtoftheway,andthatIhaveputyouintosuchimminentdanger.Pleaseforgiveme—Ididnotdoitwithanevilintent."

HOPEFUL: "Be comforted,my brother—for I do forgive you.Wemustbelievethatthistooshallbeforourgood."

CHRISTIAN: "Iamgladthatyouaresuchamercifulbrother.Wemustnotstayhere—letustrytogobackagain."

HOPEFUL:"But,goodbrother,letmegofirst."

CHRISTIAN:"No,ifyouplease,letmegoahead—sothatifthereisanydanger,Imaymeet it first—becausebymyguidancewehavebothgoneoutoftheway."

HOPEFUL: "No—you shall not go first; for yourmind is troubled, andyoumayleadusoutofthewayagain."

Then, for theirencouragement, theyheard thevoiceofone saying, "Setyourheart toward thehighway—even thewaybywhichyoucame;turnback."

Butby this time thewatershadgreatly risen—so thewayof goingback

wasverydangerous.ThenChristianrealizedthatitiseasiertogooutoftherightway—thantogetbackintoit.

So theyattempted togoback—but itwas sodark, and the floodwassohigh, that they almost drowned nine or ten times. Neither could they,usingalltheirskill—getbacktothestilethatnight.Atlast,findingalittleshelter—theysatdownthere.Beingweary,theyfellasleepuntiltheday-break.

DOUBTINGCASTLE

Not far from the place where they slept—there was a castle calledDoubtingCastle—whoseownerwasGiantDespair.ItwasonhisgroundsthatthePilgrimswerenowsleeping.

GiantDespair,gettingupearlyinthemorning,andwalkingupanddowninhisfields—caughtChristianandHopefulasleeponhisgrounds.Then,withagrimandsurlyvoice,heordered themtoawake.Heasked themwheretheycamefrom—andwhattheyweredoingonhisgrounds.

TheytoldhimthattheywerePilgrims,andthattheyhadlosttheirway.

Then the Giant declared, "You are trespassing on my grounds—andthereforeyoumustcomealongwithme!"

Sotheywere forced togowithhim,becausehewasstrongerthanthey.ThePilgrimshadbutlittletosay,fortheyknewthemselvestobeatfault.The Giant therefore drove them before him, and put them into a verydark,nastyandstinkingdungeonofhiscastle.

Here then they lay from Wednesday morning until Saturday night—without one bit of bread, or drop of water, or light, or anyone to helpthem.Thereforetheywereinadreadfulstate—beingfarfromfriendsandassistance.

NowinthisplaceChristianhadadoublesorrow—foritwasthroughhisill-advisedcounselthattheywerebroughtintothisdistress.

Now,GiantDespairhadawifewhosenamewasDiffidence.Whenhehadgone to bed, he told his wife what he had done—namely, that he hadtaken a couple of prisoners, and cast them into his dungeon fortrespassingonhisgrounds.Healsoaskedherwhatheshouldfurtherdotothem.

Sosheaskedhimwhotheywere,wheretheycamefrom,andwheretheyweregoing—andhetoldher.Thenshecounseledhimthatwhenheawokeinthemorning,heshouldbeatthemwithoutmercy.

So,whenhearoseinthemorning,hetooka largecrab-treecudgel,andwentdownintothedungeontothem.Hebegantoberatethemasiftheyweredogs—eventhoughtheynevergavehimanyreasonfordoingso.

Thenhefelluponthem,andbeatthemmercilesslywiththecudgel—andinsuchawaythattheywerenotabletodefendthemselvesorescapetheGiant'sclutches.

This done, he withdrew and left them there to commiserate theirwretchedness,andtomournovertheirdistress.Soallthatdaytheyspentthetimeinnothingbutsighsandbitterlamentations.

The next night, Diffidence, talking further with her husband about thePilgrims, and finding out that they were still alive—told him to advisethemtokillthemselves.

Sowhenmorning came, hewent to them in the same surlymanner asbefore.Perceivingthemtobeinmuchpainbecauseofthebeatingthathehadgiventhemthedaybefore—hetoldthemthatsincetheywerenevergoingtogetoutofthatdungeon—thebestthingforthemwouldbetokillthemselves—eitherwithknife,nooseorpoison."Forwhy,"hequestioned,"shouldyouchooselife—seeingitisattendedwithsomuchbitterness?"

ButthePilgrimsbeggedhimtoletthemgo.Withthat,helookedharshlyat them.Rushingupon them,hewouldhavedoubtlessmadeanend ofthem—except thathe fell intooneofhis fits—forhesometimes fell intofits in sunshiny weather, and lost the use of his hands for a time.Therefore hewithdrew, and left them to consider what theywould do.

Then theprisonersdiscussedwhether itwasbest to takehiscounselornot;andthustheybegantodiscourse:

CHRISTIAN: "Brother, what shall we do? The life that we now live ismiserable.Formypart,Idonotknowwhatisbest—tolivelikethis,ortokillourselves.Thegraveseemsbettertomethanlivinginthisdungeon—onlytobeoppressedbythisGiant!"

HOPEFUL:"Indeed,ourpresentconditionisdreadful—anddeathwouldbe far more welcome to me than to live like this forever! Yet let usconsiderthattheLordofthecountrytowhichwearegoinghassaid,'Youshall not murder.'We are not to take anotherman's life—muchmore,then, are we forbidden to take the Giant's counsel to kill ourselves.Besides,hewhokillsanother,canbutcommitmurderuponhisbody.Butforonetocommitsuicide,istokillbothbodyandsoulatonce!Moreover,my brother, you talk of ease in the grave—but have you forgotten thatthereisaHellwhereallmurderersgo?Fornomurdererhaseternallife!

"Andletusconsider,again,thatallcircumstancesarenotinthehandofGiantDespair.Others,sofarasIunderstand,havebeencapturedbyhim,aswellaswe—yettheyhaveescapedoutofhisclutches.Whoknows,butthat theGodwhomade theworld—maycauseGiantDespair todie?Orthat,atsometimeorother,hemayforgettolockusin?Orthathemayhaveanotheroneofhisfitswhenheiswithus,andmaylosetheuseofhislimbs?Ifthateverhappens,Iamresolvedtotakecourage,andtrymyutmosttoescapehisgrasp.IwasafoolthatIdidnottrytodoitbefore.However,mybrother,letusbepatient,andendureforawhile.Thetimemay come in which we may be released—but let us not be our ownmurderers!"

With these words, Hopeful pacified the mind of his brother. So theycontinuedtogetherintheirsadanddolefulcondition.

Now, towardsevening, theGiantwentdown into thedungeonagain, tosee ifhisprisonershadtakenhisadvice—butwhenhearrived there,hefoundthemstill living.Yet theywerebarelyalive, for they lackedbreadandwater.Becauseofthewoundstheyreceivedwhenhebeatthem,theycoulddolittlemorethanbreathe.Seeingthattheywerestillalive—Giant

Despair fell into a furious rage. He told them, that since they had nottakenhisadvice,itwouldnowbeworsewiththemthaniftheyhadneverbeenborn.Withthat,hedeparted.

At this they trembled greatly, and Christian fell into a swoon. Uponreviving, they renewed their discussion about the Giant's advice—andwhetherornot itwasbest to follow it.Onceagain,Christianseemedtofavorsuicide.

Hopeful then responded: "Mybrother, rememberhowvaliant you havebeenuptothistime!Apollyoncouldnotcrushyou—norcouldallthatyouheard,orsaw,orexperiencedintheValleyoftheShadowofDeath.Whathardshipandterroryouhavealreadygonethrough—butnowareyousofearful?

"You see that I—a farweakerman by nature than yourself—am in thisdungeonwithyou.TheGianthaswoundedmeaswell as you—and hasalso cut off my bread and water—and with you I mourn in this darkdungeon. Let us exercise a little more patience. Remember howcourageousyouwereatVanityFair,andwereneitherafraidofthefetters,northecage,norofabloodydeath.Thereforeletusbearupwithpatienceaswellaswecan—forsuicideisshameful,andunfittingforaChristian."

Now, night having come, and theGiant andhiswife being inbed—sheasked him if the prisoners had taken his counsel. Towhich he replied,"Theyaresturdyrogues—andchooserathertobearallhardship,thantokillthemselves."

So she then said, "Take them into the castle-yard tomorrow, and showthemthebonesandtheskullsofthosewhomyouhavealreadyputanendto.Makethembelieve,thatbeforetheendoftheweek—youwillalsoteartheminpieces,asyouhavedonetotheothers."

Sowhenthemorningcame,theGiantwenttothePilgrimsandtookthemintothecastle-yard—justashiswifehadbiddenhim.

"These,"heboasted,"wereoncePilgrimsasyouare.Theytrespassedonmygrounds, just as youhavedone—andwhen I saw fit, I tore them in

pieces.Inthesameway,withintendays,Iwilldosotoyou!Nowgodowntoyourdenagain!"

With that, he beat them all the way back to the den. Christian andHopefullay,therefore,alldayinthesamelamentablestate.

Now night had come, and whenMrs. Diffidence and her husband, theGiant, went to bed—they began to renew their discourse about theprisoners.TheoldGiantwonderedwhyhecouldneither,byhisblowsnorbyhiscounsel,bringthemtoanend.

And with that his wife reasoned, "I fear that they live in hope thatsomeone will come to rescue them—or that they have picklocks withthem,bywhichtheyhopetoescape."

"Do you think so, my dear?" responded the Giant, "I will, therefore,searchtheminthemorning."

Now, about midnight, the Pilgrims began to pray—and continued inprayer until almost the break of day. Then Christian, half-bewildered,brokeoutinthispassionatespeech:"WhatafoolIhavebeen,tothuslieinthisstinkingdungeon—whenIcouldhavebeenfree!IhaveakeycalledPromise in my bosom—which I am persuaded will open any lock inDoubtingCastle!"

Hopeful replied, "That is good news, my brother—pluck it out of yourbosom,andtryit!"

Then Christian pulled it out of his bosom, and tried to unlock thedungeondoor.Asheturnedthekey,theboltdrewbackandthedoorflewopen!ChristianandHopefulquicklycameoutofthedungeon,andwenttotheouterdoorwhichledintothecastle-yard.Usinghiskey,Christianwasabletoopenthatdooralso.

Next theywent to the iron gate of the castle—which also needed to beunlocked.Thoughthislockwasverydifficulttoturn—yetthekeyfinallyopenedit.Thentheypushedthegateopentomakeaquickescape—butthe gate, as it opened, made such a creaking, that it awakened Giant

Despair.Hastilyrisingtopursuehisprisoners—theGiantfellintooneofhisfits,andfelthislimbsfailhim,sothathewasunabletogoafterthem.

Then the Pilgrims found theirway back to theKing's highway—and soweresafe—beingoutofGiantDespair'sjurisdiction.

Now,whentheyhadgonebackoverthestile,theybegantodiscusswhattheyshoulddotopreventotherswhowouldcomeafterthem,fromfallingintothehandsofGiantDespair.

Sotheyagreedtoerectapillarthere—andtoengravethiswarninguponit:"Over thisstile is thewaytoDoubtingCastle,which iskeptbyGiantDespair—who despises the King of the Celestial Country, and seeks todestroyHisholyPilgrims!"

Thisbeingdone,theysang:

"Outofthewaywewent,andthenwefoundWhat'twastotreaduponforbiddenground;Andletthemwhocomeafterhaveacare,Lestheedlessnessmakesthem,aswe,tofare.Lesttheyfortrespassinghisprisonersare,Whosecastle'sDoubting,andwhosename'sDespair."

Many, therefore, who later came to that place, read the warning andescapedthedanger.

