^j^-:-. /J-- ^ LIBRARY OF THE Theological Seminary, PRINCETON, N.J. «^ ^ ^ ^ ' Cafie,_ SdC Division i 1 Shelf /•/^^l Secti.>n i Book, Nc 1 THE PILGRIM'S PROGllESS FROM TfflS WORLD TO THAT WHICH IS TO COME. DELIVEriED UNDER THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM. fjY TWO PMITS. BY JOHN BUNYAN. — www— I HAVE USED SIMILITUDES.. ..nOf?EA, xii. IQ. ——www— A NEW EDITION, DIVIDED INTO CHAPTERS WITH THE ^ ^ TO WHICH ARE ADDEO EXPLANATORY AND PRACTICAL NOTES, BY THE REV. MESSRS. MASON, SCOTT, AND BURDER. ALSO, A KEY TO THE ALLEGORY, AVITH A CRITIQUE ON ITS BEAUTIES. EMBELLISHED WITH ELEGANT ENGRAVINGS, DESIGNED BV RICHARD WESTAI.L, R, A. NEW-YORK: PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM BORRADAILE. SAMLEL MAKKS, PRINTER. iss^r' CONTENTS PART FIRST, CHAP. I. Page. The Authorh imprisonment and dream — Christian, con- vinced of sin, flies from the wrath to come, and is di- rected hy the gospel to Christ, 57 CHAP. n. Christian proceeds^Ohstinacy refuses to accompany him ^Pliable goes as far as the Slough, and returns, - - 6l CHAP. HI. Christian, deceived by the advice of Mr. Worldhj -wise- man, turns out of the way, and is greatly alarmed; hut happily meeting with Evangelist, returns to the right path, and proceeds on his journey, 09 CHAP. IV. Christian arrives at the Wicket-gate, where he knocks, and is kindly received, ^^ CHAP. V. Christian delightfully entertainedat the Interpreter's house, 85 CHAP. VI. Christian loses Jus burden at the Cross. . - ■. 9« IV fcONTENTS. CHAP. VII. Page Christ Uaijinds Simple, Sloth, and Presumption fast asleep — 7* despised hij Formalist and Hypocrisy — Ascends the Hill Difficulty — Loses his roll, and finds it again j lOG CHAP. VIII. Christian safely passes the lions : and arrives at the house called Beautiful, where he is kindly received, and agree- ably entertained, - - - - - --110 CHAP. IX. Christian enters the Valley of Humiliation, ichere he is fiercely assaulted by Apollyon, but overcomes him, 124 CHAP. X. Christian sorely distressed in the Valley of the Shadoio of Death, through which, however, he passes unhurt, . 134 • CHAP. XI. Christian meets with an excellent companion in Faithful, icith whom he has much profitable conversation, - 141 CHAP. XII. The picture of an empty professor accurately drawn, in the character of Talkative, son of Mr. Say -well of Prating-row, 15S CHAP. XHI. Fersecution exhibited, in the treatment of Christian and Faithful in Vanity-Fair, 167 CHAP. XIV. Christian meets with another excellent companion in Hope- ful— Dialogues between them, By-ends, Money-love, and Demas, - - - - - - - -181 CHAP. XV. Christian and Hopeful mistake their ivay, and fall into the hands of giant Despair, 197' CONTEITTS. V CHAP. XVI. Page. The Pilirrims entertained by the Shepherds on the Delecta- ble MountainSj 209 CHAP. XVH. The Pilgrims meet with Ignorance — The robbery of Lit- tie-faith related — Christian and Hopeful caught in the net, 215 CHAP. xvni. The Pilgrims meet with Atheist, and pass over the Enchant- ed Ground, ------- 23 J CHAP. XIX. The Pilgrims have another conference with Ignorance, 244 CHAP. XX. The Pilgrims travel the pleasant country of Beulah — safely pass the river of Death, and are admitted into the glorious City of God, - - - - 259 tl CONTENTS. PART THE SECOND. CHAP. I. Page; Christiana, ivith her four Sons, and a neighbour, set out on pilgrimage, - - - - - - -28S CHAP. n. Christiana, Mercy, and the children, pass the Slough with safety, and are kindly received at the Wicket-gate, 301 CHAP. m. The Pilgrims are assaidted, but relieved — Are entertained at the Interpreter's house, 308 CHAP. IV. The Pilgrims, conducted by Great-heart, proceed on their journey, - - - - - - - -329 CHAP. V. The Pilgrims ascend the Hill Difficulty, pass the lions, and arrive at the house Beautiful, - - - - 340 CHAP. VI. Mr. Brisk pays his addresses to Mercy — Matthew taken ill, but recovers, <^r. - - - . , 356 CHAP. VII. The Pilgrims pursue their journey , and pass through the Valley of Humiliation, andlof the Shadow of Death, 365 CHAP. VIII. The Pilgrims overtake Mr. Honest, who relates his own experience, and that of Mr. Fpnrin^, - - - 383 CONTENTS. VII CHAP. IX. Page. The character of Mr. Self-will^ - - , - 395 CHAP. X. The Pilgrims arrive at the house of Gains, lohere they are hospitably entertained^ - - - - 399 CHAP. XI. The Pilgrims continue at the house of Gaius; from 7vhence they sally out, and destroy giant Slay-good, a cannibal} and rescue Mr. Feeble-mind, • - 407 CHAP. XII. riie Pilgrims are joined by Mr. Ready-to-halt; and pro* ceed to the toion of Vanity, lohere they are agreeably lodged by Mr. Mnason; and meet with agreeable compa- ny— They encounter a formidable monster, - - 415 CHAP. XIII. The Pilgrims kill giant Despair and his wife; and totally demolish his castle — They proceed to the Delectable Mountains, ---- .--426 CHAP. XIV. The company joined by Mr Valiant and Mr. Standfast — They pass over the Enchanted Ground — A description of Madam Bubble, 439 CHAP. XV. The Pilgrims arrive at the land of Beulah; where they wait for the summons of their King — Christiana and several of her companions pass the river, and are admit- ted into the City of God, 457 PREFACE. 'H,.«"t.t«"«i.'"..< THE high estimation in which the " Pilgrim's Progress" has been held for above a cendiry, suffi- ciently evinces its intrinsic value ; and there is every reason to suppose, that it will be read wi(h admiration for ages to come ; probably till the consummation of all things. The pious Christian, in proportion to his "growth in grace, and the knowledge of the Lord Jescs," de- rives more and more instruction from repeated peru- sals of this remarkable book ; while his enlarged expe- rience and extended observation enable him to unfold, with progressive evidence, the full meaning of the very agreeable similitudes employed by its truly ingenious author. And even the careless or uninstructed reader is fascinated to attention, by the simple and artless manner in which the interestins; narrative is arran2;ed. iVor should this be represented as a mere amusement, which answers no further purpose : for it has been ob- served by men of great discernment, and acquaintance witii the human mind, that young persons, having pe- rused the Pilgrim as a pleasing tale, have generally retained a remembrance of its leading incidents, which, after continuing perhaps in a dormant sta(e for seveia! B X PRErACE. years, has at length germinated, as it were, into the most important and seasonable instruction, while the events of their own lives placed it before their minds in a new and affecting point of view. It may, there- fore, be questioned, Avhether modern ages have produced any work which lias more promoted the best interests of mankind. It would not perhaps be difficult to show, that the Pilgrim's Progress, as first published, is as really an original production of vigorous native genius, as any of those works, in prose or verse, which have excited the admiration of mankind through successive ages, and in different nations. It does not indeed possess those ornaments which are so often mistaken for intrinsic ex- cellence : but the rudeness of its style (which however is characteristic of the subject) concurs to prove it a most extraordinary book ; — for had it not been written with very great ingenuity, a religious treatise, evidently inculcating doctrines yet disesteemed by the unenlighten- ed mind, it would not, in so homely a garb, have so durably attracted the attention of a polished age. Yet, it is undeniable that Bunyan's Pilgrim continues to be read and admired by vast multitudes ; while publi- cations on a similar plan, by persons of respectable learning and talents, are consigned to almost total neg- lect and oblivion ! This is not, however, that view of the work which entitles it to highest honour, or most endears it to the pious mind ; for, comparing it with the other produc- tions of the same author, (which are indeed edifying to the humble believer, but not so much suited to the taste of the ingenius) we shall be led to conclude, that in perusing this he was highly favoured with a peculiar measure of the divine assistance ; especially when we PREFACE. ^1 recollect, that, within the confines of a gaol, he was able so to delineate the Christian's course, with its vari- oils difficulties, perils, conflicts, &c. that scarcely any thing seeFns to have escaped his notice. Indeed, the accin-ate observer of the church in his own days, and the learned student of ecclesiastical history, must be equally surprised to find, that hardly one remarkable character, good or bad, or mixed in any manner or proportion im- aginable ; or that one fatal delusion, by-path, or injurious mistake, can be singled out, which may not be paralleled in the Pilgrim's Progress ; that is, as to the grand outlines ; for the minutcv, about which too many narro^v minds waste their zeal, are with very few exceptions wisely passed over. This circumstance is surprising ; that every part of this singular book suits the various de- scriptions of such as profess godliness ; and relates the experiences, temptations, conflicts, supports, and conso- lations of Christians in our own times, as exactly as if it had been penned from the observation of them, and for their immediate benefit: while, like the sacred Scriptures, it remains a sealed book to all who are strangers to the pow- er of godliness, and that peace which passelli nndcrsicmtU nisr These remarks may be very properly concluded wi(h ihe words of a justly admired poet of the present day, who in the following lines has fully sanctioneil all that h:is been here advanced — - O thou, whom, homo on lancy's eager wing r>ack to the season of life's happy spring, I pleas'd remember, and while menvry yet Holds fast her office here, can ne'er forget. Ingenious dreamer, in whose well-told tale }>weet fiction and sweet truth a1il;«' prevail. XII PREFACL. Whose humVous vein, strong sense, and simple style. May to ich the gayest, make the gravest smile, Witty, and well employ'd, and like thy Lord, Speaking in parables his slighted word. I name thee not, lest so despis'd a name Should move a sneer at thy desen'ed fame j Yet ev'n in transitory life's late day That mingles all my brown with sober gray, Revere the Man, whose Pilgrim marks the road. And guides the Progress of the soul to God. 'Twere well with most, if books that could engage Their childhood, pleas'd them at a riper age ; The man approving what had charm'd the boy, Would die at last, in comfort, peace, and joy, And not with curses on his art who stole The gem of truth from his unguarded soul.'' COWPER, TIROCINIUM, V. 120. In respect to the present edition of the Pilgrim's Progress, it may be proper to observe, that the Notes, explanatory and practical, are selected from those publi- calions, known to have been edited by the celebrated re- verend Messrs. Mason, Scott, and Burder : to the inge- nuity of the latter is the present work indebted for that excellent plan, the division by chapters. — Great pains have been taken to examine every scriptural reference, in order to render this edition as correct as possible. — The author's nmrginal references seemed so essential a part of the work, that it was deemed indispensably re- quisite to insert them in their places. But as the other marginal not^s are only useful in pointing out any pas- sage in the text, to which the reader might wish to refer; it was thought most adviseable to supply their place by a running title on the top of every page, conveying as nearly as possible the same ideas : for, indeed, they sc PREFACE. Xlll encumber the page, and break in upon the uniformity of printing, that all hopes of elegance must be precluded while they are retained To render the PiLfiRiiu's Progress of still greater use, this edition is presented to the public in a form en- tirely new. The work is divided into distinct sections, of convenient length ; the design of which is to oblige the reader to make a frequent pause : for so entertaining is the narrative, that the heart becomes interested in the event of every transaction, and is tempted to proceed with a precipitation that excludes proper reflections ; so that it may be justly feared that thousands have read it with no other advantage than temporary amusement, without the least conception of its spiritual design. Several ministers have thought it a pleasing and pro- fitable exercise, to read and explain the Pilgrim to their people in private meetings. Should any into whose hands this edition may come, think proper to pursue such a method, they will find some assistance from the divi- sion of chapters made ready to their hand, as well as by some hints which possibly might not have occurred to them. It is also submitted to the consideration of heads of families, whether the Pilgrim, in this form, may not be well adapted for the purpose of reading to their children and servants on Lord's-day evenings. The subject mat- ter is so entertaining, that the attention of all would be se- cured ; and the practical improvements might tend, by the blessing of God, to enlighten their mind*? in the grand truths of the gospel of Christ. THE LIFE OF JOHN BUNYAN THE whole compass of biography exhibits not ?> character more interesting, than that of a man converted from singular depravity of manners, to eminent piety ; and raised from the deepest obscurity, to be an author celebrated for genius, and uncommonly useful to man- kind. Such was the excellent writer of the Pilgrim's Progress. John Bunyan was born at Elstow, within a mile of Bedford, in the year 1628. His descent was, as him- self expresses it, of a " low and inconsiderable genera- tion," his father being an itinerant tinker, and his mother of the like rank. They gave him the best education in their power, which was common reading and writing, of which he afterwards made a very excellent use ; but for the present he gave himself up to the most execrable vices, particularly " cursing, swearing, lying, and blas- pheming the holy name of God." During this period he was not without considerable checks of conscience. At but nine or ten years of age, in the midst of his sports and childish vanities, he was often distressed, both by day and night. For even in his sleep he was terrified with " apprehensions of devils and wicked spirits," and " of the fearful torments of hell-fire," insomuch that he sometimes wished himself to be a devil 16 iUE LIFE OF JOHN BUNYAN. te torment others, that thereby (as he ignorantlj hoped) he might escape being tormented by them. These terrors were but partial and temporary re- straints upon his conduct, and by no means cured him of his delight in sin, or of his aversion to true religion. He mentions it, however, as a remarkable circumstance in his experience, that though he delighted in his own sins and those of his wicked companions, " it made his heart ache" to hear profane language from people reputedly religious, and to see the wicked actions of persons professing god- liness. The early part of Mr. Bunyan's life was also attended with some hair-breadth escapes from dangerous accidents. At one time he fell into the river Ouse; at another into a creek of the sea; in a third instance he escaped the bite of an adder, and (after wounding it) drew out its sting with his fingers ; but the most remarkable instance was the following : while a soldier in the Parliament army in 1645, he was draughted for the siege of Leicester, but an- other, desiring to change with him, took his place, and was shot through the head with a musket-ball, while standing sentinel. Soon after this he married a young woman poor as himself; for they had not, he says, "so much house- hold-stuff as a spoon or dish betw^een them." But she had been blessed w^ith a religious education, and brought for her marriage-portion two small devotional tracts, « The Plain Man's Pathway to Heaven," and " The Practice of Piety." These books Bunyan repeatedly read ; and though they were not the means of his conver- sion, they had such an effect on him, that he was wil- ling to " do many things," and give up some of his outward vices. At this period he received a considerable check of conscience under one of the sermons he heard at church THE LIFE OP JOHN BUNFAN. If on sabbath-breaking, to which he was much addicted; but this conviction he shook out of his mind, and (he same afternoon rehirned to his usual Sunday spoils, wlien the following incident happened, wJiich shall be related in his own words : <* The same day, as I was in the midst of a game of faty and having struck it one blow from the hole, just as I was about to strike a second time, a voice did suddenly dart from heaven into my soul, which said, * Wilt thou leave thy sins and go to heaven, or have thy sins and go to hell? At this I was put to an exceeding amaze ; wherefore, leaving my cat upon the ground, J looked up to heaven, and was as if I had, wifh the eyes of my understandings seen the Lord Jesus looking down upon me, as being very hotly displeased with me, and as if he did severely threaten me with some grievous punishment for these and other ungodly practices. " I had no sooner thus conceived in my mind, but sud- denly this conclusion was fastened on my spirit, that I had been a great and grievous sinner, and that it was now too late for me to look after heaven. Then 1 felt my heart sink in despair, and therefore I resolved to go on in sin: For, thought I, if the case be thus, my state is sure- ly miserable: miserable if I leave my sins, and but mis- erable if I follow them. I can but be damned; and if I must be so, I had as good be damned for many as for few. "Thus I stood ia the midst of my play before all ihat then were present; yf^i I told them nothing; but, having made tliis conclusion, I returned desperately to my sport again: and I well remember, that presently this kind of despair did so possess my soul, that I was persuaded 1 could never attain to otiier comfort than what I should get in sin : wherefore I found within me great desire to ^ake my fill of sin. still studying what sin w^as yai to be C 1^ THE LIFE OF JOHN BUNYAP?, commilted, that I might taste the sweetness of it, lest I should die before I had my desires. In these things 1 protest before God, I lie not ; these were really, strong-- ]y, and with all my heart my desires : the good Lord, whose mercy is unsearchable, forgive me my transgres- sions !'* Thus Bunyan went on sinning greedily for about a month or more, till one day, as he was standing at a neighbour's shop-window, and " there cursing and swear- ing, and playing the madman" (as he expresses it) after his usual manner, the woman of the house, though a loose and irreligious person, reproved him very severely, protesting he was "the ungodliest fellow forswearing" she had ever heard, and enough to spoil all the youth in the whole town. This reproof, coming from such a woman, silenced and ashamed him ; nay more, it even cured him of that detestable vice ; and his remark on this circumstance is well worthy the attention of profane and customary swearers :* " How it came to pass (says he,) I know not, I did from this time forward so leave my swearing, that it was a great wonder to myself to observe it ; and whereas before I knew not how to speak unless I put an oath before and another behind, to make my words have authority, now I could, without it, speak better and with more pleasantness than I could before." Soon after this he fell into company with a poor, reli- gious man, that spake pleasantly of religion and of the scriptures ; which so delighted Bunyan, that he betook * Similar to this, was a remarkable circuiostance in the life of Mr. Per* kins, an able minister of the gospel. While a young man, and a scholar at Cambridge, he was devoted to drunkenness. As he was walking in th«» skirts of the town, he heard a woman say to a child that wasfroward and peevish, " Hold your tongue, or I will give you to drunken Perkins yon- der." Finding himself become a by-word among the people, his con* science was deeply impressed, and it was the first step towards his conver sion. THE LIFE OF JOHN" BUNYAN. 19 iiimself to his Bible, and found great pleasure in read- ing the historical and more entertaining parts of it. This carried his reformation one step farther. He became now conscientiously moral ; his acquaintance reekoned him very godly and religious ; and himself thought thai he " pleased God as well as any man in England." Bunyan's two favourite amusements ^ ere singing and dancing ; these now appeared inconsistent with the char- acter he had assumed, and therefore must be relinquished, though reluctantly and by degrees : they were like the extinction of a right eye, or the excision of a right hand. All this time, however, he was building upon a wrong foundation ; being '* ignorant of God's righteousness," he went about to establish his own ; and had no suspicion that he was in an error, till one day he overheard three or four poor women in Bedford discoursing on religious sub- jects. He was much surprised to hear them talk of con- viction, the new birth, the sweetness of the promises, and the power of temptation, of the depravity of their own hearts, and of their unbelief; and to liear them bitterly contemn " their own righteousness as filthy, and insuffi- cient to do them any good." " They also spake (as he expresses it) with such pleasantness of scripture lan- guage, and with such appearance of grace in all they said, that they were to Iu7n as if they had found a new world ; as if they were * people that dwelt alone, and not reckon- ed among the nations.' " (o) These topics were not only new to him, but in a great measure unintelligible ; and he was led first to suspect, and afterwards to condemn himself, as a vain babbler and a hypocrite; as wanting the "true tokens of a gotlly man," and as a stranger to those pleasures which he found fa) Num. XNiii. P. 20 THE LIFE OF JOHIf BUNTAI?. these good people had experienced. This conviction re- duced him to seek repeated opportunities of their compa- ny, and the more he enjoyed of their conversation, the more earnestly he desired it. The various branches of christian experience, and the important truths of scrip- ture, now engaged his whole attention, and he found it as difficult then t'i bring his niind from heaven to earth, as, at some other times, to elevate his mind from earth to heaven. Before his conversation, Bunyan had formed a strong attachment to a young man of very loose morals, whose acquaintance he now found it necessary to drop ; but meeting with him a few months afterwards, and asking him how he did, the other replied in his usually wild and profane language. "But, Harry, (said Bunyan,) why do you swear and curse thus ?" The other replied in a great rage — <' What would the devil do for company, if it were not for such as I am ?" About this time Mr. Bunyan met with some books written by the ranters of that age, who were a set of practical, as well as theoretical, antinomians. Their leading maxims seem to have been, (when fairly express- ed,) those diabolical ones mentioned by St. Paul — " Let us do evil, that good may come : — let us sin, that grace may abound." About this time he began to read {he scripture " with new eyes," and as he had never done before ; especially St. PauPs epistles, which were now very delightful, though formerly they had much offended and disgusted him. In short, the Bible became his constant compan- ion, and he was, (as he- says) " never out of it, either by reading or meditation;" constantly crying to God, that he might know the truth, and follow it. A fresh difficulty however occurred. Reading in the THE LIFE OK .TOUN BUNYAJf. 21 New Testament, of the various extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, wisdom, knowledge, faith, &c. he was particularly stumbled at the latter ; and, misunderstanding some of our Lord's w^ords on that subject, («) he was tempted to try to work a miracle to prove his faith. One daj^, in particular, walking between Elstow and Bedford, it was strongly suggested to him to bid the puddle " be dry,'* and to say to the dry places, " Be you puddles." But just as he was about to speak, the thought came into his mind, to go under the hedge to pray that God would ena- ble him. On the other hand it occurred to him, that if he tried and could not effect, it would discourage and sink him into deep despair. For this reason he prudently de- clined it. While his mind was thus agitated between hope and fear, he had what he calls "a kind of vision," respecting the good people of Bedford, which is thus related in his own words : " I saw, as if they were on the sunny side of some high mountain, there refreshing themselves with the pleasant beams of the sun, while I was shivering and shrinking in the cold, afflicted with frost, snow, and dark clouds : methought also, betwixt me and them I saw a wall that did compass about this mountain ; now through this w^all my soul did greatly desire to pass, concluding that, if I could, I would even go in the very midst of them, and there also comfort myself with the heat of their sun. " About this wail I thought myself to go again and again, still prying as I went, to see if I could find some way or passage, by which I might enter therein. But none could I find for some time. At the last I saw, as it were, a narrow gap, like a little door- way in the wall, Ca) Matt. xvii. 20 22 THE LIFE OF JOHN' BUNFAi;. through which I attempted to pass ; now the passage be- ing very strait and narrow, I made many offers to get in, but all in vain. At last, with great striving, methought I Jit first did get in my head, and after that by a sideling striving my shoulders, and after that my whole body. Then was I exceeding glad, Avent and sat down in the midst of them, and so was comforted with the light and heat of their sun. " Now this mountain and wall, &c. was made thus out to me: the mountain signified the church of the living God ; that sun that shone thereon, the comfortable shining of his merciful face on them that were therein ; the Avail I thought was the world, that did make separation between the Cfiri^^tians and the world; and the gap which was in the Avail I thought was Jesus Christ, who is the way to God the Father, (a) But forasmuch as the passage was Avonderful narrow, even so narrow that 1 could not, but with great difficulty, enter thereat, it showed me none could enter into life, but those that were in downright earnest." This vision, whatever it Avas, abode much upon his mind, gave him an ardent desire to enjoy the sunshine of the divine presence, and excited him to cry mightily to God for it. A variety of temptations succeeded these ; but with every teuiptation the Lord made a Avay for his escape. At length he began to break his mind to the good people of Bedford, and they introduced him to their minister, Mr. Gifford, Avho invited him to mingle Avith those serious persons that frequented his house ; and to listen to the experience of others, in order to enlarge his own. He now acquired a deeper acquaintance Avith the hu- man heart, its iuAvard corruptions and unbelief; evils (a) John xiv. 0, Mall. vii. 14. THE LIFE OF JOHN BUNYAJT. 23 i^hich he felt so strongly working in himself, that he thought it impossible he should he already converted, and had little hopes that he ever should. His spiritual conflicts, therefore, increased rather than diminished, inso- much that he compares himself to the possessed child, brought by his parent to Jesus Christ, who, while he was yet coming to him, was thrown down by the devil, and cruelly torn by him. (a) Bunyan observes here, as a sign that his convictions were of the right sort, that they made him very conscien- tious ; so much so, as to tremble at the verge of duty, and shudder at the approach of sin. He now became (as is often the case with converts) so scrupulous, that he who once never spake without an oath, was afraid to speak at all, lest he should speak idly, or misplace his words. He was not, however, so entirely, taken up with his own feelings, as totally to neglect observation upon those a- round him. The following remarks, as they cannot easi- ly be better expressed, shall be given in his own words : " While I was thus afflicted with the fears of my own damnation, there were two things would make me wonder ; the one was, when I saw old people hunting after the things of this life, as if they should live here always : the other was, when I found professors much distressed and cast down, when they met with outward losses : as of husband, Avife, child, &c. Lord, thought I, what ado is here about such little things as these ? What seeking after carnal things by some, and what grief in others for the loss of them ! If they so much labour after, and shed so many tears for, the things of this present life, how am I to be bemoaned, pitied, and prayed for ! My soul is dying, my soul is damning. Were my soul but in (a) Luka ix. 42' -£4 THE LIFE OF JOHN BU.\yA.X, a good condition, and were I but sure of it, ah ! how rich would I esteem myself though blessed with bread and water ! I should count those but small afflictions, and should bear them as little burdens. * A wounded spirit who can bear?* '* Painful as he felt his convictions, yet was he at times fearful of their dying away, or being removed by improp- er means ; because he had observed persons in similar distress, who, when their troubles wore away, or were im- properly removed, became more carnal, and more har- dened in wickedness, than before. That scripture lay much upon his mind, " Without shedding of blood there is no remission ;"(a) and he was led to cry earnestly to the Lord, that he might be delivered from " an evil con- science," only by the sprinkling of atoning blood. At length the time of his deliverance approached, and he received his first consolation through a sermon on those words of Solomon, "Behold, thou art fair, my love.'* (6) This reached Bunyan's case, afforded him " strong; consolation," and gave him a happy interval of joy and triumph in the Lord : but his triumph was of short dura- tion : the enemy returned to the charge with double force? reattacked him with increased malice, and he was now tempted to question the first principle and ground-work of all religion, the very being of a God, Or, admitting this, said the spirit of infidelity, " How can you tell but the Turks have as good scriptures to prove their Ma- homet to be the Saviour, as we have to prove our Jesus? Every one thinks his own religion right, Jews, Moors, and Pagans ! and what if all our faith, and Christ, and scriptures, should be no more !" These sceptical suggestions were accompanied with (a) Heb. ix. 22. (b) Cant. iv. 1. THE LIFK OF JOHN RUNVAiV. 25 strong teiiip(ations to immorality and profaneness — even to curse God, and to blaspheme his Son. For infidelity and profaneness are of near neighbourhood, and the arch- enemy of mankind knows how to accelerate the course of sinners from one unto the other. Sometimes he attempted to reason with his temptations, but under great disadvantages, for want of his being ac- quainted with the external evidences of Christianity. — The principal check his doubts received was from an in- ternal principle, which rejected and disrelished them. At length it pleased God, however, to permit him for a time to sink again into despondency ; and, at intervals, he feared that his senses would have left him ; at other times he thought himself possessed by the devil. But the sorest trial of this period of his life, was a temptation to commit the unpardonable sin against the Ho- ly Ghost; this he was prompted even to covet the op- portunity of committing, though the new principle within him so revolted at the suggestion, that he forcibly closed his mouth with his hands, lest the fatal blasphemy should escape him. This temptation lasted about d year, and was attended one while, with peculiar insensibility, and at other times with such distractions in duty as frustrated Jiis attempts to pray ; and so much was his mind convulsed by it, that sometimes he thought he even felt one behind him pulling his clothes, to stop him when he began to pray. It is unnecessary, and might appear tedious, to relate all the temptations with which this good man was agitatevl during this period ; it is, however, proper to observe, that they were not without some allays of comfort ; his cup was bitter, but mixed with some pleasant ingre- dients ; or, to speak without a figure, he had intervals of consolation ; many precious promises were applied, and D "26 THE LIFE OP JOHN BUJJYAPT. he was at some times as much elevated with joy, as he was at others depressed with grief. It is also worthy of observation, that during this time he enjoyed the advantages of sitting under the ministry of good Mr. Gifford, (an ancestor of the late learned Dr, GifFord,) an evangelical and useful minister at Bedford ; whose advice appears to have been very judicious and salutary. He would bid us take special heed, (says Bun- yan,) that we took not up any truth upon trust; as from this or that man ; but pray to God that he would convince us of the reality thereof by his Spirit in the word : for (said he,) otherwise, when temptations come, not having received tiiem with evidence from heaven, you will find the want of that help and strength to resist, which once you thought you had." This advice was very seasona- ble to Bunyan, who betook himself to the scriptures, and to prayer ; and there found, as every simple honest inqui- rer doubtless will, all the satisfaction which he desired. He remarks also, that the sense he had of the evil of sin, was of use to keep him steady in the truth, by discover- ing his absolute need of a Saviour, and exactly snch a Saviour as the New Testament reveals. About this time he met with Martin Luther upon the Galatians, and was much struck with the similarity of his experience with that of the good old reformer ; and to find him describe so nearly the various temptations and conflicts which he had felt. He also received from this book considerable light into Jthe gospel scheme of redemp- tion, and esteemed it, next to the Bible, the most valua- ble book he had ever met Avith. Now again he began to rejoice and triumph : now he began to sing with the Psalmist, '* My mountain stands strong ; I shall never be removed." (a) He found, how- (a) Psalm xxx, do to be saved ?"t(a) I saw also that he looked this way and that way, as iT he would run; yet he stood still, because (as I perceiv- ed) he could not tell which way to go. I looked then, and saw a man named Evangelist coming to him ; and he asked, " Wherefore dost thou cry?"j: ■* When we begin to be wise unto salvnlion, carnal friends pronounce OS mad unto destruction ; andadnainister carnal medicine for our sin-siciv =ouls. t iSo soul was ever in earnest for salvation, till there is a cry in hia heart 1o be saved from the wrath of an offended God. i Behold here the tender loveap.d care of Jesus, the great Shoplierd and Bisliu," of souls, to sin-distressed; heavy laden sinners, in sendinj!; l-^an- iielist ; thativj a [jreacherof gospel grace, and glad tidings o( ^alviJioM (c* Xi>eip.. 60 EVANGELIST INSIRUtTJ IIIM- He answered ; Sir, I perceive by the book in iny liand Ihat I am condemned to die, and after that to come to judgment ; and I find that I am not willing to do the first, nor able to do the second. *(a) Tiien said Evangelist, Why not willing to die, since this life i^s attended with so many evils? The man an- swered. Because I fear that this burden that is upon my backf will sink me lower than the grave, and I shall fall into Tophet.(b) And, Sir, if I be not fit io go to prison, I am not fit to go to judgment, and from thence to execu- tion : and the thoughts of these things make me cr}^. 0 Then said Evangelist, If this be thy condition, why standest thou still? He answered, Because I knovr not whither to go. Tiien he gave him a parchment roll ; and there was written within, " Flee from the wrath to €ome."J(c) The man therefore read it, and, looking upon Evan- gelist very carefully, said. Whither must I flee ? Then said Evangelist, pointing with his finger over a very wide field, Do you see yonder Wicket-gate ?(J) The man said, No. Then said the other. Do you see yonder shin- ing light ?$(e) He said, I think I do. Then said Evangelist, Keep that light in thine eye, and go up direct- ly thereto, so shalt thou see the gate ; at which when thou knockest, it shall be told thee what thou shalt do. ' A true confession of an enlightened, sensible sinner. t The convictions of the Spirit of God in the heart, make a man feel the msupportable burden of sin upon his back, and to dread the wrath of God revealed from heaven against sin. i Tlie gospel never leaves a convinced dinner in the miserable situation iu which it finds him, without hope and relief; hut points him to Jesus for safely and salvation, that he may fly from himself and the wrath he feels in himself; to the fulnees of the grace of Christ, signified by the ^Vicket- Gate. § Christ, and the way to him, cannot be fonnd without the word. The word directs to Christ, and 1 CHAPTER II. CHRISTIAN PROCEEDS-OBSTINATE REFUSES TO ACCOMPA- NY HIM^PLIABLE GOES AS FAR AS THE SLOUGH, AND RETURNS. SO I saw in my dream that the man began to run. Now he had not run far from his own door, but liis wife and children (perceiving it) began to cry after him to return : (a) but the man put his fingers in his ears, and ran on, crying, "Life! life! eternal life !" So he looked not be- hind him, {b) but fled towards the middle of the plain.* The neighbours also came out to seef him run : and, as he ran, some mocked, others threatened, and some cried after him to return ; and among those that did so there were two that were resolved to fetch him back by force. The name of one was Obstinate, and the name of the other Pliable. Now by this time the man was got a good distance from them -, but, however, they were re- solved to pursue him; which they did, and in a little time they overtook him. Then said the man. Neigh- bours, wherefore are ye come ? They said. To persuade you to go back with us ; but he said, That can by no means be: you dwell, said he, in the city of Destruction ; the place also where I was born ; I see it to be so ; and dying there, sooner or later, you will sink lower than the • When a sinner begins to fly from deslrnction, carnal relatione will strive to prevent him ; but it is wiser to stop our ears against the reason- ings of flobh and blood, than to parley with them. Carnal atieclions can- not prevail over spiritual convictions. The sinner who is in earnest for ^^alvatio.^, will be deaf to invitations to go back. The more he is solicited by them; the faster h*^ will fly from them. t He who flies from the wrath to come, and leads a life of rightoous- resoj is a gazing stock to the v.orld. (ri)LnVp s'lv. '26. ('/;'Geri ^ix. IT. - Cor. iv- 19- *>- TIIEY OVEllTAKE HIM. grave Into a phice that burns with fire and brimstone : be content, good neighbours, and go along with me.* Wliat, said Obstinate, and leave our friends and our comforts behind us ! Yes, said Christian, (for that was his name) because that all which you shall forsake is not worthy to be com- pared wiih a little of that that I am seeking to enjoy , and if you will go along with me, and hold it, you shall fare as I myself; for there where I go is enough, and to spare :(«) come away, and prove my words. Op'^t. What are the things you seek, since you leave all ihi: r orkl to find them? Chr. I seek an " inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadrth not away ; and it is laid up in heaven,'' (6) and safe there, to be bestowed at the time appointed on them that diligently seek it. Xiead it so, if you will in my book. Tush, said Obstinate, away with your book : will you go back with us or no ? No, not I, said the other, because I have laid my hand to the plough, (c) Obst. Come then, neighbour Pliable, let us turn ag:ijn and go home without him : there is a company of these crazy-headed coxcombs, that when they take a fancy by the end are wiser in their own eyes than seven men that can render a reason. Then said Pliable, Don't revile ; if what the good Christian says is true, the things he looks after are better than ours ; my heart inclines to go Avith my neighbour. * The genuine spirit of a sinuer, convinced of sin, and fleeing from de- struction. He would gladly persuade oilier poor sinners to go with him. The least spark of grace from God in the heart discovers itself in good will to men. yrt)TM:p. XV. 17. (b) 1 Pet. i. 1— G. Heb. \i. 6— IG. (r) Luk'e ix- 62- PLIAlJLE ACCOMPANIES IlIM. t)ii Obs T. What ! more fools still ? be ruled by ine, and go back ; who knows whither such a brain sick fellow will lead you? Go back, go back, and be wise> Car. Nay, but do thou come with thy neighbour Plia- ble; there are such things to be had which I spake of, "and many more glories besides : if you believe not me, read here in this book ; and, for the truth of what is ex- pressed therein, behold, all is confirmed by the blood of him that made it.(rt) Well, neighbour Obstinate, saith Pliable, I begin to come to a point: I intend to go along with this good man, and to cast in my lot with him ; but, my good com- panion, do you know the w ay to this desired place ?" Chr. I am directed by a man, whose name is Evan- gelist, to speed me to a little gate that is before us, where we shall receive instructions about the way. Pl[. Come then, good neighbour, let us be going. Theu they went both together. And I will go back to my place, said Obstinate ; I will be no companion of such misled fantastical fellows. f Now I saw in my dream, that when Obstinate was gone back, Christian and Pliable went talking over the plain ; and thus they began their discourse. CiiR. Come, neighbour Pliable, how do you do ? I am glad you are persuaded to go along with me; had even Obstinate himself but felt w hat I have felt of the powers and terrors of what is yet unseen, he would not thus light- ly have given us the back. * He who never became a fool in the eyes of the world for Christ, is nof yet made wise unto salvation through the faith of Christ. t Here see the different elfects whicii gospel truths have upon natural men. Obstinate totally rejects tiiem. Pliable hears of them with joy, be- lieves somewhat of Ihem for a season, and accompanies Christian a little way. (fl) Heb.ix. 17—22. 64 THEIft CONVERSATION. Pli. Come, neighbour Christian, since there are none but lis two here, tell me now further, what the things are, and how to be enjoyed, whither we are going. Chr. 1 can better conceive of them with my mind than speak of them with my tongue : but yet, since you are desirous to know, I will read of them in my book. Pli. And do you think that the words of your book are certainly true ? Chr. Yes, verily, for it was made by him that cannot lie. (a) Pli. Well said; what things are they ? Chr. There is an endless kingdom to be inhabited, and everlasting life to be given us that we may inhabit that kingdom for ever. (6) Pli. Well said; and what else ? Chr. There are crowns of glory to be given us ; and garments that will make us shine like the sun in the firma- ment of heaven, (c) Pli. This is very pleasant; and what else? Chr. There shall be no more crying nor sorrow ; for he that is owner of the place will wipe all tears from our eyes.(rf) ' Pli. And what company shall we have there ? Chr. There we shall be with seraphims and cheru- bims, creatures that will dazzle your eyes to look on them.(c) There also you shall meet with thousands and tens of thousands that have gone before us to that place ; none of them are hurtful, but loving and holy ; every one walking in the sight of God, and standing in his presence with acceptance for ever. In a word, there we shall see (n) Tit. i. 2. (b) Isa. xlv. IT. John x. 2T— 29. (c) 2 Tim. iv. 8. Rev. sxii. 5. Matt. xiii. 43. (d) lsi\. xxv. 8. Rev. vii. IG. IT. xxi. 4. (e) Isa. vi. 2. 1 Thcss. iv. IG, IT THE SLOUGH OF DESPOND. 65 ^he eWers with their golden crowns, («) there we shall see holy virgins with their golden harps ;(6) there we shall see men that by the world were cut in pieces, burnt in flames, eaten of beasts, drowned in the seas, for the love that they bare to the Lord of the place, as well, and clothed with immortality as with a garment. (c) Pli. The hearing of this is enough to ravish one's heart : but are these things to be enjoyed ? how shali we get to be sharers thereof ? Chr. The Lord, the governor of the country, hath recorded that in this book ; the substance of which is, if we be truly willing to have it, he will bestow it upon us freely, (d) Pli. Well my good companion, glad am I to hear of these things ; come on, let us mend our pace.'* Chr. I cannot go so fast as I would, by reason of this burden that is on my back. Now I saw in my dream, that just as they had ended this talk they drew nigh to a very miry slongh that was in the midst of the plain, and they being heedless did both fall suddenly into the bog. The name of (he slough was Despond. Here therefore they wallowed for a time, be- ing grievously bedaubed with dirt ; and Christian, because of (he burden that was on his back, began to sink in the mire. - Here see (lie fleshly joys and flashy comforts of temporary professors he is loo hot to hold ; too light (having never felt the burden of his sins) to travel far. Our Lord describes such as the stony-ground hearers. They receive the word with joy ; (he word hath no root in their hearts ; (hev believe a while ; but in limes of temptation fall away. Luke viii. 15. Su did Pliable at tli« slough of Despond. This signifies those desponding fears, ana despairing doubts which beset us, arising from unbelief of God's word, the suggestions of Satan, and the carnal reasonings of our corrupt nature, agamsl the revealed truths, and |)recious promises of God. Tlif;s»' try the reality of our convictions, and the sincerity of our faith. (a) Rev. iv. 4. (b) Rev. xiv. 1—5. (c) John xii. 25. 2 Cor. v. 2—4. ('/) Isa. Iv. l—b'. John vi. 37. Rev- xxi. r.. xxii- 17. I 6d PLIABLE RETURNS HOME. Then said Pliable, Ah! neighbour Christian, where are you now ? Truly, said Christian, I do not know. At that Pliable began to be offended, and angrily said to his fellow, Is this the happiness you have told me all this while of? If we have such ill speed at our first set- ting out, what may we expect betwixt this and our jour- ney's end? May I get out again with my life, you shall possess the brave country alone for me: And with that he gave a desperate struggle or two, and got out of the mire on that side of the slough which was next his own house : so away he went, and Christian saw him no more.* Wherefore Christian was left to tumble in the slough of Despond alone : but still he endeavoured to struggle to that side of the slough that was furthest from his own house, and next to the Wicket-gate ;f the which he did, but could not get out because of the burden that was up- on his back. But I beheld, in my dream, that a man came to him, whose name was Help,J and asked him. What he did there ? Sir, said Christian, I was bid to go this way by a man, called Evangelist, who directed me also to yonder gate, that I might escape the wrath to come : and as I was go- ing thither I fell in here. Help. But why did you not look for the steps ?§ * It is not enough to be pliable ; for the first trial he met with cooled his courage, damped his joy, killed his faith, and sent him back to the city of Destruction. t Christian, in trouble, seeks still to get farther from his own house. See the difference between a truly convinced sinner, and a pliable uncon- verted professor ; one keeps his face towards Christ for hope and help ; the other flies back for comfort to the city of Destruction. t The arm of Christ's omnipotent grace, reached forth to snatch poor sinners from destruction ; for he says to them " Thou hast destroyed thy- self, but in me is thine help" Hosea xiii. 9. § The great and precious promises of God, which are in Christ Jesus to poor, needy, and distressed sinners. ACCOUNT OF THE SLOUGH. 67 Chr. Fear followed me so hard, that I fled the next way, and fell in. Help. Then said he, Give me thy hand ; so he gave Lim his hand, and he drew him out, and set him upon sound ground, and bid him go on his way. (a) Then I stepped to him that plucked him out, and said ; Sir, wherefore, since over this place is the way from the city of Destruction to yonder gate, is it that this plat is not mended, that poor travellers might go thither with more security ? and he said unto me, This miry slough is such a place as cannot be mended : it is the descent whith- er the scum and filth that attends conviction for sin doth continually run, and therefore it was called the slough of Despond : for still as the sinner is awakened about his lost condition, there arise in his soul many fears and doubts, and discouraging apprehensions, which all of them get together, and settle in this place : And this is the rea- son of the badness of this ground. It is not the pleasure of the king that this place should remain so bad ;(6) his labourers also have, by the direc- tion of his majesty's surveyors, been for above these six- teen hundred years employed about this patch of ground^ if perhaps it might have been mended : yea, and to my knowledge, said he, here have been swallowed up at least twenty thousand cart-loads ; yea, millions of wholesome instructions, that have at all seasons been brought from all places of the king's dominions (and they that can tell, say, they are the best materials to make good the ground of the place,) if so be it might have been mended : but it is the slough of Despond still ; and so will be, when they have done what they can.^^' * Signifying, that tiiere is nolliing but despondency and despair in the fallen nature of sinful man : the best that we can do, leaves ns ifi the slongh of Despond, as to any liopci in ourselves. (n) Psal.xl.2. (h) Tsa- xxxv. 3, 4. 68 PLIABLE REACHES HOME. True, there are, by the direction of the law-giver, cer- tain good and substantial steps placed even through th'e Tery midst of this slough ; but at such times as this place does much spew out its filth, as it doth against change of weather, these steps are hardly seen ; or if they be, men through the dizziness of their heads step beside ; and then they are bemired to purpose, notwithstanding the steps be there : but the ground is good when they are once got in at the gate.'^(«) Now I saw in my dx^eara that by this time Pliable was got home to his house. So his neighbours came to visit him ; and some of them called him wise man for coming back : and some called him fool for hazarding himself with Christian : others again did mock at his cowardliness ;f saying " Surely, since you began to venture, I would not have been so base to have given out for a few difficulties ;" so Pliable sat sneaking among them. But at last he got more confidence ; and then they all turned their tales, and be- gan to deride poor Christian behind his back. And thus much concernino* Pliable. * That is the Lord Jesus Christ- We never find good ground, nor safe sounding, nor comfortable walking, till we enter into possession of Christ by faith, and till our feet are set upon Him, who is the Rock of ages. t They who affect to despise real Christians, often both express and feel great contempt for those that cast ofl" their profession : such men are una- ble, for a time, to resume their wonted confidence among their former companions ; and this excites them to pay court to them, by reviling and deriding those whom they have forsaken. (a) 1 Sam. xii- 22. WORLDLY-WISEMAN MEETS CHRISTIAN. 69 CHAPTER III. CHRISTIAN DECEIVED BY THE ADVICE OF MR. WORLDLY- WISEMAN, TURNS OUT OF THE WAY, AND IS GREATLY ALARMED; BUT HAPPILY MEETING WITH EVANGELIST, RETURNS TO THE RIGHT PATH, AND PROCEEDS ON HIS JOURNEY. NOW as Christian was walking solitarily by himself, he spied one afar off crossing over the field to meet him ; and their hap was to meet just as they were crossing the way to each other. The gentleman's name, that met him, was Mr. Worldly-wiseman ; he dwelt in the town of Car- nal-policy ; a very great town, and also hard by from whence Christian came. This man, then, meeting with Christian, and having some inkling of him, (for Chris- tian's setting forth from the city of Destruction was much noised abroad, not only in the town where he dwelt, but also it began to be the town-talk in some other places ;) Mr. Worldly-wiseman, therefore, having some guess of him, by beholding his laborious going, by observing his sighs and groans, and the like, began thus to enter into some talk with Christian. World. How now, good fellow, whither away after this burdened manner? Chr. a burdened manner indeed, as ever, I think, poor creature had! And whereas you asked me, whither away ? I tell you. Sir, I am going to yonder Wicket-gate before me ; for there, as I am informed, I shall be put in a way to be rid of my heavy burden. World. Hast thou a wife and children ? Chr. Yes ; but I am so laden with this burden, that I cannot take that pleasure in them as formerly : me- thinks I am as if I had none. (a) (a) 1 Cor. vii. 29. World. Wilt thou hearken to me if I give thee coun- sel ? Chr. If it be good, I will ; for I stand in need of good counsel. World. I would advise thee, then, that thou with all speed get thyself rid of thj burden ; for thou wilt never be settled in thy mind till then, nor canst thou en- joy the benefits of the blessings which God hath bestowed upon thee till then. Chr. That is that which I seek for, even to be rid of this heavy burden ; but get it off myself I cannot : nor is there any man in our country that can take it off my shoulders : therefore am I going this way as I told you, that I may be rid of my burden."^ World. Who bid you go this way to be rid of your burden ? Chr. a man that appeared to me to be a very great and honourable person ; his name, as I remember, is Evangelist. World. Beshrew him for his counsel; there is not a more dangerous and troublesome way in the world than is that unto which he hath directed thee ; and that thou shalt find if thou wilt be ruled by his counsel. Thou hast met with something, as I perceive, already ; for I see the dirt of the slough of Despond is upon thee ; but that slough is the beginning of the sorrows that do attend those that go on in that way. Hear me ; I am older than thou : thou art like to meet with, on the way which thou goest, wearisomeness, painfulness, hunger, perils, naked- ness, sword, lions, dragons, darkness, and, in a word, death, and what not ! These things are certainly true, * A glimpse of the Wicket-gate, or of deliverance from the guilt of sin by Christ, will make the sinner reject all other ways, and press on (q. wards Christ only. THEIR FURTHER CONVERSATION. 71 having been confirmed by many testimonies. And why should a man so carelessly cast away himself by giving heed to a stranger ? Chr. Why, Sir, this burden upon my back is more terrible to me than are all these things which you have mentioned : nay, methinks I care not what I meet with in my way, if so be I can also meet with deliverance from my burden.^ World. How earnest thou by the burden at first ? Chr. By reading this book in my hand. World f I thought so; and it has happened unto thee as to other weak men, w ho meddling with things too high for them, do suddenly fall into thy distractions ; which distractions do not only unman men (as thine I perceive have done thee,) but they run them upon desperate ven- tures to obtain they know not what. Chr. I know what I would obtain ; it is ease from my heavy burden. World. But why wilt thou seek for ease this way, seeing so many dangers attend it ? Especially since, hadst thou but patience to hear me, I could direct thee to the obtaining of what thou desirest, without the dangers that thou in this way wilt run thyself into. Yea, and the remedy is at hand. Besides I will add, that instead of these dangers, thou shalt meet with much safety, friend- ship, and content. Chr. Sir, I pray, open this secret to me. Word. Why, in yonder village (the village is named Morality) there dwells a gentleman, w^hose name is Legal- ity, a very judicious man, and a man of very good name, that has skill to help men off with such burdens as thine * Such is the frame of the heart of a real penitent, t Mr. Worldly-wiseman does not like that men sbould be serious in reading the Bible. 72 LEGALITY, AND THE VILLAGE 3I0RALITY. is from their shoulders ; yea, to my knowledge, he hath done a great deal of good this way : aye, and besides, he hath skill to cure those that are somewhat crazed in their wits with their burdens.* To him, as I said, thou mayest go, and be helped presently. His house is not quite a mile from this place ; and if he should not be at home himself, he hath a pretty young man to his son, whose name is Civility, that can do it (to speak on) as well as the old gentleman himself. There, I say, thou mayest be eased of thy burden : and if thou art not minded to go back to thy. former habitation, as indeed I would not wish thee, thou mayest send for thy wife and children to thee to this village ; where there are houses now stand empty, one of w^hich thou mayest liave at reasonable rates : pro- vision is there also cheap and good : and that which will make thy life more happy, is to be sure, there thou shalt live by honest neighbours, in credit and good fashion. Now was Christian somewhat at a stand ; but presently he concluded, if this be true which this gentleman hath said, my wisest course is to take his advice ; and with that he thus further spake, Chr. Sir, which is my way to this honest man's house ? World. Do you see yonder high hill ? Cur. Yes, very well. World. By that hill you must go, and the first house ^ou come at is his. So Christian turned out of his way to go to Mr. Legal- ity's house for help.f But, behold, when he was got now * Mr. Worldly-Wiseman prefers Morality to Christ the Strait Gate. This is the exact reasoning of the flesh. Carnal reason ever opposes spiritual truth. The notion of justification by our own obedience to God's law, ever works in us, contrary to the law of justification by the obedience of Christ and living faith in his blood. Self righteousness is as contrary to the faith of Christ, as indulging the lusts of the flesh. i And a sad turn it proved to him ; for he turned from the work of Clirist, for his salvation, to his own works and obedience : so did the Ga- lations of old. Mark the consequence ; Christian is afraid that Mount ."^inai; all the dreadful curses of the law, would fall on his head. CHRISTIAN TURNS ASIDE. HIS ALARM. 73 hard by the hill, it seemed so higli, and aiso that side of it that was next tiie way-side did hang so inncli over, that Christian was afraid to venture further, lest tlie hill should fall on his head : wherefore there he stood still, and wot- ted not what to do. Also his burden now seemed heavier to him than while he was in the way. There came also flashes of fire out of the hill, that made Christian afraid that he should be burned ;(«) here therefore he sweat and did quake for fear. And now he began to be sorry that he had taken Mr. Worldly-wiseman's counsel. And with that he saw Evangelist"-^' coming to meet him ; at the si2;ht also of whom he began to blush for shame. So Evangel- ist drew nearer and nearer ; and, coming np to him, he looked upon him with a severe and dreadful countenance^ and thus began to reason with Christian. What dost thou here, Christian ? said he. At which words Christian knew not what to answer ; wherefore at present he stood speechless before him. Then said Evangelist further, Art thou not the man that I found cry- ing without the walls of the city of Destruction ? Chr. Yes, dear Sir, I am the man. Evan. Did not I direct thee the way to the Viitle Wick- €t-gate ? Yes, dear Sir, said Christian. Evan. How is it then that thou art so quickly hirnod aside? for thou art now out of the way. Cur. I met wilh a gentlemaH, as soon as I had gol over the slough of Despond, who persuaded me tjiat I miLi;ht in the village before me find a man that could take olf my burden. Evan. What was he? * Evangfelist findelh ChiisUan nnderMounf Sinai, ati.l lookrlb «:rvpn-lv *ipon him. r— 18. Heb. xii.2]. T4 CHRISTIAN lb MET BV tVAXCLLlST. Chr. He looked like a gentleman,*' and talked much to nie, and got me at last to yield; so I came hither: but when I beheld this hill, and how it hangs over the way, I suddenly made a stand, lest it should fall on my head. Evan. What said that gentleman to you? Chr. He asked me if I had a family : and I told him But, said I, I am so loaded with the burden that is on my back, that I cannot take pleasure in them as formerly. Evan. And what said he then ? Chr. He bid me with speed get rid of my burden ; and I told him it was ease that I sought. And, said I, I am therefore going to yonder gate to receive further direc- tions how I may get to the place of deliverance. So he said that he would show me a better way, and shorter, not so attended with difficulties as the way, Sir, that you set me in ; which way, said he, will direct you to a gentle- man's house that has skill to take off these burdens: so I belived him,f and turned out of that way into this, if hap- ly I might be soon eased of my burden. But when I came to this place, and beheld things as they are, I stop- ped for fear as 1 said, of danger : but now know not what to do. Then, said Evangelist, stand still a little that I may show thee the words of God. So he stood trembling. Then said Evangelist, " See that ye refuse not him that speaketh : for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven. "(«) He said, ■' Beware of taking men by Iheir looks. They may look as gentle as Iambs, while the poison of asps is under their tongues ; wiiereby they in- fect many souls with pernicious errors, turning them from Christ and the hope of justification and eternal life, through him only, to look and rely upon their own works, in whole or in part, for salvation. t As thebelief of truth lies at the foundation of the hope of eternal life, and is the cause of any one becoming a pilgrim ; so the belief of a lie is the cause of any one's turning out of the way which leads to giory. (a) Heb. xii.25. AND CONVINCED OF IIIS EllROR. 75 morever, "Now the just shall live by faidi ; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." (a) He also did thus apply them : Thou art the man that art running into this misery : thou hast begun to reject the counsel of the Most High, and to draw back thy foot from the way of peace : even almost to the hazarding of thy perdition.^ Then Christian fell down at his feet as dead, crying, " Woe is me, for I am undone?" At the sight of which Evangelist caught him by the right hand, saying, " All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men:" "Be not faithless, but believing." Then did Christian again a little revive, and stood up trembling, as at first, before Evangelist. f Then Evangelist proceeded, saying, Give more earnesi heed to the things that I shall tell thee of. I will now show thee who it was that deluded thee, and who it was also to wh.om he sent thee. Tiie man that met thee is one Worldly-wiseman, and rightly is he so called ; partly because he savoureth only ihe doctrine of this world, (fe) flherefore he always goes to the town of Morality to rjiurch,) and partly because he loveth that doctrine best, for it saveth him best from the cross :(c) and because he is of this carnal temper, therefore he seeketh to pervert my ways, though right. Now there are three things in this man's counsel that thou must utterly abhor: — his ^ See the danger of tiiniing {'itini llie faith of Clirisf, to trust in Any Jc- cjree to our own works for justiliration and eternal life. Beware of legal tt-achei-s and of thy own h?gal spirit. ■j- See the glory of gospel grace to sinners. See the amazing love of f'hrist in dying for sinners. (J remember tlie [irir.e with which Christ ol)- tained the pardon of your sins ; at nothing le^s than his own nio.^t precious blood ! Heii«;ve his wonderful love. Kejoice in his glorious salvation. Live in tlie love of him, in the liatred of your ahis, and in humbleness ol' mind before him. fff; Ileb.x.SS. (b) Johniv. 5. (t) Cal. \i.. 16 THE FALLAtlLS Ot WOKLLIL Y-W r SEM AN DETECTED. turning thee out of the way ; — liis labouring to render the cross odious (o (hee ; — and his setting thy feet in that way that leadelh unto tlic ministration of death.* First, thou must abhor his turning thee out of the way, yea, and thine own consenting thereto; because this is to reject the counsel of God for the sake of the counsel of a worldly-wise num. The Lord says, *' Strive to enter in at the strait gate" (the gate to which I send thee,) "for strait is the gate that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (a) From this little Wicket-gate, and from the way thereto, hath this wicked man turned thee, to the bringing of thee almost to destruction. Hate, therefore, his turning thee out of the way, and abhor thyself for hearkening to him. Secondly, thou must abhor his labouring to render the cross odious unto thee ; for thou art to "prefer it before the treasures in Egypt." (/>) Besides, the King of Glory bath told thee, tliat " he that will save his life shall lose jt :" and, " He that comes after me, and hates not his fa- ther, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his ov.n life also, cannot be my dis- ciple."(c) I say, therefore, for a man to labour to per- suade thee that that shall be thy death, without which the truth bath said thou canst not have eternal life : this doc- trine thou must abhor. Thirdly, thou must hale his setting of thy feet in the way that leadeth to the ministration of death. And for this thou must consider to whom he sent thee, and also / ■ tJos|)el comfort cannot he enjoyed, till the soul is convinced of the evil, and rejects the doctrine of Legality, or trust in any dependance upon our own works for justification. This detestable heresy abounds greatly in the present day. ('a)^Luke xiii. 24. Matt. vil. 13, 14. (h) Heb. xi. 25, 2t>. (c) JMatt. .\. 37—39. i\larl< viii. 34. Zo. T.nkc xiv. Srt, 27- John \ii. 2r> THE PRETENSIONS OF LEG AIITV CONFUTED. 77 how unable that person was (o delivrr tlicc from ihy bur- den. He lo whom (hou wast sent for ease, being by tiaine Legalify, is " the son of Ihe bond woman wliicli now is, and is in bondage with her chikb-en ;"(^0 and is, in a mys- tery, this Mount Sinai which tliou hast feared will fall on tliy head. Now if she with her children are in bondage, Jiow canst thou expect by them to be made free ? This Legality, therefore, is not able to set thee free from thy burden. No man was as yet ever rid of his burden by him; no, nor ever is like to be. " Ye cannot be justifi- ed by the works of the law ; for by the deeds of the law no man living can be rid of his burden:" therefore, Mr. Worldly-wiseman is a liar, and Mr. Legality a cheat : and for his son Civility, notwithstanding his simpering ooks, he is but a hypocrite, and cannot lielp thee. Be- lieve me, there is nothing in all this noise that thou hast heard of these sottish men, but a design to beguile thee of thy salvation, by turning thee from the way in which I had set thee.* After this Evangelist called aloud to the heavens for confirmation of what he had said ; and with that there came words and fire out of the moimtain under which poor Christian stood, that made the hair of his flesh stand up. The words were thus pronounced : *' As ma- ny as are of the works of the law are under the curse : for it is written, Cursed is every one that continuelh not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them."t(6) The gospel pays no respect to demure looks, and a sanctitled face ; but pronounces sucli cheats hypocrites, and beguilers, who turn souls from :he cross of Christ, and the way of saivntionV ^'^m, to trust in any wise to their own works for justiHcation and .salvation. t Legality is as great an enemy to the cross of Christ, as Licentiousness : for It keeps the soul from coming to,, believint: in, and trusting wholly to the blood of Ciiris', for pardon, and the rigliteons!ie.«,s of Christ for justifi- cation ; so that it kc.cp.s the soul in l)onddge, and swells the mind with }jnde, v.iule Licentiousness brings a -randui on the cro^s. (n) Gal. iv. '21— 'J7 i/j) GM iii. 10. 78 CHRlSTIAJf ENCOURAGED BY EVANGELIST* Now Christian looked for nothing but death, and be- gan to cry out lamentably ; even cursing the time iis which he met with Mr. Wordly-wiseman ; still calling himself a thousand fools for hearkening to his counsel. He also was greatly ashamed to think that this gentle- man's arguments, flowing only from the flesh, should have the prevalency with him as to cause him to forsake the 1 ight way. This done, he applied himself again to Evan- gelist in words and sense as follow : Sir,"^^ what think you ? Is there any hope ? May I now go back, and go up to the Wicket-gate ? Shall I not be abandoned for this, and sent back from thence ashamed ? I am sorry I have hearkened to this man's counsel ; but may my sin be forgiven ? Then said Evangelist to him. Thy sin is very great for by it thou hast committed two evils ; thou hast forsa- ken the way that is good, to tread in forbidden paths . yet will the man at the gate receive thee, for he has good ivill for men ; only, said he, take heed that thou turn not aside again, "lest thou perish from the way when his wrath is kindled but a little. "(a) — Then did Christian ad- dress himself to go back, and Evangelist, after he had kissed him, gave him one smile and bid hi/n God speed. f So lie went on with haste, neither spake he to any man by (he way, nor if any asked him would he vouchsafe them an answer. He went like one that was all the while treading on forbidden ground, and could by no means ^ Christian inquires if he may yet be happy. Legal hopes will bring on distress of soul, and despondency of spirit, as well as outward sins ; therp is no hope of a sinner's being comforted by the cross of Christ, till he ia made sensible of f his. t Nothing but the gospel of Christ can direct our steps in (he right way. and bring peace and comfort to our souls. It salutes us with a cheering smile, a kiss of peace, and a blessing of consolation ; and hence it wing-^ '>nr peace to Christ and holiness. (a> Psal. ii. IJ. CHRISTIAN ENCOURAGED BY EVANGELIST. 79 think himself safe, till again he was got into the wa}-^ which he left to follow Mr. Worldlj-wiseman's counsel. * The faithful minister must warn young converts not to turn aside ; nor can any soul ever find confidence or comfort, till: (hey are conscious ot iimvi«g regained the way they had forsaken. 30 HE IS ADMITTED AT THE WICKET-GATE- CHAPTER IV. CHRISTIAN ARRIVES AT THE WICKET-GATE, WHERE HE KNOCKS, AND IS KINDLY RECEIVED. SO in process of lime Christian got up to the gate. Now over the gate there was written, " Knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (a) He knocked therefore more than once or twice,*' sav- ing— ^* May I now enter here ? Will he within Open to sorry me, though I have been An undeserving rebel ! Then shall I Not fail to sing his lasting praise on hig\i.'^(a) At last there came a grave person to the gate, named Good-will, who asked him who was there ? and whence he came ? and what he would have ? Chr. Here is a poor burdened sinner. I come from the city of Destruction, but am going to Mount Zion, that I may be delivered from the wrath to come. I would, therefore, Sir, since I am informed that by this gate is the way thither, know if you are willing to let me in. I am willing with all my heart, | said he. And with that he opened the gate. So when Christian was stepping in, the other gave him * This is praying and pleadins; in faith with God for mercy and forgive- ness of sin through the blood of Jesus Christ. + The gate will be open to broken hearted sinners. Here behold the love of Jesus, in freely and heartily receiving every poor sinner whf) comes unto him. No matter how vile they have been nor what things they have committed ; he loves them freel}- atid receives them graciously. For he has nothing but good will towards men. Luke ii- 1 4. (a) Matt. vii. 7.. 8. GOOD-WILL DISCOURSES WITH CHRISTIAN. 81 a pull.^ Then said Christian, What means that? The other told hira, " A little distance from this gate there is erected a strong castle, of which Beelzebub is the captain ; from thence both he and they that are with him shoot ar- rows at those that come up to this gate, if haply they may die before they can enter in. Then said Christian, I rejoice and tremble. So when he was got in, the man of the gate asked him who direct- ed him thither. Chr. Evangelist bid me come hither and knock, as I did ; and he said that you Sir, would tell me what 1 must do. Good. " An open door is before thee, and no man can shut it." Chr. Now I begin to reap the benefits of my hazards. Good. But how is it that you come alone ? Chr. Because none of my neighbours saw their dan- ger, as 1 saw mine. Good. Did any of them know of your coming ? Chr. Yes, my wife and children saw me at the first, and called after me to turn again : also some of my neigh- bours stood crying and calling after me to return ; but I put my fingers in my ears and so came on my way. Good. But did none of them follow you, to persuade you to go back ? Chr. Yes, both Obstinate and Pliable : but when they saw that they could not prevail. Obstinate went railing back, but Pliable came with me a little way. Good. But why did he not come through. Chr. We indeed came both together until we came to the slough of Despond, inio the which we also suddenly * Every saved sinner is a brand plucked out of the fire hy tbo loving arm of Christ. Zech. iii. '2. L 82 GOOD-WILL CONTINUES HIS DISCOURSE. fell. And then was my neighbour Pliable disconraged, and would not adventure further."^ Wherefore, getting out again on that side next to his own house, he told me I should posses the brave country alone for him : so he went his way, and I came mine ; he after Obstinate, and I to this gate. Then said Good-will, Alas, poor man ! is the celestial glory of so small esteem with him, that he counteth it not worth running the hazard of a few diflSculties to obtain it ; Truly, said Christian, I have said the truth of Pliable; and if I should also say all the truth of myself, it will ap- pear there is no difference betwixt him and myself. It is true he went back to his own house, but I also turned aside to go into the way of death, being persuaded thereto by the carnal argument of one Mr. Worldly-wiseman.f Good. Oh I did he light upon you T What, he would have had you have sought for ease at the hands of Mr. Legality ! they are both of them very cheats. But did you take his counsel T Chr. Yes, as far as I durst. I w^nt to find out Mr. Legality, until I thought that the mountain that stands by his house would have fallen upon my head ; wherefore there I was forced to stOp J Good. That mountain has been the death of many, and will be the death of many more. It is well you escaped being dashed in pieces by it. * A man may have company when he sets out for heaven, and yet go thither alone. '< Many be called, but few chosen." Matt. xx. 16. t Where there is true grace in the heart, it will take shame to itself, and give all the glory to God's sovereign grace, for any difference there is between us and others. Free grace destroys pride, and lays the sinner low, whilst it exalts Christ, and causes the believer to triumph in his righteousness and salvation. t Though Jesus knows what is in man, and all his ways, yet he will bring the soul to confession unto him. Seethe loving heart of Christ to sinners, and the free communications he admits them to with himself. Oh ye his people, pour out your heart before him : God is a refuge for us- P^al. Ixii. 8. CHRISTIAN INSTRUCTED IN THE WAY. 83 Chr. Why, truly, I do not know what had become of 'me there, had not Evangelist happily met me again as I was musing in the midst of my dumps : but it was God's mercy that he came to me again, for else I had never come hither. But now I am come, such a one as I am, more fit indeed for death by that mountain, than thus to stand talking with my Lord But, oh ! what a favour is this to me, that yet I am admitted entrance here.^ Good. We make no objections against any, notwith- standing all that they have done before they come hither. "They in no wise are cast out;"(a) and therefore, good Christian, come a little way with me, and I will teach thee about the way thou must go. Look before thee : dost thou see this narrow way ? that is the way thou must go. It was cast up by the patriarchs, prophets, Christ, and his apostles, and it is as straight as a rule can make it : ^his is the way thou must go. But, said Christian,! are there no turnings nor windings, by which a stranger may lose his way ? Good. Yes, there are many ways butt down upon this, and they are crooked and wide : but thus thou must distinguish the right from the wrong, the right only beingj straight and narrow. (6) * It is a sure sign of a genuine work of grace, when the heart ascribes all to grace. Here is no ascribing any thing to his own wisdom or power ; but his escape from destruction, and being yet iu the way of salvation, are wholly resolved into the grace of the gospel, the mercy of God, and in his free favour, and almighty power. It is sweet to converse with Jesus, of Ijisfree grace to wretched and unworthy sinners. Do not you find it so ? t CJjristian is afraid of losing his way ; a blessed sign of a gracious heart., when it possesses godly jealousy. t Christian, being admitted at the strait gate, is directed in the narrow way. In the broad road every man may choose a path suited to his incli- nations; sliift about to avoid difficulties, or accommodate himself to cir- cumstances ; and he will be sure of company agreeably to his taste. But Christians must follow one another, in the narrow way along the same, track, surmounting difficulties, facing enemies, and bearing hardship-, ^vithont any room to evade thera : nor is any indulgence given to difft'. rn)Johnv]. 