THEDELECTABLEMOUNTAINS

Christian andHopeful then went on until they came to theDelectableMountains,whichbelongtotheLordofthathillofwhichwehavespokenofbefore.So theywentup to themountains tobehold thegardens, theorchards, the vineyards and the fountains of water. There they alsowashedthemselves—andfreelydrankandatefromthevineyards.

Nowonthetopsofthesemountains,therewereshepherdsfeedingtheirflockswhiletheystoodbythehighwayside.ThePilgrimsthereforewent

to them, and leaning upon their staffs—as is common with wearyPilgrims, when they stand to talk with any along the way—they asked,"Whose Delectable Mountains are these? And whose are these sheepwhichfeeduponthem?"

SHEPHERDS: "These mountains are Immanuel's Land, and they arewithinsightofHisCity.ThesheepareHisalso—forHelaiddownHislifeforthem."

CHRISTIAN:"IsthisthewaytotheCelestialCity?"

SHEPHERDS:"Yes,thisistherightway."

CHRISTIAN:"HowfarisittotheCity?"

SHEPHERDS: "Too far for any—except for those who shall get thereindeed."

CHRISTIAN:"Isthewaysafeordangerous?"

SHEPHERDS:"Thewayissafeforthoseforwhomitismeanttobesafe.Therighteouswalkinit—buttransgressorsstumbleinit."

CHRISTIAN:"Isthereanyreliefinthisplace,forPilgrimswhoarewearyandfaint?"

SHEPHERDS: "The Lord of thesemountains has given us a charge toshowhospitality to strangers—therefore the refreshment of the place isavailableforyourwelfare."

I saw also in my dream, that when the Shepherds perceived that theywerePilgrims, theyquestioned them,"Wheredidyoucome from?Howdid you get into the way? By what means have you persevered in thenarrowway—for few of thosewho begin to comehere, ever show theirfaceonthesemountains."Toall thesequestions, thePilgrimsansweredastheyhaddonepreviously.

WhentheShepherdsheardtheiranswers—theywerepleasedandlookedvery lovingly upon them. They exclaimed, "Welcome to the Delectable

Mountains!"

The Shepherds, whose names were Knowledge, Experience,Watchful,andSincere—tookthembythehand,broughtthemtotheirtents,andbidthemtopartakeofamealwhichhadbeenprepared.

They said, moreover, "We desire that you should stay here a while, tobecomeacquaintedwithus—andalsotorefreshyourselveswiththegoodthingsoftheseDelectableMountains."

ThenthePilgrimstoldtheShepherdsthattheywerecontenttostay.Sotheywenttotheirrestthatnight,becauseitwasverylate.

Then I saw in my dream, that in the morning the Shepherds calledChristian andHopeful towalkwith themupon themountains. So theywent forth with them, and walked a while, having a pleasant view oneveryside.

Then theShepherdssaid tooneanother, "ShallweshowthesePilgrimssomewonders?"

Whentheyconcludedtodoso,theyfirsttookthemtothetopoftheHillError,whichwasverysteeponthefurthestside—andbidthePilgrimstolookdowntothebottom.SoChristianandHopefullookeddown,andsawatthebottom,severalmenwhohadbeendashedtopieces—havingfallenfromthetopofthehill.

ThenChristianasked,"Whatdoesthismean?"

The Shepherds responded, "Have you not heard of thosewho erred byhearkening to Hymeneus and Philetus—as concerning the belief of theresurrectionofthebody?"

"Yes,"theyreplied.

ThentheShepherdsexplained,"Thesearewhoyouseedashedinpiecesat the bottom of this mountain. They have continued to this dayunburied,asyousee,foranexampletootherstotakeheednottocometooneartothebrinkofHillError."

Then I saw that the Shepherds brought them to the top of anothermountain, namedCaution—and entreated them to look afar off. Whentheylooked,theyobservedwhattheythoughtwereseveralmenwalkingupanddownamongthetombsthatwerethere.Theyperceivedthatthemenwereblind,becausetheystumbleduponthetombstones,andcouldnotfindtheirwayoutfromamongthem.

ThenChristianquestioned,"Whatdoesthismean?"

TheShepherdsthenexplained,"Didyounotseethatalittlebelowthesemountains,therewasastilewhichledintoameadow,onthelefthandoftheway?"

"Yes,"thePilgrimsreplied.

TheShepherdsthencontinued,"FromthatstileleadsapathwhichgoesdirectlytoDoubtingCastle—whichiskeptbyGiantDespair.Theseblindmen among the tombs were once on pilgrimage—just as you are now.When they came to that stile—because the right way was rough—theychosetogooutofit,andintothatmeadow.TheywerethencapturedbyGiantDespair,andcastintoDoubtingCastle.

"AftertheyhadbeenkeptawhileintheGiant'sdungeon,hegougedouttheireyes,and led themamong those tombs,wherehehas left themtowander to this very day. So the saying of the wise man is fulfilled,'Whoever strays out of the way of wisdom, shall remain in thecongregationofthedead!'"

ThenChristianandHopefullookedupononeanotherwithtearsgushingout—yettheysaidnothingtotheShepherds.

ThenIsawinmydream,thattheShepherdsledthemtoanotherplace,wheretherewasadoorinthesideofahill.Theyopenedthedoor,andbidthe Pilgrims to look in. Peering in, they saw that it was very dark andsmoky.Theyalsothoughtthattheyheardarumblingnoiseasoffire,anda cry of somewhowere tormented, and that they smelled the scent ofbrimstone.

"Whatdoesthismean?"Christianinquired.

TheShepherdstoldthem,"ThisisaBywaytoHell—awaythathypocritesgo.Namely,suchasselltheirbirthright—withEsau.Andsuchasselltheirmaster—withJudas.AndsuchasblasphemetheGospel—withAlexander.Andsuchaslieanddeceive—withAnaniasandhiswifeSapphira."

ThenHopefulquestionedtheShepherds,"IperceivethatalloftheseoncehadareputationasbeingPilgrims,justaswedo—hadtheynot?"

SHEPHERDS:"Yes,andsomeheldtoitforalongtime,too."

HOPEFUL: "How far theywent on in pilgrimage—yet notwithstanding,theywerethusmiserablycastaway!"

SHEPHERDS: "Some not so far as these mountains—and some wentfurther."

ThenthePilgrimssaidtoeachanother,"WehadneedtocrytotheStrongOneforstrength!"

SHEPHERDS: "Yes, and you will also have need to use that strength,whenyouhaveit."

By this time the Pilgrims desired to resume their journey, and theShepherds agreed. So they walked together towards the end of themountains.

TheShepherdsthensaidtoeachother,"LetushereshowthePilgrimsthegatesof theCelestialCity—if theyhaveskill to look throughour specialtelescope."

ThePilgrimscordiallyagreed—andwere taken to the topof ahighhill,calledClear,andweregiventhetelescope.Whentheyattemptedtolook—the remembrance of that last thing that the Shepherds had shownthem,madetheirhandsshake.Withthisimpediment,theycouldnotlooksteadilythroughthetelescope.YettheythoughttheysawsomethinglikethegateoftheCity,andalsosomeofthegloryofthatplace.

Thentheywentaway,andsangthissong:

"Thus,bytheShepherds,secretsarerevealed,Whichfromallothermenarekeptconcealed.CometotheShepherds,then,ifyouwouldsee,Thingsdeep,thingshid,andthatmysteriousbe."

Whentheywereabouttodepart,oneoftheShepherdsgavethemanotewith directions for the way. Another warned them to beware of theFlatterer.ThethirdbidthemtotakeheedthattheydonotsleepupontheEnchantedGround.AndthefourthShepherdbidthemGodspeed.

SoIawokefrommydream.

IGNORANCE

ThenIslept,anddreamedagain.IsawthesametwoPilgrimsgoingdownthemountainsalongthehighwaytowardstheCelestialCity.Now,alittlebelow these mountains, on the left hand, lies the country of Conceit.From this country a little crooked lane enters thenarrowway inwhichthe Pilgrims were walking. Here they met with a very boisterous ladnamedIgnorance,whocameoutofthatcountry.SoChristianaskedhimwherehecamefrom—andwherehewasgoing.

IGNORANCE: "Sir, Iwasborn in thecountrywhich liesyonder,a littleonthelefthand—andIamgoingtotheCelestialCity."

CHRISTIAN: "Youmayfindsomedifficulty there.HowdoyousupposethatyouwillenterthegateoftheCelestialCity?"

IGNORANCE:"Justasothergoodpeopledo."

CHRISTIAN: "Butwhathaveyou toshowat thatgate,whichwillallowyoutoenterthere?"

IGNORANCE: "IknowmyLord'swill, andhave livedagood life. Ipayeverymanhisdue.Ipray,fast,paytithes,andgivealms.Also,Ihaveleft

mycountryfortheverypurposeofgoingthere."

CHRISTIAN:"Butyoudidnotcomeinatthenarrow-gateattheheadofthisway.Youcameintothewaythroughthatcrookedlane.Therefore,Ifear, however youmay thinkof yourself—when the reckoning day shallcome—that youwill be chargedwith being a thief and a robber, ratherthanbeingadmittedintothecity."

IGNORANCE:"Gentlemen,Idonotknowyou,foryouareutterstrangerstome.Youbecontent to follow thereligionofyourcountry—and Iwillfollowthereligionofmine.Itrustthatallwillbewellforeachofus.Andasforthenarrowgatewhichyouspeakof—alltheworldknowsthatitisagreatwayofffromourcountry.Idonotthinkthatanyofmycountrymenevenknowthewaytoit.Nordoesitmatterwhethertheydoornot—sincewehave,asyousee,afinepleasantgreenlane,whichcomesdownfromourcountryintotheway."

WhenChristiansawthatthemanwaswiseinhisowneyes,hewhisperedtoHopeful,"Thereismorehopeforafool,thanforhim!Evenashewalksalongtheroad,thefool lackssenseanddemonstrateshowfoolishhe is.Shallwe talkwith himmore—or leave him to think aboutwhat he hasalreadyheard,andthenafterwardsseeifwecanhelphimanyfurther?"

ThenHopefulanswered,

"LetIgnorancealittlewhilenowmuse,Onwhatissaid,andlethimnotrefuseGoodcounseltoembrace,lestheremain,Stillignorantofwhat'sthechiefgain.Godsays,thosewhonounderstandinghave,AlthoughHemadethem—themHewillnotsave."

Hopefulfurther added, "I do not think that it is good to tell himeverythingatonce.Letuspasshimbyandtalkwithhimlater—ashe isabletobearit."

SothetwoPilgrimswenton,andIgnorancefollowedafterthem.

Whentheyhadtraveledalittleway,theyenteredintoa

verydarklane,wheretheymetamanwhomsevendevilshadboundwithsevenstrongcords,andwerecarryinghimback to thedoorwhich theyhadseenonthesideofthehill.NowgoodChristianbegantotremble—andsodidhiscompanionHopeful!Asthedevilscarriedthemanaway,Christianlookedtoseeifheknewhim—andhethoughtitmightbeTurn-away, who dwelt in the town ofApostasy. But he did not see his faceperfectly,forthemanhunghisheadlikeathiefwhohasbeencaught.

Oncepassedthem,Hopefullookedattheman,andspottedaplacardonhis back with this inscription, "Debauched professor, and damnableapostate!"

ThenChristiansaid toHopeful, "NowI rememberwhatwas told tomeaboutsomethingwhichhappenedtoagoodmannamedLittle-faithwhodweltinthetownof

Sincere.AsLittle-faithenteredthisdarkpassage,there

camedownfromBroad-wayGate,analleycalledDeadMan'sLane—socalledbecauseof themanymurdersdone there.ThisLittle-faith, goingonpilgrimage,justasweare,happenedtositdownthere,andfellasleep.Justatthattime,threesturdyrogues,whowerebrothers,camedownthelanefromBroad-wayGate.TheirnameswereFaint-heart,Mistrust,andGuilt.SpottingLittle-faithasleep,theyquicklyranuptohim.

"Now Little-faithwas just awakening from his sleep, andwas about toresumehisjourney.Sotheroguescameuptohim,andwiththreateninglanguageorderedhimtostandstill.Atthis,Little-faithturnedaswhiteasasheet,andhadneitherpowertofightnorflee.

"ThenFaint-heartdemanded,'Handoveryourpurse!'

"But Little-faith did not do it—for he was reluctant to lose hismoney.Mistrustthereforeranuptohim,andthrustinghishandintohispocket,pulledoutabagofsilver.

"ThenLittle-faithcriedout,'Thieves!Thieves!'

"Withthat,Guilt,withthelargeclubinhishand,struckLittle-faithonthehead,knockinghimflattotheground!Therehelaybleeding,asthoughhewouldbleedtodeath.

"All this while the thieves stood nearby. But hearing someone on theroad,andfearingthatitmightbeamancalledGreat-grace,whodwellsinthecityofGood-confidence—theyfledand leftLittle-faith to fend forhimself. Then, after a while, Little-faith revived, and getting up,attemptedtocontinueonhisway."

HOPEFUL:"DidtheytakeallofLittle-faith'smoney?"

CHRISTIAN:"No,theydidnotfindtheplacewherehekepthisjewels—so those he still retained. But, as I was told, Little-faith was muchafflictedbyhisloss,forthethievesgotmostofhisspending-money.Thatwhichtheydidnotget,werehisjewels,andalittlesparemoney—

butthesewerescarcelyenoughtosustainhimtohisjourney'send.Nay,ifI am not misinformed, he was forced to beg as he went, just to keephimself alive—for he would not sell his jewels. But begging, and doingwhateverhecould,hetraveledwithahungrybellytherestoftheway."

HOPEFUL:"Itisawonderthattheydidnotgethiscertificatefromhim—bywhichhewouldreceiveadmittanceattheCelestialGate."

CHRISTIAN:"Yes,itisawonder—thoughtheydidnotgetitthroughanycleverness on his part. For he, being bewildered by their coming uponhimsoquickly—hadneitherpowernor skill tohideanything.So itwasmoreby goodProvidence, thanby anywise endeavor onhis part—thattheydidnotrobhimofhiscertificate."

HOPEFUL: "But itmust be a comfort tohim, that theydidnot gethisjewels."

CHRISTIAN:"Itmighthavebeengreatcomforttohim,hadheusedhisjewelsasheshouldhave.Thosewhotoldmethestory,saidthathemadebutlittleuseofthembecausehewassodiscouragedfrombeingrobbedofhismoney.Indeed,heforgotabouthisjewelsforagreatpartoftherestof

his journey. Whenever they came to his mind, and he began to becomfortedwiththem—thenfreshthoughtsofhis losswouldagaincomeuponhim,andthosethoughtswouldswallowupallcomfort."

HOPEFUL:"Alas!poorman.Thismusthavebeenagreatgrieftohim."

CHRISTIAN:"Grief!Yes,agriefindeed.Itwouldhavebeensotoanyofus—hadwebeenrobbedandwoundedashewas—andthat ina strangeplace!Itisawonderthathedidnotdiefromgrief,poorheart!Iwastoldthat he traveled almost all the rest of thewaywithnothing but dolefuland bitter complaints—telling to all who overtook him, or whom heovertookashejourneyed—whereandhowhewasrobbed;whotheywerethat did it; what he lost; how he was wounded; and that he hardlyescapedwithhislife!"

HOPEFUL:"Butitisawonderthathisnecessitydidnotmakehimsellorpawnsomeofhis jewels—thathemighthave something to sustain himalonghisjourney."

CHRISTIAN: "Youare talking childishly; forwhat couldhepawn themfor, or to whom could he sell them? In all that country where he wasrobbed,his jewelswerenot considered valuable;nordidhedesire thatkindofhelpwhichthatcountrywouldoffer.Besides,hadhisjewelsbeenmissing at the gate of the Celestial City, he knew that he would beexcludedfromaninheritancethere—andthatwouldhavebeenworsetohimthanthevillainyoftenthousandthieves!"

HOPEFUL: "Whyare you so shortwithme,mybrother?Esau sold hisbirthright forabowlof lentil stew—and thatbirthrightwashis greatestjewel.Ifhecoulddothis—thenwhymightnotLittle-faithalso?"

CHRISTIAN: "Esau indeed sold his birthright, and so domany othersbesides—but by doing so, they exclude themselves from their chiefblessing,asdespicableEsaudid.TherearedifferencesbetweenEsauandLittle-faith,andalsobetweentheirconditions.Esau'sbellywashisgod—butnotsowithLittle-faith.Esau'sdesirewashisfleshlyappetite—butnotsowithLittle-faith.Besides,Esaucouldseenofurtherthanthefulfillingofhislusts,andsaid,'Behold,Iamatthepointofdeath—whatgoodcan

thisbirthrightbetome?'ButLittle-faith,thoughitwashislottohavebuta little faith—was by his little faith kept fromEsau'sbase behavior.Heprizedhisjewels,andwouldnotconsidersellingthem.

"YounowherereadthatEsauhadfaith—no,notsomuchasalittle.Ashewascontrolledbyhisfleshlyappetites,andhadnofaithtoresist—itisnowonder thathesoldhisbirthright,andhis soulandall, and that to thedevilofHell.Likeawilddonkeyinheat,whenpeoplelikeEsauhavetheirmindssetupontheir lusts—theyaredeterminedtohave themwhateverthecost.

But Little-faith was of another temperament—his mind was on divinethings;hisdesirewasforthingsthatwerespiritual,andfromabove.Evenif there had been any who would have bought his jewels—he had nodesiretosellthem—onlytofillhismindwithtrifles.Wouldamangiveapenny—tofillhisbellywithhay?Couldyoupersuadetheturtle-dove—tolive upon carrion like the crow? Though faithless ones can, for carnallusts,pawnorsellwhattheyhave,andthemselvestoboot—yetthosewhohave faith, saving faith, though but a little of it, cannot do so. Here,therefore,mybrother,isyourmistake."

HOPEFUL: "I acknowledge it—but yet your severe admonition almostmademeangry."

CHRISTIAN:"Ifweonlyconsiderthematterunderdebate—thenallshallbewellbetweenyouandme."

HOPEFUL:"But,Christian,IampersuadedinmyheartthatthesethreerogueswhoattackedLittle-faithwerebutacompanyofcowards—fortheyranawaymerelyatthesoundofsomeonecomingontheroad.WhydidLittle-faithnothavemorecourage?Ithinkhemighthavewithstoodoneskirmish—andonlyhaveyieldedwhenhecouldnolongerresistthem."

CHRISTIAN: "Though many have said that these three rouges arecowards—fewhave beenwilling to actually resist them.As for courage,Little-faithhadnone;andIperceivethatyou,mybrother,ifyouhadbeenthemanconcerned—youthinkthatyoucouldhavewithstoodaskirmishbefore yielding. And since this is the height of your courage, now that

theyareatadistancefromus—shouldtheyappeartoyounowastheydidtohimthen,youmighthavesecondthoughts!

"Consideragain,theyarebutamateurthieveswhoserveunderthekingofthebottomlesspit,whosevoiceislikethatofaroaringlion—whowillhimselfcometotheiraid,ifneedbe.

"ImyselfhavebeenassaultedjustasLittle-faithwas—andIfoundittobea terrible thing! These three villains assailedme, and as a Christian, Ibegantoresistthem.Buttheycalledout—andincametheirevilmaster.Iwould, as the saying goes, have givenmy life for a penny—but as Godwould have it, I was clothed with armor. Yet, though I was so wellarrayed,I foundithardworktostandfirmandbecourageous.Nomancan tell how strenuous that combat is—except he who has been in thebattlehimself."

HOPEFUL:"Well,buttheyran,yousee—whentheythoughtthatGreat-gracewascoming."

CHRISTIAN: "True, they have often fled, both they and their master,whenGreat-gracehasbutappeared—andnowonder,forheistheKing'sChampion.But I trust thatyouwill see somedifferencebetweenLittle-faith and the King's Champion. All the King's subjects are not Hischampions—nor can they, when tried, do such feats of war as Great-grace.IsitreasonabletothinkthatalittlechildcouldhandleGoliath,asDaviddid—orthatthereshouldbethestrengthofanox,inabird?Somearestrong—someareweak;somehavegreatfaith—somehavelittlefaith.Little-faithwasoneoftheweak—andthereforehefaredsopoorly."

HOPEFUL:"IwishithadbeenGreat-grace,fortheirsakes."

CHRISTIAN:"Ifithadbeen,hemighthavehadhishandsfull;forImusttellyou,thatthoughGreat-graceisexcellentathisweapons,andhas,andcan, so long as he keeps them at sword's point—do well enough withthem;yet,ifFaint-heart,Mistrust,orGuiltgetwithinhisheart—theywillbeabletothrowhimdown.Andwhenamanisdown—whatcanhedo?

"WhoeverlookscloselyuponGreat-grace'sface,shallseethosescarsand

cutsthere—whichdemonstrateswhatIamsaying.Yes,Ionceheardthathewouldsay,whenhewasincombat,'Wedespairedevenoflife!'

"How these sturdy rogues and their fellows made David groan andmourn!Yes,HemanandHezekiahalso,thoughchampionsintheirday—wereassaultedbythesethreerogues.Yet,notwithstanding,theyhadtheircoatssoiledandtornbythem.Peteralso,whomsomesaythatheistheprinceoftheapostles—thoughtthathecouldstandfast.Buttheseroguessohandledhim—thattheyevenmadehimafraidofapoormaiden.

"Besides, their evilking is at theirbeckandcall.Whentheywhistle forhim, he is never out of hearing. And if at any time they are beingdefeated, hewill come in to help them.He esteems iron as straw—andbrass as rotten wood. The arrow cannot make him flee—and he turnsslingstonesintochaff.Hecountsdartsasstubble—andhelaughsattheshakingofaspear!WhatcanaPilgrimdointhiscase?

"ButforsuchfootmenasyouandIare—letusneverdesiretomeetwithan enemy. Nor let us boast as if we could do better, when we hear ofotherswhohavebeenfoiled;norletusbeproudofourownstrength—forsuchoverconfidentfellowsarecommonlyovercomewhentried.WitnessPeter, of whom I just mentioned. He would boast—yes, his vain mindprompted him to say that though all denied hisMaster, that he neverwould.Butwhohaseverbeensofoiledbythesevillains,asPeter?

"When, therefore, we hear that such robberies are done on the King'shighway,therearetwothingsthatweshoulddo:

"First,togooutwithourarmoron—andtobesuretotakeourshieldwithus.Itisforlackofthis,thatmanyPilgrimsarefoiled.Onlytheshieldoffaithcanquenchthefierydartsofthewickedone.If that is lacking, thewickedonedoesnotfearusatall.

"Secondly,itisgood,also,thatweasktheKingforaguideaswejourney—yes,thatHeHimselfwouldgowithus.ThismadeDavidrejoicewhenintheValleyoftheShadowofDeath—andMoseswouldratherdiewherehestood,rather thantogoonestepwithoutGod.Omybrother, ifHewillbutgowithus—thenwewillnotbeafraidof tensof thousandswhoset

themselvesagainstus.But,withoutHim,wewillonlystumblealong,orlieamongthedead.

"PreviouslyImyselfhavebeeninthefray—andthroughthemercyofourgoodMaster,Iamstillalive.YetIcannotboastofhavinganycourage.Iwouldbe glad tomeetwithno further attacks—though, I fear,we havenotgottenbeyondalldanger.However,sincethelionandthebearhavenot as yet devoured us—I trust God will also deliver us from the nextuncircumcisedPhilistine."