37. {b) Matt. vli. 13, M. 84 CHRISTIAN INSTRUCTED IN THE WAY. Then I saw in ray dream that Christian asked him fur- ther, if he could not help him off with the burden that was upon his back ; for as yet he had not got rid thereof, nor could he by any means get it off without help. He told him, as to thy burden, be eontent to bear it un- til thou comest to the place of deliverance ;^ for there it will fall from thy back of itself. Then Christian began to gird up his loins, and to ad- dress himself to his journey. So the other told him that by that he was gone some distance from the gate he would come at the house of the Interpreter, at whose door he should knock, and he would show him excellent things. Then Christian took his leave of his friend, and he again bid him God speed. rent tastes, habits, or propensities. It is therefore a straightened, or as some render the word, an afflicted tvay ; being indeed an habitual course of repentance, faith, love, self-denial, patience ; in a word, a full confor- mity to the will of God, according to the scriptures. Christ himself is the way, by which we come to tiie Father ; and by living faith which works by love, we are " set in the way of his steps." This path is also straightj as opposed to the crooked ways of men ; for it consists in an uniform re- gard to piety, integrity, sincerity, and kindness, at a distance from all the hypocrisies, frauds, and artifices, by which ungodly men wind about to avoid detection, keep up their credit, deceive others, or impose on them- selves. The question proposed by Christian implies that believers are more afraid of missing the way than of encountering hardships in it : and Good-will's answer, that many ways bjit fed down on it, or opened into it, in various directions, shows, that the careless and self-willed are extreme- ly liable to be deceived ; but it follows that all these ways are crooked and u-ide ; they turn aside from the direct line of living faith and holy obe- dience, and are more soothing, indulgent and pleasing to corrupt nature, than the path of life : which lies straight forward, and is every where contrary to the bias of the carnal mind. * There is no deliverance from the guilt and burden of sin, but by the death of Christ. Here observe, that though a sinner, at his first coming to Christ, find some comfort and encouragement, yet he may not for some time have a clear sense of pardon and assurance of the forgiveness of his sins, but he may still feel the burden of them- Bui by faith in Jesus be shall be adopted into the family of heaven. THE INTERPRB^'Er's HOUSE. ^.J CHAPTER V. CHRISTIAN DELIGHTFULLY ENTERTAINED AT THE INTERPRETER'S HOUSE. THEN Christian went on till he came to the house of the Interpreter,^ where he knocked over and over : at last one came to the door and asked who was there ? Chr. Sir, here is a traveller, who was bid by an ac- quaintance of the good man of this house to call here for ray profit ; I would therefore speak with the master of the house. So he called for the master of the house, who after a little time came to Christian, and asked him what he would have ? Sir, said Christian, I am a man that am come from the city of Destruction, and am going to the Mount Zion ; and I was told by the man that stands at the gate at the head of this way, that if I called here you would show me excellent things, such as would be a help to me in my journey. Then said the Interpreter, come in ; I will show thee that which will be profitable to thee.f So he commanded his manj to light a candle, and bid Christian follow him : so he had him into a private room, and bid his aian open a door : the which when he had done. Christian saw the * christian comes to the house of the Interpreter: which means the Lord the Spirit, the teacher of his people. — The Interpreter is an emblem of the divine teaching of the Holy Spirit, according to the Scripture, by means of reading, hearing, prayiiiir and meditating, accompanied by daily experience and obseiTation. Believers depend on this teaching, and are not satisfied with human instruction, but look to the fount.iin of wisdom, that they may be delivered from jjrejudice, preserved from error, and en- abled to profit by the ministry of the word. t O how loving, how condescending is the Spirit of God to poor mise- rable sinners ! t Illumination is here signified. 86 THE PICTDRE OF THE PILGRIm's GUIDE. picture of a very grave person hang up against the wall ; and this was the fashion of it : " it had eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in its hand, the law of truth was written upon its lips, the world was behind its back ; it stood as if it pleaded with men, and a crown of gold did hang over its head.'* Then said Christian, what meaneth this ? Interp. The man whose picture this is, is one of a thousand; he can beget children, (a) travail in birth with children, (6) and nurse them himself when they are born. And whereas thou seest him with his eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, and the law of truth written on his lips ; it is to show thee that his work is to know and unfold dark things to sinners ; even as also thou seest him stand as if he pleaded with men : and whereas thou seest the world as cast behind him, and that a crown hangs over his head ; that is to show thee, that slighting and despising the things that are present, for the love that he hath to his Master's service, he is sure in the world that comes next to have glory for his reward. Now, said the Interpreter, I have shewed thee this picture first, because the man whose picture this is, is Ihe only man whom the Lord of the place whither thon art going hath authorized to be thy guide, in all difficult places thou mayestmeet within the way ; wherefore take good heed (o what I have shewed thee, and bear well in thy mind what thou hast seen ; lest in thy journey thou meet wi(h some that pretend to lead thee right, but their way goes down to death. "^ * This is a true picture of a gospel minister: one whom the Lord the Spirit has called and qualified for preaching thn everlasting gospel, he is one who despises the world, is dead to ijs pleasures and joys : his chief aim is to exalt and glorify the Lord Jesus, his atoning blood, justifying righteousness, and finishing salvation ; and his greatest glory is to bring sinners to Christ, to point him out as the one vvay to them, and to edify (n) 1 Cor. iv. 15. (b) C'al. iv. 19. THE DUSTr PARLOUR SPRINKLED AND CLEANSED. 87 Then he took him by the hand, and led him into a very large parlour that was full of dust, because never swept ; the which, after lie had reviewed a little while, the Inler- preter called for a man to sweep. Now when he began to sweep, the dust began so abundantly to fly about, that Christian had almost therewith been choaked. Then said the Interpreter to a damsel that stood by, Bring hith- er water, and sprinkle the room ; the which when she liad done, it was swept and cleansed with pleasure. Then said Christian, What means this? The Interpreter answered. This parlour is the heart of a man that was never sanctified by the sweet grace of the gospel : the dust is his original sin and inward corruptions, that have defiled the whole man He that began to sweep at first is the law ; but she that brought water and did sprinkle it, is the gospel. Now whereas thou sawest that, so soon as the first besfan to sweep, the dust did so fly about, that the room by him could not be cleansed, but that thou wa^t almost choaked therewith ; this is to show thee, that the law, instead of cleansing the heart, by its working, from sin, doth revive, put strength into, and increase it in the soul, even as it doth discover and forbid it ; for it doth not give power to subdue it. (a) Again, as thou sawest the damsel sprinkle the room with water, upon which it was cleansed with pleasure : this is to show thee, that when the gospel comes in the sweet and precious influences thereof to the heart, then, I and build up saints in him. But there are many who profess to do this, yet turn poor sinners out of (he way, and point them lo a righteousness of their own for justification, in whole or in part. Of these the Spirit teach- es us to beware: (he former, he leads and directs souls to love and esteem him highly for their labours and faith in the Lord, and zeal for his honour and glory, and for the salvation of souls. Take heed what vouhear. Mark iv. 24. (n) Rom. V. 20. vii. 7—1 1 1 Cor. xv. 5f5 SB EASSIOxN AND PATIENCE. say, even as thou sawest the damsel lay the dust by sprinkling the floor with water, so is sin vanquished and subdued, and the soul made clean through the faith of it, and consequently fit for the King of glory to inhabit.*(a) I saw moreover, in my dream, that the Interpreter took him by (he hand, and had him into a little room where sat two little children, each one in his chair. The name of the eidest was Passion, and the name of the other Pa- tience. Passion seemed to be much discontented, but Pa- tience was very quiet. Then Christian asked. What is the reason of the discontent of Passion ? The Interpreter answered. The governor of them would have him stay for his best things till the beginning of the next year ; but he will have all now. But Patience is willing to wait. Then I saw that one came to Passion and brought him a bag of treasure, and poured down at his feet : the which he took up and rejoiced therein, and withal laughed Pa- tience to scorn. But I beheld but a while, and he had lavished all away, and had nothing left him but rags. Then said Christian to the Interpreter, Expound this matter more fully to me. So he said. These two lads are figures : Passion, of the men of this world ; and Patience, of the men of that which is to come. For as here thou seest Passion will have all now this year, that is to say, in this world : so are the * Now judge by this, whether you are under the law, or the gospel. Have you ever found in yourself what is here described ? 1st. Of the law, have you ever felt your lusts and corruptions irritated, and sin made to abound in you, as to your perception and feeling, by the commandment working in you all manner of concupiscence ? for without the law sin was dead Rom. vii. 8. Has the application of the law to your conscience made sin to revive in you, so as that you died to all your former hopes of being justified by your obedience to the law '^ If not, you are yet dead in sin, and cleave to legal hopes and vain confidence. But if through the law you become dead to the law, has the gospel come to you with its re- viving, comforting, sanctifying influence ? Has it made Christ's blood and righteousness precious to your soul, and given you the victory of faith over the law, sin, and death ^ If so, go on your way rejoicing. (a) John xiv, 21^23. xv 3 Acts xv 9. Rom xvi. 25,26. Eph, v,26. THE EMBLEM EXPLAINED. 89 men of Ihis world, they must have all their good things now, they cannot stay till next year; that is, until the next world, for their portion of good. That proverb, «*A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," is of more authority with them than are all the divine testimo- nies of the good of the world to come. But as thou saAV'- est that he had quickly lavished all away, and had pre- sently left him nothing but rags ; so will it be with all such men at the end of this world. ^ Then said Christian, Now I see that Patience has the best wisdom, and that upon many accounts : — because he stays for the best things : — and also because he will have the glory of his, when the other has nothing but rags. Interp. Nay, you may add another, to wit, — the glo- ry of the next world will never wear out : but these are suddenly gone. Therefore Passion had not so much reason to laugh at Patience because he had his good things first, as Patience will have to laugh at Passion because he had his best things last ; (or first must give place to lasty because last must have its time to come ; but last gives place to nothing, for there is not another to succeed : he, therefore, that hath his portion first must needs have a time to spend it; but he that has his portion last must have it lastingly : therefore it is said of Dives, " In thy life-time thou receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things ; but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented." (rt) Chr. Then I perceive it is not best to covet things that are now, but to wait for things to come. * Carnal men seek nothing more than the gratification of their senses ; their end will be the loss of all things and the destruction of their own souls. But the just live by faith on Jesus, and in hope of joys to come ; their end will be glorious ; for they shall receive the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls, and the everlasting enjovment of Christ i« glory. (n) Luke xvi. 19—31 M 00 THE FIRE SECRETLF KEPT FROM BEING QUENCHED, Interp. You say truth: "For the things that are seen are temporal; but the things that are not seen are eternal ;^\a) but, though this be so, yet since things pre- sent and our fleshly appetite are such near neighbours one to another ; and again, because things to come and carnal sense are such strangers one to another ; therefore it is that the first of these so suddenly fall into amitt/y and that distance is so continually between the second.* Then I saw in my dream that the Interpreter took Christian by the hand, and led him into a place where was a fire burning against a wall, and one standing by it alw^ays casting much water upon it to quench it ; yet did the fire burn higher and hotter. Then said Christian, What means this ? The Interpreter answered, This fire is the work of grace that is wrought in the heart ; he that casts water upon it to extinguish and put it out, is the Devil : but in that thou seest the fire notwithstanding burn higher and hotter, thou shalt also see the reason of that. So he had him about to the backside of the wall, where he saw a man with a vessel of oil in his hand, of which he did also continually cast, but secretly, into the fire. Then said Christian, What means this ? The Interpreter answered. This is Christ, 'vho contin- ually with the oil of his grace maintains the work already begun in the heart : by the means of which, notwithstand- ing what the devil can do, the souls of his people prove gracious still. (&) And in that thou sawest that the man * Here see the pieciousness and glory of faith ; it causeth the soul to make a proper estimate, and set a due value on things : it pierceth through the objects of time and sense, and fixes upon glory and eternity. This is the proper character of every lieaven born soul; the just shall live by faith. Heb. ii. 4. This is a life of heaven upon earth. (a) 2 Cor. iv. 18. (6) 2 Cor. xii. 9. THE VALIANT MAn's CONFLICT AND VICTORr.' 91 stood behind the wall (o maintain the fire ; this is to teach thee that it is hard for the tempted to see how this work of grace is maintained in the soul."^ I saw also, that the Interpreter took him again by the hand, and led him into a pleasant place, where was build- ed a stately palace, beautiful to behold : at the sight of which Christian was greatly delighted; he saw also upon the top thereof certain persons walking, w ho were clothed all in gold. Then said Christian, May we go in thither? Then the Interpreter took him, and led him up towards the door of the palace; and behold, at the door stood a great company of men, as desirous to go in, but durst not. There also sat a man at a little distance from the door, at a table side, with a book and his ink-horn before him, to take the name of him that should enter therein ; he saw also that in the door-way stood many men in ar- mour to keep it, being resolved to do to the men that would enter what hurt and mischief they could. Now was Christian somewhat in amaze : at last, when every man started back for fear of the armed men, Christian saw a man of a very stout countenance come up to the man that sat there to write, saying, " Set down my name, Sir;" the which when he had done, he saw the man draw his sword, and put an helmet upon his head, and rush to- ward the door upon the armed men, who laid upon him with deadly force ; but the man was not at all discoura- * It is plain Mr. Bunyan did not ascribe that glory to tlie work and pow- er of (he creature, which is due solely to the Lord, wiio is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginner, Carrier on, and Fif)islier of his work in sinners' hearts; and never can his work be extinguished there, till Satan's water is more powerful to quench, than Christ's oil and grace are to keep the fire burning The instruction esjiecially inculcated by thift emblem is, an entire reliance on the secret but powerful influence of di- vine grace, to maintain and carry on the sanctifying work that has been '>e2:un in the soul- 02 THE MAN IN THE IRON CAGE. ged, but fell to cutting and hacking most fiercely. So after he had"^ received and given many wounds to those that attempted to keep him out, he cut his way through them all, and pressed forward into the palace ; at which there was a pleasant voice heard from those that were within, even of those that walked upon the top of the pa- lace, saying, " Come in, come in ; Eternal glory thou shalt win/' So he went in, and was clothed with such garments as they. Then Christian smiled, and said, I think verily I know the meaning of this.f Now, said Christian, let me go hence. Nay, stay, said the Interpreter, till I have showed thee a little more, and after that thou shalt go on thy way. So he took him by the hand again, and led him into a very dark joom, where there sat a man in an iron cage. Now the man to look on, seemed very sad. He sat with his eyes looking down to the ground, his hands fold- ed together, and he sighed as if he would break his heart. Then said Christian, What means this ? At which the In- terpreter bid him talk with the man. J Then said Christian to the man, What art thou ? The man answered, I am what I was not once. * We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Actsxiv.22. + Such is the spirit and disposition of a soul who is determined to win Christ, and to enjoy the kingdom of glory. In spite of all opposition he resolutely forces his way, and presses towards the mark for the prize of his high calling of God in Jesus Christ- Phil. iii. 14. He is not content with a few lazy wishes, or languid hopes ; for the kingdom of heaven suf- fereth violence, and the violent take it by force. Mat- xi. 12. t The Holy Spirit would have us take warning by the sad examples of others. Hence be sets before us in the Scripture, the dreadful things which have fallen professors, that we may see our danger, be humble, and watchful, and pray to the Lord to keep us from falling away. CHRISTIAN INTERROGATES HIM. 93 Chr. What wert thou once ? The man said,^ 1 was once a fair and flourishing profes- sor, both in mine own ejes, and also in the eyes of others : I once was, as I thought, fair for the celestial city, (a) and had then even joy at the thoughts that I should get hith- er.f Chr. Well, but what art thou now ? Man. I am now a man of despair, and am shut up in it as in this iron cage. I cannot get out ; O now I cannot. J Chr. But how camest thou in this condition ? Man. I left off to watch and be sober; I laid the reins upon the neck of my lusts ; I sinned against the light of the word, and the goodness of God : I have grieved the Spirit, and he is gone ; I tempted the Devil, and he is to come to me ; I have provoked God to anger, and he has left me ; I have so hardened my heart, that I cannot re- pent.§ Then said Christian to the Interpreter, But is there no hope for such a man as this ? Ask him, said the Interpre- ter. Then said Christian, Is there no hope but you must be kept in the iron cage of despair ? Man. No, none at all. Chr. W^hy ? the Son of the Blessed is very pitiful. Man. I have crucified him to myself afresh ; I have despised his person, I have despised his righteousness, I * Most dreadful change ! Think of it with trembliog. Thou standest by faith ; be not high-minded, but fear. t Soaring professors, beware. See how far this man went ; see what be thought ot himself; see what others thought of him ; yea, he felt great joy in himself at the thoughts of getting to heaven ; but yet ihr'Ugh un- faithfulness despair seized on him. "Let us watch and be sober." 1 Thess. V. 6. t A more dreadful state on this side hell cannot be. § An awful warning to professors. O take heed of trifling with the God of truth, and the truths of God ! he is a jealous God ! jealous of his honour and glory. Yea, our God is a consuming fire. Ileb. xii. 2V. (a) Luke viii. 13. 94 CHRISTIAN INTERROGATES HIM, have counted his blood an unholy thing. I have done despite to the Spirit of grace :^rt) therefore I have shut myself out of all the promises, and there now remains to rue nothing but threalenings, dreadful threatenings, fear- ful threatenings, of certain judgment and fiery indignation which shall devour me as an adversary.* Chr. For what did you bring yourself into this condi- tion ? Man. For the lusts, pleasures, and profits of this world ; in the enjoyment of which I did then promise myself much delight : but now every one of (hose things also bite me and gnaw me like a burning worm. Chr. But canst thou not repent and turn ? Man. God hath denied me repentance. His word gives me no encouragement to believe : yea, himself hath shut me up in this iron cage ; nor can all the men in the world let me out. O eternity ! eternity ! how shall I grapple with the misery that I must meet with in eterni- Then said the Interpreter to Christian, Let this man's misery be remembered by thee, and be an everlasting caution to thee. Well, said Christian, this is fearful ! God help me to watch and be sober, and to pray that I may shun the cause of this man's misery .| Sir, is it not time for me to go on my way now^ ? J * It is exceeding difficult to draw the line here, so as not to encourage in sin, or not discourage broken-hearted sinners from entertaining hope in Christ. Many have written the same bitter things against themselves as here, but to whom they have in no-wise belonged. A sight of sin, a sense of sin, and sorrow for sin, with a desire to be saved by Jesus from all sin, as well as from wrath, do really bespeak the workings of the grace of Christ in the heart. I Reader, thou hast constant need to put up this prayer for thyself. — Thou art in a body f>f sin, hast a most deceitful and desperately wicked heart, and art exposed to the world's snares, and satan's devices. t Why, in such haste, Christian ? Poor soul, he had yet got the burden of his sins upon his back ; this urged his speed. He wanted to get to the (a) Luke xix. 14- Heb. vi. 4— <>. x. 28, 29. A DREAM CONCERNING THE DAY OF JUDGMENT. 95 Interp. Tarry, till I shall show Ihee one thing more, and then thou shalt go on thy way. So he took Christian by the hand again, and led him into a chamber where there was one rising out of bed ; and as he put on his raiment he shook and trembled. Then said Christian, Why doth this man thus tremble ? The Interpreter then bid him tell to Christian the reason of his so doing. So he began and said, This night as I was in my sleep I dreamed, and, behold the heavens grew exceeding black : also it thundered and lightened in most fearful wise, that it put me into an agony ; so I looked lip in my dream, and saw the clouds rack at an unusual rate; upon which I heard a great sound of a trumpet, and saw also a man sit upon a cloud, attended with the thousands of heaven : they were all in flaming fire, also the heavens were on a burning flame. 1 heard then a voice saying, " Arise ye dead, and come to judgment ;" and with that the rocks rent, the graves opened, and the dead that were therein came forth :(a) some of them were exceeding glad, and looked upwards : and some sought to hide themselves under the mountains :{b) then I saw the man that sat upon the cloud open the book and bid the world draw near. Yet there was, by reason of a fierce flame which issued out and came before him, a conveni- ent distance betwixt him and them, as betwixt the judge and the prisoners at the bar.(r) I heard it also proclaim- ed to them that attended on the man that sat on the cloud, " Gather together the tares, the chaff, and stub- cross, to be delivered of his burden ; but the Spirit had many things to shew him first, which would be profitable lo him hereafter. " He who believeth shall not make haste." Isaiah xxviii. 16. (a) John V. 28, 29. 1 Cor. xv. 51.— 58. 2 Thess. i. 7—10. Jude 14, 15 . Rev. XX. 11—15. (b) Psal. 1. 1—3. 2'2. Isa. xxvi. 20, 21. Mir vii. 16, 17. rr)Dan.vii.o. 10, Maliii. 2, 3 gg THE DREAM CONTINUED. ble, and cast them into the burning lake :'* and with that the bottomless pit opened just whereabout I stood ; out of the mouth of which there came in an abundant manner, amoke, and coals of fire, with hideous noises. It was also said to the same persons, " Gather my wheal into the garner."(a) And with that 1 saw many catched up and carried away in the clouds,(6) but I was left behind. I also sought to hide myself, but I could not, for the man that sat upon the cloud still kept his eye upon me : my sins also came in my mind, and my conscience did ac- cuse me on every side.(c) Upon this I awaked from my sleep. Chr. But what was it that made you so afraid of this sight ? Man. Why I thought that the day of judgment was come, and that I was not ready for it ; but this frighted me most, that the angels gathered up several and left me behind ; also the pit of hell opened her mouth just where I stood. My conscience too afflicted me ;^ and, as I thought, the Judge had always his eye upon me, showing indignation in his countenance. Then said the Interpreter to Christian, Hast thou con- sidered all these things ? Chr. Yes ; and they put me in hope and fear.f Interp. Well, keep all things so in thy mind, that they may be as a goad in thy sides, to prick thee forward in the way thou must go. Then Christian began to gird * Natural men's consciences are often alarmed and terrified, when there arf; no spiritual convictions , but such fears and terrors soon wear away, and do not generally issue in conversion. t Where there is a gospel hope, there will be a godly fear; both are necessary ; both are the graces of the Holy Spirit- Fear makes us cau- tious ) hope animates us. Kn) Mai. iv. 1 Mat. iii. 12. xiii.30. Luke iii. 17. (6) 1 Tbess.iv. 13— IS. (c) Rom. ii. 14, 15. THE DREAM CONTIXTTED. 9f up his loins, and to address Iiimself to his journey. Tlien said the Interpreter, The Comforter be always with thee good Christian, to guide thee in the way that leads to the city. So Christian went on his way, saying — ^•' Here I have seen things rare and profitable j Things pleasant, dreadful, things to make me stable In what I have begun to take in hand : Then let mo tliink on them, and understand Wherefore they showed me were ; and let me be Thankftjl, Ogood Interpreteb, to thee.'' N 90 CMRlSTIAN'fc BCUDEN FALLS OFF AT THE CBOSS CHAPTER VI. CHRISTIAN LOSES HIS BURDEN AT THE CROSS. NOW I saw in my dream, that the highway, up which Christian was to go, was fenced on either side with a wall, and that wall was called Salvation, (a) Up this way therefore did burthened Christian run, but not without great difficulty, because of the load on his back."^ He ran thus till he came at a place somewhat ascend- ing, and upon that place stood a Cross, and a little be- low, in the bottom, a Sepulchre. So I saw in ray dream, that just as Christian came up with the cross, his burden loosed from off his shoulders, and fell from off his back, and began to tumble, and so continued to do till it came to the mouth of the sepulchre, where it fell in, and I saw it no more.f Then was Christian glad and lightsome, and said with a merry heart, " He hath given me rest by his sorrow, and life by his death." Then he stood still awhile to look and wonder; for it was very surprising to him, that ' the sight of the cross should thus ease him of his burden. He looked, therefore, and looked again, even till the springs that were in his head sent the waters down his cheeks. (&) Now, as he stood looking and weeping, be- * Our uphill difficulties is the way to the greatest comforts. Burdens are more t'elt when comforts are near at hand. t Christian had faith ; he believed that there was redemption in the Mood of Christ, even forgiveness of sins, before he came up to the cross, but now he finds and feels the comfort of it: He has now the joy of faith; the guilt of his sins is taken oif his conscience, and he is filled with joy and peace in believing. You who believe Christ to be the only Saviour, go on believing till you experience the comfort of knoAving that he is your Saviour, and feel pardon in his blood; for when God releases us of our guilt and burden, we areas those that leap for joy; but you cannot have this till you come to the cross, and rest all your hopes upon it- fa) Isa. xxvi. 1. (h) Zech. xii. 10. CHRISTIAN'S EXULTATION. 99 hold three shining ones came to him, and sahited him with " Peace be to thee :" so the first said to him, " Thy sins be forgiven thee:"(a) the second stripped him of his rags and clothed him with change of raiment; the third also set a '^'mark on his forehead, and gave him a roll with a seal upon it,(/;) which he bid him look on as he ran, and that he should give it in at the celestial gate ; so they went their way. Then Christian gave t-hree leaps for joy, and went on singing— " Thus far did I come laden with my sin Nor could aught ease the grief that I was in^ Till I came hither : what a place is this ! JMust here be the beginning of my bliss? Must here the burden fall from off my back ? Must here the strings that bind it to me crack ? Blest cross ! blest sepulchre ! blest rather be The MAN^that there was put to shame for me !" * Here Is the love and grace of God the Father, Cod the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. Pray mind ; when God pardons tlie sinner throngh the blood uC Christ, he also clothes him with the righteousness of C'lirisl. Those who deny Christ's righteousness, never saw the purity of the law ; their own nakedness, nor abhorred the filljiy rags of their own righteous- ness.— The autlior's uniform doctrine sufficiently shows, that he considered spiritual apprehensions of the nature of the atonement as tlie only somce of genuine peace and comfort. And as the '* mark in the forelicad' j)lainly signifies the renewal of the soul to holiness, so tiiat the mind of Christ may a[)pear in the outward conduct, connected with au open [)ro- fession of the faith, wiiile the roll witli a seal upon it, denotes sucli an assurance of acceptan(;e, as appears most clear and satisfactory, when the believer most attentively compares his views, experiences, desires and purposes, w ith the holy scripttn-es, so he could not possibly intend to ascribe such effects to any other agent than the Holy Spirit, w h.o, by ena- bling a man to exercise all filial atlections touards God in an enlarged de- cree, as the "spirit of adoption bears witness" with his conscierice, lliat *Jod is reconciled to him, havitig pardoned all his sins; that he is justified f»y faith, through the blood of t'hrist ; and that he is a child of God, and an heir of heaven. Tliese things are clear and intelligible to those \\h<.- tave experienced this luippy cliange. (a) Mark ii. .5. rb) Zcch. iii. -1. Eph. i. VI 100 SIMPLE, SLOTH, AAD PRESUMFTIO.\. CHAPTER VIL CHRISTIAN FINDS SIMPLE, SLOTH, AND PRESUMPTION FAS i ASLEEP— IS DESPISED BY FORMALIST AND HYPOCRISY- ASCENDS THE HILL DIFFICULTY—LOSES HIS ROLL, AND FINDS IT AGAIN. I SAW then in my dream, Ihat he went on thus even until he caaie at fhe botloui, where he saw a htlle out of the way, three men fast asleep, wilh fetters upon their heels. The name of the one was Simple, another Sloth,, and the third Presumption.* Chistiax then seeing them lie in this case went to them, if peradventure he might awake 4hem ; and cried, You are like to them that sleep on the top of a mast, («) for the dead sea is under jou, a gulf that hath no bottom : awake, therefore, and come away ; be willing also, and I will help you off with your irons. lie also told them, If he that goeth about like a roaring lion comes by, you will certainly become a prey to his teeth. (&) \V ith that tliey looked upon him, and began to reply in this sort: f Sim- ple said, "I see no danger: Sloth said, "Yet a little more sleep:" and Presumption said, "Every tub must stand upon its own bottom." And so they laid down to sleep again, and Christian went on his way. * Tlie Lord 5hf ws us the misery and danger of other professors, to give us warniigS' !■>>■ the way and to 3th' us up to watchfulness. t There is no persuasion will do, if God openeth not the eyes. Re- member: all is of grace. If i-, God's grace that quickens, enlightens, con- vert'^ justifies, preserves, sanctifies," and glorifies- Well may pilgrims sing every slep : O to grace what mighty debtors, Daily, hourly. Lord, are we ! (a) Prov. xxiii. 34. (//) 1 Pet-- v. 8. FORMALIST AND HYPOCRISY. 103 Yet was he troubled to think that men in that (lan2:er should so little esteem the kindness of him that so freely offered io help them, both by the .lAvakcning of tlicm, counselling of tliem, and proffering to help them off wilh their irons. "^ And as he was troubled thereabout, iie spied two men come tumbling over the wall on the left hand of the narrow way ; and they made up apace to him. Tlie name of the one was F^ormallst, and the name of the other Hypocrisy. So as I said, they drew up unlo him, who thus entered with them into discourse. Chr. Gentlemen, whence come you, and whither go you ? Form, and Hrp. We were born in the land of Vain- Glory, and are going for praise to Mount Zion. Chr. Why came you not in at the gale which stand- eth at the beginning of the way ? Know you not that it is written, that *' He that comelh not in by the door, but climbelh up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber ?"(«.) They said, that to go to the o*ate for entrance Vvas by all their countrymen counted too far about ; and that, there- fore, their usual way was to make a short cut of it, and to climb over the wall, as they had done. Chr. But will it not be counted a trespass against the Lord of the city whither we are bound, thus to violate his revealed will ? Tiiey told him,f that, as for tha<, he needed not trou- ble his head therebout, ; for what they did, they had cus- tom for ; and could produce, if need were, testimony thai would witness it for more than a thousand vears. * A Christian spirit feols for others' dangers- and aims and strives (o be profitable to them. t They that come into the way, but not by the door, think tliat they can say something in vindication oftlrcir onn practice. (n) .Tohn J. 1- 102 tllRISriAN IN VAIN REASONS WITH THEM. But said Christian, m ill your practice stand a trial at law ? They told him, that cuslom, it being of so long stand* ing as above a thousand years, would doubtless now be iidmitted as a thing legal by an impartial judge : and be- f^ides, say they, if we get into the way, what's the matter which way we get in? If we are in, we are in : thou art but in the way, who, as we perceive, came in at the gate ; and we are also in the way, that came tumbling over the wall : v/herein now is thy condition better than ours ? Chr. I walk by the rule of my Master, you walk by the rude working of your fancies. You are counted thieves already by the Lord of the waj^ therefore I doubt you will not be found true men at the end of the way. You came in by yourselves without his direction? and shall go out by yourselves without his mercy. "^ To this they made but little answer ; only they bid him look to himself. Then I saw^ that they went on, every man in his way, without much conference one with another ; save that these two men told Christian, that, as to laws and ordinances, they doubted not but they should as consci- entiously do them as he ; therefore, said they, we see not wherein thou differest from us, but by the coat that is on thy back, Avhich was, as we trow, given thee by some of thy neighbours, to hide the shame of thy nakedness. f Chr. By laws and ordinances you will not be saved, («) since you came not in by the door. And as for this coat ^ Here is the essential difference between a real Christian and formal hypocrites; he takes the word of God for the warrant of his faith, and the rule of his conduct, which they reject; for they are left under the power of their natural will and carnal reason, and hence they brave it out for a season, wi'h vain hopes and confiilenccs. t The glorious robe of Christ's righteousness, whicli is j»at upon every believer, i? sneered at and held in contempt by forma) professors, who ?»'e not (heir nakedness and want of covering. (a) Gal. ii. 16, THE HILT. DIFFFCULTV. lUci ■\hat is on my back, it was given nie by the Lortl of the place whither 1 go ; and that, as you say, to cover my nakedness with. And I take it as a token of kindness to me ; for I had nothing but rags before : and besides, thub I comfort myself as I go ; surely, think I, when I come to the gate of the city, the Lord thereof will know me for good, since I have his coat on my back ! a coat that lie gave me freely in the day that he stripped me of my rags. I have, moreover, a mark in my forehead, of which jier- haps you have taken no notice, which one of my Lord's most intimate associates fixed there in the day that my burden fell off my shoulders. I will tell to you, moreo, ver, that I had then given me a roll sealed, to comfort me by reading as I go on the way ; I was also bid to give it in at the celestial gate, in token of my certain going in af- ter it : all which things I doubt you want, and want them because you came not in at the gate.* To these things they gave him no answer ; only they looked upon each other and laughed. f Then I saw that tliey went on all, save that Christian kept before, who had no more talk but with himself, and that sometimes sighingly,! and sometimes comfortably : also he would be often reading in the roll§ that one of the shining ones gave him, by which he was refreshed. I beheld then that they all went on till they came to the foot of the hill Difficulty ;|| at the bottom of which was a * Where there is the witness of the Spirit, and the seal of the Spirit, that soul will aho glory in the righteousness of Christ ; for this is the joy of faith, that Christ is the Lord our righteousness. Jer. xxiii. 6, In vain do men talk of inward joy, who reject the clothing of Christ's righteousness. t Vain-glorious fools laugh at Christ's humble pilgrims. X What ! sighing already, and just pardoned ? One should expect that he was all joy ; nothing but joy. O these are sighs of love, which stran- gers to spiritual joy know nothing of. § This means the assurance which he had from the Spirit, of the free k>ve, free grace, free pardon, free justification, of Christ to his soul. II He came to the hill Difficulty ; a way unpleasing to flesh and blood, which proves and tries the sincerity of oui faith, and the earnestness of our souls, in our pilgrimage. 104 FORMALIST AND HYPOCRISY TURN ASIDE. spring. There were also in the same place two other ways, besides that which came straight from the gate one turned to the left hand and the other to the right, at the bottom of the hill ; but the narrow^ way lay right up the hill, an Now by this time he was come to the arbour again, where for a while he sat down and wept ; but at last (as God would have it,) looking sorrowfully down under the settle, there he spied his roil ; the which he with trem- bling and haste catched up and put in his bosom. But ■who can tell how jojful this man was when he had gotten his roii again? For this roll was the assurance of his life, and acceptance at the desired haven. Therefore he laid it up in his bosom, gave God thanks for directing his eye to the place where it lay, and with joy and tears betook himself again to his journey.* But O how nimbly now did he go up the rest of the hill ! — Yet before he got up, the sun went down upon Christian ; and this made him again recall (he vanity of his sleeping to his remembrance ; and thus he again began to condole with himself: " O thou sinful sleep ! how for thy sake am I like to be be- nighted in my journey ! I must walk wiihout the sun> darkness must cover the path of my feet, and I must hear the noise of doleful creatures, because of my sinful sleep !" Now also he remembered the story that Mistrust and to seeU it, exactly suit the experience of numbers, who through un watch- fulness, are brought into a state of uncertainty. Nothing can afford com- fort to a mind that lias enjoyed an assurance of the favour of God ; but that love which is " better than life:" and such is the abundant mercy of Jehovah, that he imparts liyht and power to the humble soul, who, by means of extraordinary diligence, with renewed application to the blood of Jesus, \\iil in time recover his warranted confidence which he lost, and God will " restore to him the joy of his salvation :" but he must as it were, pab^^s repeatfdly over the same ground with sorrow, which had it not been for his t:eglit;ence, he might have passed at once with co^ifort. * This means a fresh sense of tiie love and peace of God; and joy in the Holy Ghost, through faith in Christ Jesus. iVIind with what alacrity and speed Pilgrim nov.^ pursues hU journey, O this rich blessing of a.ssurance is not enough prif^ed, and loo little sought for by professors. But how cau any be content without it .•' It is impossible for them to be happy, and to rejoice in the Lord without a real, scriptural assurance of his love and favour. It is this w hich adds wings to faith, liveliness to hope, joy to love, and cheerfulness to obedience. Plead the precious promises: be not con- tent without the enjoyment of the blessings contained in them. Says our Lord, " Ask and ve shall receive; that your jov may he full." John xvi. £4. THE PALACE BEAUTIFUL. 109 Timorous told him of, how they were frighted with ihe sight of the lions. Then said Christian to himself again, These beasts range in the night for their prey ; and if they should meet with me in the dark, how shoidd I shift them ? how should I escape being by them torn in pieces? Thus he went on. But, while he was bewailing his un- happy miscarriage, he lifted up his eyes ; and, behold, there was a very stately palace before him, the name of which was Beau(iful,=^ and it stood by ihe highway side. * Hitherto Christian has been a solitary pilgrim ; but we must next con- sider him as admitted to the communion of the faithful, and joininj^ with (hem in the most solemn public ordinances. This is rejiresented under the emblem of the House BEAuxiFUf,, and the pilgrim's entertainmefit in it, as described in the subs(?quent pages. Mr. Buriyan here manifests much candour and liberality of sentiment ; and his representations may suit the admission of any new members into the society of prolessed Christians in any communion, where a serious regard to spiritual religion is in this re- spect maintained. It certainly would be very desirable, that Christian societies should be formed according to the principles here exhibited : such would indeed be very beautiful, honourable to God, conducive to mutual edification, and examples to the world around them. Different expedients have been adopted for thus proiiioting the communion of saints ; the advantages re- sulting therefrom have been incalculable : but surely even more might be done, than is at present, perhaps any where, were all concerned to at- Jnmpt it boldly, earnestlyj and with united effort? 110 THE PORTER QUESTIONS CHRISTIAff. CHAPTER VIII. CHRISTIAN SAFELY PASSES THE LIONS ; AND ARRIVES AT THE HOUSE CALLED BEAUTIFUL, WHERE HE IS KINDLY RECEIVED, AND AGREEABLY ENTERTAINED. SO I saw in my dream, that he made haste and went forward, that if possible he might get lodging there. Now before he had gone far he entered into a very nar- row passage, which was about a furlong off the Porter's lodge ; and looking very narrowly before him as he went, he spied two lions in the way.=^ Now, thought he, I see the danger that Mistrust and Timorous were driven back by. (The lions were chained, but he saw not the chains.) Then he was afraid, and thought also himself to go back after them ; for he thought nothing but death was before him. But the Porter at the lodge, whose name is Watch- ful, perceiving that Christian made a halt, as if he would go back, cried unto him, saying, " Is thy strength so small ?(a) Fear not the lions, for they are chained, and are placed there for trial of faith where it is, and for dis- covery of those that have none ; keep in the midst of the path, and no hurt shall come unto thee." Then I saw that he went on trembling for fear of the lions : but taking good heed to the directions of the Por- ter, he heard them roar, but they did him no harm. Then he clapped his hands, and went on till he came and stood * The two lions may signify to us, the roaring of the devil and the world against us : but both are chained, they cannot go one link beyond what our God permits. Sometimes we may not see the chain, and un- scriptural fears may beset us But this is the watch-word of our Lordj PEAR NOT. (a) Mark iv. 10. DISCRETION COMES OUT TO HIM. HI before the gate where the Porter was.^' Then said Chris- tian to the Porter, Sir, what house is this ? and, may I lodge here to-night ? The Porter answered, This house was built by the Lord of the hill, and he built it for the relief and security of pilgrims. The Porter also asked whence he was ? and whither he was going ? Chr. lam come from the city of Destruction, and am going to Mount Zion : but, because the sun is now set, I desire, if I may, to lodge here to-night. PoR. What is your name ? Chr. My name is now Christian, but my name at the first was Graceless :f I came of the race of Japhetb, whom God will persuade to dwell in the tents of Shem.(a) PoR. But how doth it happen that you come so late ? The sun is set. Chr. I had been here sooner, but that, wretched man that I am ! I slept in the arbour that stands on the hill- side. Nay, I had, notwithstanding that, been here much sooner, but that in my sleep I lost my evidence, J and came without it to the brow of the hill ; and then feeling for it, and finding it not, I was forced, with sorrow of heart, to go back to the place where I slept my sleep ; where I found it, and now I am come.§ PoR. Well, I will call out one of the virgins of this place, who will, if she like your talk, bring you in to the * A minister of Christ, one who is watchful for the good of souls. O Iiow precious are they to pilgrims' hearts ! See the sweet encouragement and blessed advice Pilgrim obtained from ham. t O soul, did you ever know that this w^as your name ? Hast thou tasted that the Lord is rich in grace to graceless sinners ? O then sing of free grace and unmerited love, every step of thy pilgrimage, t Look well to your roll. Beware of losing your assurance. See thr evil of it ; it keeps' the soul back. Many have lost it, and have never found it. § None ought to be admitted into the church of Christ, but such as can give good evidence that they are the children of God by faith in Clu'ist Jesus, and arc sincere pilgrims in the way to the heavenly riiy (rt) Gen, Ix. 2T. 112 DISCRETION INTRODUCES HIM TO THE FAMfLf. rest of the family, according to the rules of the house So Watchful the Porter rang a bell, at the sound of which came out at the door of the house a grave and beau- tiful damsel, named Discretion,'^ and asked why she was called ? The Porter answered, this man is in a journey from the city of Destruction to Mount Zion ; but being weary and benighted, he asked me if he might lodge here to- night : so I told him I would call for thee, who after dis- course had with him, mayest do as seemeth thee good, even according to the law of the house. Then she asked him whence he was ? and whither he was going ? and he told her. She asked him also how he got in the way ? and he told her. Then she asked him what he had seen and met with in the way ? and he told her. And at last she asked his name. So he said, It is Christian : and I have so much the more a desire to lodge here to-night, because, by what I perceive, this place was built by the Lord of the hill for the relief and security of pilgrims. So she smiled, but the water stood in her eyes ; and after a little pause she said, I will call forth two o.r three more of the family. So she ran to the door, and called out Prudence, Piety, and Charity, who, after a lit- tle more discourse with him, had him into the fitmily ; and many of them meeting him at the threshold of the house said, " Come in, thou blessed of the Lord ; ' this house was built by the Lord of the hill, on purpose to en- tertain such pilgrims in.' " Then he bowed his head, and followed them into the house. So when he was come in and sat down, they gave him something to drink, and con- sented together that, until supper v>as ready, some of them should have some particular discourse with Chris- •' Admitling members into r.liincLes. should be done wiib discretion. PTETY DISCOURSES WITH CHRISTIAA". 113 iian, for the best improvement of time ; and tliej appoint- ed Pietj, and Prudence, and Charity, to discourse Avith him; and thus they began. ^ Pi. Come, good Christian, since we have been so Joving to you to receive you into our house this niirht, let us, if perhaps we may better ourselves thereby, talk with you of all things that have happened to you in your pil- grimage. Chr. With a very good will; and I am glad that yoa are so well disposed. Pi. What moved you at first to betake yourself to a pilgrim's life ? Chr. I was driven out of my native counlry by a dreadful sound that was in mine ears : to wit, that una- voidable destruction did attend me if I abode in that place where I was. Pi. But how did it happen that you came out of your country this way ? Chr. It was as God would have it ; for when I was under the fears of destruction, I did not know whither to go ; but by chance there came a man, even to me as I was trembling and weeping, whose name is Evangelist, and he directed me to the Wicket-gate, which else I should ne- ver have found, and so set me into the way that hath led me directly to this house. Pi. But did not you come by the house of the Inter- preter ? Chr. Yes, and did see such things there, the remem- brance of which will stick by me as long as 1 live ; espe- cially three things ; to wit, how Christ, in despite of Sa- tan, maintains his work of grace in the heart ; how the man " Tlie blessednoss of savoury, experimental cojiversalion with feliow- pilgrims. 114 HE RELATES WHAT HE HAD SEEN IN THE WAY. had sinned himself qiiife out of hopes of God's mercj; and also the dream of him that thought in his sleep the day of judgment was come.^ Pi. Why, did you hear him tell his dream ? Chr. Yes, and a dreadful one it was, I thought ; it made my heart ache as he was telling of it ; but yet I am glad I heard it. Pi. Was this all you saw at the house of the Interpre- ter ? Chr. No ; he took me and had me where he shewed me a stately palace, and how the people were clad in gold that were in it ; and how there came a venturous man and cut his way through the armed men that stood in the door to keep him out ; and how he was bid to come in and win eternal glory ; methought those things did ravish my heart. I would have staid at that good man's house a twelve-month, but that I knew I had further to go. Pi. And what saw you else in the way ? Chr. Saw! Why, I went but a little further, and I saw one, as I thought in my mind, hang bleeding upon a tree ; and the very sight of him made my burden fall off my back, (for I groaned under a very heavy burden, but then it fell down from off me.) It was a strange thing to me, for I never saw such a thing before : yea, and while I stood looking up (for then I could not forbear looking) three shining ones came to me : one of them testified that my sins were forgiven me ; another stripped me of my rags, and gave me this embroidered coat which you see ; and the third set the mark which you see in my forehead. * Hope and fear should accompany us every step of our journey. Without irue pieiy there can be no real Christianity. The Lord shows us many things in our way concerning the cases of others, to make us fear falling away ; while he displays the glory of his grace in keeping his saints, to animate our hope on his power, and trust in his grace. Look unf,o Jesus. HE IS INTERROGATED BV I'HUDENCE. 115 and gave me this sealed roll : (and with that he plucked it out of his bosom. )^ Pi. But you saw more than this, did you not ? Chr. The things that I have told you were the best ; yet some other matters 1 saw ; as, namely, I saw three men, Simple, Sloth, and Presumption, lie asleep a little out of the way as I came, with irons upon their heels ; but do you think I could awake them ! I also saw For- mality and Hypocrisy come tumbling over the wall, (o go, as they pretended to Zion, but they were quickly lost ; even as I myself did tell them, but they would not be- lieve. But, above all, I found it hard work to get up thin hill, and as hard to come by^the lions' mouths ; and tru- ly, if it had not been for the good man, the Porter, that stands at the gate, I do not know but that, after all, I might have gone back again; but now, I thank God, 1 am here ; and 1 thank you for receiving of me. Then Prudence thought good to ask him a few ques- tions, and desired his answers to them. Pru. Do you not think sometimes of the country from whence you came ? Chr. Yes, but with much shame and detestation : truly, if I had been mindful of that country from whence 1 came out, I might have had an opportunity to have re- turned ; but now I desire a better country, that is an heavenly one. (a) Pru. Do you not yet bear away with you some of the things that then you were conversant withal ?f * A blessed scriptural experience of wliat the Lord had done for liis soul ; tjuite necessary for every one, bf^.fore admission into the church of Christ. For want of this, many who are joined, prove of no profit to otlier souls, nnd j^et no good to their own- A mere profession of Ciirist, without an experience of his love, grace, and peace, being sealed upon tlje heart by the Spirit the Comforter, is nothing but empty speculation. t Prudence must be joined to piety. Chri-tian prudence should be visi- ble in every step of the professor ; for, says Solomon, " 1 vvi-dom dwell (a) Hell. xi. 1(>. 1I6 PRUDKNCE ASKS IIIM OF HIS INWARD EXPERIENCE. Chr. Yes, but greatly against rnj will ; especially my inward and carnal cogitations, with which all my country- men, as well as myself were delighted : but now all those things are my grief; and might I but choose mine own things, I would choose never to think of those things more ; but when I would be a doing of that which is best, that which is worst is with me. (a) Pku. Do you not find sometimes as if those things were vanquished, which at other times are your perplex- ity ? CiiR. Yes, but that is but seldom ; but they are to me golden hours in which such things happen to me. Pru. Can you remember by what means you find your annoyances at times as if they were vanquished? Chh. Yes : when I think on what I saw at the cross, that will do it ; and when I look upon my embroidered coat, that will do it ; and when I look into the roll that I carry into my bosom, that will do it ; and when my thoughts wax warm about whither I am going, that will do it.* Pku. And what is it that makes you so desirous to go to Mount Zion ? Chr. Why, there I hope to see him alive that did hang dead on the cross : and there I hope to be rid of all those things, that to this day are in me, an annoyance to rae ; there they say there is no death ;(6) and there shall I dwell with such company as I like best. For, to tell with prudence " Prov. viii 12. and '' the wisdom of ihe prudent is to un- derstand ins way," xiv, 8. His path is peace, and his end salvation. * Mind this. By b.-,lieving his pardon by the blood of Christ, the love of Gi)d to him, by the witness of his Spirit, and the glory of heaven, to whicii he is going, are what strengthen the Christians heart against all op positions. (a) Rom. vii. 19. (6) Ira- ssv. S. Rev. xxi- 4 CHARITF INQUIRES CONCERNING HIS FAMILV ll7 you the truth, I love him because I was by him eased of my burden ; and I am weary of my inward sickness. I would fain be where I shall die no more, and with the company that shall continually cry, " Holy, holy, ho- ly r'# Then said Charity to Christian, Have you a family ? are you a married man T Chr. I have a wife and four small children. Char. And why did you not bring them along with you ? Then Christian wept, and said. Oh ! how wilh'ngly would I have done it ! but they were all of them utterly averse to my going on pilgrimage. f Char. But you should have talked to them, and have endeavoured to have shown them the danger of being left behind. Chr. So I did ; and told them also what God had showed to me of the destruction of our city ; but I seem- ed to them as one that mocked, and they believed me not. (a) Char. And did you pray to God that he would bless your counsel to them ? Chr. Yes, and that with much affection ; for you must think that my wife and poor children were very dear unto me. Char. But did you tell them of your own sorrow, and * A sight of Christ by faith, begets longing of soul to see him in glory. A sense of his pardoning love makes us long to be with him ; a desire of being perfectly freed from the very being of sin, ever accompanies a true and lively faith in him, and manifests that we profess a most holy faith Jude 20. I So the spirit of a pilgrim manifests itself in love to those of his own house, by earnestly wishing, striving, and praying, if by any means he can prevail on them to flee from destruction, and come to Jesus forsalva- n. (a) (ien. xix. 4. 118 CHRISTIAN SHOWS WHY HE CAME ALONE. fear of destruction ? for I suppose that destruction was visible enough toj^ou. Chr. Yes, over, and over, and over. They might also see my fears in my countenance, in my tears, and also in my trembling under Ihe apprehension of the judg- ments that did hang over our heads ; but all was not suf ficient to prevail with them to come with me. Char. But what could they say for themselves why they came not ? Chr. Why, my wife was afraid of losing this world ; and my children were given to the foolish delights of youth : so, what by one thing and what by another, they left me to wander in this manner alone. Char. But did you not with your vain life damp all that you by words used by way of persuasion to bring them away with you ?* Chr. Indeed I cannot commend my life ; for 1 am conscious to myself of many failings therein : I know also, that a man by his conversation may soon overthrow what by argument or persuasion he doth labour to fasten upon others for their good. Yet this I can say, I was very wary of giving them occasion, by any unseemly ac- tion, to make them averse to going on pilgrimage. Yea, for this very thing, they would tell me I was too precise ; and that I denied myself of things, for their sakes, in which they saw no evil. Nay, I think, I may say, that if what they saw in me did hinder them, it was my great tenderness in sinning against God, or of doing any wrong to my neighbour. ' O soul, consider this deeply : it is the life of a Christian that carries more conviction and persuasion than his words. Though like an angel you talk of Christ, of the gospel, of the doctrines of grace, and of heaven, yet if you indulge evil tempers, and live under the power of any sinful lusts and passions, you will hereby harden others against the things of God, and prevent their setting out in the ways of God, and are in danger of finally perishing. Study and pray to be a constant walker in the ways of holiness, else all is but windy profession, and airy talk. O how much harm is done to Christ's cause by the unholy walk of many profcssori ! DISCOURSE ABOUT THE LORD OF THE HILL. 119 Char. Indeed Cain hated his brother, " because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous ;"(«) and if thy wife and children have been offended with thee for this, they thereby show themselves to be implacable to good ; and thou hast delivered thy soul from their f)lood.(/0*' Now I saw in my dream, that thus they sat talking together until supper was ready. So when they had made ready, they sat down to meat.f Now the table was furnished with fat things, and with wine that was well re- fined ; and all their talk at the table was about the Lord of the hill; as, namely, about what he had done, and wherefore he did what he did, and why he had builded that house ; and, by what they said, I perceived that he had been a great warrior, and had fought with and slain him that had the power of death, (c) but not without great danger to himself; which made me love him the more. For, as they said, and, as I believe, said Christian, he did it with the loss of blood. But that which put glory of grace into all he did, was, that he did it out of pure love to his country. And besides, there were some of them of the household that said, they had been, and spoke with him since he did die on the cross ; and they have attested, that they had it from his own lips, that he * Hence see the necessity of a Christian's giving good evidence, that he is really possessed of those graces of piety, prudence, and charity or Jove, before he can enjoy the communion of saints. True faith in Jesus h never alone, but is always attended with a train of Christian graces. t This means the Lord's supper : where Christians in common feed on Jesus by faith, and dwell in contemplaliori, with wonder, love, and praise, for what Jesus had done for them, is in them, and is now doing for them at the right hand of God. Thus Christians feed on him by faith, and ar** nourished up by him unto eternal life. ('a)iJohniii. 12. (b) Ezek. iii. 1^. (c) Heb. ii. 14, 15. 120 THE GHAMBEU OF PEACE, AND THE STUDF. is such a lover of poor pilgrims, that the like is not to be found from the east to the west. Thej, moreover, gave an instance of what they aflSr- med, and that was, he had stripped himself of his glory that he might do this for the poor ; and that they heard him say and affirm, that he would not dwell in the moun- tain of Zion alone. They said, moreover, that he had made many pilgrims princes, though by nature they were beggars born, and their original had been the dunghill, (a) Thus they discoursed together till late at night ; and after ihey had committed themselves to their Lord for protection, they betook themselves to rest. The pilgrim they laid in a large upper chamber, whose window. opened towards the sun-rising : the name of the chamber was Peace, where he slept till break of day, and then he awoke and sang — " Where am I now ? Is this the love and care Of Jesus, for the men that pilgrims are ; Thus to provide, that I should be forgiven, And dwell already the next door to heaven !'-* So in the morning they all got up ; and, after some more discourse, they told him that he should not depart till they had showed him the rarities of that place. And first they had him into the study,f where they showed * A sinner cannot sleep safely and comfortably till he has found peace with God. But " being justified by faith, we have peace with God [and peace in our consciences] through our Lord Jesus Christ." Ro/n.v. 1. But all unbelievers of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ are under the curse of the law, and condemnation for sin, aod are at eiunity against God. t Christ, and meditation on Christ, on his birth, his person, his life, his works, his death, his atonement, righteousness, and salvation, are the de- light of Christian souls. Says David, " My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord." F5al.civ,34. A lively ChriiUaa cannot live without spiritual meditation. (a) I Sam. ii. 8. Psa!. cxiii. 7- THE CHAaiBKR OF PEACE, AND THE STUDY. 121 liira records of (he greatest antiquitj : in which, as I re- member my dream, they showed him, first, (he pedigree of the Lord of the hill, that he was the Son of the An- cient of days, and came by that eternal general ion : here also were more fully recorded the acts that he had done, and the names of many hundreds that he had taken into his service; and how he had placed them in such habita- tions that could neither by length of days, nor decay of nature, be dissolved. Then they read to him some of the worthy acts that some of his servants had done : as how they had " sub- dued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promi- ses, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched tlie violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, and turned to flight the armies of the aliens. "(a) Then they read again in another part of the records of the house, where it was showed how willing the Lord was to receive into his favour any, even any, though they in time past had offered great affronts to his person and pro- ceedings. Here also were several other histories of many other famous things, of all which Christian had a view : as of things both ancient and modern ; together with pro- phecies and predictions of things that have their certain accomplishment, both to the dread and amazement of ene- mies, and the comfort and solace of pilgrims. The next day they took him, and had him into the ar- moury,^' where they showed him all manner of furniture ^ The provision which is made in Christ, and his fulness for maintain- ing and increasing in the hearts of his people, lliuse holy dispositions and affections, by the vigorous exercise of which, victory is obtained over all their enemies, is here represented by the armoari/. This suffices for all who may seek to be supplied from it, how many soever they be. We on?ht, thorefon\ to '< take to ourselves the whole armour of God/' and (n) Heb. xi. 33, 34- Q V2'I THE ARMOOHr, AND ITS CURIOSITIES. which their Lord had provided for pilgrims, as sword, shield, hehnet, breastplate, all-prayer, and shoes that would not wear out. And there was here enough of thi?* to harness out as many men, for the service of their Lord, as there be stars in the heaven for multitude. They also showed him some of the engines, with which some of his servants had done wonderful things. They showed him Moses's rod ; the hammer and nail with which Jael slew Sisera ; the pitchers, trumpets, and lamps too,, with which Gideon put to flight the armies of Midian. Then they showed him the ox-goad, wherewith Shamgar slew six hundred men. They showed him also the jaw- bone with which Samson did such mighty feats : they shovved him moreover the sling and stone with which Da- vid slew Goliah of Gath ; and the sword also with which their Lord will kill the man of sin, in the day that he shall rise up to the prey. They showed him besides many ex- cellent things with which Christian was much delighted.^ — This done, they went to their rest again. Then I saw in my dream, that on the morrow he got up to go forwards, but they desired him to stay till the next day also ; and then, said they, we will, if the day be clear, show you the Delectable Mountains ;f which, they ''put it on" by diligently using all the means of grace, and we should assist others, by our exhortations, counsels, examples, and prayers, in doing the same. * Contemplations on the things of old, recorded in the word of God, is the joy and glory of faith, animates hope, and causeth the soul to presi forward in the Christian race. f The Delectable Mountains, as seen at a distance, represent those distinct views of the privileges and consolations attainable in this life, with which believers are sometimes favoured, when attending on divine ordi- nances ; or diligently making a subsequent improvement of them, by means whereof they are animated to " press forward toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Great is the Lord our God, And let his praise be great ; CHRISTIAN SEES THE DELECTABLE MOUNTAINS. 123 said, would yet further add to his comfort, because they were nearer the desired haven than the place where at pre- sent he was ; so he consented and staid. When the morning was up, they had him to the top of the house, nnd bid him look south : so he did ; and behold, at a great distance,(a) he saw a most pleasant mountainous country, beautified with woods, vineyards, fruits of all sorts, flow- ers also, with springs and fountains, very delectable lo be- hold. Then he asked the name of the country. They said. It was Immanuel's Land ; and it is as common, say they, as this hill is, to and for all the pilgrims. And when thou comest there, from thence thou mayest see to the gate of the Celestial City, as the shepherds that live there will make appear. He makes his churches his abode, His most delightful seat. These temples of his grace, How beautiful they stand ! The honours of our native place, And bulwarks of our land. (a) Isa, xxsiii. 10, 17 124 chiiistia:^ a-rmei^ CHAPTER IX. CHRISTIAN ENTERS THE VALLEY OF HUMILIATION, WHERK HE IS FIERCELY ATTACKED BY APOLLYON, BUT OVER- COMES HIM. NOW Christian bethought himself of setting forward^, and they were willing he should. But first, said they, let us go again into the armoury. So they did; and when he came there, they harnessed him from head to foot with what was of proof, lest perhaps he should meet with assaults in the way. He being therefore thus ac- coutred,=^ walked out with his friends to the gate, and there he asked the Porter, if he saw any pilgrim pass by T Then the Porter answered Yes. Chr. Pray did you know him ? Port. I asked his name, and he told me it was Faith- ful. O, said Christian, 1 know him: he is my townsman^ my near neighbour, he comes from the place where I was born: how far do you think he may be before? Port. He is got by this time below the hill. Well, said Christian, good Porter, the Lord be with thee, and add to all thy blessings much increase, for the kindness that thou hast showed to me. Then he began to go forward ; but Discretion, Piety, Charity, and Prudence, would accompany him down to the foot of the hill. So they went on together, reiterat- ing their former discourses, till they came to go down the hill. Then said Christian, As it was difficult coming up, so far as I can see, it is dangerous going down. * Sse what this Christian armour is in f^pbes. vi. 18, &c THE VALLEr OP HUMILIATION. 125 Yes, said Prudence, so it is ; for it is an hard matter for a man to go down into the Valley of Humiliation as thou art now, and to catch no slip by the way ; therefore, said they, are we come out to accompany thee down the hill. So he began to go down, but very warily, yet he caught a slip or two."^ Then I saw in my dream, that these good companions, when Christian was gone down to the bottom of the hill, gave him a loaf of bread, a bottle of wine, and a cluster of raisins ; and then he went on his way. But now, in this Valley of Humiliation, poor Chris- tian was hard put to it ; for he had gone but a little way, before he spied a foul fiend coming over the field to meet him: his name is Apollyon.f Then did Christian begin to be afraid, and to cast in his mind whether to go back or stand his ground. But he considered again that he had no armour for his back, and therefore thought that to turn the back to him might give him greater advantage, with ease to pierce him with his darts; therefore he resolved to venture, and stand his ground : for, thought he, had I no more in mine eye than the saving of my life, it would be the best way to stand. So he went on, and Apollyon met him. Now the monster was hideous to behold: he was clothed with scales like a fish (and they are his pride;) he had wings like a dragon, feet like a bear, and out of his belly came * Thus it is after a pilgrim has been favoured with many special and pe- culiar blessings, there is danger of his being putted up and exalted on ac- count of them : so did even holy Paul express it ; therefore the messenger of Satan was permitted to buttet him, 2 Cor. xii. 7. In our present mixed state, the Lord knows, it would not be best for us always to dwell on the mount of spiritual Joy; therefore, for the good of the soul, the flf sh must be humbled, and kept low, lest spiritual pride prevail. It is tiard going down into the Valley of Humiliation, without slipping into murmuring and discontent, and calling in question the dealings of God with us. t Apollyon signifies the (kf^trnyrr ; (see Rev. iv. 11.^ 126 APOLLYON INTERROGATES CHRISflAXo fire and smoke, and his mouth was as the mouth of a lion. \yhen he was come up to Christian, lie beheld him with a disdainful countenance, and thus began to question with him."^^ Apol. Whence came you? and whither are you bound ? Chr. I am come from the city of Destruction, which is the place of all evil, and am going to the city of Zion. Apol. By this I perceive thou art one of my subjects ; for all that country is mine, and I am the prince and god of it. How is it then that thou hast run away from thy king ? Were it not for that I hope thou mayest do me more service, I would strike thee now at one blow to the ground. Chr. I was born indeed in your dominions, but your service was hard, and your wages was such as a man could not live on ; "for the Avages of sin is death ;"(«) therefore when I was come to years I did, as other con- siderate persons do, look out if perhaps I might mend my- self.f Apol. There is no prince that will thus lightly lose his subjects, neither will I as yet lose thee ; but since thou complainest of thy service and W'ages, be content to go back; what our country will afford, I do here promise to give thee. * Do not be terrified though yon meet Satan, and he assaults you in the most terrible form; but mind this, before Satan is suffered to attack Christian, his Lord had provided and fitted him with armour; the armour of God, wherewith he could stand his ground, conquer Satan, and repel all his ftery darts. In every conflict with Satan, the battle is the Lord's : his strength is engaged for our victory; therefore fight the good fight of faith. t All (bis is the effect of believing God's word, and the conviction which it brings to the mind, of the evil of sin, of the deplorable state the sinner finds himself in, and of the grace and salvation of t!ie Son of God. As soon as a man helieves these truths, he quits the service of the father of lies; and by the faith of the truth, he is armed to resist Satan; for it ir Hie glory of faith to draw all its reasonings from divine truth. (a) Rom. vi. 23. APOLLYON TEMPTS HIM TO GO BACK. ISf C'HR. But I have let myself to another, even to the king of princes ; and how can I with fairness go back with thee? Apol. Thou hast done in this according to the pro- j! verb, " Change a bad for a worse ;" but it is ordinary for those that have professed themselves his servants, af- ter a while to give him the slip, and return again to me. I Do thou so too, and all shall be well.^' I f\AA,r^ Ohr. I hita given him mj faith, and sworn my allegi- I '^ ance to him ; how then can I go back from this, and not I be hanged as a traitor ? ' Apol. Thou didst the same to me, and yet I am will- j ing to pass by all, if now thou wilt yet turn again and go ; back. j Chr. What I promised thee was in my nonage ; and I besides, I count that the prince under whose banner I now i stand is able to absolve me ; yea, and to pardon also what I I did as to my compliance with thee : and, besides, O thou destroying Apollyon, to speak truth, I like his ser- vice, his wages, his servants, his government, his compa- ny, and country, better than thine ; and therefore leave off to persuade me further ; I am his servant, and I will follow him. Apol. Consider again, when thou art in cool blood, what thou art like to meet with in the way that thou go- €st. Thou knowest that, for the most part, his servants come to an ill end, because they are transgressors against me and my ways. How many of them have been put to shameful deaths ? — And besides, thou countest his ser- Here the father of lies delivers a most awful truth; but like himselt backs -t with a lying promise. Most dreadful to think of, to set out in the protession ot Jesus, and again to turn back to the service of Satan' vet how commo!! is thi:-! Such reject Christ's truth ; and believe the devil'cj Iie,_ <' that all t=hall be well." But, their end is ill, and their death dam- nation. 128 CHRISTIAN REFUTES HIS StOOESTtONS. vice better than mine, whereas he never came yet from the place where he is to deliver any that served him out of their hands : but, as for me, how many times, as all the world very well knows, have I delivered, either by power or fraud, those that have faithfully served me, from him and his, though taken by them : and so I will deliver thee.^ Chr. His forbearing at present to deliver them is on purpose to try their love, whether they will cleave to him to the end ; and, as for the ill end thou sayest they come to, that is most glorious in their account : for, for present deliverance, they do not much expect it ; for they stay for their glory, and then they shall have it, when their Prince comes in his and the glory of the angels. f Apol. Thou hast already been unfaithful in thy ser- vice to him ; and how dost thou hope to receive wages of him ? Chr. Wherein, O Apollyon, have I been unfaithful tg him? Apol. Thou didst faint at first setting out, when thou wast almost choked in the gulf of Despond ; thou didst attempt wrong ways to be rid of thy burden, whereas thou shouldest have stayed till thy Prince had taken it off: thou didst sinfully sleep, and lose thy choice things : thou wast also almost persuaded to go back at the sight of the lions : and when thou talkest of thy journey, and of what thou hast heard and seen, thou art inwardly desi- rous of vain-glory in all that thou sayest or doest. J * Mark the many subtle ways, and artful reasonings of Satan, to pre- vent pilgrims from persevering in the ways of the Lord. Happy for us not to be ignorant of Satan's devices. t Here is the precious reasoning of faith. Well might Paul say, '' Above all (or over all) taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.' Eph vi. lt>. t Satan is justly styled the accuser of the brethren of Christ, Rev.x. 12; for be accuseth them before God, and to their own consciences. '' But APOLLVON WOUNDS CHRISTIAN. 129 Chr. All this is true, and much more which thou hast left out ; but the Prince^ whom I serve and honoui-, is mer- ciful and ready to forgive. But besides, these infirmilies possessed me in the country : for there I sucked them in> and I have groaned under them, being sorry for them, and have obtained pardon of my Prince.* Then Apollyon broke out into a grievous rage, saying, I am an enemy to this Prince ; I hale his person, his laws, and people : I am come out on purpose to withstand thee. Chr. Apollyon, beware what you do ; for I am in the king's highway, the way of holiness : therefore take heed to yourself. Then Apollyon straddled quite over the whole breadlh of the way, and said, I am void of fear in this matter ; pre- pare thyself to die ; for I swear by my infernal den that Ihou shalt go no further : here will I spill thy soul. And with that he threu- a flaming dart at his breast ; but Christian had a shield in his hand, with which he caught it, and so prevented the danger of that. f Then did Christian draw ; for he saw it was time to bestir him ; and Apollyon as fast made at him, throwing darts as thick as hail ; by the which, notwithstanding all that Christian could do to avoid it, J Apollyon wounded they overcome him by the blood of the Lamb; and by (he word of (heir te.s(imony." Rev. xii. 11, namely, ''(hat they have rpdemp(ion in the blood of Christ, even the forgiveness of (heir sins." Eph. i. 7. * That is the best way to own Satan's charges if they be true, yea, to exaggerate them also, to exalt the riches of (he grace of Christ, above all, in pardoning allot (hem freely. By fiius humbling ourselves, and exahing Christ, Satan can get no advantage over us, though this will put him into a rage against us. t rhe shield of faith: Cue belief of what Christ had done for him, and in liim, and what he was in Christ, ju?