ThenChristiansang:

"PoorLittle-faithhasbeenamongthethieves,Wasrobbed—rememberthis;whosoeverbelievesAndgetsmorefaith,shallthenavictorbeOvertenthousand—otherwisenoteventhree."

THEFLATTERER

So thePilgrimswent on, and Ignorance followed. They came to a pathwhichseemedtogoasstraightasthewaywhichtheywereon—andhencethey did not know which of the two to take, for both seemed straightbeforethem.Therefore,theystoodstilltoconsider.

Astheywerethinkingabouttheway,beholdablackmanclothedwithavery light robe, came to them,andasked themwhy theywere standingthere.TheyansweredthattheyweregoingtotheCelestialCity—butdidnotknowwhichofthesewaystotake.

"Followme,"themansaid,"Iamgoingtherealso."

So they followed him into the adjoining way, which slowly by degreesturnedthemaway fromtheCelestialCity—sothat, ina little time,theirfaceswerecompletelyturnedawayfromit;yet theycontinuedtofollowhim.Byandby,beforetheywereaware,heledthemintoanet,inwhichtheywere both so entangled, that they did not knowwhat to do.Withthat, thewhite robe fell off theblackman'sback.Then they sawwhere

they were. There they lay crying for some time, for they could notextricatethemselvesfromthenet.

Then Christian said to his fellow, "Now I see my error. Did not theShepherdsbidustobewareoftheFlatterer?Asisthesayingofthewiseman—so we have found it this day: 'Whoever flatters his neighbor, isspreadinganetforhisfeet!'"

HOPEFUL: "They also gave us a notewith directions so thatwe couldsurelyfindtheway—butweforgottoreadit,andhavewanderedintothepathsofthedestroyer.HereDavidwaswiserthanwe;forhesaid,'BythewordofYourlips,Ihavekeptmyselffromthepathsofthedestroyer.'"

Thus they lay in the net, bewailing themselves. At last they sighted aShining One coming towards them, with a whip of small cords in hishand. When he arrived at the place where they were, he asked themwheretheycamefrom,andwhattheyweredoingthere.

Theytoldhimthat theywerepoorPilgrimsgoingto theCelestialCity—butwere ledoutof theirwaybyablackmanwhowasclothedinwhite,whobidthemtofollowhim,forhewasgoingtherealso.

Then the Shining One replied, "That was the Flatterer! He is a falseapostle,whotransformshimselfintoanangeloflight."

Sohecutthenet,andfreedthePilgrims.Thenhesaidtothem,"Followme,sothatImayplaceyouintherightpathagain."

SoheledthembacktothewaywhichtheyhadlefttofollowtheFlatterer.Thenheaskedthem,"Wheredidyoustaylastnight?"

Theyanswered,"WiththeShepherds,upontheDelectableMountains."

HethenaskediftheShepherdshadgiventhemanotewithdirectionsfortheway.

"Yes,"theyresponded.

"Didyounotreadyournote?"hequestioned.

"No,"theyreplied.

"Andwhynot?"Heaskedthem.

Theyansweredthattheyhadforgotten.

He asked, moreover, if the Shepherds told them to beware of theFlatterer.

"Yes," they explained, "but we did not imagine that he was this fine-spokenman."

ThenI saw inmydream, thathecommanded thePilgrims to lie down.Havingdonethis,hegrievouslychastisedthem,to teachthemthegoodway inwhich they shouldwalk.Ashe chastised them,hedeclared, "AsmanyasIlove,Irebukeandchasten.Bezealous,therefore,andrepent."

Thisdone,hebidthemtogoontheirway,andtopaycloseattentiontothe other directions which the Shepherds had given them. So theythankedhimforallhiskindness,andwentcarefullyalongtherightway,singing:

"Comehere,youwhowalkalongtheway;SeehowPilgrimsfare,whogoastray!Theyarecatchedinanentanglingnet,Causetheygoodcounsel,didforget.'Tistrue,theywererescued—butyetyousee,They'rescourgedtoboot—letthisyourcautionbe."

ATHEIST

Now,after awhile, theyperceivedafaroff, one coming softly along thehighwaytomeetthem.

ThenChristiansaidtohisfellow,"YonderisamanwithhisbacktowardtheCelestialCity,andheiscomingtomeetus."

HOPEFUL:"Iseehim.Letusbecarefulnow—lestheshouldprovetobeaflattereralso."

So theman drew nearer and nearer, and at last came up to them.HisnamewasAtheist,andheaskedthemwheretheyweregoing.

CHRISTIAN:"WearegoingtotheCelestialCity."

ThenAtheistburstintolaughter.

CHRISTIAN:"Whatisthemeaningofyourlaughter?"

ATHEIST:"I laughbecauseIseewhat ignorantpeopleyouare—totakesotediousajourney,andyetarelikelytogainnothingforyourtravelbutpains."

CHRISTIAN:"Whydoyouthinkweshallnotbereceived?"

ATHEIST: "Received!There isnosuchplaceasyoudreamof inall thisworld!"

CHRISTIAN:"Thatistrue—butthereisintheworldtocome."

ATHEIST:"WhenIwasathomeinmyowncountry,Iheardofthatplacewhichyouspeakof.SoIwentouttofindit—andhavebeenseekingthisCityforthesepasttwentyyears;butIhavenotfounditinallthistime!"

CHRISTIAN:"Wehavebothheardandbelievethatthereissuchaplacetobefound!"

ATHEIST: "Had not I, when at home, also believed—Iwould not havecome thus far to seek it. If there had been such a place, I would havesurely found it bynow—for Ihave gonemuch further than you. Sonotfindingit,Iamgoingbackhomeagain,andwillseekthepleasureswhichIhadthencastaway—forthevainhopeofaworldtocome."

Then Christian said toHopeful, "Do you think thatwhat thisman hassaidistrue?"

HOPEFUL: "Take heed—he is one of the flatterers! Remember what ithascostusoncealready forourhearkening to sucha fellow.What!NoCelestialCity?Didwenotsee,fromtheDelectableMountains,thegateoftheCity?Also,we arenow towalkby faith.Letus go on, lest themanwiththewhipovertakeusagain.

"Youshouldhavetaughtmethatlesson,whichIwillnowremindyouof:'Donotlistentoanyadvicewhichwouldleadyoutostrayfromthewordsofknowledge.'Isay,mybrother—donotlistentohim—butletusbelievetothesavingofoursouls!"

CHRISTIAN: "Mybrother, I didnot ask thequestionof you,because Idoubted the truth myself—but to test you, and to hear your heartfeltresponse.As for thisman, I know thathe is blindedby the godof thisworld.Letusgoon,knowingthatwebelievethetruth,andthatnolieisofthetruth."

HOPEFUL:"NowIrejoiceinthehopeofthegloryofGod!"

So they turnedaway fromtheman—andhe, laughingat them,wentonhiswaybackhome.

THEENCHANTEDGROUND

ThenIsawinmydream,thattheywentonuntiltheycametoacertaincountry,whoseairnaturallytendedtomaketravelersdrowsy.

SoHopefulbegantobeverydullandsleepy,andsaidtoChristian,"IamstartingtogrowsodrowsythatIcanscarcelyholdmyeyesopen.Letuslaydownhere,andtakeanap."

CHRISTIAN:"Bynomeans—lestbysleeping,weneverwakeupagain!"

HOPEFUL: "Why,mybrother? Sleep is sweet to the laboringman—wemayberefreshedifwetakeanap."

CHRISTIAN: "Doyounotremember thatoneof theShepherdswarned

us to beware of the Enchanted Ground? Therefore let us not sleep, asothersdo—butletuskeepawakeandwatch."

HOPEFUL:"Iacknowledgemyfault.HadIbeenherealone,Iwouldhavesleptandbeen indangerofdeath. I see thatwhat thewisemansaid istrue:'Twoarebetterthanone.'Yourcompanybeenamercytome—andyoushallhaveagoodrewardforyourlabor."

"Now then," Christian said, "to prevent drowsiness in this place, let ushaveawholesomediscussion."

"Withallmyheart,"saidHopeful.

CHRISTIAN:"Whereshallwebegin?"

HOPEFUL:"WhereGodbeganwithus.Pleasestart."

CHRISTIAN:"FirstIwillsingthissongtoyou:

Whensaintsdosleepygrow,letthemcomehither,

AndhearhowthesetwoPilgrimstalktogether.

Yes,letthemlearnofthem,inanywise,

Thustokeepopentheirdrowsy,slumberingeyes.

Saints'fellowship,ifitbemanagedwell,

Keepsthemawake,andthatinspiteofHell."

ThenChristianbegan, "Iwill askyouaquestion.Howdidyoucomeatfirst,tothinkofgoingonthispilgrimage?"

HOPEFUL:"Doyoumean,howdidIfirstcometolookafterthegoodofmysoul?"

CHRISTIAN:"Yes,thatismymeaning."

HOPEFUL:"Icontinuedagreatwhileinthedelightofthosevainthings

whichwere seenandsoldatour fair.These things Inowbelieve,had Icontinued in them still, would have drowned me in perdition anddestruction!"

CHRISTIAN:"Whatthingswerethey?"

HOPEFUL: "All the treasures and riches of the world. I also delightedmuch in carousing, drinking, swearing, lying, impurity, Sabbath-breaking,andwhatnot—allofwhichleadtothedestructionofthesoul.But I found at last, by hearing and considering divine things, which IheardfromyouandbelovedFaithful,(whowasputtodeathforhisfaithandholylivinginVanityFair)thattheendofthesethingsisdeath!Andthat for these things, the wrath of God comes upon the children ofdisobedience!"

CHRISTIAN: "Did you immediately fall under the power of thisconviction?"

HOPEFUL:"No,Iwasnotinitiallywillingtoknowtheevilofsin,northedamnationwhichfollowsthecommissionofsin.Rather,whenmymindatfirstbegantobeshakenwiththeWord,Iendeavoredtoshutmyeyesagainstitslight."

CHRISTIAN: "But what was the cause for your resistence to the firstworkingsofGod'sblessedSpirituponyou?"

HOPEFUL:"Therewereseveralcauses:

"First, I was ignorant that this was the work of God uponme. I neverthoughtthatGodbeginstheconversionofasinnerthroughconvictionsofsin.

"Secondly, sin was yet very sweet to my flesh—and I was reluctant toleaveit.

"Thirdly, I could not tell how to part with my old companions—theirpresenceandactionsweresodesirabletome.

"Finally,myconvictionsofsinweresotroublesomeandheart-affrighting

—thatIcouldnotendurethethoughtoftheminmyheart."

CHRISTIAN: "Then, as it seems, sometimes you got rid of yourconvictionsofsin?"

HOPEFUL: "Yes, truly—but theywould come intomymind again, andthenIwouldbeasbad—nay,worsethanIwasbefore."

CHRISTIAN:"Why,whatwasitthatbroughtyoursinstomindagain?"

HOPEFUL:"Manythings,suchas,

1.IfIdidbutmeetagodlymaninthestreets;or,

2.IfIheardanyonereadintheBible;or,

3.Ifmyheadbegantoache;or,

4.IfIwastoldthatsomeofmyneighborsweresick;or,

5.IfIheardthedeath-belltollforsomeonewhohaddied;or,

6.IfIthoughtofdyingmyself;or,

7.IfIheardthatanotherhaddiedbysuddendeath.

8.Butespecially,whenIthoughtofmyself—thatImustquicklycometojudgment!"

CHRISTIAN:"Andcouldyoueasilyatanytime,getofftheguiltofsin—when,byanyoftheseways,convictioncameuponyou?"

HOPEFUL:"No,notI—forthentheygotatighterholdonmyconscience.And then, if Ididbut thinkof goingback to sin—thoughmymindwasturnedagainstit—itwouldbedoubletormenttome."

CHRISTIAN:"Andwhatdidyoudothen?"

HOPEFUL: "I reckoned that I must endeavor to mend my life—for Ithoughtthatotherwise,Iwassuretobedamned."

CHRISTIAN:"Anddidyoueverattempttomendyourlife?"

HOPEFUL: "Yes, and I fled not only from my sins—but from sinfulcompany too. I also began religious duties—such as prayer, reading,weeping for sin, speaking truth to my neighbors, and so forth. ThesethingsIdid,alongwithmanyothers—toomanytorecount."

CHRISTIAN:"Anddidyouthinkyourselfwellthen?"

HOPEFUL: "Yes, for a while—but eventually my troubling convictionscametumblinguponmeagain,inspiteofallmyreformations."

CHRISTIAN:"Howso,sinceyouwerenowreformed?"

HOPEFUL: "Therewereseveral thingswhichbrought these convictionsuponme,especiallysuchsayingsasthese:'Allourrighteousnessesareasfilthyrags.''Bytheworksofthelawshallnofleshbejustified.''Whenwehave done everythingwe should—we are unworthy servants, doing butour duty'—along with many more similar sayings. Hence I began toreasonthuswithmyself:IfALLmyrighteousnessesarefilthyrags—andif,bythedeedsofthelaw,NOmancanbejustified—andif,whenwehavedoneALLourduty,weareyetunprofitableservants—thenitisbutfollytothinkofgainingHeavenbykeepingthelaw.

"Ifurtherthoughtthus:Ifamanrunsahundreddollarsintodebttotheshopkeeper,andfromthenon,hepaysforeverythingthathepurchases;yet, if his old debt still remains unpaid in the ledger book—theshopkeeperwillsuehimforthat,andcasthimintoprisonuntilheshallpaythefulldebt."

CHRISTIAN:"Sohowdidyouapplythistoyourself?"

HOPEFUL: "Why, I thought thus with myself: I have, by my sins,accumulatedagreatdebtinGod'sBook—andthatmynowreformingwillnotpayoffthatdebt.Thereforeevenwithallmypresentamendments—Iwouldnotbefreedfromthatdamnationwhichmyformertransgressionsstilldeserved."

CHRISTIAN:"Averygoodapplication—butpleasegoon."

HOPEFUL: "Another thing which troubled me, even since my recentamendments,isthatifIlookcloselyintothebestofwhateverIdo—Istillsee sin, new sin, mixing itself with my best deeds. So I am forced toconclude,thatnotwithstandingmyformergoodopinionofmyselfandmyduties,IhavecommittedenoughsininonedutytosendmetoHell—evenifmyformerlifehadbeenfaultless!"

CHRISTIAN:"Andwhatdidyoudothen?"

HOPEFUL: "Do!Ididnotknowwhattodo,untilIsharedmythoughtswith Faithful—for we were well acquainted. He told me that unless Icould obtain the righteousness of a Man who never had sinned—thatneithermyown,noralltherighteousnessoftheworld,couldsaveme."

CHRISTIAN:"Anddidyouthinkhespokethetruth?"

HOPEFUL: "Had he toldme thiswhile Iwas yet pleased and satisfiedwith my own amendments—I would have called him a fool for hiscounsel.Butnow,sinceIseemyownerror,andthesinwhichcleavestoevenmybestperformances—Iwasforcedtoembracehisopinion."

CHRISTIAN: "Butdidyou think,whenat firsthe suggested it to you—thattherewassuchaMantobefound,ofwhomitmightjustlybesaid,thatHenevercommittedanysin?"

HOPEFUL:"Imustconfessthathiswordsdidsoundstrangeatfirst—butafteralittlemoreconversationwithhim,Iwasfullyconvinced."

CHRISTIAN:"AnddidyouaskFaithfulwhothisManwas—andhowyoumustbejustifiedbyHim?"

HOPEFUL:"Yes,andhetoldmeitwastheLordJesus,whodwellsontheright hand of the Most High God. And thus he said that I must bejustifiedbyHim—evenby trusting inwhatHeHimselfhasdoneduringHisearthlylife—andwhatHesufferedwhenHehungonthetree.

"Iaskedhimfurther—howthatMan'srighteousnesscouldbeeffectualtojustifyanotherbeforeGod?AndhetoldmethatHewasthemightyGod,

andthatbothHislifeandHisdeath,wasnotforHimself—butforme,towhom theworthiness ofHis doingswould be imputed, if I believed onHim."

CHRISTIAN:"Andwhatdidyoudothen?"

HOPEFUL: "Imadeobjectionsagainstmybelieving—for I thought thatHewasnotwillingtosaveme."

CHRISTIAN:"AndwhatdidFaithfulsaytoyouthen?"

HOPEFUL: "Hebidme togo toHimand see.And I toldhim that thiswouldbepresumption.Buthesaid, 'Notso—for Iwas invited tocome.'ThenhegavemeaBookofJesus,inHisownwords,toencouragemetocomethemorefreely.Healsosaid,concerningthatBook,that itseveryjotandtittlestoodfirmerthanHeavenandearth.

"ThenIaskedFaithfulwhatImustdowhenIgotoHim.HetoldmethatImustentreattheFatheruponmykneesandwithallmyheartandsoul—torevealtheLordJesustome.

"ThenIaskedhimfurther,howImustmakemypetitiontoHim?Andhesaid,'Go,andyoushallfindHimuponamercy-seat,whereHesitsalltheyearlong,togivepardonandforgivenesstothosewhocome.'

"ItoldhimthatIdidnotknowwhattosaywhenIgo.Andhebidmetosaysomethingtothiseffect: 'Godbemercifultomeasinner—andmakeme to know and believe in Jesus Christ. For I see that if He had notprovided His perfect righteousness, or if I have not faith in Hisrighteousness—thenIamutterlycastaway.Lord,IhaveheardthatYouareamercifulGod,andhaveordainedthatYourSonJesusChristshouldbetheSavioroftheworld;andmoreover,thatyouarewillingtobestowHimuponsuchapoor sinner as I am—and I amapoor sinner indeed.Lord, be pleased to magnify Your grace in the salvation of my soul,throughYourSonJesusChrist.Amen.'"

CHRISTIAN:"Anddidyoudoasyouwerebidden?"

HOPEFUL:"Yes—over,andover,andover."

CHRISTIAN:"AnddidtheFatherrevealHisSontoyou?"

HOPEFUL:"Notatthefirst,northesecond,northethird,northefourth,northefifth—no,notevenatthesixthtime."

CHRISTIAN:"Whatdidyoudothen?"

HOPEFUL:"What!WhyIcouldnottellwhattodo!"

CHRISTIAN:"Didyoueverconsidergivinguppraying?"

HOPEFUL:"Yes,ahundredtimes,twiceover!"

CHRISTIAN:"Andwhatwasthereasonwhyyoudidnot?"

HOPEFUL:"IbelievedthatwhatFaithfultoldmewastrue,namely,thatwithout the righteousness of Christ—all the world could not save me.Therefore,I thoughtthat ifIceasepraying,Iwoulddie—andIdarenotdie,exceptatthethroneofgrace.Thenthisthoughtcameintomymind,'Though it seems slow in coming—wait patiently, for it will surely takeplace.'SoIcontinuedprayinguntiltheFatherrevealedHisSontome."

CHRISTIAN:"AndhowwasHerevealeduntoyou?"

HOPEFUL:"IdidnotseeHimwithmybodilyeyes,butwiththeeyesofmy understanding. It happened in this way: One day I was very sad,perhaps sadder than at any other time inmy life. This sadness sprangfromafreshsightoftheimmensityandvilenessofmysins.AsIwasthenexpectingnothingbutHell and the everlastingdamnation ofmy soul—suddenly I thought I saw theLordJesus lookdown fromHeavenuponme,andsay,'BelieveontheLordJesusChrist—andyoushallbesaved.'

"ButIreplied,'Lord,Iamadreadfulsinner—averydreadfulsinner.'

"AndHeanswered,'Mygraceissufficientforyou.'

"ThenIsaid,'but,Lord,whatisbelieving?'

"And then I saw from that saying, 'He who comes to Me shall neverhunger,andhewhobelievesonMeshallneverthirst'—thatbelievingandcomingwereoneandthesame;andthathewhocame,thatis,hewhoranout in his heart and affections after salvation by Christ—he indeedbelievedinChrist.

"Then thewater stood inmy eyes, and I asked further: 'But Lord,maysuchavilesinnerasIam—indeedbeacceptedbyYou,andbe savedbyYou?'

"AndIheardHimsay,'WhoevercomestoMe,Iwillnevercastout.'

"ThenIsaid,'ButhowLord,inmycomingtoYou,mustIproperlythinkofYou—thatmyfaithmayberightlyplaceduponYou?'

"AndHesaid, 'ChristJesus came into theworld to save sinners.' 'He istheendof the lawforrighteousnesstoeveryonewhobelieves.' 'Hediedfor our sins, and rose again for our justification.' 'He loved us, andwashedusfromoursinsinHisownblood.' 'HeisthemediatorbetweenGodandmen.''Heeverlivestomakeintercessionforus.'

"From all of this, I gathered that Imust look for righteousness in Hisperson,andforatonementformysinsbyHisblood.Also,thatwhatHedidinobediencetoHisFather'slaw,andinsubmittingtoitspenalty,wasnotforHimself—butfortheonewhowillacceptitforhissalvation,andbethankful.

"And nowmy heartwas full of joy,my eyeswere full of tears, andmyaffectionswererunningover—withlovetothename,waysandpeopleofJesusChrist."

CHRISTIAN:"ThiswasarevelationofChristtoyoursoulindeed!Buttellmeparticularly,whateffectthisencounterhaduponyourspirit."

HOPEFUL:"First,itmademeseethatalltheworld,notwithstandingallitsboastedrighteousness—isinastateofcondemnation.

"Secondly, it made me see that God the Father is both just—and theJustifieroftheonewhobelievesinJesus.

"Thirdly, itmademegreatlyashamedof thevilenessofmy former life,andconfoundedmewiththesenseofmyownignorance;forIneverhadathoughtinmyheartbeforenow,thatsoshowedmethebeautyofJesusChrist.

"Lastly, it mademe love a holy life, and long to do something for thehonorandgloryofthenameoftheLordJesus.Yes,IthoughtthathadInowa thousandgallonsofblood inmybody—Icould spill it all for thesakeoftheLordJesus."

IGNORANCEREJOINSTHEPILGRIMS

ThenI saw inmydream, thatHopeful lookedbackandsawIgnorance,whomtheyhadleftbehind,followingafterthem.

"Look,"hesaidtoChristian,"Ignoranceisstilllaggingbehindus!"

CHRISTIAN:"Yes,yes,Iseehim—hedoesnotcareforourcompany."

HOPEFUL:"Itwouldnothavehurthim—hadhestayedwithusthusfar."

CHRISTIAN:"Thatistrue—butIguaranteethathethinksotherwise."

HOPEFUL:"Iagree—however,letuswaitforhim."

Sotheydid.

ThenChristian called to Ignorance, "Come joinus—whydo you stay sofarbehind?"

IGNORANCE: "It pleasesme to walk alone, rather than in company—unlessofcourse,thecompanysuitsmebetter."

ThenChristianwhisperedtoHopeful,"DidInottellyouthathedidnotcareforourcompany?"

Then,callingouttoIgnorance,Christiansaid,"Comeup,andletustalk

awaythetimeinthissolitaryplace.Say,howareyoudoing?HowdoesitnowstandbetweenGodandyoursoul?"

IGNORANCE: "I hope well—for I am always full of good notions thatcomeintomymind,tocomfortmeasIwalk."

CHRISTIAN:"Whatgoodnotions?Pleasetellus."

IGNORANCE:"Why,IthinkofGodandHeaven."

CHRISTIAN:"Sodothedevilsanddamnedsouls."