{iiied and sarjcdfied. This glorious confession of faith honours Christ, repels and quenches all (he fiery dar(.s of Sa(an, and gets (he victory over him. This is what Teter exhorts to : *' Resist the devil, s(ca(Ifast in faiti)." 1 Pet. v. 9. t Christian wounded in his understanding; fai(h, and conversadon R 130 THEIR DREADFOL COxMBAT. l)im In his head, his hand and foot. This made Chris- fiangive a little back : x^poUjon, therefore, followed his work amain, and Christian again took courage, and resist- ed as Dianfullj as he could. This sore combat lasted for above half a day, even till Christian was almost quite spent ; for you must know, that Christian, by reason of his wounds, must needs grow weaker and weaker.* Then Apollj'on, spying his opportunity, began to gather up close to Christian, and wrestling with him, gave him a dreadful fall ; and with that Christian's sword flew out of his hand. Then said Apollyon, I am sure of thee now : and with that he had almost pressed him to death ; so that Christian began to despair of life. But, as God would have it,f while Apollyon was fetching his last blow, thereby to make a full end of this good man, Christian nimbly stretched out his hand for his sword, and caught it, saying, «' Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy! when 1 fall, I shall arise ;'*(«) and with that gave him a dreadful thrust, which made him give back as one that had received his mortal wound. Christian perceiving thaf, made at him again, saying, " Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that loved us ;(6) and with that Apollyon spread forth his dragon wings and sped him away, that Christian saw him no more. In this combat no man can imagine, unless he had seen and heard, as I did, what yelling and hideous roaring * We may think this is hard work, why should a Christian be so severe- ly attacked by Satan ? The Lord does not jjive us an armour to be useless, but to fight with, and prove its excellency, and in the use of it to experi- ence his almighty power and unchangeable love : for though we are weak, he is alaughtyto strengthen us, therefore we are called upon to be " strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." Eph. vi. lo. t Observe, that the Lord does not look on as a mere spectator of our conflicts, but he strengthens us in every evil day, and in every fight oi" faith, and brings us off at last more than conquerors through his love. (fl^Mic.vii.S. Cft) Rom. viii. 37—39. Jam.iv. 7. Apollyon made all the time of the fight ; he spake like a dragon : — and, on the other side, what sighs and groans burst from Christian's Iieart. I never saw him all the while give so much as one pleasant look, till he perceived he had wounded Apollyon with his two-edged sword ; then indeed he did smile and look upward 1"^ But it was the dreadfullest fight that ever I saw. So when the battle was over, Christian said, I will here give thanks to him that hath delivered me out of the mouth of the lion, to him that did help me against Apollyon. And so he did ; saying, " Great Beelzebub, the captain of this fiend, Design'd my ruin ; therefore to this end He sent him harness-d out; and he with rage That hellish was, did fiercely me engage ; But blessed Michael helped me, and I, ^ By dint of sword did quickly make him fly : Therefore to him let me give lasting praise And thanks, and bless his holy name always." Then there came to him an hand with some of the leaves' of the tree of life^ the which Christian took and applied lo the wounds that he had received in the battle, and was healed immediately. I He also sat down in that place to eat bread, and to drink of that bottle that was ^iven him a little before : so being refreshed, he addressed himself to his journey with his Jsword drawn in his hand ; for he * Not a vain-glorious, but an humble, thankful smile. He looked up and smilingly gave the Lord all the glory of his victory. t rso matter what wounds we get in our conflicts with Satan, for Jesus will heal them all. But vvhn will heal those which we get by complying with the devil, instead of resisting him ? I Conflicts with Satan make Christians wary, and value their sword, so as to walk with the sword of the spirit, the word of God, in their hands. As faith in that word prevails, the power of temptation declines, a fid the Christian becomes victorious ; yea, more than u conqueror, through {h^ blooC of Jesjjs. 13*2 DESCUIPTION OF THE VALLEY OF DEATH* said, I know not but some other enemy may be at hand. But he met with no other affVont from Apollyon quite through the valley. Now at the end of this valley was another, called the Valley of the Shadow of Death ;"* and Christian must needs go through it, because the way to the Celestial City lay through the midst of it. Now this valley is a very solitary place. The prophet Jeremiah thus describes it : " A wilderness, a land of deserts and of pits ; a land of ^ " Many are the afflictions of the righteous ;" so Christian found it. He came off conqueror in the Valley of Humiliation ; his wounds were healed by tiie tree of life, and his soul rejoiced in God his Saviour. But new trials awaited him ; he expected them. He heard a dismal account of the valley before him ; but as his way lay through it, uo persuasions would stop his progress. The Valley of the Shadow of Death seems intended to represent a varia- tion of inward distress, conflict and alarm, which arise from unbelief, and a supposition that God has withdrawn the light of his countenance, and is accompanied by manifold apprehensions and temptations. Most Chris- tians know something of this ; but perhaps very few are acquainted with that great degree ot horror and fear which are here represented. The words quoted from the prophet, describe the waste howling wilderness through which Israel journeyed to Canaan ; which typified the believer's pilgrim- age through this world to heaven. Low spirited persons, of a gloomy turn, or under the power of some nervous disorder, are more usually ex- ercised in this manner than others : for the subtle enemy knows how to take advantage of our weakness, and to impress (if possible) distressing ideas on the mind, when it is most disposed to receive them. At such times the imagination is crowded with terrible ideas, every thing looks black and big v.ith danger, reason itself is disturbed in its exercises, and no real relief can be gained till the great Physician be pleased to restore health, both to body and soul. In addition to the foregoing, let it be observed, that we mi:st not suppose our author intended to convey an idea, that all experience these trials in the same order and degree as Christian did. Evil spirits never fail, when not resiited by faith, to mislead, entangle, or perplex the soul, — and ma- ny not knowing fully Satan's devices, are apt, in the trying hour, to as- cribe such a state wholly to desertion, which exceedingly enhances their distress : and as Banyan had been greatly harassed in this way, he has given us a larger proportion of this shade than is met with by consistent be- lievers, or than the scriptures by any means give us reason to expect : and probably he meant hereby to state the outlines of his own experience in the pilgrimage of Christian : all due honour must be given to the words of Christ ; who has declared, " he that folioweth me (Christ) shall not walk in darkness." Let as be found in a constant exercise of faith in the great and precious promises, then shall we rejoice evermore, and in every thin^ give thanks. DESCRIPTION OF THE VALLEY OF DEATH. 133 drought, and of the shadojv of death ; a land Ihat no man," but a Christian, " passeth through, and where no man dwelt."(rt) Now here Christian was worse put to it than in his fight with Apolljon ; as by the sequel you shall see. (a) Jer. ii. 6. 134 CHRISTIAN MEETS TWO MEN GOING BACff. CHAPTER X. CHRISTIAN SORELY DISTRESSED IN THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, THROUGH WHICH, HOWEVER, HE PASSES UNHURT. I SAW then in my dream, that when Christian was got on the borders of the Shadow of Death, there met him two men, children of them that brought up an evil re- port of the good Iand,(a) making haste to go back ;^ to whom Christian spake as follows : Whither are you going ? They said, Back ! back ! and we would have you to do so too, if either life or peace is prized by you. Why, what's the matter? said Christian. Matter! said they: we were going that way as you are going, and went as far as we durst ; and indeed we were almost past coming back : for had we gone a little further, we had not been here to bring the news to thee. Bat what have j^ou met with? said Christian. Men. Why, we were almost in the Valley of the Sha- dow of Death ;(&) but that by good hap we looked before us, and saw the danger before we came to it. But what have you seen? said Christian. Men. Seen ? Why the Valley itself, which is as dark as pitch: we also sawr there the hobgoblins, satyrs, and dragons of the pit : we heard also in that Valley a con- tinual howling and yelling, as of people under unutterable ^ Such we frequently meet with ; who set out without a sense of sin, true faith, real hope, and sincere love to Christ; and as sure as they go back from a profession, they bring up an evil report of the way to the king- dom of Christ. (a) Numb. xiii. (b) Psal. xliv. 19. THEY IN VAIN ATTEMPT TO DISCOURAGE MIM. I3r* misery, who there sat bound in affliction and irons ; and <)ver that Valley hang the discouraging clouds of confu- sion : death also doth always spread his wings over it. (a) Jn a word, it is every whit dreadful, being utterly without order. Then said Christian, I perceive not yet, by what you have said, but that this is my way to the desired haven. Men. Be it thy way ; we will not choose it for ours.* So they parted; and Christian went on his way, but still with his sword drawn in his hand, for fear lest he should be assaulted. I sslw then in my dream, so far as this Valley reached Ihere was on the right hand a very deep ditch ; that ditch is it into which the blind hath le^'the blind in all ages, and have both there miserably perished. f Again, behold, on the left hand there was a very dangerous quag, into which if even a good man falls he finds no bottom for his foot to stand on : into this quag king David once did fall, and had, no doubt, therein been smothered, had not he that is able plucked him out.(b) The pathway was here also exceeding narrow, and -therefore good Christian was the more put to it; for when he sought in the dark to shun the ditch on the one hand, he was ready to tip over into the mire on the other; also when he sought to escape the mire, without great careful- * See what it is, when men are left to will and choose for themselves, they prefer their own ways, though it be to destruction : their wills are averse to God's, and they choose death in the error of their life ; but the faithful soul is unde" the reign of grace, and he chooses to obey the will of God, and to walk ia the ways of God, though they are not pleasing to flesh and blood : hence true faith is tried, and a mere empty profession made manifest. I The ditch on tlie right hand is error in principle, into which the blind (as to spiritual truths, V>lind guides) lead the blind, who are not spirtually enlightened. The qi-ag on the left hand means outward sins and wicked- nes.'i, which many fali into. Roth are alike dangerous to pilgrims ; but the Lord will kee|)*the feet of his saitils. 1 Sam. ii. i). (a) Job. iii. j. x. 22, (b) Fsal. Ixix. 1-1 136 THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEAtU. ness he would be ready to fall into the ditch. ^ Thus he went on, and I heard him here sigh bitterly : for besides the danger mentioned above, the pathway was here so dark, that oft-times when he lifted up his foot to go forward, he knew not where, nor upon what he should set it next. About the midst of the Valley, I perceived the mouth of hell to be, and it stood also hard by the way-side: Now^, thought Christian, what shall I do ? And ever and anon the flame and smoke would come out in such abun- dance, with sparks and hideous noises, (things that cared not for Christian's sword, as did Apollyon before,) that he was forced to put up his sword, and betake himself to another weapon, called all-prayer : so he cried, in my hearing, " O Lord, I beseech thee deliver my souI."(a) Thus he went on a great while, yei still the flames would be reaching towards him ; also he heard doleful voices, and rushing to and fro, so that sometimes he thought he should be torn to pieces, or trodden down like mire in the streets. This frightful sight was seen, and these dreadful noises was heard by him fo^* several miles to- gether : and coming to a place where he thought he heard a company of fiendsf coming forward to meet him, he stopt, and began to muse what he had best to do : some- times he had half a thought to go back ; then again he thought he might be halfway through the valley : he re- membered also how he had already vanquished many a * A tender conscience is as much afraid of corrupt principles, as of sin- ful practices. This manifeststhe sincerity of the soul, even when a Chris- tian is assaulted by the most violent and complicated temptations. t But it may be asked, Why doth the Lord suffer his children to be so afflicted ^ It is for his glory ; it tries their faith in him, and excites prayer to him ; but his love abates not in the least towards them, since he loving- ly inquires after them : " Who is there among you that feareth the Lord, and walketh in darkness, and hath no light .^" Then he gives most pre- cious advice to them. *' Let him trust in tlie Lord, and stay himself upon his God. ha. 1.10. ' Psal.c\vi.4. Ephes. vi. IP. christian's terror and perplexity. 137 danger ; and that the danger of going back might be much more than for to go forward. So he resolved to go on : yet the fiends seemed to come nearer and nearer : bnt when they were come even almost at him, he cried out with a most vehement voice, "I will walk in the strength of the Lord God ;" so they gave back, and came no further. One thing I would not let slip : I took notice Ihat now poor Christian was so confounded (hat he did not know his own voice; and thus I perceived it; just when he was come over against the mouth of the burning pit, one of the wicked ones got behind him, and stept up soft- ly to him, and whisperingly suggested many grievous blasphemies to him, which he verily thought had proceed- ed from his own mind. This put Christian more to it than any thing that he met with before, even to think that he should now blaspheme him that he loved so much be- fore ; yet if he could have helped it he would not have done it : but he had not the discretion either to stop his ears or to know from whence those blasphemies came.=^ When Christian had (ravelled in this disconsolate con- dition some considerable time, he thought he heard the voice of a man, as going before him, saying, " Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no ill, for thou art with me.f («) Then was he glad, and that for these reasons : first, be- cause he gathered from thence, that some who feared God were in this valley as well as himself: — secondly, for that '^ Now here the conscience manifests its tenderness, by abhorrinj^ the evil of Satan's suggestions. O what nigh access has the enemy to our hearts ! But the Lord is also nigh, to save to rhe uttermost all who trust in him: he will hear their cry, and save Ihem. Psal. civ. 19. t The ex|?eriencc of other saints is very encouraging, for the soul find* ttat others iiave gone before in dreadful and dreary paths. (^a;Psal.xxiii.4. S 138 HE IS CHEERED BY THE BREAKING OF DAY. he perceived God was with them, though in that dark and dismal state f and why not, thought he, with me ? though hy reason of the impediment that attends this place I can- not perceive it(rt) — thirdly, for that he hoped (could he overtake them) to have company by and by. — So he went on, and called to him that was before ; but he knew not what to answer ; for that he also thought himself to be alone. And by and by the day broke : then said Chris- tian, He hath " turned the shadow of death into the morning. "^(6) Now morning being come he looked back, not out of desire to return, but to see by the light of the day what hazards he had gone through in the dark : so he saw more perfectly the ditch that was on the on€ hand, and the quag that was on the other ; also how narrow the way was which led betwixt them both : also now he saw the hob- goblins, and satyrs, and dragons of the pit, but all afar off, for after break of the day they came not nigh : yet they were discovered to him, according to that which is written, " He discoveretb deep things out of darkness, and bring- eth to light the shadow of death." (c) Now was Christian much affected with his deliverance from all the dangers of his solitary way ; which dangers though he feared them more before, yet he saw them more clearly now, because the light of the day made them conspicuous to him. And about this time the sun was rising ; and this was another mercy to Christian : for you must note, that though the first part of the valley of the Shadow of Death was dangerous ; yet this second part, which he was yet to go, was, if possible, far more * To walk in darkness, and not to be distressed for it, argues stupidity of soul. To have the light of God's countenance shine upon us, and not to rejoice and be thankful, is impossible. (a) Job. ix. 11. (b) Amos v. 8. (c) Job xii. 22, CHRISTIAN SEES THE DANGERS HE HAD ESCAPED. 139 dangerous :* for, from the place where he now stood, even to the end of the valley, the way was all along set so full of snares, traps, gins, and nets, here, and so full of pits, pitfalls, deep holes, and shelvings down, there ; that had it been dark, as it was when he came (he first part of the way, had he had a thousand souls, they had in reason been cast away : but, as 1 said, just now the sun was ri- sing. Then said he, " His candle shineth on my head, and by his light I go through darkness." («) In this light therefore he came to the end of the valley. Now I saw in my dream, that at the end of this valley lay blood, bones, ashes, and mangled bodies of men, even of pilgrims that had gone this way formerly : and while I was musing what should be the reason, I spied a little be- fore me a cave, where two grants. Pope and Pagan,f dwelt in old time ; by whose power and tyranny the men, whose bones, blood, ashes, &c. lay there, were cruelly put to death. But by this place Christian went without much danger, whereat I somewhat wondered ; but 1 have learnt since, that Pagan has been'dead many a day ; and, as for the other, though he be yet alive, he is, by reason of age, and also of the many shrewd brushes that he met with in his younger days, grown so crazy and stiff in his joints. * This means the raging of persecufion for the trulli's sake, and those dreadful deaths which the martyrs suffered in the cause of Ciirist and his glorious gospel and precious salvation. But here Christian liad the blessed light of the glorious gospel. t The inhabitants of this kingdom are not thought to be in any immedi- ate danger, either from Pope or Pagan. Yet somethirig like the philoso- phical part of paganism seems to be rising from the dead, while popery grows more iniirm than ever: at)d as, even by the confession of the late King of Prussia, wlio was a steady friend to the philosophical in/idels, " they are by no means favourable to general toleration ;" ii is not im- probable (says the Rev. Mr. Scott) but Pagf^n persecution may also in due time revive. — Our author, however, has described no other i)ersecutioM ihan what Protestants in his time carried on against each other with very great alacrity. (n) Job xxix. 3. 140 that he now can do little more than sit in his cave's mouth, grinning at pilgrims as they go by, and biting his nails because he cannot come at them. So I saw that Christian went on his way : yet, at the sight of the the old man that sat in the mouth of the cave, he could not tell what to think ; especially because he spake to him, though he could not go after him, saying, " You will never mend till more of you be burned." But he held his peace, and set a good face on it, and so went by and catched no hurt.=^ Then sang Christian, " O world of wonders ! (I can say no less) That 1 should be preserv'd in that distress That I have met with here ! O blessed be That hand that from it hath deliver^ me ! Dangers in darkness, devils, hell, and sin, Did compass me while I this vale was in : Yea, snares, and pits, and traps, and nets, did lie My path about, that worthless silly I Might have been catch'd, entangled, and cast down : But since I hve, let Jesus wear the crown." * Nothing shall harm us while we are followers of that which is good. This every faithtul soul can testify — for the Lord will give grace and glory, an d no good thing will he withhold Irom those who walk uprightly. Such are the inesiimahle blessings consequent on steadfastly fighting the good fight of faith. — The real Christian, amidst all his temptations, shall hold on his way, while his whole soul sings — " Let Jesus wear the crown." Then let my soul arise, And tread the tempter down : My captain leads me forth To conquest and a crown. A feeble saint shall win the day, Tho' derath and hell obstruct the way. Watt J. CHRISTIAN OVERTAKES FAITHFUL. 141 CHAPTER XI. CHRISTIAN MEETS WITH AN EXCELLENT COMPANION IN FArTHFUL, WITH WHOM HE HAS MUCH PROFITABLE CON- VERSATION. NOW as Christian went on his way, he came to a lit- tle ascent, which was cast up on purpose that pilgrims might see before them.^ Up there, therefore, Chris- tian went ; and looking forward, he saw Faithful before him upon his journey. Then said Christian aloud, Ho, ho ! so ho ! stay, and " 1 will be your companion.*' At that Faithful looked behind him ; to whom Christian cried, "Stay, stay, till I come to you;" but Faithful answered, " JNo, I am upon my life, and the avenger of blood is behind me."f At this Christian was somewhat moved, and putting to all his strength, he quickly got up with Faithful, and did also over-run him ; so the last was first. Then did Christian vain-gloriously smile, because he had gotten the start of his brother : but not taking good heed to his feet, he suddenly stumbled and fell, and could not rise again until Faithful came up to help him. J Then I saw in my dream they went very lovingly on together, and had sweet discourse of all things that had happened to them in their pilgrimage : and thus Christian began : * The Lord cares for his people : he has cast up, by means ot his word and promises, many a litile hill of prospect and comfort iu their way, that they may look forward with pleasure and delight. t It is good to beware and be jealous of what company we fall into — Many have joined hurtful professors instead of profitjibie pilgrims. i How soon doth spiritual pride shew its cursed head, in thinking ne have outstripped another ! Then danger is near, a fall is at hand, it we humble not ourselves before ihe Lord, i he vei) person's hand we need to help U6, whom we had frequently underviilued. 142 THEV CONVERSE ABOUT THEIR CITF. Mj honoured and well beloved brother Failhfnl, I am glad that I have overtaken you ; and that God has so tempered our spirits that we can walk as companions in this so pleasant a path."^ Faith. 1 had thought, dear friend, to have had your company quite from our town, but you did get the start of me ; wherefore I was forced to come thus much of the way alone. Cur. How long did you stay into the city of Destruc- tion, before you set out after me on your pilgrimage ? Faith. Till I could stay no longer ;t for there was great talk presently after you were gone out, that our citj would, in a short time, with fire from heaven be burned down to the ground. Chr. What! and did your neighbours talk so ? Faith. Yes, it was for a while in every body's mouth. Chr. What ! and did no more of them but you come out to escape the danger T Faith. Though there was, as I said, a great talk thereabout, yet 1 do not think they did firmly believe it. For, in the heat of the discourse, I heard some of them deridingly speak of you and your desperate journeT/ ; for so they called this your pilgrimage. But I did believe, and do still, that the end of our city will be with fire and brim- stone from above ; and therefore 1 have made my escape. Chr. Did you hear no talk of neighbour Pliable ? Faith. Yes, Christian, I heard that he followed you till he came to the slough of Despond : where, as some * This episode, so to speak, witli others of the same kind, gives our author a happy advantage of varyingthe characters and experiences of Christians, as found in real life ; and of thus avoiding the common fault of making one man a standard for others, in the circumstances of his religious pro- gress. t This is the case with eveiy pilgrim. From the powerful convictions which he has from above, of his state and danger, he is urged by necessity to flee from the wrath to come. CHRISTIAN INQUIRES CONCERNING PLIABLE. 143 said, he fell in ; but he would not be known (o have so done ; but I am sure he was soundly bedaubed with that kind of dirt. Chr. And what said the neighbours to him ? Faith. He hath since his going back been had greatly in derision, and that among all sorts of people ; some do mock and despise him, and scarce will any set him on work. He is now seven times worse than if he had ne- ver gone out of the city. Chr. But why should they be so set against him, since they also despised the way that he forsook ? Faith, O, they say, " Hang him ; he is a turncoat ! he was not true to his profession :" I think God has stir- red up even his enemies to hiss at him, and make him a proverb, because he hath forsaken the w ay.(a) Chr. Had you no talk with him before you come out? Faith. I met him once in the streets, but he leered away on the other side, as one ashamed of what he had done: so I spake not to him. ^ Chr. Well, at my first setting out, I had hopes of that man ; but now I fear he will perish in the overthrow of the city : for " it hath happened to him according to the true proverb. The dog is turned to his vomit again ; and the sow that w^as washed, to her wallowing in the mirc.(/;) Faith. They are my fears of him too ; but who can hinder that which will be ? Well, neighbour Faithful, said Christian, let us leave him, and talk of things that more immediately concern ourselves. Tell me now what you have met with in the * Apostates from the profession of Christ cannot look his followers boldly in the face ; some convictions will follow them, till their hearts are hardened, and their consciences seared. (a) Jer. xxix. 18, 19. (b) 2 Pet. ii. 22. 144 FAITHFUL RELATES HOW HE MET WITH WANTOIf. way as you came: for I know you have met with some things, or else it may be writ for a wonder. Faith. I escaped the slough that I perceived you fell into, and got up to the gate without that danger ;^ only I met with one, whose name was Wanton, that had like to have done me a mischief. Chr. It was well you escaped her net; Joseph was hard put to it by her, and he escaped her as you did; but it had like to have cost him his life. (a) But what did she say to you ? Faith. You cannot think, but that you know some- thing, what a flattering tongue she had ; she lay at me hard to turn aside with her, promising me all manner of content.f Chr. Nay, she did not promise you the content of a good conscience. Faith. You know that I mean all carnal and fleshly content. Chr. Thank God you have escaped her : " the ab- horred of the Lord shall fall into her ditch. "(6) Faith. Nay, I know not whether I did wholly escape her or no. J Chr. Why, I trow you did not consent to her desires. Faith. No, not to defile myself; fori remembered an old writing that I had seen, which said, " her steps take hold on hell."(c) So I shut mine eyes, because I would '^ Though no sinner will flee from the wrath to come to Christ for sal- vation, till the Spirit has convinced of sin, and deserved wrath and de- struction : yet all do not fall under the like despondency of soul, at first setting out. t Fleshly lusts will plead hard, and promise fair. Happy those wh» look to the Lord for power against them, and eye his precious promises, that we may escape them I A jealous conscience is grieved for temptations of the flesh to lust, and can hardly quit itself of guilt. This makes the cleansing blood of Christ exceeding precious, while the soul is sunk into humility and self loathing. ra) Gen. wxix. 11—13. (b) Prov. xxii. 14. (c) Prov. v. 5. Jobxxxi. 1 AND ALSO WITH ADAM THE FIRST. 145 not be bewitched with her looks : — then she railed on me, and I went my way. Chr. Did you meet with no other assault as you came ? Faith. When I came to the foot of the hill called Difficulty, I met with a very aged man, who asked me what I was, and whither bound ? I told him that I was a pilgrim to the Celestial City. Then said the old man. Thou lookest like an honest fellow ; wilt thou be content to dwell with me, for the wages that I shall give thee ? Then I asked him his name, and where he dwelt ? He said his name w as Adam the first,* and that he dwelt in the town of Deceit, (fl) I asked him then what was his work ? and what the wages he would give ? He told me, that his work was many delights ; and his wages, that I should be his heir at last. 1 further asked what house he kept, and what other servants he had ? So he told me that his house was maintained with all the dainties in the world, and that his servants were those of his own beget- ting. Then I asked how many children he had ? He said, that he had but three daughters, " the Lust of the Flesh, the Lust of the Eyes^ and the Pride of Life ;"(6) and that I should /narry them if I would. Then I asked how long time he would have me to live with him? And he told me, as long as he lived himself. Chr. Well, and what conclusion came the old man and you to at last ? Faith. Why, at first I found myself somewhat incli- nable to go with the man, for I thought he spake very fair ; but looking in his forehead as I talked with hiw, * That is original sin, and inward corruption, ^vhich has infected our "«vho)e nature. . n,) Mark viii 3? ti'AiTHFnL SHAKES OFF SHAME. 1^1 *' The trials that those men do meet withal, That are obedient to the heavenly call. Are manifold and suited to the flesh, And come, and come, and come again afresh; That now, or sometimes else, we by them may Be taken, overcome, and cast away. O let the pilgrims, let the pilgrims, then Be vigilant, and quit themselves like men.'-' Chr. I am glad, my brother, that thou didst withstand this villain so bravely ; for of all, as thou sayest, I think lie has the wrong name : for he is so bold as to follow us in the streets, and to attempt to put us to shame before all men ; that is, to make us ashamed of that which is good.* But if he was not himself audacious, he would never at- tempt to do as he does : but let us still resist him ; for, notwithstanding all his bravadoes, he promoteth the fool, and none else. " The wise shall inherit glory," said So- lomon ; " but shame shall be the promotion of fools." (a) Faith. I think we must cry to him, for help against Shame, that would have us be valiant for truth upon the earth. Chr. You say true : but did you meet nobody else in that valley ? Faith. No, not I, for I had sunshine all the rest of * Christian experiences perfectly agree in regard to shame. No one ever set out for glory, but he was attacked by shame in the way. Giving way to sh^oie, prevents much glory being brought to our Jesus, who is not ashamed to call us brethren. Heb. ii. 11. Alas! we are prone to be ashamed of Christ, of his words, and of his ways, which should be our greatest glory. O let us cry for more boldnes'? for Christ, our best frieud, that shame may hide its pitiful head, and skulk away from us as oui' great- est enemy. Asham'd of Jesus ! yes we may, When we've no sin to wash away, No tears to wipe, no joys to crave. Or no immortal soul to save. (a) Prov. iii. 3/5. 152 HAD SITNSHINE THROUGH THE VALLEYS. the way through that, and also through the valley of the Shadow of Death. Chr. It was well for you ; I am sure it fared far oth- erwise with me : I had for a long season, as soon as almost 1 entered into that valley, a dreadful combat with that foul fiend Apollyon ; yea, I thought verily he would have killed me, especially when he got me down, and crushed me under him, as if he would have crushed me to pieces : for as he threw me, my sword flew out of my hand ; nay, he told me he was sure of me ; but I cried to God, and he heard me, and delivered me out of all my troubles. Then I entered into the valley of the Shadow of Death, and had no light for almost half the way through it. I thought I should have been killed there over and over : but at last day brake, and the sun rose, and I went through that which was behind with far more ease and quiet. THEY OVERTAKE TALKATIVE — HIS 153 CHAPTER XII. THE PICTURE OF AN EMPTY PROFESSOR ACCURATELY DRAWN IN THE CHARACTER OF TALKATIVE, SON OF MR. SAY-WELL OF PRATING-ROW. MOREOVER I saw in my dream, that as they went on, Faithful, as he chanced to look on one side, saw a man, whose name is Talkative, walking at a distance besides them ;* for in this place there was room enough for them all to walk. He was a tall man, and something more comely at a distance than at hand. To this man Faithful addressed himself in this manner : Friend, whither away ? are you going to the heavenly country ? Talk. I am going to the same place. Faith. That is well ; then I hope we may have your good company. Talk. With a very good will, will I be your com- panion. Faith. Come on then, and let us go together, and lei us spend our time in discoursing of things that are profi- table. Talk. To talk of things that are good, to me is very acceptable, with you or with any other; and 1 am glad that I have met with those that incline to so good a work ; for, to speak the truth, there are but few that care thus to spend their time as they are in their travels; but choose much rather to be speaking of things to no profit : and this hath been a trouble to me. * There is a great difference between having notions in the head, and being able to talk of doctrines of grace, and experiencing the grace and joower of tbo«<; doctrines in the heart. Look to yourselves. 2 John 8. u 154 PLAUSIBLE CONVEKBATION WITH FAITHFUL. Faith. That is indeed a thing to be lamented: for what thing so worthy of the use of the tongue and mouth of men on earth, as are the things of the God of heaven ? Talk. I like you wonderful well, for your sayings are full of conviction : — and, I will add, what things are so pleasant, and what so profitable, as to talk of the things of God ? What things so pleasant ? that is, if a man hath any de- light in things that are wonderful: for instance, if a man doth delight to talk of the history or the mystery of things ; or if a man doth love to talk of miracles, wonders^ or signs, — where shall he find things recorded so delight- ful, and so sweetly penned, as in the holy scripture ? Faith. That's true : but to be profited by such things in our talk be our chief design. Talk. That is it that I said ; for to talk of such things is most profitable : for by so doing a man may get know- ledge of many things ; as, of the vanity of earthly things, and the benefit of things above. Thus in general : but more particularly, by this a man may learn the necessity of the new birth ; the insufficiency of our works ; the need of Christ's righteousness, Sec, Besides, by this a man may learn what it is to repent, to believe, to pray, to suffer, or the like ; by this also a man may learn what are the great promises and consolations of the gospel, to his own comfort. Fiirther, by this a man may learn to re- fute false opinions, to vindicate the truth, and also to in- struct the ignorant. "^ Faith. All this is true, and glad am I to hear these things from you. * Is not here the very standard of orthodoxy ? Hence observe, a mere professor may learn, like a parrot, to talk of sound doctrines, and may have a sound judgment concerning them ; while his heart is rotten, as to any experience of them, love to them, and the power and influence of them upon his aftections and his liff^ Many own Christ for their master now, whom as their Judge he will condemn hereafter. o ^.*:^ FAITHFUL BEGUILED BY TALKATIVE. 155 ^ ^G P ' Talk. Alas ! the want of this is the cause that so few ^^^^ understand the need of faith, and the necessity of a ^V^ work of grace in their soul, in order to eternal life ; but %Q ^ ignorantly live in the works of the law, by the which a man can by no means obtain the kingdom of heaven. Faith. But, by your leave, heavenly knowledge of these is the gift of God : no man attaineth to them by human industry, or only by the talk of them. Talk. All that 1 know^ very w^ell : for a man can re- ceive nothing except it be given him from heaven ; all is of grace, not of works : I could give you an hundred scriptures for the confirmation of this. Well then, said Faithful, what is that one thing that we shall at this time found our discourse upon ? Talk. What you will : I will talk of things heavenly or things earthly ; things moral or things evangelical ; things sacred or things profane ; things past or things to come ; things foreign or things at home ; things more es- sential or things circumstantial ; provided that all be done to our profit. Now did Faithful begin to wonder ; and stepping to Christian (for he walked all this while by himself) he said to him, but softly, What a brave companion have we got ! surely this man will make a ve;y excellent pil- grim. At this Christian modestly smiled, and said, This man, with whom you are so taken, will beguile with this tongue of his twenty of them who know him not. Faith. Do you know him then ? Chr. Know him ? yes, better than he knows himself. Faith. Pray what is he? Chr. His name is Talkative; he dweliclh in our town; I wonder that you should be a stranger to him ; only I consider that our lown is large. l/)6 CHRISTIAN KNOWS AND EXPOSES HUl. Faith. Whose son is he? and whereabouts doth he dwell? Chr. He is the son of one Say-well, he dwelt in Prating-row ; and is known, of all that are acquainted with hina, by the name of Talkative in Prating-row ; and, notwithstanding his fine tongue, he is but a sorry fellow.^ Faith. Well, he seems to be a very pretty man. Chr. That is, to them that have not a thorough ac- quaintance with him ; for he is best abroad, near home he is ugly enough : your saying, that he is a pretty man, brings to my mind what I have observed in the work of the painter, whose pictures show best at a distance, but very near more unpleasing. Faith. I am ready to think you do but jest, because you smiled. C«R. God forbid that I should jest (though I smiled) in this matter, or that I should accuse any falsely. I will give you a further discovery of him : this man is for any company, and for any talk ; as he talketh now with you, so will he talk when he is on the ale-bench ; and the more drink he hath in his crown, the more of these things he hath in his mouth : religion hath no place in his heart, or house, or conversation ; all he hathlieth in his tongue, and his religion is to make a noise therewith. f Faith. Say you so? then I am in this man gi^atly deceived. Chr. Deceived! you maybe sure of it: remember * Are we not forbid to speak evil of any man ? Titus iii- 2. Is not Christian guilty of this ! No; for where the glory of God, and honour oi the gospel is at stake, and there is danger of a brother's being deceived by a mere talkative, loose, wicked professor, here it is right, and the nature of things require it, that we should detect and expose such in a becoming spirit. t Such professors there are now, as there always were. The blessed cause is wounded by them, and the most glorious truths through them are brought into contempt. There is more hurt to be got by them, than froni the utterly ignorant and profane. Shun and avoid such. TALKAT1VE*S TRUE CHARACTER. 157 the ppoverh " They say, and do not ;" but " the king- dom oF God is not in word, but in power." (a) He talk- €th of prayer, of repentance, of faith, and of the new birth : but he knows but only to talk of them. I have been in his family, and have observed him both at homo and abroad ; and I know what I say of him is the truth. His house is as empty of religion as the white of an egg is of savour. There is there neither prayer, nor sign of repen- tance for sin ; yea, the brute, in his kind serves God far bet- ter than he. He is the very stain, reproach, and shame, of religion, to all that know him :{b) it can hardly have a good word in all that end of the town where he dwells, through him. Thus say the common people that know him — " A saint abroad, and a devil at home." His poor family finds it so : he is such a churl, such a railer at, and so unreasonable with his servants, that they neither know how to do for, or speak to him. Men that have any dealings with him say it is better to deal with a Turk than with him ; for fairer dealings they shall have at his hands. This Talkative, if it be possible, will go beyond them, defraud, beguile, and over-reach them. Besides, he brings up his sons to follow his steps ; and if he finds in any of them a '^foolish timoronsness^^^ (for so he calls the first appearance of a tender conscience,) he calls them fools, and block-heads, and by no means will employ them in much, or speak to their commendations before others. — For my part, I am of opinion that he has by his wicked life caused many to stumble and fall ; and will be, if God prevents not, the ruin of many more.^ * Read this and tremble, ye whose profession lies only on your tongue, hut who never expenenced the love and grace of Christ in your souls. O how do you trifle with the grace of God, and with the holy word of ^mthl O what an awful account have you to give hereafter to a holy, (a) Matt, xxiii. 3. 1 Cor. iv. 20. (6) Rom. ii. 23, 24. 158 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SAYING AND DOING. Faith. Well, my brother, I am bound to believe you ; not only because you say you know him, but also because like a Christian you make your reports of men. For I cannot think that you speak those things of ill will, but because it is even so as you say. Chr. Had I known him no more than you, I might per- haps have thought of him as at the first you did: yea, had he received this report at their hands only, that are enemies to religion, I should have thought it had been a slander, (a lot that often falls from bad men's mouths, up- on good men's names and professions :) but all these things, yea, and a great many more as bad, of my own ki iOwledge, I can prove him guilty of. Besides, good men are ashamed of him ; they can neither call him brother nor friend : the very naming of him among them, makes them blush, if they know him. Faith. Well, I see that saying and doing are two things, and hereafter I shall better observe this distinction. Chr. They are two things indeed, and are as diverse as are the soul and the body ; for, as the body without the soul is but a dead carcass, so saying, if it be alone, is but a dead carcass also. The soul of religion is the prac- tic part : ** pure religion and undefiled, before God and the Father, is this : to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (a) This Talkative is ^ not aware of: bethinks that hearing Sind sai/ing will make a good Christian ; and thus he deceiveth his own soul. Hearing is but as the sowing of the seed ; talking is not sufficient to prove that lieart-searchino; God ! Ye true pilgrims of Jesus, read this, and give glory to your Lord, for saving you from resting in barren notions, and taking u\t witli talking of truths ; and that he has given you to know the truth in its power, to embrace it in your heart, and to live and walk under its sancti- fying influences. Who made you to differ ? (a) James i. 22 — 27. MERE TALKERS, UNCLEAN; ^^^ fruit is indeed in the heart and life : and let us assure our- selves that at the day of doom men shall be judged ac- cording to their fruits ;(«) it will not bevSaid then, " Did you believe ?" but " Were you doers, or talkers only ?* and accordingly shall they be judged. The end of the world is compared to our harvest ; and you know men at harvest regard nothing but fruit. Not that any thing can be accepted that is not of faith ; but I speak this to show you how insignificant the profession of Talkative will be at that day. Faith. This brings to my mind that of Moses, by which he described the beast that is clean :(6) — he is such an one that parteth the hoof, and cheweth the cud ; not that parteth the hoof only, or that cheweth the cud only. The hare cheweth the cud, but yet is unclean, because he parteth not the hoof. And this truly resembleth Talka- tive ; he cheweth the cud, he seeketh knowledge! he cheweth upon the word ; but he divideth not the hoof, he parteth not with the way of sinners ; but, as the hare, he retaineth the foot of a dog or bear, and therefore he is unclean. Chr. You have spoken, for aught I know, the true gospel sense of those texts. And I will add another thing : Paul calleth some men, yea, and those great talkers too, *' sounding brass and tinkling cymbals ;" that is, as he expounds them in another place, *' things without life giv- ing sound."(c) ** Things without life ;" that is, without * Though sinners are redeemed, and their sins washed away by the blood of Christ — though by faith they are fully justified, though (he gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ : yet none are f)artaker3 of these invaluable blessings, but those who have living faith in Christ. And this faith, whi:.h is the gift of God, manifests itself by its obedience to the will of God, and in bringing forth fruits to the glory of God. Theref(.re let no one deceive himself: for faith without works is dead, and a dead faith ne- ver begets living hope upon a risen Saviour: nor will it avail, when he >haU appear as the Judge. ■ ") Mat. xiii. 23. (h) Lev. si. Dent r.iv, (f) 1 Cor. xili. l—S. xiv. 7. 160 faithful's question to talkative, the true faith and grace of the gospel ; and consequently things that shall never be placed in the kingdom of hea- ven among those that are the children of life, though their sound, by their talk, be as it were the tongue or voice of an angel. Faith. Well, I was not so fond of his company at first, but am as sick of it now. What shall we do to be rid of him ? Chr. Take my advice, and do as I bid you, and you shall find that he will soon be sick of your company too, except God shall touch his heart and turn it. Faith. What would you have me to do ? Chr. Why, go to him, and enter into some serious dis- course about the power of religion ; and ask him plainly, when he has approved of it, (for that he will,) whether this thing be set up in his heart, house, or conversation ?^ Then Faithful stepped forward again, and said to Talk- ative, Come, what cheer ? how is it now ? Talk. Thank you, well ; I thought we should have had a great deal of talk by this time. Faith. Well, if you will, we will fall to it now ; and since you left it with me to state the question, let it be this : How doth the saving grace of God discover itself when it is in the heart of man ? Talk. I perceive, then, that our talk must be about the power of things : well, it is a very good question, and I shall be willing to answer you : and take my answer in brief thus : — first, where the grace of God is in the hearty * Without this, all is empty notion, mere sound, and unavailing profes- sion. Men only take up fancy for faith ; the form of godliness instead of the power : and the old nature is dressed up in the specious appearance of new pretensions. True failh will ever shew itself by its fruits: a real conversion, by the life and conversation. Be not deceived : God is not mocked with the tongue, if the heart is not right towards him in love and of)edienfe, FAITHFUL REFUTES TALKATIVE. l6l it causeth there a great outcry against sin. — Secondly, — Faith. Nay, hold, let us consider of one at once: I think you should rather say. It shows itself by inclining the soul to abhor its sin. Talk. Why, what difference is there between crying out against, and abhorring of, sin ? Faith. Oh ! a great deal. A man may cry out against sin, of policy, but he cannot abhor it, but by virtue of a godly antipathy against it: I have heard many cry out against sin in the pulpit, who yet can abide it well enough in the heart, house, and conversation. Joseph's mistress cried with a loud voice, as if she had been very holy; but she would willingly, notwithstanding that, have committed iincleanness with him. (a) Some cry out against sin, even as the mother cries out against her child in her lap, when she calleth it slut, and naughty girl, and then falls to hug- ging and kissing it. Talk. You lie at the catch, I perceive. Faith. No, not I ; I am only for setting things right. But what is the second thing whereby you will prove a discovery of a work of grace in the heart ? Talk. Great knowledge of gospel mysteries. Faith. This sign should have been first ; but, first or last, it is also false; for knowledge, great knowledge, may be obtained in the mysteries of the gospel, and yet no work of grace in the soul. (6. Yea, if a man have all knowledge, he may yet be nothing, and so, consequently, be no child of God. When Christ said, *' Do ye know all these things ?" and the disciples had answered, Yes, — he added, " Blessed are ye if ye do them." He doth not lay the blessing in the knowing of them, but in the doing of them. For there is a knowledge that is not at- (a) Gen. xxxix. 11—15. (h) 1 Tor. xiii. 162 AND SHEWS THE SIG^S OF A WORK OF GRACE. tended with doing : " he that knoweth his master's will, and doeth it not." A man maj know like an angel, and yet be no Christian : therefore your sign of it is not true. Indeed, to know, is a thing that pleaseth talkers and boasters ; but to t?o, is that which pleaseth God. Not that the heart can be good without knowledge ; for without that the heart is naught. There are therefore two sorts of knowledge : knowledge that resteth in the bare specu- lation of things, and knowledge that is accompanied with the grace of faith and love ; which puts a man upon doing even the will of God from the heart : the first of these will serve the talker; but without the other, the true Christian is not content : " Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law ; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart." (a) Talk. You lie at the catch again ; this is not for edi- fication. Faith. Well, if you please, propound another sign how this work of grace discovereth itself where it is. Talk. Not I ; for I see we shall not agree. Faith. Well, if you will not, will you give me leave to do it ? Talk. You may use your liberty. Faith. A work of grace in the soul discovereth itself* either to him that hath it, or to standers by. To him that hath it, thus : it gives him conviction of sin, especially of the defilement of his nature, and the sin of unbelief, for the sake of which he is sure to be damned, if he findeth not mercy at God's hand, by faith in Jesus Christ. (6) This sight and sense of things worketh in him sorrow and shame for sin ; he findeth, moreover, reveal- ed in him the Saviour of the world, and the absolute ne- cessity of closing with him for life ; at the which he find- {a) Psal. cxix. 34. (b) Mark xvi. 16. John xvi. 8, 9. Rom. vH. 24. APPLIES THEM TO TALKATIVe's CONSCIENCE. 163 eth hungerings and thirstings after him ; to which hunger- iiigs, &c. the promise is made. (a) Now according to the strength or weakness of his faith in his Saviour, so is his joy and peace, so is his love to holiness, so are his de- sires to know him more, and also to serve him in this world. But though, I say, it discovereth itself thus un- to him, yet it is but seldom that he is able to conclude that this is a work of grace : because his corruptions now, and his abused reason, make his mind to misjudge in this matter : therefore in him that hath this work, there is required a very sound judgment, before he can with stea- diness conclude that this is a work of grace. To others it is thus discovered : — 1. By an experimen- tal confession of his faith in Christ. — 2. By a life answer- able to that confession ; to wit, a life of holiness : heart- holiness, family-holiness (if he hath a family,) and by con- versation-holiness in the world ; which in the general teacheth him inwardly to abhor his sin, and himself for that in secret ; to suppress in it his family, and to promote holiness in the world ; not by talk only, as an hypocrite or talkative person may do, but by a practical subjection in faith and love to the power of the word. "^ (6) And now. Sir, as to this brief description of the work of grace, and also the discovery of it, if you have aught to object, object ; if not, then give me leave to propound to you a second question. * This, and this only, is what will evidence that we are real disciples of Christ, honour his name and his truths, and recommend his religion in the world. Without this power of godliness, we have only a name to live, while we are dead to the "power of the gospel. Examine yourself : look lo your ways. (a) Psal. xxxviii. 18. Jer. xxxi. 19. Matt, v, 6. Acts iv. 12. Gal. i' 15, 16. Rev. xxi.6. (6) Psal. 1. 23. Ezek. XX. 43. Matt. v. 8. .Tohn xiv. 15. Rom. x. 9 10. Phil, iii- 17—20. 164 WHO DEPARTS OFFENDED. Talk. Nay, my part is not now to object, but to Iiear'i let me therefore have your second question. Faith. It is this : Do yoit experience this first part of the description of it ; and doth your life and conver- sation testify the same ? or standeth your religion in word or tongue, and not in deed and truth ? Pray, if you in- cline to answer me in this, say no more than you know the God above will say Amen to ; and also nothing but what your conscience can justify you in : '* for not he who commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth." Besides, to say I am thus and thus, when my conversation, and all my neighbours tell me I lie, is great wickedness.^ Then Talkative at first began to blush ; but recovering himself, thus he replied : You come now to experience, to conscience, and God; and to appeal to him for justi- fication of what is spoken : this kind of discourse I did not expect ; nor am I disposed to give an answer to such questions ; because I count not myself bound thereto, un- less you take upon you to be a catechiser ; and though you should so do, yet I may refuse to make you my judge. But I pray, will you tell me why you ask me such ques- tions Tf Faith. Because I saw you forward to talk, and be- cause I knew not that you had aught else but notion. — Besides, to tell you all the truth, I have heard of you, that you are a man whose religion lies in talk, and that * Blessed, faithful dealing! O that it was more practised in the world and in ihe church ! How then would vain talkers be detected in the one, and "Iriven out of the other ! t Heart-searching, soul-examining, and close-questioning of the con- duct of life, will not do with talkative professors. Ring a peal on the doc- trines of grace, and many will chime in with you ! but speak closely how grace operates upon the heart, and influences the life to follow Christ in self- i. nyint; >)be(' .;t:ce, they cannot bear it : they are offended with you. and will turn away from you, and call you legal. CONVERSATION RELATIVE TO TALKATIVE. 165 your conversation gives this your profession the lie. — They say you are a spot among Christians ; and that re. ligion fareth the worse for your ungodly conversation ; that some already have stumbled at your wicked ways, and that more are in danger of being destroyed thereby ; your religion and an ale-house, and covetousness, and un' cleanness, and swearing, and lying, and vain company' keeping, &c. will stand together. The proverb is true of you, which is said of a whore, to wit, that " she is a shame to all women ;" so you are a shame to all profes- sors. Talk. Since you are ready to take up reports, and to judge so rashly as you do, 1 cannot but conclude you are some peevish or melancholic man, not fit to be discoursed with : and so, adieu. ^ Then came up Christian, and said to his brother, I told you how it would happen ; your words and his lusts could not agree. He had rather leave your company than re- form his life ; but he is gone, as I said : let him go, the loss is no man's but his own: he has saved us the trouble of going from him ; for he continuing (as I suppose he will do) as he is, he would have been but a blot in your company : besides, the apostle says, " From such with- draw thyself." Faith. But I am glad we had this little discourse with him ; it may happen that he will think of it again : how- ever, I have dealt plainly with him, and so am clear of his blood if he perisheth.f Chr. You did well to talk so plainly to him as you ■'* Where the heart is rotten, it will ward off conviction, turn from a faithful reprover, condemn him, and justify itself. Faithful dealing will not do for unfathful souls. Mind not that, but be faithful to the truth. t Mind this. These are right principles to act from, and right ends to have in view, in faithful reproving, or aiming to convict our fellow-sin- ners. Study and pursue these. 166 CONVERSATION RELATIVE TO TALKATIVE. did ; there is but little of t! is faithful dealing with men iiow-a-days, and that makes religion to stink so in the nos- trils of many as it doth : for there are these talkative fools, whose religion is only in words, and are debauched and vain in their conversation, that, being so much admitted into the fellowship of the godly, do puzzle the world, blemish Christianity, and grieve the sincere. I wish that all men would deal with such as you have done ; then should they be either made more conformable to religion, or the company of saints would be too hot for them.— Then did Faithful say— '^ How Talkative at first lifts up his plumes ? How bravely doth he speak ! How he presumes To drive down all before him ! But so soon As Faithful talks of heart-work, like the moon That's past the full, into the wane he goes : And so will all but he that heart-work knows." Thus they went on talking of what they had seen by the way, and so made that way easy which would other- wise no doubt have been tedious to them : for now they went throuo;h a wilderness.^ ^ Spiritual observations and conferences on past experiences, are very enlivening to the soul. They very often change the wilderness of dejec- tion into a garden of delights ; and so. beguile the weary steps of pilgrims through tedious paths. O Christians, look more to Christ, and talk more to each other of his love to you, and dealings with you. CHRISTIAN AND FAITHFUL MEET EVANGELIST. 167 CHAPTER XIII. PERSECUTION EXHIBITED, IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRIS- TIAN AND FAITHFUL »N VANITY FAIR. NOW when Christian and Faithful were got almost quiteoutof this wilderness, Faithful chanced to cast his eye back, and spied one coming after them, and he knew him. Oh ! said Faithful to his brother, Who comes yonder ? Then Christian looked, and said, It is my good friend Evangelist. Aye, and my good friend too, said Faith- ful ; for it was he that set me in the way to the gate. — Now as Evangelist came up unto them, he thus saluted them : Peace be with you, dearly beloved ; and peace be to your helpers. Chr. Welcome, welcome, my good Evangelist, the sight of thy countenance brings to my remembrance thy ancient kindness and unwearied labours for my eternal good. And a thousand times welcome, said good Faithful ; thy company, O sweet Evangelist, how desirable is it to us poor pilgrims l^ Then said Evangelist, How hath it fared with ygu, my friends, since the time of our last parting? what have you met with, and how have you behaved yourselves ?f * A sincere and cordial love for gospel ministers, under a sense of their being made instrumental to our soul's profit, is a sure and a blessed sign of a pilgrim's spirit. t To inquire after the concerns and prosperity of the soul, should al- ways be the business of faithful ministers of Christ : but is not this sadly neglected ? O how often do ministers visit and depart, without close ex- perimental converse with their people! Hence both suffer present loss, and much harm is the conrsequence. 16a Then Christian and Failhful told him of all things that had happened to them in the way ; and how, and with what difficulty, they had arrived to that place. Right glad am I, said Evangelist, not that you have met with trials, but that you have been victors, and for that you have, notwithstanding many weaknesses, continued in the way to this very day. I say, right glad am I of this thing, and that for my own sake and your's. I have sow- ed and you have reaped ; and the day is coming, when <* both he that sowed and they that reaped shall rejoice together;" that is, if you hold out; " for in due time ye shall reap, if you faint not."(a) The crown is before you, and it is an incorruptible one ; " so run, that you may obtain it." Some there be that set out for this crown, and after they have gone far for it, another comes in and takes it from them ; " hold fast therefore that you have, let no man take your crown :"(&) you are not yet out of the gun- shot of the devil : " you have not resisted unto blood, striving against sin :" let the kingdom be always before you, and believe steadfastly concerning things that are in- visible : let nothing that is on this side the other world get within you : and, above all, look well to your own hearts, and to the lusts thereof, for they are " deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked :" set your faces like a flint ; you have all power in heaven and earth on your side.''^ Then Christian thanked him for his exhortation ; but told him withal, that they would have him speak further to them for their help the rest of the way ; and the rather, * Here is a blessed word of encouragement, of warning and of exhor- tation, to be steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, watchful over our hearts, and to abound in the work of the Lord. All this is constantly necessary for pilgrims. Failhful ministers will give advice, and pilgrims will be thankful for such. ra) John iv.36. Gal. vi. 9. (ft) 1 Cor. ix. 24—27. Rev- iii. 1 FORETELLS THEIR APPROACHING TRIALS. 169 for that they well knew that he was a prophet, and could tell them of things that might happen unto them, and how they might resist and overcome them. To which request Faithful also consented. So Evangelist began as follow- eth: My sons, you have heard in the words of the truth of the gospel, that " you must through many tribulations en- ter into the kingdom of heaven." And again, that " in every city, bonds and afflictions abide on you ;" and therefore you cannot expect that you should go long on your pilgrimage without them, in some sort or other. — You have found something of the truth of these testimo- nies upon you already, and more will immediately follow : for now, as you see, you are almost out of this wilderness, and therefore you will soon come into a town, that you will by and by see before you ; and in that town jou will be hardly beset with enemies, who will strain hard but they will kill you ; and be you sure that one or both of you must seal the testimony which you hold with blood : but " be you faithful unto death, and the King will give you a crown of life." He that shall die there, although his death will be unnatural, and his pains perhaps great, he will yet have the better of his fellow, not only be- cause he will be arrived at the Celestial City soonest, but because he will escape many miseries that the other will meet with in the rest of his journey. But when you are come to the town, and shall find fulfilled what I have here related, then remember your friend, and quit your- selves like men ; and " commit the keeping of your souls to your God in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator."^ * Woe unto them that fold their hands, and fall asleep in strong confi- dence. You see what hard work yet lay before these [>ilgrims. Let us ever remember, this is not our rest. We must be pressiiu' forward, fight- ing the good fight of faith, labouring to enter into that rest which remain- X I70 VANITY FAIR DESCRIBED. Then I saw in my dream that, when they were got out of (he wilderness, thej presently saw a town before them ; the name of that town is Vanity ; and at that town there is a fair kept, called Vanity Fair : it is kept all the year long : it beareth the name of Vanity Fair, because the town where it is kept is " lighter than vanity," and also, because all that is there sold, or that cometh thither, is vanity. As is the saying of the wise, " All that cometh is vanity. "(a) This fair is no new-erected business, but a thing of an- cient standing : I will shew you the original of it. Almost five thousand years agone, there were pilgrims walking to the Celestial City, as these two honest persons are : and Beelzebub, Apollyon, and Legion, with their companions, perceiving, by the path that the pilgrims made, that their way to their city lay through this town of Vanity, they contrived here to set up a fair ; a fair, wherein should be sold all sorts of vanity ; and that it should last all the year long : therefore, at this fair, are all such merchandise sold, as houses, lands, trades, pla- ces, honours, preferments, titles, countries, kingdoms, lusts, pleasures ; and delights of all sorts, as whores, bawds, wives, husbands, children, masters, servants, lives, blood, bodies, souls, silver, gold, pearls, precious stones, and what not ! And moreover, at this fair there is at all times to be seen jugglings, cheats, games, plays, fools, apes, knaves, and rogues, and that of every kind. Here are to be seen too, and that for nothing, thefts, eth for the people of God : looking diligently, lest we fail of the graee of God. Heb. xii. 5. (rt) Eccles. i. 2— 14. ii. 17. xi. 8. Isaiah xl. 17. FURTHER ACCOUNT OF VANITY FAIR. ] f ( murders, adulteries, false-swearers, and that of a blood-red colour.^ And as in other fairs of less moment, there are several rows and streets under their proper names, where such wares are vended, so here likewise jou have the proper places, rows, streets, (viz. countries and kingdoms,) where the wares of this fair are soonest to be found. Here is the Britain row, the French row, the Italian row, the Spanish row, the German row, where several sorts of vanities are to be^ sold. But as in other fairs some one commodity is as the chief of air the fair, so the ware of Rome and her merchandise is greatly promoted in this fair : only our English nation, with some others, have taken a dislike thereat.f Now, as I said, the way to the Celestial City lies just tlirough the town where this lusty fair is kept : and he that will go to the City, and yet not go through this town *' must needs go out of the world.'' The Prince of prin- ces himself, when here, went through this town to his own country, a«d that upon a fair day too : yea, and as I think, it was Beelzebub, the chief lord of this fair, that invited him to buy of his vanities ; yea, would have made him lord of the fair, would he but have done him reverence as he went through the town : yea, because he was such a person of honour, Beelzebub had had him from street to street, and showed him all the kingdoms of Ihe world in a little time, that he might, if possible, allure that Bles- ^ A jnst description of this wicked world. How many, tliough tliey jirofess to be pilgrims, have never yet set one foot out of tliis fair ; hut live in it all the yr-ar round ! They walk according; to the course of tliis world. Eph. ii. 2. For the God of this world liath blinded their n)ind. 1 Cor iv. 4. You cannot be a pilgrim, if you are not delivered from this world and its vanities : for if you love the world, if it lia«i your supreme artections, the love of God is not in you. 1 John it. io. You have not one grain of faith in Jesus. \ The docrine of the church of Rome. It is much to be wished, (hat the vile presumption of man's bartering wilh God, and purcha^^ing a tille^ 172 A HUBBUB IN THE FAIR. 3ed One, to cheapen and buy some of his vanities ; but he had no mind to the merchandise, and therefore left the town without laying out so much as one farthing upon these vanities, (a) This fair, therefore, is an ancient thing, of long standing, and a very great fair. Now these pilgrims, as I said, must, needs go through this fair. Well, so they did ; but, behold, even as they entered into the fair, all the people in the fair were moved, and the town itself, as it were, in a hubbub about them : and that for several reasons : for, First, The pilgrims were clothed with such kind of raiment, as was diverse from the raiment of any that trad- ed in that fair. The people, therefore, of the fair, made a great gazing upon tlieia : some said they were fools ;(6) some, they were bedlams ; and some, they were outland- ish men. Secondly, And, as they wondered at their apparel, so they did likewise at their speech ; for few could under- stand what they said : they naturally spoke the language of Canaan ; but they that kept the fair, were the men of this world : so that from one end of the fair to the other, they seemed barbarians each to the other. Thirdly, But that which did not a little amuse the merchandisers was, that these pilgrims set very light by all their wares : they cared not so much as to look upon them : and if they called upon them to buy, they would put their fingers in their ears, and cry, " Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity ;(c) and look upwards, signifying, that their trade and traffic was in heaven* to heaven, by his performing terms and condiiions of salvation, meriting heaven by bis good woriis, and procuring justification by his own obedi- ence, to the exalting his pride, and the debasing the work and glory oi Christ, was totally rejected by us. But alas! the»e proud, unscriptura? notions too much prevail. (a) Matt. iv. 8, 9. Luk^ iv. 5—7. (b) 1 Cor. iv. 9, 10 {c) i'sai. csix. 37. THE PILGRIMS APPREHENDED AND EXAMINED 173 One chanced^ mockingly, beholding the carriages of the men, to say unto them, "What will ye buy?'' but they looking gravely upon him, said, We " buy the truth ?"*(«) At that, there was an occasion taken to des- pise the men the more : some mocking, some taunting some speaking reproachfully, and some calling upon others to smite them. At last, things came to a hubbub and great stir in the fair, insomuch that all order was con- founded. Now was word presently brought to the great one of the fair, who quickly came down, and deputed some of his most trusty friends to take those men into examina- tion, about whom the fair was almost overturned. So the men were brought to examination ; and they that sat upon them, asked them whence they came, whither they went, and what they did there in such an unusual garb ? The men told them that they were pilgrims and strangers in the world ; and that they were going to their own coun- try, which was the heavenly Jerusalem ;(6) and that they had given no occasion to the men of the town, nor yet to the merchandisers, thus to abuse them, and to stop them In their journey ; except it was for that, when one asked them what they would buy, they said they would buy the truth. — But they that were appointed to examine them. * An odd reply. What do they mean ? That they are neither afraid nor ashamed to own, what was the one object of their soul's pursuit. The Truth, Understand hereby, that the whole world, which lieth in wicked- ness, sutFer themselves to be deceived by a lie, and are under the delusion of the father of lies. In opposition to this, all believers in Christ are said to be of the truth. 1 John iii. 19. They know and believe that capital truth with which God speaks from heaven, " This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleastid. " Matt. iii. 17. This truth, that Jesus is the Son of God, and our only Saviour, lies at the foundation of all their hope : and to get more acquainted with him, is the grand object of their pursuit — For thi^ the world hares them ; and Satan, who is an enemy to iliis truth, stirs up the world against them. " For (says our Lord) they are not of the world, even as I am not of the norld" John xvii. 16. (a) Prov. 38 iii. 29. (h) Heb. xi. 13-^16. 174 THEIR CONFINEMENT AND MEEK BEHAVIOURr did nol. believe them to be any other than bedlams and mad, or else such as came to put all things into confusion in the fair. Therefore they took them and beat them, and besmeared them with dirt, and then put them into the cage, that they might be made a spectacle to all the men in the fair.* Therefore they lay for some time, and were made the objects of any man's sport, or malice, or re- venge ; the great one of the fair laughing still at all that befell them. But the men being patient, and " not ren- dering railing for railing, but contrariwise blessing," and giving good words for bad, and kindness for injuries done, some men in the fair, that were more observing and less prejtidiced than the rest, began to check and blame the baser sort, for their continual abuses done by them to the men : they therefore in angry manner let fly at them again, counting them as bad as the men in the cage, and telling them, that they seemed confederates, and should be made partakers of their misfortune. The others replied, that, for aught they could see, the men were quiet and sober, and intended no body any harm : and that there were ma- ny that traded in their fair, that were more worthy to be put into the cage, yea, and pillory too, than were the men that they had abused. Thus after divers words had passed on both sides, (the men behaving themselves all the while very wisely and soberly before them,) they fell to some blows among themselves, and did harm one to another. f Then * If we possess nothing to distinguish us from the rest of the world, which lieth in wickedness, and for wl)ich they will hate and despise us. we have no reason to conclude that we are new creatures in Christ Jesus. If we are Christ's, we must become fools for Christ, and be counted as mad by tiiose who know not Christ ; for if alive to Christ, we shall be cru- cified to the world. " Woe be unto you, if all men speak well of you, ' saith Christ. Luke vi. 26. t It is common for the world to be divided in their opinions about pil- grims. A Christian conduct and behaviour will put to silence the gainsay- ino- of some wicked men ; and sometimes win others to become follow- ers of Christ. O pilgrims, look well to your spirit, temper, and conduct towards the men of this world, who keep vanity fairs all the year. THEIR INDICTMENT. 175 were these two poor men brought before their examiners again, and there charged as being guilty of the late luib- bub that had been in the fair. So Ihey beat them pitiful- ly, and hanged irons upon them, and led them in chains up and down the fair, for an example and terror to others, lest any should speak in their behalf, or join themselves unto them. But Christian and Faithful behaved them- selves yet more wisely, and received the ignominy and shame that was cast upon them, with so much meekness and patience, that it"^' won to their side (though but few in comparison of the rest) several of the men in the fair. — This put the other party yet into a greater ratge, inso- much that fhey concluded the death of these two men. — Wherefore they threatened, that neither cage nor irons should serve their turn, but that they should die for the abuse they had done, and for deluding the men of the fair. Then were they remanded to the cage again, until fur- ther order should be taken with them. So they put them in, and made their feet fast in the stocks. Here, therefore, they called again to mind, what they had heard from their faithful friend Evangelist, and were the more confirmed in their ways and sufferings by what he told them would happen to them. They also now- comforted each other, that whose lot it was to suffer, even he should have the best of it ; therefore each man secret- ly wished that he might have that preferment : but com- mitting themselves to the all-wise disposal of Him that ruleth all things, with much content they abode in the condition in which they were, until they should be other- wise disposed of. * It is acting in the spirit and temper of Christ that will gain adversaries over to him ; whereas a contrary spirit is a dishonour to Christ, a reproach to his cause, never did good to others, nor left the soul iu the solid posses- sion of the peace of God. ire THEIR INDICTMENT. Then a convenient time being appointed, they brought them forth to their trial, in order to their condemnation. When the time was come, they were brought before their enemies, and arraigned. The Judge's name was Lord Hate-good : their indictment was one and the same in sub- stance, though somewhat varying in form ; the contents whereof was this : " That they were enemies to, and disturbers of, their trade : that they had made commotions and divisions in the town, and had won a party to their own most danger- ous opinions, in contempt of the law of their prince."* Then Faithful began to answer, that he had only set himself against that which had set itself against Him that is higher than the highest. And, said he, as for disturb- ance, I make none, being myself a man of peace ; the parties that were won to us, were won by beholding our truth and innocence, and they are only turned from the worse to the better. And as to the king you talk of, since he is Beelzebub, the enemy of our Lord, I defy him and all his angels. Then proclamation was made, that they that had aught to say for their lord the king, against the prisoner at the bar, should forthwith appear and give in their evidence- So there came in three witnesses, to wit. Envy, Supersti- tion, and Pickthank : they were then asked, if they knew the prisoner at the bar ; and what they had to say for their lord the king against him ? Then stood forth Envy, and said to this effect : My lord, I have known this man a long time, and will attest upon my oath before this honourable bench, that he is — * You see your calling, brethren. Has no such indictment been ever brought against you ? Then it is to be feared, what Pharoah said to the Israelites may be said to you : Ye are idle, ye are idle, in the ways of the Lord ; ye want love to his name, fervency for his truth,, and zeal for his glory, and the goed of precious souls ' THE EVIDENCE OP ENVY. .175 Judge. Hold, give bini his oalh. So they sware him. Then he said, My lord, (his man, notwithstanding his plausible name, is one of the vilest men in our country ; he neither regardelh prince nor people, law nor custom ; but doeth all Ihat he can to pos- sess all men with certain of his disloyal notions, which he in the general calls *^ principles of faith and holiness. And, in particular, I heard him once myself affirm, that Christianity and the customs of our town of Vanity were diametrically opposite, and could not be reconciled. By which saying, my lord, he doth at once not only condemn all our laudable doings, but us in the doing of them. Then did the judge say unto him, Hast thou any more to say ? Envy. My lord, I could say much more, only I would not be tedious to the court. Yet, if need be, when the other gentlemen have given in their evidence, rather than any thing shall be wanting that will despatch him, I will enlarge my testimony against him. — So he was bid to stand by.^ Then they called Superstition, and bid him look upon the prisoner : they also asked, what he could say for their lord the king against him? Then they sware him; so he began : My lord, I have no great acquaintance wi/h this man, nor do I desire to have further knowledge of him ; how- ever, this I know, that he is a very pestilent fellow, from * The spirit of wisdom asks, " Who is able (o stand before envy'" Prov. xxvii. 4. Envy is the very temper of the devil It is natural to us all. But why should the children of this world envy God's children - for they are strangers to the spiritual good things they enjoy. Thev nf ither seek them, nor care for them, but laugh and deride them- fJereiii the very spirit of Satan is manifest. He envied Christ; beingthe Son of God ; he stirred up. Judas lo betray him, and the Jews for envy delivered him. Matt, xxxvii 18: and tlie .same spirit works in all the children of Satnii against the children of God irS LORD hate-good's CHARGE TO THE JURY. Then the judge called to the jury (who all this while stood by to hear and observe,^ Gentlemen of the jury, you see this man, about whom so great an uproar hath been made in this town : you have also heard, what those worthy gentlemen have witnessed against him ; also you have heard his reply and confession ; it lieth now in your breasts to hang him, or save his life ; but yet I think meet to instruct you in our law. There was an act made in the days of Pharoah the great, servant to our prince, that, lest those of a contrary religion should multiply and grow too strong for him, their males should be thrown into the river. (a) — There was an act also made in the days of Nebuchadnezzar the great, another of his servants, that whoever would not fall down and worship his golden image, should be thrown in- to the fiery furnance.(6) — There was also an act made in the days of Darius, that whoso for some time called upon any God but him should be cast into the lions' den.(c) Now the substance of these laws this rebel has broken? not only in thought (which is not to be borne,) but also in word and deed ; which must therefore needs be intolera- ble. For that of Pharoah ; — his law was made upon suspi- cion, to prevent mischief, no crime yet being apparent ; but here is a crime apparent. For the second and third ; — you see he disputeth against our religion ; and for the treason he huth confessed he deserveth to die the death. Then went the jury out, whose names were 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, and Mr. Implacable, who every one gave in his private verdict against him (a) Exod. i. (b) Dan. iii- (c) Dan. vi. faithful's condemnation and martyrdom. 179 among themselves, and afterwards unanimously concluded to bring him in guilty before the judge. And firsl among themselves, — Mr. Blindman, tlie foreman, said, I see clearly, that this man is an heretic. Then said Mr. No- good, away with such a fellow from the earth. Ay, said Mr. Malice, for I hale the very looks of him. Then said Mr. Love-lust, I could never endure him. Nor I, said Mr. Live-loose, for he would always be condemning my way. Hang him, hang him, said Mr. Heady. A sorry scrub, said Mr. High-mind. My heart riseth against him, said Mr. Enmit}'^. He is a rogue, said Mr. Liar. Hanging is too good for him, said Mr. Cruelty. Let us despatch him out of the way, said Mr. Hate-light. Then said Mr. Implacable, might 1 have all the world given me, I could not be reconciled to him : therefore let us forth- with bring him in guilty of death.* Aj d so they did ; therefore he was presently condemned to be had from the place where he was, to the place from whence he came, and there to be put to the most cruel death that could be invented. They therefore brought him out, to do with him ac- cording to their law ; and first they scourged him, then they buffeted him, then they lanced his flesh with knives ; after that they stoned him with stones, then pricked him with their swords ; and last of all they burned him to ashes at the stake. Thus came Faithful to his end. Now I saw that there stood behind the multitude a chariot and a couple of horses waiting for Faithful, who, so soon as his. adversaries had despatched him, was taken up into it, and straightway was carried up through the * A blessed verdict! well vvor(hy of every pilgrim to obtain. Reader, do you profess to be one ? See then that y( u study to act so as to gain 3ucb a verdict from such a jury! and then be sure ihat Christ will pro- nounce, '• Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Malt. xxv. 21. 180 clouds, with sound of triimpel, the nearest way to the Celestial gate. But as for Christian, he had some respite, and was remanded back to prison ; so he there reaiained for a space : but He that overrules all things, having the power of their rage in his own hand, so brought it about that Christian for that lime escaped them, and went his way. And as he went he sung : saying, « Well, Faithful, thou hast faithfully profest Unto thy Lord, of whom thou shalt be blest : When faithless ones, with all their vain delights. Are crying out under their hellish plights : Sing Faithful, sing, and let thy name survive ; For though they kill'd thee, thou art yet alive.'" CHRISTIAN AND HOPEFUL MEET BLENDS. 181 CHAPTER XIV. CHRISTIAN MEETS WITH ANOTHER EXCELLENT COMPAN- ION IN HOPEFUL— niALOGUES BETWEEN THEM, BY ENDS, MO-NEY-LOVE, AND DEMAS. NOW I saw in my dream that Christian went not forth alone ; for there was one whose name was Hopefui, (be- ing so made by the beholding of Christian and Faithful, in their words and behaviour in their suflerings at the fair,) who joined himself unto him : and, entering into a brotherly covenant, told him that he would be his com- panion. Thus one died to bear testimony to the truth, and another rises out of his ashes to be a companion with Christian in his pilgrimage. '^' This Hopeful also told Christian, that there were many more of the men in the fair, that would take their time and follow after. So I saw that q-iickly after they were got out of the fair, they overtook one that was going before them, whose name was By-ends : so they said to him. What country- man. Sir ? and how far go you this way ? He told them that he came from the town of Fair-speech, and he was going to the Celestial City, but told them not his name. From Fair-speech ! said Christian : is there any good that lives there ?(a) Yes, said By-ends, I hope. Pray, Sir, what may I call you ? said Christian. By-e. I am a stranger to you, and you to me : if you * I have ofleti recorded it with thankfulness, (observes the Rev. Mr. Mason,) that though in the dreary day of my [)ilij;rimage, the Lord hath taken away a dear and faithful Christian friend, yet he has always raised up another. A very great blessing this, for which Christians can never be thankful enough. (a) Prov. xxvi.23. 182 CHRISTIAN INCiClKES INTO HIS PRINCIPLES. be going this way, I shall be glad of your company : if not, I must be content. This town of Fair-speech, said Christian, I have heard of, and as I remember, they say it is a wealthy place. By-e. Yes, I will assure you that it is ; and I have ve- ry many rich kindred there. Chr. Pray who are your kindred there, if a man may be so bold ? Bv-E. Almost the whole town ; and, in particular, my Lord Turn-about, my Lord Time-server, my Lord Fair- speech, from whose ancestors that town first took its name ; also Mr. Smooth-man, Mr. Facin'.;-bolh ways, Mr. Any- thing ; and the parson of our parish, Mr. Two-tonicues, was ray mother's own brother by father's side: and, to tell you the truth, I am become a gentleman of good qual- ify, yet my great-grandfather was but a waterman, look- ing one way and rowing another, and I got most of my estate by the same occupation. Cur. Are you a married man? By-E. Yes, and my wife is a very virtuous w^oman, the daughter of a virtuous woman ; she was my Lady Feign- ing's daughter, therefore she came of a Yery honourable family, and is arrived to such a pitch of breeding, that she knows how to carry it to all, even to prince and pea- sant. It is true we somewhat differ in religion from those of the stricter sort, yet but in two small points : First, we never strive against wind and tide: — Seconuly, we are always most zealous when religion goes in his silver slippers ; we love much to walk wilh him in the street, if the sun shines, and the people applaud him.* '* Is not this too much the case wiili professors of this day ? The Spirit of truth says, " All who live godly in Christ Jesus, sliall suffer persecution.' 2 Tim. iii. 2. But how many act as if they had found (he art of making the Spirit of truth a liar.'' for they can so trim and shape their conduct; as they vainly think, to follow Christ, and yet to keep in with the world which is at enmity against him. A most fatal, soul-deceiving error ' THEY DISAGREE ABOUT RELIGION. 183 Then Christian stepped a little aside to his fellow Hopeful, saying, It runs in my mind, that this is one By- ends, of Fair-speech ; and if it be he, we have as very a knave in our company as dwelleth in all these parts. — Then said Hopeful, Ask him ; methinks he should not be ashamed of his name. So Christian came up with him again, and said. Sir, you talk as if you knew some- thing more than all the world doth ; and, if I take not my mark amiss, I deem I have half a guess of you : is not your name Mr. By-ends, of Fair-speech ? By-e. This is not my name; but indeed it is a nick- name that is given me, by some that cannot abide me, and I must be content to bear it as a reproach, as other good men have borne their's before me. Chr. But did you never give an occasion to men to call you by this name ? By-e. Never, never ! the worst that ever I did to give them an occasion to give me this name was, that I had always the luck to jump in my judgment with the present way of the times, whatever it was ; and my chance was to get thereby. But if things are thus cast upon me, let me count them a blessing; but let not the malicious load me therefore with reproach.* Chr. I thought indeed that you were the man that J heard of; and, to tell you what I think, I fear this name belongs to you more properly than you are willing we should think it doth. By-e. Well, if you will thus imasiine, I cannot help it ; you will find me a fair company-keepei, if you will still admit me your associate. Chr. If you will go with us, you must go against wind * How artful, how delusive, are the reasonings of such men. O heware of this spirit. In o|)[)osilion to this, watch and pray earnestly, that ye may not be double-minded; but sincere until the day of Chri?t, z 184 CHRISTIAN AND HOPEFUL WITHDRAW FROM Hlfll. and tide ; the which, I perceive, is against your opinion; you must also own Religion in his rags, as well as when in his silver slippers ; and stand by him too when bound in irons, as well as when he walketh the streets with ap- plause. By-e. You must not impose, nor lord it over my faith ; leave me to my liberty, and let me go with you. Chr. Not a step farther, unless you will do in what I propound as we. Then said By-ends, I shall never desert my old prin- ciples, since they are harmless and profitable. If I may not go with you, I must do as I did before you overtook me ; even go by myself, until some overtake me that will be glad of my company.^ Then I saw in my dream, that Christian and Hopeful forsook him, and kept their distance before him; but one of them looking back, saw three men following Mr. By- ends, and, behold, as they came up with him, he made them a very low congee ; and they also gave him a com- pliment. The men's names were, Mr. Hold-the world, Mr. Money-love, and Mr. Save-all ; men that Mr. By- ends had formerly been acquainted with ; for in their mi- nority they were schoolfellows, and were taught by one Mr. Gripeman, a schoolmaster in Love-gain, which is a market-town in the county of Coveting, in the north. This schoolmaster taught them the art of getting, either by violence, cozenage, flattery, lying, or by putting on a guise of religion ; and these four gentlemen had attained much of the art of their master, so that they could each of them have kept such a school themselves. * Mind how warily these pilgrims acted towards this deceitful profes- sor. They did not too rashly take up an ill opinion against him ; but when they had full proof of what he was, they did not hesitate one mo- ment, but dealt faithfully with him, and conscientiously withdrew from him. Love should always move slowly in receiving a report, but ever deal faithfully when it is plain the men are not what they profess to be DISCOURSE WITH BF-ENDS ABOUT THE PILGRIMS. 185 Well, when they had, as I said, thus saluted each other, Mr. Money-love said to Mr. By-ends, Who are they upon the road before us ? for Christian and Hopeful were yet within view. Bv-E. They are a couple of far countrymen, that after their mode are going on pilgrimage. Money. Alas! why did they not stay, that we might have had their good company ? for they, and we, and you. Sir, I hope, are going on pilgrimage. By-e. We are so indeed : but the men before us are so rigid, and love so much their own notions, and do also so lightly esteem the opinion of others, that let a man be never so godly, yet if he jumps not with them in all things, they thrust him quite out of their company. Save. That's bad: but we read of some that are righteous over-much, and such men's rigidness prevails wilh them to judge and condemn all but themselves ; but I pray, what and how many were the things wherein you differed ? By-E. Why they, after their headstrong manner, con- clude, that it is their duty to rush on their journey all weathers ; and I am for waiting for wind and tide. They are for hazarding all for God at a clap, and I am for ta- king all advantages to secure my life and estate. They are for holding their notions, though all other men be against them ; but I am for religion in what, and so far, as the times and my safety will bear it. They are for re- ligion when in rags and contempt ; but I am for him when he walks In his golden slippers, in the sun-shine, and with applause.* * Notwithstanding By-ends could be reserved and upon his guard with faithful pilgrims, yet he can s[>eak out boldly to tliose of his own spirit and character. O the treachery of the desperate wicked heart ! Who can know it? iVoone, but the heart-searching (Jod. 186 BT-ENDS PROPOSES A QUESTION. Hold. Aj, and hold you there still, good Mr. By- ends : for my part, I can count him but a fool, that hav- ing the liberty to keep what he has, shall be so unwise as to lose it. Let us be wise as serpents; it is best to make hay while the sun shines; you see how the bee lieth still in winter, and bestirs her only when she can have profit with pleasure. God sends sometimes rain and sometimes sunshine: if they be such fools to go through the first, yet let us be content to take fair weath- er along with us. For my part, I like that religion best, that will stand with the security of God's good blessings unto us : for who can imagine, that is ruled by his reason, siice God has bestowed upon us the good things of this life, but that he would have us keep them for his sake ! Abraham and Solomon grew rich in religion. And Job says that a good man " shall lay up gold as dust." But he must not be such as the men before us, if they be as you have described them. Save. I think that we are all agreed in this matter, and therefore there needs no more words about it. Money. No, there needs no more words about this matter indeed ; for he that believes neither scripture nor reason, (and you see we have both on our side,) neither knows his own liberty, nor seeks his own safety. By-e. My brethren, we are, as you see, going all on pilgrimage, and for our better diversion from things that are bad, give me leave to propound unto you this ques- tion: Suppose a man, a minister or a tradesman, &c. should have an advantage lie before him to get the good blessings of this life, yet so as that he can by no means come by them, except in appearance at least, he becomes extra- ordinary zealous in some points of religion that he med- ]8r died not with before, — may he not use this means to attain his end, and yet be a right honest man ? Money. I see the bottom of jour question; and, with these gentlemen's good leave, I will endeavour to shape you an answer. And first, to speak to your question, as it concerns a minister himself. Suppose a minister, a worthy man, possessed but of a very small benefice, and has in his eye a greater, more fat and plump by far : he has also now an opportunity of getting it, yet so as by being more studious, by preaching more frequently and zealously, and because the temper of the people requires it, by altering of some of his principles: for my part, I see no reason but a man may do this, provided he has a call, ay, and more a great deal besides, and yet be an honest man. For why; 1. His desire of a greater benefice is lawful; this can- not be contradicted, since it is set before him by Provi- dence; so then he may get it if he can, making no ques- tion for conscience' sake. 2. Besides his desire after that benefice makes him more studious, a more zealous preacher, &c. and so makes him a better man, yea, makes him better improve his parts, which is according to the mind of God. 3. Now, as for the complying with the temper of his people by deserting, to serve them, some of his princi- ples, this argueth that he is of a self-denying temper, of a sweet and winning deportment; and so more fit lor the ministerial function. 4. I conclude, then, that a minister that changes a small for a great should not, for so doing, be judged as covetous ; but rather, since he is improved in his parts and industry thereby, be counted as one that pursues his call, and the opportunity put into his hand to do good. And now to the second part of the question, which con- 188 THEY PROPOSE THE QUESTION TO THE PILGRIMS. cerns the tradesman you mentioned ; suppose such an one to have but a poor employ in the world ; but by be- coming religious he may mend his market, perhaps get a rich wife, or more and far better customers to his shop. For my part, I see no reason but this may be lawfully done. For why ? 1. To become religious is a virtue, by what means so- ever a man becomes so. 2. Nor is it unlawful to get a rich wife, or more custom to my shop. 3. Besides, the man that gets these by becoming re- ligious, gets that which is good, of them that are good, by becoming good himself; so then here is a good wife, and good customers, and good gain, and all these by becoming religious, which is good : therefore, to become religious to get all these is a good and profitable design. =^ This answer, thus made by this Mr. Money-love to Mr. By-end's question, was highly applauded by them all ; wherefore they concluded upon the whole that it was most wholesome and advantageous. And because, as they thought, no man was able to contradict it, and be- cause Christian and Hopeful were yet within call, thej jointly agreed to assault them with this question as soon as they overtook them : and the rather, because they had opposed Mr. By-ends before. So they called after them, and they stopped, and stood still till they came up to them : but they concluded, as they went, that not Mr. ^ Here is worldly wisdom, infernal logic, and the sophistry of Satan. We hear this language daily from money-loving professors, who are des- titute of the power of faith, and the reasoning of godliness. But in oppo- sition to all this, the Holy Ghost testifies, " the love of money is the root of all evil. 1 Tim. vi. 10. and a covetous man is an idolater. Col. iii. 5. Hear this and tremble, ye avaricious professors. Remember, ye follow- ers of the Lamb, ye are called to let your conversation be without cove- tousness. Heb. xiii. 5. Your Lord testifies, ye cannot serve God and mammon. Lukexvi. 13. CHRISTIAN ANSWERS IT SCRIPTURALLT. 189 By-ends, but old Mr. Hold-the-Avorld, should propound the question to them ; because, as they supposed, their answer to him wouKI be without the remainder of that heat that was kindled between Mr. By-ends and them at their parting a little before. So they came up to each other, and after a short salu- tation, Mr. Hold-the-world propounded the question to Christian and his fellow, and bid them to answer it if they could. Then said Christian, Even a babe in religion may an- swer ten thousand such questions. For if it be unlawful to follow Christ for loaves, as it is, John, vi. how much more is it abominable to make of him and religion a stalk- ing horse, to get and enjoy the world ? Nor do we find any other than heathens, hypocrites, devils, and witches, that are of this opinion. Heathens : for when Hamor and Shechem had a mind to the daughter and cattle of Jacob, and saw that there were no ways for them to come at them, but by becoming cir- cumcised ; they say to their companions, " If every male of us be circumcised, as they are circumcised, shall not their cattle, and their substance, and every beast of theirs, be ours ?" Their daughters and their cattle were that which they sought to obtain, and their religion the stalking horse they made use of to come at them. Read the whole story, Genesis xxiv. 22 — 24. The hypocritical Pharisees were also of this religion ; long prayers were their pretence : but to get widows' houses was their intent, and greater damnation was from God their judgment. (a) Judas the devil was also of this religion: he was reli- gious for the bag, that he might be possessed of what was (a) Luke xx. 4G, 47. 190 CHRISTIAN ANSWERS IT SCRIPTURALLT. therein ; but he was lost, a cast a-waj, and the very son of perdition. Simon the witch was of this religion too ; for he would have had the Holy Ghost, that he might have got monej therewith ; and his sentence from Peter's mouth was ac- cordingly, (a) Neither will it go out of my mind, but that that man, that takes up religion for the world, will throw away reli- gion for the world; for so surely as Judas designed the world in becoming religious, so surely did he also sell re- ligion and his Master for the same. — To answer the ques- tion therefore affirmatively, as I perceive you have done, and to accept of, as authentic, such answer, is both heath- enish, hypocritical, and devilish ; and your reward will be according to your works. — Then they stood staring one upon another, but had not wherewith lo answer Christian. Hopeful also approved of the soundness of Christian's an- swer ; so there was a great silence among them. Mr By- ends and his company also staggered and kept behind, that Christian and Hopeful might outgo them. Then said Christian to his fellow, If these men cannot stand before the sentence of men, what will they do with the sentence of God ? And, if they are mute when dealt with by ves- sels of clay, what will they do when they shall be re- buked by the flames of a devouring fire ?* Then Christian and Hopeful outwent them again, and went till they came to a delicate plain, called Ease ; * Here see the blessedness of being mighty in the scripture, and the need of that exhortation. " Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly." Col. iii. 16. For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword, it pierces through all the subtle devices of Satan, and the cunning craftiness of carnal professors, and divideth asunder the car- nal reasonings of the flesh, and the spiritual wisdom which come'h froai above. (a) Acts viii. 18— "23. THE HILL lucre; A SILVER MINK; AND DEMAS. 191 where they went with much content : but that plain was but narrow, so they were quickly got over it. Now at the further side of that plain was a little hill, called Lucre, and in that hill a silver mine, which some of them that bad formerly gone that way, because of the rarity of it, had turned aside to see; but going too near the brim of the pit, the ground, being deceitful under them, broke, and they were slain : some also had been maimed there, and could not, to their dying day, be their own men again. Then I saw in my dream, that a liltle off the road, over against the silver mine, stood Demas, (gentleman- like) to call passengers to come and see ; who said to Chrisiian and his fellow. Ho ! turn aside hither, and I will show you a thing. Chr. W hat thing so deserving as to turn us out of the way to see it ? Demas. Here is a silver mine, and some digging in it for treasure; if you will come, with a little pains you may richly provide for yourselves. Then said Hopeful, Let us go. Not I, said Christian; J have heard of this place be- fore now, and how many have been slain there ; and be- sides, liiat treasure is a snare to ihose that seek it ; for it hindereth them in their piii^rimage.^ Then Chrisiian called to Demas, saying. Is not the place dangerous ? hath it not hindered many in their pil- grimage? Demas. Not very dangerous, except to those that are careless. — But withal he blushed as he spake. * See the value of a faithful friend. But how few act so faithfully ? How few professors will bear it ? What ! hold a man hark (rom gf-fting money ? O how few are aware that covetousness is idolatry ? and attend to our Lord's douhle cautton, " Take heed, and beware of t'ovetousness." Luke xii. 13 192 DEMAS TRIES TO ENSNARE THE PILGRIMS. Then said Christian to Hopeful, Let us not stir a step, but still keep on our way. Hope. I will warrant you, when By-ends conies up, if he hath the same invitation as we, he will turn in thith- er to see. Chr. No doubt thereof, for his principles lead him that way, and a hundred to one but he dies there. Then Demas called again, saying, but will you not come over and see? Then Christian roundly answered, saying, Demas, thou art an enemy to the right ways of the Lord of this way, and hast been already condemned, for thine own turning aside, by one of his Majesty's judges ;(a) and why seekest thou to bring us into the like condemnation? Besides, if we at all turn aside, our Lord the King will certainly hear thereof, and will there put us to shame, where we should stand with boldness before him. Demas cried again, that he also was one of their fra- ternity; and that if they would tarry a little, he also him- self would walk with them. Then said Christian, What is thy name? Is it not the same by the which I have called thee ? Demas. Yes, my name is Demas ; I am the son of Abraham. Chr. I know you ; Gehazi was your great grandfather, and Judas your father, and you have trod in their steps; it is but a devilish prank that thou usest : thy father was hanged for a traitor, and thou deservest no better re- ward. (6) Assure thyself, that when we come to the (a) 2 Tim. iv. 10. (b) 2 Kings v, 20— 2T. Matt. xxvi. 14, 15. xsvii. 3—5. THE monument; or lot's wife. 193 King, we will tell him of this thy behaviour. Thus they went their way. By this time By-ends and his companions were come again within sight, and they at the first beck went over to Demas. Now, whether they fell into the pit by look- ing over the brink thereof, or whether they went down to dig, or whether they were smothered in the bottom, by the damps that commonly arise, of these things I am not certain ; but this f observed, that they never were seen again in the way.^ — Then sang Christian: " By-ends and silver Demas did agree ; One calls, the other runs, that he may be A sharer in his lucre ; so these do Take up in this world, and no further go." Now I saw that, just on the other side of this plain, the pilgrims came to a place where stood an old monument, hard by the highway side, at the sight of which they were both concerned, because of the strangeness of the form thereof, for it seemed to them as if it had been a woman transformed into the shape of a pillar. Here therefore they stood looking, and looking upon it; but could not for a time tell what they should make thereof: at last Hopeful spied written upon the head thereof, a writino- in an unusual hand ; but he, being no scholar, called to * Here you see the end of double-minded men, who vainly attempt to unite the love ot money with the love of Christ. They go on \villi their art for a season, but the end makes it manifest what they were. Take David's advice, " Fret not thyself because of evil doers." Psalm xxxvii. 1. "Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, and the glory of his house is increased." Psal. xlix. Irt, But go thou into the sanctuary ot thy God, read his word, and understand the end of these men. 194 Christian (for he was learned) to see if he could pick out the meaning; so he came and after a little laying of the letters together, he found the same to be this, " Remem- ber Lot's wife." So he read it to his fellow ; after which they both concluded, that this was the pillar of salt into which Lot's wife was turned, for looking back with a cove- tous heart, when she was going from Sodom for safety. (a) Which sudden and amazing sight gave them occasion of this discourse. Chr. Ah, my brother, this is a seasonable sight : it came opportunely to us after the invitation which Demas gave us to come over to view the hill Lucre; and had we gone over, as he desired us, and as thou wast inclined to do, my brother, we had, for aught I know, been made like this woman, a spectacle for those that shall come af- ter to behold. Hope. I am sorry that I was so foolish, and am made to wonder that I am not now as Lot's wife ; for wherein was the difference betwixt her sin and mine ? she only looked back, and I had a desire to go see : let grace be adored, and let me be ashamed that ever such a thing should be in mine heart. "^ Chr. Let us take notice of what we see here for our help for time to come : This woman escaped one judg- ment; for she fell not by the destruction of Sodom, yet she was destroyed by another, as we see, she is turned into a pillar of salt. * Such is the effect of the grace of God in the heart of a pilgrim ; while on the one hand he sees many propensities of bis evil nature to every sin which has !)een committed by others, and is grieved, he also confesses, that by no power of his own he is preserved, but ever gives all the glory to the (Tod of all grace, by whose power alone he is kept from falling. — <« Thou standest by faith, be not high-minded but fear." Rom. xi. 20. (a) Gen. xii. 26 FURTHER DISCOURSE ABOUT LOt's WIFE. 1 95 Hope. True, and she may be to us both caution and example; caution, that we should shun her sin; or a sign of what judgment will overtake such as shall not be pre- vented by such caution: so Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, with the two hundred and fifty men that perished in their sin, did also become a sign or example to beware. (a) But above all, I muse at one thing, to wit, how Demas and his fellows can stand so confidently yonder to look for that treasure, which this woman, but for looking be- hind her after, (for we read not that she stept one foot out of the way,) was turned into a pillar of salt; espe- cially since the judgment which overtook her, did make her an example within sight of where they are: for they cannot but choose to see her, did they but lift up their eyes. Chr. It is a thing to be wondered at, and it argueth that their hearts are grown desperate in that case ; and I cannot tell whom to compare them to so fitly, as to them that pick pockets in the presence of the judge, or that will cut purses under the gallows. It is said of the men of Sodom, that " they were sinners exceedingly," be- cause they were sinners "before the Lord," that is, in his eye-sight, and notwithstanding the kindness that he had showed them ; for the land of Sodom was now like the garden of Eden heretofore. (/;) This therefore pro- voked him the more to jealousy, and made their plague as hot as the fire of the Lord out of heaven could make it. And it is most rationally to be concluded, that such, even such as these are, who shall sin in the sight, yea, and that too in despite, of such examples as are set continu- (a) Numb. xxvi. 9, 10. (6) Gen. xiii. 10—13 196 FURTHER DISCOURSE ABOUT LOt's WIFE» ally before them, to caution them to the contrary, must be partakers of the severest judgment. Hope. Doubtless thou hast said the truth ; but what a mercy is it, that neither thou, but especially 1, am not made myself this example! This ministereth occasion to us to thank God, to fear before him, and always to " re- member Lot's wife." THE RIVER OP THE WATER OF LIFE. lOf CHAPTER XV. CHRISTIAN AND HOPEFUL MISTAKE THEIR WAY, AND FALL INTO THE HANDS OF GIANT DESPAIR. I SAW then, that they went on their way to a plea- sant river, which David the king called " the river of God ;" but John, " the river of the water of life."*(a) Now their way lay just upon the bank of the river : here therefore Christian and his companion walked with great delight : they drank also of the water of the river, which was pleasant, and enlivening to their weary spirits. Be- sides, on the banks of this river, on either side, were green trees, for all manner of fruit ; and the leaves they ate to prevent surfeits, and other diseases that are inci- dent to those that heat their blood by travels. On either side of the river was also a meadow, curiously beautified with lilies ; and it was green all the year long. In this meadow they lay down and slept : for here they might * By this river, which is called " a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and the Lamb." Rev. xxii. 1. we may understand, the clear and comfortable views with which they were favoured of God's love and grace. This river of God, this water of life, was clear as crystal : They could see in it God's glory shining in the face of Jesus Christ, and view their own faces in it to their inexpressible joy. This is the river, " the streams whereof make glad the city of God." Psal. xlvi. 4. The streams which flow from this river of love, are justifi- cation by faith in Christ, sanctification, and all joy and peace in believ- ing, from the Spirit of Christ. All this these pilgrims now enjoyed, and all this every fellow-citizen of the saints are called lo enjoy, in their pil- grimage to Zion. This river of life proceedeth out of the throne of God and the Lamb. For God hath chosen those (who have fled for refuge) iu Christ, and blessed us with all spiritual blessings in him ; and they are all freely communicated to us out of Christ's fulness. O how happy, peaceful, and joyful are pilgrims, when (he Spirit takes of the things of Christ, shows them to us, and blesses us with a constant sense of; and in- terest in the love of God, and salvation of Jesus ! (a) Ps. Ixv. 9. Ezek. xlvii- 1. Rev. xxii. 1 198 HOPEFUL WARNS AND ENCOURAGES HIM. lie clown safely. (a) When they awoke, they gathered again of the fruits of the trees, and drank again of the wa- ter of the river, and then lay down again to sleep. Thus they did several days and nights. Then they sang : " Behold ye how those crystal streams do glide, To comfort pilgrims by the highway side. The meadows green, besides the fragrant smell, Yield dainties for them : And he that can tell Wliat pleasant fruit, yea, leaves these trees do yield^ Will soon sell all, that he may buy this field." So when they w ere disposed to go on (for they were not as yet at their journey's end,) they ate, and drank, and departed. Now ! beheld in my dream that they had not journey- ed far but the river and the way for a time parted ; at which they were not a liltle sorry, yet they durst not go out of the way. ISow the way from the river was rough, and their feet tender by reason of their travels : so the souls of the pilgrims were much discouraged because of the way.(6) Wherefore still as they went on, they wish- ed for a better way.^ Now a little before them, there was on the left hand of the road a meadow, and a stile to go over into it ; and that meadow is called By-path-mea- dow.f Then said Christian to his fellow, If this meadow * Pilgrims have their discouragements as well as their joys : yet they should take their way as they find it, sometimes rough, at others smooth ; they may at times be sorry to part with their comforts, and wish the way was smoother : so they did here. Lo, their wishes were answered ; but mark the consequences. Lord lead me in the way everlastmg ! t Beware of this by-path-meadow, it is on the left hand. Oh how many are walking securely, confidently, and comfortably in it, while every step they take endangers their destruction. The transition into it is easy, for it lies close to the right way, only you must get over a stile ; that is, you must quit Christ's protection, trust in your own wisdom, and then you are In by-path-meadow directly. (n) Ps. xxiii. Isa. xiv. 30. (b) Numb. xxi. 4. vain-confidence's pall. 199 tieth along by our way-side let us go over into it. Then he went to the stile to see, and, behold, a pa(h lay along by the way on the other side of the fence. 'Tis according- to my wish, said Christian ; here is the easiest going ; come, good Hopeful, and let us go over.* Hope. But how if this path should lead us out of the way ? That's not likely, said the other. Look, doth it not go along by the way-side ?— So Hopeful, being persuaded by his fellow, went after him over the stile. When they were gone over, and were got into the path, they found it very easy for their (eet ; and, withal, they looking before them, spied a man walking as they did, and his name was Vain-contidence : so they called after him, and a?ked him whither that way led? He said, to the Celestial gate. — Look, said Christian, did not I tell you so 7 by this yoii may see we are right: so they followed, and he went be- fore them. But, behold, the night came on, and it grew very dark; so that they that went behind lost the sight of him that went before. He therefore that went before, (Vain-confidence by name,) not seeing the way before him, fell into a deep pit,(«) which was on purpose there made by the prince of those grounds, to catch vain-glorious fools withal, and was dashed in pieces with his fall.f * Ah ! how easy are our eyes deceived, our hearts mistaken, and our feet perverted from the right way ! Shepherd of Israel, thou knowest to err is human ; keep us from erring, guide us continually, and when we do stray. Lord reclaim us. t " There is a way tliat seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Prov xiv. 12 Vain confidence is this very way. O bow easy do professors get into it ; yea, pilgrims are prone also to lake up with it, owing to that legality, pride and self-righteousness, which work in (heir fallen nature, till cleansed l»y the blood of Jesus. Se- the end of i( and tremble. For it leads to darkness and ends in death. Lord humble our proud hearts, and empty us of self-righteousness, pride and vain-ron fidence (a) Isa. ix.lf). B b 200 CHRISTIAN REPENTS OF HAVING MISLED HOPEFUL* Now Christian and his fellow heard him fall : so they called to know the matter ; but there was none to answer, only they heard a groaning. Then said Hopeful, Where are we now ? Then was his fellow silent, as mistrusting that he had led him out of the way. And. now it began to rain, and thunder, and lighten, in a most dreadful man- ner ; and the wafers rose amain. "^ Then Hopeful groaned in himself, saying, " Oh that I had kept on my way !" Chr. Who could have thought that this path should have led us out of the way ? Hope. I was afraid on't at the very first, and there- fore gave you that gentle caution. I would have spoke plainer, but you are older than I. Chr. Good brother, be not offended; I am sorry 1 have brought thee out of the way, and that I have put thee into such imminent danger : pray, my brother, for- give me ; I did not do it of an evil intent.f Hope. Be comforted, my brother, for 1 forgive thee ; and believe too, that this shall be for good. Chr. I am glad I have with me a merciful brother : but we must not stand thus ; let us try to go back again* Hope. But, good brother, let me go before. Chr. No, if you please, let me go first, that if there be any danger I may be first therein ; because by my means we are both gone out of the way. No, said Hopeful, you shall not go first ; for your mind being troubled, may lead you out of the way again. * Getting into by-path- meadow, and walking in vain confidence, will surely bring on terrors, thunderings and lightnings from Mount Sinai. f Here see, that as Christians are made helpful, so also they are liable to prove hurtful to each other. But observe how grace works ! it hum- bles, it makes the soul confess and be sorry for its misfortunes ; here is no reviling one another, but a tender sympathy and feeling concern for each other. 0 the mighty power of that grace and truth which came by Jesus Christ ! how does it cement souls in the fellowship of love ! GIANT DESPAIR DOUBTING CA3TLE. 201 Then, for their encouragement, they heard the voice of one saying, " Let thine heart be towards the highway ; even the way that thou wentest turn again." -^ (a) But by this time the waters were greatly risen, by reason of which, the way of going back was very dangerous. (Tlien I thought that it is easier going out of the way when we are in, than going in when we are out.) Yet they ad- ventured to go back ; but it was so dark, and the flood was so high, that in their going back they had like to have been drowned, nine or ten limes. Neither could they, with all the skill they had, get again to the stile that night. Wheretore at last, lighting under a litte shelter, they sat down there, till the day- break : but being weary, they fell asleep. Now there was, not far from the place where they lay, a castle, cal- led Doubting Castle, the owner whereof, was Giant De- spair ;f and it was in his grounds they were now sleeping. Wherefore he getting up in the morning early, and walk- ing up and down in his fields, caught Christian and Hope- ful asleep in his grounds. Then with a grim and surly voice, he bid them awake, and asked them whence they were, and what they did in his grounds ? They told him they were pilgrims, and that they had lost their way. Then said the giant. You have this night trespassed on me, by trampling in, and lying on my ground, and there- fore you must go along w ith me. So they wxre forced to go, because he was stronger than they. They also * This is Christ : he is the way, the only way, the highway of justifica- tion and holiness. t Sooner or later Doubting Castle will be the prison, and Giant Despair the keeper of all those who turn aside from Christ, to trust in anywise in themselves. " God is a jealous God ;" ever jealous of his own glory, and of the honour of his beloved Son. (a) Jer. xxx:. 21, 20*2 THEIR SUFFERINGS IIT THE DDNGEOI?. had but little to say ; for they knew themselves in a fault. The giant, therefore, drove them before him, and put them into his castle in a very dark dungeon, nasty and stinking to the spirits of these two men. Here then they lay, from Wednesday morning till Saturday night, without one bit of bread, or drop of drink, or light, or any to ask how they did : they were, therefore, here in evil case, and were far from friends and acquaintance, (a) Now in this place Christian had double sorrow, because it was through his unadvised counsel that they were brought into this dis- tress.^ Now Giant Despair had a wife, and her name was Dif- fidence : so when he was gone to bed, he told his wife what he had done ; to wit, that he had taken a couple of prisoners, and cast them into his dungeon, for trespassing on his grounds. Then he asked her also, what he had best do further to them. So she asked what they were, whence they came, and whither they were bound — and he told her. Then she counselled him that when he arose in the morning, he should beat them without mercy. So when he arose, he getteth a grievous crab-tree cudgel, and goes down into the dungeon to them, and there first falls to rating of them as if they were dogs, although they o-ave him never a word of distaste : then he falls upon them, and beat them fearfully, in such sort, that they were not able to help themselves, or turn them upon the floor. This done, he withdraws, and leaves them there to condole their misery, and to mourn under their distress : * What I so highly favoured Christians in Doubling Castle i" Is it possi- ble, after having travelled so far in the way of salvation, seen so many glo- rious things in that way, experienced so much of the grace and love of their Lord, and having so often proved his faithfulness; yet after all this to get into Doubting Castle. Surely it is not the will of God, but the effects of unbelief. ■(a) Psal. Ixxxviii. S. CHRISTIAN TEMPTED TO SELF-MURDER. 203 SO all that day they spent their time in nothing but sighs and bitter lamen!ations. The next night she talked with her husband about them further, and understanding tliat they were yet alive, did advise him to counsel them lo make away with themselves : so when morning was come, he goes to them in a surly manner as before, and, per- ceiving them to be very sore with the stripes that he had given them the day before, he told them that, since they were never like to come out of th it place, their only way would be forthwith to make an end of themselves, either with knife, halter, or poison : for why, said he, should you choose life, seeing it is attended with so much bitterness? But they desired him to let them go. With that he looked ugly upon them ; and rushing to them, had doubtless made an end of them himself, but that he fell into one of his fits, (for be sometimes in sunshiny wea- ther fell into fits,) and lost for a time the use of his hand. Wherefore he withdrew, and left them as before to con- sider what to do. Then did the prisoners consult be- tween themselves, whether it was best to take his counsel or no ; and thus they began to discourse :^ Brother, said Christian, what shall we do ? The life that we now live is miserable ? for my part, I know not whether it is best to live thus, or die out of hand ; " my soul chooseth strangling rather than life,"(a) and the grave is more easy for me than this dungeon ! Shall we he ruled by the giant ?f * See the working of despair. Where is now their faith in, love to, and dependence upon their Lord ? Alas ! all seems as at the last gasp. But observe, under their prevailing distress and black despondency, even when despair had almost made an end of them, they had a lucid interval when Giant Despair is seized with a fit, sa that God's mercy is great : for says Faul, " we are perplexed, but not in despair." 2 Cor iv. 1. t Poor Christian! what! tempted to destroy thyself! Loid, what is man ! But mark the truth of that word, " There hath no temptation taken (a Job Tii. 15. 1^04 HOPEFUL WARNS AND ENCOURAGES HIM. Hope. Indeed our present condition is dreadful, and death would be far more welcome to me, than thus for ever to abide : but yet let us consider ; the Lord of the country to which we are going, hath said, " Thou shalt do no murder;" uo, not to another man's person; much more then are we forbidden to take the giant's counsel, to kill ourselves. Besides, he that kills another, can but commit murder upon his body : but, for one to kill him- self, is to kill body and soul at once. And moreover, my brother, thou talkest of ease in the grave, but hast thou forgotten the hell whither for certain the murderers go ? for " no murderer hath eternal life," &c. And let us consider again, that all the law is not in the hand of Giant Despair : others, so far as I can understand, have been ta- ken by him as well as we, and yet have escaped out of his hands. Who knows, but that God, who made the world, may cause that Giant Despair may die, or that, at some time or other he may forget to lock us in ; or that he may in a short time, have another of his fits before us, and may lose the use of his limbs ? and if ever tha( should come to pass again, for my part, I am resolved to pluck up the heart of a man, and to try my utmost to get from under his hand."^ I was a fool that I did not try to do it before ; but however, my brother, let us be patient, and endure a while ; the time may come that may give us a happy re- lease : but let us not be our own murderers. With these words. Hopeful at present did moderate the mind of his brother ; so they continued together in the dark that day in their sad and doleful condition. you, but such as is common to man :" but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able ; but will, with the temp- tation also make a way to escape, that we may be able to bear it. 1. Cor. * Perceive how a fit of despair robs a Christian of his courage, reason, and graces. But one single thought of the love, power, and grace of a Godm Christ, elevates the Christian's mind with hope. HOPEFUL ENCOURAGES HIM. 20.0 Well, towards evening the giant goes down into the dungeon again, to see if his prisoners had taken his coun- eel : but when he came there, he found iheni alive; and truly, alive was all ; for now, what for want of bread and water, and by reason of the wounds they received when he beat thera, they could do little but breathe. But, I say, he found thern alive ; at which he fell into a griev- ous rage, and told them that, seeing they had disobeyed his counsel, it should be worse with them than if they had never been born. At this they trembled greatly, and I think that Chris- tian fell into a swoon ; but, coming a little to himself again, they renewed their discourse about the giant's counsel, and whether yet they had best take it or no. — Now Christian again seemed to be for doing it, but Hope- ful made his second reply as followeth : My brother, said he, rememberest thou not how valiant thou hast been heretofore ? Apollyon could not crush thee, nor could all that thou couldst hear, or see, or feel, in the valley of the Shadow of Death ; what hardship, terror, and amazement, hast thou already gone through, and art thou now nothing but fears ? Thou seest that I am in the dungeon with thee, a far weaker man by nature than thou art; also the giant has wounded me as well as thee, and hath also cut off the bread and water from my mouth, and with that I mourn without the light. But let us exercise a little more patience : remember how thou playedst the man at Vanity fair, and wast neither afraid of the chain or cage, nor yet of bloody death ; wherefore, let us, at least, to avoid the shame that becomes not a Chris- tian to be found in, bear up with patience, as well as we can.''^ "* Here is the blessing of a hopeful companion. Here is excellent coun- sel. Let vain professors say what they may against experience and look- 206 THE PILGRIMS HAVE RECOURSE TO PRAYER. Now night being come again, and the giant and his wife being in bed, she asked him concerning the prisoners, and if they had taken his counsel : — to which he replied^ They are sturdy rogues ; they choose rather to bear all hardship than to make away with themselves. Then said she, Take them into the castle-yard to-morrow, and show them the bones and sculls of those thou hast airea- despatched, and make tbem believe, ere a week comes to an end, thou also wilt tear them in pieces, as thou hast done their fellows before thein. So when the morning was come, the giant goes to them again, and takes them into the castle-yard, and shows them, as his wife had bidden him : These, said he, were pilgrims as you are, once ; and they trespassed in my grounds, as you have done ; and when I thought fit I tore them in pieces, and so Avithin ten days I will do you ; get you down into your den again : — and with that he beat them all the way thither. They lay therefore all day on Saturday in a lamentable case, as before. Now, when night was come, and when Mrs. Diffidence and her hus- band the giant were got to bed, they began to renew their discourse of their prisoners ; and, withal, the old giant wondered, that he could neither by his blows nor counsel bring them to an end. And with that his wife replied, I fear, said she, that they live in hopes that some will come to relieve them, or that they have picklocks about them. ing back to past experiences : It is most certainly good and right so to do ; not to encourage present sloth and presumption, but to excite fresh confi- dence of hope in the Lord. We have David's example, and Paul's word to encourage us to this ; says David — " The Lord who delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the liand of the uncircumcised Philistine." 1 Sam xvii. 37. And says Paul, We have the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raiseth the dead. — There mind the alone ob ject of faith and hope, and see the reasoning on past experiences of God's mercy ; for it is he — " who delivers us from so great a death ; and doth deliver, in whom we trust that he will yet cjeliver us." 2 Cor. i. 10. THE KEY PROMISE — THEIR ESCAPE. 207 by the means of which they hope to escape. And sayest thou so, my dear ? said the giant ; I will therefore search them in the morning. Well, on Saturday about midnight they began to pray, and continued in prayer till almost break of day. ^' Now a little before it was day, good Christian, as one half amazed, break out in this passionate speech : What a fool, quoth he, am I, thus to lie in a stinking dungeon, when I may as well walk at liberty ? I have a key in my bosom called Promise, that will, I am persuaded, open any lock in Doubting Castle. Then said Hopeful, that's good news, good brother, pluck it out of thy bosom, and fry.f Then Christian pulled it out of his bosom, and began to try at the dungeon door : whose bolt, as he turned the key, gave back, and the door flew open with ease, and Christian and Hopeful both came out. Then he went to the outward door that leads into the castle-yard, and with this key opened that door also. After, he went to the iron gate, for that must be opened too, but that lock went very hard ; yet the key did open it. Then they thrust open the gate to make their escape with speed but that gate as it opened, made such a cracking, that it * What? Pray in custody of Giant Despair, in the midst of Doubtinoj Castle, and when their own folly brought them there too ! Yes, mind this, ye Pilgrims, ye are exhorted, " I will that men pray every where — with- out doubting." 1 Tim ii. 8. We can be in no place, but God can hear, nor in any circumstance, but God is able to deliver from. And be assured, when the spirit of prayer comes, deliverance is nigh at hand- So it was liere. t Precious promise ! The promises of God in Christ, are the life of faith, and the (|uickeners of prayer. O how oft do we neglect God's great and precious promises in Christ Jesus, while doubts and despair keep us pri- -soners ! So it was with these pilgrims : they were kept under hard bon- dage of soul for four days. Hence see what it is to er'ieve the Sf)iril ot God, and dread it. For he only is the Comforter. And if we cause him to withdraw his influence, who or what can comfort us.' Though precious promises are revealed in the w^ord,yet we can get no comfort from tliemi but by (he grace of tlie Spirit. C r 208 DAN6BR ESCAPED BF MEANS OF THE PILLAR. waked Giant Despair, who hastily rising to pursue his prisoners, felt his limbs to fail, for his fits took hiui again, so that he could by no means go after them. Then they went on, and came to the king's highway, and so were safe, because they were out of his jurisdiction.* Now when they were gone over of the stile, they be- gan to contrive with themselves what they should do at that stile, to prevent those that should come after from falling into the hand of Giant Despair. So they consent- ed to erect there a pillar, and to engrave upon the side thereof this sentence, " Over this stile is the way to Doubting Castle, which is kept by Giant Despair, who despiseththe king of the Celestial Country, and seeks to destroy the holy pilgrims." Many therefore that follow- ed after, read what was written, and escaped the danger.f — This done they sang as follows : ^^ Out of the way we went, and then we found What 'twas to tread upon forbidden ground 5 And let them that come after have a care ^ Lest they, for trespassing, his prisoners are > Whose castle's Doubting, and whose name's Despair." } * Mind, though the Spirit works deliverance and brings comfort, yet it is by means of the word of Promise ; for as we depart from and dishonour God by unbelief, so we come back to and honour him, by believing his word of grace to us through his beloved Son. In this way the Spirit brings deliverance. t Recording our own observations, and the experience we have had of God's dealing with our souls, are made of special and peculiar use to our fellow Christians. But let us ever take heed of self-exalting ; ever re- membering that all Christian experience is to humble the soul, and exalt the Saviour. As here these two pilgrims, by their own folly, got into Doubting-Castle ; soil was by faith in the promise that they escaped from it. This pillar was a memento to their shame, vvhile it was a monument of God's free favour in Christ to them. Reader! have you, through unbelief, been brought into rfou6^*; and has the Lord, in bis great mercy, sent deliverance to your soul ? Keep then, your faith in continual exercise, while you take up the following lines -. Son of God, if thy free grace Again hath rals'd me up, Call'd me still to seek thy face ; And giv€(fi me back my hope : DELECTABLE MOUNTAINS. 209 CHAPTER XVI. THE PILGRIMS ENTERTAINED BY THE SHEPHERDS ON THE DELECTABLE MOUNTAINS. THEY went then till they came to the Delectable Mountains ; which mountains belong to the Lord of that hill, of which we have spoken before : so they went up the mountains, to behold the gardens and orchards, the vine-yards, and fountains of water ; where also they drank and washed themselves, and did freely eat of the vine- yards. Now there were on the tops of these mountains, shepherds feeding their flocks, and they stood by the highway side. The pilgrims therefore went to them, and leaning upon their staves, (as is common with weary pil- grims when they stand to talk with any by the way,) they asked, " Whose Delectable Mountains are these ? and whose be the sheep that feed upon them ?"'^ Still tby timely belp afford, And all thy loving-kindtiess show ; Keep me, keep me, gracious Lord, And never let me go. By me,0 ray Saviour, stand, In sore temptation's hour, Save me with thine out-stretch*d band, And shew forth all thy power ; , O be uiindful of thy word ; Thy all-sufficient grace bestow, Keep me, keep me, gracious Lord, And never let nae go. Give me, Lord, a holy fear. And fix it in my heart ; That I may when doubts appear, Witb timely care depart ; Sin be more than hell abhorr'd. Till thou destroy the tyrant foe ; Keep me, keep tne, gracious Lord, And never let me go. * See the ups and downs, the sunshine and clouds, the prosperity and adversity, which Christians go through in their way to the promised Land 210 THE SHEPHERDS ENTERTAIN THE PILGRIMS. Shep, The mountains are Emmanuel's Land, and they are within sight of his city ; and the sheep also are his- and he laid down his life for them. Chr. Is this the way to the Celestial City ? Shep. You are just in the way. Chr. How far is it thither ? Shep. Too far for any, but those that shall get thither indeed.^ Chr. Is the way safe or dangerous ? Shep. Safe for those for whom it is to be safe ; " but transgressors shall fall therein. "(«) Chr. Is there in this place any relief for pilgrims, that are weary and faint in the way ? Shep. The Lord of these mountains hath given us a charge "not to be forgetful to entertain strangers :*\b) therefore the good of the place is before you. I also saw in my dream, that when the shepherds per- ceived that they were wayfaring men, they also put ques- tions to them, (to which they made answer, as in other places,) as. Whence came you ? and. How got you into the way ? and, by what means have you so persevered therein ? for, but few of them that begin to come hither, do show their faces on this mountain. But Avhen the shepherds heard their answers, being pleased therewith, Lately, these twe pilgrims were bewailing their state in Doubting Castle, under Giant Despair ; now they are come to Delectable Mountains, where all is clear, perfect and joyful hope. So that God's word is now comfortably fulfilled upon them ; see Isa. xlix. 9, 10, 11. "I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted," &.c. " O how many professors grow weary of the way, fall short and fail of coming to the end ! Though the way appears too far, too strait, and too narrow for many who set out, and never hold out to the end ; yet, all who are begotten by the word of grace and born of the Spirit of truth, being kept by the mighty power of God, through an exercise of living faith, un- to eternal salvation, shall succeed. 1 Pet. 1. 5. (//) Ho5, xiv. 9. (b) Heb. xiii. 1, 2. THEIR NAMES AND DISCOURSE. 211' Uiey looked very lovingly upon them, and said, Welcora* to the Delectable Mountains. The shepherds, I say, whose names were Knowledge, Experience, Watchful, and Sincere, took them by the hand, and had them to their tents, and made them partake of that which was ready at present.^ They said, more- over, We would that you should stay here awhile to be acquainted with us, and yet more to solace yourselves with the good of these Delectable Mountains. They then told them that they were content to stay : so they went to their rest that night, because it was very late. Then I saw in my dream, that in the morning the shep- herds called up Christian and Hopeful, to walk with them upon the mountains : so they went forth with them, and walked awhile, having a pleasant prospect on every side. Then said the shepherds one to another. Shall we show these pilgrims some wonders ? So, when they had con- eluded to do it, they had them first io the top of an hill, called Error, which was very steep on the furthest side, and bid them look down to the bottom. So Christian and Hopeful looked down, and saw at the bottom several men dashed all to pieces, by a fall that they had from the top. Then said Christian, What meaneth this ? The shepherds answered. Have you not heard of them that were made to err, by hearkening to Hymeneus and Philetus,(«) as concerning the faith of the resurrection of the body ? They answered. Yea. Then said the shepherds. Those that you see lie dashed in pieces at the bottom of this mountain are they ; and they have continued to this day * Precious names ! what is a pilgrim witiiout knowledge ? what is head- koowiedge without heart-experience ? And watchfulness and sincerity ought attend us every step. When these graces are in us and abound, they make delectable mountains indeed. (a) 2 Tim. ii. 17, 18. 2i2 MOUNTS ERROR AND CAUTION. unburied, as you see, for example to others to take heed how they clamber too high, or how they come too near the brink of this mountain.* Then I saw they had them to the top of another moun- tain, and the name of that is Caution, and bid them look afar off :f which when they did, they perceived, as they thought, several men walking up and down among the tombs that were there : and they perceived that the men were blind, because they stumbled sometimes upon the tombs, and because they could not get out from among them. Then said Christian, What means this ? The shepherds then answered. Did you not see a little below these mountains, a stile that leads into a meadow, on the left hand of this way ? They answered. Yes. Then said the shepherds. From that stile there goes a path, that leads directly to Doubting Castle, which is kept by Giant Despair, and these men (pointing to them among the tombs) came once on pilgrimage, as you do now, even till they came to that same stile. And because the right way was rough in that place they chose to go out of it into that meadow, and there were taken by Giant Despair, and cast into Doubting Castle ; where, after they had a while been kept in the dungeon, he at last did put out their eyes, and led them among those tombs, where he had left them to wander to this very day, that the say- ing of the wise man might be fulfilled, " He that wander- eth out of the way of understanding, shall remain in the * Fine-spun speculations, and curious reasonings, lead men from simple truth and implicit faith into many dangerous and destructive errors. The word records many instances of such forour caution. Be warned to study simplieity and godly sincerity. t It is well for us to be much on this mount- We have constant need of caution. Paul takes the Corinthians up to this Mount Caution, and shows them what awful things have happened to professors of old ; and he leaves this solemn word for us—" Wherefore let him who thinketh he slandeth, take heed lest he fall." 1 Cor. x. 12. WERE MEN BLINDED BY GIANT DESPAIR. 213 congregation of the dead." (a) Then Christian and Hopeful looked upon one another, with tears gushing out, but yet said nothing to the shepherds.* Then I saw in my dream, that the shepherds had them to another place in a bottom, where was a door in the side of an hill, and they opened the door, and bid them look in. They looked in therefore, and saw that within it was very dark and smoky ; they also thought that they heard there a rumbling noise, as of fire, and a cry of some tormented ; and that they smelt the scent of brimstone. Then said Christian, What means this ? The shepherds told them, This is a by-way to hell, a way that hypocrites go in at ; namely, such as sell their birthright, with Esau ; such as sell their Master, with Judas ; such as blaspheme the gospel, with Alexander ; and that lie and dissemble, with Annanias, and Sapphira his wife. Then said Hopeful to the shepherds, I perceive that these had on them, even every one, a show of pilgrimage, as we have now ; had they not T Shep. Yea, and held it a long time too. Hope. How far might they go on in pilgrimage in their days, since they notwithstanding were thus misera- bly cast away ? Shep. Some further, and some not so far as these mountains. f * Do we see others fall into perdition by the very same sins and follies from which God has reclaimed us: What must we resolve this into, but his superabounding mercy to us ! And surely it is enough to make one's eyes gush out with tears, and to melt our hard hearts into fervent love, to look back upon the many singular instances of God's distinguishing favour to us. O call them to mind and be thankful. * Thus we read of some being once enlightened, and having tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the world to come. Heb. vi. It is hard to say how far, or how long a person may follow Christ, and berr.use of unfaithfulness, yet fall away, and come short of the kingdom at last. — This should excite to diligence, humility, and circumspection, ever look- ing to Jesus to keep u? from falling. €s are ' D d 216 CHARACTEK OF IGNORANCE. Chr. But thou earnest not in at the Wicket-gate tliaf is at the head of this way ; thou earnest in hither through that same crooked lane, and therefore I fear, hofl^evei thou majest think of thyself, when the reckoning-daj- shall come, thou wilt have laid to thy charge, that thou art a thief and a robber, instead of getting admittance into the city. Ignor. Gentlemen, ye be utter strangers to me, I know you not ; be content to follow the religion of your country, and I will follow the religion of mine. I hope all will be well. And, as for the gate you talk of, all the world knows, that that is a great way off of our country. I cannot think that any men in all our parts do so much as know the way to it, nor need they matter whether they do or no ; since we have, as you see^ a fine pleasant green lane, that comes down from our country the nearest way. When Christian saw that the man was wise in his own conceit, he said to Hopeful whisperingly, " There is more hope of a fool than of him ;"(^) ^"d said moreover, ** When he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom^ faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool." (6) IVhat, shall we talk further with him, or outgo him at present, and so leave him to think of what he hath heard already, and then stop again for him afterwards, and see if by degrees we can do any good by him ? Then said Hopeful, plainly grounded upon what they are in themselves, and how they differ from their former selves and other sinners, instead of what Christ has made us, and what we are in Christ. But the profession of such is begun with an ignorant, whole, self-righteous heart, it is continued in pride, self- seeking, and self exalting, and end? in awful disappointment. For such are called by our Lord thieves and robbers ; they rob him of the glory ol his grace, and the efficacy of his precious blood. (a) Prov. xsvi. 12. (b) Eccles. x. 2. TCRX-AWAY CARRIED OFF RV DEVH.S. '2\ t ■'^ Let Ignorance a little while now muse On what is said, and let him not refuse Good counsel to embrace, lest he remain Still ignorant of what's thechiefest gain. God saith, those that no understanding have. Although he made them, them he will not save." He further added, It is not good, I think, to say to him all at once ; let us pass him by, if yon will, and talk to him anon, even as he is able to bear it." So they both went on, and Ignorance he came after. Now when they had passed him a litde way, they entered into a very dark lane, where they met a man whom seven devils had bound with seven strong cords, and were car- rying him back to the door that they saw on the side of the hill.(rt) Now^ good Christian began to tremble, and so did Hopeful his companion : yet as ;he devils led away tlie man. Christian looked to see if ])c knew him ; and he thought it might be one Turn-away, that dtvelt in the town of Apostacy. But he did not perfectly see his face ; for he did hang his head like a thief that is found. But being gone past. Hopeful looked after him, and espied on his back a paper with this inscription, " Wanton professor, and damnable apostate. "'^^ Then said Christian to his fellow, Now I call (o remembrance that which was told me, of a thing that happened lo a good man hereabout. The name of the man was Lidle-failh, but a good man, and he dwelt in Ihe town of Sincere. Tiie tliinf^ was ' O beware of a light, trilling spirit, and a wanton beliavioiir. It is of- Jen the forerunner of apostaoy from (lo-J. It makes one tremble to hear those who ftrotess to follow Christ in the regeneration, crying, What harm i-3 there in this game, and the other diversion? Tiiey plainly discover what spirit they are got into. The warmth of love is gone, and (liey are become coid^ dead, and carnal. 0 how many instances of llicsc abound '. (» Malt. xii. 4j. Pro v. v. 22. 218 CHRISTIAN TELLS OF LI 1 TLE-F AlTIl'a ROBBERi. this : — at the entering in at this passage, there comes down from Broad- way -gate, a lane, called Dead-man^s lane ; so called, because of the murders that are common- \y done there ; and this Little-faith going on pilgrimage, as we do now, chanced to sit down there and slept : now there happened at that time to come down the lane from Broad-way-gate, three sturdy rogues, and their names were Faint-heart, Mistrust, and Guilt, three brothers; and they espying Little-faith where he was, came gallop- ing up with speed. Now the good man was just awaked from his sleep, and was getting up to go on his journey. So they all came up to him, and with threatening language bid hiai stand. At this Little-faith looked as white as a clout, and had neither power to fight nor flee. Then said Faint-heart, " Deliver thy purse ;" but he making no haste to do it, (for he was loth to lose his money,) Mis- trust ran up to him, and thrusting his hand into his pocket, pulled out thence a bag of silver. Then he cried out, "Thieves? thieves !" With that Guilt, with a great club that was in his hand, struck Little-faith on the head, and with that blow felled him fiat to the ground ; where he lay bleeding, as one that would bleed to death. All this while the thieves stood by. But at last, they hearing that some were upon the road, and fearing lest it should be one Great-grace, that dwells in the city of Good-confidence, they betook themselves to their heels, and left this good man to shift for himself, who, getting up, made shift to scramble on his way. — This was the story. '^= Hope. But did they take from him all that ever he had? * Where there is a faint heart in God's cause, and mistrust of God's truths, here will be guilt in the conscience, and a dead faith in the heart ; and these rogues will prevail over, and rob such souls of the comforts of God's love aud of Christ's salvation. O how many are overtaken by these in sleepy fits and careless frames, and plundered! Learn to be wise from the things others have suffered. HE SAVES HIS CERTIFICATE. 219 Chr. No : the place where his jewels were, they iic^ ver ransacked ; so those he kept still. But, as 1 was told, the good man was much afflicted for his loss ; for the thieves got most of his spending money. That which they got not, as I said, were jewels ; also, he had a lillle odd money left, but scarce enough to bring him to hit* journey's end ;(«) nay, if I was not misinformed, he was forced to beg as he went, to keep himself alive (for his jewels^ he might not sell.) But beg and do what he could, "he went," as we say, " with many a hungry bel- ly," the most part of the rest of the way. Hope. But is it not a wonder they got not from him his certificate, by which he was to receive his admittance at the Celestial gate ? Chr. It is a wonder: but they got not that ; though they missed it not through any good cunning of his ; for he, being dismayed with their coming upon him, had nei- ther power nor skill to hide any thing, so it was more by good providence than by his endeavour, that they missed of that good thing. f (6) Hope. But it must needs be a comfort to him, tlial they got not his jewels from him ? Chr. It might have been great comfort to him, had he used it as he should : but they who told me the story, * By his jewels, we may understand those imparted graces of the Spirit, Faith, Hope, and Love. By his spending money, understand the sealing and earnest of the Spirit in his heart. 2 Cor. i. 22. Of this divine assu ranee and the sense of the peace and joy of the Holy Ghost, he was rob- bed, so, that though he still went on in the ways of tiie Lord, yet he drag- ged on but heavily and uncomfortably : and was not hap|)y in himself. O how much evil and distress are brought upon us by neglecting to watch and pray ! t What was this good thing .'' His faith, whose author, finisher, and ob- ject is Jesus. And where he gives this gift of faith, though it be but little, even as a grain of mustard-seed, if exercised by the possessor, not all the jnowcrs of earth and hell can rob the heart of it. (a) 1 Pet. iv. 18 fh) 2Tim.i, 14. 2 Pet. ii- 9. 220 littlk-faith's affliction. said, (hat he made biillittle use of it at all the rest of ihc. wdv ; and that, because of the dismay that he had in the taking away his money. Indeed he forgot it a great part of the rest of his journey ; and, besides, when at any lime It came inio his mind, and he began to be comfort- ed therewith ; then woidd fresh thoughts of his loss come again upon him, and those thoughts would swallow lip all. Hope. Alas, poor man ! this could not but be a great grief unto him ? Chr. Grief! ay, a grief indeed. Would it not have been so to any of us, had we been used as he, to be rob- bed and wounded too, and (hat in a strange place, as he was ? It is a wonder he did not die with grief, poor heart : I Avas told he scattered almost all the rest of tiie way, w ith nothing but doleful and bitter complaints : telling also to all who overtook him, or that he overtook in the way as he went, where he was robbed, and how ; who they were (hat did it, and what he lost ; how he was wounded, and that he hardly escaped with his life.* Hope. But it is a wonder that his necessity did not put Iiim upon selling or pawning some of his jewels, that he might have wherewith to relieve himself in Jiis journey. Chr. Thou (alkest like one, upon whose head is the shell to (his very day : for ^vhat should he pawn them ? or to whom should he sell them ? In all that country where he was robbed, his jewels were not accounted of; nor did he \v?.nt that relief which could from thence be adminis- tered to him. Besides, had his jewels been missing at tlic •" Here is a discovery of true, thougli it be but liKle failb. It mo!irns its loss ol Gn.'ls presence, and the comforts of liis Spirit, and laments its i'olly for sleeping, when it should have been watching and praying. He Ihat pines under the sense of the loss of Clirist's love, has faith in his heart , i'Aid a measure of love to Christ in his soul ; though he goes on his wav weeping, yet he shall find joy in the end. Soul, be on thy wacthtoucr le.-t thou sleep the sleep of eternal dealii. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIM AND ESAU. 22! gate of the Celestial City he had (and that he knew well enough) been excluded from an inheritance there, and that would have been worse to him than the appearance and villainy of ten thousand thieves. Hope. Why art thou so tart, my brother? Esau sold his birthright, and that for a mess of potfage ;(«) and that birthright was his greatest jewel : and, if he, why might not Little-faith do so too ? Chr. Esau did sell his birthright indeed, and so do many besides, and by so doing, exclude themselves from the chief blessing : as also that caitiff did : but you must put a difference betwixt Esau and Little-faith, and also betwixt their estates. Esau's birthright was typical, but Little-faith's jewels were not so. Esau's belly was his god, but Little-faith's belly was not so. Esau's want lay in his fleshly appetite. Little-faith's did not so. Besides, Esau could see no further than to the fulfilling of his lust : " For I am at the point io die," said he, " and what good will this birthright do me V\b) But Little-faith, though it was his lot to have but a little faith, was by his little faith kept from such extravagancies, and made to see and prize his jewels more, than to sell them as Esau did his birthright. You read not any where that Esau had faith, no, not so much as a little ; therefore no marvel, if where the flesh only bears sway (as it will in tliat man where no faith is, to resist,) if he sells his birthright and his soul and all, and that to the devil of hell : for it is with such ai it is with the ass, " who in her occasions cannot be turn- ed away:"(c) when their minds are set upon their lusts, they will have them, whatever they cost. But Litlle- faith was of another temper, his mind was on things di- {n) Heb. xii. 16. (6) Gen. xxv. 2r— 34. ('■) Jcr- ii. 24. 