IGNORANCE:"ButIthinkofthem—anddesirethem."

CHRISTIAN: "So domanywho are never likely to get toHeaven. Thesoulofthesluggarddesires—andgetsnothing!"

IGNORANCE:"ButIthinkofGodandHeaven—andleaveallforthem."

CHRISTIAN:"ThatIdoubt,forleavingallisahardmatter—yes,ahardermatterthanmanyareawareof.ButwhydoyouthinkthatyouhaveleftallforGodandHeaven?"

IGNORANCE:"Becausemyhearttellsmeso."

CHRISTIAN:"Butthewisemansays,'Hewhotrustsinhisownheartisafool.'"

IGNORANCE: "That was spoken of an evil heart—but mine is a goodone."

CHRISTIAN:"Buthowdoyouprovethat?"

IGNORANCE:"ItcomfortsmeinhopesofHeaven."

CHRISTIAN: "That may be through your heart's deceitfulness; for aman'sheartmayministercomforttohiminthehopeofHeaven—andyetbeafalsehope."

IGNORANCE: "Butmyheartandmy lifeagree together—and therefore

myhopeiswellgrounded."

CHRISTIAN:"Whotoldyouthatyourheartandlifeagreetogether?"

IGNORANCE:"Myhearttellsmeso."

CHRISTIAN: "Your heart tells you so! Except the Word of God bearswitnessinthismatter—anyothertestimonyisofnovalue!"

IGNORANCE:"Butisitnotagoodheart,whichhasgoodthoughts?Andisitnotagoodlife,whichisaccordingtoGod'scommandments?"

CHRISTIAN: "Yes, that is a good heart, which has good thoughts; andthatisagoodlife,whichisaccordingtoGod'scommandments.Butitisonething, indeed,tohaveagoodheartandlife—andit isanotherthingonlytothinkso."

IGNORANCE:"Tellmeplease,whatyouthinkaregoodthoughts,andalifeaccordingtoGod'scommandments?"

CHRISTIAN:"Therearegoodthoughtsofmanykinds—somerespectingourselves,someofGod,someofChrist,andsomeofotherthings."

IGNORANCE:"Whataregoodthoughtsrespectingourselves?"

CHRISTIAN:"SuchasagreewiththeWordofGod."

IGNORANCE:"WhendoourthoughtsofourselvesagreewiththeWordofGod?"

CHRISTIAN: "Whenwepassthesamejudgmentuponourselves,whichtheWordpasses.Toexplainmyself—theWordofGodsaysofpeople intheirnaturalcondition,'Therearenonerighteous,therearenonewhodogood.'Itsaysalso,that'everyimaginationoftheheartofmanisonlyevil,andthatcontinually.'Andagain, 'The imaginationofman'sheart isevilfrom his youth.' Now then, whenwe think thus of ourselves—then ourthoughtsaregoodones,becausetheyareaccordingtotheWordofGod."

IGNORANCE:"Iwillneverbelievethatmyheartisthatbad!"

CHRISTIAN: "Therefore you never had one good thought concerningyourself in all of your life! But let me go on. As the Word passes ajudgmentuponourheart—soitpassesajudgmentuponourways.Whenour thoughts concerning our hearts and our ways agree with thejudgmentwhich theWord gives of both—then are both good, becausetheyareinagreementwiththeWordofGod."

IGNORANCE:"Explainwhatyoumeanbythis."

CHRISTIAN: "Why, theWordofGodsays thatman'swaysarecrookedandperverse—andnotgood.ItsaysthatnooneseeksGod—butallhaveturned away fromHim.Now, when aman sincerely thinks thus of hisways,andwithhearthumiliation—thenhisthoughtsnowagreewiththejudgmentoftheWordofGod."

IGNORANCE:"Further,whataregoodthoughtsconcerningGod?"

CHRISTIAN: "Just as I have said concerning ourselves—when ourthoughtsofGodagreewithwhattheWordsaysofHim.Thatis,whenwethink of His being and attributes just as theWord teaches, of which Icannotpresentlydiscourseatlength.

"TospeakofHimwithreferencetoourselves—wehaverightthoughtsofGod, when we understand that He knows us better than we knowourselves, and can see sin in uswhen andwherewe can see no sin inourselves.AlsowhenwerealizethatHeknowsourinmostthoughts—andthatourheart,withall itsdepths, isalwaysopenbeforeHiseyes.Also,whenwethinkthatallourrighteousnessisastenchinHisnostrils—andthat,therefore,HecannotenduretohaveusstandbeforeHiminanyself-confidence,eveninallourbestduties."

IGNORANCE:"DoyouthinkthatIamsuchafoolastoimaginethatGodcanseenofurtherthanIcan—or,thatIwouldcometoGodinthebestofmyduties?"

CHRISTIAN:"Well,whatdoyouthinkconcerningthismatter?"

IGNORANCE: "Why, to be brief, I think I must believe in Christ for

justification."

CHRISTIAN:"HowcanyoubelieveinChrist—whenyoudonotseeyourneedofHim?Youneitherseeyouroriginalnoractualsins!Youhavesuchahighopinionofyourself,andofwhatyoudo—sothatyouneverseethenecessity of Christ's personal righteousness to justify you before God.How,then,canyousaythatyoubelieveinChrist?"

IGNORANCE:"Mybeliefsarefine—inspiteofallthatyouhavejustsaid."

CHRISTIAN:"Whatexactlythen,doyoubelieve?"

IGNORANCE:"IbelievethatChristdiedforsinners—andthatIshallbejustifiedbeforeGod fromthecurse, throughHisgraciousacceptanceofmy obedience to His law. To state it another way, Christ makes myreligiousdutiesacceptabletoHisFather,byvirtueofHismerits—andsoIshallbejustified."

CHRISTIAN:"Letmegiveananswertoyourbeliefsonthisissue.

"First, you believe with an imaginary faith—for this kind of faith isnowheredescribedintheWord.

"Secondly,youbelievewitha falsefaith—becauseyoutrustthatyouarejustified by your own righteousness, rather than the righteousness ofChrist.

"Thirdly,yourbeliefsmakeChrista justifierofyouractions—butnotofyourperson.Youthinkthatyourpersonisjustifiedforyouraction'ssake,whichisfalse.

"Therefore, your faith is deceitful—even such as will leave you underdivinewrath,inthedayofAlmightyGod'sjudgment.Fortrue justifyingfaithcausesthesoul,beingsensibleofitslostconditionbythelaw,tofleefor refuge unto Christ's righteousness. It is not that Christ graciouslymakes a person's obedience acceptable to God—but true faith acceptsChrist'srighteousnessbyHispersonalobediencetothelaw,indoingandsuffering for us what that law required at our hands. The soul, thuscoveredinChrist'srighteousnessandpresentedasspotlessbeforeGod—

isacceptedbyGodandacquittedfromcondemnation."

IGNORANCE: "What!Would you have us trust to onlywhat Christ, inHisownperson,hasdoneforus?Thisbeliefwouldloosenthereinsofourlusts, and allow us to live any sinful waywe desire. Forwhatwould itmatterhowwelive—ifwebelievethatwearejustifiedbyChrist'spersonalrighteousnessalone?"

CHRISTIAN:"Ignoranceisyourname—andasyournameis,soyouare!YouranswerdemonstrateswhatIsay.Youareignorantofwhatjustifyingrighteousness is—andjustas ignoranthowtosecureyoursoul from thedreadfulwrathofGod,throughChrist'srighteousnessalone.Yes,youarealso ignorant of the true effects of saving faith, such as—to submit thehearttoGod,toloveHisName,HisWord,HiswaysandHispeople—andnotasyouignorantlyimagine."

Hopeful then joined in and asked, "Ignorance—has God ever revealedChristtoyourheart?"

IGNORANCE: "What!You are aman for revelations! I think thatwhatboth of you, and all the rest of your kind say—is but the fruit of yourdisorderedbrains!"

HOPEFUL: "Why, Sir! Christ is so hidden from the naturalunderstanding ofmen—thatHe cannot be savingly known, unless GodtheFatherrevealsHimtothem."

IGNORANCE:"Thatisyourbelief—butnotmine!Mybeliefsareasgoodasyours—thoughIdonothavesomanyfoolishnotionsinmyheadasyoudo."

CHRISTIAN:"Allowmetoputinaword.Yououghtnottospeakofthismatter so lightly. I will boldly affirm, even asmy good companion hasdone—that noman can know Jesus Christ but by the revelation of theFather.

"Also, that faith by which a soul truly lays hold upon Christ, must bewrought by the exceeding greatness of God's mighty power. Poor

Ignorance,Iperceivethatyouareignorantoftheworkingofthisfaithinyourownsoul.Beawakenedthen—seeyourownwretchednessandfleetotheLordJesus!ByHisdivinerighteousnessalone,canyoubedeliveredfromcondemnation."

IGNORANCE:"Yougotoofast—Icannotkeeppacewithyou.Goaheadofme—Imuststaybehindforawhile."

Thentheysaid,

"Well,Ignorance—willyouyetfoolishbe,Toslightgoodcounsel,tentimesgiventhee?Andifyouyetrefuseit,youshallknow,Beforelong,theevilofyourdoingso.Remember,man,intime,bow,donotfear,Goodcounseltakenwell,saves—thereforehear.Butifyouyetshallslightit,youwillbeTheloser(Ignorance)I'llwarrantthee."

ChristianthenaddressedHopeful:"Come,mygoodfellow,IseethatyouandImustwalkbyourselvesagain."

SoIsawinmydreamthattheywentonquickly—whileIgnorancelaggedbehind.

ThenChristiansaidtohiscompanion,"Ifeelmuchpityforthispoorman—itwillcertainlygobadlywithhimatthelast."

HOPEFUL: "Alas!There aremany in our town inhis condition—wholefamilies, yes, whole streets, and some claiming to be Pilgrims also. Iftherearesomanyinourparts,howmany,doyouthink—musttherebeintheplacewhereIgnorancewasborn?"

CHRISTIAN: "Indeed the Word says, 'He has blinded their eyes andhardenedtheirhearts—lesttheyseewiththeireyes,andunderstandwiththeirhearts,and turn—andIwouldheal them.'Butnowthatwearebyourselves—what do you think of suchmen as Ignorance?Do you thinkthat they ever have real convictions of sin—and subsequent fears that

theirstateisdangerous?"

HOPEFUL:"Nay,Ithinkthatyoushouldanswerthatquestionyourself,foryouareolderinexperience."

CHRISTIAN:"Then,Ithinkthattheymaysometimeshaveconvictionsofsin; but being naturally ignorant, they do not understand that suchconvictions tend to their good.Therefore theydesperately seek to stiflethem, andpresumptuously continue to flatter themselves in theway oftheirownhearts."

HOPEFUL:"Idobelieve,asyousay,thatfeartendsmuchtomen'sgood—tosetthemrightattheirbeginningtogoonpilgrimage."

CHRISTIAN: "Without doubt it does—if it is right fear; for so says theWord,'ThefearoftheLordisthebeginningofwisdom.'"

HOPEFUL:"Howwouldyoudescribetherightfear?"

CHRISTIAN:"Trueorrightfearismanifestedbythreethings:

"First.Byitsrise—itiscausedbysavingconvictionsforsin.

"Second.ItdrivesthesoultolayfastholdonChristforsalvation.

"Third.ItbegetsandcontinuesinthesoulagreatreverenceofGod,HisWord, andHis ways—keeping the soul tender, andmaking it afraid toturn from them, to the right hand or to the left—to anything thatmaydishonorGod, break its peace, grieve the Spirit, or cause the enemy tospeakreproachfully."

HOPEFUL: "Well said! Ibelieveyouhaveexplained the truth.HavewenowalmostgottenpasttheEnchantedGround?"