222 HOPEFDL BLAMES LITTLE-FAITH. vine ; his livelihood was upon things that were spiritual and from above ; therefore, to what end should he that is of such a temper sell his jewels (had there been any that would have bought Ihem,) to fill his mind with emptj things ! Will a man give a penny to fill his belly with hay ? or can you persuade the turtle-dove to live upon carrion like the crow ? Though faithless ones can, for car- nal lusts, pawn, or mortgage, or sell what they have, and themselves outright to boot, yet they that have faith, sav- ing faith, though but little of it, cannot do so. Here, theiefore, my brother, is thy mistake. Hope. I acknowledge it; but yet your severe reflec- tion had almost made me angry. Chr. AVhy ! I did but compare thee to some of the birds that are of the brisker sort, who will run to and fro in untrodden paths, with the shell upon their heads : but pass by that, and consider the matter under debate, and all shall be well betwixt thee and me. Hope. But Christian, these three fellows, I am per- suaded in my heart, are but a company of cowards ; would they have run else, think you, as they did, at the noise of one that was coming on the road ? Why did not Little-faith pluck up a greater heart ? he might, methinks, have stood one brush with them, and have yielded, when there had been no remedy. Chr. That they are cowards, many have said, but few have found it so in the time of trial. As for a great heart, Little-faith had none ; and I perceived by thee, my brother, hadst thou been the man concerned, thou art but for a brush, and then to yield. And verily, since this is the height of thy stomach, now they are at a distance from us, should they appear to thee, as they did to him, they might put thee to second thoughts.* * Ah ! how easy is it to talk when enemies are out of sight ! We too of- fen wax valiant in our own esteem, when we have constant need to hum" GREAT-GRACE, THE KINg's CHAMPION. 2*23 But consider again, they are but journeymen thieves, they serve under the king of the bottomless pit ; who, if need be, will come to their aid himself, and his voice is as the roaring of a lion.(«) I myself have been engaged as this Little-faith was ; and I found it a terrible thing. These three villains set upon me, and I beginning like a Christian to resist, they gave out a call, and in came their master : I would, as the saying is, have given ray life for a penny ; but that, as God would have it, I was clothed with armour of proof. Ay, and yet though I was so har- nessed, I found it hard work to quit myself like a man : no man can tell what in that combat attends us, but he that hath been in the battle himself. ^^ Hope. Well, but they ran you see, when they did but suppose that one Great-grace was in the way. Chr. True, they have often fled, both they and their master, when Great-grace hath appeared ; and no marvel, for he is the King's champion : but, I trow, you will put some difference between Little-faith and the King's cham- pion. All the King's subjects are not his champions ; nor can they, when tried, do such feats of war as he. Is it meet to think that a little child should handle Goliath as David did ? or that there should be the strength of an ox ble ourselves under Ihe mighty hand of God, knowing what mere nothings we are of ourselves. It makes a Christian speak tartly, when one sees self-exaltings in another. Paul frequently speaks thus, from warm zeal for Christ's glory, and strong love to the truth as it is in Jesus. * Who can stand in the evil day of temptation, when beset with Faint- heart, Mistrust, and Guilt, backed by the power of their master Satan.'' No one, unless armed with the whole armour of God : even then the pow- er of such infernal foes makes it a hard fight to the Christian. But this is our glory, the Lord shall fight for us, and we shall hold our peace ; we shall be silent as to ascribing any glory to ourselves, knowing our very enemies are part of ourselves, and that we are more than conquerors over all these (only) through IIIM who loved us. Rom. viii. 27. (a) 1 Pet. V. 8. Ee i224 INFLUENCK OF FAINT-HEART AND 5IISTRUST. in a wren ? Some are strong, some are weak : some have great faith, some have little ; this man was one of the weak, and therefore he went to the wall.^ Hope. I would it had been Great-grace, for his sake. Chr. If it had been he, he might have had his hands full : for I must tell you, that though Great-grace is ex- cellent good at his weapon, and has, and can, so long as he keeps them at sword's point, do well enough with themj, yet if they get within him, even Faint-heart, Mistrust, or the other, it will go hard, but that they will throw up his heels : and when a man is down, you know, what can he do? Whoso looks well upon Great-grace's face shall see those scars and cuts there, that shall easily give demon- stration of what I say. Yea, once I heard that he should say (and that when he was in the combat,) " We de- spaired even of life. "f How did these sturdy rogues and their fellows make David groan, mourn, and roar ? Yea;i Heman and Hezekiah too, though champions in their days, were forced to bestir them, when by these assault- ed ; and yet, notwithstanding, they had their coats sound- ly brushed by them. Peter, upon a time, would go try what be could do ; but, though some do say of him, that * Pray mind tins, ye lambs of the flock, whose knowledge is small, and whose faith is weak : O never think the God ye believe in, the Saviour ye follow, is an austere master, who expects more from you than ye are able. When he calls for your service, look to him for strength ; expect all power and strength for every good work out of the fulness of Christ ; the more you receive from him, the more you will grow up in him, and be devoted to him. j Now here you see what is meant by Great-grace, who is so often men- tioned in this book, and by whom so many valiant things were done. We read, " With great power the apostles witnessed of the resurrection of .Tesus." Why was it ? Because — " Great-grace was upon them all." Acts iv. 33. So you see all is of grace, from first to last, in salvation. If we do great things for Christ, yet not unto us, but unto the Great-grace of our Lord be all the glory." job's horse DESCaiDED. 225 he is Ihe prince of the apostles, they liandled him so, that ^bey made him at last afraid of a sorry girl. Besides, their king is at their whistle ; he is never out of hearing ; and if at any time they be put to the worst, he, if possible, comes in to help them : and of him it is said, " the sword of him that layetJi at him cannot hold ; the spear, the dart, nor the harbergeon ; he esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood : the arrow cannot make him flee, sling-stones are turned with him into stub- ble ; darts are counted as stubble ; he laugheth at the shaking of the spear."(rt) What can a man do in this case ? it is true, if a man could at every turn have Job's horse, and had skill and courage to ride him, he might do notable things ; for *'his neck is clothed with thunder; he will not be afraid as a grasshopper ; the glory of hiiH nostrils is terrible ; he paweth in the f alley, and rejoiceth in his strength, he goeth on to meet the armed men : he mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted, neither turnetli he back from the sword ; the quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield : he swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage, neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet. He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha ; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains and the shoutings. "(6) But for such footmen as the«. and I are, let us never (TK.. desire to meet with an enemy, nor vaunt as if we could do better, when we hear of others that they have been foiled ; nor be tickled at the thought of our own manhood, foi- such commonly come by the worst when tried. Peter, of whom I made mention before, he would swagger, hv, hf? would ; he would as his vain mind prompted him to say, (a) J..b x!l 26-29. (b) Job xr.six. 19--2.>. 226 THE ONLY SECURITY AGAINST ROBBERS. do better, and stand more for his master than all men : but who so foiled and run down by those villains as he ?^ When therefore we hear that such robberies are done on the King's highway, two things become us to do : first, to go out harnessed, and to be sure to take a shield with us ; for it was for want of that, that he that laid so lustily at Leviathan, could not make him yield ; for, indeed, if that be wanted, he fears us not at all. Therefore he that had skill hath said, "above all, take the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. "(fl) It is good also that we desire of the King a convoy that he will go with us himself. This made David re- joice Avhen in the valley of the Shadow of Death ; and Moses was rather for dying where he stood, than to go one step without hit Gbd.(6) O my brother, if he will but go along with us, what need we be afraid of ten thou- sand that shall set themselves against us T but without him ** the proud helpers fall under the slain. "f(c) I, for my part, have been in the fray before now; and though, through the goodness of him that is best, I am, * From this sweet and edifying conversation, learn not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think ; but to think soberly, according to the measure of faith which God hath dealt to you. Rom xii. 3. Now it is of the very essence of faiih, to lead us out of all self-confidence and vain vaunting. For we know not how soon Faint-heart, Mistrust, and Guilt, may spring up in us, set upon us, and if not found in the exercise of faith, will rob us of our comforts, and spoil our joys. t But how contrary to this, is the walk and conduct of some who pro- fess to be pilgrims, and yet can wilfully and deliberately go upon the de- vil's ground, and indulge themselves in carnal pleasures and sinful diver- sions ! Such evidently declare in plain language, that they desire not the presence of God, bat that he should depart from them : but a day will come, which will hum as an oven, when such professors, if they repent not, shall become stubble, and be consumed by the fire of God. (a) Eph. vi. 16. (b) Exod. xxxiii. 15. (r) Psal. iii. 5—8. xxvii. 1 — 3. Isa x, 4. THE PILGRIMS SEDUCED BV THE FLATTERER. 227 as you see, alive, yet I cannot boast of any manhood. Glad shall I be if I meet with no more such brunts ; though I fear we are not got beyond all danger. However, since the lion and the bear have not as yet devoured me, I hope God will deliver us from the next uncircumcised Philis- tines. Then sang Christian— *^ Poor Little-faith ! hast been among the thieves ; Wast robb'd : Remember this, whoso believes, And get more faith, then shall you victors be Over ten thousands, else scarce over three." So tliey went on, aud Ignorance followed. They went then till they came at a place where they saw a way put itself into their way,^ and seemed withal to lie as straight as the way which they should go; and here they knew not which of the two to take, for both seemed straight be- fore them ; therefore here they stood still to consider. — And as they were thinking about the way, behold, a man of black flesh, but covered with a very light robe, came to them, and asked them, why they stood there ? They answered, They were a going to the Celestial City, but knew not which of these ways to take. " Follow me," says the man, " it is thither that I am going." So they followed him in the way that but now came into the road, which by degrees turned, and turned them so from the city that they desired to go to, that in a little time their faces were turned away from it : — yet they followed him. But by and by, before they were aware, he led them both within the compass of a net, in which they were both so * By this way and a way, it is plain the author means the way of self- riehteousness, and on, believing on Christ, as revealed outwardly in the word. Therefore every sincere soul should wait and look, and long, and pray for it. Beware you do not despise it ; if you do, you will betray your ignorance of spiritual things as Ignorance did, I AND BREAKS OFF THE CONVERSATION. 251 doubt not, is as good as yours, though I liave not in my head so many whimsies as you. Chr. Give me leave to put in a word : — you ought not to speak so slightly of this matter : for this I boldly affirm (even as ray good companion hath done,) that no man can knoAv Jesus Christ but by the revelation of the Father; yea, and faith too, by which the soul layelh hold upon Christ (if it be right,) must be wrought by the exceeding greatness of his mighty power ;(«) the working of which faith, I perceive, poor Ignorance, thou art ig- norant of. Be awakened then, see thine own wretched- ness, and flee to the Lord Jesus ; and by his righteous- ness, w hich is the righteousness of God, (for he himself is God,) thou shalt be delivered from condemnation.* Ignor. You go so fast, I cannot keep pace with you: do you go on before : I must stay a while behind. f Then they said — • '^'^ Well, Ignorance, wilt thou yet foolish be To slight good counsel, ten times given thee ? And if thou yet refuse it, thou shalt know, Ere long, the evil of thy doing so. Remember, man, in time : stop, do not fear : Good counsel taken well saves; therefore hear; But if thou yet shalt slight it, thou wilt be The loser, Ignorance, V\\ warrant thee." * That sinner is not thoroughly awakened, who does not see his need of Christ's righteousness to be imparted to him. Nor is lie quickened, who has not fled to Christ as the end of the law for righteousness to every one who believes. Rom. x. 4. t Ignorant professors cannot keep pace with spiritual pilgiims, nor can they relish the doctrines of Christ being all in all, in the matter of justifi- cation and salvation. (a) Matt. xi. 27. 1 Cor. \ii. 3, Kpli. i. 18, 19- 252 CHRISTIAN COMMlSJiKATES IGNORANCE. Then Christian addressed himself thus to his fellow : Chr. Well, come, my good Hopeful, I perceive that thou and I must walk by ourselves again. So I saw in my dream, that they went on apace before, and Ignorance he came hobbling after. Then said Chris- tian to his companion. It pities me much for this poor man : It will certainly go ill with him at last. Hope. Alas ! There are abundance in our town in this condition, whole families, yea, whole streets, and that of pilgrims too ; and if there be so many in our parts, how many think you must there be in the place where he was born ?* Chr. Indeed, the word saith, " he hath blinded their eyes, lest they should see," &c. But, now we are by ourselves, what do you think of such men? have they at no time, think you, convictions of sin, and so consequently fear that their state is danger- ous ? Hope. Nay, do you answer the question yourself, for you are the elder man. Chr. Then 1 say, sometimes, (as I think) they may ; but they, being naturally ignorant, understand not that such convictions tend to their good ; and therefore they do desperately seek to stifle them, and presumptuously continue to flatter themselves in the way of their own hearts. Hope. I do believe, as you say, that fear tends much to men's good, and to make them right at iheir beginning to go on pilgrimage. t Ignorance had just the same natural notions of salvation which he was born with, only he had been tauijht to dress them up by the art of sophistry. Hence it is they so much abounded among professors in every age. O what a mercy to be delivered from them, to be spiritually en lightened and taughl the truth as it is in Jesus ! THE NATURE AND ADVANTAGE OF RIGHT FEAR. 253 Chr. Without all doubt it doth, if it be right : for so says the word, " The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom/'(a) Hope. How will you describe right fear ? Chr. Triie or right fear is discovered by three things : 1. By its rise : it is caused by saving convictions for sin. — 2. It driveth the soul to lay fast hold of Christ for sal- vation.— 3. It begetteth and continueth in the soul a great reverence of God, his word, and ways, keeping it tender, and making it afraid to turn from them, to the right hand or the left, to any thing that may dishonour God, break its peace, grieve the Spirit, or cause the enemy to speak reproachfully. Hope. Well said ; I belive you have said the truth. Are we now almost got past the Enchanted Ground ? Chr. Why? art thou weary of this discourse ? Hope. No verily, but that I would know where we are. Chr. We have not now above two miles further to go thereon. — But let us return to our matter. — Now the igno- rant know not that such convictions, that tend to put them in fear, are for their good, and therefore they seek to stifle them. Hope. How do they seek to stifle them ? Chr. 1. They think that those fears are wrought by the devil (though indeed they are wrought by God ;) and thinking so, they resist them, as things that directly tend to their overthrow. 2. They also think that these fears tend to the spoiling of their faith ; when, alas for them, poor men that they are, they have none at all ! — and therefore they harden their hearts against them. 3. They presume they ought not to fear, and therefore in despite (a) Job xxviii. 28. Psal. cxi. 10. Prov. i. 7. ii. 10. 2.34 DISCOURSE COxVCERMNG TEMPORARY. of theiii wax presumptuously confident. 4. They see that those fears tend to take away from them their pitiful old self-holiness,^ and therefore they resist them mth all their might. Hope. I know something of this myself: before I knew myself it was so with me.f Chr. Well, we will leave, at this time, our neighbour Ignorance by himself, and fall upon another profitable question. Hope. With all my heart: but you shall still begin. Chr. Well, then, did you know, about ten years ago, one Temporary in your parts, who was a forward man in religion then ? Hope. Know him! yes; he dwelt in Graceless, a town about two miles off of Honesty, and he dwelt next door to one Turnback. Chr. Right! he dwelt under the same roof with him. Well, that man was much awakened once ; I believe that then he had some sight of his sins, and of the wages that were due thereto. Hope. I am of your mind, (for my house not being above three miles from him) he would oft-times come to me, and that with many tears. Truly I pitied the man, and was not altogether without hope of him ; but one may see, it is not every one that cries Lord, Lord. * Pitiful old self-holiness. Mind this phrase. Far was it from the heart of good Mr. Bunyan to decry real holiness. I suppose he was never charged with it ; if he was, it must be by such who strive to exalt their cwti holiness more than Christ's lighteousness ; if so, it is pitiful indeed. It is nothing but self-holiness, or the holiness of the old man of sin ; foi' true holiness springs from the belief of, and love to the truth. All besides this only tends to self-confidence and self-applause. t It is profitable to call to mind one's own ignorance, and natural de- pravity when in our unrenewed estate, to excite humility of heart, and thankfulness to God, who made us to differ, and to excite pity towards those who are walking in nature's pride, self-righteousness, and self-confi- dence. I hopeful's account of APOiSTACY OF SUCH MEN. 256 Chr. He told me once that he was resolved to go on pilgrimage, as we go now ; but all of a sudden he grew acquainted with one Saveself,^ and then he became a stranger to me. Hope. Now, since we are talking about him, let us a little inquire into the reason of the sudden backsliding of him and some others. Chr. It may be very profitable ; but do you begin. Hope. Well then, there are in my judgment four rea- sons for it, 1. Though the consciences of such men are awa- kened, yet their minds are not changed : therefore, when the power of guilt weareth away, that which pro- voketh them to be religious ceaseth : wherefore they naturally return to their old course again : even as we see the dog that is sick of what he hath eaten, so long as his sickness prevails he vomits and casts up all : not that he doeth this of free mind (if we must say a dog hath a mind,) but because it troubleth his stomach; but now, when his sickness is over, and so his stomach eased, his desires being not at all alienated from his vomit, he turns him about, and licks up all ; and so is it true which is written, " The dog is turned to his own vomit again." (a) Thus, I say, being hot for heaven, by virtue only of the sense and fear of the torments of hell, as their sense of hell, and fear of damnation, chills and cools, so their de- * Saveself- This generation greatly abounds among us Tliose wlio are under this spirit, are strangers to themselves, to the truths of God's law, and the [iromises of his gos{)el, and so consequently are strangers to those who know themselves to be totally lost ; are dead to every hope of saving themselves, and look only to, and glory only in salvation by Jesus. <' Two cannot walk together except they be agreed." Amos iii. 3. (a) 2 Peter ii. 22. T i 266 THE EFFECTS OF AN UNRENEWED HEART. sires for heaven and salvation cool also. So then it comes to pass, that, when their guilt and fear is gone, their de- sires for heaven and happiness die, and Ihej return to their course again. ^ 2 Another reason is, they have slavish fears that do overmaster them: — I speak now of the fears that they have of men ; " for the fear of man bringeth a snare. («) So, then, though they seem to be hot for heaven so long as the flames of hell are about their ears, yet, when that terror is a little over, they betake themselves to second thoughts, namely, that it is good to be wise, and not to run (for they know not what) the hazard of losing all, or at least of bringing themselves into unavoid- able and unnecessary troubles ; and so they fall in with the world again. 3. The shame that attends religion lies also as a block in their way: they are proud and haughty, and religion in their eye is low and contemptible: therefore, when they have lost their sense of hell and wrath to come, they return again to their former course. 4. Guilt, and to meditate terror, are grievous to them; they like not to see their misery before they come into it ; though perhaps the sight of it first, if they loved that sight, might make them flee whither the righteous flee and are safe ; but because they do as I hinted before, even shun the thoughts of guilt and terror, therefore, when once they are rid of their awakenings about the terrors and wrath of God, they harden their hearts * A true description of the state of too many professors. Here see the reason why so many saints, as they are called, fall away. (a) Prov. xxix. 25. CHRISTIAN SHOWS HOW THEY DRAW BACK. 257 gladly, and choose such ways as will harden them more and more. Chr. You are pretty near the business; for the bot- tom of all is, for want of a change in their mind and Mill. And therefore they are but like the felon that standeth before the judge ; he quakes and trembles, and seems to repent most heartily : but the bottom of all is, the fear of the halter; not that he hath any detestation of the offences ; as is evident, because, let but this man have his liberty, and he will be a thief, and so a rogue still ; whereas, if his mind was changed, he would be otherwise. Hope. Now I have showed you the reasons of their going back, do you show me the manner thereof. Chr. So 1 will willingly. — They draw off their thoughts, all that they may, from the remembrance of God, death, and judgment to come: — then they cast off by degrees private duties, as closet-prayer, curbing their lusts, watching, sorrow for sin, &c. — then they shun the company of lively and warm Christians ; — after that they grow cold to public duty : as hearing, reading, godly conference, and the like ; — then they begin to pick holes, as we say, in the coats of some of the godly, and that devilishly, that they may have a seem- ing colour to throw religion (for the sake of some infir- mities they have spied in them) behind their backs — then they begin to adhere to, and associate themselves with carnal, loose, and wanton men : — then they give way to carnal and wanton discourses in secret ; and glad are they if they can see such things in any that are counted honest, that they may the more boldly do it through their example — After this, they begin to play with litllesins openly: — and then, being hardened, they show themselves as they are. Thus being launched 258 CHRISTIAN SHOWS HOW THEY DRAW BACK. again into the gulf of misery, unless a miracle of grace prevent it, they everlastingly perish in their own de- ceivin^s.* * See how gradually, step by step, apostates go back. It begins in the unbelief of the heart, and ends in open sins in the life. Why is the love of this world so forbidden ? why is covetousness called idolatry ? Because, whatever diaws away the heart from God, and prevents enjoying close fellowship with him, naturally tends to apostacy from bira. Look well to your hearts and affections Daily learn to obey that command, *' Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." Prov. iv. 23. If you neglect to watch, you will be sure to smart : under the sense of sin on earth, or its curse in hell. " See then that ye walk cir- cumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time because the daya are evil." Eph. v. 15. rHEY ARRIVE AT THE COUNTRY OF BEULAH. 259 CHAPTER XX. THE PILGRIMS TRAVEL THE PLEASANT COUNTRY OF BEU- LAH. SAFELY PASS THE RIVER OF DEATH, AND ARE ADMITTED INTO THE GLORIOUS CITY OF GOD. NOW I saw in my dream, that by this time the pil- grims were got over the Enchanted Ground, and enter- ing into the country of Beulah, (a) whose air was very sweet and pleasant, the way lying directly through if, they solaced themselves there for a season. Yea, here they heard continually the singing of birds, and saw every day the flowers appear in the earth, and heard the voice of the turtle in the land. In this country the sun shineth night and day : wherefore this was beyond the valley of the Shadow of Death, and also out of the reach of Giant Despair; neither could they from this place so much as see Doubting Castle.^ Here they were within sight of the city they were going to : also here met them some of the inhabitants thereof: for in this land the shining ones commonly walked, because it was upon the borders of heaven. In this land also the con- tract between the bride and the bridegroom was renew- ed : yea, here, " as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so did their God rejoice over them." Here they had no want of corn and wine ; for in this place they met * O what a blessed state ! what a glorious frame of the soul is this ! Job speaks of it as the candle of the Lord shining upon his head, ch. xxix. 3. The church, in a rapture cries out, "Sing O heavens, and bfjoyfjil O «arth ; break torth into singing, O mountains, for the Lord hath com." .»,ted his people." Isa. xxix. 13. Paul calls this " the fulness of the bi>--i;M:> of the gospel of [)eace." Rom xv. 29. 0 rest not short of enjoying tde full blaze of gospel peace, and spiritual joy. (a) Sol. Song, ii. 10—12 Isa. Uii. 4—12. 260 THE PILGRIMS OVERCOME WITH JOV. with abundance of what they had sought for in all their pilgrimage. Here ihey heard voices from out of the city, loud voices saying, " Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy Salvation cometh ! Behold, his reward is with him !" Here all the inhabitants of the country cai." ed them " The holy people, the K^iUeemed of the Lord, Sought out,"— &c. Now, as they walked in this land, they had more re- joicing than in parts more remote from the kingdom to which they were bound; and drawing near to the city they had yet a more perfect view thereof. It was build- ed of pearls and precious stones, also the streets thereof were paved with gold ; so that, by reason of the natural glory of the city, and the reflection of the sun-beams upon it, Christian with desire fell sick, Hopeful also had a fit or two of the same disease : wherefore here they lay by it a while, crying out because of their pangs, " If you see my Beloved, tell him that 1 am sick of love. ""^ But, being a little strengthened, and better able to bear their sickness, they walked on their way, and came yet nearer and nearer, where were orchards, vineyards, and gardens, and their gates opened into the highway. Now, as they came up to these places, behold the gardener stood in the way ; to whom the pilgrims said, " Whose goodly vineyards and gardens are these ?" He answered, ** They are the King's, and are planted here for his own delight, and also for the solace of pilgrims." So the gardener had them into the vineyards, and bid them refresh themselves with the dainties ;(a) he also showed them there the King's ^ See what it is to long for the full fruition of Jesus in ^lory. Some have been so overpowered hereby, that tlieir earthen vessels were ready to burst: their frail bodies have been so overcome, that they have cried, Lord, hold thine hand, I faint, I sink, I die, witli a full sense of thy pre- cious, precious love. Covet earnestly this best gift, Love. Lord, shed it more abundantly iibroad in these cold hearts of ours! (a) Deut. x\iii.24. fHE GLORT OP THE CITY. 261 ivalks and arbours, where he delighted to be : and here the J tarried and slept. Now 1 beheld in my dream, that they talked more in their sleep at this time than ever they did in all their jour- ney ; and, being in a muse thereabout, the gardener said even to me, " Wherefore muses^thou at the /natter ? It is the nature of the grapes of these vineyards, to go down so sweetly as to cause the lips of them that are asleep to ^peak." So I saw that when they awoke, they addressed them- selves to go up to the city. But, as I said, the reflection of the sun upon the city (for the city was pure gold) {a) was so extremely glorious, that they could not as yet with open face behold it, but through an instrument made for that purpose. So I saw that as they went on there met them two men in raiment that shone like gold, also their faces shone as the light. These men asked the pilgrims whence they came ? and they told them. They also asked them where they had Jodged, what difficulties and dangers, what comforts and pleasures, they had met with in the way ? and they told them. Then said the men that met them, " You have but two difficulties more to meet with, and then you are in the city."^ Christian then and his companion asked the men to go along with them : so they told them they would : But, said they, you must obtain it by your own faith. So I saw in my dream, that they went on together till they came in sight of the gate. * What are these two difficulties ? are they not death without, and un- belief within ? It is through the latter, that the former is at all distressinj:^ to us. 0 for a strong world-conquering, sin subduing, death overcoming faith, in life and death ! Jesus, Master, speak the word, unbelief shall flee, our faith shall not fail, and our hope shall be steady. (a) Rev. xxi. 18- 2 Cor. iii. IS. / 262 CHRISTIAN ALMOST LOST IN THE RIVER. Now I further saw, that betwixt them and the gate was a river ; but there was no bridge to go over : the river was very deep. At the sight therefore of this river, the pilgrims were much stunned; but the men that went with them, said, " You must go through, or you cannot come at the gate."*' The pilgrims then began to inquire, if there was no other way to the gate ? to which they answered, " Yes ; but there hath not any, save two, to wit, Enoch and Eli- jah, been permitted to tread that path, since the founda- tion of the world, nor shall until the last trumpet shall sound.'* The pilgrims then (especially Christian) began to despond in their minds, and looked this way and that, but no way could be found by them, by which they might escape the river. Then they asked the men " if the waters were all of a depth?" they said. No; yet they could not help them in that case ; " For," said they, " you shall find it deeper or shallower, as you believe in the King of the place. "f They then addressed themselves to the water, and en- tering, Christian began to sink, and crying out to his good friend Hopeful, he said, " I sink in deep waters ; billows go over my head, all his waves go over me. Selah." * Well ; now the i)ilgrims must meet with, and encounter their last en- emy, death. When he stares them in the face, their fears arise. Through the river they must go. What have they to look at .' what they are in themselves, or what they have done and been .'' No ; only the same Jesus who conquered death for us, and can and will overcome the fear of death i» us. t Faith builds a bridge across the gulf of death, Death's terror is the mountain faith removes. •Tis faith disarms destruction ; and absolves From every clamorous charge the guiltless tomb. For, faith views, trusts in, and relies upon the word of Christ, for salvation in the victory of Christ over sin, death, and hell. Therefore, in every thing we shall always prove the truth of our Lord's words, " According to your faith be it unto you." Matt. ix. 29. O what support in death, to have Jesus our triumphant conqueror to look unto, who has disarmed death ot his sting, and swallowed up death in his victory ! HOPEFUL ENCOURAGES CHRISTIAN 263 Then said (he other, " Be of good cheer, my brother, I feel the bottom, and it is good." Then said Christian, " Ah ! my friend, the sorrow of death hath compassed me about, I shall not see the land that flows with milk and honey." And with that a great darkness and horror fell upon Christian, so that he could not see before him. Also, he in a great measure lost his senses, so that he could neither remember, nor orderly talk of any of those sweet refreshments, that he had met with in the way of his pilgrimage. But all the words that he spake, still tended to discover that he had horror of mind, and heart- fears that he should die in that river, and never obtain entrance in at the gate. Here also, as they that stood by perceived, he was much in the troublesome thoughts of the sins that he had committed, both since and before he began to be a pilgrim. It was also observed, that he was troubled with apparitions of hobgoblins and evil spirits ; for ever and anon he would intimate so much by words. ^ — Hopeful therefore here had much ado to keep his bro- ther's head above water ; yea, sometimes he would be quite gone down, and then, ere a while, would rise up again half dead. Hopeful did also endeavour to comfort him saying, "Brother, I see the gate, and men standing by to receive us ;" but Christian would answer, *'ltis you, it is you they wait for; you have been Hopeful ever since I knew you." " And so have you," said he to Ctiiistian. "Ah, brother," said he, "surely if J * What ! after all the past, blessed experience, that Christian had enjoy- ed of his Lord's peace, love, joy, and presence with him, his holy trans- ports and heavenly consolations, is all come to this at last? Vou know '■ the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." 1 Cor. xv 26. Satan is sometimes suffered to be very busy with God's people in their last mo- ments, but he too, like death, is a cenquered enemy by our Jesus ; (here- fore amidst all his attacks, they are safe. For he is faithful to thein. and almighty to save them. K k 264 HOPEFUL ENCOURAGES CHRISTIAN. was right he would now rise to help me; but for my sins he hath brought me into the snare, and hath left me." Then said Hopeful, "My brother, you have quite for- got the text, where it is said of the wicked, * There are no bands in their death, but their strength is firm ; they are not troubled as other men, neither are they plagued like other men.' These troubles and distresses that you go through in these waters, are no sign that God hath for- saken you ; but are sent to try you, whether you will call to mind, that which heretofore you have received of his goodness, and live upon him in your distresses." Then I saw in my dream that Christian was in a muse a while. To whom Hopeful added these words, " Be of good cheer, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole."* And with that Christian brake out with a loud voice, " Oh, I see him again ! and he tells me, * When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee ; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee." '(a) — Then they both took courage, and the enemy was after that as still as a stone, until they were gone over. Christian there- fore presently found ground to stand upon, and so it fol- lowed that the rest of the river was but shallow ; but thus they got over : — Now upon the bank of the river, on the other side, they saw the two shining men again, who there waited for them. Wherefore being come out of the river, they saluted them, saying, " We are mi- nistering spirits, sent forth to minister to those that shall be heirs of salvation." Thus they went along to- wards the gate. — Now you must note, that the city stood ^ Jesus Christ, he is indeed the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning of our hope, and the end of our confidence. We begin and end the Christian pilgrimage with him ; and all our temptations and trials speak loudly, and fully confirm to us that truth of our Lord, " Without me ye can do nothing." John xv. 5 (a) Isa. xliii. 2, THEY TALK WITH THE SHINING ONES. 265 upon a mighty hill, but the pilgrims went up the hill with ease, because they had these two men to lead them up by the arms ; also they had left their mortal garments be- hind them in the river; for though ihey went in with them, they came out without them. TJiey therefore went up here with much agility and speed, though the foundation upon which the city was framed was higher than the clouds : they therefore went up through the re- gion of the air, sweetly talking as they went, being com- forted, because ihey safely got over the river, and had such glorious companions to attend them.^ The talk that they had with the shining ones, was about the glory of the place ; who told them, that the beauty and glory of it was inexpressible. There, said they, is "Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, the in- numerable company of angels, and the spirits of just men made perfect. "(a) You are going now, said they, to the Paradise of God, wherein you shall see the tree of life, and eat of the never-fading fruits thereof: and when you come there, you shall have white robes given you, and your walk and talk shall be every day with the King, even all the days of eternity.(6) There you shall not see again such things as you saw when you were in the lower region upon the earth, to wit, sorrow, sickness, affliction, and death; "for the former things are passed away.(c) You are now going to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, and to the prophets, men that God hath taken * Ah, children, none can conceive or describe what it is to live in a state free from the body of sin and death. Some in such happy, hi^hly- I'avoured moments, have had a glimpse, a foretaste of this, and could re- alize it by faith. O for more and more of this, till we possess and f^ijoy it in all its fulness. If Jesus be so sweet by faith below, who can tel 1 what he is in full fruition above .'' This we must die to know. (a) Heb. xii. 22—24. (b) Rev. ii. 7. iii. 4. xxii. 5. (c) Isa. Ixv. 16. 266 THEY TALK WITH THE SHINING ONES. away from the evil to come, and that are now " resting upon their beds, each one walking in his righteousness." The men then asked. What must we do in the holy place ? To whom it was answered, You must there re- ceive the comforts of all your toil, and have joy for all your sorrow; you must reap what you have sown, even the fruit of all your prayers, and tears, and sufferings for the King by the way. (a) In that place you must wear crowns of gold, and enjoy the perpetual sight and vision of Ihe HoIyOne; for "there you shallsee him as he is. (b) There also you shall serve him continually with praise, with shouting and thanksgiving, whom you desired to serve in the world, though with much difficulty, because of the infirmity of your flesh. There your eyes shall be de- lighted with seeing, and your ears with hearing, the plea- sant voice of the Mighty One. There you shall enjoy your friends again that are gone thither before you ; and there you shall with joy receive, even every one that fol- lows into the holy place after you. There also you shall be clothed with glory and majesty, and put into an equipage fit to ride out with the King of Glory. When he shall come with sound of trumpet in the clouds, as upon the wings of the wind, you shall come with him : and, when he shall sit upon the throne of judgment, you shall sit by him ; yea, and when he shall pass sentence upon all the workers of iniquity, let them be angels or men, you also shall have a voice in that judgment, because they were his and your enemies. Also when he shall again return to the city, you shall go too with sound of trumpet, and be ever with him.(c) (a) Gal. vi. 7, 8. {b) 1 John iii. 2. (c) 1 Thess. iv. 13—17. Jude 14, 15. Dan. vii 9, 10. 1 Cor. vi. 2, 3 ARE MET AND WELCOMED B? THE HEAVENLY HOST. 2G7 Now, while they was thus drawing towards the gate, behold, a company of the heavenly host came out to meet them ; to whom it was said by the other two shining ones, " These are the men that have loved our Lord, when they were in the world, and that have left all for his holy name, and he hath sent us to fetch them, and we have brought them thus far on their desired journey, that they may go in and look their Redeemer in the face with joy." Then the heavenly host gave a great shout saying " Bles- sed are they that are called to the marriage-supper of the Lamb."(a) There came out also at this time to meet them, several of the King's trumpeters, clothed in white and shining raiment, who, with melodious noises, and loud, made even the heavens to echo with their sound. These trumpeters saluted Christian and his fellow, with ten thousand welcomes from the world ; and this they did with shouting, and sound of trumpet. This done, they compassed them round on every side ; some went before, some behind, and some on the right hand, some on the left, (as it were to guard them through the upper region,) continually sounding as they went, with melodious noise, in notes on high ; so that the very sight was to them that could behold it, as if heaven itself was come down to meet them. Thus therefore they walked on together ; and, as they walked, ever and anon these trumpeters, even with joyful sound, would, by mix- ing their music with looks and gestures, still signify to Christian and his brother how welcome they were into their company, and with what gladness they came to meet them. And now were these two men, as it were, in heaven, before they came at it, being swallowed up with the sight of angels, and with hearing their melodious (a) Rev. xis. 9. 268 THEY ENTER THE CITY, AND ARE CROWNED. notes. Here also they had the city itself in view ; and (hey thought they heard all the bells therein to ring, to wel- come theoi thereto. But, above all, (he warm and joy- ful thoughts that fhey had aoout their own dwelling there with such company, and that lor ever and ever. Oh .' by what tongue or pen can their glorious jov be express- ed i* — Thus they came up to the gate. Now, when they were come up to the gate, there was written over it, in fetters of gold, " Blessed are they that do his co/nmandments, that they may have rightf to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city, (a) Then I saw in my dream, that the shining men bid them call at the gate : the which when they did, some from above looked over the gate, to wit, Enoch, Moses, and Elias, &c. to whom it was said, " These pilgrims are come from the city of Destruction, for the love that they bear to the King of this place ;" and then the pilgrims gave in unto them each man his certificate, which they had received in the beginning : those therefore were car- ried in unto King, who, when he had read them, said, '* Where are the men ?" To whom it was answered, " They are standing without the gate." The King then * Though Mr. Bunyan has been very happy in this spirited description, (observes the Rev. Mr. Mason,) yet were he alive, I asi) sure he would not be offended, though I were to say, it is short and faint, infinitely so of the reality ; and were he permitted to come in person, and give another de- scription, he could only say, what the prophet and apostle tell us, " Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them who love him." Isa. Ixiv. 4. 1 Cor ii. 9. O for the increase of faith, to behold more clear the heavenly vision ; and for love to Jesus, the God of our salvation, that we may have more of heaven in our souls, even while we are pilgrims here on the earth. For none hut those who love him on earth, can enjoy him in heaven. t Ris;ht here signifies, power or privilege, as in John i. 12. " To as ma- ny as receive Christ, to them gave he power, right, or privilege, to be- come the sons of God, even to them who believe in his name." (a) Rev. xxii. 14. THEY ENTER THE CITY, AND ARE CROWNED. 26^ commanded to open Ihe gate, " that the righteous na- tion," said he, " that keepeth truth may enter in."^'(a) Now I saw in my dream, that these two men went in at the gate, and lo ! as they entered, they were transfigur- ed ; and they had raiment put on that shone like gold.— There were also that met them with harps and crowns, and gave them to them ; the harps to praise withal, and the crowns in token of honour. — Then I heard in my dream, that all the bells in the city rang again for joy, and that it was said unto them, " Enter ye into the joy of your Lord." I also heard the men themselves, that they sang with a loud voice, saying, " Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be to him that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb for ever and evev.'\h) Now, just as the gates were opened to let in the men, I looked in after them, and, behold, the city shone like the sun ; the streets also were paved with gold ; and in them walked many men with crowns on their heads, palms in their hands, and golden harps, to sing praises withal. There were also of them that had wings, and they an- swered one another without intermission, saying, " Holy, holy, holy is the Lord." And after that they shut up the gates : which when I had seen, I wished myself among them. * The righteous nation, who are ihey ? O say the self-righteous phari- sees of the day^ they are those, who by their cood works and righteous actions have made themselves to differ from others ar.d are thus become righteous before God. To whom shall the T.ord command the ^ute of glory to be opened but to these good righteous people ! But Peter tells us, " The righteous nation is a chosen generation," from among the world, are of a different generation to them. They see no righteousness in them- selves, and therefore are little, low, and mean in their own eyes; being begotten by the word of truth, and born again of the Spirit, thev receive and love the truth as it is in Jesus. By this truth they regulate 'thoir life and walk ; and this truth they hold fast in life, and keep unto death; and thus livmg and dying in the belief of the trulli. they cau say with Paul. " I have kept the faith, and henceforth there is laid up for mp a cro.-. n of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge will give rae, and to all who love bis apfiearing." (a) Isa. xxvii. 2. (O) Hey. v. 13. M, 270 IGNORANCE FERRIED OVER BY VAIN HOPE. Now, while I was gazing upon all these things, I turned my head to look back, and saw Ignorance come up to the river side : but he soon got over, and that without half that difficulty which the other two men met with. For it happened that there was then in that place one Vain- hope,* a ferry man, that with his boat helped him over : so he, as the other I saw, did ascend the hill, to come up to the gate ; only he came alone ; neither did any man meet him with the least encouragement. When he was come up to the gate, he looked up to the writing that was above, and then began to knock, supposing that entrance should have been quickly administered to him : but he was asked by the man that looked over the top of the gate, " Whence come you ? and what would you have ?" He answered, " I have eat and drank, in the presence of the King, and he has taught in our streets." Then they asked him for his certificate, that they might go in and show it to the King : — So he fumbled in his bosom for one, and found none. Then said they. You have none : but the man answered never a word.f So they told the * Vain-hope ever dwells in the bosom of fools, and is ever ready to as- sist Ignorance. He wanted him at the last, and he found him- He had been his companion through life, and will not forsake him in the hour of death. You see Ignorance had no bands in his death ; no fears, doubts, and sorrows, no terror from the enemy, but all appeared serene and hap- py. V^ain-hope was his ferry-man, and he, as the good folks say, died like a lamb ; ah, but did such lambs see what was to follow^ when Vain- hope had wafted them over the river, they would roar like lions. t Hence see, that ignorant, vain confident pr )fessors, may keep up a profession, even unto the end ; yea, and maintain a self-righteous hope to the very last, without any infernal oppration of the Spirit upon their hearts, quickening them to a life offailh on the Son of God. Such when they are called u|)on for their their certificate, find themselves destitute of one. They set out in nature, and have nothing more about them than what their natural notions furnish them with. Spiritual revelations of Christ to the heart, through faith in the word, they despised : and therefore, when searched to the bottom, behold they are speechless. They could talk of their moral powers faithfulness in life, but they have noi one word to say of precious Christ, and his full salvation; what he hath wrought in them, whereby he becomes altogether lovely in their eyes; and his truths, pro- mises and commands, the choice, the delight, and the glory of their hearts. O without this, the profession of being a pilgrim will end in aw- Till delusion ! IGNORANCE IS CARRIED BACK TO HELL. 271 King, but he would not come down to see him, but com- manded the two shining ones, that conducted Christian and Hopeful to the citj, to go out and take Ignorance, and bind him hand and foot, and have him away. Then they took him up, and carried him through the air to the door that I saw in the side of the hill, and put him in there. Then I saw that there was a way to hell, even from the gates of heaven, as well as from the city of Des- truction.* So I awoke, and beheld it was a dream. * This is a most awful conclusion. Consider it deeply. Weigh it at- tentively, so as to get good satisfaction from the word, f o these important questions. Am I in Christ the way, the only way to the kingdom; or not .' Do I see that all other ways, whether of sin or self righteousness, lead to hell ? Does Christ dwell in my heart by faith ? Am I a new creature in him? Do I renounce my own righteousness, as well as abhor my sins .'' Do I look toChrist aloBe for mercy, and depend only on him for holiness .'* Is he the only hope of my soul, and the only confidence of my heart .'' And do I desire to be found in him, knowing by the word, and feeling by (be teaching of his Spirit, that lam totally lost in myself .'' Thus is Christ form- ed in me, the only hope of glory ? Do I study to please him. as a ell as hope to enjoy him .-* Is fellowship with God the Father, and his Son .Jesus Christ, so prized by me, as to seek it and to esteem it above all things ? If so, though I may find all things in nature, in the world, and from Satan continually opposing this, yet I am in Christ the icay, and he is in me the truth and the life. I am one with him, and he is one with me Ti I THE CONCLUSION. NOW Reader, I have told my dream to thee, See if thou canst interpret it to me, Or to th vself, or neighbour ; but take heed Of misinterpreting ; for that, instead Of doing good, will but thyself abuse ; By misinterpreting evil ensues. Take heed also that thou be not extreme, In playing with the outside of my dream : JVor let my figure or similitude Put thee into a laughter, or a feud : Leave this for boys and fools ; but as for thee. Do thou the substance of my matter see. Put by the curtains, look within my veil. Turn up my metaphors, and do not fail; There, if thou seekest them, such things thou'lt find As will be helpful to an honest mind. What of my dross, thou findest here, be bold To throw away, but yet preserve the gold. What if my gold be wrapped up in ore ? None throw away the apple for the core. But if thou shalt cast all away as vain, I know not but 'twill make me dream again. END OF THE FIRST PART. 2":J2,© Sr "iTil ^ IFEIS (B IS, ^jTuns iPiiiL©miSfl^ if'is.®(Bimi^^c Ion Two Parts ^S^IITIH imiE ILIFIE OF TlBllB ATUTMOU ,iBB_«™JEKe^,,,,.^ ii* THE DESIGNS ^^^ IP inegTAILIL IRoAo irisiiE 3^2iL'SmsMS iPiE®©migg^ axl/ M-itA w ' THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS FROM THIS WORLD TO THAT WHICH IS TO COME. DELIVERED UNDER THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM. PART THE SECOJVB. WHEREIN IS SET FORTH THE MANNER OF THE SETTING OUT OF CHRISTIAN'S WIFE AND CHILDREN; THEIR DANGEROUS JOURNEY, AND SAFE ARRIVAL AT THE DESIRED COUNTRY. BY JOHN BUN Y AN, A NEW EDITION, DI VIDED INTO CHAPTERS. TO WHICH ARE ADDED EXPLANATORY AND PRACTICAL NOTES, BY W. MASON, ESa. AND OTHERS- ALSO, ^ EEY TO THE ALLEGORY, WITH A CRITIQUE ON ITS BEAUTIES. EMBELLISHED WITH ELEGANT ENGRAVINGS, DESIGNED BY RICHARD WESTALL, R. A. NEW-YORK: PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM BORRADAILE. 8AMUEL MARKS, PRINTER. ±822. THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE TO THE SECOND PART. GO now, my little book, to every place, Where my First Pilgrim has but shown his face ; Call at their door ; If any say, Who's there ? Then answer thou, Christiana is here. If they bid thee come in, then enter thou. With all thy boys : and then thou knowest how; Tell who they are, also from whence they came ; Perhaps they know them by their looks or name : But if they should not, ask them yet again, If formerly they did not entertain One Christian, a Pilgrim? If they say They did, and were delighted in his way, Then let them know, that those related were Unto him ; yea, his wife and children are. Tell them, that they have left their house and home. Are turned Pilgrims ; seek a world to come : That they have met with hardships in the way; That they do meet with troubles night and day: That they have trode on serpents, fought with devils ; Have also overcome as many evils. Yea, tell them also of the next who have, Of love to pilgrimage, been stout and brave Defenders of that way ; and how they still Refuse this world, to do their Father's will. Go, tell them also of those dainty things. That pilgrimage unto the Pilgrims brings : t^76 PREFACE TO THE SECOND PART. Let themacqiidinted be too, how they are Beloved of the Kin^, under his care ; What goodly mansions he for them pi ovides, Though they oieet with rough winds and swelling tides; How brave a calm they will enjoy at last, Who to the Lord, and to his ways hold fast. Perhaps with heart and hand they will embrace Thee, as they did my firstlmg, and will grace Thee and thy fellows with good cheer and fare, As show well they of Pilgrims lovers are. OBJECTION I. But how, if they will not believe of me That I am truly thine ; 'cause some there be That counterfeit the Pilgrim and his name, Seek, by disguise, to seem the very same ; And, by that means, have brought themselves into The hands and houses of I know not who ? ANSWER. 'Tis true, some have, of late, to counterfeit My Pilgrim, to their own my title set ; Yea, others half my name, and title too, Have stitched to their books, to make them do; But yet they, by their features, do declare Themselves not mine to be, whose e'er they are. If such thou meet'st with, then thine only way, Before them all, is to say out thy say, In thine own native language, which no man Now useth, or with ease dissemble can. If, after all, they still of you shall doubt, Thinking that you like gypsies go about, In naughty ways, the country to defile; Or that you seek good people to beguile PREFACE TO THE SECOND PART. 27T Wifh things iinwaiiantable, — send for me, And I will testify jou Pilgrims be; Yea, I will testify that only joii My Pilgrims are, and that alone will do. OBJECTION II. But yei, perhaps, I may inquire for him. Of those that with him damned life and limb : What shall I do, when I at such a door For Pilgrims ask, and they shall rage no more? ANSWER. Fright not thyself, my book ; for such bugbears Are nothing else but ground for groundless fears, My Pilgrim's book has traveli'd sea and land. Yet could I never come to understand That it was slighted, or turn'd out of door, By any kingdom, were they rich or poor. In France and Flanders, where men kill each other. My Pilgrim is esteem'd a friend, a brother. In Holland too, 'tis said, as I am told. My pilgrim is, with some, worth more than gold. Highlanders and wild Irish can airree o My pilgrim should familiar with them be. 'Tis in New-England under such advance. Receives there so much loving countenance. As to be trimm'd, new cloth'd and deck'd with gems. That it may show its features and its limbs. Yet more ; so public doth my Pilgrim walk. That of him thousands daily sing and talk. If you draw nearer home, it will appear. My Pilgrim knows no ground of shame or fear : City and country both will entertain. With welcome, Pilgrim ; yea, they can't refrain 278 PREFACE TO THE SECOND PART. From smiling, if my Pilgrim be but bj, Or shows his head in any company. Brave gallants do my Pilgrim hug and love, Esteem it much : yea, value it above Things of a greater bulk ; yea, with delight Say, my lark's leg is better than a kite. Young ladies, and young gentlemen too, Do no small kindness to my Pilgrim show : Their cabinets, their bosoms, and their hearts. My pilgrim has, 'cause he to them imparts His pretty riddles, in such wholesome strains, As yields them profit double to their pains Of reading ; yea, I think I may be bold To say, some prize him far above their gold. The very children that do walk the street, If they do but my holy Pilgrim meet. Salute him will ; will wish him well, and say. He is the only stripling of the day. They that have never seen him, yet admire What they have heard of him, and much desire To have his company, and hear him tell Those pilgrim stories which he knows so well. Yea, some that did not love him at the first. But call'd him fool and noddy, say they must. Now they have seen and heard him, him commend ; And to those whom they love, they do him send. Wherefore, my Second Part, thou need'st not be Afraid to show thy head : none can hurt thee. That wish but well to him that went before : 'Cause thou com'st after with a second store Of things as good, as rich, as profitable. For young, for old, for stagg'ring, and for stable. PREFACE TO THE SECOND PART. 279 OBJECTION III. But soaie there be that say, he laughs loo loud ; And some do say, his head is in a cloud, Some say, his words and stories are so dark, They know not how by them to find his mark. ANSWER. One may (I think) say, both his laughs and cries May well be guess'd at by his wat'ry eyes. Some things are of that nature as to make One's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache ; When Jacob saw his Rachael with the sheep. He did at the same time both kiss and weep. Whereas some say, A cloud is in his head, That doth but show his wisdom's covered With his own mantle ; and to stir the mind To search well after what it fain would find. Things that seem to be hid in words obscure, Do but the godly mind the more allure, To study what those sayings should contain, That speak to us in such a cloudy strain. I also know, a dark similitude ^ Will on the curious fancy more intrude, And will stick faster in the heart and head, Than things from similies not borrowed. Wherefore, my Book, let no discouragement Hinder thy travels : behold ! thou art sent To friends, not foes ; to friends that will give place To thee, thy Pilgrims, and thy words embrace. Besides, what my first Pilgrim left conceal'd. Thou, my brave second Pilgrim hastreveal'd: What Christian left lock'd up, and went his way, Sweet Christiana opens with her key. M m 280 PREFACE TO THE SECOND PAK OBJECTION IV. But some love not the method of jour first : Romance they count it, throw't away as dust. If I should meet with such, what should I say f Must 1 slight them as they slight me, or nay? ANSWER. My Christiana, if with such thou meet. By all means, in all loving wise, them greet ; Render them not reviling for revile ; But if they frown, I pr^ythee on them smile: Perhaps 'tis nature, or some ill report, Has made them thus despise, or thus retort. Some love no fish, some love no cheese ; and some Love not their friends, nor their own house or home: Some start at pig, slight chicken, love not fowl, More than they love a cuckoo or an owl. Leave such, my Christiana, to their choice. And seek those who to find ihey will rejoice: By no means strive, but in most humble wise, Presenf thee to them in thy Pilgrim's guise. Go then, my little Book, and show to all That entertain, and bid thee welcome shall. What thou shalt keep close shut up from the rest : And wish that thou shalt show them may be blessM To them for good, and make them choose to be Pilgrims by better far than thee and me. Go then, I say, tell all men who thou art ; Say, I am Christiana, and my part Is now, with my four sons, to tell you what It is for men to take a Pilgrim's lot. Go, also, tell them who and what they be That now^ do go on pilgrimage with thee ; TREFACE TO THK SECOND PART. 281 Saj, Here's my neighbour Mercy ; she is one That has long time wilh me a pilgrim gone ; Come, see her in her \ irgin face, and learn 'Twixt idle ones and Pilgrims to discern. Yea, \?t vonng damsels learn of her to prize The world which is to come, in anj wise. When little tripping maidens follow God, And leave old doating sinners to his rod, 'Tis like those days, wherein tlie voung ones cry'd Hosanna! when the old ones did deride. Next, tell them of old Honest, whom you found, Wilh his white hairs, treading the Pilgrim's ground; Yea, tell them how plain-hearted this man was; How after his good Lord he bare the cross. Perhaps with some grey head this may prevail With Christ to fall in love, and sin bewail. Tell them also, how Mr. Fearing went On pilgrimage ; and how the time he spent In solitariness, w ith fears and cries ; And how, at last, he won the joyful prize. He was a good man, though much dow^n in spirit ; He is a good man, and doth life inherit. ^ Tell them of Mr. Feeble-mind also, Who not before, but still behind would go: Show them also, how he'd like t' have been slain, And how one Great-heart did his life regain. This man was true of heart, though weak in grace ; One might true godliness read in his face. Then tell them of Mr. Ready-to-halt, A man with crutches, but much without fault : Tell tiiem how Mr. Fecb!e-n)ind antl he Did love, and in opinion much agree ; And let all know, though weakness was their chance, Yet sometimes one would sins, the other dance. 282 PREFA.CE TO THE SECOND PARf- Forget not Mr. Valiant-for-the-truth, That man of courage, though a Tery youth. Tell every one his spirit was so stout, No one could ever make him face about ; And how Great-heart and he could not forbear^ But put down Doubting Castle; slew Despair! Overlook not Mr. Despon,dency, Nor Much-afraid, his daughter, though they lie Under such mantles, as may make them look (With some) as if their God had them forsook. They sofly went, but sure ; and, at the end, Found that the Lord of Pilgrims was their friend. When thou hast told the world of all these things. Then turn about, my Book, and touch these strings ; Which if but touched, will such music make. They'll make a cripple dance, a giant quake. Those riddles that lie couch'd within thy breast. Freely propound, expound, and for the rest Of my mysterious lines, let them remain For those whose nimble fancies shall them gain. Now may this little Book a blessing be To those who love this little Book and me ; And may its buyer have no cause to say, His money is but lost or thrown away. Yea, may this Second Pilgrim yield that fruit As may with each good Pilgrim's fancy suit, And may it some persuade that go astray, ^o turn their feet and heart to the right way. Is the hearty prayer of the Author, JOHN BUNYAN THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS PART II. CHAPTER I. CHRISTIANA WITH HER FOUR SONS, AND A NEIGHBOUR, SET OUT ON PILGRIMAGE. COURTEOUS COMPANIONS, SOME time since, to tell you a dream that I had of Christian the pilgrim,^ and of his dangerous journey to- wards the celestial country, was pleasant to me and pro- fitable to you. I told you then also what I saw concern- ing his wife and children, and how unwilling they were to go with him on pilgrimage : insomuch that he was forced to go on his progress without them; for he durst not run the danger of that destruction, which he feared would come by staying with them in the city of Destruction : wherefore, as I then showed you, he left them, and de- parted. * Though the second part of the Pilgrim's Progress will not strike the reader with the novelty of the first, because the same scenes are repeated ; yet they are presented with such agreeable variations, as make it an equal source of profit and delight. The author explains, in this part, what was left more dark in the first, as he tells us in his Preface. On this account the Explanatory Notes will be brief on those parts already noticed, while the newer matter will be more largely improved. The second part is pe- culiarly adapted to direct and encourage female Christians, and young persons ; and it is hoped, will be particularly attended to by such. It is perhaps needless to remark, that no reasonable doubt can be entertained as to the authencily of this work : Mr. Bunyan cannot be imitated ; and the sweet simplicity that characterizes the first part, is equally obvious in the second. 231 SAGACm's ACCODiVr of THi;: CITV OF DESTRUCTION'. Now it h.:s so happened, llirougli the multiplicity of busin3as, that I h:ive been much hindered and kept back from my wonted travels into those parts where he went, and so could not, till now, obtain an opportunity to make further inquiry af.'er whom he left behind, that I might i^jive you an account of them. But having had some con- cei-ns that way of late, I went down again thitheruard. Now having taken up my lodging in a wood, about a mile off the place, as I slept I dreamed again. And, as I was in my dream, behold an aged gentleman came by where 1 lay ; and because he was to go some part of the way that I was travelling, methought I got up and went with liim. So, as we walked, and as travellers usually do, I was as if we fell into a discourse, and our talk happened to be about Christian and his travels: for thus I began with the old man : Sir, said I, What town is that there below, that lieth on the left hand of our way ? Then said Mr. Sagacity, (for that was his name,) It is the city of Destruction, a populous place, but possessed with a very ill-condition and idle sort of people. I thought that was that city, quoth I; I went once my- self through that town ; and therefore I know that this re- port you give of it is true. Sag. Too true! 1 wish I could speak truth in speak- ing better of them that dwell thereiw. Well, Sir, quoth I, then I perceive you to be a well- meaning man, and so otie that takes pleasure to hear and tell of that which is good : pray did you never hear wliat happened to a man some time ago in this town (whose name was Christian,) that went on a pilgrimage up to^'ards the higher regions ? Sag. Hear of him ! Ay, and I also heard of the moles- tations, troubles, wars, captivities, cries, groans, frightS;, KEPORTS CIRCULATED CONCERNING CHRISTIAN. 28^ and fears, that he met with and had on his journey. Be- sides I rausi tel! von, nil our country rings of him ; there are but few houses, that Iiave heard of him and his doings, but have sought after and got the records of his pilgrim- age : yea, I think I may say, that this hazardous journey has got many well-wishers to his waj s ; for, though when he was here, he was fool in every man's mouth, yet now he is gone he is highly commended of all. For it is said he lives bravely where he is : yea, many of them that are resolved never to run his hazards, yet have their mouths water at his gains. ^ They may, quoth I, well think, if they think any thing that is true, that he liveth well where he is ; for he now lives at and in the F'ountain of life, and has what he has without labour and sorrow, for there is no grief mixed therewith. But pray, what talk have the people about him. Sag. Talk! the people talk strangely about him; some say, that he now walks in white ;(a) that he has a chain o^gold about his neck ; that he has a crown of gold, beset with pearls, upon his head : others say, that the shining ones that sometimes showed themselves to him in his journey, are become his companions, and that he is as familiar with them in the place where he is, as here one neighbour is w^ith another. (^) Besides, it is confidently affirmed concerning him, that the King of the place where he is, has bestow^ed upon Iiim already a very rich and pleasant dwelling at court, and that he every day eateth, and drinketh, and walketh, and talketli with him, and re- This is quite natural and very common. The men of this worl. 'Let the word of God be the rule, and Christiana's conduct an exatuple to all who are set- ting their face Zion-ward. O beware of the roasoning of the flesh. Dread to look back. Tremble at the thought of going back : for the Lord hath no pleasure in such. Heb, x. 38. * That is ridit. It is well to be bold in the name of the Lord, wiih those who seek to (urn us away from following on to know the Lord : for nothing less than life and salvation, or death and damnation, will be the issue of it. O pilgrims, beware : beware of parlr.vin<^ with the car- nal. Ever remember, you have a nature prone to catch the falling spark from then- flmf and steel, and tinder about vou ever ready to take the lire. 296 TIMOROUS, bat's-eyes, Slc. talk of ghristiak a. her." Wherefore Mercy began thus to reply to her neij^hbour Timorous. Mer. Neighbour, I ditl indeed come with you to see Christiana this morning; and, since she is, as you see, a taking her last farewell of the country, I think to walk this sun-shiny morning a little with her, to help her on her way. — But she told her not of her second reason, but kept it to herself. Tim. Well, I see you have a mind to go a fooling too ; but take heed in time, and be wise: while we are out of danger, we are out ; but, when we are in, we are in. — So Mrs. Timorous returned to her house, and Christiana betook herself to her journey. =^ But, when Timorous was got home to her house, she sends for some of her neighbours, to wit, Mrs. Bat's eyes, Mrs. Inconsiderate, Mrs. Light-mind, and Mrs. Know-nothing. So, when they were come to her house, she falls to telling the story of Christiana, and of her intended journey. And thus she began her tale — Neighbours, having but little to do this morning, I went to give Christiana a visit ; and, when I came at the doory I knocked, as you know it is our custom : and she an- swered, "If you come in God's name, come in." So in I went, thinking all was well: but, when I came in, I found her preparing herself to depart the town: she, and also her children. So I asked her, what was her mean- ing by that? And she told me in short, that she was now of a mind to go on pilgrimage, as did her husband. She told me also a dream that she had, and how the King of the country where her husband was, had sent her an in viting letter to come thither. * Here we see our Lord's word verified, " The one shall be taken, and the other lett." Matt. xxiv. 41. Mercy obeys the call — Timorous per versely rejects it. TIMOROUS, BAT's-ETES, &C. TALK OF CHRISTIANA. 297 Then said Mrs. Know-nothing, And what, do you think she will go ? Tim. Ay, go she will, whatever come on't ; and nie- Ihinks, I know it by this; for that which was my great argument to persuade her to stay at home, (to-wit,) the troubles she was like to meet with in the way,) is one great argument with her, to put her forward on her journey. For she told me in so many words, " The bitter goes be- fore the sweet : yea, and forasmuch as it doth, it makes the sweet the sweeter." Mrs. Bat's-eyes. Oh this blind and foolish woman f and will she not take warning by her husband's afflictions ? For my part, I see, if he were here again, he would rest him content in a whole skin, and never run so many haz- ards for nothing. Mrs. Inconsiderate also replied, saying, Away with such fantastical fools from the town : a good riddance for my part, I say of her; should she stay where she dwells, and retain this mind, who could live quietly by her ? for she will either be dumpish or unneighbourly, to talk of such matters as no wise body can abide : wherefore, for my part, I shall never be sorry for her departure ; let her go, and let better come in her room : it was never a good world since these whimsical fools dwelt in it."^" Then Mrs. Light-mind added as followeth : Come, put this kind of talk away. I was yesterday at madam Wan- ton's, (a) where we were as merry as the njaids. For who do you thing should be there, but 1 and Mrs. Love- * O how do such carnal wretches sport with their own damnation, while they despise the precious truths of God, and ridicule hi.« pcoi)le ; But as it was in the beginning, he who was born after the Oesh persecuted him wrjo was born after the Si)irit,so it will be, as long as the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent are upon the earth. (a) Part I. p. 144. 298 CHRISTIANA PERSUADES MERCV TO GO WITH HER. the-(lesli, and three or four more, witli Mrs. Lechery, 3Irs. Filth, and some others : so there we had music and dancing, and what else was meet to fill up the pleasure. And, I dare say, my lady herself is an admirable well- bred gentlewoman, and 3Ir. Lechery is as pretty a fellow. By this ti/ne Christiana was got on her way, and Mercy went along with her: so as tliey went, her chililren being there also, Christiana began to discourse. *' And, 3Ier- cy," said Christiana, " I take this as an unexpected fa- Tour, that thou shouldest set foot out of doors with me, to accompany me a little in my way." Then said young 3Iercy, (for she was but young,) If I thought it would be to purpose to go with you, I would never go near the town. Well, Mercy, said Christiana, cast in thy lot with me ; I well know what will be the end of our pilgrimage : my husband is where he would not but be for all the gold ia the Spanish mines. Nor shalt thou be rejected, though thou goest but upon mi/ invitation. The King, who hath sent for me and my children, is one that delighteth in mer- ci/. Besides, if thou wilt, I will hire thee, and thou shalt go along with me as my servant. Yet we will have all things in common betwixt thee and me : only go along ■with me.^ Mer. But how shall I be ascertained that I also shall be entertained ' Had I this hope from one that can tell, I would make no stick at all, but would go, being helped by him that can help, though the way was never so te- dious.t "* Such is the true spirit of all real pilgrims. They wish others to know Christ, and to become followers of him with themselves. O how happy are they when the Lord is pleased to draw the hearts of any of their fellow- sinners to himself. t Thou;^h Christiana clearly saw and knew her calliDg of God, yet Mercy did not ; therefore she is in doubt about it. Just so it is with many at their first setting out. Hence they are ready to say, that they could MERCY GRIEVES FOR HER CAKXAJ. RELATION'S. 209 Chr. Well loving Mercy, I will tell thee what thou sbalt do : go with me to the Wicket-gate, and there 1 will further inquire for thee ; and, if there thou shalt not meet with encouragement, I will be conte/it that thou shalt return to thy place ; I also will pay thee for thy kindness which thou showest to me and my children, in the accompanying of us on our way as thou dost. Mer. Then will I go thither, and will take what shall follow : and the Lord grant that my lot may there fall, even as the King of heaven shall have his heart upon me."^ Christiana was then glad at heart ; not only that she had a companion ; but also for that she had prevailed with this poor maid to fall in love with her own salvation. So they went on together, and Mercy began to weep. — Then said Christiana, '* Wherefore weepeth my sister so?" Alas! said she, who can but lament, that shall but rightly cousider what a state and condition my poor rela- tions are in, that yet remain in our sinful town ? and that which makes my grief the more is, because they have no instruction, nor any to tell them what is to come. f Chr. Bowels become pilgrims : and thou doest for thy friends, as my good Christian did for me when he left me ; »rven wish lo have had llie most violent convictions of sin, and to have been as it were, shook over the mouth of hell, that they mi^ht have had a 'greater certainty of their being called of God. But this is sfteaking unad- visedly. Better to take the apostle's advice ; " Give all diligence to make your calling sure." * Here is a blessed discovery of a heart divinely instructed. Mind., here is no looking to any thing Mercy was in herself, nor to any thing she could do for herself, but all is resolved into this, all is cast upon this, even the love of the heart of the King of heaven. Header, can you be content with this lot .'' Can you cast all, and rest all, upon the love of Christ < Then bless his loving name for giving you a pilgrinj's heart. t This is natunl ; when we know the worth of our souls and the value of Christ's salvation, and weep for oursinS; also to mouru and weep lor fixxv carnal relatives, lest they should bo eternally lost. 300 Christiana's remark. he mouroed for that I would not heed nor regard him ; but his Lord and ours did gather up his tears, and put then* into his boltle; and now both I and thou, and these my sweet babes, are reaping the fruit and benefit of them. — I hope, Mercy, that these tears of thine will not be lost; for the Truin hath said, that " they that sow in tears shall reap in joy" and singing. And " he that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.'' (a) Then said Mercy, " Let the most blessed be my guide, * If 't be his blessed will, Unto his gate, into his fold, Up to his holy hill : And let him never suffer me To swerve or turn aside From his free grace and holy ways, Whate^'er shall me betide. \nd let him gather them of mine, That I have left behind ; Lord, make them pray they may be thine, With all their heart and mind" (fl) Psal. cxxvi. 5, 6. THET PASS THE SLOUGH SAFELY. HOI CHAPTER II. CHRISTIANA, MERCY, AND THE CHILDREN, PASS THE SLOUGH WITH SAFETY, AND ARE KINDLY RECEIVED AT THE WICK ET-GATE. NOW, my old friend proceeded, and said, — Buf, when Christiana came to the Slough of Despond, (a) she began to be at a stand ; "For," said she, " this is the place in which my dear husband had like to have been smothered with mud." She perceived also, that, notwithstanding the command of the King to make this place for pilgrims good, yet it was rather worse than formerly. So I asked if that was true ? Yes, said the old gentleman, too true : for many there be, that pretend to be the King's labourers, and say they are for mending the King's highways, that bring dirt and dung instead of stones, and so mar, instead of mend- ing."^ Here Christiana therefore, and her boys, did make a stand : but said Mercy, " Come, let us venture ; only let us be wary." Then they looked well to their steps, and and made a shift to get staggering over. Yet Christiana had like to have been in, and that not once or tAvice. Now they had no sooner got over, but they thought they heard words that said unto them, " Blessed is she that believeth, for there shall be a performance of what has been told her from the Lord." (6) "* But instead of being what they profess, the King's labourers, Paul calls them gospel-perverteis, and soul-troublers, Gal. v. 10. For instead of preaching a free and full salvyfion, graciously bestowed upon poor sin- ners, who can do nothing to entitle themselves to it, or to gain an interest in it ; behold, the.se wretched daubers set forth salvation to sale upon cer- tain terras and conditions, which sinners are to pt rform and fulfil. Thus they distress the upright and s'ncere, and deceive the self-righteous and wary into pride and delusion. Thus they mar, instead of mend the way ;. and bring dirt and dung, insU^d of stones, lo make the way sound and safe for pilgrims. Beware of the sophistry of such preachers. (a) Tart I. p. 67, 68. (/;) Lidie i. 4o. 302 AURIVE AT THE WlCKET-GATEo Then they went on again ; and said Mercy to Christi- ana, Had I as good ground to hope for a loving reception at the Wicket-gate, as joii, I think no Slough of Despond could discourage me. Well, said the other, you know your sore, and I know mine; and, good friend, we shall all have enough evil be- fore we come to our journey's end. For it cannot be imagined, that the people that design to attain such excel- lent glories as we do, and that are so envied that happi- ness as we are, but that we shall meet with what fears and snares, with what troubles and afflictions, they can possi- bly assault us with that hate us. And now Mr. Sagacity left me to dream out my dream bv myself. Wherefore, methought I saw Christiana, and Mercy, and the boys, go all of them up to the gate : to which when they came they betook themselves to a short debate, about how they must manage their calling at the gate : and what should be said unto him that did open unto them : so it was concluded, since Christiana was the eldest, that she should knock for entrance, and, that she should speak to him that did open for the rest. So Christiana began to knock, and, as her poor husband did, she knocked and knocked again. («) But instead of of any that answered, they all thought that they heard as if a dog came barking upon them ; a dog, and a great one too ; and this made the women and children afraid. Nor durst they for a while to knock any more, for fear the mastiff should fly upon them. Now therefore they were greatly tumbled up and down in their minds, and knew not what to do : knock they durst not, for fear of the dog ; go back they durst not, for fear the keeper of that gate should espy them as they so went, and be of- (a) Part I. p. 80, SI. MERCY LEFT WITHOUT, WHILE THE OTHERS ENTER. 303 fended with them : at last they thought of knocking again, and knocking more vehemently than they did at first. Then said the keeper of the gate, " Who is there?" So the dog left off to bark, and he opened unto thern.-^ Then Christiana made a low obeisance, and said. Let not our Lord be offended with his hand-maidens, for that we have knocked at his princely gate." Then said the keeper, " Whence come ye ? And what is it that you would have ?" Christiana answered. We are come from whence Chris- tian did come, and upon the same errand as he, to wit, to be, if it shall please you, graciously admitted, by this gate, into the way that leads unto the Celestial city. And I answer, my Lord, in the next place, that 1 am Chris- tiana, once the wife of Christian, that now is gotten above. With that the keeper of the gate did marvel, saying, "What, is she now become a pilgrim, that Ijut a while ago abhorred that life ?" Then she bowed her bead, and said, " Yea; and so are these my sweet babes also." Then he took her by the hand, and let her in, and said also, "Suffer the little children to come unto me; and with that he shut up the gate. This done, he called (o a trumpeter that was above, over the gate, to entertain Christiana with shouting, and sound of trumpet, for joy. So he obeyed, and sounded, and filled the air with his melodious notes. Now all this while poor Mercy did stand without, tremb- ling and crying for fear that she was rejected. But when * No sooner does a poor sinner open his lips in prayer to Jesus, but the devil will bark and roar at him, and by all means (ry (o terrify and dis- courage him. Do you lind this ? What is your remedy ? Resist (h^ (iuvil, and he will fly from you, James iv. 7. Draw nigh to God, and lie will d.aw nigh to you, James iv. 8 O ever remember our Lord's word; men should pray always and not taint. Luke xviii. i. 304 MERCY FALLS DOWN IN A SWOON. Christiana had gotten admittance for herself and her boys, then she began to make intercession for Mercy. And she said, My Lord, I have a companion of mine that stands yet without, that is come hither upon the same account as myself: one that is much dejected in her mind, for that she comes, as she thinks, without sending for ; whereas I was sent to by my husband's King to come. Now Mercy began to be very impatient, and each min- ute was as long to her as an hour ; wherefore she prevent- ed Christiana from a fuller interceding for her, by knock- ing at the gate herself. And she knocked then so loud, that she made Christiana to start. Then said the keeper of the gate, " Who is there? And Christiana said, " It is my friend." So he opened the gate and looked out, but Mercy was fallen down without in a swoon ; for she fainted, and was afraid that no gate would be opened to her. Then he took her by the hand, and said, "Damsel I bid thee arise." " O sir," said she, " I am faint ; there is scarce life left in me." But he answered, that one said, " When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came unto thee, into thy holy temple." (a) Fear not, but stand upon thy feet, and tell me wherefore thou art come. Mer. I am come for that unto which I was never invited, as my friend Christiana was. Hers was from the King, and mine was but from her. Wherefore I presume.^ * Mercy's case is not singular Many have set out just as she did, and have been discouraged by the same reason as she was. She, as many have been, was encouraged to set out in the ways of the Lord, by her (a) Jonah ii. 7. GOOD-WILL LEADS MERCY IN. 305 Good WILL. Did she desire thee to come with her to this place? Mer. Yes; and, as my Lord sees, I am come; and if there is any grace and forgiveness of sins to spare, I beseech that thy poor handmaid may be partaker thereof. Then he took her again by the hand, and led her gent- ly in, and said, " I pray for all them that believe on me, by what means soever they come unto me." Then said he to those that stood by, " Fetch something, and give it Mercy to smell on, thereby to stay her faintings." So they fetched her a bundle of myrrh. A while after she was revived. And now was Christiana, and her boys, and Mercy, received of the Lord at the head of the way, and spoke kindly unto by him. Then said they yet further unto him, " We are sorry for our sins, and beg of our Lord his pardon, and further information what we must do.'* I grant pardon, said he, by word and deed ; by word, in the promise of forgiveness ; by deed, in the way I ob- tained it. Take the first from my lips with a kiss, and the other as it shall be revealed, (a) Now I saw in my dream, that he spake many good words unto them, whereby they were greatly gladdened. He also had them up to the top of the gate, and showed them by what deed they were saved ; and told them with- neighbour and friend . Hence she thought there was no cause to conclude that she was called by Ura real and sincere pilgrim. IVtERCv's ACCOUNT OF HERSELF. 327 to be gone from our town, I and another went accidental- }y to see her. So we knocked at the door, and went in. When we were within, and seeing what she was doing, we asked her what she meant? She said, she was sent for to go to her husband ; and then she up and told us how she had seen him in a dream, dwelling in a curious place, among immortals, wearing a crown, playing upon a harp, eating and drinking at his Prince's table, and singing prais- es to him for the bringing him thither. Sec. Now me- thought while she was telling these things unto us, my heart burned within me. And I said in my heart. If this be true, I will leave my father and my mother, and the land of my nativity, and will, if I may, go along with Christiana. So I asked her further of the truth of these things, and if she would let me go with her ; for I saw now, that there was no dwelling, but with the danger of ruin, any longer in our town. But yet I came away with a heavy heart ; not for that I was unwilling to come away, but for that so many of my relations were left behind. And I am come with all my heart, and will, if I may, go with Chris- tiana to her husband, and his King. Inter. Thy setting out is good, for thou hast given credit to the truth ;* thou art a Ruth, who (!id, for the * Thou hast given credit to the truth. What is this but faith ; the faitii of the operation of God ? But some may ask, what is justifyins:, saving faith ; nothing more than a belief of the truth? If so, the very devils be- lieve : yea, more, they tremble also. True : but mind how Mercy'? faith wrougiit by her works. True, she did not tremble, like a devil, without liope, but she fled for refuse to the hope set before her in the gospel. She fled from sin, from the city of destruction, to Christ for salvation. Though she had not ihe joy of faith, yet she followed on to know tlie Lord, walk- ing in his ways, and hoping for comfort from the Lord in his due time. O how are many poor pilgrims' hearts dejected and distressed about the faith of the gospel, by the strange, perplexing, unscriptural definitions whicli have been Kiven of it ! whereas faith is the most simple thing in the world, it is the belief of the truth as it is in Jesus ; that we are lost sinners in ourselves, and that there is salvation focus in him. A'here this is believ- S s 328 SHE IS ENCOURAGED BY THE INTERPRETER. love she bare to Naomi, and to the Lord her God, leave father and mother, and the land of her nativity, to come out and go with a people that she knew not before. "The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."(a) Now supper was ended, and preparation was made for bed ; the women were laid singly alone, and the boys by themselves. Now when Mercy was in bed, she could not sleep for joy, for that now her doubts of missing at last were removed farther from her than ever they were before. So she lay blessing and praising God, who had such favour for her.^ cd in the heart, it causes a sinner to become a pilgrim ; believing the ex- ceeding sinfulness of sin, the perfect purity of God's law, his own ruined state, the preclousness of Christ, the glory of his salvation, th^- necessity of holiness, and the hope of glory ; this faith will influence the conduct, bring love into the heart, and cause the soul to persevere, looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. 0 Reader,, if thou hast a grain of this precious faith in thy heart, bless Jesus for it, and go on thy way rejoicing. * Here now is the comfort of faith. As by constant exercise of our faith, it grows strong, so it expels our doubts, enlivens our hearts, and sets our souls a blessing and praising our Fmmanuel. This prayer, " Lord in- crease our faith !" is ever needful for God's glory, and our soul's comfort (a) Ruthii. 11, 12. ' THE PILGRIMS PREPARE TO DEPART. 329 CHAPTER IV. THE PILGRIMS CONDUCTED BY GREAT-HEART, PROCEED OiN THEIR JOURNEiT. IN the morning they arose with the sun, and prepared themselves for their departure ; but the Interpreter would have them tarry awhile ; "for," said he, "you must or- derly go from hence." Then said he to the damsel that first opened unto them, " Take them and have them into the garden to the bath, and there wash them and make them clean from the soil, which they have gathered by travelling." Then Innocent the damsel took them, and led them into the garden, and brought them to the bath; so she told them, that there they must wash and be clean, for so her Master would have the women to do, that cal- led at his house as they were going on pilgrimage. Then they went in and washed, yea, they and the boys and all ; and they came out of that bath not only sweet and clean, but also much enlivened and strengthened in their joints. So when they came in, they l6oked fairer a deal than when they went out to the washing.* When they were returned out of the garden from the bath, the Interpreter took them, and looked upon them, and said unto them, " Fair as the moon. Then he cal- led for the seal, wherewith they used to be sealed that * There are no pilgrims but daily need to have recourse to this bath. What may we understand by it ? The blood of Jesus, which cleanses us from all sin. 1 John i. 7 Christ is the fountain opened for sin. and for nncleanness. Zech. xiii. 1. Christ is the soul's only bath. The Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, leads us to the blood of the Lamb. The Spirit bears witness to this blood, and purifies and comforts by the application of this blood only. 330 THE SEAL AND WHITE RAIMENT. were washed in his bath. So the seal was brought, and he set his mark upon them, that they might be known in the places whither they were yet to go. Now the seal was the contents and sum of the passover which the chil- dren of Israel did eat when they came out of the land of Egypt ;(a) and the mark was set between their eyes. This seal greatly added to their beauty, for it was an or- nament to their faces. It also added to their gravity, and made their countenances more like those of angels. '^' Then said the Interpreter again to the damsel that waited upon the woman, " Go into the vestry, and fetch out garments for these people." So she went and fetch- ed out white raiment, and laid it down before him r so he commanded them to put it on :f it was "fine linen, white and clean." When the women were thus adorned, they seemed to be a terror one to the other ; for that they could not see that glory each one in herself, which they could see in each other. Now therefore they began to esteem each other better than themselves. "For you are fairer than I am," said one ; and, « You are more comely than I am," said another. The children also stood amazed, to see into what fashion they were brought. The Interpreter then called for a man-servant of his. * This means the sealing of the Spirit Eph. iv. 30. 0 this is blessed sealing ! None know the comfort and joy of it, but those who have expe- rienced it. It confirms our faith, establishes our hope, and inflames our aifections to God the Father for his love, to God the Son, for his gracious atonement and righteousness, and to God the Spirit for his enlightening mercy, regenerating grace, quickening, sanctifying, testifying, and assu- ring influences, whereby we know that we are the children of God, for " the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God." Rom. viii. 16. Therefore grieve not the Holy Spirit. t Mind, they are commanded to put it on. Though God imparts the righteousness of his beloved Son to sinners, yet it is received and put on by faith. Hence it is called the righteousness of God. 2 Cor. v. 21 ; and the righteousness of faith. Rom. x. 6. (a) Exod. xiii. 8—10. GREAT-HEART GUIDES THE PILGRIMS. 331 one Great-heart,^ and bid him take a sword, and helmet, and shield; "and take these my daughters," said he, «« conduct them to the house called Beautiful, at which place they will rest next." So he took his weapons, and went before them ; and the Interpreter said, " God speed." Those also that belonged to the family sent them away with many a good wish. So they went on their w ay and sang — "This place has been our second stage, Here we have heard and seen Those good things, that from age to age To others hid have been. ' The dunghill raker, spider, hen, The chicken too, to me Hath taught a lesson ; let me then I Comformed to it be. The butcher, garden, and the field, • The robin and his bait, Also the rotten tree doth yield Me argument of weight ; To move me for to watch and pray, To strive to be sincere : To take my cross up day by day, And serve the Lord with fear." Now I saw in my dream, that those went on, and Great-heart before them ; so they went and came to the place where Christian's burden fell off his back, and tumbled into a sepulchre. («) Here then they made a * Great-heart, may represent the slated pastoral care of a vigilant Min- ister, who is strong in the faith, and courageous in the cause of God. How thankful should we be for a pure ministry, and carefully improve all the blessings consequent thereupon. (a) Part I. p. 98. 332 THE EFFICACY OP CHRISt's RIGHTEOUSNESS. pause. Here also they blessed God. Noav, said Christi- ana, it comes to my mind what was said to us at that gate, to wit, that we should have pardon by word and deed; byword, that is, by the promise; by deed, to wit, in the way it was obtained. What the promise is, of that I know something: but what it is to have pardon by deed, or in the way that it was obtained, Mr. Great- heart, I suppose you know, which, if you please, let us hear your discourse thereof. Gr.-h. Pardon by the deed done, is pardon obtained by some one, for another that hath need thereof : not by the person pardoned, but in *' the wdy,*^ saith another, " in which I have obtained it." — So then (to speak to the question more at large,) the pardon that you, and Mercy, and these boys, have attained by another ; to wit, by him that let you in at that gate : and he hath obtained it in this double way : he hath performed righteousness to to cover you, and spilt blood to wash you in.^ Chr. But if he parts with his rig! teousness to us, what w^ill he have for himself? Gr.-h. He has more righteousness than you have need of, or than he needeth himself. Chr. Pray make that appear. Gr.-h. With all my heart : but first I must premise, that he, of whom we are now about to speak, is one that has not his fellow. He has two natures in one person, plain to be distinguished, impossible to be divided. Un- to each of these natures a righteousness belongeth, and each ri;ihteousness is essential to that nature. So that one may as easily cause the natures to be extinct, as to sepa- * This, this is tiie comfort, joy, and glorying of a pilg.im's heart. Hath Jesus performed righteousness to cover us, and spilt blood to wash us i Have we faith in him ? O how ought we to love him, glory of him, rejoice fn him, and study to glorify him in every step of our pilgrimage ' Christ's righteousness. 333 l-ate its justice or righteousness from it. Of these right- eousnesses, therefore, we are not made partakers, so that they, or any of them, should be put upon us, that we might be made just, and live thereby. Besides these, there is a righteousness which this Person has, as these two natures are joined in one. And this is not the right- eousness of the Godhead, as distinguished from the man- hood ; nor the righteousness of the manhood, as distin- guished from the Godhead ; but a righteousness which standeth in the union of both natures, and may properly be called the righteousness that is essential to his being prepared of God to the capacity of the mediatory office, which he was entrusted with. If he parts with his first righteousness, he parts with his Godhead : if he parts with his second righteousness, he parts with the purity of his manhood ; if he parts with his third, he parts with that perfection which capacitates him to the office of mediation. He has therefore another righteousness, which standeth in performance, or obedience to a revealed will : and that is what he puts upon sinners, and that by which their sins are covered. Wherefore he saith, " as by one man's disobedience, many were made sinners ; so by the obe- dience of one, shall many be made righteous. "*(a) Chr. But are the other righteousnesses of no use to us? Gr.-h. Yes : for though they are essential to his na- tures and office, and cannot be communicated unto an- * Here Mr. Bunyan gives a very clear and distinct account of that right- eousness of Christ, as mediator, which ho wroujrht out by his perfect obe- dience to the law of God, for, and in behalf of all believers : and which righteousness is imparted to them by God the Father, through faith, and in this righteousness, believers in Christ are made perfectly righteous be- fore God. Of this rigl.leou.sness, therefore, they glory, and their soul? make their boast of it, saying, In the Lord Jehovah Jesus, have I right- eousness. Isa. xlv. 24. (a) Rom. V 10, 334 FURTHER EXPLAINED. other, yet it is by virtue of them that the righteousness* that justifies is tor that purpose efficacious. The right- eousness of his Godhead gives virtue to his obedience ; the righteousness of his manhood giveth capability to his obedience to justify ; and the righteousness that standetb. in the union of these two natures to his office, giveth au- thority to that righteousness to do the work for which it was ordained So then here is a righteousness that Christ, as God, has no need of; for he is God without it ; here is a right- eousness that Christ, as man, has no need of to make him so, for he is perfect man without it: again, here is a righteousness that Christ, as God-man, has no need of, for he is perfectly so without it. Here then is a righteous- ness that Christ, as God, and as God-man, has no need of, with reference to himself, and therefore he can spare it; a justifying righteousness, that he for himself wanteth not, and therefore giveth it away. Hence it is called " the gift of righteousness. "(a) This righteousness, since Christ Jesus the Lord has made himself under the law, must be given away ; for the law doth not only bind him that is under it, to do justly, but to use charity. Wherefore he must, or ought by the. law, if he hath two coats, to give one to him that hath none. Now our Lord indeed hath two coats, one for himself, and one to spare : where- fore he freely bestows one upon those that have none* And thus, Christiana and Mercy, and the rest of you that are here, doth your pardon come by deed, or by the work of another man! Your Lord Christ is he that work- ed, and hath given away what he wrought for, to the next poor beggar he meets. But again, in order to pardon by deed, there must (a) Rom. V. 17. THE BLESSED EFFECTS OF LOOKING AT THE CROSS. 335 something be paid to God as a price, as well as some- thii)g prepared to cover us withal. Sin has delivered us up to the just course of a righteous law: now from this course we must be justitied by way of redemption, a price being paid for the harms we have done ; and this is by the blood of your Lord, who came and stood in your place and stead, and died your death for your fiansgres- sions. Thus has he ransomed you from your transgres- sions by blood, and covered your polluted and deformed souls with righteousness ; {a) for the sake of which, God passeth by you, and will not hurt you, when he comes to judge the world.* Chr. This is brave: now I see that there was some- thing to be learned by our being pardoned by tvoi'd and deed. Good Mercy, let us labour to keep this in miiul ; and my children, do you remember it also. — But, Sir, was not this it that made my good Christian's burden fall from off his shoulder, and that made him give three leaps for joy ? Gr.-h. Yes, it was the belief of this that cut off those strings that could not be cut by other means ; and it was 1o give him a proof of the virtue of this, that he was suf- fered to carry his burden to the cross. Chr. I thought so; for though my heart was liglitful and joyous before, yet it is ten times more lightsome and Joyous now. And I am persuaded by wliat I have felt (though I have felt but little as yd,) that if the most bur- dened man in the world was iiere, and did see and believe * Thus we sef what God hath joined together, (he life and doalh, the atonement and rialiteonsness othib Leloved Son, for the solvation of oup souls. Both enter into the essence of the faith of liie yospel. Lot ns (»« ware never to sepwrato tliem in our view.-;. We want both his blood to atone for our ?ins,. and his righteousness to be imparted to our souls. (f|^ Rom. \ iii S4. Gal. iii. 1'^. T t 336 THE BLESSED EFFECTS OF LOOKING AT THE CROSS. as I now do, it would make his heart the more merry and blithe. Gr.-h. There is not only one comfort, and the ease of a burden brought to us, by the sight and consideration of these, but an endeared afieclion begot in us by it; for who can (if he does but once think that pardon comes not only by promise, but thus,) but be affected with the way and means of redemption, and so with the man that hath wrouglit it for him. ?^ CiiR. True: meihinks it makes my heart bleed to think, that he should bleed for me. Oh ! thou loving One ! Oh ! thou blessed One ! Thou deservest to have me ; Ihou hast bought me ; thou deservest to have me all ; thou hast paid for me ten thousand times more than 1 am worth ! — No marvel that this luade the water stand in my husband's eye?, and that it made him trudge so nimbly on ; I am persuaded he wished me with him ; but, vile wretch that I was! I let hi^n come all alone. O Mercy that thy father and mother were here ; yea, and Mrs. Timorous also; nay, I wi h now with all my heart, that here was madam Wanton too, Surely, surely, their hearts would be affected ; nor could the fear of the one, nor the powerful lusts of the other, prevail with them to go home agaiii, and refuse to become good pilgrimsf . * Come hither, ye sons of the sorceress, who make sport of holy rap- tures and heavenly ecstacy, begotten in the sou! hy the knowledge of re- dem|)tion in the blood of Christ, the forgiveness of our sins. Laugh on till ye bowl in destruction, for despising salvation by the blood of the Lamb. t O brave Christians ! See what it is to have one's heart inflamed with a sense of the love uf Christ Here observe two things : lr,t, That when the affections are (hns powerfully carried out, it is no uncommon thing to believe, that all may thus come to a saving knowledge of the truth ! 2ndly, Beware of ihinkinjdi'slightly of having the affectious thus divinely inflamed. Many poor, dry, formal professors are content with the cold light of the moon, without'the genial war".th of the sun ; with clear notions of truth in their heads, without their hearts being warmed, and their affections carried out by iht- wow \vl)oni she was ''ndebted for them, and give all the glory to the (jidd of all giaee. 338 SIMPLE, SLOTHj AND PRESUMPTION. that they should do well at last. Thej were asleep when Christian went by ; and now you go by they are hanged. ^^ Mrr. But could they persuade any one to be of their opinion? Gr.-h. Yes, they turned several out of the way. There was Slow-pace, they persuaded to do as they. They also prevailed with one Short-wind, with one No heart, willi one ljinger-af(er-hist, and with one Sleepy- head, and wilh a young woman, her name was Dull, to turn out of the way and become as they. Besides, they brought up an ill report of your Lord, persuading others that he was a hard task-master. They also brought up an evil report of (he good land, saying it was not half so good as some preJended it was. They also began to vil- ify his servants, and to count the best of them meddle- some, troublesome busy-bodies: further, they would call the bread of God, husks j the comforts of his children, fancies; the travail and labour of pilgrims, things to no purpose. f Nay, said Christiana, if they were such, they should never be bewailed by me: they have but what they de- serve ; and I think it well that they stand so near the highway, that others may see and take warning. But had * God, as it were, gibbets some professors ; and causes theirnames and characters to be [)ublicly exhibited, as a terror to others. i Let us consider the characters of these three professors: 1st. Here is Simple, \vho, as Solomon says, believeth every word. Prov. xiv. 15; a foolish credulous professor, who is easily led away and beguiled by smooth words and fair pretences of others ; ever learning, but never coming to the knowledge of the truth, so as to believe if, love it, and be established on it: hence liable to be carried away by every wind of doctrine. 2d, Slolh, a(juiet,easy professor, who never disturbs any one by his diligence in the word of God, nor his zeal for the truths and glory of God. Hence all men speak well of him ; but Christ denounces a woe against all such, Luke vi G. 3dly, Presui)^plio7i, one who presumes to tind favor with God, in a way which his word does not promise, or expects salvation at the end, without the means prescribed by God for attaining it. O beware of these three sorts of profissors, for they turn many aside. Real Christians are in danger of being seduced by them, if not of total destruction through their means. THEIR CRIMES ENGRAVEN ON A PILLAR. 330 it not been well if their crimes had been engraven on some pillar of iron or brass, and left here where they did their mischiefs, for a caution to other bad men? Gr.-h. So it is, as you. may well perceive if you will go a little to the wall. Mer. No, no; let them hang, and their names rot, and their crimes live for ever against them : 1 Ihiiik it is a high-favour that they are hanged before we came hith- er; who knows else what they might have done to such poor women as we are? — Then she turned it into a song, saying— '' Now then you three hang there, and be a sign To all that shall against the truth combine. And let him that comes after fear this end, ■ If unto pilgrims he is not a friend. And thou my soul, of all such men beware, That unto holiness opposcrs are.*' ; 340 TUE SPRING AT THE HILL DIFFICDLTT- CHAPTER V. THE PILGRIMS ASCEND THE HILL DIFFICULTY, PASS THE LIOiNS, A.ND ARRIVE AT THE HOUSE BEAUTIFUL. THUS they went on till thej came to the foot of the Iiill Difficulty, where again their good friend Mr. Great- heart took an occasion to tell them what happened there wlien Christian himself went bj.(rt) So he had them first to the spring : Lo, saith he, this is the spring that Chris- tian drank of before he went up this hill ; and then it was clear and good, but now it is dirty with the feet of some that are not desirous that pilgrims here should quench their thirst. (/>) Thereat Mercy said, And why so envi- ous, trow ? But said the guide. It will do, if taken up, and put into a vessel that is sweet and good ; for then the dirt will sink to the bottom, and the water come out by itself more clear. Thus therefore Christiana and her companions were compelled to do. They took it up, and put it into an earthen pot, and so let it stand till the dirt had gone to the bottom, and then they drank thereof. "^^ Next he showed them the two by-ways that were at the foot of the hill, where Formality and Hypocrisy lost themselves. And, said he, these are dangerous paths: two were here cast away when Christiana came by. And although you see these two ways are since stopped up * This represents to us, that some preachers, as the prophet says, foul the water with their feet. Ezek. xxxiv. 18 ; that is, though they preach somewhat aliout Christ, and salvation by him, yet they so clog, mire, and pollute the stream uf free grace, with pre-requisites, that a poor, thirsty soul cannot drink the water, nor allay his thirst with it ; but is forced ic let it stand, till these gross dregs sink to the bottom. (a) Part I. p. 103—101). (b) Ezek xxxiv. 18. THE REASONS WHY IM£N CHOOBE BV-WAYS. ^41 with chains, posts, and a dilch, yet they are they which will choose to advenliue here, rather than lake the pains to go up this hill. Chii. "The way of transgressors is hard:"'a) it is a wonder that they can get into those ways without dan- ger of breaking their necks. Gr.-h. They will venture ; yea, if at any time any of the King's servants do happen to see them, and doth call upon them, and tell them, that they are in the wrong ways, and do bid them beware of the danger, then they railing- ]y return them answer, and say, " As for the word that: thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the King, we will not hearken unto thee ; but we will certainly do whatso- ever thing goeth out of our mouths. "(ft) Nay, if you look a little further, you shall see that these ways are made cautionary enough, not only by these posts, and ditch, and chain, but also by being hedged up ; yet they will choose to go there. ^ Chr. They are idle ; they love not to take pains ; up- hill way is unpleasant to them. So it is fulfilled unto them as it is written, — " The way of the slothful man is an hedge of thorns. "(c) Yea, they will rather choose to walk upon a snare, than to go up this hill and the rest of this way to the city. Then they set forward, and began to go up the hill, and up the hill they went ; but before they got up to the top, Christiana began to pant, and said, I dare say this is a breathing hill ; no marvel if they that love their ease more than their souls, choose to themselves a smoother * Examine, which Ho you like best, self-soothing or soul-searching; doc- trine ? Formalists and hypoerites love the former; and hate (he latter. — But the sincere and upright are discovered hy (Je?it:nf; to have their hearts searched to the (|uick,and their ways tried to the uttermost. (a> Prov. ^iii. 15. (b) Jer ^^lv. 16.. IT. (c) Prov. xr. 19. 342 CUEATHEART ENCOURAGES THE BOYSc way. Then said Mercy, I must sit down ; also the least of the children began to cry : Come, come, said Great-heart, sit not down here, for a little above is the Prince's ar- bour. Then he took the little boy by the hand, and led him therelo.^^' When they were come to the arbour, ihey were very willing to sit down, for they were all in a pelting hejit. — Then said Mercy, How sweet is rest to them that la- bour !(a) And how good is the Prince of pilgrims, to provide such resting places for them ! Of this arbour I have heard much ; but I never saw it before. But here let us beware of sleeping: for, as I have heard, for that it cost poor Christian dear. Then said Mr. Great-heart to the little ones, Come, my pretty boys, how do you do ? What think you now of going on pilgrimage ? Sir, said the least, I was almost beat out of heart : but I thank you for lending me a hand at my need. And J remember now what my mother hath told me, namely, that the way to heaven is as a ladder, and the way to hell is as down a hill. But I had rather go up the ladder to life, than down the hill to death. Then said Mercy, But the proverb is To go down the hill is easy : but James said (for that was his name,) The day is coming, when, in my opinion, going down the hill will be the hardest of all. 'Tis a good boy, said his mas- ter ; thou hast given her a right answer. Then Mercy smiled, but the httle boy did blush. f * He who is a stranger to self-denial, knows not nhat this hill Difficul- ty means : for the nearer to the arbour of Jcsus's rest, the more difficulties in the way ; but the sweeter it i? when attained. t This is right ; when we are praised, to have a conscious blush, well knowing how riiuch we have to be ashamed of. O cry to the Lord con- tinually against spiritual pride, and for an humble heart, knowing thyself to be a poor sinner. (a) Matt. xi. 28. BEING REFRESHED, THEY SET FORWARD. 343 Come, said Christiana, will you eat a bi(, to sweeten your mouths, while you sit here to rest your legs ? For I have here a piece of pomegranate, which Mr. Interpre- ter put into my hand just when I came out of his doors; he gave me also a piece of an honey-comb, and a little bottle of spirits. "I thought he gave you something," said Mercy, " because he called you aside." "Yes, so he did," said the other. "But," said Christiana, "it shall be still as I said it should, when at first we came from home; thou shalt be a sharer in all the good that I have, because thou so willingly didst become my compa- nion." Then she gave to them, and they did eat, both Mercy and the boys. And said Christiana to Mr. Great- heart, " Sir, will you do as we ?" But he answered, "You are going on pilgrimage, and presently I shall re- turn ; much good may what yoa have do to you. At home I eat the same every day." Now when they had eaten and drank, and had chatted a little longer, their guide said to them, " The day wears away ; if you think good, let us prepare to be going." So they got up to go, and the little boys went before: but Christiana forgot fo take her bottle of spirits with her ; so she sent her lidle boy back to fetch it. Then said Mercy, " 1 think this is a losing place. Here Christian lost his roll ; and here Christiana left her bottle behind her; Sir, what is the cause of this ?" So their guide made answer, and said, " The cause is sleep or forgelfulness : some sleep when they should keep awake; and some forget when they should remember; and this is the very cause, why often at the resting-places some pilgrims in some Ihings come off losers. Pilgrims should walch and remember what they have already received under their greatest enjoy- ments ; but for want of doing so, oftentimes their rejoic- r u 344 THEir COME IN SIGHT OF THE LIONS. ing ends in tears, and their sun-shine in a cloud : witness the story of Christian at this place. "=^ When they were come to the place where Mistrust and Timorous met Christian to persuade him to go back for fear of the lions, they perceived as it were a stage, and before it, towards the road, a broad plate, with a copy of verses written thereon, and underneath, the reason of raising up of that stage in that place rendered. The ver- ses were — "Let him that sees that stage take heed, Upon his heart and tongue : Lest if he do not, here he speed As some have long agone." The words underneath the verses were, " This stage was built to punish some upon, who, through timorous- ness or mistrust, shall be afraid to go further on pilgrim- age : also on this stage both Mistrust and Timorous were burnt through the tongue with a hot iron, for endeavour- ing to hinder Christian on his journey, f Then said Mercy, This is much like to the saying of the Beloved, " What shall be given unto thee ; or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue ? sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of the juniper."(a) So they went on till they came within sight of the li- ons. (&) Now Mr. Great heart was a strong man, so he was not afraid of a lion : but yet when they were come * Reader, mind this well ; remember it often ; and it will do thee good. t Christians, take heed to your tongues. O beware, beware, lest in any wise, you make a false report of the good land, through fear or mistrust i The Lord notes what you boldly speak for his ways, and to his glory ; and he marks your words which in any wise have a contrary tendency. The tongue is an unruly evil. (a) Psal. cxx. 3, 4. (b) Part I. p. 110. THE LIONS BACKED BY GIANT flRlM. 345^ tip to the place where the lions were, the boys that went before were glad to cringe behind, for they were afraid of the lions ; so they stept back and went behind. At this their guide smiled, and said, "How now, my boys; do you love to go before when no danger doth approach, and love to come behind so soon as the lions appear?" Now as they went on, Mr. Great-heart drew his sword, with intent to make a way for the pilgrims in spite of the lions. Then there appeared one, that it seems had taken upon him to back the lions ; and he said to the pilgrims' guide, " What is the cause of your coming hither ?" Now the name of that man was Grim, or Bloody-man, because of his slaying of pilgrims ; and he was of the race of the giants.^ Then said the pilgrims' guide. These women and chil- dren are going on pilgrimage ; and this is the way they must go, and go it they shall, in spite of thee and the lions. Grim. This is not their way, neither shall they go therein. I am come forth to withstand them, and to that end will back the lions. Now, to say the truth, by reason of the fierceness of the lions, and of the grim carriage of him that did back them, this way had of late lain much unoccupied, and was almost all grown over with grass. Then said Christiana, Though the high ways have been unoccupied heretofore, and though the travellers have been made in times past to walk through by-paths, it =* Who is this giant Grim, who backs the lions, and terrifies the hearts of pilgrims witli a sense of danger in the right way to tlie kingdom ? It is »v evil heart of unbelief This Great-heart will fight with, and conquer. O how does unbelief multiply dangers, and magnify diflicnitics ; c;ail up fear, and deject our hearts ! Unbelief makes every danger uear agrim^ and terrible aspect. The only weapon to slay this enemy is the sword of Ibe Spirit, which Is the word of God. Eph. vi. 17. ^ 346 GREAT-HEART SLAYS GRIM. must not be so now I am risen ; " Now I am risen a moth- er in Israel. "(fl) Then he swore by the lions, but it should: and there- fore bid them turn aside, for they should not have pas- sage there. But their guide made first his approach unts> Grim, and laid so heavily on him with his sword, that he forced him to retreat. Then said he that attempted to back the lions, " Will you slay me u})on mine own ground." Gk.-h. It is the King's highway that we are in, and in this way it is that thou hast placed the lions; but these women and these children, though weak, shall hold on their way in spite of the lions. — And with that he gave him again a downright blow, and brought him upon his knees. With this blow he also broke his helmet, and with the next cut off an arm. Then did the giant roar so hideously, that his voice frighted the women ; and yet they were glad to see him lie sprawling upon the ground. Now the lions were chained, and so of themselves could do nothing.^ Wherefore, when old Grim that intended to back them, was dead. Great-heart said to the pilgrimSj " Come now, and follow me, and no hurt shall happen to you from the lions." They therefore went on, but the women trembled as they passed by them ; the boys also looked as if they would die, but they all got by without further hurt. Now, when they were within sight of the porter's lodge, they soon came up unto it; but they made the more haste * How often, after we have fought with the courage of faith, and the resolution of hope, and have overcome a grim enemy, have we seen the fiercest of our enemies chained by the power of God, so as not to have the least power to hurt us ? O pilgrim ! it is sweet to reflect, that every liou- like foe is under the control of thy God, and cannot come one link of their chain nearer to thee than thy Lord will permit. (a) Judges v. 6, 7. THE PILGRIMS COMMITTED TO WATCHFUL 34? after this to go thither, because it is dangerous travelling there in the night. So when they were come to the gate, the guide knocked, and the porter cried, " Who is there V But as soon as the guide had said, " It is I," he knew his voice, and came down (for the guide had oft be- fore that come thither as a conductor of pilgrims.) When he was come down, he opened the gate, and, seeing the guide standing just before it (for he saw not the women, for thej were behind him,) he said unio him. How now, Mr. Great-heart, what is your business here so late at night? " I have brought," said he, " some pilgrims hith- er, where, by my Lord's commandment, they must lodge : I had been here some time ago, had I not been opposed by the giant that used to back the lions. But 1, afler a long and tedious combat with him, have cut him off, and have brought the pilgrims hither in safety."^ PoR. ' Will not you go in, and slay till morning ? Gr.-h. No. 1 will return to my Lord to-night. Chr. Oh, Sir, 1 know not how to be willing you should leave us in our pilgrimage : you have been so faithful and so loving to us, you have fought so stoutly for us, you have been so hearty in counselling of us, that 1 shall never forget your favour towards us. Then said Mercy, Oh that we might have thy compa- ny to our journey's end ! How can such poor women as we hold out in a way so full of troubles as this way is, without a friend or defender? Then said James, the youngest of the boys, Pray, Sir, * How mindful is our Lord of us! How gracious is he to us! What blessed provisions doth he make for us ! If pili^rims are atfaked by Giant Grim, and terrified Avith the sio;ht of lions, (hey may be sure, that it is only a prelude to some sweet enjoyment of the Lord's love, and that they are fiearto some sweet asylum, some sanctuary of rest, peace and comlort. 348 THKY ARE WELCOMED AND ENTERTAINED. be persuaded to go with lis, and help us, because we are so weak, and the way so dangerous as it is. Grt.-H. 1 am at my Lord's commandment: if he shall allot me to be jour guide quite through, I will willingly wait upon you. But here you failed at first ; for when he bid me come thus far with you, then you should have begged me of him to have gone quite through with you, and he would have granted your request. However, at present I must withdraw ; and so good Christiana, Mer- cy, and my brave children, adieu. Then the porter, Mr. Watchful, asked Christiana of her country, and of her kindred : and she said, " I came from the city of Destruction ; I am a widow woman, and my husband is dead ; his name was Christian, the pilgrim." "How!" said the porter, "was he your husband?" " Yes," said she, " and these his children ; and this" (pointing to Mercy,) " is one of my townswomen." Then the porter rang his bell, as at such time he is wont, and fhere came to the door one of the damsels, whose name was Humble-mind. And to her the porter said, " Go tell it within, that Christiana, the wife of Christian, and her chil- dren, are come hither on pilgrimage." She went in, therefore, and told it. But, oh, what noise for gladness was therein, when the damsel did but drop that out of her mouth ! So they came with haste to the porter, for Christiana stood still at the door. Then some of the most grave said unto her, " Come in, Christiana, come in, thou wife of that good man ; come in, thou blessed woman, come in, with all that are with thee." So she went in, and they follow- ed her that were her children and her companions. Now wiien they were gone in, they were had into a large room, and bid to sit down : so they sat down, and the chief of the house were called to see and welcome the iruests.— - CHRISTIANA AND MERCy's DISCOURSE. 349 ^''hen they came in, and, understanding who they were^ ^id sahite each other with a kiss, and said, " Welcome, ye vessels of the grace of God, welcome unto us who are your faithful friends."* Now, because it was somewhat late, and because the pilgrims were weary with their journey, and also made faint with the sight of i fight, and the terrible lions, they desired, as soon as might be, to prepare to go to rest. " Nay," said those of the family, " refresh yourselves with a morsel of meat:" for they had prepared for them a lamb, with the accustomed sauce thereto. t(«) For ihe porter had heard before of their coming, and had told it to them within. So when ihey had supped, and ended their prayer with a psalm, they desired they might go to rest. *' But let us," said Christiana, " if we may be so bold as to choose, be in that chamber that was my hus- band's when he was here." So they had them up thith- er, and they all lay in a room."(6) When they were at rest, Christiana and Mercy entered into discourse about things that were convenient. Chr. Little did I think once, when my husband went on pilgrimage, that I should ever have followed him. Mer. And you as little thought of lying in his bed, and in his chamber to rest, as you do now. J * Here is a blessed mark of being vessels of the grace of God, when we delight in the sight of, salute and welcome others in the way to Zion,and mutually have our hearts and affection? drawn out to each other in love. O how sweet is the fellowship of pilgrims below ! what must it be above '. Infinitely above conception. Lord, fire our souls with the thought of ever being with thee and each other in thy kingdom. t The Lamb is the food of pilgrims, and the end of their conversation. Beader, can you feed upon Clirist by failh ? Is the Lamb the nourishment of thy soul, and the portion of thy beart ? Canst thou say from sweet and blessed experience, his flesh is meat indeed, and his blood is drink indeed .-' Is it thy delight to think of him, hear of him, speak of him, abide in him; and live upon hiui ^ O bless him, and praise him ior his mercy. X Pray, mind the above sweet note, <' Christ's bosom is for all pilgrims." ft is there the weary find rest, and the burdened soul ease. O for more (rt) Exod. xii. 6 (h) John i. 29. 350 mehcy tells Christiana her dream. Chr. And much less did I ever think of seeing his face with comfort, and of worshipping the Lord the King with him ; and yet now I believe J shall ! Mek. Hark, don't joii hear a noise ? Chk. Yes, 'lis, as I believe, the noise of music, for joy that we are here. Mer. Wonderful! Music in the house, music in the heart, and music also in heaven, for joy that we are here !^' Thus they talked awhile, and then betook themselves to sleep. So in the morning when they were awaked, Christiana said lo Mercy, " what was the matter that you did laugh in your sleep to-night ? I suppose you was in a dream.'' Mer. So I was, and a sweet dream it was ; but are you sure I laughed ? Chr. Yes; you laughed heartily : but pr'ythee, Mer- cy, tell me thy dream. Mer. I was a dreaming that I sat all alone in a solitary place, and was bemoaning the hardness of my heart. — Now I had not sat there long, but methought many were gathered about me to see me, and to hear what it was that T said. So they hearkened, and I went on bemoan- ing the hardness of my heart. At this, some of them laughed at me, some called me fool, and some began to thrust me about. With that, methought I looked up, and saw one coming w^ith wings towards me. So he came directly lo me, and said, " Mercy, what aileth thee ?" Now w hen he had heard me make my complaint, he said, reclinini^s of soul upon the precious bosom of our dear Lord ! We can be truly happy no where else. * O what nreciou- harmony is this ! how joyful to be the subjects of it. and to join in it ! The free sovereign grace cf dod is the delight/ul theme ; and glory to God in the highest, the universal chorus. It is the wonder and joy of sinners on earth, and of angels in heaven. 351 ^'Peace be to tliee :" he also wiped mine eyes with his handkerchief, and clad me in silver and gold. He put a chain upon my neck, and ear-rings in mine ears, and a beautiful crown upon my head, (a) Then he look me by the hand, and said, " Mercy, come after me." So he went up, and I followed, till we came at a golden gate. Then he knocked : and, when they within had opened, the man went in, and I followed him up to a throne, upon which one sat, and he said to me, " Welcome, daugh- ter." The place looked bright and twin'viing, like the stars, or rather like the sun, and I thought that 1 saw your husband there. So 1 awoke from my dream. But did I laugh?* Chr. Laugh! ay, and well you might, to see yourself so well. For you must give me leave to tell you, that it was a good dream ; and that as you have begun to find the first part true, so you shall find the second at last. *' God speaks once, yea, twice, yet man perceiveth it not ; in a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumbering upon the bed.^\b) VVe need not, when a-bed, to lie awake to talk with God; he can visit us while we sleep, and cause us then to hear hi3 voice. Our heart oft-times wakes when we sleep ; and God can speak to that, either by words, by proverbs, by signs and similitudes, as well as if one was awake. f * Pray observe this dream : it is a most precious one indeed. VVe find it true in the broad day of sweet experience ; for then it is ue get the most blessed visits from our Lord, when we get by ourselves and bemoan the deadness of our poor hearts. True, we may be lauglied at, called fools, and despised by the profane and self-righteous, who do not feel t!)e hard- ness of their hearts, nor bemoan themselves for it ; yet (he loving, com- passionate, lender-hearted Saviour, is ever near to us, he feels for us, sym- pathizes with us, will manifest himself to us, and revive us with the sense of peace, the joy of hope, and the comforts of love. t O how blessed are they who are watching and waiting continually to hear the small still voice of the Spirit, speaking rest and peace to their (a) Ezek. xvi. S— 13. (b) Jub xuiiii. 14— IG. W w 352 PRUDENCE CATECHISES MfcR. Well, I am glad of my dream, for I hope, ere long, to see it fulfilled, to Ihe making of me laugh again. Chr. I think it is now high time to rise, and to know what we must do. MfcR. Pray, if they advise us to stay awhile, let U3 willingly accept of the piofter. I am the willinger to stay a while here, to grow belter acquainted with these maids; methinks Prudence, Piety, and Charity, have very come- ly and sober countenances. Chr. We shall see what they will do. — So when they were up and ready, they came down, and they asked one another of their rest, and if it was comfortable or not. Very good, said Mercy ; it was one of the best night's lodgings that ever I had in my life. Then said Prudence and Piety, if you will be persuad- ed to stay here av.hile, you shall have what the house will afford. Ay, and that with a very good will, said Charily.— So they consented, and staid there about a month oi' above, and became very profitable one to another. And, because Prudence would see how Christiana had brought up her children, she asked leave of her to catechise them ; so she gave her free consent. Then she began with the youngest, whose name was James. And she said, " Come, James, canst fhou tell me who made thee ?" Jam. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Ho- ly Ghost. Prud. Good boy. And canst thou tell who saved thee? Jam. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Ho- ly Ghost. souls by the blood of the Lamb ! 0 how condescending is our Lord, Ihu^ to visit us, and converse with us iu the way to his kingdom ! JAMES AND JOSEPH. 358 pRUD. Good hoy still. But how doth God the Father aave thee? Jam. By his grace. Pkud. How dolh God the Son save thee ? Jam. By his righteousness, and blood, and death, and Jife. Prud. And how doth God the Holy Ghost save thee? Jam. By his illumination, bj his renovation, and by his preservation. Then said Prudence to Christiana, you are to be com- mended for thus bringing up your children. I suppose I need not ask the rest these questions, since the youngest of them can answer them so well. 1 will therefore now apply myself to the next youngest. Then she said, come Joseph, (for his name was Joseph,) will you let me catechise you ? Jos. With all my heart. Prud. What is man ? Jos. A reasonable creature, made so by God, as my brother said. Prud. What is supposed by this word, saved.'' Jos. That man by sin has brought himself into a state #f captivity and misery. Prud. What is supposed by his being saved by the Trinity ? Jos. That sin is so great and mighty a tyrant, that none can pull us out of its clutches, but God ; and that God is so good and loving to man, as to pull him indeed out of this miserable stale. Prud. 'iVhat is God's design in saving poor man? Jos. The glorifying of his name, of his grace, and jus- tice, Sec. and the everlasting happiness of his creature. Prud. ^V^ho are tliey thjft must be saved? Jos. Those that accept of his salvation. Prud. Good boy, Joseph; thy mother hath taught 354 PRUDENCE CATE^nSES JOSEPH AND MATTHEWr. thee well, and thou hast hearkened to what she has said unto thee. Then said Prudence to Samuel (who was the eldest son but one,) Come, Samuel, are you willing that I should catechise you also? Sam. Yes, forsooth, if you please. Prud. What is heaven ? Sam. a place and state most blessed, because God dwelleth there. Pkud. What is hell ? Sam. a place and state most woful, because it is the dweiling-place of sin, the devil, and death. Prud. Why wouldst thou go to heaven ? Sam. That I may see God, and serve him without weariness ; that I may see Christ, and love him everlast- ingly; that I may have that fulness of the Holy Spirit in me, that I can by no means here enjoy. Prud. A very good boy, and one that has learned well. — Then she addressed herself to the eldest, whose name was Matthew ; and she said to him, Come Matthew, shall I also catechise you ? Mat. With a very good will. Prud. I ask, then, if there was ever anything that had a being antecedent to, or before God? Mat. No; for God is eternal; nor is there any thing excepting himself, that had a being until the beginning of the first day: "For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is." Prud. What do you think of the Bible ? Mat. It is the holy word of God. Prud. Is there nothing written there but what you un- derstand ? Mat. Yes, a great deal. Prud. W^hat do you do when you meet with places therein that jou do not understand ? PRUDENCE GIVES THE BOYS GOOD COUNSEL. 355 Mat. I think God is wiser than I. I pray also that he will please to let me know all therein, that he knows will be for my good."^ Prud. How believe you, as touching the resurrection of th'^ dead? Mat. I believe they shall rise, the same that was bu- ried; the same in nature, though not in corruption. And I believe this upon a double account: — First, because God has promised it : — secondly, because he is able to perform it.f Then said Prudence to the boys, You must still heark- en to your mother for she can learn you more. You must also diligently give ear to what good talk you shall hear from others : for your sakes do they speak good things. Observe also, and that with carefulness, what the heav- ens and the earth do teach you ; but especially be much in the meditation of that book, that was the cause of your father's becoming a pilgrim. I, for my part, my children, will teach you what I can while you are here and shall be glad if you will ask me questions that tend to godly edifying. * Though this is answered with the simplicity of a child ; yet it is. and ever will be the language of every father in Christ. Happy those whose spirits are cast into this humble blessed mould ! O that ihis spirit may ac- company us in all our researches, in all our ways, and through all our days. t Here is the foundation of faith, and the triumph of hope, God's faith- fulness to his promise, and his power to perform. Having these to look to, what should stagger our faith, or deject our hope .' We may, we ought to smile at all carnal objections, and trample upon all corrupt reasonings 36t> mercy's suitor : her conduct to him. CHAPTER VI. MR. BRISK PAYS HIS ADDRESSES TO MERCY— MATTHEW TAKEN ILL, BUT RECOVERS, kc. NOW by that these pilgrims had been at this place a week Mercy had a visitor that pretended some good will unto her, and his name is Mr. Brisk, a man of some breed- ing, and that pretended to religion ; but a man that stuck very close to the world. So he came once or twice, or more, to Mercy, and offered love unto her. — Now Mercy was of a fair countenance, and therefore the more alluring. Her mind also was, to be always busying of herself in do- ing ; for when she had nothing to do for herself, she would be making of hose and garments for others, and would be- stow them upon them that had need. And Mr. Brisk, not knowing where or how she disposed of what she made, seemed to be greatly taken, for that he found her never idle. " I will warrant her a good house-wife," quoth he to himself. Mercy then revealed the business to the maidens that were of the house, and inquired of them concerning him ; for they did know hi.n better than she. So they told her, that he was a very busy young man, and one that pre- tended to religion ; but was, as they feared, a stranger to the power of that which is good. Nay then, said Mercy, I will look no more on him ; for I purpose never to have a clog to my soul.* Prudence then replied, that there needed no great mat- * Most bl-^-^sed resolution ! Ah, pilgrims, if you were more wary, bow many Iniu^ile- woiiIrJ yo;! 1 5cape, and how much more happy would you bt in your pili^rimajje ? It is for want of this wisdom, that mauy bring evil npon themselves. HE FORSAKES HER. HER REMARKS UPON IT. 367 Ver of discouragement to be given to hlni ; for continuing so, as she had begun, to do for the poor, would quickly cool his courage. So the next time he comes, he finds her at her old work, a making of fhings for the poor. Then said he,^ " What, always at it ?" "Yes," said she, "eifhtrfor myself or for olhers.'* " And what canst thou earn a day?" quoth he. " I do these things," said she, " (hat I may be rich in good works, laying a good foundation against the time to come, that I may lay hold of eternal life."(rt) " Why pr'vthee, what dost thou do with them ?" said he. " Clothe the naked," said she. With that his countenance fell. So he forbore to come at her again. And when be was asked the reason why, he said^ that Mercy was a pretty lass, but troubled with ill condi- tions.* When he had left her, Prudence said. Did I not tell thee, that Mr. Brisk would soon forsake thee ? yea, he will raise up an an ill report of thee : for, notwithstanding his pretence to religion, and his seeming love to mercy, yet mercy and he are of tempers so different, that I be- lieve they will never come together. Mer. I might have had husbands before now, though I spoke not of it to any ; but they were such as did not like ray conditions, though never did any of them find fault with my person. So they and I could not agree. Prud. Mercy in our days is little set by, any further than as to its name ; the practice, which is set forth by the conditions, there are but few that can abide. *' How ea«ily are the tiest of characters traduced, an and distress for sin. O what a preciou* Saviour is Jesus ! what effica- cy is there in his bh-sed flesh, and precious bU)«>d. to purge the conscience (a) John vi. 54— 57. Heb.ix. 14. (6) Mark ix. 49. (c) Zech. sii. 10- EFFICACY OF THESE PILLS. 361 staff, and would go from room to room, and talk with Pru- dence, Piety, and Charity, of his distemper, and how he was healed. So, when the boy was healed, Christiana asked Mr. Skill, saying, " Sir, what will content you for your pains and care to me, and of my child ?" And he said, " You must pay the Masler of the College of Physicians accord. ing (o the rules made in that case, and provided. "(a) But, Sip, said she, what is this J)ill good for else ? Skill. It is an universal pill ; it is good against all dis- eases that pilgrims are incident to; and, when it is well prepared, will keep good time out of mind Chr. Pray, Sir, make me up twelve boxes of them; for, if I can get these, I will never take other physic. Skill. These pills are good to prevent diseases, as well as to cure when one is sick.^ Yea, I dare say it, and stand to it, that if a man will but use this physic as he should, it will make him live for ever. (6) But good Christiana, thou must give these pills no other way, but as I have prescribed: for if you do, they will do no good- So he gave unto Christiana physic for herself and her boys, and for Mercy ; and bid Matthew take heed how he eat any more green plumbs; and kissed him, and went his way. It was told you before that Prudence bid the boys, that if at any time they would, they should ask her some ques- tions that might be profitable, and she would say some- thing to them. from guilt. It is this sense of Christ's love and grace, which heals, re- stores, and makes eur hearts happy and joyful in (iod ! * O pilgrims, let not a day pass without having recourse to the life and death of tiie Son of God, and live by faith upon liim, who shed his hlood to save us, and gives his flesh to nourish us, and who says, " JVly llesh k meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed." (a) Heb. xlii. 11—15. (b) John vi. 58. 362 PRUDENCE ANSWERS MATTHEWs's QUESTIOKb. Then Matthew, who had been sick, asked her, Why, for the most part, physic should be bitter to our palates? Prod. To show how unwelcome the word of God, and the effects thereof, are to a carnal heart. Mat. Why does physic, if it does good, purge, and cause to vomit? Prud. To show, that the word, w^hen it works effec- tually, cleanseth the heart and mind. For, look, what the one doeth to the bpdy, the other doeth to the soul. Mat. What should we learn by seeing the flame of our fire go upwards ? And by seeing the beams and sweet in- fluences of the sun strike downwards? PuuD. By the going up of the fire, we are taught to ascend to heaven, by fervent and hot desires. And by the sun sending his heat, beams, and sweet influences downwards, we are taught that the Saviour of the world, though high, reaches down with his grace and love to us below. Mat. Where have the clouds their water? Prud. Out of the sea. Mat. What may we learn from that ? Prud. That ministers should fetch their doctrine from God. Mat. Why do they empty themselves upon the earth ? Prud. To show, that ministers should give out what they know of God to the world. Mat. Why is the rainbow caused by the sun? Prud. To show, that the covenant of God's grace is confirmed to us in Christ. Mat. Why do the springs come from the sea to us through the earth ? Prud. To show, that the grace of God comes to us through the body of Christ. THEIR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CONTINUED. 363 Mat. Why do some of the sprhigs rise out of the top of high hills? Prud. To show, that the Spirit of grace shall spring up in some that are great and mighty, as well as in many that are poor and low. Mat. Why doth the fire fasten upon the candlewick? Prud. To show, that unless grace doth kindle upon the heart, there will be no true light of life in us. Mat. Why is the wick, and tallow, and all, spent to maintain the light of the candle ? Prud. To show, that body and soul, and all, should be at the service of, and spend themselves to maintain in good condition, that grace of God that is in us. Mat. Why doth the pelican pierce her own breast with her bill? Prud. To nourish her young ones with her blood, and thereby to show that Christ the blessed, so loveth his young, his people, as to save them from death by his blood. Mat. What may one learn by hearing of the cock crow? Prud. Learn to remember Peter's sin, and Peter's re- pentance. The cock's crowing shows also, that day is coming on ; let then the crowing of the cock put thee in mind of that last and terrible day of judgment. Now about this time their month was out; wherefore they signified to those of the house, that it was conveni- ent for them to up and be going. Then said Joseph to his mother, " It is convenient that you forget not to send , to the house of Mr. Interpreter, to pray him to grant that Mr. Great-heart should be sent unto us, that he may be our conductor the rest of our way." "Good boy," said she, " I had almost forgot." So she drew up a pe- tition, and prayed Mr. W^atchful the porter, to send it 364 eve's apple, Jacob's ladder, &c. by some fit man, to her good friend Mr. Interpreter ; who, when it was come, and he had seen the contents of the petition, said to the messenger, " Go tell them that I will send him." When the family where Christiana was, saw that they had a purpose to go forward, they called the whole house together, to give thanks to their King, for sending of them such profitable guests as these. Which done, they said unto Christiana, " And shall we not show thee something, according as our custom is to do to pilgrims, on which thou mayest meditate when thou art on the way ?" So they took Christiana, her children, and Mercy, into the closet, and showed them one of the apples that Eve ate of, and that she also did give to her husband, and that for the eatina; of which, they were both turned out of Para- dise ; and asked her, " What she thought that was ?'* Then Christiana said, " It is food or poison, I know not which." So they opened the matter to her, and she held up her hands and wondered. ^(a) Then they had her to a place, and show^ed her Jacob's ladder. Now at that time there were some angels as- cending upon it. So Christiana looked, and looked to see the angels go up ; so did the rest of the company. (6) Then they were going into another place, to show them something else : but James said to his mother, " Pray bid them stay a little longer, for this is a curious sight.'* So they turned again, and stood feeding their eyes on this so pleasant a prospect. — After this they had them into a * It is not enough that the Holy Spirit convinces us of sin, previous to our first setting out on pilgrimage, and makes us sensible of our want of Christ, but he also keeps up a sight and sense of the evil of sin, in its orig- inal nature, as well as our actual transgressions. This often makes us wonder at sin, at ourselves, and at the love of Christ in becoming a sacri- fice for our sins. fa) Gen. iii. 1— 6. Rora. vii. 24. (i) Gen. xsviii. 12, GREAT-HEART ARRIVING, THEY GO FORWARD. 365 place, where there did hang up a golden anchor : so they bid Christiana take it down ; for, said they, yoir shall have it with joii, for it is of absolufe necessity that you should, that you may lay hold of that within the veil, and stand steadfast in case you should meet with turbulent weather : — so they were glad thereof.^(a) — Then they took them, and had them to the mount upon which Abra- ham our father had offered up Isaac his son, and showed them the altar, the wood, the fire, and the knife ; for they remain to be seen to this very day. — When they had seen it, they held up their hands, and blessed themselves, and said, " Oh what a man for love to his Master, and for denial to himself, was Abraham !" Alter they had show- ed them all these things, Prudence took them into a dining- room, where stood a pair of excellent virginals ; so she played upon them, and turned what she had showed them into this excellent song, saying, " Eve's apple we have showed you : Of that be you aware ; You have seen Jacob's ladder too, Upon which angels are : An anchor you received have ; But let not this suffice, Until with Abra'am you have gavt' . Your best for sacrifice." Now about this time one knocked at the door: so the porter opened, and, behold, Mr. Great-heart was there ! * This Is the anchor of hope. This keeps the soul safe, and steady to Jesus, who is ihfe alone object of our hope. Hope sprinji;s iVom failh. It is an expectation of the fulfilmeiit of those things that are premised in the word of truth, by the God of all grace. Failh receives them, trusts in them- relies upon them, and hope waits for the full accomplishment and enjoy menl of them. in) Joel iii. 16. Heb.vi. 19 366 THEY TAKE LEAVE OF WATCHFUL. But when he was come in, what joy was there ! for it carae now afresh again into their minds, how but a while ago he had slain old Grim Bloody-man the giant, and had delivered them from the lions. Then said Mr. Great-heart to Christiana and to Mer- cy, My Lord has sent each of you a bottle of wine, and also some parched corn, together with a couple of pome- granates ; he also sent the boys some figs and raisins ; to refresh you in your way.^ Then they addressed themselves to their journey ; and Prudence and Piety went along with them. When they came at the gate, Christiana asked the porter, if any of late went by. He said. No, only one, some time since, who also told me, that of late there had been a great rob- bery committed on the King's highway, as you go : but, said he, the thieves are taken, and will shortly be tried for their lives. Then Christiana and Mercy were afraid ; but Matthew said. Mother, fear nothing, as long as Mr. Great- heart is to go with us, and to be our conductor. Then said Christiana to the porter. Sir, I am much obliged to you for all the kindnesses that you have show- ed to me since I came hither ; and also that you have been so loving and kind to my children ; I know not how to gratify your kindness : wherefore, pray, as a token of my respects to you, accept of this small mite. So she put a gold angelf in his hand : and he made her a low obeisance, and said, " Let thy garments be always w^hite^ and let thy head want no ointment. Let Mercy live and * O how reviving and refreshing are those love-tokens from our Lord ! Great-heart never comes empty-handed. He always inspires with cour- age and confidence. t No wonder that the pilgrims were thankful for their kind entertain- ment, or that they testified their esteem of the gospel, and its glorious Au- thor, by the present they made to the porter ; for says St. Paul, in behalf of the ministers of the word, '' If we have sown unto you spiritual things. is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things ?" THEY TAKE LEAVE OF WATCHFUL. 267 not die, and let not her works be few." And to the boys he said, " Do voii flee youthful lusts, and follow after godliness with them that are grave and wise ; so shall you put gladness into your mother's heart, and obtain praise of all that are sober-minded." — So they thanked the por- ter, and departed. 368 CHRISTIANA HEARS CCRIOUS NOTES. CHAPTER VIL THE PILGRIMS PURSUE THEIR JOURNEY. AND PASS THROUGH THE VALLEY OF HUMILIATION, AND OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH. NOW I saw in my dream, that they went forward un- til they were come to the brow of the liill, where Piety, bethinking herself, cried out, Alas ! I have forgot what I intended to bestow upon Christiana and her companions ; I will go back and fetch it. So she ran and fetched it. When she was gone, Christiana thought she heard in a grove, a little way off on the right hand, a most curious melodious note, with words much like these : " Through all my life thy favour is; So frankly show'd to me, That in thy house for evermore My dwelling-place shall be.'' And listening still she thought she heard another an- swer it, saying. For why ! The Lord our God is goodj His mercy is for ever sure: His truth at all times firmly stood, And shall from age to age endure.'' So Christiana asked Prudence what it was that made those curious notes. They are, said she our country birds : they sing these notes but seldom, except it be at the spring, when the flowers appear, and the sun shines warm, and then yon may hear them all the day long, I GREAT-HEART ENCOURAGES THE PILGRIMS. 369 often, said she, go to hear them : we also oft-times keep them tame in our house. Thej are very fine company for us when we are melancholy ; also they make the woods and groves, and solitary places, places desirous to be in.^(a) By this time Piety was come again; so she said to Christiana, Ijook here, I have brought thee a scheme of all those things that thou hast seen at our house, upon which thou mayest look when thou findest thyself forget- ful, and call those things again to remembrance, for thy edification and comfort. Now they began to go down the hill to the valley of Humiliation. It was a steep hill, and the way was slip- pery; bnt they were very careful; so they got down pretty well- When they were down in the valley ,f Pie- ty said to Christiana, This is the place where your hus- band met with the foul fiend Apollyon, and where they had the great fight that they had : I know you cannot but have heard thereof. But be of good courage ; as long as you have Mr. Great-heart here to be your guide and conductor, we hope you will fare the better. So when these two had committed the pilgrims unto the conduct of their guide, he went forward, and they went after. Then said Mr. Great-heart, We need not be so afraid * You see these joyftil notes spring from a sense of nearness to the Lord, and a firm confidence in his divine truth and everlasting tnercy. O u'hen the S^n of righteousness siiines warmly on the son!, and gives us *:iear!y to see these, it makes the pilg'-ims sing most sweetly- and shout most joyfully indeed. These songs approach very nearly to tiie heavenly music in the realm of glory. * Afier heing thus highly favoured with sensihle comforts in the views of faith, the comforts of hope, and the joys ot love; seethe next step those pilgrims are to take ; it is down the hill Difficulty, into the valley of Humiliation. What doth this place signify ? A d^ep and ahiding sight and seii'ie of ourselves; of our ruined state, lost condition, and desperate (fircumstances, as fallen sinners. (a) Sol. Song. ii. 11, 12. 370 JAMEa PERCEIVES THE FILLAH. of this vallej, for here is nothing to hurt us, unless we procure it ourselves. It is true, Christian did meet here with Apolljon, with whom he had also a sore combat; but that fray was the fruit of those slips that he got in bis going down the hill; for they that get slips there, must look for combats here, (a) And hence it is that this val- ley has got so hard a name. For Ihe common people, when they hear that some frightful thing has befallen such an one, in such a place, are of opinion that that place is haunted with some foul fiend, or evil spirit; when, alas! it is for the fruit of their doing, that such things do be< fall them there.