CHRISTIAN:"Why,areyouwearyofthisdiscourse?"

HOPEFUL:"No,truly—Iwouldonlyliketoknowwhereweare."

CHRISTIAN:"Wehavelessthantwomilesfurthertogo.Soletusreturn

to our discussion. Now the ignorant do not understand that suchconvictions which tend to put them in fear, are for their good—andthereforetheyseektostiflethem."

HOPEFUL:"Howdotheyseektostiflethem?"

SoChristianexplained,

"First, theythinkthatthosefearsarewroughtbythedevil(thoughtheyareactuallywroughtbyGod);and,thinkingso,theyresistthemasthingswhichdirectlytendtotheiroverthrow.

"Secondly,theyalsothinkthatthesefearstendtothedestructionoftheirfaith—when,alasforthem,poormenthattheyare—theyhavenofaithatall!Sothereforetheyhardentheirheartsagainstthem.

"Thirdly, they presume that they ought not to fear. Therefore, despitetheir fears—they increasingly become more presumptuous and self-confident.

"Finally,theyseethatthosefearstendtotakeawaytheirpatheticformerself-righteousness,andthereforetheyresistthemwithalltheirmight."

HOPEFUL: "I know something of thismyself—for, before I truly knewmyself,itwasthesamewithme."

CHRISTIAN:"Well,letusnowleaveourneighborIgnorancetohimself,andtalkaboutanotherprofitablequestion."

HOPEFUL:"Withallmyheart—andyoushallbegin."

CHRISTIAN:"Wellthen,didyouknow,abouttenyearsago,onenamedTemporaryinyourparts—whowasthenaprominentmaninreligion?"

HOPEFUL: "Know him! Yes, he dwelt inGraceless—a town about twomiles away fromHonesty, and he lived next door to a person namedTurnback."

CHRISTIAN: "Yes, and he actually dwelt under the same roof with

Turnback.Well, thatmanwas oncemuch awakened—I believe that hethen had some sight of his sins, and of the wages which were due forthem."

HOPEFUL:"Iagree,formyhouse,beinglessthanthreemilesfromhis—hewouldoftenvisitmewithmanytears.Truly,Ipitiedtheman,andhadsome hope for him. But, as you know, not everyone who cries, 'Lord,Lord!'issaved."

CHRISTIAN:"Heoncetoldmethathewasresolvedtogoonpilgrimage,justaswearenowdoing.ButallofasuddenhegrewacquaintedwithonenamedSave-self—andthenhebecameasastrangertome."

HOPEFUL:"Now,sincewearetalkingabouthim—letusinvestigateintothereasonofhissuddenbacksliding,andotherslikehim."

CHRISTIAN:"Thismaybeveryprofitable—sopleasebegin."

HOPEFUL: "Well then, in my judgment there are four reasons forbacksliding:

"First, though the consciences of such men are awakened—yet theirminds are not changed. Therefore,when the power of guiltwears off—then that which caused them to become religious ceases, and theynaturallyturntotheirownsinfulcourseagain.Weseethisillustratedinhowasickdogvomitswhathehaseaten,becauseittroubleshisstomach.Whenhissicknessisover,andhisstomachiseased—thedesireforwhathehasvomitedreturnsandhelicksitallup.Andsothatwhichiswrittenistrue,'Thedogreturnstoitsownvomit!'

"They initially are eager for Heaven—but only out of the fear of thetorments of Hell. But when their sense of Hell, and their fears ofdamnationchillandcool—sotheirdesiresforHeavenandsalvationcoolalso.Itthencomestopass,thatwhentheirguiltandfearisgone—theirdesiresforHeavenanditshappinessdie,andtheyreturntotheirsinfulcourseagain.

"Another reason for backsliding, is that they have slavish fears which

overmasterthem.Ispeaknowofthefearsthattheyhaveofmen—for'thefearofmanbringsasnare.'ThoughtheyseemtobeeagerforHeaven,solong as the flames of Hell are about their ears—yet, when that terrordiminishes,theybegintohavesecondthoughts.Theythenthinkthatitiswise not to run the hazard of losing all—or, at least, of bringingthemselves into unavoidable and unnecessary troubles—and so theyreturntotheirworldlywaysagain.

"Another stumbling-block which lies in their way, is the shame whichattends religion.They areproudandhaughty—and religion is base andcontemptibleintheireyes.Therefore,whentheyhavelosttheirsenseofHell and the wrath to come—they return again to their former sinfulcourse.

"Andfinally,thefeelingsofguilt,andmeditationonterrifyingthings—aregrievousto them.Theydonot like tosee theirmiserybeforetheycomeinto it; though perhaps, if they truly believed the sight of their comingmisery—itmightmake them fleewhere the righteous flee and are safe.But,asIhintedbefore,becausetheyshuneventhethoughtsofguiltandterror—whenoncetheyareridoftheirawakeningsabouttheterrorsandwrathofGod, theygladlyhardentheirhearts,andchoosesuchwaysaswillhardenthemmoreandmore."

CHRISTIAN: "You are pretty near the root of the issue—which is theirlackofatruechangeofmindandwill.Theyaretherefore like the felonwho quakes and trembles before the judge, and seems to repent mostheartily;butthereasonishisfearofthenoose—notthathehasanytrueremorse for his crime. This is evident, because, if you but let thismanhavehisliberty—hewillcontinuetobeathiefandarogue.Whereas,ifhismindandheartwerereallychanged,hewouldbefarotherwise."

HOPEFUL: "Ihaveshownyoumyreasons for theirgoingback to theirsinfulcourse.Now,pleaseshowmethepathoftheirbacksliding."

CHRISTIAN:"SoIwill,gladly.

1.TheypurposelydrawofftheirthoughtsfromanyremembranceofGod,death,andthejudgmenttocome.

2.Thenbydegrees, theycastoffprivatereligiousduties—suchasclosetprayer,curbingtheirlusts,watching,sorrowforsin,andthelike.

3.ThentheyshunthecompanyofenthusiasticandferventChristians.

4.After that, theygrowcold inpublic religiousduties—suchashearingtheWordpreached,readingtheWord,godlyfellowship,andthelike.

5.Then theybegin, aswe say, topickholes in the coatsof someof thegodly—trying to findsomeblemish in them.Theydosodevilishly—thattheymayhaveanexcusetothrowreligionbehindtheirbacks.

6.Thentheybegintoassociateandjointhemselveswithfleshly,immoral,andworldlymen.

7.Thentheygiveway to fleshlyand immoraldiscourses in secret.Theyaregladiftheycanseesuchthingsinanywhoarereputedtobehonest—fortheexampleofthesehypocritesemboldensthem.

8.Afterthis,theybegintoopenlyplaywithlittlesins.

9.Beinghardened,theythenshowthemselvesastheytrulyare.

"Thus, being launched again into the gulf of misery, they willeverlastingly perish by their own deceptions—unless amiracle of gracepreventsit."

BEULAHLAND

NowIsawinmydream,thatbythistimethePilgrimswerenowbeyondthe Enchanted Ground, and had entered into the country of Beulah,whose air was very sweet and pleasant. As their way went directlythroughBeulahLand—theydelightedthemselvesthereforaseason.Yes,heretheycontinuallyheardthesingingofbirds,andeverydaysawnewflowersappear,andheardthesongoftheturtle-doveintheland.Inthiscountrythesunshinesnightandday.AsitwasbeyondtheValleyoftheShadowofDeath,andalsooutofthereachofGiantDespair—theycould

notsomuchasseeDoubtingCastle.

HeretheywerewithinsightoftheCitytheyweretravelingto.Theyalsomet some of the inhabitants of that City—for in this land the ShiningOnescommonlywalked,becauseitwasuponthebordersofHeaven.

Inthislandalso,thecontractbetweentheBrideandtheBridegroomwasrenewed.Yes,here, 'AstheBridegroomrejoicesoverHisBride—sodoestheirGodrejoiceoverthem.'Heretheyhadnolackofgrainorwine—forinthisplacetheymetwithabundanceofwhattheyhadsoughtforinalltheir pilgrimage. Here they heard voices from out of the City—loudvoices,saying,'SaytothedaughterofZion:Behold,yoursalvationcomes!Behold,HisrewardiswithHim!'Herealltheinhabitantsofthecountrycalled them, 'Theholy people.' 'The redeemedof theLord.' 'Sought outones.'

Now,astheywalkedinthisland,theyrejoicedmorethantheyhadinalltheformerpartsoftheirjourney.DrawingneartotheCity,theyhadevenamoreperfectviewofit.Itwasbuiltofpearlsandpreciousstones—andthegreatstreetoftheCitywaspuregold.Sothatbyreasonofthenaturalsplendor of the City, and the reflection of the sunbeams upon it—Christian became lovesickwith longing for it.Hopeful also had a fit ortwo of the same lovesickness. Therefore, they stayed here for a while,callingout,becauseoftheir longings,"IfyoufindmyBeloved—tellHimthatIamlovesick!"

Now, being a little strengthened, and better able to bear theirlovesickness—theywalkedontheirway,andcameyetnearerandnearer.Theysaworchards,vineyards,andgardens—andtheirgatesopenedintothehighway.Now,astheycameuptotheseplaces,behold,thegardenerwasstandingthere—andthePilgrimsasked,"Whoselovelyvineyardsandgardensarethese?"

The gardener answered, "They are theKing's, and are planted here forHisowndelight—andalsofortherefreshmentofPilgrims."

Sothegardenerbroughtthemintothevineyards,andbidthemtorefreshthemselves with the delicacies. He also showed them the King's

walkways,andthearbors,whereHedelightedtobe.Soheretheytarriedandslept.

Now Ibeheld inmydream, that they talkedmore in their sleepat thistime,thantheyeverdidinalltheirjourney.

AsIwas indeepthoughtabout this, thegardenersaidtome:"Whyareyou pondering the matter? It is the nature of the grapes of thesevineyards to go down so sweetly, as to cause the lips of thosewho areasleep,tospeak."

SoIsawthatwhenthePilgrimsawoke,theypreparedtogouptotheCity.But, as I said, the reflectionof the sunupon theCity—for 'theCitywaspuregold'—wassoresplendent,thattheycouldnot,asyet,beholditwithopenface—butonlythroughaninstrumentmadeforthatpurpose.

So I saw, that as theywent on—that twomen, in clothingwhich shonelikegold,metthem.Theirfacesalsoshoneasthelight.

These men asked the Pilgrims where they came from—and they toldthem.Theyalsoaskedthemwheretheyhadlodged,whatdifficultiesanddangers,andwhatcomfortsandpleasurestheymetwithalongtheway—andtheytoldthem.

Thenthemensaid,"Youhavebuttwomoredifficultiestomeetwith—andthenyouareintheCity!"

Christian andHopeful asked themen to go alongwith them—and theytoldthemthattheywould.

"But,"saidthey,"youmustobtainitbyyourownfaith."

SoIsawinmydreamthattheywentontogether,untiltheycamewithinsightofthegateoftheCity.

THERIVEROFDEATH

Now, I further saw, that between them and the gate was a river—buttherewasnobridge topassover it,and the riverwasverydeep.At thesightofthisriver,thePilgrimswerebewildered.

Butthemensaidtothem,"Youmustgothroughtheriver—oryoucannotenterinatthegate."

ThePilgrimsthenbegantoinquireiftherewasanyotherwaytothegate—towhichthemenanswered,"Yes,butonlytwosincethefoundationofthe world have been permitted to tread that path—namely, Enoch andElijah. Nor shall any others go that way until the last trumpet shallsound!"

ThePilgrimsthen,especiallyChristian,begantoloseheart.Theylookedthiswayandthat—buttheycouldfindnowaybywhichtheymightescapetheriver.Thentheyaskedthemenifthewaterswereallthesamedepth.

"No," they replied, "You shall find it deeper or shallower—just as youbelieveintheKingoftheCity."

The Pilgrims then approached the water. Upon entering it, Christianbegantosink!CryingouttohisgoodfriendHopeful,heshouted,"Iamsinking in deep waters! The billows are rolling over my head—all Hiswavesarewashingoverme!"

ThenHopefulreplied,"Takecourage,mybrother—Ifeelthebottom,anditisfirm!"

Christian then cried out, "Ah! my friend, the sorrows of death havecompassedmeabout!Ishallnotseethelandwhichflowswithmilkandhoney!"

With that, a great darkness and horror fell upon Christian, so that hecouldnotseeaheadofhim.Healso,ingreatmeasure,losthissenses—sothathecouldneitherremember,nortalkcoherentlyofanyofthosesweetrefreshmentswhichhehadmetwithalongthewayofhispilgrimage.Butallthewordsthathespokestilltendedtomanifesthishorrorofmindandheart-fears—thathewoulddieinthatriver,andneverobtainentranceat

thegate.

Herealso,asthosetwomenwhostoodbyperceived,Christianwasmuchin troublesome thoughts concerning the sins that he had committed—bothbeforeandsincehebegantobeaPilgrim.Itwasalsoobserved byhiswords, thathewas troubledwithapparitionsofhobgoblinsand evilspirits.

Hopeful,therefore,laboredhardtokeephisbrother'sheadabovewater.Yes,sometimesChristianalmostdrowned—butthen,inashorttime,hewouldsurfaceagain,halfdead.

Hopefulwould also endeavor to encourage him, saying, "Brother, I seethegate—andmenstandingreadytoreceiveus!"

ButChristianwouldanswer,"Itisyou—itisyoutheyarewaitingfor!YouhavebeenHopefuleversinceIfirstknewyou!"

"Andsohaveyou,"respondedHopeful.

"Ah,brother!"criedChristian,"SurelyifIwererightwithHim—thenHewouldnowarisetohelpme.Becauseofmysins,Hehasbroughtmeintothesnare,andhasleftme."

Hopeful reminded him, "My brother, you have quite forgotten the textwhereitissaidofthewicked,'Theyhavenostrugglesintheirdeath—buttheir strength is firm. They are not troubled as othermen, neither aretheyplaguedlikeothermen.'Thesetroublesanddistressesthatyouaregoing through in thesewaters, areno indication thatGodhas forsakenyou.Rather,theyareonlysenttotestyou—astowhetheryouwillcalltomind what you have hitherto received of His goodness, and live uponHiminyourpresentdistresses."

ThenIsawinmydream,thatChristianwasindeepthoughtforawhile.

Hopeful then added thisword, "Take courage—JesusChristmakes youwhole!"

Withthat,Christiancriedoutwithaloudvoice,"O!IseeHimagain,and

Hetellsme,'Whenyoupassthroughthewaters—Iwillbewithyou.Whenyougothroughtherivers—theyshallnotoverflowyou!'"

Thentheybothtookcourage.Afterthat,theenemywasasstillasastone,andcouldnolongerhinderthem.Christianthereforefeltfirmgroundtostandupon—and found that the restof the riverwasbut shallow. Thustheybothcrossedovertheriver.

THECELESTIALCITY

Now, upon the bank of the river, on the other side—they saw the twoShiningMenagain,whowerewaitingforthem.Therefore,havingcomeout of the river, the Shining Men greeted them, saying, "We areministeringspirits,sentforthtoservethosewhoareheirsofsalvation!"Thustheywentalongtogethertowardsthegate.

NowthatCitystooduponamightyhill—butthePilgrimswentupthathillwithease,because theyhad these twoShiningMen to lead themupbytheirhands.Also,theylefttheirmortalgarmentsbehindthemintheriver—forthoughtheywentinwiththem,theycameoutwithoutthem.

They,therefore,wentuptowardstheCitywithmuchagilityandspeed—thoughthefoundationuponwhichtheCitywasframed,washigherthantheclouds.Theywentupthroughtheregionsoftheair,sweetlytalkingasthey went, being comforted—because they had safely gotten over theriver,andhadsuchgloriouscompanionstoattendthem.

TheconversationtheyhadwiththeShiningOneswasaboutthesplendorof thatplace.They told thePilgrims that thebeautyandgloryof itwasinexpressible.

"There," said they, "is Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, theinnumerablecompanyofangels,andthespiritsofjustmenmadeperfect!YouarenowgoingtotheparadiseofGod,whereinyoushallseethetreeoflife,andeatofitsnever-fadingfruits!Whenyouarrivethere,youshallhavewhiterobesgiventoyou,andyoushallwalkandtalkwiththeKing

everyday—eventhroughallthedaysofeternity!

"Thereyoushallneveragainseesuchthingsasyousawwhenyouwereinthelowerregionofearth,namely—sorrow,sickness,affliction,anddeath,fortheformerthingshavepassedaway!YouarenowgoingtoAbraham,to Isaac, and toJacob,and to theprophets—menwhomGodhas takenawayfromtheeviltocome,andwhoarenowatrest,eachonewalkinginhisrighteousness."

ThePilgrimsthenasked,"WhatwillwedointheholyCity?"

The ShiningOnes answered, "Youwill there receive the comforts of allyourtoil,andhave joyforallyoursorrow!Youwillreapwhatyouhavesown—eventhefruitofallyourprayers,andtears,andsufferingsfortheKingalongtheway!Inthatplaceyouwillwearcrownsofgold,andenjoythe perpetual sight and vision of theHolyOne, for there you shall seeHimasHeis!

"YoushallalsoserveHim—whomyoudesiredtoservewhileintheworld,thoughwithmuchdifficultybecauseoftheinfirmityofyourflesh.Thereyou shall continually worship Him with praise, and shouting andthanksgiving! There your eyes shall be delightedwith seeingHim—andyourearswithhearingthepleasantvoiceoftheMightyOne!

"There you shall enjoy your friends again, who have gone there beforeyou—and you shall joyfully receive everyone who follows you into thatholyplace.

"There also, you shall be clothed with glory and majesty—fit toaccompanytheKingofglory.WhenHeshallcomewithtrumpetsoundintheclouds,asuponthewingsofthewind—youshallcomewithHim!AndwhenHeshallsituponthethroneof judgment—youshallsitwithHim.Yes,andwhenHe shall pass sentence upon all theworkers of iniquity,whether they are angels or men—you also shall have a voice in thatjudgment,becausetheywerebothHisandyourenemies.AndsoyouwillbewiththeLordforever!"

Now,whiletheywerethusdrawingtowardsthegate,beholdacompany

oftheheavenlyhostscameouttomeetthem.

ThetwoShiningOnesexclaimed,"ThesearethemenwhohavelovedourLord while they were in the world, and who have left all for His holyname.Hehassentustofetchthem,andwehavebroughtthemthusfaron their desired journey—that they may go in and look upon theirRedeemer'sfacewithjoy!"

Then the heavenly hosts gave a great shout, saying, "Blessed are thosewhoareinvitedtothemarriagesupperoftheLamb!"

At this time, several of the King's trumpeters came out tomeet them.They were arrayed in shining white clothing—and with loud andmelodiousvoices,theymadeeventheheavenstoechowiththeirsound.These trumpeters greeted Christian and Hopeful with ten thousandwelcomes!Thisdone,theysurroundedthePilgrims—soastoguardthemthroughtheupperregions,continuallysingingwithmelodiousvoicesastheywent—asifHeavenitselfhadcomedowntomeetthem!

Thus, therefore, they walked on together. As they walked, thesetrumpeters,withjoyfulsound,wouldalwaysbymixingtheirmusicwithpleasant looks and gestures—signify to Christian and Hopeful, howwelcometheywereintheircompany,andwithwhatgladnesstheycametoreceivethem.

NowChristianandHopefulwereasifinHeaven,beforetheycamethere—being swallowed upwith the sight of angels, andwith the hearing oftheirmelodiousvoices.HerealsotheyhadtheCityitselffullyinview,andtheythoughtthattheyheardalltheCitybellsringingtowelcomethemin.Butaboveall,theywereencouragedbythewarmandjoyfulthoughtsoftheirowndwellingthere,withsuchcompany—andthatforeverandever!O what tongue or pen could express their glorious joy! And thus theycameuptothegate.

Now,therewaswrittenoverthegate,inlettersofgold,"BlessedarethosewhoobeyHiscommandments—thattheymayhavetherighttotheTreeofLife,andmayenterthroughthegatesintotheCity!"

Then I saw inmydream, that the ShiningMenbid them to call at thegate. And when they did, some looked over the gate—namely Enoch,Moses,Elijahandothers,towhomitwastold:"ThesePilgrimshavecomefromthecityofDestruction,forthelovethattheybeartotheKingofthisplace!"

TheneachPilgrimhandedintheircertificatewhichtheyhadreceivedinthebeginningoftheirjourney.ThesecertificateswerecarriedtotheKing,who,whenHehadreadthem,said,"Wherearethemen?"

Towhomitwasanswered,"Theyarestandingoutsidethegate."

TheKing then commanded, "Open the gates to allwho are righteous—allowthefaithfultoenterin!"

Now I saw inmy dream that these twomen went in at the gate. Andbehold! as they entered, theywere transfigured, and theywere arrayedwith clothing which shone like gold. Some met them with harps andcrowns, which were given to the Pilgrims. The harps were given forworship—andthecrownsweregivenasatokenofhonor.

ThenIheardinmydreamthatallthebellsintheCityrangagainforjoy,andthatitwassaidtothePilgrims,"EnterintothejoyofyourLord!"

IalsoheardChristianandHopefulthemselvessingingwithaloudvoice,saying, "Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power—be untoHimwhositsuponthethrone,anduntotheLamb,foreverandever!"

Now just as the gateswere opened to let themen in, I looked in afterthem—and, behold, the City shone like the sun! The streets also werepavedwithgold, andon themwalkedmanymen,with crownson theirheads,palmsintheirhands,andgoldenharpstosingpraiseswith!Therewerealsosomeangelicbeingswithwings,andtheysangbackandforthwithout intermission, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord!" After that, theyclosedup thegates.WhenIhadseenallof this—Iwished that Imyselfwasamongthem.

NowwhileIwasgazinguponall thesethings,I turnedmyheadto look

back,andsawIgnorancecomeuptotheriverside.Hesoongotovertheriver,andwithouthalfofthedifficultywhichChristianandHopefulmetwith.ForithappenedthatonecalledVain-hope,aferryman,wasthere—andwithhisboathehelpedIgnorancecrosstheriver.

ThenIsawthatIgnoranceascendedthehill,andcameuptothegateallalone. There was no man to meet him with the least encouragement.Whenhearrivedatthegate,helookeduptothewritingthatwasaboveit,and then began to knock—supposing that entrance would quickly begiventohim.Buthewasaskedbythemenwholookedoverthetopofthegate,"Wherehaveyoucomefrom?Whatdoyouwant?"

Heansweredthem,"IhaveeatenanddrankinthepresenceoftheKing—andHehastaughtinourstreets!"

Thentheyaskedhimforhiscertificate,thattheymightgoinandshowittotheKing.Sohefumbledinhisbosomforone—butfoundnone.

Thentheyasked,"Haveyounocertificate?"

Butthemananswerednotaword.

SotheytoldtheKingaboutIgnorance—butHewouldnotgodowntoseehim. InsteadHecommanded the twoShiningOneswhohadconductedChristian andHopeful to the City—to go out and take Ignorance, bindhimhandandfoot,andcasthimaway.

SotheytookIgnoranceup,andcarriedhimthroughtheair,tothedoorwhichIhadseeninthesideofthehill—andthrewhiminthere!

Then I saw that there was a way to Hell, even from the very gates ofHeaven—aswellasfromthecityofDestruction!

SoIawoke,andbehold—itwasadream!