* Tills valley of Humiliation is of itself as fruitful a place as any the crow flies over; and I am persuaded, if we could hit upon it, we might find somewhere hereabout something that might give us an account, why Christian was so hardly beset in this place. Then James said to his mother, " Lo, yonder stands a pillar, and it looks as if something was written thereon ; let us go and see what it is." So they went, and found there written, "Let Christian's slips, before he came hither, and the burden that he met with in this place, be a warning to those that come after." " Lo," said their guide, " did I not tell you that there was something here- abouts, that would give intimation of the reason why Christian was so hard beset in this place ?" Then, turn- ing to Christiana, he said, no disparagement to Christian, * What a great blessing it is to have Great-heart in the ValJey of Hu- mility ! How sad is it for (nigrims to procure evils for themselves by their sin aiul folly ! flosv joyful is it to know that, " like as a father pitieth his children, so tlie Lord [)itieth (hem who fear him !" Ps. ciii. 13. Yet if we slip, we 'ihall he sure to smart. If we do not hold fast faith, hope, love, and oiicdieoce, Satan will attack, distress us in some sort, and prevail against us, and then we shall bring up an evil report of the safe and fruit- ful valley of Humiliation. (a) Part I. p. 125—130. I THE shepherd's bot. 371 more than to many others whose hap and lot it was. For it is easier going up than clown this Iiill, and that can be said but of few hills in all these parts of the world. But we will leave the good man, he is at rest, he also had a brave victory over Jiis enemy: let Him that dwelleth above, grant that we fare no worse, v/hen we come to be tried, than he ! But we will come again to this valley of Humiliation. — It is the best and most fruitful piece of ground in all these parts. — It is a fat ground ; and, as you see, consisteth much in meadows ; and if a man was to come here in the summer time, as we do now, if he knew not any thing be- fore thereof, and if he also delighted himself in the sight of his eyes, he might see that which would be delightful to him. Behold how green this valley is ; also how beau- tiful with lilies. («) I have also known many labouring men that have got good estates in this valley of Humilia- tion ; (for " God resisteth the proud, but giveth more grace to the humble ;") for indeed it is a very fruitful soil, and doth bring forth by handfuls. Some also have wished, that the next way to their Father's house were here, that they might be troubled no more with either hills or mountains to go over : but the way is the way, and there is an end.^ Now as I hey were going along, and talking, they espi- ed a boy feeding his father's sheep. The boy was in * Thoui2;h this valley of Humiliation may be very terrify ins; to pilgrims, after they have been favonred with peace and joy, and comforted by the views of faith and hope ; yet it is a very safe place, and though at first en- tering into it, and seeing more of themselves than was ever before show- ed tiiem, they may fear and tren»ble ; yet after some time continuing here, they are more reconciled atid contented ; for iiere they find the visits of (heir Lord ; and, in the depths of their humility, they behold the heiiihts of his love, and the depths of his mercy, cry out, Though I am emptied of all, yet I have an inexhaustible fulness in Jesus, to supply rae with all I want, and alil hope. fa) Sol. Song. il. 1. James iv. 6. 1 Pet. v. 5. ^72 CHRIST LOVED TO D\V ELL IN THE VALLEl. verj mean clothes, but of a fresh and well-favoured coun- tenance ; and as he sat by himself he sung. Hark, said Mr. Greal-heart, to what the shepherd's boy saith : so they hearkened, and he said, " He that is down, needs fear no fall : He that is low, no pride : He that is humble ever shall Have God to be his guide. I am content w ith what I have, Little be it or much : And, Lord, contentment still I crave, Because thou savest such. Fulness to such a burden is That go on pilgrimage : Here little, and hereafter bhss, Is best from age to age.''(a) Then said the guide, Do you hear him '! 1 will dare to say this boy lives a merrier life, and wears more of the herb called hearths ease in his bosom, than he that is clad in silk and velvet. But we will proceed in our discourse. ■ In this valley our Lord formerly had his country house, he loved much to be here : he loved also to walk in these meadows, and he found the air was pleasant. Besides, here a man shall be free from the noise, and from the hurryings of this life ; all states are full of noise and confusion, only the valley of Humiliation is that empty and solitary place. Here a man shall not be let and hind- ered in his contemplation, as in other places he is apt to be. This is a valley that nobody walks in, but those that love a pilgrim's life. And though Christian had the hard hap to meet with ApoUyon, and to enter with him a brisk (n) Heb. xiii. 5. FORGETFUL GREEN. *.i?0 le^counter; yei^ I must tell you, that in former times men have met with angels here, have found pearls here, and have in this place found the words of life. -^(a) Did I say, our Lord had here in former days his coun- try house, and that he loved here to w alk ? I will add, in this place, and to the people that live and trace these grounds, he has left a yearly revenue, to be faithfully paid them at certain seasons for their maintenance by the way, and for their further encouragement to go on their pil- grimage. Now, as they went on, Samuel said to Mr. Great-heart ; " Sir, 1 perceive that in this valley my father and Apol- lyon had their battle ; but whereabout was the fight? for 1 perceive this valley is large." Gr.-h. Your father had the battle with Apollyon at a place yonder before us, in a narrow passage, just beyond forgetful green. And indeed that place is the most dan- gerous place in all these parts : for if at any time pilgrims meet with any brunt, it is when they forget what favours they have received, and how unworthy they are of them.f This is the place also, where others have been hard put to it. — But more of the place when we are come to it ; for J persuade myself, that to this day there remains either some sign of the battle, or some monument to testify that such a battle was there fought. Then said Mercy, I think I am as well in this valley as * Ever remember the word of our gracious Lord, " It is enough for the disciple that he be as his Master." If your Lord made it his chief delight to be in this valley of Humiliation, learn from his example to prize this valley. Though you Miay meet with an Apollyon, or a destrover h*>re • vet you are safe in the arms, and under Ihe power of yoiu- ail-connuenn<-' Lord ; for though the Lord is high, yet hath he respect unto the lovvlv '^ \ O pilgrims, attend (othis.= Pride and ingratitude go hand in hand Study, ever study the favours of your Lord : how freely they are be-^f ow- ed upon you : and how utterly unworlhy you are of the least of them — HeWiive oiForgelf III Green. (a) IIo.=; ii. 4, .'J. 374 MEMORIALS OF CHRISTIAN'S VICTORY. I have been any where else in all our journey : (he place; inethinks, suits with my spirit. I love to be in such places where there is no rattling with coaches, nor rumbling with wheels ; niethinks, here one may, without much molesta- tion, be tliinking what he is, whence he came, what he has done, and to what the King has called him : here one may think, and break at heart, and melt in one's spirit, until one's eyes become as " the fish-pools of Heshbon." They that go rightly through this " valley of Bacha, make it a w^ell ; the rain," that God sends down from heaven upon them that are here, " also filleth the pools." This valley is that from whence also the King will give to them their vineyards ;'a) and they that go through it shall sing as Christian did, for all he met with Apollyon. It is true, said their guide, I have gone through this valley many a time, and never was better than when here. I have also been a conductor to several pilgrims, and they have confessed the same. "To this man will I look" (saith the King,) '* even to him that is poor, and of a con- trite spirit, and that trerablelh at my word." Now ihey were come to the place where the aforemen- tioned battle was fought. Then said the guide to Chris- tiana, her children, and Mercy, This is the place : on this ground Christian stood, and up there came Apollyon against him : and, look, did not I tell you, here is some of your husband's blood upon these stones to this day : be- hold, also, how here and there are yet to be seen upon the place some of the shivers of Apollyon's broken darts : see also how they did beat the ground with their feet as they fought, to make good their places against each other ; how also, with their by-blows, they did split the very (a) Sol. Song, vii.4. Ps. Ixxxiv 0- Hos. ii, 15. THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH. 375 '.tones in pieces ; verily Christian did here play Ihe man, and showed himself as stout as Hercules could, had he been there, even he himself. AVhen Apollyon was beat, he made his retreat to the next valley, that is called the valley of the Shadow of Death, unto which we shall come anon."^ Lo, yonder also stands a monument, on which is engraven this battle, and Christian's victory, to his fame throughout all ages. So because it stood just on the way-side before them, they stepped to it and read the writing, which word for word was this: " Hard by here was a batde fought, Most strange and yet most true ; Christian and Apollyon sought Each other to subdue. The man so bravely play'd the man. He made the fiend to fly 5 Of which a monument I stand, The same to testify.'- 1 When they had passed by this place, they came upon the borders of the Shadow of Death, and this valley was longer than the other ; a place also most strongly haunted with evil things, as many are able to testify : but these women and children went the better through it, because they had day-light, and because Mr. Great-heart was their conductor. When they were entered upon this valley, they thought * If Satan be driven back from one attack, prepare for another. Bless God for your armour. IVever put it off. t Monuments of victory over Satan, are to God's glory, and are very animating and encouraging to those who come after. Proclaim, O Chris- tians, your mercies with thankfulness, and your victories with shouts of humility, to the lionour of tlie Captain of our salvation. Z z 3i6 THE VALLEy OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH. that they heard a groaning, as of dead men ; a very great groaning. They thought also that thej did hear words of lamentation, spoken as of some in extreime torment. These things made the boys to quake, the women also looked pale and wan ; but their guide bid them be of good comfort. So they went on a little further, and they thought that they felt the ground begin to shake under them, as if some hollow place was there; they heard also a kind of hissing, as of serpents, but nothing as yet appeared. Then said the boys, " Are we not yet at the end of this doleful place ?" But the guide also bid them be of good courage, and look well to their feet, lest haply, said he, you be ta- ken in some snare.* Now James began to be sick, but I think the cause thereof was fear ; so his mother gave him some of that glass of spirits that she had given her at the Interpreter's house, and three of the pills that Mr. Skill had prepared ; and the boy began to revive. Thus they went on, till they came to about the middle of the valley ; and then Christiana said, *' Melhinks, I see something vonder up- on the road before us ; a thing of a shape such as I have not seen." Then said Joseph, "Mother, what is it?" " An ugly thing, child ; an ugly thing," said she. " But, mother, what is it like?" said he. "'Tis like, I cannot tell what," said she. " And now it is but a little way off." Then said she, " It is nigh." "V/ell," said Mr. Great-heart, "let them that are most afraid, keep close to me." So the fiend came on. * None know the distress, anguish, and fear, that haunt pilgrims in thi^ valley, but those who have been in it. The hissings, revilings, and injec- tions of that old serpent, with his infernal malice, seem to be let loose up- on pilgrims in this valley. Ajsaph seems to be walking in this valley, when he says, " As for me, my feet were almost gone : my steps had well nigh slipt." Vs. Ixxiii. 7. THEY ARE GREATLY ALARMED; 377* and the conductor met it ; but when it waa just come to him, it vanished to all their sights; then remembered tliey what had been said some time ago; *' Resist the devil, and he will flee from } on."* They went therefore on, as being a little refreshed ; but they had not gone far, before Mercy, looking behind her, saw, as she thought, something almost like a lion, and it came a great padding pace after ; and it had a hollow voice of roaring ; and at every roar that it gave, it made the valley echo, and all their hearts to ache, save the heart of him that was their guide. So it came up; and Mr. Great-heart went behind, and put the pilgrims all before him. The lion also came on a pace, and Mr. Great-heart addressed himself to give him battle. But when he saw that it was determined that resistance should be made, he also drew back and came no further.f (a) Then they w^ent on again, and their conductor did go before them, till they came at a place where was cast up a pit the whole breadth of the way ; and, before they could be prepared to go over that, a great mist and a dark- ness fell upon them, so that they could not see. Then said the pilgrims, "Alas! now what shall we do?" But their guide made answer, "Fear not, stand still, and see what an end will be put to this also." So they staid there, because their path was marred. They then also thought they did hear more apparently the noise and rushing of * Let Satan appear in what shape he will, we ought ever to put on great •leart and good courage. For the faith of what Jesus is to us, will inspire with these. Let us ever look to Christ our conqueror, and ever resist our adversary. + Satan is often most dreadful at a distance, and courageously resisted when advanced nearer. This advice is ever needful: "Be sober; be vigilant." These pilgrims did keep up their watch ; Satan did noJ come iipon them unawares : they heard his approach ; they were prepared fov bis attack ; lo, Satan drew back. 1 (a) Pet. v. 8. 378 BUT TAKE ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THEIR GUIDE. llie enemies ; the fire also, ami smoke of the pit was muck easier to be discerned.^ Then said Christiana to Mercy, Now I see what my poor husband went through ; 1 have heard much of this place, but I never was here before now ; Poor man ! he went here all alone, in the night; he had night almost quite through the way: also these fiends were busy about him, as if they would have torn him in pieces. Many have spoke of it, but none can tell what the valley of the Shadow of Death should mean until they come in themselves. " The heart knows its own bitterness; a stranger intermcddleth not with its joy.'* To be here is a fearful thing.f Gr.-h. This is like doing business in great waters, or like going down into the deep ; this is like being in the heart of the sea, and like going down to the bottoms of the mountains : now it seems as if the earth with its bars were about us for ever. " But let them that walk in dark- ness, and have no light, trust in the name of the Lord^ and stay upon their God."* 'J For my part, as I have told you already, I have gone often through this valley, and have been much harder put to it than now 1 am; and yet you see I am alive. I would not boast, for that. I am not my own saviour ; but I trust we shall have a good deliverance. Come, pray for light to him that can lighten our darkness, and can rebuke not only these, but all the devils in hell. So they cried and prayed, and God sent light and de- liverance ; for there was now no let in their way ; no, not * Awful walking, with a pit before us, and darkness around, and hell seeming to move from beneath to Dieet us 1 O what an unspeakable mer- cy? in such a distres.-irig tieKSon, to have an almighty Saviour to look to, and call upon lor safety and salvation ! Fur -' he will hear our cry and save us." t To hear of the soul-distresses of others, is one thing : to experience them ours Ives, is very dillerent. t This precious text, Isa. 1. 10, has been a sheet anchor to many a sou* under darkoess and distress. Study it deeply THEY ARE TROUBLED WITH BN^ARES. 379 there, where but now they were s(opt with a pit. Yet they were not got through the valley ; so they went on still, and, behoUl, great stinks and loathsome smells, to the great annoyance of them. Then said Mercy to Chris- tiana, There is not such pleasant being here as at the gate, or at the Interpreter's, or at the house where we lay last. O but (said one of the boys) it is not so bad to go through here, as it is to abide here always ; and for aught I know, one reason why we must go this way to the house prepared for us, is, that our home might be made the sweeter to us.'^ Well said, Samuel, quoth the guide ; thou hast now spoke like a man. Why, if ever I get out here again, said the boy, I think I shall prize light and good way bet- ter than ever I did in my life. Then said the guide, We shall be out by and by. So on they went, and Joseph said, Cannot we see to the end of this valley as yet ? Then said the guide. Look to your feet, for we shall presently be among snares. So they looked to their (eet and went on ; but they were troubled much with the snares. Now when they were come among the snares, they espied a man cast into the ditch on the left hand, with his flesh all rent and torn. — Then said the guide, That is one Heedless, that was go- ing this way ; he has lain there a great while :f There was one Take-heed with hini when he was taken and slain'; but he escaped their hands. You cannot imagine how many are killed hereabouts, and yet men are so foolishly * Precious thought ! under the worst and most distressing circumstan- ces. Think of this. Their continuance is short. Their appointment love. And their end shall be crowned with glory. t Heedless |)rofessors l)e warned. The doctrines of grace were never intended to lull any asleep in carnal security. II they do so by you, it in a sure sign, that what should have been for your health, proves an occa- sion of vour falling. iJSO GIANT MAUL AND GREAT-HEART. venturous, as to set out lightly on pilgrimage, and to come without a guide. Poor Christian ! it was a wonder that he here escaped ; but he was beloved of his God : also be had a good heart of his own, or else he could never have done it. Now they drew towards the end of their way, and just there were Christian had seen the cave when he went by, (a) out thence came forth Maul, a giant. — This Maul did use to spoil young pilgrims Avith sophis- try, and he called Great-heart by his name, and said un- to him. How many times have you been forbidden to do these things ? Then said Mr. Great-heart, What things ? What things ! quoth the giant ; you know what things; but I will put an end to your trade. ^ But pray, said Mr. Great-heart, before we fall to it, let us understand where- fore we must fight. (Now the women and children stood trembling, and kncAv not what to do.) — Quoth the giant, You rob the country, and rob it with the worst of thieves. These are but generals, said Mr. Great-heart ; come to particulars, man. Then said the giant. Thou practisest the craft of a kid- napper, thou gatherest up women and children, and ear- nest them into a strange country, to the weakening of my Master's kingdom. But now Great-heart replied, lam a servant of the God of heaven : my business is to persuade sinners to repentance : I am commanded to do my en- deavour to turn men, women, and children, from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God ; and if this be indeed the ground of thy quarrel, lei us fall to it as soon as thoi! wilt.f * How many such giants have we in (he present ul< into a false and fatal security, hy their smooth lec- tures on morality, af ARKS ON FEARING's CHARACTER. 393 music. And, for my part, I care not at all for that pro- fession that begins not in heaviness of mind. The first string that the musician usually touches is the bass, when he intends to put all in tune : God also plays upon ihis string first, when he sets the soul in tune for himself On- ly there was the imperfection of Mr Fearing, he could play upon no other music but this, till towards his latter end. [I make bold to talk thus metaphorically, for the ripen- ing of the wits of young readers ; and because, in the book of Revelations, the saved are compared to a compa- ny of musicians, that play upon their trumpets and harps, and sing their songs before the throne.] ;a) Hon. He was a very zealous man, as one may see by what relation you have given of him. Difficulties, lions, or Vanity Fair, he feared not at all : it was only sin, death, and hell, that were to him a terror ; because he had some doubts about his interest in that celestial coun- try.* Gr.-h. You say right ; those were the things that were his troubles ; and they, as you have well observed, arose from the weakness of his mind thereabout, not from weak- ness of spirit, as to the practical part of a pilgrim's life. I dare believe, that, as the proverb is, " He could have bit a fire-brand, had it stood in his way ;'* but those things, with which he was oppressed, no man ever yet could shake off with ease. Then said Christiana, this relation of Mr. Fearing has * Here is a very striking lesson for professors- Talk not of your great knowledge, rich experience, comfortable frames and joyful feelings; all are vain and delusive, if tbe gospel has not a holy inlluence upon your practice. On the other hand be not dejected, if you are not as yet favour- ed with these ; for if a holy fear of God, and a godly jealousy over your- selves, [lossessyour heart, verily, you are a partaker ot the grace of Christ, and if faithful, soon you shall exult in the sunshine of his love, (a) Rev. viii. liv. 2,3. 394 A COMMENDATION OF GOULY FEAR? done me good : I thought nobody had been like me ; but I see there was some resemblance betwixt this good maa and I: only we differ in two things: his troubles were so great, that they brake out ; but mine I kept within. His also lay so hard upon him, they made him that he could not knock at the houses provided for entertainment; but my troubles were always such as made me knock the louder. Mer. If I might also speak my mind, I must say, that something of him has also dwelt in me ; for I have ever been more afraid of the lake, and the loss of a place in paradise, than I have been at the loss of other things. O thought I, may I have the happiness to have a habita- tion there, it is enough, though 1 part with all the world to win it. Then said Matthew, Fear was one thing that made me think that I was far from having that within me that ac- companies salvation ; but if it was so with such a good man as he, why may it not also go well with me ? No fears, no grace, said James. Though there is not always grace where there is the fear of hell ; yet, to be sure, there is no grace Avhere there is no fear of God. Gr.-h. Well said, James ; thou hast hit the mark ; for, " the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom;" and to be sure, they that want the beginning have neither middle nor end. But we will here conclude our discourse of Mr> Fearing, after we have sent after him his farewell. " Whilst, Master Fearing, thou didst fear Thy (^od, who wast afraid Of doing any thing, vvhile here, That would have thee betray'd : And didst tliou fear the lake and pit ? Would others did so too ! For, as for them, that want thy wit. They do themselves undo.*' self-will's character. 39c) CHAPTER IX. THE CHARACTER OF MR. SELF-WILL. NOW I saw that they all went on in their talk ; for, after Mr. Great-heart had made an end with Mr. Fearing, Mr. Honest began to tell them of another, but his name was Mr. Self-will. He pretended himself to be a pilgrim, said Mr. Honest ; but I persuade myself, he never came in at the gate that stands at the head of the way. Gr.-h. Had you ever any talk with him about it? Hon. Yes, more than once or twice : but he would al- ways be like himself, self-willed. He neither cared for man, nor argument, nor example ; what his mind prompt- ed him to, that he would do ; and nothing else could he be got to.^ Gr.-h. Pray what principles did he hold ? for I sup- pose you can tell. Hon. He held, that a man might follow the vices as well as the virtues of the pilgrims ; and that if he did both, he should be certainly saved. Gr.-h. How ! if he had said, it is possible for the best to be guilty of the vices as well as partake of the virtues of pilgrims, he could not much have been blamed. For indeed we are exempted from no vice absolutely, but on condition that we watch and strive. f But this, 1 perceive is not the thing : but if I understand you right, your mean- ing is, that he was of that opinion, that it was allowable so to be. * Self-will ever accompanies ignorance of ourselves, and of the (ruth ; and is generally attended with licentious principles and practices. t This is a solid scriptural definition ; pray mind it. Hi-re it is evident a condition must be admitted ; and happy is the Christian who keeps closest to these conditions, in order to enjoy peace of conscience, and joy of heait in Christ. 3U6 HIS DETESTABLE OPINIONS. Hon. Ay, aj, so I mean ; and so he believed and prac- tised. Gr.-h. But what grounds had he for so saying ? Hon. Why, he said he had the scripture for his war- rant. Gr.-h. Pr'ythee, Mr. Honest, present us with a few particulars. Hon. So I will. He said, to have to do with other men's wives, had been practised by David, God's belov- ed ; and therefore he could do it. He said, to have more w^omeu than one, was a thing that Solomon practised ; and therefore he could do it. He said, that Sarah, and the godly midwives of Egypt lied, and so did Rahab ; and therefore he could do it. He said, that the disciples went at the bidding of their Master, and took away the owner's ass ; and therefore he could do so too. He said, that Jacob got the inheritance of his father in a way of guile and dissimulation ; and therefore he could do so too.* Gr.-h. Highly base indeed! and are you sure he was of this opinion ? Hon. 1 have heard him plead for it, bring scripture for it, bring arguments for it, &c. Gr.-h. An opinion that is not fit to be with any allow- ance in the world ! Hon. You must understand me rightly ; he did not say that any man might do this ; but that those, that had the virtues of those that did such things, might also do the same. Gr.-h. But what more false than such a conclusion ? * That heart, which is under the teaching and influence of the grace of God, will detest such horrid notions, and cry out against them ; God for- bid that ever 1 should listen one moment to such diabolical sentiments ! for they are hatched in hell, and propagated on earth, by the father of lies. FURTHER ACCOUNT OF SELF-WILL. 397 for this is as much as to say, that because good men here- tofore have sinned of infirraifj, therefore he had allow- ance to do it of a presumptuous mind ; or if, because a child, by the blast of wind, or for that it stumbled at a stone, fell down, and defiled itself in mire, therefore he might wilfully lie down and wallow like a boar therein. — Who could have thought that any one could so far have been blinded by the power of lust T But what is written must be true: " they stumbled at the word, being diso- bedient ; whereunto also they were appointed. "(a) His supposing that such may have the godly man's virtues, who addict themselves to his vices^, is also a delusion as strong as the other. It is just as if the dog should say, *' I have, or may have the qualities of a child, because I lick up its slinking excrements." " To eat up the sin of God's people,"(6) is no sign of one that is possessed with their virtues. Nor can I believe, that one that is of this opinion, can at present have faith or love in him. — But I know you have made sfrong objections against him ; pr'ythee what can he say for himself.^ Hon. Why, he says, to do this by way of opinion, seems abundantly more honest than to do it, and yet hold contrary to it in opinion. Gr.-h. a very wicked answer ; for, though to let loose the bridle to lusts, while our opiniocs are against such things, is bad ; yet to sin, and plead a toleralion so to do, is worse : the one stumbles beholders accidentally, the other leads them into the snare, Hon. There are many of this man's mind, that have not this man's mouth ; and that makes going on pilgrin, - age of so little esteem as it is. Gr.-h. You have said the truth, and it is to be lament- Co) reterii. 8. (h) TIo?pa iv. S 398 OBSERVATIONS ON OTHER FAULTY CHARACTERS. ed ; but he that feareth the King of paradise shall come out of them all. Chk. There are strange opinions in the world : I know one that said it was time enough to repent when he came to die. Gr,-h. Such are not over-wise : that man would have been loth, might he have had a week to run twenty miles for his life, to have deferred that journey to the last hour of that week. Hon. You say right; and yet the generality of them that count themselves pilgrims do indeed do thus. I am, as you see, an old man, and have been a traveller in this road many a day; and I have taken notice of many things.^ I have seen some, that set out as if they would drive all the world afore them, who yei have, in a few days, died as they in the wilderness, and so never got sight of the promised land. — I have seen some, that have promised nothing at first setting out to be pilgrims, and that one would have thought could not have lived a day, that have yet proved very good pilgrims. — I have seen some, who have run hastily forward, that again have, after a little time, run as fast just back again. — I have seen some who have spoken very well of a pilgrim's life at first, that after a while, have spoken as much against it. — I have heard some, when they first set out for paradise, say positively, "There is such a place;" who, when they have been al- most there, have come back again, and said, " There is none." — I have heard some vaunt what they would do, m case they should he opposed, that have, even at a false alarm, fled faith, the pilgrim's way, and all. * Pray, attentively mind, and deeply consider, the six following obser- vations : tbey are just , they are daily confirmed to our observations, in the conduct of ditierent professors. Study, and pray to improve them, to your soul's profit- THK PILGRIMS ESCAPE THE ROCBERS. o99 CHAPTER X. THE PILGRIMS ARRIVE AT THE HOUSE OF GAIUS, WHERE THEY ARE HOSPITABLY ENTERTAINED. NOW as they were thus in their way, there came one running to meet them, and said, "Gentlemen, and you of the weaker sort, if you love life, shift for yourselves, for the robbers are before you." Then said Mr. Great-heart, They be the three that set upon Little-faith heretofore. Well, said he, we are rea- dy for them. So they went on their way. Now they looked at every turning, when they should have met with the villains ; but, whether they heard of Mr. Great-heart, or whether they had some other game, they came not up to the pilgrims.^ Christiana then wished for an inn for herself and her children, because they were weary. Then said Mr. Hon- est, " There is one a little before us, where a very ho- nourable disciple, named Gains, dwells." («) So they all concluded to turn in thither: and the rather, because the old gentleman gave him so good a report. So when Ihey came to the door, they went in, not knocking ; for folks use not to knock at the door of an inn. Then they called for the master of the house, and he came to them. So they asked if they might lie there that night ? Gaius. Yes, gentlemen, if you be true men, for my house is for none but pilgrims. Then was Christiana, * It is a blessed thing to take every alarm, and to be on our ^imrd- fiereby many dangers are avoided, and many evils prevented, Watch, fs the word of the Captain of our salvation. (rt) Rom. xvi. ^, C c c 400 GAICJS IXqUIRES CONCERNING CHRISTIANA. Mercj, and the boys, more glad, for that the inn-keep- er was a lover of pilgrims. So they called for rooms, and he showed them one for Christiana and her children, and Mercy, and another for Mr. Great-heart and the old gen- tleman. Then said Mr. Great-heart, Good Gains what hast thou for supper ? for these pilgrims have come far to-day, and are weary. It is late, said Gains, so we cannot conveniently go out to seek food, but such as I have you shall be welcome to^ if that will content you. Gr.-h. We will be content with what thou hast in the house ; forasmuch as 1 have proved thee, thou art never destitute of that which is convenient. Then he went down and spake to the cook, whose name was Taste-that- which-is-good, to get ready supper for so many pilgrims. — This done, he comes up again, saying. Come, my good friends, you are welcome to me, and I am glad that I have a house to entertain you ; and while supper is making ready, if you please, let us entertain one another with some good discourse: so they all said content.^' Then said Gains, Whose wife is this aged matron ? and whose daughter is this young damsel? Gr.-h. The woman is the wife of one Christian, a pil- grim in former times; and these are his four children. The maid is one of her acquaintance ; one that she hath persuaded to come with her on pilgrimage. The boys take all after their father, and covet to tread in his steps : yea, if they do but see any place where the old pilgrim * How does this reprove many professors of this day, who frequenlly meet together, and that about every trifle, but have not one word to speak for precious Christ, his glorious truths, and holy ways .' «;AIU9 enumerates CHRISTIAN*^ PROGENITORS; 401 iiath Iain, or any prinl of his foot, it ministereth joy to their hearts, and Ihey covet to lie or tread in the same. Then said Gains, Is this Christian's wife? and are these Christian's children ? I knew your husband's father, yea, also his father's father. Many have been good of (his stock ; their ancestors first dwelt at Antioch.(a) Christian's progenitors (I suppose you have heard your husband talk of them) were very worthy men. They have, above any that I know, showed themselves men of great virtue and courage, for the Lord of the pilgrims, his ways and them that loved him. I have heard of many of your husband's relations, that have stood all trials for the sake of the truth. Stephen, that was one of the first of the family from whence your husband sprang, was knocked on the head with stones. (6) James, another of this generation, was slain with the edge of the sword. (c) To say nothing of Paul and Peter, men anciently of the family from whence your husband came ; there was Igna- tius, who was cast to the lions; Romanus, whose flesh was cut by pieces from his bones ; and Polycarp, that played the man in the fire. There was he that was hang- ed up in a basket in the sun, for the wasps to eat ; and he whom they put into a sack, and cast him into tlie sea to be drowned. It would be impossible utterly to count up all that family, that have suffered injuries and death for the love of a pilgrim's life. Nor can I but be glad to see lliat thy husband has left behind him four such boys as these. I hope they will bear up their father's name, and tread in their fatiier's steps, and come to their father's end. Gr.-h. Indeed, Sir, they are likely lads; they seem to choose heartily their father's ways. {a) Acts xi. 2r». (6) Acts vii. 59, 60. (c) Acts xii. 2. 402 AND CONVERSES WITH HIS GUESTS. Gai. That is what I said; wherefore Christian's fami- ly is like still to spread abroad upon the face of the ground, and yet to be numerous upon the face of the earth: wherefore let Christiana look out some damsels for her sons, to whom they may be betrothed, &c. that the name of their father and the house of his progenitors may never be forgotten in the world. Hon. It is pity his family should fall and be extinct. Gai. Fall it cannot, but be diminished it may; but let Christiana take my advice, and that's the way to up- hold it. And, Christiana, said this inn-keeper, I am glad to see thee and thy friend Mercy together here, a lovely couple. And may I advise, Take Mercy into a nearer relation to thee : if she will, let her be given to Matthew, thy eldest son : it is the way to preserve a posterity in the earth. — So this match was concluded, and in process of time they were married : but more of that hereafter. Gains also proceeded, and said, I will now speak on the behalf of women, to take away their reproach. For as death and the curse came into the world by a woman, so also did life and health : " God sent forth his Son, made of a woman." (a) Yea, to show how much those that came after did abhor the act of the mother, this sex in the Old Testament coveted children, if happily this or that woman might be the mother of the Saviour of the world. I will say again, that when the Saviour was come, women rejoiced in him, before either man or angel. ((>) i read not, that ever man did give unto Christ so much as one groat: but the women followed him, and ministered to him of (heir substance. It was a woman that washed his (eei with tears, and a woman that anointed his body to the (a) Gen. iii. Gal. iv. 4. (b) Luke ii. THE PILGRIMS SIT DOWN TO SUPPKR. 403 burial. They were women that wept, when he was going to the cross ; and women that followed him from the cross, and that sat by his sepulchre when he was buried. They were women that were first with him at his resurrection morn ; and women that brought tidings first to his disci- ples, that he was risen from the dead, (a) Women there" fore are highly favoured, and show by these things, that they are sharers with us in the grace of life. Now the cook sent up to signify that supper was almost ready : and sent one to lay the cloth, and the trenchersj and to set the salt and bread in order. Then said Matthew, The sight of this cloth, and of this forerunner of the supper, begetteth in me a greater appetite to my food than I had before. Gai. So let all ministering doctrines in this life, beget in thee a greater desire to sit at the supper of the great King in his kingdom ; for all preaching, books, and ordi- nances here, are but as the laying of the trenchers, and as setting of salt upon the board, when compared with the feast that our Lord will make us when we come to his house. So supper came up ; and first a heave-shoulder and a wave-breast were set on the table before them ; to show that they must begin the meal with prayer and praise to God. (6) The heave-shoulder, David lifted his heart up to God with ; and with the wave-breast, where his heart \?iy, with that he used to lean upon his harp, when he played — These two dishes v»'ere very fresh and good, and they all eat heartily thereof. The next they brought up was a bottle of wine, as red as blood. So Gains said to tliem. Drink freely, this is the true juice of the vine, that makes glad the heart of ^ a; Luke vii. 37—60. viii.2, 3. xxiii. 27. xxiv. 22, 23, John ii.3. ii.2. MaU.xxvil.55-*til, (6) Lev. vii. 32— 3-4. x. 14, J.5. Td. xxv. 1. Heb. xiii. 15. 404 THEIR CONVfiPvSATION AT SUPPKR. Cxoil ami man. So they drank and were merry. (a) — The next was a dish of milk well crumbled : but Gaius said, Let the boys have that, that they may " grow- thereby. "(6) — Then Ihey brought up in course a dish of butter and honey. Then said Gaius, Eat freely of this, for this is good to cheer up and strengthen your judg- ments and understandings. This was our Lord's dish when he was a child ; " Butter and honey shall he eat, ihat he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. "(c) — Then they brought them up a dish of apples, and they were very good tasted fruit. Then said Mat- thew, " May we eat apples, since they were such, by and with which ihe serpent beguiled our first mother?" Then said Gaius, '' Apples were they with which we were beguiFd ; Yet siHy not apples, hath our souls defil'd : Apples forbid, if eat corrupt the blood ; To eat such when commanded does us good ; Drink of his flaggons, then, thou church his dove, And eat his apples, who are sick of love/' Then said Matthew, I aiade the scruple, because, a while since, I was sick with eating of fruit. Gai. Forbidden fruit will make you sick, but not what our Lord has tolerated. While they were thus talking, they were presented with another dish, and it was a dish of nuts.(fi) Then said some at the table, " Nuts spoil tender tee(h, especially Ihe teeth of the children." Which, when Gaius heard he said. 'a) Deut. xxxii. 14. Judg. ix. 13. John xv. 5. (b) 1 Pet. ii. 1, 2. (c) Isa. vii. 15. (d) So), Songs vi. 11. THEIR CONVERSATION AT SUPPER. 405 ** Hard texts are nuts (I will not call them cheaters,) Whose shells do keep the kernels from the eaters : Open then the shells, and you shall have the meat ; They here are brought for you to crack and eat." Then thej were nierrj, and sat at the table a long time, talking of many things. Then said the old gentle- man, My good landlord, while ye are cracking your nuts. if you please, do you open this riddle :^ ^' A man there was (though some did count him mad,) The more he cast away, the more he had.'' Then they all gave good heed, wondering what good Gains would say ; so he sat still awhile, and then thus replied : " He who thus bestows his goods upon the poor, Shall have as much again, and ten times more.'' Then said Joseph, I dare say, Sir, I did not think yoa could have found it out. Oh ! said Gaius, I have been trained up in this way a great while ; nothing teaches like experience : ^I have learned of my Lord to be kind ; and have found by ex- perience, that I have gained thereby^ "There is that scattereth, yet increaseth ; and there is that withholdetli more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty :" " There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nolhing ; there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. "(a) * Observe hero, the feast of pils-rims was attended with joy. Chri'^tiana may, they ont;ht, yea. they have th.'» greatest reason to rejoice ; but then it should be spiritual joy, which springs frora spiritual views, and sp'riludi conversation. Let our speech be thus seasonfsd. and our feasts tl.us trna- pered, and ue shall find increasin,-: joy and gladness of heart in the Lord (o) Prov. xi. 24. xiii. 7. 406 MATTHEW AND MERCY ARE MARRIED. Then Samuel whispered to Christiana, his mother, and said, Mother, this is a very good man's house ; let us stay here a good while, and let my brother Matthew be marri- ed here to Mercy, before we go any further.^ The which Gaius the host overhearing, said, with a very good will, my child. So they staid here more than a month; and Mercy was given to Matthew to wife. While they staid here, Mercy, as her custom was, would be making coats and garments to give to the poor^ by which she brought up a very good report upon pil- grims. * Here is a genuine discovery of a gracious heart ; when it is delighted with spiritual company and conversation, and longs for its continuance Is it so with you, Reader ? (a) Prov. xi. 24. xiii. 7, A QUESTIOi\ PROPOSED AND ANSWERED. 407 CHAPTER XI. fHE PILGRIMS CONTINUE AT THE HOUSE OF GAIUS ; FROM WHENCE THEY SALLY OUT, AND DESTROY GIANT SLAY- GOOD, A CANNIBAL ; AND RESCUE MR. FEEBLE-MIND. BUT fo return again (o our story. After supper the lads desired a bed, for they were weary with travelhng : then Gaius called, to show theui their chamber : but said Mercy I will have them to bed. — So she had them to bed, and they slept well: but the rest sat up all night: for Gaius and they were such suitable company, that they could not tell how to part. Then after much talk of their Lord, themselves, and their journey, old Mr. Honest (he that put forth the riddle to Gaius) began to nod. Then said Great-heart, What Sir, you begin to be drowsy I come, rub up, now here is a riddle for you.^^ Then said Mr. Honest, Let us hear it. Then said Mr. Great-heart, " He that will kill, must first be overconie : Who live abroad would, first must die at home.'' Ha ! said Mr. Honest, it is a hard one, hard to expound, and harder to practise. But come, landlord, said he, 1 will, if you please, leave my part to you; do you expound it, and I will hear what you say. No, said Gaius, it was put to you, and it is expected } ou should answer it. * Mindlliis: When one pilgrim observes that a brother is inclined to be drowsy, it is his duty, and should be his practice, to endeavour (o awaken, quicken, enliven, and stir up such, by spiritual hints. O that this was more practised ! Manv blessings would be consequent upon it. J) d d 408 ANOTHER (tUESTION PROPOSED. Then said the old gentleman, "He first by grace must conquer'd be, That sin would mortify : Who, that he lives, would convince me. Unto himself must die."* It is right, said Gains ; good doctrine and experience teaches this. For, until grace displays itself, and over- comes the soul with its glory, it is altogether without heart to oppose sin : besides, if sin is Satan's cords, by which the soul lies bound, how should it make resistance, before it is loosed from that infirmity ? — Nor will any, that knows either reason or grace, believe that such a man can be a living monument of grace, that is a slave to his own corruption.— And now it comes in my mind, T will tell you a story worlh the hearing. — There were two men that went on pilgrimage, the one began when he was 3'oung, the other when he was old ; the young man had strong corruptions to grapple with, the old man's were weak with the decays of nature: the young man trode his steps as even as did the old one, and was every^ way as light as he : who now, or which of them, had their graces shining clearest, since both seemed to be alike ? Hon. The young man's doubtless. For that which heads it against the greatest opposition gives best demon- stration that it is strongest ; especially when it also holdeth pace with that that meets not with half so much ; as to be sure old age does not.— Besides, I have observ- ed, that old men have blessed themselves with this mis- * O this dying to self, to self righteous pride, vain confidence, self-love^ and self complacency, is hnfd work to the old man ; yea, it is both im- practicable and impossible to him. It is only grace yielded to that can conquer and subdue him. And where grace reigns, this work is carried on day by day. ANOTHER QUESTION RESOLVED. 409 take ; namely, taking (he decays of nature for a gracious conquest over corruptions, and so have been apt to be- guile themselves. Indeed, old men, that are gracious, are best able to give advice to them that are young, be- cause they have seen most of the emptiness of things ; but yet, for an old and a young man to set out both to- gether, the young one has the advantage of the fairest discovery of a work of grace within him, though the old man's corruptions are naturally the weakest. Thus they sat talking till break of day. Now when the family was up, Christiana bid her son James that he should read a chapter ; so he read the fifty-third of Isai- ah. When he had done, Mr. Honest asked, why it was said, that the Saviour is said to come " out of a dry ground;" and also that he had "no form of comeliness in him." Then said Mr. Great-heart, To the first I answer, be- cause the church of the Jews, of which Christ came, had then lost almost all the sap and spirit of religion. To the second I say, the words are spoken in the person of the nnbeliever, who, because they want the eye that can see into our Prince's heart, therefore they judge of him by the meanness of his outside. Just like those that know not that precious stones are covered over with a homely crust ; who, when they have found one, because they know not what they have found, cast it again away, as men do a common stone. Well, said Gains, now you are here, and since, as I know, Mr. Great-heart is good at his weapons, if you please, after we have refreshed ourselves, we will w^alk into the fields, to see if we can do any good. About a mile from hence, there is one Slay-good, a giant, that does much annoy the King's highway in these parts : and I know whereabout his haunt is: he is master of a number 410 THEV ASSAULT GIANT SLAV-GOOiJ, of thieves : it would be well if we could clear these part* of him.^ So thej consented and went, Mr. Great-heart with his sword, helmet, and shield, and the rest with spears and staves. When thej came to the place where he was, they found him with one Feeble-mind in his hand, whom his. servants had brought unto him, having taken him hi the waj' : now the giant was rifling him, with a purpose, after that, to pick his bones ; for he was of the nature of flesh- eaters. Well, so soon as he saw Mr. Great-heart and his friends at the mouth of his cave, with their weapons, he demand- ed what thej wanted. Gr.-h. We want thee, for we are come to revenge the quarrels of the many that thou hast slain of the pilgrims, when Ihou hast dragged them out of the King's highway ; wherefore come out of thy cave. — So he armed himself and came out ; and to the battle they went, and fought for above an hour, and then stood stili to take wind. Then said the giant, W hy are you here on my ground ? Gr.-h. To revenge the blood of pilgrims, as I also told thee before. — So they went to it again, and the giant made Mr. Great-heart give back ; but he came up again, and in ihe greatness of his mind he let fly with such stout- ness at the giant's head and sides, that he made him let his weapon fall out of his hand ; so he smote and slew him and cut off his head, and brought it away to the inn. He also took Feeble- mind the pilgrim, and brought him with him to his lodgings. When they were come home, they ^ After feeding, pilgrims are to prcparo for fighting. They are not U. eat, iii order to pamper their hists. but to blreiigthen tht-ir bodies and souls that they may be stronger in the Lord, and in the power of his mi^ht.. ti fight and conquer every enemy FEEBLE-MIND S ACCOUNT OK HIMSELF. 411 showed his head to (lie family, and sel it up, as thej had done others before, for a terror to those that sliall attempt to do as he, hereafter. Then they asked Mr. Feeble-mind, how he foil into liis hands ? Then said the poor man, I am a sickly man, as yow see. and because death did usually once a day knock at my door, I thought I should never be v, ell at home ; so I be- took myself to a pilgrim's life ; and have travelled hither from the town of Uncertain, where I and my father were born. I am a man of no strength at all of body, nor yei of mind ; but would, if I could, though I can but crawl, spend my life in a pilgrim's way.* — When I came at the gate that is at the head of the w'ay, the Lord of that place did entertain me freely ; neitiier objected he against my weakly looks, nor against my feeble mind ; but gave me such things that were necessary for my journey, and bid me hope to the end. — When I came to the house of the Interpreter, I received much kindness tliere ; and because the hill of DifSculty was judged too hard for me, I was carried up that by one of his servants. — Indeed, I have found much relief from pilgrims, though none was willing to go softly as I am forced to do : yet still as they came on, they bid me be of good cheer, and said, that it was the will of their Lord, that " comfort" should be given to " the feeble minded ;"(«) and so went on their own pace. When I was come to Assault- lane, then this giant met with rae, and bid me prepare for an encounter; but, alas! fee- * All pilgrims are not alike vigorous, strong, and lively. Some arr weak, creep and crawl on, in the ways of the Lord. No matter ; if thert- be but a pilgrim's heart, all shall be well ol last: for Omnipotence i(self i-^ for us : and then we may boldly ask, while we are obedient to the truth, Who shall be against ns f (a) 1 Thess. v. U. 412 FEtlBLE-MIND CONTINUES HIS NARRATIVE. ble one that I was I I had more need of a cordial : so he came up and took me. 1 conceived he should not kill me : also when he had got me into his den, since I went not with him willingly, I believed I should come out alive again; for I have heard, that not any pilgrim that is taken captive by violent hands, if he keeps heart-whole towards his master, is, by the laws of providence, to die by the hand of the enemy. Robbed I looked to be, and rob- bed to be sure I am : but I am, as you see, escaped with life, for the which I thank my King as author, and you as the means. Other brunts I also look for, but this I have resolved on, to wit, to run when I can, to go when J can- not run, and to creep when 1 cannot go. As to the main, I thank him that loved nie, [ am fixed ; my way is before me, my mind is beyond the river that has no bridge ; though 1 am, as you see, but of a feeble mind."^ Hon. Then said old Mr. Honest, Have not you some time ago been acquainted with one Mr. Fearing, a pil- Feeble. Acquainted with him ! yes : he came from the town of Stupidity, which lies four degrees northward of the city of Destruction, and as many off of where I was born ; yet we were well acquainted, for indeed he was my uncle, my father's brother ; he and I have been much of a temper : he was a little shorter than I, but yet we were much of a complexion. Hon. I perceive you know him ; and I am apt to be- lieve also, that you were related one to another, for you have his whitely look, a cast like his with your eye, and your speech is much alike. ■ What a sweet, simple relation is here ! dolh it not suit many a feeble- minded Christian? Poor soul, weak as he was, yet his Lord provided against his danger. He sent some strong ones to his deliverance, and to slay his enemy. Mind his belief, even in his utmost extremity. Learr somewhat from this Feeble-mind. NOT-RIGHT STRUCK DEAD. 413 Feeble. Most have said so, that have known us both ; tind, besides, what I have read in him, 1 have for the most part found in myself. Come, Sir, said good Gains, be of good cheer ; you are welcome to me, and to my house ; and what thou hast a mind to, call for freely ; and what thou wouldest have my servants do for thee, they will do with a ready mind. Then said Mr. Feeble-mind, This is an unexpected fa- vour, and as the sun-shining out of a very dark cloud. — Did giant Slay-good intend me this favour when he stopt me, and resolved to let me go no further? Did he intend, that after he had rifled my pocket, I should go to " Gains mine host ?'* Yet so it is.* Now just as Mr. Feeble-mind and Gains were thus in talk, there comes one running, and called at the door and told, that about a mile and a half off there was one Mr. Not-right, a pilgrim, struck dead upon the place where he was, with a thunder-bolt. Alas ! said Mr. Feeble-mind, is he slain ? He overtook me some days before I came so far as hither, and would be my company-keeper ; he also was with me when Slay- good the giant took me, but he was nimble of his lieels, and escaped : but it seems, he escaped to die, and I was took to live.f " What, one would think, doth seek to slay outright, Oft-times delivers from the saddest plight. * O how sweet to reflect, the most gigantic enemy shall be concjuered^ and their most malicious designs shall be over-ruled for our good : yea, what (hey intend tor our ruin shall be made to work for our health and prosfierity. t See the various dealings of God, and more and more adore him in all his ways of providence and grace. " Know, all the ways of God to men are just ; And, where you cant unriddle, learn to trn:=t.' 414 THE HOSPITALITV OF GAIUS. That very providence, whose face is death, Doth oft-times, to the lowly, life bequeath. I taken was, he did escape and flee : Hands cross'd, give death to hhn, and life to me.'^ Now about this time Matthew and Mercy were marri- ed i"^ also Gains gave his daughter Phebe to James, Mat- thew's brother, to wife. After which time they staid about ten days at Gaius's house ; spending their time and the seasons, like as pilgrims used to do. When they were to depart, Galus made them a feast, and they did eat and drink, and were merry. Now the hour was come that they must be gone ; wherefore Mr. Great-heart called for a reckoning. But Gaius told him, that at his house it was not the custom of pilgrims to pay for their entertainment. He boarded them by the year, but looked for his pay from the Good Samaritan, who had promised him, at his return, whatsoever charge he was at with them, faithfully to repay him.(rt) Then said Mr^ Great-heart to him, " Beloved, thou doest faithfully, whatsoever thou doest to the brethren and to strangers, which have borne witness of thy charity before the church, whom if thou yet bring forward on their journey, after a godly sort, thou shalt do well."(t) Then Gaius took his leave of them all, and his children, and particularly of Mr. Feeble-mind : he also gave him something to drink by the way^. * The reader may remember that IMercy had sometime before refused the addresses of Mr. Brisk, alleging that she was determined not to have a clog to her soul : but now the Lord provides an help-meet for her in Mat- thew, a sincere young pilgrim. Happy is the match which is made in the Lord, and the partners who arc united in eternal bonds ! (a) Luke x. 34, .35. (6) 3 John 5, 6. THE PILGRIMS LEAVE THE HOUSE OF GAIUS. 415 CHAPTER XII. THE PILGRIMS ARE JOINED BY MR. READY-TO-HALT, AND PROCEED TO THE TOWN OF VANITY, WHERE THEY ARE AGREEABLY LODGED BY MR MNASON ; AND MEET WITH AGREEABLE COMPANY.— THEY ENCOUNTER A FORMIDABLE MONSTER. NOW Mr. Feeble-mind, when they were going out at the door, made as if he intended to linger. The which when Mr. Great-heart espied, he said, " Come, Mr. Fee- ble-mind, pray do you go along with us, I will be your conductor, and you shall fare as the rest." Feeble. Alas ! I want a suitable companion; you are all lusty and strong ; but I, as you see, am weak; I choose therefore rather to come behind, lest by reason of my ma- ny infirmities, I should be both a burden to myself and to you. I am, as I said, a man of a weak and feeble mind, and shall be offended and made weak at that which others can bear. I shall like no laughing ; I shall like no gay attire; I shall like no unprofitable questions. Nay, I am so weak a man, as to be offended at that which others have a liberty to do. I do not know all the truth : I am a very ignorant Christian man : sometimes, if I hear some rejoice in the Lord, it troubles me, because I cannot do so too. It is with me, as it is with a weak man among the strong, or as a lamp despised. "He that is ready to slip with his feet, is as a lajup despised in the thought of him that is at ease ;(«) so that I know not what to do.* * What an open ingenuous confession is here! though feeble in mind he was strong in wisdom and sound judgment. (a) Job xii. 5. Eee 416 READY-TO-HALT JOINS TU£M. Buf, brother, said Mr. Great-heart, I have it in com- mission to "comfort the feeble-minded," and to support the weak. You must needs go along with us : we will wait for you, we will lend you our help ; we will deny ourselves of some things, both opinionative and practical, for your sake ; we will not enter into " doubtful disputa- tions" before you ; we will be made all things to you, rather than you shall be left behind.* (a) Now all this while they were atGaius's door ; and, be- hold, as they were thus in the heat of their discourse, Mr. Ready-to-halt came by with his crutches in his hand, and he also was going on pilgrimage. (6) Then said Mr. Feeble- mind to him. How earnest thou hither ? I was but now complaining that I had not a suit- able companion ; but thou art according to my wish. Welcome, welcome, good Mr. Ready-to halt, I hope thou and I may be some help. Ready-to-halt. 1 shall be glad of thy company, said the other; and good Mr. Feeble-mind, rather than we will part, since we are thus happily met, I will lend thee one of my crutches. f Fekble. Nay, said he, though I thank thee for thy good-will, I am not inclined to halt before I am lame. Howbeit, I think when occasion is, it may help me against a dog. Rlady-to-halt. If either myself or my crutches can do thee a pleasure, we are both at thy command, good Mr. Feeble-mind. * 0 that this were more practised among Christians of different stand- ing, decrees, and judgment ! if they who are strong »' ere thus to hear with the weali; as they ought, how much more love, peace, and unanimity, would prevail ! t Excellent! See the nature of Christian love ; even to be ready to spare to a brother, what we ourselves have occasion for. Love looketU not at the things of our own. but to provide for the wants of others. (a) Rom. xiv. 1 Cor. viii. 9—13. ix. 22. (ft) Ps. xxxviii. 17. DISCOURSE COffCERNING CHRISTIAN, &C. 4\T Thus therefore they went on, Mr. Great-heart and Mr. Honest went before, Christiana and her children went next, and Mr. Feeble-mind and Mr. Ready-to-halt came behind with his crutches. Then said Mr. Honest, Pray, Sir, now we are upon the road, tell us some profitable things of some that are gone on pilgVimage before us. Gr.-h. With a good will. I suppose you have heard how Christian of old did meet with Apollyon in the val- ley of Humiliation, and also what hard work he had to go through the valley of the Shadow of Death. Also I think you cannot but have heard how Faithful was put to it by Madam Wanton, with Adam the First, with one Discontent, and Shame : four as deceitful villains as a man can meet with upon the road. Hon. Yes, I believe I heard of all this ; but indeed good Faithful was hardest put to it by shame; he was an unwearied one. Gr.-h. Ay : for as the pilgrim well said, he of all men had the wrong name. Hon. But pray, Sir, where was it that Christian and Faithful met Talkative ? that same was a notable one. Gr.-h. He was a confident fool; yet many follow his ways. Hon. He had like to have beguiled Faithful. Gr.-h. Ay, but Christian put him into a way quickly to find him out. Thus they went on till they came to the place where Evangelist met with Christian and Faithful, and prophe- sied to them what they should meet with at Vanity-fair. Then said their guide. Hereabouts did Christian and Faithful meet with Evangelist, who prophesied to them of what troubles they should meet with at Yanity-fair. Hon. Say you so? I dare say it was a hard chapter that then he did read unto them. 41S THEY APPROACH TO THE TOWN OF VANlTYc Gr.-h. It was SO, but then he gave them encourage- ment, withal. But what do we talk of them ? they were a couple of lion-like men ; they had set their faces like flints. Do not you remember how undaunted they were when they stood before the judge ? Hon. Well, Faithful bravely suffered. Gr.-h. So he did, and as brave things came on't : for Hopeful and some others, as the story relates, were con- verted by his death. (a) Hon. Well, but pray go on ; for you are well acquaint- ed with things.* Gr.-h. Above all that Christian met with after he had passed through Vanity-fair, one By-ends was the arch one. Hon. By-ends ! What was he ? Gr.-h. a very arch fellow, a downright hypocrite : one that would be religious which way ever the world went : but so cunning, that he would be sure never to lose or suffer for it. He had his mode of religion for every fresh occasion, and his wife was as good at it as he. He would turn and change from opinion to opinion : yea, and plead for so doing too. But as far as I could learn, he came to an ill-end with his by-ends : nor did I ever hear that any of his children were ever of any esteem with any that truly fear God. (a) Now by this time they were come within sight of the town of Vanity, where Vanity-fair is kept. So when they saw that they were so near the town, they consulted with one another how they should pass through the town r ^ Nothing more profitable than conversing on the faith, valour, and suc- cess of those who have gone before us, with their trials, enemies and dan- gers ! yet how gloriously they fought their way through all, and came off more than conquerors over all. Pilgrims love to hear these things. (a) Part I. p. 148—180. (6) Part I. p. 181—193. THEY ARE CORDIALLY RECEIVED BY MR. MNASON. 419 and some said one thing, and some another. At last, Mr. Great-heart said, I have, as you may understand, often been a conductor of pilgrims through this town : now I am acquainted with one Mr. Mnason, a Cyprusian by nation, and an old disciple, at whose house we may lodge. If you think good, said he, we will turn in there.* Content, said old Honest; Content, said Christiana; Content, said Mr. Feeble-mind; and so they said all. Now you must think it was eventide by that they got to the outside of the town ; but Mr. Great-heart knew the way to the old man's house. So thither they came ; and he called at the door, and the old man within knew his tongue so soon as ever he heard it ; so he opened, and they all came in. Then said Mnason their host, " How far have ye come to-day ?" So they said, " From the house of Gains our friend." " I promise you," said he, " you have gone a good stitch ; you may well be weary ; sit down." So they sat down. Then said their guide. Come, what cheer, good Sirs? I dare say you are welcome to my friend. I also, said Mr. Mnason, do bid you welcome : and whatever you want, do but say, and we will do what we can to get it for you. Hon. Our great want, a while since, was harbour and good company ; and now I hope we have both.f Mnas. For harbour, you see what it is ; but for good company, that will appear in the trial. Well, said Mr. Great-heart, will you have the pilgrims into their lodgings ? * How happy to find a house in Vanity-fair, whose master will receive and entertain pilgrims. Blessed be God for the present revival of religion in our day : and for the many houses that are open to the friends of the Lamb. The hearts of the masters of which he opens. t Under all our wants, may we not say, with our father Abraham, God will provide ? Gen. xxii. 8. 420 THEY ARE VISITED BY MR. MNASOn's FRIENDS^ I will, said Mr. Mnason. — So he had them to their res- pective places ; and also showed them a very fair dining- room, where they might be, and sup together, until time was come to go to rest. Now when they were set in their places, and were a little cheery after their journey, Mr. Honest asked his landlord, if there were any store of good people in the town? Mnas. We have a few ; for indeed they are but a few when compared with them on the other side. Hon. But how shall we do to see some of them ? for the sight of good men to them that are going on pilgria^ age, is like to the appearing of the moon and stars to them that are going a journey;^ ^ Then Mr. Mnason stamped with his foot, and his daughter Grace came up : so he said unto her, Grace, go you, tell my friends, Mr. Contrite, Mr. Holy man, Mr. Love-saints, Mr. Dare-not-lie, and Mr. Penitent, that I have a friend or two at my house, that have a mind this evening to see them. So Grace went to call them, and they came ; and, after salutation made, they sat down together at the table. Then said Mr. Mnason, their landlord. My neighbours^ I have as you see, a company of strangers come to my house : they are pilgrims : thej come from afar, and are going to Mount Zion. But who, quoth he, do you think this is? (pointing his fingers at Christiana.) It is Chris- tiana, the wife of Christian, that famous pilgrim, who with Faithful his brother, were so shamefully handled in our town. — At that they stood amazed, saying. We lit- tle thought to see Christiana when Grace came to call us : * The inquiry of disciples after suitable company discovers that they, with David, love the Lords saints, and in the excellent of the earth is all their delight. Ps. xvi. 3. A genuine discovery this of a gracious heart. 421 Yrherefore this is a very comfortable surprise. Then they asked her about her welfare, and if these young men were her husband's sons. And when she told them they were, they said, " The King, whom you love and serve, make you as your father, and bring you where he is in peace!"* Then Mr. Honest, when they were all sat down, asked Mr. Contrite, and the rest, in what posture their town was at present. CoNTR. You may be sure we are full of hurry in fair- time. It is hard keeping our hearts and spirits in goo(J order, when we are in a cumbered condition. He that lives in such a place as this, and that has to do with such as we have, has need of an item, to caution him to take heed every moment of the day.f Hon. But how are your neighbours now for quietness ? CoNTR. They are much more moderate now than for- merly. You know how Christian and Faithful were used at our town ; but of late, I say, they have been far more moderate. I think the blood of Faithful lieth with load upon them till now : for since they burned him, they have been ashamed to burn any more : in those days we were afraid to walk the streets, but now we can show our heads. Then the name of a professor was odious ; now, especial- ly in some parts of our town (for you know our town is large,) religion is counted honourable.:]; Then said Mr. Contrite to them, Pray how fareth it w^ith you in your pilgrimage ? How stands the country affected towards you ? Hon. It happens to us as it happeneth to way-faring * A precious player for the best of bles'«ings. t .Mind this hint. May it kii)tlle a sense of danger, and excite caution. t It is a mercy, when open persecution for the word abates, and r-li- j;ion is more r'^s'iec<';d . hut how do professors in such times i^^et cold ;ind dead, grow formal and worMly ? The smiles of the town of Vanity oftea prove more injurious than its frowns Be on year guard O pilgrims 422 GREAT-HEART RELATES THEIR ADVENTURES. men : sometimes our way is clean, sometimes foul, some- times up hill, sometimes down hill ; we are seldom at a certainty : the wind is not always on our backs, nor is every one a friend that we meet with in the way. We have met with some notable rubs already : and what are yet behind we know not : but for the most part, we find it true that has been talked of old, — " A good man must suffer trouble." CoNTR. You talk of rubs : — what rubs have you met withal ? Hon. Nay, ask Mr. Great-heart, our guide ; for he can give the best account of that. Gr.-h. We have been beset two or three times al- ready. First, Christiana and her children were beset with two ruffians, that they feared would take away their lives. We were beset with giant Bloody-man, giant Maul, and giant Slay-good. Indeed, we did rather beset the last than were beset of him. And thus it was ; after we had been some time at the house of Gains, " mine host, and of the whole church," we were minded upon a time to take our weapons with us, and so go see if we could light upon any of those that were enemies of pilgrims ; for we heard that there was a notable one thereabouts. Now Gains knew his haunt better than I, because he dwelt thereabout ; so we looked and looked, till at last we dis- cerned the mouth of his cave ; then were we glad, and plucked up our spirits. So we approached up to his den ; and, lo, when we came there, he had dragged, by mere force into his net, this poor man, Mr. Feeble-mind, and was about to bring Iiim lo his end. But when he saw us, supposing, as we thought, he had another prey, he left the poor man in his house, and came out. So we fell to it full sore, and he lustily laid about him, but in conclu- sion, he was brought down to the ground, and his head THEIR FURTHER CONVERSATION. 423 twi off, and set up by the way-side, for a terror to such as should after practise such ungodliness. Thai I tell you the truth, here is the man himself to affirm it, who was as a lamb taken out of the mouth of the lion. Then said Mr. Feeble-mind, I found this true to my Cost and comfort ; to my cost, when he threatened to pick my bones every moment ; and to my comfort, when I saw Mr. Great-heart and his friends, with their weapons, approach so near for my deliverance. Then said Mr. Holyman, There are two things that they have need to be possessed of, that go on pilgrimage ; courage and an unspotted life. If they have not courage, they can never hold on their way ; and if their lives be lt)ose, they will make the very name of a pilgrim stink. =^ Then said Mr. Love-saint, I hope this caution is not needful among you : but truly there are many that go up- on the road, that rather declare themselves strangers to pilgrimage, than strangers and pilgrims in the earlh. Then said Mr. Dare-not-lie, It is true, they neither have the pilgrim's weed, nor the pilgrim's courage : they go not uprightly, but all awry with their feet : one shoe goeth inward, another outward, and their hosen out be- hind ; here a rag, and there a rent, to the disparagement of their Lord.f These things, said Mr. Penitent, they ought to be troub- led for ; nor are the pilgrims like to have that grace upon them, and their pilgrim's progress as they desire, until the way is cleared of such spots and blemishes. Thus they sat talking and spending the time until sup- per was set upon the table. Upon which tliey went and * This is a sound speech. Lord, grant that we, who profess the holy name may take good heed to this. It ts a word of conviction to many. t An excellent observation, and a just reproof May it carry convic- tion to the heart of those it suits. Fff 424 THEY HEAR OF A MONSTER IN THOSE PARTS. refreshed their weary bodies ; so they went to rest. Now they stayed in the fair a great while at the house ot' Mr. Mnason, who in process of time, gave his daughter Grace unto Samuel, Christiana's son, and his daughter Martha io Joseph. The time, as I said, that they lay here was long: for it was not now as in former times. AV herefore the pilgrims grew acquainted with many of the good people of the town, and did them what service they could. Mercy, as she w as wont, laboured much for the poor ; wherefore their bellies and backs blessed her, and she was there an ornament to her profession. And to say the truth for Grace, Phebe, and Martha, they were all of a very good nature, and did much good in their places. They were also all of them very fruitful ; so that Christian's name^ as was said before, was like to live in the world. AV hile they lay here, there came a monster out of the woods, and slew many of the people of the town. Il would also carry away their children, and teach them to suck its whelps. Now no man in the town durst so much as face this monster; but all men fled when they heard of the noise of his coming. The monster was like unto no one beast upon the earth : its body was " like a dragon, and it had seven heads and ten horns.. a) It made great havoc ot children, and yet it was governed by a woman. This monster propounded conditions to men, and such men as loved their lives more than their souls accepted of those conditions. Novv^ Mr. Great heart, together with those who came to visit the pilgrims at Mr. Mnason's house, entered into a covenant to go and engage this beast, if perhaps they (a) Rev. xii, 3. THEY ATTACK THE MONSTER, AND WOUND HIM. 425 might deliver (he people of this (own from the paws and mouth of (his so devouring a serpent. Then did 3Ir. Great-heart, Mr. Contrite, Mr. Holy- man, Mr. Dare-not lie, and Mr. Penitent, with their wea- pons, go forth to meet him. Now the monster, at first, was very rampant, and looked upon these enemies with great disdain; but they so belaboured him, being sturdy men at arms, that they made him make a retreat ; so they came home to Mr. Mnason's house again. The monster,^ you must know, had his certain sea- sons to come out in, and to make his attempts upon the children of the people of the town : also these seasons did these valiant worthies watch him in, and did continually assault him ; insomuch, that in process of time he became not only wounded, but lame ; also he had not made the havock of the townsmen's children as formerly he had done. And it is verily believed by some, that this beast will certainly die of his wounds. This therefore made Mr. Great-heart and his fellows of great fame in this town ; so that many of the people, that wanted their taste of things, yei had a reverent esteem and respect for them. Upon this account therefore it was, that these pilgrims gol not much hurt here. True, there were some of the baser sort, that could see no more than a mole, nor under- stand no more than a beast ; these had no reverence for these men, nor took they notice of their valour and ad- ventures. * This refers (observes the Rev. Mr. Scott) to the prevalence of popery for some time before the revolution in 1<)8S ; by which many nominal pro- testants were drawn aside, and ntimber- of children educated in the prin- el[>les of darkneas and superstition. The favour and frown of the prince and his party operated so powertully, that worldly men in general yield- ed to the imposition ; but several persons among the non-contormists, as wfll as in the established church, did eminent service at this crisis, by their preaching and writings, in exposing the deln.'jions and abominations of the adherents to the papal ^ee : and tliese endeavours were eventually the means o^" overturning the plan formed for the re-establishment of Ijopery in Britain. 426 THEr DEPART FROM THE HOUSE OF MNASON CHAPTER XIH. THE PILGRfMS K[LL GIANT DESPAIR, AND HIS WIFE j AND TOTALLY DEMOLISH HIS CASTLE —THEY PROCEED TO THE DELECTABLE MOUNTAINS. WELL, the time drew on that the pilgrims must goon their waj ; therefore they prepared for their journey. They sent for their friends ; they conferred with them ; they had some time set apart therein, to commit each other to the protection of their Prince. There were again that brought them of such things as they had, that were fit for the weak and the strong, for the women and the men, and so laded them with such things as were neces- sary, (a) Then they set forward on their way; and their friends accompanying them so far as was convenient, they again committed each other to the protection of their King, and departed. They, therefore, that were of the pilgrims' company^ went on, and Mr. Great-heart went before them; now the women and children being weakly, they were forced to go as they could bear ; by this means Mr. Ready-to- LaU, and Mr. Feeble-mind had more to sympathize with their condition. When they were gone from the townsmen, and when their friends had bid them farewell, they quickly came to the place where Faithful was put to death : therefore they made a stand, and thanked Him that had enabled him to bear his cross so well ; and the rather, because they now found that they had a benefit by such a man's sufferings (a) Acts xxviii. IQ. THEY ARRIVE AT THE WATER OF LIFE. 427 as he was. They went on, therefore, after this a good way further, talking of Christian and Faithful ; and how Hopeful joined himself to Christian, after that Faithful was dead.(o) Now they were come up the hill Lucre, where the sil- ver mine was, which took Demas off from his pilgrimage, and into which, as some think. By-ends fell and perished : wherefore they considered that. But when they were come to the old monument that stood over against the hill Lucre, to wit, to the pillar of salt, that stood also within the view of Sodom and its stinking lake,(6) they marvel- led, as did Christian before, that men of that knowledge and ripeness of wit, as they were, should be so blind as to turn aside here. Only they considered again, that nature is not affected with the harms that others have met with, especially if that thing, upon which they look, has an at- tracting virtue upon the foolish eye. I saw now that they went on till they came to the river that was on this side of the Delectable Mountains(c) — to the river where the fine trees grow on both sides, and whose leaves, if taken inwardly, are good against sur- feits ;{d) where the meadows are green all the year long, and where they might lie down safely. By this river side, in the meadows, there were cotes and folds for sheep, a house built for the nourishing and bringing up those lambs, the babes of those women that go on pilgrimage. Also there was here one that was en- trusted with them, who could have compassion, and that could gather these lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and that could gently lead those that were with young, (e) Now to the care of this man Christiana ad- fa) Part I. p. 181. (b) Part I. p. 191. (c) Part I. p. 197. (d) Ps (e) lieb. V. 2. I3. Ixiii. 423 AiN iiosmrAL for young cHiLDRErr, Qionished her four daughters to commit their little ones^ that by these waters they might be housed, harboured, succoured, and nourished, and that none of them might be lacking in time to come. This man, if any of them go astray, or be lost, he will bring them back again ; he will also bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen them tliat are sick. (a) Here they will never want meat, drink, and clothing ; here they will be kept from thieves, and robbers : for this man will die before one of those committed to his trust shall be lost. Besides, here they shall be sure to have good nurture and admonition : and shall be taught to walk in right paths ; and that, you know is a favour of no small account. Also here, as you see, are delicate waters, pleasant meadows, dainty flowers, variety of trees, and such as bear wholesome fruit: fruit not like that which Matthew eat of, that fell over the wall out of Beelzebub's garden ; but fruit that procureth health where there is none, and that continueth and increaseth where it is.* So they were content to commit their little ones to him ; and that which was also an encouragement to them so to do, was, for that all this was to be at the charge of the King ; and so was an hospital to young children and or- phans. Now they went on ; and when they were come to By- path meadow, to the stile over which Christian went with his fellow Hopeful, when they were taken by giant Des- pair, and put into Doubting Castle : they sat down, and consulted what was best to be done ; to wit, now they * Here we frequently find our author speaking of our Lord and Savioui as Man. He excels in this. It were to he. wished, that authors and preach- i^rs wrote and spake more frequently of the manhood of Jesus, who was a. ,perfect Man, like unto us in all things except sin. (a) Jer. xiii. 4. Ezek. xxxiv. 11 — 16. ITHEV DETERMINE TO ATTACK GIANT DESPAIR. 429 were so strong, and had got such a man as Mr. Great- heart for their conduclor, whether thej had not best to make an attempt upon the giant, demolish his castle, and if there were any pilgrims in it, to set them at liberty, before they went any further. (a) So one said one thing, and another said to the contrary. — One questioned if it was lawful to go upon unconsecrated ground ; another said they might, provided their end was good. But Mr. Great-heart said, Though that assertion offered last can- not be universally true, yet I have a commandment to re- sist sin, to overcome evil, to fight the good fight of faith : and I pray, with whom should I fight this good fight, if not with giant Despair? I will therefore attempt the tak- ing away of his life, and the demolishing of Doubting Cas- tle. Then, said he, " Who will go with me ?" Then said old Honest, "/ will." " And so we will too," said Christiana's four sons, Matthew, Samuel, James, and Jo- seph; for they were young men and strong. (6) So they left the women on the road, and with (hem Mr, Feeble-mind and Mr. Ready-to-halt, with his crutches, to be their guard, until they came back; for in that place, though giant Despair dwelt so near, they keeping in the road "a little child might lead them. "(c) So Mr. Great-heart, old Honest, and the four young men, went to go up to Doubting Castle, to look for giant Despair. When they came at the castle gate, they knock- ed for entrance with an unusual noise. With that the old giant comes to the gate, and Diffidence his wife follows. Then said he, " Who and what is he that is so hardy, as after this manner to molest the giant Despair ? Mr. Great- heart replied, '* It is I, Great-hea't, one of the King of the celestial counlry's conductors of pilgrims to their (a) Part I. p. 199-205. (b) 1 John ii. 13, 14. (c) Isaiah li. 6. 430 THEY KILL THE GIANT. place : and I demand of thee, that thou open thy gates for my entrance ; prepare thyself also to fight, for 1 am come to take away thy head ; and to demolish Doubting Castle." Now giant Despair, because he was a giant, thought no man could overcome him; and again, thought he, " Since heretofore I have made a conquest of angels, shall Great-heart make me afraid?" So he harnessed himself, and went out: he had a cap of steel upon his head, a breast plate of fire girded to him, and he came out in iron shoes with a great club in his hand. Then these six men made up to him, and beset him behind and before : also when Diffidence, the giantess, came up to help him, old Mr. Honest cut her down at one blow. Then they fought for their lives, and giant Despair was brought down to the ground, but was very loth to die : he struggled hard, and had, as they say, as many lives as a cat; but Great- heart was his death ; for he left him not till he had sever- ed his head from his shoulders. "^ Then they fell to demolishing Doubting Castle; and that you know might with ease be done, since giant Des- pair was dead. They were seven days in destroying of that : and in it, of pilgrims, they found one Mr. Despon- dency, almost starved to death, and one Much-afraid, his daughter ; these two they saved alive. But it would have made you wonder, to have seen the dead bodies that lay here and there in the cas(le-yard, and how full of dead men*s bones the dungeon was. When Mr. Great-heart and his companions had per- * What cannot Great-heart do ? What feats not perform ? What victo- ries not gain ? Who can stand before Great-heart ? Diffidence shall fall, and giant Despair be slain, by the power of Great heart, with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Enh. vi. 17- even Despondency, though almost starved shall be delivered, and his daughter Much-afraid shallbe rescued, 0 for more of Great-heart's company ! formed this exploit, thej took Mr. Despondency, and his daughter Much-afraid, into their protection; for they were honest people, though they were prisoners in Doubt- ing-Castle, to that giant Despair. They therefore, I say, took with them the head of the giant (for his body they had buried under a heap of stones ;) and down to the road and to their companions they came, and showed them what they had done. Now when Feeble-mind and Ready-to-halt saw that it was the head of giant Despair indeed, they were very jocund and merry. Now Chris- tiana, if need was, could play upon the A^iol, and her daughter Mercy upon the lute ; so since they were so merry disposed, she played them a lesson, and Ready- to-halt would dance. So he took Despondency's daugh- ter, named Much-afraid, by the hand, and to dancing they went in the road. True, he could not dance with- out one crutch in his hand ; but I promise you, he footed it well : also, the girl was to be commended, for she an- swered the music handsomely. As for Mr. Despondency, the music was not much to him : he was for feeding rather than dancing, for that he was almost starved. So Christiana gave him some of her bottle of spirits, for present relief, and then prepaied him something to eat; and in a little time the old gentleman came to himself, and began to be finely revived. Now I saw in my dream, when all these things were finished, Mr. Great-heart took the head of giant Despair, and set it upon a pole by the high-way side, right over against a pillar that Christian erected for a caution to pil- grims that came after, to take heed of entering into his grounds. Then he writ under it, upon a marble stone, these ver- ses following : 132 THEY ARRIVE AT THE UELECTABLt: MOUNTAINS. *^ This is the head of him, whose name only, In former time, did pilgrims terrify. His castle's down* and Diffidence, his wife, Brave Master Great-heart has bereft of life. Despondency, his daughter Much-afraid, Greai-heart lor ihem also the man has play'd. AVho hereof doubts, if he'll but cast his eye Up hither, may his scruples satisfy. This head also when doubting cripples dance, Doth show from fear they have deliverance." When those men had thus br^avely sliowed Ihemselves against Doubting Castle, and had slain giant Despair^ they went forward, and went on till they came to the De- lectable Mountains, where Christian and Hopeful refresh- ed iheaiselves with the varieties of the place. They al- so acquainted themselves with the shepherds there, who welcomed them, as they had done Christian before, unto the Delectable Mountains. Now the shepherds seeing so great a train follow Mro Great-heart (for with him they were well acquainted,) they said unto him, " Good Sir, you have got a goodly company here; pray where did you find all these?" Gr.-h. ^' First here is Christiana and her train, Her sons, and her son's wives, who like the wain, Keep by the pole, and do by compass steer From sin to grace, else they had not been here. * The following lines contain an important truth, and deserve particu- lar regard: Tliouch T)oul»tino;-Ca«tle be demolished, And ihc giant l)<^spair hath lost his head, Sin can rebuild the Castle, make't reinairj; And make Despair the giant live again.! t Exccllent.rcmark ! pray raind it. THEY ARRIVE AT THE DELRCTABLE MOUNTAINS. 433 Next, here's old Honest come on pilgrimage; Ready-to-halt too, who I dare engage, True-hearted is, and so is Feeble-mind, Who willing was not to be left behind. Despondency, good man, is coming after, And so also is Much-afraid his daughter. JMay we have entertainment here or must We further go? Let's know whereon to trust." Then said the shepherds, This is a comfortable com- pany ; you are welcome to us, for we have for the feeble as for the strong : our Prince has an eye to what is done to the least of these :(o) therefore infirmity must not be a a block to our entertainment. So they had them to the palace doors, and then said unto them, " Come in Mr. Feeble-mind; come in Mr. Ready-to-halt: come in Mr. Despondency, and Miss Much-afraid his daughter." *' These, Mr. Great-heat," said the shepherds to the guide, " we call in by name, for that they are most sub- ject to draw back ; but as for you and the rest that are strong, we leave you to your wonted liberty." Then said Mr. Great-heart, *' This day I see, that grace doth shine in your faces, and that you are my Lord's shep- herds indeed ; for that you have not pushed these diseas- ed neither with side nor shoulder, but have rather strew- ed their way into the palace with flowers as you should. "(6) So the feeble and weak went in, and Mr. Great-heart and the rest did follow. When they were also set down, the shepherds said to those of the weaker sort, What is that you would have? For, said they, all things must be managed here to the supporting of the weak, as well as Ihe warning of the unruly. (jt) Matt. XXV. 40. (b) Ezek. xxxiv.21. 434 MOUNT MARVEL. So they made Ihem a feast of things easy of digestion, and that were pleasant to the palate, and nourishing ; the which when they had received, they went to their rest, each one respectively unto his proper place. When morning was come, because the mountains were high, and the day clear ; and because it was the custom of the shep- herds to show the pilgrims, before their departure, some rarities ; therefore, after they were ready, and had re- freshed themselves, the shepherds took them out into the fields, and showed them first what they had showed to Christian before. (o) Then they had them to some new places. The first was mount Marvel, where they looked and beheld a man at a distance, that tumbled the hills about with words. Then they asked the shepherds what that should mean? So they told him, that this man was the son of one Mr. Gieat-grace [of whom you read in the first part of the records of the Pilgrim^ s Progress ;] and he is set there to teach pilgrims how to believe down or to tumble out of their ways, what difficulties they should meet with, by faith. (6) Then said Mr. Great-heart, " I know him ; he is a man above many." Then they had them to another place, called mount Innocence: and there they saw a man clothed all in white : and two men. Prejudice and Ill-will, continually casting dirt upon him. Now, behold the dirt, whatsoever they cast at him, would in a little time fall off again, and his garment would look as clear as if no dirt had been cast tiiereat. — Then said the pilgrims. What means this ? The shepherds answered. This man is named Godlyman, and the garment is to show the innocency of his life. Now, those that throw dirt at him are such as hate his well-do- Ca) Part I. p. 20^—213. (b) Mark xi. 23, 24. MOUNT INNOCENCE AND MOUNT CHARITY. 435 ing ; but as you see the dirt will not stick upon Iiis clothes, so it shall be with him that lives truly innocently in the world. Whoever they be that would make such men dir- ty, they labour all in vain ; for God by that a little time is spent, will cause that their innocence sliall break forth as the light, and their righteousness as the noon-day. Then they took them, and had tliem to mount Charity, where they showed them a man that had a bundle of cloth lying before him, out of which he cut coats and gar- ments for the poor that stood about him; yet his bundle or roll of cloth was never the less. Then said they, What should this be ? This is, said the shepherds, to show you, that he that has a heart to give of his labour to the poor, shall never want wherewithal. " He that watereth shall be watered himself." And the cake that the w idow gave to the prophet, did not cause that she had ever the less in her barrel. They had them also to the place where they saw one Fool, and one Want-wit, washing of an Ethiopian, with an intention to make him white ; but the more they washed him, the blacker he was. Then they asked the sliep- herds what that should mean? So they told them, saying, Thus shall it be with the vile person ; all means used to get such a one a good name, shall in conclusion tend but to make him more abominable. Thus it was with the Pharisees, and so it shall be with all hypocrites. Then said Mercy, the wife of Matthew, to Christiana her mother, I would, if it might be, see the hole in the hill, or that commonly called the By-way to hell. So her mother brake her mind to the shepherds. (a) Then they went to the door, (it was on the side of an hill ;) and they opened it, and bid Mercy hearken awhile. So she heark- Ca; Part I. p. 213. 4S6 THE LOOKIXCS G^A^^ OF GOD S WOBD. eneil, and hc^d one savin-:. " Cursed be my father, for holding of niv feet back from ihe iray of j>eace and life :" And another said, ** O that 1 had been torn in piece*, be- fore I had, to save my life, lost my soul I'' And another sakJ, ** If I were to live a£:ain, how would I deny myself rather than conie to this place !*' Then there was as if the very earth cn>aned and quaked under the feet of this vouni: woman tor fear, so she looked white, and came trembling away, saying, ** Blessed be he and she that is delivered from this place." Now when the shepherds had shown them all these ihinc^, then they had theaa back to the palace, and enter- lained them with what the bouse would afford : but Mer- er being a young and breeding woman, longed tor some- thing that she saw there, but was ashamed to ask. Her mother-in-law then asked her what she aiicrd, tor she look- ed as one not well. Then said Mercy, There is a look- in^-dass bancs up in a dining-room, off which 1 cannot lake my mind ; if therefore 1 have it not, I think I shall miscArrv, Then said her moiher, I will mention thy wants to the shepherds, and ihey will not deny it thee. — But she said, I am ashamed that these men should know that I longed. Nay, my daughter, said she, it is no shame, but a virtue, to long for such a thing as that. So Mercy siid. Then, mother, if you please, ask the shepherds if they are willing to sell it. Now the glass was one of a thousand. It would pre- sent a man, one way, with his own features exactly ; and turn it but aDother way, and it would show one the very face and similitude of the Prince of the pilgrims himself. Yes, I have talked with them that can tell, and they have said, that ihey have seen the very crown of thorns upon bis head, by looking in that glass ; they have therein also er^ The blood he loses in such a battle is his honour ; the scars he gets are his glory » (a) Prov. i. 10—19. GREAT-HEART INQUIRES CONCERNING THE FIGHT. 441 Then said the guide, why did you not cry out, that some might have come in for j^our succour? Val. So I did to my King, who I knew could hear me, and afTord invisible help, and that was enough for me.* Then said Great-heart lo Mr. Valiant-for-truth, Thou hast worthily behaved thyself; let me see thy sword ; — so he showed it him. When he had taken it into his hand, and looked thereon a while, he said. Ha, it is a right Je- rusalem blade. Val. It is so. Let a man have one of these blades, with a hand to wield it, and skill to use it, and he may venture upon an angel with it. He need not fear its hold- ing, if he can but tell how to lay on. Its edge will never blunt. It will cut flesh and bones, and soul and spirit, and all. Gr.-h. But you fought a great while ; I wonder you was not weary. Val. I fought till my sword did cleave to my hand, and then they were joined together, as if a sword grew out of my arm : and \*hen the blood run through my fin- gers, then I fought with most courage. f * Gr.-h. Thou hast done well; thou hast "resisted un- to blood, striving against sin ;" thou shalt abide by us, come in and go out with us, for we are thy companions. Then they took him, and washed his wounds, and gave him of what they had to refresh him ; and so they went together. Now as they vi'ent on, because Mr. Great- heart was delighted in him (for he loved one greatly that * Knough indeed. He who is engaged for God's truth, shall never want God's help. I Blessed fighting, when hand and heart are engaged, and the sword grows united to both ! O ye trimmers, and lukewarm professors, who will lamely give up, or meanly compound for peace, by the barter of truth • let this sharae and confound you ! ' 442 HE INFORMS THEM HE CAME FROM DARK-LANDc lie found to be a man of his hands ;) and because there were in company them that were feeble and weak, there- fore he questioned with him about many things ; as first what countryman he was ? Val. I am of Dark-land, for there I was born, and there my father and mother are still. Dark-land ! said the guide : doth not that lie on the same coast with the city of Destruction ? Val. Yes, it doth. Now that which caused me to come on pilgrimage, was this ; we had Mr. Tell-true come into our parts, and he told it about what Christian had done, that went from the city of Destruction, name- ly, how he had forsaken his wife and children, and had betaken himself to a pilgrim's life. It was also confident- ly reported, how he had killed a serpent, that did come out to resist him in his journey ; and how he got through to whither he intended. It was also told, what welcome he had all to his Lord's lodgings, especially when he came to the gates of the Celestial city ; for there, said the man, he was received with sound of trumpet, by a company of shining ones. He told it also how all the bells in the city did ring for joy at his reception, and what golden gar- ments he was clothed with ; with many other things that now I shall forbear to relate. In a word, that man so told the story of Christian and his travels, that my heart fell into a burning heat to be gone after him : nor could father or mother stay me. So I got from them, and am come thus far on my way. Gr~h. You came in at the gate, did you not? Yal. Yes, yes ; for the same man also told us, that all would be nothing, if we did not begin to enter this way at the gate.* " The reason why so many professors who set out, go on for a season, but fall away and come to nothing at last is, because they do not enter in- fo the pilgrim's path, by Christ who is the gate. They do not see them- I VALIANT-FOR-TRUTH REJOICES AT CHRISTIANA. 443 Look you, said the guide to Christiana, the pilgrimage of your husband, and what he has gotten thereby, is spread abroad far and near. Val. Why, is this Christian's wife ? Gr.-h. Yes, that it is ; and these are also her four sons. Val. What ! and going on pilgrimage too ? Gr.-h. Yes, verily, they are following after. Val. It glads me at heart ; good man, how joyful will he be, when he shall see them that would not go with him, to enter before him at the gates into the Celestial City! Gr.-h. Without doubt it will be a comfort to him ; for, next to the joy of seeing himself there, it will be a joy to meet there his wife and children. Val. But, now you are upon that, pray let me hear your opinion about it. Some make a question whether we shall know one another when we are there. Gr.-h. Do they think they shall know themselves then, or that they shall rejoice to see themselves in that bliss ? and if they think they shall know and do these, why not know others, and rejoice in their welfare also ? Again, since relations are our second self, though that state will be dissolved, yet why may it not be rationally concluded that we shall be more glad to see them there, than to see they are wanting ? Val. Well, I perceive whereabouts you are as to this. Have you any more things to ask me about my beginning to come on pilgrimage ?^ selves quite lost, ruined, hopeless, atwl wretched : their hearts are not broken for sin ; therefore they do not begin by receiving Christ, as the only Saviour of such miserable sinners. But they set out in nature's strength ; and not receiving, nor living upon (.Christ, they soon fall away. This is the reason of this inquiry, Did you come in at the gate ? A ques- tion we ought to put to ourselves, and be fully satisfied about. " A sound Christian is not afraid to be examined, and sifted to the bot- tom. For he can give a reason of (he hope that is in him. He knows why and wherefore he commenced a pilgrim. 444 CARNAL OBJECTIONS TO GOING ON PILGRIMAGE- Gr.-h. Yes : was your father and mother wiHing that you should become a pilgrim ? Val. Oh! no; they used all means imaginable to per- suade me to stay at home. Gr.-h. What could they saj against it? Val. They said, it was an idle life ; and, if I myself were not inclined to sloth and laziness, 1 would never coun- tenance a pilgrim's condition. Gr.-h And what did they say else T Val. Why, they told me that it was a dangerous way : Yea, the most dangerous way in the world, say they, is that which the pilgrims go. Gr.-h. Did they show you wherein this way is dan- gerous ? Val. Yes : and that in many particulars. Gr.-h. Name some of them. Val. They told me of the Slough of Despond, where- in Christian was well nigh smothered. They told me that there were archers standing ready in Beelzebub-cas- tle, to shoot them who should knock at the Wicket-gate for entrance. They told me also of the wood and dark mountains, of the hill Difficulty, of the lions ; and also of (he three giants, Bloody-man, Maul, and Slay-good : they said moreover, that there was a foul fiend haunted the valley of Humiliation ; and that Christian was by him al- most bereft of life. Besides, said they, you must go over the valley of the Shadow of Death, where the hobgoblins are, where the light is darkness, where the way is full of snares, pits, traps, and gins. — They told me also of giant Despair, of Doubting Castle, and of the ruin the pilgrims met with there. Further, they said I must go over the Enchanted Ground, which was dangerous. And that af- ter all this I should find a river, over which I should find no bridge ; and that that river did lie betwixt me and the Celestial country. FURTHER OBJECTIONS. 445 Gr.-h. And was this all ? Val. No : they also told me, that this way was full of deceivers ; and of persons that lay in wait there, to turn good men out of their path. Gr.-h. But how did they make that out ? Val. They told me that Mr. Worldly-wise-man did lie there in wait to deceive. They also said, that there was Formality and Hypocrisy continually on the road. — They said also, that By-ends, Talkative, or Demas, would go near to gather me up: that the Flatterer would catch me in his net ; or that, with green-headed Ignorance, I would presume to go on to the gate, from wlience he was sent back to the hole that was in the side of the hill, and made to go the by-way to hell. Gr.-h. I promise you, this was enough to discourage thee. But did they make an end there ? Val. No, stay. They told me also of many that tried that way of old, and that had gone a great way therein, to see if they could find something of the glory then, that so many had so much talked of from time to time ; and how they came back again, and befooled themselves for setting a foot out of doors in that path, — to the satisfaction of the country. And they named several that did so, as Obsti- nate and Pliable, Mistrust and Timorous, Turn-away and o!d Atheist, with several more ; who, they said, had some of them gone far to see what they could find ; but not one of them found so much advantage by going as amounted to the weight of a feather. Gr.-h. Said they any thing more to discourage you? Val. Yes : they told me of one Mr. Fearing, who was a pilgrim ; and how he found his way so solitary, that he never had a comfortable hour therein : also that Mr. Des- pondency had like to have been starved therein ; yea, and also, (which 1 had almost forgot,) Christian himself, about 446 FAITH ANSWERS AND OVERCOMES THEM ALL. whom Ihere has been such a noise, after all his ven- tures for a celestial crown, was certainly drowned in the black river, and went never a foot further, however it was smothered up. Gr.-h. And did none of these things discourage you^ Val. No : they seemed as so many nothings to me. Gr.-h How came that about? Val. Why, I still believed what Mr. Tell-true had said, and that carried me beyond them all. Gr.-h. Then this was your victory, even your faith ? Val. It was so : I believed, and therefore came out, got into the way, fought all that set themselves against me, and, by believing, am come to this place. ^ " Who would true valour see, Let him' come hither; One here will constant be, Come wind, come weather; There's no discouragement Shall make him once relent His first avow'd intent To be a pilgrim. Whoso beset him round With dismal stories, Do but themselves confound, His strength the more is, No lion can him friirht, He-ll with a giant fight, But he will have a right To be a pilgrim. * Here we see, that valiant soldiers of Christ ascribe all to the exercise of faith. They set out with faith, and they hold on and hold out by be- lieving. Thus they give all the glory to Christ, who is the object, author, and finisher of faitb. THE ENCHANTED GROUND DES^o. 131. § Biog. Drnm. vol. i. p. 16G. il Baker's Sanct-i So;'fiia. M m m 4f2 KEY TO THE PILOKIM's PllOGRESs. the layman borrowed a single idea from the prelate. The lattef wrote his Pilgrim between 1663 and 1665, while the former was in prison, and probably engaged in his celebrated allegory. Comparing them, Mr. Toplady* observes, ^ Whoever has ^ patience to wade through ten pages of the bishop's Parable, ^must be fully convinced that his lordship*s limping and mi- ^ wieldy Pilgrim will never be al)le, with all his hobbling, to * overtake, or even to get within sight of John Bunyan, by many * a thousand miles : a striking proof, that the greatest men, when * they over-step their proper line, appear to the greatest disad- ' vantage ; and that exquisite natural ability casts a brighter and ' more captivating lustre than the deepest acquired parts, where * that is wanting. Genius can shift tolerably well without much ^ erudition ; but erudition makes no very attracting figme, unless St be grafted on genius.' As a practical work, there are very few books, if any, beside the Bible, that have been so extensively useful. The author of a ' Discourse concerning Ridicule and Irony' (printed 1729), asserted that '• Bunyan's nigrinrs Progress had infmitcly out- < done the Tale of a Tub; which, perhaps, had not made one * convert to infidelity, whereas the Pilgrim's Progress had con- ' verted many sinners to Christ. 't It has been said, with equal truth and shrewdness, that Pa- trick's Pilgrim was but a pedlar, compared with Bunyan's. For instead of the scriptures we have scraps of the philosophers, and allusions to the heathen mythology, which ill accord with the nature of his work. He does not begin his journey till chapter XXV. and then parts immediately with his guide; whereas one would think the use of a guide was to accompany him. This guide indeed talks a deal of Jerusalem and the way thither, yet leaves him, at last, only talking and considering of his journey. Having spoken thus generally of Bunyan and his favourite works, the remaining object of these pages is to give the reader, in a very brief form, a general insight into the nature and design ' Go?. Mag. i:(. sun. f Biog. Brit, Note (^1) REV TO THK PILGRIM's PUOGRESS. 47J of his allegory 5 to point out his pimcipal characters ; to explain und illustrate the darker passages; and direct his attention to some of its more latent beauties. It has been remarked that Bunyan's having had some extraor- dinary dreams during the time of his conviction, was probably the cause of his throwing his Pilgrim's Progress into this form : it is more certain that Lms situation at the time of writing it, namely, Bedford jail, is alluded to as the den in which he slept and dreamed. One cannot forbear remarking here, how much better our author was employed in prison than were his enemies and persecutors; and we may ask triumphantly, which of the learned and dignified churchmen then living at their ease has produced a work of equal, or even comparable merit ? Bunyan's principal and leading character is Christian, in whose experience he gives many traits of his own; but tempered with great judgment, so as to represent tli€ experience of most real Christians, who generally, in the early stage of their conversion, feel more or less of those terrors or convictions attributed to our Pil- grim. It ought not, however, to be omitted, that there are some instances of early conversion, in which the subjects of grace are drawn so gently by ^ the cords of love ;' so powerfully attracted with the charms of divine truth, and a believing view of the character of the Redeemer, that there has been no room for those terrors of the law, which Bunyan and his Pilgrim felt. This observation is inserted to prevent the discouragement of those who have been led by divine grace in a manner somewhat different from what our author here describes. If we have been * persuaded and enabled to embrace Jesus Christ,' as he is ex- hibited in the gospel, we have certainly seen tlie evil and danger of sin : the )neans and manner in which we have been led to these views is a matter of much inftrior consequence. But, generally speaking, Bunyan's Christian is a very faith- I'ul copy of the feelings of young converts; especially of such as have not been favoured with a religious education ; but are called at once from a profane and vicious life, with little or no previous, icquaintancc with religious truth, and with tlie word of God. 474 KKY TO THE PILGIll."\rs PKOGKEbi. Ragged garments arc so familiar an allegory for an immoral life, that it needs no elucidation ; and I hope none of my reader.-" need be told that the book wliich this poor man held in his hand is the Bible, emplmtically called, ^ The word of God.' T\\G great burden upon his back represents the oppression of a guilty conscience, very properly called, in the service of the church of England, a ^ burden' that is ' intolerable/ Tlie behaviour of Christian, in this situation, and the treat- ment he met with from his family and from the world, is per- fectly natinal, and finely painted. The circumstances mention- ed are such as frequently occur, and many of which accord with those related in the author's life. Christian's conduct, how- ever, may appear somewhat harsh in his treatment of his wife and children; for it is certain that Christianity inculcates all the duties of social and domestic life. But then it must be consider- ed, when the dearest relations we have stand in opposition to our duty towards God, we must renounce either him or them, so far as they oppose each other. This is certainly the meaning of those words of our divine IMaster, ' If a man hate not his fath- * er, and mother, wife, and children, &c. he cannot be my * disciple.'* The charge of insanit}', so often alleged in these cases, seems to merit a more particular attention. The wise man hath said, ' The spirit of a man may sustain his * infirmity,' whether it be the weakness of disease, or the agony of pain: Unit a wounded spirit who can bearP't This indeed requires a supernatural and divine support. The true reason why the language and conduct of such an one appears to the world extravagant and unaccountable is, because they are unac- quainted with his feelings. They may have been accustomed to talk of repentance and forgiveness, without affixing determinate ideas to either : but they neither know the nature of the one nor the importance of the other. In our natural estate, many sins are pleasing and agreeable ; and while they gratify our pride, or Lukexiv. 26. ^ Prov. xviii. 14, KEY TO THE riLGKlM's PllOGRESS. 475 minister to our pleasure, we think little of their contrariety to the divine will. And when we cannot deny, or wholly overlook this, we think lijrhtly of their guilt, while they do not injure so- ciety, nor violate human laws. Murder, robbery, and a few other crimes, strike us with horror proportionable to their enor- mity : but neglect and forgetfulness of God, with the omission, and careless observance, of religious duties, appear trifling and inconsiderable faults, which we readily attribute to the weakness of our natures, and think God will not observe them. Nothino is more certain, however, than that the omission of religious worship is a robbery of God;* and that a perseverance in sin, after the profession of Christianity, is ^ crucifying the Son of God ^ afresh,' and ' putting him to an open shame. 't Now when things are seen in this light, when sin appears ^ exceeding sin- ^ful,'t it is, surely, not wonderful that the mind should be dis- tressed; especially as the same light which discovers this, shews also the purity,, holiness, and justice of the Deity. It is true, that the provisions of mercy in the Gospel, are so free and infi- nitely rich, that they leave no room for discouragemeut or des- pair : but then we are so prone to extremes, that we are as hard to believe this as the magnitude of our own guilt : and in the in- terim between the conviction of sin, and a discovery of the ful- ness of grace in Jesus Christ, our spiritual enemy often works up our terrors to an appearance of insanity ; so far am I from won. dering at this, that I am well convinced nothing but the grace of God is sufficient to preserve a sinner from distraction, under a due conviction of the enormity of sin. It has been said that religion drives people mad; but this is a mistake, arising from the want of discrimination : any distressing subject, too long and constantly impressed u})on a weak mind, may easily disorder it ; and it is a mercy, considering the present state of human nature, that we are not more frequently over- come. But then are we not to think at all, lest we should think too much? Because too close an attachment to business, or too Mai. iii. 8. 1 ITeb. vi. 6: ; Kom. vii. 13. 470 KEV TO Tilt FILORJM :? PKOGRESj?. Strong an direction for a particular object, may sometimes over- power our reason, must we pay no regard to business, or re? nounce all the softer passions which humanize our nature? ,Sure- Jy not. Neither then should we renounce or despise religion, because improper views of it may have done injury to a few in- dividuals. We know it was the complaint of a good man in his addresses to God, ' While I sufter thy terrors I am distracted ;'* but there is nothing more irrational than the conduct of the world in such ca^es ; they direct the poor convinced sinner to a repetition of the very things that distress him, the vain and vicious amuse- ments of the age, in order to his comfort; they recommend the repetition of the cause by way of cure ; which is just as rational as heating diet for a burning fever, or a cold bath for the ague. How much more rational, as well as scriptural, is the direc- tion of Evangelist, who exhorts to * flee from the wrath to • come' by the method of salvation provided in the Gospel. The additional circumstances of the little wicket-gate, and the shining : light, are both beautiful and important. The ' gate' is Christy 1 and the Might' dicme revelation ; as may be seen by referring I to tlie texts our author has placed in the margin, which are ge- \ nerally worth consulting, especially by those who have but a slight acquaintance with the scriptures. It may be observed, as we proceed, that when Christ is com- pared to a gate or a doorj it is not to the portal of a mansion, liut to a small wicket-gate, like the entrance of a sheep-fold ; for ' strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life, and ^ few there be that find it.' The incident of Christian's neighbours. Obstinate and Pli- able, following him, the latter as far as the Slough of Despond, is happily imagined, and the dialogue well written to the char- acters. But the most interesting and instructive part of this scene is the different methods by which Christian and Pliable get I out of the Slougli, that is, a state of distress and despondency : lit is of the utmost importance, that we get out on the side next "* Psalai Ixxsviii. 15. KEY TO THJ!: l'ILGhII\r3 PllOGUESS. 477 the Wickct-gate ; tl»at is, by seeking to Christ, and not to the world, in tribulation. Our author's remarks on tlie attempts to mend the Slough of Despond, by good advice and ' wholesome instructions,' are very shrewd and just. The steps through the midst of the Slough intend those general promises of pardon and acceptance to penitent and inquiring souls which abound in tlie holy scrip- tures. ISlr. WoRLDLY-wisEMAN is Sufficiently characterized in his name. His object was to recommend to Christian a more ra- tional, easy, and reputable kind of religion than that of the Bi- ble: he directed him to salvation by his own good works, ihp works of the law, here represented by Mount Sinai, whence the law was given. And the error of our Pilgrim is a very common one in the early part of the Christian's life. Evangelist is a faithful minister of the Gospel, whose object is to recommend Christ, and him alone, as the Saviour. If there is any thing exceptionable in this part of the work, it is the formal manner in which Evangelist reproves and advises Chris- tian, which has more the form of a sermon than of conversation. This, however, may be well excused, when we recollect that the speaker is a preacher, and therefore used to sermonize. The conversation with Good-w ill at the gate, is natural and instructive ; but Christian's reception and entertainment at the Interpreter's house, is one of the most pleasing and instruc- tive parts of the work. All the allegories .here introduced are not of equal beauty and propriety. The first is the least interes't- ing and most defective. The characters of Passion and Pa- tience are extremely well drawn. The swept-room and the Muck-raker, and the inextinguishable fire, are beautiful allego- ries, but are sufficiently explained by the Interpreter. Th- Man in the iron cage is an awful picture taken partly from tlu author's own experience, and partly from observation. Though «hc man is represented in despair, it does not follow that his case was really hopeless: there may be a way of deliverance when wc cannot see it. The dream is an evident copy of one of Bwa- van's about the time of his convcr:5ion. >i 47 o K^.i' TO THE FILGKIM's PilOGRESS. By the Interpreter is doubtless intended the Holy Spirit^ whose office it is to reveal the deep things of God, and lead the believer gradually into all the truths of the Gospel, taking the things of Christ, and shewing them to us. The next scene brings us to the cross and the sepulchre, where Christian hapj^ily loses the burden from ofl' his back. It may be .thought that this should have taken place immediately on his entering the Wicket-gate; and it is true, that a sinner is jus- tified immediately as lie believes in Christ; yet as there is fre- quently a considerable interval between a sinner's justification and his own knowledge of this happy event, this incident is with propriety deferred till now, when he loses that painful sense of guilt which hitherto had attended him, and obtains an evidence of his interest in saving mercy, which is here intended by the sealed roll 5 as is the acceptance and justification of his per- son by the change of garments, and the salutation of thr- SHINING ONES. In works of imagination, the genius of a writer appe^lrs, chief- I}', in the invention and support of character : and in these re- spects, Bunyan was particularly bappy. Characters, now, mul- tiply upon us, in great variety. Those of Si^iple,, Sloth, and Presumption, are finely discriminated, and strongly marked, in the few words they are made to utter ; as are also those of Timorous and Mistrust. Formality and Hypocrisy are ju- diciously yoked together, and made to say the same things ; and their joining to laugh at Christian when he talked of his experi- ence, is perfectly natural, and well imagined. The circumstance of Christian sleeping and losing his roil /' in the pleasant arbour, forms an instructive incident, the lUDral of which is, that we should be guarded in our use of indul- gences, which are even innocent and lawful ; and that there is linger in being too well pleased with our own religious frames iind feelings. The passage by the lions points to religious persecution, of the horrors of which (God be praised!) we only know by hear- >o- iier for conscience sake, must have written feelingly on this sub- v KEY TO THE pilgrim's PROGRESS. 479 .^ect. He found, liowever, the lions chained ; so that, though they roared and terrified him, they could do him no hurt. On the contrary, Bunyan's imprisonment gave opportunity and oc- casion for a work that has done incalculable good, as well as procured its author an immortal name. Little did the enemies of Bunyan, and of the Gospel, think that Bedford jail would have produced a Pilgrim's Progress ! The entertainment of Christian at the house Beautiful, re- sembles that which he met whh at the house of the Interpreter, and, therefore, so far, loses the charm of novelty. The con- versation of Discretion seems not very interesting and appro- priate; but that of Prudence, Piety, and Charity, makes ample amends, and is in every view excellent. Mv. Bunyan's commentators seem agreed, that the house Beautiful represents a visible church of Christ; that is, ac- cording to the author's sentiments, an independent congregation of professing Christians; and the conversation of the maid Dis- cretion, and the other virgin before supper, is supposed to refer to the prev^ious examination of members : the supper itself to represent the Lord's supper, and the subsequent conversation to represent the advantages of church communion. The conflict between Christian and Apollyon is very proper- ly introduced in the Valley of Humiliation, which seems here not so properly to intend that disposition of mind we call humility, but those circumstances of humiliation, affliction, and distress, into which Christians are often brought; as were Job, David, and many other eminent believers recorded in the scrip- tures. Thus humbled in their circumstances, and dejected in their minds, they are often assaulted by the tempter ; but it is our mercy to be fore-warned and fore-armed, as was our Pilgrim, especially with the shield of faith, which not only repels, but quenches, all the fiery darts of Satan. The critics have determined, that a degree of obscurity is an essential ingredient in the terrific sublime. Without knowing any thing of the rule, Bunyan has, in more instances than one, conformed to it. A less judicious writer would have described N n n 480 KEY TO THE PILGRiai's PROGRESS* the monster more minutely, in all his parts and features ; but our author has mentioned only tiie capital features, and by men- tioning the smoke and fire out of his belly, has thrown such an obscurity over the whole, as greatly increases the terror of the description. The Valley of the Shadow of Death seems a masterpiece in this class of writing, and would not suffer by a comparison with any thing written by Milton, Spenser, or any of our poets. The introduction to this scene by the return of the two men who had been terrified by a glimpse of it, is particularly judicious and striking, and forms an interesting part of the description ; the whole of which is perfectly scriptural, and consistent with experience ; and in particular with the experience of the author himself. The circumstance of Christian's not distinguishing liis own voice, brings to our recollection that dreadful temptation which Bunyan mistook (as many sincere soi4ls do) for the consent of his own heart to part with Chri^ his Saviour. The comfort he received from hearing the voice of one before him, and the reasons of his comfort, are introduced with no less judgment and propriety ; but there is no end to the noting of beauties in an author that is so full of them. Before we proceed, I know not how to forbear making some remarks upon Bunyan's frequent introduction of infernal agents, which many consider, in the present age, as the chimeras of imagination, and the mere personification of evil principles^ But our author's opinion coincided (whether he knew it or not) with that of the more celebrated Milton, that ' Millions of spiritual creatures walk the earth < Unseen, both when we wake and when we sleep.' The malignant part of these, knowing the weakness of our frame, and ever ready to take the advantage of it, watch their opportunity, and the advantage of melancholy tempers and weak nerves, to harass the mind with ideal images, sometimes even to distraction. Say not, ^ Where then is the power and goodnes? ^ of God?' because in this case, it is no more to be impeached^ KEY TO THE PILGRm's PROGRESS. 481 than in the suflerance of accidents to our frame, or those disor- ders merely bodily : all these cases are under the immediate control of Godj who says to these as to the raging seas, ^ Hith- * erto shalt thou come, but no farther ; and here shall thy proud "^ waves be stayed :' and who, with respect to his own people, will not sufier them to be temjjted beyond what they are able to bear; but who, with every temptation, makes a way for their escape. The description of the cave of Pope and Pagan at the end of this valley is picturesque and striking, as well as just. Paganism is indeed no more, and Popery so weakened in its power of do- ing mischief, that pilgrims may pass tiere at present with little dan- ger. Still, however, it is no less true than formerly, that those who live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution in one form or another; as we may have further occasion to remark. When Christian overtakes Faithful, our author, in the con- versation between them, finds an opportunity to describe some of the varieties of Christian experience, where the work of grace is essentially the same. Faithful escaped the Slough of Des- pond, but he had a dangerous encounter with Mrs. Wanton : he also escaped Apollyon, but had a hard conflict with Shame. Faithful on the whole is represented as stronger in grace than Christian; wherefore he is said to enjoy the sunshine all through, not only the valley of Humiliation, but that of the Shadow of Death : this latter circumstance appears to me how- ever an inconsistency, since darkness is implied in the very name of that dreary valley. The reason why Faithful made no stop at the house on the hill (called Beautiful), is mystically expressed, and has puz- zled some of the commentators on this book, namely, because ho had so much of the day before him. I apprehend this designed to intimate that some faithful persons are afraid of attaching themselves to any particular church ov party of Christians, lest this should too much take off their attention from the more im- portant concerns of the divine life. Our author hints, indeed, that this is a mistake, when he puts a wish into Christian's mouth that his companion had stopped there : and assurer him that it 482 KEY TO THE PILGRIM S PUOGRtSF. Would rather have been a help, than a hindrance, in his jouf* ney. This passage has been cited as a beautiful example of our au- thor's candour ; it is certainly a proof that he was not the bigot which some of his biographers have pretended. The character of Talkative is admirably drawn, and the succeeding talk for some time well supported ; but the side con- versation between the two pilgrims, wherein Christian discov- ers his character to Faithful, is too long and particular to be natural: also the subsequent dialogue between the latter and Talkative has too much the appearance of captiousn^ss, and a defect of Christian charity ; this perhaps is however more ia appeai'ance than in realhy ; since Talkative is certainly a dan- gerous character, and the sentiments of Faithful are just, and judiciously expressed, though with some severity. We now hasten to Vanity-fair, and the interesting view^ there given, of persecution for a good conscience. The trial of Faithful is too just a picture of those of many of the noncon- formists of the last age; and the character of my lord Hate- good is sucii an exact picture of the infamous judge Jeffereys as to strike every reader acquainted with the history of those times. Bunyan, whose invention was inexhaustible, has given ex- pressive names to each of the jury, and sentiments appropriate to their names. The indictiment exhibited against these Pil- gs-ims contains the charges which will always be exhibited against good men by those who are their enemies for the sake of their religion. ^Master, in thus saying thou reproachest us ^ also.'* The world itself is meant by Vanity-fair. It ^ is a large and ' populous town, whose numerous inhabitants are connected, as ' self-interest dictates. When their interests appear to coincide, ^ they are friends, brothers, and kind acquaintance ; when their * interests jar, they are enemies. From the monarchs who rule, "* Luke X!.45 KEY TO THE PILCRIM's I'ROCKESS. 483 ' down through all the departments of life, to the cottager who '^ labours ; all are actuated by the same motive ; each moves in * his sphere, in the same manner : for as face answereth to face, ^ in the water, so doth the heart of man to man. JNIen's interests '■ have different modifications, which arise from difference of in- ^clination, taste, education, or prejudice; these modifications i take their forms and names from the three aggregates of all that "^ is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the ^/^nWe o////*e, and are denominated fame, honour, glory, love, * wealth, and what not ! but the life and soul of all these is one ^ and the same thing, self-interest or gratification. The world is 'called the town of Vanity, because the dispositions of all the ' children of the World are lighter than vanity : and because all ' the bi^iness and cares which occupy their minds, are vanity : •" the eagerness and diligence of their pursuits constitute the idea ^ of the bustle of a fair, and the constancy of those pursuits that • of '^ a fair kept all the year." ^ If you look over the list of the commodities of this fair, you • will find that some of them are in themselves lawful, if lawfully ' pursued and used : nevertheless they are vanity, when com- ^ pared with heavenly things ; and must, if called for, be sacri- ' ficed and forsaken for the celestial crown. If the lawful things ' of the world are vanity, what are the unlawful? Not only van- • ity but vexation of spirit. ' The entrance of sin into the world, was the origin of this paiPv. '■ The conducting and government of the world, as a fair, has ^ ever since been managed by Satan, who is called the god of 'this world, ani\ the ruler of its darkness. Infinite Wisdom ' for the best purposes, no doubt, has «rdained that his children * should pass through this horrid scene of vanity, confusion, and ' wickedness. ' There is such a contrast betwixt the faithful disciples of tin- ' Lord, and the men of this world ; that they appear, as they real- 'ly are, strangers, and of different countries. In places where ^the Gospel has been a while established, and the novelty of it -'and its effects a little worn off, the wonder of the men of the 484 KEY TO THE PILGRIm's PROGRESS. ' world has ceased ; and, without a grahi more of love to Christ •or his people, they return to their own affairs, and let the dis- ' ciples alone : but whenever, and wherever, the Gospel has ^made its first appearance, or there has been a revival of it in • spirit and power, after a long time of lukewarmness and for- •mality, the consequences have always been similar to those des- "cribed by our author, concerning his pilgrims at Vanity.fair.'* This long and excellent quotation supercedes the necessity of any farther remarks on this part of the work. Only I would add, that this scene of persecution is very properly introduced by the premonition of Evangelist; and that Avhile Faithful is carried up, like Elijah, in a fiery chariot to the skies, Chris- tian is happily extricated from his confinement, with a pious and sensible remark on the superintendance of divine providence. Christian, thus deprived of his companion, seems now left to pursue his journey in solitude and silence ; but our author ve- ry judiciously raises him a companion in Hopeful, who had been converted by the martyrdom of Faithful — thus exemplify- ing the Christian proverb, that Hhe blood of the martyrs is the ^seed of the church.' A judicious writer hath observed that ^ the nature of an alle- i gory rendered it impracticable to introduce the new convert, as ' beginning his pilgrimage from the same place, or going through ^the same scenes as Christian had done: neither could Faith- ^FUL, for the same reason, be represented as passing the liver "afterwards mentioned.' Strict theological propriety must some- times give way in compositions of this nature; since it is impossi- ble to make every circumstance answer, without spoiling the beauty of the imagery, and the consistency of the narrative. It must be confessed that Bunyan introduces his new Pilgrim to us rather suddenly and abruptly ; but perhaps there is a beau- ty in leaving something to the reader's imagination to supply ; which is always better than to satiate the attention with too many particulars. In the sequel, however, we shall see the apparent A Key to the Pilgrim's Progress, by Jndronicus, p. 180—185. 40/1 defect supplied, and the conversion of HopepuL introduced with all the art and judgment of an epic writer. The subsequent con- versation between Christian and By-ends, and his companions, contains a mixture of argument and satire, equally instructive and entertaining ; and withal so simple and easy to be under- stood, that any attempt to explain it might rather render it obscure. The incidents of Demas and the silver mine ; and pillar of salt, are well introduced, and properly improved : but neither do these need any comment. The pleasant river with which our Pilgrims were refreshed, evidently intends those consolations which the Lord's people are sometimes favoured whh in their journey to the celestial Ca- naan, but which cannot be expected throughout all the passage. It is a mercy if we may enjoy these comforts in our way; nor must we murmur, or be surprised, as if "^ some strange things be- fel us,' when this river and our path shall part again. Let us beware of By-path Meadow; that is, of leaving the direct way of our dut\^, on account of its difficulty and unpleasantness. which is the sure road to distress and ruin. ' The way of duty ^ is the way of safety.' Though Bunyan perhaps never read any ofour old romances, and knew nothing of giants and enchanted castles, but by vulgar tradition, no writer has made so good a use of these popular ab- surdities. Giant Despair is sketched with a bold and masterly hand. His language and his manners impress us with more terror than any minute discription of gigantic form could possibly have done. In a theological view this part of the work is yet more admir- able ; as it describes the causes, progress, and cure of religious melancholy. The cause appears in the departure of the Pilgrims from the king's high way, the way of holiness ; for in that Des- pair had no jurisdiction. The progress of their distress is natural, till they are even tempted to destroy themselves ; an(i the reasoning of Christian and Hopeful on this subject is very appropriate and beautiful. Nor is less so the account of their deliverance by means of the key of promise ; from which we 486 EET TO THE PILGRIM'S PROGRCSS* may learn, that however we may be brought into distress of soul our continuance therein arises irom neglect of the divine prom- ises, which when properly understood and applied are answera- ble to every case of doubt and distress ; or, as our author says, ' will open any lock in Doubting Castle.' The scene of the Delectable Mountains forms a propev contrast to the preceding. Here our Pilgrims are conducted to mount Error, where they are taught the dangerous nature and tendency of heretical opinions. It is called a hilU because it is by ambition to be ' wise above what is written^' than men be- come ^ vain in their imaginations ;' and they much more frequent- ly imbibe dangerous and destructive errors thus, than by sim- ple ignorance, or want of religious information. Our author's modesty 4n this place is also to be observed and commended , in that, while, with the apostle, he represents some errors as dan- gerous and fatal (contrary to the fashionable opinion of, the pre- sent d^iy), yet he does not chuse to instance in any of those con- demned merely by the church and by fallible divines; but in one expressly branded by the pen of inspiration, that of ^ Hymeneus ^and Philetus.' They are next Jed to mount Caution, to see the dangers they l^ad escaped, when they were delivered from the Giant's hands. And the view they had of the ^ blind among the tombs,' was to teach them and us, that the tendency of despair, when men are wholly given up to it, is to darken the understanding and to ren- der the heart insensible. Exclude hope totally from the human mind, and you destroy every spring of virtuous action. No be- ing can love God when totally rejected of him; nor obey him, when every expectation of acceptance is finally cut off. A view of the hypocrite's By-way to Hell so awakened the fears of our Pilgrims, that it was w ith much trembling they as- cended the third hill, called Clear, and looked through the prospect-glass o( faith to the gates of the celestial city ; yet, with all their weakness, and notwithstanding the distance of the view, still they thought they saw ' somewhat of the glory of the place.' We now journey onward with our travellers, and overtake Ignorance, but pass him for the present, as we shall have some 1 4U reason to notice him again presently. The robbery of Little- faith is an interesting episode. ^ Precious faith,' and the graces of God's Spirit, are evidently the jewels of which this poor man couhl not be deprived; though he lost much of his present comfort and enjoyments, intended by his spending money. This character is contrasted with that of Turn-away the apos- tate, in order to shew that though mere ^ wanton professors' may often turn back into the world, and become seven-fold more the children of Satan than before they made profession ; yet where there is true faith, though it be but weak and little, its pos- sessor shall hold on his way, and finally gain admission to the celestial city. As to the little misunderstanding between our Pilgrims, I con- fess I much admire the management of our author, who by this means has thrown a degree of life and novelty into the conversa- tion ; and at the same time exhibited a fine moral lesson of can- dour and forbearance between Christian brethren. Our travellers had been cautioned at the Delectable Moun- tains against the artifices of the Flatterer; yet when the black man in a white robe (a very proper description of a hypocritical lalse teacher) met them, so fair was his appearance, and so plausible his speech, that they did not imagine ^ that this fine ' spoken man had been he.' Thus were they led into the snare of error, signified by a net, till the Lord, sent his angel and 'delivered them,' and set them in their right way; rejoicing as they went, though smarting for their folly, and determined to listen to the Flatterer no more. ' Xo prophet or dreamer of dreams, * No master of plau«ible speech, ' To live like an angel, who seems, ' Or like an apostle to preach, < Should meet with a moment's regard, * But rather be boldly withstood, ^ ' If any thing easy, or hard, * Ho teach, save the Lamb and his blood ' Haf.t O 00 4B8 KEY TO THE FILGRIM^S PROGHKSS. The next character introduced is that of Atheist, which in short, but drawn with admirable skill; and the subsequent con- versation of the Pilgrims is very pertinent. The Enchanted Ground represents a state of worldly pros- perity, always dangerous to Christians, as it has a tendency to render them supine and sleepy ; the great care our Pilgrims took to avoid this danger, shews the advantages that often arise to good men, by the consequences of one miscarriage preserving them from the dangers of another. The remembrance of what they suftered by the Flatterer brings to recollection also the other caution of the shepherds, to ^ beware of the enchanted ground,* by which means they are guarded against, and escape, its dan- gers. The experience of Hopeful, before omitted, is now introdu- ced with excellent effect, to divert their attention, and preserve them from slumber, to which the air of the country strongly dis- posed them. The reader will be naturally struck, on comparing this with the life of Bunyan, to observe its similarity ; and it me- rits particular attention in a theological view, as giving a very just and scriptural account of the doctrine of divine acceptance, and the justification of a sinner. We are now again introduced to Ignorance, a character in- tended to describe, not the merely uninformed sinner, but such whose hearts are hardened against divine iustruction, and rebel- lious against the truth of God. But the discourse of Christian is so plain and faithful, as to leave no necessity for farther explica- tion or enlargement. The history of Temporary, which fol- lows, exhibits another awful character of apostacy, varied from those we have met with, and shewing very particularly and fully, the reasons of their declension, and the steps by which they re- turn back unto perdition. These are displayed, it may be, with too mucli systematic regularity ; but this was not the fault of Bunyan, but the fashion of the times. ^ The land of Beulah' here intends that state of sweet peace, and full assurance of faith, with which believers are often fa- voured toward the close of their lives; and which our author beautifully describes in an accommodation of scripture language^ KEr TO THE pilgrim's PROGRESS. 489 which seems primarily to refer to the glory and felicity promised to the church of God in the latter days. The different manner in which the two Pilgrims pass the fatal river Jordan, which signifies death, is very instructive, as it shews, that sometimes more old and experienced believers shud- der and tremble in the passage, as did Christian, while their younger, and perhaps weaker brethren, like Hopeful, paSS over it triumphantly. The imagery here is borrowed from the passage of the Jews into Canaan, which is finely applied in the same manner by our evangelic poet, Watts : * Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood, * Stand dress'd in living green: ' So to the Jews old Canaan stood, ' While Jordan roll'd between. * Could we but climb where Moses stood, * And view the landscape o'er, * Not Jordan's stream, nor Death's cold flood, * Should fright us from the shore.' Tlie passage of Ignorance is designed to shew that a calm death is no proof of a safe state ; many, it is to be feared, flatter themselves in their last hours with prospects of happiness built on very weak foundations ; and substitute a * vain hope' for ^ a good hope through grace.' Awful delusion ! but ^ these * things are written for our admonition.' The reception of our Pilgrims at the celestial gate is indeed animating and delightful; enough to make every reader exclaim with the wicked prophet, ^Let me die the death of the righteous, '* and let my last end be like his !' 490 KEY TO THE PILGHIM's PROGRESS. PART II. WHEN different travellers pursue the same route, it is much if they do not stop at some of the same places, notice many ot the same objects, and concur in several of their observations. The reader, therefore, in this second pilgrimage to the celestial cit}^, must prepare himself for some of the same recurrences ; but abating their want of novelty, he may promise himself much instruction and entertainment. I am doubtful how far the manner of our author's introducing this second part of his work might stand the test of severe criti- cism ; but I know by experience, that the circumstance of one dream falling within another, as here represented, is not uncom- mon, nor unnatural 5 and the thought has, at least, the merit of ingenuity. The reasons of Christiana's going on pilgrimage are, when stript of allegorical terms, the report of his happy and triumphant death, the recollection of her former unkindness to him at his setting out, a dream in which she saw him in his pre- sent glory, and, above all, the visit of Secret with an invitation from the King, which intends the secret influences of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. The conversation of Christiana with her family is tender and affecting ; that with her neighbour Mrs. Timorous, is a proper counterpart to what occurred in the setting out of Christian ; but the character of Mercy is new, happily introduced, and finely drawn. The remark upon the Slough of Despond is a very just one, and intends that many preachers (who pretend to be the King's labourers), by their legal and impertinent advice to persons in distress of soul, rather increase their despondency than relieve it. Having tolerably hobbled over the slough, they come to the WicKET-GATE, whcrc the noisy cur beyond the wall is well in- troduced. It is a fine observation, that fear made them knock 491 louder, instead of weaker ; and it is happy when distress ol" mind leads persons to be importunate at the tiirone of grace. Nothing that needs particular remark occurs, till we come to the House of the Interpreter, where such things as were shewn to Christian may be passed over, and of the others there are but few particularly interesting. The allegory of the spider is a very poor one, founded on a perverted text of scripture, and too much in the style of some of the ancient fathers. It may justify the remark of Mr. Addison, that * John Bunyan was as good a father as the best of them.' He might have said, that few of the fathers were comparable, in respect of natural abilities, with the author of the Pilgrim. The calls of the hen are not very clearly explained. By the conwion call our author evidently intends the general invitations of the Gospel ; the special call designs the influences of the Holy Spirit in conversion ; by the brooding tiote are meant the con- solatory influences of the same Spirit in communion with him- self; and the out-cry refers to the warnings and cautions which the Lord gives his people in his word, and by the intimations of his providence. Of the other emblems, I conceive the robin one of the best. The maxims, or apothegms, of the Interpreter, are indeed weighty truths ; but the language is quaint, and yet in some in- stances destitute of point. But these slight blemishes serve only as foils to show the other parts of the work to more advantage. The BATH represents ' the laver of regeneration :' the white raiment, ' the righteousness of the Saints,' which is ^ washed, and made white, in the blood of the Lamb ;' and the seal ^ the witness of the Spirit,' which marks them for the Lord's, and distinguishes them from the world. When Christiana and her company were assaulted by the ILL-FAVOURED ONES, the reader may recollect, that she was blamed by Reliever for not asking a guide ; by which the au- thor evidently intends a settled minister, or pastor ; the same, therefore, must be designed in the character of Great-heart, who conducted them through the remainder of their journey. 49:2 KEY TO THE pilgrim's progress. The subsequent conversation between the fair Pilgrims and their guide, is, in the main, scriptural and just ; but what is said of the several kinds of righteousness in Christ, may bethought too fanciful and systematic. But as the doctrines of the atone- ment, and justification by the righteousness of Christ, are some of the most important and comfortable of the Christian system; the reader may not be displeased to see the following attempt of an ingenious writer* to explain and simplify our author's meaning. ' By the righteousness of Christ as God, his essential divine ^ attributes of justice and holiness must be intended. His ^ righteousness as man, denotes his human nature, as free from ^ all the defilement of sin. The righteousness of his person, as * he hath the two natures joined in one, can only mean the per- * fection of his mysterious person in all respects ; and his capa- * city of acting as our surety, by doing and suffering in our na- ^ ture all that was requisite, while his divine nature stamped an '^ infinite value on his obedience unto death. The eternal Word, ' the only begotten Son of God, was under no obligation to as- * sume our nature ; and when he had seen good to assume * it, he was not bound to live a number of years here on ^ earth obedient to the law, both in its ceremonial and moral re- ^ quirements, amidst hardships, sufferings, and temptations of '^ every kind ; except as he had undertaken to be our surety. In * this sense, he himself had no need of that righteousness which ^ he finished for our justification. And assuredly he was under ^ no obligation, as a perfectly holy man, to suffer even unto the '^ violent, torturing, and ignominious death upon the cross. ^ That part of his obedience, which consisted in enduring agony, ^ and pain of body and soul, was only needful as he bare our sins, ^ and gave himself a sacrifice to God for us. Indeed, his righteous- ^ ness is not the less his own, by being imputed to us : for we are ' considered as one with him by faith, and thus " made the ^ righteousness of God in him," and we are justified in virtue of * this union.' « Rev. T. Scott. KEV TO THE PILGRIm's PROGRESS. 493 The liill Difficulty, with the Lions, shew that true religion is no easy matter, especially in times of persecution, when the lions are backed by giant Grim ; and we have great reason to be thankful that, in our times, he is no more. The entertainment at the house Beautieul is both interesting and instructive. In the catechising of the children, we may re- mark a climax in the nature of the questions proposed to them, according to their age ; the most difficult being reserved for the eldest, who returns also the most manly answers. The episode of Mercy's sweet-heart, Mr. Brisk, is lively and beautiful ; and well contrasted with the sickness of JMatthew, and his recovery by Mr. Skill. The curiosities of this house are also for the most part well imagined ; but withal, so easy and simple, that they need no farther explanation than the author has himself subjoined, especially to persons acquainted with the scriptures. The introduction of the Shepherd's Boy in the Valley of Humiliation, is another pleasing incident ; but the passage through the Valley of the Shadow of Death has in it something very awful, and little inferior to the description of the former part. The dark mist, tlie hissing of serpents, the groans of dying men, and, above all, the trembling of the ground, ai'e circumstances which raise the scene to a high degree of ter- rific sublimity. Some modern readers may, perhaps, concieve that our author was too fond of giants and monsters, the chimeras of his own brain; but when, in addition to allowing for the taste of the last age, we add the important theological and moral truths, con- cealed under these ideas, it more than justifies him. Mr. Great-heart now becomes the hero of the narrative, aaid his character is well supported through the whole. The attack of giant Maul was particularly aimed at him, to shew us that able and faithful ministers must expect opposition in the cours»' of their work, in proportion to their courage, activity and faith- fulness. The character of Honest is a sketch which discovers tiie hand of a master. It is bold, animated, and distinct. That of Mr. Fearing is a finished piece, and (if wo except the musical allu- 494 sioiis, in wiiich the author seems a little out of his latitude) will yield to none in tlie whole work. The character of Self-will is also good, though somewhat inferior to the two last. Our author's allegory is in these conversations and characters so easy, and his style and allusions by this time so familiar to the reader, that it might seem to insult his good understanding to en- ter into particular explications; we therefore stop not till we come to the house of Gaius, whose entertainment exhibits at once a fair specimen of good hospitality and Christian conversation; in which we may observe plenty without excess, cheerfulness without levity, and seriousness without gloom. The adventure against giant Slay-good, and the rescue of Mr. Feeble-mind, will interest many readers; and the charac- ter of the latter forms a proper companion to that of Mr. Fear- ing; to whom he is very naturally represented as a near rela- tion. The marriage of Matthew to Mercy, and of James to the daughter of Gaius, are just mentioned; but leave us to regret that they are mentioned only, since they might have formed a ve- r}^ important episode, under the management of such an in- genious pen. We come now again to Vanity-fair, but find the place in a condition considerably different from that in which Christian left it; the martyrdom of Faithful awakened many, who, though they were obliged still to continue in the town, had the courage to dissent from the vanities and vice, to practise holiness, and to love the saints : and, as our Lord says of his disciples, though they were Mn the world,' they were 'not of the world.' The hospitable entertainment of the Pilgrims at the house of Mr. Mnason, leads us to the encounter between our champion. jMr. Great-heart, and the dragon, which image is borrow- ed from St. John, and represents popery, both in the scripture and in our author. This monster was not slain, only mortally wounded, as was rightly supposed ; and we have, in the present age, the satisfaction to witness its dying groans, and, as we hope, its last convulsions. The destruction of giant Despair and his castle is highly interesting, and mingled with some strokes of humour. 495 This incident has been objected to on this ground; that giant Despair appears to be j-et alive, and many poor captives are frequently immured within the dreary walls of his castle. I can- not say that I see the force of this objection, considering the na- ture of the piece; the author however seems to have anticipated it in the following lines, if they are really his, which arc sub- joined to one of the wooden cuts in some of the old editions : < Though Doubting Castle be demolished, * And giant Despaik too has lost his head, ' Sin can rebuild the castle, make 't remain, * And make Despair the giant live again.' The views from the Delectable Mountains are superior to most of the sights shewn in the second Part, particularly those from mount Innocence and mount Charity, with the washing of the Ethiopian, which are very easy and pleasing al- legories; but the sight at mount Marvel seems rather too iiiar- vellous, though good in its theological import ; viz. that Faith can remove mountains of difficulties in the way of Pilgrims. In the parting scene, a looking-glass is an odd thing for a wo- man to long for : but when this is explained to be the word of God, the spiritual meaning must be allowed, however improper the literal idea. The last three characters we meet with are Valiant, Stand- fast, and Madam Bubble ; which are all well drawn, though not equally so: and have something new in each of them. Valiant answers properly to his name, and his song has, I think, more marks of poetic genius than any other of our author's lyric attempts ; yet has, I think, a little appearance of boasting, which was not intended, and might have been avoided. Mad- dam Bubble intends the world, with its grand temptations of pleasure, riches, and ambition. The safe passage of our Pilgrims over the Enchanted Ground is in a great measure attributed to the care and conduct of Mr. Great-heart, the leading design of whose character is to shew the great advantages which private Christians may derive ppp 496 KEY TO THE PILGRIM's PROGRESS. from the care and councils of a faithful and judicious pastor 5 and in the enjoyment of church communion. The passage of the different Pilgrims through the fatal river is well described, and their last words taken probably from real instances within the author's observation. The tokens of death are those infirmities of the decaying frame, that usually precede its final dissolution, and are borrowed from a beautiful allego- rical passage in the book of Ecclesiastes, referred to in the margin. The close of this second, shews that our author had some thoughts of adding a third part to his Pilgrim's Progress but it is certain that what is sometimes printed as such was not his, but is so very inferior in its execution^ that all the best editions sup- press it, in just regard to Mr. Bunyan's literary fame. THE END. Date Due >,: . f di #